CHAPTER 7
Unfinished Business
Shivaay returned to his room with a wistful smile on his face. There was definitely attraction between them, he could not deny that. What was surprising was the ease at which they could speak to each other, she could speak to him for hours and hours with all her weird antics and language and he would not be bored. Annika was anything but monotonous. She had the most colorful vocabulary and the most expressive face. For years, she was someone that was always in his peripheral but also someone that was always a puzzle. He was slowly able to join the pieces to get the full picture of the enigma that she was. With final thoughts of their crazy night out and with promises of more to come, he went to sleep.
Tej Singh Oberoi was in his conference room looking over his last minute presentations for a new business deal him and Shivaay were working on. His secretary soon gave him a call reminding him of a meeting, Tej looked at his watch and informed his secretary to let the person straight into the conference room. After hanging up, he realized he did not ask a summary of who the person was. Tej was a busy man andhad a tendency to forget details of his meeting, his secretary always ensured to give him a little update before the meeting to ensure Tej had an idea. Damn! she must have forgotten he thought. What's running a major corporation if not having to think on your feet a few times. Whilst waiting for this unknown person, he tried to rack his brain and think of potential associates that might have requested a meeting. Nothing prepared him for the person that came in through the door.
Kishore Suryavanshi walked through the elaborate corridors of the main Oberoi office, he had scheduled a meeting with Tej the day he heard his daughter was in town. He knew there was no way she was going to come back to their house, he expected her to move into a hotel as always but looked like Auntyji got through her, when his assistant told him that she was at the Oberoi mansion for an unexpected amount of time, he set his plan in motion. First he needed to get this meeting out of the way, he went in. Tej was shocked to say the least, he absolutely did not expect Kishore, all sorts of weird ideas went through his head. The last time they had met was in an corporate party situation. He made sure to avoid the ones with the Suryavanshi's after that as Jhanvi had lost it the first time when they were face to face. Madhu Suryavashi had comeover and given Jhanvi the customary hug and air kiss, not only had Jhanvi stiffened up and returned the gesture. She gave her a pointed glare and walked away to join Pinky who was on the other side. On numerous occasions that night, he saw Pinky and Jhanvi just death glaring both of them and they did not even try and be subtle. Tej was ok with the looks, he could have handled the looks, the final straw was when Jhanvi was apparently 'pushed on' to Pinky by some 'drunk person' causing Pinky to drop an entire glass of red wine on Madhu. Madhu was wearing light pink and well..you know the rest.
Shakti and Tej had tried talking to their respective better halves that night who were positively fuming even after they got home, not only had they paid any attention to their reprimands but they had pointedly reminded their husbands of the current state Annika was in, she had just graduated from high school, her school had conducted a graduation ceremony. Parents and family of every student had turned up and cheered for their children. Everyone had someone cheering for them, except Annika. Thank God Mummyji had found out from the principal and the Oberoi's had rushed to leave to the venue. They had made it in the nick of time, they could see her behind two students, she looked lost and deflated, but nothing could compare the look of shock and happiness when her name was announced and all of them had cheered her on and whistled to no end. She looked up and her face positively glowed. The ladies upon investigating later had found that Kishore was in town that day, but at a farmhouse partying and Madhu was in Dubai for a shopping trip. They were livid. The men had obviously softened after this but they maintained their stance, this was no way to behave in a public place especially when they were representing such a prestigious family. The women had again paid no heed and stomped off to their rooms. Tej and Shakti cast a knowing glance at each other, no amount of decorum or propriety made sense where Annika was concerned. The were fiercely protective and completely unapologetic at being so.
Tej cleared his throat, "Hi Kishore! Long time, what brings you here?" Tej had stuck his hand forward expecting a hand shake like he does at most meetings. Kishore literally pounced on him for a hug like a long lost friend. Trying very hard to keep the grimace of his face (and failing) he awkwardly patted him on the shoulder. "So...what's up?" Kishore backed up and took a seat. " You know the usual, business, parties, cars my usual life. I went to a party the other day in Maldives, it was on a yacht. Gorgeous thing she was let me tell you. So I bought it, 1.5 million dollars, perfect! But I'm not sure where to leave it now. A little bit confused" Tej was confused, what had this man come to him for? "So you want me to build a garage for it?" Kishore laughed "You're funny Tej, hilarious. No silly! You asked what's up? so I told you." Tej sucked in a deep breath, he was getting irritated now "No, I mean why are you here? In my office? Is there anything you want to discuss? Maybe about business perhaps?" Kishore put his well practiced downfallen expression at that, " It's about Annika!" Tej settled a bit at the name, he sat down "Yes, what about her?" Kishore added in a solemn voice, "Well, I'm worried for her, I know we haven't been there for her after all, but she is grown up now. Now I understand the fear of all the fathers with grown up daughters, she has avoided us for the longest time. Distracted herself with school and university. Now that all that is done, I want think of her future, where is she going to head. I mean I know we have an empire, but what does she want?" Tej was surprised, was this the same arrogant, neglectful Kishore or was his assessment of the person sitting in front of him wrong all this time? He asked softly "What do you want to do for her Kishore?"
"I want to get her married Tej." Tej spat out the water he was drinking "Married?" Kishore nodded "Yes Tej, how long can I let live her life aimlessly like she has been, without sense or structure. She did not grow up in a high society like you and me have, she is not used to this environment, better get her married now where she can at least adapt instead of leaving it too late where it might be hard to get proposals for her" Tej was incredulous. what on earth was this man even saying? Annika and aimless? without sense or structure? Those were the last words he would use to associate with Annika. Kishore continued "you have to help me Tej, you are the only people she listens to, you need to help me out? I know you want the best for her too" with that he got up to leave. Tej just stared at him open mouthed, he could not believe what had just happened. Watching Kishore's retreating back he realized he needed to speak to someone about this before his head burst up.
He grabbed his papers and laptop and dashed out of the door to head home and find someone that would put some sense into the conversation he just had. Ignoring the surprised look from his employee, he rushed to his car and went home. Entering his house, he found Om and the three ladies in the living room. Thinking this was now or never. He headed over to them. He asked about Rudra, Prinku and Annika. Apprently the girls wanted to see the new rom com in town and dragged Rudra with them. Perfect timing! he thought. Siting down he relayed the entire incident without stopping for breaks.
He was met with shocked expressions from the ladies. Except, Om burst out laughing, " Why are you guys so shocked? I'll tell you what really happened, Kishore uncle realized that his time of jolly good neglect and partying are up. He wants an heir. I'm sure all this crap he sprouted to you about caring for his daughter was massive bullsh*t. He just wants Annika to be married, so he can get the son in law to take care of business and continue enjoying his lifestyle." Jhanvi recovering form the initial shock added "Its a shame he does not realize how talented and smart his daughter actually is, she is more than capable of singlehandedly taking care of the entire empire, but he does not realize that because he does not care. To him Annika was once an unwanted liability, now she is someone he can use as an asset to lure potential grooms from high society families to care of his 'family' business. That stupid idiot does not realize that Uncle and Aunty's will has not been read, that was to happen when Annika finishes her degree and is over atleast 21, which she is now. Do you think her grandparents were let their smart and independent daughter to just be a pawn in Kishore's game? I'm 100% sure they have her future secured. Don't worry Tej! If something does happen and she is not given her rightful ownership, what are we here for? We will fight for her."
Tej's shoulder's slumped in relief, that made so much sense to him. The conversation now had already progressed in to more lively topics. Getting that burden off this chest, he joined in. Unknown to them, there was a pair of ears that had listened to the entire conversation. Shivaay!
Okaaay!! That's it again!
Hope you like it, this chapter is an important part of this story. This forms the foundation on which the rest of the story is planned. Hope it made sense. Once again!! Thank you sooo much to every single one, the ones that comment, the ones that like and the ones that are silent readers. To my lovely silent readers - I will aim to write a chapter so good, that you will be forced to leave a comment. Hehe!
Much love
Until next time then
Vinu xx
Suggestions / Comments
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
