Chapter - 2
There was a long eloquent silence in the room. No one spoke. They exchanged glances trying to put themselves together and figuring out how to react to a situation like this. No one had seen this coming… Ayaan looked away. 'What can I say? I have another brother? A sister? And they tell me after 21 years of my life. Why? If the lady was still alive why did Abu marry ammi in the first place? How should I even put the question in front of them? I am questioning my entire existence. I have always been proud of my family's righteousness and now… what am I supposed to do? Am I expected to meet my stepbrother like we never parted? Like we've known each other forever? I have so many questions but I just can't seem to find the right words to put it out there.' This was not only Ayaan's thought, Nikhat & Nuzrat both were thinking on the same lines. What could they even say? Their ammi was the 'other woman'. They were technically the stepchildren.
"Say something…" Rashid begged trying to break the nerve-racking silence haunting everyone. "Please." Ayaan turned around to leave. "Ayaan?" Shireen called out. "Your abu has just shared the biggest truth of his life and you just walk away?" "What should I say ammi? Thank you for telling us? Or does abu want to hear that its okay, and that nothing is going to change…" he took a long breathe and continued, "because everything I ever knew has just changed. Everything is going to change and no one can do anything about it." "Nikhat… Nuzrat.. atleast you both say something?" Rashid pleaded. "Abu, its okay, whatever has happened we can't change that, tell us what we can do?" Nikhat said, who had managed to bring her thoughts in line. Rashid relaxed a little. He knew this was a big blow for them, he had anticipated worse. "Would you.." Rashid paused trying to find his words, "Would you like to… meet… them?" he asked vey unsure about their reaction. "Abu, please." Nuzrat said a little annoyed. Nikhat nudged her little sister to shut up. "Abu, I think you should give us a little time to take in all of this. Its not very easy." Nikhat said humbly.
Ayaan sat in the garden reviewing his whole life. All his life he had been so proud of his dad, he had looked up to him, and now, all of a sudden he couldn't even bare to look at him. He tried to shut the feeling out but it was difficult for him. He had always had a problem hiding him emotions. It was obsolete for men to be so sensitive, but Ayaan had always been a soft hearted man who had a gush of emotions all at once. He wondered whether his other siblings knew about them. If they did then why didn't they ever contact them? Ayaan formed his own image of them in his mind as he tried to picture them.
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Asad stopped in front of a tall building. He paid the auto-rickshaw driver the fare and aspiring to own a building similar to this one he looked up at it. His goals were big. He knew what he had to do to achieve all of it. Sincere hard work and perseverance was the only thing that would take him to his goal. He was still absorbing the moment. It was big.
Dilshaad sat in a room making a list. "Ammi, what are you doing?" Najma asked. "I'm making a list of everything we need for this month and the costs. Asad is working so hard to grow his new business; I don't want any extra expenses Najma. Please understand, your bhaijaan is working very hard for a better future for all of us." "I know ammi, I will take care. Bhaijaan really cares for us. He loves us more than anything."
The time had come. Asad sat there in the conference room as many other contenders entered. He looked at everyone, deciding on his chances. Everyone looked well dressed and so confident. Asad sat there almost ready to pee in his pants. The AC was strong but yet a trickle of sweat scrolled down his forehead. The owner of the company came and spoke to them about his plan. He wanted to extend his office in the south of the city. He wanted a new branch there. Asad knew his chances. He was experienced but he didn't have workers yet. By tomorrow he would have two three and he could hire a couple or workmen for the sight but how would he finish this? It was a big project. It would take at least a month and the other contenders probably had 50-70 laborers who are much more experienced that the ones he "would" hire. He watched the presentations given by the others. He shut his eyes and said a small prayer before going up. 'No one should know I am nervous. It's not going to show…' He began his presentation. He maintained constant eye contact and he could see that the boss was clearly impressed. His ideas were western but he had put Indian rates and everything was at its cheapest. The boss seemed to like the idea. He became more confident about his work as they proceeded. Confidence came with experience. Asad had learned that today.
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Zoya shut her eyes as the pilot took off. She had just dreamt about Bhopal and now she was actually going there. She just couldn't stop smiling. Her heartbeat was quick and short. She was clearly overexcited. "Bhopal, here I come." Zoya mumbled to herself.
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"Thank you everyone for giving your presentations. There are a few refreshments for everyone in the adjacent room. Please help yourself while we just talk this through with our board." The boss announced. Asad left the room. He couldn't eat; not until they told him he was given the project. First project being a failure wasn't such a good start. He sat in a corner alone when a guy came and sat next to him. "First project?" the stranger asked. Asad looked at him. He was not so tall, maybe 5'7", he had bushy hair and he clearly looked like a monkey, Asad thought. But how did he know it was my first? "Yes." Asad said trying to look confident. The stranger smiled, "I remember my first time, it was bad. I had messed everything up. My presentation was bad, I was mumbling to myself and scratching my hair," he laughed. Asad was barely interested. "Your presentation was impressive!" Asad smiled weakly. He wasn't interested in talking. He just wanted to know what the company owner thought. This was irritating. "By the way, I'm Ayaan." The stranger introduced himself. "I work for R.A.K industries." "Oh," Asad said. "I am Asad, the owner of Dilshaad Constructions." There was a sense of pride in his voice; it was his mother's name. "New company? I haven't heard of it." Ayaan said scratching his head again. No sooner did Asad say yes than an employee came and announced. "Boss wants to meet the owner of Dilshaad constructions and R.A.K industries both." Asad's eyes widened. 'Both? What did that mean? That was weird.' "What a coincidence," Ayaan said smiling. Asad gave a small smile and moved towards the room.
"Gentlemen," the owner said addressing them both, "please, have a seat." Before either of them could ask him anything the owner began, "I hope you understand that I want nothing but the best for my company, we all do." Asad & Ayaan nodded in agreement. "So I have decided that you will work together on this project." "But sir—"Mr. Asad, we understand why you would object but we have our reasons. You are new to this industry and lack in employees and laborers where as RAK is the best in that field, but your idea was remarkable and new. We would have our work done faster with your plan." "But sir this isn't practical" Ayaan rebelled. "I will pay you both separately. I will pay Dilshaad constructions for their idea and hence the entire amount I pay will be your profit, and to RAK I will pay separately for the material and then additional as the fee you asked for." The owner explained. Asad was quiet. The math was going on in his mind. Without laborers he wouldn't get anything done anyway, if he gets this then with the entire profit he can employ more staff. His mind was racing in the future. "Done" he said before consulting Ayaan. Ayaan was unsure; he didn't know what to do. This wasn't the normal for him. The deal sounded good, their company were also going to make a larger profit. So without thinking twice he agreed.
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Itti Si Khushi Sab TV
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
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