Sahiba Returns to Ludhiana [Part 1]
Read Time: 10 minutes
Thanks to Pam, Angad had two passes to the grand opening of Sapna Jewellers’ first retail location in Ludhiana. With only celebrities and special guests from around the world attending the exclusive, invite-only grand reveal, Angad was still shocked that his assistant got the passes so quickly. According to the media, the new company, which Angad knew little about, was said to be Brar Jewellers biggest competitor so it was only fitting that he attend the event and learn about the company himself.
“Veer, thank you again for attending this event with me,” said Angad, turning to Veer at his side.
Both he and Veer waited outside the new retail store behind a bustling crowd lined along the velvet ropes and red carpet. Angad looked dashing in his pink double-breasted 2-piece suit and matching turban. Veer wore a white color kurta augmented with fine embroidery work.
"No problem, bro,” said Veer with his usual polite smile stretching his neck in search of a better view around the crowd and the paparazzi. “So what do we know about this founder and CEO of Sapna Jewellers?”
“I don’t know who he is,” said Angad in return as he tried to peer through the crowd for a better view, checking to see if the CEO had arrived. “There was no information on the company website about him.”
Before last week, Angad had never even heard of Sapna Jewellers. It was when Mr. Monga visited his office and sadly announced that he would have to end his contract with Brar Jewellers when Angad learned of the new company. It turned out that Sapna Jewellers offered Mr. Monga an offer that he could not refuse to design exclusively for their company on their new collection. Being a professional businessman, Angad understood Mr. Monga’s decision to terminate their contract, and being Angad was still remorseful for how things ended with him and Sahiba six years ago, he was okay with ending the contract on good terms and keeping his relationship with Mr. Monga.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Monga did not know any information,’ Angad said to Veer. “The company contacted him with an offer by letter, but he has not met the CEO.”
Mentioning Mr. Monga’s name caused Angad to recall his last moments with Sahiba. After proving her innocence that she did not file the complaint against Daarji, Angad was ashamed and wanted to apologize for not trusting her and for the hurtful things he said about wanting a divorce. However, after the court session, Sahiba had not only packed all her belongings and left the Brar Mansion but also Ludhiana. There were no words between the two before her departure. Only a note was left behind with divorce papers that read, You are right, Angad. There is nothing between us. We should have separated a long time ago. And don’t worry, this form has my real signature, unlike the FIR.
That was six years and no one has heard from Sahiba since, not her parents or Keerat.
“It’s the CEO,” yelled one reporter rushing to the red carpet. A rickshaw arrived, and the crowd and paparazzi began to swarm to the red carpet blocking the view of Angad and Veer.
“Excuse me”, said Angad, trying to push through the crowd to get a glimpse of the CEO. Suddenly, a camera flash went off right in front of his eyes.
“Are you alright,” Veer asked, approaching Angad from behind, catching him as he stumbled to walk, unable to see.
“Yes,” said Angad, rubbing and blinking his eyes as his sight returned to normal. “These reporters and cameras are everywhere.”
“Yeah. It looks like we missed seeing the CEO walking in,” said Veer, a little disappointed, hoping he would lay eyes on his business competitor. “Come on. Let’s go inside.”
Once inside, the emcee walked on stage, grabbed a microphone and welcomed everyone to the grand reveal.
With Angad’s sight back to normal, he admired the store and the beautiful art hanging on the walls.
“Sapna Jewellers is thrilled to open such a unique store here in Ludhiana. The interior of our store is the result of a successful collaboration with our CEO and renowned artist Ms. Menka, who has designed several unique features,” continued the emcee. “As you can see, art is visible throughout the store adding a splash of color, and the staircases in our three-level building showcase artwork from our very own CEO.”
The crowd applauded.
“Wow,” said Angad to Veer softly as he joined the audience in applauding. “So he’s an artist and the CEO. Impressive.”
Veer smiled and nodded in agreement.
“This store brings the website experience to life for our customers using clever technology to enhance the shopping experience,” said the emcee as a model joined him on stage and modeled a gold necklace and earring set in front of the mirror. “We have interactive mirrors that respond to products you try on.”
Everyone in the crowd began oohing and aahing over the interactive mirrors.
Discomfort filled Angad’s face as he realized one reason why Sapna Jewellers was their competitor. It was their innovative shopping experience.
“So without further ado, please join me in welcoming our CEO, Sahiba Kaur Monga!”
Angad’s eyes widened on hearing Sahiba’s name, and he was flooded with mixed emotions… shock, relief, happiness, disbelief, worry, and confusion. His thoughts began racing. Sahiba is the CEO of Sapna Jewellers? How is this possible? Has Sahiba finally returned to Ludhiana? What will my family say when they learn she is back? Is she the same Sahiba I once knew or has she changed? Has she forgiven me? Is it possible for us to start all over again? Is Sapna Jewellers her attempt to seek revenge?
Sahiba walked onto the stage and looked more gorgeous than Angad remembered her six years ago. It’s almost as if she was a different woman radiating an aura of elegance and charm. She stood tall and graceful, her hair styled in a meticulously crafted bun that accentuated her features and exuded elegance. She was draped in a beautiful misty rose saree with floral detailed embroidery work. Her v-neck line exposed a fashion statement gold bib necklace, and she wore intricately crafted bangles and bracelets that made her stand out among all in the room.
Angad was unsure whether he was more shocked that she was the CEO of Sapna Jewellers or amazed to see how beautiful she looked after all these years.
“Did you know about this,” asked Angad to Veer, a little agitated.
“No,” exclaimed Veer, shaking his head as he was just as surprised as Angad was to see Sahiba on the stage.
“Did Keerat know about this,” asked Angad, still staring at Sahiba, not once looking at Veer.
Sahiba’s departure somehow brought Keerat and Veer closer together creating a close-knit bond and love story. They have been married for five years and are expecting their first child.
“No,” responded Veer defensively. “No one has seen Sahiba in 6 years.”
Quickly Veer snapped a photo of Sahiba with his cell phone as she approached the podium and texted it to Keerat with a message that said, ‘Sahiba is back!’
“As the founder and CEO of Sapna Jewellers, I would like to thank you all for attending. A lot of work has been done since our humble beginnings as a home-based business in London,” said Sahiba glowing with happiness as she recalled starting Sapna Jewellers in London after completing her college studies. “My love for art and my desire to make my dreams a reality is what helped me build a successful online brand. In the last three years with my incredible team, we have become the undisputed brand for offering online shopping for fine contemporary and traditional North Indian jewellery delivered across the world!
Amid thunderous applause from the audience, Veer received a text message alert from Keerat. Not wanting to miss a moment of Sahiba's speech, he silenced the notification.
“Not only does Sapna Jellewers bring you high-quality jewelry by master artisans, but we are committed to a strong corporate social responsibility since we began three years ago,” continued Shaiba as Angad stood hypnotized by her grace and how well-spoken she was on stage. “One of our main initiatives is women empowerment, " said Sahiba. “We employ 70% of women, and financially support those who wish to further their studies with our Sapna Jewellers Scholarship program.”
Another thunderous applause ripped through the crowd along with cheers.
“Our executive team comes from a family of traditional jewelers in India, together, the three of us bring years of design experience,” announced Sahiba. “With that being said, I would like to introduce my Chief Design Officer, Kiara Baweja, and my Vice President of Client Relations, Gary Baweja.”
With intense eye contact and a clenched jaw, Angad watched as Kiara and Gary joined Sahiba on stage. Was this all for revenge? Did Sahiba go behind his back and create a company just because of what happened six years ago? Why was she doing this? Was she back in Ludhiana to start confusion?
Veer knew what Angad was thinking without asking. He saw the raw anger that shot through him, “Angad, breathe. Take deep breaths,” whispered Veer. “5… 4... 3... 2... 1....”
Veer was using one of the strategies Angad learned while attending therapy for his intermittent explosive disorder. After Sahiba left Angad with little explanation, it did something to Angad. It was always noticeable that he had anger issues, but after she left him, it worsened. He would get extremely irritated at slight annoyances beyond a normal reaction. At work, he became intolerant of small mistakes by employees. Remembrances of her and her absence would agonize him, and his family often found him sulking.
“Thank you, Veer,” said Angad patting Veer on the arm and grateful that he was there to help him self-regulate. “I am calm. I want to talk to Sahiba. I have questions. I don’t want to make assumptions so to ensure that there is no misunderstanding, I need to talk with her soon.”
Veer nodded in agreement and was interrupted by a call from Keerat. More interested in what Sahiba had to say, he declined the call and returned his attention to the stage. Although Veer was disappointed to learn that Sahiba was the Brar’s competition, he was happy to see her after all this time. He missed her and he was delighted to know that she was well and living out her dream.
Sahiba walked towards a vertical LED Screen. “To add something extra special to this experience, Sapna Jewellers created an exclusive collection for the store opening.” With Kiara now next to her, together they announced the new collection as it appeared on the screen. “Meri Betiya!”
The crowd was applauding and there was a thrill of excitement in the air while Angad stared baffled.
“Thank you,” said Sahiba. “Please enjoy our party!”
I’ve got to talk to Sahiba, now,” exclaimed Angad to Veer.
Veer’s phone rang again. “It’s Keerat”, announced Veer. “I’ll be back.”
Leaving Veer to attend to his call, Angad made his way toward Sahiba through the crowd following her every move. Once he reached her, he stood off to the side patiently waiting as celebrities and guests congratulated her and posed for photographs. Nervous about seeing her after all this time apart, he wondered if she hated him for believing she was responsible for Daarji’s arrest. Angad fidgeted and smoothed down his clothes.
When the crowd around her finally dispersed, he finally locked eyes with her. To his astonishment, she did not seem surprised to see him, and neither did she appear upset.
"C-congratulations Sahiba," said Angad nervously inching toward her as he extended a hand in greeting. Would a hug have been more appropriate?
"This never would have been possible if it wasn’t for you, " said Sahiba smartly with a half-smile, not extending her hand in return. "So, thank you."
Angad embarrassingly shoved his now sweaty hand into his pocket.
"I am glad I was your inspiration," said Angad not catching on to Sahiba's sarcasm thinking it was a genuine compliment.
He was distracted. He had not seen Sahiba wear her hair in a bun since their wedding. The bun itself was a work of art, held together by an intricate arrangement of hairpins and adorned with delicate accessories. A few tendrils of hair gracefully framed her face, softening her features and adding a touch of femininity to her overall appearance.
"You were more than an inspiration," said Sahiba with her focus on him remaining unshakeable and stern. "If it had never been for our marriage, I wouldn’t have Kiara as my CDO or my father designing our newest collection."
Despite still being hurt by Angad’s distrust in her and disappointment that he once viewed her as a criminal, she found herself noticing how impeccably dressed he was for the occasion. The suit hugged his form with precision, accentuating his broad shoulders and tall stature. As always, his beard was well-groomed. She always thought that his beard added a magnetic appeal highlighting his strong jawline and complemented his facial features. The combination of his Punjabi heritage, his beard, and his impeccable style created a unique allure that set him apart. To her, he represented a blend of tradition and modernity, and it was this fusion that made him truly captivating. Had it not been for her past trauma with heartbreak and fear of vulnerability, she would have told him all of these things while they were together.
"Oh," said Angad as he came to realize the basis for her gratitude. "So this is your way of seeking revenge?"
"You always find a way to make everything about you, " said Sahiba, shaking her hand in disagreement. "This has nothing to do with seeking revenge but everything to do concerning me reaching my goals and my dreams hence the name of my business.
"Sahiba, I —," began Angad who was cut off by Gary walking towards him with outstretched arms.
“Bro! I see that Pam received the passes," said Gary with his typical cunning smile hugging Angad. "I wanted to be sure you didn’t miss this moment. Ah, this calls for a selfie, right Sahiba?"
Sahiba took a deep breath. Although there was a subtle tension hung in the air, creating a palpable discomfort she tried to remain composed with Gary who always made her uneasy. The inner turmoil was reflected in her eyes, as a flicker of apprehension occasionally flashed across her gaze. Behind her polite smile, there was a protective barrier between her and him.
Gary, assuming the role of photographer, pushed the two closer together, and stood in front of them to snap the selfie with his phone. Both Angad and Sahiba smiled awkwardly.
"Angad!" screamed Kiara in excitement as she rushed to embrace her cousin. "I am so glad you’re here. Aren’t you proud of us? Both Sahiba and I put our design degrees to good use. She founded Sapana Jewellers and I am in charge of all the designs. "
"Yes, I am very proud," said Angad who had turned his focus back to Sahiba. He noticed that her uneasiness after Gary’s company had intensified.
"So, where is your puppet? Oops! I mean Veer," Gary asked Angad looking around the store for his cousin. "I know he has to be around here somewhere."
Just then Veer ran up to Angad.
"Sorry, Angad I had to—," began Veer before being bear-hugged and slightly picked up off of the floor by Gary.
"Veer! Bro!" exclaimed Gary releasing Veer and dropping his feet back to the ground. "You just missed the photos, but you are right on time for champagne."
A server poured champagne into three glasses for Angad, Gary, and Veer. They clinked their glasses and took a sip all the while Angad watched Sahiba.
A calendar notification on Sahiba's phone caught her attention, notifying her of her early morning meeting the next day. Welcoming any opportunity for their interaction to end, Sahiba calmly got Kiar’s attention.
"Kiara, if you don’t mind, will you please stay and entertain our guests," requested Sahiba.
"Sure, Sahiba," said Kiara as she gently placed her hand on Sahiba's upper arm and leaned in for a cheek kiss goodnight.
"It was good seeing you again, Veer," said Sahiba as she delicately squeezed his forearm with a glossy look in her eyes and gracefully stepped away.
Without hesitation, Angad turned to whisper to Veer. "I need to talk to her."
He gathered his car key from his pocket and handed it to Veer.
"Go home and I will see you there later," said Angad patting Veer on the shoulder. "And please, nothing about this to the family until after I talk with Sahiba."
"Of course," said Veer, smiling widely to express his happiness that Angad was not allowing Sahiba to get away again and was willing to talk to her first before any confusion arose with their family.
A/N: Hey all! This is my first time writing a OS, and it is based on the current track without it being revealed/known that Gary is the culprit behind Daarji’s arrest.
Let me know if you guys like it or not. I am open to constructive feedback.
Have fun reading!
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