The talks were done and it was decided that Raaghav would be staying here with them for some days. Atleast till his mother comes here to see Radhika and fixes things. He denied initially but later when Shravan himself forced him, he agreed. Nani and Daadi were happy seeing Radhika showing some interest for Raaghav. She was asked to Show Raaghav his room upstairs and she took him along. Shravan then came to Preeti who was watching Radhika and Raaghav walking the stairs.
Shravan: What??
Preeti: Why you left Radhika with him alone?
Shravan: What The Hell.!! He Isn’t going to hurt her. She has just gone to show his room Preeti. Come on.
Preeti: But they are not married. And that guy looks little flirt to me.
Shravan: Preeti. He is from US. That why may be. But he is nice by heart.
Preeti: What do you mean from US?? Even I am from US. You mean I am also flirt??
Shravan: (Walking a step close to her and she moved back):Yes. And I got a glimpse of that many times since the time we met.
She smiled hearing this and then looked down.
Shravan: Kya Hua?? Bolti bund?? (He repeated that same dialogue which she said today morning.)
She looked in his eyes now understanding he was in full mood to tease her.
Preeti: I didn’t know Shravan Singh Khurana knows to flirt too.
Shravan: Recently learned it from my wife.
She blushed more and before anyone could see them at the corner like this, she moved him aside and ran inside. He smirked at her innocent behavior and walked inside.
Part 28
Radhika : And this is your Room .
Raaghav smiled seeing the room and then turned back to Radhika who looked little nervous.
Raaghav: Where is your room?
Radhika: (Blushing): The last one at the right.
Raaghav: And Shravan's?? (He asked curiously)
Radhika: Shravan's?? Raaghav now thats something different. Who asks his Would be Bride's Brother's room?? (She said humorously.)
Raaghav: What others dont. Raaghav Does.!! What if I mistake Shravan's room to be yours and drop in there??
Radhika started laughing loudly hearing this. She liked Raaghav's sense of humor.
Radhika: If this happens Raaghav, SHRAVAN would kick you out. (Saying that she laughed again and Raaghav smiled at her.)
Raaghav: Nice dimples. Are they real?? I mean People get it done artifically too.
Radhika: Ahh!! You think they are artificial?? Mind you Mr Raaghav. It’s from my birth.
Raaghav: Oopps. Forgive me Lady. For thinking so.
Radhika smiled . She really liked how friendly Raaghav was. She continued talking to him standing at the door. Preeti who was passing by to her room heard her laughs and she came there to see what was happening. Seeing Radhika and Raaghav at the door of Raaghav's room, she too stopped there. Raaghav's eyes turned to see Preeti and he stopped his jokes. Radhika also became conscious.
Radhika: Uhh!! Okay Raghav.If you need anything. You can.
She was about to complete the sentence that if he needs anything he can tell her or the Servants but Raaghav completed it on her behalf and said something which surprised Preeti.
Raaghav: Yeah. Dont worry. If I need anything I will tell Preeti.
Radhika (Smiling): Preeti??
Raaghav: Ofcourse. How can I tell you.?? I mean I am sure the family won’t like much interactions between you and me till things get fixed. Right?? So If I need something I will inform Preeti. As it is .She is just a room far. (He said seeing Preeti once again)
Radhika: (Ignoring his words): Raaghav. You too naa. No one would have thought that. But you.
Raaghav: I told you Radhika. What Others dont!!Raaghav Does.!!!
Radhika nodded a Yes . That sentence was probably his Signature lines . Preeti was little shocked when he said that. She felt she had heard it from him before. But she met him today. Then how can she feel she had heard it from him? She took Radhika and left for her room .
Shravan - Preeti Room
Radhika: He is cute. I mean he always makes people laugh. And the way he says "What Others Dont. Raaghav does" is just mind-blowing. (She said jumping on the bed and leaning back to rest herself on it.)
Preeti: Radhika. Seems you are already liking him much.
Radhika held the Pillow in her arms and hugged it.
Radhika: Hmm. I think soo. Why ?? You didn’t like him?? (She said sitting back on bed)
Preeti: I dont know. We cannot judge someone so quickly.
Radhika: But even if Others dont. I liked him. Because What others Dont. Radhika Does.!!! (She giggled saying these in Raaghav's style and Preeti laughed too. )
Shravan was busy with Raaghav discussing with him about his newly florusihed bussiness and Raaghav did show some real interest in knowing all this. They were sitting outside in the Garden of the Raj Mahal, enjoying the evening Cool Air .
Raaghav: Ahh!! So you and Preeti would be going to US. ?
Shravan: Yes. But we will make it soon. Just a week or two.
Raaghav: So you mean till Mom comes here you won’t be there?
Shravan: May not be. But then dont worry. Daadi and Nani would handle it all. After all they are elders. They would be fixing the marriage date and all.
Raaghav: But you are Radhika's Eldest Bro. Dont you think, you should be here for that??
Shravan: If it wouldn’t have been that Urgent I wouldn’t have planned. But Preeti's business clients are creating some tensions there. Need to get them sorted.
Raaghav: Tell me their names. May be I could help.
Shravan (Surprised): You??
Raaghav: Yeah Me. I mean I have my Network build there. All my Partners and Clients are mainly from US only. May be I can talk to them.
Shravan didn’t find this idea from Raaghav a bad one.
Shravan: Fine. I will talk to Preeti and get the details. If you could do this, nothing like it.
Raaghav: Yeah Ofcourse. And doing something for you and Preeti, would be my Pleasure totally.
Shravan was happy to see someone so new to him yet ready to share some of his responsibilities. Raaghav indeed was a nice guy he thought.
Shravan: Maakhan Kaka. !! (He called Maakhan who was busy in the garden). Get some tea for us.
Maakhan nodded and left inside and Shravan and Raaghav continued talking.
Preeti: Tea??
Maakhan: Yes Bitiya.
Preeti: Okay. I will make it for them.
Saying that she asked Maakhan to continue the work and she started making tea . Thats when Suraj came there.
Suraj: The Tea is smelling nice. One cup for me too.
Preeti smiled and added the quantity of Milk .
Suraj: It’s for Daadi?
Preeti: No. For Shravan and . Raaghav.
Suraj just nodded and then he thought something.
Suraj: I have a plan. To check if he is the same Raaghav or not.
Preeti: What is it?
Suraj: Raaghav never liked Ginger in tea. Add Ginger in this one.
Preeti: So you mean if he is the same Raaghav, then he wouldn’t like this tea??
Suraj: Yeah. If not exactly, then at least we would get some hint at least. Because I didn’t find him reacting Odd seeing this house. He was just acting all normal.
Preeti: But I am not satisfied with his behaviour. He is acting too friendly.
Suraj: Hmm. Let’s try this. Make the Tea and get it out. I will also join Shravan and Raaghav.
Preeti nodded and Suraj left.
Suraj already had joined Shravan and Raaghav and the three were really having a good time talking. Preeti took the Tea tray and walked to them. Seeing her Shravan's senses were once again getting all flirty kind. But since Raaghav and Suraj were beside, he couldnt react much. She placed the Tray on the table.
Shravan: Why did you get it? I had told Maakhan.
Preeti: Maakhan Kaka is busy. So I made it.
Raaghav: Finally I would g
et to taste something which you made then. (He said smiling and Shravan immediately looked at Raaghav)
Shravan: Raaghav. She Isn’t Radhika. She is my Wife. So you dont have to wait to taste something that she cooks. !!
Raaghav: See. What others Dont. Raaghav does. I know she is your Wife Shravan. But what’s wrong in tasting something that she cooks. I am sure the whole family does that.
Shravan: Okay Thats it. (he said in a harsh tone and everyone were quiet.). Let’s drink the Tea first.
Raaghav nodded . Suraj and Preeti passed looks to each other . The moment Raaghav sipped the tea, he started coughing badly and Suraj immediately gave him water to drink .
Suraj: Raaghav. What’s wrong?
Raaghav: The Tea. Tea. (He said breathing heavily and Preeti too was surprised)
Shravan: You Okay Raaghav?? Should I call the doctor?
Raaghav denied and then in next few minutes he was alright.
Raaghav: (Looking at Preeti): Did you put Ginger in it?
Preeti : Yes. Why?? (She asked purposely)
Raaghav: Ohh. No. I have an allergy to that since childhood.
Preeti and Suraj looked at each other and then they could somewhere relate this Raghav to the one in their past birth.
Shravan's Room.
Preeti was leaning on the recliner thinking something deep. She didn’t know why but since the time Raaghav has come here, she felt something wrong in the house. She didn’t like his presence. Though everyone in the house liked him, she still was suspicious on his moves. And seeing Radhika liking him too, Preeti feared that if incase what she felt is true, then Radhika's heart would break. She had no idea when her husband was inside the room and had asked her to get his File from the Closet. But she had not heard anything. She was still lost in same thoughts. Understanding that, Shravan walked to her and then gently brushed her locks tucking them behind her ear. She became conscious and got up.
Preeti: You needed anything??
Shravan: Is it necessary that I come to you only when I need something?? (He questioned her back)
Preeti (Smiled): You are getting out of track again. Tell me what you want? I will search it for you.
Shravan (Smirking): You have grown little brains since the time we married. You understand me so well. Anyways. I need the Red File which I asked to keep in the Closet today morning??
Preeti: Ohhh !! Thats it?? That even you could have taken out. Why me?? (Saying that she walked to the Closet and started getting the file out while Shravan came behind her and pinned her to the closet turning her to face him making sure she doesnt move.)
Shravan: So that I can admire my wife on the pretext of this file.
Preeti's cheeks were already red hearing this. She too replied back in the same naughty tone.
Preeti: Since Raaghav is here, someone is actually starting to show his Possessive side. Isn’t he??
Shravan: (Raising his eyebrow): You think so?
Preeti: Yeah. Because see today morning when he praised me, you told him how you dont like others praising your wife. Today when he said he would like to taste something that I cook, you again showed your dissatisfaction there. !! (She then looked firmly at his face).You think I am not noticing Shravan??? I am very well seeing you dont like anyone else to even think about your wife and her charms. Nice change I must say. Atleast better than the one you were before.
Shravan left her and moved a step back.
Shravan: Dont get overconfident Mrs Khurana. It’s nothing like that.
Preeti: Accha? Okay. Let me see in the coming days then.
Saying that she closed the cupboard, gave him the file and was about to walk when the door knocked and Raghav was standing there.
Raghav: Guys sorry for disturbing. But can someone please tell me where Kishore's room is. I am finding it since minutes on this floor. And I am all the time reaching back to the same spot.
Preeti looked at Shravan and smiled.
Preeti (To Shravan)(Smiling ): Should I help Raaghav??
Shravan knew she wanted to check if he liked seeing his wife helping Raaghav or not and he instantly replied leaving behind every important work.
Shravan: No Need. I will help him. (He replied firmly)
Shravan placed the file back on bed and walked outwit Raaghav.
Preeti giggled. She could see her husband getting real possessive just like Yuvraj was with Chanchan before. Wish Shravan could get all those memories back. Only then she would be able to start a proper life with him, she thought.
Part 29
Raaghav and Shravan were walking towards Kishore's room.
Raaghav: Shravan. Dont you think this Raj Mahal is too big for just One family?
Shravan: Yeah. I know. But then it’s my Ancestral Property and Daadi and Nani doesnt wish to leave this Place and settle somewhere else. Thats why we never thought of moving out. It’s only me who keep going here and there .
Raaghav: They must be much attached to this place then. I mean who won’t. ??? Now look at me. Just in few hours I am so much liking this place, that even if you ask me to become a Ghar Damaad, I am ready to stay with Radhika after marriage here , forever.
Shravan stopped and saw his face.
Shravan: Are you kidding me Raaghav???
Raaghav: I wish I was. But thats the truth. You know I am planning to settle my business here in India. I guess Jodhpur is the best place to start with. And If you are with me here, then I dont have to worry even on that. What say?
Shravan (Surprised): Trust me these days you dont find a guy who is ready to be a Ghar Damaad. And you??
Raaghav: See. Thats why I say. What Others Dont. Raaghav Does.!! (He winked at Shravan and Shravan just smirked. )
Shravan showed him Kishore's room and then left back for his room. Preeti was busy in her work. After all In all these marriage days, she had hardly concentrated on her official work too. So she was finally in her bedroom with her laptop emailing some important clients. Shravan didn’t disturb her but then yes for sure he remembered What Raaghav had told him about helping Preeti with the US clients. He told that to Preeti if she was Ok with giving her Client Details to Raaghav to sort this matter from here , instead of going to USA.
Preeti: Raaghav?? Why would he help us?
Shravan: Because he is now almost a part of this family Preeti. And he just said this out of concern.
Preeti : Whatever it is. But I dont wish to share these details with anyone. Shravan. You can easily trust people may be. But Not me.(She replied angrily)
Shravan: What The Hell.!! What do you mean Preeti?
Preeti: (In little anger): I dont trust any third person for sharing my Business Problems. If you dont wish to solve your wife's issues yourself then let me handle it on my own. But I dont need Raaghav to come in this picture.
Shravan was very much angry. How can she say he Isn’t interested in handling her problems. He dialed a number and then asked his Secretary to book 2 tickets to USA for the next flight. And Preeti was absolutely shocked. Was he planning to take her the next day?? He kept the call and she got up in anger.
Preeti: Next flight?? Shravan what are you doing?? How can we go by the next flight?
Shravan: Why?? You doubt on my capabilities of handling your problems right?? Now when I am helping you out , dont back off. We are going by the next flight and I dont even care if you Okay with this Step or not.
Saying that he angrily left the room and Preeti took a long breathe and sighed.
Preeti: (To herself): I guess I spoke a lot. But I wasn’t wrong. How can he trust Raaghav so easily? And how am I supposed to inform everyone about this sudden trip now??
Shravan had informed the entire family about how he and Preeti the early next morning were flying to USA and would be coming back in few days after they finish the work there. The family didn’t deny. They understood this Urgency and agreed.
Aarti So you guys go ahead. I will join you in 2 days. I have some work in Delhi.
Shra
van: I have told my PA to book your ticket too for the date you prefer. Rajeev would get the tickets to you.
Aarti: Thanks Shravan. Thats enough. You just take care of yourself and Preeti there. And we have our own house . So you dont need to bother staying in a Hotel.
The Packing was done and while doing this, Shravan and Preeti didn’t talked to each other. He didn’t like the way she spoke to him and she didn’t like him taking such hasty decisions in anger. She was more concerned of the fact that Raaghav was here and if he was by any chance negative then her and Shravan's presence was more required in Raj Mahal than anywhere else.
When Raaghav came to know that Shravan and Preeti are leaving for US , he couldn’t believe. He walked in their room and saw the couple engrossed in Packing bags.
Raaghav: Guys this is unfair. You didn’t tell me this.
Preeti almost jerked hearing his voice so suddenly. She looked at Shravan and she knew her husband would give some reply to Raaghav and she need not open her mouth.
Shravan: Raaghav. Things changed suddenly. And we are leaving. But as I said. Be comfortable. Consider this to be your family now.We will be back soon.
Raaghav: I know this family is mine. So no need to consider that Buddy. But yeah. I will surely miss you both.
Cursed Bride Page 19
