Chapter 22 - Siddhi and Kunal finally meet !
"Kunal , this is Siddhi Malik, our legal head" Eric made the introduction with a big smile. Poor Eric, he doesn't know that they need no introduction! Kunal looked at her with dark intense eyes, giving away nothing but she knew better!. Anyone would think they have never met before. Well this is at least true to those around them now.
" Good Morning, Mr Chopra, its very nice to meet you" Siddhi said a little stiffly with a fake smile with such an awkward situation , extending her hand towards Kunal. Her heart was beating so fast, that she was sure that he heard it too.
Kunal smiled , but his dark eyes glittering with concealed hostility, looking straight into her eyes as if there were no one else but just them, frozen in time " Likewise Ms Malik, the pleasure is all mine" Kunal drawled. His voice a low, lazy drawl, ,clasping her extended small hand in his, with a firm handshake.
The moment their hands, touched, something just rocketed her body. Stirring her sleeping nerves back to action. As if her body acknowledged and recognised instinctively the touch of her lover! The passion they once shared so intimately. Was it her imagination, that he held her hand a little longer than necessary.? Did he know how nervous she was? Did he feel the tremor running through her body.? Will he reveal , that she was his ex-wife to all present in the room! Why would he? Strange, he didn't seemed surprised or taken back at all. It looked like he knew she would be here.
"Siddhi, why don't you just start all over again, so as to fill for Mr Chopra" Eric made all sit down and looked up at Siddhi .
"That wont be necessary, Eric " Kunal said before Siddhi could reply.
" Ms Malik , just continue where you stopped before I came. I am familiar with your local statistics. I don't see any need to go over it again. Time is money. Lets be productive and move on.." Kunal spoke again, sitting more comfortably at the head of the conference room table , looking at her .
Siddhi was tongue tied..." Ms Malik? Kunal askek when Siddhi remained silent." Any problem?' Kunal asked very casually , infact too casually...tinged with something else. Amusement!
"Er..no.., not at all, Mr Chopra" Sididhi said gathering her scattered wits around and Kunal nodded uttering " Good, carry on please."
That was her cue to start.
Siddhi now much more composed began to proceed with the presentation where she left. She spoke about the retail industry, the competitors and finally coming to their supermarket
Kunal didn't interrupt her presentations but Eric was saying something to explain further to Kunal. Now and then. And Kunal turned his head sideway to Eric, nodding and speaking softly and both laughing at something.
After nearly two hours with short breaks in between Siddhi continued...further on the organization, spider web, SWOT .
Kunal was seen at times, writing something on the note pad placed before him .
She was just about to go the human organization when Kunal intervened and dropped a bombshell
" Thank you Miss Malik for this indepth detailed work. Good job. Very well explained. I know Eric said you will present but I prefer to hear from the division heads themselves concerning their respective presentation. " and went on to add..
"This way it will be easier for me to ask questions directly to the person who is in charge . I am sure they are highly capable doing their own presentations . Unless of course you d isagree, Miss Malik? Kunal asked Siddhi directly with a challenge and with a sweeping glance around the room with that devilish smile, looking at everyone, if they dare to say anything else! As if they would!
She heard of respect before...but she could feel , her people now shaking not with respect but with fear for this man just walked in late and changed everything!
Even Eric was quiet for Kunal was only looking at Siddhi. " Miss Malik, what do you think?" Kunal persisted.
There was an ensuing silence. No one was prepared for this. She could see genuine shock and fear on some of her colleagues faces at now this sudden announcement by the Kuanl, the CEO , the buyer.
She looked at her managers and directors and found them to be in shock too. A couple of them turned almost green . A few of them were quite shy but when coming to presentation...the situation has changed now. They have no choice.
The IT director turned almost pale and Siddhi thought that he did a good imitation of a ghost about to faint seeing the ghost catcher!
Likewise, her face was drained of colour , she was sure and she has sick tightening knot in her stomach like butterflies.
Siddhi cleared her throat and said "No, , Mr Chopra. It would be not an issue at all. Our team here are indeed very capable and they know their job inside out and they will be delighted to walk you through their work ."
Kunal , just tapped his hand loudly on the table which shook everyone back into action and said " Perfect"! That's settled then. He checked his watch and said "Eric, I think we can stop here now...and continue later "
Eric nodded and agreed with a smile. " Yes, why not. Its almost time for lunch. Why not we all go for lunch and start afterwards at 2. 30 pm. Ok guys?
Everyone stood up , getting ready to leave.
"Eric , I will see you in the lobby shortly.." Kunal tapped, Eric's Shoulder lightly on his way out and walked out with his team with that signature panther like style she has known him to carry from distant memory , not bothering to look at her way. Why not Mission accomplished! He put her in her place!
Sound of panic was heard in the room . Eric was still there and called everyone to gather around him
" Guys, listen, I know this is bit sudden but you guys should not have any problem in presenting your part for you know better than anyone. So I am sure all of you can do it well. So, lets not panic and think the worse"
" Eric, he terrifies me...I am a little worried if I might say the wrong thing...you know I am not good in public speaking...I do softwares, write programmes...this is really too much. Eric, cant you just tell him that Siddhi will present as we planned and I will answer if his has any technical questions" Justin said in a panic sticken voice,hoping to get away from this mission.
"Justin, there is always a first time in everything. Just be yourself and don't think too much." Eric encouraged. Eric can be sympathetic and fair but he can be firm too.
" Yes, I agree with Eric, Guys, come on, for all we know, he might be testing us on our skills ,knowledge and our confidence level. That's why he changed the whole agenda . He just want to hear directly from us when all of us are here instead from Siddhi. Honestly, I don't see anything wrong in his request." Isabelle said thoughtfully which made sense.
"Yes but, he cant just change the schedule when everything has been prepared" said Kevin of ecommerce said with a heavy disgruntle. " You know how I fumble and struggle and start stammering..."
There was a general unhappiness over this sudden change of plan...but everyone knew , they have no option left but to do their bit.
"I think, it will be fine. You guys are worrying over nothing. You will ace it without any issues. Just be honest and answer what you know to your best . You cant go wrong with that. Besides you all know everything. You have already gone thru your part" Siddhi added and everyone was mumbling something and finally nodding in agreement but unhappily.
Slowly they made their way to , where a special coach bus has been arranged to bring them all to the Ritz Carlton hotel where the lunch was booked.
"Hey, girl you ok?" asked Isabelle touching siddhi on her shoulder. " I saw you looking at Mr Chopra, as if in shock and you went just pale for a while...you alright?
Oh no...she noticed it? She must have been that obvious . . Siddhi thought. Then everyone must have seen it as well, including Kunal. Oh great! Just fantastic!
She felt like confiding to Isabelle ...about Kunal.
She was heavily shaken up seeing Kunal being the new buyer. How was that possible?. A career switch.? Big change. And how did he become so rich within a short span of time . So rich to buy them over. This is not just a million dollar rich. Its billions of dollar rich.! That was no small money! Kunal has become so filthy rich to buy a supermarket chain! She was too numb at seeing him first and seeing him as a very rich successful man was even more shocking. She felt like a zombie. Nothing seems to be real anymore. Was she dreaming.? She pinched herself to check. She winced. No it was not a dream at all. The Kunal whom she had once shared intimacy was the same Kunal here the form of the new CEO, new buyer. The one and only, Kunal Chopra. Did he know she was here?. Something just dawned...she could not work here anymore..After this week, when the tour is over, she will tell Eric she has to leave. She doesn't want to take any chances. She was sure that he will buy the business or else he wouldn't be here in person.
" Siddhi, he so dashing isn't he? Did you see, he was looking at you the whole time while you were presenting. He didn't take his eyes off you, as if he was mesmerized by your voice...hey are you even listening...?" Isabelle asked siddhi , touching her shoulder lightly.
"Huh , what..." Siddhi came out from her daze reverie " Sorry, you were saying... isabelle?"
" Hmmm looks like he has already cast a spell on you too and you are already day dreaming about him! Isabelle said teasingly.
"Dont be ridiculous! I don't know what you are talking about...I was just thinking about the rest of the them later and their presentation" Siddhi lied
" You know I am happy in a way he asked them to present. Why should you always do this for them. ? Its time they did their job. I know they like to push everything to you...and they just sit there all relaxed.. with no worries. but now well, good let them do it and they will know how tough it could be to present especially the potential buyer. Its time the face the music " Isabelle said.
Everyone boarded the coach bus except the Kunal, Eric , were nowhere to be seem
" I heard Eric is driving Mr Kunal chopra himself to the hotel. Guess it gives them some time alone to chat freely without the others" Isabelle informed
Less than ten minutes they reached the destination
"Talking about the devil" Isabelle said, nudging Siddhi's and prompting her to look in the direction of the person of their subject.
Kunal was standing there with his financial controller, and Eric, with both his arms folded across his chest , standing with his feet apart and listening and nodding now and then to what the other men was saying.
Their table was already set up in the private room. They were all standing around while drinks and appetizers were being served before their meal.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kunal looking around him, now that everyone were there. He excused himself and In a heartbeat of a second, their eyes tangled and then he was bearing them down , cutting a swathe through the small gathered crowd, a drink of some sparkling water in his hand which he got from the passing waiter.
Now that she was watching him approach, she suddenly found she could not tear her eyes away . His suit fitted him perfectly , that it could have been only made to measure, making him very distinguished looking . He was easily towering over the other man in height and in the looks department. He had a well tone body, no doubt.
He looked so successful. Like a model stepped out from a magazine. He ws spectacularly good looking, she reluctantly registered to herself and he moved with the easy grace of an athlete. As he walked, heads swung in his direction and fair few of them lingered on him shamelessly. He knew the effect he had on the people and it probably contributed to his arrogance. And he had always been arrogant before but now even more so with new found success. She concluded.
She took a swig of her drink and watched him slowly making his way towards her. Dont come near me. Please don't come near me. She recited silently hoping that he would turn around and walk back to the group he was chatting .
"Is this your first time in Singapore" Isabelle asked him interestedly when he finally was standing in front of them, affording them the sort of undivided attention that made her pulses and her heart race!
Kunal took his time answering to Isaballe " Yes , indeed it is my first time...the very first of many firsts to come , and definitely not the last time" He was looking at Siddhi, who cheeks was now flaming in red and probably on fire!
" Miss Malik, you have been residing here in Singapore , a long time. ?" Kunal asked Siddhi.
" Yes I am..." Siddhi almost choked and answered a bit shakily, not wanting to answer him with what he wants to hear obviously. He knew the devil and he was asking ...!
" Actually Mr Chopra, Siddhi is from India. She joined us three years ago. She is such a driving force to our team. We all love her spirit " Isaballe revealed with pride.. Oh thanks a lot Isabelle. Give him all the details about me. Siddhi thought with a grimace and she squirmed uneasily .
"Yes, I gathered from the way Eric was singing praises about her non stop on the way here" Kunal nodded but his voice edged with sharp sarcasm that only she knew too well.
Eric called out to everyone to take their seat for lunch. Somehow she was squeezed in between Kunal and Eric. Everybody wanted to stay away, very far away from him. She felt so nervous sitting at such close proximity next to him. Their legs almost touching but not quite .She was so conscious of her body...something that she had forgotten a long time ago.
Kunal was having grilled chicken ratatouille . So some things still remain the same. Chicken being his favourite. Siddhi thought.
" You are having just Pasta, no meat ? Kunal asked with some wicked amusement, on seeing hotel staff serving her main course with Agilo olio Pasta.
" Yes, I prefer vegetarian" Siddhi answered him politely but she was screaming inside and had a strong urge to hit on his head for making her feel so uncomfortable with his question.He was goading her . Playing with her. He was doing this on purpose!
Kunal shrugged dismissively as if it didn't matter , continued to eat his food, talking to Isabelle beside him, softly and laughing at something she said. Wow, he was behaving like a perfect gentleman and giving all his undiluted attention to Isabelle, and ignoring her .
It was fine with her. For all she care , he can go and talk to the wall and it wont matter to her one bit at all.! Not one bit. So why was she feeling all alone! Dog in the manger attitude for sure!
He has, since morning from the time he waltzed in late , has been calling all the shots. He just wanted things to be his way. And what choice did they have when he dangled tthe carrot in front of them. Obviously he had the right price that Eric wanted and he knows this very well and everyone have to dance to his tune or lose the deal. Be nice to him! Never in a her wildest imagination she thought that they will meet in such circumstances.
Well, not for long Mr Chopra. Once the deal is closed, I am out of here. Siddhi concluded. She cant risk him finding out about their daughter.
Finally the lunch was over and Siddhi heaved a sigh of relief . They made their way back to the head office and she went to the powder room to freshen up.
This time Kunal was already seated at the head of the table, when she walked into the conference room. He looked up but turned away quickly as he was busy with the alap top in front of him. He he had taken off his jacked and it was draped on his chair. He looked all set and ready!
The 2nd part of the meeting continued. Isabelle took them through the human organization aspect followed by the Merchandise , and Marketing.
Kunal now was sitting more comfortably with one leg over the other , but was typing very fast in lappy at times as if making some important notes, while listening intently.
He interrupted several times to ask questions on the merchandising policies and strategies.
" What this chain needs being in a central location is something new and innovative. By selling the same merchandise from the same distributors as other retailers , why should the consumers come all the way here to purchase it when they can get it at their neighbourhood stores at much more cheaper cost, not forgetting the road tolls and parking hassle to get the same item here? Kunal commented with brutal honesty.
" Miss Malik, tell me what changes you would make to channel traffic to the store. To breathe live to a dead store located in a central city location? Kunal asked Siddhi and all eyes in the room now zoomed onto Siddhi.
Oh why was he doing this to her? Couldnt he just ask the merchandise director this ?
" Well, I would look into slowly eliminating the local distributors on our high dependence by directly sourcing for products from overseas for new products and through parallel imports with better pricing and rebates on volume based container load. This way you have a wider assortment of goods and at the same time a better margin by going direct to the manufacturers. Having said that, We cant completely, eliminate all the local distributors as they have been appointed by the principal s ut we can keep few for some basic items for customer convenience.. This way you create a unique sense of identity and differentiation for your store branding and people will come to your store, for these exclusive products are only available here with an affordable price" Siddhi finished pragmatically.
Everyone was silent and staring at Sidhdi stuneed and stupefied, that she had this idea. Eric was nodding and winked at Siddhi.
Kunal nodded his head and gesticulated with his hands . "Exactly. That's what the store needs to revive it back. Change your merchandise sourcing distribution and plan your marketing and advertising in line with it to create awareness. Tell people how different you are from the rest. Shout out loud and clear in your weekly catalogs, ads..."
And the rest of the meeting went on. Finally even Justin and Kevin managed to deliver a good presentation even though they were petrified earlier. . Kunal made them feel at ease even though with his domineering presence.
He asked all valid questions. Siddhi had to grudgingly admit that he knew a lot about the retail markets than she accorded him with earlier. He had always been a fast learner. He knew what he was talking about.
Now everyone was looking at him with admiration for he was so involved with every minute micro details, that nothing escaped his notice.
Kunal wanted to finish the presentation by today and had no time for dinner. Sandwiches and drinks were ordered and served with short breaks in between.
The meeting finally fnished around 10 pm.
Overall it was a good meeting and went smoothly.
Siddhi rushed to her office. Her mobile was ringing. It was Chantelle. God in seeing Kunal and everything she had forgotten to call her little daughter...she must be now restless.! Oh god what kind of mother was she?
"Siddhi, sorry for disturbing. I know you are in a meeting. . But Shika was asking for you and the poor little poppet insist to talk to you as you didn't call her today. She thinks you ran away like cindrella and snow white mummies. Here talk to her and I will put her on" Chantelle said .
" Mummie! How come you never call me today? Shika cried over the phone. " I waited and waited for so long and Misted you so much...are you coming home Mummie? I am not going to sleep! I want you to read me the story! Shika demanded and she was crying...
" Oh baby I am so sorry...I was so busy that i had forgotten to call you Sorry baby. I just finished. I am going to pack up now and will be home very soon okay? Taken your dinner? Good..good. I will hop into bed, hold you tightly and we will sleep and have happy dreams together. How does that sound? I love you too sweetheart, my darling" She gave a sounding kiss on the phone to appease her distraught daughter. Poor thing was obsessed that Siddhi might also disappear like Cindarella and snow white mummies.
She quickly grabbed her stuff and turned around to face the door and was shocked to see Kunal standing there at the entrance of her door way !!!. He must have heard her conversation with her daughter,their daughter.! God what was she going to do now?
A chill went down her spine. What if he found her out her secret. She had to stop him..
"So,! how cozy, going home to keep lover boy warm are you?" Kunal said acidly.
The blood drained from Siddhi's cheeks. He had his wires crossed for he thought that she was speaking to her lover on the phone.! Better to keep it up this way...
She lifted her chin and said" And what if I i did? . Its none of your business" Siddhi breathed unsteadily.
His inhaled sharply and slowly stepped into her office. His long leg, powerful body moved towards her with warrior's effortless grace and she walked backwards till her back was at the edge of her table and he still continued walking till she had no choice but had to sit on the edge of the table.
H e put his hands at the side of the table , trapping her, leaning forward slightly...his face just a mere inch away from hers. She stiffened, glaring at him but she was trembling inside in spite of her best efforts to remain calm. It was becoming difficult to breathe. He made her feel like that the whole day today.
He took his hand and swept her fringe away gently from her face, almost reverently and said in a deep voice, threateningly .." Oh , Its very much my business Siddhi .. We have an unfinished business to settle, don't you agree Siddhi? "
She bit her lip " I don't know what you are talking about, Mr Chopra?"
"Sure you do." He gave a harsh laugh and pulled her up to him tightly. It was getting a little hot here even though the air con was on full blast. !
"Let me go, Kunal! Siddhi hissed , swallowed with difficulty, now with both her hands on his chest . But he didn't listen. He brought his face closer to her and whispered into her ears. " Goodnight, enjoy your little time with your lover, while you still can"
Just as suddenly as he came into her office, he left her standing staring after him with open mouth...with his threat looming in the air..
What did he mean by that?
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
