SS~~ Nothing Compares 2 U- Final pt pg22 updated:)

In order to put Khanak's mind at ease Shaan got in the habit of sending her text messages with updates on the project. In the beginning they were one liners and to the point...

Then when he got replies, such as....' Thank you!, Don't work too hard.' ' Did you eat well today?'...he got bolder and started sending them more often, adding subtle subtexts,..

Khanak blushed...,

Part 5- Actions Speak Louder

Shaan returned to his office after leaving Khanak in the conference room. He was feeling very positive about the future seeing that she had not rejected him outright, when he had given her the rose and card. One of his colleagues who attended the meeting, came into his office and started showering praises on Khanak. Yaar, what a jewel huh... She had me under her spell from the get go! Such a wonderful mix of beauty and brains. Do you know if she's single and available? Maybe, I could try to pataofy her..and bring her home. After a long, long time have I met a girl who I want to wed rather than bed!

Shaan who was having trouble controlling his rage thought that if this guy wasn't his colleague he would have given him a sound thrashing, how dare he talk about his wife that way in front of him or for that matter any girl: First of all as far as I know she is not available and even if she was I'm sure she would not look at you twice, leave alone consider you as a potential husband. And please in the future learn to respect women and get out of my offfice before I throw you out!

The guy quickly exited when he saw that Shaan meant business. Meine kya bol diya ke woh itna bhadhak utha..

Later Shaan went back to his boss's office to report on the presentation. Without trying to sound biased or partal he told him that though the project sounded very impressive, it lacked a few key details.

At this Mr S. looked at him in surprise. He had expected Shaan to heap accolades and appreciation on Ms Khanak who obviously was his friend, and recommend that they go ahead with the project. It pleased him that Shaan was not only hard working but was also honest and had a savvy knack for business.

Mr S: Ok, then what do you suggest my boy? Should we just hold off till she provides us with more data?.

Shaan : No Sir, my suggestion was that we should send our representative to the field, I mean Dhulwadi, to gather those details, because as the chief investors it is our prerogative to know the ins and outs of any venture we fund.

Mr S smiled: I understand what you are getting at my son, a very good thought..for a while there you had me wondering. So why don't you set up this field trip with Ms Khanak, since you already know her well and also have a decent background on the project too. Let's say that I delegate you to see it through.., what do you think?

Shaan was thrilled that his boss had fallen for his little trick: Sir, I can't express how grateful I am to be given this opportunity, I assure you that you won't be disappointed.

Shaan left overjoyed, thinking that God must indeed want him to be reunited with Khanak, for it seemed like things seemed to be moving along like clockwork. But dealing with Khanak would be entirely different matter.

Shaan called Tashu that evening to tell his news, when she said coyly: Hai Shaan, looks like you have become maahir ( expert), in the art of seduction. Ever since Khanak came back home, she has been sitting in her bedroom listening to old romantic Hindi songs. I have tried to distract her a few times but she seems lost in a trance., did you put her under a spell or what?

Shaan laughed happy that Khanak had not pooh poohed his gift: I wish..Tashu, I really wish that I had a magic wand but no, this time I don't want to rush or force her. I don't want to win her by deceit. I want her to realise that I'm a changed man and that I really am sorry for what I did.

Tashu: Decent thoughts indeed, you've really grown up pal. Okay tell me quick if you have any plans b'coz I have a date with Anand tonight. Do you want me to bring Khanak and make it a foursome?

Shaan: No dear, I don't want to become a kabab mein haddi! Besides its important for you to spend time alone with him, something that I never gave importance to with Khanak. Please, can you tell her to get ready tomorrow to go to Dhulwadi with a company rep., since Mr. S would like to get a clear picture of the entire deal. and guess what..

Tashu: OMG, Shaan., the rep is You!! How clever!! Don't tell me that you were the one who suggested it!

Shaan: I did, Tashu, and Mr S. lapped it up! He has even made me incharge of the project, go figure!..

Tashu: Thats wonderful news..looks like the storm has let up and its going to be sunshine all the way ahead for you both! I'll tell her Shaan, just be sure to take it easy!

Shaan: I will Tashu..., have a great time tonight and tell Anand, what a lucky man he is!

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The following day, Shaan got ready bright and early for he did not want Khanak to feel that he hadn't got rid of his old bad habits but more than anything he did not want to keep her waiting. He got into his old white jeep and parked in Tashu's apartment complex out of site from the main door and waited for Khanak to show up. After a few minutes, Khanak came down the stairs looking around as if searching for someone. She was looking fresh, elegant and simply beautiful in a starched orange and green cotton saree with her hair tied up in a ponytail. Shaan picked up some courage and sauntered up to her..,

Shaan: At your service, ma'am!

Khanak surprised: Aap? aap yahaan kya kar rahe hain?..still looking around, searching for somebody else..

Shaan: Main hoon Mr Sabharwal ke company ka rep jiske saath aapko aaj Dhulwadi jaana hai..

Khanak confused and obviously unprepared: Magar, magar...aap? Shayad koi galti..

Shaan not wanting her to change her mind: Mr S ne kisi aur ko pehle appoint kiya tha, but at the last moment woh ja nahin saka and usne mujhse poocha aur meine haan kar diya, but if you don't want to come with me I can call somebody else..pata nahin kaun free hoga..hmm

Khanak shook her head telling herself that she can do it: Nahin, theek hai, its ok, I'll come with you!..

Shaan wanted to rub his hands in glee but controlled the urge: Okay lets go then, wahan jane ke liye 3-4 ghante lag jaayenge..

Khanak walked with him and saw his jeep which reminded her about the last time he had come in it to get her: Lekin, I have a few ground rules..

Shaan stopped surprised: Rules?..

Khanak sternly: Haan, nahin to mein aapke saath nahin aaoongi! First..aap gaana nahin gaayenge, doosra..aap mera haath nahin pakdenge, third..you won't make small talk and fourth..as soon as our work is done we'll head right back!..

Shaan sighed seeing the demise of most of his plans: Okay Masterni jee, ab aap jo bhi kahaengi, humein woh manzoor hoga!...and bent his head clasping his hands in a sign of submission before her.

Khanak: What kya kaha..Masterni!?

Shaan smiling looked at her in mock fear: Haan tum is saree mein bilkul school ki koi masterni lag rahi ho, magar bahut acchi bhi lag rahi ho..

Khanak looked away blushing, thinking that Shaan was not looking any less handsome than usual, dressed casually in his staple blue jeans and white cotton shirt...Ok, chalo magar mujhe masternee phir mat bulaana!

So they both got into the jeep and embarked on this journey together....Khanak especially needed to get answers to several questions which had been bothering her ever since she had met Shaan in the party, she couldn't run away from them forever...

Let's try to break the ice.......

After a couple of hours, Shaan who hadn't said a word to Khanak till then, stopped the car near a grove of trees and held up his pinky.When Khanak saw this universal sign of nature's call she almost couldn't keep her amusement in check..Kya Shaan aap bhi na! Meine aapko gaana gaane se mana kiya tha, bolne se nahin!..

Shaan hurried into the grove, with Khanak amused voice shouting behind him: Be careful, don't step on any sticks, they may turn out to be snakes!!!....

When Shaan came back he saw Khanak eating a sandwich from her lunch box, which reminded him that he was very hungry for he had had only a banana for breakfast. He cursed himself for not being practical and packing something to eat along the way. Khanak who could gather what Shaan was feeling, offered a sandwich to him, when he refused she said in a teasing manner: Sandwich kha lijiye nahin to aap Behosh ho jayenge, phir humein Dhulwadi kaun le jayega?..

Shaan glared at her: Mein pehla jaisa Shaan nahin raha, jise tum Nazzuk kehti thi..mein khali pet reh loonga!.

Khanak stopped laughing and recalled Tashu saying that Shaan probably didn't eat regular meals everyday, she felt a tinge of remorse, thinking that her leaving had a lot to do with this.., but then she had been compelled to leave and she had done the right thing..

Khanak smiled and handed him a sandwich and looked on happily as he gobbled it down in a jiffy, Shaan smiled.., glad that Khanak was finally feeling relaxed in his presence.

They drove on, and Shaan taking advantage of Khanak's relaxed mood tried to get her to open up to him: Khanak.., tum ne itna sab kaise kiya?Itni jaldi English seekhna aur ek cottage industry shuru karna koi small achievement nahin hai..

Shaan, yeh sab meine akele nahin kiya, Tashu aur Anand ke bina kuch nahin hota.

Tashu, Anand? kaise?

Haan, mein aap ko chod kar bilkul toot gayi thi, mein Dhulwadi nahin jaana chati thi, unse mein kya kehti? Tashu ne mujhe apne ghar mein aasra diya aur padhne ke liye encourage kiya.. us ne kaha ki isse mujh mein atma vishwas ki bhawna jaage gi. I started taking classes, and ghar mein Tashu gave me lessons on the computer. Then when Anand came, he asked me to visit his office where he took me around and gave me some basics on how a business is run, profit, loss etc., you know without both of them I'd have been nowhere..

(And I wouldn't have been able to find you,) Shaan thought: Wow, Khanak, never ever think low of yourself., only motivated people can achieve what you have achieved in such a short time and I'm very proud of you! and grateful to Tashu and Anand, I have to thank them properly when I get back.

Khanak looked at him, thinking how much he had changed, all this time he had not said even a single thing about himself, not a word of self praise, very unlike the old flamboyant Shaan.

When they reached Dhulwadi, Shaan had not yet parked the vehicle that Khanak jumped out and stood in the middle of the street, closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, a wide smile lighting up her face. That smile reminded Shaan of the innocent, carefree girl who he had first met here, who had instantly had occupied a place in his heart against his will. Where had that smile disappeared? Shaan realised that no matter how hard she tried Khanak could never forget her home town, and he had errored in keeping her away for so long...It won't happen again!

While Shaan wanted to do some ' Peit Pooja,' Khanak wanted to get to work right away, saying that it was the best time to catch Phulwa behen, who according to Khanak was the unofficial leader and mentor to the village women, and she would be the one who could make their project successful. They went to her mud and brick house, where they were greeted as old long lost friends and treated with large glasses of buttermilk. Khanak started discussing the details with Phulwa behen while Shaan examined the colorful pieces of craftwork which the village women had made including baskets, purses with beadwork, elaborately embroidered linen, scarves and beautiful ornate jewellery. He inquired about how much the women made from the sales of their handiwork and was surprised to find that they barely made pittance and if they did most of it had to be given to the middlemen. Shaan realised that Khanak's efforts would help them sell their products directly to the customers mostly overseas and middlemen would be completely eliminated. He regarded Khanak with renewed admiration and silently thanked her for helping him step beyond the walls that he had erected around him.

Shaan came out of the house and waited for Khanak to finish her discussions with Phulwa behen. He was satisfied as to the worthiness of the project and had already decided to tell his boss so. As he waited, a young girl about 10-11 yrs old came running to him with a shy smile on her face and quickly thrust at him some flowers and a slate and ran away as fast as she had come. Shaan examined the slate and saw that she had written 'Dhanyawad Shantanu bha' on it, and signed it 'Aapki choti behen Lajjo'. He looked around for her and felt tears welling up in his eyes.... He couldn't find her but saw a few of the village women standing at a distance and smiling gratefully at him. He felt that this was probably one of the happiest days in his life..

Thank you, yours Shaan

Shaan was late for the party.. he was still not sure whether he should go. Since Khanak had left, he had stopped going out socially and had refused many invites from hopeful female colleagues. He had made it clear that he was not available.

His cell phone rang..it was Tashu calling: What happened Shaan, when are you planning to get here? Anand has been eager to meet you!

Shaan: Sorry Tashu..do I really have to come? Can't I meet him some other time, say over lunch or coffee tomorrow?

Tashu: What's happened to you Shaan, you were never like this before..and no you have to come right now, or I'll never talk to you again!

Shaan: Oh no Tashu! That won't do at all! I don't want to lose you too..okay I'll come but go ahead with the ceremony and such. Don't wait for me..

Tashu: Just get yourself here Shaan!

Shaan stood at the entrance of the lounge, and waited almost 10 minutes before Tashu spotted him and grabbed his arm. She was looking gorgeous in a sequined black sari and very happy. Shaan was very relieved to see her like this because he had been worried that she had agreed to marry this Anand guy on the rebound. Tashu pulled him along and stood him in front of a tall, slim built man with wavy hair who looked at him with a twinkling eyes and a curious smile.

Tashu: Shaan, this is Anand my fiance and Anand this is Shaan, my old flame!

On hearing this, Shaan glanced in apprehension at Tashu and was surprised to see her looking at Anand with a broad smile on her face.

Anand who apparently was taking it all in stride reached for Shaan's and shook it hard saying: Tashu, you didn't tell me that he was a looker! If I were you, I'd have never let him go!

Tashu, winking at Anand: Oh! then I would have never met you, my love..besides his heart was already taken..

Shaan realised that the couple were having fun at his expense and relaxed. He had immediately taken to Anand with his easy smile and he could clearly see that they were deeply in love with each other.

Tashu: So Shaan do you approve of my Prince charming?...Why don't I leave you boys to get to know each other while I pretend to be the good hostess, or you know we may end up having no guests at the wedding!! Which is not really a bad idea..what say my White Chocolate Mocha..she said winking at Anand, who winked right back and pecked her on the cheek.

Shaan couldn't help but feel a little envious watching the easy banter between the charming couple, and wished again for the nth time that Khanak had not left. Anand took his arm and steered him towards the well lit bar and ordered a Mojito for himself and sparkling water for Shaan. Shaan looked at him surprised, and Anand grinned at him..My dear Shaan, I probably know you better than yourself, Tashu has told me everything about you, I hope you don't mind.

Shaan smiling: Of course, I don't mind..Tashu has been and always will be someone I have trusted with the most intimate details of my life because she's never been judgemental and always given me good advice. And now you are part of her life, and I must say that I certainly like what I see!!

Anand wiped his brow in mock relief: Phew!!...was getting worried there for a moment!But before you ask me the burning question....let me tell you about myself..my entire life can be summarised in 3, no 4 sentences! I am the CTO ( Chief Tech officer), of a multinational high tech company so you'll be correct to assume that my social life is for the birds. I'm an only son who lives with his widower father in Singapore. I met Natasha in a coffee shop and fell in love at first sight when she lectured me for a full half hour on the evils of taking other people's property just because our coffees got swapped by error. After that I made a point of relentlessly pursuing her, until she got vexed and agreed to spend the rest of her life with me! And now, here we are..as easy as that.

Shaan smiled: You are one per...

Shaan's mouth went dry as he heard that unmistakable, musical voice again and saw that it was coming from across the room where a slim figure clad in a white sari was standing with her back toward him, intent in conversation with a heavy set man...Blast him!! Yes, it was her, his Khanak..he would know her anywhere! At last!! But what was she doing here and who was she talking to?

A myriad thoughts raced through Shaan's mind as he scrutinised the face of the man who seemed to be standing too close to Khanak, bending his face to her, listening very carefully. What??..It was his boss, Mr Sabharwal!! What the hell was he doing here with her..could he be her date?? No, that wasn't possible..didn't she greet him as if she did not know him? But anyway what was he doing standing so close to her.., even though they were estranged, she was still his wife, the only difference now was that now she was speaking in near perfect English!!

Shaan's heart was beating so hard that it felt like it would pop right out of his rib cage! All he wanted to do right now was grab that slim waist, turn her around and demand that she return back with him..and if she refused, he would just carry her out by force!! He got up from his seat when he saw Tashu walk up to Khanak and put her arm on her shoulder and hug her while saying something to her. She seemed to be acting in a very friendly manner...had she known all along Khanak's whereabouts and hadn't told him?

Shaan looked at Anand in askance, who just shrugged his shoulders and smiled: What are waiting for Shaan, I can see the desperation in your face..go ahead and stake your claim.

Shaan whose legs had turned to lead: But what if she refuses to even acknowledge me, after all it was I who had pushed her away..

Anand: You mean like the song..it's been 6 long months, do you still want me??.. Well Shaan, how would know until you talk to her,....after all, she loved you too, right??

Shaan: Yes, very much..more than I deserved to be loved..

So saying, nervously walked up to the small group, feeling like he was treading on egg shells, one wrong step, then all would be lost.

Tashu spotted him first and waved: Oh Shaan, come here, let me introduce you to Mr Sabharwal!

Khanak caught unawares, turned to look at him and then quickly looked away feeling all flustered thinking...Of course, Tashu would have invited Shaantanu to one of the most important days in her life!!..Silly me, why did I have to come?

Shaan smiled distractedly, his eyes on Khanak: How do you do Mr Sabharwal? Didn't expect to meet you here..Tashu Mr Sabharwal's my boss..

Mr S shaking Shaan's hand: Nice to meet you my boy..I was just leaving. I'm so happy to be invited Natasha..its so nice to meet young people like Miss Khanak here who wants to work for the greater good! All the best, Ms Khanak, I'll be happy to help you in your efforts any way I can, in fact I'll be honored! Right Shaan?... he walked away.

Shaan nodded puzzled and looked at Khanak with new eyes. What had she done to impress his boss? and how had she learned to speak such impeccable English?..

Tashu: Khanak has been working 24/7 Shaan, you'll be amazed by what she has accomplished in these past few months..she has been educating herself and aspires to start a micro finance cottage industry in Dhulwadi for the betterment of it's very talented women..and she has been tirelessly trying to gather support for her project....that's where Mr Sabharwal comes in..

While Shaan was trying hard to absorb all this amazing information, Khanak was secretly trying to absorb him. Finding him in such close proximity again after such a long time, was wrecking havoc to her composure. He had changed..he had lost weight, his favorite sport jacket was sitting a little loose on his shoulders, he seemed unaware of it, and this was unusual of the old Shaan who would never go out if he was not completely satisfied with the way he looked. His face was thinner, making his cheek bones more prominent.., and there were dark circles under his eyes, but somehow it suited him, this lean, hungry look. And what was that..stubble? He was letting himself go! BURTHAL!. Was Haribha not feeding him right? Was he not getting enough sleep...or was he laying awake thinking of her?..Nahh! Then when she heard that deep, breathy, honey smooth voice again..she longed it to say Khanak....Khanak..just like old times..

Done with the introspection, Khanak glared at Shaan, who was looking at her with frank admiration, proud that his wife had not broken down, instead had stepped out on her own..and looks like there was no stopping her!!.. and she was looking like an angel in that shiny white sari...wasn't it the one she had worn on the day he had got drunk and made a fool of himself?..

Shaan opened his mouth to felicitate her but was taken aback, when he saw the anger in her eyes... he could only say ..Hi Khanak.., tum aaj bahut acchi lag rahi ho!..

Khanak couldn't help blushing.... He still had the power to make her go weak in the knees when he talked like that..as if she was the only girl in the room!

Shaan saw the effect of his words on her and felt that perhaps there was still some hope..that she'll hear him out? But as he was willing his mind to try to put his thoughts to words..., Khanak's phone rang and she excused herself and walked away.

Tashu and Shaan stood there for a long time waiting for her but she did not return. Shaan was sorely disappointed. Tashu assured him that she would try to speak to Khanak..and persuade her to meet with him soon.

Shaan left feeling that at least he had taken the first step towards reconciliation, ..however insignificant it might be, it was enough to keep him hoping.

Tashu rushed home worried about Khanak, and hoping that she would be okay..after all seeing Shaan after such a long time was a major shock to the system.

She found Khanak sitting on the side of her bed in her room, softly weeping. Heaving a sigh of relief knowing that she was safe, Tashu rushed to her side and said Khanak, kya hua, tum ro rahi ho.., why did you come away, Shaan was desperate to speak with you.

Khanak turned a distressed face towards her: Tashu, that is what I was afraid of. When I saw him today, I..all the memories came flooding back..I could barely control myself. I was afraid that if he said one word, I would have gone right back with him forgetting everything he had said and done to me.Tashu..why am I so weak? Why after all this time can't my mind control how my heart feels? Why didn't you warn me Tashu?

Tashu: My dear Khanak you are not weak..love is strong!! If I had warned you Khanak, you would have refused to come. I knew so, even though things have changed so much, you would have refused to face your demons. But I didn't want that for you or for Shaan who also didn't know that you would be there.

Tashu sidled upto Khanak and put her arm around her shoulder and gave her a little hug: Khanak, a lot of time has passed since you separated. And just like you, Shaan too has changed a lot.. When you left he broke down, he didn't expect it. He felt like a rudderless boat being tossed about in the stormy sea..you had been his sail and his oar, and he hadn't realised how much he depended on you. He started drinking..Khanak looked at her with a look of concern mixed with disbelief..

Tashu nodded: Yes, Khanak..he became a regular Devdas, but then Duck..you know Duck( he's the only one of the old gang that he talks to any more,) told him that you wouldn't have liked to see him that way, so he stopped! See Khanak, he still cared.., and on our urging he even applied for this job and has been working for Mr Sabharwal's advertising firm for the last 4 months! Did you ever expect our old Shaan( you don't mind me calling him our Shaan, ) to have a steady mind, leave alone a job!! Khanak he has really changed..

Khanak ( with a thoughtful look,): Yes, Meinen nahin socha tha that he'd change so much., but what about those dark circles, and he looks thinner..I bet that he has been partying most of the nights away..

Tashu laughed shaking her head: My dear, he is not. You know, he left home a month after you left! He quarreled big time with his Dad who was really angry that he had doubted you and demanded that he apologised right away, and brought you home. Shaan did look for you,( I didn't tell him your whereabouts as you requested,) when he didn't find you he started to drink which riled his father even more, ..so Shaan left and now is living in an apartment. So no home cooked food for our Rajkumar..I bet he survives on Pizzas and TV dinners.

Khanak started to sob, tears streamed down her face: Oh, what have I done? Poor Shaan..he went through so much for me?...

Tashu smiling, excited: So you see Khanak, you still care for him and love him just like he does. You are meant to be together!! Please do say yes, it'll be the greatest wedding gift for Anand and me to have our dearest friends reunite.

Khanak wiped her tears and looked at Tashu with a face full of determination: No Tashu, you forget the real reason why I left. He accused me of infidelity and didn't give a chance to defend myself. Don't get me wrong, I truly am happy that he has found himself at last..perhaps our separation had some good repercusions after all. But I want him to realize that I am a human being too, not just his shadow ,someone who picks up after him, I am his wife...his partner..

Tashu: I agree with you Khanak, I would feel the same way if I were you..but won't you give Shaan a chance to present his case in your court, at least you can be fair unlike he was?..

Khanak smiled and nodded: Okay dear, you don't give up easily do you?..but take it slow alright?

Back in his apartment Shaan couldn't keep still. He had been pacing up and down for the past 1/2 hour thinking about Khanak, worrying about her. He hoped that she was fine, why had she left.., perhaps his presence had upset her way too much. He hoped that she had not done anything foolish!!.... No!..Khanak was strong, not weak and irrational like him! And now she had an agenda of her own..she wouldn't throw that away for anything. Oh he had felt so proud of her tonight, when Mr Sabharwal had praised her, when he had heard her speak, when Tashu had told him about all that she had done in such a short time. It was a new feeling for him, to feel proud for somebody else's achievements..

My sweet Khanak, tum itna sab kuch karna chahti thi aur mujhe kuch bhi nahin bataya? Why did you hide from me your desires, your aspirations, were you too shy to ask?..No..its not Khanak's fault! Ever since we were married, it has always been about me! Shaan this, Shaan that.. never has it been about Khanak, my wife. I have always been the spoilt kid and put myself first..and she has quietly followed along, making my dreams hers. When I was teaching her in our Paathshala, I failed to see the spark in her eyes, my only purpose was to teach her enough so people would not laugh at her, not to educate her further or make her whole. Perhaps I was afraid that if she became independent she wouldn't need me any more. But I was wrong and you have proven it today Khanak!

Shaan looked at himself in the mirror and said: Khanak, its your turn to shine now and I promise your Shaan will always support you in whatever you do. I'll never hold you back...never! Please give me another chance to prove myself to you..Please I cannot live without you anymore!!..

For the first time in his life, Shaan went down on his knees clasping his hands together in front of him. He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer emptying his heart out to God. He then called Tashu..

Shaan: Tashu, why didn't you call, is Khanak ok, I've been besides myself worrying about her and I need to talk to her.

Tashu laughing: Slow down Shaan, she's alright, I've just finished talking with her and she has agreed to talk to you, she is still hurting a lot, you have to be careful.

Shaan overjoyed: Tashu, you are my guardian angel, how could I ever thank you for all you have done for us? I can't thank you enough for taking such good care of my Khanak..all inspite of what I did to you!..

Tashu with tears in her eyes, her voice breaking up: Shaan, don't remind me of the past.., I left everything far behind when I met Anand. As for taking care of Khanak? No Shaan she took care of herself and I was just there for her, like a true friend, nothing else!

Shaan: You were there where I should have been, Tashu!..you took over my responsibility. And yes, Anand is a 100 times more a Man than I ever was or will be! I'm really happy for you both!!

Tashu: Shaan, stop it!..you know that I''ll always be there for you and Thanks!! I'll try to set up something between you two!..

Shaan: Make it soon, I've waited long enough....

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The next day, Shaan was having a tough time concentrating on his work, he was thinking of ways he could approach Khanak without seeming insincere and superfluous. He was eager to meet her at the same time he didn't want to rush it. He didn't want to make her feel pushed into a corner...but at the same time, now that he had seen her, he couldn't wait to see her again.

Saan bacchu, concentrate, nahin to Khanak ko kaise impress karega?...Shaan smiled tapping his head with his hand and opened a folder lying on his desk.

Just then he heard a knock on the door and the boss's secretary put her head in and said with a wide smile: What did you do Shaan to impress Mr. S? He hasn't stopped talking about you and some Ms.Khanak ever since he came in today. Some collaboration that we are all unaware off? I knew it..you silent types always have something up your sleeves. Anyways, he wants you in his cabin,,right away!!

Shaan got uph in a hurry knocking down a few files in the process, he couldn't believe his good fortune as he hurried to his boss's office and mouthed a silent thanks to God.

Mr S who seemed to be in a great mood waved him to a chair: Shaan beta, you don't mind me calling you beta do you? You are just my son's age..that foolish boy. Anyways, it was wonderful seeing you at the party last night. Looks like you are well aquainted with Natasha, her fiance Mr Anand and that very smart young lady, Miss Khanak..yes?

Shaan did not correct Mr. S that Khanak was his wife, that could happen later: Yes Sir, they are my old friends except Anand whom I just met, but he seems to be a very intelligent and astute businessman..

Mr.S : Exactly my thoughts, exactly my thoughts son..giving Shaan an appraising look.

Shaan, you know Miss Khanak is coming here today to give a presentation on her project and unfortunately I'll be out for an important meeting..so I thought since you already knew her quite well, that you could take my place at her talk, and report back to me later about whether her project is worth our money..which I'm pretty sure it is, but you see..we cannot avoid formalities. Ok, then what do you think?

Shaan was trying his best to not to go and give this wonderful man a hug, he gave him a quick nod and hurried out of the room. As soon as the door shut behind him he pumped his fists and said: Yes!! Khanak here I come..startling the people around him.

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Khanak sat in the empty conference room, nervously tapping the table with her pencil, and periodically glaring at Tashu who was sitting near her. She had announced only this morning that Mr S's office had called wanting to set up a meeting for today, so that they could move ahead quickly with her project. Mr S had been very impressed with her ideas last night and was eager to pay his dues to the society.

Khanak knowing that she may run into Shaan there, was unprepared and wasn't sure that she would be able to think straight in his presence. Tashu told her that this was unavoidable since Shaan worked for Mr S., who was her main investor. She just had to buck up and focus herself if she wanted accomplish her goals.

Khanak finally agreed but now that she was here her feet had turned to jelly and she had practicailly forgotten her opening lines.

People started trickling in and the conference room started to fill up, but there was no sign of Shaan or Mr S. Khanak looked at Tashu worried, who said that she would find out and went out. She came back after a few minutes with a big smile on her face and told Khanak that Mr S. had asked Khanak to go ahead and his representative will be soon in.