Chapter 1
20 years later
Neetu Kapoor walks bare feet in the garden, enjoying the softness of the grass under her feet as she waits for her husband, Mahesh and daughter, Kalpana, who is fondly called Kalpi by friends and family to come back from work.
Smiling fondly, she shakes her head, thinking, "how did I give birth to such a nerd. She just loves her lab and research... has definitely not taken after either of us."
Watching Ragav walk towards his home, which was several feet away from the main house in the same compound. She smiles proudly, calling out, "how was your day Mr. Hotshot prosecutor?"
Looking up, Ragav grins and replies cheekily, "it was good... but now it is even better."
Laughing, Neetu admonishes, "flirting with someone your mother's age... shame on you" then adds, "come, join me for some lemonade."
**************
Stepping out of her car, Kalpi stares at the sight that greets her... Ragav leaning back on his seat... the top button of his shirt unbuttoned, his tie loosened and his shirt sleeves rolled up... a carefree grin etched on his face as he sips his lemonade.
Patting her racing heart,she says, "steady... steady", as she walks towards her mother and Ragav, wondering what her mother was saying to him that would change that forever frown to a smile.
Watching her daughter walk towards them, Neetu mentally shakes her head. Her daughter was an open book, never could she hide her feelings. "How was your day honey," she calls out.
Ragav watches with narrowed eyes as Kalpi struggles to hide her attraction for him and failing miserably. Several minutes pass... Ragav excuses himself and leaves. Neetu watches her daughter try to control her blush. Unable to resist teasing her, Neetu says, "somebody's in love." Startled by her mother, Kalpi asks anxiously, "who?"
Debating whether to continue feigning ignorance or not, Neetu asks, "when did you start liking him." Blushing even more deeply, Kalpi turns towards Ragav, watching his back as he disappears around his house, turns back to her mother and whispers, "Mum, how did you know?" Smiling, Neetu says in a confidential voices, "mothers always know." "Do you think he knows?", Kalpi asks anxiously.
Taking mercy on her daughter, Neetu replies, "no he doesn't." "Are you sure Mum? You knew?" Kalpi interrupts. Laughing aloud, wanting to erase the worry lines on her daughter's forehead, Neetu replies, "men are oblivious to such things. Unless you tell tell them directly, they will never be able to guess."
*************************
Dressed casually in a red tshirt and jeans, Ragav watches Mahesh Kapoor despondently as he updates him on the progress over Mittal Pharmaceuticals. Mahesh grins happily as he thinks, "one more competitor bites the dust." He asks, "what's the maximum sentence that he can get?" "Seven years," Ragav replies in a serious and somber tone.
Taking a slip of paper out his desk drawer, Mahesh says, "here is your next target." Unclenching his fist, Ragav nods, takes the piece of paper and leaves the study.
*************
His gaze soft, filled with love, Ragav hugs Maya Jaiswal, his girlfriend and co worker of five years, tightly, saying, "I missed you so much... no more out of town assignments for you." Surprised, for Ragav was never really vocal with his affections, Maya asks, "what's the matter? What happened?" Shaking his head, as if to say nothing happened, Ragav gives her quick peck on her forehead as he hugs her tight, saying, "you make me feel human." Adding, "let's get married."
Edited by angelpureness - 7 years ago
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