Fatima's Cozy Corner - Page 63

Originally posted by: fansush

hii fatimaaa... see i m here without ur pm this time...

superb update...a bit sad...

poor preet ..hoping theres a surprise frm mr. bakshis end for him...

n poor meher ...

u got me really curious now fatimaa...

waiting...😳

Originally posted by: ummesulaiman

Hmmm...So you are assuming that Preet is not Mr. Kashyaps' step son 😆

Originally posted by: nikitagmc

This thought crept into my mind when you said to Lunza that you are happy that no one has a clue as to where the story is going.. hehe.. but didn't want to ruin the suspense by throwing arrows in advance.

But how can Preet be Mr. Kashyap's step son? This is confusing. Chalo dekhte hain agey agey hota hai kya.

Edit to add: Hey, you said the new guy studied in Meher's university and has seen her too- is it that jerk guy who used to court her shamelessly in the lift and all? I am not getting the name right now.

If it's him then that will be cool as well- we can have a dhishoom dhishoom sequence between Preet and Mr. Jerk.

Originally posted by: suan

Very moving update, Fatima.

You're a genius when it comes to writing.

You make everything so real.

I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter to see what transpires next in Meet and Preet's lives.

I hope it continues to snow a lot in Chicago so we continue to get such quick updates. 😉

Originally posted by: ummesulaiman

Thank you for reading Sharon, but...ACK!! Please don't curse me with more snow. 😔

Actually we've had sun for 2 days in a row now 😃

Chapter 8 - No Life Without Wife

Link to: Table of Contents

One week later...

Preet walked into a restaurant. Gaurav was already there waiting for him.

"Did you see him?" asked Preet anxiously. "What did you say? What did he say?"

"Relax Preet", said Gaurav. "I did as I promised and spoke to Mr. Bakshi. I reinforced the fact that the entire campaign was your idea. We're meeting some clients here for lunch, and he's agreed to take some time out before our meeting to speak to you about his decision. He apparently has some issues about you being responsible enough at this point in your career, so just hear him out, and make clarifications where necessary. And whatever you do don't explode. Oh look...there he is".

Preet turned to see Mr. Bakshi, walk into the restaurant followed by Rishap, Farhan and Neil.

"Hello Preet", smiled Mr. Bakshi.

"Hello sir", Preet said as he shook his boss's hand. "I really appreciate you taking the time out to speak with me".

"Yes well I'm meeting clients for lunch in 20 minutes so let's make this quick", said Mr. Bakshi. "I think you're doing a fantastic job for us Preet. But Gaurav here tells me you don't think your role at the agency is all you had hoped for. I can understand your disappointment about the Cadbury contract, but that was just one account. Our ultimate goal here is to rope in as much business for the agency as possible, so you should be happy. I'm sure there will be other opportunities in the future for you to take charge and prove yourself individually".

"But what if I don't want to wait?" asked Preet.

"What?" Mr. Bakshi asked in surprise.

"What if I don't want to wait?" Preet said again. "I mean...why should I have to wait? I'm good at what I do. Obviously your client thinks so too, otherwise you wouldn't have landed this account".

"Preet...", began Gaurav.

"No, no, it's okay Gaurav", Mr. Bakshi said raising his hand. "Let him speak. It's the fire in that young blood of his that's doing the talking. I remember being young once. When I first started here, I thought I knew everything, could do anything. It was my way or the highway. I'd walk around the office during my hippie phase, with a long beard and beads around my neck. I had talent. According to me I was the best there was, but I was constantly being over looked whenever an opportunity for a promotion came by. Then my boss called me in one day and said something that changed my life. He said...In business we dress for the job we want not the job we have. If you want to be an ad executive, stop walking around looking like a janitor'. And so I ask you Preet, what do you want to be?"

Preet looked down at his half unbuttoned shirt. He wasn't sure what his boss was implying. Sure he hated wearing a tie, but in no way did he look like a janitor. "I'm not sure I understand your question", he stuttered.

"What do you think I do...sleep all day in my office Preet?" asked Mr. Bakshi.

"No...I..." said Preet.

"This agency is one of the finest in the country because I keep tabs on everything...including you", said Mr. Bakshi. "You've been with us for a measly 2 years and you suddenly feel like you can take on the world because you came up with a good idea for one campaign? I think that's asking a little too much for someone who can barely make it to work on time and has been known to be playing video games on his phone during company meetings".

"Mr. Bakshi...I can explain...", tried Preet.

"It's your attitude Preet, and your lack of commitment that bothers me", continued Mr. Bakshi. "Look at Gaurav here. He's the same age as you but he's married, and he owns a flat he can't afford, which to me guarantees that he'll be coming into work tomorrow. I just co-signed the loan agreement on Rishap's Mercedes. He's not going anywhere. And Neil and Farhan, they have the wife, kids, and the flat they can't afford. You're the only person in the agency who lives like they're still in college.

In plain words, I'm not about to encourage a relationship between you and one of our biggest clients, when I know that there is nothing keeping you here. I mean...how do I know you won't pick up and go to my competitor, and take my client with you? Plus this is an international client, with holdings all over the world. That means you'll be travelling. How do I know you won't go for a meeting in New York and decide to stay there? No, no...I just can't take the risk right now. Maybe in another 5 years you'll have proved yourself, and hopefully settled down with a nice girl. We'll see about promoting you then. Now if you'll excuse us, we're running late for our other meeting".

Gaurav waited until Mr. Bakshi and the others walked away before turning to Preet. "Video games Preet? Video games?"

"That happened only once Gaurav...Dharti Ma ki kasam (I swear)", said Preet. "I had no idea anyone had even noticed".

Garuav shook his head then placed a reassuring hand on Preet's shoulder. "I'm sorry Preet. It doesn't look like Mr. Bakshi is going to change his mind".

"It's okay Gaurav", said Preet. "I know you tried, and that means a lot to me. But I just can't swallow the amount of bull this guy just shoveled in my direction! All this time I thought my hard work and talent would prove my worth here at the agency. I didn't know I had to wear a tie and get married instead. You don't think he found out I'm one of The Junejas, do you?"

"That would explain him being worried about you staying with the company long term", agreed Gaurav.

"There has to be something. I mean, his reasoning just doesn't make sense to me. He's lying I'm sure. And if he is, I'm just wasting my time in this company. I just wish there was a way to prove it", said Preet.

"Hmm...maybe there is", Guarav said thoughtfully.

"What are you talking about?" asked Preet.

"You'll find out soon enough. Look I've got to go to the meeting", said Gaurav, "but I'll see you after lunch, and we'll talk some more then".

Preet nodded and watched his friend walk away.

Later that afternoon...

Preet was clearing off his desk and getting ready to go home, when Gaurav came rushing towards him.

"Preet! Ha ha! Guess what?" he asked happily.

"What are you all excited about?" asked Preet.

"Wait until you hear my news", said Gaurav. "You'll be jumping for joy too".

"Gaurav will you stop acting like an excited 3 year old and just tell me what's up?" said Preet.

"Well...after our meeting I had a little talk with Mr. Bakshi again. Congratulations! You're on the Cadbury team", said Gaurav, beaming with pride.

"What?! You know I'm really not in the mood for jokes", sighed Preet.

"I can't believe this, I just got you a place on my team, a raise, and an office with a window and you think I'm joking", cried Gaurav. "I think you just hurt my feelings".

"Are you serious?" asked Preet.

"Yes", said Gaurav. "You should have seen the look on Rishap's face, when he found out you were replacing him...priceless".

"Alright!!" said Preet, as he exchanged a high-5 with his friend. "How did you mange to convince Mr. Bakshi. I mean he was all over me about not being committed and all. What did you say to change his mind?"

"Oh...that...well..." gulped Gaurav. "I just told him that he was wrong about you...and that you weren't as commitment phobic as he thought".

"Matlab (meaning)?" asked Preet.

Gaurav took a deep breath before proceeding. "Matlab ye ke (meaning that)...I told Mr. Bakshi that you had a real good time at your sister's wedding".

"Yeah so?" asked Preet.

"So much so that...you got married there yourself", Gaurav added quickly.

"What?!?!" cried Preet. "Are you crazy?!? What did you say that for?!?!"

"It seemed like the logical thing to do at the time", winced Gaurav.

"Logical?!?!" cried Preet. "You found this logical?!?!"

"Well you were so sure that Mr. Bakshi was lying, and that there was some other reason for him passing you up for the promotion. And you were planning on leaving the company anyway so... I just called his bluff", said Gaurav. "But you know what Preet...I don't think he was bluffing".

"I can't believe you lied", fumed Preet.

"You wanted this contract, didn't you? Besides...you're the one who's always reminding me that we work in advertising", Gaurav said defensively.

"So you lied?!" cried Preet.

"I didn't lie! I sold! I sold the idea to Mr. Bakshi", said Gaurav, "and he bought it hook line and sinker".

"I have to sit down", said Preet as he put his hand over his heart. "I think I'm having chest pains. I'm 26 years old...and I'm having my first official set of chest pains. You know what's going to happen don't you? We're going to get caught, and we're going to get fired. We're going to be blacklisted and never be able to work in the business sector again".

"Relax", said Gaurav, "with the story I concocted we can't go wrong".

"Do you mind filling me in on this brilliant story of yours?" asked Preet.

"Sure. I told Mr. Bakshi, that your mom had arranged the whole wedding thing as a surprise. She was adamant about not letting you come back to Mumbai unless you agreed. It's only because you're loyal to this firm til the end that you agreed. Your wife is studying out in Delhi", explained Gaurav. "And she only comes by on the weekends so that the 2 of you can hunt for that flat you can't afford. Once you 2 find that alleged flat, she'll transfer here permanently. I even showed him her pictures from the wedding. He seemed quite content with the idea, and it alleviated his fear of trusting you because of you being unsettled. And...".

"Wait a minute", Preet interrupted. "Pictures? I'm almost afraid to ask, but whose pictures did you show him?"

"That girl in the pink dress", replied Gaurav. "Your Ghuseeli Haseena".

Preet slapped his forehead in frustration. "No...not her...anyone but her".

"Look it doesn't make a difference", said Gaurav. "It's not like Mr. Bakshi is going to interview her or anything. And real estate hunting takes time, months even. By that time you'll be well established on the account, and your work will speak for you. The news about your wedding will be an old story long forgotten and pushed under the rug".

"You're sure?" asked Preet.

"Damn sure! I wouldn't have gone out on the line if I wasn't", said Gaurav, as he put his arm reassuringly around Preet's shoulder. "Trust me. Nothing is going to go wrong".

The next day...

Preet walked into the office and was surprised to see his fellow colleagues smiling, and offering congratulatory pats on the back.

"Hey Preet", said Farhan. "Congratulations! I heard you finally tied the knot".

"Oh...um...yeah...I guess I sort of did...", winced Preet.

"Well what are you doing at this cubicle man? Didn't Guarav tell you about your new office?" asked Farhan, as he took Preet by the arm and led him to another room. "Check out that view", he said pointing to the window. "When Mr. Bakshi is happy with someone he's really happy. Oh and glad to have you on the Cadbury team too Preet".

Preet offered Farhan a weak smile as he left him alone in his new office. Just then Mr. Bakshi, appeared at Preet's door, followed by Rishap and Gaurav.

"Well well, look who's here", cried Mr. Bakshi. "Preet my boy, congratulations! Gaurav told me everything".

Preet and Gaurav exchanged glances.

"Why didn't you tell me the news yourself?" asked Mr. Bakshi.

"I don't know...", muttered Preet. "Everything just happened so...suddenly".

"Heh heh...you know how it is Mr. Bakshi", Gaurav chuckled nervously. "Indian mothers, emotional blackmailing, the chappal (slipper) over the head, 2 for 1 wedding discounts...It makes perfect sense".

"Gaurav says you did it all so you could come back here and continue working for us. That says a lot about your commitment to the agency son. I hope you at least like the girl", said Mr. Bakshi. "She didn't look too happy in the pictures Gaurav showed me".

"Oh come on sir", said Gaurav. "Indian brides are not supposed to look happy on their wedding. Those pictures were...um...from the reception. You should see the actual wedding photos, she's crying fountains".

"Hmm...", said Mr. Bakshi. "What's her name?"

"Meher", Preet blurted out. "Her name is Meher".

"That means blessing doesn't it? Well, she's proven to be quite a blessing for you Preet", smiled Mr. Bakshi, as he glanced around the room. "Hope you like your new office space. I expect to see you put in long hours here. And I expect to see one hell of an Oreo campaign. Oh and Preet...here's the business card to a very good real estate broker. He'll help you find the perfect flat. And I look forward to meeting Meher very soon. In fact...we're co-hosting a party with the Cadbury people next week. Perhaps you'd like to bring her along".

"Oh...yeah...well...she only comes down here on the weekends", stammered Preet.

"The party is on a Saturday", said Mr. Bakshi. "I know you 2 newlyweds probably want to spend all your time alone. But socializing in the name of business goes with the territory. Hob-knobbing with the Cadbury executives, getting a better feel of their expectations from us, networking, it's all very important. I'm sure Meher will understand".

"Lekin...", tried Preet.

"Lekin waykin kuch nahin Preet {No ifs or buts Preet)", said Mr. Bakshi firmly. "I take pride in the fact that our agency is like a tight knit family. And this party is the perfect opportunity to introduce Meher into that family".

"I don't see what the problem is", added Rishap, narrowing his eyes at Preet. "...unless of course...you fabricated this entire marriage story just to secure a promotion".

"Now that you mention it Rishap...the thought had crossed my mind too", said Mr. Bakshi, as he placed one hand each on Gaurav and Preet's shoulders. "But you 2 boys wouldn't be foolish enough to pull such an obvious trick on me. Would you?"

"No...No...of course not", Gaurav said shaking his vehemently. "Don't you worry Mr. Bakshi. He'll make sure Meher is at the party. Won't you Preet?"

Preet nodded quietly.

"Good", said Mr. Bakshi.

Preet waited until Mr. Bakshi and Rishap left, before pulling Gaurav to one side. "Great! He wants to meet her. We are so totally screwed", cried Preet. "And Rishap...he probably has it in for me since I replaced him as creative head of the campaign. He's not going to miss any opportunity to show me down. What are we going to do now?"

"Let me think, let me think", said Gaurav, as he paced the room nervously.

"Forget it", said Preet. "It's your brilliant thinking that got us in this mess in the first place. I think I should just go tell Mr. Bakshi the truth".

"Wait a minute Preet", said Gaurav, "If you tell Mr. Bakshi the truth, he'll fire us both for lying to him. You have a hotel empire to go back to...but me...I have nothing".

"Why didn't you think of that before you came up with this whole marriage idea?" argued Preet.

"Because I thought I was helping out a friend", insisted Gaurav. "I put your career first Preet. And now I expect you to do the same".

"So...what do we do now", sighed Preet

"Tell the truth...to Meher at least", suggested Gaurav. "Ask her to help you out. Pay her if you have to".

"No way man, she hates me. She'll never agree", said Preet.

"Well, there's no harm in trying", sighed Gaurav, "because at the moment we don't really have much of a choice".

Hope you liked the update for this week. Do leave your feedback or at least hit the like button.

Kindly leave a comment on Sushant and Meher's profile too. Thanks and see you next week.

Credit: some of Mr. Bakshi's dialogue is adapted from Picture Perfect.

Chapter 9 Pre-cap: Meher's wedding

Link to Next Chapter: Chapter 9