New Arshi FF : Merger - Link to Thread # 2 on Page 141 - Page 27

Hey fantastic update !!!

Waiting for the next update ...

One of the most heart touching update till now. I love that you dont overdo it. It feels real. This had been coming as this was what Arnav had in mind to achieve..for what he is here.. But but but life is not what we had planned. Really looking forward to it. And you, try updating faster pileej.

An update is long overdue, hai na???

I was searchin this story for so long.finally...

A/N: First please accept my loads of sorry. The entire 'Qayanat' seems to be against giving me any free time. I am having un-announced guests every few days. 😲 And new work cropping up simultaneously. I have seen busy days. But things right now are so heterogenous, its taking time just to even adjust the mental state.

There are certain readers whom I have to thank individually for being so patient. I am really grateful for your comments and encouragement. Thanks so much 🤗

Now without further adieu, here is the update. DO LET ME HOW YOU FELT.

CHAPTER 9

"I will take it up Mr. Mallik". He spoke over the phone.

"Fantastic ... Fantastic. I am so eager to know what you would plan for the region. You have earned it my boy. Will talk to you next monday, as soon as you take charge in the new office. Good bye." Mallik cut the call.

"Ok Shyam beta, you are all set. You will be reporting to work on Monday. That means, most likely, Lavanya baby would be starting on that day too. I hope both of you are not rushed. Everything is happening so quickly."

Lavanya was watching TV, which was put on mute as soon as her father had made that call to ASR. She mentally screamed a WOW and Yippie, when her father said that she can report to work on Monday. Just 5 more days.

"Not at all Uncleji. Work always comes on the fore front. I wouldn't want to delay it by a minute." Shyam served a drink to Mallik. They were sitting in the lounge of Mallik House.

"But I am not comfortable with only one thing. That is, if you don't mind me saying."

"Tell me beta. What is bothering you?"

"I don't think Lavanyaji should be working under that ASR. I have heard..."

"How many times have I asked you not to poke your nose into my business Shyam. When will you get that?" Lavanya yelled. This guy just doesn't know his limits...does he?

"Nahi Lavanyaji, I was saying this for your own good. I have heard that that ASR is a tyrant. He squeezes the life out of people to get his work done."

"Then, I am ready to give him my life or whatever he asks for." Lavanya bit her tongue. That sentence did not sound right. And no father would like to hear that kind of a statement from his daughter. Mallik eyed her with doubtfully.

She quickly tried to make amends. "Papa, what I mean is, I am your daughter. And it is about time I take charge of work. And I want to get trained under the best of the best. And you yourself keep saying that that Harvard boy will stick with us only for a short while and we should make the best use of him as long as he is with us. So, what's wrong if I learn the tricks of the trade from the best man in the company."

"Beta, I cant tell you how happy I am today. I have not one but two successors lined up behind me." Mallik's heart swelled with pride and contentment.

"Oh Papa. I knew you would understand." Lavanya squealed and hugged her dad. She stuck her tongue out at Shyam.

Shyam turned away from the father-daughter duo. In the entire plan, the only thing he didn't like was this. Lavanya running behind that pretentious ASR. He will address it. When the time is right, he will address it.

For now, he was ecstatic that not only Mallik but the entire Board of Directors had fallen for his charm.

<<The day before - At the Board Meeting>>

Mallik addressed the Board Meeting.

"Gentlemen, I have called for this meeting as I have some plans to share. Well I need to be honest. They are not truly my ideas but actually Mr. Jha's. Let me introduce you to Mr. Shyam Manohar Jha. My prodigee. He has suggested that given the growth of the company, we are now ready to go Public. And with the growing textile market, we should make full use of the rising Equity Market too. It will give a good exit option to some of our share holders. What do you think? Should we go ahead?"

"I hope you understand that converting a company into a Public Limited company entails lot of meticulous work and preparation. It also involves constant monitoring. Are you sure we are ready for it Mr. Mallik?" One of the Directors pointed out.

"That is where industry experts come into play Mr. Director. We will appoint the best in the industry to help us convert to a Public Limited company. To reap some benefits, we need to invest first."

"If you are confident...then you can go head. But please make sure that we abide by all rules and regulations." The Directors gave their consent reluctantly. They were treading into unchartered waters. But Mr. Mallik looked confident. It is his company after all.

Shyam looked onto Mallik triumphantly. The Finance Head cursed Shyam mentally. He had snatched away the idea of the chocolate boy and presented as his own.

***

It was 2 pm Friday after noon. Last day at this branch. Arnav stared into his laptop. Mind was blank. Didn't know what to type. What is the right thing to do right now? What is the right thing to do right now? He kept chanting. But couldn't give an answer.

Khushi walked in with the afternoon coffee. Her eyes downcast. Looking only at the coffee cup in her hand. She kept it on his table. And turned around to go back. And stopped near the door. She held on to the door-frame for support. And turned around. "Is that all Sir?"

Arnav had been looking at her since the time she entered his cabin. She was upset. Her eyes would give it away. That's why she wasn't meeting his eye. She was going out. He wanted her to stay. Use these few moments to say... goodbye? She turned around and looked at him. Her eyes had a tinge of pink. He stood up and slowly walked toward the edge of his desk. "Khushi, um... woh... my flight is at 7.30 pm. So I will have to leave the office at 4 pm."

Khushi understood. This was his last coffee. He wouldn't be having the 6 pm coffee.

Her eyes burnt with the emerging tears. This was affecting her way too much. She didn't realize it until now that she had gotten attached to him so much in such a short period. She quickly bent her head, lest he sees the tears. And fidgeted with her fingers.

"I have to find a house over the weekend. Don't want to live in a guest house anymore."

"Hmmm..." She nodded quietly. Her head still down. Not having the courage to look at him. Tears brimming to the edge now. Lips shut tight.

"Khushi... I just wanted to say..."

"Don't...dont say good bye Sir. It diminishes the hope of meeting again." She looked up at him. No longer able to keep her eyes off him. After all she would get to see him only these couple of hours.

"I hope you get everything that means happiness to you Sir." She quickly rubbed a tear waiting to spill out and tried to smile.

Arnav hung his head down. And sighed. His throat seemed parched. He kept gulping to ease it. And fingered the edge of the desk. What is this uneasiness that has crept up in me. Am I forgetting something? While he was thinking on these lines, he suddenly heard her say.

"I forgot, I left something in the pantry." He looked up at her. She was already running towards the pantry.

He slowly went back to his seat. And sunk into his chair. Covered his face with his palm. Slowly rubbing his eyes. What was happening? What is this happening? He pulled his fingers down, palms still on his face. That's when he saw. On the reflection on the door. Khushi was sobbing. With her palms covering her face. Body shaking. Suddenly his vision blurred. He rubbed his eyes. His fingers felt something moist. He frowned looking at his fingers. And turned his head up towards the reflection. Only to see Kaka standing at the door.

"Saheb" Kaka moved inside. Arnav saw Khushi quickly wiping her face with the edge of her dupatta. And walk back to her seat.

"Yes, Kaka. Tell me."

"Saheb. I have been meaning to ask you something for quite a few days now. But now that today is your last day..."

"Go ahead. Ask me."

Kaka closed the door behind him. "Saheb. I would be retiring in two weeks. I was wondering if you could help me find a job. I have no family of my own. And have no pension and other benefits either. So, it would be very uncomfortable to sit at home all day... I hope you are able to understand my position."

Arnav thought for a couple of minutes. "I have a proposition. Let me know if it suits you."

"In the new city I am moving in to, I would be renting a house of my own. And not stay in the office guest house. And I would need someone for cooking and the house's up keep. Would you be interested to work for me. You will have to take care of the house and cook as well. And would be staying with me and I would take care of your personal expenses. Are you ok with this proposal. I hope you know how to cook..." Arnav eyed him with doubt.

"I am a good cook Saheb. Ask Khushi bitiya. She loves my aloo-gobhi." Kaka smiled. There was a ray of hope. He wouldn't be out of work all of a sudden. "This is a god-sent offer for me Saheb."

Kaka was a reliable person. And his own health was taking a toll too, due to eating out most of the times. Di had been behind his back to appoint a cook. This would be a good arrangement, if it turned out well.

"My work here ends in two weeks, Sahib. Can I join you in about a month?"

"Yes..."

"Thankyou Sahib." He stood there. Not moving. Arnav eyed him questioningly.

"Sahib. There is another thing. It is about Khushi bitiya. You see, three months have been long past. And her job has not been made permanent. I am not sure who the new boss would be. And if the new manager would recognize her talent as you did. Please make her job permanent."

"I will take care of that. Please don't worry." Arnav slapped himself mentally for letting it slip in his mind.

"Thankyou Sahib. I will call you when I am ready to travel."

***

Arnav typed Khushi's confirmation letter along with her latest salary. Gave her the designation of Financial Analyst. Like hell he would let her work as an office assistant.

He printed it out. And walked towards her chair.

"Khushi..." She looked up at him. Her eyes were still moist.

"I need an envelope." She gave him one.

He folded the letter and put it in the envelope. And wrote her name in his clumsy handwriting, Khushi Kumari Gupta. Khushi frowned in confusion. He handed over the cover to her. She opened it. And read it. And looked up surprised.

"Don't look surprised. It was long overdue."

She smiled slightly. And opened her mouth to say a Thankyou. Just then, they were interrupted by NK and Deepak.

"Sir, we all have arranged for a send-off gift for you. All have gathered in the conference room." Arnav looked into his watch. This was not in his plan. It was close to 3 and he had been planning to finish some other work. He nevertheless followed them to the conference hall. The office presented him a huge gift. Most likely a photo frame. Arnav knew that Kaka would be carrying it, only if it turned out worthwhile. It was quite big.

"Something to remember us by Sir." NK said.

Arnav shook hands with all of them individually, saying goodbye. When he came Khushi, it was already 4.15 pm and he had to rush.

"Take care Khushi. And hope you get everything that means happiness to you too."

Khushi smiled. A dry smile. She was hurting within. But she could not share it with anyone. Bosses came and went. Why should it hurt?

"I am getting late Khushi. Got to go. Let's continue on Monday." He turned away from her, but caught the irony of his sentence. He turned back "I mean..."

"I know Sir. I understand... Take care" She said. He nodded...and stepped backwards. And turned around towards his cabin to collect his laptop. Kaka came behind him to hold a bag of files and the gift. He carried them to his car.

NK Deepak and Khushi followed him till the car. Once seated, he waved at them. They all waved back. He hit the accelerator. And turned away. It seemed like a deja-vu moment.

The face he saw on the last day in this city was the same face he had seen on the first day of entering the city. The tear stricken face of Khushi Kumari Gupta.

***

Come Monday FOUR people entered the two different offices of Mallik Fashions.

Arnav walked into the Regional Branch at 8 AM. All prim and proper. As expected, no one was in the office. History repeated itself.

He opened his laptop. As it booted and the Instant Messenger popped a message at the right bottom corner of his laptop. Khushi Kumari Gupta is online. With a green dot beside her name.

His mind, which was racing with ideas and work list came to a momentary halt. A calming, soothing halt.

Not only her coffee, not only her smile, just the sight of her name at a corner on his laptop seemed to soothe him.

Feeling a different kind of positive energy, he bounced back to his work.

***

Khushi got up earlier on that day. Rather sleep evaded her since the time Arnav's promotion and transfer was declared. With all her morning chores done earlier than normal, and nothing else to do at home, she decided to go to office. She arrived at 7.45 AM and started setting up her new desk beside the Accounts Manager.

Manjuji would be arriving at work from today. And she had to hand over all her tasks back to her. And also check with the Accounts Manager what job he would allocate to her, apart from what she was doing already.

Just then the Instant Messenger popped up. ASR is online. With a green dot beside his name.

She kept staring at the name. And slowly opened the drawer beside her and looked at the envelope with her name on it. Clumsily written. She smiled. For all the great brains he had, he had a very lousy hand-writing. Wonder how he managed to even pass his exams.

She sighed deeply. Hope he has been doing well. I will know in a month's time. Once Kaka joins him. Till then, I wish I had a way to know if he has been taking his medicines and food properly. It is not good for a diabetic to miss his meals.'

She pursed her lips upside down. Sighed again. And started off with her work. Her personal discipline and focus on work and studies would be the only thing that will get his thoughts out of her mind. She had told herself over and over again during the weekend.

She started with her work mechanically. Looked like Arnavji had taken all the zeal and passion with him.

***

At about 11 AM, both Arnav and Khushi found misery entering their lives.

Arnav was neck-deep in a meeting with the three main Departmental Heads of the Branch - Marketing, Operations and Finance. That's when Lavanya barged in.

"Good Morning ASR." She quickly adjusted her glasses. And tugged on her blazer and pencil skirt. She screamed designers. Top to bottom. And looking ridiculous and out of place.

Arnav hated interruptions in the middle of a serious meeting. He did not want to burn bridges with Mallik so soon. Else, he would have given her an earful on the spot.

With a patience he never knew he had, he asked her with a gritted teeth. "Ms. Mallik, what are you doing here? I am in the middle of a meeting."

"Oh I know. Pam, my assistant, told me. That's why I am in here. You see I am your new Executive Assistant. And I know EA's are supposed to be with their bosses all the time." She gushed. And walked up to take a seat.

"Ms. Mallik, I have not asked for an Executive Assistant. And I don't need one here. So, please, step outside, while I finish an important meeting here. If you would like to talk to me, then fix an appointment. I don't like impromptu meetings."

"But ASR..." Lavanya gave her signature whine.

"Please close the door while you walk out." His jaw was clenched tight. He was seething with anger.

Lavanya couldn't take this insult, that too in front of these miniscule people. She walked out. And Arnav walked right behind her and closed the door shut and locked it.

He held the door knob and sighed hard. Oh God... He did not sign up for this. He will talk to Mallik and get this pest out of the way.

He turned around. "Where were we gentlemen.

Yes.. He concentrated back on his plan of action for the Branch. "As I was saying, we have 11 branches under us. 12 including our own. Each branch will have FOUR Main people reporting to us, individually and collectively.

The Branch Manager, The Marketing Head, The Operations Head and A Financial Analyst.

The Marketing Heads should share the details of all the big Textile Companies that they have not been able to tap.

The Operations Head have dual tasks. First, the supply-chain was to be outsourced to South India Logistics Company. Second, we will source our products with best quality and for lowest prices. They don't have to necessarily be manufactured at Mallik Fashion's Factory.

All branches will appoint a Financial Analyst. Who will check upon each and every sales order and purchase order. And will validate if we are entering into profitable deals.

You will have weekly conference calls to review their work. I would attend only on need basis.

I would like to update my work timings too. I am going to be available only on first half of the day. Would be at office on most days. But might work from a different location sometimes. But I am always accessible over phone and emails. And do not try to take advantage of my physical absence in the office. You never know what it might cost you. Not just the job."

The Departmental Heads were intimidated enough. They had listened to his chronicles from NK and Deepak, in the previous Quaterly Conference. It was best not to rub wrong shoulders with him.

He gave them the contact details of Deepak and Khushi to know about South India Logistics' contract.

After discussing the agenda for some more time, he went back to his cabin. And locked the door. He did not want anyone barging into his office un-announced.

He had the ball for the Regional Branch rolling. It was now going to be replicating the activities of the earlier branch across all branches. But he would no longer pay attention now. He had gained Mallik's attention and confidence. Job done. And the individual branch managers will now take care of his work for him. He was not worried about the pace of work. There were no deadlines.

Time to attend to his own business now. Over the weekend, he had bought a new laptop. That would be for his own business. The existing one would be for Mallik Fashions.

He also rented a three bed-room house. One room for himself. One for Kaka. And the third one would be a study-cum-guest bedroom. And he would use that as his office going forward.

He had told Aman that it was now time to get aggressive in establishing their business. They had researched the Indian market enough by now. They not only knew the top reliable textile suppliers but also the small fish in the market. They were all those small suppliers who were on the verge of bankruptcy, but had great factory units and very resourceful CEO's.

But first things first. They needed orders. So it was decided that Aman would cover the US market while Arnav would cover the European and Australian markets.

Arnav took out his personal laptop and started to make arrangements to visit various international customers.

***

11 AM at Khushi's Branch Office

Manju walked in to Shyam Manohar Jha's cabin as soon as he arrived. It was 11 AM. "Good morning Sir. How are you doing?"

"Was doing good till I saw your face." Shyam whispered under his breath. Or so he thought. Manju heard it. She cringed with hurt. She had a feeling this would not go well.

"I have just come in. Don't you have any sense to let your boss relax and settle in?"

"Sorry Sir, if I have bothered you. I am the personal assistant of the branch manager. If you need anything please dial 111 on your intercom."

She turned around to leave. Shyam clicked his fingers. She turned back. "Get me a coffee. Ok Sir." She turned again to leave. He clicked again. "I thought that ASR used to have an executive assistant. Where is that girl?" Unware that Khushi was called an Executive Assitant, Manju replied "Sir there is no role of Executive Assistant in this Branch. You must be mistaken."

"I am not mistaken, understand?" Shyam rose like a terror. "And don't you or anyone dare to point fingers at me. Donot forget your aukaat."

"I am sorry Sir." Manju shivered with fear. Now get lost and send me a coffee.

Manju rushed out of his cabin. And walked straight to the accounts manager. She was all but weeping. "Sharma Sir. Who is this new manager? He looks like a devil incarnate. This is not good news at all."

Khushi who was now sitting beside the Accounts Manager, looked at her with concern. "What happened Manjuji?" she asked.

"What gossip conference is this?" The three of them heard Shyam shout from behind. They all turned towards him. "Ooo, so this is where you are hiding. I have been searching for you. Werent you ASR's executive assistant? Then you should be my executive assistant too. Be there at my beck and call, isn't it?" Khushi didn't like the sound of his words.

"Sir, I am a financial analyst. And not an executive assistant."

"Aaah you are spirited." Just then his phone rang. He walked out of the branch attending that call. Only to return at the end of the day.

The news about the new nasty boss spread around. NK and Deepak shook their head. The good days were certainly over now.

***

TWO MONTHS SINCE ARNAV'S TRANSFER

Khushi rushed the steps of the office. It was 4 pm already. She peeped into the parking lot. That Branch Manager's car was missing. Just then a honk at the gate told her that the New Branch Manager's car was entering the building premises. She rushed towards the lift. And pressed the button incessantly. It was taking forever. She heard the thud of the car closing. She quickly took the steps. Four Floors. Hoping against hope that she would reach to her seat before the manager caught her, she rushed up the steps. She had just managed to sit in her seat and was wiping the sweat, when she heard the voice which she was dreading since the past two months.

"Where have you been Khushiji?" The vile voice asked.

"No where Sir. I have been in the office all along." She tried to keep her voice firm.

"You look as if you have just returned from a marathon. Why are you sweating and wiping your face?"

"I am not sweating Sir. I just washed my face." She stood up from her chair.

He eyed her with suspicion. "Get the AC near your workstation fixed Khushiji. I don't like to see your face drawn and tired. It messes my head." He walked too close to her. Entering her private space.

Khushi tried to side step. But was caught between him, the workstation and the chair. She could smell liquor and cigarette all over him. She turned her face away.

"Khushi, is the report ready. We have to send it to the Regional Office by end of day today." The Accounts Manager barged in, as if he had not noticed the proximity between the two people in front of him.

Shyam twitched his lips in anger. And quickly made his way to his cabin.

Khushi mouthed a thankyou to the Accounts Manager. Knowing well that he had come up with an excuse to step into her workstation and shoo Shyam away. She let out a breath of relief. Hopefully the rest of the day would go without any intrusion from her nemesis. Shyam Manohar Jha. Since the time he had joined as the new branch manager after Arnavji had left, he did not lose a single opportunity to try to feel her up. She always escaped at the nick of the time. But of late his advances were very blatant. And she could no longer be passive in her actions. If all went well, then she would be selected in the interview she had attended an hour ago. And in less than a month, she would have a new job offer. And she would quit the very next day. Even if it meant she had to pay up a penalty for not serving her notice period. Her dignity was definitely more worthy than her one month's pay.

"Where were you Khushi? You know ASR was here today. He left just half an hour ago."

"What?" Khushi paled. She missed the one chance she had, to see him. Just once. She collapsed into her chair.

The Accounts Manager went back to his desk.

Khushi logged into her system. Out of habit, she opened the Instant Messenger of the office. ASR is offline. It showed against Arnav's name. Of course, he must be travelling. She opened her top drawer. And saw her name written clumsily.

It had become her daily routine. Everyday the first thing she did was to open the Instant Messenger service of the office. Not the emails, not her Folders or files. She opened the IM service just to see the words "ASR (Online)". It somehow felt as if he was right there. Near but far. She told herself that he was ok. Up and running. And then the envelope on which he had written her name.

Kaka had not called since he had moved. That was explainable. He may not have the money to make phone calls or buy a personal phone.

With no reason for a direct contact, no emails were exchanged directly between Arnav and Khushi. But once in a while, she received a forwarded email from NK or Deepak or the Regional Finance Head. Where he would have signed off as ASR. No regards, No cheers. Just ASR.

In all this, she did yearn to "see" him. And today, she had missed that chance too. And if she got a new job, then she would never see him. NEVER. A deep unsettling feeling developed in the pit of her stomach. If only she got a chance to see him once. Just ONCE. She wished and wished that he had forgotten something in the branch and came back.

"Hey Khushi. NK came rushing to her. Did you hear? Deepak told me that Yamraj was here. I wonder why this surprise visit. He never goes anywhere without an appointment or a plan. Apparently he was very upset. He asked for the Branch Manager, me and you. All three of us were missing. Deepak tried to give him some explanation. But he was very angry to not find any of us in the office."

"The quarterly conference is coming up in a month. He was yelling that he had lot of work to get done and the main people were missing in action all the time in this branch. I am sure we will receive stinkers from him."

"But forget about all that. My final round of interview got over today. And will be getting an offer within a week. Then I will punch that Shyam on his face and wave Tata-Bye bye to this office. Like hell I am going to serve the notice period.

How was your interview?"

"Well they said that they will wait for my exam results which are due in a week. If I get through then they will offer me the role of accounts assistant."

"What?? Why did you agree for a role below the current role. Ok...I know I know. Anything is better than being within the radar of this Shyam. Alright. Keep me posted when you hear from them."

He went back to his desk. Khushi sighed in dejection. She prayed to Devi Maiyya that Arnavji would visit their branch again, sometime during this one month. She badly wanted to see him once. JUST ONCE.

***

Arnav overlooked at the busy traffic from his study room window. He was deep in thought. A cup of coffee in hand.

He turned around to face the photo frame. The photo frame that the Branch had gifted him. It was a collage of photos, from the quarterly conference and the party. Khushi was there in quite a few of them. Mostly when she and payal were dancing. He was there only in one of the photos towards the corner, near a pillar, while Khushi was in the center of the dancing crowd. Smiling.

He looked at one of her photos and asked himself: What was the need to lie? Did she lie to Deepak or did Deepak lie to him?

Earlier in the morning, he had returned from one of his international trips. He had landed in Delhi. Instead of going to the Regional Branch, he had bought a ticket to Khushi's branch office. Why? Not sure. It was totally out of impulse.

But while on his way from the Airport to the Branch office, he had seen Khushi enter the building of Ahuja Textiles. Then why did Deepak tell him that she was with her mother, in a hospital?

He had noticed subtle changes in his team in that branch.

NK had not gotten any new orders. They were meeting only those orders that were received while he was heading the branch.

And Deepak had disappeared from the scene altogether. He answered only when spoken to. And his emails were to the point. No creative ideas. No new designs.

And Khushi was online at 7.30AM and would be offline by 4.30 PM.

He had deliberately gone to the office at 2 pm. Hoping to see her. I mean, hoping to see every one. He corrected himself.

But something seems to be very wrong in the entire branch.

And where the hell is that Shyam Manohar Jha. He is almost never online. He had never attended any of the Branch Manager conference calls.

Personally, the last two months had been hectic as usual. He had been travelling internationally a lot. His sleep cycles and biological clock had gone haywire.

AR Corp had been slowly getting good orders. They had opened an office in Delhi. With a few initial staff.

***

Thinking back on the branch, Arnav had no clue why he landed in the branch today in the first place. It was totally unnecessary. Then why was he there? He had bought the flight ticket on impulse. And he never acted on impulse. Why did he do that? Surprise visit...because he was not getting the right vibes from the branch. He wasn't sure whom he was trying to convince, because it was not in his character to do anything impromptu.

He needed an answers. And only the trio NK-Deepak-Khushi could give it to him. So, with a plan in his mind, he opened the Mallik Laptop.

He quickly sent out an email to all Branch Managers. The next Quaterly Meeting is a month away. Please attend the meeting along with your Makerting Manager, Operations Manager and Financial Analyst. He listed the reports he needed from all of them for the Quaterly Conference.

I will meet her, I mean, them' in the conference. Will coax them to tell me the truth.

***

Shyam Jha's phone showed a message from ASR on his office mails. Till now, he had not responded to any of his messages directly. Like hell he would report to an outsider. It was only a matter of time before his hone-waley-sasurji would give him a role in the management of the company. And that's when he would show this Harvard-return the door. He forwarded the email to the concerned staff - NK, Deepak and Khushi.

***

The next day morning, as usual, Khushi logged in to her system.

She saw.ASR is Online.

She opened her drawer. Saw the envelope.

Opened her Email Inbox. Only one new email was received. From Shyam Manohar Jha.

Subject Line - Quaterly Conference. She opened the mail.

And smiled. A full fledge smile in a long time. Financial Analyst would be attending the meeting.

She looked upwards towards Devi Maiyya showing her gratitude.

Arnavji had transformed her - as a person and her mind-set. He had made her find her self-worth.

And every ounce in her body and mind screamed the need to see him again. Even if was just once. And the last time. But she HAD to see him.

A/N: SO HOW WAS IT?? I AM FEELING SHEEPISH TO ASK FOR YOUR COMMENTS. ESPECIALLY AFTER SUCH A LATE UPDATE. PLEASE DO PRESS THE LIKE BUTTON IN CASE YOU LIKED IT AND BE GENEROUS AND LEAVE A COMMENT. I AM TRYING REALLY HARD TO KEEP UP WITH ALL THE COMMITMENTS. THIS STORY IS VERY CLOSE TO MY HEART. AND I AM VERY COMITTED TOWARDS IT.

THANKYOU SO MUCH FOR BEING WITH ME FOR EVERY UPDATE.

yayyy update . after long time dear.

wonderful..loved it..Hope Kushi tells Arnav about Shyam

Loved the update. Shyam is also schemin and planning? Update soon.

This is awesone... Waiting for the next update