Chapter 27

Chapter 23-Jaspal

"Jaspal,when are you going to tell her?",his Inder veerji furiously whispered as they greeted guests.

"I've decided not to tell her anything.It will cause unnecessary complications."he whispered back,a stoic smile on his face.

"She's bound to find out after the marriage anyways."

"Daarji said he'll deal with it ."

"And you trust him?"

"If it's regarding the business,yes.My personal life is of no concern to him."

"And where may I ask does Gurleen come into the picture?"

"The former.The whole point of this wedding is to get our reputation back on foot thanks to your shenanigans."

"Is she aware of that?"

"Yes and she agrees with it."

"Then why not tell her of Daarji's plan to transfer the property following the wedding?"

"She might back out."

His veerji looked at him with a troubled expression.

"You're essentially trapping her,are you aware of that?What if she refuses to sign?Will you use force?"

"Obviously not, we're not barbarians.We'll convince her that it's a good idea.And about trapping her,as a business woman she should keep her eyes open for such traps shouldn't she?She can't trust people too easily."

His veerji shook his head,"I always thought you to be a better person but you're as bad as the old man."

Jaspal bristled,

"Do not compare me with daarji.Unlike him,I will do anything for my family.My life doesn't revolve around the Brar jewellers."

"But his life does, doesn't it and so does yours now.But what about Gurleen? You're essentially throwing her to the sharks that are Manveer and Jassi."

"If she can't deal with them, she's better off not being a Brar bahu.Daarji however disagrees.He said that he'd take care of them and ensure she lives with us peacefully."

"So you won't interfere; you're essentially leaving her to fend for herself.I can't believe you're doing this to someone you love."

Jaspal's heart skipped a beat.He didn't really love her ,did he?He swallowed before replying,

"Veerji,I don't love her."

"The picture in the paper says differently."

"It was harmless talk.And whatever my actions may convey,I can assure you that they are the result of pure infatuation.She is a very interesting person , someone who could keep Daarji on his toes.Nothing more,nothing less."

"Can't you at least tell her out of humanitarian concern?"

"We're running a business veerji,not a charity.

"You're a fool then.Throwing away your love for an inconsiderate,selfish old man must be the pinnacle of stupidity."

Jaspal remembered their conversation in the bedroom.She had known of his revenge on his cousins,yet she hadn't flinched.She'd called his love for his family endearing.Did he really want to let go of her?But he remembered Daarji's words,

"Never let your emotions cloud your judgement when it comes to the greater good."

And wasn't he doing that now?The family was dependent on Brar jewellers.They couldn't afford to lose on account of his feelings.And it's not as if Gurleen would be miserable after the wedding.Daarji had promised to ensure she lived peacefully and happily.

His thoughts were interrupted by the honk of a car.The bridal party had arrived at Brar mansion.He struggled to catch a glimpse of her in the chaos.He did register Jassi di greeting Gurleen with a hug and pulling her along for a little chat.He decided he would catch her alone later.Soon he found himself herded off to the stage .The roka was about to begin.

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"Well Puttar, it is our honour to welcome you into this house as our second bahu.Nearly eight years ago ,we welcomed Manveer into our household and now it's your turn.I hope you're happy with us and will keep the Brar name up."

said bebe,as she placed the chunri over Gurleen's head and hugged her.His daarji surprisingly sported a smile on his face,his first genuine one in decades.

"Don't look so surprised Jaspal,"he chuckled,"this old man is capable of smiling as well.It gladdens me to see you truly happy.You've finally found a life partner who is as intelligent and compassionate as you.You will be happy,I know that for sure.And Gurleen puttar,trust me when I say that you won't find a man better than Jaspal here.May God bless the two of you to live a long and happy life.",saying that,he hugged the two of them and lightly kissed her on the forehead.

"Brar Saab,the sun might have risen from the west today.For the first time in your life, you've called someone puttar and you've also hugged them.",a very surprised yet happy bebe spoke up .

"I can't help it Jabjyot,"daarji replied ,smiling again.

To his shock ,Jaspal realised that the old man was actually crying.And they were genuine tears.

"Looks like you're not the only one who has become emotionally invested in this relationship.",his veerji whispered.

Jaspal grit his teeth.He was not and could not afford to become emotionally invested.His resolve was sorely tested when he turned around to face her during the ring ceremony.The two of them were flanked by their respective parents.For the first time that evening,he managed to take her in.Clad in a green lehenga,the same shade of the early leaves in the spring,she looked beautiful.She didn't wear much jewellery,barring a pearl choker,a gift from his bebe,which ended up accentuating her long neck and matching drops.

He had the sudden urge to trace her neck propriety be damned but the sight of her eyes stopped him.They looked dead.The flecks which had danced before him in the light looked dead and he felt a deep sense of foreboding.A wall had gone to between them,a hostile one that too.

They exchanged rings ;as he held her hand,not wanting to let go, he searched her face desperately,hoping to find the reason behind her distress.But she avoided his eyes for the rest of the evening.After the press conference and sn impromptu photoshoot with the family,he finally got the opportunity to speak to her alone, dragging her off to a secluded corner.

"Jaspal ji,do you wish to tell me something?"

His heart stilled and a sense of foreboding washed over him.