Upto Chance

Part 26

Ragini's heart felt unsettled; there was a nagging feeling inside her as she watched Karanveer being dragged along by Sanskar to meet some of his friends and business associates. The last few days had not been easy for the Maheshwaris, and this pooja was a way to invite as many guests as possible, signaling that they were bouncing back and everything was getting on track.

Left among the ladies, Ragini tried to make small talk but felt out of place. As she glanced at Karanveer, Sujatha made faces, and AP felt dissatisfied.

"Kamaal hai, log pehle pyaar mein had kar jate hain, phir aage bhi itni jaldi bad jate hain," Sujatha commented, taunting Ragini.

A lady nearby caught wind of the conversation and added, "Aaj kal ke relationships toh bas mazak hain. Kabhi iske sath, phir kisi aur ke sath."

Ragini felt a knot tighten in her stomach as the words echoed in her mind. It wasn't just taunts; it was a reflection of her own insecurities.

"Nahi toh, I don't understand how people fall and unfall in love so easily," Sujatha continued, her tone dripping with skepticism.

"Kabhi pyaar hoga nahi tabhi aisa hota hai," the lady replied, confirming Sujatha's comment.

Ragini didn't want to think, but she felt herself getting pulled into that abyss. Thoughts she'd tried to suppress resurfaced: Did she truly love Laksh? If so, why was she attracted to Karanveer? But wasn't that normal? Laksh was her past; Karanveer was her husband and her present.

She fisted her hands, her anxiety rising as the confusion swirled within her. Feeling overwhelmed, she quickly excused herself, needing air to clear her head.

As she stepped away the cool breeze hit her face, but it did little to soothe the storm brewing inside her.

But a surprise awaited her. Laksh saw the opportunity and followed her, while Karanveer was still with Sanskar, oblivious to the brewing tension.

"Ragini," Laksh whispered, his voice low but urgent as she turned in surprise.

"Can we talk?" he asked, trying to catch her gaze as she hesitated, wanting to leave but feeling compelled to stop.

"Kavya manipulated me," he blurted out, his eyes pleading. "I never intended to do what I did. Can you forgive me?"

She sighed, her heart heavy. "I forgave you long ago," she replied softly.

His face broke into a sad smile. "Can't you give me a chance?"

Ragini shook her head. "I'm married now, Laksh."

"Does this marriage mean anything when you love me? I love you, Ragini. Living without you is hell. Punish me if you must, but don't leave me. Please, give me a chance."

"Laksh, it's not possible," she tried to make him understand, but desperation laced his voice as he grasped her hand.

"It is! We love each other, so why not?" he insisted, pulling her closer.

Panic surged within her as she felt him near. "No, it's not. Whatever was between us is the past. You need to move on."

"Did you move on?" he asked, searching her eyes.

"Yes, I did." The words slipped out, and he reacted violently, pushing down a nearby vase in frustration.

"How dare you?" he screamed, his voice echoing in the garden.

"I have been dying here without you, and you moved on?"

"Laksh, you need to calm down!" she pleaded, her heart racing.