Part 3
Two days later: As Mr. Garewal explained the things, Arjun's anger started to raise more and more. His fingers dig into the soft cushioned hand rest of the sofa, he was sitting on. Rashi, Aryan and Rajveer all were present in the main hall of their Villa along with Arjun when Mr. Garewal had arrived. They kept on looking at Arjun in between as if he was a volcano who was about to explode and surly, his face gave away those emotions too. But he needs to know each and everything. Arohi s and each person related to her, pictures were placed on a table. His mind was focused on each and every word, which was spoken by Mr. Garewal into the utter silence of the room. "And now, her life is not better than a maid. I checked on with the ex- servants of Sharma Mansion and they all explained how Miss Arohi is been treated like a maid from the last five years that made it after the death of her mother due to cancer. Mr. Akshay Sharma doesn't leave a chance to insult Arohi Sharma. I also get into the contact of the lawyers." Mr. Garewal flipped the pages of a file, he was holding. "Mrs. Smriti Sharma has named one of the branches of her construction company to Mr. Akshay Sharma while he is just a guardian of others three branches till Miss. Arohi Sharma turn 25. If I got the correct information, Miss. Arohi has never been involved in any business activities after the death of her mother. So there is a chance that she may also don't know that she owns those factories due to precautionary measures, Mrs. Smriti's will has only been read out once and that too in front of Mr. Akshay. Mrs. Smriti also state that no compromises should be make on Arohi Maam's education and welfare. She also put a clause that if anything happens to Miss. Arohi till the age of 25, all the property that she owns will be distributed in Mrs. Smriti's cousin brothers who live in America." Mr. Garewal closed the file as he looked at Arjun. "But sir, I inspected something else too." Arjun rose up from his sofa with clutched hands. "What is it?" His voice was as cold as ice. "It might be a pre-assumption but I think Mrs. Smriti might had an idea that there would be danger to Miss. Arohi's life and future" Rashi, Aryan and Rajveer too looked at him with narrowed eyes. "It's obvious Mr. Garewal...she was suffering from Cancer...she must wanted to secure her daughter's future anyhow" Aryan spoke up. "Yes, but it could be something else too as I went through Mrs. Smriti's medical record and found that she died in just 6 months after Cancer was detected in her body...They got to know in the final stage...and this will was made in Jan 2007. 4 years before her death and just a month later when her 2nd husband lost his life in a car accident". They all got a thoughtful look as Arjun went towards the window of the living room to get a breath of fresh air. All what he heard till now was making him feel suffocated. "JUST HEARING ABOUT ALL THIS IS MAKING ME FEEL SUFFOCATED. HOW AROHI SURVIVED THROUGH THIS" He thought and tucked his hands into his pant pockets as his mind work through the situation. "There could only be two reasons why she would have made this will too early in her life. 1st, either she realized that life has no guarantees and that's why she wanted to provide security to Arohi's life." Arjun spoke up. "And the other" This time it was Rajveer who was too intrigued with this whole situation. "2nd, She would have suspected that Mr. Taran Sharma's (Arohi's step-father) accident was not an accident but a killing." As he voiced, Rashi covered her face in mock horror. "And if all this about the money that Mrs. Smriti owned, I think Arohi's life is in danger too...It's just two months till she will turn 25" Rashi spoke up. "May be, but may be...this danger is already hovering her life" Arjun's last statement leave everyone speechless and deep in thoughts.
Next Evening:
6:30 PM Akshay Sharma was getting ready for the exclusive business associate party, he was going to attend today. One of the leading company owners from Dehradun and all over India were about to come. Many new projects will set in motion tonight and Mr. Akshay Sharma was all set to grab a few. His own fabric factories and Smriti's Cement factories were doing great and he was sure, he will made them reach a new height soon so that no one would go anywhere rather than coming to him.
He came out from his thoughtful process and checked for his charcoal coat in the closet and found it missing. The instant anger blown him up as in his ever so harsh tone, he loudly called "Arohi". Arohi left whatever she was doing in kitchen and move towards Akshay room in quick steps with a bated heart. "Yes...Yes Grandpa" Her heartbeat was uneven as she asked. If it hadn't been a strong heart that she owned, the killing look Akshay passed on her would have stopped the rhythm right away. "Where the hell you put my coat? If I remember, I precisely told you yesterday to get that pressed and hanged in my wardrobe" Arohi furiously nodded as she approached his wardrobe and took out the coat and put away the coat cover. "Sorry Grandpa, I got that pressed but prefer to keep it in the cover to avoid any mark". Akshay glared. How he wanted to get rid from her but the situation was not in his favor. Till the end of this year, he had to bear her existence. "What made my Grandpa so grumpy on such an amazing night morning?" Shaina chirped into the room wearing her light yellow beautiful skin hugging gown. The contrast with her tanned slim skin was making her look gorgeous. Her hairs were put on one shoulder that was exposing the other one and her bare back. Akshay quickly turned and smiled at his favorite granddaughter who came and hugged him straightaway after placing a kiss on his cheek. "Good evening Grandpa...How I look..." She flaunted her dress with a grin "As beautiful as a doll..." Akshay gently pulled her in a side hug and squeeze her. In the back, Arohi was watching this entire scene while holding the coat, with a wishful thought. HOW SHE WISHED TO FEEL THIS MUCH LOVED BY HER GRANDPA. This affection. This attention. "Are you all ready for the party?" Akshay smiled at his grandchild. "Yes...but will you..." He turned and pulled the coat away from Arohi's hand, making her get out from her trance, and gave it to Shaina "Help me in wearing this as a Good Luck" "Sure" putting out the coat from the hanger, Shaina get on the back of Akshay and helped him in putting on the coat. "Thank you sweetheart" Akshay kissed her forehead as she tucked his tie in place. "All the best Grandpa" Nodding, Akshay smiled at Shaina and holding her hand, lead her out from the room. "Close the door..." He ordered Arohi before he left.
AT the same time: Rashi entered her brother's room to see him all dressed up in a sleek grey fitted suit. A slim black tie was hanging over his white shirt. His hairs were nicely gelled up, making him look sexy yet professional. "Where are you going bhai?" Rashi asked as she jumped on his bed and made herself comfortable. "There is a party of all business associates...as they knew I am in town, they had invited me in. According to Mr. Rishab, 60% of Dehradun deals occur in this party so I agreed. Aryan and Rajveer are going out with me too and as you always ignore these parties, I didn't tell you". Arjun explained and motioned her to get up and make her tie. Rashi smiled and get up. "Could anyone believe the most eligible bachelor don't know how to make a tie" Arjun raised up his brow as his lips got a twitch. "I love it when you do it...having a fashion designer in home who make a perfect knot has its own perks" Rashi smiled and look up. "Everything about my brother is perfectly perfect" Rashi adjusted his collar and gave a thumbs up. "Bhai" She stopped him as Arjun was about to get out the room. "Hmm" He turned around to hear her out. Rashi wet her lips as she spoke up. "I want to meet Arohi" Arjun went silent for a few minutes before he came to her. "Rashi, we can't do that...we can't tell her or her family about us...of how we know her..." "I know bhai...We have already wet through the plan 4 times in last two days...but we can meet her as a stranger right...It's been years I last met her" Her hopeful doe eyes melted his inside and he pat her head. "Yes we can...and I will make you meet her tomorrow...I promise...Ok" Rashi nodded and as Arjun left the room, wishing her a bye...She did a happy jump. "Who can wait for tomorrow bhai when I have tonight" And she raised her phone up to call Sumit, who was at his duty to watch over Arohi. "Hello, Sumit! Do you know if Arohi is at home?"
Arjun parked the car infront of the hotel where the party was held. He and his friends get out and went inside only to grab the attention of the huge crowd. Three handsome young guys in professional attire, attending this prestigious party surly means something. "Welcome Mr.Punj...It's an honor that you could make it" The organizer Mr. Rishab greeted him. "A pleasure Mr. Rishab...My partners, Aryan Khanna and Rajveer Rai."Arjun motioned to his friends as Mr. Rishab greeted them too. "Welcome Sir...Hope you will enjoy the night" The three men nodded and moved forward. While young pretty girls who were accompanying their fathers, brothers, fiancs and husbands eyed them, they ignored and made a stop to the drinks corner. "3 White wines" Rajveer ordered while Aryan turned and started passing comments on people around. As he noticed many girls looking at them, he winked at few, making them giggle. "Control Aryan" Arjun warned nudging him. "Oh come on Arjun, finally I got something of my taste...let me enjoy" Rajveer shook his head in hopelessness and passed on the drinks. "Don't bother Arjun...You know how he is" His comment earned his a glare from Aryan. But before Aryan could say anything, Mr. Rishab approached them once again. "I hope you all are enjoying these drinks...Come let me introduce you to some of our very prestigious businessmen" Arjun looked at his friends who nodded and the all followed Mr. Rishab. He introduced them to Mr. Pankaj, who was the owner of a restaurant chain in Dehradun, followed by Mr. Lalit who owned a magazine company. Many small and big business men were introduced and no one could take eyes off these men who have created their own name in India. Reves hotels holds a very important place in the tourism aspect as well as the grand parties and wedding that take place in Delhi, Bangalore, Pune and Chennai. Reves resorts were also very famous with people who wish to take a vacation in Goa, Missouri and Nainital. And all credit goes to them and their effort. "Oh...Let me meet you to one another reputed business of Dehradun...Excause me gentlemen" Arjun, Rajveer and Aryan nodded as Mr. Rishab lead them to an old man, standing with a not doubt, beautiful girl in his arms. "Hello Mr. Sharma...Great to meet you here this time...Last time you missed it" Akshay smiled. "Yes, I was off to a vacation with my darling grand daughter...In between, meet her...My grand daughter Shaina." Shaina put forward her hand and shook with Mr. Rishab and in courtesy, shook them with Arjun, Rajveer and Aryan. Aryan kept the hold for a bit longer than necessary as he looked at Shaina with a grin. She felt embarrassed and tried to took her hand away and finally Aryan left. "Oh Mr. Sharma, Meet one of the owners of Reves who is gracing this party tonight. Mr. Arjun Punj and his partners, Mr. Rajveer and Mr. Aryan" Mr. Rishab introduced. Mr. Akshay Sharma's eyes brightened up hearing about Reves and looking at the young man who owns the fabulous chain of five star hotels. "Mr. Arjun also won young achievers award this year...This man got a brilliant head on his neck" Mr. Rishab boosted. Arjun look proudly. He surly knew what he has achieved. "Nice to see such young people making their own place in this competitive industry today" Mr. Sharma applauded. Arjun looked straight into his eyes and the watched a spark lit them up. He lingered his lips on the edge of wine glass he was holding before taking a sip. "So any particular reason to visit Dehradun?" Akshay asked next with interest. Arjun mentally patted himself. No doubt, coming to.this party will play a master card role for his plan. "Yes, I though came for a professional reason..." He purposely looked at Shaina with a smirk as he spoke. "But I think I am liking this trip personally too now". Akshay felt his gaze on Shaina and all the progressive thoughts attacked his mind from all sides. "This seems interesting" He thought. Right then a loud music broke through the chatters and filled the air around. People turned their attention towards the man standing in a stage at th corner. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I hope you are liking this party till now. Now lets have some fun in between the boring chat of business. We have a very superb singer in here who will sing few songs and make you dance in your toes. So please take the floor with your partner as here it comes, Mr. Ankit Tiwari." Everyone applauded for the man and few couples took their positing on the floor as music started of a soft slow number.
Kyun Baadalon Ki Gali
Chaand Hairaan Hai Kya Pata
Armaanoo Ke Sab Iraade
Pareshaan Hain Kyun Bhala
Kyun Baadalon Ki Gali
Chaand Hairaan Hai Kya Pata
Armaanoo Ke Sab Iraade
Pareshaan Hain Kyun Bhala
"May I?" Shaina put forward her hand after getting a nudge from her grandfather. Arjun amusingly looked up at her and then her hand before putting his hand in hers. He lead her to the floor and put the glass on the tray of a waiter passing by. He slowly took hold of her slender waist in one hand and kept the other firmly in his other one.
Aye Dil Bata
Jaane Kyun Is Martabaa
Tune Mujhe Yeh Kya Keh Diya
Shaina, shyingly looked up on his face to find him looking down at her. Somewhere, she from her heart liked this man too who was holding her so tenderly. The music kept humming in the background as she tried to lost herself in his eyes.
Aye Dil Bata
Aise Kyun Hairat Bharaa
Yeh Pyaar Yun Tune De Diya
Ooo Oaa Oaa
De Re Naa
Ooo Oaa Oaaeee Eee
Aye Dil Bata
Aye Dil Bata
Aye Dil Bata
Aye Dil Bata
Samjhaya Tujhe Kitna Phir Bhi
Kiya Tune Bas Apne Maan Ki
Galiyon Mein Jaake
Kyun Baitha Ishq Ki OoO
Kuch Nahi Ab Mere Bas Mein
Kuch Nahi Yahan Tere Bas Mein
Badmashiyan Hain Yeh Kis Ki Ishq Ki
Be-Pata Lapata Ho Chalaaa
Arjun pulled Shaina close so that she could not longer look at his face and closed his eyes. A laughing image of Arohi came in his mind that made him smile. All the beautiful moments rushed back in his mind as he remembered how together they used to celebrate their life occasions. How during the rehearsals of her Annual School Drama's, once he taught her how to do waltz in the privacy of his room and later they performed it infront of Smriti too. Rashi clapped at the back as they bend to bow at the end. He clearly remembers Smriti and her motherly hugs that he so loved to get. Their birthdays, their friendship days, their masti, their tears...He remembered all those years he had spend with Arohi. How he wished, he would had hold Arohi right now. He would had swept her up and would have expressed all his pent up feelings. But alas! He need to wait a bit longer for all those moments.
Aye Dil Bata
Jaane Kyun Is Martaba
Tune Mujhe Yeh Kya Keh Diya
Aye Dil Bata
Aise Kyun Hairat Bhara
Yeh Pyaar Yun Tune De Diya
Jaanta Hoon Tu Sahi Hai
Phir Bhi Mera Kyun Nahi Hai
Dil Mein Kiska Yeh Dakhal Hai
Sab Pareshaan Is Pal Hain
Mujh Mein Hoke Bhi Hai Mujhse Kyun Door
Arjun opened his eyes too see Aryan dancing with a random girl. Aryan raised up his brow in askance and Arjun smirked assured him that everything is going as per plan.
Aye Dil Bataa
Jaane Kyun Is Martaba
Tune Mujhe Yeh Kya Keh Diya
Aye Dil Bata
Aise Kyun Hairat Bhara
Yeh Pyaar Yun Tune De Diya
Aye Dil Bata
Aye Dil Bata OoO
Aye Dil Bata Haan Aa
Yeh Pyaar Yun Tune Kyun Diya
Arjun and Shaina parted away and smiled. Far away, Mr. Akshay Sharma had a big smile on his face. "Seems like another deal is in order..." He thought smugly. Arjun and Shaina were on their way to get back to Mr. Akshay when Aryan popped up in between and asked Shaina for a dance. Shaina hesitant but Arjun put forward the hand he was holding, leaving no choice for her to say no. "Sure" She said and got lead back to the floor by Aryan. Rajveer approached Arjun with another drink. "From the look on his face, I think he has got a plan of his own" Rajveer whispered as they both look at Akshay. "Don't worry Rajveer, we will always be head of his plans. This time, he will not be able to fool anyone." and gulped down the drink in one go.
Rashi accompanied by Rajat reached infront of Sharma Mansion. "Maam, Please once again think of the consequences when Mr. Arjun get to know about this" Rajat warned before she get out from the car. "And who do you think will tell him. Not me and you and Sumit willn't dare...Now stop wasting the time and go hide yourself...Give me car keys and plug out a battery wire" Rajat though didn't want to but Rashi Punj was as stubborn and as hot-headed as his brother. He opened the bonnet, pulled out a battery wire and left to hide himself behind a roadside tree. Rashi bend down to look at herself in the side mirror to check herself out. She was feeling a childlike happiness just with the thought that she will meet her long lost best friend. Their 6 years of friendship was as beautiful for her as it was for her brother. That selfless love and bonding they three used to share was just so un-comparable. She went towards the main door of Sharma mansion and after taking a deep breath, ring the bell. After few seconds, the door was unbolted and a sweet girl greeted her with a worry look. Rashi felt like jumping and hug her but controlled herself and put a solemn look on her face. "Yes..." Arohi inquired. "Actually, I am on a visit in this city and my car broke down...I dont know if their is a garage nearby and don't even have a mechanic...can you help me?" Arohi tilted her head to look at the broken car and then at the dark night. Her mind was in a fix. Inviting this girl in can cause her problem if Grandpa gets to know and not helping her will seems so inhuman. She licked her dry lips before getting aside and inviting her in. "You come in...Our driver can check your car and if its a major problem, he can take the car to the garage and will drop you home." Rashi smiled saying a "Thank You" and did a happy jump in her mind as she get in.
Next: Arohi kept on walked behind Shaina holding her shopping bags and casually looked at things on the show case. She stopped infront of a jewelry shop to admire a small pendant set when someone pushed passed her, making all the bags fell from her hand and spilled on the floor. "Can't you see when you walk?" Angrily, she looked up to find herself lost into two deep brown eyes. Edited by ..oneOone.. - 11 years ago