Chapter 14 - The annoyance (Seerat)
Brar Mansion
Sahiba let out a huge breath as she slumped down on the armchairs in the room. The day had been hectic and almost good. She only disliked the part of the day that she had to deal with Seerat. That woman was as exhausting as her mother. Her gaze fell upon the wall-clock. She got up hurriedly to change into something comfortable. There were many designs that she needed to create for the new exhibition. It was a tough job as Angad was truly very particular about some absurd things.
Taking out her comfortable pajamas, her eyes fell on the mirror. Her reflection showed her a new Sahiba. A Sahiba who was willing to fight for herself. Her hand caressed the layer chain, a small smile appearing on her lips. She quickly removed the jewellery before she remembered the earrings - her Bebe's earrings that Angad returned to her today in the office.
Keerat and Sahiba had manged to leave before Akhilesh or Reem could question the very expensive Mercedes and chauffeur when Keerat belonged from a normal middle-class family. There will be questions but Keerat had assured her Sahiba Di that she would manage it.
The car entered the gorgeous building that was Brar Jewellers. The architectural marvel of the building, spanned several stories with glass walls. The exterior showcased sleek lines and a combination of glass, steel, and polished stone, exuding opulence and sophistication.
Lush landscaped surrounded the headquarters, featuring meticulously manicured gardens, vibrant flowerbeds, and artistic water features that created a serene and welcoming ambiance. The entrance was marked by a magnificent canopy, adorned with intricate metalwork and accentuated by subtle lighting, drawing attention to the company's logo.
"Di, this is...." Keerat was lost for words as she looked out the window. She was a bit disappointed as their car entered the private area meant for family. Getting out the car, she said shrewdly, "You don't look shocked."
"I've been here before." Sahiba looked a bit smug, "Entrance maine design karwayi hai. Achi hai na?"
Keerat's jaw dropped before she gave a blinding smile. "Bohot achi hai."
Sahiba laughed, dragging her sister through the back entrance. The moment they entered through the back door, the receptionist noticed them. Standing up hurriedly, she greeted. "Good Afternoon Sahiba Ma'am."
The other receptionists and staff also noticed her at once. They all also stood to greet her. Sahiba gave a small smile at them. She turned to the person who greeted her first. "Good Afternoon Nyra. Is Angad busy?"
"No Ma'am. Sir is in his office but there is another meeting scheduled in two hours."
"Thank you."
Nyra smiled at that while Sahiba pressed the private elevator to reach the topmost floor.
"Aap yeha sab ko jaanti hai kya?"
"Haa." Sahiba nodded, "Angad brought me with him for a week straight to get me used to everything. I work mostly with the R&D team that specializes in design."
Keerat gave a fond smile as Sahiba went on describe the several people she had worked with and the reception she had received from them. Despite not having a formal degree in designing they all had been cooperative and had given her a chance to prove herself. After that, it had been a close bonding.
"How many of people are there in your team?"
"Aakash, Rakhi, Harjot, Daljit and Gurmeet. So, six of us."
Keerat had a glint in her eye, "Will I get to meet them today?"
"Most probably." Sahiba shrugged, "Pehle khana khayenge. Mujhe bohot bhuk lagi hai."
Keerat nodded as her sister opened a door confidently. She was loving this carefree and confident sister that was living her life on her own terms.
The office offered panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape. Large floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the room in natural light, creating a bright and airy ambiance. Keerat felt immediately comfortable. Custom-designed, floor-length curtains with rich fabrics and intricate patterns added a touch of luxury and provided the option for privacy when desired.
The color palette of the office was a combination of warm neutrals and subtle metallic accents. Creamy ivory walls served as a canvas for tastefully placed artwork and framed photographs. Keerat was surprised to see a photo of the reception featuring Sahiba and Angad mounted on the wall.
There were several others including those of the immediate Brar family, excluding the Baweja's and Sandhu's; one for the cousins which again excluded Garry and Kiara; one for Veer and Angad; there was another of just Angad and Sahiba - this one was also from the reception where they were dancing. She had a feeling her Jiju had done some re-decorating in the past month.
Next her gaze fell on the feature wall, adorned with a meticulously curated art installation. The centerpiece of the office was a sleek and imposing executive desk crafted from luxurious, richly grained wood. Keerat had no idea what wood it was other than it being shiny and smooth. Its surface was uncluttered (which she expected. Unlike her sister, her Jiju was systematic) while a few selected decorative items, such as a sculptural art piece and a crystal paperweight added a touch of personal flair.
A plush, oversized leather chair sat behind the desk. Angad was seated there, watching bemusedly as Keerat pursued his office while completely ignoring him.
Adjacent to the desk was a seating area with plush armchairs and a low coffee table. The seating area was adorned with tasteful throw pillows, crafted from sumptuous fabrics that complement the overall color scheme.
Veer was busy in going through some files, sometimes looking up to find Keerat wandering around.
Sahiba was pursuing the designed bookshelf lines on one wall of the office which displayed an impressive collection of carefully curated design books and industry magazines. She looked up when Veer teased Keerat.
"Toh office mei bhatak ne ka shauk mit gaya? Truly Keerat, if I hadn't known you I would have mistaken you for a ghost."
She laughed as Keerat slapped Veer's arms with an annoyed look. Keerat grumbled while Angad chuckled. Veer smiled, his sharp eyes noticing how his brother's eyes continued to shift towards his sister-in-law every few minutes.
"Chal Keerat." Veer snapped his files shut as he stretched his arms over his head, "Tujhe office ghumati hu. Saath mei lunch bhi le aate hai."
Keerat pouted, "Abhi toh beithi main. Mujhe kahi nehi jana."
Veer gave a veiled glare at her, "Chal na Keerat!"
Keerat gave a baffled look as she was dragged away by the youngest Brar in a hurry. Angad gave a nod when Veer gave him a small smile. He knew what his brother wanted to do. He was thankful for the opportunity as well. It had been a few days since he had it with him but he hadn't gotten the right time to return it to it's rightful owner.
Turning his chair around, he noticed wife engrossed in a design book. A small smile played on his lips at her dedicated nature to her work. It always impressed him.
"Sahiba."
Sahiba hummed, flickering her gaze towards him for a few seconds before returning back to her book, "Haa?"
"Sahiba." Angad called firmly, picking the book from her hands. Sahiba's protesting glare faded the moment he placed a pair of earrings in her hand instead of the book. Her eyes widened as she met his eyes dumbfounded.
"Bebe ke jhumke? Aap ke paas kaha se aaye?"
"It took some time to track it down but I managed to get it from the person it was sold to at the end. Keerat helped by telling us the name and address of the jeweller both of you went too."
Sahiba's eyes teared up and she struggled to control her emotions. "I can't....I sold it."
"So what?" Angad raised an eyebrow, "I bought it back. It was yours and it remains yours, Sahiba. You've always given everything for the people who never understood your worth. They aren't worth spilling these tears for." He gently wiped the fallen tears that had spilled from her eyes at remembering what her mother had done. She still hadn't managed to forgive her."They have proved it themselves. Take what is rightfully yours."
Sahiba clutched the earrings with gratitude in her eyes."I know. Thanks."
Angad gave a smile before re-taking his seat and allowing her to compose herself. "We've an invitation for a party in two days."
The conversation flowed amidst them as the topics ranged from the matters at home to the kind of designs that will be required. Angad spoke of finding correct models while working on the presentation of the exhibition. They had several technical things needed to be checked and re-checked. Venue needed to be decided. Right kind of musicals for the show had to be created as well as an organizer had to be hired. In short, Angad and Veer were swamped with work.
Veer and Keerat returned back after half-an-hour bringing with them delicious tandoori chicken for Angad and mouth-watering Chole Bhature for Sahiba. Keerat brought with those some Kulchas and kababs. The foursome had a hearty lunch with some much needed downtime from work.
Sahiba shook her head as she wiped her face of the minimal make up and grabbed the files that had her designs for the exhibition. She had to shift her workroom upstairs from the previous storeroom due to Seerat being a part of her day to day life. She did not want to face that woman if possible and the storeroom was quiet isolated from the rest of the house. She wasn't taking chances with her. Any confrontation in full view would be far preferable. She had enough of people accusing her falsely. Jasleen and Prabhjyot had stopped trying to ridicule her when she would shut them down with scathing remarks to their own incompetence. Not to mention no one would support them when they spoke.
Closing the door to her room, she left. Sahiba did not notice a pair jealous filled eyes watching her.
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Seerat stepped into the room with tentative steps. A jealous looked crossed her face as she was greeted by a spacious and open layout, flooded with natural moonlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows. The room was tastefully designed with a neutral color palette, combining shades of gray, white, and earthy tones to create a serene and calming atmosphere.
That wasn't how Angad's room was when she was his fiance. It must have been Sahiba's work to change it. She clutched her designer dupatta, exploring with hesitant steps and resentful gaze.
There was a large, inviting bed positioned against a backdrop of a beautifully textured feature wall. The bed had plush bedding, adorned with soft throw pillows and a cozy blanket. She noticed a bag kept on the bed. Immediately touching it, she noticed the label. Chanel. A frustrated look crossed her face at the international brand. It was immensely grating for her to see her sister using such high-class expensive products while Garry did not even give her a single gift.
She turned around frustrated noticing the gorgeous looking seating area featuring a comfortable pair of cozy armchairs. There were two sets of coffee mugs kept and a beautiful figurine of a nymph. Seerat had a feeling it was made by Sahiba.
Throwing the bag on the bed, she looked around. Leading off from the seating area, sliding glass doors revealed a balcony that overlooked the garden. It was designed as an extension of the room. It was furnished with a chic outdoor lounge set, complete with plush cushions and a low coffee table.
It had not been a part of Angad's room from what she had known. Again, it must have been Sahiba's choice. The more she looked, the more she noticed that Angad and Sahiba had moved on. She hated how her sister was having the better life after she snatched it away from her.
She went inside the dressing room only to surprised at the amount of designer sarees, branded jeans, formals, skirts, dresses and jewelries there. It made her see red. She was supposed to be the one who got to have all this -- the riches, the praises, the expensive jewellery and the designer clothes.
Sahiba had been away all day with Angad and Veer. She wore fashionable clothes in front of Daarji. She talked back to Jasleen and Prabhjyot and no one said anything! In one month, her sister had completely changed.
Aside from all this, another thing made her spiteful. Seerat was the one who had married for love. Yet it was her sister living a good and happy life. She had also noticed how Angad and Sahiba had sneaked out from the living room.
Today had been her first day in the Brar Mansion. No one had paid her an iota of attention. Instead, she, a new bride was ignored with not a single ritual done. There was no talk of a reception or a get together to introduce her like Sahiba had been proudly shown off. Her wedding had been the most low-key affair possible with absolute no guests. Even every family member were not present.
Seerat could not tolerate the on-goings anymore. The moment Sahiba returned she would question her. Sahiba had too much support within the family so she would have to confront her in privacy. With that in thought she decided to wait in their room. If only she knew how much this decision would cost her.
She turned around only for her eyes to widen at seeing a furious Sahiba and a blank faced Angad.
A shiver ran down her spine. She had barely any time to protest before Sahiba had grabbed her arm and dragged her out of the dressing room.
"Sahiba, meri baat sun. Mujhe tujhse baat karni hai akele mei. Isliye mei tera wait kar rahi thi." Seerat tugged at her hand which was held in a very tight grip as her sister dragged her down to the living room. "Kya kar rahi hai tu? Lag rahi hai mujhe! Sahiba!"
Seerat stumbled as her sister nearly threw her down on the sofa. She watched as members gathered around with a baffled or interested look on their faces. Seerat immediately snatched the opportunity.
"Dekh tune kya kiya!" Seerat showed her wrist which had red lines on them, "Itna jor se khichne ki kya zaroorat thi? Mai toh sirf tumse baat karna chahti thi."
Seeing the marks, Jasleen taunted Manveer, "Dekh lijiye Parjai. Apki ladli bahu kya kar rahi hai. Look how she injured Seerat. I'm sure you would find faults in Seerat instead of Sahiba even in this case."
"Aise kaise Jassi Di." supported Prabhjyot, "Sabko yeha pe proof dikh raha hai."
"Parjai." Garry stepped forward, "Yeh kya kar rahi hai aap? Kitna laga hai Seerat ko."
He nearly flinched when Sahiba turned to him. She gave him a look-over before dismissing him. It had him bit the inside of his cheeks to not react rashly.
Her gaze turned towards Prabhjyot next. "Hogaya taane maarna? Aap logo ki ek bohot ajeeb adaat hai. You speak without even knowing what is happening." Her eyes flickered towards a sleepy looking Prince, "Apne bete ke upar dhyan dijiye aur Prince ko yeha se le jayiye. Yeha pe jo tamasha suru hone wala hai uski puri details apko Hansraj fufa dei denge." Prabhjyot looked furious at being ordered while Hansraj averted his eyes at her next sentence, "Waise bhi unke paas aur koi kam hai toh nehi."
"Sahiba." Manveer interrupted. "Seerat ne kya kiya hai?"
"Uski puri detail aap ko Angad de dega." Sahiba turned to Manveer, her eyes softening. "Aap unke paas jayiye, Mumma. Bohot gusse mei hai wo."
Manveer's eyes widened before she immediately left for her son. Inder remained there to support Sahiba which made Manveer gave him a grateful smile. Gurleen also ordered Ekam to leave but she stubbornly refused. Sighing she gave a warring glance to Sahiba who nodded in response to her unasked request.
She ignored everyone else for the wary-looking Seerat who was getting a bit unnerved at the way Sahiba nearly controlled the household. She gulped when her sister faced her looking even more furious than before.
"This is the first and the last time I'm repeating this Seerat. I don't know if Jasleen bua had told you or not but in this house, a room is a very personal thing. No one goes into another's room without permission. You violated the rule." Sahiba seethed while the sane members of the family looked grim.
Gurleen frowned with a disapproving look at Jasleen, "Jasleen Di, apne bataya nehi Seerat ko yeh sab? Agar Papaji ko pata chala toh woh gussa karenge."
Jaspal agreed with her with a supportive look. "Sahi kaha. Papaji ko nehi pata chalna chahiye Sahiba beta."
Jasleen gritted her teeth at their words. Kiara rolled her eyes not caring about Seerat at all while Garry glared at her.
"Unhe pata chalega bhi nehi." Sahiba gave an agreeing nod. She turned towards Seerat who looked like she was about to talk but she did not give her a chance. "Even if I understand that perhaps your mother-in-law failed to inform you some basic rules of the house, why did you remain in my room when you did not find me there? What were you even doing in my dressing room?"
That elicited some gasps from everyone. Even Jasleen frowned. Seerat realized after some moments had passed that everyone was waiting for an answer. She stammered, "Woh...mujhe laga main wahi wait karungi tumhara." She became a bit defensive when she saw Sahiba staring at her blankly, "Problem kya tha usme? Behen hai tu meri. I could wait in your room till you returned." She completely ignored the dressing room part.
"Behen?" Sahiba's voice had turned dangerously low. "Tu kis haak se mujhe behen keh rahi hai, Seerat?"
"Haak?" Seerat seemed confused at her words, "Arey behen toh hai hum. Khoon ka rishta hai humara."
"Where did this relation go when I was insulted in front of you from the very start by your then so-called fiance and his family?" Sahiba's words stunned everyone.
Angad and Manveer who had arrived a few moments back when Gurleen had been expressing her worry froze at those words. Angad gulped, closing his eyes tightly at those words. Manveer's face was blank. Inder gave a reassuring glance at both of them.
"Where was this relation when you and your mother created problems for me? Where was this relation when I asked you both to stop what you were doing? Where was this relation when accusations were thrown at me?" Sahiba scoffed with blank eyes that made Seerat immensely uncomfortable. "Tu mujhe khoon ka rishta sikha rahi hai? Tu? Tujhe rishton ki ehmiyat bhi pata hai? Ek baat kaan kholke sunle Seerat. Main teri iss ghar mei sirf aur sirf Jethani hu. Behen ka rishta toh tune bohot pehle swaha kar diya hai!"
Seerat's eyes widened at those words.
Sahiba continued, "One more thing. I'm letting this matter go for this one time but if next time I find you anywhere near my room and touching my things then, Raab de vaastey, I won't let you stay in this house. Got it, Devrani ji?"
"And I will make sure that those words are fulfilled."
Angad's words provided the ultimatum while Sahiba glanced at him with surprise in her eyes. She controlled her emotions in time before anyone could catch her. She did not notice that her perceptive husband had noticed her reaction. Sahiba left after that with Angad following right behind her. Manveer glared at Jasleen and Seerat before disappearing with the rest of their immediate family.
Angad called out, catching up to her within a few long strides. "Sahiba!"
"Not now. Please." She pleaded. "Can we talk about this later? I just need some time alone."
"Of-course." Angad's gaze softened. "I just...I'm sorry."
"You've repeated it enough times." Sahiba gave a small smile. "I've come to terms with it. While it wasn't okay for you to treat me the way you had before, I wouldn't hold it against you now. Just...please." She gestured for him to leave as she entered her workroom beside his office in their floor of the Mansion.
"I'll bring you dinner in an hour." He promised making Sahiba give him another smile before she went inside closing the door behind her. He sighed. He knew something like this would have happened. It had been building up for a long time.
Shaking his head, he decided to surprise her for dinner.
Later on Manveer found Angad baking a pastry in the kitchen in concentration and she smiled fondly.
Morning time, two days later
After a long while Sahiba had felt calm and relaxed. She had made breakfast for everyone. It had made the Brar's happy. None of them cared about the Baweja and Sandhu's irritable looks. Seerat had been glaring at her for the past two days but she had been busy in her designs and the upcoming exhibition to care about her.
Breakfast was nearly done when Angad turned to Sahiba, "Be ready by six." She gave a distracted nod. He frowned a bit before asking again, "Kya pehnogi waise?"
Sahiba pursued her lips in thought before she gave a nonchalant shrug. "Pata nehi."
"Pata nehi?" He sputtered while Veer muffled his laugh. He had noticed the mischievous gleam in his Parjai's eyes. "The dinner party is today Sahiba."
"I know." She said with a casual tone. "I'll find something to wear by the afternoon."
Angad looked like he would have a heart attack right there. Manveer interrupted them with a fond smile, "Beta, designers sei keh diya hai maine. They would have her clothes with them."
"Mumma!" Sahiba pouted."Sara maaza kharab kar diya aapne."
Angad pinched the bridge of his nose giving off a mixture of fondness and annoyance at her antics. Manveer chuckled. Seerat looked like she had swallowed a lemon.
A staff approached them. "Sahiba Ma'am."
"Haa Roshan?"
"Keerat Ma'am is here."
Sahiba gave a nod to bring her in while she got up from the breakfast table. She wondered what had brought Keerat here so early in the morning. She laughed a bit when Keerat came rushing in and greeted her with a hug.
"Di." Keerat was dressed for college, her I.D card swung from her neck as she quickly brought out some papers for Sahiba who watched with a baffled look. "Yeh lo papers. Sign karne hai aapko."
Sahiba frowned a bit taking a seat on the adjoining living room. Going through the papers she realized it was permission for an excursion trip.
"Di, jaldi karo na!" Keerat whined, watching her sister read through the entire set of papers. "I will get late for college."
"Ek second." Sahiba shushed her with a stern glare. "Tell me, how many of you're going? Are your friends coming?"
"Haan! Our entire group is going."
"Group?" Angad walked in looking over Sahiba's shoulder to get a quick glimpse of the form, "Kitne saarey friends hai tere?"
"Akhilesh, Reem, Varun, Mihir and Kushal. So, five?" shrugged Keerat, taping her fingers incessantly. She stopped the moment Sahiba glared at her. Angad gave an amused smile.
"Call Akhilesh."
Keerat pouted immediately. "Di! Bacchi thodi hu. Call karne ki kya zaroorat hai?" She did call him with an annoyed look while the other family members joined them.
After two days of silence, Seerat couldn't stop herself from commenting. "Tu yeha kya kar rahi hai Keerat?"
Keerat spoke rudely, "Tujhse milne toh ayi nehi hu. Tu aapni naak apne paas rakh. Meri life mei ghusane ki zaroorat nehi hai." Seerat's eyes widened as she fumed.
On the other hand the call connected and a male voice sounded. "Haa Keerat, bol."
"Akhilesh." Sahiba called out, "I am Sahiba. Keerat's sister."
"Oh! Ms Gorgeous Superhero! Kahiye."
Angad who had been standing right behind her managed to here that and his eyes narrowed at the address. Veer raised an eyebrow at his reaction wondering what had made his brother narrow his eyes at his Parjai.
Sahiba gave a fond smile, "Are you going on the trip? I don't want to send Keerat alone."
"Yeah!" Akhilesh replied, "I've been meaning to ask her that. She is going right? Our entire group is going! Please Di, let her come."
Sahiba gave a nod at Keerat making her sigh in relief, "She'll come." She handed the phone to Keerat, who mumbled something before cutting the call. While Sahiba signed the papers, Angad asked, "Waise excursion hai kaha pe?"
"Delhi." Keerat replied promptly looking quiet excited. "Three days and two nights trip. I'm so excited."
"Bas bas!" Veer sat down beside her as he teased, "Itni excitement sehat ke liye sahi nehi hai. Be careful! What if you fall sick before the trip?"
Keerat took a pillow and slapped him with it over his arm. "Kuch acha nehi bol sakte?" Veer gave her a mock hurt look which she ignored with a huff of anger.
"Can I ask something beta?" Gurleen asked as she looked at the pair of sisters with a baffled look. Keerat nodded, "Haan kahiye na Aunty."
"Surely the papers need a guardian's signatures?" Keerat nodded at that already guessing what the question would be as she replied, "Haan Aunty. I'm here to get that guardian signature." She gestured at Sahiba who gave a tight-lipped smile to Gurleen whose eyes widened in astonishment.
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