Joint SS : Chap 26 (aahanaa123) - Pg 123 25/3 - Page 50

"AKDOO tum "is the only word left my lips soon realized that I said it loud, I bit my tongue "girl u should control it" I thought he had a bright smile on his face wait is he enjoying this ?

"AKDOO that sounds like a song to me, I missed it so much, it's been 2 weeks I have seen her last I have searched for her like a mad man and here she is preparing presentation on my company. I just want to pull her in to my arms and kiss her hard to let her know how angry I'm on her" Raghav what are you thinking I mentally slapped myself, before I could reach her "Mr.Singhania" someone interrupted me...

It was "Mr.Mehra" one of the Board of Directors of "Singhania Group of Companies" who had accompanied Raghav for this meeting. Kalpi was cursing herself for not doing her math properly and not connecting Raghav Singhania's name with Singhania Group of Companies. "How could I be so careless Bappa? Since past two weeks because of this Akdoo I have not taken even one peaceful breath. His memories and his face haunt me day and night and still I was so negligent. What Kalpi, you did so much research on Singhania Group of Companies for this project, had you researched a bit on the CEO of this group, you would have been prepared for this encounter!Why does this happen to me always, why, why? On top of that you called him Akdoo in front of all" Kalpi thought as she looked around and found dumbstruck faces with only one smiling in-between them, of Raghav's. But now when Mr.mehra called for Raghav's attention Kalpi straightened herself to know now what was on her way.

"I must admit that I am quite impressed with the impromptu presentation by this young lady here. But the question raised by you is still valid enough. Apart from trying to rectify the workings of customer-care in Singhania Group of Companies I do not see any other significant contribution being made by this company. Not to forget, this young lady here is quite gutsy in calling you names! If your decision is to reject the proposal of this merger, the rest of the Board shall support you" Mr.Mehra concluded his little speech proudly, expecting endorsement by Raghav while both Kalpi and Raghav gave upset glances to him. Both had their own reasons for feeling this sudden surge of anger within them.

Forgetting her timid behaviour for the blunder which she'd just done now, Kalpi was seething in anger. She was upset because of Mr.Mehra's obvious egoistic approach; the man was not ready to acknowledge any good point, nor the fact that their coming together would benefit both the companies. There Raghav who till now had a dreamy smile on his lips understood that whatever Mr.Mehra said was out of an effort to please Raghav. But Raghav was not pleased; he was highly annoyed at someone's fawning attitude attempting to come between him and Kalpana. No way was he going to disapprove of this merger, he had no reason to. First the lady in question herself, with a stroke of luck he had finally found something about Kalpana's whereabouts; he was not letting go of this golden opportunity. Second, Kalpana's presentation was absolutely flawless and Raghav was highly impressed. He had actually scolded himself for not trying to do Kalpana's educational background check. That would have certainly led him to something. Now giving Mr.Mehra a cold shoulder Raghav turned his attention to the Board of Directors of Kalpana's company, "This bright girl here has satisfied my doubts and questions completely. I am keen to go ahead with this merger."

Raghav's words were like a wave of fresh air to Kalpana's seniors and her boss gave Kalpi a thankful look, which though was short-lived when Raghav continued speaking. "But, I have a condition. After the proceedings of merger are legally complete I want you to be associated with the Head office of Singhania Group of Companies. You shall be transferred from this office to the head office, and given a position suitable as per your qualifications and intelligence" Raghav finished and sat back calmly, knowing well that Kalpi will not remain silent. He ignored everyone's shocked glances, some of whom attributed this condition to Kalpi impressing the Raghav Singhania by her brilliant presentation.

"But Sir, you cannot transfer me without my consent even after the merger. I am happy in my part-time job here Sir. I am extremely sorry but I cannot work from anywhere else" Kalpi said politely while internally all she wanted to do was fight with her 'Akdoo Singhania'. But this was neither the proper time nor proper place, that shall have to wait. "What does he think of himself, first he helps me and then forces me to work as a cook in his home. When I start developing a feeling for him, he insults me in front of his Mom; and then still rules my heart and mind. Now he comes and expects me to bend as per his wish again! No, I won't allow that" she thought. But Raghav was adamant to bring Kalpi close to him by hook or by crook. "Oh that is completely fine, if you don't wish to. In that case we have two scenarios; either I would not go ahead with this merger or after merger the company shall retrench your services" Raghav stated calmly. "In fact I expect that you have the list of all those employees ready who are willing to work with Singhania Group of Companies. The rest of the employees we can allow to leave, including...you" Raghav said with a winning glance to Kalpana while he talked to the Board of Directors of Kalpi's company. Kalpi stared at Raghav with her mouth agape, she could not allow any of the both options to materialise, the company needed Singhania Group of Companies' investment and she needed a job. "But, but Sir we were expecting all the employees to agree with all the terms and conditions. We've readied the documents accordingly" one of the officials of Kalpi's company told Raghav.

"Then I suggest you review it again and make a list of all the interested employees, and take her reply into consideration especially" Raghav stated and Kalpi's seniors looked on hopefully at her, pleading her from eyes to say yes. "There is no need of that, I am ready" she stated and Raghav smirked, while nodding his head. "Then I also have no objection, let's complete all the formalities" Raghav said and soon the documents of merger were signed between both the companies' board of directors and employees of Kalpana's company. "Take the court's approval as soon as possible to finalise this merger legally" Raghav told one of his senior executives who had accompanied him, then looking at Kalpi continued. "I want you to keep her transfer papers to our head office ready also. I want this brilliant mind in my office. Is that fine...Ms.Chatterbox?" Raghav said, winked at Kalpi and then left the conference room to attend the lunch which was being served in another hall, leaving some confused faces and a speechless Kalpi behind.

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All through the lunch, Raghav had kept an eagle's eye on Kalpi and her movements, who aware of Raghav's focus on herself, was too conscious all through. She had avoided Raghav during whole lunch, but Raghav was transfixed by Kalpi. He could not avoid her, how could he? Like a mad man in love he had been searching and just searching for Kalpana since past two weeks. No amount of his power or name had been successful in finding out anything about Kalpana. She had seemingly vanished into thin air and now when he had started feeling the effects of depression his lady-luck had brought him to his lady-love. Yes, he had no doubt now that he was in love with this rare God-made beauty. The feeling of companionship which his own mother even couldn't provide to him, that rare feeling he had experienced in those few days which Kalpi had spent in his mansion. He had become used to fighting with her, teasing her, ogling on her beauty, wait eagerly to return home for her and then sleep with a smile on his face, with her dreams at night. He had been an idiot not to care about the girl's self-respect when he had introduced Kalpi as a servant to his mother.

The loss had been only his; with Kalpana both Raghav and his mansion had lost their soul. Of course Raghav had told Gauri the complete truth about Kalpana afterwards. He'd told her how he had met Kalpi, that she belonged to a good background and most importantly she was not a maid. But by then it was too late, Kalpi had left his home leaving only two words: "Thank You" behind. So mad was Raghav on himself that he'd practically made his mother run away back to his grand-parents home, saying "Mom I am not interested in marriage right now, and definitely not with this Pakhi Kapoor." Gauri had attempted only once to change Raghav's mind but in vain, and deciding to give Raghav some space Gauri had left. Now that with great difficulty he'd found Kalpana, Raghav intended to rectify things. He wanted some alone time with Kalpana, to talk to her, fight with her, feel her, say sorry to her and...to kiss her.

He found a perfect opportunity when he saw Kalpi leaving the hall. Excusing himself Raghav followed her and found that she was headed to the washroom. "What the...? Now what do I do?" Raghav thought, then smirked "No one stops me from getting what I want, and right now I want to talk to her." Thinking so he followed Kalpi with quick strides, hearing some foot-steps Kalpi looked back and widened her eyes on seeing Raghav. She quickly went inside the washroom, but before the door could be locked Raghav had forced himself in. "Get out, this is a ladies washroom you Akdoo" Kalpi almost shouted, as one other girl who was inside looked on shockingly but couldn't say anything on recognizing Raghav. "I don't care, I want to talk to you and I am not leaving without talking to you" Raghav hissed and held Kalpi's arms. He gave one angry glare to the other girl, who looked on towards Kalpi, leaving only when Kalpi indicated to her that she was alright. "I know him, I'll be fine" Kalpi said and the girl left them alone.

Raghav immediately bolted the door and then turned his attention back to Kalpi. He walked on with slow steps towards her while Kalpi kept walking back. "Stay away you akdoo" she hissed and Raghav smirked, "Is that how you address your boss?" Raghav said outwardly while inwardly enjoyed the music of her voice. "You are not my boss right now" she retaliated; "well, soon to be boss because after the finalization of this merger your company shall have no identity of its own. It shall work under the logo of- Singhania Group of Companies" Raghav said. "I am telling you Mr.Khadoos Singhania if you..." Kalpi couldn't finish her sentence, for the next thing she knew she was in Raghav's arms. His hands moved from her waist to her lower back, hugging her tightly, and then moved up and down caressing her all along. Kalpi tried to suppress a gasp but couldn't, this was so shocking for her, so new yet reminded her of the memory when she had first experienced Raghav's touch as a man. Barbie was at his home and Raghav's arm had taken Kalpi in a side-hug, holding her from waist. That was the first time Kalpi had felt him and found happiness in his touch; then there was also that kiss they'd shared. But this was the second time Kalpi was in Raghav's arms and this time he had completely enveloped her in his magic, inside him. She tried hard to fight this secure, happy feeling she felt on his caresses even as he nuzzled into Kalpi's neck, placing soft kisses there. "Umm, why did you leave me Chatterbox? I missed you so much" he whispered in Kalpi's ears and what eventually came out of Kalpi were her rugged breaths.

Suddenly past two-weeks' loneliness and yearning for Raghav caught up with Kalpi. Giving in eventually Kalpana surrendered herself to him. She hid her face in Raghav's chest and hugged him back, sensing this Raghav's hands had moved all through her body, feeling her sensuous curves. Then he made him look into his eyes and cupping Kalpi's cheeks, placed his lips on hers. He kissed her passionately, claiming her, sharing their common loneliness making her drown in this warm feeling. As Raghav claimed each and every corner of Kalpi's mouth, Kalpi's arms snaked to his neck and she responded to him. When their desire and longing of two weeks for each other was fulfilled, Raghav kept his forehead on hers. "You didn't answer me, why did you leave me alone? Where are you living now?" Raghav asked Kalpi.

It was like ice-cold water was thrown on her, bringing her out of trance and Kalpi pushed Raghav back. She remembered the word 'servant' used by Raghav for her. "Why? Are servants your bonded labourers? Cannot they leave the job on their own will? And if you're worried for your loan, don't worry I remember it very well. I have already saved some amount for that purpose and in next two-three months I shall pay back to you completely" Kalpi retorted and Raghav felt a sudden pain in his heart. But he deserved this; he was ready to listen to all of her accusations but not willing to let her go. His helping her on the ground of debt was proving costly to him now. He tried reasoning with Kalpi and make her understand, trying to caress her cheek but Kalpi fought with him. Pushing his hand away, hitting him with her tiny fists Kalpi continued shouting with tears rolling down her eyes: "Go away, you used me, you used me", "But I am no more your servant now; you cannot do anything."

When all the efforts to talk peacefully with Kalpana proved futile, Raghav held Kalpi by her arms, stopping her actions. "You are right; I am here for the loan I extended to you. You forgot both me and my money; and I cannot allow both to happen. This loan is dear to me because it brought me to you, it made me meet you. It is our first connection and now I am neither leaving you, nor this money. You're going to be in my office in some days; and I promise soon I will bring you back to my home also. You'll be back Ms.Jadhav, to where you belong, my home and with all that you owe to me and to yourself! Be ready to pay back, and this time with added rate of interest!"Saying so Raghav left Kalpi and turning back, opened the door. But before leaving he turned and added "You are mine, do not even try to run away this time" and he left, while Kalpi battling her complex feelings broke down in some more tears. "Bappa, now what? Now what has this Akdoo brought himself for me? What on Earth did he mean by 'You are Mine'?"

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It was only after Raghav rested his head back on the seat of his car as the driver rode him back to office that his mind allowed some sensible thoughts to come in. "What have I done? I could not tell her that I love her; that I don't want her to pay back anything to me; that I want only her and her love. That she has become my life and that I want to kiss only her lips, want to make intense love only to her; that it is only her for me for my entire lifetime. That she is my soul and my home's too; that I cannot live without her, she is the music of my heart. But I again brought that money between us, I could not tell her that it was only an excuse to help her, to keep her close to me. And now I shall have to live this excuse again, but this time she is very clearly mine and only mine. She'll come back to where she belongs, my home, our home and cook spicy hot breakfast for me" Raghav smiled.

"I'll set everything right after some-time, tell her the entire truth about this money and about Mom, about Pakhi to her when she can listen to me" he thought. "But I still wonder what must have happened for her family to forge ties with her, to make her leave her home and to drown her hurt in alcohol. That pain in her eyes, I can never forget that, the pain which had first connected me to her. She was dancing wildly in that sleeveless, black mini-dress, drinking shots after shots of alcoholic hard-drinks; but her eyes carried so much pain. Oblivious to the danger of those lustful eyes and hands which had come to surround her; they were ready to take advantage of her condition. I'd never felt so protective about anyone before, she reminded me of myself. How I was all alone, with no one to protect me from this big, bad world. But I could not leave her alone; and then there was this money. She was dancing in a five-star hotel's club, how she paid the entry-fees of that club. With whom had she come, and then who was that man who came and took away all the cash she was carrying. I had to pay back the money Kalpana had spent in entry-fees; and then I also paid her other bills of the club" Raghav was lost in thoughts and those innumerable questions which often used to cross his mind, especially in the last two weeks. But only Kalpana could answer these questions, from whom Raghav couldn't ask anything at present.

"And how is Pakhi related to her, how did she snatch away her Aai-Baba from her?" Raghav wondered and remembered how Kalpi had fell unconscious in his arms; and then how he'd ended up with an unconscious Kalpi in his arms and how her luggage ended up in the boot-space of his sedan.