FF LEARNING TO BREATH..updated pg 25 - Page 20

Chapter 20

"Bhushan, what? When did that happen? But they have been with our company for the past 6 years, why take it elsewhere?" He asked his brother. Who was on the phone with business problem of one of their biggest clients threatening to leave, because of his absence.

"Did you explain to them I was indisposed?" He asked.

"Ok fax me the details I'll speak to them personally." He said.

Sugni came in as he was on the phone with his client, who he managed to convince to extend his contract for another five years. She placed a cup of coffee in front of him, waiting silently as he completed his call.

"Everything ok?" She asked

'Yeah, they did as expected and stayed." He smiled with satisfaction.

"You are missing it aren't you?" she asked

"Missing what?"

"Your life., the business world"

"No" He denied looking at her.

"Yes you are," She was smiling as she placed her hands in his.

"Do you know what you looked like on the phone?"

"Like what?" he said sounding confused , he was.

"Like ...me when I am cooking" he laughed

"No I am serious, since you came here, this is the first time I saw you look this relaxed, happy, free! I mean, you were in your element. Like me with a kitchen and something to cook, I 'm in heaven... Its the same look you got when you drew that sketch of the restaurant, or when you told me about Jwala. Or when you're on the phone with Bhushan"

"Noo" He started, but she cut him off

"Yes its the truth, look around , you turned my kitchen into a mini office. " She said eying the fax machine and computer he had set up on her counter, the kitchen table had papers all over it.

She was right, he realized he was finally truly happy again and he did kind of miss it.

"I ' I think, " She said taking a breath "I think its time, to go back, I mean Bushan has been begging you to...your clients wants you." She looked him in the eye and said "Your business needs you Vickram"

"The business is fine, Bhushan is handling it, and what he can't I can from here when needed. But to go back ..." He shook his head... He did not think he could ever be a full part of that world any more.

"That's not fair!" She said

"Vickram, I am sure your brother has been doing a wonderful job, but is it fair that you just hand over some thing you worked you whole life for, that you built with your own hands?." He stared at her, and at the conviction which she had on her assessment of him. Deep inside he knew she was right.

"Remember you once said it was a part of your life...I am just seeing that it was not just a part it was a big part. It's the part that gave you passion, and happiness. Think about it. " she said continued " It not just that, don't you think you are being unfair to your mother?" Vickram stared at her, was he?

"She misses you, and she is not getting any younger. A few phone calls every few days dose not make up for the fact that she hardly sees you. I know how much I miss my mom, and I wish I could have her around, you have the chance."

Vickram let out a sigh, In the three months he had been here, life with his family had gotten back on track, somewhat. He visited a couple of times, mostly due to trips regarding the rebuilding process of the restaurant. His mother missed him he knew that ...but he could not bring himself to live there any more.

He also knew that she was right.

"I don't know Sugni, I don't think I can go back ." He said

"Remember what you told me, about the restaurant? You said I can either let him beat me, or I can raise up."

"That was different"

"Is it? So you're just going to leave all that is important and precious to you, something you worked nearly your whole life for, because of some heartless bitch who could not appreciate you!" She said angrily. It was the first time, he ever herd her refer to Reva. She had a bitter look on her face.

"I'm sorry I did.t mean" she said realizing what she just said.

'No you are right, she was heartless and is a bitch!' He laughed

'Vickram, by staying away from it you're letting her win. You spent a year miserable, you walked away from a business that like you child, from a family that you love and who loves you. Is she really worth that?" She asked him.

He never thought of it like that. Was he letting Reva win.?...she loved depriving him of he things he loved, was she still doing that even when she was not in his life any more? Yes...yes she was.

"You're right " He said finally... "I was letting her win, but to go back after all this time."

"So what? I am sure you'll get back in the groove of things in no time." She smiled. She was looking at him.

"come here" he said pulling her over to his chair.

Hugging her he said, "Thank you"

"For what"

"Ohhh everything, you always know what to say. For making me see the light."

"I was just speaking the truth" She said.

Pulling back to look at him.

"So?"

Taking a breath he said

"Sooo, I guess it's time for me to go and fulfil my responsibilities. Bhushan did want to spend some more time with his family...and yes I know mother needs me.' He did miss his mother.

She smiled.

"But I'll wait for a while, until the opening"

"That is still months away!' She said.

" I know, but I want to make sure everything is good here, before I get to busy in the co-prorate world. I think I can work form here for a while! Besides I am not ready to give this up as yet!" He said indicating the two of them.

"Ok" She said

"Well I better call Bushan and tell him the good news!"

"Hmmm" She nodded

"I love you " he said, kissing her.

"I love you to" She said as she hugged him tightly.

Originally posted by: ramkideewani23

Vinnie wonderful. I'm glad about the decision Vickram made. Waiting for next installation.😃

Luv VINNI & VINNIE🤗

Originally posted by: Sandy66

😊 Vinnie, great chapter 19, enjoyed reading it. Thakur Jwala Singh got exactly
what he deserved, imprisonment for his crime. He's a despicable human being,
prying on the weak and destituted people.
Vinnie dear, story is progressing beautifully. Awaiting for the next chapter. Thank
you for the PM. 🤗

Originally posted by: JulieD

Vinnie, a great chapter. I am glad that he is still into his business and looking forward to family scenes.

Originally posted by: tulipdaisy

Beautiful convo between vini
I would love to see vikram resuming his business making a name for himself again but does this mean they will be far off from each other... I hope once restaurant opens vikram proposes her
Waiting for the next chapters eagerly

Chapter 21.

(Note this chapter is taken from Sugni's perspective.)

The door opened, as Champa greeted her with a smile. "Sugni!? Hey,' She greeted swinging the door open allowing Sugni to come inside.

"I brought you some blueberry pie" She said handing her the dish.! Oh Thank you, Karishma wil love it!" she said referring to her daughter.

"where is the little darling?" Sugni asked

"Oh her father took her to see a movie, so I could get some R and R" she said.

"Something wrong?" Sugni asked concerned, It's not often you see these two apart form each other.

"No...Since Rattu started working na She hardly sees him, cause he leaves before she awakes and gets back after she sleeps. So he decided to spend the day with her to make up!" she smiled

'That's sad." Sugni said

"Yes , but it is a sacrifice I guess we have to make , for a little while at least...until the restaurant reopens. I am so thankful to Vickram for arranging that job." Champa said. So was Sugni, she did not think she could live with the guilt of knowing her best friend was out of a source of income for this long.

"So what brings you to this part of town?" Champa asked

"What i need a reason to visit my best friend?"

"No, but ever since you got 'Involved' with your "Guard" na... you never visit , I guess he keeps you busy." She said wiggling her eyebrows.

"Hey Shut up" Sugni said , she could feel the heat on her face.

"Oh wow she blushes and all, haai haai!" Champa laughed. "Seriously though , I am happy for you, you two are so cute together." She said going into the kitchen to place the pie and grab a couple of drinks.

Rejoining Sugni back in the living room, she handed her a can of Sprite.

"So you gonna tell me what's wrong?" She asked. Whenever Sugni was worried, or down she baked. To get her mind off of her problems she kept her hands busy, when that dose not work, she would use Champa as a sounding bord.

"Everything is going on schedule with the rebuilding right?." She asked

"yeah That is going smoothly, I mean with Vickram supervising everything can it go any other way?" She smiled, she still could not believe how much she came to depend on him. She could not imagine a day with out him, but she guess she would have to learn how. Just the thought of it made her teary eyed, and she was not a person prone to tears easily.

"Sugni?" Champa could tell something was wrong.

'You know,he decided to go back ." She said.

"What?, when did all this happen?" Champa was shcked.

"A few of days ago,"

"Just like that , out of the blue?"

"No, it's just the right time, he's in a better place now, and his business need him, his mother needs him," She said smiling.

"And you?" Champa asked. Sugni just shook her head, her eyes filled.

"Aww Sugni...No this can't happen..tell him. he can't just leave. "

" I can't tell him that!" she said

"Why not?"

"Because I am the one who convinced him to go back!"

"What? "

It all came spilling out, about the phone call and their conversation. "You should have seen him Champa, I've never seen him look so happy. And his mom, she is such a nice lady, and she loves him so much, last time we visited , she literally begged me to convince him to come back."

"Wait, he won't leave you. That man is crazy about you! " Champa said

"Oh he is leaving, I over herd him today, talking to his brother, he was looking for a house, and he wants it before he starts working full time. " Champa was shocked.

"I don't believe that...Something is not right ...maybe he'll take you with him?"

"No...I can't leave here, you know that, especially now that the Restaurant is going to reopen. My life is here. His life is in the city.'

'You know the hard part is, pretending like everything is fine. Champa I don't know how I can handle loosing him, if it hurts this much now, what am i going to do when he is gone" She started to cry.

"Sugni , you should tell him how you feel"

"No! I won't . I know him if he thinks I am unhappy with it, he'll stay I'm sure. And maybe even be happy here up to a point. You didn't see him, talking on that phone, or drawing that restaurant plan. He was totally totally happy. I can't be that selfish to take that from him. He came such a long way than the guy who walked into my diner that day."

She still remembered that day. Her first thought as she laid eyes on him, was that he was some new goon that Jwala hired , sent to make her life hell. She coul'nt have been more wrong. It did not take her long to realize that beneath the rough exterior was a man with a heart of gold. Often she remembered, she would observe him sitting by him self that heart wrenching look of sorrow on his face.

His eyes so sad, she had no idea why but that bothered her more than anything. This quite brooding man, with the sad eyes. She did not know when she started falling for him, maybe even that first day, she always believed he was he sign she asked her mother for that first day,. Or maybe it was the day She observed him helping Mrs. Pearl hurl her six bag of groceries up the stairs to her apartment. Every one was passing the 70 year old lady by who was struggling , Sugni was about to run across the street to help, but before she could Vickram was already there, helping her. Silently she looked on as he smiled as Mrs.Perl offered him a tip , knowing the old lady Sugni knew very well she would not give up until he accepted it, He took the money then silently slipped it in the pocked of her bag as she turned to open her door.

She started to make up ridiculous stories just so she could get his mind off of whatever was bothering him, and surprisingly he would just listen. IF she managed to get one smile out of him she felt happy, why that was so important to her she never understood. Until he left that first time.

With out a phone call, She cried herself to sleep and she had no idea why. It should not matter, but it did. Then he came back she was so happy to see him, She just wanted to hug him, that shocked her, to clear her head she locked herself in her room.

She knew he was hurt, and there was no way she was going to open up any old wounds by acting all weird, she herself had no idea what she was feeling. Until he said it. That he loved her. That was one moment she would carry with her forever.

Having him slowly open up to her, was a wonder. When he told her about his marriage and the betrayal of his wife and nephew, she could not believe that some one could be so heartless. Despite being hurt by those closest to him, she was amazed that he still managed to make her feel special, safe, loved. Watching him somehow transform from that brooding man , to the easy smiling person he is now was a joy to watch.

His encouragement and support during the whole fire ordeal, saved her from going crazy. In a short space of time, he became the anchor, the center of her world, and all she wanted to see was him happy.

His world was different from her by far, but you would never know that.And although she need him in her world, she could clearly see he needed to be in his world .She spent the last few days listening to him . The more the idea of going back took, the more excited he got., spending the time on the phone with his brother catching up on what has been happening in his absence , making changes.. Watching him , listen to him share all this with her, was the hardest thing she did. Pretending to smile, and be happy , while her heart was breaking inside. Needing to talk to some one she came here…

"I won't stand in his way", she she declared to Champa.

"so what are you going to do then?" Champa asked.

" i don't know, support him. Enjoy whatever time we have Iguess." She said

"I still think you're making a mistake" Champa Said. "In fact ..I think I am going to give him a peice of my mind!"

"NO...Champa...you will not . Promise me you will not ..Promise please!" She said panicing now

"Ok Ok i won't" She said

" I better get back " she said.

"Ok You know I am here if you ever need to talk" She said.Hugging her .

"Thank you".

Turning down the street she started on the short walk home. Praying for the strength , to not let her feelings out. Before she knew it, she was at her front door. Taking a deep breath she pasted a smile on her face and walked in.