FINE WINE (Part 1-10)

Part 1 Stubbornness

Aman was waiting in the Airport to welcome his Boss cum friend who was coming to India after two months, finishing his Europe trip.  

The British Airways flight landed in Delhi at the right time. Seeing his friend, Aman’s face borrowed the brightness from the Airport mercury lights. He hugged his friend in the manner of welcoming him back to India.

“Welcome back ASR. Congratulations on your successful trip”

“Thank you, Aman”

“I can’t believe we baged the British deal also…”

“Yeah, even though our Suiting is worth it, it didn’t get its recognition”

“You are right, ASR… it became possible to our company because of you”

They came out of the arrow dram and got into the car, after taking Arnav’s luggage. Aman took the driver's seat and started the car.

“Kids missed you a lot,” Aman said.

“I know that’s why I was talking to them every day on video call”

“Do you think it’s enough for them?”

“Not at all. That’s why I brought them to London in between my trip… what else could I do? I decided not to go on any foreign trips for the next few years”

“I expected this” Aman sighed.

“By the way, didn’t you dye your hair…?” Arnav teased.

“No, I decided to be in the PEPPER SALT look”

“Why did you take such a drastic decision?”

“Drastic decision?” Aman frowned.

“Then what? It’s we who are going to see your face, don’t forget that…yaar…!”

Aman punched his bicep and said,

“It’s too hard to maintain dyeing you know? How do you know? Your hair is still black”

“Don’t be jealous, ok?” Arnav chuckled.

“Think whatever… I’m openly jealous of you for your dark black hair… Damn, you don’t look like THIRTY-EIGHT. You don’t even get a single white hair yet… look at me… looking like an old man with white hair”

“I think I should ask Dhadi to keep kohl behind my ear every day to save me from your bad eyes”

“Simple kohl can’t save you from my eyes. Mind it… it’s so strong… apply kohl on your face. It may help” Aman laughed.

“I don’t know you are this much jealous about me handsome look…” Arnav laughed.

Aman rolled his eyes.

“by the way, my hair will not turn white…”

“Why? Are you god?”

“No… a human without stress… Stress is the root cause of every problem and white is one among them”

“Agree…”

“Try to be cool like me…”

“Cool and me… until you are my boss, how could I be cool?” He said wearily, making Arnav laugh.

“How are Lavanya and Sharanya?”

“Lavanya is doing great and Sharanya is going to seventh standard this year”

“My God… time is running”

“Brutally…”

“How is AR?”

“Running smoothly”

“It seems my new PA is so smart” Arnav smiled.

“Absolutely, ASR… she manages everything well with your instructions”

“I too noticed it. Being a small girl, she catches everything easily. That’s a rare quality”

“She is so excited to work with you”

Arnav smiled.

“She has high demand in our office you know”

“Means…?”

“Guys are dying to be her friend”

“Is it?”

“Yeah, she is a lively person who makes her environment lively”

“Yeah, I understood that when I talked to her for the first time”

“She is just twenty-four but so mature. At the same time, she is kind of fire…”

“Means?”

“She slapped Santhosh for clutching her hand”

“Is it?”

“Yup…”

“Where is Santhosh now?”

“Where else? He is still in AR”

“Don’t you fire him?”

“I can’t because it happened outside AR”

“Mmm… By the way, how did my kids become familiar with her?”

“They came to AR to give their photos for their passport. That was when they became friends with Khushi”

“What was the necessary for them to come to AR?”

“They were so curious to get their passport. That was why they came to AR could not wait for me to go to RM”

Arnav nodded his head from left to right smiling. Aman looked at Arnav said nothing.

“Whaaat? Why are you gaping at me? Concentrate on the road… don’t you want to live for a few more years?”

“Dhadi is worried about you” Aman became serious.

“She always does”

“Why don’t you think about getting married, ASR?”

“Don’t make fun out of me, Ok? I crossed the wedding phase of my life. I’m close to forty…! I can’t even think of getting married anymore”

“You don’t want to get married because you want to take care of your sister’s kids but what will you do after settling them in their life? They will walk away with their partners bidding bye to you. Don’t you need someone for yourself? Do you think your sister’s kids will take care of you?”

“I don’t expect them to take care of me. Taking care of them is my responsibility. I will do it for my late sister and Jeejaji. I don’t expect anything in return from them”

“Then what about your life after them?”

“I don’t know. I don’t think about it. I’m just going with the flow”

“I wish in the flow, you will get your match”

“Shut up… I don’t want to get married and you know the reason”

 “I can understand. You think NO girl will accept them as her children. Your wife may not be their mother but you will get a life partner”

“What’s mean by partner, Aman? The partners must be with the same wave length. Then only the partnership works. No girl will synchronize with my wave length because I will expect her to be a good mother than a good wife. It’s not possible at all because no woman will be generous to treat someone’s kids as her own. More than that, it’s not possible for a thirty-eight years old man like me to get a nice woman as a partner”

Aman sighed. They had Arnav’s wedding talk many times and obviously, it was Arnav who won.

Arnav’s sister Anjali, and Jeeja Shyam died in an accident, leaving their kids in the world. The responsibility of looking after his sister’s kids fell on his shoulders. Arnav was thirty at that time. He delayed his wedding as he was busy establishing his business till then. Just before Anjali’s demise, Anjali finalized a girl called Vani. Anjali stubbornly searched for a girl for Arnav. He agreed to marry her. After Anjali’s demise, Vani broke the proposal only because Arnav took his sister’s kids responsibility. She was not ready to carry someone’s burden. She directly demanded Arnav to drop them in a hostel. That was the point Arnav decided not to get married.

Now, he was thirty-eight. His sister’s kids became his. Aarav, Shali, and Shamli. They were twins. Aarav was eleven years and the twins were nine years. They used to call Arnav Dad. Arnav didn’t want them to know that he was not their biological father. So, he taught them to call him Dad.

RM

Hearing the horn sound, the kids ran to Arnav. They hopped on him cheerfully.

“Wait…” they heard and saw Dhadi coming with Laxmi who had a plate in her hand.

After circling a plate and keeping vermillion on his forehead, Dhadi let Arnav enter.  

“Dad, how was your trip?” Arnav asked like a big guy.

“Great…” they shared hi-fi.

“Dad, will you go to Europe again?” Shali sked.

“No… I decided to send Aman uncle to the trip. What say?”

“Dad, Archana didi will become sad, if you send her father,” Shamli said sadly.

“Ok, then what do you want me to do?”

“Appoint someone to go to the foreign trips”

“I’m the Boss… he is my manager. Other than us, no could be sent”

“Can’t you send Khushi Didi?”

“Khushi?” Arnav raised his brows.

“Yeah, she talks so nicely. Anyone will like her. So, she will bag the deal successfully… am I right, uncle?” Aarav asked Aman who nodded yes smilingly.

Arnav thought he nodded because he didn’t want to disappoint the kids. Or, maybe, he would have thought that he could not make them understand business things.  

“Let him get fresh… you go and finish your homework” Dhadi said.

“Dad, we will talk later…” Aarav said.

Arnav nodded ok. They rushed to their room.

“Will you be like this forever, Arnav?” Dhadi asked.

“Dhadi please, don’t start again. I don’t want to talk about it. I don’t want kids to hear this talk…please don’t make them feel like they have no one…”

“There are many girls in our village who will give their best. They will even agree not to have children…”

“Dhadi please…”

“Why are you covering yourself with your avoidance, Arnav?”

“I want to keep my promise that I had given to Di at her last minute… She asked me to look after the kids…”

“I don’t ask you to leave them behind. Why don’t you look after them, getting married?”

“I don’t think it will work, Dhadi… everyone will be showing off like a nice person at first. As time passes, they will show their real color. I’m not ready for such an experiment…” Arnav said and headed to his room not wanting to drag the conversation.

To be continued…

Part 2 Brave and Matured

The next day

Khushi came to AR all excited to welcome her Boss. She went to Aman’s cabin to tell him her plan.

“Khushi, why did you ask me to come earlier today?”

“I want to do something special today, Sir… that’s why”

“What are you going to do?”

“What about welcoming our Boss in a different way?”

“Khushi, ASR doesn’t like all these…”

“I know Sir, you already told me. We will welcome him in the way he likes…”

“How?”

Khushi told her plan.

“Not bad… but what’s the necessary?”

“Sir, I joined in AR after he went to Europe. He is coming after two months. He had not met me yet. We just interacted on the phone. I want to make a good impression in his mind about his new PA… that’s why”

“Oh… there is a chance for him to get impressed”

“Thank you, sir, I’m going…”

 “Relax… he will come only after dropping his kids in the school. You have time”

“Thank you, sir” Khushi rushed out.

Aman smiled. There were many kinds of people in the world. A few of them would not even do their duty. A few of them would do only what to be told, and a few of them would think about giving something more than what was expected from them. Khushi would come in the third category. She didn't need to do all this. Yet, she was interested. That was what Khushi was. He thought.

 

Arnav entered AR. He was stunned to see the office premises full of plants. The pathway was filled with a variety of plant pots on either side. It continued till his cabin. He stopped at the entrance to see Aman and Khushi. She had a small bowl in her hand. A Bamboo plant was in it. She extended it to Arnav.

“Welcome back, sir”

Arnav looked at the plant and then at Khushi.

“Thank you…” Arnav took the bowl with a smile.

He looked at Aman and asked,

“What’s all this?”

“Sorry, ASR… I’m out of it…” he raised his hands.

“Oh…”

“It’s your PA’s idea to welcome you in this way”

Arnav walked to his room smiling. He kept the bowl on his table.

Khushi watered the bowl who followed him.

“How do you know I like plants?”

“Not only that, I know everything about you,” she said politely.

Arnav raised his brows. He didn’t ask her what she knew about him. He was sure she knew nothing about him. She would have said that in excitement. He shrugged.

“Who is dealing with our next project?” Arnav asked, taking his seat.

“We just formed a team with efficient members, sir. Indar, Thara, Shivani, Monish and Santhosh are in the team sir”

“Who is the team leader?”

“Santhosh”

Arnav knew why she kept Santhosh the last on the list even though he was a team leader. It was because she slapped him for misbehaving with her.

“Shall I call them, sir?”

“No… I will meet them later”

“Ok, sir”

“You may go now”

“Yes, sir”

Khushi came to her cabin, thinking about something. Thara was not there when she welcomed Arnav who helped her in the arrangements. Where was she? Didn’t she come to the office? She looked at her cubical and she was not there too. She came to her cabin and saw Thara there crying.

“Thara…! What happened? Why are you crying?”

“He is not a good guy”

“Who?”

“Indar”

“What did he do? Did he misbehave with you?” she asked gritting her teeth.

She nodded no.

“Then what he did?”

“Except me, he is misbehaving with everyone…”

“What do you mean?” Khushi frowned.

“What he shows to us is not his true self… he is a rogue… he spoils many girls’ lives… I trusted him foolishly”

“Tell me clearly…”

“He traps girls through a fake Facebook account. Without revealing his REAL identity, he gets close to them showing himself as a gentleman. He makes them to do anything for him. After they submitted themselves to him, he blocks them…”

Khushi was shocked to the core.

“It happened not with one girl but many… it’s his routine…”

“How do you know that?” Khushi asked shockingly.

“I had a doubt in our project. I went to his cubical to ask him that. He was not there. I waited there. That was when a popped up on his computer. A girl messaged him through Messenger. The account is with another name Chandar. Getting doubts about him, I checked a few accounts in his friends list because I know it’s his fake account because I’m his Facebook friend…” She cried.

“Why are you crying? You have not proposed to him yet right?”

She nodded yes.

“Then, feel happy that you got to know about him before proposing to him… You are saved”

“Please change my team, Khushi,”

“What team?”

“New project team”

“Why?”

“Indar is also in the same team…”

Khushi was stuck for a few seconds and said,

“So what if he is on your team?”

“I don’t want to be in his team Khushi. I don’t even want to see his face”

“Relax, Thara… this is our company. We have to work with everyone present here. We can’t find an excuse to avoid anyone. You should not bring your personal issues into it. Until he misbehaves with you, you don’t have to mind about his presence. Ok?”

Thara was silent.

“Are you scared?”

Thara nodded no.

“Then what?”

“I will become furious if he tries to talk to me”

“You don’t have to become furious. Who is he to you? He is no one…! The way we see the problem is the problem…! Keep it in your mind… Go, wash your face and do your work”

Thara nodded ok and came out. She got stuck, seeing Arnav standing.

“Good morning, sir” She stammered.

Arnav nodded his head. She left the place. Arnav got into Khushi’s cabin. She stood looking at him without hesitation.

“If she is not comfortable, remove her from the team,” Arnav said, expecting her to say YES.

“No need sir… she will be all right”

“But, she feels awkward…”

“So what sir? We can’t expect to be in our comfort zone all the time. Life will not provide what we want. We should be ready to face anything that comes our way. Thara will have to understand that”

“She may get weaker in his presence…” he said observing her.

“His presence is inevitable in this company. He will be here forever. If she can’t handle herself even after knowing about him, there is no use for us to think of her, sir. Not we, no one could save her…”

“Won’t you do what I say?” he smiled, folding his hands.

“I will do if you order me, sir… but you said IF she is not comfortable…! You gave me a CHOICE sir. So, I do what’s right for her”

“What’s right?”

“She can’t expect the same comfort as she is at home. This is office… she has to go on…” she smiled.

Arnav’s smile broadened. He walked out and stopped hearing,

“Sir, may I say something?”

He looked at her, turning his head.

“You look handsome…” She smiled.

Arnav rolled his eyes and walked out smiling. He came to Aman’s cabin carrying a smile. Aman raised his brows seeing him smiling.

“What’s the matter, dude? A gorgeous smile is crawling on your face?”

“Is not Khushi so brave and matured?”

“Like hell… we can’t argue with her. She will shut our mouths with valid points…! I don’t know from where she gets such views…! By the way, what made you reward her?”

“I heard her advising Thara…” Arnav narrated the whole scenario to Aman.

“I guess Indar is doing something… I didn’t expect him to be so heartless” Aman said angrily.

“We should do something about it… and also about Santhosh”

“Both are so good in their profession. They submit the result without a delay,”

“It doesn’t mean we can let them do whatever they want. Our company tag is the main qualification for them to do such cheap things. What do you think about the girls affected by Indar? Not every girl would be hiding in the shell of fear. One day, one among them will find this idiot. That day, our company’s goodwill will be questioned. I can’t allow it. If they are on the road, they will not dare play with girls’ life…!” Arnav said furiously.

Aman nodded yes.

“By the way, Khushi advised Thara. So, she is mature… but what made you think she is brave? It’s because she didn’t accept what you said?”

Arnav smiled.

“Not only that… she said, I look handsome”

“Whaaaat? Did she say that?” Aman asked shockingly.

Arnav nodded yes.

“This is not done…”

“Why?”

“She has been working here for two months… she didn’t even tell me that once”

“She could tell that only if you are handsome…” Arnav teased.

“Shut up… don’t fly high… she might not have told me that because I’m married…”

Arnav raised his brows.

“Yeah, she would not want to create any second thoughts in my mind. That’s why she would not have praised me but you have no such scene… after all, you are single…”

Arnav nodded his head from left to right and stood up. He thought something and asked,

“Does she know I’m unmarried…?”

“No one knows…”

“Mmm… I’m planning to take the kids to the amusement park this Sunday… what about you? Will you join us?”

“No, ASR, we are going to Lavanya’s relative’s wedding on Sunday,”

“Oh…”

“Please don’t tell Archana anything about your amusement park plan. She will create a big scene”

Arnav nodded ok and left smilingly.

To be continued…

 

 

 Part 3 As a Boss

Arnav was thinking about Khushi and her way of handling problems. It was easy to advise anyone until we were in such a situation. When it came to our own self, we would not think of that advice and forget it because our feelings would overpower our minds he supposed.

He went to meet the new project team. Though they would work in their respective cubicles, they would be connected.

Arnav saw an office assistant crossing by.

“Listen…”

“Yes, sir…”

“Call Khushi”

“Yes, sir…”

The OA rushed to Khushi’s cabin.

“Khushi Madam, ASR is calling you”

Khushi nodded ok and came out. She saw Arnav waiting there.

“Sir, Amir Bhai said you called me”

“Amir?”

“The office assistant you sent to my cabin…”

“Mmm, let's go…”

He walked to meet the team and Khushi followed him. The huge hall became pin-drop silent. All of them stood up.

“Jawahar…” Arnav called someone.

A man came there with a few fellows. The staff looked at each other like who are they?

“All of you step away from your computers…” Arnav ordered.

Everyone took a step and came out of their table except Indar.

“Start…” Arnav ordered.

Jawahar and his fellows started checking all the computers which shocked Indar. Khushi smirked looking at Arnav. She knew why he took such a step. That was why he checked everyone’s PC unannounced. She looked at Indar who sweated badly. His computer was going to be checked and get caught because he kept FB in the shortcut. He could not even remove it because the Wi-Fi didn’t work. Yes, Arnav disconnected the Wi-Fi connection before coming there. He would get caught if he didn’t do anything. Without thinking about anything, he extended his hand towards the computer and formatted his computer. It was not hard for him to do it as there was no much data on his computer as he just cleared their previous project details a week ago.  

When Jawahar’s man came to his computer, there was nothing. He looked at Indar suspiciously and said,

“Jawahar sir, his computer is empty. There is no data…”

All the staff looked at him. Jawahar ran to his cubical, whereas Arnav walked there.

“What happened? How it’s possible?” Arnav asked.

“Sir, I too was trying to find out how my computer is formatted. I found it out just before you came here, Sir…” he said without stammering.

“What about the new project? Have not you started it yet?”

“I did sir…”

“Do you have its hard copies?”

“no, sir”

“Then, how will you bring them back?”

“I will do it, sir”

“You have to do it today itself”

“Yes, sir…”

“Otherwise, you will be out of the team”

“Yes, sir…” his tone was low.

Arnav looked at Jawahar and said,

“Fix cameras behind everyone’s back. I mean, the camera should be facing the computer screen. I want to see HOW my staff are working”

Indar gulped down. He was scared if Arnav got to know about evil play.

Khushi was disappointed. It was not hard for her to understand, Indar intentionally formatted his computer to save himself. Indar’s chapter would have closed if he had not given a chance. She saw Arnav’s face also carried the same disappointment. Somewhat, that satisfied her. After all, Arnav didn’t let him continue his dirty act and took action against him. She looked at Thara who looked satisfied.

“Khushiii” Arnav called her.

“Yes, sir?”

“Gather the team”

“Team…” Khushi called.

The five members of the new team gathered in front of Arnav. They waited for him to speak.

“Introduction of the new Suiting has been arranged in the hotel Grand Paradise. Go and check the hall. Decide how it should be arranged”

They nodded ok.

“Indar will be busy today in creating all the deleted data back. So, leave him. others can go”

Indar nodded ok and left the place. He knew his day would be hectic. He had to work again to bring them back. He was fed up… what a beautiful chance of mingling with the hotel management girls…! He missed it. Now also, he regretted to miss the chance.

“Khushi, you too join them. Make sure, everything is up to our standard” Arnav left the place not giving her a chance to speak.

All of them were confused. The team was enough to make sure of it. Then why did Arnav want Khushi to join them? She had no choice other than to join them as it was her Boss’s order. She got ready to join the team to go to the hotel the Grand Paradise.

That was when she received a call from Arnav. She attended it.

“Come to my cabin” he disconnected the call.

She headed to his cabin and knocked on his cabin door.

“Come in”

Khushi entered.

“Yes, sir”

“Khushi, you are an understanding girl…your thinking is wise. Don’t lose your temper easily. Try to handle problems in a COOL manner.”

Khushi shrank her eyes thinking deeply.

“Go with them…” he smiled.

Khushi walked thinking about what he said. She stopped at the door and looked at him thoughtfully. Arnav smiled. She too smiled and left the place.

When she came to the reception, she saw Aman going to Arnav’s cabin.

“Why are you here, Khushi?”

“The team is going to examine the hotel Grand Paradise. Sir, asked me to join them”

“You? but why?”

“I don’t know sir”

They saw the team members coming. Santhosh was also one among them. Aman became thoughtful.

“Khushi, shall we go?” Thara asked.

Khushi nodded yes and then said,

“You go. I will come”

Thara left with the team.

“Sir, do you have any idea, why sir wants me to go with them?”

“Did he say anything?”

“He asked me not to lose my temper and handle the problem coolly…”

“What does that mean?”

Khushi shrugged her shoulders.

“That means, instead of raising your hand, you should have gotten Santhosh out of our company”

“Did sir know about Santhosh?”

Aman nodded yes. Khushi raised her brows.

“All the best” Aman smiled.

Khushi nodded yes smirking and left the place. They got seated in an Innova car. Santhosh took a seat next to the driver. Thara and Shivani sat with Khushi in the middle seat and Monish sat in the back seat.

Santhosh was looking at Khushi through the rearview mirror who was sitting behind his seat. Khushi didn’t give heed to him as she was thinking about what Arnav said.

They came to Hotel the Grand Paradise. The Hotel management team took them to the hall in which the New suiting introduction event was going to be held.

Thara, Shivani and Monish were sincerely doing their work, whereas Santhosh intentionally followed Khushi wherever she went. That irritated her to the core. She calmed herself down thinking about Arnav’s advice. She should not lose her temper. It would lead her to raise her hand again. She thought for a while and made up herself. 

She noted down the point that she observed in the hall.

“What are you writing?” Santhosh asked her.

Without answering him, she checked the seating arrangements.

“It seems I should add you to the team and it will lessen my burden,” Santhosh said.

Khushi chuckled making him frown.

“Guys, who forms the team?” She asked looking at the other members.

“Aman sir…” Thara said.

Khushi looked at Santhosh sarcastically. He understood the meaning of her look. It was Aman who had the power to form a team. He was the one who could add members to the team or remove members from the team… and here, Santhosh was flaunting like he had the power.

“Guys, just because someone LEAD the team, he could not be the authority of adding members to the team… understood that,” Khushi said, looking at Santhosh loathly.

“I just said seeing you working sincerely… why are you creating a big scene?” Santhosh asked with annoyance.

“you should think before utter anything” She walked to the girls.

“Are you satisfied with the Hotel, Khushi?” Shivani asked.

“Yeah… the Hotel is up to AR standard,” Khushi said.

“I too liked it very much,” Thara said.

“Hey, wait for a minute… I will just come” Shivani said.

“Where are you going?”

Shivani looked in the washroom direction. Khushi nodded ok.

“Wait… I will also come” Thara also went with her.

Santhose gestured for Monish. He nodded ok and went aloof from them.

“Did you look at this Hotel rooms Khushi?” Santhosh asked.

Khushi looked at him plainly.

“If you are ready, I will book a room,” he said with an evil grin.

“Are you asking me about booking a room?” She asked shrinking her eyes.

“Why? Are not you a WOMAN?” He ran his eyes on her.

Khushi was furious. Yet, she controlled herself.

“If a WOMAN is enough for you, bring your mother…” Khushi said with a smirk that made him mad.

He raised his hand furiously to slap Khushi. She was supposed to push him, but stopped hearing,

“What the hell are you doing?” Came from the entrance of the hall.

They saw Arnav standing with Aman. Santhosh was thunderstruck to see his Boss and the manager. More to his shock, Arnav said,

“You are fired…”

To be continued…

Part 4 Arrogant or confident?

Santhosh was shocked to see his Boss and the manager in the hotel. How did they get there? Why?

“You are fired…” Arnav said.

“Sir…I just…” he stammered.

“How could you raise your hand at a girl? Our company doesn’t need a man like you”

“Sir, she said…”

“What I said?” Khushi asked with a daggered gaze.

Santhosh was silent. He could not say what Khushi said. If he said that, he had to tell them why she said so.

“Aman, choose someone to the team who is well-disciplined,” Arnav said.

“Sir, we just talked like friends…” Santhosh said.

“Is it? Is he your friend?” Arnav asked Khushi.

“No sir, he is not my friend. If he is my friend, how would I be silent when you fire him?” Khushi said with a sharp gaze.

“Sir, give me a chance. Let me talk to Khushi” Santhosh asked.  

“I don’t want to talk to you…”

“Khushi, please…”

“Why? Do you want to talk to me about booking a room again?”

Arnav and Aman became furious, whereas Santhosh was shocked as he didn’t expect her to break the egg in front of them.

“Khushi, this job is important to me… please try to understand” Santhosh pleaded.

“You should have thought about it before thinking of booking a room here,” She said.

“Even though Khushi is ready to forgive you, I won’t… because I want my company to be the safer zone for girls. I want their parents to be peaceful sending them to my company. I can’t allow such cultureless guys in my company who tortures girls”

Arnav looked at Aman and said,

“Send the circular. If any girl complains about anyone… I won’t mind firing them”

Aman nodded yes.

“Sir, give me one last chance, sir…” Santhosh asked.

Arnav looked at him dangerously.

“What do you think of girls? Are they toys to play with?”

“Sir, this is not your office… how could you fire me? This is my personal issue…” Santhosh asked getting courage.

“You are here for office work. You raised your hand at my company staff. What more reason do I need to fire you? Didn’t you read the clause of the agreement before signing it? I can fire anyone if I’m not satisfied with their CHARACTER also one of the clauses”

Santhosh gulped down.

“And, I can even file a case against you for assaulting my staff… Get out of my sight before I file a case against you for stressing me out”

Santhosh left the place with a hung face.

Arnav looked at Khushi and smiled.

“This is how a girl should handle the problem. Raising your hand would not be a solution…!”

Khushi nodded yes.

“By the way, what’s your opinion about the program hall?” Arnav asked diverting her mood.

“Nice sir,” Thara said.

“Yes, sir, we can go ahead,” Shivani said.

“It’s up to AR’s standard,” Monish said.

“A few changes have to be done before the program, sir,” Khushi said.

“What changes?”

“Seating arrangements look so normal. If we rearrange it with tables, it will look rich”

“Next?”

“The carpet of the stage color is grey. Our Suiting colors are mostly grey, blue, and black. So, the carpet won’t highlight our suiting. If it is RED, it will be good”

“Good ideas… (he looked at Aman) Focus on them”

“Done”

“Ok… Team can go back to AR” Arnav said.

They nodded ok. Thara saw Khushi not moving.

“Are not you coming, Khushi?”

Khushi looked at Arnav.

“Even though you are not their team, you can go with them…” Arnav said.

She nodded ok and left the Hotel with them.

AR

The matter of Santhosh's dismissal spread throughout the office.

Indar was shocked to the core, knowing about it. Thank God, he didn’t show his talent in the office. It seemed he should be careful with Arnav.

Thara came to Khushi’s cabin.

“Khushi, is not our Boss a Super Hero?” he said excitedly.

Khushi nodded yes smiling.

“I didn’t expect him to be at the Hotel Grand Palace at the right time. Without thinking anything, he fired Santhosh… I like his actions very much. From here on, no one dares near us”

Khushi nodded yes.

“It seems he respects girls as much as he respects his company”

“Mmm… I too didn’t expect this. I’m so impressed” Khushi said.

Thara sighed.

“What happened?”

“Poor his wife… she is not lucky enough to live with him,” Thara said feeling sad.

“Mmm…his kids are well-mannered. Being a single father, he raises them with the values” Khushi said.

“He didn’t even think of getting a second marriage…” Thara was sad.

“Yeah, how great he is…!” Khushi said.

“What do you mean great? Won't he be great if he gets married?”

“I didn’t mean it…”

“He will be a great man no matter if he gets married for the second time. In fact, I want him to get married…”

“What’s the matter Thara, do you have any idea?” Khushi teased.

“Shut up… I don’t think I deserve such a great man. Yet, I wish he would get married”

“Do you have any idea why didn’t he get married?” Khushi asked.

“I don’t know. I think he doesn’t want to get married because of his children”

“You may be right… then there is no chance for him to get married”

“Why are you saying so, Khushi?”

“Then what? If he is so much into his kids, he shouldn’t think of marrying again…”

Thara sighed nodding yes.

 

Evening

Khushi came home which was cozy. Her house was neither so big nor small but looked RICH. She heard Garima’s voice being excited. She rolled her eyes guessing the reason for her excitement. She entered and saw Naveen having tea. He was her father’s friend’s son. Shashi and Naveen’s father Praveen ran a supermarket. After Sahshi’s demise, Praveen took responsibility wholly for the supermarket and sent Shashi’s share every month perfectly. Naveen was there to give that month’s share to Garima. 

Garima liked Naveen very much and Naveen liked Khushi very much…! Garima knew he had feelings for Khushi. She wanted to take the proposal forward because Naveen was a well-settled guy. But what about Khushi…? Did she like him?

Khushi went to her room not even telling HI to Naveen. This was not the first time that happened. It was a normal thing.

“Khushi… Naveen beta is here…” Garima said.

“I’m not blind” She walked to her room.

Garima saw Naveen who was disappointed.

“Don’t be upset beta… everything will be alright” Garima said in a consoling manner.

“I hope so, Aunty…” Naveen smiled painfully.

He waited for Khushi to come out, but Khushi didn’t show interest in coming out. Naveen stood up.

“I’m leaving Aunty,”

“Wait, beta…”

Garima went to Khushi’s room and knocked on her room door. Khushi opened the door.

“Khushi, Naveen is waiting for you”

“I don’t want to talk to him”

“Give him a chance…”

“For?”

“To talk…”

“I’m not interested”

“Khushi please…” Naveen came in front of her.

Khushi glared at Garima.

“I would like to marry you,” Naveen said.

“Marriage my foot…” She shut the door with a thud.

Garima and Naveen closed their eyes.

“I will talk to her beta…”

Naveen nodded his head and left.

Khushi heard his BMW M 1000 RR bike sound. She huffed in relief and came out. She went to the kitchen to prepare tea for herself. Garima looked at her, who came inside the house, bidding bye to Naveen.

“Why are you rude to him, Khushi?”

“I don’t like him…”

“He wants to marry you”

Khushi looked at her angrily.

“Can’t you understand what I say? I don’t like him” she gritted her teeth.

“Khushi, we don’t have anyone other than Praveen Bhai”

“I don’t need anyone except you…”

“Khushi, however, you are going to marry someone in some days…”

“That someone will never be Naveen”

“Khushi, just think once…”

“I have thought enough already…”

“Why are you so stubborn Khushi?” Garima asked angrily.

Khushi closed her eyes gritting her teeth.

“Why don’t you like him? Were not you guys friends a few years ago? Can’t you be the same?”

“I can’t… because I don’t like him… I can be friendly only if I like him”

“Khushi, listen to me once”

“I will listen to you if you talk about anything other than Naveen.”

“I have nothing to talk with you other than that”

“Then don’t expect me to listen to you”

“Don’t talk like this Khushi… after joining the job, you became arrogant…”

“Amma, I always talk to you like this. Of course, this job gave me confidence. If you think it’s arrogance. It’s not my problem”

“What’s the need of going to the job? We have enough property… you can eat sitting at home without tension. Yet, I allow you to go to the job…”

Cutting her,

“Amma, you know very well I’m not going to the job just because we are poor. It’s Babuji’s wish. He wanted me to be independent and I’m doing that…”

“This is why you are talking too much… if you are expecting me to feed you, you won’t talk like this”

“So, this is your problem… you want me to expect you to feed me and listen to you…right?”

“Yes, resign the job and be at home. You don’t have to do a job”

“What are you connecting?”

“If you don’t listen to me, what else would I do?”

“Amma, I respect you a lot after Babuji… don’t make me hate you. You know me, if I hate anyone, I will never give them a chance again…!” she closed the door again.

Garima became frustrated. 

To be continued…

 

 

Part 5 Straightforward thinking

After the argument, there were no talks between Garima and Khushi. Garima was mad at Khushi for not accepting Naveen and Khushi was upset with Garima for not understanding her. The dinner time passed silently and they retired to their respective rooms.

 

The next morning

Khushi got ready for the office. When she came out, she didn’t find anything in the dining. She went to the kitchen and checked. Nothing was cooked it seemed. Garima was on strike as she didn’t want Khushi to go to the job but she didn’t know this silly act of hers would not stop Khushi. Taking her bag, she walked out.

Garima rushed out, hearing her scooter sound. She stood perplexed. She thought Khushi would ask her why she cooked nothing and would try to console her but she left the house asking nothing.  

Khushi stopped her scooter in front of a supermarket. She went inside and collected a few things. After paying the bill, she headed to the office.

Khushi kept her bag in her cabin. She picked up the things she bought from the supermarket and came to Arnav’s cabin. He was not there. She heard a soft sound from the small pantry that was attached to Arnav’s cabin. Khushi saw Arnav checking something there.

“Good morning, sir”

“Gumoning,” he said with a lopsided smile.

“Do you need something, sir?”

 “I thought to prepare black tea…”

“Oh…”

“Will you prepare me tea?”

“Sure, sir”

“By the way, do you know how to prepare tea?”

Khushi smiled contently.

“I mean, I asked my ex-PA to prepare tea for me. She said ok and prepared… and I could never forget that tea…”

“Why, sir?”

“I could not believe it was tea even after she stuck a label on the cup,” he said, controlling his laughter but, Khushi laughed.

“After that, I learned to prepare tea because I never wanted to have that so-called tea of hers…”

“I will try to prepare such a tea that doesn’t need a label to ensure,” Khushi said, smiling.

“I hope I’m not an EXPERIMENTAL RAT to your tea”

“Not at all, sir… it’s my mother,” She laughed.

“Is she all right?” Arnav asked, making a serious face.

“Fit and fine… and, tortures me like hell…” she laughed again.

“I hope torturing others is not the feature she got from your tea,”

“Definitely not… because I too had the tea and, I have not started torturing anyone yet,”

“Who knows, you may do it in the mere future, after your marriage…”

“There is a chance to it,” She laughed.

“POOR HIM… don’t know where he is…!” he walked out of the pantry smilingly.

Khushi felt light-hearted. She forgot her mother and her torture. She shrugged Garima’s thought and prepared tea for Arnav.

She brought it to his cabin and gave it to him.

“Thank you” Arnav took it and sipped.

His eyes sparkled. He took another sip.

“Wow… it’s awesome…” he sipped again.

Khushi smiled.

“It’s not JUST a black tea, right…?”

Khushi nodded yes.

“What did you add to it? The flavor is amazing”

“Lemongrass and ginger”

“Wow… that flavor is so mild yet refreshing,”

“Thank you, sir,” She walked out.

“Khushiiii…”

“Yes, sir…?”

“I will never forget your tea too because this is something more than tea,” he smiled.

Khushi left his cabin smiling.

 

As per Arnav’s order, Aman sent the circular about the girls’ safety. The company's female staff was delighted and the male staff was disappointed and distraught… especially Indhar. He wanted to talk to Thara and ask the reason for not talking to him like before. He sensed a sudden change in her behavior. He thought she had feelings for him. The way she smiled seeing him and, spoke with him with shyness made him think so. He was not wrong. Thara had feelings for him until she got to know about his true color. He wanted to talk to her but it might create a scene if he did that now because he didn’t know how Thara would react to it. Yet, he wanted to give it a try.

Indhar came to her cubical. Thara looked at him plainly even though she was angry and also nervous.

“Thara, did I do anything wrong?” Indhar asked politely.

“I haven’t checked your segment. If you want, I will do it” She talked about the project even though she knew he was not talking about it.

“No, I’m not talking about the project”

“Then?”

“I see a sudden change in you”

“What change?”

“You were so friendly with me but you avoided looking at me recently… may I know what happened?”

“Recently, I read an article… some guys are cheating girls on FB with FAKE IDs,” She said reading his expression that changed into horrified.

“After reading the article. I really hate to be friendly with any guys” she said feeling sad.

“Do you think, I’m the one?”

“Do I trust you won’t be the one?” She snapped back.

“I think you are mistaken…”

“See, I came here for a job. This job is important for me and I want to work without pressure. So, I decided not to entertain UNWANTED things” She again concentrated on her work.

Indhar stood gulping down seeing her attitude.  He went to his cubical with the hung face.

Monish saw his face and came to him.

“What happened? Why are you looking fed up?”

“Thara refused to talk to me”

“So what? You have many girls on your list…!”

“It’s different… Thara is not like them. She won’t talk like FB girls. She has values. I thought my life would be peaceful if she was my wife…”

“I can’t believe. You trap girls in FB just like that… and feeling fed up for Thara?”

“It’s so easy to trap girls in FB. Just like their posts and comment in a good way. Then, you will easily get their attention. It makes them check your profile. Just fill your page with social awareness posts. They would think you are a nobleman. After a few days, they will respond to you if you contact them on CHAT. You should not hurry. Patience is very important. Show yourself good and completely avoid flirting. Pretend to care for them… ask their personal issues. We can knock them easily if we are supportive of their personal issues. We should make them curious to meet us. It would be best if you went in front of them, at that stage, in a consoling manner. After that, they will do anything for us…! You know what, girls who post sad posts are so easy to trap… they would fall for us without effort because they need a shoulder to lean on. If you talk like giving your shoulder, BOOM… finish…!” Indhar said proudly without remorse.

Monish was looking at him without blinking.  

“You are a genius, dude…! How perfectly you are working on girls…!”

Indhar smiled.

“How many girls are there on your latest list?”

“A few… two to three are ready to submit themselves… one among them is so cute… Asha. I’m waiting for the treat”

“What about others?”

“It’s ok… but one is not sending her photo to me”

“Why?”

“She wants our meeting to be unforgettable… that’s why. I don’t know what she looks like…”

“What’s her name?”

“Rose…”

“You are a lucky champ…!” Monish sighed.

Indhar took it as credit.

 

Thara came to Khushi’s cabin to tell her how she handled Indhar but Khushi was not in her cabin. She searched here and there and saw her advancing to Arnav’s cabin. She rushed to her. Khushi clicked the Aranv’s door’s knob and opened it a little. Thara who came there, hugged her tight. Khushi looked at her perplexed.

“Thara… what happened? You look happy…!”

“Not just happy but also relieved…”

“Means?”

“I said to Indhar that I don’t want to talk to him”

“Wow… really?”

“Yup… you know how daringly I spoke to him?” She said cheerfully.

“That's it… until we hesitate to face the problem, it will chase us like a street dog…if you stand firmly and look at the dog eye to eye… it will back off and run away… that’s the formula of life…”

“Thank you, darling, for making me brave”

“You are always welcome”

Thara looked at Khushi’s hand that was still holding the doorknob. She gestured for Khushi to look at her hand. Khushi bit the tip of her lip and peeped in. She saw Arnav smilingly working on his laptop. It seemed he heard them.

“You go… we will meet later,” Khushi said.

Thara nodded ok and ran.

“May I come in, sir?” Khushi asked.

“Yes, Ms. Feminist…!” Arnav chuckled.

“I’m sorry, sir… I’m not a feminist and I hate the word because nowadays its meaning changed”

“Means?” he raised his brows.

“I have my own view towards the word feminist…”

“Oh…how?” He leaned on the seat.

“The girl who stands for herself… who understands her responsibility… who supports her family… who loyally raises her children after losing her husband… who raises her boy child teaching him how to respect girls…”

“Hold on… Hold on… the much I know feminist means…”

“Yeah, a feminist is the one who supports equal rights for women. I know still a few are struggling for the right but a few are spoiling its meaning. They misunderstood the meaning of EQUALITY and started consuming alcohol and roaming at night without caring about their safety”

“Is it wrong?”

“Not wrong but not safety… this society is not safe for women. We should take care of ourselves… a few girls are not understanding the reality. That’s what I don’t like”

“Ok, but consuming alcohol is their wish, right?”

“Of course, it’s their wish… but they should not bring feminism into it. If they want to consume alcohol, they can do it. First of all, I’m completely against alcohol no matter who consumes it… men or women, I hate drinkers. More than anything, this is not a matter for girls to compete with… there are many good things, right?”

“Mmm…” Arnav smiled. He was so impressed with Khushi and her straightforward thinking.

To be continued…

 

 

Part 6 Intention

“By the way, what made you call me a feminist, sir?” Khushi asked.

“Didn’t you feed braveness to Thara? That’s why” He smiled.

“As a friend, it’s my duty sir”

“Mmm… being a small girl, you are so mature”

“Sir, who said, I’m a small girl? I’m twenty-four”

“Yeah… but you are small to me”

“Do you think, maturity is about AGE?”

“No…?”

She nodded no.

“It’s about experience…”

“What did you experience at this age that you are so mature?” he asked mockingly.

Khushi became silent. She rotated the pen in her hand. Arnav sensed something was wrong through her gesture.

“I hope I don’t ask you anything wrong…”

Khushi nodded no.

“You called me for the dictation sir”

Arnav nodded yes.

“Take your seat”

Khushi sat in front of him, taking her notepad.

Arnav was dictating notes to Khushi. That was when he received a call from Dhadi. He attended it.

”Hello, Dhadi…”

“Arnav…”

“Haan, Dhadi…”

“Kids are upset”

“Why, dhadi? Did you say anything?” he sat straight.

“Laxmi fell and has an ankle sprain”

Arnav rolled his eyes. Laxmi was the caretaker of Shali and Shamli. She was their distant relation… a widow with no one… somehow, sister to Arnav. After Anjali and Shyam’s demise, when Arnav searched for a caretaker, Subadhra brought her from Lucknow. After that, she started taking care of the kids, staying in RM.

After the Europe trip, Arnav planned to take the kids to the amusement park. Laxmi was supposed to accompany them as Arnav needed a woman to take care of Shali and Shamli. So, he always took Laxmi with them in case of an outing. Now, Laxmi was unable to come with them to the amusement park. He had no choice but to cancel the plan. He sighed. He didn’t know how he was going to console the kids.

At the same time, the landline bell rang.  He saw the RM number in the caller ID.

“Dhadi, Aarav is calling…”

“Is it? Turn the speaker on” She said.

Arnav turned the speaker on and kept his mobile aside. So that Dhadi would also listen to their conversation.

“Daaaaddd…” Aarav shouted.

Arnav rolled his eyes.

“Yeah Aarav… is everything all right?” he asked as if he didn’t know Laxmi’s injury.

“Dad, promise me you will take us to the amusement park tomorrow at any cause”

“Aarav, listen to me… Laxmi Didi is not well. She is injured. She could not walk. Without her, how could we take care of Shali and Shamli?”

“I will take care of my sisters,” Aarav said like a big guy.

“Aarav, don’t talk like a big guy, ok?”

“Won’t you take us to the amusement park tomorrow?”

“We will go next Sunday…”

“Daaaaddd… so what if Laxmi Bua is not coming?”

 Arnav sighed. He didn’t know how to make Aarav understand. Khushi wrote something on a piece of paper and kept it in front of Arnav. He saw that and looked at Khushi with disbelief. She nodded yes.

“Aarav, give me five minutes. I will do something about it and call you back” he disconnected the call and looked at Khushi.

“Are you sure, Khushi? Will you come with us?” he asked her to confirm.

“Yes, sir… If you don’t mind”

“Why would I mind? In fact, you solved my biggest problem. Thank you, Khushi” he smiled.

“Welcome sir”

“You will get two days' salary for working on Sunday” he smiled.

“What do you mean, sir?” She tilted her head slightly, shrinking her eyes.

“You are going to come with us to the Amusement park, spoiling your weekend…”

“I think you don’t understand my intention. I’m not spoiling it, but going to enjoy it with kids... and for your kind information, I’m not coming to get OVER-TIME payment from you. I just thought to help you to cheer up the kids. I know how it feels to cancel the plan. Children could not understand that because they would have grown expectations about the trip. They will be disappointed if the plan gets canceled… that’s why I thought to come with you. If you want to give me two days' salary for the trip, please find someone, who is ready to work for the salary… I’m not coming because I would like to come with you only for kids” she said making Arnav stunned.

Arnav smiled.

“Thank you”

“My pleasure, sir”

That was when Arnav saw his phone still ON and Dhadi was on the line. He took the phone and spoke.

“Dhadi…”

“Thanks to Khushi on my behalf”

“Done…” he smiled at Khushi.

“Kids told me about her one day when they went to AR. I thought they were exaggerating. It seems she is a nice girl”

“Mmm”

“So, your program is confirmed”

“Yes, Dhadi”

“Go ahead… I will make the arrangements”

“Ok, Dhadi. Bye,” Arnav disconnected the call.

“Dhadi asked me to thank you”

Khushi smiled.

Arnav called Aarav again and said they were going to the amusement park.

“We are going to the amusement park…ok?”

“Is it, Dad?” he shouted delightedly. Arnav heard two more cheerful voices... Shali and Shamli.

“Yeah…”

“Dad, you are great… love you, Dad”

“Love you too… get ready for the trip”

“Ok, Dad… bye”

He disconnected the call.

“We have to leave early in the morning. Send your house location to me. I will pick you up” Arnav told Khushi.

“OK, sir. Ask the kids to wear skinny clothes. Then only they will be allowed in the water games” She insisted.

“Oh…”

“Yeah, you too…”

Arnav raised his brows.

“Me too?”

“Won’t you get into the water?”

“I think yes”

“Then you should wear such a dress. Then only you will be allowed to get into the water”

“Are you sure?”

“Yup”

 “Oh…” Arnav became thoughtful. It was hard for him to be in the skinny dress. He didn’t think it would be comfortable for him, especially outside the home, that too in front of Khushi. She was his PA. She always saw him in the coat and suit. He didn’t know how he was going to appear in the skinny clothes. He felt awkward but he had no choice it seemed. He could not let Aarav play alone in the water games.   

Arnav saw Khushi waiting for him to complete the dictation.  So, he continued dictating...!

 

Evening

Khushi came home and saw Naveen taking Garima’s leave. She silently headed to her room. Garima followed her.

“What did you eat at lunch?”

“Nothing”

“But why? Does not your office have a canteen?”

“It does…”

“then why didn’t you eat?”

“Why are you bothered whether I eat or not?”

“I felt tired this morning… that’s why I didn’t prepare anything”

Khushi looked at her sharply as she knew Garima was lying. Garima sighed.

“Khushi, I just wanted you to know how upset I’m”

“I too want you to know how much I hate Naveen”

“Why won’t you try to understand, Khushi?”

“What do you want me to understand?”

“I ask you to accept him because Naveen loves you… his parents are so genuine. They will look after you like their own daughter.  Even after my demise, you can be safe in their shadow… can’t you consider that?”

“I can’t…”

“Khushi…”

“Amm, please don’t compel me… You don’t know what happened between me… he tried to misbehave with me…” She shouted.

Her facial expression changed seeing Garima silent.

“I know… just now Naveen told me and apologized for his behavior,” Garima said.

Khushi understood why Naveen came there.

“Ohhhh… so, you forgave him…?”

“Khushi, men are like that. They don’t know how to show their love”

“According to you, forcing a girl is LOVE?”

“I don’t say that…”

“Then, what’s your point?”

“He did that as he was going to Bangalore for his studies… he was so upset for being away from you…”

“I can’t understand…! What’s love? He didn’t even confess his love but forced me…”

“Khushi… happened is happened…”

“Yes, happened is happened and no one can change it”

“He is regretting, Khushi…”

“I don’t care…”

“You will get a queenly life if you marry him…”

“I want a peaceful and satisfied life. I won’t get it if I marry him. I will remember his cheap behavior every time I see him”

“You can change your mind if you want to change it…”

“Amma, why not you understand?”

“I can understand, Khushi…”

“Nooooo… you don’t understand…! He tried to misbehave with me. I was just seventeen at that time. You and Babuji were not at home. Do you know what was my state at that time? I hit him with a flower vase. He chased me like a mad dog. I went to your room and hid under the bed shivering. He was continuously banging on the door. You have no idea how scared I was…! You have no idea how many days I struggled not getting sleep…”

“Khushi… it happened seven years ago…”

Cutting her,

“Now also you don’t feel like asking me, why I didn’t tell you about him...right?” She asked with disappointment.

Garima gulped down hard.

“He threatened me… he said if I tell that to anyone, he will tell everyone that he witnessed me sleeping with someone. Now also do you want me to accept him?”

“I just want to say, why can’t you give him a chance? He is a changed man now”

“According to me, he is dead… I can’t give a chance to the dead body.”

“Enough Khushi…! You are talking too much. I’m going to fix your wedding with Naveen. That’s final”

“Amma, I warn you… if you force me to marry him, I will leave the house forever and will go somewhere else you cannot track me” Khushi warned, making Garima stunned.

To be continued…

 

 

 

 Part 7 The Trip

Garima didn’t know what to do and how to console Khushi. She thought she could do that but didn’t know it was not easy to erase the loath from her heart that she grew for Naveen.

Naveen called Garima. She wavered to attend the call. She didn't know what to tell him. She attended the call hesitatingly.

“Hello, Aunty…”

“Haan, beta…”

“Did you talk to Khushi? Did she understand me?” He asked curiously.

“I don’t think it will happen… she is angry like hell with you. She is not even ready to listen to me. She shouted at me and said, she would leave the house forever and would go somewhere”

Naveen was shocked to the core.

“I even said that I’m not fine with her job. I asked her to resign but she didn’t obey me”

Naveen’s mind calculated quickly.

“Aunty please don’t do that. Don’t give her a chance to deny you for anything. She should not get used to denying you. Let her do what she wants. Say yes to whatever she likes. Be with her lovably. Later, tell her, it’s me who made you understand her stand”

Garima’s face lit.

“I think this will work,” Garima said excitedly.

“Yeah… be smooth with her. Don’t talk about me for a while…! We will try to create a good image in her mind about me by actions. After some days, she will understand how much I’m longing for her”

“Ok, beta… I will do what you say”

“Don’t defy her for anything… don’t forget that”

“Ok...”

“Talk to her lovingly and apologize for your rude behavior”

“Mmm”

“Aunty, do you like the diamond ring I presented you?”

“Of course… it’s so nice”

“I so want to present many gifts to Khushi like that, Aunty. I don’t know how to make her understand. I know what I did is not right. I was immature at that time. But now, I realized how stupid I had been. I’m so sorry for behaving like that with her, Aunty. You know how much I love her?” he choked.

“Beta, I can understand. I believe I could change her mind”

“Aunty without her, I have no life. I want to put my whole property in her feet… I have no hesitance to do that… because she is Khushi… the girl who I love from the bottom of my heart”

Garima felt bad for him. This was how Naveen kept Garima under his control. Sometimes, a costly gift… sometimes, a few emotional words, and sometimes, a few drops of tears… those were his weapons to Attack Garima but those weapons didn’t work with Khushi who was shielding her heart with hatred. 

 

In the meanwhile,

RM

Arnav came home from the office. The kids were in full swing in getting ready for the amusement park.

“Dad, we are ready” They rushed to him joyfully.

“Good… take skin suits…”

“Yes, Dad… we already took,” Aarav said.

Arnav raised his brows.

“Do you know it’s needed?”

“Of course, Dad… my friends told me. We will not be allowed in the water games if we don’t wear skin suits”

Arnav rolled his eyes. It seemed they were updated.

“Listen, you guys should not trouble Khushi, ok?”

“Khushi? Is Khushi didi coming with us?” they became excited.

Arnav nodded yes.

“Yeahhhhhh….” The trio hopped happily.

“It will be super awesome…” Shali said.

“Yes, she will play with us” Shamli shouted in joy.

“Our day will be super cool” Aarav shared hi-fi with his sisters.

Arnav amazed. He didn’t know how Khushi got such a good image in his kid's mind in a day. 

“Arnav, is not the amusement park near to Devyani’s Ashram?” Dhadi asked.

“Haan Dhadi… just twenty minutes ride”

“Go and meet her if you get time. It’s a long since you met her”

Arnav thought for a while. Kids were looking at him curiously to know what would he say.

“Ok... we will meet Nani if time permits”

“Wow… are we going to meet Badi Nani…” The children again hopped.

“Badi Nani will also like Khushi Didi,” Shali said.

“Yessss…” Shamli agreed.

“We will have to leave early in the morning if you want to meet Badi Nani. Ok? Wake up earlier…”

“Ok, Dad…”

“Dhadi did you arrange for eatables?”

“Dad, it’s not needed because outside food is not allowed inside the park”

“Is it?”

“yes, we should eat only what’s available in the park”

“Then, no problem… we will manage”

“Have dinner and go to sleep. Otherwise, you will not wake up earlier and you will be tired in the park”

“Ok… HP uncle, give us dinner” They rushed to the dining.

“They are so happy to spend time with you. They missed you a lot when you were in London” Dhadi said.

“Yeah… but it seems they don’t want me to accompany them as Khushi is enough for them” he chuckled.

“I agree they are happy about Khushi but they need you. Now, they are in DOUBLE happiness”

Arnav nodded yes.

“You too go to bed earlier. They will make you tired for sure” Dhadi said.

Arnav nodded yes smiling and walked to his room. That was when he received a call from Khushi. He attended it while walking.

“Khushiii…?”

“Sir, I want to tell you something”

“Tell me”

“You said we should start early in the morning but the amusement park timing starts at 11 o’clock only. We don’t have to go so early…”

“Oh… actually, Khushi, the kids want to meet my Nani on the way…”

“Oh… are we going to her house?”

“Not house but Ashram”

“Ashram?”

“She is running an Ashram outskirt Delhi with fifteen to twenty people”

“Oh…”

“We will take an hour at her place. Then we will go to the Park”

“Ok, sir”

“Send me your location”

“Will send you my current location tomorrow morning, sir”

Arnav understood why she wanted to send her CURRENT location. She wanted to check their location. She could do it only if she sent her CURRENT LOCATION. 

“Ok, Good night”

“Good night, sir” she disconnected the call.

That was when she heard a knock on the door. Khushi opened the door and saw Garima.

“Dinner is ready”

Khushi nodded. In no time, Garima hugged her, making her stun.

“How could you say you would leave me? if I do anything wrong, will you leave me? Don’t you have the right to chide me?” she broke the hug.

“Beta, I have no one other than you…! Forgive me if I had hurt you… but don’t think of leaving the house”

“I never want to leave you, Amma. If I think of leaving you, then you should understand the depth of my pain”

Garima gulped down.

“Leave it, Beta… we don’t have to talk about it. Happened is happened… and WHAT WILL HAPPEN WILL HAPPEN”

Khushi was silent. She didn’t know what made her mother change for good all of a sudden. Unfortunately, she could not trust her to the fullest.

They came to the dining. Garima prepared Khushi’s one of her favorites, butter Naan and pepper chicken. Khushi ate not interacting much but Garima spoke about all the nice things that happened in their life. Maximum of her talks touched Shashi.

“Amma, I’m going to the amusement park tomorrow”

“Amusement Park? With your friends?”

“No… with my Boss’s kids”

“But… why?”

“I wanted CHANGE… that’s why…” she said looking at her plate.

Garima understood she needed the CHANGE from her torture. She was right. Khushi knew Garima would not let her to peacefully if she was at home. That was also one of the reasons she agreed to go to the park.

“Ok… go…” Garima said making Khushi surprised.

She looked at her with the same surprise. Garima smiled at her.

“I’m your mother… I want you to be happy. That’s all that I want”

Khushi sighed. After finishing dinner, she went to her room. Taking her mobile, she searched for something and noted it down. After arranging the needed things and setting the alarm at 5 o’clock, she slept.  

 

The next morning

Arnav woke up hearing a knock on his door. He looked at the clock and it was 5 o’clock. He rolled his eyes, hearing,

“Dad…” from outside.

He opened the door and saw the trio fully ready.

“Ooiii… what the…”

“Dad, we are ready”

“I see…”

“Go and get ready, Dad”

“Yeahhh, going…” he walked to the washroom.

“They will sleep till eight if it’s a working day but wake up even before the fixed time if it is for a trip” Arnav walked murmuring smiling.

Arnav got ready and checked his phone whether Khushi sent her location. She had not. He came out and sat on the couch.

“Dad… let’s go…”

“I asked Khushi to be ready at 6. We should give her time. Right?”

They nodded yes and sat on the couch. HP brought them milk and tea for Arnav. They had it. Arnav received a message from Khushi. He opened it and saw her current location, with her message,

*I’m ready, Sir*

“Let’s go…”

“Yeahhhh…” They rushed out.

Arnav opened the lock through the remote. Aarav sat in the front seat and the twins occupied the back seat.

Arnav followed the location sent by Khushi. They saw her waiting outside her house. Garima was also standing with her.

“Khushi Didi…” The kids shouted delightedly.

Khushi waved her hand at them cheerfully. Arnav stopped the car and got down.

“Amma, he is my Boss”

“Namaste”

“Namaste…”

“I’m leaving,” Khushi said.

Garima nodded ok.

Arnav started the car after Khushi got in. Shali and Shamli were on the left side of Khushi.

“Shalu, shall I sit next to Khushi Didi?” Shamli asked who was sitting next to the window.

“No, I want to sit with Khushi didi…” Shali said.

“I too want to sit…”

“Don’t fight… you come to this side,”  

Khushi lifted Shamli and made her sit on her right side. Shamli smiled at Khushi as if she achieved something big. Arnav saw her through the rear view mirror and nodded his head left to right smiling.

To be continued…

 

 

 Part 8 Theme Park

“How are you guys?” Khushi asked.

“We are super happy…” Aarav said.

“Me too…” Khushi said.

“Why?”

“It’s because I’m going to be with you”

“That’s why we are also happy,” Shamli said.

“Thank you for coming with us. If you don’t come today, Dad would have canceled the program…” Aarav said.

“That’s why I came…” Khushi smiled.

“Didi, did you bring a skin suit?”

“Yeah…”

“Do you know it’s needed?”

“Yeah”

“Have you already visited an amusement park?”

“I visited once with my friends”

“Is it?”

“Yeah…”

“So, are you coming for only us this time?”

“Of course…”

“Thank you so much” Shali and Shamli smiled.

“No thanks between friends… ok?”

“Are we friends?”

“Yes…”

They giggled.

“How many friends do you have?”

“I have many friends,” Aarav said.

“We have no friends…” Shali and Shamli said.

“Why?”

“It’s because we are friends. We don’t talk to others”

“Why?”

“We don’t like to be friendly with others”

“Then why did you accept me as your friend?”

“It’s because you are a nice Didi”

“How do you know I’m a nice Didi?”

“We knew, you spoke to us nicely when we came to AR”

“You got to know I’m a nice person because you spoke to me… you gave yourself a chance to know me. Without giving a chance to others, how could you know about others? You will miss many interesting people if you keep your distance from others. Be friendly with everyone. Then decide if you want them or not but don’t isolate yourself… ok?”

“Mmm…”

Arnav raised his brows amazed. He too advised them many times to be friendly with others but they didn’t take his words seriously.

Khushi continued chitchatting with the Children. She didn’t touch the studies stuff but only about their interest. That was what inspired the kids.

Khushi was checking her phone from time to time, expecting a particular location.

“Sir, please stop the car…” She asked arnav.

He looked at her through the rearview mirror and stopped the car.

“Any problem, Khushi?”

“I would like to buy fruits from the market”

Arnav nodded ok. Khushi got down from the car.

“Shall I come with you?” Shali asked.

“Shall I take her with me, sir?” Khushi asked for Arnav’s permission.

He nodded ok.

“I will also go” Shamli also got out of the car.

“Me too…” Aarav followed them.

Arnav smiled lifting his brows.

Khushi went to the nearby fruit shop to buy fruits. She showed the car to the shopkeeper. He nodded ok and ordered the servant to keep the fruits in the car.

“What fruit do you like?” She asked the kids.

“Apple…” Said Aarav.

“Orange” Shamli and Shali said.

She bought those fruits and paid. They came to the car. Aranv wondered when the servant brought a basket to the car.

“What are you going to do with this basket full of fruits?” Arnav asked.

“It’s for your Nani’s Ahram people”

Arnav lifted his brows.

“Wow… that’s great” he started the car.

They reached the Ashram. The kids ran to Nani cheerfully. Nani hugged them all together. She wondered about seeing Arnav bringing a basket full of fruits because Arnav would never bring anything but only provide money to fulfill their needs.

“What’s the matter Chotte, you brought fruits unusually?”

“It’s not me but someone…” he looked behind and didn’t find Khushi.

He came out and saw her reading the name board outside. She smiled at Arnav.

“Come…”

Khushi walked with him.

“Nani, she is Khushi, my PA. She is the one who brought you fruits”

“Namaste, Naniji” Khushi joined her hands.

“Namaste”

“Badi Nani, we are going to the amusement park,” Shali said excitedly.

“Is it?”

“Yes, Nani, “We thought to meet you on the way”

“Didn’t Laxmi come?” Nani asked.

“She is injured. That’s why Khushi took over her role today” Arnav smield.

“That’s nice”

Nani looked at the kids and said,

“You should be careful in the park. Don’t run here and there. Be together. Ok?”

“Ok…”

That was when a man came there.

“Maji, did you call me?”

“Yeah… why did this month's current bill amount increase?”

“It’s because the water usage increased this month, Maji,” the man who was the water in-charge said.

“But why?”

“I don’t know Maji. Usually, I fill the tank only once a day but this month, the tank water finishes at night itself”

Nani became thoughtful.

“Nani, it’s just a matter of a few hundred… why are you stressing yourself for a simple thing?” Aranv asked.

“It’s not a simple thing Chotte! we should not waste any energy unwantedly. We should be concerned about it. I’m not bothered about money but the cause of the increment of the current charge”

Arnav sighed and said,

“Ok, Nani we are leaving”

Khushi bent down toward Shali and Shamli and asked,

“Do you want to use the washroom?”

They nodded yes.

“Let’s go…”

“Naniji, where is the washroom?” Khushi asked.

“We knew,” Shamli said.

Khushi went with them. There were many bathrooms in that. it seemed it was common to all. They came back in a few minutes.

Khushi looked at Nani and said,

“Naniji… I have found the cause of the increased current bill”

Nani and Arnav looked at each other with confusion.

“You found it?” Nani asked.

Khushi nodded yes.

“You just came here for the first time. Even we can’t understand the cause but you?”

“Did you change the new MUGs in the washroom recently?”

“Yeah… we changed it last month”

“That’s why the current bill increased”

“Whaaaat? Because of the mugs the current charge increased?”

“Yes, Naniji. I saw a old broken mug in the corner of the washroom. Compared to that mug, the new mugs are a little bigger. People would not have realized the usage of the water and used the big mugs as usual. So, they would start using water into double… unknowingly. This is why the water finished in the tank soon”

Nani smiled and Arnav was highly impressed.

“Fantastic…” Arnav smiled.

“I will get the big mugs changed…” Nani said with a smile.

“Dad, let’s go… we are getting late,” Aarav said.

“Ok, Nani, we will see you again” Arnav said.

“Ok, take care…”

Cutting her,

“I will take care of the children”

“I know you will take care of them but I asked you to take care of yourself,” Nani said.

Arnav rolled his eyes and nodded.

“Bye, Naniji” Khushi said.

“Bye… thank you…”

Khushi smiled.

“Keep coming…”

“Sure Naniji” Khushi smiled brightly.

They took Nani’s leave and headed to the amusement park.

Children became excited when they reached the amusement park.

“Dad, keep the phone in the car. We can’t keep it safe when we play in the water” Aarav said.

“No problem, Aarav. We can get a waterproof cover for the phone” Khushi said.

“That’s ok, Khushi. I’m not going to attend any calls when I’m in the park” Arnav said.

“We should change our dress, kids. Take your skin suits” Khushi said, taking her bag.

Arnav and Aarav changed their dresses in the car itself.

Khushi took the girl with her and came, changing the dress. Arnav was surprised to see Khushi in the skin suit. He didn’t expect a skin suit could be so decent. She kept her bag in the car. She inserted her phone in the waterproof cover and hung it on her neck.

“We are ready”

Arnav bought tickets for all of them. Khushi gave the mount for her ticket and received a glare from Arnav.

“You denied getting overtime payment from me. Likewise, you too just keep it”

Khushi sighed.

They went inside.

“Dad, we will go to dry rides first…”

Cutting him,

“No, Aarav… everyone will prefer the same. So, we will go for water games first. Then we will go for dry rides…” Khushi suggested.

Aarav nodded ok. As Khushi said, dry rides were busy, whereas the water games looked uncrowded.

Shali and Shamli were scared to see the giant water slide, whereas Aarav had slid two times already.

“I will take you… come…”

Khushi pulled them and made them sit on her lap together and slid with them. At first, they shouted in fear. Khushi didn’t set them free but again slid with them. As expected, they enjoyed the slide this time. Before Khushi asked them to slide alone, they did that. Aarav also joined them, seeing his sisters enjoying themselves with Khushi. Khushi clicked the snaps on her phone. They played in the artificial waves for a while without minding about anything.

Arnav was surprised to see them not even minding about him but doing a gala with Khushi. He silently sat, watching them. He had never seen them so comfortable with anyone…. not even with Laxmi. He knew it was because of Khushi… she made them comfortable with her.

The lunch was provided in the theme park.

“All of you wait here. I will bring lunch” Khushi said.

“But why, Khushi?”

“Sir, taste the food first. Then decide if you want to get it or not” Khushi said and went.

She brought food for her ticket. She gave it to them. They tasted it. It was not up to their taste.

“This food is not good,” Aarav said making a face.

The twins nodded affirmatively.

“Have some snacks. We will eat something after going out” Arnav said.

They eat snacks in between the rides.

 

In the meanwhile,

GH

Naveen visited GH to meet Khushi. He thought she would be at home as it was a Sunday.

Garima smiled at him.

“Where is Khushi?”

“she is not at home”

“Whaaaat?” he said wearily.

“She went to a Theme Park”

“I thought she would be at home today”

“Didn’t you say not to restrict anything she wishes for? That’s why I didn’t say anything against her wish”

“It’s ok… I just came to present her this Dimond ring” he showed a small box”

“Wow… how much is this?”

“Two lakhs…”

“My God… it looks bright…”

“It will lose its brightness if Khushi wears it on her finger,” Naveen said.

“Give it to her tomorrow…”

“Do you think she will accept it?”

“I’m not sure… but why should not we try? After all, it’s a diamond ring worth rupees two lakhs…” her eyes shined.

“Ok, I will come tomorrow evening”

“Not in the evening but come in the morning… before she goes to the office”

“Ok, Aunty… will come tomorrow morning. Keep it with you” he gave the diamond ring to Garima and left GH.

Garima stood looking at the diamond ring smilingly.

To be continued…

 

 

 Part 9 Friends

Arnav was fed up as kids were not ready to leave the Theme park easily. They came out only after the Theam park time was over at 7 o’clock.

“Khushi, shall I book a room? Then all of you will change your clothes and take a rest for a while…” Aranv asked.

“If it is so, we will go to Naniji’s Ashram which is just a twenty-minute ride from here. Why should we prefer a hotel room?”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah…”

“Ok, let’s go”

After informing their arrival to Nani, they again started towards the Ashram. Aarav saw a Pizza Corner on the way and nagged Arnav.

“Dad…”

“Mm?”

“Pizza…”

“Hell no… don’t you know it has preservatives? It’s not good for health” Arnav said strictly.

“One time will not harm, Dad”

“No, Aarav… if you know it harms, why should we give it a chance?”

Aarav’s face hung.

“Our classmates eat pizzas, Dad,” Shali said.

“Their parents would be useless” Came from Arnav.

Khushi bit her lip to control her chuckle but she felt bad for the kids. It was natural if they liked to eat Pizzas. After all, they were kids.

They came to the Ashram. Khushi went to the women’s washroom with Shali and Shamli. She bathed them one by one and sent them out, dressing up. After that, she took a bath.

Nani had been arranged for them dinner but Arnav dined.

“No Nani… kids are so fed up as the lunch provided in the theme park was not up to standard. They would expect to eat something special”

Nani was disappointed.

“Won’t you eat Khushi?” She asked.

Khushi was stuck. She thought for a while and nodded ok.

“I will eat here…” She said.

“Then, I will also eat with Khushi Didi,” Shali said.

“Me too” Shamli joined.

Arnav looked at Aarav who was perplexed.

“No problem Aarav. You can have with Dad” Khushi said.

“It’s ok, didi… I can eat with Dad any time…I will also eat with you” he said.

Nani was absolutely amazed more than Arnav.

They had dinner together chitchatting with Khushi. Nani admired their attachment. She saw them getting into someone other than Arnav for the first time.

“Guys… let her eat…” Arnav said.

Khushi didn’t know she could say, IT’S OK, SIR. So, she decided to divert them.

“Naniji, how are you running this Ashram?” she asked.

“Not me but Chotte is running” She smiled.

Khushi looked at Arnav who rolled his eyes.

“Nani, just because I spend money, it doesn’t mean I’m running this…”

“Think whatever… if you don’t spend money, I could not run this”

“Would you accept donations?” Khushi asked.

“No beta… the aim of this Ashram is a simple life. If we start accepting donations, it will lead us to think about expanding our facilities. Our goal is to reach Mukti. It needs a simple life”

“Will you accept the person who has the aim to reach Mukti?”

“We don’t until we make sure if their intention is good”

“Will you spend money on pooja and all?”

“No… we won’t spend money for Pooja. We plant flower plants on our premises. We will use flowers for the Pooja only from the plants”

“What if the plants don’t bloom?”

“We will do Pooja without flowers” she smiled.

Khushi raised her brows.

“Giver and taker everything is God… if DM needs flower, she will make the plant bloom… and God can’t be satisfied with a simple flower but with our FAITH”

“How simple you are!”

“God is also so simple… we are the ones who complicate him”

Khushi nodded yes.

“How will you spend your time?”

“We will make handcraft and sell it. The money would also be spent for the Ashram’s expenses only”

“Can I see the handcrafts?”

“Sure…”

After finishing dinner, Nani took Khushi to a particular room. Of course, the kids followed them and Arnav joined them. Khushi saw many kinds of handicrafts there. She liked MACRAME CRAFT HANDBAGS.

“Naniji, I would like to buy these bags”

“Is it?”

“Yeah… I would like to gift them to my friends”

“Take it”

“How much are them?”

“It’s ok, beta”

“No Naniji, you are using the money for this Ashram. I so want to contribute something to your Ashram but I don’t know if you will accept it or not. Please accept it, Nani”

“Ok… keep the money in Devi Maiya’s feet”

Khushi took four five hundred rupees notes and kept them in Devi Maiya’s feet. She took four bags from the collections.

They were ready to leave the Ashram. Nani presented her with a Devi Maiya’s Dollar.

“Keep it… It had been in my prayers for many years. I never thought of giving it to anyone so far. But now… I feel to give it to you”

“Thank you, Naniji” Khushi smiled and touched her feet.

“You will get the life you wished”

Arnav was awed. This girl had magic in her. Without putting in an effort, she simply attacked his kids and Nani. She was simply awesome.

“Shall we go?” Arnav asked.

Khushi nodded yes.

They took Nani’s leave and left the Ashram.

“Is not this bag beautiful?” Khushi asked.

“Yes… these bags are beautiful”

“Do you like it?”

“Yes…”

She gave them those bags.

“Keep it”

“Is it for us?”

“Yes…”

“Really?”

“Really…”

They looked at Arnav who was concentrating on the road.

“Sir… they are seeking your permission”

“I’m not ready to interfere in your friendship. I don’t want to show up as a villain in my kids' eyes by denying you” Arnav said smiling and Khushi chuckled.

“Dad, shall we keep this?”

“Yup”

“Thank you, Dad”

Aarav looked at them making a face.

“Aarav, don’t worry, you will also get what you like, ok?”

Aarav nodded ok delightedly.

“Didi, do you have only two friends?” Shamli asked pointing at the bags in her hand.

“I have many friends. These bags are my favorite friends who are my neighbors”

“Neighbors?”

“Yes… they spend their time at my home in the holidays. I came to Theme Park without their knowledge. They would be upset with me. To get them on track only I bought it for them” She smiled.

“What are their names?”

“Vaishnavi and Vibavi”

“Are they sisters?”

“Yes…”

“Are they working?”

Khushi chuckled.

“No, they are in fifth and fourth standard” She laughed.

Arnav looked at her turning behind.

“Are they children like us?”

“Yes… they are my close friends”

“Don’t you have friends in your age?” Aarav asked and arnav chuckled.

“I have friends in all the age groups…now, your Nani is also myh friend”

“Will Vishnavi and Vibavi be upset with you for being friendly with us?” Shali asked.

“No… they are nice girls. They will become your friends if they get to know you are my friends”

“Will they be at your house all the holidays?”

“Yes…”

Shali stood up from the seat and touched Arnav’s shoulder,

“Dad, shall we go to Khushi Didi’s house on holiday?”

Arnav rolled his eyes.

“Please please…” Shamli joined.

“Say yes, Dad” Aarav pleaded.

“Could you manage all of them together?” Arnav asked looking at Khushi through the rearview mirror.

“I have no problem sir because they are good guys” Khushi tapped their back, making them smile.

Aranv felt so content to see his kids comfortable with Khushi because Khushi was a nice girl with forward thinking. His kids would be brave if they would be friendly with Khushi. He supposed.

They reached Gupta house. Khushi saw two girls waiting for her, outside the GH.

“Are they Vishnavi and Vibavi?” asked Shali.

“Yes…” Khushi said and got off.

“Khushi didi…” Vishnavi and Vibavi rushed to her.

“Did you go to a theme park?” They asked making a face.

Khushi nodded yes.

“Why did you not tell us?”

“I came late yesterday. I didn’t get time to convey it to you…”

“We would have also come with you if you had told us,” they said sadly.

“We will go again…what say?”

“Really?” they were excited.

Khushi nodded yes.

“See, I brought you something”

She gave the bags to them.

“Wow… this is so nice”

Khushi looked inside the car and nodded her head like come here. Shali and Shamli got out of the car.

“They are my friends… Shamli and Shali”

Vishnavi and Vibavi became excited to see twins.

“They are looking the same… then how do you differentiate them?” Vishnavi asked.

Aranv also became curious. Yes… how did Khushi differentiate it when many people struggled to do it? Even their teachers got confused often.

“There is a simple difference between them…” Khushi said.

“What’s that?” Vibavi asked curiously.

“Their face shape. You can find it out if you observe them deeply” She smiled, making Arnav stun.

Yes, their faces had slightly different shapes but it would take time for people to understand it. She was the only one who caught the point of this sooner than anyone.

Sha² and Vi² shook hands and introduced themselves. After bidding bye to them, They left GH.

It seemed getting friendly with kids was not new to Khushi. That was why she easily got friendly with his kids. Arnav supposed.

The children could not stop talking about Khushi. They were so glad to have her company. Arnav drove the car listening to them smilingly. He was happy because his kids were happy…!

To be continued…

 

 

 Part 10 Idea

Garima smiled at Khushi pleasantly. Khushi reciprocated to it.

“How was your day, Khushi?”

“Awesome, Amma,”

“Did the kids enjoy?”

“Yeah… they are so happy,”

“Vaishnavi and Vibhavi were upset with you for not taking them to the Theme Park”

“Yeah, I already met them and consoled them too…” she smiled.

“I don’t know how you are managing kids so easily” Garima raised her brows.

Khushi just smiled.

“Have you had dinner?”

“Yes, Amma”

“You would have… after all, you went with your Boss. How would he let you go without making you eat!”

Khushi nodded yes.

“Ok, beta, you must be tired playing with kids… go and take a rest…”

Khushi nodded ok and went to her room with complete satisfaction to see Garima behaving smoother but she didn’t know why Garima wanted her to sleep earlier. Then only she could wake up her when Naveen would visit GH the next morning.

Changing her clothes, Khushi came to the bed. That was when she got a call from Aman. She attended it smiling.

“Hello, sir”

“Khushi, turn the speaker on. So that, ASR will also listen to me”

“Sir, I’m at my house. He left dropping me”

“When did he drop you?”

“Just now…”

“Oh… that’s why he was not at RM when I called him”

“Didn’t you call him on his mobile?”

“He is not receiving my call”

“He put it on silent when we went to the Ashram”

“Oh… did you go to the Ashram too?”

“Yes, sir”

“How was your trip, Khushi?”

“Fantastic, sir”

“Is it?”

“Yeah… we enjoyed it a lot”

“Oh, my god…” he sighed.

“What happened, sir?”

“You must get ready for another trip”

“Means?”

“Raizada kids are going to do propaganda about their trip to my daughter Archana. She is going to nag me for a trip and torture me to invite you too” he laughed.

“Oh…” Khushi chuckled.

“Actually, I called you to tell you something”

“Yes, sir”

“The famous model, Ganesh Soman gave his date to our Shooting Ad”

“Wow… that’s really great”

“Maybe not for you”

“Why sir?”

“You have to come to the Hotel Hot Heaven tomorrow early in the morning”

“So what, sir?”

“Are not you tired?”

“Of course, yes…but I will become fresh if I sleep tight tonight”

“Wow… that’s nice”

“When will I be there, sir?”

“Morning 7 o’clock”

“Just 7 o’clock? I thought I should be there at 4 am”

“No no… we have his half a day call-sheet only, Khushi. He comes to Delhi from Dubai directly. We should work like a fire. Then only we could complete the shoot”

“Is our Ad team ready, sir?”

“Of course, they are…”

“I will be there on time, sir”

“One more thing…”

“Yes, sir…”

“Food will be provided in the Hot Heaven for all of you”

“Are you sure, sir?”

“Why Khushi?”

“Sir, we are nearly twenty and everyone will get extra stomach if the food is tasty…” Khushi laughed.

Aman also laughed.

“ASR will not care about anything if it is about providing food to others. According to him, everyone deserves good food”

“So nice to hear, sir”

“It’s ASR’s way of treating his staff. He will provide everyone what he eats…no difference…”

“He is really great, sir…”

“Yes… he is…! Ok, Khushi. Take a rest and come to the Shoot all fresh. I should call ASR and let him know the program”

“Ok, sir, good night”

“Good night”

They disconnected the call. Khushi smiled thinking about Arnav’s greatness. She felt proud to be his PA. After setting the alarm, she switched the lights off and slept fixing her mind to leave GH earlier than usual.

 

…….

Arnav stopped the car and looked at the kids who were sleeping. He wondered. The kids who were talking with Khushi non-stop, slept within a few minutes after she was dropped home.

He dialed HP and asked him to come with another servant. He rushed out with his wife Lalitha. Arnav gestured him to pick up Aarav, and Lalitha to Shali. He picked Shamli on his shoulder and walked.

Until they placed them on their beds and came out, Dhadi waited.

“How was your trip, Arnav?”

“It was extremely amazing” he smiled.

“Did you guys meet Devyani?”

“Yes, Dhadi… we visited Ashram two times. We had dinner in the Ashram only”

“Did you guys have dinner in the Ashram? Is it? How did the kids agree to it?” She asked unbelievably.

“They did because Khushi did…”

“Oh…” she amazed.

“She doesn’t want to use a hotel room to get fresh and preferred Ashram. Nani prepared dinner for us. Khushi ate not wanting to disappoint Nani. So, kids didn’t have the choice and eat with Khushi” he smiled.

“She is a nice girl… isn't she?”

“Brilliant and mature too…”

“Yet, kids like her so much…”

Arnav nodded yes.

“She is something…”

Arnav nodded yes. That was when the landline rang. Arnav received it.

“ASR…”

“Haan Aman…”

“ASR, we have an important program tomorrow morning. I got Ganesh Soman’s call-sheet tomorrow”

“That’s great”

“Yeah…but only for half a day”

“No problem. He is an experienced model. Hope he won’t waste time and complete the shoot”

“Hopefully…”

“Is our team ready?”

“Yeah, they are ready and I called Khushi too”

“Is she necessary?”

“Why ASR?”

“She must be tired”

“She happily agreed as the shoot is at 7 o’clock”

Arnav sighed.

“I don’t know how this girl is so different”

“Yes, she is…”

“OK, we will meet tomorrow morning. Good night”

“Good night, ASR”

They disconnected the call. 

 

The next morning

Khushi woke up at 5:30 am and got ready. She came out, taking her helmet. Garima frowned to see her all set to go somewhere.

“Where are you going, Khushi?”

“Hotel the Hot Heaven”

“But why?”

“For our Company’s Suiting’s Ad”

Garima was definitely not happy with her statement. Naveen would come to meet Khushi to give her the Diamond ring. He was already disappointed as he could not meet her the previous day. He would be fed up if he could not see her today also.

“You are already tired… Is it necessary to work hard like this, Khushi?”

“Amma, don’t you know me? One night tight sleep will make me brisk. See, how fresh I’m…”

“I didn’t even prepare you breakfast…”

“Don’t worry, Amma. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided in the Hot Heaven for us”

Garima smiled awkwardly.

“Bye, Amma…” She left GH.

Garima took her phone and dialed Naveen.

“Haan aunty, I’m ready… going to start”

“No, beta… Khushi already went to the office”

“Whaaat? So earlier?”

“It seems, there is an Ad shooting in the Hotel Hot Heaven. She didn’t even eat anything as they will provide food too…”

“Oh…” Naveen’s mind planned something quickly.

“It’s aunty… I will come home in the evening” he said casually.

Garima huffed in relief.

“I’m so impressed with your patience, beta”

“The reason is Love, Aunty”

Garima smiled proudly.

“See you, beta”

“Bye, Aunty” Naveen disconnected the call.

The Hotel Hot Heaven

When Khushi entered the Hotel, Arnav got out of the car in a sandal-color suit with a white shirt and Black tie.

“Good morning, sir”

“Good morning, Khushi.”

“Looking dashing in this suit, sir”

“Oh, thank you… Hope you are all right”

“What happened to me, sir? Do you think I will faint to see you looking dashing?”

Arnav chuckled.

“Kids had a very good time with you…”

“I too had a very good time with them, sir”

“Thanks, Khushi”

“Don’t be formal sir…” she smiled and they saw their team waiting to start the Ad.

“Where is Ganesh Soman?” Arnav asked.

“We are waiting for him only, ASR” Aman said.

“Has not he reached yet?”

“No… he said he would come to the shooting straight from Dubai but he has not…”

Arnav saw the female model waiting with annoyance.

“Have you guys had breakfast?”

“Not yet, ASR”

“Before he comes, finish breakfast,” Arnav said.

Aman nodded ok.

“Guys, let’s have breakfast…”

Arnav and Aman took seats at the first table, whereas Khushi joined the team girls at the next table. They started eating. That was when they saw an actress entering the dining hall.

“Hey, look at her…” one of them said.

“Is not she the one who changed her husband two times…?” another one asked chuckling.

Others nodded yes with a sarcastic smile but Khushi didn’t react.

“I think Khushi likes the actress,” one of them said.

Khushi smiled.

“Is it, Khushi?”

Khushi nodded no.

“But, you don’t react…”

“Why should I? We don’t know what happened in her life. No one would like to divorce the good one. It’s her life. Why would we bother about it when we have ours to concentrate on?”

Other girls became silent. Arnav and Aman looked at each other and smiled, hearing her reply.

“She is an actress. It’s obvious if people talk about her”

“She is an actress. That doesn’t mean we can criticize her personal life. She too has feelings and emotions. For us, it’s just a topic but for her, it’s her life. We will forget her if we start doing our work. Other’s life is not an entertainment to pass our time…”

They sighed and went to wash her hands. Arnav smiled looking at Khushi who continued eating.

It was 10 o’clock. Yet, Ganesh Soman didn’t come. Arnav was losing his patience as his time was getting wasted. Khushi looked at Aman who was tensed like hell. 

“You said we have his call sheet only for half a day. It’s already 10 o’clock. Do you think he will give us extra time?” Arnav asked Aman.

Aman nodded no slowly.

“Cancel the shoot,” Arnav said heating up.

“ASR, we spend a huge amount on this Ad”

“What we can do if he is not coming? Do you want us to wait here until he comes?”

“Shall we try to get a local model and finish the shoot, sir?” Khushi asked.

“It’s not possible in the short time, Khushi” Aman said.

“Something sparkled in Khushi’s mind”

“Sir, why don’t you become a model to this Ad?” Khushi asked Arnav, making him stuck and Aman surprised.

To be continued…