Begusarai: Zid Aur Mohabbat

Chapter 3: The Conversation

Lunch had ended, and the family members began to leave the dining table. Dada Thakur stood slowly, his gaze sweeping over his sons and grandsons before he fixed his eyes on Raghav, who was still seated, quietly finishing his meal.

"Raghav, mere kamre mein milna" Dada Thakur's voice held an unspoken command, not needing to raise it. The weight of his words was enough.

Raghav gave a brief nod, his eyes not betraying any emotion. He knew this was coming. His relationship with his grandfather had always been laced with both respect and friction, especially when it came to matters concerning Meera. Without saying anything further, Dada Thakur turned and made his way to his private room at the back of the haveli.

Raghav continued to sit for a few moments, finishing the last morsels of food on his plate, his face calm, but his mind racing. He knew what his grandfather wanted to discuss, and he wasn't about to back down. Not this time.

Raghav made his way through the long corridor of the haveli, the walls adorned with portraits of his ancestors, reminding him of the legacy he was supposed to carry forward. But this time, he felt like he was carving his own path.

Entering his grandfather's room, Raghav found Dada Thakur seated in his large armchair by the window, his hands resting on the armrests like a king surveying his domain. The room was dimly lit, and the weight of tradition hung heavy in the air.Raghav entered Dada Thakur's room, his posture relaxed, though the tension was unmistakable. His grandfather, seated by the window in his large armchair, turned slightly upon hearing the door creak.

Without looking at him, spoke in his calm, authoritative voice. "Tum subah se kahan the?"Raghav leaned against the wall, his face betraying nothing. "Lakhan ke saath tha... kheton mein."

Dada Thakur finally turned fully toward him, his piercing gaze locking on Raghav. There was something more than just curiosity in his eyes. "Tumhe yaad hoga, maine tumse kya kaha tha." His words carried weight, like a warning, or perhaps a reminder.

Raghav didn't flinch. His lips curled into a faint, defiant smirk. "Umeed karta hoon, aapko bhi yaad hoga, maine kya jawab diya tha"

For a moment, there was a charged silence between them. Dada Thakur's expression hardened, his brows furrowing slightly. "Tum meri baat nahi manoge?"

Raghav straightened his stance. "Main aapki har baat maan sakta hoon... lekin yeh nahi." His voice was firm, resolute, not leaving room for negotiation.Dada Thakur let out a slow, controlled breath, calming himself. He stood up, his tall figure looming over the room, and approached Raghav with measured steps. 

"Raghav, tum kisi ko zabardasti pyar nahi karwa sakte. Pyaar zabardasti nahi hota." His voice was softer now, but there was a warning beneath his tone.

Raghav's eyes darkened at the mention of Meera, the one subject that always turned his calm exterior into something more dangerous. He took a step forward, his gaze unwavering.

 "Pyar ho ya zabardasti, Meera sirf meri hai. Aur hamare beech koi nahi aa sakta, aap bhi nahi"

Dada Thakur's eyes widened slightly at Raghav's bold declaration. He glared at his grandson, but there was no denying the power in Raghav's words. 

"Woh ladki badi masoom hai... darti hai tumse. Tumhare saath kaise rahegi?" His voice was almost pleading now, as if trying to make Raghav see reason.