Twist of fate

Part 16

Before leaving, Arnav accidentally left a file behind. Ragini noticed it and decided to return it to him. As she stepped out to find Arnav, he had already left. Determined to return the file, Ragini contemplated seeking Rudra's help for the delivery.

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Ragini stood at the reception of Arnav's office, her mind preoccupied with the task at hand. Unbeknownst to her, Laksh spotted her from a distance. Confusion clouded his expression at first, but then a sudden realization struck him. Recalling the conversation he had with Aditya about Sanskar's company approaching Arnav, presumably for the ongoing project, anger and betrayal surged within him.

Impatience gnawed at Laksh as he watched Ragini heading towards Arnav's office. He debated whether to approach her then or wait until she came out. After what felt like an eternity, Ragini finally emerged from the office. Seeing her, Laksh made a firm decision to confront her about what he perceived as a betrayal.

Laksh approached her, his expression clouded with a mixture of confusion and anger. He couldn't help but wonder why she was meeting Arnav, especially considering the recent developments with Sanskar's company.

"Ragini," Laksh called out, his voice tinged with frustration.

Ragini turned around, noticing Laksh's approach. She braced herself, sensing his disapproval, but she remained composed.

"What were you doing here?" Laksh's tone was sharp, a hint of accusation in his voice.

Ragini met his gaze, her own eyes reflecting a mix of determination and defiance. "I had some work with Arnav.."

Laksh's eyebrows furrowed, not entirely convinced by her explanation. "Arnav? And What was that?"

Ragini sighed, feeling a pang of irritation at Laksh's probing. "Nothing that concerns you"

"Look, I need to tell you something important. I know you've been spending time with Sanskar, but I think you're being misled. He's not who you think he is"

Ragini wanted to understand more "What do you mean?"

Laksh, frustrated , added "Sanskar is playing games with you. He's interfering with our family business, trying to manipulate you against everyone, including me"

Noticing Ragini's unease Laksh continued.

"Please, Ragini, you have to see through his facade. He's using you for his own agenda. You can't trust him."

Recalling the file she saw earlier, Ragini feels even more conflicted. She decides to avoid further confrontation and walks away, leaving Laksh frustrated and uncertain.

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Next Day

At the Maheswari residence, preparations for the pooja were in full swing. Ragini arrived with the Gadodia family, feeling a bit uncomfortable amidst the elaborate decorations and bustling activity. She didn't want to be here, but she was here, Dadi and Dada ji insisted and so did Swara.

It was supposed to be just a small family gathering, this is what dadaji had said, but Ragini's discomfort grew as she realized that the gathering wasn't just limited to close family members, as she had been told. Instead, the house was filled with numerous acquaintances and well-wishers, all of whom seemed to have their own opinions and speculations about the Gadodia family's presence at the Maheswari house.

Dadi and Dada ji exchanged warm greetings with the Maheswari Family, and despite the underlying tension, both families made an effort to maintain a cordial atmosphere. Ragini couldn't help but notice the subtle glances and whispers from some of the guests.

Despite the polite smiles and courteous gestures, Ragini sensed the undercurrent of judgment and scrutiny. She could almost hear the unspoken questions echoing in the minds of the guests: What were the Gadodias doing here? Was there some hidden agenda behind their presence?

Laksh's desire to marry Swara was a contentious issue, but both families were determined to handle it with grace. They didn't want their personal matters to become fodder for gossip or speculation. For Ragini, it was a challenging situation, yet she respected her family's decision.

Sanskar stood at the threshold of the Maheshwari house, his mind clouded with conflicting emotions. He was hesitant to be there, knowing the tension and discomfort, Yet, he was there and couldn't ignore the earnest requests of Sujatha and Adarsh, who hoped for his presence.

Adarsh had been insistent, urging Sanskar to attend the gathering to prevent further complications and bridge the growing divide between him and Laksh. However, if only Adarsh knew, the deep-seated animosity and unresolved issues that lay between him and his brother. The prospect of reconciliation seemed like a distant dream, overshadowed by years of resentment and bitterness.

As Pandit Ji called the family forward to join the pooja, DP, in his usual authoritative manner, insisted that Adarsh and Parineeta take the lead. With a nod from his father, Adarsh and Parineeta assumed their positions at the forefront, their demeanour composed and respectful.

Meanwhile, Laksh, seemingly unfazed by the curious gazes directed his way, took the opportunity to pull Swara closer to him. Their proximity raised more than a few eyebrows among the guests, eliciting murmurs of surprise and speculation

As the pooja drew to a close, Sanskar quietly made his way through the house and Ragini silently prayed for peace and understanding, both within the walls of the Maheswari house and beyond.