Chapter 18

Chapter 15-Akaal

Akaal felt happy.Slowly, everything was falling into place and if He willed it,the Brars would become the most affluent family in Punjab as they gained control over the Babbar business empire as well.It also helped that his son found his partner in the Babbar heir as well.Now no one could accuse him of using his children as pawns to further his business.

He did love his children,there was no doubt about it,but he loved his business more.Gurleen Babbar wouldn't be able to work after her marriage,Jaspal would have to take over.If Brar jewellers was a kingdom,the Babbar group of companies was an empire.He'd have to train himself for the task.

He decided to go to the Gurudwara.He had a meeting with someone important.

*************************************************

He sat upon the steps leading to the sarowar below.

"Sat sri akaal Brar Saab."

"Sat sri akaal Poonam ji.Please have a seat."

Poonam sat on the steps beside him.

"Brar Saab,I was surprised to receive your message.What have you called me here for?"

"Poonam ji, I'll get straight to the point.I request your daughter's hand in marriage for my second son Jaspal."

Poonam leaned back calmly.

"I wouldn't say that I'm surprised by your proposal .But pray tell me,why should I accept?Your elder son is a drunkard and womaniser while your elder daughter in law positively loathes Gurleen. On top of that, Brar women do not work as a rule.In the event Gurleen does marry your son,she would be forced to sign over the property,would she not?Why would I willingly send my heir to such a hellhole?"

Akaal smiled grimly.

"Evidence madam.I have evidence of your involvement in the fire which destroyed your daughter's orphanage more than a decade ago."

Poonam was shocked.

"Are you lying?"

"Not at all madam.I have an eye witness who's willing to testify in front of the court."

"You do realise that I could easily get rid of him right?"

"Oh Poonam ji,what do I do with you?Do I look like a fool?You are far wealthier than me and have more clout .Of course you'll be able to make the evidence disappear.But what if I got your daughter involved?"

Her eyes widened in horror,

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"It's simple.I give your daughter a little nudge which propels her to investigate the fire.Then I provide her with my eye witness.I've done my homework Poonam ji.Gurleen is a very idealistic young woman.She'll definitely take you to court to get the dead children justice.

So you have two options now in front of you.

Option A, you agree to my terms and conditions.Gurleen will be happy in the Brar household.I'll ensure no one troubles her.And your company will be intact with a capable person leading it.

Option B,you don't agree, I'll make sure you and your son end up in jail.The scandal will ruin your company to the point of bankruptcy and your family will be out on the streets.And by the way,Gurleen will still end up marrying Jaspal.And I'll still ensure she's safe and protected."

She looked furious and had it not been a place of worship she would have probably throttled him there and dumped his body in the water.

After a while,she finally spit it out,"I agree to your conditions Akaal Singh Brar.But I hope you don't regret your decisions later."

She gave a chilling smile and left.

He suddenly felt very uncomfortable,as if he had missed something extremely crucial.