Destined (RagSan FF)

Chapter 14

As the bidaai ceremony concluded, tears flowed freely from Ragini’s eyes, the weight of leaving her family sinking in. Sanskar, standing beside her, offered a comforting hand but remained quiet, understanding the emotions she was going through. After the final goodbyes, they were seated in the decorated car, ready to head toward the Maheshwari mansion.

Sanskar leaned forward and spoke to the driver, “Kaka,Take a different route, will you? And drop yourself off at your house after that.”

The driver, slightly surprised, nodded and followed the instructions. Ragini, still wrapped in her thoughts, looked over at Sanskar with a questioning gaze but didn’t say anything. She was too lost in the emotional whirlwind of the bidaai.

Soon, the driver pulled over near his home, got out, and handed the keys to Sanskar. “Drive safe, Beta.”

Sanskar gave a small nod and then settled into the driver’s seat. With a soft smile, he turned to Ragini, “I thought we could use a quiet drive, just the two of us.”

Ragini blinked away the remaining tears and smiled faintly, appreciating the gesture. Without saying much more, Sanskar started the car, and they drove through the quiet, moonlit streets, leaving behind the noise and emotion of the wedding for a brief moment of peace.

As the car quietly sped through the night streets, Ragini leaned her head against the window, her mind buzzing with everything that had happened. The wedding, the vows, the sudden shift in her life—it all felt surreal. Her heart still carried the weight of her past with Laksh, but as she glanced over at Sanskar, who was silently focused on driving, she couldn’t help but feel grateful. Sanskar had always been her best friend, her anchor during the toughest times.

Breaking the silence, Sanskar spoke, his voice soft but full of concern. “Ragini… I’ve been thinking.” He hesitated for a moment before continuing, “Are you really okay? I mean, you’ll have to see Laksh every day now… I know how much you loved him, and I’m worried. It’s going to be hard, isn’t it?”

Ragini looked at him, her thoughts swirling. She had been preparing herself for this question, knowing Sanskar wouldn’t let it go unsaid. She took a deep breath, her voice calm yet reflective. “Laksh is part of my past now, Sanskar. I’ve accepted him as Swara’s fiancé. I don’t feel anything for him anymore. But,” she paused, glancing out the window, “it’s just the pain… It doesn’t go away that fast. But it will. I’ll be fine.”

Sanskar’s eyes flickered with worry as he nodded slowly. “I just… I want you to be happy. I don’t want you to feel like you’re trapped in something because of what happened today. I meant everything I said during the vows.”

Ragini’s heart warmed at his words. Despite the chaos and the suddenness of their marriage, she knew one thing for certain: Sanskar cared deeply for her, and their friendship, their bond, was real. She smiled softly, “I know, Sanskar. And I meant my vows too. They weren’t just words to me. I trust you.”

There was a silence between them, but it was comfortable. Sanskar suddenly steered the car off the main road and parked by a small ice cream stand that was still open. He turned to her, grinning like a mischievous child. “I think we both need something sweet after all of this. What do you say? Ice cream?”

Ragini blinked, surprised by the sudden shift, but then she laughed. “In our wedding clothes? You’re serious?”

Sanskar’s grin widened. “Absolutely. Come on.”

A few minutes later, they were standing by the roadside, both holding cones of ice cream, the cool night air wrapping around them. Ragini felt a lightness she hadn’t expected, as if this small, spontaneous moment was exactly what she needed to clear her head.