This one is a continuation from the one I wrote After the Awards, although it can be read on its own too. Hope you like it.
Here is the link.
Pallavi woke up the next morning feeling refreshed and so relaxed. She tried to get up and felt restrained. She looked down and saw Raghav sleeping on her stomach with his arm across her chest and totally pinning her to the bed. She tried to move without waking him, but his arm was like steel. She was locked in. She wiggled a bit more and he stirred a bit. She quickly stopped and just stared at him instead. She reached over and ruffled his hair. How cute he looked while sleeping. His hair all ruffled and curling over his forehead. All of a sudden she teared up again. She had hurt this man, the same man who moved heaven and earth for her. He was ready to drink dirty water from her baba's washed feet so she could get accepted back in the Deshmukh house and they would forgive her. This is the man she had hurt and all he had asked, which he didnt even ask because he didnt think she would come and he was right, she never made it to the function to see him receive the award. She thought back to the day before and realized that she really didnt need to be there while the doctor tended to Mandhar and thinking back, how did Mandhar even burn his hand. It was on the palm and that would happen only when someone put the iron directly on the hand. Why would Mandhar do that? Is he suicidal? And if so then how was he working for an ambulance? How did Dr Ramya get him that job? He wouldnt have cleared a psych evaluation so how did he get in? So many questions going thru her head. She looked at Raghav and thought back to what he had said about Mandhar's 7 day challenge. She never paid attention to it. She brushed it off as Raghav being insecure but Raghav trusted her otherwise he would never have let her go to the D house, Then she thought about Mangla Gaur day and how happy she was. She had eaten Raghav's kheer and after that couldnt remember anything. Raghav said that Mandhar told him that I had asked him to take me up. I would never ask Mandhar. Not in a million years. She started crying again. What a mess it all was. What was going on?
Suddenly she felt Raghav stirring and his eyes opened and he lifted his head to look at her. His fingers reached over to brush the tears off her cheek. He shook his head and put his fingers on the sides of her mouth to indicate that she should smile. She shook her head and he nodded, and tilted his head, saying yes, please. She closed her eyes to hide her tears but he reached over and touched his forehead to hers and whispered softly, “Please, mat ro, me tumhe aise nahi dekhsaktah.”
She tried to stop crying but instead reached over to hug him and cried even harder mumbling, “Im so sorry, so sorry…maine tumhe bahut….”
Before she could continue, Raghav interrupted, “Raat Khattam, Baat Khattam. Ardha Mainda!”
She broke off from the hug and looked at him saying, “How can you forgive me? I cannot even imagine how u felt seeing me with another man and even then my Ex….I don’t think I would ever be able to forget a scenario like that….then how can you?”
“Because I love you and I trust you. Simple. Uske agge aur peeche kuch bhi nahi. Me jaanta hu ke tum hosh me nahin thi aur who Mandhar tumhara advantage lera ha tha aur mujhe yeh bhi pata hai, ke tum mujhehi kehrahi thi ke me kahin nahi jau. Lekin uss waqt Mandhar ne aisa manipulate kiya ke mujhe laga tu usse kehrahi ho." said Raghav
Pallavi started to say something but Raghav put his finger on her lips and shook his head. He said, “tumhe ammako mana he na, toh jaldi tayyar hojao.”
Pallavi nodded and stared at Raghav for a few more seconds, thanking God for blessing her with a loving Husband like him. She then said, “I love you, my Ghamandi Rao.” He smiled and said, “I love you too, My Saree ka Dukaan.”
Pallavi went to get ready and when she came out, Raghav was on the phone. She waved bye and went downstairs. No one was down yet so she went to the kitchen to make Amma’s favorite breakfast dishes. Just as she finished making tea, Amma came down followed by Keerti.
Before Pallavi could say anything, Keerti taunted, “lo, Deshmukh house ka kachra phir se yaha agaya". .
Amma glared at Keerti and said angrily, “Keerti, yeh kaisi baat karrahi ho, stop it.”
“Mein sach toh kerrahi hun. Deshmukh house ka kachra hi toh hai. Jooti, makaar aurat jo dono patiyo ko nacha rahi hai, besharam ladki." Continued Keerti.
Before anyone could say anything, Pallavi heard a slap.
“Keerti abh bass….ek shabd nahin, yeh tumhari Bhabhi hai, tumhare Bhai ki patni. Tumhe isse izzat se baat karni chahiye.” Shouted Amma angrily
“Im sorry Amma, jo ladki itni characterless ho, unse me baat nahin karoongi. Kaun si ladki, apne pati ko chod kar apni pehle pati ke saath jayegi aur waha kya kya karrahi hogi, aap ko kya patta.” She said
“Keerti!!!!!” Shouted Raghav when he walked in and heard what Keerti said. He walked to her and slapped her hard. Pallavi was shocked and dropped the tea cups she was carrying.
“Not another word, Ardha Mainda.” Raghav yelled.
“dekha Ms Deshmukh, tumhari wajai se meri Amma aur mera bhai dono mujhe thapar mara. I will never forgive you for this. You wait and watch, meh tumhari zindagi narg banadoongi.” She shouted and walked off, knocking the dishes on the table. Raghav managed to save them just in time.
Pallavi stood still, shocked. She didn’t realize Keerti had this much hate for her. She blinked when she realized Amma was saying something.
“Jee Amma.” Pallavi answered
“Please Keerti ke baato ka bura math maana. Main unki wajai se maafi mangt ihoon." She folded her hands in front of Pallavi.
"Amma, yeh kya karraheho. Aap maafi kyun mangteho. Mujhe maafi maangni chahiye. Please mujhe maaf kardo. Maine aapka dil bahut dukhaya hai." she said pleadingly
“maine toh tumhe kal he maaf kardiya tha.” she replied
Pallavi then hugged her and bent down to pick up the glass pieces.
Raghav was watching all this and felt peace within himself. He had been restless for the last few days and it felt like now he was home and at peace and it was all due to Pallavi. He knew that she was still blaming herself over not attending the awards function but hopefully with time, she will forgive herself.
He realized just then that he had zoned out and Amma was tending to a cut on Pallavi’s finger.
“Saree ka Dukaan, yeh kya huwa. Tumhe yeh glass kyun utha na tha. Servants hai na. Amma tum jao, me bandage lagale thahun." he said
He took over from Amma and proceeded to bandage her ever so slowly, all the while staring at her.
Someone coughed in the background and he realized he was done and was just holding Pallavi’s hand.
“Tum iska haath pakar sakthe ho, patni hai tumhari, lekin mujhe bookh lagi hai aur tum meri kursi pe behte ho,waise mai koi bhi kursi pe behtjau, lekin isme woh back pain wala massage hotahai toh issliye.” She said
Pallavi looked at her and said, “back pain, yeh kab huwa.”
“woh do din pehle jab me bahar phool katne gayi thi tabh me gir gayi thi aur thodi moch agayi thi. Doctor ne kaha ye back massager leneko.” She replied
Pallavi looked at Raghav and felt miserable. It was her job to tend to the garden and the flowers as she loved them. Raghav had hired gardeners but she had insisted to do it herself as it was her hobby. She hadn’t even thought of that when she went to D house and Amma had done it for her and injured herself. How much more guilt will she rack up?
Raghav shook his head and gave her the smile signal.
She nodded and didn’t say anything. They sat down to eat and conversation centered around the new designs at Jayati Jewels and Pallavi and Raghav argued about colour combinations and styles etc. Amma watched them bicker and felt at ease. Her son looked so happy. She felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She knew they had things to work out but all will be ok as long as they loved each other!
After Raghav left for work, Pallavi decided to put her plan into place. She made some calls, and went shopping. She had lots to do, before her plan took place.
When she got home in the afternoon, she went straight to Amma’s room and knocked on the door. Amma answered and Pallavi went in.
Amma looked at Pallavi and asked, “What’s in all these bags?:
“Kuch samaan hai jo me chahtihu ke aap room me rakho. Raghav ko patha nahichalna chahiye, please Amma.” She said
Amma nodded and took the bags Don’t know what she was up to but she knew Pallavi was doing this for Raghav.
Pallavi left the room and got busy preparing dinner. Amma came down and asked if Raghav was home and Pallavi shook her head. She told Amma to eat and she would wait for Raghav since Amma had to take medicines.
After Amma left, Raghav walked in calling out for Pallavi. She answered telling him she was waiting for him at the dining table.
Raghav walked in straight to her and looked around before yanking her from the seat and kissing her quickly on the cheek before she could say anything.
Pallavi looked shocked but blushed. Raghav smiled and sat down. Pallavi started to serve him when he said, “sit down Pallavi, tum mera servant nahi hai, meh khud lelunga khana.”
“par me waha Deshmukh house me….”she started to say and Raghav shushed her.
“yeh D house nahi hai. Hum log sabh saat me khate hai aur hum sab apna khana khud le sakte hai. Abh beto aur hum saath me khayenge.” He said
They sat down to eat and Pallavi remembered something, “ Waise, Raghav…woh mujhe poochna tha ke kal tum nashe me the jab D house aye the phir tumhara nasha kaise uthra ithna jaldi?” she asked
Raghav smirked, “Nasha tha hinahi tho kaise uthrega.”
Pallavi looked surprised, “you mean tumne pee nahi thi?: she asked
Raghav shook his head.
“toh phir woh sab kya tha?” she asked
“tum khud solve kardo yeh Mrs Sherlock Holmes ki Amma.” He answered
Pallavi thought about it and realized that the bike was out conveniently with keys in it which meant someone knew that she would need to get out. Also when she got here Farhad and Raghav didn’t look surprised. Which meant they knew she would come and that meant that they did the whole drama of being drunk….but why?
Pallavi looked questioningly at Raghav, “par drama kyun?”
“tum tumhare sanki budhe ki asliyat jaani nah, well plan successful.” He said, and looked at her wondering why she didn’t correct him when he called her baba sanki budha.
Pallavi looked thoughtful and said, “youre right, mujhe kabhi nahi pata chalta ke baba ka erada kya tha, thank you.”
Raghav nodded. Raghav finished eating and said, “mujhe thoda kaam hai tho me finish karke tumhe room me milega.”
She nodded and he left. She started to clear the table when Naidu(servant) came to help. They both cleaned up together.
She changed and got in bed with a book to read but as soon as her head hit the pillow, she was fast asleep. When Raghav came up, he saw her asleep and smiled. He took the book and put it away and covered her with the blanket. He got ready for bed and pulled Pallavi into his arms and finally fell asleep.
The next morning as usual Pallavi was gone. Raghav got downstairs and looked for her but didn’t see her anywhere. He started to panic and Amma noticed and reassured him that she has gone for some important work for her shop. She had a meeting early morning that she forgot about. Krishna called her to remind her.
Raghav nodded and took his phone out and realized the ringer was off. There was a missed call from Pallavi and a text msg explaining what Amma had just said.
Raghav msged back saying have a good day and I love you. She replied, ‘you too and love you too.”
After her meeting Pallavi came home and decided to get her plan in action. She made some calls and asked some people to come over. She sat with them and discussed everything that needed to be done. She explained to Amma what she was planning. Amma beemed. She was so happy that Pallavi was doing this. Pallavi then called Farhad to relay her plan and told him to make sure Raghav got home at 7 pm sharp and also that there would be a bag for him that she will drop off at Jayati Jewels head office. She didn’t know how but Farhad will have to make Raghav wear that.
Pallavi then got busy organizing and getting her plan underway. Lots of people came in and out and she got busy until she noticed the time. She still had to get ready. She went upstairs and took out her outfit. She got ready and looked at the time, it was 6:30pm. She went downstairs and Amma was waiting for her. Amma smiled and said, “wow….tum bahut hot lagrahahe, Raghav toh gaya aaj.” Pallavi blushed and said, "thank you Amma."
The guests had started to arrive and Pallavi seated them. The servants served them some drinks.
It was getting close to 7 when Farhad texted that they were 5 mins away….Pallavi asked the lighting crew to dim the lights. And put spotlight on entrance.
Just then Raghav stepped in and noticed the spotlight. He looked around and said, “Farhad hum RR mansion kyun aya, aur yeh lights kyun itni bright hai." He looks around and notices that , "…..yeh tho who duplicate Awards assembly wala hall lagta he.”
Raghav looked up when the lights brightened slightly and everyone stood up, cheered and clapped.
“tum bilkul sahi jaga aye ho Mr. Raghav Rao.” Said the Master of Ceremonies. She was the same lady that had announced his award.
“aap aake yaha behtiye.” Farhad led Raghav to the front where it said, Mr and Mrs Rao. He looked at Farhad confused with all this. He had no idea what was going on. Farhad told him he was going to some function for underprivileged kids and he was giving a speech and making donations. He told him to put on this black suit, wine colour shirt with a black bow tie, He then asked Farhad, “ yeh kya hai.” Farhad asked him to be patient and just sit. Just then the announcer said, “I would like the lady of the evening to please come up on stage,”
The lights went off and the spotlight went on stage. Raghav looked up and saw Pallavi. His jaw dropped. She was wearing a black net sari that had some crystals that sparkled as she walked. Her hair was piled on top of her head in some sort of up do with ringlets let loose around her face. Her blouse was sleeveless with the back being almost backless except for the closure which was a diamond studded buttonhook. He was speechless. Damn she looked Hot and Sexy. He couldn’t believe it and his mouth remained open.
Farhad looked at him and smiled, “anna aap apna moh band kijiye, makhi ghoos jayegi.”
Raghav closed his mouth and leaned back on the sofa. His Amma was sitting there and he hadn’t even noticed since he was busy ogling his wife. Amma smiled mischievously saying, “mujhe pata tha tumhara hosh udjayega Pallavi ko dekh kar.”
Pallavi went to the podium and began, “Hello ladies and gentlemen. Thank you so much for taking the time to attend this function. I know you are all busy people so I wont take too much of your time. As you all very well know I wasn’t at the function the other day and wanted to make it up to my husband. It was a big night for him and due to certain circumstances I did not make it on time. I couldn’t let that go even though he had forgiven me and moved on, I had to do something to make it up to him. So, this is for you my dear husband. This night is all about you Mr. Raghav Rao”. She blew him a kiss and everyone clapped.
She then said, “we will start off with this video, showing you a glimpse of the other side of Raghav Rao, the side none of you know about. It's the side that I got to know very well. Please take a look."
The video starts and they all watch and see all the people talk about Raghav. They talked about how he helped them get an education and how he got them jobs so they can now feed their family and live without depending on anyone. The older ladies who had no means to earn talked about how he got them started with their own business, whether it’s a catering company, sewing, making jewellery, crocheting etc. Anything that could make them earn themselves and be independent. He helped so many people get surgeries done for broken bones or internal issues, eye surgeries, the list was countless. His employees talked about what a great Boss he was. Yes he yelled when work was not done properly but when they needed time off to care for their loved ones, he wouldnt hesitate to give them an off and some money to care for their loved one and he would compensate their pay so they dont lose money. Some talked about how he paid for their kids education, their Mom's surgery, their dad's funeral. It was endless.
Amma had tears in her eyes. She couldn’t believe all this. She had doubted Raghav and thought all he cared about was money and that he was her husband and son’s killer. How wrong she was. She looked around and everyone was dabbing their eyes. She reached over for Raghav’s hand and squeezed it. Raghav had tears in his eyes. He had no idea that the little bit he did had helped people so much.
The video ended and Pallavi was back on the podium.
Everyone was standing and clapping. Pallavi was clapping as well.
“Thank you ladies and gentlemen. I know you all know him as a shrewd Business man but today you got to see his other side…as a kind and humble human being who can never see anyone begging on the street or going without food. Today we have a special guest with us, who would like to say a few things, I would like to call on stage Mr. Raman Rastogi. He is the minister for Community and social services.” Said Pallavi
Mr Rastogi comes on stage and takes over at the Podium.
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, today I am here to honour a great human being. To everyone he is known as the Don of Hyderabad but to me and the community he is our Anna. As you have seen the video, he is a part of many organizations that help and support in whatever way possible. They build water tanks and wells for water supply to small towns where water is hard to get, he has scholarships in schools for kids that cannot afford to go to college or university, he has funds set aside in hospitals where they are used for patients that cannot pay for surgeries. I can go on and on. One thing you all don’t know is he doesn’t do it as Raghav Rao as he doesn’t want any recognition. He has a pseudo name for himself which I will not reveal, just to protect his privacy, but today I am here to present this humble and kind human being, the Humanitarian Award. Its an honour bestowed upon a human that dedicates his life in helping others achieve their successes. Mr. Raghav Rao, please come up on stage.”
Everyone stands up and applauds. Raghav walks up on stage to receive the award. He is in tears. He takes the award and stands looking at everyone. He can see Pallavi on the side with tears in her eyes. He is about to leave when Mr Rastogi says, “please say a few words.”
Raghav says, “im not good with speeches, but I just want to say thank you for this honour. I don’t think I have done half as much but I promise to continue to help everyone. Thank you so much.”
He is about to leave, when he hears Pallavi’s voice saying, “Don’t go anywhere Mr Raghav Rao and Thank you Mr Rastogi, for taking the time to come here. Please have a seat.”
Raghav stops and waits.
She continues, “The other day at the awards ceremony, Raghav was asked who his inspiration is and he mentioned that it is this one person who comes in your life and changes everything. I was the one he was talking about and was supposed to present him with the award, but today I want to tell you, I am not his inspiration, his life is his inspiration, he has seen so much in his young life when he grew up with his family and they had to struggle to make ends meet. He had to watch his father beg for loans and perform atrocious tasks just so he could get some money. When his mom needed surgery, he took up odd jobs trying to make money and yes some jobs were not honest but think of that 17 year old who had the whole worlds problems on his shoulder and two young siblings to support. What would you have done? So yeah I am not his inspiration, he is his own inspiration, his life is his inspiration, he is my inspiration and he is everyone else's inspiration. He has inspired me, a small town girl who sold sarees in a small shop, to go big and design saris and sell them online. He urged me to reach out and go to bigger clients and not to be afraid to show my talent. He inspired me to be me, Pallavi as a human, not Pallavi, the daughter or Pallavi the daughter in law or the widow or the wife, just ME….He is my strength, with him by my side I can do anything and achieve anything.” She paused, getting a little choked up and emotional.
“Today Mr. Raghav Rao, I want to ask you something.” She continued
She walks over to him and takes his hands.
“I love you with all my heart. You are my start and my end. Without you there is no Pallavi and wherever you are, Pallavi will always be with you. Is ghamandi rao ke bina saree ka dukaan khuch bhi nahi hai, toh Mr. Raghav Rao…..(as she says this she kneels on one knee, trying so hard to do that with a sari but still manages and holds out an open box with a ring. She removes the ring and holds it out) will you marry me again?”
Raghav was stunned. He actually couldn’t move. He just stares at her until she nudged him and he realizes his wife was on her knees declaring her love infront of everyone and asking him..Raghav Rao, the useless idiot who only knew how to hurt people, the one person people hated and said all bad things to, to marry her. He was speechless. He reached down to hold her shoulders and make her stand. He put his hand forward and was so choked up that he couldn’t even speak.
He took a deep breath and stared into his wife's beautiful hazel eyes. The love for him clearly shone there.
“Yes I will marry you, today, tomorrow and everyday for the rest of our lives.” He said emotionally.
Pallavi put the ring on his finger and kissed him on the cheek saying I love you. He looked down at the ring. It was a simple gold band with two tiny diamonds in the centre and edged with a rope design. Beautiful.
He hugged her and they stood like that for a few minutes while everyone stood and applauded. The media was having a field day clicking pics of this adorable and hot couple both in their black sexy evening wear.
After a few moments, they pulled apart and Raghav asked for the microphone.
“I don’t give speeches or like to talk much, that is my wife’s department" he laughed. "lekin mujhe aaj toh kuch na kuch bolna padega meri saree ke dukaan ke baare me. Our first meeting was a slap from her, and even then I knew this woman would be my equal. She gave it as good as she got. I took revenge for the slap and bought her shop. I challenged her to bring it up to par or I would shut it down and she would have to leave town. I put up a lot of obstacles in her path but her honesty and kindness always won. At that time my motto for pyar was ‘jo pyar ko jaan le, ye pyar uska jaan le’ but today I would like to say. '.love conquers all when you find the right partner'. Someone who sees you for who you truly are. Someone who understands you and loves you unconditionally. I love you my Saree Ka Dukaan!”
He reached for her and they both hugged each other with so much emotion. Meanwhile everyone was once again standing and applauding. Amma, Farhad, Amruta, Aai and Kaka were all in tears.
Mandhar had arrived and was hiding at the back watching all this. He was furious. He kept thinking, these two will pay for this, especially Pallavi. He quickly left before anyone saw him.
After a few minutes both Pallavi and Raghav thanked everyone and Pallavi asked the announcer to take over and she stepped down to sit in the audience with Raghav. The announcer told everyone to take a break and refreshments are being served and to please help themselves. Raghav and Pallavi held hands and walked to their family. Amma hugged both of them while crying. Everyone was so emotional. After all the congrats and greetings, Amma pulled Pallavi over and said, “I love you beta. Thank you for coming in Raghav’s life.” Pallavi just hugged her back and said, “amma aap thank you kyun bolrareho, thank you mujhe aap ko kehna chahiye. Aap ne itne ache dil wala insaan jo paida kiya aur woh meri zindagi sawaar di. Mujhe himmat di takke me kuch karpau life me.”
They both got emotional and heard Raghav ask, “Amma kya huwa?”
“Kuch nahin, thoda emotional din tha. Me jaake kuch drink leti hun.” She said, leaving the two alone.
Raghav took Pallavi’s hands and said, “thank you.”
“kiss liye, maine kuch nahin kiya. Yeh saab aap ki wajah se hai. Aap ki insaniyat aur saaf dil ki wajai se.” She said
They got interrupted and mingled with some guests. The rest of the function went by with some talent from little kid performers from the various charities that Raghav supported. They all wanted to do something for their Anna. The Ashram organized a comedy play that had them all in stitches. Throughout the whole time, Raghav and Pallavi sat next to each other holding hands and having eye contact periodically.
Finally it was all over and Raghav was relieved, not because of the function itself but the bow tie was squeezing his neck and he just wanted to get rid of it. That is why he never buttoned up his shirt and never wore ties. But he had guessed when he saw the outfit that it was Pallavi's selection and he couldnt say no.
They said their good byes and headed up to their room
Pallavi started to head to the washroom when Raghav snagged her hand. “oh no, Mrs Pallavi Raghav Rao, you are not getting away this easily.” He said
He roughly but lovingly pulled her to his chest enclosing her in his arms. He bent his head to her cheek and kissed her and whispered, “Have I told you yet, how beautiful you look?” He then went over to the other cheek and whispered, “how gorgeous you look?”
He kisses her forehead and says, “and how utterly cute you look.”
Turns her around and kisses her back saying, “how sexy you look.” Meanwhile untying her dori
He turns her around and bends to kiss her lips saying, “and how hot you look.”
Pallavi blushes but melts in his arms.
Raghav picks her up and lays her on the bed. He removes his suit jacket and the damn bowtie. Starts to unbutton his shirt but Pallavi reaches to take over and ever so slowly undoes them and asks him, “Did you like your surprise?”
He stared in her eyes and nodded. She said, “do you forgive me for not attending your award ceremony?”
He stops her hands and holds them against his chest, “Maine tumhe ussi din maaf kardiya tha, iski koi zaroorat nahi, but ha lekin tumne sab ke saamne I love you kaha woh zabardast tha, abh tumhe kahi bhi keh saktahun, tumhe mujhe jawaab dena parega, since sare Hindustan ne sunliya toh abh sharmane wali baat nahi rahi.”
Pallavi blushed and said, “haa mujhe pata tha tum wahi baat pe atke rahoge.”
The night ended with the two immersed in each other and loving each other.
Tomorrow they will tackle their biggest problem…MANDHAR!
Sorry, turned out a bit longer than I anticipated but hope you liked it. Please do comment, I really like reading the comments and seeing what you guys think. Any criticism is fine....I appreciate anything, positive or negative.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read. Much love to all....stay safe.
(I dont know how to tag people. Also to tag so that it is in the stories section, if someone can do that for me, I really appreciate it or maybe help me. I tried using the tag at the bottom but didnt work so not sure what I am doing wrong)
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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