Chapter 49 - A Ponzi Scheme
Ashlesha took a deep breath and began. "I have a boyfriend. His name is Sameer. He's a really nice guy and..."
"Ashlesha, I'm not interested in your love life," sighed Preet. "What does this have to do with me or my family? You were going to tell me about your parents' plan."
"Yes...," nodded Ashlesha. "You see...my dad's company, Rampal Industries, isn't really a company at all. It's what they call a dumb..."
"A dummy corporation?" asked Preet.
"Yes," said Ashlesha.
"How is that possible?" Preet wondered out loud. "Your dad has been the hottest thing to come up in the business world in the last few years. He's got offices all over the world...and..."
"I know...everything seems legit, but I'm telling you it's not," explained Ashlesha. "It's just layers and layers of phony corporations set up to cover his tracks. I don't know how to explain it, but he gets people to give him money to invest and he promises to give them a lot of profit in return. But he doesn't really invest their money. He just gets more investors to cover himself, and does the same thing over and over again."
"Oh crap!" cried Preet. "He's running a Ponzi scheme!"
"A Ponzi scheme?" asked Sam.
"It's a fraudulent set up where you lure people to invest into your company," explained Preet. "But instead of having legitimate investments that generate returns for the investors, you lure new people in and take their money to pay off older investors, and so on. The person running the scheme takes his cut too. A hefty one at that."
"In the beginning, everything was going really well," said Ashlesha. "I mean, we were literally rolling in gold. But..."
"But nothing lasts forever," Preet shook his head. "Especially not Ponzi schemes. Some can go on for a good ten years, but reality eventually catches up. Looks like your father's luck ran out sooner than he expected."
Ashlesha nodded. "My dad tried to get out this mess, by trying his hand at making some real investments. Over the past year or two, however, he incurred huge losses due to bad ones. The number of new investors began to trickle down too. Now the number of people waiting to get their money back is just greater than my dad can handle. We were actually getting death threats."
"That's what you get for playing with people's lives and their hard earned money," frowned Sam.
"And Juneja Industries?" Preet asked anxiously. "How do we play into all of this?"
"Well...when things began to spiral out of control, mom and dad began to scout out large companies in trouble they could use," explained Ashlesha. "They figured they could use the company, to some how shield themselves. They planted one of their employees in your company. Again, I don't know all the details, but he was able to transfer important company information to my dad, who in turn used it to win several contracts away from your company."
"I knew it!" fumed Preet. "Those bids were too close to be sheer luck!"
"So your dad cheated the Junejas out of some contracts, then why this whole marriage drama?" asked Sam.
"Our company won those bids, but since we didn't have any real set up to complete the contracts, my dad had to outsource them to other smaller companies, that would work under the Rampal label, but wouldn't tell anyone. He bought their silence, but it came with a hefty price tag that didn't leave much over for us. My parents knew that the youngest male heir to the Juneja fortune was unmarried, so they came up with the idea of proposing a marriage arrangement between us," said Ashlesha. "Your company had already been brought down to its knees, and was in dire need of cash. My dad had an agreement drawn up that would give me a substantial stake in your company in return for any investment he made, as security for my future. He convinced your father that this was just a formality, and since we were going to be married, everything would still be in the family. But at the same time, my parents were plotting to set up other failures for Juneja Industries. And when your company couldn't make good on its returns, they would start liquidating assets and basically take over the company. My parents were convinced you guys would be the perfect cover for them to hide behind and legitimize themselves. As expected, our engagement was greeted in the business world with a lot of excitement, so they were sure any damage done to Juneja Industries could easily be recovered from once they took over the helm. I never wanted to be a part of their scheme Preet, I swear."
"Hmph! But you went along with them anyway," scoffed Sam.
"You don't know my mom, she didn't leave me any choice!" Ashlesha shot back. "I tried to tell her about Sameer and me, but there's some bad blood between our dads, so she wouldn't hear of it. And then...I found out I was pregnant. Sameer was so upset. He started behaving like it was my fault!"
"So you decided to let things play out and stick your problem on my back," frowned Preet.
"I told you, I was trying to buy some time," said Ashelsha.
"Oh come on Ash!" cried Preet. "You were only thinking of yourself!"
Ashlesha held her hand out towards him to calm him down. "Preet please, you can't tell anyone about my condition. If my mom were to find out, she would force me to abort the baby."
"You actually care about the baby? Since when did you start liking children?" asked Sam.
"I don't know...," Ashlesha sighed as she rested a hand on her stomach. "It took some time to get used to the idea...but I did. I guess it's different when it's your own. And now...I just need some time to work things out with Sameer...please."
"Fine, I won't tell anyone," agreed Preet. "But not for your sake. I don't want any harm to come to the innocent life growing inside you. And...I want to catch your parents off guard when I turn the tables on them. But first..." He turned to Sam. "I need you to call Gaurav and tell him to stall the wedding."
Moments later...
Preet was on his phone with his brother. "Hey PB, I'm glad I caught you," he smiled.
"Hi Preet," replied Prem. "Listen, I know I haven't been good at getting information back to you, but honestly I didn't want to be the bearer of bad news. I thought we had a couple of good leads with the Rampal investigation. Unfortunately, none of them panned out. I'm afraid I've hit a dead end. I spoke with Heer not too long ago. There is some stuff I need to take care of in our London offices, but I should be heading back home by tomorrow."
"I'm afraid it'll be a few more days before you see Heer Bhabi," said Preet. "But don't worry, it will be worth it. I've got the answers to all of our questions, and I'm sure Mr. Mathur will fill you in on the rest."
"Mr. Mathur? From our Delhi office?" asked Prem. "No Preet, he resigned a few months ago, after we lost our 3rd bid to the Rampals. The poor guy felt responsible..."
"That's because he was," interrupted Preet.
"What? How?" asked Prem.
"He was a mole PB, set up by the Rampals to steal our company information," explained Preet. "And guess where he is right now...at the Rampal headquarters in London."
"How...how do you know all this Preet?" Prem asked excitedly.
Preet glanced over at Ashlesha. "A little bird told me. Here...I'll let you speak to her directly." He handed the phone to Ashlesha. "Tell him everything," he ordered.
A short while later...
Sam leaned against her car tapping her foot impatiently as she waited for Preet and Ashlesha to come out of the hospital. She sighed in relief as she saw the two approach her.
"So, can I leave now?" asked Ashlesha.
"Yes," nodded Preet. "But remember...your secret is only good with us as long as you continue to cooperate."
"What else can I do?" sighed Ashlesha. "I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't."
Preet motioned towards the taxi that had just pulled up. "Your cab is here. I suggest you make working things out with Sameer your priority. Your parents will have to pay for their crime, but you have your baby to think of."
Ashlesha nodded and got in the cab.
"You let her go?" Sam asked Preet as he joined her at her car.
"What else was I supposed to do? I'm not a policeman Sam," sighed Preet. "She told me everything she knows. I had no excuse to hold her any longer."
"What if she tells her parents you know everything?" asked Sam.
"I wouldn't be surprised if she did, but I'm hoping she'll talk to her boyfriend first," said Preet.
"Oh well, let's hope for the best," said Sam. "Chalo (let's go) Preet. We have to get back to the wedding venue fast."
"Ek minute Sam," said Preet. "I'm just as anxious as you to get back to Meher, but first I need to go to my office." He got in the car and motioned Sam to do the same, as he gave the driver directions.
"What? Why?" frowned Sam.
"There are some files I need to scan and send to PB right away," explained Preet.
"Can't you do that later?" asked Sam. "I mean your office is on the other side of town."
"I know," sighed Preet. "We finally got the information we needed against the Rampals, but Prem Bhaiya needs the information in those files to put the final nail in their coffin. If Ash does decide to spill her guts to her parents, they'll cover their tracks again and I'll be back to square one. I can't let that happen. I have to free myself and my family of Ashlesha and the Rampals once and for all. It's the only way Meher will ever accept me."
"And what if Meher marries Viren in the meantime?" Sam asked.
"She won't," said Preet. "I mean, we won't let that happen, not as long as my buddy Gaurav is there."
"Oh, you mean your buddy who I've been trying to contact for the past half hour with no luck," Sam said sarcastically.
"You've got to be kidding me," Preet shook his head. "Let me give it a try." He quickly pulled his phone out and called his friend. This time he answered. "Hey Gaurav, where the hell are you man?"
"Not now Preet," said Gaurav. "Sam told me to keep an eye on Meher and Chaddi, but Mrs. Maan keeps sending me here and there for her stupid errands. Sam went out to get some medicine from the pharmacy and she's still not back yet. I've got 5 missed calls from her. Let me talk to her first and make sure she's alright and then I'll call you back, okay?"
"There's no need," said Preet. "She's right here with me." He put his phone on speaker so Sam could join in on the conversation.
"Aww Gaurav, you were worried about me," smiled Sam. "How sweet!"
"Well of course I was worried Sam, you've been gone for some time now and...," said Gaurav.
"...A million different thoughts were running through your mind," offered Sam. "Where is Sam? Did something happen? I was wrong to be upset with her. I should never have let her go alone. What if I never see her again? I should have told her I love you one last time..."
"Uh...yeah...something like that,' mumbled Gaurav.
Preet shook his head. Girls sure had a wild imagination.
"How sweet!" grinned Sam.
"I am, aren't I?" chuckled Gaurav.
"Guys! You're in love...I get it!" Preet rolled his eyes. "Can we focus on getting my love story back on track right now?"
"Right," said Gaurav. "So...wait...what are you guys doing together?"
"You'll never believe what happened," said Preet.
Gaurav's eyes grew wide as Preet filled him in on the accident, as well as everything Ashlesha had told him about her family's fraud. "Woah!" he said. "That was a bit of good luck. But wait...why did she suddenly decide to confess everything?"
Preet didn't want to keep secrets from his best friend, but he had promised Ashlesha to keep her pregnancy a secret. "Uh...never mind that," said Preet. "How's Meher holding up?"
"She doesn't look happy, but she's getting ready," said Gaurav.
"Gaurav, you have to talk to her, and tell her everything Preet just told you," said Sam.
"That's easier said than done," sighed Gaurav. "I've been looking for an opportunity to talk to her, but I can't even get close. Mrs. Maan is guarding her like a pot of gold. She also keeps giving me different errands to do in order to deliberately keep me away from her. Are you guys on your way back?"
"We will be soon buddy, real soon. We have to make a little detour first," said Preet.
"Not a good idea Preet. Not a good idea at all," Gaurav said worriedly.
"Look Gaurav, I'll be there as soon as I can," Preet reassured his friend. "But in the mean time, try to talk to Meher. Do whatever you have to, but don't let this wedding take place. I have complete faith in you yaar. You can do it."
"Oh crap!" said Gaurav.
"What happened?" asked Sam.
"The pandit just arrived," replied Gaurav.
A short while later...
Gaurav paced nervously in the hall outside Meher's dressing room. "Do whatever you have to do...but don't let this wedding happen," He mimicked Preet's orders sarcastically. "As if I have some kind of magical wand that I can wave and make everything alright." He took a deep breath and knocked on Meher's door.
Kuljeet opened the door. "What is it?" she asked as Gaurav peered past her to try and get a look at Meher. "Na-uh!" she shook her head. "It's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding."
"Mrs. Maan, I think that rule applies to the groom," sighed Gaurav. "I'm uh...I'm engaged to Sam right...so uh...that practically makes me like...Meher's jiju (brother-in-law).
"But you're best friends with Preet Juneja, aren't you?" replied Kuljeet. "How do I know you're not trying to sneak him in here or something?"
"Ha-ha!" Gaurav let out a nervous laugh. "Mrs. Maan, I'm a respectable young man, from a respectable family. I would never do such a thing. The fact that such a thought even crossed your mind...well, quite frankly...I'm hurt."
"Hmm," Kuljeet looked around the hall then eyed him suspiciously. "Well then, what do you want?"
"Oh!" said Gaurav. "I...uh...I wanted to tell you that I finished all the errands you gave me earlier...and...uh...the pandit...the pandit just arrived. I think he wanted to speak to you."
"Oh my Rabs!" smiled Kuljeet. "Well, why didn't you say so before? He might need something for the ceremony." She pushed past Gaurav and hurried down the hall, leaving the door slightly ajar.
Gaurav exhaled a sigh of relief, and quickly slipped into the dressing room, closing the door quietly behind him.
"Gaurav? What are you doing here?" Meher asked in surprise.
"Meher, I'm sorry, I should have knocked," Gaurav said apologetically. "But I was afraid you wouldn't let me in."
"It's alright, I'm almost ready," Meher gave him a weak smile. "Is Sam back yet? I could really use her help."
"So could I," Gaurav mumbled under his breath.
"What?" asked Meher.
"Um...she got held up a bit, but she'll be here soon," said Gaurav.
"Oh...," sighed Meher. She looked at the jewelry boxes in front of her, then picked up an earring from each and held it against her ear. "Well...what do you think? This one? Or this one?"
"Meher are you sure you want to do this?" Gaurav asked her. "I mean, brides are supposed to be happy on their special day and trust me, you don't look very happy to me."
"Gaurav please," sighed Meher. "I've already been through this with Sam. I'm marrying..."
"I know what you're doing," Gaurav interrupted her. "But you don't have to anymore. I just got off the phone with Preet and he found the..."
Just then Kuljeet came into the room. "Ack! Gaurav, what are you doing inside the dressing room?"
"I...uh...I was just...I just needed to talk to Meher," tried Gaurav. "It's very important. Just two minutes, I swear."
"No no no...I don't want you to distract Meher at all," said Kuljeet. "Your girlfriend does that enough as it is. Balraj is overseeing the set up of the mandap. Please, go and help him."
"But Mrs. Maan...," said Gaurav.
"No buts, Kuljeet nudged him out the door. "You're a man. Go do something the men are doing. I'll make sure Meher is ready on time."
A short while later...
Gaurav walked down the hall towards Viren's room scolding himself. "Think Gaurav! Think!" He checked the time on his watch. "God knows how long it'll take Preet and Sam to get back. Mrs. Maan won't let me talk to Meher, and I doubt Viren would listen to reason, so just how the hell am I supposed to stop this wedding?" Just then a venue staff member approached Viren's dressing room. He was about to knock on the door, when Gaurav stopped him. "Can, I help you?"
"Oh...yeah...I just came to give Mr. Chadda his wedding outfit," explained the staff member. "It's all pressed and ready for him."
The wedding outfit! Thought Gaurav. Maybe I can hide it. No outfit...no wedding. Or at least it would buy me some time until Preet and Sam get back. "Uh...right, he said. "You can give that to me. I was about to go see Chaddi...I mean Mr. Chadda...I mean my buddy Viren. I'll give it to him."
"I'm sorry sir," the young man shook his head. "I have express instructions from Mr. Chadda to hand this over to him directly."
Damn! Thought Gaurav, as the staff member proceeded to enter Viren's room and close the door behind him. Viren is more clever than I gave him credit for. Come on Gaurav, you've got to come up with a better plan. Just then, he heard some voices coming from down the hall. He walked towards the sound to see a male and female staff members laughing and talking as they were packing away Halloween costumes and decorations. One of them was trying on a fake mustache while making jokes, and the other was laughing in response.
"What's going on here?" asked Gaurav, as he put on a serious face and walked up to them. "Having fun on company time with company supplies?" He eyed the young man standing before him. "Trying to impress this young lady were you? Is this what you get paid for?"
"No sir," said the male staff member. He stared at the floor in embarrassment. "We were just putting these things away...and...uh...you won't tell our boss will you?"
"Relax guys," smiled Gaurav. "I'm not here to complain. I just need your help."
I hope you all found the chapter interesting. 😊
Please hit the like button and leave your feedback for me.
It would be greatly appreciated.
Links to lots of Meet scenes are on page 1, 5th post of this thread, so do check them out.
Take care and happy reading. 🤗
Chapter 50 Preview: Meher makes a run for it 😲
Link to Chapter 50: Coming soon
Link to Table of Contents: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/136805557
Edited by Fatima_Q - 7 years ago
Geet - Hui Sabse Parayee
Bade Achche Lagte Hain Naya Season
