“Dee kya kar rahe ho? Tayar nahi hona aapko?” asked Ragini to Swara who was looking after the arrangements. “Ragu… Bacha I will get ready after checking this all” said Swara and got back to her work. Ragini snatched the list from her hand and tore it into pieces. “Ragu”said Swara glaring her. “Now let’s walk” said Ragini and dragged her. “Today Sanky is gonna propose you dee and I want you to look the best” thought Ragini in her mind and smiled. “Today you will get your life partner Ladoo. I’m so happy for you” thought Swara looking at her and smiling through her tears.
“Today I’m gonna propose you” said Sanskar brushing his hair looking into the mirror. “Today you will get your life partner bhai. Just keep her happy. I will go away from here very far from your lives. I don’t want my love to be hurdle in your life” said Laksh looking at Sanskar’s happiness through his tearful eyes.
Karan was blushing combing his hair. He held his cheek remembering Ragini’s peck and his smile widened. “I will tell you soon what are you for me Ragini” he said in his mind.
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“Hey Karan” said Akshat as he found Karan entering the party. He greeted him and hugged smiling. Karan looked at Laksh. He could not meet Karan’s eyes. He knew he did wrong with him by doubting him for the second time. Karan could feel the guilt in his eyes. He neared Laksh. “Still angry on me Laksh?” asked he shrinking his eyes which made Laksh widen his eyes and look at him. “I’m sorry Karan” said Laksh. Karan hugged him and said “That’s okay Laksh I know you are possessive about Ragzee. It’s just a misunderstanding. Nothing else. I have just entered your lives just few days back but you all are together from years. It was just the insecurities. And I forgot about it. But about Ragzee I cannot assure you” said he and looked at Laksh who was looking at him confused. “She is hurt very deeply. She won’t expect me to trust her but she expects you to do that. When you also judge like others what difference does it make Laksh? Just try to mend your friendship. I really adore it and want it to remain same way.” said he smiling. Laksh hugged him and said “Thanks” “No sorry and no thank you in friendship. I hope we are still friends” said he bending his head to which Laksh nodded his head.
“Hey Popu where is Ragzee?” asked Karan. He looked at his watch. “I think she must be jumping on the bed” said he. “What?” asked he confused. “By this time Shona dee might have been forcing her to wear a gown and she will be bouncing on bed saying she doesn’t want to wear it” said he casually. “OMG you know her so well” said Karan looking at him surprised. “So simply we aren’t together from kindergarten” said Akshat proud. “Can I meet her?” asked Karan hesitant. “Of course” said Sanskar who was came and stood behind Akshat. “Popu take him to Ragzee’s room” said Sanskar and walked from there smiling.
“Ragzee look don’t jump. You have to wear this today. It’s your special day” said Swara standing in front of the bed holding her waist and looking at Ragini helplessly.”Nope Shona dee I’m not gonna wear that girly dress” said she and bounced. “You are also a girl for your information” said Uttara annoyed. “Uttu ki bachi I’m ragzee” said she proud. “Please Ragzee” said Swara pleading her. “Ragzee” they heard a voice. “Barfi” screeched Ragini and jumped down from the bed and ran to him and hugged him in a bone crushing hug. “Ohho see I forgot to introduce you only” said she hitting her forehead with her palm. She walked to Swara and Uttara holding Karan’s hand. “This is my Swara dee urf Shona dee” said she side hugging Swara and Swara smiled at him. “And this is one and only Uttu” said Ragini pulling Uttara’s cheek. “Ragzee” cried Uttara. Ragini chuckled looking at her and showed her tongue. “Waise what was the argument all about?” asked he curious. “We are saying her to wear the gown from past one hour. But she is of course Ragzee has she listened to any of us ever” said Uttara giving a bored look. “Yup” said Ragini brushing her shoulder proud. “Okay Ragzee tell me what is the problem in wearing this gown its fab” said he looking at the gown in Swara’s hand. “Exactly” said Swara annoyed. “Because It’s too much exposing and… I cannot wear such dresses” said she folding her hands near the chest.
“Come here” said Karan holding her hand and took her to the mirror. He stood behind her and she looked at him confused. “Whom can you see in the mirror?” asked he. “Is that a question to ask barfi. Of course my face” said she. “You did not understand my question at all. I asked who can you see in the mirror” said he and Ragini lost herself in his eyes. “Me” said she. “Me who?” asked he. “Ragzee” said she. If you grow old or wear any attire will the truth change that it is you?” asked he and she nodded her head in a no. “So you wear whatever you will be Ragzee always hai na?” asked he and she smiled nodding her head. He walked out and Ragini stood numb looking into his direction. “I want to wear it” said Ragini pouting and it made Swara and Uttara to widen their eyes in shock. “What?” asked she annoyed. “dee before she changes her mind I feel we should maker wear” said Uttara in Swara’s ear who nodded her head looking at Uttara. Their eyes moved to Ragini who was trying to listen what they were speaking.
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“What the” exclaimed Lucky when he saw Ragini descending the stairs wearing the gown and with confidence. She looked like some princess and his mouth was hung open like it will touch ground. “Muh band karo uncle” said Akshat and closed his mouth. Laksh came to reality and composed himself. Ragini smiled looking at Laksh. He was confused. He looked back and found Karan and he smiling back at her. He felt bad. Ragini asked Karan through eye brows how she is looking and he showed amazing through his hand signs. Laksh was watching all this and it squeezed his heart. He stood with a fallen face. He needed time to accept all this. And he was ready to take that time. For her and for her happiness. He smiled sarcastically at his fate. The emotion of which he made fun all his life is responsible for the biggest misery of his life. Can life be more sarcastic.
“Ragzee” said Laksh standing near Ragini who was talking to the guests. She turned looking at him from the corner of her eye. “Oh actually…” he struggled to say. She gave him pointed look. “I’m….” said he and again paused. “It’s okay Lucky” said she and he looked at her shocked. “Barfi told me that you are sorry for whatever happened and he made me understand that relations are always above ego. And I have understood. You are my best friend and I know you are very short tempered and opinionated. And I have accepted you with all your flaws as my best friend and you will remain one till I breath last” before she could complete Laksh placed his hand over her mouth and nodded his head in no when she looked at him with wide open eyes. It was different sparkle in Laksh’s eyes today like his eyes did not wanted to hide what his heart wanted. He composed himself and drew his hand back. As he looked around nervous not able to meet her deep eyes which had number of questions running in her mind Karan forwarded his hand to Ragini and said “Dance” She nodded her head and looked away at Laksh who was facing his back to her standing. “Please” said Karan and her hands moved without her knowledge and her eyes fixed on Laksh
Naa hai yeh paana Naa Khona hi hai.
Karan dragged her to the dance floor and Ragini’s eyes fixed on Laksh.
Tera naa hona jaane kyu Kyu hona hi hai
Laksh looked at her smiling as his tears made his eyes shine
Karan placed her one hand on his shoulder and the other on his palm
He held her back with one hand and moved with music
Tum se din hota hai
Laksh remembered Ragini’s morning pranks and their fights
Surmayi Shaam aati hai
He remembered her childish acts with Akshat in the evening when they return home
Tumse hi tumse hi
Her smile her pout , her anger everything seemed new
Har Ghari saans aati hai
As she moved her closeness bound Karan to a magic he can never escape
Zindagi kehlati hai
He felt he is living life in a brand new way
Tumse hi tumse hi
His smile widened twirling her in air and he hugged her from back making her a bit nervous.
He sensed her nervousness and twirled her again
“Can I?” asked Laksh forwarding his hand and Karan smiled and handed Ragini’s hand to Laksh. He twirled her and held her in his grip tightly not willing to let her go away from him
Her eyes met his eyes filled with love immense love for her
Aankho me aankhe teri
Baho me bahe teri
He dragged her more close to him
Mera na mujhme kuch raha hua kya
As he twirled her holding her one hand above her head he remembered her talks
Baato mein baatie teri
As she stopped she landed straight on his chest very close to him
Kyu tera sab yeh ho gaya hua kya
He knelt before her shocking her.
Ragini jerked when Karan shook her and she looked around and found herself still in Karan’s arms. What was that a dream a wish a hallucination. She was confused
Laksh walked looking at them and smiled
Mai kahi bhi jaata hu
Tumse hi mil jaata hu
Tumse hi Tumse hi
Shor me khamoshi hai
Thodi si behoshi hai
Tumse hi tumse hi
“Attention everyone” screamed Rathore over the mic. Everyone jerked and turned to him. “Today is a very special day for my family and my friend Durga Prasad’s family. We are going to turn this friendship into a relationship. I’m very glad to announce we have decided Ram Prasad ji’s son marriage with my daughter Ragini. Ragini’s hand slipped from Karan’s hand when his world shattered. He was dumbstruck. Ragini was equally shocked. She just did not know what to do. She was sure she don’t want this to happen. She ran to Rathore and snatched the mic from his hand and spoke. “Sorry sorry actually misspelled the name. It is Swara my elder sister” and smiled at everyone. Shekar, Raghuvendr and Maheshwari’s looked at her shocked. “Yes it is my elder sister Swara and Sanskar who are getting married. Swara was shocked and Sanskar who was still unable to grasp anything were looking at her confused. “Ladoo” said Rathore dragging her and closing the mic. “What are you doing?” asked he. “Popsy you are spoiling everything and I’m just correcting it” said she and he looked at her confused. “Let me handle this. Trust me” she said pleading.
“Shona dee, Sanky” she called them on the stage. They moved hesitantly. Nobody was ready for this. Not at least Swara. She wasn’t understanding anything. Ragini dragged her and made her stand in front of Sanskar who was staring the ground. They exchanged the rings and the gathering was filled with claps and their family clapped uninterested. “Phew” sighed she as the ceremony got over.
“What was that Lado?” asked Rathore when all the guests left. “Okay Ragzee I am also leaving” said Karan and started to leave. Ragini held his hand and stopped him. “Now you are my friend and you have all the rights to listen why I did this” said she. He stood still. “Who gave you the idea I love Sanky or for that case I want to marry him?” asked she to Rathore. “We thought you will be happy with him as he alone can handle you during those attacks” said Shekar. Ragini closed her eyes painfully. “No Bade papa please” she pleaded him with painful eyes. Shekar realized what he spoke. “No Ragzee bacha… It isn’t like that….” said he but before he could complete Ragini ran from there to her room. Rathore tried going behind her but Karan stood in front of him and asked “Shall I uncle” Rathore looked at him and found Swara nodding her head standing behind Karan. Rathore smiled at him weakly and let him go. Karan ran to Ragini’s room. Sanskar was in his own dilemma what if Ragini wouldn’t have acted swiftly and turned the plates. Swara looked at him with painful eyes. “Still you are confused about you feelings Sanskar” she thought and wiped her tears.
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“Ragzee” said Karan peeping inside Ragini’s room. She wiped her tears and sat folding her legs. “You know Ragzee you look like churail when you cry. Why do you want to prove Lucky right. Has he seen you crying….” before he could complete Ragini hugged him and sobbed holding him. He felt her pain. Her pain to not able to share her actual pain which she hides behind the strong tom boy image. He rubbed her back. “Do you trust me?” whispered he. She nodded her head swiftly. “Spill it out” said he.
“I was very shy and conserved girl when I was kid. Shy and soft. Like if someone says anything I used to cry for it. Ours was a big family that time. My bua also used to stay near our home with her family. I used to go there to play with Laksh and Akshat. Laksh was sent to London that year. He was my best friend. I missed him a lot. Time passed and his memories started fading away. I was growing. That day came… The worst day of my life.” she paused. Karan placed his hand on her shoulder. “If you feel uncomfortable that’s okay” said he assuring her. She wiped her tears. “I went to Bua maa’s house and it was evening. Akshat said he will come after sometime so I went inside to look for Nikhil Bhai; bua maa’s son. I called for him but he wasn’t there. I was about to return and someone grabbed me. I was horrified. I screamed but nobody was there. He dragged me to the room and pushed me on to the bed. It was him… Fufa ji…. He neared me and touched me very badly… He tried forcing me. I screamed nobody came. I looked at the window. I found popu. I screamed his name. He was horrified to look at my situation. He tore my dress. And I felt like grabbing something to cover my self. But I failed. His lust ful eyes killed me thousand times. I still can’t forget those eyes I can never. Somehow Popu threw a stone and it hit him very badly. I pushed him with all my force. I ran collecting myself like I will die in next moment. From that beast. A beast in disguise. I ran to my mom. I ran and hugged her. She was the only person I needed then. She hugged me and covered me with a bed sheet. I cried… I cried not able to explain her what happened with me. Popu was standing at my room door. I had no courage to look at him. For that matter to look at anyone. Popsy wasn’t there in town and Bade Papa and family was on vacation. Finally I gathered all my courage and told my mom. I thought she will fight for me. She said me to not to tell it outside. I was shocked to understand her. My mom she only did not trust me and did not support me. I went to depression after that incident. So much that I tried committing suicide. Then came Sanskar. I was struggling within me to keep that thing. It feels like hell when you can’t do anything for such things. I wasn’t strong enough and strong people did not help me. Sanky found it out from Popu somehow who hid it on my mom’s insistence. I was not in a state to say it. As the time passed burden on my soul went on increasing and got crushed beneath it. By the time Bua maa’s family had shifted to US and I was left with life long suffering. I still try to wipe his dirty touch from my skin and the horrible memories. But I failed. I failed miserably. I started getting panic attacks due to it. And Sanky only could handle me in such situations and he did it all this years without single complaint. But he loves Shona dee. Only thing is he did not confess his feelings and I swear he wanted to propose her but our parents misunderstood our relationship Karan totally” said she with pain filled eyes. Karan could only imagine her pain. He can’t even feel a pinch of it. Tears streamed down his cheeks. He wiped them. “You won’t hate me na for this?” asked she in a cracking voice. He dragged her to a hug and patted her head. “I can never hate you Ragzee” said he in a cracking voice. “And now I will bring the Ragini back to life. And I will surely do that” thought he determined.
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“Utthu you did not let me to stay there only” said Laksh pouting. “Bhai I’m really feeling tired” said she and fainted behind him in the hall. “Utthu…” screamed Laksh and held her. “Bacha what happened?” asked he patting her cheek. “Bhai.. bhai…” she whispered and Laksh lifted her and walked out to the car and placed her inside it and drove the car to the hospital.
“What happened to her?” asked Sanskar running to Laksh who was waiting at the corridor. Akshat came running but was stopped by Ragini. He looked at her helplessly. “Not now Popu” said she and he stood restless. As the doctor came out everyone started covering him worried. “Nothing to worry she is just fainted due to weakness. I think she is not having her food properly or kind of food poisoning” said he and walked from there. Everyone rushed inside her room. “Uthu ki bachi how dare you scare me ha?” asked Ragzee entering the room. Akshat stood at the door watching her and his tears ready to drop and he was controlling them. “Oh my sweetheart how can you so careless. If you do this again. I will never talk to you” said she pouting. “What happened to this dramebaaz today?” asked Ram confused. Ragini neared Utthara’s ear and spoke “It was actually your Popat’s dailogues. I just said it so that he doesn’t miss telling it and you don’t miss listening to it” said she and chuckled and Uttara glared. “Wow churail is doing gossip” said Laksh shocked. “Ya HK’s do better things than that chugli” said Ragini showing her teeth. “What’s that?” asked he making weird face. “Gossip in hindi” said Sanskar and gave high five to Ragini. “Actually from now onward your name is CK. Chugal khor” said she and Laksh fumed and chased her everywhere. He was happy the storm seemed avoided. Was it really only time could answer it.
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A/N: Ya actually I wanted to say that as an author I don’t think if I stand for the author it will be wrong. When you understand the broader aspect of the issue it’s your choice to stand for it. And I did that and people assumed it as a support to the fandom rather than a support to an author. And I was disappointed as they stepped back saying who actually are most important to them as I misunderstood them as author who were fans and nothing more. Huge difference which if you forget you keep asking sorry for your stand. That was between her and me and people who are used to poke their nose will always do that. I wish actually if they could ever understand what I meant with their peanut sized brain. I have always supported the author when I could understand their plight and miscommunication. I did it when Astra’s ff was stolen. I see author not the fandom. I supported Folly also. And I will support any author who is right at his or her place but readers misunderstand them. And the next day comment to her was not biased as a fan. I told it as a co author. And you are accusing me as a basher grow up kids do you really know the meaning of bashing. And I do understand you wanted to bring out your frustration on me as you did not find anyone and I was not reacting to your sissy comments.
And to the people who are trying to provoke me to fall to their levels sorry dearies I cannot do that because you know I cannot throw stone at every barking dog because I know their IQ is so low they only know to talk like Jalebi’s not actually will talk to the point and they misunderstand they are being sarcastic which they aren’t. If they could ever understand sarcasm hope and wish some day it happens. And when people understand and still behave like they don’t understand even God cannot make them understand. Hope some day this will enter their thick brains. I’m stopping this argument here because I have no interest to revert back to the people who cannot understand what I spoke and try to just insult me and my thoughts. I don’t come here to entertain over reactive people. And you wont get a reply from me if you still are expecting me to reply to your comments which you pointed to me. Because as I said earlier for the people who act like they don’t understand even God cannot make them understand where as I’m just a normal human being. Gosh I know you never read my stories but if you can react to neutral person like me this way I can imagine the worst. Thank you for showing me your true faces.
Being positive is me and if you still draw negativity from my thoughts that shows your character not mine.