Chapter 9
The following morning, an early flight awaited them, prompting Garry to orchestrate a seat swap with Sahiba under the guise of discussing something important with Pam. This maneuver resulted in Sahiba and Angad finding themselves seated next to each other for the journey.
Angad: Sahiba. Did you manage to get some rest last night?
Sahiba:Yes, I did, thank you. Although, I must admit, the early morning wake-up call was a bit rough. How about you?
Angad: I know what you mean. Early flights always throw off my sleep schedule a bit. But a cup of strong coffee usually does the trick. Speaking of mornings, are you a morning person?
Sahiba: Not particularly, but I've learned to adapt, especially when there's important work to be done. Are you a morning person?
Angad: Surprisingly, yes. My family has always been early risers, so it's sort of ingrained in me. Speaking of family, have I ever told you about my big, loud Punjabi family?
Sahiba: No,you haven't!
Angad:Well, get ready, because it's quite the story. I come from a family of extroverts—lots of loud laughter, endless chatter, and of course, amazing food. Family gatherings are like mini festivals, with everyone pitching in to cook, dance, and share stories late into the night.
Sahiba:That sounds wonderful, Angad. It must be so special to have such a close-knit family.
Angad: It definitely is. They've been my rock through thick and thin. But enough about me. Tell me, Sahiba, what's your family like? Do you have any siblings?
Sahiba:Yes, I have an older sister named Seerat the one who got married and younger sister Keerat. We're very close, despite our occasional squabbles.
Angad: Siblings are the best, aren't they? It sounds like you and your sisters have a special bond.
Sahiba: We do, indeed. Family is everything, isn't it?
Angad: Absolutely. And speaking of family, I have a feeling you'd fit right in with mine. You've got that warm, welcoming vibe that my family would adore.
Sahiba:*blushes* Thank you, Angad. That's really sweet of you to say.
Angad: It's the truth, Sahiba. I can already imagine you joining in on our lively gatherings, laughing and sharing stories with everyone.
Sahiba:*feeling shy* Angad. Your family sounds wonderful. I have met Garry and Veer and they are so nice
Angad: They are, indeed. And I have a feeling they'd like you just as much as I do.
Sahiba:*smiling shyly* Thank you, Angad. That means a lot to me.
Angad: Anytime, Sahiba. You're my friend now so your bound to meet my family
Sahiba blushed at Angad's words, feeling a warmth spread through her cheeks. The rest of the flight seemed to pass in a blur as they continued their conversation, the time slipping away faster than expected.
As Sahiba stepped into her house in Ludhiana after returning from Delhi, she was greeted warmly by her parents, Tayji, and Seerat. Genuine smiles lit up their faces as they welcomed her home.
"Welcome back, Sahiba! How was your trip?" her mother asked, her eyes shining withmotherly affection.
"It was really good, Mummy. We had a successful meeting in Delhi," Sahiba replied, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
Seerat who was there interjected, her tone a mix of excitement and apprehension. "Sahiba, there's something important we need to discuss. Can we talk privately for a moment?"
Sahiba's curiosity was piqued, but she nodded and followed Seerat into another room, her heart pounding with anticipation.
Once they were alone, Seerat wasted no time in getting to the point. "Sahiba, Karan's cousin Manav is here with a marriage proposal for you. He's a nice guy, and if you agree, we can all go to Canada together. It'll be a great opportunity for you."
Sahiba felt her heart sink at Seerat's words. She had always found the topic of marriage stressful, especially marriage with someone she hardly knew, and the thought of moving to Canada under such circumstances filled her with dread. "Seerat Di, I appreciate your concern, but I can't agree to this. Marriage is a big decision, and I need to marry someone I respect as love can happen later but I don’t have any respect for Manav," she replied, her voice firm with conviction.
Seerat's expression darkened, her disappointment palpable. "But Sahiba, this is a golden opportunity for you! You can't let it slip away just because of your morals," she argued, her tone tinged with frustration.
Keerat, who had been silently observing the conversation from the door entered, spoke up in support of her sister. "Seerat Di, Sahiba Di is right. Marriage should be based on love and mutual respect, not convenience or societal pressure. Sahiba deserves to choose her own path in life," she said, her voice calm yet resolute.
Seerat's anger flared at Keerat's words, but before she could respond, Sahiba intervened. "I need some time to think about this, Seerat Di. Please understand," she said, her eyes pleading for understanding.
With a heavy heart, Sahiba left the room annoying Seerat.
As Sahiba retreated to her room after the heated discussion with Seerat, a whirlwind of emotions consumed her thoughts. The pressure Seerat was putting on her to consider Manav's proposal felt suffocating. Sitting on her bed, Sahiba couldn't help but contrast Manav with Angad. While Manav represented the traditional expectations of an arranged marriage, Angad embodied a different kind of connection—one built on friendship, respect, and understanding. The mere thought of Manav paled in comparison to the comfort and ease she felt around Angad. As she pondered her options, Sahiba found herself yearning for the genuine companionship she had experienced with Angad during their time together in Delhi. She wondered what was happening to her?
The next day, being a Sunday, Angad made plans to go out for lunch with his cousins. Meanwhile, by a twist of fate, Sahiba found herself in the same café with her sisters, Seerat and Keerat. After the heated argument the previous day, the sisters recognized the need to lighten the atmosphere and spend some quality time together.
As Angad noticed Sahiba entering the restaurant, a soft smile played on his lips, catching the attention of his cousins who were seated strategically to catch Sahiba's arrival without her noticing them.
Garry, everthe instigator, nudged Angad with a playful smirk.
Garry:"Hey, Angad bro, looks like someone's got a special guest on their mind!"
Veer,unable to resist joining in the teasing, added with a grin:
Veer:"I think Sahiba Ji’s presence has turned our serious CEO into a hopeless romantic!"
Kiara, always one for banter, chimed in with a giggle:
Kiara:"I must say, Angad paaji, you've got that dreamy look like you're in a Bollywood movie!"
Their light-hearted teasing elicited a chuckle from Angad, who shook his head in mock exasperation. Though he tried to play it cool, the playful ribbing from his cousins only served to highlight the subtle warmth in his expression.
As the Monga sisters, Sahiba and Keerat, were enjoying their meal, Seerat excused herself to go to the washroom. Unbeknownst to them, Manav, who had been spying on them for some time, saw this as the perfect opportunity to make his move. With a sly grin, he sauntered over to their table and boldly took a seat, catching Sahiba and Keerat off guard.
Sahiba:"Excuse me, but this table is taken. Could you please find somewhere else to sit?"
Manav: grinning arrogantly "Oh, come on, sweetheart. There's plenty of room for all of us here."
Sahiba: firmly "I said, please leave."
Manav: growing irritated "What's the matter? Don't you want some company? I thought we could get to know each other better."
Sahiba: steadfast "I have no interest in getting to know you. Now, please, leave us alone."
Manav:sneering "Stubborn, aren't you? You don't know what you're missing. Maybeyour younger sister is more open-minded."
Keerat:standing up defiantly "Back off, creep. We don't want anything to do with you."
Manav: ignoring Sahiba's refusal, turning to Keerat "Well, hello there. You seem much more pleasant than your sister. How about you and I-"
Manav:stunned by Sahiba's slap, his cheek stinging "What was that for?!"
Sahiba:fiercely "For being a despicable, disrespectful man who can't take a hint!"
Manav:grabbing Sahiba's wrist tightly "You little-"
Angad: appearing beside them, his voice cold and threatening "Let her go."
Manav releases Sahiba's hand and turns to face Angad, his expression defiant.
Manav:tauntingly "Who are you to tell me what to do?"
Angad:calmly, but with an undercurrent of anger "Someone who won't stand by while a woman is harassed."
Manav:laughing dismissively "You think you can intimidate me? I'd like to seeyou try-"
Before Manav could finish his sentence, Angad's fist connected with his jaw, sendinghim staggering backward. Garry and Veer, Angad's cousins, moved forward tore strain Manav as he stumbled, clearly dazed by the blow.
Seerat entered the scene, her eyes widening in shock as she witnessed the altercation unfolding before her. She rushed over to Sahiba and Keerat, concern etched on her face as she took in the scene.
Seerat: alarmed "What's going on here? Sahiba, Keerat, are you both alright?"
Sahiba: her voice trembling with anger "Seerat Di, it's Manav. He's been disturbing us."
Keerat: her expression grim "He wouldn't leave us alone, despite Sahiba Di's clear refusal. He has been disturbing both of us since your wedding festivals."
Seerat's eyes flashed with anger as she turned to confront Manav, her disappointment evident.
Seerat:sternly "Manav, is this true? Have you been bothering my sisters?"
Manav,still reeling from Angad's punch and now facing Seerat's fury, looked awaysheepishly, unable to meet her gaze.
Manav:evasively "It's just a misunderstanding, Seerat Bhabhi. I was just-"
Seerat:cutting him off, her voice firm "Enough. I don't want to hear any excuses. You know better than to behave this way. I thought you genuinely wanted to get to know Sahiba but i never knew your intentions were bad"
Manav left feeling humillated
Seerat turned to Angad, her expression softening with gratitude for his intervention.
Seerat: gratefully "Thank you for stepping in. We appreciate your help."
Angad nodded, his gaze steady as he returned Seerat's appreciation.
Angad turned to Sahiba, concern etched on his face as he asked if she was okay.
Angad:gently "Sahiba, are you alright?"
Sahiba managed a reassuring smile, grateful for his intervention.
Sahiba:softly "Yes, thank you, Angad. Thanks a lot."
Her sisters, Seerat and Keerat, exchanged puzzled glances, noticing the unfamiliarity of the situation.
Seerat:curiously "Who's this?"
Keerat:echoing her confusion "Yeah, how do you know him, Sahiba Di?"
Sahiba:honestly "He's my boss, Angad. He happened to be around and offered to help."
Seerat and Keerat nodded, accepting Sahiba's explanation, though still slightly surprised by the unexpected encounter.
Angad insisted on dropping them home, concerned for their safety after the unsettling encounter with Manav. However, Sahiba and her sisters initially refused, feeling uneasy about accepting such a gesture from their boss. It was only after some convincing from Garry and Veer, Angad's cousins, that they reluctantly agreed to let him accompany them.
As Angad left to drop Sahiba and her sisters, his cousins couldn't help but smile anddiscuss their relationship.
Garry:"You know, guys, I think there's more to Angad's feelings for Sahiba than he's letting on."
Veer: "I did tell you i think he has a crush on her? Is there more? You think he likes her?"
Garry: "I'm sure he does. I've seen the way he looks at her, how protective he gets. And maybe he told me in Delhi."
Kiara: "Wow, really? I had no idea."
Ekam:"So, what do you think he's going to do about it?"
Garry:"I'm not sure. Angad's always been pretty private about his personal life.But with Sahiba, it's different. He seems more open."
Prince:"Do you think Sahiba feels the same way about him?"
Garry:"Hard to say. But they do seem to get along well. Maybe there's something there."
Veer:"Well, whatever happens, I hope it works out for them. Angad Paaji deserves to be happy."
Kiara: "Agreed. Let's just support him and see where things go."
Ekam:"Definitely. And if Sahiba makes him happy, then I'm all for it."
Prince: "Me too. Let's just hope they figure it out soon."
As Angad drove Sahiba and her sisters home, he decided to engage them in conversation to distract from the earlier incident.
Angad:"So, Keerat, how's college treating you these days? Any exciting projects or exams coming up?"
Keerat,surprised: "Um, it's going well, thanks for asking. I do have a project due next week, actually."
Angad:"And Seerat, how's married life treating you?"
Seerat,taken aback: "Uh, it's... fine, I guess. Just getting used to everything."
Sahiba, noticing her sisters' surprise: "Wow, Angad, you remembered all this?"
Angad, with a smile: " I like to remember these things."
Seerat and Keerat exchanged looks of astonishment, impressed by Angad's attentiveness and warmth.
As they pulled up to Sahiba's house, her sisters thanked Angad for his help and swiftly exited the car. However, Sahiba lingered for a moment longer, wanting to express her gratitude directly to Angad.
Sahiba:"Angad, I just wanted to thank you again for everything today. You really went above and beyond to help us out, and I truly appreciate it."
Angad, witha warm smile: "Hey, anything for you, Sahiba. I'm just glad I could be there to help."
Sahiba,feeling touched: "Well, it means a lot to me. And thank you for being so kind to my sisters too."
Angad:"It was my pleasure. It was lovely to meet them."
As Sahiba prepared to leave the car, Angad leaned over and opened the window, catching her attention once more.
Angad:"See you tomorrow, sweetheart."
Sahiba felt her cheeks flush with a blush at his words, a shy smile playing on her lips.
Meanwhile,Seerat and Keerat observed Sahiba's blush from a distance, exchanging knowing glances as they realized there might be more to Sahiba and Angad's relationship than meets the eye.
To be continued....
Your Angad is a real gentleman. 🥹🥰
He just called Sahiba sweetheart 🥹😊
I have manav 🙄
I am waiting for your next chapter....
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