Chapter 7 - Change of Planes [Arjun, Karan, Purvi]
New Zealand - Tuesday
D.K. was upset that he had to come to New Zealand to settle this minor issue. He was making plans to accompany Purvi and Teju to London and to finally have this matter settled between Arjun and Purvi.
His son was hurting and he could not bear to see him in such pain. D.K. loved Ovi like a daughter and he was sad to see the ones he wanted to become one separate. He consoled himself with Aashana's beliefs 'you should marry the one you love - the feeling of love is what validates a marriage'
His son's happiness meant the world to him and he could not let Aashana down. D.K. called Arjun to give him an update on what was going on. Arjun picked up on the first ring.
London - Tuesday
"Dad, how have you been? I've been waiting for you to call. What's going on? When you are you guys coming? Does Purvi know I'm here? Waiting for her?" Arjun rapidly fired questions at D.K.
"Slow down, son." D.K. laughed. It was so good to hear Arjun so excited again. By listening to him, no one could doubt how in love his son was with Purvi. He was like a shaken bottle of champagne ready to pop. "No, she doesn't know you are there. The right time hasn't come up to mention it yet."
"Oh." Arjun said, sounding a little deflated.
"Not to worry son. Now you have enough time to create the perfect opportunity to sweep our Purvi off her feet."
Arjun brightened on hearing his father say 'our Purvi' for that meant D.K. had already made a place for her in heart. Those small words filled Arjun with immeasurable joy. "Dad, I'm so happy to hear you say that. I just love her so much and I know mum would have loved her too. She fits me, Dad, like my missing puzzle piece. I'm so lost without her."
D.K. was surprised at this confession from Arjun. "I never knew you were such a softie, Arjun. Purvi really has changed you, hasn't she?"
"Yes Dad. She changed me for the better."
"Good. Now, the reason I called, I had to come to New Zealand for a month to straighten out a mess here. After that we should be on our way there. Would that be enough time for you to get yourself organized?"
"Dad, I was ready three months and eight days ago. I can't wait to see you... and her. How is she?"
"She doesn't smile as much anymore and when she does it seems like it hurts. She puts up an act for everyone but if you look closely you can see that she wears her pain like a shield. She loves you though. Whenever your name is mentioned she looks as though she's seen a ghost and for a split second she wears a wistful smile as if sampling a precious memory. She's hurt Arjun and we need to make damn sure that we make up for all that we've put her through."
"I know Dad." Arjun sighed, "I will do my best to make sure she never feels one ounce of pain again."
"That's my boy! Ok we will see you in a month. Take care, son."
"Take care Dad. Miss you."
"Miss you too, beta."
Mumbai - Tuesday
"Thank you both for coming in to discuss Purvi's stay in London, Mr. and Mrs. Deshmukh" Karan began as he sat down in his office with Manav, Archana and Purvi.
"No, thank you for your consideration, Mr. Dhanjani. Not many bosses would extend such a courtesy." Archana said.
"No thanks needed. I am very well aware of Miss Deshmukh's position and I wanted to make sure we had all the details sorted out before our trip. Once we are settled there it would be a bit difficult for her to return to India within those six months and I wanted to assure you that your daughter would be in safe hands."
"Mr. Dhanjani has graciously given each of the team members two open tickets that we can give to our family members so they can visit us during that time. I would like you both to have them." said Purvi.
Manav and Archana both looked at Karan and extended their thanks again. "Our daughter Teju will also be accompanying Purvi on this trip I hope that's ok?" Manav continued "Actually a family friend, Mr. Divasagar Kirloskar, offered to chaperon the girls while they were in London. He had to go out of town unexpectedly and he does not get back to India until next month and I understand that your team will be mobile by Friday. I really would have wanted him to accompany the girls but I know how these things work. Time and tide waits for no man. I trust my girls and I know they can take care of themselves and each other. Would be a problem for D.K. to join you when he gets back?"
Karan smiled, "Not at all Mr. Deshmukh. I am actually familiar with both Mr. Kirloskar's - the senior and the junior." At the mention of Arjun's name Purvi's head came up sharply and she looked at Karan. He looked directly into her at a few seconds "Although we've never been formally introduced."
He turned back to Manav and slid a paper over to him, "We have made arrangements for the team to stay at these flats so we can have a sense of a home away from home." Manav looked at the address and smiled. He looked up into Karan's knowing eyes and Karan blinked as if to say 'you're welcome'.
Archana, who caught the exchange, had been observing Karan the entire time she was seated in his office. There was just something about him - something she couldn't put her finger on. He wasn't all that he appeared to be.
"Will you be staying with your team, Mr. Dhanjani?" Archana asked.
"Yes, Mrs. Deshmukh. We've already arranged the layout. Each apartment is a duplex and has two floors. Three of the team members will share one unit and your daughters will have one all to themselves on the fifth floor. I will have the apartment on the third floor. We have found this housing arrangement works best for our travelling teams than staying in hotels."
Archana deliberated over Karan's words and then asked, "Can you personally assure me that you will take care of my daughters while they are abroad? To make sure no harm comes to them and that they are properly looked after? And do you promise to contact us immediately if there are any problems at all?"
Purvi gasped and both she and Manav looked over at Archana. "Archana, how can you ask Purvi's boss such a thing?"
Karan looked at Archana levelly, "Mr. Deshmukh, it's quite alright. Mrs. Deshmukh has every right to ask these questions as their mother. In fact I would be very concerned if she didn't ask them but to answer your question, yes, I intend to take very good care of your daughters. I will consider them my personal responsibility until Mr. Kirloskar can get there and I promise to contact you in the case of any urgencies. Does that work for you both?"
Purvi looked down and blushed. Manav looked relieved. "Thank you for the confidence Mr. Dhanjani. I appreciate you taking up the responsibility of watching over my girls. D.K. will be there next month. Thank you again for taking the time to meet with us and to calm our fears about our girls going so far away from home. We'll let you get back to your work." Manav and Archana rose to leave.
"Thank you, sir." Purvi said shyly and rose to escort her parents out.
When they were waiting at the elevator, Archana said to Manav and Purvi, "One second, I think I left something in Mr. Dhanjani's office. I'll be right back."
"Ok aai."
Archana walked back to Karan's office and knocked on the door.
"Come in" Karan looked up from his laptop. "Ahh, Mrs. Deshmukh, what can I do for you?"
Archana came in and closed the door behind her. "I've noticed that you've taken quite an interest in my daughter Purvi, Mr. Dhanjani. I'm impressed. It would seem that you have left no stone unturned to make this trip as seamless as possible for us all and I just have to wonder what my Purvi means to you."
Karan rose from his desk and went to stand by the window. He looked at Archana, "You are quite a perceptive woman, Mrs. Deshmukh. I can see where Purvi gets her fire from. You should be proud of yourself, raising such wonderful girl on your own and making sure she was instilled with such good values in today's society. There's no need for you to worry. Purvi is a very integral part of my team and she has proved herself to be a very, very valuable asset for me. I promise you - on my honor - I will take very good care of your daughter. Do you have any other questions?"
Archana looked Karan in the eye, "Just one - Who are you really?"
Karan smiled a knowing smile, "Now I'm impressed. You are a very smart woman, Mrs. Deshmukh."
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon
