PROMISE TO BE YOURS

CHAPTER 15

JRS thought this was a good time as any to speak to both Raghav and Rudhi about the Shanika issue. "I was waiting to catch you both together, I have something to discuss about" Rudhi pushed herself away from Raghav but kept their hands and fingers entangled. She knew what was coming "Tell me anything other than this crazy idea of me getting married to Shanika. Temp or otherwise I am not in" All JRS did was exhale an exasperated sigh. When Raghav turned his face the other way JRS got up and tried to stomp away but Rudhi ran behind him and brought him back. "Raghav if there is anything I could do with all the money in the world trust me I will not hesitate to part with my last dime" he was stubbornly silent. "Okay atleast listen to me please. When Rudhi gently squeezed his shoulder he released the breath he was holding and turned towards his father. "If Gupta uncle was here I know he will never allow Radhikamma to do what she is demanding" when there was no response from his audience "Raghav" "yes dad go ahead, I am listening but under duress so just tell me what is going to happen"

"I don't trust Shanika. This is not a temporary thing as she mentions, but at the moment I have to act dumb and behave as if I accept her crazy idea". "From a parents point of view I kind of understand Radhika but I do not agree with her, again I am kind of stuck 'between the devil and the deep blue sea' as we took Rudhi away from her family and refused to share her with them she now wants you to make Shanika give her Mohan's child. When she came to me she was very clear 'I gave you Rudhi, now I want to borrow Raghav, once the baby is with me Raghav can get married to Rudhi', She did not ask me nor give me an option. This is how she wants things to work, so please tell me what to do" "you mean she wants me in exchange for giving us Rudhi" "something like that" "how could she dad, Rudhi and I are not a commodity" "I agree Raghav, but between you and me we very selfishly made Rudhi ours" he pulled Rudhi next to him and wrapped his arm protectively around her. He looked directly into her eyes "you believe me when I say this is a temporary plan and that you will be married as soon as the baby is legally in our hands right princess" Tears were rushing down her face but she nodded yes and understood their predicament. He kissed her forehead "trust me baby girl, she will pay, I will make sure she pays for this heartache and tension my kids are going through".With the greatest difficulty finally it was Rudhi who managed to convince Raghav to say yes to a marriage with Shanika. At the dinner table JRS mentioned this to all. While Gaurav looked embarrassed Mona and Shanika looked over the moon. Nathan finished his meal and excused himself without any comments.

The wedding was one week away. Shanika Mona and Radhika were busy getting ready for the wedding. Radhika ignored Mihil's constant reminder 'for someone who recently lost her lover Shanika is in too much of a hurry and happy mood to get married' her reply was "what do you want her to do be the drama queen your sister is". He stopped when he realized it was useless talking to a deaf person. He was disgusted and disappointed at the selfishness they displayed. He felt bad for Rudhi. When they asked Raghav to go for his wedding suit fitting he insisted that Rudhi go with him. Shanika tried her best to drop Rudhi but finally had no option when Raghav said he would go only if Rudhi came. Mona tried speaking to JRS about wedding expenses. All JRS said was "I am giving you my son under duress so the rest is your lookout, my son is willing to sign anywhere you say but it will be at your cost". That was the first slap. Rudhi hid her pain and joined the hustle and bustle of wedding arrangements. Mona and Shanika managed to get Radhika to ask Rudhi not to attend the wedding as it would be embarrassing for all. When JRS thundered in anger Rudhi spoke to Raghav and he agreed to drop her in her apartment. Raghav spoke to his father and promised to come on the day of the wedding. With that he led a sad Rudhi to her car and sat with her while the driver took them home.