''Sam..All this...I mean its too quick.'' Piyali spoke concerned when Sam broke the news of of Arjun's proposal. Her mind failed to understand the reason of sudden proposal. It had been just 3 months since Arjun stepped into their lives and here her daughter was standing in front of them asking her permission to get married. Though, she had no qualms about Sam-Arjun's relationship , she wasn't too comfortable about the idea of them getting married so soon.
''Sam you should take some more time. I mean what's the hurry get engaged and marry after a year. You both will get some time to understand each other.''
''No Mom, I trust him completely...'' Their conversation was interrupted by an excited Samrat, ''Sam , Piyali we secured another big project. Its an international Perfume brand and guess what they loved Radhika's idea . I think hiring her was the best decision.''
''Sure, it is. Sam how is she.'' Piyali asked concerned, they had been hell worried about her after hearing about the accident.
''Much better Mom. I guess the the staff would have taken the bed had we left her fro another day. Dad don't you think she deserves a party and same day me and Arjun can announce our engagement .'' Sam clasped her hands together in excitement.
''Sounds like a plan. Piyali , lets plan a grand party for Radhika, she deserves it and don't forget to invite her mother and fiancee.'' Piyali nodded, but Sam's decision to get married some how bothered her.
***
Radhika was enjoying all the attention Mala and Saral . She would fake being in pain which would keep Saral on his toes. He loved pampering her since they were kids. He knew, being the youngest in the house she was everybody's favourite and he wanted it to be same for her even after their wedding. Finding her in pain had turned his nerves cold with fear and now ,when she giggled pulling small stunts it would sore his heart with happiness.
'hey had been debating about what Radhika would wear for the party when a sound of whistle silenced all the discussion. Neil smiled looking at the alert audience , ''Calm down guys, Chashni what are you planning to wear? After all its a party in your honour.''
''I am planning to look hot like Madhuri Dixit.'' Mala rolled her eyes and others chuckled. She quickly jumped off the couch to deiced on her dress.
''You guys are in love .'' Neil asked Saral when Radhika excused herself to try on all the options for the party.
''I love her, she doesn't'' Saral replied watching Radhika's antics affectionately
''And she is marrying you?'' Neil was surprised
''Yes, because all relationships are based on trust and friendship. We have been friends since we were kids. We never thought about marrying. Actually, I never wanted to force. One day our parents suddenly asked us and she agreed. More than love, trust and understanding is required Neil and we share a strong bond of trust between us. ''
Neil was thoughtful, the scenario was very similar to that of him and Sam . Yet , Radhika chose friendship over all, he smiled , Saral was definitely a lucky guy.
***
''You are marrying Sam? Are you nuts, Arjun you will lose Radhika for ever.'' Nandini fell her plan falling apart
''I don't care. I am ready to wither in pain but I won't let Samaira live in peace. She took my reason to live I will make her life hell.'' He had a strange madness to pull Sam to dust.
''Fine, if you have made up your mind , who am I to interfere.'' Arjun wanted to pacify his sister when Nandini lifted her hand up, ''Let's drop it. I need your signatures on these papers. I am making few investments . Read and sign.''
''I don't have to.'' He picked the papers and signed off without reading it, it was his effort to pacify his sister. Nandini just smiled turning her eyes away.
***
Khanna House was buzzing with music once again. Samarat was ecstatic, after years his baby Bird Song was again on its way to the top and Sam's decision to settle down had added to his happiness. He had been enjoying the conversation with Arjun, singing about his glory days. Arjun patiently kept nodding at his words. He was enjoying Samrat's short happiness which he was looking forward to destroy . ''I had won the award....'' Samrat's words came to abrupt halt when an unexpected guest walked in .
''Hello Samrat! Long time.'' Samrat froze finding Nandini smiling at him . Arjun rubbed his forehead, his sister was definitely in mood to spoil his plan.
''What are you doing here?'' Smarat could hear his own heart , beating mad against the rib cage.
''Why wouldn't I be here? My baby brother is getting married to your daughter. Its my right too, isn't it Arjun.'' Arjun gulped, if he way a player his sister was a game changer. He not even in his wildest dream had thought about Nandini taking such a step. She smirked at the two dumbstruck men and made her way to the drinks table. Samrat now was thoughtful about the relationship he had been so excited about.
Arjun walked out in the lawn frustrated. He had to prepare himself for the questions that must be running in Samrat's head. He shared a past with his sister. Arjun pulled his hair with both hands when sound of a familiar giggle made him turn. His eyes fell on the smooth leg that came out of the cab, as his eyes moved up he froze. Radhika stepped out elegantly dressed in a brown silk saree. She had worn a full sleeves blouse with a deep neck at the back and hair styled loose moved over her shoulder on a side. He swallowed the dryness that attacked his throat. She looked beautiful, she kept smiling at someone. Saral walked to her from other side offering her support. He hated that Saral too was a good looking man with an honest heart. She was so comfortable with him and he hated it. Blood pounded in his veins as desire gripped his body. His brain asked if he was ready to let her go to other man. Wouldn't his heart bun watching her swooning in the embrace of the man who was not him.
''hey Arjun!'' Saral extended his hand breaking Arjun's thoughts. He gave Saral a fake smile accepting the extended hand. They all moved as Radhika was enveloped into a motherly hug, ''How are you Radhika.?'' Piyali asked cupping her cheeks.
''I am fine ma'am. Ready to rock the party.'' Piyali couldn't help but smile at her child like enthusiasm. People congratulated Radhika and Piyali made introductions of Mala and Saral. Radhika noticed Neil standing in a corner alone. She slowly walked to him, '' It pains right?''
''Yes, with time it will heal.'' He smiled sadly. Radhika took a step forward, ''Neil , if something has to happen it will happen at any cost. If she belongs to you, she will come back to you.''
''What if I don't want her then?'' He asked
''Her luck then. Now, is that camera real or you bought it from a road side vendor.'' Neil gaped at her and then chuckled. ''Fine, I got your point . You can start posing and I will capture them.'' She squealed , lighting his mood instantly.
Arjun couldn't find Samrat around. He was turning restless, he wanted Samrat to confront him as he had his story ready. Sam grabbed his arm, ''Arjun it's raining outside lets go.''
''You want to spoil your dress.''
''Arjun, learn to live the small joys.''
He cocked a brow, ''Who taught you that? " Sam giggled and pointed in a direction where Radhika stood with her arms around a big brass pot pretending to kiss it as Neil clicked her pictures. Arjun couldn't help but chuckle, ''Who would believe that this girl can speak such big words.''
Sam smiled, ''that's what we fail to understand. We look for big things and ignore the smaller ones. If it would have been in her place, I would be whining lying on bed about being in pain and here she is enjoying all the moments life throw sat her.'' Arjun just nodded, his eyes still on Radhika. He watched as Saral walked to her on Neil's insistent and wrapped his arm around her bare waist as she pretended pecking his cheek. Arjun couldn't stop the tears of agony that filled his eyes. She was his just his. ''You will lose Radhika forever'' Nandini's words jolted him as his body suddenly shivered, ''Are you fine.'' Sam asked worried
''Can I have a drink, I am low on sugar.'' Sam nodded moving to get him a drink and Arjun walked away , it was stiffing to watch her smiling in other man arms.
Radhika mistakenly tipped on her pleats realising she messed it. She quickly whispered in Saral's ear excusing herself moving to the wash room. On her way she bumped with Nandini who apologised quickly, ''Nandini ma'am what are you doing here.'' She was shocked beyond limits. Nandini smiled, she got another idea to stop the wedding, ''My brother is marrying Sam. See you later.''
Radhika felt air leaving her body, it was Arjun's proposal that she had rejected and then he met her under a fake name. She recalled his shady attitude around Sam. She feared for Sam all the way more . She decided to confront him after fixing her dress. Radhika moved in, her eyes caught a male figure standing in the lobby. Moving forward she realised it was Arjun, ''Now I know The reason for desperate desire to be my friend.''
Arjun took a deep breath, life seemed to be mocking him. He kept running form her and she seemed to be on a mission to hunt him down. He turned and locked his eyes with her, ''enlighten me''
''I rejected your marriage proposal , bruising your ego. You were looking for revenge from me. And now you are marrying Sam for some motive of yours''
He took a step forward pushing his hands into the pockets, ''Why do you think I can't now?''
''because I am going narrate everything to Sam.'' She tried to walk past him when his arm went around her bare waist as he pulled her inside the adjoining room. They heard footsteps and Arjun covered her mouth with his other palm . He smiled watching her struggling, his hunger for her was primitive and right now having her plastered to his body his nerves were playing havoc with his senses. He leaned closer to her ear pecking it gently, she struggled more, ''Easy Radhika easy. You really think you can harm me any way.'' He chuckled when she tried squirming away and winced. He pulled her closer freezing all her movements, ''I don't want you in pain. Just stop moving or stay locked in my arms.'' She immediately stopped. He removed his palm from her mouth.
''I will stop you , come what may.''
He loved her courage, ''Go then and tell Sam that you rejected me . Tell her that it didn't work out between us and now I am targeting Sam for some reason.'' She didn't answer. He smiled, ''Yes, I am targeting her for a reason and guess what she won't believe you at any cost . In fact , she would believe that you want snatch her love being jealous.''
''It was me who rejected you.'' She retaliated
He brushed his lips on her cheek making her flinch , ''You did , and that is known either to you or me. I can conveniently turn the tables Radhika. Who would believe that a middle class girl rejected a business tycoon . Think'' Radhika was lost. He was right, she needed a plan. He moved back slowly brushing his arm over her waist. He kept his eyes locked with hers, making his intentions clear about her.
"'you are a pervert.''
''Yes, and around you I lose my senses. I am in love with you Radhika. From the day I met you at Hrishikesh'' She froze , too shocked to respond. '' He moved closer again and cupped her cheek, ''I challenge you Radhika, from now. I will paint the town red with Sam and at the same time I will be take steps to you. Removing any and everyone from my way.'' Leaning he kissed her cheek deep, she tried pushing him back but failed to match his strength. You claim to be light , then who other than darkness deserve you the most. And I am darkness incarnated . Try what you can, the war is in open.'' Pecking her cheek he left the room. Radhika's feet gave up, she crashed on the floor. Yes for the first time she was scared. He left her an open challenge.
***
Arjun happily walked down , but sudden crowd halted his steps. He walked forward Sam was hugging someone sitting on her knees .Piyali Samrat too were all tearful. A girl dressed in simple cotton attire stood there smiling at them. "Sam, what's wrong''
''Arjun, Bhai. My brother is alive. He is Jai. It's the happiest day of my life. Do you mind we if we postpone our plans till bahi is fine.'' He just smiled and nodded. Sam went back to her family again.
''I accept your challenge. Even god wants Sam safe.'' Radhika whispered from behind, she smirked and walked to Sam to share the happiness.
_-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saral Mala leaves. Radhika -Neil grow closer