"Ladies and Gentleman please put your hands together for the business man of the year, Mr. Maan Singh Khurana. Before I call him up on the stage, let me give you a brief history. Maan Singh Khurana rose to fame after taking over his family business. His grand-father, Rajiv Singh Khruana, started the Khruana Constructions when he did not even have enough money to support his family. Hailing from a middle class family, it was often difficult to even afford meals two times a day but with his dedication and perseverance had finally paid off. His one dream, that he often told me, was to make something out of himself. He wanted to be known around the world. He wanted to make sure his family had all the luxuries that he could never afford. His son, Ranvir, Maan's father, carried over the business after Rajiv's death. Ranvir took the business internationally where people applauded him of his deduction, humbleness and having a great eye for business. And why not? He learned from the best, his own father.
Ranvir left his business and his family behind in a car accident. The business soon declined but I was not going to let that happen. I took the responsibility of Maan and the business long enough until Maan was ready to take over. Today, when I look at Maan. I feel so proud. I could see my son Ranvir' image inside him, of course with a little bit of attitude. (She and the audience laughs) Even during college he showed me what kind of a great man he will turn out to be. He always had been a very sharp young man, he had and still does a very sharp memory, his keen to details makes him what he is today.
He did what no one, not even I could do. He took Khurana Constructions to such a length, in these short spam of years, that no one could have imagined. I am very proud of my grandson. I am proud of his capabilities his dedication toward his company and of his success. I know even I would not have been able to do what he has done. Handing over the company under his wing was the best decision I ever made in my life. His father and his grandfather would be proud and am sure both are looking down upon him right now at this very moment. Once again ladies and gentleman please put your hands together for my grandson, Maan Singh Khruana."
A man stood up from the audience with a big smile. People cheered, girls rose from their seats to get a better glimpse of him as he walked to the stage. He reeked of confidence and arrogance as he approached his grandmother smiling at him. He hugged her sideways before taking the trophy.
He stands in front of the microphone looking at his audience who was here only for him. Only to see him in person. He smiles making half the girls scream in joy. He enjoyed every moment of it.
"Thank you, Dadima. After completing my MBA when Dadima asked me to join the family business, at first I was hesitant. I didn't know if I could handle this much responsibility if I could make my parents and my grandfather proud, if I could carry on the legacy of Khurana Constructions. This confident, this arrogant or however you guys see me as today was not like this before. During my college days, yes I was studious and always topped in each subject but at the same time I didn't know what I wanted to do. If it wasn't for my Dadima than I wouldn't be here today. She gave me the confidence that I needed in me. So today, if anyone that deserves this trophy is my grandmother, Savitri Devi Khruana."
He goes up to her handing her the trophy with a smile. Audience got up and clapped while photographers and news reports surrounded both Maan and Savitri Devi.
"Mr. Khruana, what will be your next step in business?"
"What about your love life? Do you have someone in mind?"
"Are you still going out with your girlfriend Sameera Kapoor?"
Maan stops and looks at the reports with a smile. "I don't know where I will go. My goal always had and always will be to expand more worldwide. For now, I would like to enjoy my victory with a small party held during the weekend. Make sure you guys come. As for my love life is concerned, no comments."
He walks past them with his Dadima ignoring each and everyone's question. A limo was waiting for them outside the hotel ready to take them home.
"Maan you have no idea how proud I am of you." (She says as soon as they were inside the home retiring to their respective rooms)
"Thanks Dadima. I will be in my office if you need me."
"hmm. Also, the party you mentioned, I was thinking of that having that party here at home. I will hire a decorator that someone recommended to me before."
"hmm whatever is easier for you. Okay, Dadima I will be busy going over some files."
"okay. Good night. I will sleep as well."
"Good night"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A women in her early 20's sat on the desk sketching designs oblivious to her surroundings. The tv played in the background which she gave no attention to.
"Put your hands together for Maan Singh Khruana"
Her head shot up hearing his name. She looks toward the tv where she saw an elderly women on stage giving a speech. She looked familiar. Her hands reached for the remote, turning up the volume. Business man of the year. Her eyes searched the audience when camera zoomed in. It was then she saw him sitting in the front seat, smiling. Same as before. Nothing changed even after four years. His look, his strong jaw feature, his eyes they were all the same. Only thing different would be his beard. He didn't have that subtle shadow on his face. He had a small beard making him look more mature and handsome.
She quickly turn the tv off as soon as he was announced to come up when the door slammed open. It was better that she did or else all her emotions and feelings were going to come back again to haunt her. It took her a long time to cope with everything and to change who she used to be. She can't afford to be that same girl anymore.
Her best friend, Meera stood at the entrance of her office looking at her with a big smile. She just waited for her to continue on.
"I have some good news for you, Geet"
"hmm what is it?"
"We just got a call from our past client and she recommended us to one of her friend for another contract. She said they are very big people and will pay whatever amount we say. Can you believe it?"
"Hmm that's good. Why don't you call the people and set up a meeting so we can plan according to their wishes"
"Are you not happy? We are getting a big client"
"I am happy. No client is big or small to me. As long as we make them happy with our services that is my only concern."
"Are you okay?"
"yes was just busy finishing up some interior designs for our client Mr. Meheta. He would be here any minute now. I have to finish this before he comes. Could you please tell Pinky to set up the conference table, right now?"
"okay. I will let you know about our new client and set up a date."
"okay. Thanks"
Meera looks at her best friend one more time before closing the door. She was not the same Geet she knew anymore. This Geet never laughed or smiled, she was just a robot that thought about nothing but her interior designing business. Her old Geet would laugh, scream and talk non stop if something good happens to her but this Geet is just the opposite. She hated all those people from college that changed her best friend to this strange person.
She tried so many times to bring back the same Geet but all her efforts went to waste. She was still stuck in the past, she was still stuck on Maan even though she said she has moved on, I know she hasn't even after getting engaged. She is still in love with Maan.
Geet sat on her desk looking at the blank screen of tv. Her hands ached to turn the tv back on to see his accomplishments but she can't. She can't betray her finance, Armaan. She will soon belong to him in every sense as husband and wife. She looks at her engagement ring that adorned her finger, she had promised herself she will forget him the minute he placed the ring on her hand. Now, her past is coming back to haunt her.
She gets up from the chair looking out the window. No. He has no part of my life. He can't be back my life either. We both have been living in the same city as strangers and that is how we will remain. Our paths will never cross.
Aami Daakini
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