Destined (RagSan FF)

Chapter 2

बेचैनियों के समुंदर में, एक सहिल का सहारा था,
उस भीड़ में भी, बस वही मेरा आशियाना था."

A week had passed since that fateful evening on the deserted road, and Ragini still hadn’t gathered the courage to confront Sanskar or tell anyone what she had witnessed. The secret weighed heavily on her, twisting and turning in her mind. How could she explain that the man everyone believed to be mentally unstable was perfectly fine, pretending to be someone he wasn’t? How could she tell them that the one they pitied and humored was more aware than any of them?

She watched him every day, her eyes searching for a clue, a sign of why he was doing this. He continued to act like a child, speaking in a sing-song voice, laughing at the simplest things, and calling her his “duppata wali friend.” It was as if he had taken on the persona of a five-year-old.

It was confusing, infuriating even, but what hurt the most was that, despite the act, he had become a friend to her in this new, bizarre way. She couldn’t help but care for him, that realization was terrifying.

This morning, the Gadodia house was alive with excitement. The family was preparing for a day of shopping for Swara’s wedding. Everyone had woken up early, buzzing with energy and anticipation. Ragini was in the kitchen, organizing the list of stores they needed to visit.

“Ragini, beta, can you check if we have all the bags ready?” Sharmistha called from the dining room, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

“Yes, Ma, I’ll check,” Ragini replied, her voice calm, though her mind was racing. She glanced at the neatly arranged bags by the door, filled with snacks, water, and everything they would need for the long day ahead.

“Lakshya and Sanskar are coming with us today,” Dida announced as she entered the room, her eyes twinkling. “It will be good to have some strong men to carry all our bags.”

She hadn’t expected Sanskar to come. How would she handle being around him all day, knowing what she knew, feeling what she felt? He had avoided talking to her about that night, continuing with his act, his innocent smile never wavering.

“Where’s Swara?” Dida asked, looking around.

“She’s upstairs, getting ready,” Sharmistha said with a smile. “It’s her big day, after all. Let her take her time.”

Ragini forced a smile. Today was about Swara, just like every day had been since the engagement. Everyone was focused on her happiness, while Ragini’s pain was buried, unspoken. She didn’t blame them, but it still hurt to be invisible, to be expected to be strong and supportive no matter what.

“Ragini, are you okay?” Sharmistha’s voice broke through her thoughts.

“Yes, Ma, I’m fine,” Ragini replied quickly, giving her mother a reassuring smile. “Just making sure we’re all set for the day.”

Sharmistha nodded, though she looked at Ragini with a hint of concern. “You’ve been so supportive of Swara. I’m proud of you, beta.”

Ragini nodded, her smile tight. If only her mother knew the truth—the turmoil she was hiding behind her calm facade. But this was her role now, the one she had to play for her family’s sake.

Before she could dwell on it any longer, the doorbell rang, and Lakshya’s voice called out from the hallway. “Hello, everyone! Ready for a day of shopping madness?”

Ragini took a deep breath and plastered on a smile. She could do this. She had to.

Lakshya entered the living room, his usual easy smile in place. He greeted everyone, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Ragini. For a moment, something flickered in his gaze—guilt, perhaps—but then it was gone, replaced by his usual friendliness.