Arjun and Radhika had finished four cups each...without speaking a word and finally Radhika spoke; ''Sir I think we should talk...its not that injurious as caffeine''

Arjun; ''Good Idea...so what's you plan now''

Radhika; ''Job hunting''

Arjun; ''Come back to Bird Song...you belong there''

Radhika looked at him; ''I think I told you I have moved on ... I will not come back to Bird Song...or...''

Arjun cut her short; ''You will come back to me...I will do anything to bring you back...that's a promise...I love you more than you know...and I have decided to fight for you''

Radhika's cheeks heated up...she couldn't gather strength to look at his eyes she softly countered him; ''Look around Sir...you will find many girls staring you or giving you an inviting smile...and then look for guys...how many do you find looking at me''

Arjun smirked; ''Why would I look anywhere...when I have you sitting in front of me...blushing like a rose....I don't care who is looking where...my eyes only look for you...and you are only mine...'' a gush of wind hit their bodies hard...making Radhika's hair fly....she arranged them and lifted her eyes up... Arjun got up and cupped her cheek... ''you don''t even know...what you are for me...but you will know soon...let's go... Sam and Neil must be waiting''

When Radhika and Arjun came down they found Neil and Sam in eyelock...with one chocolate cone between them...which was melting... Arjun coughed...no reaction...some people cursed them no reaction.....but this event bought the old Radhika in action she pressed her lips...took the cone and handed over to Arjun...Radhika bought a boiling tea from the nearby road shop...and placed it in place of cone...she took the cone from Arjun and started gorging on it...Sam _neil felf a burning sensation...and suddenly came to the present...Neil found Radhika eating their cone...and Arjun giving them a mocking grin...but other than that there was a huge crowd watching the romantic drama....Neil cleared his throat and spoke; ''tea was hot...I was helping Sam in cooling it down''

Sam confused; ''Idiot but we bought a chocolate cone'' Neil tried to shut Sam up...when Arjun spoke... ''yes Sam it was a frozen cone...which turned into boiling tea with the heat of your love'' Sam was lookin at every corner to hide her embarrassment...and Radhika added to it... ''Neil please wipe your lips...it still has Sam's lipstick'' Sam covered her face ...and Neil gave Radhika glare but his expression were so comical that Radhika laughed...she did laughed like a child...like old Radhika...she was holding her stomach and laughing...Arjun felt calm... Neil smiled And Sam couldn't stop the tears brimming into her eyes...Radhika controlled her laughter and wiped her eyes...Neil spoke ; ''Chashni if you promise to laugh the same way....I will get get Sam 's lipstick on my face again'' Sam started hitting Neil...making him run with Sam in pursuit...Radhika had hard time controlling her laughter again...she wanted to be free...but she composed when she found Arjun's intense gaze on her face...she nervously tugged her hair...Arjun held her hand... ''I think I never said this...but you are breath taking''

Radhika's face lost its colour; ''Are you mocking me again....how can a same guy has two contradicting views'' Arjun felt her pain...he kissed her knuckles.... ''Soon you will see my Radhika...and you will know how beautiful she is'' Radhika found herself getting lost in most intense pair of eyes ...but their stance was broken...when Neil pulled her arm; ''Chashni its about to rain...lets leave...Bye Sam ...Bye Arjun''

As Neil dragged Radhika she turned around once to look at Arjun ...he smiled...he was expecting that...they never broke their eyelock...till radhika vanished from his eyes....Sam kept her palm on Arjun shoulder; '' She will forgive us...right?''

Arjun; ''Yes She will'' Sam waved her hands infornt of lost Arjun... '' Arjun we still have our shopping pending'' Arjun suddenly woke up..; ''Oh yes lets finish''

Radhika after reaching home was little lost... Neil noticed that after finishing the dinner Radhika was busy arranging her clothes when...Neil tickled her...she lightly slapped him on the back...and teased him; ''Someone looks happy...love is in air...Neil''

Neil threw his back on the bed and took a deep breath ; ''yes Chashni...and its beautiful to be in love....by the way thanks''

Radhika; ''What for???''

Neil; ''For making me meet the all the weird girls in the town...for instigating Sam with help of teji... you are a mastermind...and you thought I will never know...''

Radhika ruffled his hair lovingly; ''I did what a friend should do...and love came knocking at your door...its stupid to refuse it''

Neil ; '' Really??? Then why are you refusing it...its standing at your door with his arms wide open''

Radhika lost her smile she spoke after a pause; ''I am not suitable for him''

Neil got up at sat facing Radhika...; ''And who said that ???''

Radhika got up and stood near the window; ''Its not rocket science....look at him and look at me...he deserves someone elegant beautiful...sophisticated...not someone like me...who doesn't have a style or any sense of talking in a polite society...I am a bhenji''

Neil spurned Radhika around ; '' What is the definition of beauty....??? Forget it ...let me tell you what I think about you...Chashni you have world's most beautiful eyes you know why? Because your eyes only see the goodness...even in the dark..they can see the light...which most of us can't...you have the most beautiful smile...your one innocent smile can spread a million more...look at me...my smile is also your gift...you are the most beautiful human being I have ever met''

Radhika chuckled ; ''Wow ...my Neil is all philosophical... go sleep...its late'' Neil gave her a side hug and walked to the door but Radhika's question stopped him ; ''won't you ask me to warm up to Sam?''

Neil gave a big smile ; ''No.... because my friendship with you is not based on mine or your feelings for Sam... its your decision...and whatever it is I will be with you....and now bonne nuit mon ami'' Radhika laughed at Neil...and went to bed after arranging her stuff.

Arjun woke up happy...happy about the time he got with Radhika...though they shared the silence still it was theirs...he opened his cupboard and pulled the box out...he opened the box and pulled out Radhika's mangalsutra ...he held and affectionately looked at it and kissed it...; ''Radhika I am not a male chauvinist ... I believe in equality...but somehow I want this on your body...I want you to wear everything which let the world know that you belong to me only me...and I want this to happen soon...each passing moment without you feels like a waste...come back Radhika'' Arjun kept the box inside...he was worried about Radhika joining some other organisation...he wanted her to be right infront of his eyes 24/7...he knew for making her join Bird Song...differences between Radhika and Sam should end...and now he will himself make that happen

Sam was all happy jolly since morning...when Piyali entered her room she found it all scattered....Sam had almost emptied her cupboard all her clothes and belonging were lying on the bed...Piyali little confused looked around and found Sam infornt of the mirror...trying her earings and discarding them one by one....Piyali smiled looking at her happiness and finally asked; ''May I know why is my baby so happy today''

Sam; ''Mom!!!.... two reasons...Idiot accepted by love and I took my first positive step towards Radhika''

Piyali smiled wide; ''that's really nice...I know everything will be fine soon between you and radhika''

Sam little side; ''I want that Mom....but she is hurt bad... I miss that innocent smile on her face...I want my Chashni back...and I will do anything for that...Oh I forgot....I am travelling to Hrishikeash for Riddhima's baby function...just pray Mom when I am back...I bring the old Chashni back

Piyali hugged her from back; ''It will happen just give your best''

Neil entered Bird Song and Zubin asked him see Arjun...as he had asked for Neil thrice....Neil felt weird ....but walked towards Arjun's cabin...he knocked and entered; ''Heard you missed me Arjun''

Arjun smiled; ''Yes I did...please have a seat''

Neil; ''Please ??? That is so not Arjun...is this meeting about Chashni...if yes then sorry....I won't help you hurting her ...its her decision...''

Arjun; '' Neil I don't what it is to have a friend, I just had one relation at it was Nandini...and I gave 100% to that one relation of mine...I know I have hurt many...and may be I don't deserve anybody's affection love or friendship...but...I am helpless...I love her to death...I can't give her up....I am not asking your help in winning Radhika...but can you convince her in re-joining Bird Song...I don't want any other Anuj for now''

Neil; ''Even I want her to join back...but I won't force her...she is leaving for Hrishikesh tomorrow...for 2 weeks... will speak to her if she comes back''

Ajun was shocked; ''If ??? No she has to come back'' Neil just smiled and left Arjun's cabin....

Teji was very angry he dialled Radhika; ''What is this Chasni...Neil is invited by your parents than why not me ...this is so not done ...why am I not invited am I not you good friend''

Radhika started laughing she lovingly replied; ''Sorry Teji...let me correct the grave mistake...I am inviting you on my parents behalf...happy''

Teji; ''Yes...see you soon at Hrihikesh'' Radhika smiled prerna watched her she softly spoke... ''you know Radhika you look beautiful when you smile''

Radhika hugged Prerna; ''Aunty I will never forget the love you gave me...where ever I stay one part of my heart will stay with you and Neil... thank you''

Prerna was confused; ''What are you talking ??? I accepted you as my own daughter...where are you going''

Radhika smiled; ''I am not sure...neil and Sam will marry and it would be good if I move out...I don't want to be a trouble...and I don't know if I am coming back''

Prerna; ''Don't let your dreams die for anyone....even for the man you love the most...Love yourself before loving anyone else...and If you are staying in Mumbai you are staying with me...till I send you off with a good husband...get that straight...now let me help you with the packing...you have a early morning flight'' radhika hugged Prerna tight.... And Prerna felt that she was a new mom again.

Next Morning Airport

Neil got down from his car in his shorts and T-shirt...he was still sleep...Radhika watched him pulling her luggage out all sleepy... Radhika; ''Neil I will wait for you''

Neil smiled and gave Radhika a tight hug; ''Yes Chashni...how can I miss this one...next week... I will be there with Teji...and you take care...and don't miss me'' Radhika smiled and went inside...neil drove off to his place...Arjun who had been hiding in the crowd ...stayed till he could see her through glass walls...

Delhi Airport

Radhika came out...with her eyes searching for a familiar face...and suddenly the search stopped...Ankush was waving at her...she smiled wide and ran to her brother...Ankush hugged radhika lovingly and held her for sometime...his little precious sister had goe through a lot yet she was smiling... Ankush after few general questions on her well being...took her to the waiting cab to hrishikesh...

Radhika got an emotional welcome.... Her parents couldn't stop their tears...more then Radhika they were crying...relatives had also started pouring in... and some who knew about her marital status...expressed their grief as if someone died....Radhika ignored everyone and went to her room...she closed the door and threw her tired body on the bed...tears started flowing recalling the pity she saw in the eyes of her own people...Radhika hid her face in the pillow and whispered... ''I miss you Arjun Sir'' ...she could speak the truth because she was alone..

After 4 days Neil and Teji left together...and Arjun Sam decided to keep their visit a secret...as directed by mala ....after reaching Hrishikesh neil was welcomed like a family member...whole Mishra family was grateful to him for standing by Radhika .. radhika was on seventh heaven after meeting Teji and Neil...Dadaji noticed that his choti was smiling more after Neil and Teji's arrival...they had become her family trio kept playing with Riddhima's daughter for the whole day....The Pooja was next day ...in a big hall booked by Ankush as the Pooja started...Riddhima sat with her husband...with her daughter in her lap...Radhika came dressed traditionally and sat behind them... making funny gestures at her niece...Neil took the role of photographer capturing the beautiful moments...and Teji was busy helping Mala...or should say busy feasting on delicacies...

Pandit ask for ritual to be performed and Radhika happily got up ...when one of the oldies spoke; ''Riddhima.... Please ask someone who has a happy life to help with this Pooja...or else your daughter's fate will be like choti'' Riddhima just wanted to kill that lady....Radhika's eyes started watering...Arjun was right she was a Panoti....but she was shocked after hearing her voice... ''Granny if Radhika's husband helps her in this Pooja then it should be fine right....? The hall went dead silence....Radhika was breathing hard...she knew who it was she turned around to saw Arjun in a white traditional attire...smiling at her...Mala was puffed up with pride...looking at awestruck guests...who were just gaping at her handsome son-in –law... Arjun walked forward and held Radhika's arm...performing the part of the Pooja as a couple...Arjun moved away from Radhika...and that distance gave her a sudden pain...Arjun went and touched Dadaji'e feet...followed by Dilip and Mala...Dilip and Ankush were little cold...but Arjun understood ...he deserved it this was nothing compared to what Radhika went through... Neil clicked a beautiful pic of Arjun Radhika...together...he was admiring his work..when a shoulder rubbed against his seductively...he gulped and turned to find Sam in a perfectly pinned sari and a bun with flowers...Neil smiled wide..but his happiness was short lived when mala came... '' Sam you will stay in Riddhima's room...''

Sam hesitated; ''Aunty I already booked a hotel''

Mala stuffed her mouth with a ladoo; ''Then cancel it ...and come with me....Dadaji wants to meet you'' ...Neil just made a face when mala dragged Sam away... Sam Neil Dajaji Mala Ankush and Dilip were in one room Dadaji narrated his plan....leaving Ankush and Dilip shocked...but what shocked them more when Sam spoke; ''I am ready...anything for Radhika's forgiveness'' Neil gave her a thumbs up... Riddhima gave Radhika a glass of juice for Arjun...and pushed her to go to Arjun...Radhika walked outside the room in the balcony where Arjun stood...watching the scenic beauty of Hrishikeash...she softly spoke; ''Sir juice for you'' Arjun turned a looked straight into Radhika's eyes... something very warm spread across her body...he moved forward taking the glass from her and intentionally touching her fingers...making her blush... but his bad luck struck and he was surrounded by Radhika's younger cousins....they were ecstatic to meet their London returned Jijaji....Radhika escaped and Riddhima banged her head cursing all the cousins...

After the function ended Mishra family drove back to their residence....Radhika escorted Sam to Riddhima's room...Sam was too happy as she got the chance to play with the baby.... Neil's face fell as he had to share his room with Teji...Radhika after wishing everyone...went up to her room and locked it...she was dead tired...she unpinned her sari..and started removing it...she was unbuttoning her blouse when a voice made her jump.. '' careful Radhika...'' Radhika turned around with a jerk and found Arjun in a track pant and t-shirt mischievously smiling at her...she quickly wrapped her sari around and angrily asked; ''What are you doing in my room''

Arjun smiled at her cute anger; '' This is my room too....technically....as you are still my wife'' Radhika stomped her foot and screamed for Mala....Dadaji and Mala gave each other a hifi...and Mala started the act... ''What choti...why are you waking everyone up''

Radhika was fuming; ''What is Arjun Sir doing in my room''

Mala; ''He is you husband...so he should be staying with you''

Radhika; ''How can you let an unknown man..in my room like this'' That hurt Arjun bad

Mala; ''Mind your tongue and get used to it...he is your husband and he is where he should be...and don't scream... we have other guests too'' Radhika's anger was at its peak now... she went inside but kept the door....wide open.... Arjun walked to the door and locked it; ''Unknown Man...Wow...thanks '' he let out those word sarcastically.. radhika was unfazed she got little relief hearing the hurt in his voice...Radhika changed and came out oblivious of the fact that Dadaji had already started his next Plan...Radhika came out in her usual night dress and made a face at Arjun who had spread his body on her bed...she made a pillow wall and was about to lie down...when she screamed again... Arjun jerked up; ''What???'' Radhika pointed toward the bed post near her legs...she was shivering...there was a big lizard ...Arjun laughed....the Lizard moved and Radhika jumped on Arjun...making him scream because of the sudden impact....Radhika squeezed herself in Arjun's lap; ''Sir do something....I am scared'' Arjun was hypnotized looking at Radhika ..so close to him.

Dadaji was smiling hearing all the screams....but Mala was tensed... ''Papaji it was fine till choti was screaming now even Arjun started what will everyone in the house think...''

Dadaji ''let it be...by the way where is Nia...she did the Lizard part...need to pat her back '' Nia was Radhika's cousin, still in college...she came running to dadaji... ''Dadaji I did as you said ...I have kept the Lizard right at the bed post... I have two more...tell me when to let them in''

Mala; ''Why did you buy 3 fake lizards one was enough''

Nia laughed; ''Kaki they are not fake ones ....they are alive ...and trust me alive Lizards will be more helpful in our task... '' Dadaji and Mala looked at each other and banged their heads...

Radhika was still sitting on Arjun's lap...with her hands around his neck... Arjun was lost in the dark curtain of her hair watching her innocent face...Radhika looked at him and frowned... ''you can stare at me afterwards...shoo it off...Oh my God its moving and coming towards me...do something'' Radhika jumped again and Arjun screamed....making Dadaji and Mala cover their ears...

Arjun; ''Radhika stop jumping...you aren't that light''

Radhika; ''I am not heavy either...now do something before it jumps on me...I am going to kill you if this happens'' and as if Lizard had its own mind...it jumped on the bed....making Radhika panic...she fell off the bed taking ARjun with her... Arjun fell on his back...; ''Ouch...!!! What a crazy wife I have...now please leave my clothes so that I can shoo this intruder out''

Radhika; ''No ..do it from here....what if you team up with it''

Arjun rolled his eyes; ''Radhika I am in your team....please ..'' Radhika finally left his T-shirt...Arjun got up he shooed the Lizard away...but the process was combined with lot of screaming squealing and Jumping of Radhika... Arjun fell on his back all tired...Radhika poked him; '' Sir...you can sleep on the couch ...The bed is mine''

Arjun lifted his head up; ''Radhika I am tired and in no mood of full filling your demands...either you share with me...or with Shanta bai''

Radhika ; ''Who is Shanta bai''

Arjun smiled; ''The grt Lizard...which made me realize that my wife looks feather light but is as heavy as a rock''

Radhika 's face fell; '' Sir...I know I am not perfect.... you don't have to repeat that again and again...you are free from my side to explore and have someone of your choice...'' Arjun realized she was still sensitive ...and he scratched her wounds....he wanted to apologise but she just kept her pillow on the opposite side of the bed...turned away from him and closed her eyes...Arjun got up and sat on the floor facing her...he saw her face... she was forcefully shutting him out...her cheeks were wet...he knew she won't listen...Arjun smiled...lifted her up and bought her to the window....Radhika was shocked; ''Sir put me down...what are you doing''

Arjun; ''Proving that you are feather light and I can carry you in my arms for eternity...''

Radhika; ''Sir we are at the window...please..don't embarrass me...what if someone sees us like this...this is not Mumbai'' Arjun lifted his arm...bring her face closer to his... ''I know this is not Mumbai...and I have the right to be with you....Radhika I Love You'' radhika looked up straight into his eyes...he was looking at her with a feeling so warm that Radhika stomach started behaving funny...Arjun brought her bed and placed her gently on it he covered her and caressed her hair; ''Good night Radhika'' ....Arjun went and took his place switching off the lights...neither Arjun nor radhika could sleep