FF- WINNER TAKES IT ALL PT 3B & 4 UPDTD

Dear Friends,

DD brings to you another love story...how it all happened...

The abrupt closure of our beloved show IPK ...really upset me and few of my friends as we were all looking forward to Viraf and Sanaya cast together for we were sure the actors & the Director put together had the ability to revive the show again...

I have never watched any show of Viraf apart from the Teri Meri love story episode that too after being informed that he was brought in for IPK. Some of my friends spoke well about his acting skills in his past shows Mahiway and Kismet. I mean a guy who had dabbed in theatre got to be good right?

But honestly...after reading his amazing tweets and interviews...apart from all his adventurous trysts (from what I've read)...I was impressed and smitten by the actor.

Viraf's witty and intelligent answers make him (the actor) all the more attractive (Pepper's words)...and so a story cooked up in my mind...

I have given a name/face to each character... There is NO ASR nor a Khushi...instead a modern-day love story of a dynamic couple...

Probably die-hard fans of ARSHI may not want to read...but I am okay with that...yet believe everybody loves Romance...

A HOT, SHORT LOVE STORY -

WINNER TAKES IT ALL...

CHARACTERS -

THE GUJRAL GROUP - Well known in society as a reputed company for innovative and prestigious projects...and in the past two years reaching new heights in the construction industry.

MAHESH GUJRAL - 54 YEARS (Parikshat Sahani)

MEHEK GUJRAL (Lead Character) - 26 YEARS (Sanaya Irani)

KRITIKA GUJRAL -50 YRS (Shalini Kapoor who plays Dilshad in QH)

KUNAL GUJRAL 21 YRS (Shaheer Sheikh...ex Navya)

THE JAISWALS -

RAJESH JAISWAL SR. - 55 YEARS (Anupam Kher - the most lovable daddy character on screen)

LATE SEEMA JAISWAL - 52 YEARS (Bina)

ROHAN JAISWAL - 30 YEARS (Hiten Tejwani from Pavitra Rishta)

AARTI KHANNA JAISWAL - 28 YEARS (Ragini Khanna played Suhana)

RAOUL JAISWAL (Lead Character) - 28 YEARS (Viraf Phiroze Patel)

CHARACTER SKETCH - -

Mahesh Gujral - A quite soft-spoken good-looking man, civil engineer by profession, once upon a time best friend and buddy of Rajesh Patel during college and school days. The son a small time builder and construction material supplier. Won scholarships and went on to the UK for further studies. Struggled to reach the status his company holds today.

Kritika Gujral - Wife of Mahesh and mother of Mehek and Kunal. A beautiful vivacious woman who fell in love with the quite, brilliant and shy Mahesh. Fought with her well-off parents to marry Mahesh, so married late. Stood by him during testing times. Is an anchor of strength of the Gujral household. Not happy with the way Mehek is involved with work work and more work.

Mehek (daughter -Main Lead)- Gorgeous, brilliant like her father, almond-shaped large eyes that match her mother, feisty and a ruthless business woman. Qualifications: MBA from Wharton School of Business. B.E (Hons) Structural & Design Engineer from University of Pennsylvania & Her role-model is her father whom she worships, admires Aung San Su Kyi and her mentor at University... Ivanka Trump. A multi-tasker who had dabbed in jewellery designs during college days. Won an award as Best Jeweller Designer of the Year. Her designs always carry her signature initials "M" intricately designed in her one off pieces. A passion that has stemmed from her mother who is extremely creative and paints when in the mood. Mehek has a dislike for loud music, outdoor parties or clubs. And yes, hates flashy guys who live off their parent's wealth. More so after her broken engagement to a good-looking man named Pradeep son of a diamond merchant.

Kunal - Studies in the UK...civil engineering. Cute, lovable who adores and admires his sister Mehek.

The JAISWALS:

The crazy Rajesh Jaiswal, full of life man, the second generation Jaiswal and well known industrialist/builder in the city of Mumbai. Once upon a time good friend of Mahesh but had a fall-out due to Kritika whom he too fell in love with which none of his children are aware of. Then married Seema, a simple quite woman whom he lost to cancer. Never married again.

Sons - Rohan Jaiswal - the older one. A finance & business graduate from London School of Economics. Quite, hardworking man following in the footsteps of his father, married to Aarti having a five year daughter named Aisha.

Aarti ' A beautiful, bubbly, vivacious lady. A Fashion designer by profession, running her own boutique catering to the elite women of their society.

Raoul (younger son -Main Lead)- A tall, tanned, handsome rakish hunk of a man. Who is as bad as his opposite lovable puppy-dog looks. Holds a Master of Architecture degree from the avant-garde school in the USA - South California Institute of Architecture - a summa cum laude graduate in Architectural Engineering. Did a stint at Perkins & Wills before returning back to his home country. A complete outdoor brat, has travelled the world. Makes the most of his rich heritage but has the capability to survive on a stranded island. Fearless, loves extreme sports, mountain-climbing, Para-gliding, windsurfing, fast cars and women of course!

A brilliant performer since school days. A prankster who always got into trouble for the wrong reasons. Hated reading yet outclassed his school mates. His motto in life "Just DO IT..." His father sent him off to a military-boarding school hoping it would bring some change in him, but this is where he soared like an eagle and explored the world he was thrown into. Ever since his mother died he stayed away from home as much as he could. He loves his brother and father...so makes sure he would - NEVER BREAK THE LAW! Ok just one...when it came to women, he got bored with them fast...they all were hot and happening. He simply enjoyed their company but stayed clear of full-fledged relationships. He believed he could never let his sperm bank drain The Jaiswal company shares. His tiny cleft and expressive eyes are a sheer shot goner with women. The media loved him for he made sensational news. He personally did not care what they wrote about him. Stays clear of nerdy women, they were not his kind.

Despite having the best education wasn't yet involved in the family business. He excelled in whatever he did or took up. For him everything was a challenge.

Would Ms Perfect Mehek ever meet the Bad Boy Raoul?

hugs

dd

Part 3A - Page 2...

Part 3B & 4 - Page 2

Part 1 -

The Gujral household '

Aangan Villa 'A simple white modern 2-storey villa... with a pretty courtyard, water features and lots of French windows in the elite surroundings of Juhu, Mumbai. The careful use of colour created a tranquil and balanced environment in this home, giving it a serene and holistic ambience - A beautiful bright home, where this small family lived and loved.

Sprawled on a Yoga mat, legs spread out stood Mehek in a warrior position, breathing in and out with ease facing the sun that released its rays through the French-doors of the stark white holistic Workout room wherein shadowy silhouettes of leaves and flowers meet bursts of green through glass windows and doors creating framed natural artworks in the rooms of the ground floor. It was 7.30 am. White yoga slacks covered those slim long legs that hugged the hour-glass figure of a young 5 ft 8 inches tall woman. The long shiny black hair pulled back in a high ponytail. The short white top exposed the flat belly and thin waist and the posture enhanced the full-breasted girl with her hands held above her head. Her face leaning out towards the sun...the warmth and energy kissed the milky white golden skin...the long dark lashes shielding her eyes to avoid the morning glare.

"Munni are you done?" her mother belted out, "Bas ho gaya...come on...there is no flesh left on your bones...chalo...get out of there." Kritika called out to her daughter. Mehek cringed at the sound of "Munni" she did not like it one bit and knew her mother simply did it to get her out of the room. Retrieving herself to a normal position, the eyelids opened exposing the most beautiful almond shaped light brown eyes that sparkled and could speak a language of its own...that even the rays of the sun moved away in shyness..."Coming Maa... Another 10 more minutes please."

Kritika failed to understand Mehek's obsession with yoga. She was all bones and yet...her yoga rituals were like a morning prayer for Mehek...it gave her strength to sustain her throughout the day she always excused with the explanation.

Sometimes she wondered, did she find solace and inner peace with her yoga sessions? Her Munni was the perfect daughter/child any parent would admire. The Little Miss Sunshine who never broke any rules.

Pradeep had broken the rules with her. She was heartbroken since then...it was six years now but still Mehek was hurting inside. Mehek had found out he was cheating on her whilst being engaged. It was an arranged proposal. Just out of University she was the perfect catch for any young man. A gullible fool where men were concerned, Mehek started weaving dreams around her future life with him. The b****** turned out to be a cheat and the worst part was he did not regret what he did. He expected her to accept him the way he was.

So Miss Sunshine buried herself with further studies wanting to perfect herself, and defy men that she could conquer their world and topple it too.

But in this mad rush to be perfect did she forget to enjoy life or live a little crazily...Kritika sighed and walked towards the breakfast table.

Her husband would come down soon. She got busy laying the table in the family room. The brown and beige hues of the cosy room filled it with warmth.. Kailash their cook, "Maaji yeh Didi ka milkshake hain."

As a family they hardly ate or lounged in the formal living room. Only Mehek loved to sit there on the Natuzzi sofas with her legs up and listen to her soul music.

Mahesh walked into the room asking as usual for his darling daughter, "Where is Mehek? Has she had breakfast?"

"Oh don't worry about her. Why don't you start with your breakfast?" said Kritika to her loving husband. Mahesh looked at his wife, "Then join me Kritu...you fret over her more than I do actually. And also pray a little more for your Munni, the results of the big tender will be out today. Though I know for sure my Gorgeous Tigress is going to don another feather in her cap... She is born to be a Winner."

Mehek entered after a good one hour. All dressed to kill in the corporate world with her beige Armani trouser suit and a figure-hugging soft-knit light purple short cap-sleeved stretch top that simply enhanced her generous figure. Holding the jacket in hand she plonked herself onto her favourite seat at the table wishing them both with hugs. Her parents were her strength.

"Munni...Sona Aunty called"

"Mama please!...Don't start again...I told you I am not interested in getting married. Not now, not ever." Her mother frowned and her BP rose, "What do you mean never? Mehek!"

Mahesh calmed his wife's nerves by brushing his hand over her arm, "Kritu bas abb...I told you wish us luck naah."

"Fine all the best...but we need to talk about this like a family...this breakfast table is becoming a conference room every day," shaking her head ruefully gets up to go to the kitchen.

"Mom fine...if this deal does not come through we can start talking about my marriage, but if I bag this project then we talk at the end of the project...that is after two years!

Kritika sighed nodding her head hoping this deal would just vanish in thin air! The girl needs to settle down she was all of 26!

Mehek had turned out to be a boon for the company, bagging ventures they had not explored before. Two years ago The Gujral Group opened its doors to their First Woman Director.

Mehek the "Tigress" was known to be ruthless when dealing with men. Should anyone man be caught lying or cheating or was found to be involved in any wrong doing...we dealt with severely. Even a whisper of it could lead to you losing your cushy job at GGs (Gujral Group).

Part 2

The Jaiswal Household '

It was a sprawling 3-storey 6-bedroom mansion of grandeur and opulence. Looked like a white palace from the outside yet comfort, class and sophistication converged in this stunning home. Its high ceilings, rich architecture, with Italian marble flooring and dark teak wood interiors meant clever decor choices.

The dining table that could seat 12 people was filled with food and laughter. Mr. Ramesh Jaiswal senior was a jolly man always laughing either at himself or others around him. There could never be a dull day around him.

Rohan sat at the table going through the financial section of the newspapers whilst his wife Aarti was busy trying to get some milk down her daughter's throat whilst Lizzy, Aisha's nanny hovered around.

Rohan, "Beta hurry up you will be late to school and your Chachu is still sleeping'I have a meeting to attend, can't be late today."

Raoul as usual was sprawled naked but for his Calvin Klein boxer briefs, in his massive bedroom after an out of town trip whilst indulging in a bikers tour...and was oblivious to the daily happenings at the breakfast table. His morning wake-up hours were of course based on what he was up to the previous night.

Rameshji shook his head saying, "Pata nahi uska kya hone wala hai'.I think what he needs is a wife."

Rohan, "What? A wife! The guy can't take care of himself, why ruin the life of a girl just to set him right. Don't know when he is gonna grow up and shoulder some responsibility."

Aisha, "Dadaji...dadaji..."

"Bolo beta"

With her fingers on her lips thinking deeply says, "Dadaji when I grow big like Katrina...no very long girl...no...like Kareena I will marry Chachu...don't worry."

Ramesh smirking and laughing at his grand-daughter's cheekiness says, "Isse bhi aur koi nahi mila...Acha...tab talak aapka pyara Chachu ganja banega dadaji ki tarha...He will become bald like me."

Aisha snorted and twisted her nose in disgust, "Yucks I don't like Ganja." and stuck her tongue out.

Rohan hit his palm against his forehead in despair thinking, he was sure to lose his own very soon...

Lizzy giggled...

Aarti laughed, "Good then have your milk now beta." and turned to Lizzy asking, "Why are you blushing?"

Lizzy all smiles, "Nothing Ma'am."

"So the results of the tender will be out today right? asked Aarti, worried for her husband and family.

"Yup but don't you worry about it'.we never lose but this time it was more on design than pricing, and this what worries me a bit." He hugged his wife, picked up his daughter's bag and moved to leave to the office. "Dad will see you in a bit at the office."

**********

The Jaiswal Home -

That evening at the dinner table, Rohan and Jaiswal Senior were busy having a heated discussion.

Raoul within earshot of them...realized Rohan had his voice raised and saying, "I can't believe it we lost to a relatively new company run by a young woman."

Aarti, "Now Rohan!..." she cautioned him.

"Sorry Aarti that came out wrong... It not about the woman, it's the company... it's a young company, okay I know it's associated with Gujral group'.their pricing was high, yet they bagged it for their innovative structural and architectural design."

"YOU MEAN WE LOST THIS PROJECT TO A FEMALE!" That was Raoul speaking with utter disbelief whilst pulling out a chair.

"Not you Raoul, just US lost it'.what would you know'like as if you are part of this real world'..the women you know ''''.."

The match had just begun...

"I know I wasn't involved, cause it's your baby and you guys never let me do things my way'.but still I need to know what went wrong Brother!"

"Well design is your forte, not mine or Dad's and our design department did not give what they were looking for'.as simple as that."

"It had to happen sooner or later, Dad wasn't wrong when asking you to join the company."

"Bhai you know I wanted to work with a firm outside of India''.'you guys never let me continue.."

"So you come back'just stay away and do your own thing '..fast cars, jump out of planes, as well as party'..in sheer defiance?"

"I asked for only a year or two Bhai."

Rohan continued in a raised voice, "Year or two! What are you waiting for? For Dad to collapse or get yourself killed'with all your feats'.'.. Gosh Raoul grow up."

"Aarti just tell me'.who won the most volleys... will you?" said her father-in-law trying to make a joke out of a serious matter.

"Now stop all of you," said Aarti trying to calm down everyone's nerves. She would do a little talking to Raoul. It was high time.

"Bhabhi '..sorry'..Okay which company bagged the project?"

"Gujral Design & Engineering LLC. Owned and managed by Mehek Gujral, 26 years, single and CEO of Gujral Group of companies."

Ramesh softly spoke to himself, "That must be Mahesh and Kritika's only girl."

Raoul went on to check the company and found out whatever information was on their website. He had to meet the woman who was responsible for creating a ruckus at their dinner table.

He was a charmer where women were concerned. Let me see what ticks this female thought Raoul. For sure, a rich daddy's girl who might have charmed her way to get through this project. Could be she was proposed to someone's son or something" He had to congratulate her on her tactics.

"I'll be back in an hour's time Dad, Bro'"

"Yeah we know you will'.."

Raoul had a night out with friends and enquired about Mehek. Nothing came out of any one of them. "Some bespectacled baby elephant that might have taken over Daddy's business, we don't keep a track of such women man" said Jay. Jay's girlfriend Sonia turned around and spoke, "Yeah no Gujral girl is part of the RDGs (Rich Daddy's Girls)" Gats and Helen along with the guys roared with laughter at their lame joke over Mehek Gujral. He called it a night and returned back home to see all had gone to bed.

The Dark Knight got his bike out and raced through the streets'..with thoughts of what his brother told him that morning.

He had his fair share of fun, seen the world, did some crazy things...'.Rohan who was a financial expert was shouldering his share of the burden, whilst he was enjoying the luxuries of their hard work.

Boy he had to get involved. Design and structural was his passion...his forte'why did he then stay away. Okay he did not like the way they ran the group'.the old-fashioned way'..but maybe he could convince them to bring in change. As one of the board of directors, he did one thing though; attend their board meetings once every quarter.

To be continued...

Raoul was up early that morning. After hitting the gym as usual for a good one hour, putting on his light blue tee topped with dark blue corduroy Diesel blazer over a pair of Levi's khakis and tan Bally Loafers... He picked up the large red rose arrangement ...ahhh yeah...women and red roses were alike...the path was thorny ...yet the blooms were smooth and intoxicating like red wine...

And so Raoul headed towards the offices of the Gujral Group, thinking on the way...yeah...being a woman she surely enjoyed professional advantage over the others... she might have put her physical attributes to good use in getting this project...well most of the women he met in India at least did not have the brains beyond that!

Their office had been trying to get him an appointment but the response was always, she was extremely busy and a request to call back. It was three days since the news of the tender was out. Okay, so if she wants to play tough to get...he would walk through the doors without one...there was never a situation where he was ever denied access to a woman!

The security guard's face lit up, seeing the swanky blue BMW sports car, the well-known model face ...(the media loved the bad boy and captured everything he was up to) behind the wheels and the person he asked to see...Raoul smiled to himself and winked at the man in uniform...

Bahadur thought raising his smiling eyes to heaven, "Akhir koi chikna nau jawan toh aaya milne ke liye humare Memsaheb ko."

Level one was a breeze through now he had to get into the three-storey glass building and charm the ladies around. It wasn't too difficult and they led him upstairs into the Tigress's den.

He looked around and was impressed...a tastefully no frills office in white and dark brown solid wood work. Modern, airy and spacious...very clean and neat designs... amazing natural lighting.

The top most level was the Design office an associate firm who had bagged the tender. Whilst walking towards her office, heads turned and eyes lit up. Some lovely ladies there at GG's...thought the Casanova!

He entered the front desk of her secretary. The lady behind the desk stood up extending her hand, "Hello Mr. Jaiswal...what can I do for you!"

He eyed the name plate on the desk. "Joan right? How are you...sorry to barge in like this...but I think your boss really deserves this beautiful bunch of roses...after her achievement...it's not every day a woman bags such a prestigious project now is it?

The married Joan with teenage kids... simply nodded in astonishment, she had read about the ruggedly handsome rogue and seen his pictures splashed in the tabloids ...about 6 feet and all...good heavens Jaiswal Junior was right now standing in front of her and holding her hand!...wait till she tells her friends about it...

"Sweetheart could you tell her I would simply like to say congratulations in person hmmm?" drawled Raoul.

"Oh she is not in her room...she will be back in 10 minutes...you may kindly take a seat"...showing him the camel leather settee...in front of her office for guests in waiting.

Giving her his famous puppy-dog look he smiles and says, "Joan you know what... I'd like to surprise her...I'll keep these on her desk and wait inside."

She opened her mouth to say no, but then he winked whilst pushing the doors open to the Tigress's den.

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

Here Mehek was busy in the Executive Ladies restroom trying to wash off a stain in the wrong place on her top. The stupid soup...she looked at herself in the mirror...oh no... it was wet and switched on the hair dryer to dry it off...she managed to almost fix it but it left a silly but prominent large circular water mark. Her generous bust line was a misery to her, what with the male species always ogling! She hated it...They all had PhDs in that field for sure!... Men!...sometimes...it was hard being a woman! Damn she would just stay with the jacket all day long that she had left in her office.

In the meantime, Raoul placed the arrangement on the coffee table and stared at the wall that was plastered with certificates and accolades. His eyes popped out of his head! A college graduation picture hung on the wall of a couple kissing a fair girl on the cheeks whose eyes were shut and the academic grad cap almost falling off her head...shielding her face. The picture was silly but heart warming...the photo captured the star kid who was crushed with much love by her parents.

Her qualifications hit right back at him. Gosh there were not less than 10 of them framed up there. Reading just some of them made him falter his step and he hit his shin into the coffee table when the doors swung open and in walked the brilliant, gorgeous, sophisticated to the T...Mehek Gujral! He turned and was shocked, stirred, dazzled...taken aback by the drop-dead beauty that strode in. Those beautiful mesmerizing eyes were filled with anger but still faked a smile.

She was made aware and briefed by Joan before she entered in. How dare he? She would not let him rile her with his audacity to walk into her office without her permission. Yet her only concern was the stain on her top which she was trying badly to hide knowing the man and his bloody reputation!

Like any virile man his eyes took in the stain spot for a second (Whoa!) and moved back to her flawless face with those silky strands dancing around those pink cheeks. Mehek felt vulnerable...She turned a rosy pink when her eyes met his. The glint of laughter in his eyes did not reach the rest of his face. He came forward and extended his hand "Hello Mehe...Miss Gujral" she extended hers hesitatingly, he clasped her hand in a warm firm strong handshake, she felt the calluses, roughness and heat. They weren't soft like The Pig's. She pulled back at once saying "Excuse me" and moved away from her enemy. Gosh even her voice matched her body thought Raoul.

She strode to her desk swiftly turned giving him the pleasure of checking out her back...he had left her no choice...she couldn't be seen stretching her arms whilst putting on that jacket in front of him. She knew what men like him thought of women like her!

Whilst here Raoul figured the brainy filly was a 34-24-34. The rest of the length of the beautiful long naturally soft shiny curls held loosely by a tiny clasp cascaded down her tiny waist. He could not take his eyes away from her buttocks that were curved by her well-cut shapely trousers. He gulped hard...despite being full-clothed with nothing out of the place (except the stain) she managed to unnerve him...I'll be damned he thought. He had come so unprepared...he should have done some research on her.

What the hell made her think of Pradeep's hands, after so many years, whilst another brute was standing in front of her, thought Mehek.

She buttoned her jacket up, turned back and gave him the sweetest smile while her eyes wanted to kill him.

"So what brings you all the way to my workplace... Mr. Jaiswal?" She sat down at her desk and leaned her arms on her desk clasping her hands in front of her.

She lets her eyes take in the arrangement and smiles further. Well the bloody man is in for a shock.

He was staring at the generous mouth with full lips, whilst placing his hands in the pockets of his trousers...then got one out to point to the BIG RED ROSES "Oh these flowers are courtesy the Jaiswal Group...and I personally wanted to congratulate the female...I mean...the company who beat us to it this time."

She caught the word "female" and knew exactly what he thought about her winning the project. He was a handsome hunk no doubt about that...those puppy-dog looks and wicked eyes were a killer...but a wasted one...and she had no care for such a bummer. Living off his parent's wealth and making a show of it; nothing to claim of his own. She always studied her enemies well.

Raoul just met his first female enemy.

"Firstly Mr. Jaiswal thank you, I appreciate the gesture...but you see I dislike roses...wrong choice I guess...I like...anyways...may I have your card please," whilst handing over hers. Of course he did not have one, or he would have left it at Joan's desk.

"You don't have one? Ahhh I guess you must be hired as the new florist at Jaiswal's?" cocking her head to one side that showed her earrings and that tiny well shaped ear lobe...gosh!

He was now mad...a sharp tongue too ehh..."Well you could say I have been trained at anything and everything...if you want to term me as a florist...coming from you Miss Gujral...it's a compliment."

She continued in a sarcastic tone, "I am sure you aren't here just to deliver flowers...you did come to find out who and how the rug was pulled from under your feet?" continues clasping her beautiful milky white hands that held a tiny ruby & diamond ring in her right hand showing clear-polish manicured nails, "And you have been spending sleepless nights wondering how a female beat you guys to it."

Smirking he drawled, "Well you females do enjoy a professional edge over the male species...there is no denying about that...just an eye flutter gets you what you want...I am sure you managed to charm your way through the project...or else how would a newcomer in the field bag a project like this one.?"

She was fuming so retorted in a sharp tone, "Well Junior you can think what you want...it doesn't matter...men like you think everything will fall into your lap automatically. Well wake up and smell the coffee. Times have changed whilst you have been in deep slumber Mister!"

"Listen Miss..."

She ignored him and rang Joan to come in, "Joan could you bring the Jaiswal invite to the project launch party please."

She takes it from Joan and purposefully takes out her special killer pink glitter pen.

Looking up at Joan and ignoring his presence said Mehek, "Since the delivery boy is here, we might as well hand over the invite to him...I was going to send it across to Mr. Jaiswal Senior and your brother...Oh...dear me...your name isn't mentioned..." whilst writing '& RAOUL JAISWAL" in Neon Pink glitter. The rest of the card was written in black.

She put back the card in its envelope and hands it to him. "Here you go".Mr. Jaiswal, I would be delighted for you to join us at the project launch event next week. You see you might get to learn a thing or two about the design business."

"Thanks Joan, don't forget to inform Mr. Arora to add the Jaiwals on their list" Joan left the room thinking...Oh dear me!...what would I do to receive roses from the man!

It was high time the rogue understood the difference between his females and THE WOMEN thought Mehek.

To be continued...

Part 3-B

Raoul not willing to expose his failed attempt to spite her, remarks, "Oh I will be there, and now with a teacher like you at the helm...I would not miss it for the world." Winks and says, "Good day Miss Gujral...It was nice knowing you" extending his hand to her. She ignores it completely.

"Good day Mr. Jaiswal," Their eyes met in defiance. Hers exposed her vulnerability and anger, his boldly enjoying what he felt.

When he left her hand smelt of a male scent. His smelt of her Miss Dior hand cream.

On his way out of the building he noticed another one besides the main one. It said Gujral Arcade. And it housed a Pharmacy, a Fitness Club, a Playhouse Nursery and a food court. Everything an employee would want as facilities.

He got into his car and threw the card on to the passenger seat. Damn the woman! Banged his hand against the steering and sped the car out and drove straight into the offices of the Jaiswal Group of Companies.

Mehek went back home that evening and made a surprise announcement at the dinner table, "Mom I think I'll return Abhijeet's call."

Mahesh and Kritika looked at her with surprise, "Mehek...beta I am so glad."

"Mom this does not mean I shall say yes, I am only willing to meet the guy...do not say anything yet to Sonu Aunty."

"Theek hai theek hai...jaise aapki marzi."

Her father asked, "Mehek this morning you said you wanted to concentrate on the project...now this decision...I hope you know what you are doing."

"Yes Dad...I do...well I thought of giving this guy a try...it's not like I am getting married next week or something!" said Mehek avoiding his gaze.

To be continued...

PS. I just could not tone down Raoul...he is a bad-boy after all...

And men do think like that in the real world...

Part 4

The Jaiswal Group Office -

Senior Jaiswal and Rohan had their heads buried in some reports. He swung the doors of the office and marched into their cabin.

Both of them looked up to see which hurricane hit them.

"Beta what are you doing here at the office? Are all your friends suffering some epidemic or something...hahahaha...?" giggled his father.

Raoul fuming took off his jacket and flung it onto the nearest furniture...pacing the room. "That woman!"

"Who?"

"The Gujral girl! And who else."

"Where did you meet her? And what happened that you are so mad."

"Well I...

Senior Jaiswal's phone rang. Raoul asked Rohan, whether his office was opened. Rohan answered raising his eyebrows, "Are you serious...you want to use your office, Today? Now?"

"Yup...will talk later" and walked out to get into his office. He had never used it, though his father has prepared the cabin for him a couple of years ago, hoping that someday the boy would do what he was best at.

It was Mehek calling Ramesh Jaiswal. "Uncle Ramesh, this is Mehek Gujral...daughter of Mahesh Gujral...how are you?"

Ramesh thinks what a voice that was Mahesh & Kritika's daughter, his eyes were filled with delight. "Yes, I am good and how are your parents?"

"Oh Daddy and Mum are good." and then extends the invite, "Firstly thanks for the lovely bouquet and your good wishes. I would like to personally invite you and Mr. Rohan to this event. The invitation has been handed to your son today during his visit to my office. And yes I would be honoured to have you at the event."

He put the phone down and looked at Rohan with surprise informing, "Puttar...had gone to meet...Miss Mehek Gujral."

Rohan raised his eyebrows in surprise. "I wonder what happened there."

"He is using his office I don't know for what though." said Rohan shaking his head.

"I hope it's not his first and last day at work." exclaimed his father looking up to the heavens above.

Raoul was at his desk, hitting at his laptop researching Mehek Gujral. All he could find were her conquests and achievements. Boy was this woman a hot-shot Beauty with Brains. There was absolutely nothing to nail her. What was she; a cloister nun or what? She just did not do anything wrong. The Miss Perfect. An all work and no play Barbie Doll.

Rohan entered and asked about the invite. He dreaded their questions. The office boy brought it to his office and he handed it over to his brother.

Rohan chuckled, "OH MY GOSH! She wrote your name in Neon Pink Glitter? How does she know you hate pink? And she did it in front of you?"

He shut his eyes in frustration. At that moment he remembered those beautiful hands against his own...like a breath of fresh air...Gosh he was so used to seeing red...or those usual ever-so dreadful neon coloured claws!

Rohan was still smiling, "She must be one helluva lady to do that to the great RJ...Raoul Jaiswal."

"It's not funny anymore ...don't forget she is the one we lost our project to."

"Not her... it's her company we lost to. It's nothing personal. We got to admit...weren't up to the mark. I am leaving for home, just too drained."

"Bhai... listen... can we have a meeting tomorrow. I mean I'd like to sit with our Design Team at 9 am...and would like to go through the tender documents of the project that we lost."

"I need to know where and how we screwed up."

"Are you sure 9 am?"

"Yup...you bet I'll be there...and the Project Managers & Senior Engineers as well from all the sites in the evening. Around 6 pm."

"Sure I'll tell Rita to send out a message to all."

He went back to browsing again...digging in further...and voila! There flashes on his screen an old article that read "Engagement of the beautiful Mehek Gujral to Pradeep Arya, son of well-known diamond merchant". She looked beautiful and naive all decked up in finery. She must have been 20!

And then another six months later dated article stated that the engagement was called off by the Gujral family. The reporter went on to give more feeds stating, that the man was well-known to be a Playboy and had cheated on her whilst she was studying abroad.

A month after the broken alliance, the man had gotten married. When the media had asked Mehek about the marriage she was quoted as saying, "Pradeep who? Oh the Pig got married, well... I'd like to wish his lovely wife loads of luck for she would sincerely need it for the rest of her life."

Ahha...so that was it...she was an injured tigress. The woman was hurt and hence this hatred for men. One cheeky reporter called her the Beautiful Ice Maiden. "Who would be the lucky man to break the ice?" It was six years ago and no one dared yet...

'I'll be damned...she thinks all the men on this earth are cheats...building this great Hate Tower around her...well Barbie Doll Raoul loves challenges...so here I come."

It was 9 pm...he was still stuck at the office...going through the tender documents. Smacking his palm on the table...the design and engineering drawings all sprawled all around him.

He cursed himself for not being a part of this project. It might have not been a large one in terms of value but the work and technicality involved would have been an exciting challenge to any Design Engineer.

He banged his fists on the table and pulled his arms behind his head...

No doubt Miss Gujral beat them to it. What a bloody joke thought Raoul...The Jaiswals were in deep slumber!

Challenging himself...he made two promises that evening.

He swirled in his chair and said it aloud, "One I am gonna catch up with everything I have missed out in the structural designs business that Miss Gujral learnt in her five years. And two I am gonna kiss Mehek Gujral a month from now. How, what, when, he did not know. But he would find a way."

NO WOMAN GETS AWAY WITH WRITING HIS NAME IN PINK!

To be continued...