Raglak : Love me Like you do : Chapter 7
Hi Guys… I am back.. Hope u guys liked the previous chapter .. The link for the same is below…
Thanks to all my lovely silent readers assuming there are some and the readers who have commented.. all the comments have been answered personally…
Thanks to Lovely, Nikky, Fats, Sanchami, Megha123, Ruhani, Ammu, Piya, Dafsi, Lisa …Thanks for ur support…Pls continue ur support… Silent readers please comment as it gives we writers a boost to write better….
I am kind of getting bored because of the low response.. so i am really sorry
So let’s begin our journey
(Ragini’s POV) Dinner came to my room, thankfully. Just as I was about to return the plates, I saw Laksh drive in. He looked pale and sick. I wonder what happened. He didn’t look good even at the party but refused to answer my concern. Why should I care? Well, maybe, I will just show up before I go to sleep.
I knocked on the door about ten minutes later. No reply. I knocked again. No reply. What happened? Suddenly the door opened wide, startling me. Laksh looked like a host.
(Laksh Spoke) “Ragini!” He said softly, then instantly he showed an irritated face. “What do you want?”
(Ragini) “Nothing. Its just that I thought you looked sick. I thought I would check up on you. Since you have enough strength to show attitude, I shouldn’t worry. I suggest you take a painkiller just in case.”
(Laksh)“Painkiller, uh?” He said mockingly.
(Ragini) “Sleeping tablets are not to be taken as and when you like. Painkillers are better. Get a good sleep after eating your food and tablet. Here. Good night.” I handed him a painkiller and left. Seriously, what has come over me to even care about that ass.
(Laksh’s POV) She walked away after giving me a tablet. What just happened? I took a bath and came out when I heard the knock. I opened the door to find an unusual visitor! Of all the days, she had to visit today. I am dead tired from travelling continuously and riding here by car was the limit. She also came by car, she could have picked me up! She gives me tablets! Stuck in middle of nowhere, no entertainment, I am going to make sure she is my source of it! Acting like she wears her heart at her sleeve, I am going slowly enjoy ripping through her mask. Do I really hate her that much? I surely don’t like her. I really don’t like her.
The next day, I visited the factory. Ragini was nowhere to be seen. The manager met me the moment I entered the factory.
(Manager) “Good morning, Sir. I am Robert Malcolm. I have been appointed as the manager by the Kapoor Industries.”
(Laksh) “I know. I read the profile. I don’t see Ragini Singh.” His face turned sour instantly. My my, what did she do already.
(Manager) “She said that she would be visiting tomorrow. I would have no problem showing you the factory if you want to see it today.”
(Laksh) “No problem. You can show it to us together.” He smiled politely and murmured something under his breath. “Anything you would like to share about my fiancée?”
(Manager) “Nothing, sir.” This maybe a problem. I don’t want unnecessary rumours spreading around.
(Laksh) “You can tell me. Sometimes, she can be troublesome.”
(Manager) “It is really nothing, Sir.”
(Laksh) “Well, you can tell me when you feel like it. Are the papers ready?”
(Manager) “Yes Sir. I will ask someone to get them for you.”
(Laksh) “What about Ragini’s copy?” When in a joint project, it is a headache to make sure the other also knows what you know.
(Manager) “She took hers yesterday night.”
(Laksh’s POV) Yesterday? She acts fast. She keeps surprising me even more and more. If Papa knew this side of hers, he wouldn’t mind tying me up to the pillar so we can marry. Lucky me that neither of my brothers are in this project. Nosy bunch always tell anything that amuses them.
(Laksh) “Well, I will take mine to the room. Go ahead with your work.”
(Manager) “Yes Sir.”
(Laksh’s POV) I went back to the employee quarters. An empty landscape filled with grass covered till the horizon. How can I get used to this for the next few months? I saw Ragini sitting outside on the parapet. Instantly, my mood darkened. She has guts to sit like that in the fourth floor. Sitting in a short frilled skirt takes more than guts. I went inside the building, raging. I don’t like her but this is literally crying to treat her like a frivolous girl against how she wants to be respected.
(Laksh sarcastically) “Good morning, Ragini.”
(Ragini without noticing and engrossed in work) “Good morning Laksh, though it is noon already. Had your lunch?”
(Laksh angered) “Not yet. What about you?”
(Ragini without bothering about his tone) “The canteen person will come and drop it by.”
(Laksh’s POV) So, she intended to let people to see her like that. Did she realise what she is doing? Why does that bug me?
(Laksh again in a high but calm tone) “You know, I thought that you were a reckless girl and I must accept that you are, but how you are right now is beyond recklessness. It is like asking to be raped. If that is the case, can I have the first honour?”
(Laksh’s POV) I questioned her as calmly as I could. She immediately got down from the parapet. I don’t mind girls being seductive but there are places for such. Not in an isolated place filled only with men. It is more than seduction.
(Ragini) “What the hell are you talking about?” She stood without feeling nervous or twitching.
(Laksh) “You should realise your actions. No One Is Going To Admit Anything If Something Happened Since You Can Barely Have Proof Of Anything.” Seeing her face redden with anger but couldn’t reply back, my anger calmed down. I smirked. “I thought that since you behaved like a good businessman, maybe you also knew the other things like dress code, behaviour, but it seems that you don’t. It is not a good idea to look as you are since you have already pushed some people here not to like you. In any case, I am just warning you. If you have any yearnings, feel free to knock my door.” I grinned at her while opening the door to my room.
(Ragini) “I won’t ever be knocking yours and don’t you dare knock mine!”
(Ragini’s POV) Ha! Trying to act controlled. I will get what I want. I never let it go. That arrogant stupid womanizer went into his room. It is not like I wore it deliberately. I didn’t plan to come out of the room but since no one was there I thought I would step out for some fresh air. The fourth floor is secure and without the card, no one can enter. I know very well what would happen, but it feels so bitter to be told off by him. Why did I give him the chance to speak that way? By the time lunch came, I bathed and dressed up in my sweats to have lunch outside.
“Oh, I see you are having lunch in the veranda.” Laksh came back outside with his lunch tray. Looking at him in jeans and collared T-shirt, makes him look like any other normal person. Not an ounce of the arrogant pride oozing out.
(Ragini) “It has sitting space, why not enjoy the view when eating?” I said in monotone. He sat opposite to me like what he said few moments ago didn’t even happen. No matter how many times I experience this ‘no guilt, no conscience’ attitude of people, I never get used to it. It annoys me to no limit. All I can do is act like I don’t care.
(Laksh) “You mean this empty landscape is a view to enjoy?” He looked at me with disbelief. Some people just don’t know to appreciate things around.
(Ragini) “Is it not? I have never thought otherwise. You cannot feel this freshness in the city. I never get tired of it.”
(Laksh) “If you like it so much, why do you stay in the city? You can move.” If I could, I would have.
(Ragini) “I have a responsibility. I won’t forsake it for my selfishness.”
(Laksh) “Oh! Responsibility? Like?” What does he take me for a dumb bimbo? “I don’t know what you know about my stand in the group but I can tell you I will not abandon it for the sake of wilfulness. Similar to you, I also am part of a huge group.”
(Laksh) “Big words indeed. I won’t comment on it.” I never wanted you to comment on it. There was a moment of awkward silence.
(Laksh spoke just to break the silence) “I see that you have changed your dress. Tell me about yourself, Ragini.” I don’t care if he thinks I changed because he said so.
(Ragini) “Why would you want to know about me?”
(Laksh) “That’s a weird question. I am your fiancé.”
(Ragini) “It does not give any implied instruction that you should know about the other party.”
(Laksh) “It’s still two persons, is it not?”
(Ragini) “Oh? Are we engaged to each other? I was sure it was for the two companies.”
(Laksh) “Still, no harm in getting to know each other.” Why is he so persistent when he hates me?
(Ragini) “Laksh, you made it clear and let me also make it clear, this engagement is only till my sister’s wedding. You are free to have your way with anyone else you want even during our engagement period.”
(Laksh) “What about you? Is the same applicable to you?” He smiled politely but his eyes looked serious.
(Ragini) “It is not that I am being faithful to the engagement but I can never take any relationship physical. Now that this is clear, we can plan our actions as we want.” I felt tensed and cold at the same time. I hope he doesn’t question further. I didn’t dare to meet his eyes.
(Laksh) “I see. We seem to have cleared up more than one doubt in our minds. Thanks for the food. I will be in my room if you need me.”
(Ragini’s POV) Each word he said with spite, felt like arrows. He got up and left. I was surprised by his reaction. Why is he angry when he hates me?
(Laksh’s POV) Never has there been a woman who has openly showed her disinterest in me. I was never serious about her but still it gets on your nerves to hear it from her. I will show her that she is not that different from other girls. The next day, I got up early to jog. Sleeping after a long time reenergised me. As I was out running, I saw another person running in front of me. I couldn’t tell who it was. When that person was returning, I noticed that it was Ragini. She is a doctor after all, what did I expect! I didn’t care to greet her and neither did she. I don’t want to get mad early in the morning. She can take care of herself if she cares to put herself at risk. When I returned, she was sitting outside again and tossed me a bottle of water.
(Laksh irked) “Why are you giving me water?”
(Ragini) “You should always drink water or some liquid after a run.”
(Laksh) I tossed it back to her. “I don’t get thirsty. Thank you.”
(Ragini) “Hey, drink some. If not, it is bad for your health.”
(Laksh angered because of Last day’s incident) Like you care about me at all! “Can You Just Shut Up! I Can Take Care Of Myself.”
(Ragini) “Why are you so snappy early in the morning?”
(Laksh) “I have no necessity to answer to you. Be ready at nine. We are going to be visiting the factory.” Really, I seem to have no patience when it concerns her. Every time, I think of playing around with her and every time, I seem to lose myself in the situation. Why do I keep shifting my moods so often around her? This is not like me at all. What is happening to my level headed thinking? To be thrown off my poise like this, I would have better off throwing this to my subordinates. I came out at exactly nine and Laksh was waiting outside.
(Ragini) “Shall we go?” I wore pants, since I need to be walking around and I tied up my hair. Now he cannot complain.
(Laksh) “Yes.”
(Ragini’s POV) When we arrived, the big-headed manager put someone to show us around. The factory had the capacity to make it huge. There was enough space pre-planned for expansion. The Kapoor group has taken a long-term decision on carrying on this business. I wonder why Papa agreed for a short-term venture. As we were walking around after getting out of the jeep, suddenly, I couldn’t raise my shoes. I knew it! The heel of my shoe was stuck on top of the drainers. How am I going to get it out? I tried to pull it out, but in vain. Laksh noticed me after going some distance ahead. He grinned. Why the hell did I bother to wear pen heels?
(Laksh sarcastically) “So, even after yesterday’s lecture, you proved that you cannot dress for a factory. You must have handled only white-collar jobs. Never gotten your hands dirty, eh?” The people surrounding, the workers tried to control their laughter.
(Ragini) “If you care so much, why not help me?” I tried not to give in. He came to help me chuckling. Why me!
(Laksh) “Looks like it is stuck. You can break the heel or you need to remove this set of frame and take the shoe out. Which do you prefer? I am sure you don’t want to waste a branded pair of shoes.”
(Ragini) I got mad at him. I immediately broke the heel from my shoes. “This will do, won’t it?” He looked up furious. The workers murmured around.
(Laksh) “You mad woman!” He whispered, Mad Woman? Why do I need to hear that from him! “Come on. Lets go.” He extended his hand to me. I refused it and walked ahead of him. He pulled me to him instantly. I almost lost my balance and would have fell down had he not caught me in his arms. He whispered into my ears, “Are you idiot or what? These workers earn a lot less than the cost of those shoes. Showing that you don’t care about the cost will cause disbelief on you by them.” He held my shoulders so tight that it pained.
(Ragini) “They are not costly! I got them in a flea market! I don’t necessarily stick to brands.” I didn’t realise I shouted that. Suddenly, laughter broke out. Everyone was laughing.
Laksh was laughing. What the!
(Laksh) “I see. I will get you a new one. Don’t worry.”
(Ragini) “Who is worrying? I don’t need you to get me one. I can get one myself.”
(Laksh) “Of course, you can afford one by yourself, if it is bought from a bazaar.” He tried to control his laughter but didn’t stop laughing. Every time I try to get back at him, he insults me back with his answer!
(Laksh again) “Okay. I think we should continue with our tour of the factory and head back.”
(Ragini’s POV) He said calming himself down. I walked in front of him. Really, why am I stuck here with him! Should I ask Arjun to come here to take my place? But if I do that, I can say goodbye to my freedom. Argh! Hold on, Ragini. Just a few months. After the tour, I was finally able to separate myself from the pest and go to the research department.
Finally, my area of speciality! As I entered, the researchers got up. Not a single girl around. Really? But thinking
logically which girl would opt to come here, to middle of nowhere?
(Ragini to the group of researchers and scientists) “Hello, everyone! I am Ragini Singh. As you were informed earlier, I will be joining in with your research work.”
(Researcher 1) “You mean check our work.” One person got up. Around my height, dirty blond hair, thin, intelligent features, sharp blue eyes glaring at me. Interesting. I pulled up a chair and sat down.
(Ragini with a smirk) “Mr. Samuel Parkson. The head researcher here. You have been transferred about ten months back from the hospital that I headed. Thirty but already being the head of the department at hospital earned you many enemies. But you know, that’s something I don’t like. People should not be made chief just because they are qualified if they cannot get along with their surroundings.”
(Samuel) “You mean suck up to others?” This is why I hate researchers. Cooped up in a room, they don’t know anything about human nature.
(Ragini) “I meant being polite. See, if you don’t know how to behave as a leader, what is the use of giving you that position?”
(Samuel) “I don’t want such a position if I have to sweep others’ bottoms.”
(Ragini) “What an innocent, narrow minded person in this competitive world! Aren’t you just like your previous subordinates who didn’t like a younger person for their boss?” He bit his lips. A rebel the instant I entered. I am going to have some tough time around here.
(Ragini continued) “I am glad to see we could reach an understanding. Sorry for not taking this to my office as it is quite some distance from here. Once again, lets start with the introductions, I am Ragini Singh, former head of the Singh Hospitals. Most of you are from one or the other branch of the hospitals. Some may have worked with me like Mr.
Samuel Parkson. If we have any difference of opinion, I would love to clear it before we start like what happened just now. I don’t like gossips behind my back. If you have any problem, be a man and say it out.” There was no reply. “So shall we start with our work?”
“You have any problems with our research?” Samuel talked back. The others just kept quiet. It is all Arjun’s fault. He chose this idiot as head and made sure the others are younger and more subservient.
(Ragini) “Fine. I see that the hierarchy problem isn’t sorted out yet. I thought we could continue it in my office, it seems you would like to know where you stand.” I took out the files I got the other day, and finally took out a bunch of sheets where I made note of what I wanted rectified.
(Ragini) “Excuse me Mr. Luthra, do you mind taking a copy of these sheets for each of you? We will wait till you come.” He stood looking at Samuel. “Please hurry soon. I want to start working soon.” He left instantly. “Also, Mr. Kolsh, is there any empty cabin here for me?”
(Samuel irked) “I see you memorised their names.”
(Kolsh ignoring Samuel) “Yes Maám there is a cabin empty for you opposite to the research lab.”
(Ragini) “Only kids memorise, others remember. Oh, thank you, Mr. Kolsh. Now, we just have to wait for Mr. Luthra.” There were fifteen researchers including Samuel Parkson. When I read his profile, I thought he would be a problem but I never expected him to become one so soon. A few minutes later, he came back with the copies.
(Ragini)“Thank you Mr. Luthra. Now, each one of you will have one. Mr. Samuel Parkson has proudly and rather childishly, accepted that your research is flawless. I, no doubt, respect your hard work and being a doctor who has constantly been involved in various researches, I know the trouble that you have been through. It is good to have pride in your work, however, keeping in mind that there may be an error or mistake isn’t wrong. If you see through these pages, you will notice all the mistakes, a senior researcher, I respect and I have discovered in your research material. I will give you a day to verify if my accusations are true or not. Tomorrow, I would like to know what each and everyone of you think about it, in my office. It seems that till then, continuing would be impossible.”
(Ragini’s POV) I left. Am I a school teacher or what? Such an immature bunch! Really, Arjun sure picked his handmade batch.
Precap : Resistance by the Researchers and more of Raglak moments