The next couple of days saw the Maheswari family wrapped up tightly in a blanket of tension. The new headache in office regarding Suraj Khanna coupled with Family's supposed heir's "rebellious stunt", left the usually calm and calculated Durga Prasad lose his cool more often than not. He and Shekhar Gadodia spent most of the time with legal department of Centaur to plan strategy, and then in the former's study in mansion, locked down and away from everyone. It's the family's reaction which was baffling, looked like even though everyone of them enjoyed the perks of being a Maheswari, nobody really cared much about the company's future, or the reason the partners are looking so worried these days. Maybe except for Annapurna, but she didn't really matter in Business decisions, hurting her ego further after the raw wound her husband inflicted during Sanyal's deal. To add more to her woes, her son and daughter in law was slipping through her fingers. Parineeta was still cold toward her and stood by Adarsh like his shadow, shooting down everyone whoever tried to lecture him about responsibilities. It might be hormones, Annapurna thought to herself wryly after another frosty reception from her DIL in the morning, the latter hardly meeting her eyes as she handed her over Prasad after the regular morning puja. Sujata was elated at the way Pari was standing up to her Jiji, her lips curling up every time she was witnessed something she liked and then coughing dramatically to hide her glee. But the disgust at her Jiji was always in the back of her head, the fake apologies and downcast eyes made her think why she can't side with her son for once. She didn't ask her son why he took drugs, or did he even take them.
It's hard to understand Annapurna Maheswari's lack of empathy when her eyes didn't stop shedding tears even after five years of her son's death.
Everyone avoided Adarsh as if he's the epitome of plague, his only solace lying with his wife who protected and supported him in every step. Lakshya was very happy to see the Golden son's fall, if one could look with enough focus they might see a bit of smugness in his body language. He was not the only one taking satisfaction in other's downfall, Ram Prasad too took sadistic pleasure seeing the legal department walking in and out of the mansion after long hours of fruitless meetings, clueless and running out of ideas. He was curious to know more about this Khanna person, but showing interest in anything related to Centaur is out of character for him.
He was not the only one want to meet Mr. Khanna. All everyone felt like praying these days is to get a hand on this unknown stranger who created havoc in their lives only by existing.
And God, well, he just looked down at his children, shook his head and smiled.
Thanks to the tension in the mansion, the family took a decision (more like Durga Prasad informed to Annapurna) to scrap off the idea to celebrate Lakshya's birthday party in a grand way. The women protested a bit, and Uttara looked at her brother with sadness but little did anyone know is this it was a blessing in disguise for the young man who was more than happy taking this party to the Bar he frequently visits, wasting his time and money on alcohol and girls. In no time the place was ready for a grand party fitting to celebrate Lakshya Maheswari's 25th birthday, the man of the hour himself going to pick up his special guests ala Gadodia sisters.
And it all started.
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Swara sighed on herself in irritation after turning down another admirer for the night, her eyes going to her sister for the hundredth time to catch the attention. Sadly, when Lakshya is around even God himself can't tear away Ragini's focus from the former, so Swara made a face and slumped further on the stool she was sitting on, pursuing her lips. Why her sister drags her into these fancy parties even though she's going to spend the whole time beside Lakshya, she doesn't understand.
People usually makes the false judgment about the sisters, thinking Swara, being the younger and bubbly one, might like these loud, gen X parties with nonsensical music, a ready dance floor and admirers willing for anything. Oh, how wrong they are! Ragini is the one who enjoys these loud atmosphere, she masters at small talk, she can pretend to be all smiley and polite even though creep strangers continues giving lecherous looks throughout the conversation and keeps staring at her cleavage. Ragini enjoys attention, and in a setting like this she can have it, especially Lakshya's.
She rolled her eyes. Swara doesn't understand her sister's fascination with the good-for-nothing boy. Sure, they grew up together and all, but she never really liked him, not as a person and certainly not as a friend. She always got along with Tara, Adarsh Bhaiyya too. Of course, there was Sansk . . .
She tightly shut her eyes, her fingers clenching around the fabric of her dress almost immediately. When she opened them, they were wild, as if she herself was taken aback at the surprise reminder. Counting numbers in her head she tried to calm herself down, thinking about Tara and why she didn't come. Pulling up her number, she started to walk toward outside, getting away from all these noise and past memories for a moment.
"Swara!" Uttara practically squealed in the phone, making the former cringe, at the same time smile with affection.
"Someone misses me." She sing sang in reply. Uttara giggled.
"Your voice is horrible." To which Swara gasped.
"Oh hello Madam," she turned up her imaginary collars, "3 times Best singer award. And I teach kids."
At the haughty reply both burst into laughter, then launched into a conversation where one talk over other so loudly as if none is around them. Swara complained about her absence to which Uttara informed, not for the first time, about the problems going on in Mansion and that how Sujata has extended full solidarity to Parineeta, whose casualty is her missing what she terms as "The best Party for the decade".
"I mean I am missing from my own Brothers birthday party, who does that?" She huffed, "Anyway, how's it going on? I heard Bhai has arranged some Singer from Mumbai to perform, is it true?"
As Swara replied in a semi boring tone, satisfying all her queries even though she will have these questions tomorrow also when she will come to Baari (which is guaranteed) , a shadow passed by her. Caught off guard, she turned on her heels, her heart unknowingly beating fast as her eyes searched for something in the darkness, as if looking out for something familiar. But there was nothing, only disappointment, and she was brought back to reality only by Tara's voice.
"Yes Tara, I am still here." She replied distracted, resuming her earlier position, but she was surprised once again. Standing in front of her was Lakshya, his over gelled hair shining in the darkness, a sly smile on his face as he cocked his neck and looked at her.
Swara could swear it was not Him she felt. But how can she feel something, or someone whom she never met?
Before she could duel on that she hung up on Uttara after a quick Goodbye, returning back the birthday boy's smile.
"It was Tara." Because Lakshya was still doing that weird smile thing and nobody said a word, the situation goy a little bit weird and Swara hates weirdness. It makes her nervous, which leads to her babbling, "She wanted to know full story about the party. Nice party by the way, I should have mentioned. What are you doing here?"
Lakshya's eyebrow raised at her babble, "I came out to smoke."
"That's disgusting." She scrunched up her nose. He chuckled.
"Kidding. Well," he took a step toward her, the smell of alcohol filling her nostrils, "I noticed my special guest was missing from party, so decided to check if you were lost and in need of rescue." He emphasized with a wink, making Swara laugh awkwardly.
"I was not lost. Just came out to have fresh air." She looked around and suddenly found it's only two of them out here, "We should go in. Or Ragini will send search party."
She turned to leave, but then there was a firm grip on her wrist. Surprised, she turned around, finding Lakshya looking at her in a rather. . . well, for a better lack of word, strange way.
"What's the hurry Swara? I know you are not really that interested in going back in, you hate parties."
"It's not about me tonight."
"Ah." He drawled, nodding "that's true. Maybe."
"Maybe?" Swara was amused. Alcohol makes people silly.
"Do you believe it? It's all about me tonight?"
"It's your birthday, of course it's all about you."
"Then I can have anything I want, right?"
"Guess it depends." She played along, "If you want a star or something, it may be difficult to get."
Lakshya laughed, high pitched and in a tone that made Swara's skin crawl, "You are funny. I have always liked it." His eyes went from her head to toe, "Especially now. Did I mention how ravishing you look tonight?"
Now she was uncomfortable, "Maybe we should get inside."
"Come on," he was too close to her now, his breath tickling her face forcing her to look the other way, "you told me I can have anything tonight. So," his grip on her wrist now started to move upwards.
"Lakshya." She warned, wriggling out of his hold, "you are drunk."
"Doesn't matter." He leaned in, completely avoiding her angry eyes or unwillingness for this act. He closed in eyes and leaned further, so ecstatic to get what he wanted since a long time and tonight.
And then there was slap on his cheek so loud that it reverberated in the air.
Stunned, his eyes snapped open, not quite registering what just happened. Swara was fuming, her hands clenching tightly on her sides as if physically stopping herself from doing any further damage. After a long last look of disgust toward him, she turned on her heels and strode off towards the party.
What seemed like a lifetime, but only a few second later, Lakshya finally grasped what just happened. Swara slapped him! Swara slapped him.
The tomboyish girl he knows since childhood, the girl he grew up with just slapped him.
A girl just slapped Lakshya Maheswari. Not just any girl, but whose father is the personal servant of his Dad. Who is in debt to his family.
How dare she?
That Bitch.
Growling, he was about to lunge after her with full vengeance, determined to teach her lesson, but then he suddenly stopped, his body going still. The sinister, dark, darkest part of his head halted him in his track and mused about the impact his rash decision will be having. This is not an ordinary girl, a time pass floozy who snubbed him. This is Swara, Shekhar Uncle's daughter, the person who is a partner in his Dad's company. Ragini's sister, the girl who crushed after him since childhood. Swara, Uttara's best friend since forever. She is different, She is family.
This is personal.
So, like every time, Lakshya Maheswari stopped himself from an impulsive decision and saved the payback for a later, better time.
He is Durga Prasad's Son in more ways than one can realize.
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Ragini looked back and forth to her sister and Lakshya, the former stubbornly looking outside and not saying a word, only the clenching of her jaw is the indication of her anger whose reason is unknown to Ragini. But more than her, the elder Gadodia daughter was worried for Lakshya, whose hands were shaking every now and then on the wheels of the car, his eyes rattled and unfocused which can't be due to alcohol. Something happened, she was sure of that, an unpleasantness had nestled in her chest and poking at it no matter what she did to shoo it away.
They both were missing from the party. Maybe Lakshya . . .
She chastised herself silently. Lakshya is many thing, womanizer and reckless and so on, but one thing he will never do is to misbehave with her sister, only because he never looked at Swara like that. She was not his type. And really, why her mind decided to think that anyway? Maybe they both had different incidents with different people.
The silent car journey ended after a couple of minutes, the tires screeching into a halt in front of Baari. Swara nearly jumped out before the car stopped properly, as if unable to stand to sit along with the two. In her hurry to get out she tripped on her own heels, resulting in broken shoes and a twisted ankle.
"Oh God, Swara!" Ragini cried out, getting out quickly and supporting her, then chastised her for the clumsiness. Like a gentleman, Lakshya tried to help, only to be shoved away by the younger one, raising another wave of suspicion from Ragini. After a quick decision making Ragini ran toward Baari to retrieve shoes and water bottle as Swara sat in the backseat of the car, rubbing her ankle which was started to hurt painfully.
Lakshya was the first one to speak as the unbearable silence stretched on for eternity, sounding serious for the first time, "I am sorry Swara for the way I behaved earlier." At her silence he continued, desperate to salvage whatever he can, "I know it's not enough, maybe you can never forgive me. I understand. I deserve it."
Swara raised her head and looked at him running fingers through hair in frustration. Even though he sounded and looked apologetic, for some reason she could not really bring herself to feel sorry for him. Maybe because he just proved what she always felt about him, Good for nothing and undeserving of her sister. Closing her eyes and pushing off these negative words momentarily, she started speaking.
"Why you did that?" Wincing, she added, "Do you really . . . ?"
"Alcohol, what else?" He snorted bitterly, not answering her question, "It's a pathetic excuse, but I don't have anything else. You tell me, did I ever misbehave with you? I am many things, but to others. Not to you. Never to you." He vowed. She nodded at his reply, agreeing. Part of her was shocked and slightly horrified earlier when he tried to . . . she shuddered to even think about it. Lakshya always had attention for Ragini, they were never close. It must be his drinking habit.
It can't be anything else.
"You should watch your limits." She warned him, but there was no heat. He nodded at her, swallowing heavily.
"If we can keep this between ourselves . . . " Swara's eyebrows raised at the implication at his words but she remained silent as he started to explain, "It was a stupid mistake from my side Swara. Ragini will never forgive me if she comes to know about it. I don't see any reason to hurt her, do you?"
The idea didn't settle well with her, but then, he was right. He was sorry for it, why drag it further. She nodded slowly and Lakshya relaxed completely, exhaling as if a weight has been lift from his shoulder.
When Ragini returned she felt it, the lighten situation and relaxed posture of the duo. Helping Swara to stand on her feet and bidding goodbye to Lakshya, she wondered once again what transpired between the two of them. She turned to look at Lakshya once again, then returned a small smile to him.
The smile from Lakshya's face vanished just as Ragini turned her face away from him. His eyes were only for Swara now, followed her till she got inside the house, the earlier vengeance clouding his eyes. He remembered his earlier apology and spit on the earth.
"Sorry, my foot." He bit out, then banged his fist on the car. He stared in the darkness then, breathing heavily, cursing the woman in his head. Then he swore.
"You will pay, Swara Gadodia. I will make sure of it."
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Two days later
A pristine white Mercedes Benz car screeched into a halt in front of Centaur Pharma, the beast's sound echoing in the air and demanding everyone's attention. Behind it two Land Rover stopped, making a bee line through the gigantic gate of the Company. The security guards jumped out of the cars, one of them opening the front and passenger doors of the Mercedes. A bulky man with a missing hand was the first one to come out, his shrewd and unpleasant eyes quickly checking the surroundings. His head turned when the door of the passenger side opened, a look of irritation passing down his face.
The young man came out slowly, standing tall and proud as he buttoned down his suit. He turned to the man with missing hand as if reading his mind, his eyes hardening momentarily seeing the irritation in the former's eyes. The man got the clue and looked away, rolling his eyes and then barking orders to his men as he walked away.
The man stared at the Office, memories-happiness-regret-anger-sorrow all mixing together in his expression as his eyes swept over the picture perfect view in front of him. There were memories too, but they were hazy with time and this bitterness, which seemed to be his Best friend from past few years.
"Let's get in." A rough voice startled the Man from his haze. Closing his eyes momentarily, he tried to get himself under control.
"It was you decision. If you want to retreat now . . . "He never finished as the former opened his eyes and almost immediately started heading inside, his shoulders squared in a defensive manner, his stride purposeful. Sighing, he followed, so did the security guards.
The Centaur Pharma board was having a tensed conference regarding the cursed merger in its private meeting room when the door was knocked thrice. Shekhar's personal secretary, a guy with nerdy glasses walked in timidly but in a hurry, his eyes instantly finding his Boss's irritating eyes at the interruption. Durga Prasad looked at him, conveying how displeased he was at the action but something changed in his partner's expression. His body went still suddenly, and when his secretary finished he jerked as if touched by a live wire. When he addressed the board members, there was a new found energy in his tone. Though his words requested everyone to dismiss the meeting, it was actually a command.
As soon as everyone left he turned to Durga Prasad, "Your cabin. Now." At the latter's raised eyebrows he clarified, "Suraj Khanna is in office."
The two partners moved toward Durga Prasad's posh cabin, different things in their heads. Shekhar, the muscle of the two, was obviously thinking how to handle the situation of this Khanna person turned out to be a threat. He also made a note to reach out to his contact in CID to keep an eye on this person. Surprisingly, Durga Prasad was not thinking about threats or company. The only question in his mind was Why now?
Who is this Suraj Khanna?
An unknown security personnel, obviously of Mr. Khanna's, opened the door of the cabin for the duo, Durga Prasad walking first, followed by Shekhar. The former stopped on his track all of a sudden which made Shekhar stumble forward, only to be supported by another unknown person.
"Thank you." He turned to him, his eyes going to his missing arm instantly. Embarrassed, he looked away, noticing for the first time his partner's expression.
Frozen will be an understatement. Maybe as pale as a white sheet would be accurate. Frowning, he turned to the direction Durga Prasad was looking, and felt his heart stopping.
"Oh my God." He could not help the gasp coming out of his mouth.
In front of them, dressed in impeccably white business suit and a curious expression, stood a person who was supposed to be dead five years ago.
Sanskaar Maheswari stood in front of them.
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The young man found their expressions interesting, curious even, but chose to say or express nothing. An awkward silence laid inside the room, the air going thick with tension. His eyes crossed once with his Body guard, the usually stoic man's lips twitching slightly at the sight in front of him.
At least someone is amused.
After a few more tensed moments the man with a missing hand cleared his throat, and he had to stop himself from snorting because the elder duo jumped as if someone shouted in their ears. Shekhar Gadodia, he recognized from Business magazines, looked rattled, unable to compose himself, but the other one, the usually calm and composed Durga Prasad Maheswari, handled himself almost immediately, his face so smooth that none can say he was quite startled no more than ten seconds before.
He's almost like a deadly chameleon.
"Is everything alright gentlemen?" There was a slight hint of foreign accent in Sansk . . . the man who resembled their dead son, Durga Prasad corrected himself mentally. He gave a nod, turning up his which he hoped was a smile. Squaring his shoulders, he walked ahead and shook the young man's head.
"Durga Prasad Maheswari. Suraj Khanna, I am assuming?"
"The one and only." He was slightly cocky too, a trait very common in people who saw money and power from an early stage. He introduced Shekhar who did a poor job of first impression, unable to look in the person's eyes. Mr. Khanna looked amused.
"Is he alright?"
"He's just . . . tired." Durga Prasad gave an excuse, glaring at Shekhar who was busy gulping down a full glass of water.
"Should be my line, is not it Mr. Maheswari?" The man leaned behind his chair, unbuttoning his suit, "After all I am the one landing after an 8 hours long International flight." Not giving him any chance of rebuttal, He continued, "Anyways, let's not waste both of our time by unnecessary talks. I thought I will just drop by to have a quick meeting, but it seems like you people are unprepared, so let's schedule a meeting where we can have a talk regarding Disha and Centaur's merger."
Frowning, Durga Prasad replied, "Apologies for butting in, but why do you say unprepared?"
"Well, I am not seeing the third person necessary for this meeting. Mr. Adarsh, I meant, where is he? My Body guard, Mr. Rathore asked for him in the reception and found out he is on leave." He looked at his Body guard for confirmation who gave a quick nod in return, "We will have this meeting whenever he feels fine."
"Adarsh is relatively new, Mr. Khanna. He won't be necessary for the meeting." Durga Prasad tried to hide the bitterness in his tone but the frown of the former told him he didn't quite manage. Khanna looked displeased.
"You are giving away your post as CEO to a person who is relatively new?" Sarcasm and irritation mingled in his tone, "He was the person of contact from this company to mine, Mr. Maheswari. I would have informed him about my arrival but I didn't know he was on leave. Anyways, do let us know when he's rejoining, we will have the meeting then." Saying this, he got up, not giving Durga Prasad any chance to reply or Shekhar who has finally woke up from his slumber. In a few second the cavalry was out of the cabin, again a tensed silence lingering inside the room.
It was not lost on Durga Prasad that the young guy not only actually ordered him to arrange a meeting only if Adarsh is there, but also somehow knew he is supposed to take over the company in the future. Thinking about his son gave him a headache, but it's necessary, he mused quietly. He should have asked Adarsh what contact he had with Khanna, he cursed himself in mind.
"He . . . " Shekhar's voice came out as raspy and dry, like he has not drunk water for days, "He . . . looks like . . . "
"I was here Shekhar." Durga Prasad snapped, important thing on his mind. The former turned to him.
"You are not worried?"
"Why, because our might be rival resembles closely to our dead son?"
"Resembles?" He screeched like a banshee, getting up from his chair in shock, "He resembles Sanskaar? Has you lost your mind? He is Sanskaar!"
"Don't talk nonsense Shekhar." He raised his voice, and somehow it had more authority with him sitting down at glaring at him than the former standing up. "He is gone. Accept it. Suraj Khanna is a different man who was born, brought up and stayed in a different place. He just has an uncanny resemblance to him, that's it."
"It's impossible." Shekhar muttered.
"He's dead, Shekhar. The person we knew is dead, and this is someone else. Someone new. For God's sake, think Shekhar! Would Sanskaar ever talk to us like that? Would he ever be so distant and cold to us? To anyone?"
After a long time, the former shook his head slowly, "No." Beside him Durga Prasad let out a long sigh, taking out glasses and rubbing the bridge of his nose, "But you have to admit, it's . . . "
"Uncanny." The former completed, putting on his glasses, all business like, "Listen to me, here's what we need to do. We need information, Shekhar, we know practically nothing about this person. He was in a different country, it was hard, but he's here now. Kolkata is our city. Find out about him. Try to know if he possesses any threat."
"I was thinking to put my CID contact behind him, before I went nuts." Shekhar rubbed both hands over his face, trying to compose himself, "Yeah, yeah, I will do that."
"Good." He replied, completely at ease at his territory as he tried to hold onto control, "Let us know who is Suraj Khanna."
Dun dun dun 😉😆
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