Chapter 9
Arnav pinched his forehead, trying to relieve the throbbing as he went over the final contract on his impending deal. This was becoming a headache, literally. And he didn't have the patience to sit through it anymore.
With the holidays going on, they had suffered a shortage in staff and he had decided to handle the deal himself. When he had taken it up, the tender offer had seemed easy enough to close. But now, he had allowed it to drag on for far too long.
With impatient fingers, he typed out a mail to Aman, asking him to send the other company their final bid by the end of the day. Deciding that he would have to strong-arm his rivals if he wanted to end the futile negotiations, he began to review the offer he had received earlier in the day.
However, as he was skimming through the contents on the screen of his laptop an alert went off on his phone. Frowning at the disturbance, he noticed that it was a reminder for the phone-call he had arranged with Akash and Payal in the evening.
He shook his head, recalling Khushi's smug face when she had admitted to knowing about the exchange of messages between her sister and him, all along. She had later narrated to him a theory that she had read in some book, about a woman being familiar with the dreams and secrets of a man she shares her pillow with.
Throughout that conversation, the playful glint had never left her eyes. And even though he had realised that she wasn't letting him on to the entire truth, he hadn't bothered to probe further. If there was something she thought he needed to know, she would tell him.
Arnav sent a text to Akash, confirming the phone-call and began arranging his things in order. He picked up the empty cup that had been lying on his table since morning and walked out of the room, into the main service area of the caf.
The spare room in the back had become a temporary office of sorts for him ever since he had held his first video conference from in there, during his initial days. He preferred working out of it, giving Khushi silent company while she worked her hours at the caf. Even now when she had decided to work half-days, he liked the smell of freshly baked bread and the strong aroma of coffee wafting through the calm silence that the space granted.
It was a relatively quiet afternoon, with only a couple occupying a corner table for their coffee. It seemed that most families were still basking in the afterglow of the new year. As he ambled towards the kitchen, Arnav realised with a sigh that the festive season was officially over.
Making a mental note to ask Aman to convey the same to his employees at AR, he dropped the cup into the sink and ran water over it. Patting his hands dry with a towel, he turned to observe the supposedly empty surroundings.
It was then that his eyes fell on Emma, seated in a high chair along the island in the centre of the kitchen. Her head was bent down, and her eyebrows knit together in concentration.
Realising that there was something bothering the older woman, he walked over to her and leaned slightly against the stainless-steel surface of the slab. As she realised that she had company, Emma distractedly glanced up at him. Even when he knew she hadn't been expecting anyond, her lips stretched into a warm smile directed at him.
"Ah, hello dear. Suhana and Grace have taken your fianc out for a little afternoon walk. And I'm sure the rendezvous is to enquire about the most unexpected proposal."
Shaking his head, he muttered how expected that would be, now. However, while Emma chuckled at his grumbling, he observed the papers that lay before her that appeared to be legal documents.
"May I ask, what are you so busy with?"
"Oh yes! Well, you do know that we've been planning on expanding the caf. And I've been in talks with a gentleman who visited us a few months ago. He had proposed a deal and honestly, I didn't think it would be that bad. But I just can't seem to understand this legal jargon."
"Do you mind if I have a look at it? I may not be a lawyer, but after all these years of closing deals and signing contracts I might be able to help you."
"Would you? Oh, thank you, dear."
Arnav saw relief wash over her and she passed the documents over to him. As he began to peruse them, he heard her begin to explain to him why she wanted to expand.
"At first, I could manage the caf on my own, even when Grace was on her hippie trips for the better part of a year. You know how she is, photographing everything that catches her eye. And then our little family continued to grow. But when the gentleman propositioned to help us expand I thought it wasn't all that bad an idea. I have Suhana and Khushi here, and Grace could manage the other caf in Delhi--"
His head shot up at that, and he broke out of his haze. "I'm sorry, Delhi?"
Emma however, continued, disregarding his reaction, "Haven't you been listening? The gentleman is from Delhi and even Meera plans to go to university there. She could really use the money from helping. Of course, she's like my own granddaughter but I don't want her thinking I'm doing her any favours. Think about all the women we can employ and help!"
As she finished, she saw him turn the papers over and he returned the document to her. But she had caught upon the suddden difference in his stance. His face was blank and almost business-like when he began speaking.
"I really don't want to disappoint you Aunt Emma, but this deal would be a bad idea."
He paused, making sure that she was willing to listen. When she nodded her head urging him on, he continued, "The entire contract seems fair, but this person has hidden clauses between it. He is demanding the joint rights to your recipes, exclusive rights to change the name of the restaurant and joint ownership of the caf in Shimla as well. And since, he's supposedly providing the resources for expansion he wants a larger share of the profits. This is an outright acquisition of the proposed chain of caf's instead of a partnership."
Her mouth open in surprise horrified at the news and then her eyes narrow down at the papers lying in front of her, "I knew that man was a weasel!"
Arnav pressed his lips together trying to suppress his amusement at her cry of outrage. From the look on her face, he knew that she was about to launch into a tirade against the man and his shady deal.
Instead, when she began to speak her voice was calm and as pleasant as always, "Well, I suppose I don't need to run these by Samarth, then. Thank you for the help, Arnav dear."
Confused at the sudden change in her demeanour, he looked over his shoulder to see that Meera had entered the kitchen and was now placing the dirty dishes carefully into the sink. His eyes met with Emma's and he nodded to her in understanding as the young girl walked over to them, a neatly wrapped package in hand.
"Granny, we're done for now. I don't suppose anyone would walk-in for the rest of the afternoon. Do you mind watching over the caf if I go outside for a bit?"
"Of course not, darling. Go on, I'll be in the room when you return."
Although she was smiling at them before she left, something in his heart twisted when he saw how forlorn she looked. He had observed it when she had served him his coffee, his first day at the caf. He was familiar with the pain of loss and loneliness at that age. And no matter how brilliant you were, the void never went away.
"I don't know what to do. She'll be going to university soon, and I just don't know how to help her. I care for the girl, Arnav but I can never understand losing your parents at such a young age. And the only person who has been able to get through to her is Khushi. But in her state, I don't want to be burdening with her with other responsibilities."
As Emma sighed in helplessness, an idea began to take shape in his head. He understood that she felt responsible for Meera, reminding him of his own grandmother and how worried she had been when she had opened the doors to her home for him and Anjali when his parents had passed away. But the strong-willed woman that she had always been, she had never let it show on her face.
Placing his hand over her wrinkled one in comfort, he decided to speak to her about it, "I know this deal didn't turn out the way you had expected it to, but how would you feel about partnering with me?"
Surprise filtered into her grey eyes as she stared up at him and just as she was about to deny, he silenced her, "I won't ask you to rush into it, but just hear me out. I understand that you want to help Meera and all the others you can, but I also know that she is a strong girl. She doesn't want favours because she doesn't want to burden you. And talking about business, I have the resources to help you expand and in turn, I will get my share of the profits. But there is something personal for me here, too."
His voice seemed choked with emotion and he broke off. Looking up at Emma, he took a deep breath and willed himself to continue, "My sister, she had loved to bake with our mother but with everything that has happened in her life over the years, I know she'd love to be part of your family and renew her passion."
He could see the smile in her eyes when she nodded at him. For a fleeting moment, he could envision his nani grinning at him. The overpowering scent of sandalwood seemed to envelop him and he realised that he had missed her warmth.
"I will think about it, dear. And I also have a feeling that Meera would like chatting with you. She sits on the bench next to the apple orchards. Now excuse me, will you? I need to look after my caf."
Arnav helped her get off the chair and she patted his shoulder, as he slipped out of the back door. The chilly, winter breeze nipped at his skin and he zipped up his jacket, thankful for the lack of snow before he began sauntering down towards the nearby orchards.
It was a short walk down a path that he had discovered during his initial days. He had liked how peacefully quiet it was, lined with the potted winter roses along the gravel. As he caught sight of Meera looking at the dense crop of trees ahead of her, he couldn't shake off his hesitance.
He wasn't used to sharing his feelings with anyone else, let alone offer his advice to deal with them. With Akash, he had just always understood without the need for words. But he realised that here, he would have to be the one to start the conversation. He had made the mistake of shutting out anyone who had offered to help him deal with his loss. But he couldn't let the young girl in front of him grow into adulthood with the cloud of pain looming over her head. He knew from experience, how destructive it could be.
Arnav cleared his throat, watching her break out of the haze of deep thought she seemed to have lost herself to. He had expected the astonishment that he witnessed in her expressions and his lips tipped up awkwardly in response.
"Hi, do you mind if I join you?"
He sat beside her on the bench when she shook her head and shifted slightly, making space for him.
"Umm...if you are waiting for Khushi di, she'll return soon."
"Ah, yes. Of course. Speaking of her, she taught me that we should never eat alone."
Her eyes shone briefly at Khushi's mention before the light dimmed and she turned to face the trees again.
"Sometimes, we have to become used to certain things. Like eating and being alone."
His heart lurched at the desolate whisper and vignettes of a young, distant boy reeled in front of his eyes.
"But you don't have to be alone when you have people who care about you. Meera, I lost my parents when I was sixteen. My home was taken away from me and I became angry at everyone. I isolated myself and the process, I pushed away anyone who really did love me."
Surprise crept into her wide eyes and they shuttered to her feet as she began rubbing her hands together.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know," came her soft whisper.
"You know, we struggle with our emotions in different ways. My hurt turned into anger, for Khushi she started believing that her parents had turned into stars and for you, I see you choose to be alone. I've been through this and that's why I'm asking you not to push away the people who care because when you finally realise how much they mean, it is often too late."
For the first time since he had started the conversation, he saw her features come to life.
"Khushi di had said the exact same thing to me, once. I understand now, she might have been trying to convey your experience to me. But it wasn't the same."
"It never is. She understands me much better than I know myself, but she dealt with her loss much better than the both of us, I think."
Hearing her sniff, he placed her hand over her shoulder. He knew she needed to express whatever she was feeling and all she needed was someone who would listen to her, comfort her. And he did just that until she calmed down. He understood that she needed to let the tears flow, something he'd never allowed himself to do. But he was there for her, now.
"I just don't want Granny to feel burdened by my presence. I mean, she's already done so much."
"Shush. Never think that way. You're family."
Wiping the lingering trail of wetness from her cheeks, she beamed brightly at him, "Thank you. I've felt like I have a father-figure in my life for the first time since dada went.
"Never hesitate to talk, I'm always there. Come on now, let's be on our way."
She nodded in agreement, following him as he led the way to the caf and enquired her about her field of interest and her upcoming entrance exams. Their conversation continued throughout the short walk and Arnav could see the spark of brilliance that made the young girl stand apart from the crowd.
As they reached the door he saw that Khushi was waiting for him, smiling fondly at them strolling down the pavement. She was glowing against the afternoon sun that had decided to make an appearance after several days of snowfall. Her hand was wrapped around her protruding belly and when she waved at then, he realised that she had decided to go home for the day.
He kissed her cheek softly in greeting before he excused himself to collect his laptop bag, while Meera stayed behind with her. Arnav noticed that the place was now starting to brim with customers and he exchanged a knowing look with Emma who was billing out a take-away package for someone.
When he finally came out, he saw Khushi hugging the younger girl and he couldn't help the stretching of his lips at the most wonderful sight. As they began walking down towards their home, he felt a sudden surge of affection and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
He felt her lean comfortably into his touch as she tipped her head up towards him, "I wanted to tell you something, Arnav."
"Hmm?"
"I saw you near the orchards with Meera today, while returning from the walk. And I haven't seen her smile like that in so long. Despite all doubts and inexperience, I know in my heart that you'll be a wonderful father to our babies."
His heart burst with sheer joy at her confession, and he leaned down to fuse their lips together in a gentle kiss. Because for the first time, he believed it too.
A/N - Here it is, folks! I apologise for the week-long delay in posting the chapters. Unfortunately AD isn't always very kind.
I hope you liked the chapter! Please share your reviews, you know how I love them. <3
See you all, next week!
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