Chapter 37: chapter 37

Raghav again went inside his den. Sachin didn't know what to do. His mind was in turmoil. He again went to his father's study room. This time, he entered in without even knocking the door. He went near his father. Raghav was seated on the sofa facing the French window. Sachin knelt in front of him and looked at his father's eyes. He then took his hands in his and said, "Sorry, papa", this made Raghav look at his son. He then continued saying, "I should have told you first, I love Shally, a lot. She means everything to me. I had never felt like this with any other girl. Most of the ways she reminds me of my mom.", Raghav's eyes glistened at this. He softly spoke, " I can understand you my son. I am not worried that you are in love. I am worried about relationships. Shally don't have parents. She was brought up by Rakshita's parents. So they are very much protective over her than their own daughter. They wanted to everything right for her. Even Rakshita, your sister -in- law feels that way for Shally. When Shally came to the city, I spoke to them. The only thing they said was, they are not worried about her now, as she is in our protection. Now how can I seek them for her hand in marriage. What will they think of you, think of us, when we say that you both fell in love."Sachin looked at his father in awe, how come he had thought so much. Then he told him, "Believe me papa, they respect us a lot, not because of our wealth, but because of who we are in person. If they feel she is safe here, they will feel even more secure when she is married in to this family. I will make things right papa. I love her so much. I love her to the core. You need not worry about it.", Raghav smiled at this. He knew his second son is so studious and stubborn. Even in love, he seems to be the same. But he also knew, Sachin is a puppet in Shally's hands. Because he had observed the way he looked at her. And even today, Shally was the one who was consoling him. As he said, she really is like a mother to him now. Sachin had never break down in front of anyone. He is a badass business magnet to the world. But, to Shally, he is the softest putty. Raghav finally agreed to his son's wishes and they both walked to the living room.Shally was already behind the wheels of her car. Her stomach churned. She tried reaching Sachin, but he is not picking up the call. On the way she bought a basket of fruits, as it is good manners to bring something to the host, whenever you are invited. She would have brought something more meaningful, if she isn't a mess in her head. It was almost dinner time when she reached their house. All were in living room. She gave the basket of fruits to Rakshita. She hugged her and went to kitchen. Nikita too hugged her enthusiastically. Raghav stood up, smiled at her and looked at Sachin, then gestured Shally to follow him to the room. Shally's nerves took a toll, she looked questioningly at Sachin. He just smiled. But that doesn't help to ease her tension. Anyway, she followed Raghav to his study room. Door locked behind them once she is in. Raghav asked her to be sit. She was clenching her fists, which was already sweaty. He smiled at her nervousness and spoke softly about how she is? How is her work here? Whether she liked the city and all. She answered genuinely. The one question she didn't expect was, whether she liked his son Sachin? Shally was dumbstruck. Raghav again gave a hearty laugh and told he had seen them today. She gasped, but didn't utter a word. He also said that he too was surprised at first. But then Sachin has told how he truly feels about her. So his one and only question to her is, whether she too is in love with Sachin? She didn't know what or how to say this to him. So she told him the only thing that occured in her heart. " I lost my parents when I was small uncle. Though I had everyone around me, I would feel partially empty. But after meeting Sachin, I feel whole again. He became my everything uncle. ", Saying this she looked down. Raghav searched her eyes and said, "Welcome to the family, my dear", it took a moment for Shally to realise what he said. Then she gave a small smile, which showed she is still confused. Then he took her back to the living room. Already four pairs of eyes were eagerly waiting and looking toward Raghav's study room.As they emerged out, Sachin stood up hurriedly. Raghav looked at all four of them and said. "See, my second daughter-in-law has arrived", Rakshita's eyes were about to bulge out of its sockets. Nikita jumped in joy and rushed to hug Shally. Rakesh, who was very shocked and surprised in a happy way, gave a playful punch on Sachin's stomach. Shally stood there shyly. Sachin came and stood beside her. Raghav, looked at Rakshita and said to everyone to get ready for Bangalore, this week end. So that, they could talk to Rakshita's parents about Shally and Sachin's wedding.Everyone were so happy and contented. They don't even feel like having dinner. That night Sachin dropped Shally at her flat. The whole way he held her hand and kept pepper kisses all over her hands. He hugged from behind in her flat and he never wanted to depart from that posture. Shally's heart swelled with joy. When she met Sachin for the first time, she never thought he would become so important to her. But now he is like her oxygen, without which she couldn't live for a minute even.