Twist of fate

Part 7

Stepping out, an awkward silence enveloped them, each unsure of how to navigate the residual tension lingering in the air.

Observing the palpable discomfort, Rudra hugged Ragini and then inquired "Everything okay, guys?" casting a concerned glance at Sanskar and Ragini.

Rudra, having noted their unease, offered to drop Ragini home. However, mid-offer, he was interrupted by an incoming call, a work-related urgency that demanded his immediate attention. Sensing that Ragini might be left to navigate the situation alone, Sanskar extended a seemingly casual invitation to drop her home.

In the car, the awkwardness persisted, the silence occasionally interrupted by the hum of the engine.

Breaking the ice, Sanskar mustered gratitude for elevator incident."thank you ragini"

Her response, a simple "It's okay," carried an underlying concern as she probed about his well-being.

With genuine care, she suggested "maybe you should try seeking professional help for panic attacks, they can get severe"

Sanskar's grip on the steering wheel tightened, a series of fragmented scenes played out before him caught in the current of his own thoughts,he remained tight-lipped, contributing to the tension in the vehicle.

The car rumbled to a halt outside Badi, breaking the heavy silence that hung in the air.

Sanskar, wearing a look of mild surprise, asked, "You live here?" Ragini nodded, and he launched into a tale from the past.

He vividly recalled the day when his cab had a little accident, and they ended up dropping the injured guy right here at Badi after some hospital pitstop.

Suddenly, Sanskar's frustration bubbled up. "People in this neighborhood are something else. The other day, after dropping the guy, I stood there. A girl up there," he pointed towards a particular direction, "was watering her plants, raining down water on someone below."

"People can be so clueless,and stupid at times" he sighed.

Ragini, without knowing it was her he was talking about, felt a surge of anger, thinking it was directed at her.

Sanskar, perplexed by her reaction, said, "Why are you looking at me like I called you stupid?"

Clearly annoyed, she stomped on his foot and walked away. "What the hell?" Sanskar muttered, utterly bewildered.

But then, she paused, turned, and fired back, "I'm not stupid. It was you in the wrong place," and off she went.

Left there scratching his head, Sanskar muttered, "What a weird creature."

A small smile played on his lips as he walked away, thoroughly entertained by the unfolding drama.

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As Ragini pushed open the door, the air grew thick with the tension that hung between Sharmistha and Swara. Sharmistha was earnestly trying to persuade Swara to accept Laksh's proposal, emphasizing the importance of marriage and creating a harmonious household. Swara, in her firm resolve, expressed her lack of reciprocation. The lecture ceased abruptly as both of them caught sight of Ragini entering.

"Woh, Ragini..." Sharmistha began, but Ragini, without waiting for her to continue, simply walked away. Swara, sensing the need to evade the brewing storm, followed her exit.

—---------------------

Days turned into weeks, and Sanskar and Ragini found a comfortable camaraderie, evolving into good friends. Sanskar, in his casual yet frequent visits, often dropped by the Maheshwari house to check in on Sujatha. Despite his growing closeness with her, the dynamics between him and the other family members remained unchanged.