Chapter 22

Chapter 19-Jaspal

Jaspal took a deep breath before entering the cabin.Technically speaking ,he had no reason to be nervous.They were about to be engaged the following week;this was necessary to acquaint themselves with each other and address the media as well.Gurleen's secretary announced him and he walked in.

"Where's Prabhjyot?"he asked her,wondering where his little sister had wandered off to.

"Bebe came to pick her up an hour ago."

Jaspal nodded recollecting his conversation with his mother .

"Bebe, I won't be home for dinner.Gurleen ji and I are dining together."

"Jaspal,am I hearing things?Are you actually...""

"Bebe! It's a perfectly normal gesture amongst those who are about to be engaged ."

To his consternation,his bebe had just laughed.

"Puttar, it's common amongst those who are engaged.This is the first I'm hearing of someone taking their prospective fiance on a date."

"Bebe,for the last time, it's not a date.We are merely dining out for formality's sake.Plus, the media will no doubt be there."

"Oh Jaspal,what will I do with you?Did you tell Gurleen about the media?I hope she isn't expecting a private,low key setting."

Jaspal had sworn under his breath, out of his mother's earshot.He had neglected to tell Gurleen about the possible presence of the media.He had resolved to rectify it as soon as possible.

"And Bebe, Prabhjyot is currently in Gurleen Ji's office."

"WHAT?What is she doing there?"

"Shanti bebe.You should probably ask her.I'll drop her off at home before heading out with Gurleen ji."

"No, don't do anything.I'll pick up Prabhjyot.You take care of your date."

"For the last time Bebe, it's not a date.It's a business engagement."

"Fine, whatever you call it,make sure she reaches home safely."

"Gurleen ji,I wish to thank you once again.Few people can put up with my pesky sister for as long as you have."

She smiled at him.It made him feel warm and fuzzy which he ignored.

"She was perfectly well behaved and rather sweet.She finished her homework and played around a bit.I must apologise though.We may or may not have gone to the cafeteria for hot chocolate."

Jaspal started laughing.His parents were going to have the time of their lives trying to control Prabhjyot who was on a sugar rush.Part of him was going to regret missing the spectacle but the other part swiftly reminded him that if he were home, he'd be the one babysitting his baby sister.Thanking his stars,he faced the woman in front of him.

"That's Bebe's problem.Please don't worry.If you're ready,we can leave Gurleen ji."

She nodded and the two of them left the cabin.He nodded to her secretary on their way out.They rode the elevator together to the parking lot.He noticed Gurleen hesitate.

"What's wrong?",he asked.

"My car is here.Perhaps I could drive to the destination you have in mind."

Jaspal thought for a moment before replying.

"How about you leave it here overnight?I'll drop you off tonight and pick you up tomorrow morning as well."

She nodded tersely.He opened the passenger's door to his car for her and took own seat.Soon,they were on their way,silence engulfing them.Hoping to break the ice,Jaspal cleared his throat,

"Would you like some music?"

She shrugged in response;he switched on the radio.They landed on a station playing classical music.He noticed her eyes light up in recognition.Smiling to himself he focused on the road as she hummed to herself,gazing at the scenery outside,nothing but a blurry streak.

"Gurleen ji,I probably have to warn you,we might be accosted by the media at the restaurant.If you're not comfortable with it,I can change locations to somewhere more productive private."

She looked pensive for a moment.

"That's alright Jaspal ji.I understand the necessity of this whole dinner.You're doing it for your father aren't you?"

Jaspal deflated.Once again,she had seen right through them.

"Yes.There are rumors flying around that he blackmailed your family into agreeing to this marriage.There's no way your mother would've approved especially when the Ahujas had been contenders.As a result,our reputation is starting to take a hit."

"That is true", she mused."And since I'm affianced to you,it won't be long before we're targeted as well."

Looking at his raised eyebrows,she merely rolled her eyes,

"They'll latch on to the fact that my mother did something warranting blackmail.So anyways, back to the point.What exactly is our game plan tonight?"

Jaspal was relieved.She understood his reasons and did not seem too put off by the farce.But a part of him was still disappointed that she had agreed so easily.

"Well, perhaps we could hold hands and maybe smile a lot while talking.And if you're comfortable enough we could even try a hug.I think this is enough for a first date."

"That sounds reasonable."

She was back to staring out of her window.

Reasonable?, his mind asked.

Did he truly have no effect on her?How could she agree so easily to this without any fluster ?

Did she look at him the same way he looked at her?Soon,the realisation dawned on him;this was as much a business deal to her as it was to him.He should've been ecstatic,he didn't have to deal with a broken relationship in the future;but all he felt was a twinge of sadness.Everything seemed gloomier all of a sudden.