Part 1
Riley woke up and groaned. Still half asleep, he stumbled to the bathroom. He was nearly done brushing his teeth before he realised, that for the first time in nearly a month he had a day off. He jumped back in bed, pulled the duvet over his head and happily went back to sleep. When he finally emerged from his bedroom, it was nearly midday. "Hey, sis", he said as he walked out to the pool. Payal was busy looking over the Sunday papers. "Hey", she replied distractedly as she looked over the business section."Mum phoned. Sounds like she and Dad are having a great time.", Payal told Riley as he dived into the pool. Prachi and Milind were on a 2 week trip in Britain. Riley swam a lap before making his way towards Payal, who was sitting by the side of the pool with her feet dangling in the water. "Cool! I wish I was in London. There is Spiderman convention with Stan Lee attending and Arsenal is playing at home this week.", said Riley wistfully. Payal rolled her eyes, "Good thing you specialised in pediatrics." Riley did a few backstrokes, "There is nothing wrong with reading comic books.". "Of course not, a twenty five old doctor obsessed with Arsenal and comic books. Absolutely nothing wrong with that!", said Payal sarcastically. "Nerds rule!", grinned Riley.
Except Riley didn't look like a nerd. He looked like his father. Tall, dark and good looking but clean shaven and with straighter hair. He was also friendly, patient and non-judgemental, all the traits needed of a good dootor. Milind had been disappointed when his only son hadn't followed his footsteps into the business world but Riley had won his respect and admiration for his dedication to the medical profession. Anyway Payal had more than made up for any residual regrets, Milind may still have had. At twenty eight she looked more like her mother than ever except for a thick mane of curly hair. She had completed an MBA at the London School of Economics and then returned back home to work for Shah Enterprises. She started off as a junior accounts clerk but was now part of the marketing department. She fitted the sterotype of an ambitious young business woman, focused, no-nonsense and driven but she was also fiercely loyal and protective of those she cared for. "Is there anything to eat?", asked Riley as he followed Payal to the kitchen. The Mishras still lived in the same house that they had for over 30 years. "I think there is some left over pasta from last night.", replied Payal as she opened her laptop. "Nah, I'll get something at the hospital.", said Riley. "I thought it was your day off.", said Payal. "It is but there is this kid I want to check up on.", replied Riley. "I'm going to the movies with the cousins tonight. Wanna come along?", asked Payal. "A night out with the SMS girls? Why not? I'll meet your'll there.", said Riley as he headed back to his room.
Riley joined his sister and cousins at a coffe shop at 7pm. There was Shaina, Alaap's daughter who was 25 like Riley and 22 year old twins Kirti and Kiran, Sukriti & Saket's daughters. A second generation of Shah, Mishra & Shergill woman dubbed the SMS girls by poor Riley who's only male cousin, 18 year old Pratam, Bobby's son lived in Canada. Even Somwya who now lived in Delhi had a daughter. Payal was mother hen to the entire lot. "Oh Gawd, you could have at least changed your shirt before coming here.", complained Shaina looking at Riley's tatty Battlestar Galatica t-shirt in disdain. "Don't they pay doctors?", interjected Kirti. "They do but Riley's pay goes straight to comic books and maintaining his wreck of a car.", said Payal. "Your'll are just picking on me because I'm all alone but from Wednesday my boy is back in town and then you will see.", said Riley. "Your 'boy' happens to be first and foremost our cousin.", said Kirti. "It's going to be so great to have him back.", said Kiran. "If his latest pics are anything to go by, you won't get any complaints from me.", said Shaina. "Hey, you are engaged now.", said Kiran. "A girl can still look.", protested Shaina. "It's definitely going to be fun with him around and unlike you he actually knows how to act in sophisticated company.", said Kirti glaring at Riley. "Yeah but too bad he is going to have to spend most of his time working with Payal.", said Riley. Payal had been decidedly quiet during this entire conversation. "Lucky girl.", teased Shaina. "He's a child.", said Payal dismissively. "Being 2 years younger than you, does not make him a child.", said Riley. "No but being your best friend does.", retorted Payal. "Come on, the movie is about to start.", she said as she got up from her seat, thus putting an end to all talk about Karan Shergill.
Part 2
"Payal, the adverts need to start airing by May.", said Ali. "There is another audition later this week. I have contacted just about every modelling agency in Mumbai. I am sure we will find the right model.", said Payal, though secretly she was far from sure. "Ok, then, so by next Monday, we should see some progress in this?", asked Ali. Payal nodded quietly. Zunaid gave her a sympathetic look from across the table. The meeting ended soon after. "Hey, sorry about Dad giving you a tough time.", said Zunaid as they walked back to their offices. "No, he is completely right, my father is going to ask me the same questions when he comes back. Everything is on track except for the advertising campaign.", said Payal fairly. "Payal, exactly what is the problem?", asked Zunaid, "How difficult is it to find a gorgeous model who is going to look like she is having a great time at a five star hotel?".
Payal knew she was the problem. Shah Enterprises were opening a chain of five star hotels in South India. This was the first major marketing campaign, Payal was heading. It was her chance to prove that she had earned her position on merit and not because she was Inder Shah's granddaughter or Milind Mishra's daughter. She had spent many long hours with an advertising agency working on a campiagn idea to her satisfaction. After all that hard work, Payal suddenly found herself unable to execute the campaign due to having not found the right model to front the campaign. Payal wanted everything to be perfect, especially the girl who was going to be the face of Shah South India Hotels. After countless auditions, Payal still could not find what she was looking for in a model. She had taken Zunaid along to auditions to provide some input but he had proved of no use. He was perfectly happy with any pretty face. Taking her cousins along had proved disasterous. They kept making catty remarks about the models. At her wits end, she had even dragged Riley to an audition. He was even worse than the others. He had slept through half of it and then had complained continuously that he was hungry. "I need something more than gorgeous. I want someone who people can connect to. Someone who you want to root for.", explained Payal. "I'll definitely root for Deepika Padukone anyday and she is South Indian you know.", said Zunaid with a grin. "Well, if she can convincingly play a secretary, she is hired.", laughed Payal.
Meanwhile across town, at the hospital, Vani was having a career crisis of a different sort. Nine year old, Anya had been involved in an accident that had resulted in the loss of her parents and her hearing. As her hearing therapist, Vani had to set up a programme for her rehabilation. But the child was so severly traumatisied, that she had refused to make eye contact with Vani and then had started crying before she started screaming. Her aunt and uncle had looked on frustrated and the session had ended without Vani even being able to get Anya to tell her name. Vani had only started work four months ago. So far the only patients, she had dealt with, were over sixty and had accepted their gradual loss of hearing as part of the aging process. But Vani was so distressed by her session with Anya, that she actually ventured out to the children's ward. Usually Vani stuck firmly to the audiology department. Her interactions thus far had been limited to Dr Sinha, the audiologist and the few other staff members in her department. But her concern for Anya had actually driven her to seek Dr Mishra.
"And number seven scores!", said Riley as he put his arms up in the air and did a mini victory lap around the ward, hitting high fives all around. Vani stood heistantly at the entrance of the ward. There was a soccer net drawn on the wall of the ward. A boy of eleven was holding a soccer ball, while Dr Mishra wearing an Arsenal soccer jersey under his white coat was seemingly celebrating a goal. Riley stopped when he saw the tall, slim girl looking uncertainly into the ward. "Vani, right?", asked Riley with a bright smile. "Yes.", replied Vani surprised as she pushed her glasses back up her nose. They had been introduced in the hallway by Dr Sinha a few weeks back but she hadn't thought he would remember. "Best of five?", asked Jitesh as he handed the ball to Riley. "No. That's enough for today.", said Riley. "You just want to keep the score one nil."complained Jitesh. "That too.", replied Riley.
"If you're busy, I'll come back.", said Vani quickly. "No, it's fine. Can I help you with something?", asked Riley. "It's about an old patient of your's, Anya, Anya Patel. She was brought here after she was involved in an accident, about three months ago.", said Vani. "I remember.", said Riley turning somber, "I treated her for a week and then she was moved to an hospital in Pune.". "So, you know she lost her hearing?", asked Vani. Riley nodded, "I followed up on her case and I was told she had recovered from all her injuries and was receiving counseling for her hearing and her parent's death. How do you know about her?". "She is back in Mumbai and I am responsible for her hearing therapy.", explained Vani. "How is that going?" , asked Riley. "Not very well.", admitted Vani. "Today was our first session and she refused to make eye contact and then she started to cry.", said Vani and Riley could see she looked visibly upset. "When is your next session?", asked Riley. "Wednesday", replied Vani. "Would you mind if I'm there?", asked Riley. "No, that's what I came to ask you.", said Vani gratefully. She had been dreading approaching him but she was surprised at how easy it had been to talk to him.
"Okay, best of three.", said Jitesh approaching Riley once again. "No.", grinned Riley. "Fine but I'm not backing Arsenal anymore.", said Jitesh. "Why would you? They even got knocked out of the FA Cup.", said Vani unthinkingly. On seeing Riley and Jitesh's surprised looks, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that.", she said contritely. "You watch soccer?", asked Jitesh while Riley just looked at her. "I'm from Malaysia. Soccer is much bigger than cricket there.", said Vani with a smile. From her sneakers and bright yellow salwaar kameez to her braided hair and glasses to her Malaysian accent and interest in soccer, Riley suddenly realised Vani Perumal was like no girl he had ever met before.
Part 3
From Mumbai Central Hospital Audiology department To Mumbai Central Hospital Pediatrics ward
From : vanip@MCHospital.com
To : rileym@MCHospital.com
Subject : Anya Patel - Hearing Therapy
Good Day Dr Mishra
This is just to confirm Anya Patel's hearing therapy session is scheduled for tomorrow at 1pm.
Thank You
From : rileym@MCHospital.com
To : vanip@MCHospital.com
Subject : Re : Anya Patel - Hearing Therapy
Thanks, will be there.
Call me Riley. Only Dr Singh calls me Dr Mishra ... in his most disapproving voice.
From : vanip@MCHospital.com
To : rileym@MCHospital.com
Subject : Re : Anya Patel - Hearing Therapy
Okay. Sorry again about troubling you with this. Dr Sinha is back in two weeks and then I'm sure she'll take over then.
From : rileym@MCHospital.com
To : vanip@MCHospital.com
Subject : Re : Anya Patel - Hearing Therapy
It's fine. Can you mail me any case notes you have made?
From : vanip@MCHospital.com
To : rileym@MCHospital.com
Subject : Re : Anya Patel - Hearing Therapy
Case Notes Attached
Do you think it's advisable if her aunt and uncle wait outside during the session?
From : rileym@MCHospital.com
To : vanip@MCHospital.com
Subject : Re : Anya Patel - Hearing Therapy
That may actually be a good idea. She'll feel less pressuried. Just like Arsenal would probably feel less pressuried if they played in an empty stadium. :-(
From : vanip@MCHospital.com
To : rileym@MCHospital.com
Subject :
LOL.Thanks again and really sorry about Arsenal losing.
From : rileym@MCHospital.com
To : vanip@MCHospital.com
Subject : Re :
That's okay, they are still going to win the Premiership. Hey, who do you support?
From : vanip@MCHospital.com
To : rileym@MCHospital.com
Subject : Re :
I don't think you want to know.
From : rileym@MCHospital.com
To : vanip@MCHospital.com
Subject : Re :
My best friend supports Chelsea. So, I'm fine with any team ... except Man Utd, that will just be unforgivable.
After a few minutes and still no reply.
From : rileym@MCHospital.com
To : vanip@MCHospital.com
Subject : Re :
It is Man U isn't it?
From : vanip@MCHospital.com
To : rileym@MCHospital.com
Subject : Re :
:-) My brother is a big fan. It just rubbed off on me.
From : rileym@MCHospital.com
To : vanip@MCHospital.com
Subject : Re :
Well, I'm just going to have to convert you both into Gunners fans.
Meanwhile from New York to Mumbai
From : karan.shergill@LawsonPackers.com
To : nshergill@shergillImports.com
Subject : Mum!
Dad, what has Mum planned? I got a call from her early this morning. I do not want any grand homecoming party.
From : nshergill@shergilImports.com
To : karan.shergill@LawsonPackers.com
Subject : Re : Mum!
I guess we have to cancel the orchestra and dove releasing ceremony then. Seriously son, just humour her. You can't blame her for being excited. Are you at the airport as yet?
From : karan.shergill@LawsonPackers.com
To : nshergil@shergillImports.com
Subject : Re : Mum!
Not yet. I still got some packing to do. Should be there is an hour.
From : nshergill@shergillImports.com
To : karan.shergill@LawsonPackers.com
Subject : Re : Mum!
Karan, this is your mother. What do you mean you still have some packing to do?! Your plane leaves in a few hours! And I do not have a grand party organised, just a small gathering of family and friends. After 4 years away, you are not going to deny me that much.
From : karan.shergill@LawsonPackers.com
To : nshergill@shergillImports.com
Subject : Re : Mum!
Mum, I know what you mean by small gathering. I just want to spend some time first with you and Dad and Riley before I have to deal with a Mumbai society party. And don't worry, I'm not going to miss my flight.
From : nshergill@shergilImports.com
To : karan.shergill@LawsonPackers.com
Subject : Re : Mum!
You are going to have plenty of time to spend with Dad and I and Riley is not going anywhere. But Karan you have been away for 4 years, I just want you to meet some other people your own age, so you will find it easier to adjust to Mumbai.
From : karan.shergill@LawsonPackers.com
To : nshergill@shergillImports.com
Subject : Re : Mum!
Mum, what do you mean by 'people your own age'? Dad, please tell Mum, the last thing I need is to be introduced to dozens of Mumbai society girls. And I'm from Mumbai, there is nothing I need to adjust to!
From : nshergill@shergilImports.com
To : karan.shergill@LawsonPackers.com
Subject : Re : Mum!
Okay, enough of this! Karan, finish your packing and get on that plane. I'll talk to your mother and we will see you tomorrow.
Dad
And From London To Mumbai
From : mishram@ShahEnterprises.com
To : mishrap@ShahEnterprises.com
Subject :
Hi sweetheart, your mother wants to know how you and Riley are. She is convinced your'll are staving and have no clean clothes to wear.
I spoke to Ali. Payal, sometimes you just have to make a decision and I trust you to make the right one.
And how is your brother taking Arsenal losing?
From : mishrap@ShahEnterprises.com
To : mishram@ShahEnterprises.com
Subject : Re:
Tell mum we are okay and to just enjoy herself. I have been cooking most nights and I'm doing laundry tonight.
Dad, I understand what you saying and I'm sure by tomorrow I would have made a decision.
Riley is suprisingly fine.
From : mishram@ShahEnterprises.com
To : mishrap@ShahEnterprises.com
Subject : Re:
Okay, like I said I trust you.
Your mother says to make Riley to do his own laundry and if you want anything from Harrods.
From : mishrap@ShahEnterprises.com
To : mishram@ShahEnterprises.com
Subject : Re:
Thanks Dad. Oooh, I want that nice perfume that they have there, Mum knows what I'm talking about and some MAC make-up.
From : mishram@ShahEnterprises.com
To : mishrap@ShahEnterprises.com
Subject : Re :
Payal, it's Mum. Your dad can't handle all the shopping talk. Sure, that's all you want?
Honey, I know you're stressed with work but don't put so much of pressure on yourself.
Give your brother a hug for me and take care.
Love Mum
And finally from Mumbai Central Hospital To Shah Enterprises
From : rileym@MCHospital.com
To : mishrap@ShahEnterprises.com
Subject : shirt
Hey sis, are you doing laundry tonight? I need my Arsenal shirt.
From : mishrap@ShahEnterprises.com
To : rileym@MCHospital.com
Subject : Re : shirt
Do your own bloody laundry!
*Email concept lifted from a Meg Cabot novel.*
Part 4
*Note - Please forgive the many liberties taken in describing the therapy session*
Payal took a deep breath, trying to keep her anxiety at bay. Dozens of models, countless of portfolios and she still couldn't make a decison. "Payal, just look at these portfolios again. There must be someone here who is perfectly okay.", said Kiran. A final year psychology student, Kiran was the most mature and sensible of Payal's cousins and therefore someone, she had brought along for the final round of auditions. "I want someone who is better than okay.", said Payal stubbornly. "Well, this is it, Payal. So, please just make a decision.", said an exasperated Zunaid. Payal looked at Zunaid and Kiran. The expressions on their faces ranged from concern to outright annoyance. "I know! I know, you are both right. I have to just choose someone.", said Payal frustratedly but it felt like she was admitting defeat. She had so wanted everything in this campaign to be perfect but now it looked like she would have no alternative but to settle for someone who was less than ideal. "Well, I got to go.", said Zunaid, "Payal, please for both our sakes, just have a name ready by next Monday."
Payal started to gather the portfolios scattered on the desk. Kiran looked at her understandingly. She recognised her cousin was a textbook perfectionist, it's what had made her such an achiever all her life. But in this case it was paralysing her with indecisiveness. "Payal, these models are beautiful. Anyone of them will be wonderful for the ads.", said Kiran encouragingly. Payal smiled at her, "You're right.". "You still don't sound convinced.", said Kiran. "I had such high expectations when I started this and now I just don't see those expectation being met.", admitted Payal. Kiran smiled at her and then looked at her watch. "Oh my God! Is that the time?!", she exclaimed. "Yes, what's wrong?", asked Payal. "I am supposed to be Uncle Neev's. Aunt Ayesha is having a family dinner to welcome Karan back. Payal, come along, it will do you some good to be around everyone. Take your mind away from all this stuff". "No, thank you.", said Payal adamantly, "The last thing I need right now, is Riley and Karan torturing me about something or another." Kiran laughed, "I think they have outgrown the days of calling you Pie Pie and making kissing noises when you're talking to a guy.". "Don't forget eavesdropping on my phone conversations or spying on my slumber parties.", said Payal and then laughed inspite of herself. "Well, one's a doctor now and the other is an actuary.", said Kiran. "I'll still pass on dinner.", said Payal but with a smile.
Riley was an unavoidable ten minutes late. When he got to the audiology department, Vani had already started her session. He found Anya's aunt and uncle waiting outside the room. Vani had provided Anya with paper and crayons, hoping Anya would draw something. But Anya just sat with her head laying on her folded arms on the table. She showed a flicker of recognition when she saw Riley enter. Riley smiled at her and nodded towards Vani. Vani looked calm but she was perturbed by Anya's lack of response. Without saying a word, Riley pulled up a chair and started to draw. Vani followed suit. Riley drew elephants playing soccer while Vani started drawing a field of flowers and trees. Anya's interest soon perked up. She looked on interestedly until Vani offered her the paper again. She was soon drawing a cat and a dog. After almost 20 minutes of all of them drawing in silence but sharing the crayons amongst themselves, Riley started a new drawing. Drawing himself with his black t-shirt showing underneath his doctor's coat, he drew Vani with her green salwaar kameez and glasses and finally drew Anya with her blue dress. He wrote his name over his picture and passed the picture to Vani who added her name. As proof that they had somewhat managed to draw Anya out of her shell, Anya wrote her name over her picture unhesitatingly. At the end of the session, Vani knew they hadn't made giant strides but at least they had made some progress. At the very least, they had showed Anya there were other ways she could connect to people.
"That wasn't too bad.", said Riley. "No, it wasn't. Thank you again.", replied Vani. "So, what's next?", asked Riley. "Well, in an ideal situation learning sign language, Anya and her aunt and uncle.". "But this is not an ideal situation?", asked Riley. "Inspite of today, I don't think Anya has fully accepted her hearing loss and her aunt and uncle ...", said Vani. "What about them?", asked Riley. "I think they have the best of intentions but they are overwhelmed with the situation.", said Vani cautiously. "So, we still have a lot of work ahead of us.", said Riley matter-of-factly. "Yes, we do.", replied Vani, finding herself surprised by him once again. He had surprised her firstly by being so willing to help her and now by being so committeed to helping Anya. Vani picked up the drawings and looked at Riley's one of the elephants. "They all play for Arsenal by the way.", said Riley, deciding to lighten the mood. "Poor elephants.", said Vani laughing slightly. "Well, better than playing for an evil corporation that wants world domination.", said Riley with a grin. "I think my brother will have a thing or two to say about that.", said Vani laughing. "So is he older or younger than you?", asked Riley. "Four years older", replied Vani, "How about you? Any brothers or sisters?". "Just one older sister.", said Riley. "Is she also an Arsenal supporter?", asked Vani with a smile. "Actually, if she had to pick a team it would be Chelsea.", said Riley. "Just like your best friend.", said Vani. Just then it struck Riley. "Yeah, a best friend I was supposed to meet half an hour ago.", he said guiltily. "Oh, I'm sorry, don't let me keep you.", said Vani apologetically. "It's okay, I'll see you tomorrow.", said Riley with a smile and left.
Riley could hear laughter and happy voices as he pulled in front of the house. He could hear Kirti and Aunt Ayesha. Riley had visited Karan in New York but nothing could be better than Karan being back home for good. As Riley stepped out of his trusty and rusty Toyota, he saw Karan coming towards him. "Dude, get a new car.", were Karan's first words before hugging Riley. Even though Riley and Karan weren't blood related, they still regarded each other as brothers. Karan was as fair as Riley was dark, with hazel green eyes. He was handsome, charming, intelligent and had an easy confidence that was borne of being the only child of a wealthy businessman and a prominent actress. He was an all out catch and the Mumbai girls were already on high alert about his arrival, not that it was going to do them any good since Karan had come back home for one reason only ... Payal Mishra.
NextEdited by blackcurrant - 17 years ago
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