Tying The Knot With Ex's Brother

NO TO COFFEE

"Let's organise your clothes and everything in the closet," Sparsh suggested after they had had their lunch.

"Don't you wanna take a nap? I'll do it on my own, you don't need to bother," said Ragini politely.

Sparsh, without uttering a single word, grabbed her bags and put them on the bed.

"Two's better than one. Let's get it done quickly." And he gestured for the keys.

The cupboard had already been vacated for Ragini's belongings and they spent almost an hour in arranging all her clothes and shoes and everything else.

"Thank you but I could have done it on my own."

Sparsh smiled a little and asked, "Did you talk to your parents? When are you visiting them?"

"This weekend, maybe. I'll stay there for one or two nights, if... if it's okay with you and family."

"I don't think anyone would have any problem with you visiting your own parents. You know, you're now a part of our family. I understand, I really do understand that it's kind of strange that people you don't know well suddenly became your family and you're now living with them under the same roof, but trust me, everyone here loves you and they will all respect you. You may be doubtful and maybe scared , but rest assured, things will soon get better."

While this conversation lasted, they were incessantly looking into each other's eyes; Ragini knew that every single word which came out from Sparsh's mouth was true and Sparsh knew that his words brought enough peace to Ragini's heart, but what he didn't know was that the kinder he was to her, the more she resented herself.

"Ma, I'll take care of the evening tea. You can go and take a rest," said Ragini when she was downstairs in the kitchen after a brief afternoon nap.

"Do you really know how to make tea?" said Ma teasing her.

"Ma... I know it." And Ragini laughed at how sweet and loving her mother-in-law was.

"Then, I'll send Jeevika to help you." And she left.

Jeevika's son, was playing with his maternal grandparents and Sparsh was reading something when Ragini came with a tray, Jeevika followed with another which had some cookies and sweets.

"Where's your tea, bhabhi? Do you want me to fetch some for you?" asked Jeevika when she noticed Ragini had served a cup to everyone except herself.

"No, no! I don't like tea," explained Ragini.

"Coffee-lover, by any chance?" asked Sparsh.

Ragini nodded.

"Sid's got a partner now," remarked Sparsh with a tiny smile and then continued, "He is caffeine addicted, drinks 9 to 10 cups of coffee every day. Don't tell me you're like him too!"

What was Ragini supposed to say? Should she have said, "Your brother and I used to have 5 to 7 cups of coffee together at our office"? Or that "Sid's addiction was just the effect of her admiration for coffee and its aromatic smell." She stayed silent while faking a smile.

"You should have made some coffee for yourself," said Ma.

"Bhabhi, I'll make it for you," said Jeevika and was ready to get up when Ragini stopped her and said, "Don't worry, I don't need it. I'll have it later. Relax."

The whole family was still together after tea when Jeevika suggested that they should watch the videos and pictures she managed to procure from the various people who had attended the wedding as she herself was very busy and didn't have enough time to click pictures.

"It happens in family functions, it's okay. Who else will work if not the family members?" Papa comforted her while she complained about all the work she had to do.

The door bell rang while they were enjoying watching the moments from the marriage, Jeevika was about to go but Ragini told her to sit and went to answer the door. It was Sid, he was back from office. Their eyes met and the two pairs had contradictory emotions; one was filled with rage and anger while the other had tears of guilt and loss.

"Ragini, who's at the door?" asked Ma in a louder voice.

Sid entered and Ragini followed after locking the door again.

"Come, sit," said Jeevika while pulling Sid on the couch she was sitting on.

"My daughter-in-law is looking gorgeous. She looks royal, you know, like a queen. Red really suits you, doesn't it?" said Ma.

"Exactly! Red is the best color for brides, no matter how many of these celebs wear white." Jeevika turned to Ragini and continued, "Bhabhi, you should wear red often. You look amazing in it. You slay it, you know."

Ragini smiled and simply nodded.

Sid got up and said, "I'll go and get fresh."

"I'll get your coffee ready," said Jeevika and Sid left for his room upstairs.

"Bhabhi, how do you like your coffee?" asked Jeevika.

"I'll do it. You should watch this," replied Ragini.

"But you don't know the kind of coffee he drinks." Jeevika shook her head and walked toward the kitchen.
Ragini followed her.

"He likes it really sweet, three tablespoons of sugar," said Jeevika while making faces.

Ragini knew Sid's coffee habits very well as they shared similarities. Sometimes, their friends called them twins as they had exactly similar tastes in almost everything.

"Bhabhi, how many spoons?" asked Jeevika, holding a box of sugar in her hands.

"I won't drink it," replied Ragini.

"Why?"

"I'm quitting coffee."

"Why? I thought you loved it."

"Not anymore. Why don't you hurry up? You're missing it," said Ragini, signalling toward the TV.

"Where's her coffee?" asked Sparsh when he saw Jeevika coming with a single cup.

"She quit it, as of today," answered Jeevika, followed by a pout.

Sparsh and everyone looked at Ragini, curious to know why being a coffee lover, she suddenly decided against the consumption of it.

Ragini's eyes met with Sid's and she could sense the curiosity his eyes carried. She made him love coffee, she made him addicted to it, she made it his habit, and now she, out of nowhere, quit coffee. That was strange and he somehow knew, her hatred toward him made her do so.

"It's not healthy, Sparsh told me so," said Ragini.

"Me? When?" Sparsh sat bewildered.

"That day, in Mumbai."

"Really? Did I?

Ragini nodded.

"Maybe, since it's actually true. But a cup or two is not really harmful."

"But I already quit," said Ragini a little too cutely.

"They are a match made in heaven!" said Ma to Papa while they were returning to their room.