Hi there. Back with another chapter. Crossed 3k words. 😅 It's hard to fit all the pairs within 2.5k limit.

But do tell if such long chapters become boring. I'll try to shorten the length.

Moving on...💃💃💃

"Words in double quotes." - Talking

'Words in single quotes.' - Thoughts

Chapter 27 - Things Left Unsaid

At once, Ragini and Sanskar straightened up and moved away.

There was an awkward atmosphere so thick, it could be cut with a knife.

"This isn't what it looks like!" Ragini shouted, breaking the silence.

Sanskar, the ever sophisticated model, nodded vigorously like a child. "Yes. Exactly what she said. We were just chatting."

"Yeah! I wouldn't tell Sanskar about what you sa-eep!" Ragini squeaked as Sanskar stepped on her toe.

"What she means is that she was being annoying." he glared at her. "Don't spill about the ring!"he whispered and turned to them with a smile. "Right, Ragu? Tell them."

"I wasn't going to tell, dumbo!" she bit back. Clearing her throat, she smiled at them nervously. "The thi-"

"What's there to explain when we can see clearly what was happening?!" Laksh screamed in anger. "You sh-" he stopped feeling Swara's grip on his wrist.

Swara smiled a shaky smile. "It's alright Ragu. We understand."

Ragini sighed in relief and patted Sanskar on the back hard as revenge. "See?! Swara understands. We were worried for nothing. Hahaha...!"

Although Sanskar felt glad, there was something uncomfortable about the way Swara was smiling. He didn't know why, but it didn't seem right. "Swara, at least let us tell wha-"

"It's okay!"

"No, it's not!" Laksh glared at Swara. "What are you saying?!"

"It is." Swara grit out, smiling at Laksh. However, her tight grip signaled for him to shut up. "If it's not bothersome, I would like to discuss something with Laksh. Is it okay, Ragini?"

"Sure!"

Swara nodded and pulled a reluctant Laksh out of there. Choosing to trust his friend, Laksh didn't object and followed.

Sanskar flopped down on the couch in relief. "Glad that's over!"

However, Ragini felt distressed. 'Swara still isn't calling me Ragu... What's the problem?!' her thoughts were interrupted by a cushion to her face. "What the heck?!"

"It's your fault we got caught up like that!"

"Why you..."

#Mermaid café#

Arjun brought the cold drinks and placed them on the table. 'Even if they aren't cold, it will be eventually with Maya here.'

On one side sat Abhi and Pragya, while on the other was he and Maya. And the way Maya was glaring at Abhi, he could almost feel the chills. It was a good thing they closed the café for the day...just in case there are knifes flying off.

"Let's have these drinks and cool down, shall we?" Arjun suggested.

Maya grabbed her can. Thinking she was taking the peace offering, Abhi and Pragya did the same. However, they jumped in fright when she slammed the can, making the plastic bend.

Arjun sweatdropped. 'I guess it won't ever be a problem for Maya to fix cabinets herself if we get married.' shaking his head, he cleared his throat. "Alright. Why don't you two start. What's wrong?"

"More importantly, what did you do to upset Pragya?!" Maya grit out.

"I didn't do nothing! So Maya, don't blame me. Ask your dearest sis."

"It's I didn't do anything. Get your grammar right!" Pragya shouted, her teacher side coming out.

"See?! Even you agree I did nothing! Then why are you acting so cold towards me?!"

Pragya grit her teeth and looked away. "I'm done. I'll take my leave fo-"

"Sit."

That single command from Maya made her still. Even if Maya had been angry at times on her, she never spoke with such coldness.

"I have had it with you saying 'it's okay, it's okay' whole week when it's not okay! Bottling up emotions is what I'm supposed to do. You're Pragya! You're not like me. You're a sweet person who's emotions are so easy to read, even a kid could figure out your mood. So, tell me what's wrong! Okay?"

To others, it might seem rude. But Arjun and Abhi knew Maya enough by now to know it was how she expressed her worry.

Pragya kept glaring back at Maya. However, after a moment, she looked away with a hitched breath. Seeing that, Maya's gaze softened and she laid a hand on Pragya's.

"Tell me sis. Big sister is here."

Arjun nudged Abhi, signaling they should leave to give the sisters some alone time. However, Maya placed her other hand over his below the table. She didn't look at him, but her gesture said everything.

Pragya let out a shaky breath and grabbed Maya's hand with both hands. "Maya it's..."

#Beach#

Rishi watched the waves hit the rocks and enjoyed the salty freshness of the ocean.

He was enjoying the moment with Tanuja right beside him.

What more could he wish for?

'For her to smile more I guess.' Rishi sighed and pulled her closer. He made her head rest on his shoulder and held her hand. "Tanuja, let it go already. Don't worry, okay? You trust me, right?"

"More than myself. I know you will keep your promise to protect me and my family. And I trust the boys too." she removed her head from his shoulder and looked at him with uncertainty. "But it's not what I'm worried about. Fights against out enemies is something I believe we can overcome if we are in the right. But..."

"But what?"

"But it's what happening to our happiness is what concerns me. Our bond...somethings are falling apart and...and I can't seem to hold them together." Tanuja looked the other side and kept blinking.

However, Rishi knew it was to hide her tears. "So there is some trouble between you sisters. I kind of thought so. What seems to be wrong actually?"

Tanuja sighed. "That's what I don't know. I'm the eldest and yet...yet I can't seem to understand what's running in their minds. Swara is always cheerful. But she's being aloof and quiet. Ragini, who loves to annoy and tease us, now tries to act more mature. I don't know who fit her in her mind that she's childish, but I don't like her changing just because someone doesn't appreciate her uniqueness! Pragya keeps being closed off and Maya? She's bottling everything up. I haven't seen her smile since days! They are only fake ones or either they are when she's with Arjun. I appreciate it. But I don't want her to be sad at other times! And I'm doing nothing for them!"

"Hey, that's not true!" Rishi turned her towards himself and held her face. "Listen to me Tanuja. You're doing more than just what a sister should. You're a parent, a guardian, a guide, a counseller, a cook, a caretaker and what not for them! How can you say you don't do enough?"

"But...but...how come I don't know what's wrong with them?!" Tanuja sniffed and looked away.

Rishi thought for a minute. However, instead of comforting her, he chuckled. As she turned to glare at him, he laughed harder.

"Ahahaha...! Now I understand the real matter. You aren't insecure that you aren't taking proper care of them. Instead, you're worried that they might not be telling you everything." he punched her cheeks and pulled them from side to side. "Aww...my Tanuja is jealous that the sisters aren't sharing their sorrows with her? She thinks they are being secretive and only sharing with their boyfriends. Awww...cute!"

Tanuja's eyes widened as she knew he figured out what she was refusing to voice out. Sometimes she really hated Rishi for knowing her better than herself. "Stop teasing me or else!"

"Hahaha.. You are!"

"I'm not jealous!" she broke free if his grip and walked away towards distance with her arms crossed over her chest.

Rishi chuckled and got up himself. 'Time to do some damage control.'

#Mermaid café#

The doorbell jingled as Ragini and Sanskar entered the café.

"I wonder why the café says closed today. It was open in the morning, no?"

Ragini nodded. Noticing Pragya, Maya, Abhi and Arjun sitting in the further corner, she grabbed Sanskar by the coat and pulled him towards them.

"What happened?!" Ragini questioned seeing their faces. While Maya and Abhi looked pissed off, Arjun was annoyed and Pragya had red puffy eyes. "Pragya di, you're crying?! Who dare make my Didu cry when I'm not around?!"

"That good-for-nothing Nikhil..." Maya muttered. "He has to pay for what he has done!"

"I agree with Maya. And this time, I'll assist you Maya. I'll provide you the gun and a place to hide the body." Abhi grinned maniacally, punching his palm with his fist.

"I'm guessing Pragya told you about what Nikhil was saying to her." Sanskar concluded, happy that finally Maya knew. He was sure she would take a good revenge for it. However, he shivered when Maya's cold gaze landed on him.

"You knew. You knew but didn't tell me?" 😠  she asked calmly, but Sanskar knew better.

"Ahahaha...knowledge is a tricky thing you see." 😅

Maya was about to shout, but refrained. Now wasn't the right time.

"Pragya, don't worry. You're not a nuisance to anyone. In fact, you're a gem that Abhi should be lucky to have by his side."

"But di, what if Nikhil is right?"

"He isn't. He's just a toy doing Tanu's bidding." Abhi grit out. "And as for my career, I'm always devoted to my fans. I won't slack off or stop entertaining them with new songs. My personal life is one thing and my professional another. So don't you worry about my image."

"But Abhi, Nikhil said that contract dea-" she stopped speaking when Abhi placed his finger on her nose and smiled.

"Like I said. My private and public lives are different. And I don't care what you do or if you're a common girl. I love you for who you are and I will love you forever. And if some rich bastards want me to give you up just so they can make me date a celebrity, then they can sod off!"

"Ah! There's my man. You cussed. Oh, you're growing up quite well." Arjun teased, faking tears, making Maya shake her head at him.

Pragya too had a smile on her face while looking at Abhi. "You...you really love me? But I'm no one special."

"No. But you're my special one." Abhi smiled back and stood up. "To lighten everyone's mood, let's get the café running again, shall we?!"

"Agreed!" they chorused.

"I will help too."

They all looked at Maya in shock at her statement.

"What? It's not like I have anything better to do. Now, I don't feel like going to office anyway."

"Then, would you like to help me bake? It's okay if you don't wa-"

"I would love to Pragya." Maya smiled genuinely and got up to leave for the kitchen.

Ragini wanted to follow, but remained back. On Arjun's questioning look, she shrugged. "It's been over a week since they had a rift in their bond. I think they need some time together. It's for the best! No?"

"True." Abhi got up, stretching his arms. "Oi Sanskar! Help me set up that area. I should be able to use it as a platform."

"What for?"

"You'll see. Now, come on!"

"I'm not your P.A!"

"No. You're my slave for now. Giddy up!"

Arjun chuckled as Abhi pulled away an annoyed Sanskar and raised his can to take a sip. However, it was snatched from his hand by Ragini. "Oi! Go get your own!"

"My café, my rules."

"It's Tanuja's café if I remember correctly...which I do!" 😒

"My sister, my rules!" 😏

Arjun sighed. "I wonder if you'll be this annoying when you marry Laksh. I'll end up becoming hulk."

"Hahaha...don't please. I don't want Maya Di's designer clothes for you ruined."

"She's making clothes for me?" Arjun asked with his a shy look.

"Well no. But she will if she marries you, no?"

"Oh. Man, I thought she was! You shouldn't give false hope."

"Whatever! I don't give false hope...like your brother." Ragini added spitefully, her anger on Laksh still evident. 😤

"Ooh...someone's angry. I guess you two didn't chat it out?"

"No. Sanskar took me away before we could finish our argument."

Arjun chuckled. "No wonder he was jealous of Sanky."

Ragini stopped at that. "What?! Why?"

"Lucky thinks you and Sanskar might have something going on. Even Swara admitted to doubting you two. Idiots both are. Hahaha..." he stopped however, seeing the horror on Ragini's face.

#Sacred Heart School(Where Swara works as a dance teacher)#

Laksh waited patiently outside the school. Swara said she had to inform something at the office and hence told him she would talk later. From the corner of his eyes, he saw her come out of the gate. At once, he turned to glare at her.

"Now tell me. Why didn't you let me give a piece of my mind to those two cheaters, huh?!"

Swara looked away. "It...it might be a mistake."

Laksh laughed humorlessly. "Seriously Swara?! Didn't you hear what Ragini shouted just before we entered?! How could you act like its nothing?!"

Swara couldn't forget it even if she tried. Ragini's words to Sanskar rang loud and clear.

"Then...then...YOU CAN'T MARRY HER!"

She flinched as her heart broke a little each time she remembered Ragini's words. "I...I just..."

"Just what?!"

"I just don't want to intervene." she confessed. "Maybe Sanskar and Ragini are in love. Maybe they've become a couple. Maybe...maybe they are lying to us."

"And you're okay with that?! You're being ridiculous!"Laksh sneered. "It's breaking me from the inside just thinking about losing Ragini. Doesn't it effect you?!"

"I know damn it! Don't you think it's breaking my heart too?!" Swara shouted, finally unable to control her pain. "I'm hurting. I'm unable to handle this truth. I don't know either I should be angry or cry my heart out. But...but Ragini's my little sister. And Sanskar my true love." she sniffed and rubbed away her tears. "If they are truly in love, then I don't want to become the barrier."

"They're cheating on us! And you're okay with letting them get away with it?!"

"Maybe they are because Ragini thinks I would be hurt if Sanskar breaks up with me."

Laksh slammed his hand on the car roof. "Are you for real Swara?! How...Ugh! This is unbelievable! We can't just let this happen. We should interrogate them, spite them and try to get revenge!"

"I can't do that to my sister. So I'll...I'll just accept what happens. And if you ever loved Ragini, then you would want her happiness too. Let go if she wants to Laksh."

"You might let go, but I won't!"

"You can't make her love you if she loves Sanskar!" Swara stressed. "Just let go. Don't you want her happy?"

"After how she betrayed me?! Sorry, but I can't be as forgiving as you. I will make them pay for betraying me!"

Swara glared. "Don't you dare harm them. If you do, then I'll do everything to stop you!" with one last warning, Swara pushed past him and left the place.

Laksh balled his hands into fists. 'You're too docile Swara. But I'm not that mahaan like you. I will have my revenge on you Ragini. Just wait. You have to suffer!' Laksh promised, with angry tears leaking out of his broken heart.

#Beach#

Rishi came and stood in front of her with a smile. He sighed. "It's okay to feel that way. After all, I'm a sibling too.I got two brothers of my own, and four other little brats to handle as well." he chuckled. "I too at times felt that they will move apart from me when they tried solving their troubles on their own, or refused to share."

Tanuja listened carefully. "What did you do then?"

Rishi shrugged. "Nothing. I let it be." he smiled. "When birds grow older, their mother lets them soar without tailing them. Only then can they grow and learn to mature. Likewise, you have to let your sisters be independent. If they are always dependent on you for emotional support, how can they ever grow? You need to let them handle situations in life by themselves. That's one thing."

Tanuja nodded, letting everything sink in. "And the other?"

"The other is that they might be trying to shield you."

"Eh?"

"You're about to marry me. But if they keep leaning on you, you won't be able to live your life freely. They know you'll always worry for them. So they are trying to show that they are mature now. They want you to concentrate on your own relationship, and your in-laws from now."

Tanuja swallowed the lump in her throat. "These girls...it's like only yesterday when they were kids. And, they've matured so much. I'm...I'm so proud of them...each of them."

Rishi knew he got his point across and brought her closer.

Nothing needed to be said. As the waves would keep sweeping the shore forever, they knew they would be there for each other forever.

#Mermaid café#

"You mean to say they were...they thought...oh no!"

'Why do I feel like I just ruined Ragini and Laksh's relationship by telling her the truth?' Arjun gulped. "I'm sure they were just j-joking!"

Ragini shook her head. "No. Now I understand why Swara looked hurt and Laksh was galring at me. If they already doubted us, and they saw me and Sanskar like that then..."

"Like 'that'? Like what?"

'Then they must really think we are cheating on them! Oh no!' Ragini could feel panic set in her heart. Sure she was angry at Laksh. But she never wanted to lose him. Neither did she want Swara thinking she was betraying her. "I should go find Laksh. Fast!"

"Wait! Not now." Arjun halted her. "Maa called. She asked me to inform you and Maya about her invitation."

"Eh?"

"She's asking you to come for dinner. She hasn't met Maya even once. So she wants her to come with you."

"But Laksh is still pissed at me! And...and I bet Swara is hurt too. No wonder she no longer calls me Ragu."

"Chill. Lucky is a pighead I agree. But if you explain to him nicely, I'm sure he will listen. And then we shall have dinner together!"

"But what if instead of having dinner with me, he throws the dinner at me?! Oh no! My food."

'You're worried about your food, rather than your face?' Arjun shook his head. "Hey, listen. I'll be there, won't I? I'll handle everything, alright? I'll make him understand if he doesn't."

"You sure?"

Arjun placed a hand on the table with a smirk. "Promise Ragu."

Ragini grabbed his hand in relief. "Thank you Arjun. Or should I say...Ajju Jiju?" she asked with a wink.

Arjun blushed but had a big smile on his face. "That means you approve of me for Maya?"

Ragini grinned. "Definitely!"

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

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~ 🌹 Mona🌹