chapter 27

Radha walked graciously holding Rayaan's hand. The hall they booked is not extravagant, it is spacious enough to accommodate a total of 250 people. Most of them include bussiness man from different sectors. Every single individual who has potential to make a change in the society for the sake of women and kids at the institute have been invited.

With dark maroon saree embedded with pearls at the border , beautiful flowery pattern weaved with golden thread Radha looked mesmerizing.  Not to forget the subtle make up complimenting the heavy saree. Her eyes twinkled whenever light spread on to them reminding Rayaan that Srida's obsession to add gliter did make a change. He smiled as she looked authoritative and commanding, a contrast to her character.

"You look as beautiful as anyone on this earth ever existed." Rayaan whispered adjusting her hair. She smiled giving away the blush on her face. Rayaan winked at her but before introducing everyone from the company she works as his wife.

Sevya stood in a corner looking after guests who were welcomed by Radha. Sevya chose to stay away from limelight as she feels it drains away ones energy. With simple lavender colour saree pairing it with dark pink blouse which got beautiful embroidery on it matching the border of her saree Sevya looked breathtaking. Unlike Radha, Sevya chose to go heavy with her jewelry and make up, highlighting her lips with a shade of pinkish brown. A colour which Srida chose for her to wear. Sevya knew this ball is very important for their family, it not only exposes Toshniwal Brothers as powerful contenders in the bussiness field but also gives out a message that women of Toshniwal family are equally involved in it.

A message Keyur strongly intends to send.

Keyur stood beside his wife holding her by waist, he was pleased with people smiling at her. Her natural aura to draw attention was problematic for him before but now something changed in him. Keyur no longer feels Jealousy,  instead he pities men. After all, only he has access to her, to be with her, love her like no one else!

"You are glowing." He mumbled as men shaked hands with both of them.

"Can you please stop drawing circles on my waist? I am not able to concentrate now." She whined turning towards him.  He laughed kissing her lips infront of everyone. Only Keyur knew what sets her off and he fully intend to do it.

"I need to share some good news." Keyur started as Sevya relaxed into a chair. People started dancing to the music as planned by Adwait. Everyone except them are following dress code. Women in shimmery cocktail dresses waltzed around with men of their choice. People were visibly happy to dance and participate in so called small games.

" That is?." She asked leaning into him.

"Rayaan bhai has got few investors ." He smiled looking down at her.

"You mean to say , you convinced them???." She questioned Keyur.

"Of course. They are very determined. Bhai is trying to get few more, hopefully by the end of tonight we will have our investors ready." He said. Sevya jumped in excitement. She wanted them to start their construction bussiness again but then she didn't know how Rayaan is going to  establish again.

"Small steps are important.  I will help you guys ! But I won't quit my work! I mean until you complete 2 to 3 projects I will help you unofficially." Sevya jumped in excitement.  Keyur nodded his head kissing her cheek. She blushed at his stolen kisses. Keyur looked around carefully for them. This ball is just a distraction from all the chaos they were facing. Rayaan knew informing ladies about new developments will only lead to panic .

Adwait held his wife Srida in his arms waltzing around the floor. People started gathering around them in pairs. Srida was tired but she determined to move around, dance is something is will never compromise on.  With flared light orange dress Srida looked like fresh petal.

"You look so handsome!" She exclaimed holding him. Adwait smiled down at her. She has a way of complimenting him.  At absurd times!

"I can't kiss you now. If I do, I can't stop. If I don't, then this moment will build up and I will want to make love to you. I think with you I have hormonal imbalance too." He spoke pecking her nose. Srida laughed loudly holding his arm for support. He scanned whole room for some abnormal  movement. Spotting the men in position, Adwait left Srida in Keyur's arm who nodded his head in understanding. Rayaan walked around the room owning his style confidently. The fact that he's out of market  currently is long forgotten by his investors.

" We would like to invest in your ideas as well as the institute which is great initiative on your part." One of the investor spoke as Radha smiled at them.

"Might I ask? If only you allow me young lady?." One of the investors popped up. Rayaan held his wife tightly. He didn't want them to question on her choice about parenthood which most of the crowd were interested this evening. He couldn't understand that how can people be not happy about Srida's pregnancy but rather show their hypocrisy about Radha's choice of not embracing parenthood even after these many years.

"Sure sir." Radha smiled knowing what they are going to talk about. Again!

"I am quite surprised that you chose to move out of Jodhpur leaving your in laws who are facing lawsuit for bad dealings..i mean Rayaan is very brave to stick to transparency in his bussiness." Investor spoke.

"Thank you. I still did not get your question." Radha said.

"You diluted your company. Closed all dealings. Then how come you are supporting the institute? Isn't that a cover up by your in laws for whatever bad things they have done? Why encourage something which was not started with good intentions?." He asked.  Rayaan was furious at this point.  Adwait who was conversing with someone nearby heard his question. The crowd around him caught the attention of the Investor's question.

" Mr Bhansal, how many under hand dealings you did to reach this level?." Radha questioned him back. Rayaan knew its not his place to answer which it is directed towards his wife.

"What..what do you mean?." He fired back.

"Every bussiness man in his entire life might have done atleast one dealing for his own personal benefit. If not you,  your employer might have done. Isn't it?." She asked.

"Maybe.." he trailed.

"Did you stop achieving what you wanted to do? You might have corrected yourself for the sake of being truthful to the cause for which you are working but then you haven't entirely shut down your bussiness right?." Radha asked him.

"But you did." He countered smirking at Rayaan.

"No sir , you are wrong. We are still in the game. Since the newest addition of our family,  we decided to start afresh with new deals and designs which cater to present day thinking and generation. We diluted our company because we did not find anyone potential enough to change with our thoughts.  Bad dealings and bad time stay as long as you allow them Mr.Bansal. The institute which you have asked about, it is sure formed by our in laws but runs on our contributions. Contributions which we made by donating our salaries." Radha spoke looking at Srida who was tensed. She knew her younger sister in law is new to all this.

"And with our request to invest in our plans, we also urged you all to donate something for betterment of women. Who are working hard just like us to adapt to new changes. Won't you like to be part of such a big social work sir?." Radha questioned him.  Rayaan held her hand smiling at Mr Bhansal who just nodded his head as yes.

Who don't want to showcase their interest in social work?

"Bhabi. Sevya is calling you. " Keyur informed as she excused herself. Walking along Keyur Radha found him to be lost.

"What is it that is troubling you?." Radha asked him.

"I want to take a break from everything. " He said looking away feeling guilty for his confession.

"You should. Everyone is different Keyur. You don't want to work, it's fine. But don't sit idle. Work on your mental health. Be open to options to solve your problems. Talk with people. No matter what your age is , for my husband you are still his baby brother." Radha said smiling at him.  Keyur admired her, few months back she saw her under confident self now Radha is putting up brave face for the sake of family. The way she stood for Sevya and Srida , Keyur knew how hard she might have struggled to be this strong.

"Bhabi! Srida is eating too much protein! She's not listening to me!." Sevya complained.

" Sevya leave her alone. She's pregnant and her cravings are justified. Is this what you called me for?." Radha asked her.

Sevya had confused face.
"When did I call you? Keyur said you will meet us." She said.

Three ladies looked around to spot their husband but they couldn't. People were dancing, laughing over jokes. Media covered everyone's enthusiasm and vibe. Sevya took a long breath. This can't be happening now! Srida stood infront of Radha thinking the worst. With hand on her Srida's shoulder Radha nodded her head a no. Tears formed in Srida's eyes. What they thought had happened now!

"Is this the reason they agreed for this ball?." Sevya asked. Radha was silent. She had no intention to burst the bubble in wrong way.

"Radha bhabi. They kept us exposed so that we will be save? Haven't you got slight hint?." Srida questioned her. Radha shook her head looking away. In this instance, she missed Rayaan.

"Let's just wrap the party slowly bhabi? Srida, stay in front of our eyes. Eat something." Srida said taking control of the situation. She knew Radha is not strong enough to bear this separation.

"To protect us, they are going any lengths. What are we doing for them?." Radha questioned holding herself together.

"Bhabi, Rayaan bhai told us to be strong. They warned us to be together no matter what happens. We can't go back on our plan. It's for our future bhabi." Srida reminded her. Radha put up a brave face smiling at people who greeted her. With head high and strong posture, she made sure to tall with each person present there.

Sevya took up the job of seeing off people who were leaving the party. Those who were interested in their bussiness made sure to drop their visiting cards and schedule meeting for further progress. Her mind no longer involved in this. She was worried about the plan which they planned to execute. A step which will cause rift between many things.

Srida silently sat on the stool caressing her baby. Adwait was too silent today. He had adoration in his eyes but they were calculating silently. The moment Keyur disappeared from the hall, she understood what Adwait told her two days ago.

'Love, fear causes us to be blind, to the things are strong enough to face but steadiness in most difficult times will lead us to places we want to be'

She did not understand why he was being sentimental in the middle of the night but now, everything seems to be clear. Scanning the room, Srida found people were leaving in groups. She helped herself off the stool to walk towards Radha who is most tensed among the three.

"Bhabi? Let's go home. Am sure Adwait's company people will wrap up rest of the work." She spoke. All three ladies made sure this were good hands before leaving the venue. Each had different things planned out for their husband's but what they feared most turned out to be the beginning of this night.

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Unedited

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