Posted:
It is more fun to read this story rather than watching original show.Great Work.Looking forward to further part.Kindly update soon.
It is more fun to read this story rather than watching original show.Great Work.Looking forward to further part.Kindly update soon.
Originally posted by: Kanza_12
It is more fun to read this story rather than watching original show.Great Work.Looking forward to further part.Kindly update soon.
Thank u for the huge compliment 😘😘It's my fav by far. Will be updating tomorrow
Chapter 27: Secret meetings and secret files
~A day after Prerna left Basu Bari~
Prerna turned the pages of her book restlessly, annoyed at herself for not being able to concentrate. Finally giving up, she threw it on the bed. "Arre, iss bechare book ne tera kya bigaada hai, jo tu isko torture kar rahi hai?", a voice said. Prerna looked up to see Ved standing in the doorway.He was wearing his trademark black hoodie with matching gloves. Ved smiled mischeviously ,"Dekh main tere liye kya laya.". Judging by his tone anyone would think he was offering her sweets. But he wasn't carrying any sweets for Prerna. In his hand, he was carrying a thick black folder. He entered the room and sat next to Prerna. Handing her the file,"Yeh le, tere Mr.Bajaj ki kundli". Prerna corrected him crossly, "Woh mere Mr.Bajaj nahi hai". Ved rolled his eyes, sighing,"Baapre...aajka mausam to bada hi kharab hai". Prerna commented,"Yeh file thoda zyada bhaari nahi hai, unke school ki report card bhi hai kya isme?". Ved smirked,"Yeh file jitni bhaari hai uske andar ki information utni hi dhamakedaar hai. I've to say Mr.Bajaj ne bohot logo ko paise khilaye honge apne secret ko chhupake rakhne ke liye, pehli baar mujhe kissi pe information nikaalne ke liye itni mehnat karni padi-but it was worth it! Bechare(chuckling)! Unhe toh pata bhi nahi ke maine unke saare paise barbaad kar diye..... Achcha tu file ek baar kholke to dekh.". Prerna opened the file. "Oh my God!" Prerna exclaimed, as she started reading the contents of the file. "Exactly",Ved said, "Mera bhi first reaction yahi tha. Jo aadmi khud apna sach duniya se chhupaata phirta hai woh Moloy uncle ko honesty pe lecture de raaha tha, can you believe it?"
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~Basu Bari living room~
"Waise Baba, I can't believe ki itna kuch hone ke baad Mr. Bajaj ne aapke liye fruit basket bheja. That's really nice of him",Nivedita Basu said as she sat opposite Moloy and sipped her tea. "What's so nice of him Nivi?!",Mohini retorted, as sat down next to her daughter with her own cup in hand,"Moloy ki tabiyat uss Mr.Bajaj ki wajah se kharaab hui hai! Toh abhi yeh jhoota concern dikhakar woh kya sabit karna chahte hai, I don't know.". Nivi knew better than to argue with her mother now. Since Prerna left yesterday afternoon Mohini had been in a terrible mood. Not to mention Anurag's snub must be killing her from inside. That was her brother, even as a kid, whenever Anurag was angry at his mother he would avoid her company, snub her politely but never directly confront her. Yet that was enough for Mohini to do everything in her power to please him.Whereas Nivi would scream, yell and cry but her mother would always treat her anger as nuisance rather than hurt. Maan na parega Onu ko jo bina kuch kiye hi Ma se itni mehnat kara raha hai, Nivi thought wistfully, Warna agar main uski jagah hoti to mujhe manaa na toh dur, abhi tak Ma ko yeh bhi nahi yaad rehta ki main unse naaraaz hu. Just then Nivi saw Anurag climbing down the stairs looking extremely focused as if he was gearing up for a battle. "Onu!",his mother called him in a sweet and welcoming tone,"Aao beta chai pee lo-". Without even looking at her, Anurag said,"Not now Ma. Baba Main apne lawyer se milne jaa raha hu.". Nivedita was surprised at this,"Kya?Kis liye?". Anurag smiled sardonically,"Oh haan, aap toh kal nahi thi jab yeh sab ho raha tha. Well, Nivi Di, meri biwi mujhe phirse chhorkar chali gayi, uss galti ke liye jo maine ki bhi nahi. Meri Ma aur uski bhabi ne jo kuch bhi kiya hume ek karne ke liye, Prerna ko laga ki unn sab mein main bhi shaamil tha.... Maine usse bohot convince karne ki koshish ki, roke, girgira ke, gussa karke lekin usne meri ek nahi suni. Aur ek baar phir woh mujhe aur mere intentions ko galat samajke yaha se chali gayi....Toh ab jab usne mujhse alag hone ka faisla kar liya hai, toh main kon hota hu usse rokne waala? Bas iss hi silsile mein apne lawyer se milne jaa raha hu.". Mohini tried to pacify him,"Beta, tu chinta kyu karta hai?Woh wapas zaroor aayegi. Main usse-". Anurag folded his hands in front of her,"Please ma! Main aapke aage haath jodta hu. Aap please aur kuch matt kijiye. Aapne already bohot kuch kar liya. Ab mere aur Prerna ke rishta ka faisla aap mujhpar aur Prerna par chhor dijiye.". Saying this Anurag stormed out of the house, leaving a devastated Mohini behind. "Baba",Nivi said stunned by her brother's demeanor,"Y-yeh Onu-yeh Onu kitne gusse mein tha. I swear maine usse itne gusse mein kabhi nahi dekha. And he looks so desperate! Mujhe darr hai ki yeh gusse mein koi galat kadam na uthade.". Moloy replied hopefully,"Usse thoda waqt do beta, abhi woh bohot dukhi hai. Ek baar woh thoda sambhal jaaye phir sab kuch theek jo jayega".
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Anurag stopped his car in front of the coaching institute. His meeting with his lawyer didn't take much time as expected. He told his lawyer Mr.Mukherjee he was ready to pay whatever astronomical fees he charged as long as it ended with Prerna returning to him. Stepping out of his car, Anurag surveyed his surroundings. He smiled as he saw Mahesh approaching him. Anurag said,"I am glad tu mujse milne aaya Mahesh.".Mahesh looked at him conflicted,"Anu Da, hum kuch galat to nahi kar rahe na, agar Priyu Didi ko pata chal gaya ke main coaching karne ke bahaane aapse milne aaya toh woh bohot hurt hongi.". Anurag reassured him, "Mahesh, main tera concern samajta hu, par tu apne sapno ke aage mere aur Prerna ke beech ke jhagde ko nahi aane de sakta. Dekh, Prerna aur main parents banne waale hai, aur abhi bhi humara talaakh nahi hua hai. Matlab abhi bhi humare rishte mein jaan baaki hai, humare paas humari poori zindagi pari hai humare problems sort out karne ke liye . Lekin apna cricketing career banane ke liye tere paas poori zindagi nahi hai Mahesh. Tere paas ek yahi chance hai apna career banane ka, kuch saal baad tu ghar aur office ki responsibilities mein itna kho jayega ki chahke bhi cricket ko time nahi de payega.". Mahesh thought long and hard about Anurag's words. Finally he said, "Achcha theek hai. Magar aap mujhe parhaenge kaha? Basu Bari aur Sharma Niwas mein toh nahi hoga warna sabko pata chal jayega.". Anurag motioned towards his car,"Well abhi ke liye toh meri gaadi se kaam chalana parega. Ek baar Prerna ka gussa thanda ho jaye, phir humlog mere study mein parhenge ok?Chal start karte hai". Mahesh nodded and got in the car. Anurag also got in and said,"Achcha toh chemistry se start karte hai...."
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Ved aimlessly strolled around the room as Prerna read the contents of the file. His eyes fell on a vase containing white roses and pink orchids. Looking at them he smirked, "Nice flowers. Toh Anurag kaam pe lag gaya, I am guessing ab se roz roz aise flowers aayenge?"he said. Prerna looked up from her file,"Woh flowers Anurag ne nahi mujhe Mr.Bajaj ne bheja hai apne secretary ke haathon".
"Kyu?", Ved asked curiously.Prerna replied,"Meri pregnancy ke liye congratulate karne. In fact unhone kakababu ko fruit basket bhi bheja tha, unke health ke baare mein sunkar".
"Interesting",Ved remarked as he sat next to her on the bed,"Waise ab jab tere paas Mr.Bajaj ki biography hai-(gesturing at the think folder) literally, to tu iska kya karegi?". Prerna sighed, running her hands through her hair she said,"I don't know Ved. Jab maine tujse unpe information nikaalne ko kaha tha tab main unse bohot naaraaz thi. Abhi bhi hu, after all unki wajah se kakababu ki itni tabiyat kharab ho gayi aur Anurag-". Prerna stopped herself. Gently, Ved took her hand,"Ruk kyu gayi? Tujhe pata hai na, tu mujse jo bhi kahegi woh sirf humare beech mein rahega. Even Mishka- jo meri jaan hai usse bhi kuch nahi bataunga main.". Prerna looked at Ved. Underneath his glasses, his piercing grey eyes met her own brown ones. A look of understanding passed between them. Then Prerna let the floodgates open,"Uss raat jab maine Anurag ko dekha, itna hurt, itna toota huya- tujhe pata hai woh khudko blame kar raha tha Kakababu ke iss condition ke liye?! Can you believe it? Uss Mr. Bajaj ne Kakababu se jo kuch bhi kaha usne mujhe sab bataya.(angrily)Uss Mr.Bajaj ki himmat kaise huyi sabke saamne mere Kakababu ko fraud kehne ki?!Unke parvarish pe sawaal uthaane ki!! Aur Anurag? Woh toh itna guilty feel kar raha tha...uski toh saari himmat toot gayi thi! (wiping her tears)Uss raat maine usse bohot mushkil se sambhaala. Uska hosla barhaya. Jab maine tujhe unpe background check karne ko kaha main unse bohot gussa thi! Main jaan na chahti thi aakhir kaun hai yeh Mr.Bajaj, jisne apne aapko iss layak samjha ke woh mere Kakababu ko itna bhala bura keh sakta hai!Main tab bas unhe sabak sikhaana chahti thi". Ved asked,"Aur ab tu kya karna chahti hai? I mean ab toh tere aur Anurag ke beech-". Prerna cut him off,"Baat yaha pe Anurag ki nahi hai Ved. Baat mere Kakababu ki hai. Tujhe pata hai Baba ke jaane ke baad woh Kakababu hi the jinhone ek pita ki kami meri zindgi mein poori ki. Mujhe hamesha support kiya!Yaha tak ki ghar chhorte waqt bhi, apne bete ki jagah unhone mujhe support kiya. Aur unke saath koi aisa kare yeh main bardasht nahi kar sakti!". After a moment's silence Prerna said, "Ved, meri Mr.Bajaj se koi personal dushmani nahi hai. Main unhe koi harm nahi karungi. Lekin unhone kakababu se jaise misbehave kiya..(sighing) he has to answer for that. Aur ab jab mujhe unke baare mein itna kuch pata chal hi gaya hai toh woh apne defense mein kya kehna chahte hai, yeh main zaroor sunna chahungi". There was a silence in the room, when Ved looked at the ceiling and added dramatically sighing,"Chalo kuch toh faida hua mere itne mehnat ka". Prerna giggled at that. Looking at his hands intertwined in hers,"Achcha yeh bata zara June ki garmi mein gloves kaun pehenta hai?"she said removing her own moist hand from his. Taking off his gloves Ved replied,"Oh yeh, actually tere yaha aane se pehle mein ek client ke pati ke office mein kuch dhund raha tha". Prerna enquired,"Toh mil gaya pati ke bewafayi ka saboot?". Ved never discussed any of his cases with Prerna. But still, she knew that he preferred infidelity cases over any other. Once she even asked him the reason behind it, he said it was because of the commission he got from the alimony. But Prerna felt that he did it so that other people didn't get cheated like his own dead mother. It was his own way to honour her memory. Ved nodded ,"Itne mazedaar pictures haath aaye hai mere, I swear maine apni life mein itni funny aur itni disgusting cheez aaj tak nahi dekhi (chuckling). Thank God maine office mein apni hasi ko control kiya warna aaj main pakda jaata.". Prerna smiled,"Toh treat kab de raha hai?".
"Jab mere client ko uski alimony mil jayegi aur mujhe mera commission."Ved replied with relish.
Getting up from the bed he said,"Achcha main chalta hu.". Prerna protested,"Arre, aise kaise dinner toh karke jaa.". Ved shook his head,"Nahi yaar aaj nahi ho payega kal meri aur Mishka ki early morning flight hai Delhi ki.". Concerned, Prerna asked,"Mishka kaisi hai?". Ved replied,"Upset hai. Aur bohot darri hui bhi. Tu bataa mujhe, Mishka ki Ronit ke hostel warden se regularly baat hoti rehti hai, woh Ronit regularly social media pe updates karta rehta hai kya yeh proof kaafi nahi hai ki woh Delhi mein hai?". Ved ran his hand through his hair frustratedly, "Actually galti meri hi hai! Pichhli baar jab Ronit Kolkata aaya tha Mr. Chaubey ke kriya karam ke liye, mujhe tab uske phone ya ghari pe tracker laga dena chahiye tha, at least tab main Mishka ko surety ke saath keh sakta tha ki Ronit Komolika ke saath involved nahi hai.". Prerna patted his back,"Tu chinta mat kar, Ved. Ek baar woh Ronit ko dekhle toh Mishka ko bhi tasalli milegi.". Ved nodded,"Main chalta hu Prerna, tu apna khyaal rakh. Aur Mr. Bajaj ke saath kya hua mujhe batana.". Prerna smiled,"Of course"
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That night after dinner, Veena entered her daughter's room,"Priyu Beta",she called. Her daughter got up from her study table and said smiled at her mother,"Ma, aiyye na.". Patting her hair,"Beta, tu abhi tak soyi nahi?". Prerna smiled,"Haan, Ma. Bas sone hi jaa rahi thi, woh main net pe job vacancies dekh rahi thi.". "Naukri?",Veena asked surprised,"Tu ab naukri karna chahti hai beta?". Prerna nodded,"Haan, Ma.". "Aur kya tere iss faisle ka kaaran Basu Bari mein Mohiniji ne jo kaha woh hai?". Prerna sighed,"Nahi Ma, main waise bhi soch rahi thi job dhundne ka. Main pehle se job karna chahti thi. Lekin Kakimoni ne jo bhi kaha usse mujhe iss baat ka ehsaas hua hai, ke mujhe job ki kitni zaroorat hai.". "Zaroorat?",Veena asked stunned,"Beta, tu abhi ma banne waali hai, main nahi chahti ke tu abhi majboori mein koi kadam uthaye. Aise karne se tere mann pe dabaav parega aur yeh tere aur tere bachche ke sehat ke liye bilkul achcha nahi hai. Waise bhi inn teen mahino mein tere upar bohot kuch beeta hai, upar se tera talaakh bhi hone waala hai, main nahi chahti tujh par aur kissi cheez ka dabaav pare. Ab tujhe bas aaraam karna hai.". Prerna squeezed her mother's hands,"Ma, aap khamakha pareshan ho rahi hai. Aur aise waqt mein naukri karne se meri mushkile barhengi nahi balki aur aasaan ho jayengi. Aur Kakimoni ne jo bhi kaha uss mein ek baat to sahi hai na Ma, ke mujhe iss bachche ki zimmedari uthane ke liye job karna hi parega. Bhaiya already kitna kuch kar rahe hai, main unpe ek aur zimmedari bankar iss ghar mein nahi reh sakti. Agar main iss ghar mein rahungi toh apne saare farz nibhaungi!"Prerna said firmly. Realising that Prerna won't back down,"Woh sab toh theek hai, beta. Lekin tu iss haalat mein roz roz ab naukri dhundne niklegi, aur woh bhi Kolkata ki garmi aur pollution mein aise toh teri tabiyat kharab ho sakti hai.". "Ma!",Prerna lovingly chided her mother,"Aisa kuch nahi hoga, aur waise bhi yeh internet ke zamaane mein koi roz roz naukri dhundne nahi nikalta. Aaj kal online interviews, work from home yeh sab hota hai. Aap woh sab chhoriye! Ab aap jab aa hi gayi hai toh please mere baalon mein thoda tel laga dijiye na Ma?",Prerna asked her mother in a childish voice. Veena smiled. After a long time, her daughter had asked her for something. She motioned at the chair,"Chal baith."Veena said. Pleased to have her request granted, Prerna almost skipped to the chair like a small child and sat down. As Veena started massaging her daughter's head, she felt a deep sense of calm she hadn't experienced ever since her husband died. Her eyes fell on Prerna's reflection in the mirror. Prerna had her eyes closed with a content smile gracing her lips. Wakayi, Veena thought, itne dinon baad Priyu ko yu muskurate huwe dekh kitna achcha lag raha hai. Warna hume toh yaad bhi nahi hai ki pichhli baar humne kab isse aise dekha tha, chaen se muskurate huye. Sirf baaes saal ki umr isne apni zindgi mein kitna kuch dekh liya. Veena raised her eyes heavenwards and made a silent prayer, Hey Bhagwan, ab humari beti ki aur pariksha matt lijiye. Ab bohot hua! Ab iski zindagi mein bas khushiya aur chaen honi chahiye.
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Amazing chapter, it's good to see both of them are ready to fight back unlike kasauti where one falls weak enough to suffer all the pain, n the other gets strong enough to fight back, n thanks for the regular updates!
Originally posted by: briv2468
Amazing chapter, it's good to see both of them are ready to fight back unlike kasauti where one falls weak enough to suffer all the pain, n the other gets strong enough to fight back, n thanks for the regular updates!
Aww. Your welcome. Actually I really have a vision for this story but earlier i didn't have time to write it the lockdown kind of proved to be a boon in disguise for me in that aspect
Hello Everyone! Burak here! So chapter 28 is here. Ideally I should've released it this Friday. But something came up, so I won't be posting anything until next week. So here's the latest update. Do tell me how u like it. Will be looking forward to ur valuable feedback. Stay home stay safe.
Chapter 28: Prerna v/s Rishabh Bajaj
~Next day 10:30 a.m at Taj Bengal hotel~
Mr.Bajaj sat down on the chair of his poolside table, as the waiter served him breakfast. He opened the newspaper. He turned to page three, when Prerna caught his eye. The Basu's Head For A Divorce- the headline read. Underneath the headline, there was a picture of Anurag and Prerna. Oh, toh yeh log finally alag ho rahe hai, Mr.Bajaj thought reading the article, Well, good for Prerna she deserves better. Mr. Bajaj took a bite of the pineapple lying on his plate and again his eyes fell on Prerna- but this time it was the real one. Catching his eye, standing on the other end of the pool was Prerna Sharma in the flesh. Waving at him, she headed towards him. Mr. Bajaj was pleasantly surprised and to his wonder extremely pleased to see her coming his way. As she approached him, he couldn't help noticing her appearance. Prerna was looking resplendent in a burnt orange saree with a sleeveless black blouse. With just a small bindi adorning her forehead, Prerna wore no make up. Not that she needed to, her pregnancy glow more than compensated for it. As Mr. Bajaj saw her walking towards him he thought to himself, I must say Mr.Basu is a really lucky man. Sorry was.He chuckled at his own joke. As Prerna reached his table, he got up and greeted her,"Good morning Mrs.Basu". Mr.Bajaj extended his hand. Prerna took his hand, shaking it she said,"It's Prerna Sharma, Mr.Bajaj". Mr. Bajaj courteously apologized,"Oh, I am so sorry I forgot.". Prerna smiled,"It's ok." He was impressed by how coolly she treated the news of her impending divorce. Any other woman would've been mortified at the stares and murmurs Prerna was getting as she sat down in the chair opposite Mr.Bajaj. Just relax, Prerna pacified her restless heart, yeh sab log jo tumhe ghoor rahe hai, tumhe leke baate kar rahe hai yeh log important nahi hai tumhare liye. Tumhare kakababu important hai tumhare liye, tum aaj yaha unke liye aayi ho, uspe focus karo. Mr. Bajaj's voice caught her attention,"Toh Prerna, kahiye aap yaha kaise?". Prerna smiled at him,"Woh main aapko flowers ke liye thanks kehna chahti thi.". Mr.Bajaj waved his hand away,"Uske liye aapko mujhe thanks kehne ki koi zaroorat nahi, waise aapko flowers achche lage?". Prerna nodded,"Ji, mujhe flowers bohot pasand aaye. In fact, mujhe woh flowers itne achche lage ke iske badle main bhi aapke liye kuch laayi hu.". Curious, Mr.Bajaj asked,"Kya?". Prerna took out a box of packaged mithai and presented it to him. Mr. Bajaj took it from her hands, and looked at the mithai box in wonder,"Ghevar?!",he exclaimed. Prerna replied,"Yeh aapko bohot pasand hai na? Party ki raat bhi maine notice kiya aap isse dekh ke kitna khush ho rahe the.". Mr.Bajaj gave her a childlike smile,"Thank you so much Prerna. Aapko nahi pata aapne aapke iss gift se mujhe kitna khush kiya hai.". Mr. Bajaj opened the box and took a bite of the Rajasthani sweet. "Mmm..it's awesome. Meri Ma bilkul aise hi banati thi, bilkul authentic Rajasthani hai! Aap nahi jaanti main kabse Kolkata mein iss cheez ko dhund raha tha, lekin mujhe mil hi nahi rahi thi.". Prerna agreed,"Haan, aapko yaha pe itni aasaani se yeh nahi milegi- at least authentic dish toh bilkul nahi.". Mr. Bajaj offered her,"Aap lengi?",Mr.Bajaj said."No it's fine.Aap khaiye",Prerna replied. Once he was done, Mr.Bajaj smiled at Prerna. "So,Prerna tell me. Aapne jo mujhe itna achcha surprise diya hai, uske badle main aapke liye kya kar sakta hu? Aur haan, aap mana nahi kar sakti. Yaad rakhiye ga, iss mauke ke liye bohot bade bade businessmen taraste hai!". Prerna smiled at his words,"Soch lijiye Mr. Bajaj, ho sakta hai ki main aapse aisa kuch maanglu jo shayad aap mujhe de nahi payenge?". Mr.Bajaj raised his eyebrows at her, amused"Impossible!". Then Prerna got down to business,"Mr. Bajaj aapne uss din office mere Kakababu ke saath bohot badtameezi se baat ki. He didn't deserve that. I think aapko unse maafi maangni chahiye.". There was a minute's silence in the table when Mr.Bajaj was staring at Prerna, disbelief written all over his face, and then he laughed at her. ". He laughed so hard that people in the neighboring tables started staring at them, making Prerna go red in the face. A moment later, she gathered herself, "Isme itni hasne waali kya baat hai?" she asked firmly. Controlling his laughter, Mr.Bajaj said,"Isme hasne waali baat kya nahi hai, woh mujhe bataiye? Ek toh sabse pehle, aapki family- sorry soon to be ex family ne mujhe cheat karne ki koshish ki, mujhse crucial information chhupake. Maine rightfully uss deal ko roka. In fact, Mr.Moloy Basu ki izzat karke maine Basu Publications ko report nahi kiya. Aur aap mujhse keh rahi hai, ki maine galat kiya, mujhe aap logo se maafi maangni chahiye?Have you lost it?!". Prerna shook her head,"Bilkul nahi, lekin aapne apne pita ke umr ke aadmi ko unke bina kissi galti ke unpe jhoota ilzaam lagaya, unke values unke parvarish pe sawaal uthaya! Aapne galat kiya. Aur iske badle mein mera aapse ek sorry expect galat toh nahi hai na, Mr.Bajaj?". Mr.Bajaj shook his head, and said,"Nahi, galat nahi hota agar aap conveniently yeh nahi bhool jaati ke aapke pati ne mere saath kya karne ki koshish ki thi?". Prerna replied heatedly,"Aapke saath jo hua, woh galat tha main maanti hu. Lekin iska yeh matlab nahi ke aap bina sach jaane iss tarah mere Kakababu ko sabke saamne humiliate karenge!Aapko pata hai aapke wajah se unki tabiyat kitni kharaab huyi thi?". Mr.Bajaj defended himself,"Aur iss liye maine apne secretary ke haathon unke liye fruit basket bhijwaya tha. (Sighing)Par ab lagta hai maine galat kiya...". Puzzled, Prerna asked,"Toh aapne woh flowers aur fruit basket iss liye bheja tha kyuki aapko apne behaviour pe afsos hai?". Mr Bajaj looked at her incredulously,"Bilkul nahi! Maine woh sab sirf apne well wishes convey karne ke liye bhijawaya tha. Mujhe Mr.Basu ke saath apne behaviour par koi afsos nahi hai, kyuki maine kuch galat nahi kiya tha. Balki apne saath galat hone se rok raha tha. Aur rahi baath inn sab mein Mr.Basu ke innocence ki? Toh frankly speaking, agar Mr.Moloy Basu ko yeh tak nahi pata ke unke apne bachche unki apni company kaise chala raha hai toh shayad unhe Basu Publications ke chairman ke post resign kar dena chahiye!".As he said this, Mr.Bajaj watched Prerna closely. She was staring back at him, looking visibly hurt and angry at his words. No matter how much he tried, Mr.Bajaj couldn't hate her for her coming here and defending a man's honour who was(from what he understood) like a father to her. Oddly enough, he could see where she was coming from. If someone had offended his beloved Ma, even he would've been on their case trying to teach them a lesson. But that doesn't mean Prerna would get him to apologise especially for something that was not mistake. He had come to India expecting a fair deal from the Basu's, but they were the ones who tried to cheat him, and now they are going to pay for it. Rishabh Bajaj valued fairness and justice above everything. They were some of the few virtues he could afford to practice in his life and business. Thus, whenever someone tried to take advantage of these qualities of his, he brought them hell. And Mr.Bajaj also felt that he wasn't wrong about what he said about Moloy. Of course, he was well respected in the business world for having a clean reputation. But if he doesn't even know what's going on in his own company that is run by his own children, then maybe it's time he hung his boots. Prerna's voice broke into Mr.Bajaj's thoughts, "Mr.Bajaj, mere Kakababu ek self made man hai. Unhone pichhle tees saalon se Basu Publications ko honesty aur dedication ke saath chalaya hai. As a result, digital media, fake news aur alternate facts ke iss zamane mein jab almost har publication apne readers kho rahi hai, including Daily Blitz jisme- if I am not wrong-aap invest karne waale hai , Basu Publications ki readership din ba din barti jaa rahi hai, sirf iss liye kyuki mere Kakababu ne humesha sach ka saath diya hai. Unhone apne ya apne faide ke liye kabhi koi galat raasta nahi apnaya. Haan, Anurag aur Nivi Di se ek galti huyi jiski sazaa apne unhe de di yeh deal todkar....(trying to control her anger) lekin uss din aapne jo bhi mere Kakababu ke baare kaha woh aapne sahi nahi kiya.... Aur aapko jab itna pata tha ki Basu Publications aur Basu Bari mortgaged hai toh phir aapko yeh baat bhi pata hogi na ke mere kakababu abhi abhi coma se uthe the. Uske baad bhi aapne unhe itni buri tarah se treat kiya..". In the end Prerna's voice broke, as she contemplated on the possibility of the worst happening. Wiping a lone tear from her eye, she questioned the man in front of her,"Agar uss din unhe kuch serious ho jaata toh? Tab bhi aap mujse yeh sab kehte?". Prerna clutched the edge of her chair trying to catch hold of her emotions. Closing her eyes, Prerna took a deep breath trying to calm herself. She had no intention of crying in front of a stranger but these days she was having trouble getting hold of her emotions. So much had happened in the last one month with her near death experience and Komolika's arrest, plus her pregnancy, her emotions were all over the place. She opened her eyes and saw Mr.Bajaj staring at her, concerned. "Aap theek toh hai na?",he asked softly,"I am so sorry, aap mere liye mithai lekar aayi aur maine aapko pani tak offer nahi kiya..excuse me!". Mr.Bajaj called the waiter passing them. The man came in front of them,"Ji sir",the waiter asked courteously. Mr. Bajaj ordered,"Madam ke liye ek lemonade". Prerna intervened,"It's fine, Mr.Bajaj. Mujhe nahi chahiye-". Mr.Bajaj cut her off,"Arre, aap ek baar try to kijiye.Yeh yaha ki speciality hai. Aur waise bhi aap logo ne apne ghar mein meri itni khatirdaari ki, main aapke liye itna toh kar hi sakta hu.". The waiter bowed and left. Mr.Bajaj and his guest sat in silence, each immersed in their own thought, as they waited for the drink. Right now, Mr.Bajaj was experiencing one of those few instances in his life when he was at a complete loss for words, all thanks to this confusing woman sitting in front of him. The more he got to know about Prerna the harder it got for him to figure her out. What does she want from him? And why was she here defending a family she was soon going to leave? Did they send her? That's would make no sense, especially since Mr.Moloy Basu called him this morning to thank him for the flowers and fruit basket. Shayad, Mr.Bajaj contemplated, inhe inke pati ne yaha bheja hoga. Mujhe emotional karke, guilty feel karake mujse wapas deal sign karana chahte hai yeh log. Yahi plan hoga inka, kyuki inhe doosra investor toh milne se raha. Lekin inn sabse Prerna ko kya milega? Yeh toh Anurag ko divorce dene waali hai! God! Inn Basu's ne to mera dimag kharab kar diya hai! Across the table, Prerna sneaked a look at her host. Lost in his own thoughts, Mr.Bajaj was playing with the food in his plate. Yeh aadmi kitna confusing hai, Prerna thought, Kuch der pehle toh aise mujhpe has raha tha, aur kya kaha tha isne mere Kakababu ke baare mein? Ke agar unse company nahi sambhalti toh unhe isteefa dena chahiye! Aur uske baad achanak mere se itne sharafat se pesh aa raha tha, kyun? Shayad...shayad isse darr tha ki main yaha sabke saamne rokar koi scene create kardungi aur iske image pe bura asar parega. Well main abhi iske misunderstanding ko dur karti hu. Prerna started,"Listen, Mr.Bajaj-". Just then the waiter came with the drink. "Please, Prerna drink lijiye",Mr.Bajaj said kindly. Prerna politely accepted the glass and took a sip. Taking another sip, Prerna said appreciatively,"You were right. Yeh wakayi bohot refreshing hai. Thank you Mr.Bajaj.". Mr.Bajaj smiled at her words. Then, he finally got down to business,"Prerna",Mr.Bajaj said,"Main aapki feelings samajta hu. Agar main aapki jaga hota, aur kisine meri ma ko hurt kiya hota toh shayad main bhi aise hi react karta. But Prerna, yeh business hai yaha dil nahi, dimaag se faisle lene hote hai. Yaha pe emotions nahi, facts dekh ke decisions lene padte hai. Main maanta hu, ke aapke pati ke intentions pure the woh bas apni company bachana chahte the, apne dad ki legacy ko bachana chahte the. Lekin anjaane mein hi sahi woh mujhe cheat toh kar rahe the na. Toh maine apne bachaav ke liye agar yeh deal toda to kya galat kiya?". Prerna calmly replied,"Mr.Bajaj main yaha aapse iss baat ka jawab sunne nahi aayi hu ke aapke woh deal kyu toda. Agar aapko lagta hai ke main yaha Basu's ko defend karne aayi hu, toh aap galat samaj rahe hai. Mera aisa koi iraada nahi hai. Aapke saath galat ho raha tha, aur yeh deal todkar aapne bilkul sahi kiya.". Puzzled, Mr.Bajaj asked,"Toh aap yaha kis liye aayi hai Prerna?". Prerna replied simply,"Maine aapse kaha na, aapne jaise mere kakababu se baat kiya woh mujhe theek nahi laga. Main bas iss liye yaha aayi hu, aapko aapki galti ka ehsaas dilane.". "Sirf mujhe apni galti ka ehsaas dilane?",Mr.Bajaj asked skeptically. Prerna replied earnestly,"Haan, Mr.Bajaj, main jaanti hu, ke uss din office mein jo bhi hua shayad woh aapke liye ek mamooli si baat hogi, lekin mere liye woh ek bohot badi baat thi. Deals toh aate jaate rahenge, lekin uss din jo mere Kakababu ke saath hua hai, aur baad mein jo unki tabiyat kharab huyi woh nahi hona chahiye tha. Aapko bina sach jaane, sabke saamne unse aise baat nahi karni chahiye thi". Inke sasural waalon ne inke saath itna kuch kiya aur yeh phir bhi unhe defend kar rahi hai, Mr.Bajaj thought perplexed, I don't believe this! Ho naa ho yaha aane ke peechhe zaroor inka apna koi agenda hai. Mr.Bajaj gave her a long hard look, trying to see if she was hiding something. But he couldn't find anything except the simplicity and honesty reflecting from her eyes. He tried another tack, he said smugly, "Aap mujhe apne father in law ke condition ke liye responsible maanti hai, lekin aap shayad nahi jaanti Prerna ke aaj subah hi aapke father-in-law ne mujhe call kiya, mere bheje huye fruit basket ke liye thanks bolne ke liye. Unhone bohot achche se baat ki mujse. Unke kahe kissi bhi baat mein mujhe mere liye gussa nahi sunai diya. I am sorry to say Prerna par aap apna time waste kar rahi hai, shayad aapke nazro mein main galat hu. Lekin aapke Kakababu ke nazro mein, jinke saath maine (raising his hands in air quotes) allegedly yeh badtameezi ki, woh mujhe galat nahi maante. In fact, phone pe jab maine uss din ka zikr kiya, he told me that he perfectly understands my position.". Mr.Bajaj had expected Prerna to be surprised at his words, embarrassed even but instead she just gave him a serene smile,"Yahi toh mere Kakababu ki khasiyat hai",Prerna said,"Life mein itna kuch achieve karne ke bawajood unn mein ego bilkul bhi nahi hai. Par unhone aapki baaton ka bura nahi maana iska yeh matlab toh nahi ke aapse galti nahi huyi. Galti Anurag aur Nivi Di se huyi thi aapko unhe bhala bura kehna chahiye tha, mere Kakababu ko nahi!", Prerna finished heatedly, leaving Mr.Bajaj stunned at her sudden change in demeanor. "Magar aapne kya kiya?",Prerna asked in an accusatory tone,"Bina unse kuch poochhe, bina kuch jaane aapne sabke saamne unhe beizzat kiya. Agar aapke saath koi aisa karta toh aapko kaisa lagta!". "That enough!",Mr. Bajaj snapped. Rishabh Bajaj finally lost his patience. He had had enough! For almost one hour, he had tried to deal with Prerna patiently, courteously. But not anymore! Whether he was right or wrong to accuse Moloy Basu that day at the office, he couldn't care less! The Basu's were trying to take advantage of him. Period. Everything he did that day, he did it to protect himself. And Prerna? Even if he was wrong who gave her the right to come here and talk to him like this? Whatever little sympathy he felt for her was gone now. "Mrs.Basu",Mr. Bajaj addressed her angrily, completely ignoring her earlier request. As far as he was concerned she was one of them now. Gritting his teeth, Mr.Bajaj continued," Main apne business associates ke saath kya karta hu, unse kaise baat karta hu. That is none of your business!". Prerna was about to protest when he raised a hand silencing her. His eyes were mocking and his tone was lowered in a harsh whisper, "Main jaanta hu aap kya kahengi ke woh aapke Kakababu hai, koi unse aise baat kare aap bardasht nahi karengi! But guess what, Prerna? Nobody cares! Shayad aapke liye Mr.Moloy Basu aur unka parivaar bhagwan honge. Lekin mujhe unse koi lena dena nahi hai! Aur haan! Ek aur baat, jo jaan bujhkar ho usse galti nahi beimaani kehte hai. Aur beimaani ka koi excuse nahi diya jaa sakta! Aapke pati and nanand ne mere saath beimaani karne ki koshish ki! Aur aapke sasur, company ke chairman hone ke bawajood iss cheez anjaan rahe, won unki gair zimmedari thi! Aur Rishabh Bajaj beimaan aur gair zimmedar logo ki izzat nahi karta!". As he finished, Mr. Bajaj waited for Prerna to fight back. He stared at her warily, mentally challenging her to contradict him. But instead of rising to his bait, Prerna leaned back on the chair. She gave him a sad smile,"I am really disappointed in you Mr.Bajaj.",she said," Yeh sach hai ki main aapko theek se nahi jaanti. Lekin humne ek saath jitna bhi time spent kiya hai aur jitna main aapko samaj paayi. Mujhe laga tha, ke aap ek fair aur honest aadmi hai, jisse logo ki pehchaan hai, jo logo ko samajta hai. Main galat thi!". Mr. Bajaj bristled at her words,"Pehli baat toh main ek fair aur honest aadmi hu. Secondly, mujhe logo ki parakh hai, iss liye to aapki family mujhe asaani se cheat nahi kar payi. Thirdly, aap please jo kehna chahti hai saaf saaf kahiye, mere paas aapke riddles ke liye time nahi hai.". Looking at him squarely in the face, Prerna said,"Mr.Bajaj aapko koi haq nahi hai Anurag, Nivi Di ya Kakababu pe ungli uthaane ki jab aapne bhi past mein wohi galti ki jo uss din unhone ki.". Mr.Bajaj said sternly,"Aap mera time waste kar rahi hai. Please point pe aaiye.". Prerna took out a piece of paper from her bag and quietly placed it in front of him. Mr.Bajaj leaned in to see the paper. He winced as he saw the piece of paper. Staring right back at him was a chapter of his past he had spent his hard earned money trying to hide from the world.
What a chapter! the way u wrote their confrontation is brilliant...im really excited to see what's in the paper anyways Mr Bajaj is still getting on my nerves, n I like the way Prerna gave it back to him specially the way she dealt with the whole situation..
Chapter 29: The biography of Mr.Rishabh Bajaj
Looking at him squarely in the face, Prerna said,"Mr.Bajaj aapko koi haq nahi hai Anurag, Nivi Di ya Kakababu pe ungli uthaane ki jab aapne bhi past mein wohi galti ki jo uss din unhone ki.". Mr.Bajaj said sternly,"Aap mera time waste kar rahi hai. Please point pe aaiye.". Prerna took out a piece of paper from her bag and quietly placed it in front of him. Mr.Bajaj leaned in to see the paper. He winced as he saw the piece of paper. Staring right back at him was a chapter of his past he had spent his hard earned money trying to hide from the world. Mr. Bajaj grabbed the paper on the table and read it over and over again. He couldn't believe his eyes! He had gone to great lengths to bury his past how did Prerna manage to get her hands on this? Toh ye iss liye yaha aayi hai, Mr. Bajaj thought angrily, Mujhe blackmail karne ke liye. Prerna's voice broke into his thoughts broke into his thoughts,"Aap kya soch rahe hai Mr.Bajaj? " Putting the paper on the table he said,"Main yeh soch raha hu, main aapke baare mein kitna galat tha. Mujhe aap ek honest aur straightforward insaan lagi thi. Lekin maine kabhi nahi socha tha ke apne kakababu ki izzat ke aar mein, aap yaha mujhe blackmail karne aayi hai?".Prerna shook her head,"Nahi, Mr.Bajaj",she said calmly,"Main yaha aapko blackmail karne nahi aayi.". Mr. Bajaj quirked his eyebrows,"Oh really?!",he scoffed,"Agar aap mujhe yaha blackmail karne nahi aayi toh meri purani chargesheet aapke paas kaise?Pehli baar kissi insaan ko pehchaan ne mein itni galti ki maine". "Haan, woh toh hai!",Prerna replied heatedly,"Aapne mujhe samajne mein galti to ki hai. Aapko sach mein lagta hai ki aapko yaha blackmail karne aayi hu?". Mr. Bajaj replied to her with equal anger,"Aur nahi toh kya! Warna aap mere past ko investigate kyu karti? Of course mujhe blackmail karne ke liye!(pointing at the paper) Iss paper ko thikaane lagane mein maine bohot paise lagaya tha, yeh aapko itni aasani se toh nahi mil sakta?". Inspite of the situation, Prerna felt a surge of pride at Ved's detective skills. I can't believe maine Prerna ko itna galat samjha, Mr.Bajaj thought angrily, I thought she was different! Lekin yeh bhi baaki sab ki tarah nikli selfish aur exploitative! "Mr.Bajaj", Prerna said trying to calm him down,"Mera aapko blackmail karne ka koi iraada nahi tha.". "I don't believe you!",Mr.Bajaj replied agitatedly,"Aur main kyu aapki baaton ko believe karu? Aap jabse yaha aayi hai, aap mujhse jhoot hi bol rahi hai. Pehle aapne yeh kaha ke aap mujhe mere bheje huye flowers ke liye thanks kehne aayi hai, phir aapne kaha ke aap mujhe bas yaha samjhaane aayi hai ke maine uss din aapke father in law ke saath kitna misbehave kiya! Aur uske baad yeh! Frankly speaking, I don't think aap yaha kissi sahi iraade se aayi hai. Aur akele bina kisi ke help ke, yeh information nikalna aapke bas ki baat nahi hai. (reflecting) Ho na ho, iske peechhe zaroor aapke pati ka haath hai. Mujhe yeh chargesheet dikha ke blackmail karna , taaki apna sach chhupaane ke liye main wapas unke saath deal sign karlu, yahi unka plan hai na?". Prerna snapped back,"Pehli baat to Anurag ko pata bhi nahi hai ki yaha aapse yeh sab keh rahi hu. Aur doosri baat, agar Anurag yeh sab actual mein karta bhi toh main usse kabhi support nahi karti. Sirf iss liye nahi, kyuki yeh galat hai. Balki iss liye bji kyuki main nahi chahti ke aapke aur Basu's ke beech koi bhi deal ho.". Her words stunned him for a moment. According to Mr. Gupta, the Basu's were still having trouble find another investor for their company. Almost every negotiation they had with potential investors fell through on its own- Mr.Gupta didn't even have to lift a finger. They were still the Basu's best option. If this was true, then why didn't Prerna want him to invest in Basu Publications? Mr.Bajaj stared at the pool thoughtfully. Finally he realized something. He said reflectively"I see....toh aap Basu Publications ko barbaad karke apne beizzati ka badla lengi. That's very impressive.". Now it was Prerna's turn to look surprised,"Excuse me?". Mr. Bajaj explained,"Aapko pata hai Prerna, uss raat jab main party mein aaya, mujhe darwaza pe hi ek waiter ne rok liya tha. Usne mujse kaha ke main apne cigar ke saath party mein entry nahi le sakta, kyuki aap Ma banne waali hai, aur aapke pati nahi chahte the ke mere smoking se aap par ya aapke bachche par koi bura affect pare. Iss liye uss waiter ne mujhe bohot sharafat se terrace ka rasta dikha diya. Main toh shanti se terrace mein apna cigar enjoy kar raha tha, jab achanak se-". Prerna completed his sentence for him,"-hum sab terrace par aa gaye aur aapne hum sab ki baatein sunli".Prerna was red in the face out of embarrassment,"You should've made your presence known Mr.Bajaj! Iss tarah kissi ke ghar aake, chhup chhupkar unki private baatein sunna is bad manners!". "Aur iss tarah kisipe jasoosi karke unke secrets jaan lena is bad manners too, Mrs.Basu",Mr.Bajaj replied evenly. Prerna opened her mouth to argue but Mr Bajaj beat her to it,"Achcha woh sab chhoriye mujhe bas itna bata dijiye agar aap Basu's se badla lena chahti thi, toh abhi yeh sab natak kyu kiya?". "Mr. Bajaj",Prerna said fighting to maintain her calm,"Mujhe aapko aur Basu's ke deal se iss liye aitraaz nahi, kyuki main Anurag se badla lena chahti hu. Balki mujhe iss liye aitraaz hai kyuki mujhe pata hai ki aapne pehle bhi apne business associates ko dhoka diya hai. Unke companies mein hostile takeover kiya, aur phir unhi ki companies, jaha pe pehle woh Malik hua karte the, aapne unhe mamuli employees banakar chhor diya!".Mr. Bajaj chuckled at her outburst,"Lagta hai aap mujhpe theses likhne waali hai iss liye itna research kiya hai. Lekin aapke research mein ek important information missing hai: jin logo ke saath maine aisa kiya hai, unhone mujhe double cross karne ki koshish ki thi. Sign kiye hue Contract ke terms ko violate karne ki koshish ki thi, mujhe destroy karne ki koshish ki thi. Maine toh bas unhe unke kiye ki sazaa di thi. Waise Prerna logo ko sazaa dene se yaad aaya. Aap mere embezzlement waali secret konse publication ke paas le jayengi? Not Basu Publications I hope. Kyuki agar aapne aisa kiya toh main bhi palat kar ye keh sakta hu, ke aap logo ke saath deal nahi karne ki wajah se mujhse badla lene ke liye aap log mere baare mein jhoote rumours phela rahe hai. I am sure woh aapke Kakababu aur unke image ke liye bilkul achcha nahi hoga.". Even as he kept up his careless facade, the wheels in Mr.Bajaj's mind started churning. Mujhe immediately Mr.Gupta ko phone karna hoga damage control ke liye, hume jald jald iss news ko discredit karna hoga he thought. Maintaining his mocking smile, he continued to goad her,"Kya baat hai Prerna aap itni shant kyu hai? Newspaper decide nahi kar pa rahi hai kya?". Realising that he will not believe her unless she made her stand clear, an idea came to Prerna's head. Prerna shook her head,"Actually",she started,"Maine decide kar liya hai ki main aapke iss secret ko kaha le jaungi Mr.Bajaj".
"Oh really",Mr.Bajaj asked sardonically although his heart skipped a beat at thought of his scandal washing away his years of hardwork and goodwill. Prerna smiled at him. Without saying anything she took the paper lying on table and tore it! Mr.Bajaj's mocking smile dropped as he watched Prerna. For the first time, his true feelings of shock and disbelief written on his face. Prerna dumped the small bits of paper in her glass of lemonade. Leaning back on her chair, Prerna watched Mr.Bajaj, who sat frozen in his place. His gaze still fixed on the glass. "Mera iraada aapko barbaad karne ka bilkul bhi nahi tha Mr.Bajaj. Main bas yaha aapko apne galti ka ehsaas dilaane aayi thi",Prerna said earnestly. Mr.Bajaj looked up at her and perhaps for the first time, he believed in the honesty that was reflecting from her eyes. Answering his quizzical look, Prerna continued, "Mera aapko barbaad karne ke koi bhi intention nahi tha. Na tab jab maine yeh suna ki aapne mere Kakababu se kitne badtameezi se baat ki. Na tab jab maine apne dost se aap par information nikaalne ko kaha tha. Aur naa hi tab, jab mujhe pata chala ke aap gyaraah saal pehle aap embezzlement ke case mein jail gaye the.". "Aap mujse kya chahti hai Prerna?",Mr.Bajaj asked quietly. His face devoid of expression. He had finally stopped guessing the reason this woman's visit who confuses him every minute. Prerna replied,"Yahi ke aap apni galti realise kare. Mere Kakababu ek bohot achche insaan. Unka dil bohot saaf hai, unhone toh abhi tak aapko maaf bhi kar diya hoga. Lekin kya hai na Mr.Bajaj",Prerna said, gazing reflectively at the pool, "karwe shabd maaf kiye jaa sakte hai par bhulaaye nahi jaa sakte. Woh nazar toh nahi aate lekin phir bhi unn mein itni taakat hoti hai ke woh aapke dil aur aapke hoslon ke tukde tukde karde. Main nahi chahti ke mere Kakababu ke saath bhi waisa hi ho". As Prerna finished, her eyes lost in the pool. Mr.Bajaj watched her closely. She didn't have to say it but he understood that one of the reasons why she was so adamant that he apologise to Moloy was that she empathized with him. After all had she not gone through the same thing- if not worse when the man she loved publicly humiliated her. That moment in a very long time, Rishabh Bajaj felt sympathy for someone. Wakayi, Mr Bajaj thought to himself, inke pati ne inhe bohot hurt kiya hoga jisse woh abhi tak bhula nahi paa rahi hai. Prerna's voice broke into his thoughts,"I am sure aap yeh jaan na chahenge ke agar main aapko badnaam ya blackmail nahi karna chahti thi, toh phir maine kyu aapke past ke baare mein enquiry ki, hai na?". Mr.Bajaj nodded,"Haan",he replied,"Agar aapki jagah koi aur hota, ya main bhi hota toh(he added sheepishly) iss mauke ka faida zaroor utha ta. Lekin aapne aisa nahi kiya, kyu?". Prerna leaned back against the chair and sighed,"Kyuki mera dil mujhe iski ijaazat nahi de raha tha",she replied simply. Watching his stunned expression, she smiled,"Main aapka shock samajti hu, aap high society ke log humesha apne faisle faida-nuksaan sochkar apne dimaag se lete hai. Chahti toh main bhi aapke secret ko press mein leak kar sakti thi ya aapko blackmail kar sakti thi. Magar usse kya hota? Haan, aapki image destroy hoti, ya shayad blackmail ho kar aap Basu Publications ke saath deal sign kar dete ya mere Kakababu se maafi maang lete. Lekin woh aapke saath galat hota. Aur main kabhi galat ka saath nahi deti Mr.Bajaj.". Confused, Mr.Bajaj asked,"Toh phir aapne mujhe meri purani chargesheet kyu dikhayi? Usse aapko kya mila?". Prerna answered,"Maine aapko aapki purani chargesheet iss liye dikhayi kyuki main chahti thi ke aap samjhe ke Anurag aur Nivi Di ne yeh sab sirf apne Baba ke liye, unki zindagi bhar ki mehnat, unki legacy ko bachane ke liye kiya. Theek jaise aapne apni Maa ke liye company se paise churaye the". Mr. Bajaj was about to lift a cup of tea to his mouth when his hand stopped mid air on hearing her words. Putting the cup on his table he looked up at her, shock written all over his face."Yeh aapko kaise pata?",he asked startled. Even in the long hours of interrogation with the London police, he dared not reveal that he had sent the stolen money to India to his mother, for the fear that they might drag her into all this. Instead he told them that he had gambled it all away. "Mr.Bajaj",Prerna said,"Mere dost Ved ne aap par saari information nikaali. Usne yeh pata kiya ke London Business School se MBA karne ke baad aapne Smith & Carrie's naam ke ek firm mein internship kiya. Waha ek saal complete karne ke baad unn logo ne aapko permanently hire kar diya. Aapke appoint hone ke ek saal baad aap arrest ho gaye embezzlement ke case mein. Aapko London ke jail mein teen saalon ki sazaa huyi. Jail se nikalne ke baad aapne apna business start Kiya. Jab aapke paise huye aapka naam hua tab aapne apne paise aur power ka istemaal karke iss embezzlement aur jail waali baat ko dafna diya. Aapki official website ke hisaab se aap apne internship ke baad India chale gaye aapni bimaar Ma ka khayal rakhne, aur unki death ke baad aap wapas UK chale aaye. Magar sach toh yeh hai aapke Smith & Carrie's mein permanently join karne ke baad aapki Ma ka accident ho gaya. Woh bohot serious thi unhe constantly life support mein rakhna parta tha. Aur aapke arrest hone ke do mahine baad hi unki death ho gayi....woh paise aapne apni Ma ke treatment ke liye churaye the hai na Mr.Bajaj?". "Haan",Mr.Bajaj whispered his eyes shining with unshed tears.
Precap: "Tum Yahaa?",Prerna asked surprised. "Prerna, yeh rahe humare divorce papers",Anurag said, stony faced.
Chapter 30: Anurag asks for a job
Recap: Aapki official biography ke hisaab se aap apne internship ke baad India chale gaye aapni bimaar Ma ka khayal rakhne, aur unki death ke baad aap wapas UK chale aaye. Magar sach toh yeh hai aapke Smith & Carrie's mein permanently join karne ke baad aapki Ma ka accident ho gaya. Woh bohot serious thi unhe constantly life support mein rakhna parta tha. Aur aapke arrest hone ke do mahine baad hi unki death ho gayi....woh paise aapne apni Ma ke treatment ke liye churaye the na Mr.Bajaj?". "Haan",Mr.Bajaj whispered his eyes shining with unshed tears.
Prerna sighed,"Aur",she continued,"Jab aap ko jail huyi tab aap unke hospital bills waqt pe nahi bhar paaye. Aur aapke conviction ke do mahine baad unki maut ho gayi.". Wiping a lone tear from his eye, in a fake upbeat voice Mr.Bajaj said,"Maan na parega aapke detective ko, woh bohot hi talented hai. Ho sake toh uska number de dijiyega mujhe mere due diligence team mein aise logo ki bohot zaroorat hai.". "Mera iraada aapke purane zakhmo ko phir se haraa karna nahi tha Mr.Bajaj",Prerna said guiltily,"Main bas chahti thi ke aap ek baar khudko Anurag aur Nivi Di ki jagah rakh kar dekhe. I am sorry agar maine aapko hurt kiya ho toh.". Mr.Bajaj waved his hand,"No Prerna",he said earnestly,"It's fine. Main jaanta hu ke main aapke liye ek practical aur heartless businessman hu. Jo ki main hu! I won't apologise for it. Lekin main patthar dil bhi nahi hu, main logo ki emotions ko samajta hu. Shayad main pehle sirf jaanta tha ki Mr.Basu and Mrs. Sengupta ne yeh kyu kiya. Lekin aaj(sighing) apni Ma ke baare mein sochkar main finally yeh samaj paaya ki unhone yeh kis liye kiya. Aur haan, aapne sahi kaha tha I do owe an apology to Mr.Moloy Basu. Mujhe bina unse koi explanation sune unse waise baat nahi karni chahiye thi". Prerna smiled gratefully,"Thank you Mr.Bajaj mujhe samajne ke liye.Achcha toh main chalti hu, drink ke liye thanks.".Saying this she got up when Mr.Bajaj stopped her "Ek second, Prerna", he said. Getting up from his place, he said,"Agar aap bura naa maane toh kya main aapse kuch maang sakta hu". Surprised Prerna replied,"Haan, zaroor.". "Aapne mujhpe jo bhi information nikaala hai kya aap woh please mujhe de sakti hai?",Mr.Bajaj requested. "Mr.Bajaj I assure you, uss file mein aisa aur kuch nahi hai jisse aapko nuksaan pohoche". Mr.Bajaj smiled,"Mujhe pata hai Prerna, aur agar hoga bhi toh usse aap misuse nahi karengi. Itna trust toh main aap par kar sakta hu yeh mujhe pata hai. Lekin, aur bohot log hai jo mere past ke baare jaan na chahte hai, mere business rivals jo mujhe harane ke liye kissi bhi hadd tak jaa sakte hai. Jitna aapko mere baare mein pata hai, utna kissi ko nahi pata. Aur main nahi chahta ki aur kissi ko bhi pata chale. Iss liye mera yeh jaan na bohot zaroori hai aapko aur kya kya pata hai mere baare mein.". Prerna nodded,"Theek hai, Mr.Bajaj. Aap chinta mat kijiye main aapko woh file de dungi. Waise...kya main aapse ek request kar sakti hu?". "Haan. Kahiye?",Mr.Bajaj asked. "Mr.Bajaj main nahi chahti ke humari iss meeting ke baare mein kissi ko bhi pata chale, Basu's ko bhi nahi.". Mr.Bajaj sighed,"Achcha theek hai." he said,"Agar aap yahi chahti hai toh main aisa hi karunga." Prerna smiled gratefully and left. As he watched her go, Mr Bajaj smiled. Prerna wakayi ek bohot special ladki hai, Mr.Bajaj thought, Main ek ajnabi hu, maine uske father in law ke saath kitna bura bartaav kiya lekin phir bhi usne mere emotions ko samjha, mujhe kissi problem mein nahi daala. She's truly a gem of a person. I like her.
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On her way home in the taxi, Prerna thought of her meeting with Mr.Bajaj. Wakayi, Prerna thought in wonder, Maine kabhi nahi socha tha ke Mr.Bajaj , jinhe main kal tak itna selfish aur arrogant maanti thi, unhone apni Ma ke liye itna bada risk liya. Woh unke treatment ke liye jail tak chale gaye...kaash unki Ma theek ho jaati toh shayad unka sacrifice yun zaaya nahi hota. The taxi halted in front of Sharma Niwas. As Prerna got out of the car, she was surprised to see Anurag's car parked right in front. Anurag yaha? Prerna thought confused, Usne toh mujhe aane se pehle inform bhi nahi kiya. Kya chahiye hoga usse? As Prerna entered the house she saw Anurag sitting in her living room with Shivani and Mahesh. Prerna's husband's eyes fell on her the moment she entered the house. He got up from his seat as she approached him. "Anurag",she addressed him curtly,"Tum yaha kaise?". If her cold and to the point behaviour wounded Anurag he didn't let it show on his face. "Prerna",he addressed her in an equally cold and formal tone,"Main yaha ek important kaam ke liye aaya hoon.". "Arre! Koi hai", a voice called from outside. It was Veena's. "Zara yeh saaman uthane mein meri madad karo",she yelled. Shivani and Mahesh rushed outside to help their mother. A few minutes later Mahesh entered the house with bags in hand and Veena and Shivani behind him."Kasam se beta aaj itni bheer thi bazaar mein",Veena was telling Shivani as both mother and daughter entered the house. Veena's eyes fell on Prerna,"Arre Priyu?!" she said,"Tu kab aayi beta ? Aur tera interview kaise tha?". "Kya? Interview?",a surprised Anurag asked from behind. "Oh, Anurag beta tum yaha? Woh...maaf karna humne tumhe dekha nahi.", Veena said embarrassed. Prerna bit her lip, she had lied to Veena about the job interview because Prerna didn't think her mother would approve of her interfering in the Basu's business matter behind their backs. "Kya hua Prerna? Interview kaisa tha tumhara?",Anurag asked softly. Prerna shifted uncomfortably,"Woh..",she hesitated,"Unn logo ko koi experienced employee chahiye tha. Iss liye nahi hua mera.". Veena came close and cupped her cheek,"Beta, tu chinta matt kar. Main bhagwan se prarthna karungi dekhna tujhe ek achchi naukri bohot jald milegi.". Prerna smiled and nodded,"Haan, Ma.". Veena turned to Anurag and said,"Beta, tum chai loge?". Anurag shook his head,"Aaj nahi Veena Aunty, aaj thoda jaldi mein hu. (Looking at Prerna) Aaj main yaha ek zaroori kaam se aaya hu.". Surprised, Prerna asked,"Kaisa zaroori kaam?". Anurag came forward and stopped in his steps as he faced her. He reached for his pocket and took out an envelope and offered it to Prerna,"Yeh lo",he said"Humare divorce papers, maine already sign kar diya hai. Next week civil court mein hearing hai.". Hearing his words, Prerna's heart skipped a beat."Oh",she said weakly,"Itni jaldi date nikal gayi.". Anurag replied,"Haan, kya hua? Tumhe aur time chahiye kya sochne ke liye?".
"Nahi.",Prerna said firmly,"Mujhe divorce chahiye.". "Fine",Anurag replied coldly,"In that case, I'll see you in court, Ms. Prerna Sharma". Saying this, Anurag walked out of Sharma Niwas. Watching him leave, a frustrated and angry Prerna stormed upstairs towards her room.
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~Boys hostel, Delhi~
Ved and Mishka stood outside the Ronit's hostel. "Mishka, tumne apne bhai ko bataya nahi ke hum Delhi aa rahe hai usse milne?",Ved asked her. Mishka shook her head,"Nahi",she said,"Kyuki main yeh dekhna chahti thi ke woh sach mein Komolika ke saath involved hai ya nahi. Agar woh wakayi Komolika ke saath involved hai toh woh abhi Kolkata mein hoga, Didu ki case mein madad kar raha hoga. Iss liye maine usse humare aane ki khabar nahi dee.(taking out her phone)Main abhi usse call karti hu.....Hello, Ronit? Kaise ho? Actually main aur Ved Delhi aaye hai kuch kaam se, maine socha iss hi bahane main tumse mil leti ho. Tum lunch ke liye free ho? Haan, of course bill hum denge. Theek hai, toh phir ek ghante ke baad main aur Ved tumhe college se pick kar lenge. Bye.". "Toh kya kaha saale sahab ne?",Ved asked curiously. "Woh keh raha tha ki woh humare saath lunch karega magar uski shart hai ke hum lunch ka bill dey.". Ved raised his eyebrows,"Kya? Itne mein hi woh maan gaya? I thought apne dad ke khilaaf jaane ke liye woh abhi bhi tumse naaraaz hai.". "I know.",Mishka agreed,"Mujhe bhi yahi lagaa tha, but it's a good sign na ke ab woh mujse baat karne ko taiyaar hai. Ho sakta hai ki main usse Komolika ko support karne se rok saku.". "Hmm",Ved said thoughtfully,"I guess its a good sign.". Although in his professional opinion, Ronit agreeing to talk to them without having to be convinced didn't seem like a good sign at all. It went against his vindictive and arrogant character. Thus, he was convinced now that Ronit Chaubey needed to be watched.
An hour later, Ved and Mishka stood outside Ronit's college building waiting for him. "Woh raha Ronit!",came Mishka's excited squeal. Sure enough, leaving the building was the youngest Chaubey sibling. Ronit Chaubey shot a small smile at his sister, which quickly faded one he saw the lanky, bespectacled man standing next to her. As he approached them, Mishka quickly hugged him and said,"Ronit, kaise ho tum?". Ronit hugged her back and said,"Main toh theek hu, Mishka? Tum apna bataao? Tumhara website kab launch hoga?". Mishka replied,"Bas agle mahine hi, I am so excited I can't tell you ke main-". Mishka halted when Ronit passed her and walked towards Ved. Stopping in his steps he stood right in front of Ved,"Karan Sinha? Oh sorry! Ved Banerjee? No wait! Ved Mukherjee?". "It's Ved Roy",Ved said looking at him squarely in the eye. Ronit chuckled and said," Pakka na? If you don't mind kya main tumhara Aadhaar card dekh sakta hu? Don't mind, woh kya hai na, tumne hum sabko itne saare jhoot bole hai ke ab tumhare kissi bhi baat par vishwaas karna mushkil ho raha hai." Mishka reprimanded him,"Ronit, that's enough. Hum yaha tumse jhagra karne nahi aaye hai.". Ronit turned on her ,"Toh tum kis liye aayi ho yaha? Don't tell me ke tum mujhe miss kar rahi thi, 'cause tum itna achcha jhoot nahi bol sakti". "Ronit, aisa nahi hai!", Mishka pleaded. "Look Mish!-",Ronit started. Just then they were interrupted by another student. "Hi Ronit",the boy called. Ronit turned around and greeted,"Hi, Soham. Kaisa hai? Itne din college nahi aaya, all good?". The boy smiled,"Haan, yaar woh behen ke roka ceremony ke liye mujhe Nagpur jaana para. Achcha sun, tere paas last week ke Bakshi sir ke class ke notes honge kya?Mujhe de sakta hai, please?". Ronit nodded and reached for his bag. The boy smiled gratefully as Ronit handed him his notebook."Thanks, yaar",the boy said and left. After the boy left, Ronit turned around only to find Ved and Mishka staring at him. Mishka had a look of relief on her face, while Ved watched him with a confused and calculating stare. Ronit cleared his throat,"Agar tum logo ka ho gaya ho to kya hum please lunch karne ja sakte hai, mujhe bohot bhook lagi hai.". Ved narrowed his eyes, saying"Of course, saale sahab."
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~Basu Publications~
Moloy Basu was working on his laptop when he heard a knock. "Come in",he commanded. Anurag entered his father's cabin and took a seat and sighed. "Onu, beta, kya hua?",Moloy asked. "Baba main Prerna ko divorce papers de kar aaya",he said,"Next week hearing hai.". Moloy frowned,"Kya tu abhi bhi Mr.Mukherjee ki advice follow karega?". Anurag shrugged,"Mere paas aur option hi kya hai? Main toh waise bhi uski nazro mein bura hu. At least iss baar main khud kuch karke bura banunga uski nazro mein". Moloy warned,"Be careful beta. Aisa kuch matt karna jisse Prerna ya tumhara rishta aur bhi bigad jaaye.". Anurag came to the point,"Baba",he said,"Main chahta hu ke aap Prerna ko uski purani job wapas de de.". Moloy was surprised at his request,"Onu",he said,"Beta agar tu Prerna ko wapas laane ke liye-". Anurag cut him off,"Nahi Baba, yeh mere liye nahi, yeh main uske liye kar raha hu. Prerna ka aaj ek interview tha, unn logo ne usse lack of experience ke wajah se nahi rakha. Baba, main nahi chahta ke Prerna iss haalat mein job dhundne ke liye struggle kare! Waise bhi aane waala hafto mein bohot kuch hone waala hai, upar se job ki tension? Nahi Baba. Aap please usse uski pehle waali job wapas de dijiye.". Moloy said,"Onu, mujhe Prerna ko woh job dene mein koi dikkat nahi hai. Lekin kya woh yeh job accept karegi?Usse yeh nahi lagega ke tumhare kehne par main usse yeh job de raha hu.". Anurag said,"Toh aap usse galat saabit kijiye. Waise bhi Baba aapko bhi ek assistant ki zaroorat hai, Prerna ko job ki. Aap dono ki bonding bhi achchi hai, woh aapki secretary bhi reh chuki hai. Toh aap usse hi wapas job mein kyu nahi rakhte?". "Lekin kya woh comfortable hogi, tumhare saath ek hi office mein? Onu, this is my workplace, mujhe yaha professionalism ke alaava aur kuch nahi chahiye.",Moloy said firmly. Anurag ran his hands through his hair frustration,"Baba, I promise you, main aisa kuch nahi karunga jisse Prerna ya office ke employees uncomfortable ho. Lekin job ki baat aapko hi usse karni paregi, kyuki humare past ki wajah se woh saamne se chalkar aapse job nahi maangne waali. Aur abhi usse job ki bohot zaroorat hai. Toh please Baba aap usse baat karenge na?". Moloy studied Anurag. With Prerna's departure, his son was getting impatient with every passing day. God knows when will both his children find peace and happiness. Finally Moloy gave a defeated sigh,"Achcha beta",he said,"Main Prerna se baat karunga job ke liye". Smiling Anurag got up from his place,"Thanks Baba!You are the best!",he said.
Precap:Prerna stood on the Howrah bridge . Tears rolled down her eyes as a sense of despair and hopelessness engulfed her
Hi guys! It's burak here. I know it's been ages but what to do? Very Bad Net. But nonetheless I'll try to regularly update coz the story is getting really interesting and fast paced from here btw Ronit is back. Do let me know how u guys like him here. Happy reading
Part 31.1 That Afternoon
~Evening at Sharma Niwas~
The ladies of the Sharma house were sitting around the coffee table and sipping their evening tea, when Moloy Basu knocked at their door saying,"Veena Bhabi? Kya main andar aa sakta hu?". Veena quickly got up and said,"Arre! Moloy bhaisaab aiyye na.". Moloy smiled and entered the house. Prerna came forward and greeted her kakababu,"Kaise hai aap, Kakababu?",she said touching his feet. Patting her head, Moloy replied,"Main bilkul theek hui beta, tu kaisi hai?". "Main theek hu",Prerna replied,"Baithiye na.". "Bhaisaab",Veena said,"Aap yaha baithke Priyu se baatein kijiye, main aur Suman tab tak aapke liye chai aur naashte ka intezaam karte hai.". Saying this Veena, followed by Suman headed to the kitchen. "Aap nahi jaante kakababu ke aapke yaha aane se mujhe kitni khushi huyi hai.",Prerna said. Moloy nodded,"Mujhe bhi beta, lekin aaj main yaha tujse ek important baat karne aaya hu.". Prerna frowned,"Kaisi important baat, kakababu?". Moloy answered,"Beta, main chahta hu ke tu wapas mera office join kare meri assistant ke post mein.". Hearing this Prerna remained silent for a while, until she said,"Aapko Anurag ne kaha hai na yeh karne ke liye.". Moloy had anticipated this. "Haan, beta",replied Moloy honestly,"Lekin main yeh sirf uske kehne pe nahi kar raha hu, mujhe wakayi ek assistant ki zaroorat hai aur tu pehle bhi meri assistant reh chuki hai, aur tune bohot achcha kaam kiya tha. Toh ab wapas mere saath kaam karne mein problem kya hai?". Prerna sighed saying,"Koi problem nahi hai, kakababu siwaaye iske ke uss office mein Anurag bhi hoga. Aur office mein baar baar ek dusre se takraate rahenge aur hum humare personal ko apne professional life se alag nahi rakh payenge. ". Moloy assured her,"Nahi beta, aisa kuch nahi hoga. Maine Onu se baat kiya hai usne kaha ke woh aisa kuch nahi karega office mein jisse tujhe uncomfortable feel ho.". Prerna replied,"Woh main jaanti hu, Kakababu lekin uss office mein koi mujhe mere kaam ki wajah se nahi jaanega, sab mujhe Anurag ki ex ke naam se jaanenge. Mere kaam mein waha koi interested nahi hoga, aur sabko lagega ki main uss office mein humare rishte ki wajah se naa ki apni kabiliyat ke wajah se. Aur yeh main accept nahi kar sakti". Veena and Suman came to the drawing room carrying trays filled with tea and snacks. "Bhaisaab chai",said Veena as she handed him the tea. Sitting down next to Prerna she said,"Waise kya baatein ho rahi hai baap beti ki beech mein?". Moloy said,"Arre kuch nahi bhabi main toh bas isse keh raha tha ke aaj kal office mein itna workload zyada ho gaya hai, ke main akele aur handle nahi kar paa raha toh yeh meri thodi help karde" Veena looked towards Prerna,who shifted uncomfortably."Kakababu, I am so sorry",Prerna said guiltily,"Lekin abhi main chahkar bhi aapki help nahi kar sakti. Kakababu, main jaanti hu ke aap mujse bohot pyaar karte hai aur aap mujhe takleef mein nahi dekh sakte. Main yeh bhi jaanti hu ke inn haalaato, mere lack of qualifications ke wajah se, itne tough economy mein mere liye job dhundna bohot mushkil hoga. Lekin agar aise ghar aakar aap yun bina maange mujhe meri purani job lauta denge, aur agar main isse accept karungi toh mera khud par se vishwas uth jaayega. Main phir kabhi bhi khud se kuch kar nahi paungi, na apne bachche ke liye aur na apne parivaar ke liye. Aur iss baat se mere atma samman ko bohot tthes pohochegi. Iss liye kakababu(folding her hands) mujhe maaf kijiye par main yeh job nahi kar paaungi.I am so sorry.". Moloy took Prerna's folded hands in his,"Arre? yeh tu kya keh rahi hai, beta?",he said,"Tu ek bohot hi kaabil ladki hai, aur yeh baat hum sab jaante hai. Tune akele hum sabko uss Komolika se bachaya hai. Beta tu bohot kaabil hai. Agar tujhe iss baat ka darr hai ke teri parhayi chhoot gayi iss liye tujh mein koi kami hai, toh tu wapas apni parhayi start kar main tera saath dunga!". Prerna smiled wistfully,"Nahi kakababu",she said,"Mere liye mere college ke sapne mere Baba ke saath hi khatam ho gaye the. Waise bhi main MBA karna chahti thi taaki main apne Baba ko ek comfortable retirement de saku. Ab jab Baba hi nahi rahe toh phir mere wapas se MBA karne ka kya matlab? Main ab job hi karungi. Apni aur apne bachche ki zimmedari main khud uthaungi, aur woh bhi apni mehnat se.". Realising that Prerna won't budge, Moloy conceded,"Theek hai, beta. Agar teri yahi marzi hai toh main kya kar sakta hu? Main bhagwan se yahi prarthna karunga ke tujhe jald hi ek achchi si job mil jaaye, aur tere dil ki saari murad puri jo jaaye.". Prerna replied gratefully,"Thanks Kakababu, mujhe samajhne ke liye."
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~Two days later~
"Come on, Prerna you can do it", Prerna told herself as she stepped out of her home second day in a row to look for a job. Yesterday she gave three walk-in interviews but all of them turned out to be a miss, all of them cited her lack of experience as a reason for the rejection. Today, she had two more. Don't worry baby, Prerna whispered as she lovingly caressed her belly, Itne bade Kolkata sheher I am sure koi toh aisa hoga jo aapki Mamma ko ek chance zaroor dega. Waving her hand, Prerna hailed an auto and headed off to the location of her first interview.
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~Basu Bari~
The Basu family had just finished their breakfast when Rivu Da came to the table and announced,"Boudi, Dada se milne Mr.Bajaj aaye hai.". Surprised, the Basu's looked at each other. "Mr.Bajaj?", Nivedita said confused,"Woh yaha kyu aaye hai?". "Woh toh unse milkar hi pata chalega hume. Unhe andar le aao, Rivu Da",Anurag said. Mohini bristled,"Itna kuch hone ke baad uss aadmi ki itni himmat humare ghar aane ki?". Moloy put his hand on Mohini's "Calm down, Shona",he said,"Mr.Bajaj yaha zaroor kissi important kaam se aaye honge. We must hear him out.". Led by Rivu Da, Mr.Rishabh Bajaj entered Basu Bari. Seeing him, Anurag balled his fists as he was once again reminded of that fateful day, when the man is front of him humiliated his beloved father, questioned him in front of his own staff. "Welcome Mr. Bajaj", Moloy said politely,"Aap please baithiye". Mr. Bajaj sat down on the sofa, and the Basu's followed suit. "Well, Mr.Bajaj",Mohini said with gritted teeth,"Aap yaha kaise? Uss din office mein kya aapka kuch kehna baaki reh gaya tha jo aaj aap yaha aa gaye humare beizzati karne?". "Mohini",Moloy gently warned his wife. "Bataiye, Mr.Bajaj kaise aana hua?". Mr. Bajaj looked down at his feet hesitating. He was unfair to Moloy that day he knew that now, and he wasn't afraid to apologise for his mistake. But going by Mrs. Mohini Basu and her son's angry expressions he was worried that they might create a scene. "Mr.Bajaj", Moloy called him,"Yeh aap kaha kho gaye?". Mr.Bajaj looked up. His eyes met Moloy's. To his surprise there was no hint of anger or resentment in his overall demeanor. On the contrary he appeared to be welcoming and polite. Mr. Bajaj cleared his throat,"Actually, Mr.Basu",he started,"Uss din, aapke office mein jo bhi hua mujhe uska bohot afsos hai, I am really sorry maine aapse bohot galat tarike se baat kiya, mujhe aisa nahi karna chahiye tha.". His words were met with stunned silence. Wow! Nivedita thought surprised, That's great! It means Mr.Bajaj ab wapas humare saath deal sign karenge. Finally! Ab hume investors dhundne nahi parenge!". Moloy was the first to speak out,"Dekhiye Mr.Bajaj uss din jo bhi hua uska mujhe bhi afsos hai, lekin I have to say this: Uss din aapke saath galat ho raha tha, naturally aapko bura laga aur aapne uska protest kiya. Meri nazro mein aapne kuch galat nahi kiya, toh aapko maafi maangne ki koi zaroorat nahi.". Mr.Bajaj smiled at him,"I must say Mr.Basu aap ek bohot achche insaan hai, aur bohot fair bhi. Aap jaise log business world mein bohot kam dekhne ko milte hai. And I agree with you crucial information chhupake aap logo ne mere saath galat kiya tha.". "Toh phir aap yaha kyu aaye hai Mr.Bajaj?",Anurag asked. Mr.Bajaj replied,"Let me be clear Mr.Basu mujhe aap logo ke saath yeh deal todne ka koi regret nahi hai, lekin deal todte waqt maine jo sab aapke father se kaha mujhe uska regret hai. Yeh deal aap aur aapki sister handle kar rahi thi, aapke dad iss mein involved nahi the toh mera unhe bhala bura kehna sahi nahi tha.(looking at Moloy) Iss liye main aaj yaha aapse maafi maangne aaya hu.". Mohini retorted angrily,"Mr.Bajaj aapne uss din office mein Moloy ko unke hi staff aur colleagues ke saamne itna humiliate kiya. Uss din aapki baaton se mere pati bohot hurt huye the. Did you know aapke jaane ke baad unki kitni tabiyat kharab huyi thi? Hum sab kitna darr gaye the unke liye! Aur aaj aap yaha ek sorry bolkar yeh jataane aaye hai ke aap kitne maahaan hai! Unbelievable!". Mr.Bajaj was about to defend himself when Moloy defended him,"Mohini,",Moloy said placing his hand on hers,"Calm down, uss din jo bhi hua usme Mr.Bajaj ki koi galti nahi thi. (Casting a stern eye towards Nivedita) Unhone hum par bharosa kiya tha, aur humne unka bharosa thoda tha. Toh zaahir si baat hai, unhe gussa toh ayega hi na? Haan...unki baato ne mujhe bohot hurt kiya, lekin uski wajah se meri tabiyat kharab nahi huyi thi. (Giving a sideways glance to Anurag who looked down embarrassed) Mere bachcho ne jo kiya uske dukh se meri tabiyat kharab huyi thi. Mr.Bajaj aapko uss din ke liye guilty feel karne ki koi zaroorat nahi. Maine toh uss din aapko hi maaf kar diya tha.". Mr.Bajaj smiled at his words feeling light hearted Prerna sahi kehti hai, he thought, Mr.Basu ka dil wakayi bohot bada hai. Mr Bajaj got up from his place and said,"Achcha then, Mr.Basu ab main chalta hu". Moloy also got up from his place and said,"Arre! Aise kaise?Aap kuch lenge nahi?". Mr.Bajaj shook his head,"No, Mr.Basu thank you very much.Lekin ab main chalta hu. Have a nice day."
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~1 p.m Mainland China, Delhi~
Ronit took a huge bite out of the chicken and stuffed the hakka noddles in his mouth. Mishka watched in awe, while Ved scowled at his lack of manners. "Maine kabhi Ronit ko aise khaate hue nahi dekha Ved",Mishka whispered concerned. "Aur kabhi dekhna bhi nahi chahiye ",Ved whispered back feeling disgusted, in front of him, his own plate lay untouched. Just then a waiter came, and said,"Sir, aapko aur kuch chahiye?". Ved was about to send the waiter away, when Ronit said,"Haan, woh tum logo ka ek famous machchli ka dish hota hai na? Kya naam tha uska...haan! Smoked Pepper fish ek kaam karo woh ek plate le aao, aur uske saath egg fried rice bhi.". The waiter bowed and left. Ved realized that it was time to stop the niceties,"Ronit",he started,"Yeh sab kuch zyada nahi ho raha hai? Dekh abhi to tera hakka noddles baaki hai,uske upar fried rice? Are you sure itna tu kha payega?". "Oh haan",Ronit said with a mocking smile,"Main bhi na..main toh bhool hi gaya tha ke tum middle class logo ko mushkil se ek waqt ka khaana hazam hota hai, toh jee bharkar khaana khaane ki aadat nahi hogi. Ek waqt ka khana mil jaaye wohi bohot hota hoga tumhare liye. Lekin kya kare Ved? Hum tumhari tarah nahi hai ki jaise taise humara pet bhar jaye". Ved glowered at his words. Mishka tried to salvage the situation. "Ronit",she reprimanded,"Mind your language.".Mishka decided to change the topic,"Waise yaha hostel ka khaana kaisa hai?". "Bakwas",Ronit replied cringing his nose,"Ek toh unlogo ko khaana banana nahi aata , upar se itna kam khaana dete hai, sirf ek katori rice aur ek roti. Actually rice aur roti to phir bhi theek hai, lekin dal? Woh daal kam yellow color ka paani zyada lagta hai. And the icing on the cake! Ek piece chicken per head only on Thursdays! Socho agar premier institutions mein aisa khaana milta hoga toh baaki colleges ka kya haal hoga?". "Toh tum roz wahi khaana khate ho?",Ved asked curiously. Ronit shook his head,"Nahi, month ke starting mein jab dad ke lawyer se mujhe meri pocket money milti hai, tab main baahar se manga ke khaata hu. Lekin month ke end mein mere paise khatm ho jaate hai, tab main hostel ka khaana khaata hu. Aur option hi kya hai mere paas? It's not as if main pehle ki tarah dad se baat karke apni pocket money badhwa sakta hu, (raising his fork towards Ved) thanks to you.". Mishka flinched at his words. Finally, the topic they had been tiptoeing around the whole day had finally come up. There was an uncomfortable silence in the table which didn't escape anyone's notice. The waiter came with the rest of Ronit's food, and served it and left. As he ate his food Ronit cut in the silence,"Waise lunch ke baad main wapas hostel chala jaunga, tum logo ko mujse kya chahiye jaldi bolo?". Mishka was surprised at his directness,"Hume kya chahiye?",he asked surprised,"Ronit, hum toh bas tumhare liye concerned the toh tumhe yaha dekhne aaye the-". "Cut the c**p Mish!",he snapped, sounding alot like his old self now,"Tumhe mera khayal kabse hone laga? In fact iss family mein mere baare mein kabhi bhi kissine socha hai, jo ab sochne lagoge. Pehle toh uss Anurag ki baaton mein aakar dad ne mujhe zabardasti Delhi bhej diya, uske baad meri apni hi Di ne mere hisse ki jayadad chheen li. And then you!". "Maine kya kiya?",Mishka asked startled. "Kya kiya?!",Ronit scoffed,"Tumne khud ki family ke khilaaf jaakar uss Prerna ki madad ki, you betrayed your own family Mish!". "I betrayed my family?",Mishka said heatedly,"No Ronit! Dad and Didu betrayed our family! Dad ne humari mom ko jaan se maraa, aur itne saalon se woh humse jhoot bolte rahe that she killed herself! Aur Didu ne? Didu ne apne crimes ko chhupaane ke liye Dad ka saath diya! Unhone apni hi Ma ke qatil ka saath diya, aur to aur apne chhote bhai-behen ka haq chheen liya! Dad aur Didu ne hume dhoka diya hai Ronit! Main bas tumhe aur apne aap ko protect kar rahi thi. You should be grateful ke tum inn sab se dur yaha Delhi mein the! At least jab Dad ka scandal expose hua tha, tum par kissi mob ne attack toh nahi kiya na?". Tears fell down Mishka's as she reminisced the day, when a day after Mr.Chaubey's scandal got exposed, a mob of men cornered her in the street threatening to kill her. She had to run for her life, and when they couldn't get to her they burner down her car. "Main already apne Mom, Dad aur Didu ko kho chuki hu, main tumhe bhi nahi khona chahti, Iss liye main ab tumse aur koi baat nahi chhupaungi. Komolika desperate hai jail se baahar nikalne ke liye, usne mujhe behkaane ki koshish ki thi, aur ab woh tumse madad maangne waali hai.". "Kaisi madad?",Ronit asked curiously. Ved spoke up,"Woh apne khilaaf saare evidence ko thikaane lagana chahti hai taaki woh azaad ho jaaye. Usne Mishka ko yahi offer kiya tha, ho sakta hai ke woh tujhe bhi wohi offer karegi. Dekh Ronit, I know ke tu mujhe pasand nahi karta and trust me! The feeling is mutual, lekin tu Mishka ka bhai hai. Aur main nahi chahta ke Mishka wapas apne family ko khoye. Iss liye main keh raha hu, ke tu Komolika ko matt support kar, usse tujhe hi nuksaan pohochega. Komolika ko to sazaa milegi hi, I will see to it. Magar tu beech mein phas jayega. Ho sakta hai ke tu humse ya Basu's ne badla lene ke liye Komolika ko support kar bhi le, lekin usse kya hoga? Mr.Chaubey ki property to seize ho chuki hai, tujhe woh toh nahi milegi. Upar se jo paise tere Papa ne tere liye trust mein chhor rakhe the woh bhi tujhe nahi milegi.". Ronit glared at Ved,"Dad ki property tere wajah se gayi hai,samjha!",he said," Na tu humari life mein aata aur na apne saath problems laata! Aur tu hota kaun hai mujhe yeh batane ke liye ke mujhe apni behen ki help karni chahiye ya nahi karni chahiye?". "Ronit",Mishka warned. Ronit angrily pushed the plate in front of him "Sach sach batao Mishka! Tum yaha mujhe dekhne aayi ho, ya meri jasoosi karne aayi ho?...(getting up angrily)Pehle tum uss Prerna aur iss fatichar ke saath milkar humari family ko destroy karti ho! Uske baad apne iss Romeo ka saath bina bataye mujhse milne mere college pohoch jaati ho! Tumhe kya lagta hai main pagal hu mujhe kuch samaj mein nahi aata? Main sab samajhta hu, Mishka! Dee ke hearing date kareeb aa raha hai, aur tumhe darr lag raha hai ki main unhe support karne Kolkata na aa jaau, hai na?Tum iss liye yaha aayi ho na? Well! You can rest assured! Main aisa kuch nahi karnewaala! Kyuki jitni (pointing his finger at Mishka) tum meri dushman ho, usse kayi zyada woh meri dushman hai! I thought meri Dee mujhe samajti thi, woh mujhe humesha karengi. Lekin Uss Anurag ke liye meri Di mere against gayi! Mujse meri Shivani chheen li, mujhe yaha bhej diya! Meri property ko bhi chheen liya!". Mishka tried to reach for him,"I know-". But Ronit shrugged his hand away his eyes red with anger,"On no!",he said,"You don't get to play the victim here Mishka! Tum toh Dad aur Dee se bhi gayi guzri ho, at least unhone jo bhi kiya apne aap ko bachane ke liye kiya, lekin tum toh apni family ko hi bech aayi! Who does that?!". Getting up, Ved tried to calm him down,"Dekh Ronit-". "Just shut up!",Ronit snapped,"Yeh mera private matter hai iss mein tu matt ghus! Samjha?". His words brought tears into Mishka's eyes,"Ronit", she pleaded,"You are my only family. I really love you! Main bas tumhe khona nahi chahti!". Ronit replied,"It's too late for that Mish! It's too late". Saying this Ronit angrily stormed out of the restaurant.
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Mr. Bajaj and Mr.Gupta were sitting in the car on their way back to the hotel. They had just returned from a lunch meeting with Mr.Ketan Mukherjee the owner and editor of the Daily Blitz, the company they had planned to invest in, place of Basu Publications. They had just completed the negotiations, only the due diligence was left until the official signing of the deal. But Rishabh Bajaj had decided that he'd had enough. "Gupta",he addressed his employee briskly,"Due diligence mein aur time waste karne ki zaroorat nahi hai, tum do din baad Mr.Mukherjee se keh dena the deal is off!". Mr Gupta looked at his employer astonished. Of course they weren't going to actually sign the deal with Daily Blitz. It was just supposed to be a ruse to get the Basu's to come back to them. But this morning, against his advice Mr.Bajaj had gone to visit the Basu's. Mr.Gupta had no idea why. "Toh kya Basu's humare terms pe deal sign karne ko ready hai sir?". Mr.Bajaj shook his head,"Nahi",he said,"Humari Basu's ke saath koi deal nahi ho rahi hai. Aur main Daily Blitz jaise cheap tabloid ko fund karke industry mein apna naam kharab nahi karne waala hu Gupta. Iss liye, main chahta hu ke aap Basu Publications aur Daily Blitz ko option se hataakar ek nayi company dhunde investment ke liye.". Mr.Gupta contemplated his employees words in silence. Finally he spoke up,"Toh Basu's ke liye humara jo plan tha kya woh....". Mr.Bajaj understood what he was implying and he answered,"Woh plan ab execute nahi hoga.". Mr.Gupta didn't say anything but his quizical look was enough for Mr.Bajaj to understand his question,"Woh deal Mr.Anurag Basu aur Mrs.Nivedita Sengupta handle kar rahi thi."he answered," Mr.Moloy Basu ko koi idea nahi tha ke mortgage waali baat mujse chhupayi gayi thi. Toh unke bachcho ki kiye ki sazaa Mr.Basu ko kyu du? Unke bachcho ke carelessness ki wajah se unki mehnat se khadi ki huyi company main unse kyu chheenu?". Mr. Gupta didn't make any comment. But he did find it puzzling, that in the past when someone tried to double cross him. Mr.Rishabh Bajaj saw to it that he paid them in their own coin. Who did it? What were the circumstances? He was least bothered about it. So what changed now? Did it have something to do with the file he was sent yesterday afternoon. "Gupta, zara yeh file toh dekhna", Mr.Bajaj had said yesterday afternoon over lunch. As Mr.Gupta leafed through the pages of the file color drained from his face,"Sir-sir..isme toh aapki-". "I know",Mr.Bajaj cut him off,"Iss file mein meri true story hai, jisse puri duniya se chhupakar rakhna tumhara kaam tha.".Even though he sounded very casual, Mr.Gupta could detect a hint of anger in his tone. "Sir, aap please mujhe bataiye yeh file aapko kisne diya?",Mr.Gupta requested,"I promise you agli baar aisi galti kabhi nahi hogi.". Mr. Bajaj replied,"Yeh file mujhe Mrs.Prerna Basu ne di hai, aur uske saath unke paas mere chargesheet ki ek copy bhi thi.". Watching Mr.Gupta so stressed, Mr.Bajaj said,"You don't worry about the chargesheet, Gupta. Uss chargesheet ko Prerna ne mere saamne destroy kiya. Aur tumhe iss file ki bhi tension karne ki koi zaroorat nahi, woh kissi se kuch nahi kahengi. Lekin mujhe interest iss file se zyada file banane waale mein hai. Woh Ved naam ka koi private detective hai. Main chahta hu ke woh humari due diligence team ko join kare. Make sure it happens!". Mr.Gupta nodded,"Yes sir.". "Aur haan",Mr. Bajaj added in a cold and severe tone,"Iss baar toh maine jaane diya, but agar agli baar agar mere past ka koi bhi secret ek surprise banke mere saamne aaya toh uska zimmedaar main tumhe manunga.". Mr.Gupta gulped at his words. Sitting in the car, Mr.Gupta considered his employer's threat. I don't understand, Mr.Gupta thought perplexed, Kya Prerna Bajaj ko blackmail kar rahi hai? Iss liye woh iss plan se back out kar rahe hai? Nahi! Yeh kaise ho sakta hai? Agar aisa hota toh Bajaj mujse yeh baat kyu chhupate? Nahi, humare Basu plan se back out karna pura Bajaj ka decision hai. But why this change of heart? Aakhir Prerna ne unse aisa kya kaha hoga, ke woh uski baat maan bhi gaye, aur Prerna ko usse blackmail bhi nahi karna para?
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Precap: Same as last part
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