Posted:
I apologize if my writing seems rushed for this chapter and if it is a bit underwhelming - it really is a filler chapter. That second last episode was such a waste that it took me sometime to connect all the dots in the most logical manner. But i will try and make up to you in the next chapter :)
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Anyway, please ignore all grammar etc mistakes ... it's getting late here, and i don't really want to proof read!
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Act 7 - Almost there!
Scene 1
Arjun was up early the next morning. He had quickly showered, packed all his essentials and left to meet Piyali and Samrat. He wasn't completely privy to what the impending meeting was about, but there were other important things on his mind at the moment.
"Come Arjun, have a seat", said Samrat as the hired help let Arjun in.
Things between Samrat and Arjun had been pretty cold despite everything, but they had found a common ground of civility thanks to Sam, and their profession. The old fellow was sitting on the purple settee in a white kurta pajama, with some documents in hand.
"Umm, Piyali is with Sam right now, but I think we can start." He paused, and continued "As you already know, the bids you were working on for Kiehl's and Vodafone went through a couple days ago, and we signed off on the agreement yesterday. It's great news that they want Bird Song to represent them!"
"Yeah, I had passed the agreement specifics with my mark-ups to Piyali on Thursday. I knew they would accept our terms, but my tweaks in the contract were necessary to put Bird Song in a better position for future prospects."
"I think that's a huge win for the company, and we know the credit lies with you. Look Arjun, professionally, I think you have a great knack in the marketing world. And, both Piyali and I are of the opinion that you would definitely benefit Bird Song as a partner of the company."
Arjun simply nodded and took the papers from Samrat, reading over the contract details. Both knew that while his credentials were worthy of partnership, the offer was more so to secure his interest in the company.
"It's a very fair offer - and we hope you will accept it."
"Thank you." With those words, Arjun simply signed off on his new position at Bird Song.
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Scene 2
Neil had dropped Sam off at her parents' place in the morning so she could spend time with them before the couple headed off to Rishikesh. There was prep work required for the upcoming presentation on Monday, thus he was at Bird Song trying to get everything completed on time. He had texted Arjun earlier to pick Sam up from her parent's home as he knew Chashni's husband was headed there as well.
Last night the newly married duo had discussed reuniting Arjun and Radhika, thereby keeping the latter's promise. After all, Arjun and Radhika's happiness was intertwined in each other's. It was quite amusing for Neil as he recollected all the times he witnessed Arjun hovering over Radhika. Things had certainly changed between them after Lonavala but he didn't think much of it at the time. Plus Chashni would have never crossed any limits of friendship. The only time a doubt had crept into Neil was during the sangeet rehearsal at Birdsong, where he saw Arjun facing off with Saral for Chashni.
But everything that happened was in fact fate playing its part, as Neil's mom mentioned on their wedding day. Sometimes things happen that are beyond one's comprehension, but the key is to never give up because the universe can align all the stars in one's life, if they only have faith. When something is meant to be, there is no power that can hinder fate in playing its cards.
Neil was disrupted from his thoughts as he heard Arjun and Sam in the office common area. Locking his PC window, he decided to meet them and well, even congratulate Arjun on his new position. He walked in on them listening to their conversation regarding memories and friendship, and just couldn't resist adding his two cents.
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Scene 3
It was a short drive from Bird Song to airport, with considerably less traffic for a Saturday morning. Arjun and Sam had arrived well before the departure time. They had suggested a few changes to the presentation Neil was working on, so the latter had asked them to leave without him as Sam had a lot of luggage to check-in. The entire time in car, they had talked about Radhika; she was now the only "relation" tying them all together. As they waited for Neil to wrap up the office work and join them, Sam and Arjun decided to give Dada-ji a call confirming their plans.
"Hello"
"Dada-ji?"
"Arjun beta, how are you?"
"I am fine ... we are at the airport, so we should be there in a few hours."
"Oh good... and don't you worry, we have made all arrangements."
"Umm, how is Radhika doing?"
"Same ... Actually, I was talking to her before your call."
"Do you think its ok? ... I mean we are just showing up, and she doesn't know anything."
"Oh-ho... phir wohi baat! It's best if she hears everything from you, in person. Trust me."
Sam was trying to get Arjun's attention while he was on his cell, motioning him to hand her the phone.
"Uhh, Dada-ji, Samaira wants to talk to you..."
With that, Arjun handed over the phone to Sam who seemed to only talk about jalebi and samosas with the elder fellow. Looking away at the security check-in, he noticed Neil walking towards them with his duffle bag. Arjun waved his hand, letting him know they had saved a seat for him in the boarding lounge. As Sam ended the call, the newlyweds decided to grab a quick bite before their flight.
Finally alone, Arjun let his thoughts drift to his last visit to Rishikesh, where he had convinced Radhika's family to entrust their Choti's hand in his. Their humble abode had this aura of love and happiness that clearly reflected in Radhika's upbringing. It was his first time in the house she grew up in, and was currently living. Arjun had etched every detail of her home, his fondest moment being in her room; it was the closest he had felt to her since she left. But not all was in vain, Radhika would soon be returning with him, and that realization made him truly smile.
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Scene 4
Something was definitely not right. Dada-ji had been on the phone quite often since past week, and every time she walked in on his telephonic conversations, he would hang up saying something nonsensical. Radhika figured that the older fellow probably had a new lady-friend in the neighborhood. But it wasn't just her grandfather; her parents and Ankush-bhaiyya too were behaving strangely. There were times when Radhika was sure they had talked about Arjun-Sir, but they conveniently changed topics upon seeing her.
Either her family was busy plotting something, or she was going insane. Considering how her mind had been playing tricks recently, Radhika was pretty sure it was the latter. There were times she got so wrapped up in her memories that she actually felt Arjun-Sir's presence around her. Like the time they returned from their trip to the temple. As soon as Radhika had entered her home, it felt like Arjun-Sir was there. His scent was everywhere, including her bedroom, how could that be possible! Clearly, she had been hallucinating again.
But today she truly felt her family was up to something. This morning, she had overheard Papa and Ankush bhaiyya discussing to close market a bit early as some guests were coming. But who was coming?! And why had no one told her!? Further, her Maa had been in the kitchen prepping feast fit for a king. Radhika had enough of the guessing game, and it was best to simply go to the source for all answers. So, she quickly made her way down the stairs to ask her Maa and Dada-ji as to what exactly was happening.
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Part 1 - Page 1 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11
Part 2 - updated on page 4 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=4
Part 3 - updated on page 7 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=7
Part 4 - updated on page 10 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=10
Part 5 - updated on page 12 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=12
Part 6 - updated on page 14 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=14
Part 7 - updated on page 17 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=17
Part 8 - updated on page 19 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=19
Part 9 - updated on page 22 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=22
