"Shall I get the large or medium"
Radhika waved off her hand asking him to get what ever he wish, as she was talking in phone.
He sighed and went to get the order, and as he came down to sit, he saw her ending her call "Continue.. No problem"
Radhika:I have problem
He raised his eye brow making her giggle , she stopped finally and continued " U know what sir, I never have an intention to speak at all. but she need my help"
Dev sighed and continued "If u don't like to speak, why are u speaking Radhika?"
Radhika:Simple I wanna help her, thats it.
Dev: Hmm, don't u think some times u act as saviour of world
Radhika again smiled, but this was a more fa sighted smile which always make Dev confuse why she smiled ...
Radhika: Do I try to change u
Dev:No way, u can do that
Radhika:Light, then u also don't ask me about my behaviour, of course I tried to change knowing u asked me, but u asked it not for ur self, but for some other. So I am trying no more to change
Dev: U didn't change
Radhika shrugged her shoulders when she saw some other at a far end table... "Hey isn't that, my seniors and ur juniors"
Dev: U know them?
Radhika:I know all of them, some of them since I am a 5 years girl.
Dev raised eye brow again which caused her mumble "We went in same school, and from near by houses"
Dev:U know what, they are actually my bro's friends
Radhika: Means, oh god, they will tell ur bro.
Dev:Let them, any way after going home I will only tell him that, u asked me party for my first stipend, and I gave u party.
Radhika:Hmmm
Dev: At least now tell me what happened
Radhika: I know ur bro would have said u.
Dev: I wanna listen it from ur POV too
Radhika:Then why didn't u ask me that day, before yelling at me.
Dev:Hey I didn't even yell, just spoke in a big voice
Radhika: Hmm, for u.
Dev:What?
Radhika:Well the thing is, I had to face a guy in my 10th standard, his name was akash, he in a way to say tortured me in my 10th, till the last term started, And in a way to say, the very mention of that guy send shudders down my spine, and for the gods gift, ur brother was remotely similar to him, and I can't help but shiver when I see ur bro
Dev started to laugh all of a sudden, and Radhika glared at him.
Radhika:Whhy are u laughing?
Dev:Whats ur age?
Radhika 19, ok, u wanna tell me that I should not fear for some one in that way, but to tell u, when I subjected to face it I am 13, and for my bad luck the traumas of my childhood never move off from brain.
Dev: So what shall I do now?
Radhika:Means
Dev: Hmm... so I am acting as a mediator between u and my bro in this problem. Tell me what ur demands are Madam.
Radhika:No demands nothing. Just u leave that matter, if u wish to do a favour.
Dev: How can I let that matter off...
Radhika: Probably, I guess ur brother left it off by now, or else he will leave it in future for sure. Now why do u insist to say it to him, and hurt him.
Dev raised his eye brow again " Hurt my bro?"
Radhika sighed to herself, she was getting past her shields... " First of all, stop raising ur eye brow always. It makes me feel a bit ... er.. off. and yes Ur bro will definitely hurt more, if u tell him about all this"
Dev: Hmm... so finally u are getting off ur shields, don't change Radhika, not for others. I asked u to change for Abhay, but don't make ur self away from ur own self/
Radhika stared at him and said " And what made u think, changing me will make Abhay like me sir" The last word was added in a sarcastic manner/
Dev: I guessed he will like a more girlish woman than a tom-boy type
Radhika sighed to herself and continued "And exactly what kind of girl will u like sir"
Dev gave a serious look at her . Radhika too looked at him in equal seriousness.
Dev sighed and continued " I can't explain it to u. and probably, u are not that type"
Radhika shook off her thoughts and laughed ./.. " U thought I am again starting that matter, ofcourse I won't forget it, but won't start it again. And regarding why I asked u this question, just wanted to check if my friend by any way suit u"
Dev smiled, and said " Any way I am not speaking to her now. Leave it"
Radhika gasped silently 'He was lying'
Dev looked at Radhika and asked "What?"
Radhika: Means, from that day till now U didn't speak with her.
Dev : Yes.
Radhika again sensed the lie in his words, but she was trying hard not to believe her conscience.
Radhika:But u said that, u love her
Dev:Ofcourse, but u also said me she was engaged
Radhika:But I also said u she like u.
Dev: Like and Love are different as I said u already
Radhika: Not for Bharka
Dev: Will u please leave that topic.
Radhika:I presume Bharka attempted to speak with u.
Dev immediately looked at her, and she can sense some shock and surprise and fear in his eyes. Dev managed to say a yes and Radhika then understood all the connections, but her faith over her friends made her ignore it. After that they both continued their food in silence, and eventually bid bye and left homes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Days passed by and eventually their final examinations are coming up, though Radhika was satisfied in her results with her pre final exams, a bit of high sores than her expectation made Radhika a liar in front of whole class but she got a shock when even her two best friends also assumed her to be liar. Radhika can sense them distancing her and she understood that they finally got a excuse rather than a reason. She cried, cried a lot, she missed her friends, but still she refused to believe that they lied her even after Gaurav presented her some proofs. Finally Gaurav also left her in that topic, knowing she will need some time to sort out her problems. Though Radhika supported her friends near others, internally she herself knew that she was wrong, and yes they lied her. That caused her a major depression, when the panic of examinations settled on her. Still she managed to balance between her studies and problems, thank to her mother's guidance in childhood.
Finally exams completed and holidays hit, she was not happy with her theory, though she was happy with her practicals, where the external examiners praised her, and she just hope that she will pass. As holidays crept over, she visited some place along with her gran, and Sumithra hapily went along with her Radhika, despite of her ill health only because she know how betrayed Radhika was feeling by her friends, and how she should sort of her problems by the start of the next year. But as holidays continued Radhika can't help herself, miss her friends, and also feel herself sad, for the ability not to forgive them. She learned from Bharka's parents that, Bharka will be moving to a village near by their college, so that she will be staying with her family, probably rid of her phone. And when Radhika got that Indirect yes from Bharka's mom, regarding Bharka's love life, Radhika finally can't help herself break down for the lies said by her friend, whom Radhika always confided in. Gaurav gave Radhika some good relief, but he too can't help her, and again Radhika got her insecurities back and lost herself into the cocoon of her self.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mrinalini was worried for Radhika, she can see a change in Radhika, and she can't help but wonder then Radhika's Grandmother say that Radhika was again becoming herself drawn up into her cocoon, and losing into her insecurities. Mrinalini wanted to speak with Radhika badly. Even Radhika as her sister was also not a girl with much friends, though she still have some good friends to confide in. But Mrialini noticed that this Radhika have made very few friends, expecially to say only 4 friends in her life till now, of which 2 were recently cutting their friendship with her, and to Mrinalini's utter dismay one amongst them was Dev. Mrinalini can't help but wonder, why Dev always gives Radhika sadness in both lives.
Vivek:Mrinalini! Please stop comparing her with original Radhika, both are different.
Mrinalini;I know. She's not our Radhika. But I love this Radhika on her own, her ideas or understanding in life is more than that of a 19 years girl
Vivek:I know, but we has to understand that, we are not family. We can't interfere much into her life. We consider her as our family, but for her we are strangers who became neighbhours few months back.
Mrinalini:Jaanti hoon, lekin Radhika ki vo chehra dekhkar, kabhi kabhi mein ye bhulti hoon ki, apni Radhika ko mein 25 saal pehle hi kho diya hoon.\
Vivek: Hey what if we offer Radhika to take Vrindavan along with us, I mean u said she was more of a nature person.
Mrinalini:Good idea, but Dadima...
Vivek: U remember what Physio therapist said, some times giving some strong stimulation to her brain also makes her better, and solves her problem.
Mrinalini:Yes, but for Radhika its too much to bear.
Vivek: We will take care that Radhika doesn't learn the truth.
Mrinalini: But Vrindavan doesn't sound that appeasing to me.
Vivek: Mrinu, I am sure she will get some relief. And also once Radhika said ur remember, that she would like to see Vrindavan's temple.
Mrinalini sighed..."Of course, I should feel happy, to show her , her temple. What damn irony is this."
Vivek: Please keep ur spirits up Mrinu. One day or other she should face it.
Mrinalini: Why should she face it Vivek? She was crying inside her self, though she was not showing it out, every minute she was breaking inside her , that too for a person she was destined with. U know what, if ever that man was not destined with Radhika, I would have literally ripped him of his soul by now.
Vivek hugged her to make her silent " I know. I doesn't know why this Dev was like this. But Radhika loved him, means this Dev also have some good quality in him. I am sure, he will realise his wrong one day"
Mrinalini: I saw love in his eyes for Radhika that day, but why he was doing all this. Doesn't that man even know the meaning of love?
Vivek: Sumithra ji se, tum baat karoge Vrindavan ke baarein mein.
Mrinalini nodded .
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Radhika was reading some Fan fiction in computer, when she saw Mrinalini coming. Radhika passed a smile for her, and again went into her reading. Sumithra sighed and they both sat speaking... After a long chat finally Mrinalini came up with her subject "Aunty, Radhika ki holidays kab tak hain?"
Sumithra: Till the arrival of her results. Probably some here around last week of spetember,
Mrinalini:Actually day after tomorrow, I am leaving to Vrindavan for few days, along with Vivek to see my Dadima and sister. I want u and Radhika to accompany, if u don't mind.
Sumithra: I don't have any problem, but I should ask Radhika, she wasn't not much comfortable in staying any where else than here.
Mrinalini chuckled "I know. Last week only I saw how she came running after two days from her aunts house. But Aunty I am sure, she will like there. "
Sumithra:I will ask her, atleast I will convince her for sake of the Kanha's temple.
Mrinalini:Probably, u must convince her. Thanks aunty.
Sumithra: By the way aapki Dadima matlab vuska naam!
Mrinalini:Oh! sorry I never explained about our families, actually my father died at a tender age in an accident, and I was brought up by my uncle, I mean fathers cousin Mohan Sharma. Me and My sister Vishaka, grew up there and we were into considering him as our father, he also always saw us as their own daughters. Actually Dad had a sister by name Vaishali and she married mum's brother Raj . Their son was Vivek Purohith whom I married. and my sister married his cousin Arjun Raj Purohith.
Sumithra: Raj Purohith? Means, RP-RPtian system
Mrinalini: Yes, u know of it.
Sumithra; A bit... I don't know much. So ur Dadima matlab Vivek's grandmother?
Mrinalini: Yes, actually she was my nanima seeing that she was my mum's mom , but we always used up to call her dadima and my dad's mom as Ammaji.
Sumithra: Ur mom matlab!
Mrinalini: I mean, my adopted mom, Mohan's wife. when I call my mom and dad its always Mohan Sharma and Devki Sharma.
Sumithra; Aur tum apni Dadima ke baarein mein bola, apni Ammaji?
Mrinalini:Actually an accident occured 25 years back, which resulted in paralysis of my Dadima and Ammaji went into a shock that resulted in coma. After that we all except for Vishaka and Arjun went to US, and we got settled there practically. But Dadima always insisted she stay in Vrindavan, where she have all her memories connected, thats why 10 years back, she came here to Vishaka. But we all never came here back, because we have many memories here. But Finally last year for sake of Mohini me and Vivek have to move finally.
Sumithra: Thats really sad, but what about all ur business here, its really tough for ur sister and her husband to manage all that na.
Mrinalini: Actually Vishaka and Arjun were left with all the trust work, as they were RP-RPtian. They had much things to do them. But for work, they used to do take care a bit mostly done by our trusted people. And me and Vivek came here every month once to look over the things here.
Sumithra: Isn't it hectic for u both. ur parents and in laws
Mrinalini: Both Dad and Papa took over the business in US, and even staying in US we used to monitor our business here through Videos conferences
Sumithra; I am not much educated, but it sounds ridiculous to me, u can take care of all that in a more efficient way being here only.
Mrinalini had a hinge of sad ness in her voice, and by now Radhika was also there in that room hearing to Mrinalini. " Actually, hum yahaan nahi reh saktey.We didn't went to US, to make more money. But to make sure that we won't stay here"
Radhika: Kyun?
Mrinalini: We have many memories here, which we don't wanna get into.
Radhika: Is it related to ur sister?
Sumithra; Sister? means Vishaka?
Mrinalini:Nahi, I have other sister her name is Babli. She was own daughter of Dad. I loved her a lot, more than Vishaka. Even Vishaka have some jealousy issue in that sorts.
Sumithra: So what about this sister
Mrinalini: I said u, that there was an accident 25 years back, in that accident Babli and her fiancee died. Dadima and Ammaji went into their states only because of shock.
Radhika: Aapki Dadima aur Ammaji, aapki behen ki bahut pyar karte hain na.
Mrinalini: Haan, she was considered as light of the whole Vrindavan. Every one there loved her, and also my brother in law.
Sumithra;Ur brother in law?
Mrinalini: Babli's fiance was Vivek's brother.
Sumithra: But I mean ... its a bit strange.
Mrinalini: Actually yes its strange, She was destined to him. I mean they were prophesied to be together since birth like soul bond.
Radhika: Soul bond?
Mrinalini: It may sound ridiculous to u people, but yes they both are soul mates. I don't know if they ever admitted their love for one other, because it was a sorts of arranged marriage because of my stub born brother in law, but deep in they both loved each other a lot.
Mrinalini looked at Radhika, who was now going off from room, Sumithra also looked at her but she was confused.
Sumithra; I am really sad to listen about ur Brother in law and sister.
Mrinalini: Yes, after their death, I sort of went in to a trauma, and all of our family went into a bit sad state, which made us leave our home and go there.
Sumithra: I can understand.
Mrinalini: That was past, but I wish to spend some time with Dadima. So we are going to Vrindavan, will u also will to come.
Sumithra called for Radhika, and asked her answer. Radhika silently nodded and yes and went in.
Sumithra sighed in relief when Radhika agreed and Mrinalini and Sumithra went into some chat.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On the other side...
Bharka: I doesn't even have phone to speak with u as I can. I am literally grounded
Dev: I know. But what shall we do?
Bharka: I was having tough time hiding this phone u gave me, and to the top Mom was speaking with Radhika, and I don't know what that mad will say to my mom
Dev: Did u speak with her?
Bharka:Nope, I mean I don't have phone at least in sense of my parents and her so I can't call her, and Radhika calls mom once in a while when I speak with her, though I didn't feel like speaking.
Dev:Why? did u both have any argument.
Bharka:Nope, its not like that. But poor girl she believes what ever I say, I don't have any need to argue with her.
Dev: Hmm... so u are not going to speak with her
Bharka:Yes, I don't feel like lying more to her
Dev:Thats better, thats why only I also stopped speaking with her.
Bharka: Tsk tsk,,, its not u, she who stopped speaking with u. Don't show off .
Dev : I wonder is there any thing she was capable of hiding
Bharka:Dunder head doesn't have that capacity.
Dev frowned when Bharka called her Dunder head, he was seeing some changes in Bharka attitudes since when he confessed his love to her, but still he continued "Is there any thing else"
Bharka:Nope, Brother is coming .speak with u later, bye.
Dev: See u
Bharka: Why don't u say Bye. Any way Bye.
Dev sighed and shook his head off when he saw Rohan standing there with an eye brow raised. Dev when he sees his brother like this can understand it was to do with Dev facing some interrogation from his bro, shrugging he continued "So what now?"
Rohan stood straight and continued "Mom is calling u "
Dev:That's it?
Rohan smirked "Yes thats it."
Dev thanking his gods for the day, protecting him from his brothers interrogation continued in.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After wat it appeared to be a 2.5 hours journey, they reached the Purohith mansion, Mrinalini smiled at Radhika who for once in past few weeks looking interested, Vivek-Mrinalini planned this as a relief to Radhika. They agreed that this Radhika may not be their Radhika, but they decided to help this Radhika as much as they can, as it made them feel being with their Radhika. Vivek who saw mrinalini getting lost in Radhika smiled and signalled Mohini to take Radhika and Sumithra inside.
Radhika came off from her thoughts when she felt a pat on her shoulder she looked at Mohini who was gesturing her to move inside... Radhika managed to smile at her, but she felt a sense of home, which she never felt any where except their home. She herself feel strange, but she can't brush away the fact that this place, in fact the whole village had a familiar aura to it. As she moved in she saw a wide hall in a decorum of white and blue, she loved the white-blue mix as its her favourite besides the white-red. She infact loved that the place had a bit of her taste.
Mrinalini:Hey Radhika, hope u like our home
Radhika smiled to Mrinalini "I truly like it,"
Mrinalini smiled and then she saw a man in his early fifties entering the room, he had a childish face despite of his age, and Radhika can't help but frown when he felt shocked to see her. Radhika looked at Mrinalini who was looking like she got a surprise, and then asked "Briju, tum yaha?"
Birju:Bhabhs, I heard from Vish that u people are arriving , so thought to surprise u. But this girl...
Mrinalini cut in "She's Radhika, Mohini's junior and our neighbhour in Delhi."
Birju: But...
Radhika: I am sorry but I feel like I met u before.
Next minute Radhika would have sworn that she saw his mouth open and close... " I too feel same, but can't remember. Any way Nice meeting u Miss."
Radhika moved her hand front "Radhika, Radhika Bharadwaj"
Birju frowned listening the surname, but shook his thoughts and continued "I am actually Brijnath, but u can call me Birju"
Mrinalini: Radhika, Birju is our CEO, ofcourse, he's best friend of Vivek's brother.
Radhika smiled and gave a friendly gesture to Birju, who was still shokced to see Radhika infront of them. Radhika not seeing any reaction from him, raised her eye brow and looked at Mrinalini and sensed tension in her, she wanted to inquire but shrugged it off from her thoughts. "Aunty, I need a room, feeling exhausted"
Mrinalini: Wait I will show u.
Radhika smiled and went up stairs, Mrinalini was walking with her but its Radhika who stopped near a room with our Mrinalini saying, and Radhika went into the room. Mrinalini on one side shocked to see Radhika getting into her favourite room, on other side sensed that she was trying to be a bit jovial as she used to be before the commencement of holidays. She just prayed to god that every thing will be fine and then looked at Radhika who was enjoying the view of the gardens and speaking animatedly. Radhika then noticed Mrinalini looking at her and said "Er... Sorry Aunty, but it feels home"
Very next minute Radhika would have sworn that she saw a tear dropping from Mrinalini's eye before she turned and left the room.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mrinalini came runnning into her room, she had tears running down from her eyes, but she can't contain herself and broke into sobs when she felt Vivek's hand on her shoulder. "She took Radhika's room, she was feeling home Vivek. But still she can't remember any thing, she calls me aunty and apologise me. I can't bear it to see her as a guest. It was living hell"
Vivek who on the other side was feeling a hailing storm inside him stroke her hair and continued " Atleast, she was good and happy with u. But Dev... he was completely opposite . Why it happened Mrinalini."
Mrinalini: I know Dev, but atleast we are used to be away from Dev emotionally ... but Radhika It pains me a lot.
Vivej: I can understand Mrinalini, but please keep faith in Kanha.
"What made u people bother this much about my grand daughter?"
Mrinalini and Vivek jerked at the voice, and turned around to see a confused and also questioning sumithra standing at the door.
48