I cant cut you out of my life. No matter what I do, I always forget to forget you ~Broken hearts
3 Years Later...
In Mumbai, India...
Matte-finish foundation dabbed coyly on the pale skin, Natural rosy color with shimmer demurely brushed against the lower side of cheeks, Skin-tone Concealer rolling over the stressful dark circles, an all-over beige shadow, black mascara and a brown eyeliner swept modestly accentuating the eyes, Slender and dewy fingers expertly ended the ensemble pampering the full lips with nude color.
Deftly steering the soft feet into black stilos, the hazel eyes looked up to find the house aide standing at the bedroom door.
Didi, Breakfast is served.
Checking the watch tied onto the bony wrist, Running out of time, Pack Green tea for me... sternly instructed and after a pause...Suno [Listen]...The house aide was stopped and further enquired, Did Kids reach school safely?
Ji Didi. The aide was dismissed with a faint nod.
Swinging the green leather tote by right shoulder, the heels made every attempt to dig holes into the marble floor as they walked towards the exit door. Stopping by the door to close quietly, peeked into the room whispering, Bye Baby, Mama will see you in the evening. I love you! Closing the door behind, pointed heels tumbled into the healthy frame looking with a pair of wrinkled eye lids. Nashtha? [Breakfast?]
Will directly do brunch. Stated the calm voice grabbing the Thermos filled with Green Tea from the housemaid and then went on, NK, drive with me, Need to discuss Panvel Project. Ignoring Buaji's silent rebukes, Chalti hoon Bua! [Bye Bua] shining lips flashed a smile to Buaji. And soon NK followed the lady dutifully.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Own & Pride Your Life...No these are not my words. These were once uttered by my guest tonight who is one of India's most influential woman in today's times. Up until I met this woman, I used to take pride that I control and lead 3000 students who just want to do anything but what they were asked to do..After meeting this extraordinary guest of tonight, I realized I was doing nothing but sitting in the well ventilated room supplied with 2 central A/Cs.
The auditorium roared in laughter...
Few weeks ago, I met her briefly for about 5mins to invite her for this month's guest lecture. I was expecting her refusal as many predicted as she never made public appearance for what she had achieved but to my surprise, She instantly accepted without a question and her exact words were..Quote Unquote, "I have seen your university's remarkable contribution to underprivileged children, I will be there. My PA will get in touch with you". Not a word more not a word less, and she was off the radar. That day I have seen a paramount of strength in her, which is unmatchable even to the most successful man to this day.
What person, has life made of her? Let us find out straight from Angel's mouth. Join me to welcome the very exceptional woman of the decade who possess more than a golden heart, a young & aspiring entrepreneur who owns several branches of BW Industrial Services, a Women & Children Welfare Activist who founded non-profit organizations La Fierte, and AdiNav, Give it up for Ms. Khushi..
Thank You...Thank You...Thank You...Hosting a pleasant smile, waving & folding her hands closer to her chest, she bowed down slightly greeting the audience in courtesy. Dressed in high waist Auburn Pencil Skirt elongating her slender frame, stretching into a snug fit with a subtle slit at the back, paired with sleeveless black frilled blouse and stiletto black boots, Khushi threw a dazzling smile at everyone her eyes pointed, looking as young & confident as ever, standing behind the mic. Thank you for giving me this opportunity and for that great introduction. Chuckled Khushi adjusting the mic height.
When I met Mrs. Agnihotri, she requested me to say few words to motivate your new beginnings you are about to start in less than a month. Being a school drop-out myself, I honestly dont know exactly what a beginning is from a college graduate perspective. But one thing I know for sure, which I learnt in my life is, Everyday is a new beginning if you see it the way you want to see it, instead of the way it is shown to you.
The best lesson out of my own experience I could share with you all is, Look at your life as a movie and that you are a director, not be an actor in it. You take control of twists and turns. I was once advised by someone very dear to me that, never to regret any decision you take in your life, because you are acting to a circumstance and there is no wrong or right in a decision.
Like everyone else's life, things changed in my life for the better and for the worse. Many times life threw me into crossroads and the choice of paths were extremely overwhelming and difficult to choose. You will face many such crossroads ahead, and whatever path you take, Dont look back to regret. Look back to take pride on how far you have come along, to cherish how proud you are of yourself.
Last but not the least, in whatever you do, make sure you are helping someone some way or the other. One innocent face smiling to your deeds, will give you boundless happiness.
Good Luck to each one of you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NK, We are short of 3.4Cr for the initial setup cost. I am wondering what the decision of our bank is going to be? Do you think they are going to approve the entire amount?
Khushi, are you sure you want to start this Industrial Services? I mean none of us have any experience in this line. Why are we drifting from what we are doing? Lets train someone and mint money from those as*holes.
Khushi let out deep exhale, her eyes rooted to the toe rings on her feet. I am done with that life NK. Instead of letting these women suffer themselves to make stand in this selfish society, its better we find something for them. If we buy this company and replace all cleaning supplies with Environmentally safe ones, we are going to have great chance in the market. And slowly we can include all our women into work...
Khushi its fantastic idea but I am worried if we will end up losing everything we have now.
Lets not think about losses without putting efforts. Khushi raised her finger gesturing him to stop talking, while she answered call from bank.
Yes...Yes thats me...Ji...Her eyes instantly flashed a triumphant grin looking at NK.
Hanging up the phone, Bank approved 3.1 crores loan..Thats sufficient to start this venture. She stated with faint smile playing on her lips, her thoughts taking her back to the man who first proposed this idea.
NK looked dubious but complied and as he was about to exit to get in touch with their lawyers to seal the buy, he was stopped by Khushi's feeble remark.
Change the company name to BW Industrial Services!
BW? NK asked turning towards her questioningly.
But She didnt feel the need to answer. Leaning back to her chair, she closed her eyes remembering the moment she named her once Man, Black & White...
Ms. Khushi I understand your enthusiasm to open your 8th branch of BW at Panvel but I would highly advise you to wait until the year end so that you can avail the tax benefits to the maximum.
Do I look like I care about saving money from Tax Department? If I have to shell out few extra bucks per my tax bracket, I could care less. Get the papers ready, I want this branch to be operational by end of next month without a question. She dismissed the attorney and her financial advisor without any room for arguments as her land phone kept buzzing with messages.
Yes, Deena?
Ma'm Warden from AdiNav left a message that they found a teenager mom unconscious with baby in her lap in pool of blood.
Get my car to the front!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Delectable Morsel - A delight to every palate
July 2014
Belize, a dot on the map, is a dream holiday for many and a destination of lifetime. Blessed with its virgin beauty, a visit to San Pedro, southern island of Ambergris Caye, is incomplete without a stop-over at Delectable Morsel.
Delectable Morsel, long before it was born, was originally called as The Beach Waters. Few months over than 2 years ago, an Indian Immigrant, who goes by the name ASR bought back The Beach Waters, took it down to build the Delectable Morsel, a soulful representation of island flavors.
True to its name, every morsel you take hits the right chords of your heart, craving for more and even more. While its interiors are peppered with bright colors of the rainbow, its menu is loaded with impeccable options, serving a fusion of tropical and indian cuisines. Lobster Ceviche showered with Madras Powder is one of the locals favorite and their magical margaritas are to die for.
Much contrary to the restaurant business etiquettes, this paradise restaurant stands apart in many ways. One such way is its management. If you dont like anything, speak to the Manager Anjali Singh Raizada. She will throw the most dazzling smile you could find on this earth and the new plate of food will be placed in front of you in no time. But if you are generally grumpy and like to complain, the man behind the success will not be timid to show the exit door to you, because the man knows every note of the dish his restaurant represents. Its not easy to fool him with silly taste palates! Says locals who loves him only for his food.
Welcome to Delectable Morsel, How many of you Sir? Anjali greeted the customers with a flashy smile, dressed in black pants & white blouse, dress code for the employees of the restaurant.
Leading the family of 5 to the round table spread at the corner of the luxury restaurant, She handed over the menu cards to each one of them. Since you are the first customers of the day, your drinks are on the house. Feel free to order anything you desire. Sandra is your waitress, she will be here shortly to take your order. Enjoy your food!
With that Anjali left the family to check on the kitchen, all ready to roll for another busy evening. Everybody keep rolling, use every limb you may have. Remember 5min mark and absolutely no mistakes. I hate to see you guys getting fired. Good Luck Everyone! Giving short pep talk, she rushed over to the Sous Chef II who was rolling bread dough into small rounds.
How many more to go?
Last tray Ma'm.
Bryant, Hurry up. He will be here any min. Work your hands fast. Hearing the familiar honk sound in distance, He is here. HURRY! She screamed exiting to check on the backside of the restaurant to the source of impatient honks.
Dressed in beige shorts and pale blue cotton shirt rolled to the elbows, paired with blue slip-on shoes for the long awaited Belize summer, the Man in Bentley brown shades swung his one leg over his latest passion, Ducati Red 1199 Panigale, the man's true best friend and more than a superbike.
Raking his strong knuckles through the silken hair that dramatically hugged the frown lines from his forehead to his temple, Arnav Singh Raizada walked past Anjali to take control of the day.
Anjali followed hurriedly having fair inclination of what's about to happen in next few moments, but he was much quicker in his strides that she had to literally run behind him. And the damage had already been done.
Were your hands tired of fu*king your wife that they are working with limps today? ASR barked through the kitchen steam, noticing that there is one more bread tray to be baked and customers already started pouring in.
Anjali coyly stepped into the dining area not wanting to become another victim of his anger.
Sorry for the delay Sir, I had a severe cut on my thumb, and so I co..
Do you think I care about your sob stories? Clicking his thumb to his forefingers, OUT! In 30secs!
Bryant shivered hearing the words he never wanted to hear as its impossible to change his boss decision. Wiggling his fingers, ASR gestured a slim man who was watching everything from the other corner of the kitchen. Whats your name?
Cory Sir!
You are promoted to Sous Chef II from this second. Get your hands dirty.
The ambitious young man puffed his chest up saying Thank You Sir.
Unhappy with the decision, Kitchen head stepped in to voice his opinion, He is not formally trained ASR.
What am I paying you for? was his rude remark before turning the flat sand shoes into main dining room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After checking through the tables served for the day, ASR walked to the cold chamber along with the Kitchen head to note down the food supplies that are short in quantity. Handing over the book of money bills to Chef for the purchase of fresh seafood for next day, Arnav walked out to his bike to find Anjali locking down the front entrance for the day.
Seeing Arnav kickstarting his bike, Anjali rushed to him springing her feet as fast as she could. You are not coming home? She asked hesitantly already knowing the answer.
I need to take care of something, It will take couple of hours. was his curt reply.
Bhai its already dark. Aman will be home any moment. He will be happy if you...
Taking the stance of Eagle slouch on the bike, Shifting the gears with his left foot, Will see you all in couple of hours, He drove away uncaringly, leaving Anjali in disdain.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anjali sprinted towards Aman who was sitting at the corner of the room silently. Aman, why are you silent, put some sense into him. He is not thinking straight. Where will he go? Leaving us, leaving everything? Talk to him.
How could he leave everything that you made?
Anjali..
No dont you dare try to convince me. Talk to him. He cant pay for the mistakes I have done. Anjali losing herself faster than she could held onto Aman's shoulders and cried her heart out.
Not registering anyone's words, his mind totally blank repetitiously remembering the letter, the betrayal, Arnav zipped the suitcases placing them on the floor.
Walking over to Nani, touching her feet and hugging her, Thank you for everything. I dont think I would have survived for so long if you werent in my life. For one final time, he cupped her face and kissed her forehead, Stay safe and healthy.
Nani didnt let him go hugging him by his arm. Tell me where you are going?
I dont know. He gently unleashed himself from her hold and walked over to Anjali.
Tell him I will never forgive him. Aman stop him, why are you not stopping him? Anjali cried clutching Aman's lapels.
Di...
Anjali unable to utter a word, shook her head in rapid movements disapproving his decision.
Di...Good Bye Di! He hugged the fragile crying frame.
Aman grabbing Arnav's bags walked out of the door, his heart constricted in pain. He wanted his every being to stop the man from distancing away. But he found it too selfish to expect that from a battered man, who is nothing but shattered pieces of glass at the moment.
Standing near the door step, Arnav looked around the house for one final time, the coffee smell, the whispers, the sweet nothings, the flawless giggles, the dancing tresses, and last but not the least the way her lips always curled at one corner calling him Black & White...
His eyes moistened with salty drops, with his heart sabotaged mercilessly, his feet turned away reluctantly, his mind brewing up angrily forgetting a lady named Khushi existed in his life.
He left the memories to die instantly...
Where is he? Aman asked entering the palatial bungalow raised by the shore.
Must be in his usual place, he said he will meet us in few hours. Anjali smiled taking the jacket off his shoulders.
I told you, my friend is much smarter than you think. Why do you think he left us alone? Aman winked in his usual charm. He was about to lean forward to kiss when he heard aged voice from behind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paying respects to Nani, handing over all the Raizada jewellery back to her, Khushi hesitantly reached out to her handbag and pulled out a tiny paper. Placing the chit in the open palm of Nani's,
He loves filter coffee. I wrote how to make it in this. Can you make it for him every evening for me, Nani?
You dont need to go beta. Its not your fault.
He will be very angry with me but if possible can you ask him not to hate me.
Khushi beta...
Ignoring old woman's pleas, Khushi took blessings and stepped away to embrace her new life.
Walking towards Bua who was holding the days old baby boy. Khushi's hands shivered and held it out in a begging position almost her soul pleading for mercy. But her heart with mind of its own looked around, wanting to see him, wanting him to come before her one last time. Instantly the thought of Arnav shrunk her hands closing her fists tightly refusing to hold the baby. She walked past Bua, with downcast eyes, and grabbed luggage from Payal who was standing at the door. Holding the door open, Khushi gave way to Buaji who was in tears for her daughters fate.
While Nani slumped down to the couch crying bitterly, Khushi dragged her feet to exit but couldnt even move half step, her heart heavy with anguish. Her lips curled in disdain, her nervous and hesitant fingers dropped the luggage at the entrance. Next moment she found herself running inside her room and shutting the door loud with a bang.
Falling on his side of the bed, hugging his pillow she cried in loud wails at her helplessness to accept everything and everyone together. Her body raked in loneliness that had already hit her. Eyes streamed with tears and her quivering words painfully mumbled into his pillow...Mein kya karoon...Kaise rahoongi aapke bina...It hurts!
Her subconscious mind screamed for a quick stop to avoid hitting the plant ledges, Khushi deftly pressed the brakes with all her strength bringing the car to abrupt halt. Taking a deep exhale of tensed breath, Khushi leaned her forehead against the steering wheel with her mind occupied with the one man of her life and her weak heart tauntingly fed the words to her soul,
It still hurts, Black&White!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Qs to Readers: Why did Arnav name his restaurant as Delectable Morsel? and Why did Khushi name her company as BW Industrial Services?
Cricket
Hindi TV Shows
44