CHAPTER 10:
BRAR MANSION - POST THE EXHIBITION SAME DAY
The entire family was elated....they had all worked together and the results had been fabulous....the clients had been extremely happy and extremely impressed. Angad had bagged numerous deals, true extent of which only he could tell once he was back from the hotel where the clients were put up.
It was quiet late in the evening by the time the guests had left, the jewellery returned and accounted for and the models dispatched....now their staff was managing the wrapping up part whilst the family was resting..
'It went fabulously...right...the entire event had a dreamlike feel to it, how we were all dejected till same time yesterday and how elated we are today' stated Jasleen
'Yes, it went really well and everyone together made this successful but one person who even made this possible was Sahiba.....where is she Seerat' Daarji asked Looking around
'I have not seen her for a while Daarji'
'She was too tierd and left early' said Manveer
'She had come as a blessing from babaji for us, otherwise we would have faced such huge losses' said Bebe...'Babaji please bless that child....always keep her happy'
Everyone around agreed....Seerat was feeling so proud of Sahiba....
'Angad, you are back....how did it go' asked inder excitedly.
'It went really well...clients were impressed...they had never seen something like this before and I have received orders for....'
He stated a figure which was more than double his expectations.....the whole family cheered....
'This is all thanks to Sahiba and we did not get an opportunity to thank her at all....' Daarji spoke.
The family had an early dinner and everyone crashed...
ANGAD'S BEDROOM
Angad was super tierd and just wanted to freshen up and crash.....but when he came out of his dressing room, he found mamma and papa waiting for him there....
'Angad, we are so happy for you, wanted to spend some time with you before we sleep' said Inder hugging him. 'You really did us proud today...' Mama said...
'But one person without whom you could not have achieved this today was Sahiba' she said..'we did not get an opportunity to thank her properly'
'Please mom....I tried to acknowledge but she just showed me attitude and walked off' said Angad...
'Why....what happened'
'You know I don't like taking favors, so I gave her a cheque for thirty lac rupees and you know what she did, she tore it to pieces, threw it and walked away....what attitude....I paid her more than what she deserved.....but she had so much attitude'
....Manveer and Inder were shocked at Angad's words....they were surprised too...Angad was a very good boss and that's the reason he had his employees loyalty, he always valued hard work....
'Angad....when did you change so much....I am not sure if this is what we have bought you up as....you gave her money....instead of your gratitude. Did you pay any of the other family members too, they also did a lot...maybe you should start with paying Garry, Seerat, Chachu, Chachi and maybe Papa and me also!'
'Comeone ma....you guys are family....anyway what will she do with my gratitude ma....she would have valued money more'
'She too is family Angad! Had she valued money more, she would have taken the cheque....wait, let me tell you, you were so desperate, all of us were so desperate, had she valued money more she would have quoted a price well in advance and we would have paid her anything, much more than what you gave her, and you know it! Any other event management company would have charged you ten times this amount and done not even 10% of what she did!
And you think you offered her more than what she deserved, let me tell you what you should have paid her:
1. You should have paid her what value you hold for your business reputation....cause that's what she saved today
2. You should have paid her what you would have lost today, had she not helped you.
3. You should pay her what value you hold for your name.... cause that's what she saved today
4. And finally you should pay her all your profits from your sales today as thats what she deserved for helping you ....as you would not have made that without her' Manveer finished angrily.
Angad did not know how to react....listening his mama say things that he had been trying to ignore....made him look really bad...
'Where did things go wrong Angad, why have you become so stonehearted and so cynical....my little Angad knew how to say Sorry and thank you at the drop of a hat and here....you have become so arrogant that you cannot acknowledge a kindness someone did towards you and had to throw money in her face....is that all you have to give...money? You cannot give basic courtesy and respect to someone who worked non stop to save your business and your family reputation....no doubt she looked so upset when she left....was almost in tears'
"Your behavior has been a complete disappointment and it makes me question my upbringing' ....saying that Manveer walked out of the room
'Angad....I know you have had a bad experience in the past but you cannot let one experience colour all your future experiences...you did what you did because she is a girl or because she is not as rich as you.....if it was because of her lack of money....believe me today she seems richer than you to me, despite our wealth we asked for her help, requested for it and despite having not much....she gave you your reputation, your name and your profit...we needed her....frankly she does not need you...' Inder continued..
'You remember how people treated us differently when we lost our wealth few years back....you resented them right.....but looks like there is no difference between you and them....judging people on their financial status than on their values'
'And if you did this because she is a girl....think how would you feel if someone did this with Ekam or Kiara' saying that Inder walked off too, leaving Angad with his thoughts.....and guilt.
Every word said by his parents hit home...somewhere deep in his heart he knew the truth that without Sahiba's help he would have been in very deep trouble but had not been willing to acknowledge it. He had compartmentalized her into a certain category in his mind and was unwilling to change his view on her....even when he had no evidence to support it.....infact all her actions had been contrary to his expectations. The fact that she rubbed him the wrong way, always challenged his authority....mocked him and made fun of him irked him no end.....every time he saw her....he would get angry.........but all that was actually not a reason to behave the way he did...
Papa was right, if anyone had given money the way he did to Kiara or Ekam, he would have broken their bones with his bare hands........despite being boneweary tierd....sleep did not come easily to Angad Singh Brar that night.....guilt had a thorny bed....he reflected on his behaviour.....but the nature was so ingrained in him now...he was not sure if he could or how to change....
NEXT DAY MORNING
Everyone was assembled at the dining table when Angad joined them....
'What happened puttar....you look tierd' asked a concerned Bebe.
'Nothing Bebe, I am fine' lied Angad....he had hardly slept the night before.......and now mom and dad seemed angry still...they did not even acknowledge his presence.
Post breakfast, he followed his parents into their room....'I am sorry' he said....'I realise that I should not have behaved the way I did'
'It's not us whom you have to apologise to....you need to say sorry to Sahiba' stated Manveer....still angry...
Though he had realised his error .... the thought of saying sorry to her did not please him...and he did not reply......
'When you did not think so much before behaving badly, then I don't think saying sorry needs such a long thought process' Inder stated.
'OK, I will say sorry to her mama, I promise' it went against his current nature to say sorry to anyone but he would....'but I want to say sorry to both of you too, please forgive me for hurting you'
Knowing what Angad was capable of Manveer warned him....'Ensure she forgives you too'
'I promise'
GARRY'S BEDROOM
Garry and Seerat had just finished their breakfast and had come to their room to arrange few things before they could leave for office when they heard a knock on their door.....
Garry opened the door and was surprised to find Angad standing over there...'Hey Bro....what's up...come on in'
'I actually came to thank you both for yesterday
....I don't think it would have been possible without everyone pitching in and specially you two.... Thank You Garry and Seerat'
'You dont need to thank us Angad, we are family....and there is no formality between us and what I hear from Garry about you, you would have done the same or more for him too' smiled Seerat.
'Yes Angad, anything for my elder brother' saying that Garry gave him a tight hug...
'Actually....'
'What happened.....why are you being so formal...just spell it out' said Garry ..thinking why Angad was being so hesitant.
'Ya....actually, I wanted to thank Sahiba...did not get an opportunity to do so yeaterday...may I have her number please Seerat'
'You don't have to say thank you...she did what she did because you are my family....anyway it was her duty to help if she could....you don't worry'
'No, I would still like to, please', Angad was getting a little worried now....he was worried about everyone else's reaction also now....so he might as well get this done with.
'OK if you insist....I will message you her number' saying that Seerat sent Sahiba's number to Angad...
'Thanks...I will call her later from office'.
He was on his way to office when he opened Seerat's message and saved Sahiba's number. He was about to dial the number when he suddenly stopped, he did not want to say sorry in front of anyone....not even the driver....he will goto office and then call.
In office he thought he will call post lunch and then after some meeting ....he kept postponing the event....but finally around 4ish he picked up the phone and took an easy route..he messaged "I am sorry"....there....that was done.....but he remembered his promise to his mom...."She should forgive him too" he heard a ping.....so have received a confirmation he thought...satisfied....but what he read was:
'Who is this"
Of course she did not have his number.....'Angad Singh Brar' .....silence....no response....he kept waiting for next half an hour and there was.....nothing..Angad was not used to waiting....Girls fell all over themselves for him...and if he quirked his finger...they came running....and here he is saying sorry to her and no response..... .he saw the two blue ticks...so he knew she had read it! How arrogant!
MONGA HOUSE
Sahiba was on her way home....she had finished most of her work and asked Kulche, her assistant, to take care of things and left for home....she just wanted to take a early break post yesterday's hectic day...when she saw a message.....'I am sorry' ... who can this be she wondered...'Who is this'.....nothing could have she surprised her more than to read the reply 'Angad Singh Brar' .... is he serious! He insulted her help, threw money in her face....belittled her financial status and thought he could just message and say sorry....well she will forgive him when hell freezes over! Jerk!
Sahiba refused to honors his message with a reply......she freshened up and was going to fry some hot samosas that she had half prepared in the morning, along with some hot tea....when someone knocked on the door.....'I will open it....' She said, running to open the door...and was in for another surprise.....Daarji, Bebe, Manveer mamiji and Inder Mamaji were standing at the door......she was too surprised to react....after few seconds Daarji said smiling....
'Can we come in'
'Of course, I am so sorry, pairi pauna' she greeted them and hurriedly called her parents and taaiji. The mongas were surprised to see the Brar elders at their house....they had come once before too to meet Seerat initially but that had been well planned and they had been prepared....today...this was least expected..
'Sat Shri Kaal ji...please come' said Monga sahab...looking worried ... Sahiba got water for everyone. She was looking very different, in her home clothes, devoid of any makeup or jewellery, her simple natural beauty was even more alluring thought Manveer looking at her......
'Is everything OK.... is Seerat fine' asked a worried Santosh....after exchanging pleasantries
'You must be wondering why we are here...well let me tell you, your daughter left us no option but to come here.....' said Daarji looking very serious
'What did Seerat do....'
'Not Seerat....we are talking about your younger daughter Sahiba' he said in a more severe tone....shocking the Mongas...
Sahiba herself started wondering what went wrong....maybe ATM filled their ears about her....or she hoped Mamiji got all her jewellery back where she had left it.....
'What did she do ji and we apologise on her behalf if she has offended anyone' Santosh started...
The brars started laughing.....'Don't worry Santosh, Brar Sahab is just pulling your leg, Sahiba did not do anything to offend us...infact what she did was a miracle yesterday...and did not even stay back to let us say thanks properly....forcing us to come here and say thanks' said Bebe lovingly....
'Sahiba ... what you did yesterday was nothing less than a miracle, helping us at the last moment. The clients loved the whole idea and set up and we have bagged orders more than double of what we had anticipated....you left before anyone of us could speak to you.... thank you Sahiba' said Daarji.
'Daarji please don't say thank you.....elders should never say thank you, you should only bless'
'Our blessings are always with you puttar...may God bless you always'
Upon Santosh's subtle signal, Sahiba went to the kitchen and started preparing some snacks and tea for everyone. After a while she went with Samosas and tea for everyone..
'Ummm these are outstanding' said Inder munching on the samosas...'Sahiba has made them....she is an excellent cook' praised Santosh
'Yes the kids had told us about her awesome cooking skills the last time they had come here....' Bebe replied
'Pleaase take more' insisted Sahiba
'Well, this won't do....we have come all the way to meet you and you offer us just Samosa and tea' Daarji again looked stern....Sahiba was not sure how to respond....
'Well this won't do at all.....we are going to stay for Dinner too' teased Daarji....'the kids told us about your cooking skills so now you have to let us also try it!'
The mongas were elated....they are so sweet thought Sahiba...no airs....such warm ppl....only that ATM was khadoos... must be adopted she was sure....
'Who is adopted' asked Manveer....Sahiba was sitting next to Manveer and did not realise that she had said this aloud...
'ATM' she replied, lost in her thoughts...
'Who ATM' asked Manveer....Sahiba snapped out of her reviere....mortified....' No one...no...nothing' she stammered, going red in her face...'I will go start on the Dinner', she escaped from there...
Param came back home from his practice and joined everyone. Sometime later, there was a knock on the door, 'Param check who is there' called Ajit as the women were busy in the kitchen...
Param was surprised.....his amazement sounded in his voice when he called 'its for Sahiba'
'Who is it' asked Sahiba...walking towards him...
'Not who...what' he was amazed someone would send his jhalli....flowers! Seerat di he could understand....but Sahiba! Then a flicker of anger started....'Who has sent it' he asked in quiet aggression to the delivery man....
'I don't k k kn know' the man strutted....worried looking at an angry Param, there is some note...before he could take it Sahiba snatched it and read it....it said 'SORRY'....she knew who had sent it...mostly must-have asked his secretary to send it!
"It's not ours' she replied sternly, tearing the note
'Mam it's your address and name only'
Despite argument the delivery boy left the bouquet....'I will loose my Job if I don't deliver it' he blackmailed before leaving it and disappearing...to Sahiba's dismay...
'What is it' asked Santosh and everyone was looking at her....and the bouquet...
'The delivery guy has delivered by mistake we think.....' bluffed Sahiba....'Let me throw it outside'
'Arree what are you doing....it's so pretty....let it be, Maybe they will come back for it' said Santosh.
'Who sent it' growled Param following Sahiba to the kitchen.
'I don't know'
'Don't lie....you have a boyfriend and you did not tell me'
'I don't have a boyfriend....shut up'
'I can see ur lying....your ears are turning red and everytime u lie....your ears turn red....he better be a good guy...otherwise I will break his hands and legs' threatened Param
Sahiba would have loved to get Angad beaten up by Param....but she did not want any trouble with the Brars...they were so sweet and Seerat Di's inlaws....if she said he sent it...there will be 1000 questions around why, what and her family will be extremely offended with his behaviour if they knew the truth....she did not want that...'There is no one, now move everyone is waiting'
Manveer came to the kitchen, forcing Param to stop his interrogation...and offered to help...'I am feeling all left out over there...let me help'...Sahiba was absolutely amazed....there may be so many chefs and house help in Brar Mansion...still mamiji wanted to help....'No you please sit down....we will manage'
'Don't worry....I know my way around the kitchen'
At Sahiba's amazed look Manveer replied 'I know what you are thinking but let me tell u my story....Inder and I had an arranged marraige...we did not initially love each other. Inder loved sports and I was a normal house wife.....we were finding it difficult to find any common ground....that's when my mom advised me that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach....finding no other way...I tried it...I started cooking for him...healthy variants... we found something to talk about, to share our views on..and slowly and steadily....... it worked and here we are today married for 30 years! I love cooking for Angad also, so yes I know how to cook'
'30 years! You don't look so old'
'Well I married young, was just18, unlike this generation, we used to get married early.....speaking of marraige...it's your turn next'
'No way....I am not marrying....'
'Oy chup kar....aap na iski baat man sunna, koi acha ladka ho toh mujhe jaroor batana' interrupted Santosh...
'Jaroor'
'Acha let me help....you are making Sarson...smells divine'
'Ya, we were anyway making it tonight Param loves it'
The women chitchatted while the Dinner was prepared.
'The food was outstanding, no doubt the kids were singing your praises' said Daarji post dinner.......
'Thank you Daarji'
'There was one more thing I wanted to speak to you about Monga Saab...we are hosting a holi party over the weekend and would be honoured if you all join us'
'Daarji...Santosh, Bhabhi and I dont play holi....and Param is going for his training camp, we are extremely honoured at your invitation but please excuse us'
'What about Sahiba....she can come'
'I would not know anybody there Daarji and Seerat di will also be busy....I also have some orders to finish...so please excuse me too' she did not want to go anywhere near that man..
'What do you mean you don't know anyone, we are all there and we are all family....you have to come'
They did not allow Sahiba to say no and to her dismay extracted her promise that she would play holi with them this time.
As they were about to leave Santosh got a box of Samosas..'Seerat loves homemade samosas, I have packed enough for everyone....is it OK to take it .....' She asked hesitantly...
'Of course....in fact you know what....Angad loves Sarsoon....is it possible to pack some for him' Manveer asked sweetly
'Aho ji, kyun nahi....abhi laati hoon'
Sahiba did not want to send anything for him.......if possible she would have mixed julab in the sarsoon but unfortunately mummy packed it!
BACK AT BRAR MANSION
Angad reached home late, there was so much work .... he had to commence on all the orders that he received...everyone had finished dinner by then...he will skip it ...was not interested in eating alone...thinking that he went to his room...
He changed and was planning to work when mama walked in...'Angad you did not have dinner'.
'It's ok ma..'
'No its not ok' she called Sukhdeep and asked her to get Angad's dinner and gave her specific instructions...
'Ma I am not hungry'
'I don't care, hungry or no hungry, you better eat'
Sukhdeep got the food, there were samosas, sarsoon ka sabji and makki di roti..
'You know I don't eat fried stuff' Angad said sniffing the Sarsoon..before he could say anything mama stuffed a samosa in his mouth...
'Umm....this is delicious ma...' saying that he gobbled up the samosas, realising how hungry he was....he grabbed the dinner plate and wiped it clean soon. Manveer watched him eat with a smile on her face...he needed someone to take care of him she thought....and someone who he could look after....he had nothing other than work in his life....
'Do we have a new cook' he broke her chain of thoughts...
'No, why'
'Well the food is amazing'
'We had gone to Monga house today....Stayed back for Dinner, Sahiba made all this....I know how much you like Sarsoon so packed it for you' Angad was aghast.....again that girl....when would she leave him in peace and how could someone so insolent cook so well ..
'Speaking of Sahiba....did you apologise to her' asked Mamma sternly...
'I did' he said trying to evade...
'Did she forgive you....Angad...look at me'
'Forget it na ma.....'
'Don't be such a child...you better say sorry properly....we have invited her for Holi, it's a good time to apologise personally then...' manveer said as she left the room....leaving him to his thoughts...
She was so irritating......he has sent her flowers also but still no response....not even a thank you....but he might as well just say sorry and be done with it otherwise mamma will not let him live in peace...
Debate Mansion
