Dear All,
I have been mum for a long time and had this update ready for a while. Had to proof read and edit it, but haven't had the time. This chapter according to me meanders a bit with not much expected action between ARHI, but according to my editor, it builds towards the final crescendo. Trusting her far wider experience in the world of publishing, here is the next update.
Happy reading and hope to get another update sooner than 4 weeks.
[CHAPTERS 1- 21 IN THREAD 1
https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1943876]
CHAPTER 22: PAGE 5 https://india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2888473&TPN=5�
CHAPTER 23: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2888473&TPN=5
CHAPTER 24: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2888473&TPN=15
CHAPTER XXII
AUGUST 12TH, 2016
Friday, 9.00 AM
Kesar was ready at the lobby of Hotel Qamardeen waiting for the car to take her first to Atlantis The Palm Dubai hotel where she was going to drop off spare sets of clothes for the kids and Amma. Due to the lateness of the hour, Daadibua had insisted that the kids and Amma stay back for the night. This had given Kesar uninterrupted time to catch up on the emails and the happenings at the office. The suite had been desolate, but she capitalized on her time without feeling guilty. She was going to collect, Chachaji, aka, Hari Aum Mathur, President and Managing Director, of Cotton Earth, Inc., from the same hotel and then was going to proceed to the Dubai Fashion Week venue at the Dubai World Trade Center.
As scheduled the car arrived and she was on her way. She had hoped to get breakfast with the whole family, but she knew that it would be a far stretch if all of them had stayed awake the previous night. Since the work commitment at Dubai was only for a day and a half, she was glad that Daadibua had taken upon herself to entertain the kids and Amma. As she had anticipated, it was a groggy-eyed Chachaji who greeted her.
Kesar: Chachaji, I can see that it was indeed a very late night. I will manage alone; you carry on and catch up with your sleep. I will give you an update and here is the change of clothes for the kids and Amma.
Chachaji: Sorry Kesar, you know, how it is. I had such a great time with the kids last night, I just lost track of time. It was well past three when we all went to bed. Sure you don't mind going ahead; I will try to join you around 1.00 p.m.
Kesar: I know how it is. Go nap for a while. I will see you when I see you, and if I don't see you today then goodnight.
Kesar attired in a simple black Tahari ASL suit that boasted of a collarless seamed jacket, pencil slim skirt and a brilliant white shell top rode to the event venue alone. As usual her make-up was bare minimum except for her kohl-lined eyes and a shell-pink lip gloss. The tiny pearl and diamond studs in her ears and a single sterling silver bangle with pearl and diamond bead cuff was understated to say the least. But the sleek, rectangular DKNY watch crafted from black ceramic and stainless steel accented by clear crystal accents was the only thing that could give away her love for sparklers/bling.
40 minutes later, Kesar was at the venue at the Dubai World Trade Center. The entrance showcased all the sponsors of the event. She noted that the show had garnered some big names like Evian, Nikon, SLS Production, Chopard, Audi, The Monarch, Dubai (Hotel Chain), Patson, Cranberry, Packard Bell, Capital Outdoor (for media and Brand visibility), Capital Studio (Photographic Equipment, post production services, Equipment for hire), Dubai Exotic Limo, MAC, Gulf Technical, Franck Provost, Bioderma, and DU Emirates Integrated Telecom.
She moved on to the Fashion Theater and was assigned to her seat and soon the show was on. The next 3 hours was a treat to watch the trends and designs from the known and unknown fashion houses. Some of the prominent designers such as Nabraman, Meem Seen, Zori, Mirela Stelea, Cartas, Ekta Singh, Easton Preston, Jaya Misra, Barjis, Amato, and Peroni had very impressive presentations. She had been very proud of Cotton Earth Inc.'s line put together by Jaggs Kalra. And then there was AR Group's Waterfall collection. The very name unearthed memories that Kesar had buried and had consciously tried to forget. But somehow those memories had a way of surfacing when she was least prepared for them. It took more that fifteen minutes or sometimes longer to bury the restlessness. Anyway her Devi Maiyya had been merciful that Chachaji had not accompanied her today to witness her predicament. She walked out of the theater to the open foyer taking in all make-shift booths set up by the design houses and the sponsors. All the colors, patterns, fabrics were food for her mind and it soon calmed her restlessness. Refreshed, at the same time exhausted, she walked to the refreshments area for a bottle of water. The aroma of hot tea and coffee with spices was so tempting that she helped herself to a cup of hot tea. The short break calmed her mind and it was soon business as usual for Kesar. As she winded her way through a maze of tables and chairs from the refreshment area to the open foyer, 20 feet away she saw the familiar face of Gerald Parker making conversation animatedly with ASR. The distance between her and Gerald's table had been so great that there was no chance that she could catch any part of the conversation but ASR's body language screamed of an aggressor on the war-path. The last thing she wanted was to be discovered by either. She made an about turn, and walked into the refreshment area further and further away from the duo. The restlessness that she had just tamped down erupted back and this time in gargantuan proportions. She now made her way to the foyer area by walking along the potted plants that were lined up on the perimeter of the refreshment area. Once outside she summoned her driver and drove back to her hotel.
Khushi had correctly read ASR's body language. At the table, ASR knew he had Gerald Parker in his pocket. Gerald had indicated to him that he had got in touch with his fellow director, Rob Roy, who was interested in ASR's bid. ASR mused, 'Another step closer to Padma Dwiwedi and to Khushi'. And suddenly out of nowhere, he felt her presence distracting him completely. The twinge that he felt so strongly was now receding. A glance around the sparsely occupied refreshment area indicated no evidence of Khushi. He abruptly excused himself and hurriedly took leave from Gerald. On his way out he caught a glimpse of the back of a black suited lady making her way out of the refreshment area. He ran past her towards the exit. A number of cars were taking off and he could no longer feel her presence. The feeling of hitting another dead end was just not acceptable. He looked around for her but he could not feel her presence. Finally, he summoned his car to take him back to his hotel. On his way, he browsed his blackberry to take in all the messages. One of the messages had been from his friend, Digi. Knowing that Dubai was only an hour and a half behind Indian Standard Time, he dialed Digi's number.
Digi: How is Dubai treating you?
ASR: I know she is here.
Digi: What? You found her, you saw her.
ASR: No, I have not seen her, I know she is here. I need your help. How can I track her here?
Digi: Man, you know how to choose your moments don't you? You know it has been four years since I have left Abu Dhabi, I don't have any contacts in Dubai which is an hour and half away. Well let me see. I will call you in half an hour.
ASR returned to his hotel at Atlantis, The Palm and let himself into his 11th floor room overlooking the Arabian Gulf. His blackberry buzzed. He browsed to find a text message from Digi with a phone number for a Mansoor Ahmed. Mr. Ahmed was a private investigator and worked out of a city called Al Samha that was 20 minutes away from Abu Dhabi. He called the number and asked him if he could track Khushi within the next 72 hours as he was scheduled to return to India.
Mansoor Ahmed: I am not sure I can commit to finding someone so quickly. But since you said that she might have been at the Dubai World Trade Center building, it could be a beginning. Could you email me a picture of your wife at the earliest at mansahserv@gmail.com. I shall be able to find out within a week if she lives in this area.
ASR: I am sure she is using her maiden name, Khushi Kumari Gupta. I will be surprised if she uses her married name, Khushi Singh Raizada, but you never know. There is no harm in checking. Thanks again for extending your services. As we talk I am forwarding my wife's picture to you. Now you will have my email address to forward the future correspondence. Thanks again and hoping for the best.
The call was terminated, but his restlessness would not let him calm down. He paced back and forth on the balcony overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The salty breeze and the calming oceanic view did nothing to ASR's churning mindset. He knew that the day was gone and he had very few hopes of Mansoor Ahmed finding Khushi in the next few hours. But hope was what was kept him going. Finally, he called it a day and retired early to bed. He caught up with the happenings back at the home and office front. Aman had very few things to update. But the call from home bore great news. An excited Nani could not contain her happiness as she conveyed Payal's pregnancy and Anjali stepping out on a date. Though the news was great, it put him in a contemplative mode and triggered thoughts to which he had no answers and only increased his anxiety. His child would have been four years old, he thought. If that being the case, where would Khushi have left their child when she worked? Who looked after the child? Was it a boy or a girl? On the other hand the news that Di was out on a date also had him on pins and needles. He had not known that Di was friendly with anyone, particularly a man. The barrage of 'what if' questions just poured in and he quite did not know how to contain them and was in no position to address them either. ASR spent a restless night and was awakened by the reception at noon the next day. He was notified that a visitor by the name of Mansoor Ahmed was waiting in the lobby for him. He requested that the visitor proceed to the casual dining restaurant called Kaleidoscope. He then vaulted out of the bed and into the shower. He was down in the lobby and in the restaurant in less than 15 minutes shaved, showered and clothed.
The maitre de pointed him to Mansoor Ahmed's table.
Mansoor Ahmed: I apologize for getting you out of the bed but since you had indicated that this was important; I just had to walk in and chance a meeting with you.
ASR: That is ok and ''..
Mansoor Ahmed pulled out his Ipad and clicked on a file. The file showed video footage captured from security cameras located in the Dubai World Trade Center. Amidst the throng of people, it showed a suited Khushi emerging into the open foyer. Then proceeding to the Fashion theatre and then in and out of the refreshment area and finally walking out of the Dubai WTC building.
Mansoor Ahmed: Here is a flash drive that contains the same file. I can tell you one thing that she is not from here. Her body language gives her away. I need at least another 72 hours to confirm.
"So near and yet so far".
Due to visa restrictions, ASR knew that he had to leave the country the next morning. He made a decision. He gave Mansoor Ahmed time till August 19th to locate Khushi. If former could find clues of Khushi's whereabouts in Dubai, he, ASR, promised to fly in almost immediately. The men took leave. ASR held the flash drive and started to make his way back to the bank of elevators to reach his room. All he wanted to do was run that video again. The reception area was crowded with check-ins and check-outs. He suddenly felt his trouser leg being tugged. He impatiently glanced to see his newest four feet friend, Kiran, all dressed for travel.
ASR: Hi, going somewhere?
Kiran: Yeah, I am embarking on the final trip of this year's vacation before school starts. It will be a whole year before I can think of taking a long vacation. BTW, it was nice meeting you even if it was for a short time Arnav'''''''.BTW what is your full name?
ASR: Arnav Singh Raizada.
As he said his full name, he watched the kid's expression expecting another cheeky comment. And as expected he got one.
ASR: Now what?
Kiran: For a man of few words, your name sure is a mouthful. AAPKA NAAM KUCH ZYAADA NAHI HO GAYA, MR. RAIZAADAA? Well jokes aside, I really liked you and if I find you on the facebook I will send you a friend request and then you and I can become pen-friends. What do you say prospective pen pal?
ASR: The idea is not so bad, but I don't have a facebook account. But I will create one tonight and I will look forward to receiving a friend request from your end real soon.
"Kiran" , From across the hall Padma Dwiwedi Mathur called out to her great grand niece. She had been watching Kiran talk to the same gentleman; to whom she was introduced two days back. She waited as her husband completed the check out formalities.
Kiran: Bye have to go, Paddybua is calling.
ASR: Bye and have a good journey.
ASR moved towards the bank of elevators and was waylaid by Gerald Parker. He would have almost snapped at him, but he had to rein in his temper and converse pleasantly.
ASR: Checking out?
Gerald Parker: Yes, it is back to the grind. Well as I said yesterday, I will put forward your proposal to Rob and also to Amy Su. I look forward to hearing from you soon. BTW if the president and vice-president of the company were not checking out today, I would have arranged for an introduction this evening with Hari Mathur and Padma Dwiwedi Mathur.
ASR: What'..
Gerald Parker: Yes, but you did meet Padma Dwiwedi Mathur a few days ago, remember the poker night game. Yes that one was Paddy Mathur. The couple is leaving for the States back today.
Information was coming at him in barrels and he was not at all prepared for this. For the last four years, he could not find a single lead to her, and now in this last 60 minutes, he was pounded with clues. He mused at the irony too. Here he was conspiring ways to get to Padma Dwiwedi and there she had been sitting there, right in front of him playing card games a few nights ago. For heaven's sake, her great grand niece had been sitting in his lap and what did he do, he just bid them goodbye. Talk about missed opportunities.
Gerald Parker: ASR are you ok, you have gone all quiet on me.
ASR: I am fine thanks. Trust me l will see you in a few weeks on your turf. It has been a pleasure to meet you and to get to know you.
ASR bid Gerald Parker adieu and made his way to his room. He called the concierge and asked if they could book him on the next flight to New Delhi. He yanked out his suitcase and packed in a half-hazard manner. He was all packed within the next 30 minutes. The concierge informed him that he would not be able to make it for the 3.00 pm Gulf Air flight, but they had him on the 10.20 pm Kingfisher Airlines flight 42 to New Delhi and he would be there at 3.40 am. It was already 2.00 pm Dubai time; ASR knew he had less than six hours to shop for everyone at home. First stop was at gold plaza, where he picked up jewelry for Mami. The paucity of time compelled him to make selections for Payal, Di and Nani at the same gold arcade. He knew Mami would give him grief for the rest of his life for choosing gold jewelry for the women folk. He then went to the famous Albaba Sweet shop and bought the traditional Lebonese and oriental sweets for all at home. He also picked up watches for all the Prakash's at home. He reached his room by 6.15 p.m. He then called the room service and ordered an assortment of Arabian grilled meat dishes for Mamaji and Akash. The platter would be hard to smuggle into Shantivan.
At the same time, at 6.15 pm, the Gupta/Mehta contingent flew out of Dubai by Air India Flight 946 and reached New Delhi at 10.45 pm.
DUBAI, 10.20 pm
Kingfisher airlines flight 42 was taxiing down the Runway 2 to take off for New Delhi, India. As soon as the captain announced that all laptops and cell-phones could be activated, ASR booted his laptop. The plane was equipped with WIFI and he composed an email to Aman requesting that a multiple entry business visa for Dubai and US be procured for him and Pam. His first trip would be to the United States and he expected the stay to last for at least six months. He composed a second mail to Mansoor Ahmed informing of his sudden change of plans to take off to India. He logged off and brought out the flash drive and played the video file. The entire duration of journey that was little over three hours, he watched the images of Khushi on screen. Four years and more, she still looked the same.
New Delhi, India
10.45 pm
AI Flight 946 landed at the IGI Airport. An hour later the Gupta/Mehta contingent was being driven to the four star inn, Hotel Vikram, which was close to the Safdarjung Railway Station. The party checked in to their suite that had three bedrooms. The boys decided to share one bedroom, while Kiran decided to sleep with Amma. Kesar choose the remaining one. After settling in, the kids and amma were busy surfing TV channels, while she booted her laptop to catch up on the events back home. Daadibua had notified of their safe arrival back into the States. So immersed was Kesar in her work, she almost missed her daughter walk into the room and snuggle under the covers. Kesar quickly transferred her laptop on the nightstand expecting her 45 pound torpedo to jump on top of her. Less than 10 seconds, a groggy-eyed Kiran crawled on top of her mother. The chubby arms encircled her mother's neck and crooned into her ear
Kiran: Mumma, I can't sleep.
Kesar had been expecting this and had positioned herself upright against the headboard. She put her arms around her daughter and patted her to sleep.
Kiran: Mumma sing, nanhi pari
(link for this song : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RCmIHYewP0)
Kesar began humming the song that was her daughter's favorite. 2 minutes into the song Kesar could hear her daughter's breathing become even and deep. She slowly laid Kiran on the bed, but her daughter was not ready to relinquish her hold on her mother's hair. Kiran grabbed a fistful of her mother's hair, slept on it, necessitating Kesar to ease herself down on the mattress next to her daughter. Kesar was now expecting the boys to show up. Within minutes both the boys ran into and snuggled next to Kiran. A few minutes later Amma came to check if all was well. Kesar affirmed from the bed that all was well and switched off the light and slid into deep sleep along with her children.3.50 am
ASR's flight landed at the IGI, New Delhi Airport in the predawn hour. 30 minutes later, he was met by Akaash at the airport. Both drive home in companionable silence. After years, Akaash found a zeal in his Bhai's eyes, but knowing Bhai, he knew his prodding would get him nowhere. Taking into account, the lateness of the hour, Akash just bid him goodnight. As he turned, Bhai handed over to Akash the packet of goodies packed by the hotel.
8.00 am, Hotel Vikram, New Delhi
As per the itinerary, they were to start touring Delhi between 9.00 am and 6.00 pm. But due to the late night, they were unable to make it. Instead Kesar let the children sleep and Amma decided to visit one of her friends in Vasant Vihar. As soon as Amma left at 9.30 am, Khushi gathered courage and decided to make a phone call to her parents at the Laxminagar house. Two rings later the phone was picked up by a voice that was not familiar.
Kesar: Madhumati ji ko phone denge? (Can I speak to Madhumati Sahay please?)
Stranger: Ji woh ab yahan nahi rehti. Hum unke kirayedaar hain, ab to woh Lucknow main rehti hain. (I am a tenant in her house. She lives in Lucknow now.)
Kesar knew that she was not going to call anyone at the Raizada house. She made a call to Happyji's garage and attempted to talk to Happyji.
Kesar: Happyji hain kya (Is Happyji there?)
Happyji: Hum Happyji baat kar rahex hain. Kya kar saktein hain aapke liye. (This is Happy, what can I do for you?)
Kesar: Woh Madhumati ji ya Payalji ko phone denge? (Could you please call Madhumati Sahay or Payal)
Happy was puzzled, it was more than three years since Madhumatiji and her family had relocated to Lucknow and almost four years since Payalji had been married. The caller's voice was very familiar but it sounded too cultured.
Happyji: Sorry, aapko nahi pata? Madhumatiji to ab Lucknow main rehti hain. Mahine main ek baar hi aati hain. Sirf Payalji ab Dilli main hain unki shaadi Akaashji ke saath ho chuki. (Sorry, don't you know, Madhumatiji now lives in Lucknow and comes here only once a month? Only Payalji lived in Delhi that too because she is married to Akaashji)
Kesar: Accha dhanyawaad Happyji. (Thank you)
At 11.00 am, the kids surfaced and after a quick shower, the contingent was ready to hit the streets of Delhi. Knowing that monsoon would be on, Kesar had bought rain ponchos for all of them. Each one was also armed with an umbrella. The first stop was Bengali Market for their special Chaat at Nathu's. Khushi would have preferred to go to Ashok's in Chawri Bazaar, but with the kids she had to find a middle ground between authenticity and hygiene.
They then proceeded to Delhi Hatt, a craftsman's haven, a place to get crafts from all over the country. As Kesar wandered from one booth to another, she finally came to the booth from her home town, Lucknow. The array of chikan work displayed was astounding. It also brought back memories of home and people that she had left behind over fours ago.
At 3.00 pm the party returned to the hotel. Their luggage was left in storage at the hotel and only individual bags were packed for the rail journey aboard the Palace on Wheels. At 5.00 pm the cool cab taxi drove the contingent to Safdarjung Railway Station. The party went into the Palace on Wheels' special welcome lounge. The excited children ran on to the platform at 6.10 pm to watch the train arrive on to the platform from the yard. Soon they boarded the train and were shown their rooms. Kesar had booked a triple occupancy room and a double occupancy room. Promptly at 6.45 pm the train chugged out towards its first destination to explore the Pink City, Jaipur. It was followed by a visit to the Tiger Sanctuary, Ranthambore National Park, which became the highlight of the trip. They savored the beauty of the lake city, Udaipur and the camel rides were thoroughly enjoyed in the midst of the Thar Desert city, Jaisalmer. The kids were not able to appreciate the city of Jodhpur as they had enough of grand palaces. The seventh day, the kids enjoyed the visit to the Taj Mahal and Bharatpur bird sanctuary. On day eight, the party reached Delhi back again and re-checked in into Hotel Vikram. On the ninth day, Kesar had booked a day trip to Lucknow. At 9.00 the entire party was strapped on the seats of the Jet Airways flight to Lucknow. An hour later, they landed in Kesar's hometown. Outside the airport, Kesar hired a cab and directed him to go to Hazratganj market. The party disembarked at the market and Kesar walked with her children and Amma to her home located three streets down from the market in Sector 1, 18th street. Kesar spied on her house but could not garner courage to walk the last 20 steps to the front door. Despite Amma's quiet prodding, Kesar remained immobile taking in the newly furbished Gupta House. For 20 minutes, the kids watched their mother stare at a house. Suddenly Amma (Jhanvi Mehta) took charge. She had seen Kesar do the same thing during the previous trip and she was not going to let go this opportunity.
Amma: Chalo Bacchon (Come on Kids)
She walked the three kids to Kesar's house and knocked on the door. The door was opened by Kesar's mom, Garima.
Amma: Namaste, mere bacchon ko pyaas lagi hai, thoda paani milega.(Hi, my kids are thirsty, can we get some water?)
Garima had one look at the kids and couldn't say no. Kesar looked on as Kiran who needed no second invitation was instantly chatting with Garima and Buaji as though she had known them for years. Her eyes scanned for her father, Shashi Gupta. She watched her father emerge from inside walking without any aids. It was obvious that the three residents could not resist the three children. 30 minutes later Amma brought the children back and silently admonished Kesar for not taking the final steps. But Kesar would not budge. She had made sure that all was well and did not want to rock the applecart. The party took another cab back to the airport and flew out to Delhi. The next day Kesar dropped Amma off to the airport. Amma (Jhanvi Mehta) wanted three days to visit all her relatives in Jhansi. The kids and Kesar stayed back in Delhi playing tourists. On the second day, Kesar took the kids to Connaught Place and in her meanderings forgot that she was almost 10 feet away from the AR Group's offices and as luck would have it, literally ran into ASR's executive assistant, Pam, during lunch time. True to her nature, Pam went ballistic and started her rantings. But Kesar quickly herded the children away. She knew that she was going to be here in Delhi for another 48 hours and a confrontation was the last thing she needed. At the end of the street, she hailed a cab and returned to the safe sanctuary of her hotel room.
Meanwhile Pam was feeling triumphant for yelling her head off at the lady but her feeling of euphoria evaporated quickly as soon as she heard the lady herd her children away from her. That voice, she thought sounded so familiar. She could have sworn it was Chamkeeli, but the lady looked too polished in a pair of jeans and T-shirt. She entered the office in a contemplative mood. The last thing she wanted was the estranged wife in her boss's life. In the absence of Lavanya and Khushi, she was the queen bee of the office and she was not going to lose the title. But blabbermouth that she was, she went and regurgitated the whole incident to her sidekick, Sim aka Simran Kaur. Sim, who in turn, was aspiring to be the next queen bee. Sim opened her mouth to the king pin, ASR. As a result, Pam found herself at the receiving end of ASR's never before seen wrath. She was subjected to an inquisition according to her was in mammoth proportions.
ASR summoned the security tapes and ran the footage from every angle to catch a glimpse of Khushi and the kids. The camera had caught the back of the woman who ran smack into Pam. The camera only showed clear pictures of Pam and not of the woman or the children. The second camera located at the opposite end of the building had a very poor footage. He could see blurry footage of the woman herding away three children. Three children he thought. They did not look like triplets; one of them was definitely older than four years old. Hence he kept questioning the validity of Pam's theory.
The next two days ASR forced himself to focus his attention on the take-over project. He pulled all the numbers and financials that were submitted by his finance director and started assembling the data to prepare his presentations. He had received an email confirmation from Gerald Parker that the other two directors were definitely interested in ASR's bid. He was now going to go after Henry Ethan Devry, the finance director and then after the "forever" disgruntled Hitesh Ayush Wadhwani, the president's nephew. If he had two of them in his pocket, then he would have complete majority, five directors out of seven the directors would be on his pocket and the take-over should be successful. He devoted the next three hours researching Henry Ethen Devry and Hitesh Ayush Wadhwadni. The more he studied the two; he had serious doubts about their abilities. The financials of the company spoke volumes about the depth of the company. The thoroughness to detail was exemplary, but Henry Ethan Devry did not show the same depth that the financials reflected. He was obviously coached, the coached answers were perfect, but any question out of the box, usually stumped him and the quality of the answers were usually mediocre. Hitesh Ayush Wadhwani's passion was design and he excelled at it. The reason for the rise of Cotton Earth Inc. in the fashion circuit was due to him. The man lived and breathed design and had a remarkable head for business. He had the innate ability to choose ace designers and was a shrewd operator too. There was not much out on the web about Hari Aum Mathur and his wife Padma Dwiwedi Mathur, but on all accounts both were reputed to be sharp operators. There was no information about the CEO, Kay Gee, other than the fact the divulged by Gerald, that Kay Gee had been one of the four that been moved as expats from India by Hari during the formulation of the joint venture established in 2012. The other three had been design chief, Jaags Kalra, K. Gupta, and Padma Dwiwedi as expats from India.
He had not received any confirmation from the Dubai Investigator, Mansoor Ahmed. So he knew that he had to rely upon himself to take it one step at a time. And the next step was going to be the United States since Khushi was one of the four who had had been moved to the US by Hari Mathur.
Laxminagar, New Delhi
After wrestling with his conscious for over ten days, Happy decided to call ASR and voice his suspicions. He called the AR Group main number and requested to be put through to ASR. As anticipated, his call was put through to Pam, ASR's executive assistant. He had no choice, but to concoct an elaborate and complicated car problem. Poor Pam who had very little head for mechanics put the call straight through to ASR. At first ASR was thoroughly vexed at the interruption, but by time he terminated the call, he felt gloriously rejuvenated. At the same but felt that he may lose out because he was being given stale news - ten days late. He quickly dialed Buaji's Lucknow number
ASR: Buaji, Arnav bol raha hoon, Khushi aayee thi kya? (Buaji this is Arnav, did Khushi come there?)
Buaji: Nahi Babua, yahan to nahi aayee (Khushi, No not here)
ASR: Accha to in dino koi ghar aya that kya? (In the last few days, did you have any visitors?)
Buaji: Kya kahat ho Babua, hum samjhe nahi? (I quite don't know ...)
ASR: Koi aurat teen bacchon ke saath aayee thi aapke ghar? (Did any woman with three children recently visit you guys?)
Buaji: Haan chaar din pehle ek aurat ayee thi, teen baccho ke saath. Kya sundar bacche the. Woh jo sabse choti thi na, gudiya ki tarah sundar thi aur itni baatuni aur hoshiyaar, ki humko hamari Titaliya yaad aa gayee. Aur bachee ka naam bhi bahut sundar tha, Kiran. Adhe gante rahi woh is ghar maa, aur bilkul ek sooraj ki kiran ban kar chaa gayee humre man main. (Yes four days ago, we had a lady who stopped to get drink of water. She was with three kids and what beautiful kids. The youngest one was a doll, and was so chirpy and so smart, that she reminded me of my Titaliya. And that child had a lovely name too, Kiran. She was here with us for 30 minutes and just like the ray of sun (Kiran) she made her way into our house and hearts.)
ASR: Phir dono ladkon ka naam Rohan aur Mohit to nahi? (Then were the boys named Rohan and Mohit?)
Buaji: Ladkon ka naam humko patha nahi. Sirf bacchi ka naam hum sune (I don't know the name of the boys. I only heard of the girl child's name).
ASR: Buaji, pakka Khushi nahi thi (You are sure that the woman was not Khushi)
Buaji: Babua woh to humre umar ki thi. (The lady was closer to my age)
ASR: Accha Buaji rakhta hoon. Mera pranaam aap sabko. (Ok Buaji, I am going to let you go. My regards to all of you)
ASR was ready to throw things. This was killing him. She was everywhere but he could not see her. He called Aman on his cell phone for the update on the US Visa application.
Aman: Your interview is scheduled for a Monday,
ASR: Aman, dammit ... today is Friday, August 19th, when were you going to tell me.
Aman: A week from now sir, Monday, August 29th at 8.00 am and not this forthcoming Monday.
Like a caged lion ASR paced his office. He knew he had to calm down but he was so mad that if he saw Khushi now, he would blast her for putting him through all this. His control was snapping and the phone would not stop buzzing. The last thing he wanted was interruptions, but the phone seemed to have a mind of its own. He was almost ready to dismiss the call,
ASR: Haan Di kahiye. (yes Di)
Anjali: Chote, hum keh rahe the (Chotey I was saying)
ASR: Di can't this wait?
Anjali: Nahi, chotey, hum tumhare office ke bahar hain (No, this can't wait. I am waiting outside your office)
ASR: toh aapko invitation ki kabse zaroorat pad gayee. (So when did you start expecting an invitation)
ASR jogged down the dozen steps and walked to the front door. He watched his sister alight from the passenger side of the car and was being patiently waited upon by her fiance, Dr. Gaurav Ranganathan. Upon his return from Dubai, he had met Gaurav. After the Shyam Jha fiasco, he was not going to chance anything. He had ordered a full blown investigation on Gaurav from Aditya Desai of Hawk Securities. Despite being given disapproving looks from Nani, he had ordered one. The dossier that he received on his to be BIL (brother-in-law) was impressive. The man seemed to have been obsessed with his studies and career till lately. Both he and Di had met during charity events through Gaurav's cousin, Dr. Maya Vishwanathan. Di had become very active at the Sardhana factory and also at the battered women's shelter, Dayaavihar. Gaurav's cousin, Maya Vishwanathan, was the physician at Dayaavihar. Gaurav came from a very affluent family, and was a famous Maxillofacial surgeon. He had a thriving private practice and taught in almost every medical/dental college in New Delhi.
ASR: Well is everything ok?
Anjali: Yeah we wanted you to be first one to know. Gaurav asked me to his wife and I have accepted. It will be easier if you were happy with my decision.
ASR: Yeah totally. Congratulations Di (ASR hugged his sister) and congratulations to you, my soon to be B-I-L (He could not bring himself to say Jeejaji).
Gaurav: Thanks ASR.
The three stepped out to celebrate. ASR for some time forgot all the tumultuous emotions and rejoiced in his sister's happiness. By midnight both brother and sister bid Gaurav goodnight and returned home. ASR stayed awake in his room recollecting the events of the day. When he finally drifted off to sleep, his last thought was, "Was Kiran really his daughter, then who were Mohit and Rohan? "
August 20, 1.45 a.m.
IGI Airport New Delhi
The Gupta/Mehta clan was strapped in their business class seats aboard Delta/Air France Flight 225 to Paris. All the kids were fast asleep. Kesar had a tough time, boarding the plane with a sleeping Kiran on her shoulder and a groggy-eyed Mohit who was trotting along drunkenly behind her. She had tied one end of her duppatta to her waist and the other end to Mohit's waist. Amma had taken charge of Rohan. Even though Mohit was older, he was still a child. She had had no choice, all the planes bound to the US departed at this ungodly hour. But the business class seats afforded ample leg room for everyone and the eight hour long flight would render the children refreshed at Paris. The layover at Paris was going to be only four hours and then another nine hour flight would get them home into Cincinnati.
8.00 am
Shantivan
The breakfast table at the Raizada household was buzzing with activity. ASR downed his cup of coffee and waited for Di to break the news. But found Di elbowing him to break the news.
ASR: Mujhe aap logon se kuch kehna hai (I want to say something. )
Six pairs of eyes glanced at him expectantly. (Nani, Mama, Mami, Akash, Payal and Di)
ASR: Di ko Dr. Gaurav ne shaadi ke liye propose kiya hai aur Di ne haan kardi hai. (Di has accepted Dr. Gaurav's proposal)
This caused an up-roar at the table. To say that everyone was ecstatic would have been an understatement. Di was hugged and congratulated by one and all.
Mami: So tell tell shaadi kab karat ho. (so when is the wedding?)
Di: Mami Gaurav keh rahe the chaar hafton ke andar. (Mami, Gaurav wants to have the wedding in four weeks)
Mami: Par chaar hafte, four weeks, Kaisson hoga sab. Saasu maa, kaa kahat rahi hai? (Four weeks, how can we organize everything? Mother-in-law what is she saying?)
Di: Mami, hum mandir mein shaadi karenge dono pariwaarwalon ke saath aur humne decide kiya ek reception party hogi jahan saare rishtedaaron aur memmaano ko bulaenge. Bas itna hi. (Mami, we want to get married in the temple with our family members and then we will throw a reception party a few weeks later to our distant family and friends. That is all)
Mama looked in askance at Naani.
Naani: Teek hai bitiya jaissi aapki marzi (Alright Anjali, as you wish)
Mami: Arnav bitua, humko (Arnav, I''
ASR: Done mami, jo bhi gehne chahiye order kar lijiyega (Done Mami, whatever piece of jewelry you want, order it)
Mami: Suno to hamri poori baat. (Why don't you hear me out?)
ASR: Kahiye (Yes)?
Mami: Is time humko proper tokariya bharke Lucknavi Jalebi dilai do (I would like to have a basket full of Lucknavi Jalebi)
ASR: Mera bus chale to Mami meri apni Jalebiwali, aapko roz ek tokariya bharke Lucknavi Jalebi dilva degi (Mami, if I had my way, I would make sure that my personal Jalebiwali would make you a basket full everyday)
ASR's comment brought about silence across the table. Taking a cue, ASR took leave and walked to his SUV and headed for work. He started out his day, but responding to the emails. The inbox boasted of 81 messages. One was from the Gerald Parker, Henry Ethan Devry affirmed his support for ASR's take-over bid and Hitesh Ayush Wadhwani's support was conditional. Hitesh wanted to become the CEO of the joint venture. ASR thought about the last condition. He already had 50% of the board in his pocket. How as he going to wing Hitesh's request. The idiot wanted his job.
Aman entered his office.
Aman: Here is the folder that contains all the details for your trip. Inside the folder is the visa folder that contains everything that has to be taken to the US Consulate on 29th August. If you get the Visa we can get you on the next flight to the US. The outer folder contains your hotel reservation, car rental and contact details.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Current Affairs
Anupamaa
46