Upto Chance (Tejran)

Part 37

Ragini had just finished applying medication to Karanveer's leg when they heard noise coming from downstairs. The familiar sound of Swara's voice mingled with other chatter filled the air. Ragini and Karanveer exchanged a quick glance, their expressions mirroring curiosity and unease.

"I'll go check," Ragini said softly, walking out of the room while Karanveer followed behind her.

As they descended in the hall, they found Shekhar and Sharmistha, who had just returned home, sitting with Dadaji and Dadi. Swara, along with Sujatha and Sanskar, was also present. Swara was animatedly chatting with Dadaji, asking about his health, her voice warm yet tinged with her usual assertiveness.

When Ragini and Karanveer entered the hall, the room's focus shifted to them. Sanskar greeted them with a friendly nod, but Swara barely spared Ragini a glance, her indifference palpable. Ragini noticed the cold shoulder but chose not to react, though a faint sigh escaped her lips.

Swara's distant behavior wasn't lost on anyone. She had been upset with Ragini ever since her call, meant to share some family updates, had gone unanswered. Hurt and frustrated, Swara couldn't shake the thought: Didn't her family matter to her anymore? Though she refrained from confronting Ragini directly, her actions spoke volumes about her disappointment.

Swara, now five months pregnant, looked visibly tired but radiant in her maternal glow. Her figure had softened, and there was an undeniable warmth about her, despite her quiet frustration.

As the conversation continued, Sujatha brought up the reason for their visit. "We're here to invite everyone to Uttara's engagement ceremony tomorrow evening," she said, her tone cheerful.

"Do come," Sanskar added, addressing Ragini and Karanveer directly. His invitation was sincere

Ragini hesitated, her lips parting as if to respond, but no words came out. She glanced at Swara, who was still avoiding her gaze, and then back at Sanskar. Her uncertainty was evident, and the tension in the room seemed to thicken.

Karanveer, who had been observing everything quietly, picked up on the strained atmosphere. He could sense Ragini's discomfort and the underlying tension, Deciding not to press the matter, he held her hand, intertwining fingers, silently conveying his support.

The room fell into a momentary silence before Dadi changed the topic, asking Sujatha about the preparations for the engagement. The lively chatter resumed. 

—-------------------

It was the second time Ragini found herself at the Maheshwari house, and this time it wasn't for out of choice but out of necessity. The Gadodias had left for Uttara's engagement ceremony, leaving Ragini and Karanveer at home. But then, Shekhar called, informing her that they had forgotten the gifts prepared for Uttara at home and asked if Ragini could bring them. She reluctantly agreed.

Karanveer, ever the supportive husband, decided to accompany her. Their plan was simple—deliver the gifts, congratulate the bride and groom, and leave as quickly as possible. The gifting was done, but Ragini hesitated at the next step, feeling the weight of the stares in the room.

From the moment they entered, Annapurna had been eyeing Ragini with disdain, her silent judgment almost palpable. Laksh, on the other hand, looked at Ragini with an expression that made her skin crawl—an odd mix of longing and pain. It irritated her and visibly frustrated Karanveer.

Laksh's forlorn glances weren't lost on Karanveer, who clenched his fists in irritation. "Can we leave now?" he asked, his voice low but edged with impatience.

Ragini nodded, deciding to skip the congratulatory wishes. Better to leave now than let the air grow heavier, she thought. But this was the Maheshwari house, and leaving without some drama was like expecting the sun not to rise.