After a first chapter there's GOT to be a second chapter right?!! 😛 Well here goes... SORTED
Set-back: Kishan ji's room. Kishan is about to announce his decision to a stricken Rajo, whether or not to let his daughter go College in Mumbai...
''Bauji'' called Kasturi softly as she entered the room. Kishan ji and Rajo both looked around to Kasturi. ''Bauji, I know you must be really mad with me at the moment, lekin meri yakeen mano Bauji... I was going to tell you'' stammered Kasturi through her tears.
''Hah! tum batane wali thi?!'' exclaimed Kishan ji in mock surprise. ''When?! After you had gone?!!'' asked Kishan ji sarcastically. ''Nahi bauji nahi, please aise baat mat kaho'' cried Kasturi, shaking her head. ''Toh phir kaise baat karo, why don't you tell me how to do that as well? since aap badi ho gayi hain, become educated, you might as well teach me how to do everything. You don't need me now do you? That's why you were planning to leave without my permission hain na?!!'' retorted Kishan ji with a hint of sadness mingled in his words. Kasturi and Rajo looked at him in pain, tears strewn across their faces. ''In all these years, I've brought you up... you've always looked to me for advice, ideas, strength and comfort. Then suddenly why the change of heart?'' choked Kishan ji.
''Bauji aise koi baat nahi hain.'' cried Kasturi. She walked up to where he was standing, looked up to his eyes and said '' Please Bauji, I would never do anything to hurt your feelings. Your highest regard for me, means so much Bauji. I would never do anything to tarnish it.''
Bauji looked away from those tear strewn eyes. Deep down he knew what she was saying was true but his dimaak wasn't ready to accept it- A thought that filled him with confusion.
''Bauji, main aapse yeh baat batane wali thi. Sab kuch Bauji. Sachchi'' continued Kasturi ''I was waiting for the right moment. Actually galti meri thi Bauji'' stammered Kasturi, looking down at her feet. ''I should've told you in the beginning, lekin main dar gayi thi Bauji. I knew you wouldn't have liked the thought of your Kasturi leaving you to go so far away. Even I was afraid Bauji, I didn't like the thought myself. Each time I tried to tell you, my heart wouldn't let me. I was afraid of what you would say. Isiliye main kuch nahi kaha.'' continued Kasturi. ''Please mujhe maaf kardo Bauji, mujhse bohot badi galti ho gayi'' cried Kasturi.
Kishanji shrugged and sighed. He realised he was still disappointed for a reason entirely different from what had just happened- an emotion he couldn't exactly put a pen on. With that, he walked out of the room.
Kasturi watched him walk past her and out of the room, her hands held out in a silent protest. She looked back at her mother, ''Ma?'' she called out to her with a fresh flow of tears brimming out of her eyes... and all Rajo could do was hug her crying daughter.
Set-back: The following morning At Mr Suyesha Mehra s' mansion, where Pallavi and Mr Mehra are having a talk about the newly appointed College Trustee...
''Hello darling!'' called out Pallavi to Mr Mehra as she walked down the magnificant staircase that led to the living room where Mr Mehra sat on the expensive-looking satin cream-coloured couch, reading the newspaper. Mr Mehra looked up to see his wife dressed in light pink saree with her hair pulled back in a chignon pinned with a pink flower that matched her saree. Her pink dainty heels clicked each time she took a step on the clear floor tiles. As she made her way to the cream coloured sofa, where Mr Mehra sat, she stopped by their 'mini-bar' to pour herself a mug of steaming hot coffee. ''Hello Pallavi, you're looking nice!'' complimented Mr Mehra with a sigh. Pallavi saw that 'sigh' and her eyes narrowed, anger shot through like a raging bullet. 'Oh no, not now! Calm down Pallavi, calm down' she told herself taking a few deep breaths. As she made her way to the sofa, she plastered on a smile and said ''Why thank you hunnie, you're looking very handsome yourself'' Indeed he was, wearing an expensive black designer suit. His had removed his blazer, which lay beside him on the couch. The sleeves of his white shirt, which he had worn underneath the blazer were folded up to his elbow. He had chosen to wear a pair of designer glasses, which hid the fine lines around his eyes. Hearing the complement, his eyes lit up and smiled in response. He then went back to readin his newspaper.
Pallavi sat herself down taking a sip out of her mug. ''Did you hear about the newly appointed College Managee?'' asked Pallavi. ''Mmmhhumm, I did'' nodded Mr Mehra in reply and looked up from his paper.
''Apparently she's a tough cookie, caused hell of a scene the other day when a top notch minister tried to bribe his son into the school'' continued a concerned Pallavi. ''It'll be really hard for us to play her according to our strings'' she added. ''Her?! How do you know it's a lady who is our new trustee?''asked Mr Mehra all puzzled. ''Oh talk of the town, don't know her name yet... will find out soon enough'' replied Pallavi half-heartedly. ''For years we've had that college on our strings. Our 'donations' have been a valuble contribution, that's why we've been able to get our children into that school, without a question. But now...?'' sighed Pallavi and sank into deep thought.
''At least we got Adi in'' said a somewhat relieved Mr Mehra, interrupting Pallavis' thoughts. ''which gives me a worrying thought though, what if he misbehaves, which is he *bound* to do and gets kicked out!! he'll never be able to get his place back'' continued Mr Mehra grimly.
Pallavi shook her head ''No no, that won't happen. We'll sort something out! After all money can buy anything!'' said Pallavi smiling evilly. ''I'll show that woman her aukaad if I have to... coz nothing will stop my son from having his education- in THAT school'' said Pallavi in a final tone.
Set-back: The same day at Kasturi s' house; Alka chachi is gloating around. She's happy that she has succeeded in her mission 'keeping Kasturi from her studies'. She's now making poor Kasturi do all the work around the house...
''yeh loh Kasturi beta, I'm tired now'' handing over the broom to Kasturi. ''Now that you're not going anywhere, why dont *you* continue sweeping the floor; Do the Kitchen, living room and all our sleeping rooms.'' commanded Alka Chachi. 'let me work her till she tires out' thought Alka chachi evilly. ''Oh and when you have finished, hand wash my three salwaar kameezes I've laid out on my bed. I've got a bad back beta- I'd rather you do it!'' added Alka with a smirk (i.e an evil smile). Kasturi held back a sigh and nodded to let her know she would do the work given to her. ''Aur haan beta...'' before Alka turned to leave ''once you've finished with that, cook me some gee ka paratha for tonight. I only want to eat the paratha made by you!!!'' She added 'sweetly'. Alka watched her work 'there! doing the work you're supposed to be doing!' she thought to herself evilly. 'I think I've taught her a good lesson' and with that she walked off.
That night Kasturi lay in bed, her whole body aching after all that work Alka Chachi had given her. The next thing she knew, there were silent tears pouring down her face. There were only five days left till she started college. She was in total dispair. She knew it was pointless to pursue her father again. She could do nothing... She cried herself to sleep...
Set-Back: Two days later at Kasturis' home. Kishan ji seems to have cooled down, he's in his room sitting on his rocking chair swaying backwards and forwards thinking about the past events. Rajo decides this might be the time to pacify him again and tries talking to him...
Rajo walked into the room with a tray of chai and bicuits for her husband. She walked past Kishan ji and placed the tray on the bed table near his rocking chair. Kishan ji seemed to have ignore her. She looked at him carefully and slowly went up to him.
Kishan ji carefully continued to ignore her. She knelt beside him, ''Suno ji'' she said softly. Kishan ji blinked but made no effort to say anything. Rajo continued cautiously, ''Main jaanthi hoon ke aap bohot upset hoon. Lekin Kasturi sach keri hain. Actually I'm the one who told her not to tell you anything. Meri galti hain and I accept it ji. She was saving me that day. But please Kasturi ko jaane do na...''
Kishan ji stirred out of his reverie and stared at Rajo. She looked on nervously and plunged on hesitantly ''Dekho ji, it was Kasturis' dream to become a lawyer, it has always been. She passed her exams with best results and got accepted into one of the best colleges in Mumbai. Wouldn't that make you even a prouder father?''. She stopped and decided to chose her words carefully with what she said next. ''I'm sure you want the best for Kasturi. What happened the other day, never should have happened, it was a badi galat faimi... think about Kasturi s' happiness when you make your final decision ji'' and with that she stood up and walked to the door quietly. She looked back at her husband, who had gone back into his deep thinking. She sighed and walked out.
Set-back: Only one day left till Kasturi s' College starts...
Kasturi sat alone on her bed in her small room all upset, dejected with lost hope of ever completing her studies, when Bauji walked into her room. ''Kasturi beta'' he called. Kasturi looked up and saw her father. She stood up ''ji Bauji?'' she asked a little surprised.
''Nahi beta, sit down'' said Kishan ji and motioned her to sit back on her bed. Kasturi sat back down and looked at her father intently, all manner of disappointment vanished. ''Beta I've been selfish. I don't know why I didn't come to you before. Probably because I didn't want to you leave us. But I've realised my mistake. I'm so sorry beta. Your bauji is really ashamed of himself.'' A shocked Kasturi says 'Arrey bauji nahi nahi. Don't say that. Does a father ever asks forgiveness from his daughter! Please Bauji don't say anything like this.'' pleaded Kasturi. Kishan ji shook his head ''let me speak. I've been bad, I thought of only my selfishness. Not your happiness. You were right, I didn't want you to go, but now I have changed my mind. I want you to go and study and become what you want to become!!'' He said.
Kasturi almost cried with joy. ''Oh Bauji thank you. Thank you so much. Lekin abh bohot der ho gayi! how am I going to handle everything? I don't think they'll let me in'' said a crestfallen Kasturi.
''Aarey aise kaise ho sakta hain!!!'' exclaimed Kishan ji. ''I'll talk to the college Head, first thing tomorrow morning! Phir dekhte hain how they say no to my Kasturi!!'' replied Kishan ji all charged up. ''for now however, start packing and sort all your admission papers out. You'll need them for the induction'' said Kishan ji. ''Ohh Bauji, thank you so much'' smiled Kasturi, hugging him.
Set-back:The following morning (the day Kasturi is meant to start College) Kishan ji is on the phone with the New College Trustees' PA. He's trying to convince the PA to take on Kasturi but she keeps refusing him. A persistant Kishan ji doesn't want to give up...
''Dekiye Madam, pleeeeease mere baat samjahne ki koshish karo. It is all my fault that, Kasturi couldn't reply to your confirmation later. For that I'm so so sorry.'' pleaded Kishan ji on the phone
''Lekin Sir, I just can't do anything about it. Your daughter missed the deadline for confirmation attendance. We're completely full!! I'm so sorry, but I..'' said the PA down the line.
''But please this is the life of my daughter I'm talking about. We can't let it be ruined!! How can you let the life a child go to waste - just like that?!! Pleeeease, atleast put me through to your Head. I will convince her. Bas ek baar, sirf ek baar usse baat karne do! I'll be so gratefull'' interrupted Kishan ji. ''Sir, She's a really busy lady. I'll try letting her know, but if she refuses then there is nothing I can do!'' said the PA.
''Oh thank you ji. But please do try as much as possible to convince her. It's a question of my daughters' life'' exclaimed Kishan ji. ''Ok just give me second'' said the PA... She put Kishan ji on hold and managed to get hold of the Trustee. ''Good morning Madam. I'm so sorry to bother you, lekin there is this gentleman on the phone who's begging us to take on his daughter- but maam, she missed the confirmation deadline'' said the PA.
The trustee listened to all this with concern and asked ''Kya naam hain uska?''
''ji maam, it's a Kishan Chawla, a Kasturi Chawla s' father'' replied the PA.
'Hmm...kahin yeh woh Kasturi ki pita ho? The Kasturi who had scored top marks in all her exams?!' thought the Trustee to herself. ''Give me a min, I need to see something first'' she told the PA. The trustee got up from her glass coffee table, her lavender designer saaree brushing the edge of the table as she walked around to her silver file cabinet. As she opened each drawer, she looked for a file with the name 'Kasturi Chawla' upon it, which she finally found in the bottom-most drawer. Pulling it out, she flipped through the file and landed on the 'score-sheet'. There it clearly stood out, Kasturi s' marks; she had scored 90s in all her subjects... The trustee walked back to the phone and said, ''Shalini (the PA) please put him through to me''.
''Yes maam'' replied the PA instantly. Shalini got through to Kishan ji again ''Hello, Kishan ji?'' she asked. ''Ji?'' replied Kishan ji. He had been praying the last five minutes. He really hoped she had got good news for him... ''Madam is ready to speak to you, hang on I'll put you through to her'' said Shalini. ''Oh thank you Shalini ji. Thank you so much!'' replied Kishan ji gratefully.
With a click of the phone, he heard a soft feminine voice on the other end of the phone saying ''Hello? Mr Chawla?'', ''Ji Madam. It's Kishan Chawla speaking'' he replied. ''Achcha Mr Chawla, what is this? Why havn't you sent your daughter here for her studies? She's a top student. She'd do really well here.'' said the trustee frowning. ''I know maam, it is my mistake. I should've have realised long before. I'm so so sorry. But I promise Madam, that you won't be disappointed if you take her on. Please Madam? Meri beti ki zindagi ka sawaal hain. I'd remain ever so grateful to you'' pleaded Kishan ji.
''Achcha teek hain Mr. Chawla, I shall take her on with the promise she'll catch up on all missed work when she gets here'' said the Trustee.
Kishan let out a deep breath. Warmth spread through him, he smiled and said ''thank you so much Madam. Thank you so much. I don't know how to thank you... aur dekhi yeh'' he shook his head ... ''I'm going on and on and I don't even know your name, ji aap...'' *BANG*, the trustee jumped almost dropping the phone, she looked around to where the noise had come from...
''Just a second Mr Chawla...'' interrupted the Trustee, her PA, Shalini had barged into her office, she appeared to be out of breath as if she had been running, her neatly kept hair was messed up. There was worry and shock etched upon her face. ''Excuse me maam, so... sorry! There's... been... a huuuuge fight out in the college grounds.'' she panted. '' A gang of guys...'' she could say no more, she kept catching her breath and clutching her stomach. ''WHAT?!!'' Yelled the trustee... ''Oh No!! Hang on Shalini'' she added, Shalini just nodded in response. ''Hello, Mr Chawla listen, I have to go. But tell your daughter to bring in all her documents, including any form of identification. I'll deal with all the formalities. Send her here as soon as possible! Good day Mr Chawla.'' said the Trustee. ''Yes Madam, Thank you'' replied Kishan ji, with that he heard the click on the other end.
The trustee turned to Shalini, ''lets go Shalini!'' she said and they both practically ran to where the fight was taking place.
As Kishan ji placed the phone back on to the receiver, he turned to his daughter who was watching him with such anticipation he couldn't help but smile. ''Aarey meri bachchi'' he said cupping her face in his hands, ''Didn't I tell you not to worry and that everything will be sorted out! Well guess what, Madam has allowed you a place!!'' he said with delight.
Kasturi broke into a smile. Delight shone upon her face like the rays of sunshine. She gasped ''Sach?! OMG!! I'm in!! I can't believe it.'' She said jumping with joy and hugging her father. ''Thank you so much Bauji! You're the best'' cried Kasturi.
Kishan ji just kept smiling. He didn't want to think of anything emotional because he knew he would start crying. He let go of her daughter and asked her ''achcha beta, have you finished packing?''. Kasturi nodded. ''Tanu will be here with the train tickets. You're train will leave tomorrow afternoon. That's the earliest ticket I could find. You'll reach Mumbai the following night, making that three days behind on work'' he said with concern. ''It's ok Bauji. You've done so much already. I'll catch up with my work soon enough'' said Kasturi with a determined smile.
Set-back: The Trustee and Shalini arrive at the fight scene. The guys are still fighting, each from their own gang trying to pull the two involved apart...
There were fists flying in inumerous directions, dull thuds of punches and kicks rang out into the air, blotches of blood had stained the ground..
''BAS KARO!!! YEH KYA HORA HAIN YAHA?!!'' Screamed the trustee. ''STOP THIS AT ONCE!!!'' She yelled. Hearing the screams (and seeing whom the screams came from), the boys surrounding the two, who were fighting started to pull them apart. ''WHAT IS THIS?!! WHAT HAPPENED?'' yelled the trustee with rage. The two boys, who were involved in the fight were being held back tightly at opposite ends, each trying to break away from the 20odd peoples' grip and carry on fighting...
''MAINE POOCHA, WHAT HAPPENED HERE?!! WHY ISN'T ANYBODY ANSWERING ME?!!'' screamed the trustee again.
Just then she heard one of the blokes surrounding the guy being held back tightly (who was putting up a good fight) say ''Come on now Adi! Please take a deep breath and CHILL! Calm down''.
The trustee turned to look at them, realisation dawning upon her face... slowly she made her way to them... Adi watched her walk up to him, his face in a growl... ''Ohhhh Toh tum hain Mr. Vikram Aditya Mehra?!!'' demanded the Trustee...
Sorry guys! That's where I leave it today. Been on this for like forever!! It's taken me soooo much time. I know it's not my best. 😭 😭 😭 You probably wouldn't even like it as much. I'm so sorry folks. I promise to do better next time. 😭 😭 😭
Chapter three will be up soon. And I promise I won't let you down again.
Anupamaa
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