The Raging Storm (ARVI) - Chpt 22 - Page 98 - Page 40

Originally posted by: sashashyam

Dear Laurie,

I had just got my take on your Chapter 9 all typed out and now I see that you have put out the next chapter as well! You wicked girl, you are is such haste to get your Adonis all signed, sealed and delivered into your keeping that you have written yourself into Chapter 10 already? Nice going, kiddo.

As for the peaches and the hints perceived there by others, I would prefer to wait and see what you actually make of that teaser. Unless of course it is the red herring that I escaped the last time!

See below for what I had wanted to send you in praise of your 9th.

Shyamala


Dear Laurie,

The gentle sound of thumping that you might be hearing is me patting myself on the back. That is for having successfully solved at least one of the innumerable little question marks and puzzles that are scattered lavishly across the pages of The Raging Storm: to wit the meaning of Manav's smile when Karan shows him the slip of paper with the address at which he and his team will be staying in London.

You might remember that Janhvi had posed this question, and my reply was "I think the address is that of the same building in which Arjun has his bachelor pad. You would remember that his flat too was a duplex, and he had to go downstairs from his bedroom level to open the door to DK and Manav.

This alone is of course far from conclusive, as there must be any number of such residential buildings in London. However, the fact that Manav recognises the address, and that, Manav not being a resident of London, there would not be too many addresses to which he would react in this fashion, would seem to point to this solution."

I had of course taken out some insurance against your propensity for mischief and leading people up garden paths using red herrings, but it seems that it was not needed this time. Well, it is nice to be correct for once, for I do not expect to be as lucky many more times!

Nor, unlike so many of our impatient fellow forum members, am I at all eager to have Arjun meet Purvi in your next chapter, or even the one after that. I prefer a slow, lingering, delicate build up to a denouement that I am sure you will manage to make very, very special. It is really far more enjoyable to savour the tang of anticipation, rather like the bouquet of a rare vintage, secure in the fore-knowledge that it will happen, than to rush headlong into an over-hasty fulfillment, and then what?

It seems that our understandably eager friends, who are breathlessly on the lookout for the pair to finally get together in reality (and not just on Arthurian beaches under 'screaming' skies), do not take into account the eternal dilemma of the CVs, which also holds good for you infinitely superior tale: if you move too fast, in order to please your public, you will end up with an all too quick happy ending. Then the very same public will pelt you with (virtual) rotten eggs and tomatoes because of the withdrawal pains they will suffer from after such an early end to the tale. I am firmly on your side in this as in all else, and you should be left free to move your chess(wo)men at your own pace, as the spirit takes you.

As for your Chapter 9, right from the very clever title that took me back to childhood memories of Enid Blyton's The Magic Faraway Tree, everything was smooth as silk and light as air. Just as it should have been, to lighten the crackling intensity of the beach scene in Chapter 8 and what followed. One cannot live in a state of high tension all the time, like a sitar string stretched to breaking point, and this cheerful interlude struck just the right, uplifting chord. And this without abandoning the underlying note of telepathic obsession ' the light, magic breezes of the heart that exist nowhere else ' that is like a recurrent marker in this tale of love beyond reason.

As for your next, I shall bide my time in patience, even though you tell me that, mentally, you are already in chapter 21. A most reassuring thought, not just because you have all that material ready, but more because I am now sure that there will be at least 21 chapters. I always had a weakness for large tomes with long stories, to satisfy a literary appetite as gargantuan as mine.

Shyamala

Sasha, well said. I like your very well written comments. You praised the whole script so well and I couldn't stop until I finish. It's nice to see so many people with so much talent in writing.

Dear Jam (if I may),

Thanks a lot for your very warm words. I am glad you like my posts; I have been a diplomat all my working life, but I was in love with words long before I started working, and I am still in love with them - their sound as well as what they say to us. That is why I like The Raging Storm so much, and never fail to inflict my views on each chapter on Laurie and the long-suffering fellow forumites (if there is such a word!) at considerable length and with gay abandon.

Please call me Shyamala; my real name is Shyamala B.Cowsik (the B being for Balasubramanian, so it is perhaps just as well that it is generally reduced to an initial!). Sasha is the pet name of my son, Siddhartha, and I frequently club it with mine for ids and log in passwords.

Shyamala



Sasha, well said. I like your very well written comments. You praised the whole script so well and I couldn't stop until I finish. It's nice to see so many people with so much talent in writing.

You are right about Laurie to take her time to for Arvi's to meet. I'm sure she'll have something beyond imaginable coming on the way and I can't wait for that moment.

I'm so glad I'm part of the forum as it really keeps me going besides my reading habit. I use to take my books to bed but now it's my I Pad! I really like that!!!!!!!

Thanks to all.Smile

QUOTE=sashashyam]Dear Laurie,

I had just got my take on your Chapter 9 all typed out and now I see that you have put out the next chapter as well! You wicked girl, you are is such haste to get your Adonis all signed, sealed and delivered into your keeping that you have written yourself into Chapter 10 already? Nice going, kiddo.

As for the peaches and the hints perceived there by others, I would prefer to wait and see what you actually make of that teaser. Unless of course it is the red herring that I escaped the last time!

See below for what I had wanted to send you in praise of your 9th.

Shyamala


Dear Laurie,

The gentle sound of thumping that you might be hearing is me patting myself on the back. That is for having successfully solved at least one of the innumerable little question marks and puzzles that are scattered lavishly across the pages of The Raging Storm: to wit the meaning of Manav's smile when Karan shows him the slip of paper with the address at which he and his team will be staying in London.

You might remember that Janhvi had posed this question, and my reply was "I think the address is that of the same building in which Arjun has his bachelor pad. You would remember that his flat too was a duplex, and he had to go downstairs from his bedroom level to open the door to DK and Manav.

This alone is of course far from conclusive, as there must be any number of such residential buildings in London. However, the fact that Manav recognises the address, and that, Manav not being a resident of London, there would not be too many addresses to which he would react in this fashion, would seem to point to this solution."

I had of course taken out some insurance against your propensity for mischief and leading people up garden paths using red herrings, but it seems that it was not needed this time. Well, it is nice to be correct for once, for I do not expect to be as lucky many more times!

Nor, unlike so many of our impatient fellow forum members, am I at all eager to have Arjun meet Purvi in your next chapter, or even the one after that. I prefer a slow, lingering, delicate build up to a denouement that I am sure you will manage to make very, very special. It is really far more enjoyable to savour the tang of anticipation, rather like the bouquet of a rare vintage, secure in the fore-knowledge that it will happen, than to rush headlong into an over-hasty fulfillment, and then what?

It seems that our understandably eager friends, who are breathlessly on the lookout for the pair to finally get together in reality (and not just on Arthurian beaches under 'screaming' skies), do not take into account the eternal dilemma of the CVs, which also holds good for you infinitely superior tale: if you move too fast, in order to please your public, you will end up with an all too quick happy ending. Then the very same public will pelt you with (virtual) rotten eggs and tomatoes because of the withdrawal pains they will suffer from after such an early end to the tale. I am firmly on your side in this as in all else, and you should be left free to move your chess(wo)men at your own pace, as the spirit takes you.

As for your Chapter 9, right from the very clever title that took me back to childhood memories of Enid Blyton's The Magic Faraway Tree, everything was smooth as silk and light as air. Just as it should have been, to lighten the crackling intensity of the beach scene in Chapter 8 and what followed. One cannot live in a state of high tension all the time, like a sitar string stretched to breaking point, and this cheerful interlude struck just the right, uplifting chord. And this without abandoning the underlying note of telepathic obsession ' the light, magic breezes of the heart that exist nowhere else ' that is like a recurrent marker in this tale of love beyond reason.

As for your next, I shall bide my time in patience, even though you tell me that, mentally, you are already in chapter 21. A most reassuring thought, not just because you have all that material ready, but more because I am now sure that there will be at least 21 chapters. I always had a weakness for large tomes with long stories, to satisfy a literary appetite as gargantuan as mine.

Shyamala

niceee update...thanx for adding my name in it...please continue soon and i want 2 tell u that u r a fab writer...:)

Originally posted by: Axiom123

Chapter 9 - The Magic Faraway Flats [Karan, Tej, Purvi, Arjun]

Heathrow Airport, London - Saturday - 8:00 am GMT

It was a long flight but Purvi was rearing to go when their Emirates flight touched down in London's Heathrow airport. She felt like a child opening presents on Christmas day. The sights, the sounds, the smells - everything was exciting and new for her.

Karan had arranged for cars to take them to the flats and he and the others were standing off to the side discussing the travel arrangements.

"Ah London, how I've missed you!" Tej spread her arms, came up behind Purvi and grabbed her in an exuberant hug. "We are going to have so much fun Purvi! Once we get settled, I'm going to phone up some of my tennis friends and we are going to hit the town. What do you think?"

"Tej that sounds great but remember I'm here on assignment and I might not have as much free time just yet." Purvi dug out her water bottle to take a drink.

"Oh yaar. Work, work, work - you sound like Arjun, you know that? Both of you are like two halves of the same whole!"

Purvi choked mid swallow and started coughing. Karan, who witnessed the exchange, came up to them. "P.D., are you ok?"

"Yes" Cough, cough, cough. "The water just went down the wrong way for some reason."

'I'm very well aware of what that reason was' Karan thought as he regarded Purvi with a small smile.

"P.D.?" Tej looked at Purvi questioningly.

Purvi blushed furiously and when she was finally able to breathe normally again she quietly explained "Oh yes, you missed that while you were sleeping. Mr. Dhanjani asked me to call him K.D. while he calls me P.D. He wanted us to feel more at ease with each other. He's really nice and I feel comfortable with him."

"Cool, like code names? You have a really fun boss Purvi. Did I get a code name too?"

Karan considered Tej for a moment and said, "I could have called you H.C. for hurricane but I like Tej better. It sounds like a model's name." He flashed her one of his signature dimpled smiles and Tej appeared dazed for a moment. Purvi smiled into her hand. 'Oh boy, Tej is lost.'

"I like Tej too. Its original, nah? Like me - one of a kind!" Tej spun around and put her hands on her hips, striking a few model poses.

He laughed and slid on his Ray Ban aviator sun glasses. "I can already tell this is going to be one very interesting trip. The cars are here. Shall we?"

Karan escorted Purvi and Tej to the waiting black Range Rovers. The others took the second car and they were off to their new home away from home. As they sped along the M4, Purvi sat glued to the window. She drank in the scenery as every turn revealed something new and exciting. 'Wow, I never thought I would be in a place like this. How exciting! It's so different from India.'

They rounded on Tower Bridge Approach and an unexpected seed of happiness bloomed within Purvi. As they crossed over Tower Bridge Purvi opened the window to get a better view. 'This is amazing' she thought.

The cars sped past tourists and commuters alike and Purvi wanted to be part of this hustle and bustle. 'I have to come back here. There's just something about this place.' Karan watched Purvi's expressions from behind his sunglasses and he was happy that he could bring her these small joys.

The cars made a few more turns and came to a halt at their destination -Butler's Wharf in Shad Thames.

Butler's Wharf, Shad Thames, London - Saturday - 9:30 am GMT

Karan and the girls got out of the car as the chauffeur unloaded their luggage. Karan went ahead with the others to get the keys from the concierge while Purvi stood outside and stared up at the building for a moment.

'It's so different from the chawl. Aai I wish I could share this all with you.' Purvi dug out her camera and started to take some pictures of the building. Karan came back out to collect Purvi. "P.D., you'll have time to take pictures later. Let's get you both settled in and then you can go off exploring if you wish."

"Sure."

As Purvi followed Karan into the building she the strangest feeling came over her. The instant her foot crossed over the threshold she felt a light breeze wash over her and she instantly broke out in goose bumps. 'Arjun?' she whispered in her mind.

Purvi stopped and looked around her; nothing out of the ordinary. 'Weird' She shook herself and followed Karan to the front desk. 'Get a grip Purvi.'

The ground floor of the building was made up of the front desk, concierge's office on the right and a small bistro and snack shop on the left. The state of the art gym and sauna were located on the second floor as well as the endless pool and outdoor bar.

Tej already had their key cards and she gave one to Purvi. "Isn't this exciting? We have our own apartment! In London! Purvi, thank you so much for bringing me along with you." She then gave Purvi one of her big bear hugs again as they followed the bellhop to the elevators.

Karan and another woman got into the elevator with them. "Let's go up to your place to make sure everything is all set and then I'll go back down to mine. Ok?"

"Ok"

"Five please." said Karan to the bellhop.

"Three please." said the woman.

Flat 304, Butler's Wharf, Shad Thames, London - Saturday - 9:30 am GMT

Arjun had just gotten dressed and was about to go downstairs to the bistro to grab some breakfast when he felt a light breeze whoosh over him. He felt his hackles rise and looked around him. 'Purvi?' Arjun muttered.

He looked around but did not find anything out of the ordinary. 'Did I leave a window open?' He looked around his bedroom. All closed. He went downstairs to his living room - closed there too, even the balcony doors were shut tight. 'Weird' He shrugged his shoulders and grabbed his key card and wallet from the island in the kitchen.

He let himself out and closed the front door behind him. He was about to go down the stairs when the elevator doors opened up and a woman got off. As the doors closed behind her Arjun thought he caught a glimpse of "Purvi?" he said. The woman looked up and he smiled apologetically, "Sorry, my mistake."

He shook his head. 'You're losing it, Arjun. One dream about Purvi and you've turned into a lunatic. Get a grip man.' He turned and jogged down the steps.

Flat 502, Butler's Wharf, Shad Thames, London - Saturday - 9:35 am GMT

The place was exquisite. Purvi stood flabbergasted in the foyer of her new flat and she could not wrap her mind around the fact that she would be living here for the next six months. 'Wow' she kept repeating to herself and she looked around the room. Karan smiled as he watched her take it all in.

The foyer gave entry to a massive living room with floor-to-ceiling windows which offered a gorgeous view of Tower Bridge. To her right in the living room, designer chocolate leather sofas formed a cocoon around a state-of-the-art entertainment center equipped with a forty two inch flat screen television.

A small fireplace stood off to the left separating the television nook from an efficient corner office. In the middle of the floor there was an elegant dining table that seated six and behind it two grand French doors that led out on to a generous balcony. To the left of the room was the most amazing kitchen she had ever seen!

An army of stainless steel kitchen appliances - all gleaming and proud - stood at attention against the left wall. Marble counter tops boasted elegance and hinted of inumerable soirees of the past. The small island opposite to the appliances served as a breakfast bar for quick meals.

Purvi slowly shuffled into the room not believing her eyes. She was pulled out of her reverie by the bellhop who informed her that he was taking her luggage up to her bedroom. Tej and Purvi followed him up the stairs which were next to the kitchen and up to their rooms. And what bedrooms they were!

Her imperial bedroom had king sized bed with a grand headboard nestled against the right wall while a couple of chocolate leather chairs sat off to the left of it. White, fluffy pillows sat atop an equally soft-looking down comforter and Purvi could not wait to jump in. The bedroom also had floor-to-ceiling windows with an environmental shade control system and a small balcony that overlooked Butler's Wharf.

The bellhop took her luggage into her walk in closet. She thanked him and remembered what Tej had told her about her travel etiquette. She went for her purse but the bellhop said "Mr. Dhanjani has already taken care of everything. Thank you and enjoy your stay." He gave a little bow and went back downstairs. She heard Karan let him out as she went to explore her closet.

A grand walk in closet opened up into a luxurious bathroom. An oversized jet-stream tub and separate shower with a rain shower head caught Purvi's attention. The commode was privately enclosed and the double sink granite vanity had an enormous, tasteful mirror behind it.

She heard Tej squeal and she ran back into the bedroom. "Can you believe this place? " Tej exclaimed as she hugged Purvi. "This is wow and beyond."

"I know. I can't believe that people actually live in places like this. It's like something out of a magazine."

Purvi hugged Tej back and both girls started squealing.

"Does that mean that you like the place?" Karan called from downstairs.

'K.D., I forgot all about him!' Purvi chided herself and grabbed Tej's hand as they made their way downstairs.

"This place is amazing. I don't know what to say. Do all of your employees stay here?" Purvi asked.

"Yes, all of my travel contingents stay here. This building is actually owned by a very good friend of mine. She's the architect and I'm afraid you haven't seen the best part." Karan got up from the sofa and put his phone away.

"Better than this?" Tej quipped.

"Yes, after you get settled I suggest you two head up to the roof. There's a surprise up there. Ok, I'm heading downstairs. Both the pantry and fridge have been stocked with some essentials but if it's not to your liking then there are some small shops and delis along Butler's Wharf you can check out.

We also have an account with the bistro and shop downstairs - just give them your room number if you need to charge anything. The others usually go down to Southall once a week to get their fill of home foods and spices so you can get together with them for that."

"Mmm - vada pav, jalebis, saag aloo" Tej rubbed her stomach. "I'm getting hungry now."

Karan laughed and took out a credit card and gave it to Purvi. "That's my cue to leave. This is for your travel expenses. I will see you ladies later."

"Thank you. For everything." Purvi took the card from him.

"Don't mention it P.D. We'll have an informal meeting later tomorrow to sort out the work arrangements. I'll ring up with the details. Ladies." Karan nodded to them and left.

"Let's go to the roof!" They exclaimed in unison. They both grabbed their key cards and ran for the door. The roof was actually above their apartment on the seventh floor. As the elevator dinged open, Purvi and Tej could not believe their eyes.

It was a roof top garden! In the middle of the grays and browns of the buildings all around, Karan's friend had managed to create an enchanted oasis basking in the view of Tower Bridge.

A wooden deck led out to a beautiful thicket of lush, well manicured green grass. Wooden benches and reclining lounge chairs dotted the edges of the roof top and lights ran above the entire garden in a crisscrossed pattern.

Various, colorful potted plants were fashionably sprinkled throughout the haven making it warm and inviting. The grass looked so inviting that Purvi took off her shoes to walk on it. Tej did the same relishing the feel of the soft blades beneath their feet.

"This is so beautiful Purvi. I can't believe it. I don't know what it is about this place but I love it."

"I agree. This place is magical Tej. Great things are going to happen here. I just know it."

Purvi hugged herself on the morning sunshine and felt the same peace as she did in her dream.

'Yes... magical!'

Hi my dear friend Laurie...sorry for late reply...Superb characterization laurie👏👏...this time no words from my end to describe you...now I am going to read 10th chapter...

I really-2 like ur writing ,loved it. Plz continue.

Originally posted by: Axiom123

Chapter 10 - The Tower Beckons [Karan, Purvi, Laurie]

Flat 502 - London - (Week 2) Friday - 7:00 p.m. GMT

'Wow, these two weeks went by in a rush.' Purvi thought as she sat on her bed and sloughed off her shoes. She laid back and thought about the past few days.

*** Purvi was distressed because she wanted to make a good impression. Karan had called an informal meeting with their group on Sunday to prepare them for their first day and after the meeting she was almost humming with nervousness.

Purvi sat in a corner of one of the chocolate sofas in Karan's apartment. He came over and stooped down until he was eye level with her, "Nervous? That's a good sign."

Purvi quickly looked up at him. 'Whoa! De ja vu!' as she recalled Arjun had said the same thing to her.

"You'll be fine P.D. I chose you for this position because you were the best fit. I have every confidence that you'll be great. There's no need to worry. Besides if you need anything the team and I are here to help you. Ok?"

"Ok" Purvi visibly swallowed. "Thank you for your confidence. I promise you I won't let you down K.D."

"I know you won't."

Karan got up and went to chat with the others.

Purvi strengthened her resolve and promised herself that she would try her best and not let Karan down.

The next day at work Purvi met with the two ground teams that had been in London for almost a month. Purvi was a little overwhelmed with the sheer size of the projects they were handling but Karan was always hovering somewhere in the background and he gave Purvi the unspoken assurance she needed to forge ahead.

Purvi was amazed at how seamlessly she was able to transition into a key component of the team. She was cautious with her ideas during the first few days but by the beginning of second week she hit her stride and felt as though she had been part of corporate mergers all her life. She was like a sponge soaking up all she learned from Karan and his team.

At the end of the two weeks, after the tenders and proposals had been completed, the announcement was made that the ground teams were being assigned to new projects in France and Switzerland. Nalonynnej, Lola, Urben, Darlyne, Esha, Jyothi and Aakansha were off to France while Maleena, Vilasini, Latika, Luvly, Ashu, Nina and Ramki were off to Switzerland.

Purvi was a little sad to see her new friends leave but they all assured her that this was the first of many projects and that they'd see each other again. They were due to leave the next Saturday and Karan was throwing a party for them at their building. ***

The conference they were preparing for was coming up in two weeks and she was determined to best at her best.

Purvi got up and went to freshen up. Tej had gotten a call earlier from one of her tennis friends and they were out to the movies. She asked Purvi to come along but Purvi declined saying that she had some work to finish. After living alone together for the past two weeks, Tej and Purvi had fallen into synch with each other.

They understood when the other wanted company and when they wanted their space. As Purvi was so busy with work she did not have the time to go exploring and Tej felt bad going alone. Tej also decided last week that she was going to get a job to keep herself busy.

'It was awfully nice of K.D. to offer Tej a part time job with the marketing team to keep her busy.' Purvi thought as she washed her face. Tej accepted the job and was really putting her spunk and energy to good use. As it turned out, she was really good at advertising. Purvi had not known that Karan offered Tej the job so he could keep an eye on her as part of his promise to Archana.

Purvi made her perfunctory call home and decided to spend some quiet time on the roof top garden. On her way out, she grabbed a couple peaches and a bottle of water. She had developed a liking for peaches since she'd been here. The taste called to mind a distant memory but it floated away before she could grab hold of it.

Roof top garden - London - (Week 2) Friday - 7:30 p.m. GMT

'It's going to be a beautiful sunset' Purvi thought as she stepped out of the elevator. The hot mugginess of the day had dissipated and cool, light breezes had taken its place. Purvi walked around to the grass and stopped abruptly.

A man was sitting on a blanket on the grass in front of her.

"You?"' Purvi blurted out. "Here?"

Karan turned around and gave her one of his signature dimpled smiles. "Yes. Me. Here. This happens to be one of my favorite places in the world. Care to join me?"

"Sure."

Karan got up and walked over to one of the wooden benches that served as storage boxes. He pulled out another lawn blanket and spread it out next to his own. "Please" he said to Purvi as he gestured for her to sit.

"Thank you." Purvi settled on her blanket and Karan sat down next to her on his. Purvi felt at peace in his company. She couldn't put her finger on it but being around Karan gave her a strength she never knew she needed. He was like a tether for her but she didn't know what for.

They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes watching the boats sail up and down the Thames. As the evening set in the lights on Tower Bridge came on and Purvi drew in a small breath at the beautiful sight. Tower Bridge stood out like a beacon - majestic and defiant against the sky. Purvi greedily drank in the sight and committed it to memory.

She turned to Karan, "I can see why it's one of your favorite places."

"The view is fantastic but this place means so much more to me than that."

Purvi waited for Karan to continue.

"It's the place where I fell in love."

"You fell in love here? Wow! That's amazing! With who? Where is she? I thought you were single." Purvi blurted out and then promptly turned a bright shade of red. "I'm sorry. I don't know where that came from. I guess I've been hanging out with Tej a bit too much." Purvi looked down at her water unable to meet Karan's eyes.

Karan gave a small chuckle. "It's ok. I'm used to her speed by now and I figured you'd catch up eventually."

He looked out towards Tower Bridge and seemed lost in a memory as Purvi watched him. "I'm a very private person as you know so not many people this story. We met here in London three years ago - on Tower Bridge actually. She had just graduated from college with an architectural degree and was travelling to 'find her creative self' as she put it.

I was late for a meeting and was walking across the bridge, my head buried in my phone catching up on some email. I wasn't watching where I was going and bumped into her. Her camera fell out of her hands and broke. Oh boy, she let me have it! I have never heard those words come out of a female's mouth before." Karan laughed.

"As she ranted on all I could think of was how beautiful she was. Tall, elegant, graceful with jet black hair and a wicked mouth. A vision in her little white sundress with yellow flowers. She had a cute little nose and fathomless, mischievous brown eyes. My brown eyed girl." Karan said the last part in a whisper as if he didn't want to share the memory of this woman with anyone. Purvi smiled at the gesture.

"She was pure fire and yelled at me for a good ten minutes. I just stood there dumbstruck while people stopped around us to watch the show. After she realized I hadn't said anything she calmed down asked me something. I don't remember what. When I didn't respond she thought I was mute!" Karan laughed a full belly laugh.

"She yelled at the passersby to go away and she came up to me. She apologized for yelling and bent down to pick up the pieces of her camera. I bent to help her and we bumped our heads. I said sorry and her eyes lit up with fire again. Needless to say she let me have it for another five minutes" Karan smiled wistfully.

"I told her I would buy her a new camera on the condition that I could help her pick it out. Her eyes threw daggers at me but I knew she was attracted to me too." Purvi noticed that Karan had something in his hand and was rubbing his thumb on it as he spoke.

"The next day I picked her up and we spent the day together. She went back to the States the day after that but we still kept in touch daily. She bewitched me! We visited each other regularly and about seven months ago I couldn't take the separation anymore. I asked her parents for her hand in marriage and they agreed.

She moved to London about six months ago when she was awarded the renovation project for this building. She fell in love with the project and ended up buying the building with her father's help. We were supposed to get engaged but a very important family obligation came up for me and I had to leave for a while.

She understood and was very supportive. A couple months ago I came back and was really frustrated. Things were not going well on that family issue and I was at my wits end. She tried to help me and I completely blew things out of proportion.

I pushed her away and closed myself off from everyone. She stood by my side through everything but the last straw was when I told her I didn't need her in my life anymore. I thought she was better off without me and my problems. I wanted to push her away so she wouldn't be hurt by what I was going through.

She left me then. She told me that she was worth more than what I was putting her through and she knew that I still loved her but I needed to work my problems out. She knew how important solving this problem was to me and she promised me her support but I was being a 'stupid head' and had to 'grow up'.

She left this on the table and walked out of my life." Karan held up the key chain he was holding in his hand. It was a small figurine of Tower Bridge. "She bought it on the day we met as a reminder of me. She told me whenever I needed her to just hold on to it and think of her and we would be connected."

Purvi touched the lotus flower locket she wore and thought of Arjun.

"She said that when two people were so in love - nothing separated them. Not time, not space, not jello" They both laughed his last words.

"Where is she?" Purvi asked quietly.

"She's in London, staying at the Savoy while I'm here with the group. Her assistant made all the arrangements."

"Have you sorted out your family problems?"

"Almost but I got the information I needed so it only a matter of time now."

"Why don't you go to her and tell her? You obviously love her and from what you've told me she loves you very much too. Why are you staying away?"

"I made a huge mess of things and I'm not sure how to patch it up." Karan said sheepishly.

"You just need to be brave and fight for your love. She wants you to fight for her." Purvi looked up her eyes hot with emotion.

Karan regarded her and thought Purvi was speaking of herself as well. He chose his next words carefully. "You really think so? How would I do that?"

"Tell her everything you just told me. Show her with your actions. Make her believe in your love again and she'll surely come around."

"What if I mess up? Will you help me?" Karan looked like a little boy who lost his puppy and Purvi could not resist a soft smile.

"Yes, I will help you win your love back."

Karan's face lit up as the lights overhead came on. They both laughed at the timing.

'And I will help you win your love back too, P.D. I will make sure Arjun fights for you.' Karan promised Purvi in his head.

"Thank you. Would you like a peach?" Karan offered from his cooler sitting next to him.

Purvi laughed again and showed him the ones she brought. "I've developed a liking for them since I've been here."

"Peaches are my mother's favorite. She had them here in London for the first time too - when she was having my sister and has never stopped eating them since."

Purvi was about to ask him about his family when Karan's phone rang. He excused himself to take the call and Purvi considered this man in front of her. In just a few short weeks he had become a very integral part of her life. She knew that she was destined to meet him and now thanked her lucky stars that he came along when he did.

Karan came back to her. "I have to go down to the office to take care of a few things. Would you be ok here by yourself?"

"I'll just head in too." They both packed up their belongings and Karan stored the blankets back in their boxes. As they made their way downstairs to Purvi's flat she asked, "You never told me her name."

"It's Laurie. Laurie Karma."

"Karma? As in Karma Group of Companies?" Purvi was shocked.

"Yes. Now can you see why she's so important to me?" Karan blushed.

"Don't worry K.D. We'll get her back for you." Purvi smiled as they reached her flat. "Good night."

"Good night P.D. Sweet dreams." Karan turned and jogged down the stairs.

Laurie...oh my dear 🤗 you made my day ,lovely written👏👏...so finally KD and purvi are brother and sisters...

Laurie Karma(MD of karma group of companies).🥳..now I am expecting some wonderful and funny conversation between Laurie,Purvi,Arjun and Karan in your next chapter...

Before KD and Laurie Karma meeting ..Please introduce new characters and assign those characters to Thanya, Archanaji(Archverma),Darlyne,Shyamala,Jahnvi and Abhi...then will have more fun in coming chapters..

Hello my friend Laurie Karma,👏

my god...hot news...laurie kamra de new gf..wah arre wah...😆

yay.. thanks for the mention Laurie..Wish I get the same desitination for my work assignment.