MG FF - The Burnt - Chapter 24 - Pg 88 Nov 16 - Page 38

The Burnt - Chapter 6

Maan was working on expanding his horizon in the European region.

“Hi Mr. Andrew”

“Yes, I am sure to take over the recreation industry here”

“Hmm.. Okay”

“....”

“Yes, I want to visit and see that Amusement park. Only if I visit the site in person, we can even kick off the project. And yes, I want to take it aggressively”

“...”

“No, today should be fine. It’s Saturday and we will get a proper view and feel of the park. These small things will matter”

“...”

“Sure. I will meet you at park itself in an hour”

Maan was about to step out “Maan, where are you going. It’s weekend, do you remember”

Maan came to Dadima, “Dadima, business empire does not run on sitting at home on weekends. I am landing into new industry”

“Why are you expanding the business like this?”

Maan ignored her question. He was madly keeping himself busy and Dadima was getting concerned about his madness

“Dadima!!! Meera is coming for you”

She sighed, “Okay go. She is not coming for me. Her last meeting was missed, and she will try to get that done today and leave. Dev you know how he irks when she is here”

‘Hmm.. Okay I will take your leave” and he rushed out, the driver waiting with the door of the back seat open for him to settle inside.

“Hmm… start” he ordered and got busy looking at the proposal.

Misty made a pancake and placed the plate in front of restless Advay.

“And here you go” and she poured chocolate syrup over his pancake “yeee” Adhvay clapped. Misty bent and kissed his cheeks

“Today is Mumma-Advay day” “Mummaaaa…” hugged Advay.

But soon her cell buzzed “Hey Misty, Meera Kapoor this side”

“Hi Meera” Misty preferred weekend for Adhay but this project was from Khurana Enterprise. A little personal.

“We had missed last meeting”

“I know and I am really sorry. It was a family emergency. I owe you one meeting any day you wish”

“So, here I am. I know it’s your time with your family, so only if it’s fine with you “

Misty thought for a second . Meera has been the most cooperative client. Representing such a big company yet so understanding. Last time she was in London only for the purpose of meeting her but Misty had to leave immediately due to Advay’s accident.

“It’s ok Meera, we can meet today”

She looked at Advay, he was so excited to spend the weekend with his Mumma. Guilt covered Misty. One, she has deprived him from father’s love and then she is not able to give him time.

She quietly went to another room and talked about her plan with Jenny.

“Misty, today we have already planned to take Myra to the amusement park, small family day. “

“Ohh”

Jenny had a sisterly bond with Misty. She had seen how Misty was handling everything all alone in the best possible way. And Jenny knew, she was her only support system for Advay

“Misty, I can take Advay with me. Myra will have more fun with Advay in the amusement park.“

“I am getting the tickets for all of you” Misty said immediately

“Misty no, you do not need to do that”

“ Jenny, it's extra time for you. Please “

So Misty booked the ticket for all and went to Advay

“You know Adhay, Jenny is taking Myra to Amusement park. She was asking if she could take you with her. Myra is missing my Advay “

“Myra!!Amumen pak!!!” He got excited

“Adaaay wanna go .. please please “

“But Mumma can’t go okay. We will have our time tomorrow. Is that OK?“ She asked softly though she was filled with guilt from within.

*************

Now that destiny has brought them both to the same destination, the meeting was inevitable. After Maan was half done taking the tour of the amusement park and its public, Jenny and Samuel , her husband, entered the park with Advay and Myra.

Kids were over excited and started running around. When Advay was about to stumble, a strong hand got hold of him and made him stand straight.

Happiness surfaced on both their faces when they saw each other

“iee ceam uncle” Advay said with super excitement

“Hey young man.. How are you buddy” he sat down on his knees and Advay closed to hug him.

Soon Jenny reached them

“Thank you” and she looked at the man only to find Advay’s ice cream uncle there

“Don’t take me wrong. I am not following your kid” Maan immediately gave explanation

“He is not…” Samuel was about to clarify when Jenny stopped him by holding his hand

“You are here with your kid or family?” Jenny enquired, trying to find about the man who looked extremely well to do, always in his formals, but somehow met Advay in many situations these recent days.

She wondered, what was he doing in his formals in Amusement park, that too on Saturday

“I am here for a business purpose and meeting”

“Can we proceed?” interrupted Mr. Andrew, his business advisor in the Europe region, who was standing on the side.

“Yeah, you please proceed. I will be there in ten minutes”

“Uncle, ride with me” requested Advay, jumping holding Maan’s hand with his tiny one.

“In this dressing???” Maan laughed at his little friend

“peaase….”

“Advay No” Jenny scolded “Ma’am, it’s ok. You can keep a watch. Keep my wallet and phone for security” Maan somehow could not deny this little kid

Jenny had to give up. What was the bond between the two, Advay was so excited seeing his ice cream uncle and this man could just do anything to bring a smile on Advay’s face.

Advay, she could feel was missing a father figure in his life and thus the concern of this man was pulling him. Maybe the same was the case with this man. He definitely missed his kid and thus tried to find his kid in Advay. Jenny somehow could not deny these two.

Maan went on the ride with Advay. It was supposed to be one ride, but Advya made him go on all small rides.Advay was only allowed on limited one due to his small age and Maan had to settle his broad structure on small seats.

Maan saw Andrew come back after half an hour “Now little boy, are you done?” asked Maan with extreme humbleness.

“Noooo…” but jenny came by that time after getting Myra done

“Okay, young man. Do you like it here?” Maan asked with a smile on his face. Advay nodded his head in big yes

He turned to Jenny “ I will get the yearly pass for both kids”

“No, you don’t have to”

“No, I have to just make a call. It’s okay, I have a business here” Maan made a call and within 10 minutes Jenny got a whole year free pass for both kids.

Neither Maan asked Jenny her name nor did Jenny. They only connected through Advay and felt to keep it that way.

Advay requested his favorite uncle for the next meeting. Maan as usual could not say a single no to this boy. He promised to meet him in the park every Saturday. Anyways Maan had to come here for a business kick off and for his little friend he decided to keep it on Saturday.

Jenny, however hard she tried, her heart did not allow to keep the two separate. She had to allow it.

Misty showed her progress to Meera in a presentation. It was wonderful.

“Wow… this is going to hit the market” Misty laughed

“You are our prime client. You are supposed to be a critic” Meera laughed

“What right do I have to criticize you?” Meera thought, a bit aloud.

“What?”

“Ohh… you are an expert in your field” she quickly controlled the damage.

After they were done “Misty, I have a whole day. Do you want to hang around a bit? If you can show me the city around here”

Misty checked with Jenny and she informed her that they will be back after couple of more hours

“Sure.”

Meera wanted to get more ideas on Misty’s life. She observed when talked normally, Misty was a confident, happy woman. She was pretty stylish as well. Her dressing sense was brilliant and she knew how to carry herself.

While they were roaming around, Meera casually pitched in “You know my husband was not in favor of me joining the project here. He wanted me to work in India itself. But nice I took this one. I am so happy to have a chance to work with you”

Misty gave a humble smile with no words. So Meera placed little more effort

“That day you had a family emergency? What happened?”

Misty thought for a while “Thankfully he was safe. All good”

“He was safe,? ‘He..’” Meera repeated in her mind.

In the evening that day, Jenny was trying to convince Misty

“Misty, it seems like the gentleman misses his kid. And Advay is missing a father figure. Accept it Misty. This man is harmless, all he want is to bring smile on Advay’s face”

Missing a father figure, hit Misty. What has she done in her selfishness “Seperated a father and son” But what else was an option for her. His warnings had scared her.

After Jenny giving detail on how Advay enjoyed with him and how the man took his all kiddish wishes willingly. Jenny’s confidence gave confidence in Misty. Plus she could feel the void of a father figure, and she did not want to snatch even this happiness from Advay. if they would be genuine friends, she has no rights to make Advay unhappy due to her selfish fear. Only she warned Jenny to be extremely alert

“Okay, but you will be around”

“I will be there of course. He got both the kids yearly pass” she informed

Thus Maan, Jenny, Myra and Adavya met every Saturday. Jenny took Myra for rides while Maan went to all the rides with Advay. Spoilt him by giving him whatever he asked for. When Advay was tired, he would carry him on his shoulder. Maan knew this was weird. What was he doing taking someone else’s kid all around? But with Advay, he never had the feeling that he was with someone else’s kid. He knew he could do anything for this kiddo.

The bond between Maan and Advay kept on becoming stronger. On Sunday, Misty’s whole day passed with her little one singing praises of this new friend of his, who he called ice cream uncle. Misty observed, Advay’s words were becoming positively much clearer. So the man was having a positive effect on her son. Who was this man? She wondered but then wanted to keep it like that.

Days passed. Meera and Aditya worked together to indirectly gather information about Misty’s present, but failed. They could use various detective agencies to find information about anyone. But she was Maan’s wife and they were not in power to breach her privacy. Also, it would be completely wrong to do so. So, they only tried by asking her various indirect questions but she kept her family life completely separate. Why?

Adi and Meera met in the restaurant

“Adi, the way we are meeting in this hide and seek, Dev will definitely think we are having some affair” Meera laughed

“What can we do Meera? Dev sir will be so upset if he gets a hint of what we are up to”

“Hmmm… so what is the plan”

“I can’t see Maan sir in such pain when we know Geet’s whereabouts. He is in the dark and walking in life with eyes blind folded. So whatever the reality is we have to make a plan to make them organically see each other.

“Hmm…” and they discussed their plan.

It was a big meeting day in ‘Ad with Us’. Meera kapoor, Aditya Kapadia, Samuel Martin and Mrs. Shetal Bose from KE and Misty and Chetan from ‘Ad with Us’ were settled in the conference room to view the release of first Ad film for Geetanjali

Misty pressed the button and Ad started. It was a brilliant 2 minutes Ad which captured South Asian youth females brought up in Europe.

It was brilliant and they repeatedly saw the clip several times. Background color, brightness, music, models, background location and tagline… all were catchy and would catch attention of the targeted audience.

“So first release targeted to south asian females in European region” Asked Mrs Bose

“Yes, with a hint of same criteria for other gender introduced in last five second” Added Misty

“And this is just a start to catch the most prominent audience. We will capture various other criteria and also mix them.”

“Great!! We are getting the idea of your vision and I think it’s going to hit the market well” Added Mrs. Bose further

“Yeah we also have plans to use social media actively to bring the buzz on this ad and products” Chimed in Chetan. Of course he had great marketing strategies and ideas

Adi looked at Meera signaling her at something and she nodded

“I have an idea to get buy ins from our leadership and get more funds for this campaign”

“Really. Please let us know and we will do the needful” said Chetan with excitement

“I don’t think we need to trouble Misty, the creative head for these marketing strategies. Let’s have a call between the four of us next week. Let Misty focus on her creativity” added Adi.

“Sure”

Misty got busy with her work and spending time with Advay on Sunday. Of course her son has to visit the amusement park every Saturday. What was the charm of this man that Advay was so fond of him and which adult man has time to spend his weekend with a little boy of 4+ years, ‘every Saturday!!’ But Misty thought of not knowing this unknown man. She was not interested in anyone. It was nice that Advay met him with Jenny.

He has not harmed Advay yet, arranged yearly passes for both kids , only met in Jenny’s presence and did all to keep Advay happy. Maybe Jenny was true, he is missing his own kid and trying to find his kid in Advay.

Misty had no idea that actually Maan and Advay became emotionally connected more, each time they met.

Misty was busy with her script reading when Chetan broke her deep thought

“Misty, we have decided to launch the first click of ‘Geetanjali Dreams’ Project’s Ad with a grand party where we ‘Ad with Us’ and KE team will get together. It will give our project visibility among Khurana Enterprise leadership and get us more fund release”

“Great!!”

Party was Chetan and his subordinates' responsibility. Misty was kept out of it so she can focus on her creative work. It didn’t even strike her that the highest leadership of KE would also be invited. Till now they have not made a presence and why will they now. Anyways, being an integral part of the team, now that she was working from front she will definitely be expected and can’t be unprofessional to deny her presence.

All the higher leadership got an invitation. Maan was not persuaded by Meera, as once he would see Geet he would question Meera. But Adi made a plan.

The invitation was sent by Chetan, Adi convinced Mrs Bose to convince the highest official to be present, indirectly indicating that as this Ad campaign will be critical and this is their first kick off in Europe, Mr. Maan Khurana’s presence will be a big win. Adi convinced her that it would even increase her visibility in global leadership of KE. Mrs. Bose then convinced Mr. Samuel and the cycle went on to indirectly-indirectly invite the intended one.

Mr. Samuel anyways, wanted Mr. Maan Khurana and all higher leadership to be present in this first launch as they will be thoroughly working with Ad with Us. Not only that, ‘Geetanjali Dreams’ successful launch was very important for their strong footing in Europe and they needed heavy fund sanction.

So invitations were sent and many higher officials from KE were expected to be present in the first launch party of the First Ad of Geetanjali Dreams project.

Dev declared he will not be part of it and that gave Meera a big relief. Annie also said she wants to keep away from any of his new launches.

Arjun will definitely be there as he so badly wanted to see Geet.

On the evening of the party-

The party started and Maan, as per his character, entered the venue with Mr. Samuel exactly on time.

Everyone started pouring in and the party started warming up.

Everyone was meeting everyone. Chetan was on cloud nine to meet the Highest officials of KE. It was a big achievement for their company.

Meera and Aditya, introduced Maan with all the people involved.

Misty on the other side was running some half an hour late as she had to hand over Advay to Jenny and Jenny got stuck in traffic.

Maan was liking the setup of the party done by his new vendor.

Mrs Bose introduced Chetan with Maan. Meera and Adi went ahead to meet others in the party and also looked eagerly for Misty to arrive.

“Hi, Mr. Khurana, I will not hide but accept, I am super excited to meet you in person. It is matter of big pride for us that you obliged to be present here”

“It’s pleasure for me as well to meet our new vendor, who has impressed my team” Maan said humbly

“Ohh that credit goes to my super talented Partner, Misty”

“But where is she, Mr. Cheta..?” Before Maan could complete, Chetan turned when he saw his elegant business partner making an entry and he unknowingly stood exactly in front of Maan..

Maan got busy talking with Mrs Bose and Mr. Andrew of his own team when Misty walked directly to Chetan.

Meera was looking at the scene and holding her heart tight.

“Ohhh my my…. Look at my beautiful partner, looking so gorgeous” exclaimed Chetan

“Thank-you. Looking handsome” Misty gave back with smile as they side hugged each other

The voice coming from his back took Maan’s attention. It sounded familiar, but the polished accent did not resemble his memory. But it definitely took his attention.

“Hey Misty” called Mrs. Bose and Chetan moved from between.

Maan turned to see the person Mrs. Bose was welcoming so enthusiastically.

Misty turned to Mrs. Bose

“Mr. Khurana, meet one of the most talented, creative head of ‘Ad with Us’ ” Mrs Bose introduced with excitement in her voice

“Mr. Khurana…” Mrs. Bose was speaking but, with the view in front of her, Misty’s eyes stilled to an extent that she could hear nothing further and her eyes got fixed on Mr. Khurana who was looking at her in disbelief.

“Mr. Khurana… “ Maan could only faintly hear Mrs Bose in the background as his eyes were fixed on someone. Shock and surprise covered him as he was taken back to the contrasting past yet the same unmatched striking beauty.

“Misty… Misty… this is Mr. Khurana” Geet nodded to Chetan’s words, not even knowing what he was speaking. Did it even go to her ears?

Please give more like and keep motivating by your comments.

-Anu