Chapter 45

Chapter 42 Part 1-Jaspal

Bebe had instructed him to wait downstairs and greet the guests with his brother in law.The said brother in law politely declined his offer to help and declared he had enough charm for both of them.He could swear Amrit Babbar was laughing at him when he told him to wait for his fiance instead.He spotted his parjaai and Jassi di near the stairs and decided to make himself scarce only to be confronted by daarji.

"Jaspal,you look rather handsome today ."

He politely thanked his father, pleasantly surprised.Daarji patted him on his back and made his way to greet the guests.A loud crash reverberated from a corner;Garry had managed to knock over a precious vase which now lay on the ground in smithereens.This didn't bode well for the boys he decided upon noticing the stormy countenance on Daarji's face.

"Daarji,please don't scold Garry,it was an accident .He's crying badly"Angad pled,close to tears himself.

"Angad,I know it's an accident.But the two of you are still at fault here.No matter your intentions,it doesn't change the consequences.That vase is priceless and a gift from a dear friend of mine.No matter what you do,it won't lessen the hurt in my heart.Garry, I'm afraid you'll have to be confined upstairs to reflect upon your wrongdoings.

And Angad,as Garry's elder brother, you should've looked out for him and guided him properly.As the eldest,you ought to have prevented this mishap.You too shall be punished . However,I cannot confine you as today is your Chachi's induction .As heir ,your presence is required.I will decide your punishment later."

Jaspal sighed to himself .Things had been too good to be true.He looked around ,hoping for his parjaai to intervene but she was silent.And his Inder veerji had chosen the occasion to walk off.

"Daarji,this is unfair.It was clearly an accident. You can't blame Garry for this accident."

Thankfully his Jassi di had spoken up .

"Jassi,please remember that you're a guest here.As a daughter,you have no say in how I run the household."

"But Daarji....".She tried ,but her husband,Yashraj Baweja stopped her and led her away.

Garry had run upstairs while Angad struggled to control his tears.Jaspal decided to intervene.He walked upto his father and told him in a low voice,

"Daarji, I think we should wrap this up quickly.All our guests are here and the media is there too.We have to present a united front to them.I know you and Jassi di don't get along but please, let's not air our dirty laundry in public.We don't need her creating a scene.Just let Garry attend;you can think of a suitable punishment later."

His father thankfully nodded and called Garry downstairs.He even made a show of comforting him and Angad and the guests dispersed.He heaved a sigh of relief.His Parjaai and brother in law gave him grateful looks which he returned with a faint smile.He decided to go and fetch Prabhjyot before she decided to get into trouble as well.To his surprise,he was joined by Amrit Babbar.

"You did a great job out there.I have never seen anyone diffuse a situation like that before. Perhaps you're not as useless as I thought."

Jaspal rolled his eyes as they sent in search of his little sister .

"I hope you protect my baby sister the same way,in a way I couldn't.I know Gurleen is strong enough to hold out on her own.However if you or or your family lay a single finger on her,I will destroy all the Brars from the root."

With that chilling threat,he left a very worn out Jaspal.

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

"Veerji,bebe is calling you upstairs."

Prabhjyot had finally decided to make an appearance.

"Prabhjyot,I want you to stick to our side.Angad and Garry are in trouble with Daarji.We don't need you in hot water as well."

"Okay, I'll stay with Parjaai."

They made it to her room where Bebe and Gurleen were waiting.

"What do you think Jaspal?"bebe asked gesturing to herself and Gurleen.

"Sohni,bebe."he replied with a smile.Daarji wouldn't be able to keep his eyes off his mother tonight.

"Jaspal,stand beside her won't you?I need to take off the buri nazar."

Prabhjyot meanwhile had started getting impatient.

"Can we go already?"

"Just a minute puttar."his bebe replied with a laugh."

He shook his head and headed for the door with the women in tow.Bebe elected to go in front with her daughter while he and Gurleen brought up the rear.

"Jaspal ji,can I please talk to you for a minute?"

He looked at her quizzically and nodded, retreating back into Prabhjyot's room,tugging her along.