Akdha FF: Feast of Memories (On Hold) - Page 6

Congrats to your new story. I only saw it today. Read it and fall for it 😊. I really enjoy it. The teasing of our JoJa beetween past and now... great. Keep on writing

Wow! Super duper update. What a lovely couple akdha are😳

Chapter 13: A New friend, Perhaps

Samaira Ali Sheikh.

She was one interesting person. A jewellery designer by profession. I had never met a girl that I clicked so quickly with.

“Samaira, this is Sakshi.” I introduced her to my best friend.

“Hi.” She greeted Sakshi.

“Are you guys like really descendants of Mughals?” Sakshi asked excitedly. Samaira laughed.

“Yes.” She nodded.

“I mean all the other descendants of Mughals are like almost lost in poverty but you guys rose up.” Sakshi commented.

“Sakshi…” I nudged her. Samaira smiled.

“Well, they say that our family earned that far sight and believed in saving for the future generations. We try to help them as much as we can. They believe that they deserve pension from the government for being descendants of the last ruler of Mughal Sultanate. My family had stopped being the part of ruling side of the family almost in the late 1650s. It was a common thing in my family. You either adapt or you perish. Those who carry that thing in themselves live on and others die out. When you stop being on the favor of the ruling royalty, you learn to adapt in new ways. My family spent their time, energy in savings in good business and trustworthy people.They knew that in the end only those who learn to live according to the circumstances remain. While they were busy trying to show off how much wealth they had at that time and how much heirlooms they had shared, my family had the sight not to show off at that moment.” Samaira explained.

“Then why don’t you guys openly show it now? I mean it would only be a thing of great respect.” Sakshi asked.

“Everyone knows that, what’s the point in purposely flaunting it? Of course, we’re proud of our lineage but we don’t necessarily need to throw it up on people’s faces.” Samaria answered. “People know the truth. We don’t have to prove it. Also, we believe the truth doesn't need to be proved when it is known.”

“You must feel amazing to know that your family was royalty.” Sakshi commented.

“We do. Not that it matters a lot in India.” Samaira added.

“Sakshi, do you plan to marry into the family?” I asked her. She gave me a look. “Then why are you interrogating her so much about her family? Chill. We’re here to relax. Don’t go on throwing questions at her like paparazzi.”

Samaira laughed. Sakshi rolled her eyes at me.

“We should go for lunch somewhere, then go shopping for a while.” Samaira suggested.

“Awesome. Let me decide the place. A chef knows the best about food.” Sakshi announced.

“Great then.” I nodded. We went to Sakshi’s favorite restaurant. We all ate. She toldus about the latest jewellery exhibition she had been in. She had her own line of jewellery. Ranging from real gemstone jewellery to fake jewellery. She designed them all. Jahana. Her jewellery company was infamous for their designs. They designed custom made jewelleries too. Her company was an international jewellery brand. She had designed jewellery and accessories for even international fashion runways.

“Well, the detail is the main thing. Most people go for the designs that have heavy number of gemstones but I truly think that design is the bigger aspect. If I was givena choice I’d go for the detail.” Samaira said.

“Spoken like a true rich kid.” Sakshi teased. Samaira and I laughed. Sakshi came from a middle-class family. She was a true talent with her hands and food and hence rose up.

“Hey! You’re rich yourself, Sakshi.” Samaira reminded her.

“Well, I don’t deny that I got a lot of help from Jodha. She helped me a lot.” Sakshi said.

“I did nothing but introduce you to the right person. Siddharth came to me and said that he was looking for a good chef and I introduced him to your food. That’s all. Your magic worked. Just that.” I insisted.

“I’d say my story is the same, Sakshi. Practically everyone who has money goes through the same path. I don’t deny that I am privileged myself. Dad and bhai had given me the most support. I worked with one of the top jewellery company because my family is well known. Also, my first store opened because my family can afford if I mess up somewhere and fail. That’s why I try to extend some way to those who don’t have the same opportunities.” Samaira admitted. What I like about her is her honesty. She knows what she has and doesn’t go around claiming that it is not that at all. Of course, Samaira is talent in what she does but she admits that her major help came from her family’s fame. I’ve seen her agree in several interviews that if it wasn’t her family fame then she wouldn’t have been this success. Her Jewellery line has its own runway. It is known to most people that her runway fashion designers are those who don’t have the greatest recognition but have great talent. She invites famous designers, businessmen and people who are good with giving the attention to fashion. Hence, the designers get some help.

“Samaira, don’t mind me asking but your brother already has so many successful business ventures then why is he spending time with Jo’s company?” Sakshi asked.

“Sakshi? Seriously?”I asked her.

“Well, I’m pretty sure that Jodha knows why.” Samaira grinned.

“You know?” I asked her. Samaira broke into laughter.

“When he’s set his mind into something, there is no saying how far he’ll go to get what he wants. Trust me, Jodha, if there is a family gathering, the whole khaandan will get to know that he’s trying to impress you.” Samaira warned me. “Just going to give you a pre-warning. Beware of him. He can be really assertive. If I was you, I’d probably keep my boyfriend away from him.”

“Trust me, Jo and Vikrant are almost close to zero chemistry.” Sakshi agreed.

“You’re my best friend. You’re supposed to support me.” I complained.

“I’m the supporter of truth.” Sakshi said putting her hands up in the air.

“I’m not asking this for bhai, Jodha, just curious. Why be with someone you don’t really love?” Samaira asked. I sighed. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”

“I have no idea why dadu did it. He assumes that the chairman of the company should be his son in law. So, probably the guy who would marry Daisy or me. Now, I would die of failure and embarrassment if Daisy’s boyfriend becomes the chairman. He is best at ruining stuff. That’s why I had assumed Vikrant would be better. He’s not really into business so he’ll let me handle it.” I confessed to her.

“Your secret is safe with me. Since you’re honest with me, I’ll be honest with you. Just beware, Jodha. You are only seeing one side of the story. You’re only seeing your side and how you’ll be able to do this but have you done your research with his family? Business is competition. You’re old enough to make your decisions and if I’m honest, if it is up to the company that my bhai or my dad runs and that comes to threat, I’d do everything to save it myself. I am going to support you as a girl who can understand what your state is. So, I’ll give you a suggestion. At the moment, you have two huge boulders in your path. You’re like one step away from getting to what you want but that one step is almost same as jumping across Great Canyon. The two boulders are :- Khurana Family and Jalal Ali Sheikh.” She explained.

“You think Jo will fall from her path and fall for Jalal?” Sakshi asked. Samaira grinned.

“See,because I’m his twin, I know him well. When he’s decided, he’s decided. It is a fact. If you ever come across his friends, they’ll all call you Bhabhi. My own cousins will call you Bhabhi. Everyone who knows him know that Jalal isn’t a quitter. He can be the biggest ass. The only reason that he hasn’t actually set Vikrant off scaring is because he probably knows the reason why you’re with him. If you take him lightly, he’ll fly up and take you off guard. Before you know, you’ll be off on the altar with him. I’ve seen him trick people up like a child’s play. So, be careful of how you tread with him.” Samaira said.

“Samaira, stop. You and I supposed to set her up with your brother.” Sakshi complained.

“Why is Khurana Family a problem?” I asked.

“Sweet child, you’re only seeing one side of the story. In largest technicality, if you ever decide that Vikrant is who you’ll marry to save the company, you’ll probably become a Khurana. You’re living on an assumption that Vikrant Khurana will let you take over the whole thing because he would be badly smitten by you. Because he is uninterested in business, his next big choice for it will be you. Who is to say that is the exact thing that will happen? Did Vikrant give you a contract confirming that? Khuranas practically have your company up in a platter. You’d be crazy to assume that a family whose company is on same par with you won’t take chance to expand their own family business? You’ll be expected to be a part of Khurana Family rather than Singh Family. Think about it. The man practically lives on allowance that his father gives him. If they threaten to cut him off, he’ll fall in line with what they want.” She pointed out.

It made sense. She was right. I had not seen the scene from that side. While Vikrant is himself not much of a threat, Khurana Family is definitely a threat.

“I definitely have to work out a plan to take care of that.” I offered. I thought about it for a while. How did I miss such a huge possibility?

“First off,stop trying to think that you’re only one who has to do everything.” Samaira told me. We then went shopping. She bought a short skirt. Sakshi bought a new dress. I bought a kurti. After spending more time. I drove back to The Sheikh Home first. We decided to drop Samaira first.

“Come in.” She invited us inside.

They hadquite a pretty house. Down the living room was the indoor gym. The indoor gymwas quite set for almost all activities. Treadmills, cycle and other gym equipment. There was a boxing ring. The most interesting wasn’t the gym though,the man in the gym. Punching the boxing bag in a burst exercise. Wearing a sleeveless gym tank top, boxing shorts and sports shoes. Wearing the wraps around his hands and a headband keeping his hair from falling in his face. I could see the amount of workout he does from just the look of his arms. I didn’t do boxing for workout.

“Can I ask you why you’re staring at me?” He questioned.

“I…” I thought of taking off.

“Aah... aah…not this time, beautiful.” He turned around. He picked up a water bottle and walked to me. He was breathing heavy while drinking water in gaps. He opened his arms. “What do you think? Good?” He teased me.

“I’m just going.” I tried to escape. He quickly pinned me against the wall.

“What’s with you trying to run? I don’t really bite. Unless you’re into that kind ofstuff.”

“I’m into nothing with you.” I answered. He was sweaty. “And you’re smelling of sweat.”

He laughed and stepped back slowly.

“So, how was you day?” He asked drinking water.

“It was good. We had fun.”

“Sad, must be that my sister still hadn’t shown her devil side yet.”

“For once could you say nice things about me?” Samaira appeared and asked.

“Did you forget? We’re divorced. Have you ever heard divorced people saying nice things about each other? No. Also, that skirt look ridiculous on you.” He told her.

“Pfff… you’re just jealous that I got all the good looks in the family.” She flipped her hair dramatically. He laughed at her.

“I see you’rein the delusional life. Ammi and Abbu are just too nice to you not to say anything. One, you’re adopted and two, you’re not even half way as good asthree of us.” He teased her. The twins had started to run around the gym. I chuckled. I never had siblings except Daisy. Daisy and I were no where near this close. Almost all of the years with her, we have only been opposite teams. All my school life was about beating her in everything and having to excel in everything while she’d show up at the house with her stupid clique and make it noisy as hell. “You’re just not being able to take the truth.”

“You’re lucky you don’t have a brother. They’re all annoying.” Samaira complained.

Chapter 14: I Work My Plan

I had spent like long time thinking about what Samaira had said. She was right about having a little threat from the family. The second threat was that Daisy and Tarun were getting engaged.

I dialed a number I knew.

“Jodha? I’m surprised you called me. Any help?” He asked.

“Actually, yes. I need a favor, Daniel.” I told him.

“Go on, Jo.You know I will do it.” He assured.

“Do you have any modelling assignments right now? I have someone who is into modelling.” I explained.

“Send me a portfolio of that person. I have a few places looking for new models.” He agreed.

“I have to take a jump, Daniel. He’s not the most handsome men but I need you to help me with this one.” I added. He took a deep breathe.

“This is going to be a heavy favor, isn’t it, Jo?”

“Come on,Daniel. Good faith?”

“Just because you’re calling it, I’ll do this. Send me the portfolio.”

“Awesome,Daniel. Thank you so much.”

“You got it.”

I put down the phone and instantly sent Vikrant’s portfolio to Daniel. Daniel works for a famous modelling agency. They have top people checking their models. Within an hour, I got the reply.

“Jo, I’ve sent you two assignments. Also, you sent me this new assignment about needing a photographer for the ad campaign your company is started. Tell me the model types you want and I’ll be able to set it for you. Also, the photographer thing. I’ll have to look.” Daniel called me to tell me.

“Perfect. Thanks a lot.” I thanked him.

“My pleasure, Jo.” He assured him.

I had already pitched the idea to dad about the ad campaign. Vikrant had showed up at that very moment. He sat on the couch. Vikrant does his best to look amazing and make people look at him but he doesn’t get the kind of reaction that Jalal gets just normally. Proof was that the whole office looked on when he entered.He waved at them with a smile. A simple white t shirt with black jeans and combat boots. His regular locket around his neck and rings on his fingers. Only he can make something so casual look so attractive.

He entered my office and gave me a two fingered salute. “Good morning, sunshine.” He greeted.

“I’m not really fond of nicknames like that. I’m not a baby.” I told him.

“Is it Vikrant’s face that made you so sour in the morning?” He asked.

“Hey!!” Vikrant exclaimed.

“Don’t worry. I’ll cheer you up. Your favorite coffee and sandwich.” He put it on the table for me. “ I made it personally so I’m sure it would be up to your liking.”

“You don’t have to do this for my girlfriend.” Vikrant commented.

“Well,someone has to keep her happy and smiling. You don’t seem to know how to do it so I have to step up.” Jalal answered sitting down on the chair. He took his sandwich and started eating it while he checked the file in front of him. I opened the sandwich’s foil and took a bit. I almost had to stop myself from groaning. It was really good. I don’t remember the last time I ate such a good sandwich. Just like every other mystery, this was one as to how he knew what I liked the most. I took a sip of coffee. Perfect.

“Thanks for the coffee and sandwich.” I thanked him.

“You’re welcome.” He assured. Soon, Daniel show up in my office. I had already told my assistant that if Daniel comes and she can let him in.

“Jo, here I am.” Daniel said with a smile.

“I’m glad you’re here. This is Vikrant. Vikrant, Daniel. He’s project manager at Meraki Agency.” I introduced. Daniel shook hands with him. Of course, Vikrant knew Meraki Agency. It is famous in modelling world. “So, earlier I talked to Daniel. He had come up with like two projects for you.” I told Vikrant. He was surprised.

“Really?” Vikrant couldn’t believe it.

My basic plan was that if I manage to somehow put Vikrant in his own line with modelling, he’d possibly be less inclined to his father’s allowance. Soon, I could somehow wrap it up with me giving Vikrant some help. The balance eases out. If you’re the one who get someone into a working part, they’re sort of meant to make sure they’re on good terms with you. I have been pretty clear on my part as to what I want in my life. He knows I want to work in my company.

“Jo, I can’t believe you even made me look for photographers.” Daniel complained.

“I thought you’re quite into that business so you’d know the one we should hire.” I was confused.

“Jo, you have this man right here and you’re looking for photographers from outside?”Daniel asked pointing to Jalal.

“He’s a businessman not a photographer.” I tried to tell him.

“Its halfway true. I’m no professional photographer. It is more of a hobby than profession.” Jalal said.

“Jo,everyone in photography profession knows that he’s one of the best photographers. His last few ones were sold for like 6 crores.” Daniel said.

“That went to charity. It was for charity event. I don’t make money with my hobby.” Jalal corrected.

“Seriously,you want best one then manage to get him to agree to this. Then I’m sure you’ll ace this one.” Daniel assured. He showed me portfolios. Of course, I knew three models who would surely be working on this ad campaign. Tarun, Daisy and Vikrant. I was looking for other ones. I checked a few other models and confirmed them with Daniel.

“I’d still say you give me some photographers, Daniel. I’m not sure he’ll do it.” I told him.

Daniel then left with Vikrant.

“I never knew you were into that.” I commented.

“It is a hobby. You never asked what my hobbies were.” He answered while looking into the file.

“You’re not going to help, are you?” I asked. He closed the file and looked up at me.

“Am I your boyfriend? Best friend? Or your employee? You’re saying as if I am someone to you that I should do this. I’m a businessman and an engineer. I’m not a professional photographer. If you want a photographer then get a photographer.” He told me. Such an annoying pest. For once he could be nice to me and help. “Also, you need a new accountant. He’s got the numbers wrong.” He told me. He showed me certain figures. They were definitely doubtful.

“I’ll have them checked.” I assured. I had my assistant called and sent her to take care of all that. In the next few hours, it was confirmed that we didn’t find the great photographers. I turned to him.

“You could do a favor.” I suggested.

“I could but why should I?” He questioned without even looking at me. He was playing me now. Doing that drama. Such an annoying pest.

“That would be nice to me.”

“I brought you sandwich and coffee made by me. I see that too as being nice. I’m not going to click pictures of your boyfriend and ruin my image of being a wonderful photographer. I doubt even graphic designing with make his face better.”

“That is rude. He’s not ugly.”

“When did I say he’s ugly? I just said he’s not the kind of photographs I take. He’ll ruin my perfect portfolio. To have my name forever attached near his photo is almost a nightmare.”

“Please.”

He sighed.He put his elbow on the table and his chin on his hand as he gave me a look.

“Don’t. I don’t have a defense against that word from you.”

“Please…”

He sighed dramatically. His fingers on his face as he groaned.

“Things we do for love.”

“So, you practically agree?”

I got excited.

“Why did I have to fall for you? It would have saved my photography portfolio.”

“I’m not saying you have to do it for free. You can choose your fee for the project.”

He chuckled. “You’re not so rich enough to buy me, sweetheart. Yes, I do love you but it still doesn’t mean you can buy me with any money. Jalal Ali Sheikh is not for sale.”

“Then you’re just going to do it for free?”

“Well, how about I’ll do you this favor and you do me one.”

“What do you want?”

“I’ll keep it with me and take it at a time later when I want to take a favor from you.”

“Do have it clear, Mr Ali Sheikh. I’m not going ever give you my dignity.”

“Jodha Singh, it is a surprise you assume I’ll ask that kind of favor from you. It wouldn’t practically be a favor. You and I are too special for that. Trust me,you don’t know how much I’d give to kiss you so lovingly but I wouldn’t take it as a favor. The most beautiful moments in love are those which are given freely with consent.”

I had an assurance that if he has promised me, he wouldn’t ask something like that.

“We have a deal then.” I extended my hand to him. He smiled and took my hand. It reminded me of the night he had launched his product. It felt unlike any feeling ever to hold his hand. When my hand left his, I instantly felt the loss. My heart clenched at that. There was an unusual pull towards him that I can’t deny. I want to badly deny it. If anyone asks me, I’d straight out deny but inside my heart, I know that the feeling I have when he’s near is so unusual. I’m so comfortable with yet my heart beats fast when I see. It is all crazy. His smile makes me smile without knowing. It gives this warm feeling in my heart. More than once, I had dream that I had kissed him.

Sorry, guys. My classes are starting so I'll get a little busy so the updates will get a little slower 😕. I'll try to get the updates at least thrice a week. Sorry for this. But I hope you all keep enjoying the story.

Thank you so much for supporting me. ❤️

You're all the best readers.

Keep reading and enjoying.

Lots of Love to you all.

Originally posted by: AliChase

Sorry, guys. My classes are starting so I'll get a little busy so the updates will get a little slower 😕. I'll try to get the updates at least thrice a week. Sorry for this. But I hope you all keep enjoying the story.

Thank you so much for supporting me. ❤️

You're all the best readers.

Keep reading and enjoying.

Lots of Love to you all.

💔