Chapter 6

Seated on the sofa, Nupur and Mayank were engrossed in some deep discussion. Gunjan stood quietly in the corner of the living room.

What will they think about this?' she wondered.

She had let it out. The truth was something else. She was not on a long vacation. She had got transferred to Mumbai. Recession had hit the US economy hard, which sadly included McGuire Group, the firm she worked for. At one point of time, she feared losing out on her job. Until she got the news last month.

The employers had changed. The firm had been taken over by an Indian conglomerate. The Shergill Group of Industries. And all old employees had been retained.

"So, you've got transferred to Mumbai?" Nupur asked with a very serious tone.

Gunjan was still tensed. She just nodded.

"And you're telling this now ... So many things happened and you didn't even make a sound. How could you, Gunjan? ... Bauji ... I understand. But me? ... Why did you keep it from me? Am not I your sister? ... Was I going to eat you or what, eh? Explain me. Why at all you didn't tell me. Speak." Nupur was aghast at her sister's secrecy.

"Nupur! Calm down. Why are you shouting at her?" Mayank tried to handle the situation.

"Then what should I do? She just loves to keep secrets from us."

"It's not like that, Nupur. She didn't wish to make you tensed. Isn't it Gunjan?"

Nupur shot a glare at him.

Gunjan's face was down casted, with guilt etched all over the face. And he didn't like it a bit.

"Nupur! You come with me." He took her with him to her bedroom.

Gunjan had no idea about what was on Mayank's head yet she couldn't think anything else other than her Di's hurt.

'She is upset because of me. Why didn't I tell her earlier?' She reproached herself.

A good ten minutes had passed when Mayank came back.

"Gunjan!"

Gunjan turned.

"You know no, Nupur is really hyper about these emotional stuff. Don't mind her words."

"I really don't mind it, Mayank. Actually, it's my fault. I shouldn't have hid it from her at least."

"I understand your intentions. You don't need to explain."

"But Mayank ... Di is upset ... because of me. And she didn't even go for her date. I am sorry."

"Gunjan, you don't need to say sorry. Nupur is a drama queen. By God! You will see by the time we finish this tete-a-tete, she will come rushing down the stairs, all dolled up for the date."

Gunjan smiled a bit.

"Actually, I was thinking about my transfer. Will it be okay with Bauji, when he comes to know?"

"Obviously. He will be very proud of you. In fact, he already knows it. I informed him about the same a few minutes back. And guess what, he was beaming with joy. He even told me to convey his message to you. So, just stop worrying, okay. You got your job back, right, that's enough. Now, relax."

"What did he say?"

"He said, '"See, you had faith in Him and He listened to your prayers. Now, be thankful to Him and make yourself ready for your next set of action. May you always be successful in your life. My wishes are always with you."'. So, anymore queries, dear?"

"Nothing. I was just scared that I may let Bauji down but I am glad that he still prides over me. But Di?"

"Gunjan! See this and tell me, how do I look?" enquired a beaming Nupur, who came rushing down the stairs.

"I told you, no?" Asked Mayank with a mischief in his eyes. Gunjan giggled at this.

"Can anyone tell me what's going on? And by the way, you're going to give us a treat too, By God!"

"Okay, Di! I will give. But let me tell you that you're looking no less than an angel."

Saying so, Gunjan went and hugged Nupur. Mayank too joined. Everyone was happy for Gunjan.

So was Gunjan.

She was not alone anymore. Her family and friends were there for her. But Samrat... what's with him? 

She will figure out soon, she hoped.

*******

Some things are just not easy as they seem to be. Mending strained relationships are just one of them. No doubt, the family was back together yet there was something missing. Mr. & Mrs. Shergill had a huge task upon them. Their son still hated them. Fourteen years have passed away since that painful event. Yet he still holds grudge.

Reason? Their separation.

She still remembers how the kids used to plead to let them meet each other. But their dad didn't let them do so. Suhaani was left behind with her in London while Samrat was taken away by their dad to Paris. After all he was the sole heir to his empire.

Later, she got to know that he had been sent away to a boarding school in India the following year. No contact. Nothing remained thereafter.

By the time she realised their folly, it was quite late. But she wished to make amends. Two years back, she started her penance, which eventually bore fruit. Suhani got her bhai back and he forgave his mom at her behest. Only on her insistence, he invited Mr. Shergill to stay with them. Though he still shows him the cold shoulder.

And now he stood before her, a cold figure with no expressions on his face.

"Mom, I am going to the office. Please tell Mr. Shergill to be ready for the meeting at 9."

"Samrat, why can't you address him as dad? And why can't you tell him this yourself? Why do you have to be so stubborn?"

"Sorry, Mom. But I just can't do that."

"But Samrat..."

"And yes, tell Suhaani that she will be getting her gift this evening. I am very happy that she passed with a distinction." He knew how to change the topic.

Soon he left, thinking of his next encounter with Mr. Shergill in the office.

Indrani was not at all pleased by his defiance. But she can't blame him. Ever since she got to know about his best friend, she knew what was eating him from inside. She couldn't see him in so much gloom.

'He has suffered a lot already. Now why is He testing him again and again ... Let him get his friend and his dad back.'

That's the only thing she wished right now.