Oh...
My...
Goodness!!!

I can't believe it's been so long since I updated. 😅 Guess I almost forgot about this fic.

Sorry, sorry, sorry. 😘

Moving on...💃💃💃

"Words in double quotes" - Talking

'Words in single quotes' - Thoughts

Chapter 20 - A Change of Heart

"This is all your fault! If you hadn't left me, I would be there to prevent her from getting kidnapped!"

"My fault?! How could this my fault? There was no way I could have known Nikhil would do this. Believe me Laksh. I swear on my royal blood!"

Both were arguing as they sat in the police station after filing the case about Ragini's kidnap. They were waiting for the officer in chief to come with the plan.

"Royal blood isn't gonna save her or bring her back!" Laksh bit back. He knew his anger on Ratan was unnecessary as Ratan was innocent. However, he needed someone to vent his anger on losing Ragini. "If you would have just waited fo-"

"And why should I? So that you could ogle my soon-to-be wife?"

"Wha-"

"Don't deny it. I could see it." Ratan crossed his arms over his chest. "Laksh Maheshwari, it's just like in college. When you use your boyish charms and flirt with your eyes and words with all the girls there. You were doing the same here. That was why I pulled her out of there without you."

Laksh looked away with a scowl. "I-I don't know what you're talking about."

"See! Your stutter proves I am right. What in the world Lucky? I understand you're a flirt. But she was to be my fiance in a few days. Couldn't you just...just 'lay off'?" Ratan uttered making a face, as if using such words was a violation of his gentlemanly codes. "She isn't someone to be played with."

"I wasn't! I would never! Why would you even think like that?"

"Yes you were. Like all the other girls you used to date and break up after you got bored. You would no doubt do th-" he paused as Laksh came up to him and glared at him in the eyes.

"Listen here, and listen carefully. I would never, ever in a million years think of playing with Ragini. I would rather die than even think of hurting her! I would lay down my life for her!" he shouted. In his anger, he had forgotten that Ratan was supposed to not know about his and Ragini's past.

However, this was exactly what Ratan seemed to be trying to find out. He uncrossed his hands and placed a hand on Laksh's shoulder with a smile. "And that's all I wanted to confirm."

Laksh blinked in confusion. "What?"

"At the cafe in the mall. The way you and Ragini were interacting? It made me think you were close friends. But when we were in the clothing section, I saw something in Ragini's eyes for you. Something akin to jealousy when the other girls were eying you. And the way you are acting now shows how much you care for her...as more than a friend. You guys share a history together, don't you?"

Laksh sighed. "Ratan it's...it's a long story. But all you need to know is that whatever history we share is just that. History. There is no present to it. You don't need to doubt Ragini. She would never cheat on you with me or anyone else while she's with you."

Ratan nodded. "I know she isn't such a girl. But...but I want to know the truth. It's true I like her. I like her a lot. But I don't want to force her into a marriage if her heart already belongs to another man." he took Laksh aside and made him sit down. "Now, for the sake krne friendship that we shared in our past. Please. Tell me the truth Lucky."

Laksh sighed and held his head in his hands. "Where do you want me to start? I myself can't figure out from when I had messed up."

#Elsewhere#

Voices.

Muffled voices.

She could hear the voice of two people talking, but couldn't make out who it was. 'Ugh! Why can't I move?! Something...something's holding me by the wrist.' as she struggled against it, she realized it was rope. She was tied to something with a rope. Slowly, everything came to her memory and she remembered herself being kidnapped. In panic, Ragini's eyes abruptly snapped open.

However, she regretted doing so immediately as the glare of the light hit her eyes. She closed them immediately and tried to blink away the blotches that surrounded her vision. Slowly, but gradually, her eyes adjusted to the light and she tried to look around.

It seemed she was tied to a chair in a room. It had only the chair, a table nearby and a jar of water. Towards the end of the room, there was a large door, no doubt leading to the exit. It was from outside that the voices seemed to be coming from.

Ragini tried to listen carefully. She could however only make out a few words like 'job done', 'good work', 'keep her' and some more such phrases.

After a moment, she heard the clicking of heels as someone went away and the door opened.

Ragini gulped and glared at whoever was approaching her she couldn't make out his face yet because his face was shades due to the light from outside. Once he was close, she gasped as she noticed who it was.

"Nikhil?! What are you doing here? Did...did whoever brought me here, kidnap you as well? Oh no!"

Nikhil looked at her in guilt and pity. "You still don't get it, do you?"

"W-what do you mean?"

"There is no one else who would hurt me here because this is my home Ragini."

"Your home? But why would the kidnappers bri-" her words froze on the tip of her tongue as a cold feeling seeped into her heart. She looked at his eyes with wide eyes filled with shock and horror. "You're...you're the one who has kidnapped me? Nikhil, did...did you really do this?"

He didn't reply but simply smiled at her wryly.

It was enough of an answer for her.

Nikhil knew Ragini would be beyond angry and was ready for the insults that she would no doubt hurl at her. He deserved it after all.

However, what he didn't expect was the betrayal that he saw in her eyes. 'Why should she feel so betrayed? After all, I was only her driver. Did she really...did she really consider me a friend?" he looked away, unable to meet her gaze. "I'll untie you after sometime so that you can eat. The bathroom is behind that door to your back. After you're done with the necessities, I'll tie you up again."

"But...but why are you doing this, Nikhil? Why?!" Ragini shouted. She couldn't believe he did the kidnapping. 'I'm rarely wrong about people. He seemed like a good person. Then why? Why would he do this?'

Nikhil simply shook his head and took a few steps towards her to loosen the knots on the rope. "There was no other way. I had to do this."

'No another way? He said he had to. Does this mean that he is being forced to do this?" Ragini wondered. "Does this mean you are doing this against your will? But who would want to kidnap me?!"

"Well, not exactly. I'm doing it by my will because if I don't..." Nikhil swallowed hard. He put his phone on the table beside her chair and got bust untying the rope.

Ragini saw a flash of Swara's name before the screen turned black. "Swara?! Does this mean that..."

Nikhil paused. 'Guess she finally realizes who's behind all this.'

Ragini turned to look at him with pleading eyes. "Please don't. Don't do this. Whoever has sent you wants to get to Swara through me, don't they? Please don't hurt her. Please!"

'Hurt her? She's the one who's hurting me mentally and emotionally! She's the one blackmailing me!' Nikhil sighed. "You're too good for your own good Ragini. You don't even realize who's the thief and who's the savior here."

"I don't care! All I know is that you're not hurting Swara, hear me!?"

Nikhil finished untying her and straightened up. "Your naivety amazes me. Now, do as you're said. I'll bring your food. Go freshen up if you want. But remember." he looked at her with a deadly look. "You're I'm my pent house hidden away out of town. And this is my store room. If you even try to run out, my security will bring you back. And when I find you, I'll let you be tied up in the room, without food. I'll curb the little freedom that you're getting! Understand!?"

Ragini gulped in fear, but nodded.

#Maheshwari Mansion#

After explaining everything to Ratan, they had talked a bit and reconciled. Soon, the policeman came to inform them of the search party they had issued. Laksh provided them with Ragini's pictures from his phone.

Once they were dismissed, Ratan decided drive Laksh's car to drop off Laksh at his home. It was obvious the guy was too much of an emotional wreck to drive home himself. 'I guess he truly loves her. Oh, like a Romeo craving for his Juliet. How manly! Well, chap. If there is one man to whom I can safely call a rival, it's you.' he stopped the car in front of the Maheshwari Mansion and turned to him. "Laksh, we're here. By the way, do you mind if I take your ride with me today? Nikhil kidnapped my baby too along with Ragini." he replied gloomily, looking at the keys of Laksh's car in his hand.

Laksh nodded silently and got out of the car. "Thanks for driving me home." he started walking away, when Ratan interrupted.

"Wait. There's something I need to make it clear." Ratan got out as well, and stood before Laksh. Ratan took a deep breath and let it out. "Look Laksh. You told me everything about your and Ragini's past. I understand that you still love her. But she might or might not be comfortable around you after everything. So I...I guess I still have a chance."

Laksh looked up at him with wide eyes. "Wh-what?" Laksh uttered. It occurred to him then that he had been using that word over and over many a times in that day.

Ratan nodded and looked at him with a hard look. "Ragini's heart hasn't chosen you or anyone else right now. So, I won't give up. You are a worthy rival Laksh. And I'm honoured to fight for my love against you."

'And I was hoping that maybe you wouldn't pursue her anymore since you know I love her. Guess she means more to you than I thought.' Laksh nodded. "If there is any other man that I think is deserving of her love, it's you Ratan. And I know you will treat her like a Queen. But...but I love her with my very being. And I won't let her be taken away from me. I'll try everything to win her back. And if it doesn't work..." Laksh gulped. He didn't want to think of such an outcome. "If it doesn't...doesn't work, than I'll be the best man in your wedding. I'll gladly accept my role as a best friend to both of you for the rest of my life."

Ratan smiled at him. "And I vow the same."

#Nikhil's House#

Ragini jerked up as the door opened. She straightened up with caution, weary of Nikhil's intentions.

The door opened to reveal Nikhil, carrying a tray of food and a bottle of water. He walked near and placed it on the table. "Eat up soon. Once you're done, I'll tie you once more to the chair. Can't have you run away."

"Why are you doing this? Please, I...I know you can't be su-"

"Shut up! Stop acting like you know about me!"

"I may not know much about you. But the way you can't look me in the eyes tells me that you know you're doing a wrong. You don't want to do this. I can feel it!"

Nikhil angrily pushed the tray near her. "Stop talking and eat!"

"Papa?"

Nikhil froze at the voice which came from the door. He slowly turned to look at the small child with a forced smile. "Mi-Mishka? What...what are you doing here, beta?"

Mishka walked in with a yawn. She rubbed her sleepy eyes with her tiny fists. "I woke up from my afternoon nap and was hungry. But I couldn't find you or Mina. So I came to find you!"

'That good for nothing Mina! I pay her to work as Mishka's caretaker. And here she is slacking off. That's it! She's fired. But...but the damage is already done. Mishka has already found out about Ragini. Shit!' Nikhil thought in anger and distress as Mishka peeled at Ragini from behind him.

"Papa, who is this? Is she a new friend?" the child asked innocently.

Nikhil closed his eyes and waited for the inevitable. It was obvious that Ragini would tell her that he was a kidnapper. She would tell Mishka about the liar and cheat that he was and Mishka would hate him now.

"Yes Mishka. I'm your new friend."

Nikhil's eyes abruptly burst open at Ragini's words. He couldn't believe what Ragini just uttered. 'But...but why? Why would she lie?'

Ragini didn't look at him. Instead, she smiled at little Mishka, who smiled back enthusiastically.

"Hi! I'm Mishka. What's your name?"

"I'm Ragini."

"Ragini. Ragini will be my friend?"

"Haha...yes Mishka. I'll be your friend."

"Yay!" Mishka ran forward and hugged Ragini. "Let's go outside. We're in the middle of the forest so I only have Mina to play with me. But now you're here! I'll show you all the beautiful butterflies and also the daffodils near the lake!"

"I would love to see them dear. But I have to eat now. Can you show me later. You can go have your meal as well. Weren't you hungry?"

Mishka giggled. "Oops. You're right. Silly me!" Mishka ran back and grabbed Nikhil's hand. "Let's go Papa. We should eat quick so that I can play with my new friend. Come on!" she jumped on her heels as she tugged at his hands.

Nikhil, who was still in shock, managed to compose himself and turned to the child. "You go on Mishka. Mina must be back from her stroll around the place by now. I'll be there soon. Okay sweetie?"

"Okie!" Mishka waved at Ragini and ran out, leaving the two adults alone.

"Wh-why Ragini?"

"Why what?"

"Why would you lie? Why would you protect me? Your captor?"

Ragini glared at him. "I didn't do it for you. I did it for her. The face you made when she came in? It was obvious she doesn't know what business you're in."

Nikhil flinched, but nodded silently.

"No child deserves to find out such things about her parents this way. She's inocent! She doesn't deserve the hurt that your actions would cause her. For every daughter, their parents are heroes. And no doubt you are for her. I didn't want to break her heart by exposing your truth." Ragini explained. "That's it. I did it for Mishka. I don't care about you!"

Nikhil let out a wry smile. "I expected that. And...and I deserve that as well." he turned to leave. "But thanks. Thanks for what you did. It...it really means a lot."

As he walked away, Ragini couldn't help but think back about what he said about tying new back. "You're leaving?" she mentally smacked herself for blurting it out.

Nikhil turned once he got to the door. "Think of it as a token of thanks. I'll let you move around freely around the room. But don't dare run. See ya later." with a smirk, he closed the door and left her to herself.

#Maheshwari Mansion#

Sanskar lay in the garden amidst the flowers. That was the only place that seemed to bring him any peace these days. Nothing else seemed to matter. He didn't have any plots to destroy Durhaprasad Maheshwari or Laksh. He didn't have any tricks that would cause a conflict in the family. Not to mention his Parineeta bhabi was always treating him like a six year old. Yeah, he was acting like it. But did she really have to treat him like that whole day. It seemed as if she took it upon herself to follow him around while day and keep him entertained. At times, he really wanted to bite out that she should stop treating him like her child since she doesn't have her own.

But he refrained. Sanskar convinced himself that he did it so as to not reveal himself. However, he knew that he didn't do it because he didn't want to hurt her. 'Deep down, you still care for your family.' his consciousness piped in.

Sanskar glared at the flowers and sat up. "I don't care."

'As if! You look like you don't care, but deep down, yo-'

"Deep down, I still don't care. Now shut it!" he felt like an idiot for arguing with himself. That's what boredom does to one, he guessed.

From the corner of his eyes, he saw a tiny red rose trying to bloom amidst the yellow roses. Sanskar reached out and made it lean against a stick so that it doesn't break off. 'It's only one red rose that's blooming silently without causing the others any disturbance. It's as if it's trying to take as little space as it can. However, it still stands out and catches the eye.' Sanskar was talking about the rose, but his thought drifted to someone who resembled that description.

Ragini.

Sanskar abruptly got up and walked off towards his room. It was thoughts about her that caused most of his distress.

As he passed by the living room, he saw everyone gather there beside the couch. There sat Laksh in the middle with blood shot eyes and his hair disheaveled. He looked terrible.

Sanskar smirked. 'I wonder what happened. But I guess I like it.'

He saw Laksh turn to his mother. "Maa, will I get her back? Will I see her again?"

Annapurna nodded with moist eyes. "Yes you will beta. Don't you worry. The police are searching for Ragini as we speak. Soon, they will find the kidnapper and bring her back. You just wait."

'Kidnapper...Ragini...kidnapped...wha-what? What? What?!' Sanskar walked away from the place like a zombie with no emotions. Once he was in his room, he closed the door behind him with a thud. With mechanical motions, he managed to walk towards his bed. He stumbled and fell down near it with his breaths coming out in gasps. "Ra-Ragini...Ragini got...got kidnapped. How, when, why?! Nonononono. NO!"

"Till now you have avoided talking about her or speaking about her. You told me never to bring her up. You said you hated her. You said you hated her and wanted to hurt her." spoke his mother as she came in.

"I...I do. She ruined my plans! She...she..."

Sujata crouched before him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I told you. The line between hate and love is thin. You took her for granted and now...now you might never see her again."

"Don't dare you say that!" Sanskar grit out, looking like an enraged animal, desperate for water. "She'll be back. With how annoying she is, she won't leave me so easily. She...she won't."

Sujata looked at him miserably. He was refusing to admit the obvious, but she knew he now realizes what value Ragini held for him. 'After Kavita, she's the only other person you seem to have found love in. And this time, I won't let anyone come in between you two. You will get Ragini as your bride.'

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

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~ 🌹 Mona 🌹