The sun rose above the orange - pink horizon and slowly started spreading across its golden warm rays over the earth affectionately, who inturn welcomed the warmth with opened arms and glowed under its loving caress. Sky looked bright blue and birds flew happily across it, flapping their wings as if feeling overjoyed. The cool breeze swirled across excitedly, expressing a strange happiness. As it softly caressed Dev's face and blew his hairs, a small smile involuntarily formed on his face.....while his feet kept moving towards the temple. His wandering gaze noticed the beautiful atmosphere and his mind pondered whether actually the surroundings seemed to be so happy or was it stemming from within him!!
Reaching the temple, his gaze quickly finds Radhika who was seated next to the altar, arranging the aarti's diya. His feet started automatically moving towards her. As he came next to her, he gazed at her form adoringly, albeit she was too lost in her preparations to look up. But....suddenly something caught his attention and his smile widened up. His gaze stuck on the sindoor in her forehead.....it was still there, although a little faint....but clearly visible.
Radhika arranged the aarti's diya mechanically – as she had been doing everything from the previous night. Her mind felt too muddled after the turn that her life has taken.....
Thousands questions kept arising in her brain for which she had no answers. She felt as if she stood on the middle of a balance – wherein two opposing forces of equal strength or importance were placed on either side. Tilting on any side would lead to her fall and she would never be able to come up!
Taking the incense stick, she lit them and kept them on the stand and then turned her attention back to the diya.....when she sensed someone standing in front of her. Her gaze tightened by a fraction and she swiftly glanced up, craning her neck, only to find Dev gazing at her lovingly!
Her heart missed a beat and then started racing but her eyes remained stuck with his.... that were beaming, clearly expressing happiness.....while her own mind seemed confused and blank. And this conflict scratched her heart badly!
Some moments passed. A few sounds started reaching them, bringing back to reality. Hurriedly shifting her gaze, Radhika looked away and closed her eyes to control her emotions.......whereas Dev kept gazing at her adoringly.
Few ladies entered the temple, with their puja plates. "are Radhika....." one of the lady called out to her.
Dev hastily looked away, not wanting the women to notice him gazing at her. Meanwhile, Radhika swiftly turned and got up to flash a tentative smile "Radhe Radhe kaki" she greeted the middle aged woman.
"Radhe Radhe beta.....Shastrijee nahi aaye? Aarti ka samay to ho chukka hai na?" she asked in a warm tone, walking towards her.
"erm.....aate hi honge....." Radhika replied slowly.
Suddenly, a young women amidst them spoke up "are Radhika....yeh tere maang main sindoor hai kya?" she took a step to Radhika, with her intriguing gaze fixed to Radhika's forehead.
Radhika swiftly glanced at her, feeling shocked and her heart started thudding in response. Dev, too, looked up at the woman feeling stunned and then he turned his gaze anxiously to Radhika.
Looking down, Radhika lets her gaze wander on the floor, trying to frame the answer –she cannot lie standing in the temple and uttering the truth wasn't possible!! A second passed and hastily looking up at the woman, she spoke "erm....jee....woh....main kal mandir gayi thi....to wahi pe laga" she replied back vaguely.
The lady smiled "acha....to tu kal who uche pahadi ke mandir main gayi thi? To ab tak kyun rakha hai sindoor......koi dekhega to kahega ke teri shaadi ho chuki hai" she said, giggling.
Radhika frowned lightly and looked away feeling uneasy – she was indeed......! But She didn't let the words form in her brain.
Dev smiled lightly.....somehow those words fluttered his heart.
Just then Shastrijee entered inside and saw the temple already filled with Devotees. He hurriedly walked up to them "are maaf keejeyega....mujhe jara der ho gayi" Shifting his gaze to Radhika, he asked "beta aarti shuru Karen?"
Radhika nodded silently. Dev walked to Shastrijee and took his blessings. Shastrijee, then, proceeded to do the aarti and Radhika started singing her bhajan. After the puja was done, Radhika as usual came to the devotees to give the aarti's flame.
As she reached Dev, her heart started flickering again and his happily sparkling eyes only made her condition worse.......reminded her of the turmoil going on inside her!! Quickly moving she went to another devotee.
After taking the Prasad, Dev turned and started walking across to the steps. But his heart felt a small twinge – although he was happy and felt much lighter, yet he couldn't find peace in himself due to the remorse he felt for behaving badly with her, and now sincerely wanted to apologize for that. Slowly turning once, he found Radhika busy with come devotees. He lets a disappointed sigh and turns to the steps.
Radhika who had been pretending to be busy feels a strange hollowness filling inside her, seeing him going away and keeps gazing at his back.
"are Radhika beta......" Shastrijee voice reached her and brushing aside all thoughts, she swiftly turned her attention to him.
Some moments later.....
After her daily routine in the temple, Radhika came down the steps and moved to the right to wear her sandals.
"Radhika....." a grim somber voice floated through her ears, that she could never mistake for. Tightening her gaze in puzzle, wondering why was she hearing his voice, she swiftly glanced up only to find him standing a a step away from her.
Her gaze widened in surprise, and her lips parted to say something.....but didn't know what she had to say.
"Radhika....mujhe kuch baat karni hai" he said in the same grim tone, but gently.
Radhika took a moment to process his words in her brain. Her heart started racing anxiously – somehow she dreaded this moment.....when she would have to face him..... answer him something!!
Pursing her lips, she glanced over her shoulders, to see if someone's watching them.
Dev understood her predicament. He too, didn't want anyone to spot them together and put her in some uncanny situation. "chalo...." he said softly.
She glanced back at him, but didn't move, still feeling a little worried for someone might see them together. He gave a silent sigh sensing her uneasiness and bringing his one hand up, slowly held her hand.
Radhika missed a heart beat sensing him hold her hand – firm, yet gentle....but with so much right, while her eyes still couldn't move away from his.
"chalo...." he again said tenderly and led her along with him. She followed him silently as if she had no power to stop herself.
Taking a few steps, they halted behind the right wall of the temple. Dev glanced around once to make sure that no was around. A few devotees were coming towards the temple, but the wall did not allow them to be noticed.
Radhika's heart kept fluttering under his warm grip on her hand, wondering what would he want to talk to her so urgently? She slowly shifted her gaze to the ground, to control her worries.
Ensuring that they were safe, Dev turned his gaze to her only to find her eyes downcast, gazing at the ground. Putting a finger under her chin, he nudged her face up "Radhika....." he called lovingly.
Her fluttering heart again missed a beat under his touch, as she slowly looked up.....and again found herself getting lost in his loving warm eyes.
A moment passed. Slowly releasing his grip on her hand, Dev continued in a solemn tone "mujhe kuch baat karni thi......woh.....er........"
But suddenly –
His phone started beeping and his gaze swiftly shifted to it. Radhika, too, finds her gaze moving down to the ringing phone. Glancing once at her, he quickly pulled the phone out and picked the call "Hello?"
The call seemed to be from his office. "Jee.....erm....ha....main thodi der main aajaaonga ......jee.....woh files nikal ke rakho.....ha.....hmm.....jee main mehraji se baat karli hai" he continued glancing at nothing.
Radhika saw him getting completely immersed in business talk. Nervously, she took a breath and slowly tried to walk away – more precisely wanted to escape from this situation. When suddenly....... his hand again gripped her's firmly and a shiver passed through her. Swiftly turning her head, she glanced up and found him gazing at her.
Dev blinked at her once, silently asking her to wait. Radhika turned completely as if obeying him and stared at him silently.....His eyes looked a little red as if he didn't sleep the whole night and his face seemed a little tired....this worried her.
"erm....main aapse office main baat karta hoon....jee abhi aajaonga" saying he hung the call and then shifted his gaze back to Radhika and found her sad eyes looking at him.
He felt a pinch in his heart seeing her so sad. "main jaanta hoo....ke...tum....kal....ki baat se pareshan ho......" he said cautiously.
Radhika shifted her gaze away sideways feeling a little queasy to answer any of such questions, if he posed, when her mind itself wasn't clear.
But......her gaze stumbled on Shastrijee who was coming towards the direction, they stood. Her eyes widened in horror "Babuji!! She said aloud, but voice was just high than a whisper.
Dev's brows pulled together, feeling shocked and swiftly turning his head sideways, he leaned a little to look at the direction Radhika was staring at, horrified.
Radhika hurriedly glanced back at Dev "mujhe chalna chahiye......" she said hastily. Dev turned his head to look at her, feeling disappointed that he couldn't talk to her now.
She did sense the disappointment, but felt helpless. Slowly shifting her gaze to her hand, that was still held by him.....she slowly tried pulling it away. Sensing this, Dev's fingers involuntarily tightened......but after a fraction of second, realizing the situation, he loosened his fingers.
Radhika pulled her hand back gently. Dev saw her hand moving away and then glanced up in to her eyes, feeling a little pinch in his heart.
Pursing her lips, she shifted her gaze to Shastrijee with a heavy heart and started walking to him. Dev kept gazing at her as she walked.
Shastrijee, who had been coming to wear his chappals, saw Radhika coming to him "are beta....tu yahan?"
"Jee Babuji.....woh peeche jara.....dekh rahi thi ke sab saaf hai kya" she lied hesitantly.
Shastrijee smiled "acha......theek hai....tu ghar jaa rahi hai na?" he asked, wearing his chappals.
"Jee....." Radhika replied softly.
But some familiar urge throbbed within her and unable to control it, she slowly turned her gaze sideways...... only to find Dev still gazing at her, with sad hopeful eyes. Although the thought of him asking any question had made her apprehensive to be close to him until a few seconds back.....but the thought of going away arose an invincible pull towards him!
Shastrijee glanced up and found Radhika gazing to her side, intensely. Puzzled, he tipped forward a bit to follow her gaze.
Dev's gaze that had been fixed on Radhika, urging her to stay back for some moments..... found Shastrijee's face turning to him. Scowling, he hurriedly turned and hid himself behind the wall.
Seeing this, Radhika frowned but then sensed Shastrijee trying to follow her gaze. Her eyes widened in fear.
Shastrijee turned his gaze to her, confused "Beta....wahan kya dekh rahi thi?"
"erm....babuji....kuch bhi to nahi bas aise hi" Radhika replied uncertainly and looked down. Her heart thumped in fear, wondering if Shastrijee had seen them staring at each other. A small part of heart told her.....that how even in front of Shastrijee she wasn't able to control her emotions!!......how her feelings for him were supercedeing everything else!!
He smiled "acha......beta....main bhi tere saath chalta hoon....theek hai.....mujhe ghar main kuch kaam hai" he said warmly.
Radhika nodded, but heart felt torn as she didn't want to go away when he waiting with so much hope for her.
"who mujhse kya kehna chahte the.....aur unki ankhon main yeh udaasi kyun thi?" She wondered to herself, walking along with Shastrijee with heavy steps.
Dev slowly came out from the hiding and kept gazing at Radhika's back with disappointing gaze.
"Kaash tumse keh paata ke mujhe apne kal ke bartav ka kitna bura lag raha hai...Main to tumse maafi maangna chahta tha Radhika.....par ab to....."
He took a few steps and halted near the temple's steps.
"Main jaanta hoon ke tum udaas kyun ho......yeh bhi jaanta hoon ke kis uljhan main ho....par tumhe apne babuji aur mujhmain kisi ko chun ne ki jaroorat nahi hai. Main tumhare babuji ka vishwas tumpar se toothne nahi doonga Radhika.....ek baar.....bas ek baar mujhpar bharosa kar.....mere paas aajao"
His silent words, only yearned for her.
Radhika felt as if he called her silently. She slowly glanced over her shoulder's towards the temple and found him still standing there.....longing for her to come back to him. Her heart stung badly seeing him wait and her feet ached to move back. But she couldn't and forcing herself to look straight, she walked silently with Shastrijee.
Later in the day.....
The temple wore a deserted look and the only mortal present was Radhika, cleaning the temple, before the evening puja. But her mind kept wandering......about the turn her life had taken. She remembered how Dev had been aching to talk to her in the morning.... and her heart skipped a beat nervously, wondering whether he was aching to ask her decision.
"Kanha....kahi woh yeh to nahi jan na chahte the ke main iss rishte ke bare main kya.........."
She took a small breath closing her eyes, as her heart kept racing. Moving the pot from her waist, she bent it to splash the water on the steps. The clean water sparkled colourfully against the steps, when hit with warm afternoon sunrays. Turning, Radhika again started walking towards the back of the temple, to fetch some more water from the tap.
A sparkling car halted outside the temple. Vaishali slowly stepped down and glanced up at the temple.....a small smile filled her face
"Maaji bilkul sahi kehti hai.....shayad isi mandir ke bare main kaha tha unhone....bahut hi khubsurat hai" she muttered to herself, admiring the simple yet beautiful temple. Dadima had described to her about a temple, that was closest to their house and according to the driver, this was the temple. Vaishali couldn't deny that indeed this temple had some different aura.....the light breeze caressing her face softly had unique freshness and the place looked very pleasant and beautiful.
The driver moved the car to park it. Vaishali started walking to the temple. As she reached near the temple, she noticed that it was empty. "Lagta hai....mandir main shaam ki puja ke tayariyan ho rahi hongi...." she muttered to herself as she walked to the flight of stairs, letting her gaze absorb the beauty of the temple.
Nearing the steps, she removed her sandals and started climbing the steps. She was so lost in the temple's surroundings that she didn't realize that the stairs were wet – and suddenly her foot slipped on the wet step "aaa....." her eyes widened completely in horror and she was about to tumble.
But......
A pair of hands gripped her arms and didn't allow her to fall.
For one moment, Vaishali didn't realize what happened....she was only able to sense her rapid heart beats. Slowly, after a moment, she bought her one hand up involuntarily to touch her heavily beating chest....silently thanking the Lord.
"aap theek to hai na Maaji?" a soft voice reached her ears and she turned her head to see who her saviour was......only to find a girl standing next to her, looking at her anxiously. The girl's soft yet firm hands were still holding her.
Straightening herself, Vaishali took some breaths to compose her rapid heart beats and felt the girl moving her hands away. She turned her head to the girl and saw her still standing with the same anxious look...... "Hmm...." Vaishali said slowly.
Radhika took a relived breath "mujhe maaf kar deejeyega Maaji....woh seedhiyon pe paani reh gaya tha....." she apologized genuinely.
Vaishali shook her head lightly "are nahi....isme tumhari kya galti....mujhe dekh kar chalna chahiye tha" she replied back warmly to soothe the girl's anxiety. "Aur mujhe to tumhara dhanyawaad karna chahiye beta....agar tum nahi hoti to pata nahi kya hota...." she said, chuckling once humorlessly and tried to move her feet but it pained badly "aa....." a small cry escaped her throat and instinctively she bent a little to hold her knee.
Radhika frowned seeing her moan in pain "kya huwa?" she asked worriedly. "aapko lagi hai kya?"
Glancing up, Vaishali shook her head to say that 'she's fine'. But Radhika didn't fail to notice the crumple formed in her face, as if in acute pain. "aap aaiye maaji" she said holding her arms to help her seat on the hedge, adjacent to steps.
Vaishali moved with difficulty as her ankles pained badly. With the help of Radhika, she seated herself and took a few breaths.
Radhika swiftly sat on her heels and bent down to check her pain. She slowly held one of the legs, that seemed to aching. "Maaji kahan dard ho raha hai aapko?" she asked, looking up.
"are nahi beta yeh tum kya kar rahi ho? Main thodi der baith jaaongi to theek ho jaaongi" Vaishali said, feeling hesitant to allow the girl to touch her feet.
"Nahi maaji aap itne dard main hai....mujhe dikhaye to sahi...." saying Radhika, shifted her gaze down and slowly pulled up the helm of Vaishali's saree a little....and then touched her ankle.
Vaishali moaned lightly in pain "aa...."
Radhika hurriedly looked up, in worry "Maaji lagta hai aapko moch aa gayi hai...." she said and then glanced down again, slowly stroking the wounded area to check.
Vaishali's forehead creased in a little worry "beta yeh tum kya kar rahi ho......bachiyan pair nahi chuti hai beta...." she uttered, trying to pull her leg away.
Radhika smiled a bit, hearing those words. "Koi baat nahi maaji.....aap yahi rukiye.... main bas abhi aayi.....aap uthiyega mat" saying, she got up.
"are par tum jaa kaha rahi ho?" Vaishali asked, puzzled
"aapke liye davayi lane....aap bas yahi rukiye....." replying, Radhika turned and sprinted towards the road.
Vaishali tried to stop, but the girl had already breezed away. She sighed and then bent down a little to check her ankle.....it was severly paining. Leaning back, she lets her gaze wander around the beautiful area that was surrounded by lush greenery.
A few moments passed and Radhika came back holding a packet in her hand. Removing her sandals, she came to Vaishali. "laaiye maaji yeh laga deti hoon....ise aapko jaldi araam milega...." she said, getting down on her heels to apply the medicine.
Vaishali tried to protest "are beta....main laga loongi.....tum kyun?"
Radhika glanced up at her. "Maaji....koi baat nahi main laga deti hoon" saying she slowly took Vaishali's feet in her lap.
Vaishali's eyes widened by a fraction seeing this and she opened her mouth to protest – how can she place her feet on such young girl.
But before she could do that, Radhika slowly quipped "ab maaji mujhe na roken.....main aapko davayi lagane baad hi chodungi" she said cutely. "aur waise bhi agar Kanha ke mandir se maine aapko aise hi jaane diya....to Kanha mujhse bahut naaraz ho jaayenge" she said in the same cute tone, applying the medicine.
Vaishali couldn't help a smile when she saw such concern and warmth. "acha theek hai...." she said affectionately.
As Radhika started massaging her ankle gently, Vaishali's gaze slowly studied the girl..... she had beautiful features, a serene face, warm smile and a sweet voice. Meanwhile her mind wondered about how cultured and well mannered the girl was. "tumhara naam kya hai beta?" she asked slowly
Radhika glanced up, pausing her massage for a moment "Jee Radhika...."
Vaishali's gaze tightened for a second and then the smile came back "Radhika.....bahut hi pyaara naam hai"
Smiling softly, she moved her gaze down to continue massaging her ankle with the medicine.
Vaishali didn't know why.....but Radhika really touched her heart in a very quick span of time. "to tum yahan mandir main iss samay?"
"Jee yeh mere Babuji ke purkhon ka mandir hai.....mujhe yahan aake apne Kanha ko sajane main.....mandir ke sajawat main bahut anand milta hai" she said in her sweet voice.
Vaishali didn't miss the gleam that came across her eyes while she talked about the Lord. "Lagta hai tum badi Kanha bhakt ho?"
Radhika glanced up to give a smile. "Jee....jabse maine hosh sambhala hai.....maine humesha se unhe puja hai" she replied humbly.
Vaishali smiled silently......
Some moments passed. Radhika glanced up "maaji ab aapko kaisa lag raha hai?"
Vaishali tried moving her feet and the pain seemed to have reduced considerably. She gave a surpised smile "are dard to kaafi kam ho gaya hai beta"
Radhika smiled widely, feeling relieved. "erm....maaji....woh yeh davayi aap ghar jaake phir laga leejeyega......aaram milega" she said gently.
"theek hai....." Vaishali placed her hand on Radhika's head, as if blessing her "tum humesha khush raho beta.....Aajkal ke zamane main kahan doosron ke liye koi itna sab karta hai?"
Radhika shook her head once "Nahi maaji....iss mandir main to har insaan apna hota hai. Bhagwan ne insaano ko insaayiat se joda hai....wahi sabse bada rishta hota hai. To phir aap mere bhi liye meri apni hi hain" she replied back warmly.
Vaishali's heart swelled hearing those words from such young girl "hmm....sahi keh rahi ho tum" she said gazing at her fondly.
"acha ab aap chaliye....darshan kar leejeye....aaiye" . Radhika led Vaishali inside slowly and then she quickly rushed to draw the curtain, hiding the idols.
As the curtains opened, Vaishali saw the beautiful idol standing in front of her. Her hands came up involuntarily to fold, while her gaze kept lingering on the idol.
A moment passed and she shifted her gaze to Radhika, holding a small plate of sweet in front of her. Taking the sweet, she smiled at Radhika. "sach....yahan ka vataravan bahut hi pavan hai....." her gaze scanned the adjacent greenery as Radhika walked back to the altar to keep the plate.
Vaishali continued "man karta hai ke bas yahi pe reh jaayen"
Nearing her, Radhika smiled a bit "Ha.....yahan Kanha ka vaas hai....aur jahan Kanha baste hain....wahan to sab kuch apne aap hi khubsurat ho jaata hai"
Vaishali agreed "Hmm.....maaji bhi yahi kehti hain....tabhi to maine aaj aate hi iss mandir ke darshan karne chahe......ghar bhi nahi gayi seedhe yahi chali aayi"
"aap yahan kaha rehti hain?" Radhika asked with a small smile.
"main who.......purohit house to suna hoga na tumne.....main wahi rehti hoon" she replied warmly.
Radhika's brows furrowed by a fraction "Purohit House?" she repeated, stunned
"Ha....meri maaji....erm mera matlab hain meri saas aur mera beta......Dev aaye huwe hain yahan pe" Vaishali said
Radhika's heart missed a beat and her eyes widened a bit, stunned....while her lungs felt seized for a moment.
"yeh unki maa hain......??" she wondered
Vaishali's gaze tightened by a bit seeing Radhika staring at her, astound "Kya huwa?"
Startled, Radhika shook her head once "erm....nahi kuch nahi....." she responded warily and looked away.
"acha.....ab main chalti hoon beta....warna der hojaayegi aur maaji chinta karne lagegi.... hmm" Vaishali said with a warm smile.
Glancing back at her, Radhika forced a small smile and then involuntarily bent down to touch her feet.
Vaishali smiled "are....bas beta.....jeeti raho.......sada suhagan raho"
Radhika's gaze widened completely now, shocked, hearing those words....while her mind wondered as to how she knew about her maariage?
Slowly leaning back, she stared at Vaishali unbelievingly.
Still smiling, she continued touching Radhika's chin "Beta.....tumhare mata pita ne bahut ache karm kiye honge ke unhe tum jaise beti mili....par us se jyaada to tumhare pati khushnaseeb honge.....jinhe tumhare jaisi patni mili hai"
"erm.....?" Radhika's lips parted, befuddled
"acha ab main chalti hoon beta....der ho jaayegi....hmm" she said hurriedly and turning, slowly climbed down the stairs.
Radhika followed her, still feeling puzzled, and kept gazing at Vaishali silently as she walked up to the car, limping a little and then got inside.
Pensively, Radhika kept staring at nothing and then slowly touched her forhead parting "kahi yeh sindoor dekhkar to unhone mujhse aisa nahi kaha....." her thoughts trailed off and she slowly glanced towards the Kanha's idol wondering why all this happened?
Some hours later.....
Vaishali and Dadima sat in the couch, laughing on some gossip.
Controlling her laugh, Dadima spoke "Waise Vaishali yeh tumne bada acha kiya ke tum yahan aa gayi.....are Vrindavan main sharad poornima bade ache tareeke se manaya jaata hai"
"Jee maaji....yehi wajah thi ke main yahan aa gayi....aur phir aap log bhi yahan the"
"Hmm.....aur mujhe bhi company mil jaati...are yeh budhi ghar main baith ke bore ho jaati hai" she said jokingly. But her heart felt sad, because the main reason why she had come here – for asking Radhika's hand, couldn't be fulfilled.
Hearing this Vaishali asked "are maaji....par Dev abhi tak nahi aaya....." she glanced over her shoulder towards the window "kitni der ho gayi hai....raat hone aayi hai"
Dadima sighed "tujhe to pata hai na.....woh yahan aake bhi bas kaam main hi laga rehta hai....isiliye"
Just then, Dev entered inside the house, coughing a little.
Seeing him a smile broke on Vaishali's face "Dev...." she called out fondly.
Dev, who had been lost in his own world, glanced up quickly hearing his mother's affectionate tone and to his surprise found her indeed standing in front of him. "Ma....." he said with a smile, hiding all his pains, walking to her.
"Kaise hai tu?" she said taking a few steps to him "Maaji keh rahi thi ke yahan aake bhi sirf kaam hi karta rehta hai......hmm" she said framing a side of his face fondly.....but
suddenly her hands sensed that he had temperature and her face turned worried "Dev....beta tujhe bhukar hai?" she asked touching his forehead.
Dadima came to them, hearing this "Kya huwa? Bhukar....?"
Dev did indeed feel sore "are nahi Ma bas....thoda sa hai....jyaada chinta mat karo" he said to pacify their worries.
Vaishali did not get convinced "Beta tujhe kaafi bhukar hai...aur tu keh raha hai ke kuch nahi....agar tabiyat theek nahi thi to jyaada kaam karne ki kya jaroorat pad gayi....ghar aajaata hmm?" she scolded
Dadima quipped in "Humari baat to sunega nahi......kal jab uss mandir main gaye the to najane kitni der wahan upar khada tha....itni thandi hawa chal rahi thi waha pe....sardi lag gayi hogi" she said in an acid tone, reparimanding Dev for his action.
Dev sighed, tiredly "Dadima....ab aap mujhe kitni baar datogi?....are mujhe kuch nahi huwa hai......bas thoda sa aaram karna hai" he said with much difficulty as his throat was paining too.
"acha theek hai......muh haath dho le....main khana tere kamre main hi bhejwa deti hoon" Vaishali said hurriedly
"erm.....nahi Ma......kuch khane ka man nahi kar raha hai......rehne do na" he protested lightly, making a frown.
Vaishli pursed her lips, angrily "dekha maaji....." she said glancing at Dadima briefly and then shifted her gaze back to him "are beta khana nahi khayega.....to aur tabiyat kharab ho jaayegi.....shareer main takat bhi to chahiye na....ja main tera khana leke aati hoon"
Dev gave another sigh, giving up "Nahi main neeche aajaonga"
"Theek hai......jaldi aa" Vaishali said and then turned towards the kitchen to arrange the food.
Some minutes later......
Dev came down the stairs wearing a simple white kurta payjaama. His face looked tired and sore. Reaching the table he sat down slowly.
Vaishali came to serve him. "beta khake sone chala jaa....aaj aur koi kaam karne ki jaroorat nahi hai samjha" she said gently.
Dev just nodded his head. Dadima too, seated herself and Vaishali after serving her, seated down.
"are Vaishali.....Mrinalini kab aa rahi hai?" Dadima asked
"Jee maaji kal aa rahi hai....woh use kuch kaam agaya tha Delhi main....uski koi saheli thi use milna pad gaya.....to who aur Nandu kal aa rahe hain" Vaishali replied back.
Dev hardly paid any attention to all the talk going around him.....his mind, heart and soul badly ached for only Radhika. The whole day he had been busy in meetings that hardly gave him time to think, to see her.
Suddenly Vaishali remembered about the temple incident, that she had forgot to tell Dadima "are maaji....maine aapko to bataya hi nahi....woh jab main Vrindavan aayi aaj to maine uss mandir main gayi thi jiska aap humesha jikr kiya karti"
Dadima smiled "acha....?"
"Hmm....aur jaanti hai....wahan mujhe ek bahut hi pyaari bachi mili" Vaishali reminisced about those moments with Radhika
Dadima's eyes tightened "Kaun?" she asked intriguingly
"erm....Radhika....Ha....Radhika naam hai uska" Vaishali said smiling.
Hearing the name, Dev swiftly jerked his head up and all his senses turned attentive to listen to her.
Dadima's eyes widen by a fraction in surprise. Vaishali, meanwhile continues "Jee....woh main mandir gayi thi to wahan seedhiyon pe mera pair phisal gaya tha...."
Dev frowned hearing this "ma....aapko lagi to nahi?" he asked hurriedly.
Glancing at him, Vaishali shook her head "Nahi beta....par agar Radhika na hoti to jaroor lag jaati" she said fondly, remembering Radhika and her words.
Dev found a small smile creeping across his face.
"Aur jaanti hai maaji.....mere pair main jara si moch aa gayi thi....uss bachi ne mujhe dava bhi laga di.....keh rahi thi ke agar usne mujhe aise hi bhej diya to uske Kanha naaraz ho jaayenge" she said, chuckling once. "sach main badi pyaari bachi hai who....itni sanskari....aur guno se bhari" Vaishali continued, remembering Radhika fondly.
Dev's heart swelled, hearing his mother praise Radhika – his wife, so much....and his smile widened.
Dadima smiled faintly, but deep inside a small twinge arose, but she hid it "Hmm.....woh bahut pyaari hai......"
"aap jaanti hain maaji use?" she asked, stunned
Dadima nodded once "ha...are who Susheel ki bahu hain na....Deepika....uski badi pakki saheli hai....shaadi main mulakat huwi thi use...."
"acha?"
"Ha.....tabhi to jaan pehchaan huwi.....woh Shastrijee ki beti hain....yahi mandir se thode duri main rehti hai"
"acha phir to aap sab use badi tarah se jaante honge?" Vaishali asked.
Nodding once Dadima smiled "Ha....woh aur uski behen Vishaka, uss samay humare bahut kareeb aayi thi" saying she glanced once at Dev and again her heart stabbed in pain.
"Hmm....maaji sach kahoon to aaj ke dinon main aise log mil paana bahut mushkil hai..... uska pati bada khushkismat hai ke use aisi patni mili hai" Vaishali said, shifting her gaze back at her food.
Dev's brows pulled together in shock, listening to her words.
"pati?" Dadima asked baffled.
Vaishali glanced up, hearing Dadima's puzzled voice.
"Vaishali.....Radhika ki shaadi nahi huwi hai" Dadima stated smoothly in a gentle voice "tumhe koi galatfaimi huwi hai"
Vaishali felt a little stunned "Oh....par maaji uske maang main to sindoor tha.....to mujhe laga ke who vivahit hai.....aur maine to use sada suhagan rehne ka aashirwaad bhi de diya......" she added feeling a little queasy.
Dev looked down unable to hide the smile, that clearly expressed his happiness – his mother gave her blessings, although unknowingly, to his wife. Somehow all his soreness seemed to fade for that moment.
Dadima laughed once "are nahi beta....woh hum jis mandir main gaye the na......Radhika bhi wahan aayi thi....to uske mang main galti se who sindoor lag gaya tha....par who Kanha ka sindoor hai......yeh kehkar uss pagli ne ab tak rakha hoga"
"Leejeye....najane who kya soch rahi hogi?" Vaishali added a little warily
Dadima shook her head "are kuch nahi....woh apne dil se nahi lagayegi....chinta na karo"
Soon the talk diverted to different topics. After the dinner Dev went upstairs to get some sleep. Reaching inside, he slowly walked across to his bed and lied down, pushing his legs on the floor. His body was paining badly whereas his head throbbed badly....but his mind was still on Radhika.
Slowly his mother's words floated in his ears.....
"Aur jaanti hai maaji.....mere pair main jara si moch aa gayi thi....uss bachi ne mujhe dava bhi laga di.....keh rahi thi ke agar usne mujhe aise hi bhej diya to uske Kanha naaraz ho jaayenge" she said, chuckling once. "sach main badi pyaari bachi hai who....itni sanskari....aur guno se bhari"
"Hmm....maaji sach kahoon to aaj ke dinon main aise log mil paana bahut mushkil hai..... uska pati bada khushkismat hai ke use aisi patni mili hai"
A beam flashed across Dev's sore face......
"Ma aap bilkul sahi keh rahi hain.....main sach main bahut khushkismat hoon ke mujhe Radhika ke jaisi patni mili....." he wondered aloud staring at the ceiling.
"Dekho na Radhika....tumhe aaj meri Ma ka aashirwaad bhi mil gaya......" he continued with a small smile.
Slowly turning his head to the phone, he gazed at it for long moments toying with the idea of calling her. He knew all these pains would vanish with her soothing voice. Stretching himself a little, he picked up the phone and dialled the number to call....but the next second he stopped.
Getting up, he wondered in his coarse voice. "Nahi...main use iss tarah baat nahi kar sakta.....mujhe us se mil kar hi maafi maangni chahiye...." saying he again lied down again, letting her images float in front of his eyes.
Next day......
The early morning chilly breeze swirled all over the temple making the garlands sway along with it. Everything looked pleasant and beautiful.....
Radhika started lighting all the diyas in front of the Lord's idol. Slowly she again glanced back over her shoulders – but her searching gaze only met with disappointment. Turning back to Kanha, she muttered "Kanha.....woh itni der to kabhi nahi lagate...to aaj kya huwa?" Her mind felt an unfathomable queasiness and above that, Dev hasn't come yet......Somehow all these thougts made her feel very uneasy.
Her thoughts drifted to yesterday's incident when he had been wanting to talk to her.
"Kal who mujhse poochna chahte the.......kahi humare rishte ke.....?" Unknowingly she clutched the Kanha pendant.
"aur agar unhone mujhse aisa kuch poocha to kya jawaab do unhe....main to koi jawab nahi de sakti Kanha......kyunki main to khud nahi jaanti ke mujhe kya karna hai. Agar iss rishte to sweekar liya......to main apne babuji ko dhoka doongi......aur agar unse yeh keh diya ke main iss rishte ko nahi manti......to who shayad najane kya soch baithen"
Suddenly some thought flickered in her mind and she glanced up at the Lord, worriedly
"Kahi isi wajah se who aaj nahi aaye......kahi unhone yeh soch liya ke main iss rishte ko nahi manti aur....." she muttered anxiously.
Her mind panicked, thinking about him. "Kya huwa hoga Kanha.....unhe jaldi bhej do na.....unhe bas sahi salamat dekh loon....." she mumbled feeling very uneasy.
Slowly devotees started filling the temple.....then, Shastrijee came. Radhika forced a smile and did the aarti reluctantly, but all the while her eyes kept waiting for him. After giving all devotees the aarti, Radhika slowly walked across to the steps and lets her gaze wander over the road, waiting....searching for him. But again her gaze couldn't find him.
"Kya huwa hoga.....unhe itni der kabhi nahi hoti......mera man itna bechain kyun ho raha hai Kanha....kaha hain aap?" She wondered worriedly
Shastrijee came to her, seeing her gazing at nothing "Radhika beta?"
Feeling a little startled, Radhika swiftly turned to meet Shastrijee's gaze "erm....je...."
"Beta kya huwa? Kya dekh rahi hai?" he asked, calmly.
"er....kuch nahi Babuji...." Radhika covered up.
"acha......waise aaj Dev dikhayi nahi de rahe?" he asked, suddenly remembering "abhi tak to aajate hain na?"
Her heart was madly worrying for the same. She silently nodded her head "Hmm...."
"Shayad kisi kaam main vyast ho gaye honge" he wondered with a small smile. "acha beta.....mujhe ek puja main jaana hai....main chalta hoon theek hai" saying he climbed down the steps.
Radhika gazed at Shastrijee as he walked to the road, but her mind disagreed with him. Turning, she walked back to the altar "nahi...aisa nahi ho sakta.....woh chahe jitney bhi vyast ho.....yahan aana nahi bhul sakte......" she said glancing up at the Lord.
A few hours later....
Amma, seated on the hand auto, was going towards her home. Suddenly she remembered about some medicines that she had to buy and asked the auto driver to stop near the medicine shop. Getting down, she walked up and asked for the usual medicine that she always bought. The shopkeeper gave her the medicine and she strolled back towards her auto. While she was about to get on it, her gaze found Dadima standing along with a few ladies, at some distance. Her gaze focused on all the ladies – there were two of them, one a middle aged lady and other a young lady, dressed up very beautifully.
At some distance, Dadima stood along with Vaishali and Mrinalini talking to some pandit. "Jee panditjee....ab bhi humare saath hi muth chalen"
Panditjee smiled "theek hai maji....erm.....waise Dev bte nahi aaye....woh nahi shamil ho rahe iss puja main?"
Vaishali sighed slightly "Nahi Panditjee....uski tabiyat bahut kharab hai.....bahut bhukar hai use.....to ghar main aaram kar raha hai"
"aur dekhiye na mamma....hum main se kisi ko rukhne bhi nahi diya Dev ne......" Mrinalini felt bad for she couldn't stay back and take care of Dev.
"par beta....tera aur Nandu ka hona bahut avashyak tha.....Ha main ruk sakti thi....par who sune tab na....." Dadima replied with a sigh.
"Koi baat nahi maaji......aap log puja ke baad jaldi ghar chale jaana.....abhi chalte hain warna aur der ho jaayegi" Panditjee said.
They all agreed and get inside the car.
Amma, who had been listening to all this, grinned happily. Suddenly the auto driver called her "are Ammaji chaliye na....ka khade khade dekh rahi hain?" he said, feeling a little irked.
Frowning, Amma glanced up at him "are toko tora paise to dengi na hum...to kahe aise shakl banake mora din bigadat hain? huh....chal ab" she asked curtly, getting on the auto. As the auto started moving, Amma again smiled to herself wondering about something.
Reaching her home, Amma swiftly entered inside, calling Devki "are....bahuriya....kahan gayi?"
Devki came out, hearing Amma's voice "are aap aagayi? Kaisa thi aapka safar?" she asked, smiling a bit.
"are who sab chod.....moko ee bata ke Vishaka kahan hain?" Amma asked hurriedly.
Devki's brows twitched curiously, seeing Amma asking for Vishaka in such hurry "Jee? Who andar apne kamre main hai.....par aap thodi der aaram to kar leejeye"
Amma grinned "are abhi aaram karne ka samay na hai....hum jaati hain mor poti se milne...tu mere liye chai banake rakh....aur ha nahane ka bhi intezaam kar le hmm" she said, walking to Vishaka's room.
Devki kept staring at her for a moment, puzzled, by her behaviour "aate aate hi apne poti se milne ki itni tadap kyun lagi hai Ammajee ko?" she muttered, heading to kitchen.
Entering inside Vishaka's room, Amma found her standing near the mirror brushing her hairs "Betiya....." she called out fondly.
Vishaka turned around, smiling "Amma.......aap kab aayi" she said throwing the brush on the bed and came to hug her.
Amma hugged her back "are bas abhi aayi.....aur kaisi hai mor poti" she asked affectionately
Lenaing back, Vishaka smiled "Bilkul achi...."she replied in her bubbly tone.
Amma held her chin lovingly "ha betiya.....woh to moko dikh raho hain.....acha tu kahi jaa rahi hai kya?" she asked frowning by a fraction.
"Ha Amma....woh mere Dance classes hai na...." but she paused seeing Amma's frown, as she was unable to understand "er....mera matlab who main jahan nrutya seekhne jaati hoo.......aapko to pata hai na....kal mere auditions hain....to bas uski tayari ke liye....
Amma interrupted her curtly "tora matlab hai ke who jo uchal khud karne jaati hai wahan?"
Vishaka pursed her lips, angrily "Amma....uchal khud nahi...Bharatnatyam" she stated proudly.
"Ha ha....woh jo bhi hai.....more liye uchal khud hi hai na....." she said walking across to the closet and opening it, she started rummaging through it.
Vishaka huffed, annoyed – she didn't like Amma rubbishing off her hard work and talent.
Amma grinned widely, as she found a beautiful red saree in the closet. Taking it out, she bought it to Vishaka "yeh le.....pehele ise" she said fondly.
Vishaka squinted in confusion "Par Amma.....main ise pehenke naach nahi sakti" she stated
Amma sighed "Kaun keh raho hai......tu aaj wahan na jaa rahi hai" he said sternly
Vishaka's eyes widened in shock "Amma.....yeh aap keh rahi hai? Par kyun nahi jaa sakti main......kal mere auditions hain....mujhe jaana hi......."
Amma interrupted her again "Par tu aaj na jaa rahi matlab nahi jaa rahi......." she declared firmly "tu aaj Purohit parivar ke yahan jaayegi....." her voice turned loving again, as she held her chin.
Vishaka scowled. "Purohit House?? Par kyun??" she would have almost screamed in distress – she had to sacrifice her Dance classes for Purohit's????? But she controlled and asked in a baffled voice.
Amma grinned "Hmm....woh hum jo Haridwar se aaj Prasad le aayi hai na....tujhe who jaake unhe de aana hai"
Vishaka gave a irked sigh "Uugh! Par Amma who to main baad main bhi jaa sakti hoo......main shaam ko chali jaaongi" she said refuting Amma's requests and leaned to pick her bag.
But Amma stopped her "Na...betiya....toko abhi jaana hai"
Now Vishaka felt annoyed with Amma's continous persistence, the reason for which was uncomprehendable to her. "Par Amma.....mujhe hi kyun jaana hai....prasad hai koi bhi de sakta hai....?"
"Main nahi jaa rahi wahan.......bas" she said angrily, folding her hands across her chest firmly.
"Tu na jaayegi......na jaayegi wahan" Amma asked angrily but Vishaka stood silent, not responding to her "Theek hai.....agar tu aaj wahan nahi gayi....to hum.....khana peena chod dengi"
Vishaka couldn't believe her ears and bringing her hands down, she swiftly turned to Amma..... "yeh aap kyun kar rahi hain.....mere wahan na jaane se....kya aasman tuth padega jo aap aisi zid kar rahi hain?" she asked, irked
"Tujjhe jo sochna hai soch le.....par humne jo ek baar keh diyo....to bas keh diyo" she said with determined voice "aaj agar tu wahan eei Prasad dene na gayi.....to hum khana peena chod devengi"
At this, Vishaka fumed in anger, feeling trapped. Turning to Amma, she pulled the saree harshly "laaiye......." she said curtly, making an angry face and walked across to change in to that saree.
A grin flashed across Amma's face. "are betiya.....hum sab tore bhale ke liye kar rahi hain...." she muttered, nearing the dressing table to search for some matching accessories with the saree.
Some moments later......
Vishaka came out, wearing the saree. Amma turned and smiled happily. "are itni sundar lag rahi hai mor poti.....kisiki nazar na lag jaaye....."
Feeling annoyed, Vishaka turned her face away.
Amma smiled "are betiya...hum jo bhi karat hai usme tora bhala hi hovego na? hmm" she asked touching her face.
"Amma....ab Purohit parivaar ke yahan jaane se mera kya bhala ha jaayega? Hmm?" she asked, furiously
Grinning Amma touched her face. "tu abhi na samjhegi......ab yeh sab pehenle......" she said, showing her some accessories.
Turning, Vishaka found accessories matching the saree, kept on the dresser. She scowled in confusion and glanced back at Amma, baffled. "Amma.....mujhe Purohit House tak hi to jaana hai....to aap mujhe yeh saree.....chudiyan...bindi sab pehenake kyun bhej rahi hain? Main kya koi dulhan hoon?" her voice seemed very irritated.
Amma shook her head helplessly "Kab samjhegi mor poti....kitni nadaan hai meri bachi ....aur pura duniya tora faayda uthati hai" she said, referring about Radhika. And then taking the bangles, slipped it on Vishaka's hand. Slowly Amma made wear the matching necklace, earings, bindi etc.
Making some annoyed faces, Vishaka allowed Amma. But within, she was getting irritated with every passing second – she had her dance practice, which she had to miss and instead get dolled up here.
Just then Devki came inside to call Amma, but instead saw her Vishaka standing wearing a saree "are Vishaka?" she called with a smile.
Vishaka turned around.....her face appeared red in anger.
"Ammajee.....yeh aap Vishaka ko saja kyun rahi hain? Kaha jaa rahi hai yeh?" Devki asked curiously, seeing Amma helping Vishaka to dress up.
Seeing Devki, Vishaka felt a small relief, as she could help her, and moved to her. "Ma ...... dekho na....mujhe Dance class jaana hai....aur Amma mujhe Purohit house bhej rahi hai....woh bhi aise tayar karke....sirf Prasad dene liye" she complained furiously.
Devki shifted her gaze to Amma, puzzled "Ammajee....Purohit parivaar ke yahan?"
"Ha Bahuriya......" she affirmed sternly and bringing the packet of Prasad, placed in the nearby table, she forced it into Vishaka's hand.
Shaking her head a bit, she made a pleading face to Devki "Nahi Ma mujhe wahan nahi jaana....mujhe Dance Class jaana hai......please Ma...."
Devki, too wasn't able to comprehend Amma's adamance "Ammajee...jab who itna keh rahi hai to use......"
Amma interrupted her tersly "moko mat sikha bahuriya ke ka karna hai....tu jaa aur rasoi main khana paka.....tore liye to waise bhi Vishaka se jyaada Radhika pyaari hain na? Moko pata hai ke mor poti ke liye ka sahi hai aur ka galat......ab jaa" she reproved coldly.
Shifting her gaze to Vishaka, she pulled her arms "betiya....wahan jaana...aur sabse baatein karna....hmm.....sabko acha lagega" her tone turned loving, as she took her along outside.
Vishaka moved her feet reluctantly to the door and then till the gate. Amma grinned "Jaa Betiya.....jaa". Vishaka made her an angry disgusting face and started walking.
Devki, who had been watching all this silently spoke up "Ammajee....aap yeh baar baar Vishaka ko Purohit parivaar ke yahan kyun bhejti hain....aur aaj bhi iss tarah bheja hai?" she asked curiously.
Amma pretended as if she didn't listen "Tune mor liye paani garm kiyo hai na?" she asked entering the house.
Devki's gaze tightened, seeing Amma not even answering her "Par Amma....main pooch rahi thi ke........"
Amma interrupted her slyly. "are mor chai banake rakhiyon....hum nahake aati hain hmm" she smiled to herself and started walking towards the washroom.
Devki kept gazing at her baffled.
Smiling to herself, Amma wondered.
"hmm.....ab mor Vishaka....ache se dhyaan rakh paavegi Dev bte ka......"
Vishaka walked across the road making annoying faces, cursing Amma "yeh Amma bhi na.....sab mera wahan intezaar kar rahe honge.....par nahi mujhe to Purohit House jaana hai na??" she muttered in angrily, grimacing at the packet she held.
As she kept walking, she came across the temple and her feet halted. Glancing up towards the temple, she wondered aloud "Kanha....meri madad karo...kya sirf Radhika ke madad ke liye aap aaoge.....aaj uski iss lachar behen ki bhi sun lo na Kanha.....meri behen itni badi bhakt hai aapki......to uske khate se thodi bahut achai mere khate main udhar de do aur meri madad karo na Kanha....please please....." she pleaded.
Some by passers gazed at her amusingly for she was standing outside the temple and rambling aloud. But Vishaka didn't mind them and continued her rant "Kanha.....please please......"
At that point, her gaze stumbles on Radhika, coming down the steps, and tightened for a second but then her gaze widened in happiness as an idea flashed across her brain. Shifting her gaze to temple "Thank You Kanha...." saying she started walking to Radhika.
Radhika was still lost in her own world wondering why Dev didn't come to the temple today......when she sees Vishaka coming to her. Her brows twitch in confusion seeing Vishaka dressed up in a saree, but then a small smile fills her face as her sister looked very pretty. "Vishaka?"
"Radhika....." Vishaka called relieved.....she was her life saver!!
Nearing her, Radhika looked at her properly "tu itni saj dhaj ke kahan jaa rahi hai? Par jo bhi hai......badi khubsurat lag rahi hai" she said touching her face, fondly.
"Acha....woh sab chod chal mere saath" Vishaka said pulling her along.
Radhika felt confused "are....par tu mujhe le kahan jaa rahi hai?......mujhe ghar jaana hai" she said hurriedly
Vishaka sighed "Nahi Radhika tu abhi ghar nahi ja rahi......are autowale bhaiyya" she called for an auto.
Radhika wondered why she was calling for an auto. "Par bata to sahi ke hum jaa kaha rahe hain?" she asked Vishaka.
Getting in to the auto, Vishaka glanced at her "sab bata doongi....pehle tu chal mere saath?"
Radhika got in reluctantly "Par Kahan? Aur Ma mere ghar main intezaar kar rahi hogi?" she said
Vishaka asked the auto driver to take them to a specified place "Oho Radhika......maine kaha na wahan jaake sab bata doongi......ab tu please koi sawaal mat pooch....mera dimaag pehle hi bahut gusse main hai" she replied back controlling her anger towards Amma.
Radhika fell silent seeing Vishaka fuming in anger and didn't ask any further questions "acha theek hai.....tu shant ho jaa" She gave a sigh and looked around as they passed small temples and lanes. Her mind again flew back to Dev.
Some moments later.......
They reach outside an old building. Giving autodriver his rent, Vishaka glanced at Radhika and found her gazing at nothing "Radhika...." she called loudly.
Startled, Radhika shifted her gaze to Vishaka and found her smiling "Kya huwa...kahan kho gayi....chal"
Nodding once, Radhika got down. Her gaze instantly recognized the place, as she had been once here "yeh to wahi jagah hain na jahan tu Dance ki practice karti hai?"
Vishaka pulled her arm "Ha....chal" she said hastily, taking Radhika along with her inside.
Some minutes later......
Inside the changing room......Radhika was panicking in fear, as Vishaka pleated the saree pallu properly on her "Vishaka....tu jaanti hai tu kya keh rahi hai?"
Vishaka, now wearing Radhika's salwar kameez, glanced up and saw her forhead sweating "Radhika......relax" saying she wiped off the sweat with a cloth "aur ab meri baat dhyaan se sun"
Radhika turned away, frightened "Nahi Vishaka mujhse yeh nahi hoga......main teri jagah Purohit House kaise jaa sakti hoon?" Her eyes widen up in fear wondering about Amma "agar Amma ko pata chal gaya to who to mujhe maar hi dalengi......" she was already shivering thinking about facing Amma's wrath.
Vishaka came to face her "Oho Radhika......aisa kuch nahi hoga....dekh Amma abhi abhi aayi hain....to who ghar main hi aaram kar rahi hongi....to tujhe kaise dekhegi? Hmm"
Radhika shook her head, vehemently denying "Vishaka.....kyun yeh sab karwa rahi hai mujhse......yeh sab nahi hoga mujhse" she said, feeling terrified
Vishaka held her chin "Dekh Radhika....mere liye Please....aaj mere liye bahut important din hai.....kal mere auditions hai.....aur mera aaj practice main hona bahut jaroori hai. Par maine tujhe bataya na Amma ki zid...aur uske aage main kuch nahi kar paayi. Lekin tu meri madad kar sakti hai. Tu apni sabse pyaari....ek lauti behen ki madad nahi karegi??" she pleaded making a cute face.
Radhika really wanted to give in, as she knew that it was indeed important for Vishaka to stay back. But Amma's fear made her hesitant "Par Vishaka....Amma ko agar pata bhi chal gaya.....agar unhe kisine bata diya to who mujhe jinda nahi chodegi"
"Radhika....Amma ko nahi pata chalega....tu yeh saree ka pallu apne sar pe dakh le" she said circling the pallu over her head. "koi tujhe nahi dekhega.....hmm" she said to pacify her fears.
"Par Vishaka.....main kyun.....tu jaake Prasad de aa.....phir practice ke liye aaja....." Radhika said hurriedly
Vishaka sighed helplessly "Dekh Radhika usme bahut der ho jayegi.....aur tu to janti hai na.....meri Guruji bahut strict hai punctuality main....der se aana....woh bhi aaj ke din who bardasht nahi kar sakti......isiliye to maine apne saheli ke yahan jaake dress badalne ka idea chod diya......aur waise bhi agar kahi se Amma ko pata chal jaata to....aaj to meri khair na hoti......please Radhika man jaa na" she almost beseeched folding her hands
Radhika quickly placed her hand over Vishaka's folded hands "yeh tu kya kar rahi hai?"
Suddenly, a girl knocked "Vishaka......Guruji aagayi hain......thodi der main andar aajayengi"
Vishaka's eyes widened "Radhika......Guruji bhi aagayi.....dekh tujhe abhi jaana hi hoga....mere paas abhi aur koi raasta nahi hai....." she said
But Radhika was still worried "par ghar main kisine poocha to"
Vishaka hadn't thought about that. "erm......ha agar ghar main poocha to??.....Ha main Ma ko sab phone karke bata doongi.....woh to Amma se bhi yahi keh rahi thi ke main chali jaaon"
"Tu keh degi na Vishaka?" Radhika asked, still panicking
"ha baba.....aur sun main tujhe shaam ko lene aajaogi....tab tak tujhe Purohit House main hi rehna hoga..... kyunki mujhe tak yahan shaam tak practice karni hai....aur iss beech tu ghar nahi jaa sakti.... aur agar tu kahi bahar gayi.....aur Amma ne dekh liya....phir main tujhe nahi bacha sakti Amma ke keher se" Vishaka said
Radhika felt her heart missing a beat, in fear "Lekin pura din main wahan kya karoongi?" she asked nervously
"kya karoongi kya? Dadima se baatein kar......are unke saath samay kaise beet jaayega pata hi nahi chalega....aur ghar main sab Ma sambhal legi....to tu fikr kyun kar rahi hai ab?" Vishaka replied, to relax her.
Radhika felt very helpless....she wanted to help her sister but on the other hand Amma's fear was eating her up. She glanced up to meet Vishaka's cute requesting face. "Theek hai......" she said slowly, feeling hesitant.
Vishaka smiled, excitedly "Oh Thanks Thanks Radhika....Your the sweetest!!!" saying she hugged and planted a small kiss on her cheek.
Radhika smiled a bit unsurely.
But Vishaka frowned seeing Radhika's pale face "Ab Radhika...tu itni achi lag rahi....aisi shakl kyun banake rakhi hai? Waise bhi mujhse jyaada tu iss saree main achi lag rahi hai" Vishaka said, gazing at her properly, feeling a bit relieved.
"Par Amma tujhe iss tarah saj dhaj ke kyun bhej rahi thi?" Radhika asked puzzled.
Vishaka shrugged her arms, saying she didn't know "Pata nahi....lekin jo bhi hai....tu badi pyaari lag rahi hai....koi tujhe dekh kar kahega hi nahi ke tu wahi Radhika hai" she said, turning her to the mirror.
Radhika was looking in to the mirror for the first time, after wearing this saree – until now she was shivering in fear to notice anything. "Par yeh sab pehenke jaana jaroori hai?" she asked shifting her gaze through the accessories.
"are chali jaana.....waise bhi wahan sirf Dadima hi to hongi....main yahan rakhke kya karoongi...aur yahan kuch chut gaya galti se....to Amma ko shak ho jaayega....to ise acha ke tu pehene rakh.....hmm" Vishaka replied arranging the small necklace on her neck.
Radhika shook her head in agreement "Theek hai...."
"acha chal....main tujhe neeche tak chod deti hoon....hmm" Vishaka said and started moving to the door. Radhika followed her with reluctant steps.
But suddenly Vishaka halted and turned. Radhika frowned in question. Vishaka took a step and quickly hugged Radhika tight. "I am very sorry Radhika.....meri wajah se tujhe itna bada risk lena pad raha hai na......" she geniuinely felt sorry.
Radhika felt a little startled with the sudden hug but Vishaka's words bought a smile on her face and she stroked her back fondly "Koi baat nahi Vishaka....."
Leaning back, Vishaka looked at her feeling guilty "Par Radhika....main sach main majboor hoon....warna main aisa kabhi na....."
Radhika interrupted her by placing a finger on her lip. "Kya main apni behen ko nahi jaanti.....aur waise bhi....tu to meri ek lauti....sabse pyaari...sabse cute behen hai....hmm to teri madad kaise na karoon?" she asked affectionately
Vishaka felt relieved.
"Theek hai....ab tu yahan man laga ke practice kar....baki sab mujhpe chod de....hmm" Radhika said, mollifying her anxiety now; although she was feeling very scared, she didn't want Vishaka's practice to suffer.
They both come down and get an auto. Radhika gets in and the auto starts to Purohit House. As the auto moved, Radhika kept her face carefully hidden in the pallu, not wanting anyone in Vrindavan to notice her and then inform Amma about this.
Some moments passed and the auto halted in front of Purohit House. Radhika sighed feeling a little relief and giving the money, she got down and walked inside with cautious steps.
Meanwhile....inside Purohit House
Dev came down the stairs wearing a simple black shirt and track pant, feeling sore.....his body ached like hell, whereas his head throbbed badly in pain and the temperature just didn't seem have any mood to cool down. Coming down, he headed to the dining area to get some water.
Seeing him downstairs, the househelp called him "are bhaiyya....aap kyun uth gaye.... humse keh diya hota....hum chale aate"
Halting in his steps, Dev turned and shook his head "nahi.....main khud le loonga..... mujhe sirf paani hi chahiye tha" he said in a husky voice. Walking towards the table, he continued "aur waise bhi aaj ghar main sirf tum hi hona?"
The househelp, who was following him, nodded "Jee bhaiyya....aaj jhumki bhi nahi aayi" he said, referring about the other housemaid.
Dev took the jug and poured some water on the glass when the househelp spoke again in a slow voice "erm....jee bhaiyya....woh....mujhe bazaar jaana tha....." his words came out cautiously
Sipping some water, Dev glanced at him "to jaao na....." he replied coarsely.
"par bhaiyya....Dadima ne sakti se kaha tha....ke main aapko akele chod ke na jaon....aur aapki tabiyat itni kharab hai....humara man to yahi rahega.....hum kaise?" he said slowly.
Dev turned to him, keeping the glass back "main theek hoon....tum jaao....aur waise bhi bazaar to paas hi haina....tumhe jyaada der to lagegi nahi"
"erm....nahi main jaldi aajaonga....par....iss tarah...."
The door bell rang once loudly........interrupting him.
Dev glanced once towards the direction the sound came. "Jaao pehle dekho darwaze main kaun hai" he ordered in the same sore voice.
Nodding once, the househelp rushed to open the door
As the door opened, he found Radhika standing outside. "Radhe Radhe....."
Radhika smiled a bit. "Radhe Radhe....erm Dadima hai....." she asked, moving inside when the househelp shifted aside for letting her in.
Her heart was pacing faster without any reason – she had to repeatedly remind herself that Dev would be in office, and not here to ask her any questions.....but strangely a part of her heart did want to meet him to ensure that he was fine.
"er....jee nahi....sab log mutt gaye huwe hain puja ke liye" the househelp replied politely.
"Mutt main puja ke liye?" Radhika wondered aloud.
Suddenly another coarse, husky voice floated across the silent room "Kaun hai??"
The voice seemed coarse and tired but still Radhika recognized it and her heart missed a beat, while her gaze widened by a fraction wondering how come he was here at this hour, when he should be in the office?
She looked up and found Dev appearing from inside the house.
"Ka......." But Dev's voice stuck in his throat as his gaze found Radhika standing in front of the door – magically all his pains vanished seeing her face!! But the next instant his gaze shifted from her beautiful face.....to her figure, clad in a red saree. For a moment, he thought he forgot breathing – but no he didn't....it was just that his brain didn't register anything other than her beauty! She looked stunningly beautiful in that red saree with simple golden works. His gaze involuntarily scanned all over her.
Sensing his gaze travelling all over her, Radhika's cheeks felt red. She looked away from him to compose her rapidly pacing heart beats.
"Jee yeh Dadima se milne aayi hain" the househelp replied.
Feeling a little alarmed, Dev hurriedly turned his gaze to him "Oh....erm....par Dadima to mutt gayi hai......." he said, glancing back at Radhika, controlling himself from getting lost in her beauty.
Radhika turned her head to him again, but now, noticed him properly......his hairs were a mess.....his unshaven face looked very sore and tired whereas his eyes were red...and she didn't miss the gruffy voice. He looked sick......very sick!
"er.....jee who main yeh Prasad dene aayi thi" she said bringing forward the plastic bag, but her gaze kept its focus on him.
Dev glanced at the bag briefly and then looked up at her "Oh....acha....mujhe de do....." he replied back gently.
Radhika walked to him, all the while her gaze kept studying his face. Dev, too, kept gazing at her lovingly. On reaching him, she held out the packet in front of him. Keeping his gaze glued to her's, Dev bought up his hands to hold it, but instead he unknowingly placed them over her soft hands, resting on the packet.
Instantly, Radhika's gaze frowned, sensing his touch – his skin was burning hot!! Swiftly glancing down, she placed her hand over his wrist, to check and gasped lightly feeling his skin to be feverishly hot. "aapko to tez bhukar hai!!!!" she exclaimed, hurriedly looking up and lifted her hands up to touch her palm to his forehead. Her face turned worried sensing his high temperature. "aapka badan to bhukar se tap raha hai" saying, she moved her hand to his hot cheek
Dev loved seeing her care about him so much....but the worry lines forming on her beautiful face pinched his heart. "nahi Radhika main......" He interrupted himself, sensing the househelp staring at both of them oddly.
As Dev's gaze moved to the door, Radhika, too, realized the presence of the househelp in the same room. She hastily pulled back her hand, feeling a little embarrassed and looked down.
Shifting his gaze to her, Dev continued "main theek hoon Radhika....." he said softly, pacifying her worries.
Radhika nodded, pulling her other hand from the packet as he held it securely, but her heart was hardly convinced about his health.
Dev glanced up at the househelp, who still stood at the door "tumhe bazaar jaana tha na?...." he asked gently. His heart ached to talk with her, but certainly not in the presence of an audience.
The househelp nodded once, coming to him "par bhaiyaa aapko iss halat main akele kaise chod doon?"
Radhika lifted her gaze up to him.
Dev gave a silent sigh. "erm.....maine kaha na koi baat nahi....tum jaao"
But the househelp seemed hesistant to do so. Shifting his gaze to Radhika, he slowly spoke to her "erm....kya aap thodi der yahan ruk sakti hain....main jaldi wapas aa jaaonga" he asked cautiously
Dev turned his gaze to Radhika, but didn't utter a word as he too was longing for some lone time with her.
Hearing the househelp's request, Radhika glanced at Dev briefly...although this was precisely what she didn't want – spending some lone time with him, as she wouldn't be able to answer him, if he chose to ask her decision......but she didn't either have any heart to leave him alone in this condition.
"Theek hai...." she replied, turning her gaze to househelp.
He gave a relieved smile for accepting his request and looked at Dev "bhaiiya main jaldi aajaonga....apna khayal rakhiyega....." saying he dashed off taking a bag.
As he closed the door behind him, Radhika slowly shifted her gaze to Dev. Unable to control herself anymore, she shed all her reservations momentarily and placed her hand again on his cheek "aapko itna tez bhukar hai?" she asked lovingly "aapne doctor ko dikhaya?"
Dev smiled a bit seeing her love and concern....half of his pains seemed to have cured off just by this. "Hmm....Doctor aaye the subah" he said nodding once.
She felt very bad seeing him in such condition. "isi wajah se aap aaj mandir nahi aa paaye na" she asked solemnly.
Taking a breath, Dev blinked once tiredly "Ha.....main to aana chahta tha.....par Dadima ne mana kar diya"
"acha kiya......jab aapki tabiyat itni kharab hai.....koi jaroorat nahi thi aapko mandir aane ki....." she replied back, gazing in to his eyes sadly.
"Par tum jo wahan mera intezaar kar rahi thi...." he said somberly, in a croaked voice.
Her throat felt a little thick hearing him. "aapke tabiyat ke saamne......mera intezaar koi maayne nahi rakhta" she replied shaking her head once, little tears formed in her eyes.
"rakhta hai.....mere liye"
But suddenly.....a small little cough arose in his throat.
Radhika feels worried seeing him cough "aiye...aap baith jaaiye......" she said hurriedly, holding his arm gently.
He walked along with her to the couch. "baith jaaiye aap....aapko aaram ki sakt jaroorat hai" she continued, helping him to seat. "main abhi aati hoon...." saying she was about to turn.
Dev swiftly glanced up to talk "erm....Radhika....." but before he could speak, again started coughing.
Radhika's forehead creased in worry "aap baatein mat keejeye....aur takleef hogi" saying she gave him a some water, placed in the center table.
Gulping a little water, Dev shook his head once "nahi.....mujhe tumse kuch baat karni hai....." he said looking up.
Bending a little to him, she interrupted him gently. "aap kyun nahi samaj rahe hain...." she said concernedly
Dev fell silent hearing her concern filled words, that reflected her worry for him, and gazed at her silently
"aap yahan baithiye......main abhi aati hoon...hmm" she said in her gentle voice
Dev's brows puckered in question "par tum jaa kahan rahi ho?"
"Bas aap yahi rahiye main abhi aa jaaongi....aap uthiyega mat...." she replied in the same warm tone and then turning, rushed to the kitchen.
Dev glanced over his shoulder's, following her, puzzled wondering why she went there?
Turning his gaze straight, he lets his mind drift to the moments they just spent....her love, concern that she poured on him.......her worry, seeing him sick that didn't even fear the presence of someonelse besides them.....all this bought a wide smile on his sore face.
Some minutes passed.....
Dev was resting on the couch, inclining the back of his head on the backrest, but his patience was ticking away. Every inch of his body ached like hell and getting up from the couch felt like some gruelsome task. Glancing back at the kitchen, he wondered what was she doing?? "Radhika......" he called her in his thick voice.
"aayi.....bas do minute" Radhika replied back.
But Dev couldn't control anymore. He slowly got up calling her name "Radhika.....??"
Suddenly Radhika appeared out from the kitchen, holding a soup bowl in her hand. Dev's face smoothed down seeing her.
Radhika came to him "aap uth kyun gaye.....chaliye baith jaaye" she said, placing her free hand over his arm.
Dev glanced once at the bowl in her hand "yeh kya hai?" he asked, curiously.
"yeh ek gharelu nuska hai.....ise peeyenge to aapka bhukar jaldi theek ho jaayega" she replied back gently with a small smile.
A frown filled his face, reminiscing about the 'kadha' that she had once given him in Delhi.... "erm....kahi yeh tumhare uss kadhe ke jaise kadva to nahi hoga na?" he asked making a face, almost grimacing.
Radhika couldn't help a smile and shook her head "nahi....iska swaad waisa nahi hai"
Dev's lips curved up, too, cherishing her beautiful smile. Slowly his gaze again wandered away from her face....to her slender neck adorned with a small necklace and her ears, that had a matching pair of earings......her wrists were filled with beautiful bangles.....and the red saree with simple golden work looked absolutely gorgeous on her. Shifting his gaze back up, he found a small bindi sparkling on her forehead.....a few strands of her hairs were secured behind with a clip........but what made his heart flutter in happiness was the faint yet visible mark of sindoor that still remained there.
Sensing his gaze moving over her again admiringly, her heart started racing and her cheeks turned red.
"tum bahut achi lagi ho aaj.....bahut khubsurat lag rahi ho" he said tenderly, gazing at her lovingly.
Her cheeks burned in response. "erm.....aap yeh pee lejeye" she said, drifting the topic.
Dev frowned a bit and glanced down at the black- brown soup "er......nahi Radhika mera man nahi kar raha hai kuch khane peene ka" he said glancing at her and then seated back on the couch tiredly.
Radhika sat next to him "dekhiye aap yeh pee lenge to aapko aaram milega....leejeye na" she insisted, holding the soup bowl forward
Dev brows twitched "nahi....Radhika......mujhe sach main man nahi kar raha hai"
Radhika smiled "erm....iska swaad who kadhe ke jaise nahi hai......garm hai abhi lenge to aapko acha lagega" she persisted.
Sighing Dev, turned his head away "Radhika mujhe nahi chahiye.....please" he wheezed lightly.
Seeing this unnecessary stubbornness, she sighed lightly. "Dekhiye....peena to aapko padega hi...." she said in a stern tone
His brows puckered by a fraction, surprised, hearing her stern voice – somehow he liked it, and turned his head to her.
"meri khatir hi sahi......" her voice turned tender, and taking a little soup in the spoon, held in front of him.
Dev didn't think much, just bought forward his face and let her feed him, letting his gaze silently adore her.
She took another spoon of soup and blowing some air to cool it down lightly, then fed him. Suddenly a small drop trickled down his lips. Radhika swiftly bought up her hand and wiped it........Her finger tips touching his lips, made his heart tingle with joy and a small smile twitched up his lips. All his pains....fever....headache....everything seemed to have disappeared!!
Some moments passed. Radhika gave another spoon, that Dev sipped in like an obiedient boy, still gazing at her.
"maine kaha tha na aapse aapko yeh bahut acha lagega" she said placing the spoon over the now, empty bowl.
Her voice bought him back from the trance and he glanced down at the empty soup bowl ....Until now he hadn't even realized that he was sipping the soup unquestioningly, neither had he felt the taste. It was only her touch....her face......her love that he sensed.
"acha chaliye....ab aap thodi der aaram kar leejye...." she said, placing the bowl on the table and got up.
Moving up his gaze, He got up along with her "erm....Radhika.....mujhe kuch baat karni hai" he said slowly.
Radhika sighed firmly "koi baat nahi hogi....aapko aaram karna hai na......araam nahi karenge.... to theek kaise honge.....hmm....? chaliye" she said affectionately.
"Radhika....." he held her arm gently "baat nahi karoonga to mujhe kabhi aaram nahi milega" he said somberly
His tone demanded her attention. She gazed at him for one moment "kya baat karni hai.....kahiye?"
Dev looked away debating within himself, wondering how to start?
Radhika's brows twitched curiously "boliye na.....kya huwa?" But her heart raced wondering if would talk about the temple incident?
Glancing back at her, he slowly bought his hands up to hold his ears "I am sorry Radhika.......mujhe maaf kardo"
She gaped briefly, seeing this, and hurriedly holding his wrists, bought his hand down "yeh aap kya kar rahe hain? Maafi kyun maang rahe hain?" she asked, puzzled
His gaze stuck on her for a second silently. "Radhika....mujhe uss din wahan mandir main tumpar iss tarah chilana nahi chahiye tha.....isiliye I am sorry" he apologized sincerely.
Flummoxed, Her lips parted hearing his words.
Dev continues "mujhe aisa nahi karna chahiye tha...." Bringing his one hand up, he slowly framed her jaw "tabse leke ab tak ek pal bhi main chain se nahi baith paaya hoon......mujhe to khud nahi samaj main aa raha hai ke.....kaise maine apni Radhika se aise baat karli". Pain flickered in his voice easily.
Radhika stared at him silently as her throat thickened seeing his love. All her brain could wonder was, as to why does he love her so much?? And why does he have to blame himself for no fault of his??
"main jaanta hoon tumhe bahut bura laga hoga na.....par yakeen karo Radhika....mujhe bhi bahut bura laga tha.....us pal se main apne aap ko kos raha hoon....muj......"
She slowly placed her fingers on his lips, interrupting him "mujhe koi bura nahi laga...." she said softly through her tight throat, gazing in to his eyes.
Bringing his other hand up, he moved her fingers from his lips but didn't release them "nahi Radhika tumhara dil to dukha hoga na.....kyunki maine tumpe bina kisi wajah chillaya....jaanti ho main kabse tumse maafi mangne ke liye tadas raha hoon? Kal bhi main mandir main yahi kehna chahta tha.....par nahi keh paaya...." his voice trailed disappointedly
Radhika shook her head once, sadly gazing in to his eyes....feeling bad.
Gulping down his thick throat, he continued "Radhika.....main to ek pal bhi aaram nahi kar pa raha tha......na so pata aur nahi......"
"aur isiliye apne aapki tabiyat bigad li?" she interrupted him gently
Dev fell silent, hearing her choking voice full of worry.
"aapne yeh nahi socha ke ab aapki Radhika ko kaise lagega.....kaise lagega jab aap itni takleef main hain.....ke tab uska dil kitna dukhega?" her throat felt tight. "mujhe aapki baaton ka koi bura nahi laga....bura to mujhe ab lag raha hai....jab aapko iss halat main dekh rahi hoon" Tears glistened in her beautiful eyes.
He gazed at her silently.
"Boliye na......? aap jaante hain....subah se mera man kitna bechain ho raha hai? Aur jab aap mandir nahi aaye....to mera dil to jaise har pal baitha jaa raha tha.....mujhe to samaj main nahi aa raha tha ke aap kyun nahi aaye?" she said somberly, as the tears started trickling down her cheeks.
Keeping his gaze fixed on her's, Dev stroked his thumb over her cheek, to brush away those small tears.
Radhika turned her face away, as if a little angrily "Boliye....nahi socha aapne....ke mujhpar kya beetegi jab main aapko iss halat main dekhoongi?" she asked, gazing at nothing.
His lips involuntarily pulled up to form a small smile, seeing her care and affection. Cupping the other side of her jaw, he gently turned her face to him and found tears rolling down uncontrollably. Frowning, he stroked his thumbs, with soft moves, over her skin to wipe away those drops.
Radhika glanced up with her teary eyes and he shook his head, silently asking her 'not to cry'. "acha theek hai....baba....mujhe iss baat ke liye bhi maaf kar do please...." he said cutely, to lighten up her mood.
Her brows puckered fractionally while the tears rolled down silently.
"Par rona mat....tumhare aansoo mujhe bahut chot pahunchate hain" he said tenderly, sweeping the tears away.
She didn't realize, but unknowingly, his simple loving words were tearing off the thin wall of fear surrounding her confused heart – that was shying away from deciding anything.
Bringing up her one hand, she held the back of his hand, that rested on her cheek and gazed at him sadly "aur waise bhi....mujhe uss din aapki baaton ka bura kaise lagta.... aapne jo bhi kaha.....woh sab sach hi to tha" she added, chuckling once sadly.
A small frown filled his face while the fingers holding her face became a little firmer "nahi Radhika.....aisa nahi hai"
"Sach hi to hai.....aapko itne saare dard uthane pad rahe hain kyunki aapne mujhse pyaar karne ki galti kar di......" she said crying.
Dev leaned his face closer "Nahi.......tumse pyaar karna koi galti nahi thi.....na tab thi ....aur na aaj hai. Main to bahut khushkismat hoon ke mujhe tumhara pyaar mil raha hai.......aur tumhe pane ke liye main har dukh, har pareeksha ko par karne ke liye tayar hoon" he added lovingly
Silently, Radhika gazed at him, at his overwhelming love that he poured on her. "kya aapke dil ke kisi kone main yeh afsos nahi hota ki aapne mujhse pyaar kiya? Mujhse..... jisne aapko it...itna....ba...bada....dho....dhoka...." her voice wavered
His thumb caressed her lips once, interrupting her "Radhika....chahe kuch bhi ho jaaye..... koi kuch bhi keh de....main yeh man sakta ke tumne mujhe pyaar ke alawa aur kuch diya hai" he said firmly.
A small teary smile came on her lips as she kept gazing in to his warm loving eyes, mutely. But somewhere deep within......her until now, confused heart started tilting off the balance towards his favour.....towards his Love!
After a moment, gulping her lump, she continued "Maafi to mujhe aapse maangni chahiye" she said sheepishly, looking down.
"tumhe?" he asked, gently stroking his fingers over her jaws.
Nodding, she shifted her gaze up "uss din main bhi to aap pe chilayi thi? Aapse rookhepan se sawaal pooche.....woh bhi to galat tha"
Dev shook his head "mm...hmm....tumhari koi galti nahi thi....tumhare liye who sab kuch ....erm.....tumhare man main bhi to....bahut saare sawaal uthe honge na?" he asked warily gazing in to her eyes
Suddenly......the phone rang interrupting their talk.
Giving a small irked sigh, Dev turned his gaze to the phone, placed on the nearby table. Taking a step, he bent to pick up the phone. "Hello...." he asked in his gruff voice.
Radhika wiped the tears with the back of her hand while her eyes remained on Dev.
The person on the other side was Mrinalini. "er.....jee bhabhi....kahiye.....acha..... erm.... koi baat nahi.....aap log aaram se aayen....Ha bhabhi main apna khayal rakhoonga.....hm .....acha"
He hung the phone and then shifted his gaze to Radhika "Bhabhi ka phone tha.....keh rahi thi ke un sab ko mutt se aane main thodi aur der ho jaayegi?" he replied in a husky voice
"Bhabhi? Kya Mrinalini bhabhi yahan aayi hai?" her face brightened up by a fraction.
Dev smiled "Hmm....Nandu bhi aaya hai"
Radhika's smile widened "acha...??"
Dev adored that smile of her's and gazed at her lovingly........when he noticed the trails of tears that were still present on her face. Slowly coming closer, he wiped off those traces "Radhika....tumhare ankhon se ansoo mujhse bardasht nahi hote....mujhe aur takleef dete hain" he said tenderly.
"main nahi roungi...." she replied in a calm voice. "acha ab aap chaliye.....thoda aaram kar leejeye......"
He sort of made a grimacing face at the name of 'taking rest' which literally meant 'to be away from her!!'. "erm.....nahi who......thodi aur baatein karte hain na" he tried finding some excuse.
"apne tabiyat ko dekhiye....aapko aaram chahiye......aur waise bhi inn sab baton se aapki tabiyat aur bigad jaayegi.....dekhiye kitne thake huwe lag rahe hain..... chaliye" she said holding his one arm gently.
Dev followed her, twitching his lips disappointedly, for she reminded him that he was sick – he hardly felt it when she was talking to him so lovely!!
Reaching his room, Radhika made him sit on the bed. Dev pulled his legs up automatically and stretched them straight while she slowly placed her hands on his shoulders to lean him against the headrest "ab aap thodi der ke liye sirf aaram karenge hmm....." she said firmly, but in an affectionate tone.
Leaning his back against the headrest, Dev nodded with a cute smile. "theek hai...."
Smiling a bit, Radhika was about to move when she sensed his firm grip on her wrist. She turned back to him with a questioning gaze
"tum kahan jaa rahi ho?" he asked
"erm.....neeche" she replied back plainly
"Neeche?? To mujhe aaram kaise milega?" he asked innocently
Radhika's lips parted lightly.
Dev bought her hand close "Hmm.....tum nahi rahogi....to koi davayi.....neend....duwa...... kuch kaam nahi karegi!" he stated affectionately.
Radhika looked down briefly and then glanced up hesitantly "par....main yahan rahoongi to...."
"to mujhe bahut acha lagega......" he completed the statement before she could, gazing in to her eyes lovingly.
Radhika wanted him to get rest but at the same time, didn't want to upset him, especially when he was sick....Taking a hesitant step, she seated beside him with a small smile. Dev smiled widely, seeing her seated so close to him. Bringing their intertwined hands up, he cradled it close to his heart.
Radhika sensed heart beats running a little faster.
"Waise.....aaj koi khaas baat hai kya?" he asked in a casual tone
Radhika shifted her gaze to him, puzzled "Jee?"
"Hmm....aaj tum saree main....woh bhi iss tarah sajke aayi ho? Kahi jaane wali thi kya?" he asked cautiously, while his heart thumped hard, wondering if she's about to leave soon for some other place.
Radhika shook her head "Nahi to.....aisi koi baat nahi hai" she replied gently.
Dev felt a relief "Oh....to tum mujhse milne ke liye itna tayar hoke aayi ho?" he asked, with a tinge of tease
Radhika's heart skipped a beat "er....jee.....?"
Dev smiled impishly "Hmm....waise jo bhi ho.....bahut khubsurat lag rahi ho. Yeh rang tumpe bahut jhachtha hai.....This colour suits you very much!"
Unknowingly her cheeks seemed to blush under his constant loving gaze.
Seeing her blushing red, his smile turned croocked "aur yeh choodiyan....." he said letting his fingers caress her bangles. "in choodiyon ke khanak jaise mere har dard ko dur kar deti hai" he said gazing at them, stroking his fingers over lovingly.
Radhika's heart started pacing even faster with those loving words. Feeling a little shy, turned her face away, shifting her body a bit.
But the movement made her anklets to make sweet sounds that reached his ears. Moving up his gaze to her, he continued "aur tumhari payal......uski meethi si awaaz to mere dil ki dhadkano ko aur badha deti hai....." he infused all his love in the croaky voice.
Her heartbeats kept racing and slowly she closed her eyes. She found herself being wrapped in a reverie that his love had formed around them....
Straigtening his back, he tipped forward to her and framed a side of her cheek to turn her face to him. Seeing her closed eyes, he smiled wider "aur yeh tumhari bindi......tumhare chehre ki khubsurati aur badha deti hai.....itni ke.....meri tez dhadkane ek pal ke liye tham si jaati hai"
Her lips shivered lightly but she kept her eyes closed tightly. But somewhere inside, she was loosing the control of the rein....entering more deeper inside the reverie. Her heart was longing more for his love.
Slowly glancing up at the faint sindoor on her forehead parting, he continued "aur tumahri mang main bhara huwa yeh sindoor......" he paused.
Radhika's heart beat stopped for that moment.
But Dev remained silent and kept gazing at her fondly.
The stillness ached her.....as if her heart wanted to listen him, his words. His silence prodded her to open her eyes and she did....only to meet his tired but loving gaze.
"yeh sindoor mujhse kehta hai......ke mere saamne meri pyaari si patni baithi hai" he said lovingly and stretching a bit, placed a small kiss on her forehead.
Radhika closed her eyes and took a long breath absorbing his love while her mind repeated his words
"yeh sindoor mujhse kehta hai......ke mere saamne meri pyaari si patni baithi hai"
Inadvertantly, with every passing minute, the balance was tilting a little more towards Dev......!!
Inching back, he gazed at her flushed face. Just then a whiff of air, entering through the windows touched them and bought a few strands of her hairs on her face. A small shiver passed through her with the faint touch.
Letting his fingers touch her soft skin, Dev slowly moved one strand from her cheek.
The soft sensous touch made her breathing hitch.
Pushing away that strand behind, he shifted his gaze to another small thin wisp of hair stuck over lips. Moving his fingers very softly, he touched his fingertips to her lips.
Radhika tightened her shut eyes.
Glancing up at her closed eyes for a second, he slowly shifts his gaze down to her lips. Deliberately letting his fingertips brush over her lips for another long second, he then gently pinched away the wisp away from her lips.
Radhika's heart beats went wild.....and her breathing became uneven. Her hand resting near his chest, clenched the shirt tightly.
A small impish smile curved his lips up and he moved his face near her neck. "aur yeh saree....." he whispered near her ear.
She again sucked in long breath, feeling his closeness.....whilst her pulse thudded madly.
"iss saree main tum....meri nayi dulhan lag rahi ho" his hot breaths fell on her skin, making it burn.
Unconsciously a small smile filled her face, as she loved each and every moment of this – she was engulfed completely by this beautiful reverie!! Her heart, now, screamed the truth that she had wanted to block away......the truth that she didn't want face because she wasn't ready or was utterly confused about it. But now......something inside her heart yearned to face it.....to accept the fact...his Love!!
Slowly opening her eyes, she found him leaning against the headrest peacefully with a small content smile tucked on the corner of his lips. Blushing hard, she looked away.
Dev passionately stroked the back of her hand, that he still held near his chest.
Radhika's heart, that still hadn't gained the normal momentum, again missed a beat. She keeps her gaze on to nothing.
Dev grinned seeing his Radhika so shy. "er.....waise Radhika....tum chaho to yeh le sakti ho" he said holding up a strip of tablets.
She shifted her gaze to the strip and her brows furrowed fractionally in puzzle "Jee?"
Dev shrugged once "Hmm....ab dekhona.....mujhe itna bhukar hai....mere paas baithi rahogi.....to tumhe bhi bhukar ho gaya to?.....isliye de raha hoo" he said sweetly to infuse some lightness in the moment.
Radhika smiled "Jee nahi....uski koi jaroorat nahi"
Frowning a bit, "Kyun....acha tum to apna gharelu nuska hi logi na....?" he asked
Taking the strip from him, she arched a brow. "Jee nahi....." she said shaking her head cutely and placed the strip back on the table.
"erm.....waise kal tum Ma se mili thi na?" he asked, caressing the back of her palm tenderly.
"Ha....mili thi" she said leaning back, straight.
"Tum jaanti thi ke who meri Ma hai?" he asked curiously
Radhika shook her head once "er......nahi.....woh unhone baad main bataya.....ke who aapki Ma hain" she replied back gently.
"Hmm......tum jaanti ho......kal Ma tumhari kitni taarif kar rahi thi" he said, blinking once lovingly.
"meri?" she asked, confused
"Ha.....Radhika to itni sanskari hai.....itni gunwan hai......itni pyaari hai.....achi hai.....aisi hai.....waisi hai" he said tilting his head from one side to other cutely. "bas tumhare bare main baat karte karte thak hi nahi rahi thi"
Radhika smiled wide, feeling happy.
Stroking her soft wrists gently, he continued "Hmm......lagta hai Ma ko pehli mulakat main ache se impress kar diya hai tumne" he said, with a tinge of tease.
"er.......nahi maine to aisa kuch bhi nahi kiya....jis se....." she replied softly.
"Radhika.....yahi to baat hai jo Ma ko pasand aayi. Tumne bina jaane...bina kisi pehchaan ke bhi Ma ki itni seva ki....unka itna khayal rakha.....aur who sahi to keh rahi thi....koi kisi ajnabi ke liye itna sab kahan karta hai?" he said gently.
Radhika gazed silently
"Aur jaanti ho......mujhe bahut acha laga jab Ma tumhari itni taarif kar rahi thi" saying tenderly, he glanced down to her hand, he held, and placed a small kiss on her index finger.
She smiled shyly feeling his warm lips touch her skin while her pulse quickened its race and she looked away to the wall behind. Her heart was thudding happily being in such close presence of him....momentarily living these sweet moments, enjoying every second of this.
Dev smiled impishly and fixing his gaze on her face, placed another passionate kiss on her fingers. Her heart again missed a beat with his passionate touch. Slowly turning her gaze to her hand, that he held, she moved it lightly to release them. But seeing this, Dev gripped it tighter. She glanced up and found him arching his brows questioningly. Smiling coyly, she lets her gaze fall down to the bed.
"Kya huwa?" he asked deliberately, his lips smiled mischeviously.
"aapko aaram nahi karna?" she asked softly, gazing at the bedlinen.
"wahi to kar raha hoon" he replied back warmly
Glancing up at him shly, "erm....nahi aap thodi der so jaayie na" she said in her smooth voice.
Dev lips twitched up naughtily "Kyun....tumhe yahan mere paas baithna pasand nahi?" he asked, showing mock disappointment.
A small crease formed on her forehead seeing his frown "er....nahi aisa....aisa kuch nahi....."
"iska matlab tumhe mere paas baithna bahut pasand hai....hmm?" he interrupted her.
Taking an uneven breath, Radhika looked down shyly
"Bolo na pasand hai na?" he knew the answer, but still wanted to hear from her again.
Radhika kept looking down shyly, at the bed not answering him.
"Bolo na Radhika......main sun na chahta hoon" he prodded fondly.
"hmm......" she said in her gentle voice. But she swiftly drifted the topic "acha...ab aap so jaaiye.....dekhiye meri wajah se agar aapki tabiyat aur bigad gayi to mujhe bura lagega"
Dev gave a deep sigh, hearing her small plead. "Theek hai......" saying he slid down, to place his head on the pillow.
"ab aap thodi der tak aaram keejeye....hmm" she said sweetly, gazing at him.
"Okay....par ek request hai tumse....." he spoke hurriedly.
"Jee? Kya?"
"er....Radhika uss din main tumhare ghar aaya tha to....tumhare haathon ka khana bahut acha laga....par tum to wahan thi nahi" he said caressing the back of her hand.
Radhika looked down, feeling sad about that incident
"to aaj mujhe tumhare haathon se kuch khane ka man kar raha hai.....banaogi mere liye kuch?" he requested tenderly.
Swiftly glancing up, she met his gaze.
"Hmm....thoda sa banaogi to bhi chalega....kuch bhi" he said gently.
A smile broke on her face "theek hai....bana doongi....par aap yahan se uthenge nahi" she said moving her hand, on his chest, to frame a side of his face.
Dev grinned, releasing her hand "Theek hai....main yahan tumhara intezaar karoonga...."
Nodding once with a sweet smile, Radhika got up and walked across to the door. Closing it lightly, she headed to the kitchen. As she walked across, she kept caressing her hand that he had been holding until now.....whilst a shy smile lingered on her lips, musing about their small intimate moments.
Her rational brain failed to bring her back to the reality and her heart allowed her to sink in to this enchanting dream completely.
Reaching the kitchen, she tucked the pallu on her waist and opened the shelves to see what can be prepared.
"to aaj mujhe tumhare haathon se kuch khane ka man kar raha hai.....banaogi mere liye kuch?" he requested tenderly.
Her smile widened as She recalled his cute request and then glancing down at the kitchen counter, she ponders over.
Some moments later......
The househelp who had gone to the market came back. Pulling out the spare key, he inserted it in the keyhole, opened the door and walked inside to the kitchen, holding a huge bag full of grocery items.
Humming some song, he reached the kitchen......when he saw Radhika working in the kitchen. "are....aap.....yahan?" he asked curiously seeing Radhika preparing some dish in the gas.
Radhika swiftly glanced up hearing his voice and gave a small smile "er.....jee who..... maine socha ke kuch unke khane ke liye bana loon"
"acha......bhaiiya ko bhuk lag gayi kya......koi baat nahi......ab hum aagaye hain na.....hum bana denge......waise aapka bahut bahut dhanyawad ki aap ab tak ruke rahe....." he said placing the huge bag in a corner
And continued blabbering "woh kya haina.....yahan ke bazaar main kuch danga ho gaya tha.....to hume doosre wale bazaar jaana pad gaya tha....phir kuch masale nahi mil rahe the.....isi sab chakkar main bahut der ho gayi......"
Nearing Radhika, he leaned to look in to the vessel "laiye hum bana dete hain...." he said glancing back at her.
Radhika felt dissappointed "erm.....je...woh....." she tried finding some reason.
"to aaj mujhe tumhare haathon se kuch khane ka man kar raha hai.....banaogi mere liye kuch?"
Her mind kept repeating his words whilst her brain continued racking for some suitable answer "er.....jee....woh main soch rahi thi ke....main hi bana loon" she said with a small smile.
"are nahi....nahi....hum bana lenge.....jee" the househelp said warmly.
"er....nahi who main soch rahi thi ke aaj sab ke khana bana doon" she replied uncertainly
"Jee?? Sab ke liye??" he frowned, questioningly
Radhika turned to take some salt "Ha....woh unhe bhi bhuk lagi thi....to maine socha ke....sab ke liye bana doon.....aur ab maine shuru hi kar diya hai to.....erm......aap bhi meri madad kar deejeye...." she added with a smile.
Twitching his brows, he gazed at her for one long moment, feeling puzzled as to why was she so insisting on making the food. Her reply hardly convinced him, but he shrugged "theek hai...chaliye...." he said gently and got down to help her.
Radhika heaved a sigh feeling relieved and started preparing the dishes.
The houshelp was a chatterbox and Radhika had a fun time cooking along with him. He too, migled easily with her......After some hours, when all the dishes were prepared, Radhika asked him to arrange the table....
"er....aap khana laga deejeye....main unhe bulake laati hoon....erm waise.....baki sab kab tak aayenge?"
"are keh ke to gaye the ke jaldi aajayenge.....par aap hi keh rahi thi na ke bhabhi ka phone aaya tha ke der ho jaayegi.....to ab pata nahi......" he replied back casually.
"Ha......"
"Acha....hum jara ghar ke peeche baageche main dekh aate hain....kuch kaam tha....aap bhaiiya ko khana khila denge na" he asked hurriedly
Radhika nodded once "Jee...." saying she turned and moved towards his room.
As she walked across the corridor, a loud coughing sound reached her ears. Her eyes widened a bit and increasing her pace, she rushed to his room. Opening the door, she saw Dev coughing badly, leaning against the headrest.
She hurriedly rushed to help him, but there was no water in the jug......so she sprinted back to the kitchen and bought some water. When she returned, He was still coughing badly. Seating next to him, she held forward the glass of water. "Lee jeye......paani leejeye......"
Dev tipped forward a bit and sipped the water, while his hand rubbed his chest, feeling uneasy. Radhika placed her free hand on the back of his head gently.
The water soothed him down a bit and he fell back tiredly against the headrest. But due to the incessant coughing, his chest felt a burning sensation and he kept rubbing it.
"Kya huwa?" Radhika asked worriedly.
"chati main jalan si ho rahi hai...." he replied in his croaked voice, keeping his eyes closed.
Radhika swiftly wandered her gaze across the room searching for something and found it in a shelf across the other side of the room. Hastily getting up, she rushed and got the Vicks balm and came back to him.
Dev was still rubbing his chest while gulping down his sore throat.
Reaching him, she gently moved his hand and started unbuttoning his shirt hurriedly.
Sensing her hand's movements over his chest, he slowly opened his eyes and glanced down at her fingers only to find her unbuttoning his shirt.
Undoing the buttons, she opened his shirt wide apart to expose his chest and swiftly taking some balm in her fingers started applying across his chest.
Her swift movements had him in a puzzle for one moment, but as he saw her soft fingers touching him gently to apply the medicine....his heart missed a beat! Slowly glancing up, he saw her lovely face while Her fingers spreading the balm over his naked chest, made his heart flutter in joy and unknowingly a small smile came on his lips as he enjoyed every second of this.
"ab aapko thoda theek lag raha hai na?" she asked, taking some more balm and spreading in his chest "is se aapko jaldi aaram milega.....lagta hai....khaasi chaati main bhar gayi thi.....isiliye aisa lag raha tha aapko" she said in a worried tone.
Dev remained unresponsive taking pleasure in her soft movements. But his chest did feel better – was it because of that balm or her soft velvety fingers?.....He didn't know that!!
Taking some more balm, Radhika applied gently "aapko acha lag raha hai na......" asking, she looked up......and found him gazing at her lovingly.
"Bahut acha lag raha hai......" he replied back, keeping his gaze on her affectionately.
His loving gaze made her heart skip a beat and she slowly shifts her gaze down to her hand, that still rested on his bare chest. Her eyes widened by a fraction, realizing what she had been doing from the past few moments. Quickly jerking back her hand, she looked away as her brain recollected the past few moments in a flash.....his small pain had made her rush to him and pull open his shirt, as if with full rights, and apply the balm over his naked skin!! Her cheeks went red recalling the events, feeling a little embarrassed
Dev noticed her reaction and smiled wider.
From the corner of her eye, she noticed him grinning.....that only made her cheeks turn crimson red. Swiftly getting up, she walked across the room to place back the balm on the shelf. Reaching the shelf, she took a few breaths to compose her galloping heart.
Meanwhile Dev slowly pushed the quilt away from his body and getting down from the bed, walked to her. Nearing her, he halted an inch behind her.
Reminiscing about their small moment, Radhika shook her head once cutely while small smile curved her lips. She slowly placed the balm on the shelf and turned.....but almost collided on Dev......instinctively a small gasp escaped her throat and she looked up, startled.
Dev stood silently, gazing at her affectionately. Radhika, too, couldn't move her gaze away from him.
A moment passed and Radhika shifted her gaze down shyly "aap yahan?" she asked slowly.
Dev nodded once keeping his gaze glued to her blushing face "hmm....." saying, he slowly glanced down and held both her hands to bring them up to his chest level.
Puzzled, Radhika lifts her gaze to look at him, but midway her gaze fell on his still exposed chest that made her heart flicker again.
Placing her hands on his chest, he continued "jis adhikar se tumne yeh button khole....usi adhikar se inhe wapas laga bhi do" he said slowly.
Blood rushed frantically through her face and her face went red.
"Kya huwa? Lagao na....." he said affectionately
Slowly glancing up at his chest, she slowly moved her hands and her shivering fingers start fastening his buttons. Dev smiled happily, sensing his heart thudding ecstatically. As she was done with the buttoning, she shyly glanced up at him. He shifted down his gaze down to her and found her face, beetrood red.
Looking away from him adoring gaze, she spoke "erm....khane chaliye" her heart beats were uncontrollably pacing faster.
Dev nodded once "Hmm....." saying he stepped back "main muh haath dhoke aata hoon" he said and turning, moved towards the washroom.
Radhika closed her eyes briefly to control her emotions and then slowly walked across to the door with a cute smile playing on her lips.
Washing his face, Dev glanced up in the mirror. He felt better.....his temperature had reduced, his head didn't ache anymore neither did his face look grumpy. As some water trickled down to his chest, he slowly shifted his gaze down, letting his mind drift to the moment when she had touched his bare chest.......the thought bought a smile on his face!! Smiling, he bought up his hand and touched a portion of his chest left exposed. Blushing, he lets his gaze wander on the small area of the basin counter remembering her touch.
He shook his head and glanced up, and taking a towel dried his face. Picking a comb, brushed back his messy hairs and gave them a gelled fresh look. He beamed at his reflection and then opening the door, he moved.
Downstairs, Radhika was arranging the dishes on the table.....when she saw Dev coming down the stairs looking fresh and clean. Her heart again skipped, seeing him looking so good. "aaiye......" she said sweetly, controlling herself.
Dev came to her but as his gaze shifted to the table, he frowned "Radhika yeh itna sab?" he asked puzzled.
"Ha....woh maine socha sabke liye khana bana loon" she replied back softly.
Turning his face to her, he cupped a side of her cheek "Par maine to tumse thoda sa banane ke liye kaha tha......itna sab banane ki kya jaroorat thi....tumne bewajah takleef ki" he said warmly.
Radhika shook her head once "nahi.....takleef kaisi....woh thode der main sab aane hi wale honge na.....to maine socha....sirf aapke liye banaon use acha sabke liye khana hi bana loon" she responded back tenderly
Dev gave a sad sigh "Par Radhika....."
She interrupted him gently "erm....aap who sab chodiye ab to maine khana bana liya.... kha leejeye na......aur ab aapka bhukar kaisa hai?" she asked, swiftly touching her palms to his forehead and found his fever to have reduced considerably. A smile filled her face "aapka bhukar to kaafi kam ho gaya?" she said feeling a little surprised
"Hmm......tumhara pyaar jo meri davayi hai.....woh jo mujhe mil gayi....." he replied back lovingly.
Her smile turned shy. But suddenly she became aware of their surrounding and the fact that they weren't alone in the house....the househelp might appear anytime. "erm baith jaaiye na....." she said glacing up at him.
Nodding once, he sat down "to kya kya banaya hai tumne aaj?"
She started serving him "er waise Gopi bhaiyya ne bhi meri bahut madad ki" she said, referring the househelp.
Hearing his name, he starts scanning the room "erm.....waise hai kaha who....aur bazaar se kab lauta?"
"who jab main neeche aayi thi khana banane tabhi aa gaye the....abhi to ghar ke peeche kuch safai ka kaam kar rahe hain" Radhika replied back gently, serving him.
"Oh...." Dev saw a lot of dishes spread out in the plate and smiled. Taking a small morsel, he tasted it and smiled. "Bahut acha bana hai......" he said glacing up at her.
She grinned happily "erm.....maine jyaada mirchi nahi dali....aapko khaasi hai na"
"Phir bhi bahut tasty hai......" he said and turned his attention to the food. Taking another morsel, he looked up "tum bhi baitho na....."
"er nahi.....woh baki sab aate hi honge na....to main unke saath kha loongi....." she replied humbly.
Dev gave a silent sigh "Radhika....bhabhi ne kaha tha na ke unhe der ho jaayegi....to phir kab tak intezaar karogi....chalo baitho mere saath" he said turning up another plate.... placed next to his.
Radhika shook her head, feeling a little uncertain "erm....nahi.....main baad main kha loongi"
Meanwhile......
Dadima and Vaishali got down from the car when suddenly Mrinalini's phone started ringing......it was from one of Nandu's friend. "er.....Nandu ke friend ki Mom ka phone hai....aap log jao....main aur Nandu aate hain"
Nodding, Vaishali and Dadima proceeded to home "waise aaj sab theek se ho gaya na Vaishali....." she said stepping on the porche.
Vaishali smiled "Ha Maaji.....bas ab Dev ko dekh loon lekin" her voice turned worried. Dadima agreed silently with her worries.
The door was left ajar by the househelp, so they both enter inside silently, feeling tired. Vaishali started moving towards the stairs and Dadima towards her room.
"are baith jaao na Radhika......" Dev insisted again.
Dadima's feet halted instantly, feeling a little stunned, seeing Dev with Radhika in the dining area. And Vaishali too, turned hearing his voice and was surprised to see Radhika here.
"Radhika......" Dadima called her, astound.
Feeling a little startled, Dev and Radhika swiftly jerked their gaze to Dadima.
Radhika smiled a bit seeing Dadima, but soon her questioning gaze made Radhika feel a little queasy. Taking a small breath, she went forward to take her blessings "Radhe Radhe Dadima....."
Dadima was still feeling surprised seeing Radhika "Jeete raho beta....par.....tum.... yahan ....iss samay....aur who bhi....." her voice trailed off unsurely as her gaze shifted to Dev.
Dev gazed at them silently.
"erm...jee who main to yahan...aapko Prasad dene ke liye aayi thi...." Radhika told sincerely.
"Prasad?" Vaishali asked coming to them.
Radhika recognized her and swiftly bent to touch her feet as well. "Radhe Radhe Maaji ...." she said leaning back. "Ha.....woh.....Ammajee Haridwar se aaj Prasad le aayi thi aap logon ke liye.....to wahi main laayi thi.....maine andar rakh diya hai" she said glancing at Dadima and Vaishali.
Vaishali smiled. "acha......" she said fondly caressing Radhika's head once. "beta....tum abhi aayi ho kya?"
"are nahi nahi Maaji......yeh to subah hi aa gayi thi....." the househelp's voice reached them. Everyone turned their head to him.
"Jee haa......woh kya huwa ke hume jaana tha bazaar....par Dev bhaiya ko iss halat main chodke jaane ka man na tha......to jab yeh yahan aayi....to humne inhe thodi der rukne ke liye keh diya.......par jab hum wapas aaye to yeh to rasoi main khana bana rahi thi....aaj saara khana inhone hi banaya hai......." he blurted out everything together.
Radhika looked down feeling a little uneasy wondering what everyone would think of her being alone with Dev.
Dadima and Vaishali turned their gazes to her "Beta....tum itni der tak yahan ruki rahi aur....khana bhi banaya? Kyun beta......mera matlab hai...tumhe itni takleef uthani ki koi jaroorat nahi thi" Dadima said smiling warmly.
Looking up, Radhika shook her head once "Nahi Dadima....erm....woh inhe bhuk lagi thi......" she said glancing once at Dev. "aur maine socha ke jab khana bana hi rahi hoon to sab ke liye bana loon....." she replied back, in a hesitant tone.
"Lekin.....tere ghar main Shastrijee aur Devki bewajah pareshan ho rahe honge na....." Dadima said worriedly
Radhika looked away – she herself had to stay away from home for the whole day because of Amma!! "erm.....nahi Ma jaanti hai....." she replied slowly, as she knew Vishaka had promised to inform Devki about all this.
"chalo koi baat nahi.....isi bahane hume tumhare haath ka khana to khane to milega....nahi Maaji?" Vaishali said fondly. And then shifted her gaze to Dev "Beta....ab ter tabiyat kaisi hai?" she asked, coming to him.
"ab thoda acha lag raha hai Ma...." Dev replied back gently.
Nearing him, Vaishali placed her hand on his forehead "are tera bhukar to sach main kam ho gaya hai?" she said surprised
"erm.....ab kaafi aaram mehsoos ho raha hai......" he admitted, glancing once at Radhika.
"theek hai....tu khana kha le......" Vaishali said warmly.
Just then......Nandu and Mrinalini entered inside and Nandu quickly spotted Radhika standing next to Dadima "Radhika didi!!!!!!!!!" he screamed excitedly
Everyone jerked their head to the direction the sound came from. A huge smile broke on Radhika's face seeing Nandu rushing to her. "Nandu!!" She kneeled down and hugged him fondly.
Nandu hugged her back with his small arms "Didi....!!"
Caressing his hairs affectionately, Radhika spoke "Kaise ho Nandu?"
"Acha hoon....." he replied in his cute voice "aur aap?"
"Main bhi bahut achi hoo......." she said leaning back a bit.
"Par maine aapko bahut yaad kiya didi....." Nandu continued
"Maine bhi Nandu ko bahut yaad kiya......" she replied, fondly touching his cheek.
"To aap wahan aaye kyun nahi......main to aapka kitna intezaar kar raha tha?" he asked sweetly.
Radhika shifted her gaze down feeling bad for the kid. Dev too, looked away feeling a little sad.
"Hmm....ab to mil liye na Radhika didi se.....I tell you Radhika.....yeh to ghar main bas......didi kab aayegi.....didi kab aayegi ki ratt lagaye rehta....." Mrinalini quipped.
Radhika swiftly got up "Bhabhi....kaisi hai aap?" she asked with a sweet smile.
"I am feeling great!!" she said coming to hug Radhika for a small moment "tum batao....tum kaisi ho.....aur baaki sab kaise hain? I mean Shastrijee, Devki kaki.....and Vishaka??"
"Sab ache hain Bhabhi....sab aapko bahut yaad karte hain....." Radhika replied gently.
Vaishali slowly spoke up "acha chalo.....sab khana khalo.....aaj Radhika ne sab ke liye banaya hai....chalo Radhika beta.....tum bhi humare saath hi khaogi na?"
"Jee Maaji" Radhika nodded once.
"Ha beta hum sab muh haath dhoke aate hain" Dadima said and went in to her room. Vaishali, Mrinalini went in to their respective rooms.
Radhika came to Dev, who silently sat eating his food. Seeing Radhika approach him, he smiled.
"aapko kuch chahiye...." she asked softly.
Dev nodded "Ha....erm....woh sabzi dena jara.....bahut tasty hai" he added in a whisper, elfinly.
Radhika smiled a bit and picked up the curry bowl to serve him.
As she leaned a little to serve him, Dev glanced back over his shoulder and found the Househelp to be busy in the kitchen. Turning his gaze hurriedly, he whispered "tum jaanti ho khana itna acha bana hai....ke man kar raha hai abhi tumhare haath chum loon"
Hearing his words, her pulse quickened involuntarily and she turned her head fractionally to meet his loving gaze. He beamed naughtily and winked an eye. Seeing this, her gaze widened by a fraction and turned away her gaze shyly.
"Radhika....." he hurriedly called her in a whisper.
Placing the bowl back, she shifted her gaze to him and arched her brows in question
Dev gestured towards the chair next to him, asking her to seat.
Glancing back at the kitchen, she saw the houshelp doing some dishes. Turning her gaze to him, she looked down and shook her head, silently saying 'she can't sit down here'.
He sighed and grabbed her wrist to make her seat. Radhika glanced up feeling shocked, but found him firmly ordering her, through his eyes, to seat herself next to him. Smiling lightly, she did as she was asked to and shook her head gesturing 'if this is okay?'. Dev smiled impishly with a firm nod.
Some moments later......
Mrinalini, Vaishali, Dadima and Nandu came down and seated themselves. Dev had almost finished his lunch.
Radhika got up to serve, when Vaishali stopped her "are beta tumne pehle hi bahut kaam kar liya.....ab baith jaao....tum humare saath khaogi" she added firmly.
"nahi Maaji main aap logon ko......"
Vaishali interrupted "hmm!.....nahi tum baitho beta....gopi hai na....woh paros dega...."
Radhika obliged and sat down on the chair where she was earlier seated, next to him. The houshelp started serving the dishes. Dev got up as he was done with his lunch and went inside, picking up his plate.
Vaishali liked the smell "Hmm....khushboo to achi hai...."
"hmm.....Yes Ma" agreed Mrinalini, sniffing cutely.
Radhika just smiled lightly.
The househelp finished serving....when Dev came back drying his hands and sat back in his seat
"are Dev? Beta jaa thodi der aaram kar lena" Vaishali ordered warmly
Dev frowned "Ma....ab mujhe theek lag raha hai....aur aaram kar kar thak gaya hoon main"
Everyone gave a small laugh hearing this. "Par Dev......tumhe kya koi jadooi davayi mil gayi kya....jo tum itni jaldi itne ache ho gaye? hmm?" Mrinalini asked inquisitively, arching her brows
Twitching his lips in to an impish smile, Dev shrugged "Ha bhabhi....kuch aisa hi hai....." he said glancing Radhika briefly.
Radhika moved her gaze down with a shy smile.
"Oh really?" Mrinalini asked sarcastically, thinking him to be teasing her.
"acha ab khana shuru karo....." Dadima ordered, seeing everyone starting to chatter.
Everyone complied and started eating. Dev, meanwhile sat silently but surreptitiously kept glancing at Radhika.
"Hmm....Radhika tum to bahut acha khana banati ho.....bada swaad hai khane main" Vaishali appreciated.
Mrinalini backed her "mmmm.....Yummy Radhika!! The food is awesome!!" she praised, taking another morsel.
Nandu too, chirped in "ha didi....khana bahut acha hai....." he said relishing the food.
Radhika smiled wide hearing all their praises, feeling happy.
"Ha bhai.....Radhika ke haath main to sach main jadoo hai....woh bahut acha khana banati hai.....aaj tum logon ne bhi chak liya na" Dadima added, smiling.
Dev beamed, feeling proud, hearing his family praising his wife's culinary skills. And he turned his gaze to her.....
Smiling contently, she moves her gaze back to her plate, but halfway she found Dev looking at her with a beam on his face. As she met his gaze, he blinked at her for one moment showing he was very happy hearing all these praises. Still smiling, she shifts her gaze to her plate and concentrates on her food.
The lunch went on with some mundane chattering, while Dev and Radhika kept stealing some loving glances.
Meanwhile in Shastri House
"Ammajee chaliye khana laga diya hai" Devki said, entering Amma's room.
Getting up from the bed, she nodded "aate hain Bahuriya....." and went inside to wash her hands.
Devki served the food as Amma seated herself "Ha Thakurjee....." she prayed before having the first morsel.
"Ammajee.....aapko ab kaise lag raha hai? Safar se kaafi thaki lag rahi thi aap?" Devki asked
Amma smiled "Bahuriya ab theek lag raho hai....are mor kamar to akad si gayi thi....ab thoda aaram kiyo to acha lag raho hai...." she said taking in a morsel.
Devki smiled genuinely in response.
"Erm......Vishaka ab tak ghar na aayi hai?" Amma asked slowly.
"Nahi Ammajee....abhi tak to nahi aayi"
Amma beamed in response.
"iska matlab who ab tak wahi hai....unka khayal rakh rahi hogi......acha hai. Moko pata tha....ke who Dev bte ka dil jeet levegi"
Seeing Amma beaming for no reason, Devki frowned "Kya huwa Ammajee....aap bahut khush lag rahi hain aaj?"
Glancing at her, Amma nodded "Ha Bahuriya aaj hum bahut khush hai.....are ishwar ke dwar gayi the na......to ab phal mil raho hai uska!"
But Devki felt something amiss. "Hmm...."
Suddenly Amma remembered something and scanned the room "are Oo Chori nazar na aa rahi....kahan gayi?" she asked, contorting her face as if showing hatred.
Devki looked down – she knew Vishaka's and Radhika's little plan, as Vishaka had called her. Looking up, she answered slowly "er....Jee who Radhika ko mandir main kuch kaam tha.....keh rahi thi ke thodi der ho jaayegi...."
"acha hi hai.....wahi rehne de use jahan hai.....wahi ki hoke reh jaaye to hume to chutakara milvego" Amma said, grimacing at nothing
"Ammajee....kaisi baatein kar rahi hain aap? Who is ghar ki....."
"Bas Bahuriya....mora din na bigaad uss chori ke waste mujhse behas karke samjhi...." a smile flashed on her face "aaj bahut khush hai hum......"
"Hmm.....ab tak to mor Vishaka....Dev bete ke itne kareeb chali gayi hogi ke oo Radhika kuch bhi karle......uske haath kachu na lagego" wondering she grinned to herself.
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