Destined (RagSan FF)

Chapter 8

Moving on means leaving behind the old,
And crafting new memories in stories yet untold.

The evening buzzed with conversation as the Maheshwari and Gadodiya families sat together in badi, deep in discussions about Swara and Laksh's upcoming wedding. Ragini had just arrived from work, looking elegant yet tired in her professional Indian suit, a clear sign of a long, busy day. She entered quietly, her exhaustion masked by a polite smile as she greeted everyone.

Swara, noticing her entry, immediately spoke up. "Ragini, you're late again! Kaam toh accha chal raha hai na?"
(Is work going well?)

Ragini smiled briefly, "Haan, thoda hectic tha aaj."
(Yes, it was a bit hectic today.)
She sat down near her grandparents, feeling the weight of the day slowly fade as she joined the family.

Laksh, who had been quietly listening, looked up, a little surprised. "You're really working now, Ragini?"

Before Ragini could respond, Dadi chimed in, "Haan, mhari chhori toh ab job kar rahi hai. Bahut badi baat hai. (Yes, our girl is working now. It's a big deal.)" She beamed proudly at Ragini, while Dadaji nodded in agreement.

"Mharo vishwas tha ke Ragini kuch bada hi karegi. (I always believed Ragini would do something great.)," Dadaji added with pride.

Annapurna, Sujata, and others exchanged surprised glances. Sujata, intrested as ever, leaned forward, "Toh Ragini, kya kaam kar rahi ho tum? (So, Ragini, what are you working on?)"

Swara, still unaware of the full extent of Ragini's job, said, "She's doing something related to music, right?"

Ragini was about to correct her when Sanskar entered the room, finsh off a phone call. His eyes immediately found Ragini, and a teasing smile broke across his face.

"Hey, meri architect, kaise ho tum? (Hey, my architect, how are you?)" he called out casually.

Ragini's face softened instantly at the sound of his voice. She got up, walking toward him with a smile, and hugged him warmly. "Finally, tum wapas aaye ho. (Finally, you're back.)," she whispered, relieved to see him after days of busy work.

Sanskar grinned, teasing her as always, "Toh, kaam ne zyada pareshan toh nahi kiya? (So, work didn't trouble you too much?)"

The Maheshwari family's confusion deepened as they overheard the word 'architect.' Annapurna looked puzzled. "Architect? Ragini, tum architect ho? (Architect? Ragini, are you an architect?)"

Parineeta and Adarsh exchanged knowing glances. Pari, always understanding, smiled and said, "Wah, Ragini. That's impressive. Architect hona itna bada kaam hai. (Being an architect is such a big deal.)"

Adarsh nodded, adding, "It takes a lot of talent and hard work to reach that position. Tumhe bohot proud hona chahiye. (You should be very proud.)"

Ragini, feeling slightly self-conscious but grateful for the support, nodded. "Thank you, Pari bhabhi, Adarsh bhaiya. It's been an exciting journey so far."

Sujata, still processing this, said in her Marwadi style, "Toh, humhari Ragini ne sach mein bohot bada kaam kar liya. Waise bhi, Sanskar ke saath rehne wale ka toh kuch bhi ho sakta hai. (So, our Ragini has truly done something big. Anyway, whoever is with Sanskar can achieve anything.)" Her tone was half-serious, half-playful, as she watched Ragini and Sanskar's closeness.

Ragini smiled at Sujata's comment, but there was a brief flicker of pain in her eyes. She looked around at her family, her gaze lingering on Laksh for a second longer than necessary. Despite everything, the sting of her unrequited feelings for him still sat somewhere deep inside. She quickly composed herself, focusing instead on Sanskar, who always knew how to bring her comfort.