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“ And ... like splash...I was pushed... I know.. I didn’t slip... someone pushed me...”

“And..?” he asked thrilled...

“And what? I was floating like a log of wood holding my breath .... and Laxumbai... I mean..Mrs. Russel came out running... screaming her heart out, as if I was floating dead....! hihihi...” she said laughing ... he gaped at her bright naughty face controlling his urge to pull her closer.  She was narrating the incidence, giggling, mimicking, giving him the vivid description animatedly and most importantly, not stuttering at all...! He was relaxed on the sofa and she was standing near the study table....

“But then....” she came and sat by his side sadly wrapping her arm around his ... he looked at her..

“Daddyji was very sad.... when she went out of the house....!  I...I fff...feel ...I..m..m..mean I d..d..don’t know.... He... he thought...I mean... I had not seen anyone ... b..but h..he asked her to go...” her stuttering had returned as was her sadness and anxiety...! He just wrapped his arm around her shoulder ...

“Don’t worry.... Its not your fault... this was to happen...” he sighed... His father had taken a bold step to send Sanyogita out....

“But  you know... He did it... in my absence... and that's creditable...” he squeezed her shoulder...She looked at him surprised...

“Every time he gave in... yielding to her manipulation... It was I who always insisted that she should be out of our lives... But every time she managed to manipulate him, playing with his soft, emotional self...” he said solemnly... She felt little better as her guilt reduced a bit. 

“Humm...” she rested her head on his shoulder and sighed.  She had really felt bad...

“You know? But this time... he did it.. finally!” he sighed a relief.  She smiled rubbing her cheek on his arm...! The laptop on the table beeped... someone was on skype call...! They both jumped to their feet to grab the laptop.  

“Rini Didi....!” Dhatri screamed in excitement and smiling, Ravi took a back seat... It was her Rini Didi’s time ... Ravi had no place in that world... He sneaked out whistling a fun tune...! 

..........  ........

“Dhaa... I want to talk to Ravi...” Rini said little hesitantly... Dhatri looked around and then screaming her lungs out called out for Ravi...

“Shuu.... Dhaa... behave yourself....” Nilima reprimanded her blocking Rini’s window...!

“Mamma...” Dhatri jumped in her seat... Ravi appeared behind her...

“Where were you? Rini didi wants to talk to you...” She asked him angrily...

“Dhaa...!” Nilima called out sternly...! 

“Rini Didi... Ravi..” Dhatri clutched his arm ignoring her mamma’s reprimand.  Rini grinned.  Tall figure of Vinit had appeared behind ....

“Free Vini...” Dhaa squeaked happily.  Ravi smiled broadly....

*****   ****  ****

“Haa.... Finally... they are getting married.... I am so happy...” Dhatri was revolving with her hands up.... She suddenly turned to Ravi and running towards him... circled her arms around his neck.... He just held the table for support... restraining himself ....! He won’t spoil her mood with his haste..! She had flung herself on to him.... He just took the storm on his chest....!

“But ... “ she stepped aside, deep in thoughts.  

“Why registered marriage?” she asked him and he just gave a nod.

“Its their choice Dhaa...” he said seriously.  

“But...” she again couldn’t tell ... Ravi too had sensed something was wrong... Rini didn’t look in her usual elements... Vini was normal and jovial though... He too had sensed she looked weak and pale... He looked at Dhaa’s face and brushing aside his worries, smiled broadly. 

“That’s ok.  They are getting married after much deliberations... and that's enough for us.. Isn’t it?” he asked her and she smiled.  

“Humm...” she sighed coming back to him. 

“You want to go?” he asked and her eyes flashed in excitement... but then said....

“No... Mamma Papa and uncle aunty are there.... “ he looked at her intently.

“If you want I will make arrangements..”

“And you?” she asked flaring up.  He hesitated a bit... 

“Its ok.  I am not going... “ she said considerately.  But then raised her voice in excitement.

“But we will invite them here.... For their honeymoon...” she laughed mischievously.  

“Yeah... for honeymoon...” he said with a tinge of resentment.... She walked away... And the phone buzzed.

“Disha...” Ravi handed over the phone.

“Disha Didi?” Dhatri called out and Disha squeaked.... 

“Dhaa? Did you hear that? Rini and Maj. Vinit... I mean I am so happy for them... You know... they are getting married....” Disha didn’t give any chance to Dhatri to speak a word.  She went on...

“Its good that they are keeping it simple and sweet.... “ Dhatri bit her lip in resentment....

“”Dhaa... I am so happy for Mamma Papa...” Disha was bursting in excitement.  Dhatri smiled listening to her eldest sister...!  

“I will send them a big gift...” Disha blurted and Dhatri realized, she had to plan for one too.  She glanced at Ravi and again realized that she didn’t need to worry, Ravi would take care...!

“Haan Didi... I will... I will talk to Rini didi...” Dhatri disconnected.  Ravi had pulled his laptop closer.

“No... No laptop tonight...” Dhatri stopped him pulling him out of the chair.  

“Let us celebrate...” she said dreamily.  He arched his eyebrow...

“Celebrate?”

“With dance... Mari mai Dance...” she pulled him in her embrace, humming the folk tune... He rode the storm in her  arms...

........  .........

“Are you sure, you want to do this...?” he asked huskily and she hesitated.

“Humm...” she closed her eyes in apprehension... The feeling for Ravi was ecstatic...out of the world! Heavenly! His deep kisses gave her shivers....  

The disco lights were flashing everywhere.... the kids were enjoying... drinks were brought in... the fast track rhythm boomed everywhere...

“Come...” Someone pulled her ...  she called for her papu mari.... No one heard... her papu mari had left her for a moment...to bring her food....!

The rhythm had caught momentum... kids were dancing their hearts out.... gala event was to celebrate completion of first lap of training program.....The kids overnight picnic to the city had brought all of them to the discotheque....~!!!

**********  ********  ********

“You sure, you really want to go ahead...?” Rini asked seriously the ‘n’th time.  Vinit cupped her face and said “Yes, Rini, I do...” with the same intensity.  She let out a sigh...He gathered her in his arms... 

“Rini.... I can’t live without you.... Just be with me my whole life...Rini...” he lost his control...Resting his head on her shoulder, he wept.... wept like a child, scared of abandonment...!

“Promise me... you will not abandon me...” he chocked with emotions gushing out... She only kept patting on his back, assuring him her support, waiting for him to calm down... 

“I am really lucky to have you in my life, Vinit...” she cupped his face wiping his tears, making up her mind to go ahead his wedding plans....! He glanced at her bright face and smiled cheekily turning his face....! Finally she had agreed.  He could see that determination on her face....! 

**********  **********

“You really think... you want to do this...?” Bhanu asked bewildered when she had offered herself unprotected....! 

“Oh! Bhanu... Just don’t waste your time in asking silly questions...” she hissed pulling him on to her....

“B..but...” she had shut him up with her lips...!

“Don’t bother about anything now.... and come on.... “ she had made her first move... he surfed on the waves of passion....! 

Disha really didn’t bother about the consequences .... she wanted him... completely....wholeheartedly...! The happiness creeped in like a drug... intoxicating them both...!