Laksh and Riya returned at the Maheshwari Mansion.

Sanskar and Hardik, who were sitting in the living area, saw them coming inside and stood up from the sofa.

Sanskar: "So guys? What did Mr. Ahuja say? Is he willing to sign a recording agreement with Laksh?"

Both Riya and Laksh were looking down silently.

Laksh: "So I shouldn't have listened to Riya and dream about something so big. I shouldn't have had so much confidence on myself. I shouldn't have spent a whole month doing nothing and believing that I would get this contract so I don't need to search for any other job."

He said disheartened and then left from there. Hardik looked at him leaving.

Sanskar to Riya: "What is he saying? Why is he looking so disheartened? Mr. Ahuja said a no?"

Riya shook his head looking down: "It's not that he refused to sign the contract. Apparently he is giving priority to another girl who is supposed to choose between Laksh and her sister for a duet song. If she chooses her sister, Laksh's contract will be kept on hold... obviously she has no reason to choose Laksh over her own sister..."

Sanksar: "Oh damn! But I think... hey why are you crying?!"

He asked looking at Riya who had made a sad pout and wiped a tear which had fallen on her cheek.

Riya sobbed: "I'm sorry. It's all my fault... I shouldn't have convinced Laksh for this and give him so many hopes... It's just that I was confident that he would get the contract... I'm feeling so guilty." – She said wiping her tears which were continuously coming out from her eyes.

Sanskar's heart pinched seeing Riya crying. He felt so bad that he couldn't stop himself from hugging her.

Sanskar: "Stop crying stupid!" – He said engulfing Riya in his embrace – "It's not your fault. You just wanted to help Laksh. We'll find a solution, don't worry."

Riya sobbed hiding her face in Sanskar's chest.

Hardik cleared his throat. Sanskar and Riya recomposed.

Hardik went to Riya and placed a hand on arm and one around her shoulder: "There is Riya's brother for her Sanskar. You'd better remember that you are going to get married."

Riya looked at him: "Sanskar and Ragini are not going to get married."

Hardik: "Who knows? Laksh didn't find any job, did he? So now Sanskar and Ragini are supposed to marry, right?"

Riya looked at Sanskar who looked down. Hardik looked upstairs where there was Laksh glaring at them.

Hearing their conversation, Laksh clenched his fists and went to his room. He went inside slamming the door. He took out his phone and called Ragini.

AT THE SAME TIME

Ragini was in her room when she heard her mobile, which was placed on the nightstand, ringing. She raised a hand to pick it up when she saw Laksh's name displaying on the screen and made a fist of her hand. She looked at the phone hesitantly.

On the other hand, Laksh was feeling restless: "Pick up the call damn it! Ragini pick up the call!" – He kept repeating.

But as Ragini wasn't answering, Laksh got angry and threw his phone which fell on the bed. At the same moment Ragini finally picked up the call.

Ragini: "Hello Laksh?"

She furrowed her eyebrows as she got no reply. She was about to cut the call when...

Laksh: "Why Ragini? Why do you have to make things complicated? Why don't you understand that you don't need to sacrifice us?" – He said loudly, unaware of the fact that Ragini had picked up the call so she was listening.

Laksh's eyes welled up and he let himself fall near the bed resting his back against it.

Laksh: "It's been two months almost since we last even talked properly. I'm missing you..." – He cried – "How do you expect me to live without you for a lifetime? I'm feeling suffocated without you Ragini... please stop all this..."

A tear ran on Ragini's check as she listened to Laksh's words and felt his pain. She shut her eyes and covered her mouth with a hand to stop a sob.

Laksh: "I had no scope in my life. I was a wanderer but I found stability when I fell for you. I got a reason to live. I started dreaming, I understood what love really is. You changed me and now you're planning to leave me? I agree that I had left you for the sake of your safety but I could not stay without you for long and eventually ended up telling you my situation but you... you not only left me... you are going to be someone else's. Are you doing this for the sake of my happiness? How can you think that I can stay happy seeing you with someone else?! How the hell are you able to do this Ragini? How?!" – He shut his eyes and cried.

Ragini just cut the call since she wasn't able to hear more and looked up trying to stop her tears but failed.

Ragini: "I know how much you love me Laksh and that's why I love you too... you're everything I've always wanted. But how can I be so selfish to put your future on sake? I'm sorry..."

She shut her eyes and tears ran on her cheeks.

THE NEXT MORNING

It was time for the Sangeet function.

MAHESHWARIS MANSION

Sanskar was getting ready in his room. He looked at himself in the mirror: he was wearing a sky blue sherwani with golden collar and buttons. 

He held his collar undecided if he should close the last button on the top or not.

Just then he heard someone clearing the throat. He looked at the door and saw Riya standing there. She was wearing a blue and golden dress and had as usual a beautiful smile on her face. Sanskar admired this quality in her: she always managed to be happy and spread happiness.

Sanskar: "Hey Riya. You here?"

She entered in the room and went to Sanskar. She twirled and asked: "How am I looking?"

Sanskar smiled: "Beautiful as always."

Riya made a pout: "What do you mean with that? I'm not always dressed up liked this and wearing such make up and jewellery! I got so much ready and you're saying like I'm looking just casual as usual."

Sanskar chuckled: "Why you girls have to behave like this always? A guy is giving you compliments and you have to make everything look complicated."

Riya: "Because you guys don't know how to give compliments! Anyway... let me look at you!" – She looked at Sanskar from bottom to top – "Hmm..."

She took a step closer to Sanskar who looked down at her while she closed the top button of his sherwani. She looked up at him and their eyes met.

"Sochoon mein tham jaye pal yeh
Paas mere jab ho tum..."
("I wish these moments to stop there
when you are with me")

Riya kept her hands on Sanskar's chest and then looked in the mirror. Sanskar did the same.

Riya smiled: "Not bad haan?! We would make for a perfect couple!"

Sanskar chuckled shaking his head: "Sure Riya! Let's go, guests must be arrived." - He said wearing his watch on the wirst and going out of the room.

Riya said from behind: "Arey I was serious pal!" – And she followed him smiling.

They went to the hall which was all decorated and some guests were there already.

Sanskar and Riya went to Sujata and Annapurna who were with Harshad and Parineeta (Riya and Hardik's parents). Hardik and Laksh, who was wearing a blue sherwani, were also there. 

Durga Parsand and Ram Parsad were talking with some guests.

Sanskar took blessings from elders. After giving him blessing, Sujata placed a hand on Sanskar's cheek and kept one on his shoulder: "Let no one's evil eye be on you and may you get whatever you wish for."

Sanskar smiled a bit holding the hand she had kept on his face and kissed it.

Riya entangled her elbow in her mother's arm and said: "Mama, Daddy... I know you're always looking for a groom for me so if you want me to finally marry then just find me someone like Sanskar and I'll happily accept him. He is everything that any girl could wish for."

Parineeta slapped her arm: "Haven't you gone a bit too shameless? Do girls speak like this in front of everybody?"

Riya: "Auch Mama!"

Everybody laughed.

Laksh was chuckling too when his eyes went on the stair. Sanskar looked there too.

Gadodias had arrived. Sanskar's smile slowly became smaller as Ragini came out from behind Shekhar and stood between him and Swara while Sharmishta was standing beside Shekhar.

Laksh and Sanskar stared at Ragini: she was looking divine in that turquoise lehenga with a golden blouse and a pink pallu. Beautiful wasn't a word worth enough for her beauty.

"Tu nazm nazm sa mere hothon pai theher jaa,
Mein khwab khwab sa teri aankhon mai jaagu re"

Ragini walked down the stairs with her family and everybody turned to look at them. She slowly lifted her eyelashes to look at Laksh who was staring back.

"Tu ishq ishq sa mere rooh mai aake bas jaa,
Jis ore teri shehnaai us ore mein bhaagu re"

Sanskar noticed their eyelock and looked away.

Ragini went towards Sujata and the other elders.

Ram Parsad joined Sujata, Annapurna, Harshad and Parineeta and greeted the Gadodias. Ragini took blessings from Sanskar's parents and joined her hands in front of the others smiling a bit.

Sujata: "You should take blessings from Jijji not me." – She said referring to Annapurna but as soon as Sanskar eyed her, she added – "She is elder na..."

Ragini looked at Annapurna who looked down remembering the moment Ragini rejected Laksh for Sanskar. Ragini bowed down and to take blessing from Annapurna who hesitated at first but then placed a hand on Ragini's head: "May you always take right decisions that will lead to happiness only."

Ragini shut her eyes understanding what she meant and then recomposed looking down.

Hardik went to Swara who was already looking at him. He asked: "Do you want to have a drink?"

Swara smiled: "Sure."

She held his elbow which he had forwarded to her and they went towards the buffet.

LATER

Ragini and Sanskar were sitting next to each other, Riya was with them and the three were talking together. Laksh was apparently in a conversation with some friends but was actually not listening to what they were saying as he was busy glaring at Ragini and Sanskar. Ragini could feel his eyes on her. Hardik and Swara were standing aside and having a conversation with a soft drink. The elders were with guests.

Ram Parsad was about to introduce Shekhar to some relatives when a couple came to them along Durga Parsad and the woman said: "Congratulations Ram Parsad Ji. Your daughter-in-law is really beautiful, polite and educated. I heard she did the same academy of Sanskar and also that she is soon going to sign a contract with one of the most important record labels of India?"

Ram Parsad: "That's true."

Woman: "Wow. It's really hard to find a girl who is both capable of keeping up with the modern society and values our culture and traditions as well."

Man: "That's right. You're very lucky I must say. And my compliments to the father of the girl." – He said shaking Shekhar's hand – "Nobody could ask more in a daughter-in-law."

Shekhar smiled and looked at Durga Parsad: "There are people who could. Money matters, you know."

Durga Parsad glared back at him.

Woman: "Oh it doesn't. Money keeps coming and going but not everybody gets a daughter-in-law like Ragini. Look at us... our Karan's wife belongs to the so called high class society but doesn't have manners at all." – She sighed.

Durga Parsad made a grimace and walked away. Just then Annapurna stood in front of him but without facing him.

Annapurna: "This is what people would have said if Durga Parsad Maheshwari's son Laksh Maheshwari would have married a middle class girl like Ragini. I don't think your respect would have decreased, but quite the contrary." – She turned her eyes to look at Durga Parsad who glared at her and then went away.

Annapurna looked at him from behind: "Your son is paying a big price of your arrogance. I wish you could understand what Laksh is going through..." – She looked up as her eyes welled up.

AFTER A WHILE

Ragini turned around after taking a glass of water and was about to walk ahead when Laksh came in front of her. Ragini looked at him and then was about to walk away when Laksh held her wrist from behind.

Ragini turned towards Laksh: "Laksh... please leave me. Everybody is here."

Laksh: "We need to talk."

Ragini tried to free her wrist from his grip: "We have nothing to talk about Laksh. Leave me please." – She said gritting her teeth.

But Laksh wasn't in the mood of listening and dragged her with him. Hardik noticed that.

"Excuse me." – He said to Swara and then followed Laksh who had taken Ragini in the garden.

Hardik hid behind a pillar.

Ragini jerked away Laksh's hand from her wrist: "Laksh what are you doing? Why did you bring me here?! What if someone had seen us? What would have they thought!"

Laksh held her by her shoulders and pulled her closer: "I don't care about anybody! Ragini it's high time we talk and sort this mess out!" – He said a bit loudly.

Ragini stammered: "T.. talk about what? What mess?"

Laksh: "About the fact that you love me but you are going to marry someone else!"

Ragini looked in his eyes for few seconds before looking away and saying: "I have already told you that I don't love you Laksh and I want to marry Sanskar because..."

Laksh: "Because my father said that he'll disinherit me if I marry you." – He completed her sentence before she could lie any furthermore.

Ragini looked at him shocked to hear that he knows the truth: "Wh.. what are you saying? It's nothing like that."

Laksh: "Stop the drama Ragini!" – Ragini winced as he shouted. Laksh noticed that and calmed himself down. He placed a hand on her cheek and made her look at him – "Sanskar told me everything. I know you love me Ragini... but there is no need to do all this. Please try to understand that I can live without my father's name, I can live without luxury and all, I am capable of earning and having a career also without my father's money... but I can't live without you, I can't afford to lose you, I can't see you becoming someone else's." – He put also the other hand on her cheek cupping her face – "Ragini we love each other so we don't need anything else except each other, isn't it?"

Hardik was listening to them: "I just hope Ragini won't be influenced by his words..." – He thought.

Ragini looked at Laksh with teary eyes. She removed his hands from her face and said: "But Laksh it is not that simple. How am I supposed to snatch from you the life you have lived till now? The luxuries, the privileges, the name, the class, the business... Laksh try to think practically! How will I live under the burden of my conscience knowing that you'll have to struggle, compromise god knows how many things, because of me?"

Laksh: "Ragini why don't you understand that I don't care anymore about all this? All I care about is you. The most precious thing I have is your love. All I want is our togetherness, nothing else! I am changed now; I am not that Lucky who just cared about having fun and all..."

Ragini: "That's the point Laksh! I don't want you to change; I don't want you to compromise yourself for me! You must be happy, carefree the way you have always been."

Laksh was freaking out: "Ragini why the hell are you acting so stubborn?!! I'm telling you that I just need you in my life, then why are you making things so complicated?!"

Ragini tried to calm him down. She placed her hands on his chest and said: "Laksh I just want your happiness."

Laksh turned around putting a hand on his forehead. He took a deep breath and then faced Ragini again: "Ok. My happiness lies in your happiness so now the decision is yours. According to me right now you are just pushing yourself and also Sanskar in a loveless marriage and I'm getting broken too so basically three lives are getting ruined. Won't you be happier if we'll be together? Or..." – He gulped down – "Do you think you'll be able to forget me and will fall in love with Sanskar after marriage?" - Laksh's eyes welled up but he smiled - "If you think by marrying Sanskar and seeing me inheriting my father's business and property you'll be happier than being with me, fighting against our families for our togetherness and struggling a bit but being with each other... then go ahead with whatever you are doing, I won't stop you."

Ragini looked at him widening her eyes.

Hardik, who heard everything, raised an eyebrow: "Such a big decision can't be taken without Sanskar."

With that he went back inside the house.

Seeing Hardik back, Swara was about to go to him but stopped seeing him going towards Sanskar who was talking with Riya.

Hardik to Sanskar: "Sanskar, Ragini is calling you in the garden."

Sanskar furrowed his eyebrows confused but then went towards the garden wondering what might have happened. After few seconds, Hardik went behind him. Swara noticed all that and a frown appeared on her forehead as she felt Hardik's behavior weird.

Sanskar came in the garden and saw Ragini and Laksh there.

Sanskar: "Ragini?"

Ragini and Laksh turned to him.

Laksh looked at Ragini: "The decision is yours." – With that he went away leaving Sanskar and Ragini there, apparently alone. Actually Hardik was also there, hidden behind a pillar.

Sanskar to Ragini: "What happened Ragini?"

Ragini looked at him with teary eyes: "What should I do Sanskar?... What's the right thing to do?..." – She sounded helpless. A tear skipped through her eyes.

Sanskar: "Ragini..." – He wiped her tear – "See nothing happened yet. It's not late. You still have time to listen to your heart and take the right decision."

Ragini: "That's the problem Sanskar, I don't know what's the right decision. If we marry I'll feel I'm being selfish towards you, if I go back to Laksh I'll feel I'm being selfish towards Laksh. I don't know what to do.." – She cried.

Sanskar: "Ragini it's nothing like that. You're not selfish at all. Please don't cry..." – He was about to put a hand on her shoulder before Ragini hugged him.

Hardik smiled seeing that: "I wish Laksh could see this..."

On the other hand Laksh was entering in the hall where the sangeet party was going on when Sujata came to him: "Laksh did you see Ragini and Sanskar?"

Laksh cleared his throat trying to hide his teary eyes and said: "They must be in the garden..."

Sujata: "Can you please go and call them? Everybody is asking about them. We can't start the sangeet without them obviously! Please go fast!"

Before Laksh could say anything, Sujata was gone. He sighed and went back towards the garden.

MEANWHILE

Ragini: "I'm sorry. I should have not dragged you in this mess. I'm really sorry..."

Sanskar hugged her back: "Ragini please stop saying that. You know... how important you're for me. I'll be with you whatever decision you'll take."

Just then Laksh came there and saw them. He felt bad seeing Ragini in Sanskar's embrace. He looked down and cleared his throat.

Ragini and Sanskar looked at him and immediately broke the hug. Hardik saw Laksh and smiled.

Laksh: "Chachi is calling you both inside."

Sanskar: "Laksh we..."

But Laksh didn't listen to him and just left from there.

Laksh came back in the hall and just then Hardik reached him too: "Laksh!" – Laksh looked at him – "Yaar actually I went in the garden to get my phone which I had forgotten on the bench before... and I saw what happened. Don't mind actually but... Ragini and Sanskar are actually really close..." – Laksh eyed him – "Close friends I mean. And also very... how to say... comfortable with each other, don't you think so?"

Laksh: "What do you mean Hardik?"

Hardik: "That seeing their compatibility if they marry I don't think it will take time for them to fall for each other... so if Ragini is adamant on her decision of leaving you for Sanskar, I think you shall let it go."

Laksh felt very angry hearing his words. He clenched his fists and went away while Hardik looked at him from behind smiling slyly: "Now just one move and then nothing and nobody can stop this wedding." - He thought.

He turned around just to face Swara who was looking at him with crossed arms.

Hardik: "Swara hey! Actually.. I .. went to..."

Swara: "To take the phone you had forgotten in the garden, right? I heard while you were talking with Laksh."

Hardik: "Yes..."

Swara: "Did you find your phone then?"

Hardik: "Uh... yes... I..."

Swara showed him his phone: "Yes? Do you have two mobiles? Because actually you had forgotten one on the table there and not in the garden."

Hardik: "Oh thanks a lot Swara! I was wondering where I kept it... but thank god you got it!"

Swara looked at him suspiciously and her gaze made Hardik nervous but before she could ask any more questions, Hardik saw Sanskar and Ragini coming and diverted the topic.

Hardik: "Sanskar and Ragini are there! Now let's start the actual sangeet. Come on guys turn the music on and come on the dance floor!"

Just then "dhol" (large two-headed wooden drum) and "shehnai" started to play. Sujata made Ragini and Sanskar sit together. Laksh stood with some friends and looked at Ragini and Sanskar.

Hardik dragged Swara to dance with him.

"Dholak mai taal hai, payal mai chan chan"

Everybody looked at them and clapped smiling while they danced.

"Ghoongat mai gori hai, sehre mai sajan"

Hardik went to Sanskar and Ragini and took them on the dance floor holding their hands.

"Jahaan bhi yeh jaaye bahaarein hi chhaaye

Yeh khushiyaan hi paaye, mere dil ne duaa di hai"

The four danced together.

"Mere yaar ki shaadi hai!
Mere yaar ki shaadi hai!"

Riya was clapping with the rhythm of the song with a forced smile on lips: "This dumb head of Hardik knows that Ragini and Sanskar's wedding isn't going to happen so why is he even singing this... idiot! Where is Laksh? He shall do something now!" – She said in her own head and then looked around for Laksh. As she saw him with his friends, she went to him.

Riya: "What are you doing here Laksh? Go and dance with your Ragini!"

Before Laksh could say anything, Riya pushed him towards the dance floor and he directly bumped into Ragini. The two looked at each other. Laksh recalled Hardik's words. He twirled Ragini twice on herself holding her hand until they came near Sanskar; he left Ragini's hand as she fell in Sanskar's arms. Laksh looked at them and smiled a little bit while his eyes welled up. Ragini's heart pinched as she noticed that.

Laksh: "Pyaar mila, preet mili mere yaar ko
Badi pyaari jeet mili mere yaar ko"
("My friend got love and affection,
My friend has gained a very lovely victory")

Riya slapped her forehead: "What the hell is Laksh doing now?!"

Hardik stopped a waiter and took two glasses of soft drink from him. He mixed something in one of the drinks and then went to Sanskar giving him that glass.

"Khush hai jo dil, mene mehfil geeton se saja di hai!"

Swara noticed that but before she could stop Sanskar from drinking, they had already made a toast and Sanskar had already gulped down the drink. He felt a bit weird as his head whirled a bit.

Swara: "What is Hardik trying to do?" – She thought confused.

But before she could think anymore, Riya came to her and dragged her to dance with Hardik and Sanskar.

And while all the others were dancing, Laksh walked aside with sadness on his face. Ragini also stopped dancing and looked at him and felt his sorrow. Their pain was visible in their eyes. Ragini had her eyes on Laksh who was giving her his back. Her heart was yearning to go to him, hug him and tell him that she loves her and never could she love anybody else that way. Sanskar noticed that Ragini was still and followed her gaze which was leading to Laksh who was about to leave the hall. Sanskar understood and, despite his own heart ached, he immediately went to Laksh and stopped him putting an arm around his shoulder.

Sanskar: "Haar nahin, jeet nahin jahan pyaar hai"
(There is no loss, there is no victory, where there is love)

He made Laksh turn back towards Ragini.

"Jisme haar jeet ho wo kahan pyaar hai"

Hardik looked confused and thought: "Why isn't the powdered alcohol showing any effect yet? I thought that under its effect Sanskar and Ragini could have come closer and finally Sanskar would have confessed his feelings openly..."

Sanskar hugged Laksh: "Lag ja gale yaar mere, mene dil se sada di hai!"

Laksh hugged Sanskar back and, now that his face was towards Ragini, he straightly looked at her who was looking back and the two shared a painful eyelock. While looking in his eyes, Ragini could clearly see the pain and now she seriously doubted her decision to stay away from him and marry Sanskar for his happiness. If he was not happy, then Sanskar and her marriage would just ruin three lives. But if she went back to Laksh... She looked at Durga Parsad and then back towards Laksh. Swara came to Ragini and gestured her with the chin asking her what's wrong. Ragini shook her head and looked at Laksh who still had his eyes on her.

Ragini: "Saathi, sakhiyan, bachpan ka yeh angna,
Gudiya, jhoole, koi bhi to hoga sang na..."

She walked towards Laksh who could see the pain and confusion in her eyes now.

Ragini: "Chhupaaoongi aansu kese, bheegenge kangana..."
(How will I hide my tears, my bracelets will get wet)
"Saathi, sakhiyan re..."

Laksh walked towards Ragini too. They stood in front of each other. Everybody looked at them.

Sanskar held his head shutting his eyes as he felt a sudden headache. Riya noticed that and rushed to him with a glass of water.

Riya: "Are you ok, Sanskar?" – She said offering him the water.

Sanskar opened his eyes and slowly nodded taking the glass of water. He looked at Ragini and Laksh and a sudden mix of emotion hit him: his love for Ragini and the contentment to see her and his brother getting together was mixed with pain, anger and jealousy caused by the realization that he might be losing his love forever now. But he didn't utter a word which was confusing and surprising Hardik who expected him to react.

Laksh looked at Ragini with love-filled eyes. He moved her hair strand behind her ear.

Laksh: "Saathi sun le, bole jo yeh angna
Yeh mann, jeevan pyaar ke hi rang mai rangna"
(My companion, listen to what this courtyard says
Color the heard and life only with colors of love)

Laksh held Ragini's wrists and caressed her bangles; he smiled looking at Ragini who was weeping.

Laksh: "Has degi teri chudi, khanke ge kangana"
(Your bracelet shall laugh, your bangles shall jingle)

He cupped Ragini's face in his hands and wiped her tears: "Saathi sun le re..."

At this point, Ragini completely lost herself and threw her arms around Laksh's neck and he shut his eyes tightly as he finally felt her close after so long. Laksh surrounded Ragini back in his embrace and Ragini felt like her soul finally found the peace and solace she needed.

Shekhar was about to go towards them but Sharmishta stopped him putting a hand on his shoulder: "Let our daughter take the right decision for his happiness." - She said to Shekhar.

Annapurna smiled with teary eyes but her smile disappeared noticing that Durga Parsad was very angry. He gritted his teeth and looked down as the guests were whispering to each other seeing Ragini and Laksh hugging each other and he felt insulted.

Sujata just looked towards his son. Only she could know how broken he must be. Also Hardik looked at Sanskar, expecting him to give a reaction.

But Sanskar was just still. He smiled a little for a second and then looked down as he felt his eyes getting wet. He tightened the grip over the glass he was holding and gritted his teeth trying to calm himself down as he was suddenly feeling like his emotions were taking over him.

Sanskar: "This is what you wanted Sanskar, this is what is right... so what is this anger for? Why are you feeling bad?" – He said to himself.

Riya heard him and looked at him confused. He noticed that he was behaving strange: "Everything fine Sanskar?"

Ragini meanwhile locked her hands around Laksh's nape and, with her eyes closed, whispered in his ear: "I can't. I can't love someone else... because I have already given up my heart to you. I love you Laksh, I love you more than anything and anyone in this world." – She said while tears ran on her cheeks.

Tears flew down Laksh's eyes too but at the same time a smile appeared on his face finally hearing what he had yearned to listen from Ragini and hugged her even more tightly.

Suddenly the sound of glass breaking down made RagLak return in the reality and they immediately broke the hug.

Everybody looked at the direction from where the sound had come. It was Sanskar, who had tightened the grip over the glass so much that it broke down. Riya's eyes widened seeing blood on his hand, though she was the only one who noticed it. Sujata shut her eyes realizing the pain that her son must be going through but she felt helpless.

Hardik smirked a bit: "Now it's time for Sanskar to confess his feelings too and then we'll see what Ragini will do, who she will choose." – He thought.

But Sanskar, yet another time, surprised him controlling his emotions with a great effort and said: "Sorry-... it slipped from my hand." – He stopped and looked at Ragini and Laksh. He gave them a quick smile – "It's time to take a stand for your love." – Ragini and Laksh looked at each other and smiled.

Hardik was frustrated: "Damn Sanskar! How much will you suppress your feelings and torture yourself! I can't believe it!" – He thought.

Sanskar just rushed out of the house. Sujata was about to step towards him but Riya, who had sensed that something was wrong, stopped her gesturing to let her handle the matter. She followed Sanskar.

Hardik: "No Sanskar, enough now." – And he went behind Sanskar too.

Sanskar went inside his car.

Riya: "Sanskar! Where are you going? What's wrong with you? Sanskar! Stop there!" – But before she could stop him, he had left. Riya rushed to her car and followed Sanskar.

Hardik came out too and seeing Sanskar leaving he was about to follow him but just then Swara came in front of him.

Swara: "What the hell are you doing?!"

Hardik: "Swara please let me go, it's urgent."

Swara: "I won't let you go until you don't tell me what you are up to."

Hardik looked at her shocked hearing this: "W... wh.. what are you saying Swara?" – He stammered.

Swara: "What did you mix in Sanskar's drink? And don't even try to lie me coz I saw you and I also heard you brain washing Laksh about Ragini and Sanskar. What are you trying to do?"

Hardik placed his hands on Swara's shoulders: "Swara... please let me go first, I'll tell you everything once back, but now I have to reach Sanskar urgently."

Swara jerked his hands away: "Just shut up Hardik and tell me what the hell you are planning? I can't let you go like this without knowing what's going on in your mind. Why the hell did you tell Laksh that Ragini would fall for Sanskar? What did you mean by saying that Ragini and Sanskar are very close? And most importantly what did you mix in Sanskar's drink? Are you trying to break Ragini and Laksh's relation while everybody else is doing so much to get them together?! Hardik how..."

Hardik: "Yes I want to break their relation!!" – He shouted interrupting Swara who looked at him with big eyes – "I'm trying to do that since the day I got to know Sanskar loves Ragini."

Swara: "But why?!"

Hardik: "There are many reasons Swara! Sanskar loves Ragini so much but is silently suffering because of Laksh! See I can't stand Laksh since childhood. I don't know what he has always thought of himself! He never cared for anybody else's feeling. In the name of teasing he used to insult me and I was not ok with that but still stayed quiet. I can't let Sanskar suffer without saying a word too! He doesn't deserve that. You know Sanskar and I are best friends from childhood and now we are also going to start our business together and since Laksh is not able to find any other job and settle down, Sanskar is even ready to make him part of our business despite Laksh did nothing for it! And Laksh doesn't even care! Yes, I told Laksh all that so he could stay away from Ragini and Sanskar and I had mixed something in Sanskar's drink so he could finally confess his feelings, so that he could do something that could break Laksh and Sanskar's bond as well. Sanskar needs to stop giving up everything for Laksh and give him everything served on a silver platter!"

Swara was shocked: "You want Ragini and Sanskar together? But... but then why on the engagement day you told me that they won't unite ever?"

Hardik: "That's because I wanted to convince you to not do anything to spoil the other functions!" – He said without realizing that it could hurt her.

Swara's eyes welled up. She chuckled and Hardik realized his mistake.

Swara: "Thank you... I thought you had said all those things to comfort me... you know... after meeting you, talking with you, spending time with you... I felt like the void in my life had been filled. I thought that finally I found someone for whom I could be a priority. I always envied Ragini for having Laksh's love and Sanskar's friendship but I thought I'm luckier... coz I found both in one person. I was so wrong and stupid, wasn't I?" – She smiled with tears in her eyes.

She was about to leave but Hardik held her wrist: "No Swara you weren't wrong! It's true that I didn't want you to come between Ragini and Sanskar for Sanskar's happiness but also yours... coz I knew you deserved someone who loved you back.. the way I do."

Swara turned towards him: "If it's true that you love me then you won't plot anything else and let Ragini, Laksh and Sanskar sort out by themselves." – Hardik looked on. Swara freed her wrist and left from there.

MEANWHILE

Sanskar was driving his car. Riya's car was just behind his one.

Riya tried to call Sanskar but he didn't reply. Riya: "Sanskar! What's wrong with you man!"

Sanskar didn't even know what was he doing or where was he going but he had just felt the urge to leave from there, go far and...Cry. Cry his heart out. Tears were running down on his cheeks and this was the first time he didn't try to stop them coz he knew that he needed to let his pain go.

"Mehfil mai teri hum na rahey jo
Gham to nahi hai, gham to nahi hai..."

He recalled his moments with Ragini.

"Qisse humari nazdeekyon kai
Kamm to nahi hai, kamm to nahi hai..."

Sanskar shut his eyes with a painful expression on his face. Suddenly all the moments spent with Ragini came in front of him fast. He immediately opened his eyes as his head started spinning and aching. He didn't realize that he was going out of the lane and just then the lights of a car coming from the opposite side dazzled Sanskar who looked away and that's when the two cars clashed into each other.

Riya immediately applied sudden break and her eyes widened seeing the accident. Her breath got stuck for a moment, her mouth left open.

AT THE SAME TIME, AT MAHESHWARIS MANSION

Swara came inside followed by Hardik just to see that the guests were leaving.

Once only Gadodias and Maheshwaris were remained in the hall, Shekhar went to Ragini, who was standing near Laksh, and held her wrist. He was about to drag her with him but just then Laksh held her other hand. Ragini and Shekhar looked at him.

Laksh: "Shekhar uncle please..."

But before he could say anything more, Shekhar interrupted him: "Enough Laksh. I'll be straight and clear. My daughter has been threatened by your father and I'm not willing to send her to a house where the elder person is like this."

Ragini: "But Papa I love Laksh..."

Shekhar: "Love is not enough for a marriage Ragini." – He looked at Laksh – "If you really love my daughter and want to marry her and take her responsibility, just prove me that she'll be happy and safe with you. If you get successful in assuring me that, I have no objection towards your relationship. Can you do that right now?"

Laksh looked at Durga Parsad who was impassible. Losing the little bit of hope he had from his father, Laksh looked down.

Shekhar shook his head smiling sarcastically: "There is nothing left to say."

Ragini's hand got removed from Laksh's one as Shekhar dragged her with him. Laksh looked at his Ragini going away from him once again while she also had her eyes on him. Swara and Sharmishta followed Shekhar and the Gadodias left the Maheshwaris Mansion.

ON THE OTHER HAND

A nurse was dressing Sanskar's wounds on his arm while his head was already bandaged.

Riya was there in the ward too and was scolding Sanskar: "Who drives like this Sanskar?! Thank God that guy applied brakes on time or else the accident would have turned out to be a very serious one! Do you know how damn scared I was?! And also Sujata aunty got so worried! She had called me asking me for your whereabouts and now she is coming here." – She sat next to him and held his chin looking at the scratch on his face – "Look at how hurt you got!"

Sanskar: "It's ok Riya, not even a bone got broken!"

At this, Riya punched him on his shoulder.

Sanskar: "Ouch!"

Riya: "I'll break all of your bones now!" – She looked at the nurse – "Is he really fine na sister? The head injury isn't anything serious I hope?"

Nurse: "He is fine, don't worry. These are minor injuries. In fact he doesn't even need to be admitted. So just please complete the formalities and then you can leave." – She smiled and left from there.

Riya looked back at Sanskar: "Now tell me idiot! You're drunk and driving?! You have no idea how I stopped that guy from filing a complaint against you! What the hell is wrong with you, can you please make the effort to tell?"

Sanskar looked at her: "You have no idea what a big effort you are asking me to make..."

Riya: "I'm seriously gonna break all of your bones if you don't speak up!" – She said showing him a punch.

Sanskar chuckled looking away. He bit his lower lip looking down as his eyes welled up while laughing.

Riya looked at him confused.

Sanskar looked up at Riya: "It hurts Riya... one sided love hurts." – He said with a little smile on his lips but tears in his eyes.

Riya was taken aback hearing this: "What?..." – and this was all she could utter from her mouth hearing Sanskar's words.

IN THE MEANTIME

RagLak were in their respective rooms and were talking on phone with each other.

Ragini: "Laksh I'm scared... what will we do now?"

Laksh: "We have always given up Ragini. Let's try standing for each other with each other once. If we are together, we can overcome every obstacle. Just... never leave me please..."

Ragini smiled: "I won't."

Laksh: "I love you Ragini."

Ragini: "I love you too." – She replied making Laksh feel so content as he had yearned to hear those words from her.

Just then someone knocked at the door of Laksh's room. He turned just to see Durga Parsad standing there with some papers in his hands.

Laksh to Ragini: "I'll call you back in a while." – And he cut the call.

Durga Parsad went to Laksh: "I think it's time to take a decision Laksh. I have already taken mine which is that I don't want any middle class daughter-in-law in my house; I won't be able to accept her. Now it's time to take your decision and do something about your life. Sign these papers and take your share of the property, join the family business and settle down or run behind your stupid love and forget that you are a Maheshwari. Choose: your family or your love."

Laksh looked at the papers and then at Durga Parsad shocked that a father could behave like this with his own son.

But Durga Parsad, with no remorse, left the room after handing over the papers to Laksh.

MEANWHILE

Riya: "So... who is she?"

Sanskar: "Ragini..."

Riya was shocked but she didn't feel like interrupting him and kept listening to him as she understood that he needed to vent out.

Sanskar: "Don't take me wrong... I didn't know that Ragini and Laksh loved each other before falling in love with her. Actually..." – He chuckled looking down – "I thought they can't stand each other. Everybody used to think that because they often had arguments so when I came to know that the love each other it was no less than a shock..." – He smiled as some past memories hit him – "Instead Ragini and I connected instantly. There was mutual understanding, care... we liked each other immediately. Then my feelings developed into love while for her it was always only friendship." – He stopped – "I'll never blame her for not loving me back, I'll never hate her for that coz she is not bounded to do that and honestly Riya, believe me, I don't want her to leave Laksh for me never. I genuinely want both of them to be happy because... because they both reciprocate that feeling and as much as one sided love hurts, loving each other but not being able to get together is worse, that kills from inside. And I don't want Ragini or Laksh to go through that pain..."

Riya: "Sanskar... but what about your pain? I can't even think about how are you keeping all your feeling hidden inside yourself... have you never tried to confess your love to Ragini?.."

Sanskar looked on and Riya's heart pinched seeing tears in his eyes.

Sanskar: "How can I Riya? Her friendship is the most precious thing I have in my life and I don't want to lose it." – Riya was about to say something but Sanskar interrupted her – "I know she won't end our friendship coz I am sure it's equally important for her too but things between us would change, there won't be that comfort for sure and also what would Laksh think? No.. I can't afford this... but you know what... even though I have accepted everything, even though I want to keep my feelings hidden... it hurts yaar, it hurts a lot." – Tears run on his cheeks – "I know that I won't die without Ragini, nobody dies without love. It's just attachment, care and habit... a habit that we call love. Love is a name of routine and attachment and we want to live that attachment for a lifetime... but if we don't get it then..." – He stopped.

Riya: "Then time will heal every wound... with time everything is gonna be fine..." – She said taking his hands in between hers one. Her eyes had welled up too.

Sanskar: "I know Riya but still... I don't show my pain to anybody, not even to myself... but sometimes I want to cry my heart out..." – He was getting agitated – "Maybe because I didn't get what my heart once wished for... I..."

He was crying now and Riya could just not see him like that so she immediately hugged him and let him cry on her shoulder. Also Riya shut his eyes and tears flew down on his cheeks.

Sanskar was hugging Riya back and crying when the ringing of a phone brought them back in the reality. Both of them wiped their tears and Sanskar picked up the call.

Sanskar: "Hello?"

Ragini spoke from the other side: "Where are you Sanskar? Why did you leave from there suddenly? And you didn't even call me?! Are you ok?"

Sanskar: "Yah Ragini..." – Riya looked on – "I'm fine. I had a work to do... leave it, nothing important."

Ragini: "Where are you now?"

Sanskar: "I... I am with Riya..."

Ragini: "Ok but where?"

Sanskar: "Actually... I had a little accident and I'm at the city hospital..."

Ragini: "WHAT?! ARE YOU FINE? HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?!"

Sanskar: "Ragini relax, I'm fine... not a serious accident just some minor injuries..."

Ragini: "I don't care, I'm coming there right now and you'll hear from me!"

She didn't give him the possibility to say anything more as she cut the call.

Riya smiled: "She cares for you."

Sanskar: "That she does..." – He smiled a bit and then looked at Riya – "Thank you..."

Riya: "For what?"

Sanskar: "For listening to me and being there when I needed someone..."

Riya: "Ragini is not your only friend Sanskar. You and I were best friends, remember?" – She chuckled but a bit of sarcasm and pain was clear in that laughter.

Sanskar: "I don't know why but I suddenly felt the need of busting out everything... did it ever happen with you? How can you understand... you have never been in a one sided love, have you?"

Riya: "Actually I have... but you know what, I believe that love and life should always be given a second chance. Don't you think so? "

Sanskar: "I don't think love can happen again..."

Riya: "And I don't think you are an astrologer who can predict the future so shut up! Love just slowly happens and you don't even realize it. Life is not a fairytale so obviously there are hurdles and bundles but you have to keep hope and never give up. Just live life in a flow. Life is such a beautiful thing... you don't even ask for it or realize it and it gives you so many new emotions... we just need to feel them, live them and see what life teaches us. Just don't think this will happen, this won't happen... just live. You never know when life will you give a surprise or shock or make you fall in love again!"

Riya chuckled while Sanskar smiled.

Sujata was standing at the door of the ward and she had witnessed her son's breakdown. She was feeling so helpless. She wiped her tears and took a deep breath before entering in the ward.

Sanskar: "Mom.."

Riya got up and let Sujata sit near Sanskar.

Sujata placed a hand on his cheek: "Are you ok?"

Sanskar nodded. Sujata smiler and kissed his forehead: "My strong son..."

AFTER A WHILE

Ragini reached the hospital and was about to go to the reception when someone called her from behind.

"Ragini!"

Ragini turned around and saw Sujata there.

Ragini: "Sujata aunty! I was just going to Sanskar! Is he fine?"

Sujata: "No Ragini, he is not fine."

Ragini: "What? He told me it was not a serious a serious accident! In which ward is he?"

Sujata: "Ragini I need to talk with you first..."

Ragini was confused: "With me? Ok aunty, I'll just go to see Sanskar and then we can talk."

Sujata: "No Ragini we have to talk right now, please come outside."

And with that she went outside followed by a confused Ragini.

Once out:

Ragini: "What happened aunty ji?"

She was taken aback when Sujata joined her hands in front of her.

Ragini: "Aunty ji what are you doing?!" – She said putting her hands on Sujata's one.

Sujata cried: "Ragini today a mother is begging you for her son's happiness..." – Ragini frowned her eyebrows – "Please don't break your marriage with Sanskar."

Ragini was shocked: "Why are you saying this aunty? You know what the situation is... I..."

Sujata: "I just know that Sanskar loves you a lot..." – Ragini's eyes widened as she was stunned – "I beg of you Ragini, only you can give him his happiness back! Otherwise he will be broken and I can't see him like this. I know I'm being selfish Ragini but I'm helpless for my son... please Ragini..." – She cried folding her hands.

Ragini couldn't believe what Sujata was saying: "Aunty I think you must be misunderstanding..."

Sujata: "Ragini he loves you truly and I'm not misunderstanding anything. I know what I'm saying. Sanskar will keep you really happy and will not let you have any complain about anything. Please Ragini!"

Ragini was too shocked to react. She recalled Sanskar's words.

(Sanskar: "You hadn't tell me that you love Laksh as well."

Ragini: "I told you about it later!"

Sanskar: "It was too late by then.")

(Ragini: "There must be an imperfection in her!"

Sanskar: "Actually there is one imperfection"

Sanskar: "She loves someone else.")

Ragini stepped back stunned as she joined the dots.

ON THE OTHER SIDE

Laksh walked downstairs in the living room where Annapurna and Durga Parsad where sitting.

Annapurna saw him coming down and stood up seeing a suitcase in Laksh's hands.

Annapurna: "What is this Laksh? Where are you going?"

Laksh looked at Durga Parsad who looked back at him.

Laksh: "You asked me to make a decision, didn't you? Here it is."

Saying that he showed the papers Durga Parsad had given him and tore them and threw them in front of his enraged eyes.

Laksh: "I was never proud to be your son Mr. Durga Parsad Maheshwari. But today I'm surely proud that I'm finally cutting all the ties with a heartless, arrogant and selfish man like you. And you know what? I give a damn about your high class status and money!"

Laksh and Durga Parsad glared at each other.

Annapurna went to Laksh: "What are you saying Laksh?! Where will you go? No Laksh, we'll find another solution, please don't leave!"

Laksh: "Mom please... I stayed in this house till now only for you or else I would have left long back. Don't worry for me, I'll be fine wherever I'll be."

Annapurna: "But Laksh..."

Laksh: "Please Mom. If you want my happiness, don't try to stop me."

Annapurna looked down hearing this.

Laksh smiled a bit and cupped her face: "I love you Mom." – He planted a kiss on her forehead.

Annapurna hugged him and cried. Laksh glared at Durga Parsad while hugging her back. He still couldn't believe that his father was that much stone hearted.

After breaking the hug with his mother, Laksh grabbed back his suitcase and walked towards the door.

While leaving he thought: "Now it's time to start a new chapter of our lives Ragini and I promise you this time none will suffer and nothing will come between us. It's time to be together."

And with that he stepped out of the threshold of maheshwari mansion.

FEW DAYS LATER

A line of kajal made her eyes, which were already twinkling with a golden eye shadow, look even more beautiful. She wore a gorgeous red and golden bridal chunri on her head and automatically a smile appeared on her lips colored with the same red color of her dress.

Just then someone knocked at the door and she turned around just to see Sanskar in a golden sherwani standing there.

Sanskar: "Ragini..." – She stood up and he looked at her from bottom to top – "You've never looked this beautiful."

(Edit by NihaCreations )

Ragini smiled: "And you are looking very dashing too!"

She turned again towards the mirror and fixed her hair strand. Sanskar stood behind her.

Sanskar: "Are you happy?"

Ragini looked at him through the mirror maintaining a smile on her face: "Are you?"

Sanskar: "Of course."

Ragini turned to face him: "Is this what you always wanted?"

Sanskar: "Despite whatever happened and whatever is going to happen our friendship is still intact and that's what I have always wanted." – He forwarded his hand towards Ragini – "Promise me nothing will change between us?"

Ragini put her hand on his one and nodded: "Our friendship will never change."

Both of them smiled.

Sanskar: "Let's go then? Everybody must be waiting for us."

Ragini nodded. Sanskar slightly tightened the grip over her hand and both walked towards the door. 

CHAPTER ENDS