TLLF Chapter 24 updt 15/8 Pg 21 - Page 5

Hey I love your writinf style. Khanak getting angry but finally accepting Shaan as a friend. Shaan seems a very good guy. Waiting for that day when Khanak will feel Shaan is her life 😳

waiting for the next update...

CHAPTER 10

Sharma's House

One month had passed by after the dreadful tragedy took place. Deepak and Ragini were trying to show up normal so as to not to affect Khanak's married life , that was not doing well a while ago but gradually improved. For them it was like a nightmare that cant change even if they wake up. Ragini felt sad for her daughter whom she had decked up for the engagement with the person she considered her soul mate who is a past now.

Ragini had all the reverie coming alive about Khanak. She was well aware about her being so deeply in love with Saaket who was her old friend. Mama I am so happy to have Saaket in my life. I had never thought I will be blessed by this kind of person who is equally bothered about me as you and Papa are. These were Khanak's words just a day before engagement. Ragini was acquainted with her daughter being talkative and always blabbering about something or the other if not Saaket, completely opposite to what she was now.

Deepak though finding it difficult to control his turmoil , did it to not to let it sway his family and his younger daughter Payal who was worried about her sister who could not get married to the person she got engaged to. He believed in staying strong that would in turn be a moral support for his daughter in living her life without a ridge.

The incident had developed a kindred atmosphere at all the three houses. When Ragini thought about her daughter she would abruptly avert her attention to Radhika who had lost her son, the only son. That would abate her degree of woe to a large extent. One of the cruelest ironies of parenting is that they do so much of harm even when they are trying to do the best. Deepak would tell Ragini.

Radhika was the more to suffer about her son as he was the only son and their life was having a different kind of bliss as there was another member adding to their family when the sudden terrifying event occurred and everything seemed like a dream. But slowly everyone had started accepting the fact .Arnav now had started considering Khanak their own daughter after Saaket, just to find a reason to live after him. They were happy that she got married to Shantanu because of his and Saaket's brotherly friendship and they got the feeling of Khanak entering their family . They most of the times called and visited Sunil to ask about her whereabouts which she was not aware of.

Now it had all resided to some extent and Ragini wanted to see her daughter, her Khanak .Deepak agreed to her demand pleasantly.

At khandelwal's

All were present in the house on Sunil's orders . Sharma's and Khandelwal's were sitting in the drawing room.

Madhavi sensed the hesitation and very softly greeted Sharma's Oh hello Mrs Deepak, Good to see you. Please come in . Madhavi was very sweet and she dint want them to feel uncomfortable Sunil . Look who is here Sunil came down from his room.

Madhavi was sitting opposite Ragini and Deepak , and Sunil sat next to Deepak. Madhavi started the conversation with the accustomed talk and gradually made them aware of how is Khanak getting used to their family. Ragini Ji I know you being a mother must be afraid for Khanak, but trust me I will take her care and will never let her feel your absence. She is very new to this role and exceptionally after that day its not going to be easy for her to get adjusted to this life. She assured Ragini placing one hand on hers. She spoke to Ragini but it was for all six ears in the room. Deepak felt relaxed after hearing to this and learning that his child was in responsible hands. Tears drops in Deepak's eyes was itself an acknowledgement for both families. Thank you Madhavi Ji Deepak muttered. Facing Sunil I am so blessed to get such parents for my Khanak .Now I am not tensed at all he folded his hands as a gesture of thanks. Sunil immediately moved ahead and stopped Deepak my placing his hands over Deepak's.

Both the families had a long meet. She called Khanak Khanak beta wont you show your mom around? Madhavi found a good chance of letting mom and daughter spend a good amount of time. Mrs Deepak Madhavi said with a soft smile as if knowing the anxiety Ragini was going through and blinking her eye once.

Khanak took Ragini to her room Mama come in she said and hugged her tightly crying her heart out .Ragini held her close as if kissing away her pain and softly caressing her head. Oh my child I ..am..sorry ..How are you Khanak? Khanak completely ignored it and kept weeping harder. Ragini let her as she wanted her to drain of the dark clouds surrounding her daughter. Are you happy here my child?

I am fine Mama. All here are very understanding especially Ma I mean Madhavi Aunty Ragini had a delighted look on her face. She got all her answers and was relieved seeing her at least noticing around. Also Dad, sister in law and brother in law are friendly with me Khanak said still hugging her.

Beta I am really happy to see you like this. I know all that happened was a shock to you but that does not change the present. Right? Ragini spoke as if talking to herself. And Madhavi Ji seems very cordial . She is very nice beta ,you can talk out your heart in front of her if you want. Never did she raise a question against your marriage to Shantanu, never did she force you to come and stay with them after… Saaket's death. I am so grateful to her. She continued.

After a long pause she started Shantanu is your better half now. Khanak make sure you don't give him a chance to complain. Khanak remembered her last night's conversation with him and felt a weird soft corner for him. I am so grateful to him. God bless him.

Khanak broke the hug and faced her mom with accepting eyes and exchanged a gentle nod enough for Ragini to understand her daughter's wish having same . Deepak being of conservative nature didn't speak much but even his silence was a proof for his thought matching his wife's.

Sharma's didn't wait for lunch as according to them this was not a right tradition. Deepak expressed a request to meet Shantanu who was not at home at this odd hour. And they left without meeting him but with a promise of same next time they come. Ragini dint leave without a final goodbye to crying Khanak and a motherly glance . But still getting Khanak who was not the same as before. The bubbly, chirpy, loose-lipped girl had left her daughter alone .

Shantanu's room in afternoon

Khanak was sitting on the swing thinking about her mother's words Shantanu is your better half now. Khanak make sure you don't give him a chance to complain. (He has really done a favour to me but I can't accept him as a husband. Never .Its impossible.) she thought.

Then at the next moment she remembered Shantanu's words I just want to be your friend and nothing else. We are husband and wife for others but only friend for each other and that too is your choice. I assure you that. (Even he said that we are a couple for others and only friends for each other. What I am thinking is right. Yes it is right. I will be just an ordinary friend for him and nothing else. So if Mama tells me to excogitate him she is right at her place. Its natural for her to advice me that because she is an experienced and aged person. For me it's a compromise. Yes a pure COMPROMISE. Also he has agreed to it ) GOD this is my decision and please be with me in this she tilted her head to face the sky as if talking to the god through stars.

She was lost in her own world and then a sudden bolting of door made her realize that it was night and Madhavi entered the room with concerning look on her face and a food tray in hand . Khanak .

Ma I am so sorry I dint realize it was time and you had to take the trouble. Khanak with apologetic face. Its ok beta I anyways wanted to spend some time with you. So thought why not here. Madhavi handled .

Ofcourse Ma.. you had anything to say to me?

Why can't I just come to see my new Bahu? Do I always need a reason for that ? with fake anger on face. Khanak had a smile on her face that was genuine.

Your Mom is very strong I must say . Even after this tragedy she succeeded in burying her sorrow deep under the skin. Madhavi praised Ragini. I am so sorry for your loss and I completely understand your condition but then you don't stop living life . Right? Khanak was silently listening to this with open ears barring reactions. And I know my son very well he is rough on the surface, he can't express his feelings , but he is not that brutal that he won't understand your state. He will never want you to sacrifice on your circumstances. Khanak nodded in a agreement with water drops in eyes which dissolved. Madhavi was silent for sometime to listened to her side if any when senses none she continued Have your dinner and I will send Harilal upstairs if you need anything. Madhavi started to move away and stopped in mid way on hearing from Khanak Ma can I have dinner with you all?

Madhavi's face brightened Of course you can. Madhavi carried back the food tray at the dinning table.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At the dinning table

All were seated. But Shantanu was missing she noticed. Madhavi followed her gaze and asked her about it. What happened?

Ma Shantanu is not here...Madhavi took it as a question. Ahh yes he had called .He said he has got some important meeting about the business and that he will be late. And also asked me to ask you to have your food.

No Ma I will wait for him. was Khanak's sudden reply. Not at all, you are going to have it in my presence. You are on medication and I saw yesterday that you had not eaten all the things I served. It was more of an order so Khanak had to follow it.

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In room.

As usual he came late and saw her sleeping on the bed. He entered with light foot steps in order to not to disturb her with its noise. But she was not sleeping, she was laying with closed eyes. She got up when she guessed he is in washroom and went downstairs.

He came out in his night suit and wiping his face with towel and saw that she was not there on bed. He thought for a moment that where she must have gone and checked the balcony once that has become her favorite spot in the room but after not finding her he opened the door to look for her downstairs. The minute he opened it he was surprised to see her there standing with tray in her tiny hands. You have not had your dinner yet...so I got it here only . I know you have work but you can spare some amount of time for your own good. He could not absorb what she just said. He stood still thinking whether it was his imagination or it really happened. He took it from her and sat with laptop on his couch. He was multi-tasking she thought. With a weird frown on face she left the place and went to sleep. He was unusually curious about her this behavior but chose to ignore and went back to work. Tomorrow being a weekend he was relaxed.

I loved the way you showed the parents' feelings. Khanak doing her duty well. It reminds me newly married Khanak of RBO.

lovely update

finally she's trying to adjust and i hope soon she'll start liking it there

her in laws her very sweet

nice conv between all

wow she decided to have dinner wid him and then she brings food for him... lovely

lukin fwd to some understanding between them

update soon

plz update soon...am eagerly waiting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CHAPTER 11

In room

Khanak woke up and as usual found him awake as the bed was made. And she thought that he is very particular about his schedule. She got ready and found him discussing some issue on the phone.

Mr Diwan I have already told you this kind of negligence won't be tolerated after the last times trouble you caused me and Mr.Paul. He continued. Seemed as if he was very serious and not ready to accept any kind of explanations. Mr Paul is our old client and he is going to take a strict action for this heedlessness.

No Mr Diwan I am afraid I won't be able to help in any ways now as Dad is really mad at the incident that took place .Ok fine. Give me a call then. He hung up, turned about and was stuck at his place as if his feet have been glued to the floor. She looked so beautiful he thought, with just a simple kohl in her eyes and a small black dot between the thin perfectly shaped eyebrows. God!!! This female is leaving no choice for me now. What do I do? But I cant let my heart take control over my mind. He pounded out of the door leaving behind confused Khanak.

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In dinning room

All gathered at dinning table where Sunil was having a very important discussion with Shantanu and Akshay which everyone listened to.

Akshay you know what crisis is our company facing examining Shantanu as well. And we have a board meeting for the same ,It is going to decide the further consequences if we can have it business going well or'

Or what dad ? Akshay interrupted with a sad tone.

Or a collapse Shantanu mumbled which was audible for all at the table But all just kept mum to not to interrupt.

So we have meeting at 2:00 pm. I will see you two there. Sunil left with his heavy feet out of the door and Shantanu's eyes just kept following his direction till he disappeared.

Khanak came down for breakfast on Madhavi's demand who was completely unaware of the conversation that just took place. Madhavi decided to keep her away from it as she dint want her to think about it and stress much. Khushboo followed Madhavi's decision and kept quite. Three of them had a very normal talk

Ma where are all of them, her eyes searching for someone.

Beta your dad ,Shantanu and Akshay had an important meeting about the business so they have left for the same.Telling khushboo to keep quite through eye gestures.

Beta you have your breakfast. And yes I am going out in the afternoon for a housewarming ceremony of my friend. Khushboo is coming with me.Would you like to join me?

No Ma you go ahead. I will stay at home.

Beta but then there is no one at home in the afternoon. And we will take around whole afternoon and some of evening so its better you join us. I hope you don't mind because she is my very old friend and that's why...

I understand Ma .you both go. I will stay properly and will take my medicines on time. Assuring Madhavi she convinced her to let her be at home telling that her mood is downcast to attend the ceremony.

Being part of Khandelwal family she dint stop others from going and being Saaket's widow she dint go for the ceremony which satisfied her.

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In conference room

The atmosphere was very tensed at the table . Sunil was sitting on the head chair and his two sons were sitting next to him on the side chairs and a chair next to Shantanu was left vacant that used to be occupied by Saaket. Mr Paul was sitting with his senior colleagues . Mr Diwan was sitting on chair opposite to Shantanu's . Papers were lying on the table which seemed to be for the authority .

Sunil started with a greeting that was not warm enough and opposite to the everyday's greeting ,noticed by Shantanu.

Hello everyone. We know why we are here and without a delay I will like to directly discuss the issue rather than cutting around the bushes. I have come across the files which lists down the exact problem. And it is found that the financial data was not marked properly. May I know who is taking care of this department?

Dad Mr. Diwan is responsible for that department...Shantanu answered.

When you knew he is not good at it why did you handed over that department to him.? with anger in his eyes visible to all of them in the room Mr Paul asked.

Actually Paul th...

That department was handled by Saaket who is no more and so I handed that to Mr. Diwan , Shantanu interrupted Sunil.

Mr Paul continued who is not experienced .Right?

Yes was Shantanu's reply with an ashamed tone.

Sunil took over as he thought there was a need of handling it with care I am really Sorry Paul ...

Mr. Paul it is Mr. Sunil, I think we are professionals and need to address each other in proficient manner..Paul kept on.

Sunil had a little approximation that the statement made by Paul had a deep meaning showing annoyance.

I am Sorry Mr Paul but a sudden death of our one of the colleagues and then an immediate needed survey of finance made it mandatory to appoint Mr. Diwan who is related to the employee.

I don't care who died and who he was .what matters to me is the work.

Excuse me Mr Paul Shantanu shouted with fury. Look Mr. Paul I understand its the job but that doesn't mean you will insult the demise of my colleague in that way. He was a respected gentleman who did his job loyally.

So what? he is no more does'nt mean you will drown my business.

That is enough broke in Sunil. I won't listen to any of your nonsense against my son . And as far as business is considered I can again raise my company on my own without any kind support. But I will not tolerate this behavior. The formalities were carried out and Sunil paced up towards the door leaving behind abashed Mr. Paul.

Shantanu and Akshay joined him showing agreement to their dad's wish.

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Simultaneously at home

It was evening time no one was home yet. Madhavi had already informed about her being late from her friend's house along with khushboo. And Shantanu she guessed will take time to come as he had important office meeting.

Khanak in the vacant house was stalked by Saaket's memories. She tried over coming it by watching television, then spending time in the balcony watching the beach .Suddenly she hurried and told Harilal about her going to the beach. He nodded and agreed .Being familiar to the roads in Mumbai she reached the beach without any trouble.

She was in a very simple attire a deep green saree with blue patches in between. She had a dusky complexion that clearly showed her features. Long black hair which waved in the air as though a cotton. Her beautiful big eyes with kohl that was a bit faded after long day and the small bindi on her forehead with the Mangalsutra around her neck expressing her married identity.

FLASHBACK

Why have we come here Saaket?

To fill the buckets and take them home. He said with a you-actually-asked-that-question face.

Honey it's a Valentine's day today and I wanted to spend most of the time with you.

Really? Khanak said with an excitement

Yes honey.

Smile spread across her face thinking about the incident and the word honey that still had ability in it to make her blush.

So tell me what you want to do now?

Hmmm..lets see ..Khanak spotted a stall of chat. Lets have chat ..holding Saaket's hand

As you say ..come..They headed towards the stall

Bhaiyaa give us one plate panipuri..

Only one plate?. Even I am having it

We will share one. You know by sharing'.

Same plate your love for other person grows thrice of the original Saaket completed her sentence

She sniffed with open mouth.

Baby I am hearing this for the 1000^th time now . By this time our love has already crossed 3000 units. He said with a smirk

How rude!!!! I hate you.. Khanak walked off from there and moved towards the beach. She crossed a lot of crowed. After scrutinizing that he was no where there behind her she turned about and looked for him but unfortunately she dint find him. She shut her eyes tightly and started murmuring something which was not even audible to her. Where are you Saaket? Please come to me you know that I am very scared of dark. Please. She prayed.

She felt a shiver run down her spine when a warm hand engulfed her from behind and placed a quick peck on her temple I am sorry darling just playing around with you. She felt a soothing relief. Oh my god you are crying. I wasn't there just for 5 minutes. Cant live without me even a second!!! That is a progress

I am not crying its just a drop of tear that was produced due to an insect. Khanak defended herself.

Yes of course insects get only this place to buzz. You think I don't understand that you are restless even if I am not there in front of you for a second?

Khanak pouted her lips and looked at him.

Listen I know you are scared of dark and I promise that whatever kind of darkness it is I will always be with you there to show you the light. Just the condition is you have to close your eyes and think about me. And I will be right there in front of you.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------At home

All three came home with a silence not wanting to talk about anything. Sunil knew that Madhavi was out at her friends with Khushboo.

Shantanu first entered his room to check for her who was absent in the room. He was sure that she wont go for the ceremony so easily. He checked the washroom then balcony which was her favorite spot. He was disappointed to not to see her there. He ran downstairs to check the kitchen which had now been added to her favorite places list. He confirmed by checking the balcony second time and was worried about where she might be.

He called Madhavi but the number was unreachable .he tried khushboo's that said the same message. He strode back and front as if it would give away answers to his questions. Again he tried after 5 minutes but no change. Moving his hand through the black ruff he started tossing the mobile in his hand between the fingers. Where she must have gone? If at all she had to go for some important work she should have left a message. (Maybe she has gone to meet her parents) He scrolled down on his cell to dial her dad's number but then stopped in between (I cant call him he will start bothering about her and 'No I wont call)

Seeing him in panic Harilal asked him for coffee Shan baba should I prepare coffee for you?

No Kaka that's ok. Please leave me alone for a while. He said with a frowned face.

At the beach

She slowly opened her eyes and was shocked 'She could not believe her eyes .She could not absorb the fact. He was standing there with a concern on his face. A belief of never leaving her alone. His eyes asking the questions which his tongue betrayed to do.

Shantanu was standing in front of her.

Lovely update

oops !! prob in the biz

i like the way shaan and sunil stood up for saaket

at least shanak are trying to know each other and i guess may be getting a bit used to of each other

nice that she's playing the role of khandelwal's bahu and was trying to keep herself bz when ever all the past memories came back rushing to her

hmm beach a place where any1 wud luv to go to find peace

i loved the part when she opened her eyes shaan was there... for her... to be with her

thats a pleasant surprise for v-day

update soon