Saying that he hugged Shravan and looked at Preeti who was still busy packing. She felt his eyes on her and hence she didn’t look at him at all. She continued packing her bag.
The entire family was down waiting for Preeti to come down. And she was busy talking to Suraj upstairs.
Suraj: Just forget everything that is going on here and concentrate on Saale Sahab and your work. I will keep informing you about Raaghav - Radhika Relationship progress.
Preeti: I am leaving it all on you Jeejaji. But be cautious. There are things which looks to be good but they aren’t .
Suraj: Dont worry. I will manage it all. Now go down .Everyone is waiting.
Preeti took Suraj's blessing too and then rushed down.Finally the couple bid byes to everyone and left for the Airport.
After few hours - Raj Mahal
Radhika: Since the time SHRAVAN and Preeti has left, I am feeling so lonely.
Raaghav played his next shot of Billiards (Indoor Pool game)and then replied back.
Suraj: Radhika. We all miss them. Let’s pray they come back soon. (He said looking at Raaghav and he could see Raaghav had no interest in their talks. He was busy in planning his tactics to win this game from Suraj.). Raaghav. What do you say??
Raaghav:( Then becoming a bit conscious): Uhh!! Yeah. I too miss them. I mean it was like I came and they left.
Suraj (Smiled): Looks like your Steps weren’t that Shubh(Lucky) for the two.
Radhika immediately looked at Suraj since she didn’t like what he just said about Raaghav and Suraj realized what he just said and he immediately apologized.
Suraj: I am sorry. I didn’t mean it that way.
Raaghav: (Smiling): You think I believe in these Orthodox Views?? Of course not.!!
Saying that Raaghav hit his best shot and won the Billiards Game from Suraj.
Raaghav : I like to Win from people in games. Not in words.!!!
Saying that he just left the room and so did Radhika behind him. Suraj was trying to decipher his actions. He didn’t knew why but he felt Raaghav little greedy for winning. He was a man who didn’t bother to even think of something in which he wasnt interested. But the thing in which he really shows interest, he makes sure he wins it by hook or crook.
New York- Car
It was actually chilling cold in New York. In Month of March, the weather was as low as 6 degrees to 11 degrees and though she was used to this weather, she couldn’t help herself from Shivering. Starting from India , that too from her Sasuraal, she never thought of wearing anything like a Jacket and stuff other as the weather in India was much hot compared to the weather here. She had forgot to place the Stole/ Jacket in the hand bag and hence she couldn’t do anything much about it. Shravan was in Formal 3 piece Suit, he was still comfortable to the cold weather there. They still didn’t speak a word since the time they left for US. He could see her shivering and he immediately removed his coat and handed it to her.
Shravan: Wear this. You will feel better.
She moved his hand holding the coat aside nodding a NO and he didn’t like it. He forcibly placed the coat on her. It was all so quick that she couldn’t register what happened. He moved back to his place while the driver entered the gates of the Mehra House and parked the Car. They both got down. She was happy to see her home. The Security saluted them. And the maids and Servants came and took their luggage in. Preeti and Shravan were wished for their marriage by few of her Servants and they smiled at them in return. Shravan and Preeti entered in and there he finally saw a Big Poster of Preeti in a western Outfit standing with her friends in a Snowy Place and posing for a Photo.There were some 2 Girls and 1 Guy in the Picture with her and he stopped scanning the Picture on the Living room Wall.
Preeti was just informing the Maids about their stay and then also what kind of food would her husband prefer. Thats when she heard him questioning her.
Shravan: Who is this Guy with you??
Everyone's attention was presently at Shravan. Preeti asked the Maids to continue their work while she walked to Shravan and saw the pic.
Preeti: My Friend. Infact everyone here in the picture are my good friends. Thats it.
Shravan just walked off from there asking her where is her room and she replied it’s the first one upstairs from the left. She could see his mood was still off and hence she didn’t explain anything else. She followed him upstairs. The moment he opened the Room door, he could once again see some more wall Pictures of hers. Some with her mother. Some with her Friends and some , her pics when she was young.
Shravan: What The Hell.!!! (He was surprised to see her room like this. Looked like a Picture Exhibition more )
Preeti: I like to keep my Memories intact. And hence I always keep such Good Pictures of my friends, family and Mom everywhere in my room. If you mind it, I would ask the Maid to get them arranged in the other room.
Shravan: (Started to remove his Tie): Thats fine. Where is the Shower??
Preeti: In the Bathroom of course. (She pointed towards the Bathroom and he straightway walked inside. )
The Bags were already kept in the rooms and she started unpacking. The first thing she removed from there was a Family Photo of the Khurana Family. She had got it from Anjum and she never wanted to miss them here and hence got this Photo here. She placed it on the Side Table and then started finding her warm clothes. She opened her wardrobe. Everything was just the way she left them. Shravan meanwhile was back from the Shower and was wiping his hair. The Wardrobe was open and he saw her dresses. Some were really Skinny ones. He came there and then stopped behind her.
Shravan: You wore all such dresses?
Preeti: (Little uncomfortable): Not all. Some of them. Why? (She asked getting confused)
Shravan: You wore such dresses in your College before your Friends whose Pictures I just saw down?? (He said throwing the Towel on the bed and she moved back)
Preeti : Shravan. Why are behaving so Possessive?? I didn’t know you then. My life here was not that Trendy like the way you think, but yes I did wear some Modern Dresses . That doesnt mean I would like wearing them even now. I know my Limit’s. I am your Wife now. I know how to dump old Likes and accept the new ones. Dont spoil your already worse mood because of it. Please. (She replied in anger and he understood what she mean to explain him. She calmed down and looked aside. )
Preeti felt bad that he Said all these things to her. How can he poke in her Past life now. ?? Doesnt he know her yet?? Even now? How can he just point her out ?? Was it because he was jealous?? Whatever it was ,she wasnt happy with it. Shravan too felt that he went Overboard in talking all this to her. He turned back to her.
Shravan: I am Sorry.
Preeti was surprised. Did he just hear a Sorry from him? From Shravan Singh Khurana. ?? She looked at his face and he truly looked her with a Sorry expression.
Shravan walked to her and held her arms, almost wishing to sort this matter here itself and not dragging it.
Shravan: I just felt little Jealous of all this. Now you belong to me Preeti. Just me. And hence I couldn’t see your pictures with others. Though they must be only your friends but I still felt insecured. Thats the reason I was little rude on you. Hope you accept my apology.
Preeti smiled . She for the first time was seeing such a calm side of his. Just like the one she always felt in Yuvraj for her. She cupped his Cheeks and answered back.
Preeti: It happens. Infact even I am sorry. For the way I spoke to you yesterday. About Raaghav.
Shravan: Forgiven Mrs Preeti Singh Khurana. (He said holding her hand and moving it aside)
Preeti: Uhh!!! Let me freshen up and then we will have the Dinner. )
Shravan nodded and she left from there while Shravan just took a deep breath as this fight was finally sorted between her and him.
Part 30
Next Day
Raaghav was talking to Radhika and Anjum sitting on the Couch in the Living room and was discussing how much he is enjoying the family’s love
and care when his mobile started ringing. He checked the callers name and smiled. He answered the call without any delay.
Raaghav: Maa. It’s been 2 days I haven’t heard your voice. Were you so busy that you couldn’t find time for your own son??
Anjum and Radhika smiled at each other feeling how much he loved his mother and somewhere they liked this little bonding between him and his Maa.
Raaghav : Anyways Maa. I have a good news for you. I have seen My future Bride and she is damm pretty. You will love her smile. (He said looking at Radhika and she was only blushing.)
Anjum pinched Radhika hearing how Raaghav was praising her and Radhika just got up and left the room feeling shy.
Raaghav: Anyways Maa. Come soon. The house is waiting for you to come. And specially I am waiting for you to come. Love you. Bye.
Saying that he cut the call and looked at Anjum smiling.
Raaghav: Why did Radhika go?
Anjum: She was shy. I can’t believe you. I mean so romantic was that to praise your girl before your mother. I wish Suraj would have done that.
Raaghav: Thats why I say. What others Dont. Raaghav does.!! But trust me Anjum Di. Radhika is not that lucky as I am .
Anjum (Confused): I didn’t get it.
Raaghav: What is Radhika getting? Just me and my Maa. But I am getting so many relationships from this house. So who is more luckier haan?(Anjum smiled. She liked this cute nature of Raaghav. No doubt she always felt some positive energy around him.)
Anjum: So when is your Maa coming here?
Raaghav: Very soon. She is still in US. And she hasn’t booked her flight yet. So may be next week.
Anjum: By then I hope even Shravan and Preeti comes back. So that we can have the Marriage fixed for you both.
Raaghav smiled and nodded a Yes.
After an Hour - Raaghav - Radhika Conversation
Radhika: So when your Maa comes here, only then things would move forward right?
Raaghav: Or May be backward. (He said being serious and concentrating somewhere else)
Radhika: (Trying to get his attention): Backwards? What does it mean Raaghav?
Raaghav: Means. What if Maa doesnt like you?
Radhika was serious now. She sat on the Couch thinking deeply.
Radhika: You mean there are chances she doesnt like me?
Raaghav: Yeah. If not much chances. May be some. You know Maa is very particular in all this. If she doesnt like a girl, she would go tony extent to make her Son marry someone else and even before that girl’s face. (he said cunningly and still looking at Radhika's expressions)
She was hell scared now. His Maa sounded Dangerous to her. If in next two minutes , he wouldn’t have laughed, she would never have thought that he was just kidding with her. He was laughing holding his stomach.
Raaghav: Ohh my God. Look at that face . !!! (he said laughing and Radhika started hitting him with the Pillows.)
Radhika: Raaghav. You were playing with me?? How could you?? Here I was serious about your Maa rejecting me and you. (She continued hitting him and he just continued laughing. Finally she stopped hitting and turned aside and he asked her.)
Raaghav: Would it hurt if Maa rejects you?
Radhika: (Turning back to him): Of course Dammit.!!
Raaghav (Getting serious now): Why??
Radhika : Because I like you . I cannot see you going back without me . !! I want to marry you Raaghav. !! (She replied instantly without thinking anything and Raaghav was surprised cum shocked. Did Radhika just confessed , she likes him ??
Raaghav: Kya?? Say again??
Radhika (Wiping her tears): Say again what?
Raaghav: That you Love me.!!
Radhika's looked at him in surprise. Love?
Radhika (Looking down): I didn’t say Love. I said I like you.
Raaghav: Come on Radhika. Dont change your feelings now. You like me. You may like all. That doesnt mean you get hurt when they part. Looking at your face I can easily guess. Someone is falling in Love. Hai naa?
She blushed again and ran from there confirming him that she was indeed liking him and may be this was the start for her Love towards him. For seconds, Raaghav stood confused of this entire situation. He never knewRadhika would be falling in Love with him. Not that soon at least. But was itnormal?? Or was it an indication that he was getting side track from his real motive after hearing her confession now??
Suraj had heard the whole conversation of Radhika and Raaghav. For moment he was happy to see Radhika in Love but then was this guy right? And what was that sentence he told to her regarding his Maasa?? if she doesnt like the girl she would make sure her Son also doesnt marry that same girl? Was he hinting something about the past? How Raaghav's Mother Maasa didn’t let yuvraj marry Chanchan and also fixed Yuvraj's wedding with Princess Divya??No way. Was it just a coincidence or was there something more meaningful to these words. ???
US - Mehra House
Preeti (Screaming from down): Shravan. Come soon. We are getting late.
Shravan (From the Corridor): Just 2 minutes Preeti. Get in the Car . I am almost done.
Preeti was in her Western Outfit waiting for her husband to come down so that they can spend some time out in the Streets . She knew the next day onwards, they would be busy in the day time in work and hence she didn’t wanted to waste a single moment. Shravan walked down in his White T Shirt and Blue Jeans looking flaunting his perfect casual looks . For minutes Preeti couldn’t take her eyes off him and he knew that. He waved his hand before her face and then she was back to sense.
Shravan: Someone seems Lost.
Preeti cleared her throat, ignoring his charm and then replied back.
Preeti: Not Yet. Would you Drive? Or should we take a Driver. (She said showing him the Car Keys)
Shravan: Guide me the road . (Saying that he snatched the Keys from her and walked to the Door . She followed him smiling. )
For the first time till now, she was actually getting some nice private moments with her husband. No family, no meetings, no work pressure, just the two . She seated beside him and he drove the Car as she guided.
Shopping - US
Preeti : No I can’t buy this. It’s so weird . (She said rejecting the Dress which he chose for her)
Shravan: Weird? I have seen more weird dresses in your wardrobe than this. Okay?
Preeti: But they being in my Wardrobe doesnt mean I wore them anytime. They were gifted to me. I didn’t buy them. (She said turning to check the other dresses )
Shravan (Turning her back to face him): Who gifted? (He asked showing his possessive side again and she smiled)
Preeti: Hai koi., Tumhe Kya??
Saying that she moved his hands off hers and then smiled naughtily turning the other side and started walking. He was not happy. She moved to the other counter to check some Jeans when he pulled her again turning her to face him.
Shravan (Angrily): I asked something Preeti. Give me a reply. !!
Preeti: Shravan. What are you doing? Leave me. People are watching.!!
Shravan: Let them. I dont care.!!
Preeti: (Being little serious): You are hurting my Wrist Shravan.
He could see her wrist all red by now. He left her in anger and then walked off that store. She knew she angered him again. She rubbed her wrist , paid the bill and started running behind him.
Preeti: Shravan Wait. I was just pulling your leg. Ana gifted me that.
She was still running to chase him and he stopped and turned back. She came to him and before she could say anything else, he spoke to her.
Shravan: Never ever play a Prank on this Topic Preeti. I don’t like it. You understand?
Preeti for seconds remained quiet. Once again she could see how much he gets hurts to even link her name with someone else. She nodded a Yes and then entwined her hand with his and started walking, making him walk too.
Preeti: Hungry??
Shravan (Still showing his anger but walking with her): No.
/> Preeti: But I am. Let’s eat something.
Shravan nodded and she took him to her favorite restaurant. She ordered her favorite meals and then he asked her to get seated and that he would get it at the table since it was a Self Service Restaurant. She agreed and took her seat. Thats when she got a call from Suraj. She hurriedly answered.
Preeti: Jeejaji??
Suraj: I hope I didn’t disturb you and Saale Sahab. (He asked purposely and she smiled)
Preeti: It’s day time here. So of course not.!! (She too replied naughtily and he started laughing) . Anyways. Hows everyone there?
Suraj: All are fine. Actually just called you to inform about Radhika and Raaghav.
Preeti now became serious. He told her everything what happened today. How Radhika confessed she wants to get settled with Raaghav, marrying him and how he tricked her about his Maa rejecting her. Preeti was also baffled to know that Raaghav exactly told the same thing which actually had happened in their last birth.
Preeti: (Nervously): Jeejaji. Do you think Raaghav's Mother would be that Maasa??
Suraj: I dont know Preeti. But if she is, I would suggest ,it’s better we stay away from them. We can’t take the risk of marrying Radhika to Raaghav.
Preeti: I know. Should I talk to Shravan??
Suraj: NO. Not now. He still doesnt remember a thing about his past life. And if you tell him this, he would only be more frustrated. So let everything go as it is. Let’s wait and watch what’s in store for us.
Cursed Bride Page 20