SS:Tackle with Love FINAL UPDATES PG 15 FEB 11 - Page 6

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Part 5

The next day Shravan came to her house , Priya opened the door. Shravan was taken back seeing her in a wheelchair.

He cleared his throat " is Suman here? "

" who are you?"

" I'm Shravan ... Shravan Malhotra "

"Mr. Ramnath Malhotra son?" She was surprised "I heard so much about you, please come in" " I'm Priya , sumans mother "he smiled as he watched her roll herself on the wheel chair with so much ease .

Priya told Preeta to make some tea.

" No its ok I'm fine "

" it's your first time at our house , I can't just you leave like that "She said sweetly "I met your Mother a couple of times, she was really excited when she heard you were coming back from London."

Shravan just nodded with a smile "its good to be back"

"So how do you know Suman , have you two met ?"

" Actually we went to school together .."

"oh really , that's weird she never mentioned you ?"

"We weren't really friends just knew each other"

"Oh I see, but she wont be home until later .She came home late yesterday from the restaurant and went back again early in the morning."

She doesn't know Suman worked at my house yesterday?he thought

"She works so much, I tell her to take it easy but she just doesn't listen"

"Why is that?" he asked curiously

" Well after my stroke I couldn't work anymore. The left side of my body was completely paralyzed but now it's just my leg . She dropped her studies to take care of me and the finances .Sumans my little angel ,the only reason I'm able to speak and move my arm is because of her. She was determined in getting me better and worked extra hours just so I can get the best care"

Shravan listened intently realizing how much care and love Suman had for her mother.

"I will work as soon as I'm better and I want her to stop working as waitress she has more potential than that, she's actually an excellent cook "Priya praised

Preeta brought some tea and snacks . Just then Nanu came down and got introduced to Shravan

" Ramnath Malhotra 's son ?"he seemed pleased

Shravan respectfully took his blessings "Dad told me alot about you ,he said you were one of the best teachers he had"

"I used to be very hard and strict on all my students, but look at them now, they all have become very successful" There small talks continued as Shravan laughed hearing the retired Lawyer tell stories about his father.

After a while Shravan excused himself to leave . He found her small family really nice .Her mom was very sweet and her grandfather seem strict but wise.

He didn't expect leaving from here having a different view about Suman .

"Finally I got the clutch fixed!" she exasperated coming out her ambassador .Her eyes caught Shravan on her front porch

"You ?! What are you doing here !? "

He could clearly see she hasn't had sleep her eyes looked really tired .

" I came to give you your payment " he said taking out the envelope "And to thank you"

" I don't want to take the money from where I was mostly used to be insulted and not for the services I offered " she retorted

"Look Suman you did a really good job yesterday despite everything that happened you were professional and my clients loved your services"

Suman still had her arms crossed refusing.

Shravan knew she was stubborn so used another way " You cant refuse the money its part of the contract you signed "

Suman gave him a long stern look cursing that stupid contract ! She accepted it which made him smile in return.

"You didnt tell your mom you worked at my house yesterday?"

" Im sure you know by now that our families knows each other .If Nanu finds out it wont be good! He will be really upset at your father and I don't want to create unnecessary issue between our family." She stated firmly opening the envelop.

Shravan didn't expect this from her, she valued her grandfather and his father relation so much.He was so focused on his revenge that it didn't occur to him ,if his dad finds out he will be really upset. Shravan was regretting what he did ,he didn't think about the consequences of his action.

She saw a bonus check " I don't need the extra "

" I'm giving you a bonus because you deserve it , extra money doesn't hurt anyone "

" I don't need any extras from you , I know you hate me so stop pretending to be nice!"

" please just keep it, it will come in use for your family "

" I don't want it! And don't you dare tell me what will help me and my family you know nothing !understand! Now leave !"Shravan wanted to say something but she shut the door on his face .

Shravan could t believe how ungrateful she was being but on the other hand understood her anger and discontent

Suman came in and her mother started talking about Shravan including Nanu , they seemed to be impressed by his accomplishments. She gave a fake smile trying to control her frustration!

Shravan went to see his family who came back from Chandigarh. His Chachi got his favourite sweets and his mom got him a nice Kurta . Pushkar asked about the party , Shravan told him leaving the details about Suman. " I heard Sumo was the waitress ?" Pushkar heard few things from friends which got him upset

Shravan nodded " she did a good job"

" Im sure she did ...Look Shravan bhaiya I know your still holding grudges against her but , she's not the same Suman you knew . After you left to London she came to apologize to you but you were already gone . I don't know if her apology would have made a difference or not .

The days just kept getting worse for Suman , she got fired after slapping a perverted customer who kept checking her out and giving her inappropriate compliments. He was a famous industrialist son Ajay Verma .It wasn't acceptable for Mr.Ghosla he couldn't afford to loose anymore rich customers because of her. She already got few warnings before but it was the last strike!

Priya and Nanu supported her and tried cheering her up. Suman didn't know where she would find work maybe another restaurant? But that wasn't what she wanted to do her whole life. Priya and nanu encouraged her to accomplish her dream of opening a tiffin center. They knew how much she loved to cook .Suman eyes brightened up , yes! It was time to pursue what she always wanted and she will do it! Priya and Preeta even offered their help .It was getting all so exciting for Sumo ,she had so many ideas, but first had to find a name and a good logo for her new buisness. She started working on it on her laptop making promotional banners and flyers. She was working on it all night with a enthusiastic smile lingering over her face.

In the morning when she showed her family , they got teary eyes.She named her tiffin center, Priya Central Tiffin. It was a heart warming moment for both mother and daughter.S uman has seen her mom fight through alot in life and she was her biggest inspiration .Nanu couldn't be prouder of this moment. She started posting her new business on facebook and went out to little factories around town with her promotional pamphlets .

Suman woke up early giving Nanu his tea and breakfast and got to work . Her First day cooking for her business, she got an order from a jewellery shop for 10 staff members plus one for Pushkar .She swayed around in the kitchen adding her spices and ingredients in her dish .She was making palak paneer with palao rice and for dessert rice pudding .

She packed the food in tiffins and personally went to deliver them. She made sure that her customers gave her feedback so she can improve as her company grow. After giving Pushkar his tiffin she took the opportunity to distribute her pamphlets around. She bumped into a familiar figure, ofourse it had to be Shravan! Their eyes met for few moments, before he could speak she gave him a stern look and continued distributing her PCT papers. Some people threw them in the recycle bin not interested. She go upset and discouraged walking out the doors .Shravan saw this and picked up the paper from the floor "PCT?"

The next day Suman got a good review by her first customers they were very satisfied with the quality of the food and signed a month contract with her . This only brought encouragement and happiness to her .Pushkar told her to bring an extra tiffin for another new customer .It was such good news for her and came to the Malhotra associates with a excited grin . On her way Pushkar told her to leave the tifins in Shravan's office as he was rushing for a meeting. Just then she realized that the other Tiffin was for Shravan! She growled annoyed, she didn't want to see him !

He heard a knock and gave permission to enter but didn't raise his head from his files .She had watched him as he was writing away looking tensed. "Here are the Tiffin's" She said putting them on the table.

He got up his chair " thanks "

"If knew if was for you I would have never brought you one!"

"Why not?"

"Because I don't trust you! And don't you dare sabotage my business I swear If .."She stopped as he cut her off

"Im not going to do anything like that! I think Ive done enough"He looked on guiltily

Suman was confused trying to read his eyes . Just then the lights came off ,it was pitch black in his office . Shravan tried making his way to the switch with his hands stretched out .She took few steps back getting scared she couldn't even see where he was standing . "Ahhh!!" she screamed feeling his sudden touch

"oh sorry !"

"Thats my face you idiot!" she said moving his hands away

"Well just like you I cant see a thing!"he argued back

She couldn't stay still and he kept bumping into her "stop moving!" he held her arms trying to keep her in place

"I cant ! Im scared of the dark so I get anxiety!"Suman blurt out .He could feel her shaking making him concerned, he squeezed her arms comfortingly

"Suman ... its ok the lights will come on soon " He said in a soft voice trying to calm her down .She somehow felt safe as he held her close .Suddenly the light came on and they gazed in each others eyes for a few moments realizing the closeness. The electrician entered his office and they quickly moved away

"Is everything ok here ? Sorry I was changing the fuse"

" What the hell! Next time warn us that about the lights! Some people don't like the dark" he scold thinking about Suman's anxiety .She glanced at him confusedly why was he showing concern

"Ok sir " he left

Suman glanced at Shravan not interested in thinking about his caring act

"Next time I will leave the tiffins in Pushkars office you can get them from there " She stated firmly .Shravan put his hands in his pocket pensively watching her leave .He had to talk to her this couldn't go on like this anymore!

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Suman was doing the dishes when she heard her phone ring " hello?"

" Hi ,Shravan here"

"What do you want from me!"

"I want to meet you .."

"Look Shravan You got what you wanted now there's no reason for us to talk or see each other"

"Suman I just want to sort out the issue that's between us. After that I will leave you alone I promise " He waited patiently for her answer, Please" she exasperated letting go of her ego for a moment.She also wanted this unnecessary hate to finish .

Hi guys thank you so much for the comments and Like button ! Really appreciate it ❤️❤️Hope you will like this part as well , showing Shravan and Suman's friendship grow 😊

Part 6

Suman was doing the dishes when she heard her phone ring " hello?"

" Hi ,Shravan here"

"What do you want from me!"

"I want to meet you .."

"Look Shravan You got what you wanted now there's no reason for us to talk or see each other"

"Suman I just want to sort out the issue that's between us. After that I will leave you alone I promise " He waited patiently for her answer, Please" she exasperated letting go of her ego for a moment.She also wanted this unnecessary hate to finish .

Suman and Shravan sat at a small cafe next to the window ,the waiter came by giving them their coffee. "Thanks" Suman said as she took a sip of her coffee.

"Suman ...I know the party is not a day you want to remember but I want to talk about it with you"

She nodded with a heavy heart

" I didnt intend to bring your family matter in like this. Trust me I had no idea. Its just that after what you did to me I resented you a lot and when you apologized if felt like it was no big deal for you . I wanted you to know how it feels to be humiliated and laughed at."

She listened on quietly as he spoke

"Im sorry for everything I did and for the way I behaved "

Suman eyes softened on him as she heard the guilt in his voice. She put herself in his position and realized what he did was out of anger and resentment.

"Shravan I know what I did to you was wrong. I was immature, arrogant, and insensitive. I always picked on you and insulted you many times . I felt that if I did that everyone would like me even more .I thought it made me look cool and increase my popularity" She paused as her voice was filled with remorse ".But I was wrong, it was fun for me... but not for you" Shravan was surprised hearing her say all this ...

"Suman its ok I.."

"No Shravan its not ok .Till this day I regret everything I did to you .I somewhere feel responsible for you going to London and being away from your family "she paused pursing her lips "I'm really sorry" she said sincerely looking in eyes

He felt her apology coming from the heart and blinked once forgiving her .Suman smiled feeling the guilt release from within her .

"I guess we both were at fault"

Suman nodded "I think we should just forget about whatever happened and move on from here"

"so does that mean we're good ?"he asked cautiously

She couldn't help but give a warm smile " we're good" They both owned up to their mistakes maturely and forgiving one another.

There was a brief silence between them as they took a relief sigh ,who knew that forgiveness could be a cure for any grudges. Suman looked outside enjoying the sunshine ..

Shravan slowly spoke up wanting to change subject " umm by the way I tried one of your brownies after the party "he admitted sheepishly

Suman was surprised " really? And ?"

" you were right your not a bad cook , infact your Pct food is delicious "

Hearing this made her so happy ! "Im glad you liked it !"

" what else do you cook?"

" almost everything, working at the restaurant really helped and Ofcourse learned from my mom"

"I heard about your mom ..It doesn't look like she had a stroke I mean she speaking well her arms everything seems to be good ,except her leg "

" I made sure she was getting the best treatment and following the doctors order .I make sure she does physiotherapy every morning"

"That's amazing and I'm sure she'll get better soon "

" We are trying "

The more Suman talked the more Shravan was getting impress by her she was definetly not the same sumo he knew at school, so Much has changed .She seemed to be more aware and understanding of other people's feelings and much more caring. He was glad that a conversation flowed easily between them, it wasn't so hard talking to her .He was getting to know her all over again in a new light .

" what about you ? How was London?"

" not bad I mean different environment from school but I started liking it I made new friends met some really nice people . The only part I hated was the teachers they made it extra hard for their student "

" Your really Intelligent Shravan nothing is hard for you and im sure you were the top of your class " she praised

"Well I did have tough competition but I guess I managed "

Suman looked at her watch " Im getting late I really have to go .."

"sure ,Thanks for coming" She was taking out the money but Shravan stopped her "Im the one who called you for coffee so Ill take care of it" He stated firmly so she doesn't argue

Suman grinned sweetly nodding and walked away, but he kept watching her as she held the door of an elderly couple .His eyes followed her walking outside and smiled to himself ."She's definitely not the same girl"

Suman smiled to herself taking a relief sigh "Well that wasn't so bad ..."

One week passed and neither of them contacts each other when she came to drop off the tiffins Shravan was at court or busy in a meeting.

One morning Suman took her mother to the park doing some exercise for her leg .Priya was learning to use the walker and practice to keep her balance . Shravan was jogging his eyes caught Suman helping her mother hold her walker. Suddenly Priya lost her balance, Suman tried holding her up but had some difficulty.

Shravan came holding her mother from the other side .They both look at him confused yet a grateful smile . "Are you ok aunty?"

"Yes thank you beta "

Suman did t expect him here but appreciated his help . He was still supporting her mom while Suman brought the walker closer.

He stayed along until she was finished practicing with her new support device . After a while they sat Priya down on the wheelchair " I'm going near the river for a bit " she rolled herself for away .

" thanks for the help, I almost got a heart attack seeing her loose her balance "

" no problem , I know I told you that I will leave you alone after the coffee meeting.But didn't know you were here "

Suman chuckled " I don't mind if you talk to me "

." So Does that mean we could be friends?"

" should we give it a try?" she squinted her eyes unsure yet with tease . They both knew that in the past it was impossible for them to be friends but now they have matured and became more sensible it wouldn't be such a bad idea .

" I think we should " he said confidently holding out his hand for a new friendship . She nodded cutely shaking his hand.

Days passed Shravan and Suman equation changed quite quickly. She came everyday to drop the tiffins and always exchanged few talks with him before leaving. In the past they couldn't see each other as friends but now they both matured and were very understanding of one another. They were actually becoming really good friends. Something that they thought was never possible .Suman wanted Shravan to call her by her nick name Sumo, it felt more friendly for her.

One afternoon Malhotra associates were having important clients coming for an important meeting. They orders food but the caterer gave the food delivery to another customer since no one came to pick the food .Shravan was yelling at the caterer " We told you to deliver it !i ts part of your service to drop it off !" They argued on the phone and he hung up!" stupid nonsense! He gave our order to someone else thinking we wont pick it up"he complained furiously to Pushkar

"What do we do now ?"PushkAr asked worried

" sumo !"Shravan said quickly

" She doesn't do catering "

"Now she will! "he said confidently

Shravan convinced her to make the food but she was a little unsure

" but Shravan what if they don't like it . I mean I don't want to leave a bad impression for Malhotra associates "

" Your not ! I know your a great cook and I have full faith in you "he stated firmly

Hearing this made her grin , he trusted her! " Mr. Shravan Malhotra you got yourself a deal !

" Thank you so much Sumo "

" thank me later when I get the delivery on time "

Suman didn't let him down and came with 4 dishes and rasmali for dessert . Shravan was so impressed , he knew he could count on her. Everyone loved the food and she gave her business cards out .She not only gained his trust but also managed to get new customers.

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Shravan was always giving suggestion to improve her PCt and her best critic when it came to her dishes .She didn't know how but she felt comfortable with him really fast . She could fight with him, tease him and he would never get offended . His rude attitude was completely vanished , and was completely at ease with her . They seemed as if they were friends since childhood , so much has changed during the years and they were both glad to have moved on ant to become good friends

Suman was making daal and Shravan was leaning against the counter looking at her financial papers . "Sumo I think you should increase your tiffin prices I mean your only getting 40% of your profit ."

"What do you mean ? I think I'm quite stable "

" But think about it , your paying for the food supply , gas for delivery and Preeta when she helps .in the end your not making a lot "

" honestly it's enough to run the house I'm not running after money .I mean cooking is my passion and as long as the customers are happy I'm happy . My Pct has good quality and is affordable what more can I ask for " she said adding tadka in the daal . Shravan listened on with a smile " fine but I think for your future customers you should increase the price because your food is amazing. !"

" hmmm are you saying this so you can stay for dinner " she teased as he chuckled

" no I have to go home so much work is pending"

"Shut up! you know I as joking your staying that's it !" she knew he had a stressful day at court and wanted to ease the day for him

"But .."Before he could defend she made him taste the daal

" how is it ?" she asked squinting her eyes

" it's good just needs more cumin"

She tasted it with the same spoon " what are you talking about ! It's perfect "

" well I think it's lacking something "

"I think your brain is lacking something" she mumbled

"What did you say !My brain is perfectly fine and my taste buds too"he argued

"Look Mr.Lawyer you might be book smart but I'm cook smart so don't tell me my daal is lacking something understand!"

Priya came in hearing their argument and tasted the daal .Shravan found Suman cute ,pouting her lips as her mom corrected her dish and walked out

" don't give me that smug look !"she warned Shravan as he watched on amused at her cute annoyed expressions ." you win this time but next time watch I'm going to get it right !"

" Im sure you will because your the best chef I know "

They both smiled " here Let me help you "he said taking the bowl of rice as she followed with the daal.The Tiwari family were aware of Shravan and Suman friendship they treated him like family since he was Ramnath son .Both the Tiwari and Malhotra families started to know each other so much better..He gelled well with Nanu since they were both lawyers they had lots of common to talk about and he hey inky had lots of respect for Nanu , his life experiences were always shared to both of Suman and Shravan which helped them learn more about life.

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Suman went to the Malhotra house return a book Priya borrowed from Nirmala . Both mothers created a nice friendship amoungst each other before Shravan returned from London

Suman came in only to see Nirmala on the floor holding her ankle no one was home. She quickly helped her up and sit on the couch

Nirmala was so grateful she was there or else she would have so just h trouble getting up herself Suman knew exactly what to do she raised her feet on a pillow and got some ice with a compression bandage from the first aid box in the kitchen .

"Thank you beta I don't know when help would have come "

"Its ok aunty ,but how did this happen ?"

"I was carrying that box and tripped on the carpet ."

Suman continued to put ice on her ankle .They both started chattering about PCT ,Priya health condition and more.

Shravan Walked in he got worried seeing his mom resting on the couch. After hearing what happened Shravan was so grateful that Suman was here taking care of his mom . He saw her finishing wrapping the bandage around his mother ankle .

"shravan don't forget to take the clothes to the donation center"

" no I'm not leaving you alone "

He gave her a hug placing his head on her shoulder

" I'm perfectly fine it's just a sprain it will get better "she assured caressing his face. He ookl her hand placing a kiss . Suman watched on adoringly seeing how much he loved his mom .

" aunty I'm going to leave now "

Nirmala nodded" thank you again beta for everything and tell your mom I will call her soon" Suman smiled and glanced at Shravan giving him a assurance that his mom was fine .

Before walking to her car he stopped her "sumo Th.."

" please Shravan let's not get so emotional here , If it happens to my mother you would do the same right ?"

He nodded firmly

" so no need to be so grateful I would have done this for anyone .take care of your mom ."

" I will"

"See you"she walked to her car