Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyar: FF (Part 3 on Pg 17) 29th nov - Page 11

"The rate of Juvenile Delinquency (Crimes by minors) in India recently is quite alarming. The reasons are many but one of them is definitely the lack of guidance and opportunities for those kids to put their skills and talents into proper use. This project that I am talking about is basically for setting a center for the guidance of juvenile delinquents and at the same time a platform for those kids who are most likely inclined to crimes and criminals. Here we intend to enhance their skills and utilise them for constructive purposes rather than a destructive one" Ishita explained during their meeting in Raman's office.

"A rehabilitation center you mean" said Raman trying to get a hang of what she just said.

"Well it is that...But I would rather call it a Children's Skill Development Center. In my opinion, a rehabilitation center gives a negative impact although it is built for a good cause. I mean when you say that so and so goes to rehab, people immediately jump to a conclusion that the person associated with the rehab has a dark past. And I would never want those kids to be judged in such fashion, that would again lead them to a darker dungeon. I would prefer them to be termed as Skilled Kids instead of rehabs" Ishita put for her views.

"Wow! Such an inspiring insight. Maine kabhi is nazariye se nahi socha. Thank you Miss Iyer for enlightening me and yes after having hear you I definitely agree with what you said" Raman expressed his amazement.

"Thank you Mr.Bhalla" she thanked him and went on to explain further about the project "I am associated with an NGO that is willing to run the center. But our main concern right now are the funds we would require to set up this center. And for that we would need your support Mr.Bhalla"

"Yeah sure. I would be glad to help" he reassured.

Ishita was quite happy that she was able to convince him.

"Miss Iyer I am quite surprised to see a young and talented girl like you having dedicated all your time ans money in social service. The youth nowadays, well honestly speaking, I too am one of those youth who are very ambitious and look for careers that comes with huge monetary benefits. Earning big money is what one aims at these days. So if you don't mind me asking, What do you earn from this service. I mean, do you get paid from the NGO you mentioned?" Raman asked.

"I don't get paid Mr.Bhalla but yes, I do earn a lot" she said.

"I am sorry...I don't get you" he was unable to comprehend her words.

"A man earns to satisfy his needs. And earning is not necessarily money Mr.Bhalla. Through this service, I earn a lot of love and prayers from the people I tend too. And that is way more satisfying than material benefits" Ishita gave a new definition to earning and satisfaction and that satisfaction showed on her face as she gave a huge smile.

Raman stared at her and could not help but wonder that how could someone be so beautiful, so talented, so generous, so mature and so sophisticated at the same time. He was just amazed and she was surprising him even more with her thoughts and words.

"Mr.Bhalla" Ishita called him out to gain his attention as she found him staring at her in deep thoughts. She assumed he must be thinking if he should contribute towards the cause or not. "I hope we will soon hear from you about your interest in the project. I should be leaving now as I need to meet some more people with regard to the contributions" she said.

"You won't have to go Miss Iyer. Stay for a while" he said warmly.

"Sorry????" Ishita was baffled.

"Stay for a while Miss Iyer we need to discuss a few more things. And you won't have to go other places as I am sponsoring the entire project and I would like to be involved in the noble cause and render my services in person" he announced.

Now it was Ishita's turn to be surprised. She never expected him to sponsor the entire projected. She had only expected little contribution from his side.

"Are you sure Mr.Bhalla? I mean maine suna hai ke aap ek shrewd businessman ho and you look at the gains before investing on something. So just to let you know, this center will be giving free services and there is going to be no gain in return" she made it clear for him.

"Who said there is no gain in this? Abhi thodi der pehle tumne hi mujhe earning ka asli definition samjhaya tha. By God's grace I have earned a lot in a very short span, only things lacking in my life are love and prayers. And now I believe this is going to be the best investment of my life" said Raman.

Apnon ka pyar aur duaa hote hue bhi mere saath nahi hai, to ghairon se hi sahi, pyar aur duaa to naseeb hoga' thought Raman.

"Thank you Mr.Bhalla. That's just amazing. You will surely earn a lot of love and prayers and you have already earned a lot of respect from me" she confessed.

I would want to earn your LOVE and prayers too in this process' he thought of saying but kept quiet owing to her policy of not mixing personal with professional life.

"So now we are partners officially" he said extending his hand towards her for a shake and added comically "Partners in crime!?"

"No! Partners in preventing Crime" she came out with a witty remark.

"Yeah...Right" he said getting the meaning of what she exactly meant.

This one professional meeting led to many other meetings which were for professional purposes too, although for Raman it was not just professional. He was finding it hard to keep himself away from her yet he tried his best never to cross the boundaries set by her. In no way did he want to upset her. He had come to know a lot about her in those meets and he could not help but just keep falling for her. He was not a fool to not realise what he felt for her and he wished to tell her that as soon as possible. He had tried many a times to take her to the Starbucks they first met at and tell her how that unpleasant memory of her had become the most pleasant memory for him. But her principles were making it difficult for him to ask her for a date or at least meet him for a reason other than the project. So he decided that he would wait for the day when this professional association between them would end and then he would be free to tell her what he feels for her.

And finally after a long wait, the day came.

The Children's Skill Development Center was set up and inaugurated. The NGO had taken up the administration, so officially Raman's association with the project ended there. However he expressed his wish to volunteer for any kind of services in future.

He was all over the newspapers and news channels for his big contribution for the cause. He did not have any intention to get public attention for this, yet it came as a bonus with the package.

The NGO decided to present him as a role model to the society in order to motivate other elite personalities of the town to come forward for such noble causes. This is how the news reached media and then it had to go viral.

As Ishita had said he earned a lot of love and prayers from the general public. He was just overwhelmed by the appreciation he received. He now knew what satisfaction actually meant.

He decided to throw a party for the honour he received.

This party was going to be special. Special for many reasons.

Firstly because it was not a typical sucees party because he had not won an Award, but he felt rewarded. And he wanted to celebrate this moment.

Secondly because...well that's for you to guess. And guessing this is not very difficult I believe.😉

Keep pouring your love and prayers in the form of likes and comments...

Let me know how much i have EARNED😉