Upto Chance

Part 9

Ragini POV

Why does life have to throw so many curveballs at us? Can't destiny let us live in peace?

Yesterday was a good day. She had felt a spark of happiness during the brief moments they shared at the beach house. After six months of marriage, she had begun to feel a glimmer of hope that the future might be different, that she and Karanveer might actually make it work. But then, everything came crashing down.

As she sat in the corner of her room's balcony, where she had locked herself since they returned home, the events of the day replayed in her mind. The day had started on a positive note. Karanveer had his checkup, and the plaster on his arm was supposed to be removed. It was also the day of Dadaji's regular health checkup. Everything seemed to be going well until she came across him again, after six months.

And worst of everything was Karanveer's reaction had been more brutal than she had anticipated.

Ragini couldn't help but recall everything that had happened from the start. What was her fault exactly? Where had she gone wrong? Was she utterly hopeless when it came to love? Why did this keep happening to her?

She thought about the fleeting moment of peace she had felt at the beach house, sitting by the ocean with Karanveer. For the first time, she had allowed herself to imagine a future where they could be happy together. But now, it seemed like a distant dream.

Her mind wandered back to Karanveer's reaction. She had seen the fury in his eyes, the way his face twisted with anger.

Ragini hugged her knees to her chest, tears streaming down her face. She felt lost and alone, trapped in a cycle of hope and despair. She had wanted to believe that they could build something real, something lasting. But now, she wasn't sure if that was possible.

................

Flashback

The morning started on a positive note. Ragini helped Karanveer get ready for the day, and he was smiling, which was a rare sight to behold. The family noticed the change and felt hopeful that things were finally getting better between Ragini and Karanveer.

As noon approached, Karanveer grew impatient. It was a month since the accident and they were going to remove his arm's plaster today, and get checked on his other injuries.

He was eager to get rid of at least one of his plasters. "Ragini, aur kitna time yaar? We're not going to a wedding that you're taking so long to get ready," he called out.

"Just a minute, I'm coming," she answered.

Karanveer sighed, thinking to himself that someone had said it right: women take a lot of time to get ready, irrespective of the occasion. He was about to call her again when she emerged from the dressing room, clad in a long peach kurti, white palazzo pants, and a baby pink dupatta pinned on her shoulder. Her hair was styled in a French braid, and she looked stunning.

Karanveer was momentarily speechless. He had never seen her in anything other than a saree before. "Let's go," she said, breaking his reverie.

"What happened? Where are you lost?" she asked, noticing his distant look.

"Nowhere," he quickly composed himself, feeling a bit embarrassed.

As she pushed his wheelchair towards the parking area, they found Dadaji waiting. "Ah, finally you are here," he said.

Karanveer looked confused and turned to Ragini for an explanation. "Dadaji's monthly health checkup was also scheduled, so I thought why not today?" she explained.