another chance

Chapter-62

Pallavi was sleeping right next to Raghav, her breath steady and soft, but he found it impossible to close his eyes. Tomorrow was the last day before he had to return to Bangalore, and the weight of that reality pressed heavily on his chest. He had postponed many of his responsibilities, hoping to buy time, but he knew he could not do so any longer. The chaos created by Pratap had forced his hand, and now he faced the consequences.

With Krishna back with her parents and the twins having returned home, the atmosphere felt emptier, and it struck him just how fleeting these moments had been. As he lay there, staring at the ceiling, a nagging thought crept into his mind: this was the right time to ask Pallavi to return with him. But the idea filled him with dread.

Raghav turned to watch her sleep, her features softened in the moonlight. He marveled at the bond they had formed, a connection that had grown through shared pain and understanding. But could he really ask her to leave everything she had built here? The friendships, the community, the healing she had begun to experience?

He felt a swell of guilt at the thought of his selfishness. Was it fair to pull her away from all she had come to cherish just for his own needs? He was torn between his desire to be with her and the realization that doing so might disrupt the life she was starting to rebuild.

What if she resented him for it? What if she felt trapped, forced to choose between her life here and a future with him? The uncertainty gnawed at him, and he found himself at a crossroads, unsure of what direction to take.

Raghav closed his eyes, trying to push the thoughts away, but they only grew louder.

In the morning, Raghav was in a sour mood, the weight of his impending departure heavy on his heart. Pallavi, the twins, and Krishna were busy with the "Samuhika Vivah" preparations, a joyous occasion that contrasted sharply with his feelings. They had even gifted him traditional attire for the event, and though he dressed up, his mind was a whirlwind of nerves about leaving Pallavi behind.

The atmosphere around him was vibrant; everyone was bustling about, laughter echoing as decorations were put up. Even in his traditional wear, Raghav felt out of place, sitting alone in a room lost in thought.

Just then, a soft knock broke through his reverie.

He opened the door half-heartedly, but the breath caught in his throat when he saw Pallavi standing there, radiant in a beautiful traditional saree. The fabric flowed elegantly around her, and her eyes sparkled with a light that seemed to illuminate the room.

"You look beautiful," he managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.

Pallavi stepped inside and closed the door behind her, creating a bubble of intimacy amidst the chaos outside. Raghav felt an emotional wave wash over him, and he quickly turned away to wipe his tears, not wanting her to see his vulnerability.

Pallavi watched Raghav, concern etching her features. "Why are you so sad? Is it because you're leaving tomorrow? You can always return," she said, trying to reassure him.

Raghav turned to her, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. "Yes, I can always return. I have a flight early in the morning. I hope you wouldn't mind waking up early to drop me."

Pallavi crossed her arms and feigned irritation. "No, I do not mind at all. In fact, I'll make sure to set my alarm for the ungodly hour just for you."

Raghav felt a pang in his chest at her words, he was hoping she will be sad he is going but it looks other way around"

Raghav could see the tension in her expression and hesitated, unsure how to express what he truly felt. "What happens to us?" he asked finally, the words tumbling out before he could stop them.