Chapter 20: Work is God

Salaam everyone. Here is the next chapter of Misconceptions.

Happy reading.

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After reaching home, the only thoughts that occupied the mind of Arjun are the memories of his childhood friend. Why should there be a resemblance between Radhika and Ayushi? Why does he feel like his Tweety is very near to him? Is she near to him or he is just feeling it because Pawan is on his mission to search Ayushi? Whatever may be the reason, he should be strong to listen to Ayushi's side story and also have to gather the courage to tell her about his love. With these thoughts in mind, he drifted off to sleep.

On the other side, Radhika is in her thoughts as well. Did he find any resemblance between Ayushi and her? If yes, he should find Ayushi very soon. She cannot wait to listen to his side of the story and also she is dying to tell him all the incidents that transpired before she reached the place where she is now. She drifted off to sleep hugging her husband close to her heart.

On the other side of the city, Vikas is the doorstep of an old house, most probably it is constructed by some king, and it is that old. Upon hearing his knock, an old woman opened the door and welcomed him inside with a warm smile on her face. Vikas breathed a sigh of relief when he got to see the face of his mentor. Now he can breathe properly as she has answers to all his questions and he wants answers for all his questions right at the moment or he will go raving mad for sure. Vikas entered the house and hugged her.

'Hello Ma, how are you doing?'

'I'm fine, Vikas. But what brings you here at this time of the day? Is everything alright?'

'Why do you think everything is not alright? Can't I come to meet my Ma?' asked Vikas with a fake pout.

'Stop pouting and start talking, dear. I know you have questions. I can understand your emotions even before you voice them out. Did you forget I know you better than you know yourself?'

'How can I even forget that in my dreams? Fine! You win, I lose. Vikas- zero and Ma- one. Happy now?'

The old woman glared at him and asked him to continue his questioning session.

'Ma, it is about Radhika.'

'What happened to her now? Isn't she happy with her Aristotle? From all the news I've seen and from Hitesh's and your words, I understood they fell with each other. Did I interpret anything wrong?'

'No, Ma. It is not that way. You didn't interpret anything wrong. She is perfectly fine and yes, she is in love with her Aristotle and he, with her. The only problem is mine. I got this doubt today when Radhika took a stand for Arjun. You know she is not like that. Taking a stand for anyone just like that is not her personality. Let me explain to you what happened today.' Said Vikas and explained what has happened that day to the lady.

While listening to the incident, a smile erupted on the lady's face. She knows Radhika very well. These crazy ideas can only be hers. Frogs, like seriously!—thought the lady and chuckled.

Seeing her smile, Vikas smiled too.

'You know what Ma, Arjun was in fits of laughter when he saw the incident from the record room. God! I tell you, he has serious laughing issues.' Said Vikas and got a smack on his shoulder.

'My son doesn't have any issues, Vikas.'

'Says the woman who is rolling on the floor laughing because of her daughter's antics.'

'She is my daughter, right?' said the lady and erupted in giggles again. 'But seriously, this girl will never grow up. She is still giving the same punishments as she used to give to the people who wronged her in the childhood.'

'That is the essence of her, Ma. The child-like behaviour of hers is the one quality people are attracted to her the most.'

'That is true though.'

'So, coming back, what was your doubt?'

'When can I introduce you to Arjun? Or shall I leave the introductions to Radhika? Is she the one who should introduce you to Arjun? Or will I get the chance?'

'The only answer to these questions is time. Give time some time. All the things will fall in the place when the time is right. We cannot push anything. If the time is wrong, then the decisions we take will also become wrong.'

Vikas nodded his head in a yes and asked his other question.

'Ma, do you think Arjun will listen to you when the time comes?'

'He will listen to us, for sure. Arjun is never a person who takes decisions listening to one side of the story or knowing half truths. Even we say all the things; he will continue his research so that he gets the total facts. And I know my Radhika too; she will never leave him without giving him the glimpses of the past.'

'I think you are right, Ma. I should take a chance when Arjun is involved. He is worth to take a chance. He loves Radhika to an edge of destruction. Didn't I say what he did when a reporter insulted her?'

Swetha nodded her head in a yes.

'He is that and more, Vikas. You will get to know him.'

'I hope so too. And then, come on, I want my special dishes ready. I'm hungry, Ma.'

'You and your never ending appetite.' Said Swetha and made her way to the kitchen to prepare the favourite dishes of Vikas.

That night which should be blissful to all the people turned into a nightmare when the fire erupted in a warehouse very near the new building of Vikas' new venture that is News Phataphat channel's building.

Radhika got the call on the same from Vikas. When she was about to make her way to the place, Arjun stopped her saying it is a late hour and she shouldn't go out at this time and that too to a crime scene. But Radhika is listening none of that because, for her, her work is God. Anyone who comes between her work and her will not be spared, that maybe whoever, even her husband.

'Listen to me, Arjun. I know you fear for my safety. But I'm doing this job even before you are in my life. So stay out of it. And there are many people out there who care about my safety too. Do you think Vikas and Hitesh will leave me to my own devices if they know I am in danger? No, right. So, please do not make this an issue and cause problems between us.' Said Radhika.

But Arjun didn't listen to anything after "stay out of it", does he matter anything to her? How can she say to him to stay out of her life? Fine, he will do whatever she wants. He moved away from her way so that she can reach to the office. Arjun didn't go there because he didn't want to give an impression to people that he is favouring Vikas's media house.

After looking into the matter and reporting all the necessary details, Radhika reached her house only to find Arjun sitting on the sofa and sleeping with his mouth wide open. She knew that she overstepped her boundaries by saying him to stay out of her life. But the words came out of her mouth even before she can stop them. Will he understand, if she says what propelled her to say such a thing? Of course, he will understand. But for that, he needs to wake up. Radhika slowly walked up to him and gave a kiss on his lips and whispered his name. The twin brother of Kumbakaran has become a light sleeper from a few days because of his work. Listening to his name, he slowly opened his eyes to see his wife with an expression of regret on her face.

'What happened now?' said Arjun and stood up from the sofa.

'I am sorry, Arjun.'

'Why? I'll try to stay out of your life from now on. I am sorry, Radhika. I shouldn't have interfered in your life. I forgot that we are companions only for six months and overstepped my boundaries. I'll keep my distance, don't you worry.' Said Arjun and tried to move from there but was stopped by Radhika's voice and tears in her eyes.

Why can't he see tears in her eyes? He just wanted to hurt her the way she hurt him. But the lady has to use his ultimate weapon that is her tears. He can never ignore her tears or her pain. So he asked the reason for her outburst and also the tears in her eyes.

'Sorry, Arjun. I shouldn't have shouted at you. I know you are different from other men I met in my life. But I think I was still in the dilemma where people insulted me because I am a girl and cannot do all the things which a man can do. But Arjun, I know you are not like that. I know you feared for my safety. But trust me Arjun if I didn't go that place, I would have become a target for the scorn of many people. People already hate me because I am close to Vikas and he treats me like his kid sister. I cannot add more contempt to my system by not going to the office. Do you understand now, Arjun? Try and understand Arjun, I didn't mean to hurt you. It just happened like that. Am sorry.' Said Radhika and hugged him tightly.

'Hush. Radhika. I understand now why you said such things. Please, Doll! Please don't cry. You know I cannot see tears in your eyes. So give that bright smile which you stored in your box only for me.' Said Arjun and hugged her more tightly, if that is possible.

Radhika smiled a small one and they both made their way to their bedroom. This is officially their first fight after they realised their feelings. Arjun is happy to finally see his wife opening up to him. Radhika is happy to finally get husband's smile back. He may be ruthless to many people but he is soft at heart when the matter is about her and his loved ones. That night both slept with a smile on their faces knowing they came even closer to their spouses.

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End of the twentieth chapter. I know you should have hated Radhika when she said to Arjun to stay out of her life. But as I said these two are strong headed in their own way. Her work is her God to Radhika, and so she behaved that way. Hope you liked this transition of their relationship. They both are on their way to becoming the soul mates forever. Bless them, hehe.

How do you like this chapter? How is the equation between Vikas and Swetha, Radhika's mother? Do you like their bond? Do you think Radhika will open up about the past even before Arjun finds out about Ayushi? This chapter is not proofread by the way, wanted to publish it before my power issues claim my work.

And oh! I totally forgot Misconceptions got 3rd place in General Fiction of "My Choice Awards" hosted by Elisa Evans. I thank her for this wonderful gift for my birthday. Hehe, 10th of June is my birthday and do not forget to wish me. ;)

I am thinking to edit the entire book after I finish the book, what do you think? And very soon, another part will be added that is prologue will be separated from the introduction of the story and will be added as a new chapter in the book. And then new introduction will take its place.

Keep your votes and comments coming in. Love you all and have a great day ahead.