I am not THE Shantanu Khandelwal, I am just Shantanu Khandelwal.
I am PK Palkhiwala, call me just PK! hahaha!!!
Shaan could barely control his amusement while shaking hands with the very round and jocund Mr. Palkiwala, one of the partners of Palkiwala and Palkiwala associates whose sole mission it appeared was to establish complete dominion over the upscale shopping business in Pune, a near impossible task but which they were determined to accomplish at all costs.
6 months mein sab maall hamaara hona chahiye! ( Within 6 months all the malls should be ours!) PK had declared breaking out into loud laughter again; he seemed to be a very happy man!
Not exactly my cup of tea, thought Shaan doubtfully as they sat looking each other over in the conference room. As soon as Mr. PK had addressed him as the Khandelwal, he knew that his idea was to build fast and not to build for the future. The Khandelwal group's USP which was well known in the market and which had made them extremely popular and sought after was that they delivered fast, no questions asked. Whereas Shaan considered every undertaking of his a labour of love, each and every detail gone over a hundred times and fashioned to perfection.
He decided to make an attempt; Mr PK, I don't think I can, in fact I absolutely believe I can't deliver you the Zen mall within 6 months, it is a near impossiblity! The planning and gathering of the materials itself may take at least half that time and I never break ground before I have everything to go and ready.
Why not? When your father can do it in half the time? All you need is some iron, steel, bricks and mortar! Okay, okay! I will give you 8 months, you seem like a nice boy! He said with a wide benevolent smile and a worm of suspicion to crept into Shantanu's head.
No sir, I need at least a year, maybe more for such a huge undertaking! My houses may take less. I have to survey the area, take soil samples, study the weather, figure out the local resources for the building materials (I try to keep things local therefore cutting costs,) design and then start to build which will obviously come with its own obstacles. My brother used to handle that before but now I plan to do everything on my own and I am a perfectionist. The whole building will have Shantanu Khandelwal's stamp on it and it will be one of its kind, that I can guarantee. He said with obvious pride for his craft.
No beta! PK shook his head which made his loose jowls shake as well ( almost like a well fed St. Bernard's thought Shaan,) that I can't accept! PK needs everything futaa fut!! Meine sahi bola na Label! He said looking in the direction of his secretary, who nodded and smiled as if by rote! He seemed to be used to it!
Yes Mr Khandelwal, Mr PK needs everything done fast..! Aur my name is Lamba not Label sir! He said without much hope, Mr PK was a creature of habit..bad habit.
Then I can't help you sir, I can't compromise with my standards or work for any reason.
But Mr Sunil Khandelwal said.. Mr PK said looking perplexed.
Sir!!..Mr Lamba interrupted in a hurry; I mean maybe you need some time to consider it Mr Khandelwal?
No! I don't need any time to think it over! Shaan was disappointed in his Dad; As I have already said I cannot and will not change the way I do my job, if you wish your building to become a example for the future, then I am your guy; if not then you can look elsewhere.
Oh no beta! We will think about it, there is no rush! Shayad there is something in what you say, hmmm a new vision for others; that sounds interesting what do you think Label? Mr PK grinned widely extending his hand to Shaan before he and his unhappy secretary walked out of the room.
I must have known that Dad would set up something like this, Mr PK is the type of client who gives Dad a major chunk of his business! Shaan thought as he started pacing the room, his hands on his pockets.
Hey man! Didn't it go well? I saw that jolly looking PK walking out of the office looking not too jolly! Rahul sauntered in, not wearing his everpresent happy smile for a change.
No it didn't! He wanted instant noodles whereas I could only deliver pasta made from scratch! It would have never worked out! Shaan looked crestfallen.
Its alright pal! Things like this do happen in business, in a way its better that it happened now than later! At least you know what to expect from the majority of the market here! But times are changing, and so are people! They will soon find you, it may just take a little time!
Shaan smiled and nodded at Rahul; Well I just hope it doesn't take too long then. I want to start working like now!
'''''
Shaan smiled to himself, Rahul always had the knack of improving the spirits of the people around him, he was a born diplomat!
But first he had to find out for sure;
Hey Shaan! How was your meeting today? Got your first advance?
Bro!! You know very well that it couldn't have worked out! How could it with a company like PK's, who orders his buildings like one orders fast food; like chat mangni pat byaah??
You mean like yours and Khanak's?? Akki teased.
That is an exception to the rule bro! We were meant to be together and we clicked! It's a one in a million occurrence! Now don't change the topic! Shaan didn't consider it funny.
Well, so PK is not your style!
And you knew it to be so, then why did you refer him??
Who said that I referred him? It was Dad... Akki's voice trailed off.
There! Just what I suspected! First of all Dad and you know my philosophy very well and are very familiar with my specialty, and second I donot want your help, I want to do this on my own!
Sorry Shaan! Dad really had no ulterior motive, he just thought he might give you a jump start! Besides would it really hurt your ego if you got a referrel from us? After all we are not doing anything else for you! And we want the best for you and Khanak!
Shaan inhaled slowly, perhaps he was getting too uptight and not giving it enough thought. It really wasn't a trick..if only he had known about it earlier he wouldn't have felt so bad.
By the way how is Khanak doing? Looks like you have forgotten all about us after your marriage! Ahem..are you guys way too busy or what??
Shaan smiled thinking about their daily routine, they really didn't have time for themselves let alone their families.
No bro, nothing like that, its just with both if us working and..
And?? Its alright little bro, koi nahin! I can understand very well tum do dillon ki haalat! Kash mein aur Boo bhi! Leave it, I should be just happy for you two! When you happen to get some spare time think of us and give us a ring! Theekh??
Theekh! Shaan laughed, thanking his lucky stars that Akki had stopped before probing any further or it could have become embarassing!
Hello my Burthal Adonis!
If you get this message...grrr
Consider it a reminder to EAT!!!
Be Warned!
For this tigress will be in a Feeding Frenzy tonight!
(Shaan raised his eyebrows amused, his wife was getting Bold!)
And 'UN' Borrow that secretary or I will...
( Remember doctors can kill too!)
Shaan was tempted to ask her how but...thought better of it...
Your sacrificial lamb will be ready when you are my Athena;
just hold on to your horses!!
For a little while longer, I will be there
but please spare the jugular!
I want to live to suffer more atrocities in your hands!
As for the other job, consider it done!
(He texted back laughing..)
He stopped by the culprit's desk interrupting her train of thought.
(This Shantanu Khandelwal is way too HOT for his own good! Ms. Rinni Khanna had been thinking as she checked her perfect done lips for the nth time that morning. She had hardly laid her sultry eyes on him for more than a few minutes yesterday, but that had been more than enough; she could think of no one else. He was apparently the son of a stinking rich Dad, smart, handsome, an extremely good catch by any standards. And who was this girl who had called upteen times yesterday claiming to be his wife, poor thing..she couldn't fool her. A guy like him married...that would be a sin! He probably didn't even have a steady girlfriend..she could take care of that.)
(Ohh! That perfume..groovy.yes, yes Obsession! Finally, he had to stop for a closer look! My, my I should not let him see me flustered.)
( He is a tease too! I like that!) Call me just Rinni, Shaan! Anything you need?
Shaan opened his eyes wide and observed Ms RK for a few more secs, she looked like an Ad for one of those cosmetic companies; not a lash out of place..., the hands which were trying to twirl an unsharpened pencil bore red painted nails at least an inch long; he couldn't help but compare them to his sweetheart's, sensibly cut short and unpainted, and yet as pretty as can be. God! She is always on my mind.
Ms KHANNA, my name is Shantanu Khandelwal and I will like to be addressed as Mr Shantanu Khandelwal or Mr Khandelwal. I am fond of formality at the work place, helps us focus!
What was he talking about? Formality??
And when I asked you yesterday not to disturb me, I didn't mean block my phone calls as well, especially those from my wife! Shaan looked stern.
Oh curse my lucky stars! Did he say wife!!!? He looks mean too! He is probably crazy about her.
So I want to make it clear for the future. Donot handle any of my messages or phone calls. I will ask for your help when and if I need it, most likely not! Got it? Or should I talk to Mr Malhotra about this?
She shook her head vehemently; then nodded furiously staring after him unhappily as he strode away ; Why were all the good looking guys always taken?
~~~~~~
Shaan sat in the old coffee shop in the hospital campus, and looked around...it has been their favorite rendezvous spot.
Nothing has changed in the past 2 months, has it been just 2 months? Same old decor consisting of B&W Charlie Chaplin movies posters, same old attendent behind the counter ( the one who had pointed out to him the possibility that Khanak had fainted,) same old invigorating aroma of freshly ground coffee and same old Beatles on the sound system playing..
It is a Hard Days Night
And I have been working
Like a Dog
Its been a Hard day's Night
I should be sleeping like a log
But when I get home to you
I find the things that you do
Would make me feel alright!
Shaan hummed along and smiled...so true!! no there are some things that should never change, they should always remain the same...
Damn where is she?
He glanced at his cell...it was 5 minutes past 7pm and she had said that she would be there unlike him;
I am a woman of my word and my second name is punctuality even if I have to be with you! she had said when he had wondered aloud about whether she planned to take her revenge.
It crept to 7:15, then 7:30...He was growing restless, she had never made him wait this long...maybe something had gone awry??
Sir! Aren't you the nice gentleman who was with our Dr Agarwal the other day, the one who took her to the ER when she passed out?
Shaan looked up, (he had been staring blankly at his empty coffee cup,) to see the same nice attendent standing next to him, Yes! You remember me?
Of course! I never forget a face, especially if had to do with something special and our Doc Agarwal is a very special lady, no matter how busy or tired, she never forgets to ask me about my health and that of my wife. Never neglect your family or your friends Sanju, they are the ones who will always be there for you, she always says.
Yes! Shaan nodded, how like her to spread good will and cheer wherever she went.
I haven't seen her for sometime, do you happen to know where she is by any chance?
Shaan grinned; Uhmm, she is still here, the only difference is that she is my wife now, we have been married for 2 months and were on our Honeymoon.
What? OMG! Such wonderful news! You know, I had an inkling that day of a possible hook up and I was right!! Congratulations!! Are you waiting for her then?
Yes! She had said that she'd be here half an hour ago. I have tried her cell, but she is not picking that up either! Shaan said looking worried, maybe this nice guy knew something about doctor's routines that he didn't yet?
Then why don't you try her pager? Doctor's usually answer their pagers rather than their cell phones, maybe because they think its urgent somehow. I've learnt that after being here for so long! I hope you have her number!
Oh yes! I do! It never occurred to me! Shaan said looking at his directory, yes there it was! Why hadn't he tried it when it had been staring him in the face all along?
He waited for the response and just before he was going to try it again, he received the call.
Darling! What's up? Aren't you hungry?
There was a giggle at the other end, it was not his Khanak;
Ahem..Are you looking for Dr Agarwal? it was female voice sounding distinctly amused.
Yes, I am her husband actually. Where is she and why is she not answering her phone or her pager? Is she alright? Shaan couldn't keep the anxiety out of his voice. His wife had made it a habit of getting into trouble.
She's fine! But she is busy. Thats why I am answering for her. I am one of the nurses here.
Shaan wanted to believe in her badly but couldn't: Where is she? I want to know!
She is on the 5th floor in the west wing running a code! It has been going on for the past 25 minutes! Am not sure when she'll be done though. She sounded vague.
Thanks for the info!
5 th Floor..West wing. Why are hospitals so confusing? Damn stupid me! I didn't ask for the room#.
Shaan thought as he finally reached his destination and began looking for some signs of activity. He could see some patients rooms still filled with family members, as he passed by; in some there was laughter which meant good tidings, in some others there was deathly silence, and still others there were voices raised in anger or frustration. A conglomerate of different emotions and feelings on the same floor...
Shaan remembered when he was here too as a patient not too long ago, had a stranger passed byhis room and thought the same also, just as he was thinking today?
He spotted a small crowd at the end of the hall; a group of anxious looking folks who looked like family members watching something going on inside.
He peeped in and saw a large group of people in blue and grey scrubs making a lot of noise around what appeared to be the unfortunate patient. He tried to look carefully but couldn't see her familiar face, but she had to be here.
A tap on his shoulder;
Are you Dr Agarwal's husband?
Shaan turned around and saw a juvenile looking nurse smiling knowingly at him; she was the voice on the phone.
Uh huh..Yes, I am! Where is she, I don't see her anywhere.
Her smile grew wider, almost boastful; She is in there alright, you just can't see her because she is right in the center of it! Poor Dr Agarwal! She shook her head sympathetically.
Why so?..
Then suddenly a familiar voice calm yet authoritative;
Calm down please! I am running the code here and not Dr Harish though I thank him for his assistance! But I can handle it! Is that understood?
There was silence and then a general murmur of assent.
Alright! Can someone give 1 mg of Epinephrine IV now and I want to know the lab results, they were drawn a while ago!
Yes Doc Agarwal!
Pause...
Looks like he has gone into Vtach and does not have a pulse Dr Agarwal!
Okay are the paddles in place? Dial to 360Joules! Stand clear!...
Shaan stood outside listening to his Khanak calmly going about her business; she sounded different, a voice of confidence and authority; a person who knew what she was doing and was respected for it. Somehow he wanted to continue listening.
After some more time he could hear a low cheer of success from among the people in the room and the crowd inside started to disperse.
He moved to one side and saw Khanak walk out in her blue scrubs and a pony tail looking awfully young and fatigued but with a relieved smile on her beautiful face. She went straight over to the small group he had seen standing outside waiting anxiously and started conversing with them. He observed his Angel in her professional role, a picture of quiet assurance and sincerity talking softly, her voice and words having a calming effect on the members of the family, and he smiled overcome by a feeling of immense pride for his wife..
The juvenile nurse, whose name tag said that she was Nurse Rita, came over to him and pointed to a chair;
Aap baith jaiye, Doctor Agarwal will take at least half an hour, she loves to talk! She said giggling before sashaying away. Shaan saw that another couple of nurses had joined her and were having a private joke session quite openly at his expense.
She was right, it was almost 30 minutes before Khanak got done. She took a chart from the racks and quickly jotted down something; turned around, waved and smiled at the nurses who were still standing watching, giggling and walked unseeing towards him.
Darn! Didn't expect this to happen just as I was about to leave! Thank Heavens though things went well! Khanak thought to herself as she started walking in the direction of the elevator, putting a hand behind her aching neck and checking her phone with the other.
Ooops!! Sorry! She said as she ran straight into someone's chest. She looked up apologetically and her mouth dropped open when she saw Shantanu.
Hi Doc! Aren't you hungry yet? He said in a soft husky voice meant only for her ears.
She immediately blushed a deep pink and smiled shaking her head; at the same time glancing back at the nurses who immediately burst out into laughter.
She grabbed hold of his arm; Lets go! and walked rapidly to the elevator bank.
I meant eat as in a restaurant! What did you think my angel of mercy? He asked innocently and watched as her cheeks turned a darker shade and she looked away quickly, taking her hand off at the same time.
Shaan kept his eyes on her as they stepped into the elevator which did not unload fully. She moved away to stand across from him still blushing trying not to meet his eyes.
What happens to her all of a sudden? That she becomes shy like she used to before; as if she hardly knows me...but then really likes me? God..you made women and then you made my Khanak!!
Hey! Where are you going?
I need to pick up my stuff..to the call room! She rushed down the corridor to the right side of the 2nd floor to an area where there were a bunch of rooms.
She entered a number on a keypad to one such room; Stay here! She entered and tried to close the door on him.
But...why? Why are you behaving as if I am a stranger all of a sudden? He complained inserting a foot in the jam and forcing himself in.
Because sometimes you seem that way to me and it makes me nervous! She said backing away.
He grabbed her by the waist and said looking deep into her eyes;
Yes I can say the same about you too! Everyday I am discovering a new you and it makes me more and more intrigued and excited! What will come next..my lovely obsession?
Just wait and...
She was unable to finish her sentence as he brought his mouth down on hers; sealing her reply with his lips, pushing her against the wall with his body, his hunger conveyed by his frenzied movements.
Sensing his urgency she tried to push him away; Shantanu! Stop it! This is not the time nor the place.
Then how do you expect me to behave? You, a Bold seductress in the morning and then shy like a virgin bride in the evening? How am I supposed to figure you out? Why this constant hide and seek? His voice was a low threat, a portend for things to come if she didn't comply.
Maybe because I want to play with you my Prince? She said stroking his face with a shaking hand. I am just your Khanak, nothing else! Let's go eat.
'''''''
He was unable to sleep; the day had not gone very well, first with Mr PK and then the second potential client had refused to hire Rahul as his builder; he had wanted someone who could do the work for half the cost; compromising the quality of the materials and the job. He hadn't told Khanak that, she didn't need any more worries. She already had quite a few. He needed to get going soon somehow, he had to make it happen..
A penny for your thoughts!
Khanak whispered snuggling against him; so how did your day go?
He turned around and hugged her to himself; her warmth reminding him of his most precious possession; his wife.
Can't say ( he couldn't lie to her,) will know soon! You know how these corporates are, they take their time to show their colors unlike your patients'.
Hmmm! Unlike me you mean? Now black, now white? She laughed lazily wrapping her legs around him.
Yes unlike you too! Now what were you last night? I am glad I escaped with my life! He chuckled enjoying their little exchange.
Uhmm! Your guess is as good as mine. Guess what I am thinking right now? Her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Well..I am beat! Lets see.. He said feeling her heart race under his hand.
An early am snack, you idiot! She groaned aloud as he nibbled at her throat.
Bigg Boss 19
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
Debate Mansion
193