Chapter 9
Chapter #35
A satisfied expression on his face, Shaurya signed off Facebook, and then turned his attention to the breakfast that had been delivered to his room this morning just as he finished chatting with Mehek. As he poured the coffee, that was thankfully piping hot, he speculated what the nature of his and Mehek's next communication would be, once she discovered the actual lengths he would go, to achieve what he wanted. Which Mehek would he be responding to tonight: a totally shell-shocked one, or the spirited woman who was unafraid of nothing, least of all going head to head with the likes of him. Would she even wait to contact him, he wondered? He hoped not, he thought with a smirk of anticipation. One way or another, their conversation should be enlightening.
Reaching for the small pitcher of almond milk he had ordered, to cut down the acidity of the strong brew he had admittedly was addicted to, he was left wanting, as it was nowhere to be found. He grimaced, knowing very well that he couldn't blame Awara for the oversight, it was a new request, prompted by Mehek's concern over the amount of the acrid beverage he lived on, being detrimental to his health. Still, it's absence meant that he would have to venture downstairs which he hadn't planned on, until it was time to leave to head over to White Chili's for lunch. The events of the previous day, had meant that he had no choice but to hit the ground running as soon as his flight landed, to prevent matters from getting any more out of hand. He had barely time enough to shower at his office and change before the meeting at the station. And afterwards, he had not stopped until he had confirmed that everything was in place to apprehend Uday and remove him from society. It had meant an arrival home far later than he had anticipated: much, much later. Truthfully, after everything he had to contend with, which had done nothing to prevent the extreme jet-lag he was suffering, he probably would be better off taking his coffee black, today at least. He seriously contemplated it for a minute, before deciding that it wasn't worth the risk of annoying Mehek when she inevitably asked whether he had kept his word. Compromise was the name of the game with his love, so off to the kitchen he would need to go. Even modified, he was in dire need of the pick-me up of the liquid caffeine would provide this morning. Thankfully, when he opened the door to leave his room, he found the answer to his dilemma in the form of his mother holding a small tray.
"On my way upstairs, I intercepted Awara who told a most incredible tale, of you requesting some almond milk for your coffee. I was convinced that he was mistaken, after all, as the Shaurya Khanna I know lives for the jet-fuel' he claims gets him going every day. It's not much, barely a dollop or two, but the fact that it was asked for; I find most extraordinary, beta. That, and the fact that my only child had not even bothered make himself known to his parents despite returning to India 24 hours ago were questions requiring answers. Naturally, I was inclined to make this delivery myself.
Karuna smiled as her handsome son bent in front of her and balanced the slight tray in one hand so that she could confer her blessings on him. In return, Shaurya took the dish from his mother and placed it on the closest surface, in order to greet his mother with the hug she deserved.
"Maa, I'm home, he said unnecessarily.
"So I see, beta, she responded laughingly. "And in such joyful spirits. America appears to have agreed with you, Shaurie. I would have thought that you would have been anxious to advise me of this...yesterday.
Shaurya sobered. "I would have, barring the issue that required my immediate attention; problems that required a speedy resolution.
"Do I want to even know Shaurya, the woman worriedly asked.
"Not today, Maa. Suffice to say, I have eradicated any chance of future issues from that corner and have safeguarded your bahu from any similar problems at the same time.
"Aacha, so I am to get a bahu sometime in the future, Shaurie? Is the Khanna charm that potent?
"Nahi Maa, hardly. I am just blessed to have found the most beautiful, intelligent, understanding...
"Oh, how the mighty have fallen, to be spouting such accolades, or is just that my to-be daughter-in-law is perfection personified?
Shaurya guffawed. "Perfect: not in the slightest. She did not give me an easy time at all, Ma. One thing for sure, Mehek is no shrinking violet.
"Good, Karuna answered. "You need a woman who will stand up to Shaurya. I am happy that everything has worked out, between the two of you, beta. However, there is a vast difference between swaying a young woman already in love and securing approval from a protective family. They won't be easily convinced to entrust their daughter to you Shaurya. You haven't been exactly clean-handed in your dealings with the Sharmas.
She didn't have to remind him, but neither could he afford to dwell on the mistakes of his past other than doing everything he had to, in order to amend for his wrong-doings. "I am fully expecting a battle, he conceded. "But she is worth it Maa. Whatever I must do, then I shall.
*********
Despite the brisk lunch trade, the day hostess was able to attend to her boss when he arrived to inform him that his guests had come early, and had already been seated. Vaguely, Shaurya thanked her, and then headed for the restaurant's open planned kitchen. Soothing his temperamental head chef, was of the first order. Bhai had already advised him how miffed Karan had been over his employer's alleged behavior towards the young chef that had made such an impression on him, and today of all days he needed the man in top form. It didn't take long, specifically when he let it be known that his special guests where Mehek's kin, and his prospective in-laws.
"Nothing will go wrong, Shaurya. Their meal will make up for some of the chaos you have created.
"Appreciated, Karan, Shaurya replied with a nod before he turned away to take the staircase up to begin his efforts to appease those closest to Mehek.
Entering the private dining room to a slow clap: a mocking act that practically dripped with sarcasm, apprised Shaurya of the exact mood of the youngest of his guests. It was not unexpected for the most tempestuous of all of the Sharma siblings to be upset. If anything, this was actually a much milder reaction than he had expected. However, it was still early; Nehal would have plenty chance to amplify her spitfire reactions. She he noticed, along with her brooding brother, and their close friend, had declined sitting at the tastefully set dining table. They stood in front of it, presenting a united front, against the man, they were convinced had wronged their family.
"You see, the saying is true. Criminals do always return to the scene of their crimes. He probably enjoys it more than most, knowing he has this perfect little den of inequity where he can seduce innocent women. First disrespect the woman, and then insult her family by bringing them to the very place where the affront occurred. Real smooth Shaurya Khanna: real smooth. Her hands flailing, she approached Shaurya aggressively.
So focused was he on Nehal's advance; it wasn't until Mohit's hand landed, did Shaurya realize that the man had moved at all.
"For my cousin, you bas***d.
Catching Nehal's smug expression, Shaurya wondered if the Sharma cousins had planned their mode of attack as soon as he issued the invitation. He gave Mohit the respect he had earned for defending his older cousin's honor, by nodding his head to the younger man, who warily eyed him for any sign that he would retaliate. Fair enough, Shaurya thought, in all likelihood he deserved that. He suspected, however, that whatever enjoyment the man had derived from slapping him, was straight away negated, when Sonal, ever the peacemaker, insisted that Mohit apologize.
"Why did you do that? You said you would hear him out Mohit...both of you, she exclaimed, not sparing Nehal from her admonition.
"Well, we wanted to make sure he understood our position from the get-go, Nehal countered, obstinately folding her arms. "Now we will listen to what he has to say. Although I doubt it that there is anything he can say that can excuse what he has done.
"Not a damn thing, Mohit confirmed.
"If that's the case, then the two of you may as well go downstairs, enjoy the lunch you were promised and wait until the adults finish talking.
Shaurya's eyes narrowed as the voice came from the table he thought deserted. Unlike the fits of tempers which he totally anticipated, this was something he hadn't expected, nor felt quite prepared for.
"Shaurya, I assume you can accommodate a table for three in your restaurant, can't you? Not waiting for an answer, the woman continued. "Sonal, beta, I'm sorry that you are going to be saddled with these two, but your presence is the only assurance I have that these two will behave themselves. Now get going the three of you.
"Haan PD, the young woman responded, waiting as her sullen chums preceded her down the stairs.
"Ask our hostess to seat you at table #3. Order whatever you wish, Shaurya whispered to Sonal as she passed. Resigned, he turned and faced the elderly woman who, clearly, on discovering her grandchildren's prearrangement, had weaseled her way into attending the gathering. He approached her and folded his hands. "Namaste PD.
Mehek's grandmother deterred the young man from seeking her blessing with an upheld hand. Haughtily, she directed him to the chair across from her. Once he had taken his seat, she clasped her hands before her. "Shaurya Khanna, your restaurant is very nice, and this private dining area particularly lovely. Everything Nehal mentioned, is quite plausible in such an environment. You brought my Laddoo here, she stated plainly, "And a few days later she leaves home...indefinitely.
Not an overstated accusation, but one all the same.
Shaurya thought it wise, not to bring attention to the specifics of Mehek's work contract that would have kept the chef away from home anyway. He imagined to the great-grandmother time was relative, and in her advanced age, three years would seem an eternity apart from her grandchild.
"I watched your interview, and of course I could not help but overhear my grandchildren's speculations. I have not heard from my Laddoo is some weeks now, which lends to the fact that either she has not wished to call home after her abrupt departure, or much of her time has been occupied by something... or someone. She paused then letting her words sink in with the young man. "And now you are back, hoping to manipulate my other children to your way of thinking...to gather allies for a much bigger fight if I'm not mistaken. That was your first miscalculation, beta.
A waiter interrupted, when he came to see if they were ready to select their meals. They made short work of the placing their orders and were soon left alone again. Shaurya took a quick sip of his beverage, before he spoke. "Perhaps you could explain where I have gone wrong, PD, Shaurya asked honestly.
"I don't think I have enough time for that young man. Suffice to say, I would think that you of all people have now come understand how your actions can come back to haunt you. You want my Laddoo, she stated, making no bones of her awareness of his aim, "and even if your intentions are honorable which is yet to be seen, and even if there are mutual feelings involved, you know she will not stand against her family. To have her, you need our acceptance. Choosing an indirect approach to begin your campaign was good in theory. I imagine that it's a process that has helped you succeed in the past. The path of least resistance if often the quickest way to victory. And it was natural to expect that the youngest members of the family would be the most malleable. But the one thing you've discounted is their allegiance to their sister. No matter how good your intentions, their loyalties will ever be with her. Nothing you can relay will mean a thing, until Mehek's gives them her side. What you have perceived as the weakest link is the complete opposite, beta. You would be better in justifying yourself to me Shaurya Khanna. So dear boy, is there a tale you wish to tell today, bearing in mind that you have until the end of my meal to convince me of what you wish to be known?
"It's quite a convoluted story, Shaurya admitted, recognizing that he had been outmaneuvered. "Would I at least be as fortunate as to hope that you have a hearty appetite today?
The elderly woman smiled. "Oh, I'm afraid not beta. Quite the contrary to tell the truth. You see after a certain age a lady has to watch what and how much she takes in, particularly when she is watching her figure. Behind the young man's back, she saw the waiter returning. "It would be in your best interest to begin quickly and do be as convincing as possible, beta.
*******
"I don't quite understand; I am being sent home?
"Consider it a secondment of sorts Mehek; a collaboration with Disney's latest partner. You will represent Disney of course during whatever shootings of India's Super Cook are determined necessary, but more so you, along with Mr. Khanna, and Chef Malik, at date, to be agreed upon, will drum up interest for the next incarnation of the cooking show via a block of press junkets and public appearances in India. As the corporation has decided to underwrite the initial season of India's Super Cook America, we have a vested interest insuring its success. Your going home will lay the foundation for this, Mehek. Perhaps it is time for you to realize the star quality that you have, my dear; both of you actually, Jack added lest the senior Chef also present, feel slighted.
"I didn't sign up for this, Jack. I'm an executive chef not some want to be tv celebrity.
Malik pushed back when she couldn't, frankly still stupefied over the notice of her new duties. She actually did not know how she felt about this. Had Shaurya planned this all along? Was the man that Machiavellian to have manipulated these results? What was she just some pawn in his schemes?
"We respect that, Chef Malik, and ultimately the choice will be yours. However as per the stats we discussed earlier, you and Chef Mehek make a formidable team, and all parties involved agree in that it would only be right that Disney's interests are to be on an equal footing in this project. While it was our intention at any rate, it was actually Shaurya Khanna, who suggested your inclusion, Malik. He recognized the quality of the two of you immediately.
"So, in essence, you are saying this was all Shaurya Khanna's idea?
Beside him, Malik noticed that Mehek had gripped the armrest of her chair. He hoped to God that his question would not lead to an answer that would devastate her.
"I don't think the idea of Disney getting involved with his series was even a consideration. Undoubtedly, it was a tipping point when it was presented to him during our negotiations. Frankly it is a win-win situation for both entities, his for obvious reasons, and Disney's for both securing an internationally known addition to our dining offering as well as the added market exposure the series will provide. Naturally, we want the best to be involved, which we deem to be you and Mehek. I'm certain Malik you will satisfied with the final terms. The executive then turned his attentions to the younger chef. "Rest assured Mehek, this isn't some banishment, we will need you back as soon as possible so we can begin revamping some our menus, but ideally you do see the merit in this opportunity, don't you? If nothing else it will make for added time with your loved ones, which is never a bad thing, if I'm not mistaken.
**PING**
*** It has been brought up to my attention that this new development in my career does give me the opportunity to break up with you in person, if I so choose.
***Jaan, I wouldn't heed that advice, considering the source is a man troubled by his failed love-life.
*** How could I deny the chance of having you back, even for a short while. At least then I will be able to breath properly.
*** Just go away Shaurya.
***You contacted me Dost, remember... early at that.
*** And yes, I love you too. Talk to you later, Jaan?
*** You'll be lucky, Mr. Khanna
*** I already am, Dost... the luckiest man in the world...I have you.
[NOCOPY]
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