Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai - 11 Aug 2025 EDT
MEIN AKELA HOON 11.8
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai August 12, 2025 Episode Discussion Thread
Rajan Shahi vs Ekta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BALH Naya Season EDT Week # 9: Aug 11 - Aug 15
DANCE PRACTICE 12.8
Kiara Advani's bikini scene cut from WAR2
Anupamaa 11 Aug 2025 Written Update & Daily Discussions Thread
Is Nikkeji a negative character or positive? Genuine question
Anupama fails to make Rahi Apologise
Opinion on New Kids of Virani
This SONG will Dethrone Saiyaara Title Track Buzz
24 Years Of Dil Chahta Hai
Which Dvd You wanna buy Of CID ?!!!!!!
War 2 -Movie Reviews & BO Discussion
The Heart that Found Me - Shaurya Rajveer Preeta FS
thanks for reading my story and thank u for the lovely suggestion. Tell me something if I go for Wattpad, will I be able to transport all my older chapters there as well?
I don't know actually since I read stories in Wattpad not write stories. If you know someone who write stories in Wattpad then you can asked that person regarding this query since I have no idea regarding this👍🏼
Cards on the Table
~17th June 2019, 10 a.m Roy Detective Agency~
Ved Roy checked his phone for the last time before shoving it into his drawer. Today was his off day. There was no evidence filing, no fieldwork, no client meetings. Given his rigorous and irregular working hours, having such a day to himself was a treat. He picked Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone from his shelf and started reading it with relish. Fifteen minutes into the book, Ved started feeling restless again. As much as he loved his job he hated how suspicious it made him of even the most favorable situations. Sighing, he took his phone out and checked Ronit's location for the second time. On their last encounter he had secretly planted a bug on his phone so that he can keep a track of Ronit's every move. Since the last two days, he has been checking Ronit's location after every fifteen minutes. Everything was in order. Ronit was going to classes, coming to his hostel, hanging out with friends in nearby places. But strangely enough, this did not make Ved very happy. Call it paranoia or instinct, this low key behaviour did not sound like Ronit Chaubey at all. Shayad, Ved thought, Ronit iss liye chup hai kyuki woh achche se jaanta hai ke woh bilkul akela hai. Ab to Mr.Chaubey ka power bhi nahi raha usse bachane ke liye. Just then, he heard a knock on the door. Ab kaun aaya hai, Ved thought annoyed. Ved called him in. Opening the door, entered a pot bellied middle aged man with a handlebar moustache and thick black rimmed glasses. "Good morning, sir. Kahiye? Main aapki kya madad kar sakta hu?Please baithiye na", Ved asked politely. The man took his seat opposite Ved. "Mera naam Vinay Gupta hai, main Mr.Rishabh Bajaj ka yaha kaam karta hu.". Hearing this Ved's welcoming smile faded. If there was one thing he absolutely hated it was the people he snooped on knowing who he was, where he lived. Early on in his career, he had to face physical assault and even death threats due to this. This was why he was so cross when Prerna told him about handing over the file to Mr.Bajaj along with his name. They argued over it on their way back from the jail when Prerna had mentioned it to him. According to Prerna Mr.Bajaj was a decent man who meant no harm. He wanted the file just to protect himself from future scandals. That's all. "Typical trusting Prerna!", Ved had snapped at her, "Just because tum itni gullible ho iss liye log tumhe itna dumb samajhte hai!". Prerna didn't say another word she just turned red in the face and threw him out of the cab in the middle of the road. Kal sach mein kuch zyada bol diya, Ved thought guiltily. "Excuse me Mr.Roy", Mr. Gupta's voice broke into his thoughts. "Sorry", Ved said, "Woh actually main kuch soch raha tha- anyway, aap bataiye aapko kya kaam hai?". Mr.Gupta said, "Main yaha aapko ek job offer karne aaya hu.". Ved raised his eyebrows at this, bhi"What?", he asked surprised, "Job? Aur woh bhi mere liye?".
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Prerna remained glued to her seat, the judge's decision ringing in her ears. Six months! She has to stay in Basu Bari for six months!!How on earth did they come to this! "Priyu Di!",Shivani's voice broke into her thoughts. Prerna looked up. Before she could give any answer, she saw Anurag approaching them. "Chal Shivi!", Prerna said angrily. Turning a deaf ear to Shivani and Anurag's pleas to stop Prerna angrily stormed out of the courtroom. She was about to step out of the building when she got mobbed by reporters. "Prerna ji!",A man said directing his mic at Prerna,"Ab aap kya karengi?". Another woman said,"Divorce ke baad bachcha kiske paas rahega?". "Aapko Mr.Basu alimony mein kitne paise denge?" came another question. Prerna tried to calm herself by taking deep breaths, trying to stop her palpitations. She tried to step back only to find reporters huddled behind her, ready with their mics. "Prerna ji!",the man behind her called. Wiping the sweat from her brow, Prerna looked around her. She was blocked from all sides. Did these people have no sense of decency? Can't they see how suffocated she was feeling right now? "De-dekhiye",Prerna said weakly,"Meri tabiyat theek nahi hai...aap log please mera raasta chhoriye". But her own meek request was drowned by their own volley of invasive questions. "THAT'S ENOUGH!!!", yelled a voice. Prerna and the reporters turned to see the owner of the voice. It was Anurag's. His face was flushed in anger. The reporters nervously made way for him as he stormed past them and stood next to Prerna, putting a protective arm around her. Prerna was feeling too sick to protest. Anurag glared at the reporters. "Aap logo mein sharm naam ki koi cheez hai bhi ya nahi?!" he said,"Jab aapko dikha raha hai ke Prerna aapse baat nahi karna chahti to aap log kyu usse iss tarah harrass kar rahe hai!". A young reporter defiantly replied,"Sir! Hume bhi koi shauk nahi hai aap logo se baatein sunne ka hum to bas apna kaam karne aaye hai yaha". Anurag retorted,"Oh really. Kaam? Aur kya kaam hai aapka? Meri pregnant biwi, jo clearly aapse baat nahi karna chahti, usse zabardasti baat karna? Kya aapko nazar nahi aata Prerna kitna uncomfortable feel kar rahi hai, agar uski yaha tabiyat kharaab ho gayi to uski responsibility kaun lega? Aap lengi ma'am ya aapka channel lega?". This silenced the reporter. "Ek aur baat", Anurag continued, "Aap log mujse jo chahe poochhiye, jaise chahiye baat kijiye main kuch nahi kahunga. Lekin agar aaj ke baad mujhe aap log Prerna ko pareshaan karte huye dikhe to main aap sab pe harassment ka case kardunga. Chalo Prerna.". Watching Anurag lead Prerna to his car and drive away. A reporter asked confused,"Aaj inka divorce honewala tha na?"
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~Salt Lake, Sector V~
Sitting in his new swanky office premises Mr.Bajaj smiled to himself. Things were really going well for him. Indian companies had a lot of potential he just needed to pick the right company to invest in. Just then Mr.Gupta entered his cabin looking flustered. Mr.Bajaj asked curiously,"Kya baat hai, Gupta? Woh detective...kya naam hai uska- dev-Ved! Usne humara offer accept kar liya hoga I guess. Woh kab se join kar raha hai?". Mr.Gupta's face flushed even more. He looked down at his shoes. Rarely did he disappoint his boss of ten years. His efficiency was a matter of pride for him. And today because of that upstart he had to disappoint his boss. Mr.Bajaj's voice broke into his thoughts."Kya baat hai Mr.Gupta?",Mr.Bajaj asked amused,"Tumhari tabiyat to theek hai na?". "Ha-haan sir",Mr.Gupta said,"Magar…". "Magar kya?",Mr.Bajaj asked. "Woh..uss detective ne hume join karne se manaa kar diya". Lighting his cigar Mr.Bajaj said,"Kya?That's unbelievable! Aapne usse salary package ke baare mein bataya tha na?". Exhausted, Mr.Gupta took a seat opposite his boss and said,"Maine usse sab samjhaaya lekin woh apne decision par araa raha. Usne kaha ke khudka business chalana, khudka boss banke rehne mein jo azaadi hai woh priceless hai. Iske comparison mein hum jo salary aur facilities usse offer kar rahe hai woh bohot chhoti hai.". I swear, yeh Prerna jitni ajeeb hai utna hi ajeeb iska yeh Jasoos dost hai, Mr.Bajaj thought to himself. "Anyway",Mr.Bajaj said,"Usne mere file ke baare mein kya kaha? Uske paas koi copy hai?What do you think hume usse koi problem hoga?". Mr.Gupta shook his head and said,"Nahi sir, jaha tak maine usse samjha hai ladka laalchi nahi hai. Uss mein integrity to hai. Rahi baat file ke copy ki usne(clearing his throat) kaha ke agar uske paas copy nahi bhi huyi to usse pata hai kaha se aur kaise laana hai.". Mr.Bajaj raised his eyebrows,"Aur kya aap next time aisa hone denge Mr.Gupta?". Mr.Gupta wiped his sweat with his handkerchief,"Nahi sir",he said,"Uss din apne jab mujhe woh file dikhaya tha maine tab hi apne contacts ko call kiya tha. There will be no more loose ends sir.". Mr.Bajaj stared at him long and hard. Then he finally said,"Good. Kyuki agar aapne mujhe phirse disappoint kiya to mujhe bohot bura lagega.I trust you Gupta please iss baar mujhe galat mat saabit karna".
"Of-of course not sir", Mr.Gupta stuttered.
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"Anurag, stop the car. Mujhe wapas court jaana hai. ", Prerna said. Anurag replied,"Haan, Prerna chale jayenge. Paas hi mein Woodlands Hospital hai bas ek baar waha se tumhara checkup kara lete hai". Prerna snapped,"Mujhe koi checkup-weckup nahi karana. Aur rahi baat mere tabiyat kharab hone ki woh mujhe stress ki wajah se hua tha.". Anurag angrily hit the steering of the wheel, "Yeh presswale bhi na!",he snapped,"I don't believe yeh log itna kaise gir saktte hai!".
"Aur tum?",Prerna said evenly,"Tum aisa kaise kar sakte ho?Tum uss din jaan boojh ke divorce papers ghar lekar aaye the na".
"Mere paas aur koi option nahi tha.",Anurag replied his eyes still on the road. This made Prerna angrier. "Option nahi tha, matlab?",Prerna said in a clipped voice. "Matlab, tum meri baat samajna hi nahi chahti",Anurag replied frustratedly,"Tumhe apne gusse ke alaava aur kuch dikhayi nahi deta, kuch sunayi nahi deta! Aur agar tumhe dikhayi deta ya sunayi deta to tum dekhti ki main tumse kitna pyaar karta hu, main kitna desperate hu tumhe apni past ki galtiyon ko sudhaarne ke liye.". Prerna replied,"Maine tumhe mauka diya tha, main chahti thi tumpe vishwas karna magar tum….". Anurag sighed and said,"Prerna uss din main bas halaaton ka shikaar hua tha aur kuch nahi! Lekin tumne to meri ek bhi nahi suni.". Prerna replied,"Maine tumse saaf saaf kaha tha Anurag ke iss baar mujse kuch nahi chhupaana, lekin tum to sach jaan kar bhi uss baat ko chhupana chahte the. Meri aankhon mein parda daalna chahte the. Aur aaj bhi tumne wahi kiya! Tumne pehle yeh jataaya ke tumhe humare alag hone se koi aitraaz nahi aur aaj court mein tum mukar gaye! Tum kehte kuch ho aur karte kuch ho! Aur tum chahte ho ke main tumpe vishwaas karu!". Anurag shot back,"Maine tumhare ghar chhorne se pehle hi kaha tha ke main tumhe iss baar nahi jaane dunga. Aur maine waisa hi kiya! Aur rahi baat mera tumhe divorce papers bhejne ki...toh Prerna agar mein woh nahi karta toh tum aaj mujse court mein ladne ke liye prepared aati. Toh phir yeh case mahino tak chalta kyuki tumhe divorce chahiye aur mujhe nahi. Aur hum dono mein se koi bhi back down nahi karna chahta! Toh aise mein mere paas aur option kya tha!". This made Prerna even angrier,"Right!",she replied sarcastically,"Mujhe manipulate karne ke alaava tum aur kar bhi kya sakte the!". Anurag retorted,"Well I've learnt from the best! Tumhe yaad hai tumne kaise mujse dhoke se humare marriage certificate pe sign karaya tha?Kaise mujhe aur meri family ko arrest karaya tha aur mujhe force kia tha ke main sabke saamne tumhe apni patni maanu?". Prerna was about to retort when Anurag said,"I know, I know, maine tumhe majboor kiya yeh sab karne ke liye I understand that. Maine tumhe jo dard diya uska mujhe pachtawa hai, mujhe apne galti ka ehsaas hai iss liye to main apni galti sudhaarna chahta hu. Main bas tumse ek aur mauka maang raha hu apni galti sudhaarne ka. Bas chhe ki hi to baat hai. Chhe mahine baad bhi agar tumhe lagta hai ke tum mere saath nahi rehna chahti then I promise you! Main tumhara peechha nahi karunga.". Anurag stopped his car at an alley. For a few minutes the couple sat in silence. Prerna finally spoke up,"Agar maine tumhe abhi mauka de bhi diya phir kya guarantee hai ke chhe mahine baad tum phirse kissi bahane se yeh divorce nahi rokoge? Dekho Anurag, hum parents banne waale hai. Main nahi chahti humare jhagre ke beech humara bachcha bhi phase. Main chahti hu ke humara bachcha jab iss duniya mein aaye uska swagat pyaar aur khushiyo se ho, naa ki apne ma baap ke jhagre aur court cases se.". Anurag replied earnestly,"Main bhi wahi chahta hu Prerna. Main bhi wahi chahta hu. Iss liye main keh raha hu ke please tum humare rishte ko ek aakhri mauka do. Tum chahe mujhe kitna bhi galat samjho yeh baat to tumhe bhi maanni paregi ki humare life mein itna kuch ho gaya ke hum kabhi humare rishte ko time hi nahi de paaye. Hum na kabhi ek normal couple ki tarah ek saath rahe hai, na baat kiya, na ek dusre ko samjhe hai. Main bas chahta hu ek normal maahol mein hum apne rishte ko bachane ki ek koshish kare. That's it.". Prerna closed her eyes and sighed. Anurag will not back down she knew it. But at the same time she couldn't help but agree that they never got a fair chance to let their relationship grow. Maybe this was the chance they needed? A chance to let their relationship work out without any lies or secrets or underhanded schemes. Prerna glanced at Anurag who was staring at her waiting patiently for her decision. She finally said,"Theek hai, main humare rishte ko ek mauka dungi. Main agle chhe mahine tak Basu Bari mein rahungi tumhare saath. Magar meri ek shart hai?". "Bolo",Anurag said. Prerna said, "Tumhe mujse promise karna hoga ke chhe mahine baad agar mujhe divorce chahiye to tum bina kissi jhijhak ke mujhe divorce doge, tum ya tumhari family mujh par kissi bhi tarah ka pressure nahi dalega iss rishte mein rehne ke liye. Agar tumhe meri yeh shart manzoor hai to hi main tumhare saath aaj Basu Bari jaungi.". Anurag smiled,"Fine.Mujhe tumhari yeh shart manzoor hai. Main inn chhe mahino mein tumhe dikha dunga ke hum ek dusre ke liye hi bane hai. Lekin tumhe meri bhi ek shart maan ni paregi?". Prerna asked curiously,"Kaunsi shart?". Anurag replied,"Tumhara yeh maan na hai ke uss din humare beech baat itni bigdi kyuki main tumse Ma aur Suman bhabi waali baat chhupayii thi hai na?". Prerna nodded,"Haan". Anurag replied gently,"Uss din maine tumse baat iss liye chhupayi kyuki mujhe darr tha ke agar tumhe sach ka pata chala to tum mujhe aur Basu Bari chhorke chali jaogi aur tumne wahi kiya. Tum chahti ho ke main tumse koi baat na chhupayu theek hai main aisa hi karunga. Magar tumhe bhi mujse yeh promise karna hoga ke humare beech situation chahe jitni bigad jaaye tum agle chhe mahine tak mujhe chhorkar kahi nahi jaogi.". Prerna thought for a moment before saying,"Theek hai, tum apna vaada nibhao main apna vaada nibhaungi.". "Good",Anurag said starting his car."Main aaj shaam ko tumhe pick karne aunga".
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Thank you for the update burak👍🏼
Loved the chapter especially all the Anupre scenes. Finally after ages I have got my stubborn Anurag Basu who will do anything to get his Prena back in his life.😎 Loved the Anupre conversations in the car I am sure Anurag will be able to manao his roothi huye wife Prena. I also wanted to see Anurag getting jealous and possessive for his wife Prena so please write Anurag getting possessive and jealousy scenes Burak I also wanted Prena to get jealous by seeing Anurag with another girl 😳
Looking forward to your next update. So Please update soon burak👍🏼
Part 40: Griha Pravesh
Prerna glanced out of the car's window. Her mother was standing at the door of their house staring at her with a look of concern. Prerna smiled at Veena and threw a flying kiss at her direction. Veena fondly smiled at her daughter's gesture. "Ma zara side dena",said Mahesh as he carried his sister's heavy suitcase to the trunk of the car where Anurag was already putting one of Prerna's suitcases. Mahesh put down the suitcase on the ground with a dramatic huff. "Seriously Onu Da",Mahesh said grudgingly stretching his back,"Koshish karna ke iss baar Priyu Di humesha ke liye wohi reh jaaye, main yeh baar baar iss ghar se uss ghar suitcase nahi utha sakta".Anurag laughed at this and said,"Don't worry Mahesh yeh aakhri baar tujhe apni Priyu Di ke bags uthane parenge. Yaha se main takeover karlunga.". Anurag lifted the heavy suitcase and placed it in the trunk. Shutting the trunk, he said,"Achcha then Mahesh main chalta hu. Tere agle classes ke baare mein main tujhe call karunga.". Anurag approached Veena and touched her feet,"Chalta hu Aunty",he said. "Main jaanta hu ke aap inn sab se khush nahi hai". Veena sighed,"Ab hum kya kahe beta",she said,"Tum dono ke rishte mein itni mushkile hai, itni pareshaaniya hai. Hum apni beti ko achche se jaante hai, woh tumhare saath aise jaakar khush nahi hai. Woh iss talakh se bhi khush nahi thi, lekin usse iske alaava aur koi raasta nahi dikha…..bura matt maan na beta Lekin tumhe nahi lagta ke...tumhare aur Priyu ke rishte mein itni mushkile hai shayad yeh kismat ka ishaara hai ke tum aur Priyu ek dusre ke liye nahi bane ho?". Anurag swallowed. If Veena's lack of faith hurt him he didn't want to express it. Quickly recovering he said,"Humare rishte mein bohot mushkile hai main maanta hu magar aunty...yeh bhi to sach hai ke humne kabhi apne rishte ko ek fair chance diya hi nahi. Prerna aur main bas apni apni ladaiyaan ladte rahe kabhi Komolika ke khilaaf toh kabhi Naveen babu ke khilaaf..aur inn sabke beech mein humne aur humare rishte ne suffer kiya. (folding his hands) I know maine Prerna ko past mein bohot hurt kiya hai. Uske liye theek se lad nahi paaya lekin Aunty main apni iss galti ko sudhaarna chahta hu. Prerna ke saath pehle jo bhi galat hua usko ab main sahi karna chahta hu. Mujhe bas ek mauke ki zaroorat hai bas.". Veena sighed and said,"Tum aur Priyu dono humare bachche ho hum bas tum dono ko aur takleef mein nahi dekh sakte.". Anurag answered,"Aap chinta matt kijiye ab aisa hi hoga.". Touching her feet, Anurag said,"Achcha aunty ab main chalta hu.Ma humara wait kar rahi hongi".
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~Basu Bari~
"Debu Da!!!",Mohini yelled at the top of her voice, "Jaldi se puja ki thaali ready karo Onu aur Prerna kabhi bhi aa sakte hai. Paro, thaali mein aalta aur kalash mein chawal ready hai?". "Jee boudi",Paro the Basu's domestic help quickly replied. "Ma",Nivedita asked confused,"Yeh sab kya ho raha hai? Onu aur Prerna ki shaadi ko bohot din ho chuke hai aap ab Prerna ka Griha pravesh kyu kara rahi hai?". Mohini answered,"Prerna ko humse shikayatein hai na Nivi ki humne usse kabhi dil se accept nahi kiya, hum usse apni bahu nahi maante hai etc etc. Toh main aaj Prerna na Griha pravesh kara ke usse yeh samjhaana chahti hu ke hum uski aur Onu ki shaadi ko acknowledge karte hai aur usse apne bahu ke roop mein accept karte hai. In fact main to soch rahi hu ke kyu na main Prerna ko Calcutta Club ka member bana du. Hum sab to already members hai Prerna ko bhi bana denge. Aur main usse apne saare friends se introduce-". Nivi cut her off,"Ma!Maa-maa! Please calm down! And please control yourself. Iss baar please jo bhi karna pehle Onu se puchhkar karna. Warna aisa na ho ke chhe mahine khatm hone se pehle hi Prerna ye ghar chhorkar chali jaye." Mohini waved her hand carelessly and said,"Aisa kuch nahi hoga Nivi trust me. Actually last time maine galti ki thi unneccesarily uss Suman ko apne plans mein shaamil kiya jab ki uski zaroorat bhi nahi thi. But iss baar aisa kuch nahi hoga, kyuki iss baar main koi scheming nahi karungi. Main bas Prerna ko woh sab dungi jo usse humesha se chahiye tha.".
"Kya?",Nivi asked. Mohini answered,"Jaate waqt Prerna ne Onu aur hum par ilzaam lagaya tha na ke humne usse aur uske family ko beizzat ki hai. Uski kabhi kadar nahi ki, usse kabhi uske haq ki izzat nahi di. Well...jo humne tab nahi kiya woh hum ab karenge. Usse Onu ki patni aur iss ghar ki bahu hone ka darja denge. Not just that inn chhe mahino mein main ensure karungi ke usse humare high society circle se woh consideration aur izzat mile jo Basu parivar ki bahu deserve karti hai.". Nivedita sighed and said,"Maa aapko jo theek lage aap kijiye just make sure ki aapke yeh efforts Prerna misunderstand na kare. Kyuki agar Prerna upset hogi to uska direct asar Onu pe parega.". Just then Nivedita's phone rang,"Haan, bolo Pratyush. Kya kaha Mr.Bajaj ne ?Kab hai meeting? ",she answered. Hearing the reply from the other end Nivi fumed,"Nahi uski koi zaroorat nahi hai",she replied shortly,"Ab main khud unse personally baat karungi". Saying this she disconnected the call. "Kya baat hai, Nivi?",Mohini asked,"Tum itni upset kyu ho? And what's this about Mr.Bajaj?". Upset Nivedita sat on the couch,"Kuch nahi ma",came her resigned reply,"Main bas koshish kar rahi thi Mr.Bajaj se milne ka taaki main unhe humare saath yeh deal phirse sign karne ke liye convince kar saku.". "What?!",came Mohini's shocked reply,"Tumne Moloy aur Onu se iss baare mein baat ki?". "Nahi.",Nivi replied,"Aur aap bhi unse iss baare kuch nahi kahengi.",she added sternly. "Have you lost your mind Nivi!",Mohini scolded her daughter,"Rishabh Bajaj?!Rishabh Bajaj?!Tum bhool gayi usne Moloy ko kitna humiliate kiya? Uske wajah se tumhare baba ki kya haalat hui thi?". With a flushed face, Mohini glared down at her daughter. Nivedita rolled her eyes at this,"Ma",she said getting up. Nivi put her hand on Mohini's shoulders and tried to pacify her,"Please calm down. Its true Mr.Bajaj ne baba ke saath galat kiya but unhone personally aake maafi bhi to maangi.". Mohini wasn't convinced she opened her mouth to argue but Nivi beat her to it. "Oh come on Ma! Be practical!",she shook Mohini's shoulders before adding,"Ma, uss Komolika ki hearing next week se start ho jayegi. Once she is found guilty uske saare assets freeze ho jayenge including Basu Publications and Basu Bari!We don't have much time and we have no other option.".
"Aisa nahi hai Nivi",Mohini said,"Moloy gaye hai na Dilli woh zaroor humari company ke liye ek achcha investor dhund lenge.". Nivi shook her head and said,"Nahi Maa nahi milega!Agar Dilli mein investor milna hota toh hume Mr.Bajaj ko London se yaha nahi bulaana parta. Rishabh Bajaj is our best option aur yeh baat baba bhi achchi tarah se jaante hai.".
"Toh phir hum kya karenge?",Mohini asked stressed. Nivedita clasped her hands in Mohini's and said,"Maa, please don't panic. I know maine aapko upset kar diya lekin yahi sach hai. Aur hume usse deal karna parega-smartly and strategically. Iss liye main keh rahi hu Ma ke hume wapas Mr.Bajaj se deal karne ke baare sochna chahiye.". Mohini remained quiet for a while before saying,"Jo hua uske baad kya Mr.Bajaj ready honge humare saath deal karne ke liye?". Nivedita frowned and said,"Unhone mujse milne se inkaar kar diya I am sure woh bhi jaante hai ke mere mann mein kya hai. Lekin I can't give up Ma, main phirse koshish karungi unse baat karne ki. Aur unhe humse better company nahi milegi invest karne ko, yeh baat to woh bhi samajhte hai. Unhe bas hume ek aur mauka dene ki der hai". Just then the doorbell rang. "Zaroor Onu aur Prerna honge",Mohini said rushing to the door. She quickly opened the door and saw Anurag and Prerna waiting outside. "Onu-Prerna, main tum logo ka hi wait kar rahi thi. Ek second! Abhi andar matt aao.".
"Kyu ma?",Anurag asked. Just then Paro came and placed a kalash filled with rice on the floor. "Kakimoni",Prerna said,"Iski kya zaroorat thi…". Mohini replied,"Of course zaroorat thi waise bhi tumhara Griha pravesh nahi hua tha. Ruko, main tum dono ki aarti utarti hu uske baad Prerna tum iss kalash ko gira ke mere Onu ke saath andar aa jaana.".
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After all the rituals were completed Mohini and Nivi led Anurag and Prerna to the main hall. "Tum log chai peeyo", Mohini said serving tea to Anurag,"Main abhi Paro se kehke tum dono ka kamra theek karwa deti hu.". Mohini's words were met with no response. Prerna cast a glance at Anurag, who nodded at her. Resting his cup on the coffee table, Anurag got up and said,"Maa aap please Paro se kehkar west wing mein ek kamra taiyar karwa dijiye.". Mohini was surprised by this,"Kamra?Kis liye beta?". Prerna answered getting up,"Anurag ke rehne ke liye.". "What?",Nivi said stunned. "Haa Nivi Di",Anurag said trying his best to diffuse the tension in the room,"Prerna mere kamre mein rahegi aur main west wing mein rahunga. Prerna pehle bhi mere kamre mein reh chuki hai iss liye woh waha zyada comfortable hogi..aur waise bhi main west wing se humare hone waale bachche ke kamre ka interior bhi supervise kar sakunga. Ma aap please Paro se kehkar mere liye kamra ready karwa dengi.". Mohini, who was stunned by the sudden turn of events quickly recovered herself and said,"Haan, beta of course. Tu baithke chai pee main aur Nivi sab dekh lenge. Nivi, follow me.". With Nivedita at her heels Mohini rushed to the kitchen. "Thanks",Prerna said quietly. "You're welcome",Anurag replied.
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Once Nivi and Mohini were in the kitchen out of her son and daughter in law's earshot Mohini Basu burst out,"Ek ghanta bhi nahi hua isse aaye huye aur issne abhi se apni manmaani karni start kardi!",Mohini fumed,"Prerna ki inhi harkato ki wajah se mujhe woh kabhi pasand nahi aayi.". "Ma, please calm down",Nivi said,"It's not such a big deal, abhi to bas woh iss ghar mein aayi hai usse time to lagega na Onu ke saath apna rishta sudhaarne ke liye.". "Iss liye unhe ek kamre mein rehna chahiye",Mohini replied heatedly,"Taaki woh dono ek saath time spent kar sake, ek dusre ko samajh sake lekin Prerna ke tevar dekh kar mujhe to aisa lag raha hai ke woh Onu ke saath apna rishta sudhaarne mein interested hi nahi hai.". Nivedita said,"Ma please aap patience rakhiye Onu sab sambhaal lega aur last time bhi toh usne Prerna ko manaa liya tha na. I am sure woh iss baar bhi usse handle kar lega. Aap bas Prerna ko uspe chhor dijiye.". Few moments later, Mohini took a deep breath and said,"Chalo Nivi bahaar hall mein woh log humara wait kar rahe honge."
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Mohini and Nivi entered the hall to find Anurag and Prerna sipping tea in silence. "Paro dinner bana rahi hai",Mohini said,"Tum dono dinner mein kuch special khaana chahte ho to bata do.". Prerna shook her head,"Nahi kakimoni",she said.
"No ma",Anurag replied. Nivi cleared her throat and said,"Waise Ma, baba Delhi se kab lautenge?". "Do din baad Nivi",Mohini said. She then addressed Prerna,"Prerna, tum kal dopahar ko kya kar rahi ho? Kal dopahar ko Calcutta Club mein main apne doston ke saath lunch pe jaa rahi hu, tum mere saath aaogi to tumhari bhi unse jaan pehchaan ho jayegi.". "Ummm, actually kakimoni",Prerna replied,"Kal se mera office start ho raha hai to main nahi aa paungi.". Anurag glanced at her surprised,"Office?",he asked confused. Mohini and Nivi exchanged surprised glances. Then Mohini spoke,"Oh haan, Nivi ne bataya tha Moloy ke job offer ke baare mein. Honestly(smiling) I think it's great ke tum wapas Moloy ke liye kaam karogi. Office tum unko assist bhi kar logi aur unka khayal bhi rakh logi.". "Nahi, kakimoni",Prerna said shaking her head,"Main Basu Publications nahi join kar rahi. Kal se main Mr.Bajaj ka office join karne waali hu".
Thank you for the update burak👍🏼
Loved the chapter especially all the Anupre scenes. Finally after ages I have got my stubborn Anurag Basu who will do anything to get his Prena back in his life.😎 Loved the Anupre conversations in the car I am sure Anurag will be able to manao his roothi huye wife Prena. I also wanted to see Anurag getting jealous and possessive for his wife Prena so please write Anurag getting possessive and jealousy scenes Burak I also wanted Prena to get jealous by seeing Anurag with another girl 😳
Looking forward to your next update. So Please update soon burak👍🏼
Anurag will definitely get jealous and possessive scene otherwise what's the use of Mr.Bajaj and so will Prerna stay tuned. And thanks for reading
Part 45: Kaabil
"Ummm, actually kakimoni",Prerna replied,"Kal se mera office start ho raha hai to main nahi aa paungi.". Anurag glanced at her surprised,"Office?",he asked confused. Mohini and Nivi exchanged surprised glances. Then Mohini spoke,"Oh haan, Nivi ne bataya tha Moloy ke job offer ke baare mein. Honestly(smiling) I think it's great ke tum wapas Moloy ke liye kaam karogi. Office tum unko assist bhi kar logi aur unka khayal bhi rakh logi.". "Nahi, kakimoni",Prerna said shaking her head,"Main Basu Publications nahi join kar rahi. Kal se main Mr.Bajaj ka office join karne waali hu".
Prerna's words were met with a stunned silence in the room. Anurag was the first to recover,"Cong-congratulations! That's great!",he said. He forced a smile,"Tumne mujhe bataya kyu nahi?". Prerna replied,"Mujhe mauka hi nahi mila...abhi zyada waqt nahi hua hai. Bas kal hi offer letter aaya hai.". Anurag got up and said,"In that case, main abhi jaakar tumhara kamra ready karta hu. Tum jaldi se dinner karke so jao. Kal pehla din hai tumhe late nahi hona chahiye.". Saying this, Anurag got up and said,"Main jaake tumhara kamra taiyaar karta hu. Tum yaha baitho.". Anurag quickly headed upstairs towards his room. There was an awkward silence between Prerna, Mohini and Nivedita. Sipping her tea Prerna closely watched her mother in law and daughter in law, both of them were unusually well behaved tonight. When she made her announcement she was expecting them to express their shock even tell her that Basu's don't work for others and that she should work at Basu Publications. But here they were, the mother and daughter duo quietly sipping their tea. Mohini loudly cleared her throat and addressed Prerna saying,"Prerna, are you sure tum yeh Mr.Bajaj ke saath kaam karke comfortable feel karogi?". "Kyu?",Prerna asked curiously. Mohini replied,"Woh tumhe personally nahi jaante hai. Tum unke liye Basu family ki bahu ho. Aur woh Moloy ki bohot respect karte hai, in fact woh to Moloy se uss din apne behaviour ke liye maafi bhi maang rahe the- hai na Nivi? Iss liye shayad jab tum unke paas job ke liye gayi woh tumhe manaa nahi kar paaye, aur unhone tumhe yeh job offer kar diya. Don't mind, but Mr.Bajaj ne tumhe tumhare capabilities ke liye nahi unhone tumhe iss liye yeh job diya kyuki tum ek Basu ho.". Prerna smiled. Finally, Prerna thought to herself. Before she answered Nivedita interjected,"How does it matter Ma?",she said,"Yeh ek bohot achchi opportunity hai I don't think Prerna should miss it.". Nivedita's statement surprised both Prerna and Mohini. Mohini raised her eyebrows rarely did her daughter openly disagree with her. Prerna was surprised too. Her relationship with Nivedita can be described as indifferent at best. Why was she supporting her all of a sudden? Nonetheless, Prerna addressed Mohini saying,"Kakimoni, pehli baat to main Mr.Bajaj ke paas kaam maangne nahi gayi thi. Woh mere paas aaye the job offer ke leke. Aur unhone mujse saaf saaf keh diya tha ke woh mujhe yeh job iss liye nahi offer kar rahe hai kyuki main Basu parivar ki bahu hu. Unhone mujhe yeh job iss liye offer kiya kyuki unhe ek loyal and bharosemand employee ki zaroorat hai. Aur kakimoni(smiling sweetly)....loyal aur bharosemand hone ke liye kissi college degree ki zarorat nahi hai.". This shut Mohini up. Anurag descended from the stairs and said,"Prerna, tumhara kamra ekdum ready kar diya hai maine. Debu da se tumhara saaman bhi rakhwa diya hai tum aa jao.". Placing the cup on the coffee table, Prerna got up and Anurag and her headed towards the stairs. Once her son and daughter in law were out of earshot Mohini turned to her daughter and fumed,"What was that?". Nivedita looked surprised and said,"What, Ma?". Mohini replied,"Tum isse kaise support kar sakti ho, Nivi? Basu parivaar ki bahu kisiki mamuli secretary bankar kaam karegi?!!How can you support this?". Nivedita chuckled at this. Rolling her eyes she said,"Seriously Ma, you are the limit. Aaj kal yeh sab cheezein matter nahi karti. Zamaana badal gaya hai Ma. Aur rahi baat Prerna ke Mr.Bajaj ke liye kaam karne ki….(smirking) ab hume finally Mr.Bajaj tak pohochne ka raasta mil gaya Ma.". Mohini scoffed at her and said,"I know tu kya soch rahi hai hai Nivi, bhoolja! Yeh Prerna humari koi madad nahi karne waali. Uske liye uski apne usool, uske middle class values zyada mayine rakhte hai, woh humari hokar Mr.Bajaj se nahi kehne waali ke woh Basu Publications mein invest kar de!". Nivedita said,"Of course woh nahi kahegi aur agar usne keh bhi diya Ma, do you think Mr.Bajaj maan jayenge? Sirf uske kehne se? Mr.Bajaj Onu nahi hai jo Prerna ki bhole chehre aur meethi baaton se influence hokar kuch bhi karde. Woh Rishabh Bajaj hai, he's a hardcore businessman. Unhe sirf unki profit se matlab hai. Aur main unhe unhi ki bhasha mein samjhana chahti hu, Prerna bas ek zariya banegi unn tak pohochne ka. That's it.". Mohini sighed and said,"I really hope ke jaise tu chahe waisa hi ho Nivi just be careful. Main nahi chahti ki yeh Prerna phir se koi bakheda khara kare aur phirse mere bete ka dil toote.". Nivedita smiled,"Don't worry Ma main sab handle kar lungi.Basu Publications humari company hai aur isse humse koi nahi chheen sakta. I promise you."
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Prerna lay on her bed thinking about the events of the day. Wakayi, she thought sighing, kitni ajeeb hai meri zindagi. Aaj subah jab main uthiti tab maine socha tha ke aaj mere aur Anurag ke beech sab khatam ho jayega. Main wapas iss ghar mein rehne aungi aisa maine sapne mein bhi nahi socha tha. Touching her belly, Prerna addressed her child, "Tumhe kya lagta hai?Kya mumma ne sahi kiya papa ki baat maanke?Iske liye hume baad mein pachtaana to nahi parega na? Actually tumhari mumma na aaj-". Just then her phone rang. Prerna groaned in annoyance. Its been ages since she and her baby spent quality time together. To have someone disturb that now. Annoyed she picked up her to check her caller ID. "Arre! Yeh to aapke Ved mama hai(chuckling). Inka phone to mujhe uthaana hi parega. Waise bhi kal aapki mumma ne inhe kal kuch zyada hi daant diya tha.". Picking up her phone she said,"Hello…". Ved spoke from the other end,"Toh Anurag finally tujhe apne saath wapas le hi gaya. I must say maine uss Mama's Boy ko kaafi underestimate kiya tha.". Prerna rolled her eyes and said,"Tu kabhi nahi badalne waala….". Ved replied cheekily,"Absolutely not! Aur tu bhi nahi badlegi iss liye shayad hum dono dost hai.". Prerna chuckled at this and said,"Tu ghar kaise pohocha?". "Aur kaise?",Ved said laughing,"Mishka hai na meri personal taxi service uss hi se kaha mujhe le jaane ke liye. By the way aaj mujhe ek job offer mila hai Mr. Bajaj ke taraf se.". "What?!",Prerna exclaimed,"Seriously?".
"Hmmm",Ved replied,"Aisa pehli baar hua hai maine jisko leke investigation kiya woh mujhpe case nahi kar raha hai, mujhe threat nahi kar rahi hai(chuckling) balki mujhe job offer kar raha hai! I swear bohot hi ajeeb aadmi hai!". "To tune kya kaha?",Prerna asked hopefully. "Of course no, Prerna. Chahe mujhe jitna bhi paisa offer karo main apni freedom kisi ke wajah se nahi khone waala.". "Oh",Prerna replied crestfallen. Detecting disappointment in her voice Ved asked,"Kya baat hai tu upset lag rahi hai?Uss ghar mein kuch hua kya? Teri saas ne-". "Nahi Ved!",Prerna exclaimed,"Kakimoni ne kuch nahi kaha, actually kal se main Mr.Bajaj ka office join kar rahi hu. Main unki nayi assistant hu….nayi jaga hai..naya job hai main thodi nervous hu...tu hota to main thoda comfortable hoti.". Ved replied,"Congratulations yaar!!!Finally! Tujhe ek achchi job mil gayi. All the best!Waise….yeh Mr.Bajaj bhi character hai haan ekdum! Main unhe jitna kamina samajta tha woh utne bhi kamine nahi hai. Haan, thode terhe zaroor hai.". Confused, Prerna asked,"Matlab?". Ved scoffed,"Please! Tujhe samaj mein nahi aa raha hai kya? Jin do logo ko unka secret pata hai woh unhe job deke apne taraf karna chahte hai. Taaki job paakar hum unke favour mein rahe aur woh humpar nazar bhi rakh sake.". Prerna felt uneasy hearing this.There was silence on the line. Ved spoke up,"Hello? Prerna?". "Umm-Ved actually main bohot tired hu, kal subah uthkar office bhi jana hai..toh abhi main phone rakh rahi hu. Good night.".Without waiting for his reply Prerna hung up the call. Was Ved right?She thought. Was this the motive behind Mr.Bajaj's job offer? Prerna had been looking forward to this chance of proving herself and to everyone else that she or her baby didn't need Anurag's status or money to survive. And Mr.Bajaj? Prerna thought of the reasons he gave her for the job offer. He had said that it was her honesty and loyalty that made her fit for the job. This was what made her accept his offer. Had he told her that he offered her the job because he was impressed by her degree then she would've called him out on his lie. Prerna Sharma might be a dreamer but she was definitely not delusional. Prerna's eyes went to the wall decorated with different photographs and prestigious certificates. She got up from her bed and walked up to it. Staring at her was Anurag's graduation degree. First Class with Distinction it read. Prerna thought of her own graduation marks: 50% and that too after having to sit for supple exams. After everything Mohini said about her job credentials, after multiple rejections, after the kind of humiliation she faced at the Daily Blitz office Mr.Bajaj's job offer meant a lot to her. He was the first person to show faith in her. His faith had motivated Prerna not to doubt herself, to have a little faith in her own abilities. But now….was this all just a ruse? His way of keeping an eye on her, ensuring that she never revealed his secret?Prerna was sure, by now even Mr.Bajaj knew that blackmail and bribe won't work on her. Was this his new game? Prerna would be so indebted to him for this job that she will never reveal anything……
Prerna ran her fingers through her hair impatiently. Much as she loved Ved sometimes she wished if he wasn't so cynical. His cynicism had managed to kill whatever little excitement and enthusiasm she felt about her first day at work. Giving an exhausted sigh Prerna went to bed.
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~West wing~
Anupam entered the west wing and said,"Congratulations!!!Bhai! Finally!Prerna ko tu ghar le aaya". He gave a tight hug to Anurag. Seeing Anurag's less than cheerful mood he asked,"Kya baat hai Onu?Tera chehra itna utra huwa kyu hai?". Anurag replied,"Kuch nahi hua.....actually...woh kal se Prerna Mr Bajaj ka office join karne waali hai.". "Yeh to achchi news hai na..Prerna ko finally job mil gaya jaisa woh chahti thi..tu isko leke upset kyu hai?",Anupam asked confused. Anurag groaned in annoyance and said,"Kyuki main-Kyuki main chahta tha ke Prerna mere saath Basu Publications mein kaam kare...taaki mujhe uske saath aur time spend karne ka mauka miley par ab woh possible nahi hoga. I know! It's petty! Mujhe Prerna ke liye khush hona chahiye aur main khush bhi hu! Lekin agar woh Basu Publications join karti to main thoda zyada khush hota! And I hate myself aisa sochne ke liye par main kya karu?". Anupam held him by his shoulders and said,"Bhai sabse pehle tu na yeh guilty feel karna bandh kar. Onu jaisa tu feel kar raha hai woh bohot normal hai. Agar main teri jaga hota to main bhi yahi feel karta. I know tujhe achcha nahi lag raha hai but it's ok tu bhi insaan hai tujhe bhi haq hai aise feel karne ka" This comforted Anurag a bit. Anurag said,"Thanks Anupam. You don't know aapne mere mann se kitna bara boj hata diya hai".
Anupam sat on the bed next to him. The duo sat in silence for the next few moments. Finally Anupam said said,"Waise dont mind but tum dono ka na alag alag kamro mein rehne ka decision bilkul galat tha! Arre agar tum log ek saath rahoge nahi to apne problems kaise sort out karoge?". Anurag disagreed,"Nahi, Anupam Da, yeh alag kamre rehne ka decision lena zaroori tha especially jab Prerna ko yeh lagta hai ke last time maine usse dhoke apne kamre mein theraaya tha- allergy waala bahaana karke.". "Woh sab to theek hai Onu, lekin ab kya?Tere pas bas chhe mahine hai usko manane ke liye. Agar tum dono sara din apne alag alag office mein rahe phir Ghar aake bhi apne alag alag kamre mein chale Gaye then to kya faida uske saath rehne ka?". Anurag replied,"I know....all thanks to Mr. Rishabh Bajaj!.....Ab mujhe extra mehnat karni paregi Prerna ka dil jeetne ke liye....(taking a deep breath) koi baat nahi yeh bhi kar lunga main! Kyuki usko khona is not an option for me!". Anupam smiled, and cheered"Great!That's the spirit Onu!".
Precap: "Mr.Bajaj",Prerna said," I don't think main aapke yaha kaam kar paungi.".
~Basu Bari~
Prerna woke up to the sound of knocking on her door. Rubbing her eyes, she got up from the bed and opened the door. She opened the door to see Anurag standing with a food trolley beside him. "Good morning",Anurag said cheerfully,"Aaj tumhare office ka pehla din hai na, Iss liye maine socha ke tumhe utha du. Tumhara reporting time kab hai?".
"Dus baje",Prerna replied. She was completely taken aback by this.Prerna stepped aside to let him enter. "Good",he replied," Tum fresh hoke khana kha lo. Main neeche tumhara wait kar raha hu.". He was about to leave when Prerna called him,"Anurag!". Anurag turned around and said,"Huh? Kya hua? Tumko Kuch chahiye?". Prerna shifted restlessly for a few seconds before saying,"Woh- mera tiffin?". "Oh",Anurag said,"Uski chinta tum mat karo woh maine pehle se ready karwa liya hai.". Saying this, Anurag left, shutting the door behind him. Prerna smacked her own head in annoyance,"Tiffin! Seriously?",she said to herself,"Yeh kehna tha tujhe Prerna?!Kitna mushkil hota hai thank you bolna?!"
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~Hotel Taj Bengal~
Rishabh Bajaj and his aide Mr.Gupta were having breakfast at the hotel's poolside restaurant. Mr.Gupta was intently reading the newspaper his food untouched. While, Mr.Bajaj tended to his breakfast. "Gupta",he said,"Aaj se Prerna office join karegi please make sure ke uski saari joining formalities ek ghante tak khatm ho jaaye...usme saara din nahi lagna chahiye. Aur aaj se uski training start kar dena. Woh jitna jaldi-". Mr. Gupta cleared his throat loudly. Mr. Bajaj raised his eyebrows. Rarely did Mr.Gupta interrupt him while talking. Answering his quizzical look, Mr.Gupta said,"Sir, are you sure aapka Prerna ko hire karne ka decision sahi hai?". Without waiting for Mr.Bajaj's rebuke, he quietly handed him the newspaper he was reading. Mr.Bajaj read the news report. "Basu divorce halted: Prerna and Anurag to live together for six months".The report read. Mr.Bajaj frowned as he read the news. This was unexpected. Mr.Gupta interrupted his thoughts."Sir",he said,"Main jaanta hu aapko lagta hai ke Prerna is job ke liye perfect hai. Lekin main aapse request karunga ke please aap apna decision reconsider kare especially tab jab Hume Basu Publications se Kal bhi call Aaya hai.". Puzzled, Mr.Bajaj asked,"Kisne call Kiya?". Mr.Gupta replied,'"Nivedita Sengupta. Woh aapse milna chahti hai. I am sure woh wapas aapse deal sign karane ke liye milna chahti hai. Maine receptionist se kehelwa diya ke aap busy hai aur....". "Aur?",Mr.Bajaj asked curiously.Mr.Gupta smirked and replied,"Aur aap aage bhi busy hi rahenge iss liye woh ainda yaha phone karke apna aur aapka time waste na kare.". Mr.Bajaj smiled trust Mr. Gupta to know what he wants before his saying."Good,", he said. Mr.Gupta continued,"Iss liye sir, I don't think ke Prerna iss job ke liye sahi hai. Jis loyalty ke liye aapne Prerna ko chuna hai, I don't think ke Prerna aapke liye, iss job ke liye woh loyalty la payegi. After all woh uss ghar ki bahu hai, yeh uske liye sirf ek job hai lekin Basu Publications pe uska aur uske hone wale bachche Ka future depend karta hai.". Mr. Bajaj thought for long. After a few minutes, he said,"Tum sahi keh rahe ho Gupta, iss news ke baad Prerna ko employ Karna shayad sahi nahi hoga.". Mr.Gupta pitched in,"Toh kya main usse call kar ke yeh news de du sir?". "Nahi",Mr.Bajaj said," Usse office aane do, main usse khud bata dunga". If Mr.Gupta didn't agree with this, he didn't say anything. Mr.Bajaj put the newspaper in the side and quietly returned to his breakfast. His mood much sombre than before. As Mr.Bajaj tended to his breakfast he thought, Prerna ko aise phone pe naa karna sahi nahi hota...kitne umeedein thi usse iss job se...par shayad ab usme iss job ko lekar woh pehle waala jazbaa nahi rahega..(sighing) aur rahega bhi kyu Basu Publications uske aur uske bachche ka future hai after all. Wohi to uski pehli priority hogi yehi to obvious hai. Basu's ko koi achcha investor nahi Mila ab tak aur shayad milega bhi nahi. They must be desperate for an investor. Aise mein maine Prerna ko hire kiya to woh puri koshish karegi mujhe Basu Publications mein invest karwane ki. (annoyed) Mujhe inn sab mein nahi parna. I need a team of loyal and trusted employees jo India mein mujhe establish hone mein help kare...... (Looking at Prerna's picture in the newspaper) Agar Prerna ki loyalty mere saath nahi toh Woh mere kis kaam ki? Usse abhi jaane dena hi better hoga. Yes, yehi sahi decision hai.
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~Basu Bari~
Prerna dispassionately looked at the yellow saree lying on her lap. Two days back when Mr.Bajaj had offered her this job because of her own capabilities (as she thought then) Prerna had excitedly taken this saree out, had it washed and ironed beforehand so that she could wear it on her first day to work. She thought to herself, Do din pehle main Kitni excited thi, Kitni khush thi iss job ko leke Kyuki mujhe laga tha yeh job mujhe meri capabilities ke wajah se mila hai par shayad main galat thi. Bhala Rishabh Bajaj jaisa itna baraa aadmi kyu khud chalkar mujhe job offer karega jab maine unse job manga bhi nahi? Ho na ho Ved ki baat mein thodi sachchayi to hai....yun achanak Mr.Bajaj mujhpe itna meherbaan kyu honge agar iss mein unka bhi koi swarth Nahi hota toh? Just then her phone rang. It was Mishka.Prerna picked up. "Congratulations!!!Priyu!!!Ved ne mujhe bataya tumhare Naye job ke baare mein. I am so happy for you!!Tum Jo chahti thi Woh finally ho Gaya!". Mishka said excitedly. "Hmm, Woh to hai", Prerna replied without any feeling. Prerna's lack of enthusiasm wasn't lost on Mishka"Kya baat hai Prerna?", She asked concerned, "Tum khush Nahi lag rahi..Kuch hua kya?". Prerna sighed and said,"Mishka...I don't think ab main yeh job join Kar Sakti Hu.". "What?",came Mishka's surprised reply,"Par kyu? Tumhe kisine Kuch Kaha kya? Basu Bari mein kahi isko lekar Kuch problem to Nahi hua na?". Prerna shook her head,"Nahi Mishka, in fact Anurag to bohot supportive hai.Par ab main Mr.Bajaj ke iss job offer ko lekar sure Nahi Hu. Mujhe unke intentions par shak hai. Tum Socho na....itna bada businessman..usne khud chalkar mere Ghar aake mujhe yeh job offer Kia...yeh baat thodi unusual Nahi hai?". Mishka replied,"Unusual toh hai. Lekin Prerna agar tumhe iss job ko leke itna doubt tha to tumne isse accept kyu kia?".
Prerna hesitated,"Mishka...woh.. actually..main tab job ko lekar itna excited ho gayi thi ke Maine Kuch aur socha bhi nahi..lekin Kal jab maine Ved se baat Kia uske baad se mujhe unpar shak hone laga". "Oh",Mishka said crossly,"Toh uss Sherlock Holmes ne tumhare dimaag mein yeh sab daala hai. I swear Prerna! Maine Ved se Kitni Baar Kaha hai woh detectivegiri ko office mein chhor Aaye magar majaal hai ke Woh meri baat sunne!". Prerna rushed to her friend's defense,"Nahi Mishka isme Ved ki Galti Nahi, uska shak Karna jayaz hai after all usko bhi Mr.Bajaj be job offer Kia hai, iss liye usse Mr.Bajaj pe shak hai". "Kya?",Mishka said startled,"Lekin Mr.Bajaj kaise jaante hai usse?". "Maine Ved se kaha tha Mr.Bajaj ki history nikaalne ko", Prerna said," Actually unhone Jaise kakababu se baat Kiya Woh mujhe bilkul bhi achcha nahi laga. Mr.Bajaj ke past mein Kuch aisa hai jisse Woh secret rakhna chahte hai. Maine unse Kaha bhi ke unka secret mere saath safe hai. Uske baad hi mujhe aur Ved ko yeh job offer aaya hai. Ved ko lagta hai ki yeh unhone humpar nazar rakhne ke liye Kiya hai". "In that case",Mishka said thoughtfully,"Tum dono Ka shak Karna galat Nahi hai". Prerna replied frustratedly "Iss liye to Mishka, mujhe samaj Nahi aa raha hai ke mujhe kya Karna chahiye. Itne mushkil se mujhe yeh job Mila hai main isse chhorna nahi chahti at the same time agar wakayi Mr.Bajaj ne mujhe yeh job sirf iss liye diya hai kyuki main unka secret jaanti hu toh mujhe yeh job nahi chahiye. Mujhe aise apna career Nahi banana ". After a few moments Mishka said,"I think tumhare paas ek hi raasta hai, tum aaj office jaao jaake unhe confront Karo iske baare mein.". Prerna thought for long and she said,"You are right Mishka. I think yehi theek hoga".
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~Salt Lake, Sector V~
Anurag stopped his car in front of the 30 storey glass building. He cast an admiring gaze at the building. "Nice building", he commented,". Prerna looked at the building, Wakayi bohot Sundar building hai Yaha kaam karke mujhe bohot mazaa aata, Prerna thought wistfully. "Kaam jab khatm ho Jayega tum mujhe call kar dena main pick karne aaunga.". Prerna protested,"Kya?! Par Anurag Office to Ghar se Ulta parega. Main bus ya taxi se aa jaungi tum chinta Matt Karo.". Anurag shook his head and said,"Bilkul Nahi. Tum bus mein to bilkul bhi travel Nahi karogi Prerna Sharma office time mein bus mein bohot bheer hota hai plus bus drivers bohot recklessly bus chalate hai. Aur Sara din kaam karne ke baad tum taxi Ka wait karogi kya?!". Prerna didn't say anything but just took his hand in hers and said,"Thanks.". This surprised Anurag, he said,"Iss mein thanks kehne ki kya baat hai tum biwi ho meri main bas apna farz nibha raha hu.". Holding his hand tighter, Prerna looked deep into his eyes and said,"Sirf farz?". Anurag blushed and looked down before saying,"I love you Prerna. Mera ab life mein bas ek hi goal hai, tumhe humesha khush rakhna tumhe kissi bhi cheez ki Kami Nahi hone dena. Main bas apna goal Pura karne ki koshish kar Raha Hu.". Overwhelmed by his words, Prerna let go of his hands and looked away, she hated it when he was like this. He made it hard for her to maintain a tough exterior. Watching her reaction Anurag said softly,"Prerna, kya hua? Tum theek ho?". Prerna nodded and replied rather awkwardly"Haan main bilkul theek Hu. Mujhe ab chalna chahiye". "Yes", Anurag said,"All the best.Kaam ke baad mujhe phone Karna Matt bhulna.". Prerna watched as Anurag's car go past her. She contemplatively glanced at the building preparing herself for the confrontation she was going to have.
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Sitting in his cabin, Mr.Bajaj was reading a file when he heard a knock on his door. "Come in",he said. It was Priya, his receptionist, who came in and said,"Sir", she said,"Mrs. Prerna Basu is here". "Prerna Basu nahi Prerna Sharma Basu", said Mr.Bajaj without thinking. Looking up from his file, he saw Prerna enter the cabin. Thinking the tough conversation he was about to have, Mr. Bajaj braced himself. "Hello Prerna", he said,"Please baithiye na. Priya, please do coffee bhejo.". Prerna protested,"Nahi Mr.Bajaj, main coffee nahi piungi agar aap peena chahte hai please go ahead.". Mr.Bajaj smiled and said," Ok then, Priya mere liye ek coffee.". As the receptionist left, Mr. Bajaj addressed Prerna,"Arre aap abhi bhi khari hai, please baithiye.". Prerna nodded and sat down. Mr.Bajaj cleared his throat and sat down. Prerna waited for him to begin but he didn't say anything. Instead, he just took his file and resumed reading it from where he left. This baffled Prerna. Yeh kya Kar rahe hai? Mujhe aise bithakar kyu rakha hai inhone? She thought. Mr.Bajaj nervously turned the pages of his file that he pretended to read and thought annoyed, Oh God, mujhe itni nervousness kyu ho rahi hai? Pehle bhi to maine aise logo ko fire Kiya hai to phir ab main itna hesitant kyu hu? After a few more minutes silence Prerna couldn't take it anymore. She decided to get to the point "Meri Ved se baat huyi thi, suna hai aapne usse job offer Kiya hai.",she started. Rishabh Bajaj looked up from his file in surprise. He clearly wasn't expecting this line of conversation. "Haan",he replied,"Main chahta tha ke Woh meri due diligence team ko lead kare.. package bhi kaafi achcha tha..too bad usne yeh opportunity gawa diya.". Prerna said,"If you don't mind, kya main Jaan sakti hu ke aapne usse yeh job kyu offer Kiya?". Mr.Bajaj raised his eyebrows he didn't like her demanding tone. He had hired Prerna as his assistant. Sure he wasn't going to keep her, but she didn't know that yet. Who was she to demand explanations from him? Priya, his receptionist entered the cabin and placed the coffee on the table. Mr.Bajaj waited for Priya to shut the door behind her before saying,"If you don't mind, Prerna", Mr.Bajaj said stressing on her name," Main kisse job offer karta hu, uske peechhe reasons kya hai yeh main aapko batana zaroori Nahi samajhta.". His tone was pleasant yet there was an underlying anger in it. "Main jaanti hu mujhe koi haq Nahi hai ke main aapse iss cheez ko lekar koi safayi mangu lekin mera yeh jaanna bohot zaroori hai ke aapne mujhe aur Ved ko job kyu offer Kiya hai warna I am sorry to say main yaha kaam nahi kar paungi." Prerna gave her ultimatum. Her words left him stunned."What?",Mr Bajaj said surprised. He could not believe his ears. Here he was feeling reluctant to dismiss her from the job and Prerna had the gall to refuse this job when she wasn't getting any offers. Gupta sahi kehta tha, Mr.Bajaj thought fuming, Yeh job Prerna ke liye utna bhi important Nahi hai jitna ke main samajhta tha, Woh jaanti hai ke uska aur uske bachche Ka future Basu's ke saath secure hai shayad iss liye Woh mujse aise baat Kar rahi hai. Kya inhe sach mein lagta hai ke just because maine inki baat maankar Moloy Basu se maafi mangi, khud chalkar inhe job offer Kiya iss liye yeh mujhpar apni manmaani chalayengi? Main abhi inki yeh misunderstanding door karta Hu. Before he could speak, Prerna said,"Mr.Bajaj jab apne mujhe yeh job offer kiya, tab Meri Khushi Ka thikaana Nahi tha. Main bohot hopeless thi, mujhe koi job Nahi mil raha tha. Reason yeh tha ki main ek dropout hu, mera koi experience Nahi hai. Main pregnant Hu, main Anurag Basu ki patni hu(thinking of her humiliation at Daily Blitz office)....Lekin aapne yeh sab nahi socha, aapne mujhe job offer Kiya jiske peechhe aapne yeh reason diya ki main ek loyal aur honest ladki Hu, aur Meri yahi loyalty aur honesty ke wajah se aapne mujhe chuna hai. Aur maine bhi aapke offer ko sirf iss liye accept Kiya kyuki mujhe laga ke aapne mujhe job diya meri capabilities dekh Kar. Par shayad aisa Nahi hai.Ab mujhe lagta hai ke aapka mujhe yeh job offer karne ke peechhe Kuch aur hi motive tha". "Yeh aap kya keh rahi hai?",Mr Bajaj asked confused,"Maine aapko iss hi wajah se hire Kiya hai Kyuki mujhe lagta hai ke aap pe trust Kar sakta hu, aap apna kaam sincerely karengi.". Prerna sighed and said,"Mr.Bajaj, main aapki izzat karti Hu, aapne dus saal pehle jo Kia- aapka secret....trust me Woh mere aur Ved ke saath safe hai aapko iske liye mujhe ya usse Kuch dena Nahi hoga. Agar aapne mujhe sirf iss wajah se yeh job offer Kiya tha kyuki aapko laga ke main aapke iss favour ke badle aapka secret safe rakhungi then I am sorry to say main yeh job nahi accept kar Sakti. Main apne talent aur capability ke dum pe apna career banana chahti Hu kisike past ko exploit karke Nahi.". Mr.Bajaj didn't say anything he just stared at her in awe. This woman never failed to baffle him. He was going to dismiss her from the job because he doubted her loyalty and here she was rejecting the job because she doubted his intentions. For what it's worth, he really did admire her frankness and integrity. It was what made her a perfect choice as his assistant. Mr.Bajaj finally spoke up,"Look Prerna",he said softly,"Maine aap pe koi favour nahi Kiya hai yeh job aapko aapki capabilities ki hi wajah se mila hai aur....rahi baat aapke dost ko job offer karne ki to main ek investor hu, mera kaam hai apna paisa dusro ke business mein lagaana which is why I need an efficient and discreet man to lead my due diligence team. Aapke dost ke kaam mein mujhe Woh capabilities dikhi iss liye maine usse hire Karna chaha. And lastly, thank you so much mere secret ko safe rakhne ke liye lekin iss Baar maine aisa pukta intezaam Kiya hai ke aapka dost to kya khud Sherlock Holmes bhi Mera secret dhund nahi payega". In contrast to his calm voice, there was a hard look on Rishabh Bajaj's eyes as he mentioned his past. Prerna ignored the slight challenge in his demeanor. She didn't need to feel scared or worried because she had no intention of revealing anything to anyone. She was just glad that she finally got a job because of her capabilities and not because of her boss's murky past. Thank God, Prerna thought to herself relieved, Mera shak galat sabit hua. Mujhe yeh job meri kaabiliyat ke wajah se mila kissi aur wajah se nahi. Ab mujhe yaha kaam karne mein koi dikkat nahi hai "In that case Mr.Bajaj",she said, "Main aaj hi se apna kaam start karna chahti hu.". Now it was Mr.Bajaj's turn to object, "Wait a minute",he said,"Aapne apni baat rakhli ab main apni baat rakhna chahta Hu. Do you know Prerna, aapke aane se pehle hi maine decide kar liya tha ke main aapko apne yaha kaam pe nahi rakhunga?". "What?Par kyu?",came Prerna's shocked reply. Mr.Bajaj replied,"Kyuki Basu Publications ko abhi tak koi investor nahi mila aur aap abhi bhi ek Basu hai. From what I understand aap next six months tak Basu Baari mein rahengi.". Prerna asked confused,"Toh?". Mr. Bajaj smiled at her naivete. "Conflict of interest. Aap officially ek Basu hai. Aap aur aapke honewale bachche ka future Basu Publications se juda hua hai aise mein mere advisors ko yeh lagta hai ke aap mujhe influence kar sakti hai Basu Publications mein invest karne ko, jo-frankly speaking main nahi karna chahta.".
"Main aisa bilkul bhi Nahi karti! Aur mujse bina mile mujhe bina jaane aapke advisors mere baare mein aisi baat keh kaise Sakte hai?!", Prerna replied angrily,"Haan, yeh sach hai ke main Anurag ki biwi hu, humara bachcha iss duniya mein aane waala hai. Lekin woh meri personal life hai iska mere kaam se koi lena dena nahi hai.". "Yeh aap yakeen ke saath kaise keh sakti hai?",Mr. Bajaj asked sceptically, "What if aapke pati ya aapki sister in law future mein aapse insist kare ke aap mujhe convince kare Basu Publications mein invest karne ke liye? Phir?". "Anurag ya mere kakababu mujse aisa kabhi nahi kahenge",Prerna replied passionately,"Main unn dono ko achchi tarah se jaanti hu...aur rahi baat Nivi Di ya uss family mein kissi aur ki, agar aapne mujhe yeh Naukri Di, to toh main aapse vaada karti Hu ke main apne personal aur professional lives ko alag rakhungi. Main aapse Basu Publications ko lekar kabhi bhi koi baat nahi karungi.", Prerna waited for Mr.Bajaj to reply. But he didn't say anything, instead he stormed out of the room leaving behind an extremely confused Prerna.
Part 46: Second Chance
Prerna sat in Mr.Bajaj's cabin, with a sinking feeling inside her. He wasn't going to employ her, that's why he stormed out like that. She knew it. Shayad unhe lagaa tha ke main aise Nahi jaungi, Prerna thought pessimistically, Iss liye shayad chale Gaye. Prerna looked upwards, Maa please, she pleaded to Maa Durga, Bohot mushkil se yeh job Mila hai please Kuch aisa Karo ke Mr.Bajaj mujhe iss job se na nikaale. Mr.Bajaj entered the cabin with his receptionist in tow. Before Prerna could say anything, he placed a piece of paper in front of her. Prerna asked confused,"Yeh kya hai?". Mr.Bajaj replied,"Yeh aapka naya appointment letter hai.". Stunned by his words, Prerna replied getting up,"A-aap mujhe hire karenge?". Mr Bajaj sighed and said,"Yes. Frankly speaking, mujhe abhi bhi apne iss decision ko lekar reservation hai but I feel that I should give you a chance. It's only fair since maine aapko yeh job offer Kiya tha.". Prerna replied happily,"Thank you so much Mr. Bajaj! I promise you aap bilkul bhi regret Nahi karenge.". Prerna extended her hand for a handshake. Mr.Bajaj took her hand and said earnestly,"I hope so, Prerna. ". He turned to Priya, and said,"Priya, tum please Prerna ko please uska desk dikha do. Uska on boarding process mujhe aaj shaam tak complete ho chahiye. Aur usse uska kaam bhi samjhaa dena". "Ok, sir", said Priya,"Prerna please follow me.". Prerna nodded and said,"Once again, Mr.Bajaj. Thank you so much.". Mr. Bajaj replied,"You're welcome."
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The elevator opened and Mr. Gupta came out. He looked around the office feeling proud. He had done well. It was an elegant and functional office. The two words used by his boss to describe what he wanted his office to look like. They've already leased two floors of this building. Ek Baar Bajaj ka naam India mein establish ho jaaye, he thought to himself, hum poori building kharid lenge. Mr. Gupta thought of the conversation he had with his boss in the morning. Achcha hua, he thought to himself, Bajaj ko akal aayi. Agar hum Prerna ko hire karte to Woh zaroor Bajaj ko convince karti Basu Publications mein invest karne ke liye. Aur jab hume Basu's se koi association hi nahi rakhna to phir Prerna ko hire karke iss cheez ko complicate kyu Karna.". Mr. Gupta walked towards Mr.Bajaj's cabin. He was stunned to see Prerna Basu occupying the desk outside Bajaj's cabin, working at the laptop. Prerna looked up and saw a short middle aged standing at a little distance in front of her, staring at her with a weird expression on his face. Before she could say anything he turned his face and walked inside the cabin. Kaun hai yeh aadmi?Aur yeh mujhe aise kyu Dekh Raha tha? She thought puzzled.
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Mr.Bajaj looked up from his phone, as Mr.Gupta entered looking hassled. Isne zaroor Prerna ko dekh liya hoga, Mr.Bajaj thought to himself guiltily. Before he could say anything, Mr.Gupta spoke up,"Sir, Aapne Prerna ko as an assistant hire kiya? Aap jaante hai na yeh Kitna risky hai. Woh zaroor Basu-". Mr.Bajaj cut him off,"Woh aisa Kuch nahi karegi Gupta. Usne mujhe assure Kiya hai ke Woh iss office mein Basu Publications Ka naam tak Nahi legi.". Mr. Gupta remained adamant,"Haa, to woh bhale hi Basu Publications ko recommend na kare, lekin aisa bhi to ho sakta hai ke woh achchi companies ko aap tak pohochne se roke taaki end mein aap khudse Basu Publications mein invest kare. After all ab se aapki meetings Woh fix karegi. Aisa ho hi sakta hai ke woh Jaan bujhke aapki potential companies ke saath meetings delay ya cancel karde taaki aap inn companies mein invest na Kar paye!". Mr Bajaj burst out laughing at this, leaving his second in command turn red with indignation. "Seriously Gupta!",Mr.Bajaj exclaimed in between fits of laughter,"Tum yeh sab kaise soch lete ho. Itna complicated!!". Finally calming down, Mr. Bajaj said,"I know tum mujhe protect Karna chahte ho and I really appreciate that. Lekin ab tum paranoid ho rahe ho. Tum Prerna ko Nahi jaante. Ek baar usse mil lo, usse Jaan lo. Tum samaj jaoge ke Woh waisi Nahi hai jaisa ki tum usse samajte ho. In fact, Woh toh khud yeh job Nahi karna chahti thi jab usse pata Chala ke humne uske friend ko bhi job offer Kiya tha.". This piqued Mr.Gupta's interest,"Kyu?"he asked curiously. Mr.Bajaj replied,"Kyuki usse laga ke main usse aur uske dost ko yeh job rishwat mein offer Kar Raha Hu. Aur usse aise apna career nahi banana.Ab tumhi socho jo ladki itni si baat par haath aaya job chhor sakti hai, kya woh sach mein Woh sab Kar Sakti hai Jo tum keh rahe ho?". Mr.Gupta remained silent, he was at a loss for words. He had been with Bajaj for over 10 years, supported him and protected him. This time too, he will do the same.
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Prerna smiled to herself as worked on her laptop. She couldn't believe how close she was to losing this job all because of her silly doubts. Her job here was fairly simple. Priya, that tall and smartly dressed girl at the reception, her new colleague and friend had explained to her. She had to manage Mr. Bajaj's schedule, update him on day's agenda in the morning. Take his calls, screen the genuine ones from the ones that waste his time. Order his lunch and dinner if he chooses to stay late. And never, under any condition leave office before he does. Just then, her phone rang. It was Anurag. She answered. "Hi",he said from the other end,"Kaisa lag raha hai first day? Tum settle ho gayi?". "Haa", Prerna replied pleasantly,"Mujhe mera naya office bohot pasand aa raha hai.". "Achcha",Anurag replied,"Aur log kaise hai? ". "Waise ab tak toh Mera utna kisese interaction nahi hua. Bas Mr. Bajaj aur Priya, Jo reception mein kaam karti hai aur...".Prerna thought of the weird middle aged man who had stared at her a while back. "Aur?",Anurag asked confused. "Aur ek aadmi",Prerna said confused,"Pata Nahi Woh mujhe kaise Dekh Raha tha. Jaise ki usse apni ankhon pe vishwas Nahi ho raha ke mein Yaha Hu.". "Achcha", Anurag said alarmed,"Kon hai woh? Kis department se?". Hearing his alarming tone Prerna regretted sharing this information about him. She so didn't want another Daily Blitz incident on her hands. The last thing she needed was her overprotective husband storming into this office and beating up some unsuspecting man for staring at her in a surprised manner. Prerna laughed and said in a quickly,"Arre aisa kuch nahi hai, I think woh shayad... shayad meri tarah woh aadmi bhi naya hoga office mein kho gaya hoga bas iss liye.". Anurag said,"Prerna agar tumhe uss office mein Kabhi bhi uncomfortable lage to please batane mein hichkichana mat. Tumhari safety se zyada aur kuch nahi. Tum samaj rahi ho na?". Prerna clicked her tongue and said,"Offo tum bhi na bekaar mein tension le rahe ho. Maine Kaha na sab theek hai. Achcha Woh sab chhoro, Basu Publications ko koi investor Mila?". Anurag gave a frustrated sigh and said,"I don't know Prerna kya ho raha hai. Main aur Nivi Di jis bhi investor ko approach karte hai, woh sab yeh sunke hume reject karte hai ke humari company mortgaged hai! I mean can you believe it?Jab Basu Publications profit Kar rahi thi sabko isme invest karna tha! Aur ab jab humara time kharab chal raha hai. Hume investment ki zaroorat hai tab koi humare paas Nahi hai!". Prerna closed her eyes, she wished she could do something for him. "Anurag",she said,"Tum chinta matt Karo aur Durga Ma pe vishwas rakho. Dekho na, meri lakh koshisho ke bawajood bhi mujhe kahi job Nahi mil raha tha. Lekin jab maine least expect kiya tha tab mujhe yeh job mil gayi. Tum Dekhna tumhare Saath bhi aisa hi hoga. Waise kakababu se tumhari baat huyi?". Anurag replied,"Haa woh-achcha Prerna abhi main rakhta hu Nivi aayi hai. Bye.". "Bye",Prerna replied. Nivedita sat down on the chair opposite Anurag and said,"So Onu, Prerna Ka first day Kaisa chal raha hai?". Anurag replied,"Achcha chal raha hai Nivi Di. Aapki meeting kaisi thi?". Nivedita rolled her eyes and said,"As if you don't know. Sabko lagta hai ki Basu Publications ek doobti hui company hai aur koi hume bachana Nahi chahta! (Running her fingers through her hair) My God Onu....do you realize Komolika ke hearing ko bas dus din baaki hai. Humare bas Kitna Kam time hai company ko bachane Ka...". Anurag leaned back on his chair, and said,"Nivi Di, aisa nahi hai. Dus din baad bas hearing shuru hogi... hearing khatm hote hote at least ek-dedh mahina toh lagega." . Nivedita scoffed,"Usse bhi kya hoga Onu. Humari company mortgaged hai, jisme kisiko invest nahi karna. Actually Galti meri hai! Mujhe Mr.Bajaj ko pehle hi din San Kuch sach sach bata dena chahiye tha. To aaj humare paas investor hota Kam se Kam!". "Matlab?",Anurag asked,"Jab Mr.Bajaj ko pata Chala ke humari company mortgaged hai unhone to deal tod Diya.". "No", Nivedita replied, sounding angry at herself,"Mr.Bajaj ne iss liye deal toda kyuki humne unse sach chhupaya. Agar humne unhe shuru se hi sab sach sach bataya hota, toh shayad aise humse deal nahi todte.". Anurag stayed silent, reflecting on Nivedita's words. He finally replied,"I don't understand",he said,"Agar aisa tha toh aapne jhoot kyu bola?". Looking visibly stressed, Nivedita said,"Onu, I didn't know this before. Main kal apne b-school ke ek friend se baat Kar rahi thi. Uss hi ne mujhe bataya ke humare ek class mate ka business puri tarah se loss mein tha, sab kuch auction honewaala tha lekin last minute mein Mr.Bajaj ne uss company mein invest Kiya aur aaj woh company dusre deshon mein expand kar rahi hai". Anurag frowned and said," Humne jab Mr. Bajaj ko lekar due diligence kiya toh yeh information humse miss kaise ho gayi?". Nivedita replied,"Kyuki Mr.Bajaj ka ab uss company se koi vasta nahi hai. Apne friend se baat karne ke baad maine Pratyush se saara information nikalwaya. Woh ek mamuli sa tribal arts ka business tha, uska capital expenditure Mr.Bajaj ke usual portfolio 25% bhi nahi hoga. Mr.Bajaj ne India aane se pehle hi usme divest kiya. I guess itna chhota investment unke brand ko suit nahi karta iss liye unhone iss baat ko zyada share Nahi kiya. Lekin socho Onu! Agar Mr. Bajaj ek kal ki aayi company mein apna paisa invest kar Sakte hai...toh Basu Publications to ek established company hai, to woh iss mein kyu nahi invest kar Sakte?". Anurag replied,"Woh sab main samajhta Hu Nivi Di. Lekin Mr. Bajaj be khud humse yeh deal toda woh wapas kyu humse yeh deal karenge?".
Nivi replied,"Onu, unhone humse deal gusse mein toda. Lekin baad mein unhone humare Ghar aakar apne behaviour ke liye Baba ko sorry bhi bola. Haan....he's a proud man shayad iss liye khud humse wapas deal karne ki baat Nahi karenge, magar....hum toh unke pass ek second offer lekar ja hi Sakte hai na?". A few minutes passed. Anurag still didn't say anything. Absent mindedly he adjusted his tie, as Nivedita watched him closely. Come on, Onu, she mentally urged him, Maan jao meri baat!Agar tum nahi maane toh meri saari mehnat waste jaayegi. This morning when Nivedita saw Anurag being a supportive husband and dropping Prerna for her first day in office, an idea occured to her. Instead of directly talking to Prerna and getting rebuffed, why not have her darling husband convince her to arrange a meeting with Mr.Bajaj? Mr.Bajaj's staff may have stalled her. Surely, Prerna won't do the same to Anurag. When she saw Anurag talking with Prerna over the phone, Nivedita knew this was her chance. She recollected an incident her friend told her about Mr.Bajaj, at the party they threw for him at Basu Bari. Now, watching him sit silently for so long Nivedita was losing her patience. She tried another "Onu",Nivedita began,"Don't you think hume at least Baba ke liye, unki legacy ke liye ek koshish Karni Chahiye?". Anurag was about to reply, just then his phone rang. Frowning he picked up. His frown was replaced by a shocked expression. He finally spoke,"Prerna ko pata hai?". Nivedita heard indistinct murmur from the other end. To which Anurag replied,"Usse Kuch Matt batana Ved. Aaj uska first day hai. Main Nahi chahta Komolika usko uske liye spoil Kare.". Hearing Komolika's name, Nivedita's eyebrows shot up. Once Anurag got off the phone, she asked anxiously,"Kya hua Onu?!Komolika ne ab kya Kiya?!". Anurag replied,"Mujhe Ved ne bataya ke Komolika hospital mein admit hai.".
Part 47: Komolika
"What?",came Nivedita's shocked reply,"Komolika hospital mein hai!Kya hua?". Anurag replied,"Ved ne bataya ke uska uske cellmates ke Saath jhagra hua tha, aur unke beech hatha paayi ho gayi. Komolika ko serious injury ho gayi hai woh bol Raha tha.". Nivedita smirked at this and said," Maine kabhi nahi socha tha ke judge ke faisle se bhi pehle Komolika ko uske kiye ki sazaa mil jayegi. I guess Karma really is a-". Nivedita stopped midway. She appeared to be deep in thought. She finally said,"Onu usse injury sach mein huyi hai ki nahi tum Ved se Woh pehle check karao.". Anurag frowned and replied," I don't know yeh uska jail se bachne ka game plan hai ki kya hai...But surely...usse bhi pata hoga ke yeh sab karke Woh zyada din Nahi bach Sakti. After all humare paas Uske khilaaf proof hai.". Nivedita replied,"Shayad, woh darri huyi hai, iss liye yeh sab desperate games khel rahi hai...Jo bhi ho, Onu this time we must be careful with her. Shayad woh jaan bujhke injure huyi hai...Oh God! Onu! What if yeh uska koi plan hai jail se bhaagne Ka?Pehle usne jail mein jhagra kiya, injury ke bahane jail ki high security se bach nikli, aur ab shayad woh hospital se bhaag jayegi?". Horror crossed Anurag's face as he imagined the havoc Komolika would cause to their lives if she was free. If Nivedita's conjecture proved to be correct. "Aisa Nahi ho sakta",Anurag said as much to himself as to Nivedita,"No! Iss baar Komolika hume hurt nahi kar Sakti. Main aisa hone nahi dunga.". Saying this, he stormed out of the office.
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Ved Roy waited outside the police station, waiting for his special police informant to give him a rundown of what transpired between Komolika and her inmates. He yawned. He badly needed to sleep. Ever since he returned from Delhi after visiting Ronit, Ved just couldn't sleep. Ronit wasn't in Kolkata causing any trouble. Somehow he found it hard to believe. It just wasn't Ronit's style. And that aroused Ved's suspicion. What made him nervous and kept him awake at nights was that there wasn't any evidence or behaviour which supported his suspicion. It meant that either Ronit was being extremely careful or that Ved was finally going crazy. He was being over suspicious without any reason. It was, he believed, the worst trait of a detective. And the ultimate reason behind their downfall. On a hunch, he dialed Ronit's number. The phone rang for a few times, until someone picked up from the other end,"Bol?", Ronit Chaubey answered. Ved raised his eyebrows and said,"Main Ved baat Kar Raha Hu."
Ronit replied impatiently,"Ha pata hai bol!". Ved replied,"Kamaal hai, tujhe pata hai mera phone hai phir bhi tune phone uthaya.". "Phone to mujhe uthana hi tha", Ronit replied sarcastically,"Warna tu aur meri woh annoying behen mujhpe shak karte huye Delhi tak aa jaate hai. Aur mere se ek aur family reunion bardasht nahi hoga.". Ved looked down and said,"Fair enough. Maine bas yeh kehne ke liye phone kiya hai ki tumhari behen hospitalised hai.". "Kya hua Mishka ko?",Ronit asked quickly. Ved detected a hint of concern on his voice. It gave him a sense of relief. "Main Komolika ki baat kar raha hu.",Ved replied. "Oh", Ronit said,"Kaise hua?". This time, his voice was clipped, almost unemotional. "Uska aur uske cell mates ke beech hatha paayi huyi thi.". Ronit sighed and said,"Jinn logo ki pehle aukaat bhi nahi thi humse nazre milaane ki aaj woh hum par haath utha rahe hai.". Saying this Ronit hung up. Ved looked down at his phone still confused. He opened his tracking app to check Ronit's whereabouts. It placed Ronit in the college cafeteria. Ved gave a sigh of relief. If Ronit even dared to set foot in Kolkata, Ved would know. Ved looked up to see Constable Ghosh coming out of the police station. Their eyes met, the constable nodded and Ved quietly left the police station. Fifteen minutes later, both the men met at a small tea stall a little farther from the police station. Sitting in the small wooden bench Constable Ghosh nervously looked around to see if any known faces were present. The police did not like their own people interacting with interlopers like private detectives and press. Ved offered him a cream roll and said,"Yeh lo". Ghosh took a bite of the cream roll. "Kya hua tha Komolika ke Saath?",Ved asked. Constable Ghosh looked at Ved crossly, his mouth was full with the cream roll. Hastily, he swallowed it before saying,"Aap yun baar baar aise thane matt aaiye! Sir log ko humpe shaq ho jaayega". Ved smiled,"Main nahi aata agar aap mera phone uthate to.". The constable replied,"Aapka phone uthana khatre se khaali nahi hai. Agar pakde gaye to humari naukri jaayegi.". Ved replied,"Aap mere liye Jo bhi karte hai main usko appreciate karta hu.". Ved held out a Rs. 500 note,"Yeh lijiye",he said,"Agar information achchi huyi to iska double dunga. Iss hi visit ke liye.". The constable looked around to see if anyone was watching and then quickly pocketed the Rs.500 note. He answered,"Aaj naashte ke baad Komolika ki duty thi backyard mein. Uske saath Ashwini naam ki ek qaidi bhi thi duty mein, woh wohi qaidi hai jiska Komolika se pehle jhagra hua tha aur uske baad woh hospitalise bhi huyi thi.....shayad aaj usne apne injury ka badla liya.". Ved raised his brows,"Uske injury ke peechhe Komolika thi, uska koi proof mila tum logo ko?". Ghosh shook his head and said,"Nahi, aapne kaha unhone Mishkaji se yeh bola, iss liye keh raha hu.". Ved sighed,"Aaj kya hua?". Ghosh answered,"Aaj Dus baje uski duty thi, Ashwini aur baaki do qaidiyon ke saath, unke saath ek lady constable bhi thi. Kissi kaam ke wajah se humari constable to unhe akela chhorna para, uske kuch minute baad hi backyard se Komolika ki cheekhne ki awaz aane laagi. Humne jaakar dekha ke woh zameen pe pari huyi thi aur Ashwini usse bohot buri tarah se maar rahi thi. Uske saathiyo ne Komolika ka haath paer pakad kar rakha tha.". Ved asked, "Jhagre ki wajah kya thi?". The Constable replied,"Komolika bata rahi thi ke Ashwini baar baar uska rasta rok rahi thi, usse kaam nahi karne de rahi thi, Komolika ne apne bachaav mein usse dhakka diya, aur phir Ashwini aur uske saathiyo ne usse gher liya...uske baad ka to maine aapko bata diya hai.". Ved asked curiously,"Yeh Ashwini kon hai?". Making noisy chewing noises, Ghosh said,"Woh drug dealer hai. Last teen saal se iss jail mein hai. Chhote mote jhagre karti thi par, pehli baar usne itna bada jhagra kiya.". Ved asked,"Ashwini ki Komolika ke peechhe lagne ki koi khaas wajah?". The constable shrugged,"Kuch keh nahi sakte...ek baar Komolika ke saath uska bed ko lekar jhagra hua, usne Komolika par haath uthaaya. Uske baad woh achanak seediyo se phisal kar gir gayi.". Ved opened his mouth to ask another question when the constable beat him to it,"Jab woh haadsa hua tab Komolika apne cell mein thi aur Ashwini ya kisi bhi qaidi ne Komolika ka naam nahi liya.". Ved let out a frustrated sigh. There was complete silence between the two men. Realising that Ved's questions were at an end, the Constable ate his cream roll with relish. Suddenly Ved said,"Komolika ki hearing hai dus mein.". The Constable shook and said, with surety"Postpone ho Jayega" Ved turned his head to look at him "Injury serious itna serious hai kya?". The constable was about to take the last bite of his cream roll when Ved asked this question. His hand carrying the roll stopped mid air. He gave Ved a reproachful look before putting the last bit of roll in his mouth. Licking the cream off his fingers he said, "Injury kitni serious thi woh to doctors bataa sakenge, magar uska chehra ab pehle jaisa nahi rahega".
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SSKM hospital
Komolika Chaubey's eyes were filled with angry tears as she examined her face in the hand held mirror. There was a white bandage covering one half of her face. Her left arm was fractured and secured in a brace. Her graceful wheatish throat was covered with ugly handprints of her assailant. The rest of her body was aching from the harsh beating she received from Ashwini and her mates. "Jin logo ki mere ghar naukar banne tak ki aukaat nahi hai aaj unke haaton mujhe yeh face karna para. I won't spare you! Prerna!", Komolika muttered to herself. The two lady constables who were guarding her exchanged puzzled looks. None of the women who hit Komolika were called Prerna, so why was she blaming Prerna? Komolika didn't seem to notice this. She was lost in her own plight. "Kya main andar aa sakti hu?", a voice said softly. It was Mishka's. Her voice incensed Komolika. "Aao, aao Mishka", Komolika said spitefully,"Main jaanti thi ke tum yaha zaroor aaogi. After all tumhe apne boss ko jo report karna hai!".Mishka was shocked, not by what she heard, but by what she saw. This was not the beautiful sister she remembered. The right half of her face was covered in a thick bandage while there was a huge bruise on her left cheek. Mishka stood rooted to her place, horrified. Ved told her Komolika had a fight in the jail. But her injuries look as if she was beaten up by some vicious goons. "Kya hua sweet sissy?", Komolika said in a mock innocent tone,"Tumhe apni Didu ko dekh ke darr lag raha hai? (Extending her right hand) Paas nahi aaogi?". Mishka started hyperventilating. Finally she said,"Oh God...Di-didu yeh kya hua? Yeh..yeh kaise?". "Zyada bano matt tum!", Komolika snapped,"Mujhe jail bhejke, meri aisi haalat karke ab tum sympathy dikhaane aayi ho?". Mishka was stunned by Komolika's words,"Maine? Maine aapki yeh haalat ki? Aap yeh kaise keh sakti hai!". Komolika answered,"Tumhi ne to mujhe jail bheja! Sabke saamne dad ki sachchayi laayi! Poori family ko barbaad kiya! Humare dushmano ke saath milkar hume barbaad kiya!.....Jis Komolika Chaubey ke naam se bhi log darr jaate the aaj uske saath yeh ho gaya (motioning at her body)!". Mishka replied firmly,"Aap jail gayi kyuki aapne ek nirdosh insaan ki jaan li! Prerna ki life spoil karne ki koshish ki! Dad ke saath itna bura hua kyuki unhone humare mom ke saath itna bura kiya!". Komolika scoffed,"Hmph! Mujhe Taras aata hai tumhe dekh Kar! Kya brainwash kiya hai unn logo ne tumhe. Saari galti meri akeli ki nahi thi Mishka! Mere saath saath uss Mohini Basu aur uss Nivedita ne bhi Prerna ko bohot torture kiya tha! In fact woh log mere aane se pehle hi Prerna aur Anurag ke rishte ko todna chahte the! Aur aaj woh log sadhu banke baithe hai! Jab ki unhone mere har plan mein, meri har chaal mein mujhe support kiya aur yeh baat sabko pata hai. Magar Anurag tumhari tarah dhokebaaz nahi hai. Woh Prerna se chahe jitna bhi pyaar kare apni family ko uske liye kabhi nahi chhorega. Aur Prerna? Uski hypocrisy ke aage to sab fail hai! Badi nyay ki devi bani phirti hai, ab kya hua? Jis aadmi ne usse pregnant karke chhor diya, poore sheher ke saamne uske character pe sawaal uthaya, jiski maa ne uski zabardasti apne buddhe bhai se shaadi karani chahi aaj woh unn logo ke saath reh rahi hai! Ab usse badla nahi chahiye?!". Komolika finished, catching her breath. Her bruised mouth was hurting from talking for too long. There was complete silence in the room except Mishka's soft sniffles. The two lady constables present in the room smirked at each other. This was a rare occasion for them, watching the drama of rich people unfold in front of their eyes, something they'd never seen before. Mishka was about to speak,"Aisa nahi hai-", but Komolika cut her off. In a calm and controlled voice Komolika said,"Chali jaao yaha se Mishka. Tum jaake uss ladki se dosti nibhao jisne tumse tumhare fiance ko chheena. Tum apne ex fiance se wafadaari nibhao jisne tumhe chhorkar Prerna se pyaar kiya aur mujhse shaadi ki! Jis crime ke liye Prerna ne Ronit ko arrest karaya tha dekha jaaye toh woh crime Anurag ne bhi kiya tha- usse shaadi ka waada karke usse pregnant karke chhor diya. Lekin Prerna ne uske khilaaf police complaint nahi kiya, ulta woh Anurag ki patni hone ka jhoota daava lekar Basu Bari aa gayi rehne. Issi se to tumhe pata chalna chahiye tha ke Prerna ko insaaf mein koi interest nahi hai. Woh bas Anurag aur uske beech aane waale har kaate ho hatana chahti thi. Iss liye usne mujhe jail bhej diya, humari family ka naam mitti mein mila diya aur tumhe? Tumhe usne jhooti dosti aur jhoote pyaar ke jaal mein aisa phasaaya hai ke tumhe yeh tak nahi dikhta ke tum kitni insecure ho!". "Nahi",came Mishka's vehement reply,"Main bilkul bhi insecure Nahi hu!Main kyu insecure hone laagi? Mere paas Ved hai. Woh kitna pyaar karta hai mujhse-". Komolika cut her off,"Pyaar?Usse aaj tak kiska bhalaa hua hai?",she said in a sarcastic voice,"Pyaar vyaar sab chhalaava aur kuch nahi! Hum dono ne Anurag se pyaar kiya, tha hume dard ke alaava aur kya mila? Anurag kehta hai ke woh Prerna se pyaar karta hai, lekin jab usse pyaar aur business ke beech chunna para usne apne business ko chuna! Woh chahe mujhe jitna bhi blame kare, maine usse force nahi Kiya tha. Usne apni marzi se paiso ko chuna Prerna ke upar. Ab baat karte hai tumhare uss sadak chhaap Byomkesh Bakshi ki...toh woh din dur nahi jab Woh bhi tumhe chhor dega. Tab tum kya karogi?Kaha jaogi? Kabhi socha hai? Humara to sab kuch tum duba chuki ho! Ab tak uss sadak chhaap ke saath ek hi ghar mein ho uski girlfriend banke. Jis din uska tumse mann bhar jayega na tumhe apne bedroom se uthake wapas sadak mein chhor ayega aur tum Kuch nahi kar paogi!...Uss din tumhe pata chalega ke tumne Apne khoon ke khilaaf jaakar kitni badi Galti ki hai Mishka!NOW GET OUT!!Main tumhari shakal bhi nahi dekhna chahti!!".
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Precap: "Kaisi ho Komolika?"Anurag asked.
Ufff Yeh Love Hai Mushkil
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