Chapter 20: chapter 20

Rakshita peacefully slept on the mat spread on the sand near their bonfire. Rakesh could see how serene she looked and his heart overwhelmed on watching two full moons at the same night. She shivered a little due to the cold breeze, he immediately took his jerkin and draped it over her. She clutched it with both the hands and slept. Rakesh also fell asleep at some point at night. When he woke up it was early dawn and he turned to look at Rakshita who has still not woken up. He knew, after the functions, coming to New home and all those stress, this might be the night she had slept at peace. With no heart to wake her up, he called Sachin. Sachin took the call at its first ring, as he was up very early to prepare for the meeting. Rakesh told him to bring their jeep, to pick them up from the pond. With a smile Sachin agreed to come and get them. Sachin reaches the pond just twenty minutes after the call. But even that vehicle sound didn't bother Rakshita. Sachin came and he was very happy to see a wide smile at his brother's face. He gathered the things they brought last night and Rakesh carried Rakshita to the jeep. Even his touch did not seem to disturb her slumber. Rakesh smiled at that. They both got in to the jeep, their bicycles already loaded at its rear end. As they reached home, he again carefully lifted Rakshita to their room and laid her on his bed, removed her sandals and covered her with soft blankets. She smiled, he thought she was awake. But she wasn't. She had smiled in her sleep. He wanted to watch her for eternity, be with her in all times, but duty calls. So he went to washroom, took a shower, got in to his closet room and opened the wardrobes and smiled at seeing her clothes. How easily he had gave in, in sharing every bit of his life with the beautiful soul lying on his bed. Suddenly his heart constricted knowing this is what true love means. Without the need of anything to be done, one can feel contented and that's what their dad always talks about when he misses his mom. He realised how his dad could have felt. Seeing their dad's loneliness, all three of them have many times insisted their dad to get a companion but he had never agreed and now Rakesh knew the reason why. It's been only months before he had seen Rakshita and fell in love. Even then he don't want to be away from her even for a day. Then how come his dad could forget the years of love he and his mom shared. He smiled sadly at the thought. Coming out he again saw Rakshita's serene beauty, it brightened his day. With a huge smile plastered on his face he left for the work, as he know when he returns in the evening there will be a person waiting for him unlike his these many years of emptiness.When he was at the meeting his mobile beeped. He silenced it but his curiosity spiked when he saw Rakshita's name on the lit up screen. He immediately took the phone below the table and read the message. She had thanked him for the night and dinner and also apologized to him for giving trouble in bringing her back. He smiled at the message and thought of replying, that's when he heard his name being called and around fifteen pairs of eyes were on him. He straightened up, and nodded his head. But had no idea why he is nodding his head for. Sachin's amusement was at hike looking his brother's state, who used to be very composed. He was Sachin's inspiration, but now he learned that in the game of love even the most intelligent ones become fools. So Sachin began speaking on behalf of his brother and everyone turned to look at him. That's why Rakesh realised he was holding his breath and relaxed. Again his mind drifted to Rakshita but he convinced himself to take care of the business at hand first. The meeting got over around noon and everyone left for lunch. All three, dad and sons stood up to leave. Sachin Patted his shoulder and left behind his father. Rakesh immediately took his mobile out to call Rakshita, but there were so many messages from Nikita. He saw they were the snaps Nikita and Rakshita had taken at various places. He smiled at the thought of Nikita spoiling his beloved wife. Rakshita was looking very cute and happy in all those pics. This was priceless to him, so he thought not to disturb her and left without replying to her texts and joined his brother and father for lunch.On the other hand Nikita and Rakshita were at a grand restaurant at the top floor of some iconic building, which name Rakshita had forgotten as soon as Nikita mentioned. It held the picturesque view of the city. From morning, they had gone for shopping dresses, slippers, handbags, clutches, cosmetics, each one at different different malls, they had icecream at a most famous glacier center. The day was full of fun and only girl talks which Rakshita missed a lot. She even forgot that she is a married woman now that she was with Nikita who is very hyper and enthusiastic about everything she does. She missed Shally and remembered how similar Shally and Nikita were and wondered that they both would make a superb duo. She thought to call Shally and narrate the fun they had today, once she reaches home. Thinking about that made her remember the message she sent to Rakesh, she checked to see if there was any reply but no. Back in the restaurant, Nikita ordered different cuisines. As Rakshita was already an expert in different cuisines, she told she can cook all this at home itself. Suddenly an idea popped at her mind. Why don't she surprise Rakesh by cooking different cuisines for dinner tonight as a gratitude towards his support and surprise that he gave her yesterday. After lunch, she shared her idea with Nikita and was glad to help her as it's been a long since she cooked something for her family. So they both together stopped at the super market for grocery shopping and then moved home. Once they got home, it was already half past five, so Rakshita immediately changed in to her PJ's and came to kitchen. Nikita was already there and so she introduced Sheela auntie to her, wh Rakshita couldn't meet yesterday. Sheela was glad to know that Rakshita is putting effort for her family and blessed her. Told she might also help them. All three got in to the work. As the kitchen was massive and superb modern, Rakshita thankfully knows to use every latest equipments. They worked tirelessly and made Caprese salad and pesto sauce for her father in law, as he is a light water. Then made mushroom risotto, four cheese pasta, ravioli with coconut milk and lemon grass and finally added grilled vegetable lasagne. She made classic tiramisu for dessert as she learned that was Rakesh's favourites in Italian cuisine. Once everything was done. They set up the table at the front garden. All three men reached home. Rakesh went to his room, but couldn't see Rakshita, only shopping bags were found in the hall. He thought she might be with Nikita. He took shower, changed his clothes and came down. His father was already there at the dining table. To their surprise nothing was served on the table. He called Sheela to ask, but she politely asked them to visit the garden. There stood Rakshita in a neat blue salwar, her wavy hair dancing in the cold breeze, she was arranging something on the table. When they were few feets away, delicious aromas filled the air. Raghav, Sachin and Rakesh went and sat at the table. Nikita joined them few minutes later and told all these things were cooked by Rakshita. Raghav appreciated her. But Rakshita told them Nikita and Sheela auntie too helped her. She served everyone and they all nodded at her appreciatively. Rakesh was impressed by her cooking skills and thanked her. They all ate to their hearts content. After dinner, everyone left to their rooms. Rakshita too went and changed in to her night dress. Rakesh was on some office call so she slowly went to terrace. Enjoying the solace she saw the trial that they went yesterday. Her mind was filled with beautiful memories. She wondered how fortunate it was, suddenly her life changed from deepfull sorrows to beautiful memories. Someone cleared their throat from behind, bringing her back to reality. She turned around and smiled at Rakesh. -----------------------------------------------------------Author's Note: Hii guys! Hope you all are enjoying the story. I don't find much time for editing, so please do bare with my errors and grammatical mistakes. Kindly help me in rectifying them if there is any. And asusal show your love and support!!!!😊