Chapter 13: chapter 13

Evening, everyone along with the new couple reached Rakshita's home. As wedding reception is going to be held at Coimbatore city lavishly, there wasn't much left to do free wedding. Rakshita and Rakesh changes their wedding clothes, got refreshed and went to temple. Rakshita's mom asked Shally and Nikita to accompany the couple. They both looked at each other and said they have to do some arrangements and need time for that, hence they cannot accompany them. Hearing this Rakshita looked pleadingly at Shally, but she gave a mischievous grin. Rakshita clearly know, whenever her cousin is so enthusiastic, it means there is trouble. She rolled her eyes at Shally and left. Sachin drove the car and it was a quiet drive except for showing the direction. They parked the car in front of shiv temple, they need to take few plight of stairs to reach the shrine. They left their foot wears and started climbing the stairs. Rakshita lifted her saree a little to prevent herself from falling. After few minutes they reached the shrine. Though Rakshita was born and brought up in a metro city and is very modern both physically and mentally, still she believes in spirituality and mythology. She closed her eyes and prayed. She isn't sure what future beholds for her. But whatever it might be, she seeked for strength and courage to overcome those obstacles. By fate or destiny she is now tied with Rakesh and so she prayed for their well being too. Rakesh looked at her, praying sincerely and thought how serene she looks now. Then he prayed god to keep his Rakshita always serene like this. She opened her eyes and saw Rakesh looking at her, there was something intense in the way he looks at her. After the rituals there, they left the temple. Meanwhile, Shally and Nikita executed their plan at home. The couple came back and they all had dinner peacefully. Once the dinner was over, Shally and Nikita gathered everyone at their living room infront of huge screen. It was connected to the projector. Rakesh and Rakshita were seated in the centre couch. Rakshita looked at Shally questioningly, but she shrugged and the lights were turned off, illuminating the screen in front of them. It was a video created by Nikita and Shally. They both very well knew, that Rakesh and Rakshita are very reserved and are introverts. So sharing their past might take so long time to them and hence Shally and Nikita planned and created this video depicting everything from their childhood till now. That might give eachother an opportunity to understand their characters. The video started playing. Few pictures from their childhood were funny. Few were from their school days, showcasing their achievements. Then college photos, in which their atrocities and talents were exposed. Rakesh could easily recognise Rathish (Rakshita's ex)  from those pictures, as he was there in so many. Rakshita went rigid beside him and he could feel her tension in air. Then there was a video of Rakshita playing guitar and singing " Tum To Raha hai Na" song from Ashiqui 2 soulfully. Her eyes were closed while she was singing that and when she opened it at the end of the song, it was glued to one person down the stage and a small smile spread on her lips towards him. Rakesh immediately realised whom it was meant for. There was so much love, adoration, faith and happiness in her eyes, in that video. Rakesh realised, how much she would have loved Rathish and what a scoundrel he is that he hurted her irreparably. He turned to look at her, and in the dim light he saw her eyes were moist and few drops of tears started falling down her cheeks. He immediately held her hand and started caressing as if telling he is there for her now, no matter how hurt she is. She became rigid at his touch, but felt oddly relaxed. The video continued for few more minutes and Rakesh held her hand throughout. After the video got over, everyone cheered and hugged Nikita and Shally for being so thoughtful and leeft to their respective rooms. Rakshita's room was decorated for the wedding night and they left Rakesh inside. Rakshita was getting ready at her parents room with Shally helping her. Shally knew how Rakshita would have felt looking at the video and thought to apologise to her. But when she came near Rakshita, she hugged her tightly and thanked for showing how beautiful her life was and  giving her the courage to make it even more beautiful without giving access for others to break her once again. Shally smiled at her and took her to her room. Rakshita was very nervous and had no idea what she is gonna say if Rakesh makes any move or talks about something. She entered the room and saw Rakesh standing on the balcony, looking at the sky in deep thought. Hearing the sound of the door being closed, he turned around and saw Rakshita in a beautiful lavender designer saree which was draped neatly, hugging her sand clock curves perfectly. She smiled at her and came in closing the balcony door. She felt nauseous and dizzy and her hands started sweating. He came near her, but crossed her and sat on the bed. Rakshita was holding her breath. He moved his hands and legs lazily and said that it was long day and he is very tired. Rakshita blinked at him. But he smiled and said good night and turned towards his side of the bed and closed his eyes. Only then Rakshita realised she was holding her breath and exhaled slowly. Rakesh closed his eyes but not sleeping, he doesn't want her to feel pressured or make anything awkward on this beautiful day. He wanted to give her time to accept him first. Remembering the bewildered look on her face when he said good night, he slept with a smile on his face. Rakshita carefully went to the other side of the bed and laid down. Once he felt her presence on bed, he turned off the table lamps too and drifted off to sleep. Rakshita was restless as her every move would disturb him and cannot contemplate his actions.