Chapter 18: chapter 18

Life always takes unexpected turns when we least expect it. That is how this marriage is for Rakshita. Like a saying in English, many people cross paths in our life, some people comes to learn from us and some people comes to teach us a lesson. And this family surely had thought her the lesson of bonding and affection right from her first day.When Rakshita almost took most of her dresses for arranging, she heard a knock at the door. She clearly knew who it was and told to come in. She heard footsteps approaching the closet but halted right at its door. Rakesh coughed from outside and asked whether it's okay for him to enter in now. Rakshita was astound at his politeness. She immediately knew that his parents had raised him to be a gentleman. Though she is his wife, he never takes her for granted and gave her the space she needed and respected her privacy. She gave a hearty smile at his behaviour and told him to get in. As soon as he got in and saw the piles of her clothing , he apologized and told that he would empty half of his closet and that he did not get time to do that before wedding and immediately got in to his work. Though Rakshita interrupted and offered her help and said that she would take care of it, he denied and did his work and as well helped her to set her wardrobe neatly. Once the task got completed, they both went to the balcony. Since their house is located at a distant land, away from city's buzzing noise, it has a clear view of the mountains of Western ghats. There were different trials that can be viewed from his balcony. Rakshita was hypnotised. Rakesh cleared his throat from behind and offered her some beverages prepared at home by his maid Sheela, who has been working here since Rakesh was a kid. Rakshita took it gladly and appreciated the way it tasted. Then again she turned towards the mountains.Its Twilight, there were pinkish and orange glow in the sky. Having Rakshita beside him added beauty the already poetic moment.  The sun was half hidden behind the mountains. Looking at the way she admired the scenery, he asked about her interest in hiking and so on. This time she didn't find it hard to talk to him. She told him about her interests and told how much she loved nature and the solace and peace that comes from it. He smiled at the similarity between them and offered whether she is interested to go out tonight for dinner. At first she hesitated, but she thought, if life is pouring chances at you, one must atleast take baby steps towards it. So she wanted to give a chance to their relationship atleast to respect their families decisions. Therefore she agreed to join him. With a smile he told that he has got some unfinished business to complete before their dinner and left the room asking her to rest for a while.At half past seven,Rakshita got a message from Rakesh to dress in her comfortable clothes for dinner and he would pick her at around eight o clock. She wondered for a moment and then did as mentioned. Sharp at eight she came down and found no one in sight anywhere. She then went out and saw Rakesh dressed in his casuals. No vehicle were to be seen. He asked whether she is ready and features her to follow him. But instead of going out of the main gate, he took her to the backyard of the house. Spiking Rakshita's curiosity. Looking at the thing waiting for her at backyard, her eyes widened. Rakesh gave her a knowing grin.