PART 38 -" Feeling should be Mutual!"
Mrinalini and Vivek eyed at Sumithra in shock, and Sumithra came forward " I guess I have some explanation in order"
Mrinalini tried to cover up "Nothing aunty, just speaking about some other Radhika we know."
Sumithra folded her hands "Now whose this Radhika Mrinalini, is it your sister Radhika Sharma? "
Mrinalini looked at her again in shock, how does she know? Sumithra sighed " I went to temple where I got a hold of her photo mentioning Radhika Sharma. Now can any one here care to explain me, why my Grand daughter is here and what exactly the hell are you thinking. And what's it that you are hiding from us."
Mrinalini always know that an angry Sumithra wasn't a prety sight, she sighed to herself. " Radhika is here because we in every point believe that she's not only Radhika Bharadwaj, at one point she's Radhika Sharma."
Sumithra wasn't shocked as they expected her to be, but she frowned and asked them to explain, they both sat and explained her what ever happened, and how they suffered after death of Radhika and about the words of the saint , whose tongue is considered to be golden that nothing but truth comes of it and also about the shock they got when they met Radhika. All the way Sumithra listened silently though she had thoughts pondering in her mind.
" So who is this soul bonded person ?" She asked silently.
Mrinalini tried every bit not to get her emotion over come her reasoning, but she was indeed frightened in guessing what will probably the Sumithra's reaction, if she know who the guy was. But now she can't hide any thing from the elderly woman. Mrinalini went to her laptop and bringing it, placed it on table " I will like if you yourself watch the image of my brother in law" saying that she placed the laptop in front of Sumithra and now Sumithra was shocked, the photo was what of a splitting image of a person who she was coming to consider as her grandson. Sumithra guessed that her grand daughter liked that man, but she always questioned herself if the man liked her or not. And always she wonder the answer will be no. Recent things made it pretty clear that the answer was indeed 'No'.Sumithra now understood why radhika liked him more than any other male she met in her life and relied on him a lot. She sighed as she looked at Mrinalini and said " This explains your understanding about Radhika and Dev. But I want to know why you people are still with them, this life of them is not related to yours."
Vivek stated calmly " I believe you have every right to be angry on us, but our Radhika and Dev are two unique people, Dev suffered a lot in his earlier life and also Radhika does. But they were two lovable people. We know these two are not those two, but still we are able to see them., thats itself is enough for us. Because our whole family missed them for 25 years. And also Dev will be the person who will be becoming the next Raj Purohith after my Dad"
Sumithra was confused "But there's a Raj Purohith already right"
Mrinalini nodded solemnly "Aunty, Raj Purohith ship is considered to be most sacred one, not only in Vrindavan, but in whole India there's a value for the person. Its because it was believed that person is chosen to keep the Dharma in society and be truth ful leader. And such a powerful position will never be passed to a person because he's the blood relative of Last RP. No one knows how a Raj Purohith is chosed, its a secret process. But we know it because Virat undergo the test."
"Test?"
Mrinalini nodded, There's a throne for Raj Purohith deep inside the main office of muth, which had access only to Mahant, some sages and Purohith family. Every person in Purohith family will undergo a test when he turn 18, its not even said to them. The said person will get to reach the Throne and should be able to sit on it. And only one person should be able to it for a generation. And it had always been Dev after Raj kaka. Arjun was made a proxy to position because we always believed Dev will be reborn one day or other. But now we feel sad considering what a person he became. I don't think he was eligible"
Sumithra had to take in a lot , she always thought that RP ship was nothing much than maintaining some trusts and doing first pooja in temple. Now that she had truths she looked at Mrinalini " Who said you, this Dev wasn't capable"
Mrinalini shook her head " He's a Casanova, and he likes to break people hearts."
Sumithra shook her head " You got it wrong there mrinalini, I don't know if Dev love Radhika or not. But I can't judge him only because he doesn't love my Grand daughter, yes I am angry on him for that, but I won't say he was a bad person based on that single fact. Dev doesn't live in lies, he live his life in the way he want and that too truth fully and boldly. He's passionate, understanding and a good person. "
Mrinalini stared at her for a moment, she thought Sumithra will be mad on Dev, but no she was here singing praises for the guy who rejected her grand daughter. May be she can get it worked, ,may be she can let her mingle with their family. May be she have a chance after all "Aunty"
Sumithra looked at Mrinalini for a moment "Yes Mrinalini"
Mrinalini have hope in her eyes " Aunty wouldn't you mind, I mean if Radhika mingle with our family... I mean, if she gradually become Radhika Sharma, I mean we hope that she will one day get remembrance of it, if that day she choose to stay with us."
Sumithra smiled , dryly and sadly "Do you think it will happen Mrinalini? Truly will it happen?" Sumithra asked with hope .Mrinalini was confused now , she expected Sumithra to yell at her, but here she was behaving completely different 'Aunty?"
Sumithra sighed "I will be the most happiest person, if Radhika accept to get into your family, and I don't even care in that process she her self become Radhika Sharma. But thats not possible, Radhika won't do that. But I will give you chance, I doesn't want any thing but to see my Radhu Happy and Safe"
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Radhika continued to look at the mountains in the distance, she sighed she was sure she came here for first time yet it all feels so familiar to her and also very much soothing. When she wanted to be alone away from all others she was filled around with people why? Eventually every one will go away from her, none of them will love her, then why they pretend to care her. Can she let herself near any of them? No, she can't . Time to time she believe people only to see them rejecting her or going away from her, she can't bear it. First her father rejected her , after her grand father went away from her, later her mother, next Abhay now that it didn't matter much to her, but she still feel sad about Abhay . Dev, the most trusted person, she doesn't know why but she loved him to core, it wasn't not an attraction as in case of Abhay, or any lust. If he asked her to let herself killed for himself, she will do it with out any hesitation. She can no where express how much she loved him, smile it self creeps on her face when he comes to her. He was her happiness , but he too rejected him. Then who will love her, no one likes her. Whom ever she likes they will go away from her. Then whats reason of being friendly to all. Radhika sighed as she moved around on roads of Vriindavan, not even thinking to herself that she doesn't know the place. But there was one familiar voice, which can always make her get off from her thoughts "Radhika"
She blinked and turned back and felt dreamy, the person was running to her, and he was the one she least expected. She managed to mumble "Dev!"
Dev came running to her and next minute she faced a bone crushing hug , she can never understand what made Dev hug her. She took some time to get over from her shock and she looked to side to see Rohan standing there shocked. Se tried to pull her self from hug and Dev released her but cupped her face " Stupid, why didn't you call me or message me in holidays. You didn't even care to think how I am?"
Radhika rolled her eyes seeing the pout from Dev and wondered to herself, when he felt that free to pout in front of her. However she was cut off from her thoughts by Dev voice " Hey RadhaRani, where did you get lost. Say some thing"
Radhika tried to maintain her control " I lost your number sir."
Dev glared at her " I know you know my number by-heart so tell me whats the real reason is."
Radhika sighed " Its nothing, I am a bit busy. "
Now Dev looked at her shocked " Busy! you didn't even have time to message me."
Radhika looked Dev directly into his eyes " You too stopped messaging me saying you are busy, the same applies to me too Doctor."
If Dev was shocked by Radhika's rudeness, he didn't let it show. Rohan watched all of it with amazement, 'Seriously! Can't he even understand that he was behaving as her lover.' He looked at Radhika and got worried, she got black rings under her eyes and her face was looking very much hurt. 'What made chirpy, bubbly girl to become like that'
Dev however looked at Radhika "Radhu! you never said me you know Vrindavan"
Radhika shrugged "Thats because I don't know it and I am here for first time"
Dev immediately smacked her on head " Yet you are here, foolishly roaming in an unknown village"
Radhika answered calmly "Thats because, I am exploring village and even if I got lost, the house in which I am staying was very much known that I can get there easily."
Dev crossed his arms " Oh really! you sound like you are staying in Purohith Manor"
Radhika simply answered "Of course I am staying there. Any way I remembered the route I came"
"That usually happens when we have a super memory Radhika Bharadwaj with us" Radhika turned to look at Rohan who managed to speak and gave him a smile . " Hi sir."
Rohan smiled " So you got over the fear on me Miss. Bharawaj"
Radhika smiled feeling ease " Ofcourse not sir, but as long as you don't stop wishing me I don't think I will ever"
Rohan raised his eye brow " Is it the polite way of telling me that you are trying to ignore me ?"
Radhika gave a simple shrug as if it was obvious. Dev smirked " Take care Radhu, you have to bear with me next one week if you are going to stay here. "
Radhika waved it off " Any way I need to leave, so see you later" Saying that Radhika moved silently, back in the way she came.
Radhika ran and ran she didn't get to Purohith Manor, instead she ran to some place at edge of river where she can find solace, she want to cry and she need a place where she can cry. She ran to a place at edge of river covered by large trees, and she looked around to find a statue of Kanha there. she felt she saw it, but when she can't remember. She went to the statue "Why, Why did you bring him back into my life again and again, to remember that I wouldn't be loved by any one, to remember me that what a pathetic excuse I have to live, to remember me that I wasn't even capable of living. Why Kanha, why you bring him back into my life." Radhika sat there crying, she stayed there for a long time until her Mobile started to ring , and its her Daadi calling. She took the phone " Gran?"
"Radhu, where are you. We are searching for you"
Radhika scolded herself for being reckless, she looked around and noticed she was behind temple " I am near temple Granuu . I will be back to home"
"No you wait there, Vivek ji will come to take you. You don't know the route."
"Ofcourse I know the route Gran, or else how would have I got here"
'What ever you stay there, Vivek will come"
Radhika rubbed her eyes and moved towards temple, she looked around and then she noticed people casting glances at her, especially old ones. She tried to move towards the Altar when she dashed some one, and that some one eyed her wide eyed , Radhika tried to apologise him "I am really Sorry. I was lost in thoughts"
"Radhika! " he managed with a gasp, Radhika frowned as she knew she never met him, the man was in his early 30's and was indeed looking well educated " Excuse me, Do you know me?"
That man fumbled a bit " I am sorry, I am Nandesh . Your face look a bit familiar"
Radhika smiled " May be you saw me before, thats why you got my name correct"
Nandesh looked at her wide eyed again " Radhika?"
Radhika forwarded her hand " Radhika Bharadwaj"
Nandesh took her hand and smiled a bit unsure " Nandesh Kumar"
Radhika smiled " Glad to meet you"
Vivek who came there just then , looked worried "Nandu"
Nandesh averted his eyes to look at Vivek "Vivek Jeeeju"
Radhika looked at convo in interest, she never knew Mrinalini had a brother, Vivek smiled to Nandu as he hugged him " When did you return"
Nandu replied with ease " Yesterday evening. Any way I have a good news for you"
Vivek look surprised "Really, whats it"
Nandu smirked " Looks like I have a match proposal. I don't know clearly, yet to meet her, but hopefully if any thing I learned from my friend was to go by, I would like her"
Vivek smiled fondly " Its high time you settle in. ANy way Nandu, she's Radhika Bharadwaj, Mohini's junior"
Nandu looked at Radhika and back to Vivek " I met her already. " he bent forward and whispered" You better explain every thing to me later."
Vivek nodded, and he said out loudly " Nandu, tomorrow you are coming home for lunch."
nandu shook his head sadly " No, I came today to see baavuji and leave, I need to join in job tomorrow"
Vivek nodded "Make time Nandu, other wise I will have Mrinalini hex you"
Nandu looked as if he was mocked "Oho common jeeju, its high time you need to stop usage of Harry Potter language on me"
Vivek laughed " No way I do that kiddo. Any way common... you are always my sweet bubbly Nandu, who always went behind..." Vivek trailed off and Nandu noticing it, stopped him "Any way I need to go Jeeju, tell di that I will see her later. Bye"
He turned to Radhika "Bye Radhika Ji"
Radhika smiled "See you Nandesh ji"
An expression of hurt flashed across Nandesh face, but he immediately masked it " Nandu will do fine"
Radhika smiled "Radhika will do fine. "
Nandu nodded smiling " I think its rather difficult to change some times. ANy way Bye"
Radhika smiled and replied " See you"
Nandesh thought to himself 'Even Radhika di also used to say See you' and he said out loud "See you"
Radhika sighed " One of my friend persisted that I always say 'see you' to him. But I realised that See you keeps hope of meeting people again. So I dropped saying same to all"
Nandesh nodded, and he looked at Vivek and left.
Vivek looked at Radhika " I won't ask you how you came to temple, but I would ask you to inform some one of us, before leaving. How much familiar you may feel it, yet this is the first time you are coming here"
Radhika's mouth opened wide " How does you know that , I am feeling familiar"
Vivek shrugged " Leave it off, but if I don't take you to home in what say 15 minutes, Mrinalini was saying she will hex me off"
Radhika grinned " Harry Potter?"
Vivek shook his head, as if he was exasperated " A lot! don't fret if you find some using"
Radhika winked " Why will I? When I my self was a die-hard"
Vivek's eyes widened " Not another one, Already had two in house"
Radhika smiled, albeit a pleasant and fresh smile, Vivek saw her doing for first time in what say many days. He can never get rid of those innocent smiles, and he doesn't even want to. Not then, not now. He smiled fondly to her "Lets go"
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Radhika was scowling at her self, she was now in living room of Purohith Bhavan, that too being held by the person whom she least wanted to see, why can't every thing be fine with her. Ofcourse, how stupid of her not to expect to find him here, when he himself was a Purohith. Ofcourse, Dev Purohith have a good tendency to remember his relatives when he need. Radhika cursed who ever that made this happen . She being tired of being held by Dev, for causing worry to all tried to free herself from his hold. " How much time will you hold my hand, its paining"
Dev gave a her a look " Oh really ! then tell me madam, did you forget how much will you worry people here, if you leave like that"
Radhika rolled her eyes "Please! its not like I am staying in your house, now I made you worry. Now stop fussing, I need to see my grand mother, let me go"
Saying that she got herself away from him to Mrinalini "Aunty! I am really sorry, lost in some thoughts. Anyway I need to see Daadima , vuska room kaha hain"
Mrinalini looking at her asked " Go upstairs , left side 4th room"
Radhika smiled to her "Thank you aunty, by the way mujhe bhook nahi. So Good night"
Mrinalini smiled " Good night! By the way there should be come compensation for you not eating now"
Radhika pouted "Whats that?"
Mrinalini smiled " Tomorrow morning, wake early, I will take you to some place"
Radhika nodded " Thank you so much Mrinu!" saying that she hugged her quickly and ran upstairs.
To say Mrinalini was shocked will be least word to describe it. After 26 years, she finally got a hug , the very loving hug of her sister. Not her sister, her reincarnation. Mrinalini corrected her self and looked at Dev who was sitting there along with Rohan, though she was still angry on Dev, she was confused. She don't know what will one call the concern of Dev for Radhika if not its love. Mrinalini went to Rohan " You both, will you come to dinner"
Rohan nodded " Yes Aunty, we will come. "
Mrinalini nodded , she looked at Dev " Dev! did you choose your room"
Dev who was already a bit familiar with Mrinalini unlike Rohan nodded " Haan Aunty!, we both choosed the room which was 2nd on upstairs"
Mrinalini frowned " Single room! We have enough room, you both can take separate room"
Dev was about to say some thing when Rohan interjected "Thanks Aunty! Actually the room which bro choose was more of her tastes"
Mrinalini smiled fondly to her self " It used to be room of My Dev. He took personal interest in getting his room Decoration. If I say, the only one he participated, in related to household work"
Dev looked interestingly " Wow! I must say , he have a very good interest."
Mrinalini smiled "Any way, go change your clothes. You must go to bed earlier, you both had a journey today"
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Radhika continued to look at the mountains in the distance, many emotions are flowing inside her, she can feel the familiarity in the place. and also she can feel the un bearable love inside her. She need help, she wish to tell how she was feeling to some one. She was feeling she was very much familiar with Dev's touch when he hugged her for first time, and she never even expect the very elegant and noble Dev to hug her like that on a road. Hell she doubt if Dev will even hug Bharka the girl he love like that, she scolded her self for swearing and tried to move her thoughts to other things. The place reminds her of many things and emotion she herself can't place the finger on. Sighing to herself she went into balcony to see stair case going down into the garden, feeling herself thrilled she moved down into the garden, and to her surprise rain started just then. "Rain during night , wow" thinking to herself Radhika stretched herself to enjoy the rain. But what she heard next make her froze " Enjoying rain with out me Radhu?"
Radhika turned back to see Dev standing there " Recently I am trying to learn to enjoy many things with out you sir" Radhika replied indignantly
Dev came to her to stare at her " Really Miss Bharadwaj! I thought my friend would like to share her happiness with me, when I am her best friend"
Radhika looked at him in eye " For any thing the mutual should be mutual Mr.Purohith"
Dev glanced at Radhika confused " And I thought the feeling is quite mutual Miss.Bharadwaj"
Radhika gave a mirth " Really! but I doubt so Mr.Purohith. Any way I am quite used to do things on my own"
Dev turned his head off " I know that. But still I don't know why I feel some times you need me"
Radhika tried to stop the tear coming from her eye " There were times when I thought the same too Mr.Purohith, but I was proved wrong, and eventually You too will be."
Dev turned back to her " You thought I needed you"
Radhika nodded solemnly "But see I was proved wrong"
Dev opened his mouth to say some thing but stopped it, and said " You don't know Radhika"
Radhika nodded " I don't know ! but how I feel I should have known."
Dev sat there on the bench " May be you are always not right Radhu"
Radhika looked at him " I never say I am right sir, its you who make presumptions. Any way I need to go to sleep"
Radhika turned back to leave, but next minute she felt a sharp pain on her wrist as Dev grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards him "Now trying to avoid me Miss"
Radhika tried her hard to avoid the black hazel eyes staring at her, but can't help to get lost in it " You absolutely doesn't have an idea Mr. Now will you leave me"
Dev doesn't leave her hand but looked at her as if he was pained " Now why are you doing this Radhika. And why are you into depression."
Radhika forcefully got herself removed from him "I need not answer you Mr.Dev Purohith. You are no mother of me, nor do you have any right to question me in such a way"
Dev left her hand completely, his face turned blank "Have it your way Miss Bharadwaj, from today onwards I will never bother you. "
Radhika looked at him, she can feel tears in her eyes, but she can't let them out not today. "Thank you Mr. Purohith, for your small help." She said as much rudely as she can, before going inside.
O Humnava Tum Dena Saath Mera
Anupamaa
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