Chapter 13

Chapter 11-Gurleen

She hadn't spoken to anyone in a week.And they'd been rather accommodating of her desire to stay alone in her room which she appreciated.The last week had been a PR nightmare as they struggled to contain the media which had suddenly become very interested in her life.Countless interviews and a grand photoshoot later, she was spent.On top of this hectic social schedule,her responsibilities at work had increased as well as she was introduced to the board members and CEO s of all their companies.

Her momsie was currently the chairman,a spot she hoped Gurleen would occupy some time in the future.However,they had their work cut out for them.Many favoured her veerji over her and they soon discovered why.Emotionally labile,her brother was easier to manipulate .He tended to trust too easily and would make the perfect puppet.And to make matters worse,he had managed to bungle up their finances.After several rounds of auditing,it was obvious that they'd go bankrupt within a year .

She could cut costs and repay the loans they'd taken,but that would only help them scrape through to make ends meet.They'd still suffer losses.A few years back,it wouldn't have been an issue;their reputation alone would have pushed them through a bad quarter.But now,with newer companies in the market,holding onto clients and investors and clients was tricky.

Even the smallest compromise in quality could hammer the final nail into the coffin.Moreover, she had no desire to initiate the proposed lay offs.Most employees had worked for them for several years by now.They did not deserve to pay for her brother's mistakes.While her momsie and brother might have been involved in shady business from time to time, they had always treated their employees well,with hefty paychecks and retirement benefits.

Though expensive at first,it had paid off in the long run as the quality and reputation of their products soared.As a result,they had always had the upper hand in negotiations.This system had to remain intact if they were to survive.They needed fresh capital and the sooner ,the better.

As she wracked her brains, she happened to glance upon the shawl ,hanging off the back of her chair.

Jaspal Singh Brar

He had returned her sarangi.They'd talked for five minutes ,during half of which, he'd flirted with her.While creeped out at first,she had found his embarrassment rather endearing.After returning home day, she'd thrown herself into research,looking him up and making subtle enquiries.He could be a potential ally in the long run.

He had quite a reputation,stolid, serious and hard to read.In Gurleen's experience,such a man usually spelled danger. Until his brother's disgrace,he had worked in the shadows ,away from the public eye;no one had known what to make of him yet had expected a lot from him.And as his father's heir,he had disappointed no one.

She ended up admiring him for his poise, demeanor and the grace with which he carried himself.But there was also a certain wariness to him;a part of him was always closed off.If the rumours were true, he had a strained relationship with most of his family which seemed to be circus of it's own.A single glance at a tabloid had given her enough trauma to last the rest of the year.

Her mind wandered off to the Brar patriarch,Akaal Singh Brar who had all but engineered their meeting last week.She had to admit, her hunch had been right.He had been testing waters for a potential alliance between the Brars and the Babbars. He was a man she needed to watch out for.And finally her mind circled back to the shawl which she'd had washed and cleaned.Considering the fact that it had sentimental value,it had to be returned at the soonest.

Except, she couldn't exactly saunter off to the Brar's doorstep.It was perfect fodder for rumor and unwanted attention.She needed help in handling this situation.Sighing,she went downstairs to find her Parjaai.

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"I can't believe you're making me do this."

Gurleen muttered as the gates to the Brar estate opened for their car to pass through.It had caused quite an uproar.It wasn't everyday that a Babbar dropped in announced,and especially not the heir.

"Sending Maitri di or someone else to return the shawl would be disrespectful , especially when you consider the value of the gift."her Parjaai replied primly from the passenger's seat.

They drove in silence for a while,passing vast lawns and an ostentatious fountain which looked out of place amidst the otherwise traditional decor.

"Gurleen"

"Hmm Parjaai?"

"I'm sorry.I know we were being selfish."

Silence

"Parjaai, I'm not mad at you anymore.You weren't involved in my adoption,momsie and Amrit veerji were, so the onus is on them.While I really wish you had informed me of this before,I understand your desire to save me from heartbreak."

Her Parjaai sniffled a bit.

"And I'm truly sorry for not informing you of the takeover.I know it must have been a shock."

Gurleen glanced at her Parjaai; she looked miserable.

"Parjaai,all that is water under the bridge.I'm learning to adapt so I'll be fine.Let bygones be bygones.Just promise me that you won't hide anything from me in the future."

"I promise."

The car came to a stop in front of an imposing mansion,where a valet waited to take their keys.

"Parjaai,is it a good idea to drop in unannounced like this?"Gurleen whispered,her misgivings finally catching up to her.

"We are the Babbars.We don't schedule our visits based on others' conveniences,"her Parjaai replied before walking in as if she owned the place, leaving behind a very embarrassed Gurleen to follow.

There was a very thin line between pride and indifference,and her Parjaai seemed hell bent on pulverising it.