PART-19
FOUR-FIVE DAYS LATER: -
Sonal watched Kalpana getting ready in a rush just like every day in the morning for her supposed early morning office hours. This was her routine every morning, in order to reach office at 8.30 A.M., as she had told Sonal; one and half hours earlier than rest of the office. She had just come out of bath, but Kalpana had already prepared breakfast and also packed lunch for both of them, just like every day. Since the time Kalpi had come to live with her, she had converted her lonely house into a home. Kalpi did everything which a family member or a mother did; she had made Sonal habitual of a healthy breakfast and of not leaving house empty stomach. She even used to pack lunch for her, and Sonal had almost stopped having fast food; or heavy Indian lunch outside or in their office caf. Kalpi was there to give her home-made, healthy food.
Sonal; "Thank you so much Kalpi, you cook food for me every day. You are just like my mother, and also my soul-sister now. What will I do when you leave this house? I have become so used to you now. I cannot think of living alone in this house, without you" she said pouting & making a sad face. Imagining just the scenario of living alone again made her unhappy.
Kalpi: "Oho Sonal, you yourself call me your sister and then say I will leave you alone. Tell me can anyone leave her sister alone, hmm? Distances cannot break sisterly bond; even if I go I shall not stop pestering you. I will call you every morning and remind you to have a healthy breakfast; and pack your lunch myself, in my home. Happy now?"
Sonal, grinning: "Very happy". Just then Kalpi looked at her watch and began panicking. "Shit, I am getting late. So I'll rush okay?" She finished her breakfast in a hurry and left. Sonal watched Kalpana walking in hurried steps outside the gates of her home as she herself speculated "I wonder where she goes this early morning every day. She surely does not go to office. Then where does she go?"
She remembered the incident of Monday morning, the day next after their day-trip. Kalpi had returned late night then, telling Sonal that she'd had dinner from office cafeteria along with Raghav Sir; when they were doing emergency preparations for a meeting. But she still seemed weak, tired and paler than other days to Sonal. She had even gone to sleep earlier than usual, after having some sweet since her blood pressure was low. In the morning she was better, but since Sonal was worried for Kalpi she had decided to take extra care of Kalpi that day, making sure her blood pressure doesn't drop again. Thus, Sonal had called out for one peon, and told him to send one strong coffee for Ms.Kalpana in her cabin, casually conversing with him "Poor gal, Raghav Sir takes so much work from her, calling her to office so early at 8.30 in the morning every day. She is not well and today she surely needs extra energy". She had dismissed him thereafter, only to hear the surprised man's voice "But Ma'am, I come here daily around the same time, or 9 AM. Kalpana Ma'am and Raghav Sir don't come here until 9.30 A.M. I clean their cabins by then, and they get busy working together thereafter".
Sonal was dumbfounded with this truth, and she couldn't seem to find any reason as to why Kalpi would tell lie to her. She knew Kalpi was a genuine person and without reason she wouldn't do so. "I am sure she must have a valid reason for doing so. But still, what is it?" she thought, and then asked the peon a question "Do Raghav Sir & Kalpana Ma'am come together?"
Peon: "No Ma'am, they come separately. But they both are very punctual and reach around the same time".
Sonal: "Oh okay. Well, go and give a cup of strong coffee to Kalpi" she told him and got lost in her thoughts regarding Kalpi. Since that day she'd been observing Kalpi very closely, and had wanted to ask her the truth behind her early morning office excuse. But she also was a true friend, and respected Kalpi's privacy, trusted her. "Maybe she'll tell me when she wants to" she had convinced herself, but could not help herself from observing Kalpi's action closely. She noted that late night daily, Kalpi used to talk on phone and sometimes she had even caught her video-chatting with someone on her laptop. When Sonal used to come to Kalpi's room for any work or for chatting, she could make out that Kalpi was video-chatting with someone, for she had heard sounds of the same from outside the door. But Kalpi always managed to hide this fact, and the person's face from Sonal. Sometimes she heard Kalpi arguing with someone, whoever it was seemed very close to her. For the way Kalpi fought and conversed with the other person, Sonal could make out he/she was very close to her. Earlier she had not paid attention to these daily sessions, but since three-four days she had started keeping her ears open, and senses alert; sometimes even waiting for a second or two before knocking Kalpi's room door. She never could understand the exact words, but she understood the way they were voiced. It reflected a close bond.
"Hiding things from your soul-sister Kalpi? Wait till I pounce upon your secret" she smiled as she decided to use Kalpi's secret to tease her in future. Whatever it was surely must be something interesting; and she couldn't wait to have some fun moments with Kalpi over this issue.
On the other hand, Raghav's driving lessons to Kalpi were still on in the mornings and now Kalpi was in a position to drive on her own. Now mostly it was Kalpi who used to drive them to office; parked their car some distance from office, exchanged driver's seat with Raghav and took an auto from there. She was almost ready to drive independently. But Raghav loved this alone time with Kalpi too much to let her drive alone now; even though he had already bought a car for Kalpi last week, so that she can drive herself in need. But he was yet to give it to Kalpi. He had decided to buy one of hatchbacks, in order to avoid people's questions on the source of earning. Had he bought one of his costly cars, he was sure people would ask Kalpi, as to how would she manage loan for such costly car! Besides he knew Kalpi would surely prefer a cheaper car for now. "Some more days Kalpi, then I will gift you one of my favourite luxury car models" he thought as Kalpi parked the car near their office like every day.
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"That's great news" Raghav told Pakhi when she called him up excitedly to inform that she has been selected in "Singhania Group of Companies' Hospitality branch; in one of their Five-Star Hotels in the city as a Housekeeping Executive.
Pakhi: "Yes, isn't it? And to think I got the job without your recommendation. I feel on top of the world!"
Raghav: "Ya, I told you you'll get the job surely. Anyway, Pakhi I've an important meeting lined up, talk to you later" and he cut the call with a smirk on his face. He knew Pakhi had not got the job on her own merits, but on his recommendation. But for the time being he would let her be in her little bubble of happiness. "Let Ms.Kapoor live in few more moments' of happiness; after that her bubble has to burst one day" he thought. Since past more than one week now, Pakhi had been trying hard to get a job on her own efforts. She had given various interviews, but without fail she was rejected. It wasn't just a plain co-incidence or bad luck on her part that she was not successful in her efforts. Raghav Singhania's approach and orders, no businessman or industry person could afford to ignore. He just did not let her be successful in any other interview; he always knew in advance where Pakhi was going for interview. Either she told him herself, or his spies worked overtime.
"Not that my approach was even needed for her rejection" he laughed silently. Most of the people told him about the vibes of lack of seriousness or dedication Pakhi brought with her, unfailingly in her interviews. She was academically a good scorer, and confidence-wise also she was no less. But it was some minor little things, which any job-recruiter would like to see in new appointees, which Pakhi seemed to lack. She could not leave the air of being the princess of Kapoors' behind. But Raghav made sure that Pakhi knew about the new vacancy in their hotel's house-keeping branch; and she had ended up getting the job. Pakhi was to work away from their Companies' Head Office, except for a few occasions, if and when her boss sent her here for emergencies. Mostly she was to look after guests and their needs.
Unlike other appointees Pakhi's job contract had a different language; the company could throw her out of job without prior notice anytime; and if she wanted to resign before she was to give "fifteen days' notice" at least; or rupees sixty thousand bond payment. Raghav still remembered Sammy asking him why hadn't Raghav kept tough conditions in case Pakhi resigns. It would help in his revenge he'd said. "Yes it would. Even I had thought about it. But a girl like Pakhi should not be taken lightly Sam. I don't want her to keep close to my company and thus Kalpi anymore than is necessary". Even Pakhi was happy with the lenient conditions, thinking Raghav's sweetness behind it.
If only she knew Raghav had mulled over telling Pakhi and Kapoors' the truth of his and Kalpi's marriage many times this week. Even now he was thinking about the same "I am sorry Kalpi. I'll have to hurt you some more. I agree I should not have kept Pakhi in delusion; I should not have done fake second marriage with her. But now, now it is too late. I cannot risk your life now". ACP Khan's revelations and clues had made Raghav think and re-think, again and again and again; and he had come to the conclusion that revealing the truth of his and Kalpi's marriage at this stage, now would be too risky for Kalpi's life. True, Kapoors' were in financial troubles, Sahil Kapoor was on the verge of destruction, but he could not take those fox-minded people lightly. He knew for sure about Sahil Kapoors' contacts with some of infamous dons of Mumbai City, of whom he used to take help in order to grab/take hold of land. The goons used to threaten the original land-owners, with life or anything dear to them and once it was done, Sahil used to make use of that land to make hotels, housing complexes, shopping complexes, anything; giving a high percentage of profits to goons; his victims ranging from middle-class people to slum dwellers. Unlike Raghav who used ethical practices for his business, Sahil never cared for anything moralistic. So, a confrontation with Kapoors' direct or indirect was not without any risk. Raghav did not want to do anything consciously to threaten Kalpana's life also with him, whom he knew Sahil may use against him. "I am sorry Kalpi. Now, I cannot go back. If only I could reverse time and undo that fake-second marriage day; things would not have been so complicated like they are now. I wouldn't have to do this drama with Pakhi; if only I could have ditched her, faking plain friendship with her. But now...I cannot even tell her that she and I are not married, because I'll have to tell her the reason behind my doing this. I cannot risk both, my objective of ruining Kapoors' and your life. I am sorry" thinking so he wiped a tear which had come to caress one of his cheeks with determination, diverting his gaze from Kalpi's cabin and back to the windows of his office which showed the clear blue skies.
"And now let the fun begin. Let us test you Ms. Pakhi Kapoor" and he smirked, as he also remembered the conversation he had with Sahil Kapoor two days ago and that this noon.
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KAPOOR HOUSE: -
Neetu was pacing restlessly in her living room, waiting for Sahil at lunch who had gone to their company for some work. Soon Sahil entered, with a smile on his face. "What happened to make you so happy Sahil? Has sale of our shares been cancelled?" she asked him in hope. They had talked to Raghav two days ago asking for his help in this matter. Sahil had requested Raghav to intervene and use his high approach and power to get the creditors to cancel this sale. Raghav had made sure Sahil is able to talk to him only after two long days of efforts. Once they'd talked Raghav had assured Sahil of doing everything which was in his hands in this matter, telling him that he was busy and Pakhi had told him only recently about this recent development through message. As he was not taking any long, personal calls due to overload in office work. Today he had called Sahil himself, after Sahil had tried to contact him again; and he was able to make him believe of his good intentions to help him.
"No Neetu. But there is good news; Raghav had talked to our creditors. Though they refused to cancel the sale due to legal reasons, but Raghav has assured that our company would remain ours only. He told me he will certainly do something to help us".
"What nonsense? You call this good news Sahil? Tell me, how will Raghav help us, by buying our company on our behalf, or by paying our debts? How are you so sure, he'll want to help us truly and not want to take advantage of this situation for his own benefit?"
"Neetu use your brains at least once. Raghav Singhania is a big name today and he doesn't need to take advantage of this situation to become richer. He already is the richest businessman in the country. It is our fault that we didn't tell him about our debts before. Had we told him about this a little earlier, maybe he'd have given us money to pay-off our debts. But now, things have gone too far. Raghav told me that he had offered to pay money on our behalf to clear our debts, but creditors are too angry and stubborn. They are eyeing the profits they can earn by sale of shares. They do not want just their money back now. They see so many months' of lapse of repayment of the loan, and their repeated extension of chances to us. He said he is still hopeful, there are still ten days left for the sale and he will do everything to convince the creditors about the advantages of accepting debt-payment before. He said even if we could repay the creditors would not have accepted it now; and he is right. I had talked to one of them and he told me about his evil intentions openly".
Neetu: "You are trust Raghav too much. I hope what you're saying is true. How can someone deny a powerful person like Raghav's requests?"
Sahil: "Your son-in-law is a gem Neetu, a gem. Don't doubt him. He married Pakhi as he loved her, and this should be sufficient for us to convince us of his honesty towards us. He will not do anything to hurt his beloved Pakhi's parents; and you forget nobody is above law and above stubbornness of some people. You forgot Raghav's father, who was so stubborn; and many other such people who did not listen to us. We've been the most powerful family in the city for some years; but even we failed to win over stubbornness of some people".
Neetu: "Yes, maybe you are right. Let us just hope Raghav is able to win this one time, for us".
Sahil: "He will Neetu, he will. He will save us somehow or other".
***************************************************
"Thank you so much doctor, thank you. It is a big favour upon us. When can we meet you?" Kalpi was in her cabin and it was after 3 PM time. She was talking to the topmost counselor and psychologist of the city on phone. Since past many days she had been searching for a counselor to heal Gauri's psychological and mental wounds. She had found out about Dr. (Mrs) Apara Mehta after some research, that she was the best. It had taken many efforts for Kalpana to take her appointment and she had given her an appointment finally when she used Raghav Singhania's name, that too of day after, early morning. Kalpi was very happy and wanted to share this news with Raghav. For few moments she forgot that a weekly meeting was going on between Singhania Group of Companies' H.O - Senior Managers and heads and Raghav himself, in Raghav's personal chamber.
With quick strides she reached the entrance between her and Raghav's cabin. Kalpi had almost taken Raghav's name, thereby revealing some kind of personal bond between them, since other than Sammy no one else dare call Raghav by his first name. Everyone else called him "Sir".
Kalpi: "Ra..." She said and her doe-shaped eyes became even more wide when she saw all the top-most heads there, including Peeyush and Sonal. She composed herself quickly, knocked the door, said sorry and made up something quickly "Sir Rathore and Enterprises representative had called upon us just now" she finished nervously, hoping Raghav had understood that she wanted to talk about something else and fervently praying that others had not noticed what she was going to do.
Her prayers were answered, Raghav did understand her and except Sonal no-one else took much notice. In all these weeks, Sonal had come to understand Kalpi a bit too much to not understand meaning of her smallest of actions and she also knew about Raghav Sir and Kalpana being childhood friends. She had stolen a quick glance just now at both Raghav and Kalpi, when Kalpi spoke. She saw their silent conversations and familiarity of understandings between them, thus coming to the conclusion that there is certainly something more between these two, other than a professional relation and other than mere old childhood acquaintance. "Maybe they are more than friends, or maybe they are too good friends" she thought. As for Peeyush, he was too focused on being good friends with Kalpana as soon as possible to see his Raghav Sir's reactions, or understand other emotions in Kalpana's eyes. He did not know her that well.
Raghav finished the meeting then and there "All right ladies and gentlemen; we meet next week again, same time at 2 PM" he said dismissing everyone. But as Peeyush stood up, he did not leave the cabin without a quick word with Kalpana whom he had not seen since morning today. She was looking very beautiful in a knee length, formal tunics, in cream shade and open hair. "Hey, looking very pretty Kalpana, or can I now say Kalpi?" he said as he shook hands with her. Kalpi was taken aback with his low voice, as she was still focused on telling the news about the counselor to Raghav. "Thank You Peeyush Sir. Yes, you can call me Kalpi".
"Peeyush, sorry to interrupt the convo with your friend, But I want to inform you that I want the presentation on our proposed online recruitment process, by this evening now instead of day after tomorrow. So it will be good if you save your time" Raghav finished in a serious tone, attracting Kalpana's upset gaze and Sonal's curious one to himself.
Peeyush: "This evening? Actually Sir..." He started off, only to be cut in-between by Raghav.
Raghav: "Yes, this evening. I hope you don't have any problem" he said in a tone which said I don't want any excuse'.
Peeyush: "No Sir, there isn't any. The presentation will be ready in time" he greeted Raghav once again, nodded at Kalpana and went out just as others too left the cabin.
Once every one was gone, Kalpi glared at him "What was that?" Raghav: "What was that? This was important so I had to pre-pone it" he said smiling and walking up to her. "Really, is it this much only?" she asked. "Really, it is so wifey. Leave him for now" he said putting his hands on her waist and bringing her close to him "Tell me what were you saying Kalpi? Was it something like Raghav?" he teased her, biting his lips. She blushed in embarrassment and lowered her gaze "Yes, actually we've got an appointment with the best counselor in the city tomorrow morning- Dr.(Mrs) Apara Mehta. She can help Mom to lead a happy life again".
Raghav looked at her for a few minutes in astonishment and finally muttered "What?"
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6.30PM: KAPOOR HOUSE & SINGHANIA GROUP OF COMPANIES: -
Evening time Sahil was talking to someone on phone "I miss you my tiger. I miss you so much. You are my biggest strength, I am glad you are returning by this weekend. Now no one can defeat us Prem; no one".
At the same time on the other end, Raghav was driving out of his office. Kalpi had already left ten minutes ago, telling him that she'll take an auto. He had almost turned towards his home's direction when on the opposite end of the road, he saw a guy talking with Kalpi as they stood outside a cafe. She was smiling and they seemed quite friendly. "Who is he?" he wondered for he had not met any such acquaintance or friend of Kalpi till now, nor had she mentioned of any. He was thus lost in his curiosity when he saw that stranger suddenly hugging Kalpi and she returned his hug.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction using characters from the show 'Ek Mutthi Aasmaan" on 'Zee TV". The characters are owned by creators and owners of the show.
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