Kalpi FF...I will be back!!!!!final part with note updated - Page 3

Agenda: Bid for one of the biggest projects . Residential village for expats .Budget running to the tune of many crores.

There were many builders assembled there.The buzz was that for the company which won this contract there was no looking back...they would become the uncrowned king of The Mumbai skyline.

Many builders had submitted their project.From this ,it was decided that five companies would be shortlisted to put forth a detailed presentation of their projects

Jadhav ,kapoor and Singhania houses 11Am

Disha,kalpi,saamy,raghav,paaki and prem set out at precisely the same time for the final race.Each was eager that they win.Each had a different reason.For kapoors it was do or die,raghav it just meant yet another feather to his cap,For Kalpi it would be the beginning of the fulfillment of her dreams.

Meeting hall 12noon.

Kapoors,Sammy, Raghav And Disha were seated awaiting the start of the meeting. Prem was fawning over Disha who was trying to ward off his attention and attempting to strike a conversation with Sammy.Raghav and Paaki were assessing her.Raghav felt she was cool towards him and wondered why.Paaki thought she would be great as shopping companion.She reeked of wealth.Everything on her was branded.She was undoubtedly loaded,and boy,she did have style.

Disha had deliberately asked Kalpi to make a late appearance.Only then she said it would be grand.Return with a bang!!!!she called it.Kalpi smiled.How much care Disha had taken into this fight of hers.Not only she,even her brother.He had spoken to her last night giving her tips on the presentation,then steering the conversation towards general topics...using that as an excuse to encourage and motivate her.the only indication he gave that he was aware of how big the day would be for her was when he signed off saying,take care ,Kalpana. may God be with you.What a wonderful guy,thought Kalpi.Never had he overstepped his limits or crossed the fine line.Yet he managed to show his appreciation and care.Disha was lucky to have such a brother.

For this meeting,Disha had selected her apparel...the Apparel oft proclaimeth the man,she said.well begun is half the battle won.Fawn colored trousers with a crisp white shirt,her hair rolled into a bun at the nape of her neck,minimal makeup that only highlighted her eyes,platforms,a RADO watch on her wrist(dishas gift and stressed that in such places it was important to flaunt brands ) ,a faint twinge ofsome exotic perfume,the french name of which was a tongue twister...in all ,though she looked very professional,there still was an alluring twist to her appearance.Disha was really a magician,thought Kalpi.Much as she had protested,after the makeover she had really felt rejuvenated and more confident.

1pm

Go kalpi ,atta girl,read the message.That was her cue.It meant that the last presentation was underway.To keep her in the loop,Disha had switched her phone to video mode.Kalpi had rated the presentations.the two companies were balderdash,kapoors was run of the mill and nothing new to offer,singhanias had stuck to their old formula,surprisingly.Everyone had played it safe.No one was willing to take any risks...all presentations sounded like old wine in a new bottle.Kalpi silently thanked Daksh...he had told her precisely what expats desired in their houses.He also advised her to add the ethnic Indian touch...he felt it was a sure recipe for success.As she strode confidently into the hall,she felt it in her bones.Today was her day.She could not tell why ,but she just knew that today she had to reach out And success was eagerly waiting to land in her arms.

We now have the last presentation of the day fromJD constructions.Miss disha Joshi please,said the man.

No,a clear voice echoed,Kalpana Vitthal Jadhav

Four pair of eyes turned to the door.One pair keenly watched the play of expressions.Surprise was a common denominator.

Mr chairman,allow me to formally introduce Ms Jadhav ,director of JD constructions.She will be making the presentation on our behalf.,said Disha.As kalpi made her presentation,she felt no fear.Everything felt correct.It was like it was meant to be.It was as if the forces had joined hands and decided that today was her day.There was no stopping her.It was like she had never gone away...she had always been there.She had the same exhilarating feeling as for her first presentation.Only this time it was much better packaged. Kalpi finished her presentation to a loud round of applause.Disha had tears of joy in her eyes.her friend had done it.She had returned with a big bang.she showed a thumbs up to kalpi,who came upto her and hugger her.

Myriad emotions played on the faces of the onlookers. Prem showed anger,Paaki jealousy,Sammy admiration.As for Raghav,he looked totally flummoxed.He could not understand the turn of events...kalpi director,but Sammy had told him she was an empolyee. And she was looking stunning.If a couple of years ago,he had thought her beautiful,he was wrong.now she was...well beyond beautiful.he could not find words .All he could do was continue to stare at her.Prem was incensed.To think that he was going to lose the deal to that servants daughter.Paaki was wondering what kalpi did to continue to look young.Despite all therapies,fine lines had started appearing on Paakis face.And OMG all her clothes were branded,she carried a prada and wore a Rado..where did she have all this money from?

The decision had been announced,though if truth be told it was a foregone conclusion.Two of the players had been gracious enough to walk upto Kalpi compliment her and concede defeat.But Prem was not going to sit quiet.He raised an objection."this is a project running to the tune of millions of rupees.You have awarded it on the basis of their presentation to a novice in the construction business.Have you even bothered to check whether they will have funding to see it through.If ever it halts halfway,it will project India in a very bad light.Who is the guarantor for them? Do you think that two ladies can complete this mammoth task?I do not trust them.What happens if tomorrow they hit a roadblock and true to their clan,they come and cry in front of us.Do you not think you will regret then? Why do you not reconsider our decision when you have the opportunity? Who will give us the assurance that these two ladies can accomplish this prestigious project?Speak up."

Even before the ladies could open their mouths,a clear baritone boomed across the hall,"I will"

The remaining people in the hall were pinching themselves.Were they really face to face with Daksh Joshi? It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.Many ran across and shook hands with him.

Once the initial shock wore off,Disha launched herself into his arms and screamed,Bhai ! What a pleasant surprise!!! You here ?

It was then that the final piece of the jigsaw fell into place.Their questions were all answered.The funding,the easy clearance of files,the quality of work...for Daksh Joshi not only had money,his influence extended beyond the western shores.He had considerable clout in his country though he chose to stay away.That was because he also was the biggest yet quietest philanthropist to many causes.

Daksh and Kalpana met for the first time.Yet no sooner had they laid eyes on each other,they felt an instant connection.It was as though they already had met and knew everything about each other.it gave them a sense of de ja vu.both felt they could read the others thoughts. Momentarily embarrased,both turned away.

Kalpi was exactly as Daksh had visualised in his minds eye...petite,delicate but way more stunning than he had expected.And Daksh was totally y different from her mental image.He was way too handsome,more than that ,there was a hidden quality that attracted...that which had always made him a crowd puller.Kalpi felt a little uncomfortable.After a long long time,she had actually looked at a person as a female would look at a guy.

Daksh extended his hands and said in that deep voice ,she was so familiar with,"hi kalpi! Beautifully crafted presentation.so proud of you today" he took her hands in his warm grasp and shook it.Kalpi suddenly felt that this was a greater prize than even the deal.Her mentor had been proud of her.

Now Daksh turned to the business men.He stared a glance at Prem Kapoor.If looks could kill,Prem would be dead right there,thought Kalpi.There was no trace of the softness he had shown the two of them.This was the no nonsense businessman at work.She now understood why he was where he was today.Why the people were in awe of him.

" Though i think introductions are not needed,let me introduce myself formally.Daksh joshi from Skyline constructions,Boston and also director of JD constructions,MumBai...JD as in Jadhav daksh constructions...the rest is self explanatory,i presume...but still for the lesser endowed and he turned to Prem...any further questions?"

The chairman was all words."No mr Daksh ,yes sir ,sorry sir,deal done ,sir."

Moments later as the ink dried on the paper and everyone cheered ...daksh took hold of kalpis hand and announced, "to kalpana vitthal jadhav,the heart and soul of JD constructions..the person who by the dint of her perseverance,hard work and never say die attitude has ensured that JD constructions has finally arrived on Mumbais map to stay and my dearest sister, Disha joshi who recognised the winner in Kalpana and steered her in the right direction...the two most brilliant and dearest women in my life who have seen this deal through,proud of you gals.Together you women have achieved what all the men in this room have failed to do,so for those of you who feel that they are the weaker sex,b**** to you."so saying,he drew them both close to him and enveloped them in his broad chest.

As they walked down to the lobby,paaki ran upto Kalpi,"kalpi OMG you were too good yaar,today."And even before she could acknowledge this,paaki burst out," will you not introduce me to your friends?"yet again she continued,"hi Im paaki ,Kalpis sister...and Mr Daksh ,I am a big fan of yours.I have read all your articles ,follow you on twitter and have seen all your photos.And Disha, you are so sweet.I am so glad kalpi has you for a friend.She had lost her mind after she broke contact with me.Am sending you a friend request.We will go shopping tomorrow and bond over lunch ok.Girls day out .will call you,Bye.And Daksh dont feel left out.I will fix a dinner date shortly with you.Bye.She reached up and tried to kiss him on his cheeks but Daksh being tall,and used to such lunacy managed to escape the onslaught of her blood red lips.

When she turned away,the siblings had an expression which said,"whats with that girl? Is she sane?"Disha looked at kalpi and raising her eyebrows said,"sister"? The next minute all three of them were having a hearty laugh.

Raghav was standing aloof and watching all this.he felt a pang of jealousy as he watched the bond between the three of them.It was obvious that Kalpi and Daksh had just met ,yet they seemed to instantly hit it off.At that precise momentSammy walked upto Daksh and said,"samar raizaada,pitbulls of 2000. ""Of course,no wonder it felt that I knew you.Hi and great to meet you again,"said Daksh ,shaking Sammys hands warmly."Sammy was a year senior to me at college...both of us were on the soccer team ,"he explained. Disha smiled warmly and Kalpi seeing her smile felt happy for her friend.She needed to talk to Daksh about this.Him knowing Sammy just made things easier."And kalpi ,you totally rocked today.I was very proud of you",said Sammy"thank you,sammy sir",she replied.

Sir? Questioned Daksh

"Well I worked for him at one point and I must acknowledge that he was the one who taught me the initial nuances,"she said

"That kalpi as usual is the kindnessof your heart speaking,"replied Sammy

Raghav ,watching this,felt very lonely ,for the first ime in his life.but whom could he blame?it was of his own making...his conscious decision.Sometimes in life ,there comes a turning, choosing the right road makes all the difference.at the fork of the road of life,Raghav had chosen revenge and that had made the difference to his life