One midnight, I woke up thirsty. His bed was empty. I thought he would have gone to the washroom. So I had a glass of water and was about to go back to sleep; when I heard him laughing. I slowly moved towards the balcony, where he stood facing the garden. I was about to approach him, when the sight shocked me.

Radha was standing beside him, her head on his shoulder. She looked much more real and solid compared to the previous time I saw her. Jealousy and anger blinded me.

Me: Have you decided to spoil my life?

They turned towards me.

She: Hi! Are you not feeling sleepy?

Me: How can I? When some ghost is trying to flirt with my husband?

He: Mind your words ...

But he did not continue because she had her palms on his chest, trying to calm him. {Seriously? She has such a big effect on him! my heart ached at the sight. My husband is supporting some other lady over me?!!!}

She: I think I should be going now.

He: No Radha! She should be going.

Me: Yes, I should go ... and let you control my husband. When you asked me to marry him; I did not understand your intentions. But now I get it. You wanted to get me married to him, so that you can manipulate me and continue your romance with him. I was an easy prey for you and you thought it would be easy to get me out of your way because I was not interested in marrying him. You are a dangerous witch. Now you have brainwashed MY HUSBAND to get what you want ...

He: How dare you insult my wife!

He approached me with red eyes and closed fists. If she hadn't interfered; he could have slapped me! I stood rooted to ground; shocked. {What is he saying?}

Me: Wi ... wife?

He let out a deep sigh.

He: We were secretly married before she met with the accident, which means; before you entered my life. I love her more than myself. You can never understand the relation between us. Not only you, no one can ever understand the depth of our love, DHARA!

Me: Dhara?

She: Yes, your name was Dhara, before you entered my body and took my name.

He: You are Dhara and only Dhara for me. I cannot let anyone take Radha's place.
No one can replace my Radha. Never ever... My Radha is always my Radha and you will not take her place ... not in my heart.

{So ... Was I living in her body? Am I not living my life?}

My brain started arranging all the information like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Everything fit in perfectly to create this picture.
I did not recognise him because I NEVER KNEW HIM.
I used to feel like a guest in my own house; because I WAS THE GUEST THERE.
I used to feel like my body was not mine, BECAUSE IT WAS NOT MINE.
I used to feel alienated to the world because I NEVER BELONGED HERE.
My whole world turned upside down.
I felt like a piece of junk, like an unwanted parasite.} I collapsed onto the floor.

"Dhara!"

I slowly opened my eyes to see his concerned eyes on me.

Me: I ... I ... am ... sorry.

She: No, don't be sorry. We should be sorry for hurting you. We did not actually mean to be harsh. We only wanted to clear your misunderstanding.

Me: But, I am the reason for your separation.

He: That is not true. You entered just after our separation. You should not blame yourself for that.

Me: But ...

He: You need some calm sleep now. Our lives are too complicated and intertwined. There are many secrets and mysteries associated with us. But all that information will be too much for you now. We will slowly make you understand everything. Just trust us. And ... and remember one thing. You may not replace my Radha. But you have a place in my heart as my Dhara ... my

I was lost in the depth of his mysterious, yet caring eyes. {In spite of my worst behaviour with him and his love, he still cares for me. He has made me his wife though I did not deserve it. He sacrificed his love and agreed to spend his life with me. But why? What are those secrets and mysteries? Why did they get separated? Why did I have to take her place?}

He helped me lie on the bed and Radha placed her palm on my forehead. I could feel her cold soothing touch. All my tiredness was gone and I felt energised instantly.

She: Please don't treat me like your enemy. I love you as my dear sister. And I will always protect you. I will not let any harm to you. Then how can I myself cause trouble to you?

I smiled. She looked like a caring elder sister. I started liking her gradually. After placing a kiss on my forehead, she disappeared. I stared into the empty space in wonder. {What is happening to my life? Am I dreaming? My life has become a fairy tale!}

He: Dhara!

Me: Hmm ...

He: Good night.

I turned towards him to see him settling in the couch.

Me: You can sleep on the bed.

He: Are you sure?

Me: Yes, I trust you.

He: For what?

Me: Hmm?

He: In what way do you trust me?

{Don't make life difficult for me.} I bent my head. {How can I answer his question?}

He: Why are you feeling embarrassed?

{Why? Because you are my caring husband and I have misbehaved with you. But can I speak it out?}

He: Are you not going to answer me?

Me: I trust you with my whole life. You are the best husband ever.

He: You are placing YOUR LIFE in my hands ... are you sure?

I gave a big nod and a broad smile.

He: Are you really sure? ... This is your last chance to decide.

Me: I am more than sure. I hereby entrust my soul, body and mind; my life with KRISHNA; my husband. Where do I need to sign?

He approached me slowly and cupped my face in his palms. I felt safer by his touch.

He: Now that you have entrusted your life with me, it is my responsibility to give you the best life ever.

Tears of joy formed in my eyes. He gently wiped the tears and moved towards the other end of the bed and switched off the lights.

He: Good night Dhara!

Me: Good night Krishna! I love you.

{I said it at last! I said those words which had sprouted inside me, the first time I saw him. I said those words; which I forcefully buried inside me for this long time. I said those words which I had feared to accept.}

There was no answer. I moved closer to check his peaceful face. He looked like a sleeping blue angel in the blue light of the bed lamp. There was a small smile on his face. I could have spent my whole night looking at his gorgeous face. But I was not that lucky. I drifted into a peaceful sleep.

...............................................................................................................................

A long chap. Radha is back ... after a long wait.

I updated soon... because I did not want to keep you people waiting for long.

What do you feel about this chapter?

Please let me know.