PROMISE TO BE YOURS

CHAPTER 8

Raghav kept his palm on his father's shoulder but he was lost in his own world. "Dad" when there was no response Rudhi went and squatted on the ground in front of him. He then raised his head to look at her and turned towards the side to find Raghav standing with a look of concern on his face. "I never thought he had such a weak heart, we had so many thing to do together Raghav" Rudhi kneeled and took him in her arms "I am sorry papa" He could feel her crying so he gathered her in his arms "you know I will take care of you" "you always did JRS and I know you will". They heard a commotion outside and craned their necks to check what was happening. A weeping Shanika walked in to the house in the arms of her parents. When she reached Mohan's coffin she bent down to kiss his forehead and fell unconscious. Radhika who was sitting staring at nothing ran to her and helped her parents to carry a now fainted Shanika inside. Rudhi raised her head at Raghav and he shrugged his shoulders. Radhika came back and asked Rudhi to come inside. When she reached her mother "did you forget you are doctor, can you check what is wrong with poor Shanika, I think she is in shock" Rudhi silently followed her mother as this was not a time to say anything. Her mother too was in shock so she let go all the questions tumbling down in her mind.

Rudhi did some preliminary checks and helped her to regain conscious. She then looked at her mother "did you know she was pregnant" her mother only nodded. Rudhi heaved a sigh and told Shanika's parents what to do. JRS was inconsolable when it was time to bid his final farewell to his good friend. He walked silently behind the hearse while his two children walked with him as support. That night JRS locked himself in his room and Raghav knew he was taking a drink. In the past when they were children JRS would always take Raghav and Rudhi with him. He found solace in their company but today a much older and matured JRS was finding it difficult to come to terms with his loss. Rudhi stood looking at the closed door and thought the only person who loved her without question in the Gupta family was gone. She turned around and went looking for Raghav.

Raghav was in his room staring out of his window. He did not turn when Rudhi walked in "What is happening Raghav" "I don't know princess but this loss is going to make a big change in all our lives" "why do you say that" he shrugged his shoulder "I don't know just a weird feeling" Raghav pulled Rudhi close to him and she leaned on him resting her head on his shoulder. They stood like that holding each other and sharing comfort. "what was wrong with Shanika" "she is pregnant" "seriously" "hmmmmmm may be into her 2nd or 3rd month" "did she say anything" "no but my mom's behavior around her tells me the baby is Mohan's" "the drama at the funeral said so too" she pushed him with a smirk. Raghav left her at the window and went to close the door. When he returned he took Rudhi in his arms and as soon as he did that she started to cry earnestly. "shhhhhh Rudhi, you know dad and I will always be there for you baby girl" "I will miss him Raghav, you know in that house only he cared for me" "I know uncle Gupta was a lost cause with you, he loved you so much and would always ask me to take care of you" "really he did that" "of course he did, he used to always tell dad "JRS please take care of my girl after me, I know she will have only you and Raghav" "Oh Raghav" and a fresh bout of tears came rushing out. Raghav gently led her to the sofa in the room and took her on his lap. She made herself comfortable and hid her face in the crook of his neck and started to press her lips around his jaw line "I missed you stupid" she whispered "I missed you too my princess"

Gupta was in charge of running the mansion which left JRS to carry on with other stuff. He decided to talk to Raghav and Rudhi to check how things should work from now. In the mean time Radhika was unnaturally close to Shanika. Her world surrounded around her wellbeing. During her check Rudhi did learn she was pregnant but did not go into great details. She decided to speak to her mother whose abrupt reply was "don't meddle she is carrying your brother's baby and I want to make sure he is born without any complications." "how do you know mamma" " your brother told me when he spoke to me in the ICU" "you mean he regained conscious and spoke to you" "Rudhi why are you asking so many questions. I don't have any doubt that this baby is Mohan's and I want you to leave it at that" . Shanika was listening to this conversation in the room and kept her index finger on her lips to silence her mother when she tried to say something. 'Rudhi walk into the room looking for Shanika "who is your doctor Shanika" names were exchanged along with other details of clinic dates, dietary requirements etc.