Chapter 30

Chapter 26-Jaspal

"You did well .",his daarji said,clapping him on his back.

Jaspal raised an eyebrow.This was the first time his daarji had ever praised him.His inner child was dancing in glee despite his outward indifference.

You do realise that you're being praised for cheating someone right?His conscience whispered and he deflated immediately.He checked the clock.Gurleen was running late,something about heavy traffic or atleast that's what he could make out on the phone.The fact that it was her secretary who had informed him still irked him.

But you deserve this after what happened yesterday.His mind whispered again.

"I wonder what's taking her so long? It's a good thing she's signing over everything today.A chairperson must always be punctual .I know you can do better.",his daarji was starting to get impatient.

Jaspal just rolled his eyes;he had a strong suspicion that she was late on purpose just to get under his Daarji's skin. While part of him was offended by the blatant disrespect,part of him did admire her gall. As his father continued muttering, the hands on the clock continued to move at snail's pace.After what seemed like an eternity,the secretary finally announced Gurleen Kaur Babbar.

"Sat sri akaal daarrji,Jaspal ji.",she greeted them before she bent down to touch Daarji's feet.

"Jeeti raho puttar.",he daarji gave her a fond smile despite his annoyance.Jaspal watched this little exchange with growing interest.No wonder Jassi di and parjaai were spitting mad.Daarji,who had never called anyone puttar,had taken to a complete stranger .It was almost as if he liked her more than his own children.A small pang of jealousy shot through him which he ignored .

It wasn't really Gurleen's fault.Whether she existed or not, he'd always be sidelined for his older siblings and his nephew,Angad.He couldn't begrudge anyone.It's not as if anyone can choose the way they love.They were all jigsaw pieces,one couldn't force two mismatched pieces together and expect a picture.It would only cause heart break and hurt.He had long since stopped demanding for his parents' attention and love, quietly accepting his place and role.Maybe the pain would lessen one day as well he mused.

"Puttar,I know this must have been a very hard decision for you.But I'm glad you are willing to co-operate."

"Yes daarji.I have the papers ready with me.I've already signed them.All I need is your signature."

Jaspal perked up.Something was wrong;Daarji was also frowning.She was supposed to sign the papers prepared by them ,not the other way around.Her lawyer,Mr.Chaddha handed over the papers.Daarji motioned Jaspal to take them.He swiftly skimmed through them and gave them to his father whose eyes bulged when he saw the contents.

"What does this mean ?",he bellowed at a very calm and unruffled Gurleen.

"It's simple daarji.You have agreed to a merger.As you might be aware,the Babbars own a jewellery company as well.Due to a few internal issues, it's on the verge of bankruptcy.By merging Brar jewellers with it,we will get enough capital to put our group back in its feet while you'll finally get access to our resources and clientele as well."

Jaspal settled back in the chaise,enjoying the drama unfold.

"Why would I agree to such a ridiculous scheme puttar?"

Even in his anger ,he still called her puttar,Jaspal noted wryly.Not even veerji had managed such a feat.

"I assume your mother has told you about the orphanage.And I'm sure you're aware that I'm in the position to throw your mother and brother into prison."

"Are you talking about Mr.Ashok Mehta who was formerly held in the Brar penthouse near city hospital? I'm afraid he was called back to Patiala on account of a family emergency.Apparently his mother had a heart attack and wishes to remain close to her son for the rest of her life.Could I please have some water?I'm parched."

Jaspal poured out some water in a glass and handed it over to her.Their eyes met for a second before she turned away.She was still hurt,he realised sadly.

His daarji meanwhile had managed to turn fifty shades of purple,in quick succession,each shade more vibrant than the previous one.He found it highly fascinating and watched enraptured.

His daarji had meanwhile calmed down,

"Puttar, what would stop me from going all the way to Patiala and bringing him back?"

"Angad"

"What?"

"You value Angad the most don't you? After all he is your heir.And the only reason Manveer di stays in Brar mansion is that you support her and she trusts you the most?Imagine if she were to find out that the person she trusts and respects the most in the world was the one who managed to trap her in marriage."

"Why would Manveer believe you over me?"

"Daarji, you're forgetting that she's known me since my adoption.And Gurleen Babbar never lies when it comes to family."

Daarji was speechless.Never in his life had someone brazenly threatened him in his own office.Jaspal nearly doubled over in suppressed laughter.His efforts were disguised as coughs which caught the attention of the whole room.He immediately collected his features into a mask of absolute calm and silently surveyed the room.

"Daarji,please take as much time as you need.I know merging Brar jewellers with the Babbar group of companies,working under me as chairman must be tough.But you should really consider your family and reputation.I'll be leaving now.Thank you for your time."

She nodded at them and left with her lawyer,leaving the papers behind.

There was a deathly silence.Suddenly one of their managers burst in panting.

"Sir our stocks are down and dipping fast."

Daarji looked shocked.

"We've been blacklisted.A man called Mehta has filed a police complaint against you on charges of harassment."

To say Jaspal was impressed would be an understatement.She had effectively managed to back his father into a corner with no way out but to accept her agreement.

"Why did Mehta turn against us?",his daarji wondered,almost at his wits end.

"Probably because his mother ,who is currently in hospital was Poonam Babbar's estate manager,"supplied Jaspal helpfully .

And in probability the one who orchestrated the whole orphanage accident.