Chapter 4

Chapter 4

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[NOCOPY]

“That night, I went with Sameera. I agree, I spent the whole night with her and any wife will not tolerate this. But you knew I would have not even placed my hand on her. You knew you had that power on me, which I tried to deny and tried proving you wrong. But you had faith. It was not the first time that I left that way with her, I had been doing that stupidity in anger and you knew it. Phir kya baat ho gayee uss din, that you left me to not come back”

“Sazaa jaroori thi meri, per Aise? You left me to survive without my breath”

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Meera had a meeting with Misty and Chetan to kick off the project. Adi asked Meera for a meeting with him before she goes to the meeting with ‘Ad with Us’

“Yes Adi tell me the reason of this meet”

“Meera, are you thinking the same as me”

Meera did not want to give any idea to anyone before she herself confirms.

“I am talking about Misty Khurana. I have seen Maan sir’s wife’s huge portrait in the office. Not only me, but anyone who has seen his office will recognize her”

Meera thought for a while “I have been seeing her huge portrait in his bedroom since I came to this house after marriage. And now, in London, his room has only her huge portrait in name of decoration. But any other decoration piece cannot compete with her beautiful pic”

“Should we not let Maan Sir know?”

“No Adi. We are sure that she is Geet but still before she confirms we cannot let anyone know. Also, She had left him on her own. It was her decision. I have to know her view, her will. If she means so much to Veerji, I have to respect her wish and happiness. Also being a woman, I cannot disrespect her decision.”

“You are right. I can only see Maan sir’s pain and looking for a way to get him out of it”

“That’s my wish as well Adi but Geet is the priority for not only Veerji but my whole family. So her wishes come above Veerji’s”

Adi nodded and got up “Let me know if I am needed in any way” “Sure”

Meera entered the office of ‘Ad with Us’ and looked at the modern setup of the office. It was nowhere as magnificent as Khurana Enterprise but for its own size a good office setup.

“Veerji will be so proud of you Geet, oops Misty. He cannot even imagine that you would be here, in this position. He still imagines you as a meek village girl and is so worried how you would be living all alone. But you are doing so well.”

She kept thinking as she reached the conference room

“Hi Chetan, Hi Misty”

“Hi” “Hi” they greeted her.

They started with talking about business. Meera intentionally first started with the topic of finance and marketing which would mainly involve Chetan.

“Okay, Meera, as per our discussion on initial kick off, I will start talking with my team”

Meera looked at Misty “I think now we can start the creative part of it” She moved her hand towards Misty

“So, you take the lead”

Chetan got up “Okay ladies, I will take the leave. With the best person in this field, staying here makes no sense. I will go and better utilize my time in something I am better at”

Meera and Misty started the creative approach of discussion. Meera kept giving the point but mostly Misty was the one who took the lead and explained how the first phase should go. Meera anyway just wanted to listen to the girl who held control of Veerji’s heart.

After an hour when she felt Misty has opened up with her, Meera casually poked the question

“You have such a great vision and approach. Looks like you took your passion as your career”

Misty smiled, “I took it as I figured out that I was good at it. But true, because I was good at it, I developed passion for it and fell in love with this career”

“Hmmm…” Misty gave no indication of Geet. Meera had to dig in with care.

“I was interested in business and so pursued it. It made me excel as I pursued my passion. To talk about passion, what was you passion”

Misty smiled. What could she say, she had only one passion since childhood - to spend her life with him. Only him and things related to him was her passion. She was a good student but had only dreamt of him.

“Don’t tell me you have no passion. I can say by your vision and talk, you are a very passionate person.” She took a pause “It’s okay if you don’t want to share. I thought it will be a healthy working environment if we work on friendly note, rather than vendor and client mode”

Misty felt bad about her behavior. She is a client yet trying to make the environment non formal.

“No, Miss Meera” “Mrs.” “ohh, i am sorry.” They laughed when Meera hinted at a personal question but Misty let it pass in casula gesture.

Meera realized, getting things out from Misty will not be an easy task.

They took a break and again started discussing the approach.. They were planning for audio, visual, static, poster Ads with different scenarios, themes and how the campaign will proceed. It was just the first day so they only discussed the feel of it and Meera gave an idea of what she was expecting.

It was pretty late when their meeting ended

“Mrs. Meera”

“Meera. Please call me Meera. Just because I am from the client side, please do not make me feel old. How about you call me Meera, I am already calling you Mishty” Misty laughed

“Okay Meera. Now I got the idea so let me proceed with my idea on it. You are paying us, so I will want you to chill and see what I come with. If you do not like anything, then we will keep making that changes”

“I completely trust you. Let’s touch base after fifteen days” Meera wanted to spend more and more time with Misty but she cannot act desperate. She was a client and had to behave like one

“Sure. And I can come to your office”

“Well Misty, i have one question before we depart” Meera wanted to give one more try

“Yeah sure.” said Misty, giving a look at her watch. Meera wondered, why was she in a hurry. Is somebody waiting for her? Has she married and moved on? No, no, that cannot be possible.

Her Khurana surname said she has not married. Then? Does she have a boyfriend? It has been almost five years. There are chances she has found someone sweet. But how? She loved Veerji like anything. Did her love for Veerji fade away? Cannot be. But it can be. Veerji never gave her any love and respect, can such one sided love not fade away if someone with loads of love and care comes to one's life.

If that is the case, she has to find out about Misty fast. Veerji should at least get one chance to show her how he has changed.

“Yes, Meera. You were to ask something” Misty interrupted Meera’s thought.

“Yes, I was wondering, why do you think that light color theme will be better for Geetanjali Dreams” Misty looked at her with a blank face. As if someone has caught her red handed. But how could Meera know?

Meera for the first time got the needed reaction from Misty

Geet was making breakfast for her husband. How she learned his favorite Italian dishes from Nakul Kaka and Dadima. Thinking, at least he will think her of some worth.

As Maan settled on the head seat of the dining table like the king, his eyes went on Geet who was placing the bowls, not having guts to look at him.

Yesterday night, he took her so passionately, the whole night. He had been all over her, not giving an inch care if he was hurting her or not. He had bit her, turned and twisted her and took out his anger which as usual turned to passion. Geet took it, all. For her, this passion can only come if there is love somewhere. But that same thought angered Maan in the morning, everytime he made a crazy rough caveman like sex with her. For any wife, it would be a morning with blushes but for Geet, it was fear. He would be frustrated with himself for going out of control with her closeness and that would be poured on her in the worst form in the morning.

So to please him and calm him down, Geet had made his favorite dishes today. She could see the irritation on his face when he gave a sarcastic look at her

“Will you ever serve me or keep fiddling with the food?”

“ji-Ji” “Damn who am I even asking, Nakuuulll…” he shouted.

Dadima and Nakul came running down, knowing Geet was gone. Before Nakul could come, Geet with a shaky hand served him Pasta and fruit.

Maan gave her a disgusting look and took a bite. First bite and he threw the plate

“What the hell…. Damn you rustic woman. What have you made?”

He got up and angrily pulled her to him. She could see his burning eyes, which was burning her in return.

“Maan” Savitri devi Shouted

“Ji” Geet looked at Dadima,all confused with his outburst “Dadima, the recipe was so plain, I thought it will be bland so just gave pinch of indian spices”

Maan clapped loudly and sarcastically “wow dadima, see whom have you forced on me to bring in this family as the wife of Maan Singh Khurana. A man known for his style and this” he held Geet’s arm harshly

“This' ' he shook Geet “this is whom you got for me. This rustic girl, who mixes spices in any food.” He then roughly pulled Geet in front, making her stumble but she balanced

“Maan” Savitri Devi again shouted. He ignored and looked at Geet

“You think, making pasta will make you capable of me, capable of becoming Bahu of the Khurana family? See you dressing, bright red and pink. Chubhti hoo aankh me tum”

“Maan, kuch to sochiye, kiya bol rahen hai”

“Sach, aur sach kerwa hee hota hai”

“Top to bottom, she is bright, and if colors are not enough, she is glittery all over. It pricks my eyes. Her presence pricks my eyes. Her food burns my stomach and hurts my tongue. This is what you have forced me to bring as my wife, whose everything just pinches me and pricks my eyes”

He swiped his hand, throwing everything on the dining table and left. Not giving an inch of thought on how she had worked since morning to make his morning pleasant. Still she only pricked him.

Geet got a lump on her throat “Bete, you go, take rest. I will talk to Maan”

“No no Dadima. You don’t talk. There must be some pressure at work. Abb mujhpe nahi to kispe nikalnge?”

“Yes, Misty. Why don’t you want bright colors? It will give a different flavor. After all, it’s clothing”

“No, bright colors will be pricky to eyes. I will make it nice with light shade, don’t worry”

Meera could see some deep pain behind Misty's casual smile. She could plaster a smile but a voice crack could be felt.

“Come let’s have some coffee” offered Meera

“Next time for sure. I think I am already late”

“Family?” Meera ask, casually outside, curious within

“Yeah, family time now” Misty shrugged her shoulder, said bye in jiffy and left.

Meear was elated today as she was on her way home.

“I am hundred percent sure, she is Geet. But I cannot reveal it to anyone now. I have to get some more hints from her, know what her pain is, why she has left Veerji, when all I have heard from Dadima is that she will love Veerji till her last breath.”

“If she claimed so, how can she move on. She has a family. Which family? Veerji had enquired in Hoshiarpur, they had broken all relations with her when she had come to them. Leaving husband was not acceptable in her family. One has to stay anyway he wishes. If he loves, it is her luck, if not then she have to keep trying”

Misty took the keys from Jenny and freed her. She placed a quick kiss on Adhvay’s cheek and went to freshen up.

She completely stripped herself and dipped herself in the tub with warm water. She filled it with bubbles, threw her head on head support and closed her eyes.

She was thankful that he has no interference in the Ad campaign project. The biggest Ad Campaign for their company was just one campaign for him. Obviously, he was way above her in all ways. His success, which she was so proud of. But he was never proud to be associated with her. There was a vast difference between them and that made him ashamed of being associated with her.

It was easy and casual to work with Meera Kapoor, She can be creative and vocal and deliver her best. Had he made his presence by any chance, she didn’t know what would have happened to her but Chetan would have also lost the biggest project. Maan will withdraw this project if by any chance he comes to know she is the one working on it. She has no class and style as per him. Ohh his taste and choice had such a class and high standard, she has to be very careful to design and concept the Ads.

Maan saw the two ladies on the dining table waiting for him as he stepped down after freshening up

“Again you have dipped yourself in work”

“That is one thing that keeps me going, Dadima”

“Hi Meera, how was your kick off” Ohh Meera wanted to say it all but she has to keep patience. Her rush can cause things to go in an unwanted direction.

“It was great. The creative head is simply brilliant. Well Veerji, can I get your view on some point”

“Not, if it involves the creative side. I will not be a correct person for that”

“Just about colors. What would you prefer color theme to be, Bright or light and sophisticated”

Maan looked at Meera and then at Dadima. His pain surfaced. How, several times he had demeaned her in the worst way of her bright dressing. Poor girl had come from a small town of Punjab. She had only seen married women in bright colors all through her life. It was not easy for her to change, though she tried for him. She tried everything to satisfy him, to make up to his standard but it was always less for him, never enough”

“Light colors are sophisticated but they are lifeless without the tinge of brightness. Brightness in colors give that life and value to the light and sophisticated which on it’s own is nothing but dullness”

“Wow Veerji, such a philosophical answer. I will convey this message to the creative head of our campaign”

“No Meera, I just went into flow. Let him do his work his way”

“Not he, its she Veerji” she corrected him and then murmured to herself

“Kuch to hai”.

Meera left for India as Dev was irritated by her supporting a man who didn’t need anyone's support. He was himself enough to destroy others and himself.

Misty immersed herself and her team in the Ad planning. She was putting her ideas and was in touch with Meera. Meera who otherwise would not be this involved was involved because he got to connect with Misty.

Maan was entering The Grand Hotel for the multi company mega conference. He was the chief speaker.

Misty stopped her car outside ‘The Grand Hotel’ . “Adhvay, come I will hand you to your teacher”

As she reached the gate “Ma’am, the school's program is happening at the opposite end of the Hotel. This side is not allowed for anyone”

“Why, something is going on?”

“Yes, some multinational mega conference is being held”

“Ohh, Ok. I will drop him on that side. Let me know the way”

Misty left Adhvay with teacher “Mrs. Khurana, do not worry. It is a fun day program for kids. It is our responsibility” Misty nodded and bent to Adhvay

“Stay with Mrs. Smith and your class group”

“He will be fine, Mrs. Khurana. Come little Khurana, let’s rock the day”

“Bye Mumma”

Maan has finished his speech on the Khurana Enterprise view on Modern Industrialization and globalization.

“Great Mr. Khurana, what a vision you have. It is matter of pride for us that we are joining hands with KE” complemented, Mr.Johnson

More couple of industrialist from different countries shared their vision on various topics

It was a refreshment break. Maan took a leave and went to the washroom.

“I can’t hold it. I want to go now” cried little Adhvya. The washroom for kids section was full and there was a huge line of kids .

Mrs. Smith asked the assistant to take him to the central area washroom.

“Go, I will be waiting out for you” Adhvay ran inside, holding between his legs.

“Maan washed his hand and turned to see a little boy washing his hand. He looked in the mirror and a smile formed on his face. His childhood was there.

“Hey little man” Scared Adhvay turned to find the ice cream uncle “iee cleam Uncle '' Adhvay said with excitement. Maan felt a different attachment to the little boy ‘soul connection’ he smiled to his own silly thought

Adhvay stepped back “No talk to stranger”

“So ice cream uncle is a stranger” Maan asked softly and Adhvay nodded for No

“Mumma says” There was then a knock on the door “Kid!!”

“Okay go. We will for sure meet next.” Adhvay turned to leave but something came to the little boy's heart, he turned back, ran to Maan and placed a soft kiss on his cheeks from his little lips and ran away.

Maan stayed there still, for long, feeling the bliss of the small boy’s contact with him. He wondered, was this a real soul connection? Is there a piece he is missing?

Happy Sunday. ENJOY!! LIKE!!! COMMENT!!!

Thanks dear readers for your love to this story. This one is going to be one slow and long story of mine. Too many things to cover in past, present and future. So your support is highly needed.