Marry Me -Parts 1-77. Thrd 2 and 3Link Pg 1 Post 2 - Page 12

Originally posted by: NarbhiForever..

Amazing update!!

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Chapter 16

Together we Can

Rudra Omkara and Shivay sat silently and watched the presentation that was being given by the Ford representatives. There was nothing new in it, Shivay had accessed what was going on and the presentation only confirmed his thoughts. He looked at Omkara sitting right across him looking perplexed and totally disengaged. He shifted his gaze to Rudra who also looked worried. Rudra had this peculiar habit of squeezing his eyes tight if he felt confused or worried. Shivay had several times pointed it out to Rudra but he always said that it was a charm that worked in clearing up his fogged mind. Shivay felt a sense of pride engulf him as he saw his youngest brother who was more like a baby to him growing up to be an astute an observant business man.

"I think we need to look into all these new terms and conditions before we commit to anything. Shivay's lack of commitment shocked the representatives. They had never thought that the Oberois would try to weasel themselves out of their arm twisting.

"Do you really think there is anything to think about here? You want to enter US market and we are the best bet you have. Are you waiting for Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz) to join hands with you? We are all you have Mr. Oberoi.

"We will give you an answer very soon Jason. For now, I think we are done here. This was Omkara confident and conclusive. He had to chime in for he could see rage written all over Shivay's face. It was best that he remained quiet for now. Even Rudra got up to move out.

"I have another meeting lined up. I will take your leave. His tone was clipped and before leaving he placed his hand on Shivay's shoulders reassuringly. Shivay's body relaxed on its own accord the minute he felt Rudra's touch. Today he felt well cared for, his brothers stood up with him as his strength. He did not even have to ask for their support, they understood. He was still sitting when the Ford reps left the conference room. Shivay's secretary looked at Omkara who was now looking at the city outside sprawling and bustling with life from the huge window in the conference hall. If Oberoi brothers were to be treated as a single unit which strangely in current times they were, Rudra would form the body, Shivay was the mind and Om the soul. Om could never be the heartless business man that Shivay was. For Shivay profit and numbers mattered, the most, but for Om, dreams did. He knew it was Shivay's desire to see Dyuti succeed in US market but he knew that his aspiration had met with a rock. He also understood that it was his own dream that was the road block for Shivay. He was at loss how to fix this issue. An artist at heart his work in his organization was mostly creative or developmental. He rarely could figure out the financial aspects of the business. For the first time in his life today he felt helpless. He wanted to help Shivay fulfill his aspirations but letting his dreams go was not proving easy.

"Om these new conditions don't look very good to me. What do you think Shivay?

"It is too early to comment Neil. Om again pitched in taking the burden of urgency off Shivay's shoulders.

"Probably it is Om but I don't find this deal in our favor. I find it lopsided and treacherous. Moreover, they feel they are obliging us by doing business with us. I understand that business is a game of mutual favors but surely not obligations. I hope that whatever decision you guys make will prove to be beneficial for us as a corporation. Neil the Company Secretary to Oberoi group collected all the documents and left Shivay and Om to their own means. Shivay scrutinized his watch and committed this moment to his mind, 3:33 PM, he promised himself that he will not give up any thing neither his aspirations nor Omkara's dream. He will find a way out and Dyuti would be in US market. For now, he rose as he had to go to Tia's office there was another mess to handle slightly more urgent than Dyuti.

"Tia's project is in peril I will brief you on way. I believe it is being sabotaged. Rudra picked up the clues today. I hope we are not too late and we won't have to scrap the whole project. Shivay told Omkara who was now looking stupefied.

Chapter 17

Something picked up something missed

"Scrap the project Shivay! I mean I am not very amicable to the idea that you are marrying Tia but I know this streaming software has been her hard blood and sweat for past 2 years. What went wrong? Omkara and Shivay were en route to Tia's office.

"Looks like a planned sabotage we did not get a whiff of it early enough. We are late. Shivay looked forlorn as if this did not bother him. Omkara had a weird connection with Shivay a connection that ran deeper than the bindings of blood and salt. He understood Shivay like he understood art itself intrinsically and spontaneously. He knew something else was bothering him, he also knew that Shivay probably would not reveal it yet or rather did he even know he was bothered by something farther away on the horizon. Shivay's right hand on the steering wheel practically did not need to do much as Dyuti had one of the best automated driving technology. He rubbed his temple vigorously or rather roughly with his left hand putting unnecessary amount of pressure as if punishing himself.

"Shivay tu theek hai? Omkara asked in a comparatively louder tone. Shivay was driving as if in trans. Omkara successfully brought him back to present. Even without as much as glancing towards Omkara Shivay knew that his secret was out. He now needed to pacify Om or he would make Shivay utter every single thing that occupied his thoughts and weed out the one that had made him non present. The issue was he did not want any one to know what had occupied his thoughts. In fact he did not want to acknowledge it to himself.

"Main theek hoon. Akash Mehra was leading the development team for this project. Until the development was in progress he was absolutely alright. Even the first stage of testing went through well. It was the second stage that saw a lot of bugs abruptly. The second stage testing began three months back. Since then there has been constant fall out in the team, the product, and the publicity of the product as well. I am surprised how the investors are holding up. I guess they have no option but to stay put. He took a deep breath and looked at Om to see if his search was still on and to Shivay's utter surprise but joy he was now engrossed in Shivay's story.

"You are stressed because of this? It took a major war between all the voluntary and involuntary muscles in Shivay's body to keep the tremor that it had felt on such a flip from Om. He cursed himself how could he forget Om was one with as many layers as a human could have. There was no way Shivay could tell Om that a certain kind of white fabric had plagued his mind the entire day. He was able to understand Yash Chopra's obsession with this white fluttering shears today. He gave Om a, what else look and Om decided to focus on the road not because he was convinced but because he knew that Shivay was yet not ready to tell what was going in his head.

Shivay further told Om that Software Marvels carried a snippet today that mentioned Wirecom Infi solution Ltd was coming up with revolutionary digital streaming software. Wirecom Infisolutions was charge sheeted by CBI in a case involving fraud worth 3000 crore RS along with few government officials of Uttar Pardesh. The scam had been in skill development plan introduced by the state government in 2015. Since then Wirecom had become a Pariah, an outcast in IT circuit, their very name had become synonymous with corruption and the company came spiraling down at a lightning speed. It had declared bankruptcy just 4 months back.

"How come they got the money to roll out this software then? The development alone would cost atleast 100 crore if not more. Then maintenance and update to the software. The chairman of Wirecom is still in jail right Shivay or did I miss his release? Shivay nodded in agreement and heaved a sigh of relief for now Omkara's attention had been successfully diverted.

"I still have not figured out the connection between the Chairman of Wirecom Sanjay Sheshadri and Akash Mehra. I have yet not got confirmed information if Akash Mehra is truly one behind sabotage. Is he working alone or is he being assisted by others too. For now I am waiting for more information from Neil. Shivay told Omkara who was now more than perplexed by the turn of events.

"What a day! Nothing is going according to our wishes.

"I know but this too shall pass. Shivay said in a very careless tone and then cursed himself for letting his control out of his grip once again for Omkara was back to scrutinizing his face. Shivay took a sharp turn into the head office of Ktech Solutions and parked his car. They both took the elevator to the topmost floor to Tia's office. Once inside the office Shivay had gotten hold of his nerves and was back to being the astute businessman that he was.

Chapter 18

A Project well handled

Shivay was seated in the conference room with Tia, Romi, Akash Mehra. Rudra had reached there already. Shivay was not one who would hit when someone was expecting. He usually waited till his prey was lax and comfortable. He was waiting for info from Neil on Akash as he did not want to accuse some one prematurely or without evidence. He needed to kill time and Akash to drop his guard.

"Akash where are we with the second phase of testing? I was going through your recommendations and they do look promising. I learned today that you joined this project quite late into the design phase, that is why we could not get your inputs in the requirement analysis phase.

"The second phase of testing does not look good we have found bugs in unsuspecting areas, we cannot go into deployment like that. We need to rework the development. Akash tried to sound nonchalant but he was facing that young entrepreneur who had not built his empire or sustained his legacy on mere dreams. Shivay was a strategist, a visionary, an adventurer, a calculator all in one. Akash's shaky voice did not give him away because even experienced and established businessmen of his fraternity tend to get cold feet when in conversation with him, but his absolutely cold demeanor was telling. Any employee who would want to keep his job would never try to discuss ways to derail a project that he is in charge of. Shivay looked at his laptop screen once again and took a deep breath after reading what Neil had sent him and shut down the screen with a smile playing on his face. Omkara and Rudra understood that this was going to get nasty in the sweetest way. It would hurt Akash real bad but he wouldn't know what was causing the hurt. Shivay got up from his chair and walked to the huge window. Far, close to the horizon, he could see the deep blue line of the sea which looked as if it was one with the scarlet sky. It was as if he was drawing his strength from the very elements of nature and conspiring with the setting sun, a plan, sound enough to avert this impending doom and break this nasty bubble.

"How many days of delay are we looking at if we try to shift the development to your requirement analysis? Shivay looked straight into Akash's eyes, which were now dilated with shock or surprise Akash himself could not decide. He knew his additions to the requirement list was definitely something that could make this streaming software top of the line, but to get it done they needed more resources, human, finance and time, all. More over another big mess would be created and Akash was not ready for it. He needed to divert Shivay from the changes he had suggested.

"Shivay we are headed towards deployment, this is not a time for designing. Romi could not believe that Shivay was being so reckless. Shivay waved his hand at her gesturing her to remain quiet and Tia placed her hand on her sister's hand to pacify her.

"He knows what he is doing. She murmured to her.

"I think it will take another six months. Akash caught a hiccup in his chest right in time. Rudra and Omkara were having a good time seeing Akash's Oh My Mata, Shivay style. Shivay was slowly but surely tightening the noose around Akash's neck, a noose that was created by Akash himself.

"That is if we double our team. He added swallowing; fear was now visible on his face. He knew very well that if Shivay wanted he could convince the investors to stay put and invest another 100 crores in this project to build these patches. With these patches in place, the software that Wirecom was planning to launch would not stand in the market for more than a few months. If now he retracted from his own suggested changes he will be chopped brutally. Either way, it was a pit he had dug and he had to lay in it, this was clear to him.

"Okay, you may leave. I think we as management need to make a decision and we will let you know the course of this project very soon. For now, you may leave for the day. Shivay still had not given away that he was aware of the treachery that Akash had committed. As soon as Akash left the room, Shivay messaged Neil to inform Joint director enforcement directorate Bhavya Pratap Rathore to take over.

"Call Saumya in, He told Romi. Saumya was already on the top floor lounge waiting for her turn to be called in. She was literally trembling she had never met Shivay before. She had heard so many scary things about him that in all honesty she never wanted to meet him either. She had only seen his pictures splayed across business magazines, newspapers, internet, and page three occasionally. She knocked lightly on the door, hoping no one would hear it. She was contemplating running away when none other but Shivay Singh Oberoi held the door open for her and she learned it firsthand that his eyes were far colder they seemed in the pictures. She had no other option but to join this dreadful meeting, already everything was going wrong with this project. In her frenzy of thoughts what escaped her vision was a broad grin on Rudra's face and a warm smile on Shivay's face. Shivay was an excellent judge of character and the minute he laid his eyes on the spectacled Saumya he knew this project was not doomed. She meekly muttered her good evenings to Tia and Shivay, eyes fixed on the laptop screen in front of her. Even Om felt charmed by her youthful and tangible nervousness. He so felt like reaching out to her and playfully messing her hair. She looked like Prinku just that she was pleasantly plump.

"Saumya and I were together in Wisconsin. We did our MSE there. Saumya actually headed the team Wisconsin for a software development for Panxon (Camera). The solution offered by team Wisconsin was actually purchased by Panxon raising 300000 dollars of funds for the university. Romi was now sporting a small curve on her lips but Saumya was determined to look nowhere but at the laptop screen. She had crossed her fingers in both hands hoping she won't be sacked because of the standoff between that idiot Akash and Romi. Shivay was truly amused by her. Actually, except Saumya every one was smiling now. Omkara could not take her distress any further hence he walked up to her and Shivay raised his right eyebrow, curious to see how the scene would shape up now.

"I am actually trying to find what is so enchanting in this wallpaper that it has you so captured. Saumya was startled at the voice as it came from an unsettling proximity. She jerked and looked in the direction of the sound and looked into stark black eyes which were peering into her brown ones with mirth in them. This was getting worst by the minute as if one Oberoi was not enough in one day no in one evening. She had to come face to face with this ever elusive, mystical, mysterious, confusing Oberoi junior. She wanted to pass out but the junior Oberoi took that exact moment to remind her who was the boss and placed his hand on her shoulder pushing her to sit.

"So what was so enchanting about the wallpaper Om? Shivay asked.

"Don't know. I guess Saumya could tell. Om shrugged his shoulders.

"Please, guys we are in the midst of a very serious discussion. Why did you want her here Shivay? Tia knew that the three brothers could unnerve her when they came to it; this was poor Saumya who already had confidence issues. Shivay understood Tia's ploy and for the first time he saw a protective streak in Tia for someone other than her family and that was refreshing. Shivay once again noticed that since last two days he was evaluating Tia's personality a little too much and he was coming to inferences which were mostly unpleasant and unsettling. It almost appeared ominous. Shivay passed on his untouched glass of water to her and she took it with inaudible thanks.

"There is a reason why my companies have younger employees Saumya. Shivay started in a tone that was warm and that caught Saumya's attention. She raised her eyes curious to know the answer to the question that had always pounded her mind. Not only the starter tier of the company but even the mid and higher tiers had mainly younger people in Oberoi Industries. Only the board of directors and trustees were actually the seniors. This was pretty strange.

"I am glad I have your full attention now. So I prefer to work with the younger generation because of course I am young but more importantly I can connect with their need for adventure and aspirations. We don't get many opportunities to make our mark life, what I am going to say now could very well be your life time opportunity Saumya. Saumya by now was bowled over and out. She let out a breath that even she did not know she was holding. She could not believe if this Shivay in front of her was for real or all that she had read about him was for real. His steely gray eyes now glimmered with mirth and hope and had a warm blue tint to it. The smile on his lips was very encouraging and she could not help but grin and Shivay acknowledged her grin with a slightly deeper curve of his lips. Well, he always spent his assets in a calculated manner and his smile was an absolutely priceless asset that he ever owned though Saumya had tugged in a weird way on his heart strings, but, he never gave into the heart that easily.

"I want you to take over Akash's place as development lead for this project. Go through it and let us know by tomorrow morning if we can adjust the design to include these changes. How much time do you think it would take and what amount of resources would you need?

"In the same deadline?

Shivay weighed in her question to check if it sounded defeated already but he found her question to be flat devoid of any emotion. It was a question of a strategist and he liked it.

"Yes, I would want that. Having said that if you can come up with some other better executable plan I will be open to evaluating that also. You have only until tomorrow morning. Keep this to yourself until we inform you otherwise. You may leave. Saying this he got up abruptly and left the room followed by OM and Tia. Saumya was left shocked just a minute ago she was finding a reason to discard the opinion she had formed about Shivay and next minute he had himself reinforced it.

"I must get going, she looked at Romi and turned and bumped into the rock solid wall.

While dreams break every day but they who know how to bend and stoop, to pick up the broken fragments and put them together, their dreams, do see the light of the day. It is just a matter of time before they become reality.

Chapter 19

Blast from the past

"Tum? Yahan? Saumya's eyes were now spitting fire at the little Oberoi in front of her only she did not know that he was The Little Oberoi'.

"Haan main yahan. Kyoun kissi aur ko hona chahiye tha kya? Rudra said. Those traumatic years of Btech passed through Saumya's mind. Romi Rudra and Ryan or R3 used to be a deadly combo back then and she had fallen head over heels for Ryan. She had always been fat and that was something no one overlooked. She still remembered how ruthlessly they (R3) had stomped on her teenage fantasies by their rude jokes and crude pranks on her. She used to still hang on with them because while they did mess with her they did not allow anyone else to mess with her. She was their punching bag but they did not expose her to the onslaught of the world and she bore everything in a painful silence, making academics her absolute strength. She was not only a topper in her batch she had actually accrued scores that no one in past 15 years had achieved. On retrospect, it was not that bad as she had felt in those days, in fact, she could now laugh about those days herself. They were now her most cherished memories. After her brother died in that blast when she was in her final year and Bhavya was in training at Hyderabad Police academy Saumya had become a recluse. She hardly managed to give her final exams in the nick of time. She still remembered the convocation day when no one from her family was there to feel proud of her. To cheer her up, to have pics clicked with her, to see her get her gold medal by none other but the President of India APJ Kalam. A personality whom she had revered and admired all her life. There was no one to share her joy or sadness that day. Bhavya had taken the news worse than Saumya and she was in a state of severe depression during Saumya's convocation. Not only her brother but her father and mother also died in that blasted blast.

"How are you Saumya? Rudra's bright smile had disappeared as he could see in almost transparent eyes of Saumya the pain of extreme loss mirrored. She took a deep breath and said,

"How are you? And how come you are here?

"Saumya this is Rudra Singh Oberoi, Shivay's youngest Brother. Romi dropped the information on her like a bomb. She studied with these people for four years. Still, she knew nothing about them. All of them came from mighty backgrounds that reeked of privileges. Ryan was the son of one of the most prominent business families of India the Bhadanis, they were as huge as Oberois. How funny life could be Romi Rudra and Ryan all three could never beat her score or her intelligence then. She was always at the top of the game and now two of them were her boss and she had no clue where the third one was.

Saumya came out of the conference room without uttering a word this had been a difficult day. She needed to be back home and work her way upwards now. How peculiar is life and time they love messing up with people? They leave behind scars and marks that never fade. It is said that time heals all wounds but the fact is wounded rarely heal, with time the bearer of the wound becomes so used to the wounds, that the pain is hardly noticeable. Saumya walked to her car as fast as her legs could carry, trying to run away from the past that haunted her present, she was a person who cared least about future.

Tia called Romi to pack up as she would drop her home. Tia and Shivay stood at the elevator entrance looking for words. The gap between them was becoming more and wider. Shivay stabilized his wandering thoughts and leaned into Tia trying to reinforce the relationship that he thought once existed and was fast slipping like sand in a closed fist. He hugged her and said,

"Trust me I will not let this project fail. We will find a way out.

"I know this project will not fail. I know, The Shivay Singh Oberoi very well to doubt on the success of this project.

Shivay eyes flickered for a moment with pride but it disappeared as soon as it came. Its place was taken by a doubt when Om asked

"I am glad you know The Shivay Singh Oberoi but Tia, do you understand Shivay? Unless you do the other joint venture with him might be in jeopardy. Om had never interfered in between Tia and Shivay's personal matters but of late he was getting more and more doubtful about this whole scenario. Shivay saw Tia getting uncomfortable under Om's gaze. There was something unsettling about her these days. Shivay felt suffocated and desperately wanted to move out of her company. Om noted that flickering moment of uncertainty and vulnerability in Shivay's gesture that was always evident when he was uncertain of any of his business pursuits. He, though, got hold of himself in a snap.

"Om we must leave we have a dinner with Ford Delegates at seven it is already quarter to six. Once again his business side of the mind was active and that vulnerable Shivay was gone. While of course, Shivay could fool just any one but Om and Rudra, them, not in his dreams. They had their own way of looking straight into each others soul. Heart is not where they connected, their connection was at a much deeper level.

"Shivay tu nikal main dinner ke liye nahi aa raha, have to meet Gauri. I have not even been able to visit her exhibit since it opened yesterday and was busy. Shivay understood and hence nodded he looked at Rudra

"Bhaiya I also need to go to the exhibition atleast once. Varna Gauri didi would kill me harharike. Will join you straight at Leela. Rudra needed to talk to Om and he could not wait.

He was in no mood for driving hence he took Tia's driver and left for Leela. He did not have time to go home and change so he called and booked a room in The hotel to get ready. He always carried a spare set of clothes with himself. As he gave into the luxurious back rest of his seat he closed his eyes tired from today's occurrences. He was used to being tired though only difference was that today the circumstances were not in his favor. He smelt a faintly familiar smell in the car, kind of alcohol and bleach mixed. It was that smell that made you feel like you are in a super sterile place. He tried to put a finger on that smell and then it struck him like a bolt. This was her smell, the smell of a doctor, clean but sterile, but somehow it was proving to be some what intoxicating for him. He recalled himself inhaling in her super clean scent when he had picked her up the previous night. A part of her leg was without fabric and he had accidentally touched her velvety skin. In that minute the car chose to bump into a pothole and his thoughts were broken. He now felt weird, he lived in a world where fragrances of distant forests and exotic flowers were always around him and he had got himself caught in this hospital aroma. He did not understand why he was feeling this kind of a pull towards an excuse of a girl. He felt he needed to reign in his raging hormones. He suddenly got the answer to this nagging question, what was pulling him towards this girl? It had to be his hormones though he had never felt this attracted to anyone in his life, but, then he was a man and there was no question that Anika was a beautiful woman that too in an unorthodox way. She was not that fair maiden with huge speaking eyes and big bosom. She was an orphan and not apologetic or aggressive about it, above all, she was not scared of syringes and needles and blades, she actually was so comfortable with it unlike him. He smiled at that thought, for now, he was going to allow himself a few spare minutes dwelling on this luxurious new wave that had struck him. It was strange that this thing called attraction had finally hit him. He always thought he was above these petty laws of body, because he was one of those who was always in full control of every thing including his body and mind. He never believed he had a heart. He was feeling better as he was able to put his finger on this weird problem, he could very well solve it now.

Only if Shivay knew certain problems were not meant to be solved but to be cherished. Only if he knew that they ran much deeper than the facades of body, mind or even heart. Only if he knew that nature played her own game, dealt people with cards that she wanted. After all she was the greatest magician, the sorcerer of all sorcerers. The petty humans were a mere puppet at her hand for her own merriment. Sometimes she gave special abilities to her favorite ones but when she saw that those special abilities, became the very reason that her very dear puppet tried to break loose from her dancing fingers and enchanting spells, she knew very well how to entangle them in her loop, back with a mere swish of her finger and flick of her eye.

Chapter 20

A dinner to remember

Shivay was waiting for Rudra and the representatives from Ford in a private nook at Jamavar in The Leela. A place that could make even a street urchin feel like a king provided he is allowed in here. Extravagance coupled with subtlety was the style of Jamavar the restaurant that served one the best Indian cuisine in India. A culinary experience that stayed with diners all their lives. The walnut wood screens that divided the diner into small private nooks were out lined in 24 carat gold. Intricate floral patterns carved in the screens filtered the already dim light and gave the entire ambiance a 17^th century grace. Huge multi-tiered glass pillars aesthetically adorned the place and lit up the entire area with glimmering lamps. Pure ghee mixed with sandal wood oil imparted an earthy fragrance to the place. Shivay liked the dim, Smokey, fragrant environment here. It actually calmed and soothed his senses and gave it a spiritual kind of feel. The huge silver urns around the corners covered with silver and bronze toned huge lotus shaped urlis, with saffron infused water lightly scattered white mogra flowers gave the place a final celebratory touch. Shivay closed his eyes and took a deep breath to inhale the fragrance that was around him. After a refreshing shower and changing into his black Kurta he felt a lot more energized or rather sane. These few minutes absolutely alone and away from the humdrum of home and office gave him some clarity but above all it gave him a lot of peace. He chose to wear a casual or rather Indian formal instead of a business suit perhaps to send across a message that the idea of business with Ford was over, or to tell them that he was a man of his own conventions did not go by the book, or to tell them, damned be the deal, he did not walk with crutches.

He was sitting there nursing his drink in his hands on the table that he had reserved for this dinner. He remembered he had left his purse in his room so he got up to get it. He walked straight towards the elevator with his drink still in his hand. Even before he had taken a few steps he felt a weird sensation grip him even before he could realize or analyze what was happening he was struck by that same clean smell. As soon as he laid his eyes on the source of that smell, for a second he blacked out. She stood there trying to make sense of what had happened. She looked as distinguished as he himself if not more wearing an absolute black suit, kurta, gown, he did not know what these female attires were called. Drops of liquid still visible on her neck headed downwards and he could not avoid tracking there trail. One after another they disappeared into that appropriately concealed valley. The thought of appropriateness led to the thoughts of propriety and he averted his gaze from her.

"Anika are you all right? A male voice broke his trans. That male was now giving her his handkerchief like a chivalrous gentle man. Did he just take away his chance? How could Shivay let this happen, and his hand reached her neck even before he could give it a proper thought.

"You should watch your steps. He spoke more to himself than to her and even before his fingers could touch her he felt a biting sting at his hand and in a reflex he retracted it.

"Kya watch your steps. Galati aapki aur dekhoon main. Aapke jaise log kya saamne dekhne ki jagah aasman pe dekh ke chaltey hain jaise zameen pe nahi aasman mein hi chal rahey ho, nahi ud rahey ho. By the way what were you upto?. Shivay understood she was questioning him reaching out to her to wipe those remaining drops of alcohol of her shoulder or neck or wherever his hand was headed to on it's own accord.

"I just was trying to help you but I think people like you don't understand help and helping hands.

"Kyoun aap ka haath kya blotting paper hain jo yeh raita samet leta?

"Raita what raita? He was utterly confused by his reaction as well as by what ever Anika was uttering still recovering from the finger numbing thwack that she had delivered. All he could see was her lips moving at an unprecedented speed and he could make no sense of what she was saying at all.

"What language are you talking in?

"Hindi...Hindustan mein rehtey hain hum, wo suna nahi hoga na aapne, hum Hindustani. Not only her lips but her eyes also did the talking and Shivay now looked for some help from her male friend and then recognition struck him.

"Samar, how have you been? A big smile played on his lips they knew each other. They had been together in school till middle school and then Samar took up life sciences and later medical studies. They now met only in some social events or charity functions. They came from the same social circle.

"I am good, how have you been, long time.

"Congratulations I just met Ragini a few days back, I am... even before he could finish his sentence he had water splashed all over his face and upper chest.

"Fhat the wuck.

"You still say that. Samar laughed at that Oberoi slang.

"Are you out of your bloody mind woman! He was livid with anger but instead of responding she picked up the crisp white napkin from a nearby table and handed it to him.

"Yeh soak kar payega pani, wipe it away. Shayad aapke dimag pe jami dhool bhi saaf ho jaye. She did not wait for another second and stomped away towards their table like a queen who walks into her own chamber. The only issue she did not know where her table was.

"Shivay, I think she misunderstood you. She is a very dear friend, I think this was just an untoward circumstance please forget it. Samar was trying his best to dilute the situation. He knew very well how short tempered Shivay could be.

"Choose your friends wisely. She is not even our class. He was evidently furious yet Shivay attempted holding onto his slipping temper. They were in public place and he could not create a mess here. With people having a camera ready and social media at their easy disposal a small slip could mean a big debacle.

"Oh Please Shivay! Don't ever humiliate me by assuming that my class is same as yours. We are classes apart. I have had a tough day I don't want to mess it any further. The way Samar uttered those words made Shivay take a back foot. He knew Samar very well and he knew his rules of life were very different. He was right they were classes apart.

"Yeah tell me about it. Shivay pointed out to himself and walked away leaving Samar to his own devices. He had to dry out his attire as soon as he could and the hair dryer in his wash room was all he needed. When he came down again looking absolutely perfect and his guests were already there. He noticed Ragini had joined Samar's table. His facial contours relaxed considerably as he saw Ragini and that ever elusive smile flashed itself for a second.

"At least they are not in an illicit relationship. He thought to himself. "Why am I even bothered? was his following thought. This girl was surely getting under his skin. He needed to call Tia and seek some of her Reiki desperately.

He walked to his guests to finish off with this dinner and to call it a day. Rudy had also joined his guests. The dinner went without any more mess but something had caught Rudy's observation which had given him a perpetual smile that he was trying to ward off but failing miserably. Shivay was constantly looking beyond their table over to where Anika was. His eyes were changing colors a million shades a second. It is funny how we think that we are the players at this game called life but we are mere pawns being played very well by the masters somewhere far invisible and invincible.