Jeene Ki Tammanah Hai

EP - 61 - Live And Let Live

Ragini rang the temple bell and folded her hands in front of her Krishnaji .She prayed her heart out. It's been ten days since Goenkas came to Maheshwari house. Since then Ragini kept herself busy, smiling and tried to be happy . But she couldn't be truly happy. Nor could she show her sadness in front of Laksh. This was difficult for her. Hiding her true feelings from Laksh. After having started of their relationship properly, Ragini never had an instance where she had to hide her true feelings from Laksh.She closed her eyes and prayed to God

“ Krishnaji…. Help Me through the right path. Help me to calm my heart. Help me to be truthful with Laksh. Please make my Parents Peaceful… I can’t do anything for them...For Me Laksh, Badi Maa and my family is of prime priority. I know I am being unfair to my birth parents. But I can't see Laksh in peril because of me. I have seen him disturbed since that day, when he brought Badi Maa for Sanskar’s marriage. He has ill feelings about my parents and I wont meet them until Laksh permits her. Please make us strong..”

Ragini opened her eyes and turned to see Laksh standing near her. He was praying with his eyes closed. He looked really tired .She knew that he was not feeling well nowadays. Laksh had his own religious convictions. He only prayed to god directly. He never believed in intermediate rituals like poojas and vidhis. But , today he kept a pooja for Ragini at the temple. Everyone felt happy about the pooja but Ragini didn't . She felt that if Laksh was doing something he never resorted to, that means he is not feeling good. He is insecure.

After the pooja and distributing prasad among the needy, Ragini sat down at the corner of the temple with Swara. Laksh, Sujatha Maa, Ram Papa and Badi Maa were having a chat with the pandit. Ragini rested her head on Swara’s shoulder and closed her eyes. Swara has been a solace for Ragini these days. Like a sister, she took care of Ragini, gossiped with her and did all nasty things. If it was not for Swara, Ragini wouldn't have been able to cope up with the situation. Laksh always generated an insecure vibe, while Sanskar was mostly at the hospital, and when he was at home Ragini made sure that Swara and he spent quality time. Ragini was very guilty that their honeymoon period got stalled because of her. Even Though they disagree with it and claim that they are planning a honeymoon after Sanskar’s work pressure decreases. Ragini felt that Sanskar was kind of avoiding her,like he is hiding something from her and is unable to see her eyes. Everything was muddled. Even Sujatha Maa and Ram Papa was tensed

. The only person who was working on lifting up everyone’s mood was Swara.

“ Ragini Beta” 

Ragini opened her eyes to a throaty voice. It was Mrs Janaki Goenka. Her mother.Ragini stood up with the help of Swara. Her Baby bump was making her a bit slow than usual.Janaki embraced Ragini to hug. Ragini automatically responded to the hug, encircling her mother. Ragini never thought that she would hug or to be honest, meet Janaki after what happened. Janaki unhugged her.

“ Maa”..  A voice called from behind Janaki.

Ragini saw her ‘Brother’ Karthik and ‘Bhabhi’ Naira. Karthik ‘s face turned creasy as soon as he saw Ragini. His eyes shot lasers at her. His expressions said that he was controlling  himself from hitting her down.

“ Laksh… “ Swara’s voice invited Ragini’s attention to Laksh and other family members, who stood at the opposite to Goenkas. Ragini was literally stuck between them. Between her families. Between Maheshwaris and Goenkas. Ragini saw her mother’s face.It was soaked in tears. Her heart ached. She then looked at Laksh. Laksh was pale and white. He looked at her as if he was standing at the tip of a cliff, terrified. She saw his fist balled up. Ragini was torn. But she decided to stick to her initial plan. She took a last glance at her mother and walked towards Laksh.

Janaki caught Ragini’s wrist as she walked past her.

“Ragini, Beta…. I know you are angry with me.” Janaki said with her voice caught up in her throat.” I know I have hurt you alot. By losing you ,by not finding you earlier and hurting your loved ones…. Please forgive me dear...I don't want anything from you…. Just call me ‘Ma’ once”