Chapter 2
She is Shyam Gupta's sister Khushi.
She came to invite you to a fund raiser function organized by an NGO they run in their late mother's name.
She is visually challenged.
Arnav ran a frustrated hand through his hair as he recollected Aman's words who had rushed to his room with Nita, after coming to know of the little confusion created by her, and was astounded at having to witness the havoc wreaked in his boss' room by the mistaken identity. Aman had collected little information about Khusi from Lavanya and conveyed the same to him.
Visually challenged. How did I miss it? It was screaming on my face. Not once did she raise her head to look at me. Even when I was talking all those nonsense to her, she never met my eyes.
Arnav let out a self-directed deprecating cry before banging his fist on the table to see if the pain generated by the action can surpass the one that was building in his chest as a result of his unacceptable behavior towards an innocent girl. He came to stand in the same place where Khushi had shouted at him and conveyed her contempt through not too many but razor sharp words and his eyes fell on the book that lay near his foot. He bent down to pick the book in his hand. He ran his hands over the dotted script and a distant memory of a voice, flashed in his mind. A voice he missed every single day of the past few years. A voice, he would give his life, to hear again. He patiently collected every single piece of the broken mobile and put them in a cover. Arnav sat back in his chair, leaned back and closed his eyes to play that soothing voice in his mind, trying to remember the feel of loving fingers that had run through his hair as he had laid his head on her chest and listened.
Why do you let your anger rule your senses Chote? For a 12 year old, you are very different from the rest of the boys of your age, Chote. You are caring, responsible, protective and friendly. But this anger? I know you never meant any of those words you told me and your Di, in anger. And I also know you regret each one of those hurtful words. But no matter how much you feel sorry, you can't take back the words you have uttered and heal the wounds that they have caused. They can make or break relationships and it is very difficult undo the impact.
After few years, when Arnav had nothing but only her memories to live with, he had learnt to channelize his anger to enable him to scale heights in his career. His angry outbursts at workplace were limited to scorching gaze and a few chosen barbed words that were sufficient to make sure any deficient work to never occur again. His behavior with Khushi was a surprise even to himself, as he didn't remember the last time he had lost his temper and unleashed his misplaced anger on someone who had no clue of the reason behind being the subject of such a rage. Or may be, he did remember. And that gave a restlessness he has been struggling to overcome, whenever that incident played in his mind. But that had been a turning point in his life.
Arnav's thoughts were interrupted by the ring of his phone. He listened for a few seconds and answered curtly.
"You guys start, I will be there in 5"
Arnav let out a deep sigh and collected his thoughts to concentrate on the unfinished job in hand.
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"Don't worry Dad! She will come around in some time"
" "
"She did refuse. But I force fed her an hour back. She is not crying, but she is upset"
" "
"Are you sure you can manage the meeting? I can come in for a few hours if you want me to"
" "
"I don't understand why you are defending him. Well, I don't know what exactly happened between him and Chutki. She didn't tell me anything. But going by the fact that she is so upset and her outburst which I was audience to, I can guess what might have passed between them."
" "
"I knew you would say this. I am not being judgmental. Dad, but I also know what is said about first impression. That man screwed it up big time"
" "
"I have not thought about it. My dad has taught me not to mix personal and professional lives. I would always remember and follow that"
" "
"She asked me about you. I will tell her that you will be home soon with her favorite jalebis. Okay, I am going to check on her. See you soon, Dad"
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The woman was almost in tears, cursing herself for her stupidity. She has no one else to blame other than herself. Khushi Grewal, journalist in "World of Business" was smitten by the charms of Arnav Singh Raizada during the launch of his fashion line a year back. Being a young beautiful woman, she decided to try her luck with him and being a journalist, what best than a chance to interview him for her magazine and win his attention in the process. But luck was not in her favor, as the man in question didn't do interviews even for the leading business and fashion magazines. She has been behind Arnav's PR for an interview for more than a year now, but in vain. She was given a choice between an interview with Anjali Raizada or written answers for chosen questions from her questionnaire, but she was not ready to settle down for anything less than a personal interview with the man himself. The desperation was taking a toll on her focus in her career. That was when she came to face to face with her ill-fate, Rishabh Mehta.
"If you are done with your musings, shall we focus on the task in hand?"
Aman asked in a no-nonsense tone. Since the time she came in only this man was talking. First she had waited for more than one hour in conference room. She was informed to wait for some more time until she was joined by Mr. Raizada. Slowly one by one started filling the room. Anjali sat across the table intently watching her, with Lavanya by her side. Aman sat a few chairs away from Anjali with a lawyer and Nita on his either side. The meeting had started about twenty minutes back with Arnav's lawyer explaining to her how they were going to file a defamation case against her, as they had already spoken to their editor, who didn't want any such situations now against their firm as it was already facing difficulties and that he was ready to issue a statement of apology in his next issue and also the next day issue of their daily newspaper since the news article did not have any base. Arnav Singh Raizada had walked in at that moment and went to stand near a window in a stiff posture, hands on his hips and turning his back on them ever since he came in, that was ten minutes before.
"Mr. Verma! I didn't have any hidden agenda behind writing this article. Moreover, when you have amicably solved this problem with my editor, then why am I here wasting both your time and mine?"
Arnav stiffened further, if that was even possible but still hadn't spoken.
"One of the conditions which we laid out in front of your editor in this regard is that you will be terminated from your services with immediate effect, which he is more than willing to do"
Khushi Grewal visibly blanched and Aman waited to gauge her reaction and satisfied with the outcome, added,
"However, taking into consideration your passion' for your profession, we can discourage him from doing so, provided you give us all the copies of the photographs in question and tell us from who you got them"
"I...I took the photographs myself"
Arnav swiftly turned and strode near Anjali to stand exactly opposite to her across the table, placed his palms on it, bent slightly and looked straight into her eyes.
"Where are the photographs that you mentioned over the phone this morning?"
His glance was too powerful, that she had to lower hers slightly to compose herself when she heard Aman speak.
"We have the guest list of the party in which you claim to have taken the photographs of Anjali M'am and Maanav Khurana. Your name doesn't feature in the list. So as you said don't waste anyone's time here and tell us who gave you the photographs which you said you would use to substantiate yesterday's article in the next issue if ASR doesn't comply with your request for a personal interview and those based on which you claim to have written that article implying that AR seals its business deals using unique' ways rather than conventional ones that relies on capacity and substance"
Anjali closed her eyes in disgust and Arnav swore loudly that made the girl sitting opposite cringe. She realized she didn't have a chance since the people, whom she had taken lightly, have done their homework to precision. How foolish she had been when she thought that her one small article will make Arnav bend all his rules and come running to her to give her the much needed interview and thereby a chance to win him over. Alas! How nave of her to think so less about this man who had established such a big empire in barely 4 years and that too from nothing. She silently took out the photographs from her handbag and placed them on the table. Anjali looked into a set of photographs that had her dancing closely with Maanav Khurana, a deal with whose firm Arnav had won and Rishabh had lost.
"Who gave them to you?"
"Rishabh Mehta. But I would be in danger if" she began almost pleadingly when Arnav cut her in,
"As much as I despise you for your foolishness, I will spare you the drama with Rishabh. You can pretend you were here for an interview. You will be sent a set of printed questions and answers that will take the form of up, close and personal interview of Anjali Singh Raizada, Managing director of AR Fashions. You will also be sent my sister's photographs that will complete the interview. You will publish an apology tomorrow for the article that was published yesterday."
Anjali looked up at her brother in surprise. To say Lavanya was stupefied would be an understatement. Equally surprised and unable to believe that her luck to get out of the place unscathed, Ms. Grewal stood up to leave, but curiosity got the better of her and she asked him,
"Why?"
Arnav turned around and closed his eyes.
I don't want to see the face of a man who doesn't treat a woman with respect and calls her names, even if I can.
"I have been extremely benevolent with you Ms. Grewal, don't push my limits. You may leave"
Soon after she left, the lawyer also took leave. Arnav hadn't spoken one word for the past ten minutes and was lost in his thoughts. Anjali was still looking into the photographs, which Arnav snatched and said,
"Don't worry about it Di, I will handle it. Aman, start watching Rishabh closely. He is playing dirty and needs to be kept at bay."
He pulled a cover from his coat pocket and placed it in front of him on the table. It had a broken phone.
"I want a new phone of the same model and features before evening"
Aman realized whose it was and recollected everything that transpired a few hours back in his boss' cabin. He turned to Nita and said rather disappointedly, "None of this would have happened if you had done what I told you to"
Nita quivered under Arnav's gaze and started apologizing. Arnav raised his hand to stop her and said, "Its okay. Be careful in future. I may not be as forgiving as I am today. You may leave now. Best wishes for your wedding."
"I assure you I will be careful. Thank you Sir" she remarked gratefully. Anjali and Lavanya gave her a hug and bade her good bye.
"You have been throwing too many surprises on us, ASR" exclaimed Aman.
"Nita was not solely responsible for what happened with Ms. Gupta this morning, Aman. To be frank, instead of instructing her, had you sent me a text, this misunderstanding would not have happened"
Aman nodded and stood up to leave with Lavanya, not before reminding Arnav that Rishabh Mehta may still have some copies of the photographs and that he will look into means of confiscating them. Arnav dismissed them with a nod and turned to Anjali.
"If I have to be honest to myself, it's my fault Di. In my anger, I missed too many indications. I never verified if she was Ms. Grewal in the first place and went on with my tirade, without giving her a chance to speak. She didn't deserve to be treated like I did. I...I own up Di. And I will rectify my mistake"
Anjali got up from her chair and hugged her brother. "I am so proud of you Chote! I was disheartened this morning that I have not been able to raise you like Maa would have. But now I am happy that I have not been that bad after all."
"Don't say that Di ! You have been the best. I cant imagine what would have become of me, hadn't it been for you."
Anjali smiled through her tears, affectionately cupping her brother's cheeks, and thinking about how he had changed from a happy go lucky boy to a cold hearted man, overnight and feeling relieved that his stone heart still retained some wetness and prayed for a miracle to happen in her brother's life that will fill it with happiness.
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Shyam was working on a blue print in his study. He had been here for the past one hour, working on Anjali's design studio, after checking on Khushi. He remembered the forlorn look he saw on his chutki's face throughout their drive back home and afterwards. Khushi was extremely sensitive to loud noise in general and anger outbursts in particular. Shyam would never forget a time all those years ago when she had closed herself completely and it took his unstinted effort to get through those walls she built around herself and bring her back to normalcy. This was the main reason why Shyam was very protective about her, her visual impairment being only a secondary reason of concern. Khushi managed the loss of one of her senses extremely well and had emerged as a very independent woman. But still Shyam ensured she was always in the company of a family member or her trusted friend Payal. He cursed himself for leaving her alone with the monster this morning and was scared for the first time in many years if this would lead Khushi to close herself again. He didn't leave her side even for a minute after they had come back and coaxed her to have some food. When she had visibly relaxed, he had explained to her the circumstances that led to Arnav's anger and misunderstanding. Khushi had felt very bad for Anjali, but carefully avoided Arnav and his behavior in their conversation. Shyam didn't press further, as he too was upset. He had chatted with her for some more time and left her with her work when he was sure she was fine.
Shyam gave his hands some rest and leaned back on his chair. His thoughts flew to the morning's incidents and his parting words to Anjali came back to him. He was enraged to see his Chutki in a miserable state and had hurled a few hurtful words on her, not wanting to even talk to Arnav when he himself was in a volatile state. But he had not missed the hurt in her face and that had been nagging him. He was a protective brother too; his conscience reminded him that if his anger was justified, so was Arnav's. He had to talk to Anjali and clear whatever strain that has aroused in their work relationship. Yes work relationship, he reiterated, albeit unconvincingly even to himself.
"Bhaiyya!!"
Shyam opened his eyes and saw Khushi standing hesitantly at the door. He immediately went to her and put his hand around her shoulder and led her inside the room to a nearby couch.
"What is it Chutki? You need something?"
"No bhaiyya. I just came to call you down for tea. What were you doing anyway?"
"Errm. I, umm, was working on a plan. How did your practice go?"
"I didn't practice Bhaiyya, you would have known if I had. What's wrong?"
"Nothing Chutki! I was thinking about...forget it. Let's go down"
"You were thinking about Anjaliji, weren't you?"
Shyam was not surprised by his insightful sister. He had seen lot of instances where Khushi had displayed her exemplary skills at reading his mind.
He smiled and said, "I forgot that I am talking to my intelligent sister who would easily understand her bhaiyya's mind, isn't it? Yes, I was thinking about Anjali. I spoke to her little rudely this morning. It was not her fault. I was also thinking about the work I have committed to do for her."
Khushi stood up and pulled her brother to go down. She said, "Bhaiyya! You have already decided to apologize to her, which you should certainly do. I guess you were already doing her work only."
"Chutki, this is very creepy" exclaimed Shyam to which Khushi laughed hard. Seeing her laughing freely, Shyam gave her a half hug and sent a silent prayer for her everlasting happiness.
As they reached downstairs, Shyam went to the kitchen and took over from Nakul, their kitchen help, to make tea and snacks for them. Knowing how much Shyam loved to do it for his sister, Nakul moved away to guide Khushi to her favorite place in the kitchen, the counter opposite to the gas stove, where she loved to sit and chat with Shyam, when he made something for her.
Just then the door-bell rang and Nakul went to answer.
"When is Buaji coming back Bhaiyya? I miss her. When is Papa expected? Should we prepare for him too?"
"One question at a time Chutki ! Papa is on his way and I am making for him too Chutki. And Buaji will be here tomorrow"
Nakul came back to announce the arrival of their dad, Shashi Gupta and proceeded to keep the goodies he had fetched for his children on the counter.
"I hope you haven't told her anything about today morning, have you Bhaiyya?"
"No I haven't, but I would when she comes back"
A few minutes later Shashi joined them in the kitchen. His day was never complete without seeing his children bonding with each other.
"No need to tell her anything Bhaiyya. She will be worried and will not stop hovering around me and I can't handle that" Khushi whined.
"I can't wait for her to come back Chutki. Only she can manage to feed you effectively. How you make me beg you to eat your food? You have no problem gobbling down even a plateful of Jalebis, but if its roti and rice, you make me sweat more than I sweat in our gym. God knows how Buaji manages"
Shashi couldn't help feeling a sense of pride when he looked at his son, who was no less than a mother to his sister. He remembered the pure delight on Shyam's face when Susheela had announced to him the impending arrival of his baby sister in a few months. Shyam was ten years old at that time and had been yearning for a baby sister for years then. Shashi looked at a giggling Khushi and thought how, despite having two elders at home, one being a woman, his daughter always went to her brother when in need.
Shyam finished his work and instructed Nakul to bring tea and the snacks to the lounge and was about to help Khushi down from the kitchen counter. Just then they heard the door-bell again.
"Dad, feed your daughter some jalebis and bring her to the lounge. I will answer the door"
"You don't want any bhaiyya? There may not be any left-over" Khushi screamed from the kitchen.
"I will believe it when that happens" he shouted back reaching for the door with a smile on his face. His smile faltered the moment he opened the door to come face to face with Arnav Singh Raizada and Anjali Raizada.
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