Part 67

"Khushi..!" he called longing for her.

"Arnavji, Thank god you called! You know what, I was about to call you! You know, papaji gifted me a web cam today. I am trying to install it on my laptop. ... But this damn old laptop is not helping me" She said frustrated.

Arnav smiled forgetting his worries. He told her how to install drivers first and then set up the camera. She was dumb at it. He gave her each and every instruction and finally it got installed. It took a long time for her to start video chat.

Finally Arnav's patience paid off. He could see Khushi's face on his screen. His spirits lifting up, he stared at her image.

"Khushi..!" he could only whisper her name. But Khushi seemed to be jumping with joy. She said "Arnavji, I can see you. This is great! We can see each other. Can you see me?" she posed for him looking sideways and bringing her face little closer to the camera. He was lost in her, craving to touch her, kiss her.

"Hello, Arnavji... " she almost shouted. He was back startled. "Hmm? What?' He asked her.
"Are you ok? You look tired! How is your hand?" she asked him looking concerned.
"I am fine, Khushi! I am perfectly alright!" he said throwing a fake smile at her.
"Arnavji, now you can't deceive me with your fake smile. I can see you and I know something is wrong. Tell me what is it!" She asked staring at him. He avoided her gaze.
"Oh! Come On, Khushi!" I am ok. Just a little tired that's it" He said looking at her.
"Oh! Ok, then Arnavji, take rest, we will talk later" she said getting ready to log off.

"No! wait.. Khushi!" Arnav looked desperate.
"Hmm? She looked at him questioningly. "Tell me why do you look so pale?" He asked her.
"No! Nothing! I am perfectly ok!" She said avoiding to look at him.
"Let me see! Khushi stand up and go back a little" he ordered her. She obeyed. He looked at her from head to toe and called her nearer. "Khushi, you look weak. What is it? You must have lost at least two Kgs. " He looked at her questioningly. She winced, how did he know? She had lost almost that much of weight. She said "No! Nothing. No! I didn't lose any..."
"Khushi, don't lie to me! I know!" He said. "What is it? Are you not well? Tell me... Tell me goddamn it!! He screamed at her with mounting rage.

She winced and looked frightened at his outburst. " I I am performing penance and have started fasting one time..." she confessed in a low voice!
"What the hell you think you are doing?" He shouted at her. "Khushi, I had forbidden you from this stupidity. Don't you understand?" He screamed. She looked away hiding her tears..

"Khushi, promise me, you will stop punishing yourself right now! Promise me Damn IT!" He got up from his seat waving his index finger threateningly.
"Arnav ji.." She started off in a small voice looking scared. He was not ready to listen to her. "Promise me, Khushi or I will log off forever!" he threatened her seriously.
"Ok. Arnav ji!" She promised. He looked satisfied. He sat down looking at her longingly. She blushed. Ok Arnav ji, good night?" She looked at him. He still was staring at her. He pressed his index and middle finger to his lips staring at her. She logged off blushing. He smiled and closed his eyes, dreamily!

All the members of Raizada family had gathered for the morning breakfast at the table. Arnav had specially invited Payal that day. The wedding date was approaching and they had all set for the big day.
"Nani, yesterday Payal talked to me!" Arnav said glancing at Payal and Aakash. Both of them looked nervous. "Its her wedding and she wants her younger sister to be with her at the wedding!" He waited for everybody's reaction.

Nani did not react, just looked at Arnav trying to read his mind. "Hello hi bye bye! That phati sadi cannot come in this house! Say bye bye to her!" Exploded Mamiji.
"But Chote..!" Anjali started off nervously. "How can that be possible? I mean...she is the one.." Arnav looked at his sister gravely.
"But, where is she? Do you know where Khushiji is?" Sham had cut off his wife blurting in surprise. He looked tense.

"Payalji, what is this? Do you know where she is?" Asked Sham getting up from his chair and sitting down immediately realizing that everyone was looking at him.

"That is none of our business!" Arnav said authoritatively silencing everyone. "Payal wants to invite her sister and.." He took a deep breath "I have no objection to it!" He said turning his back and ready to leave.
"But Chote..! You forbid ...!" Anjali spoke "Di, Please! Its payal's marriage and I want payal and Aakash to be happy. That's it!"
He looked at Nani for her approval. "Anjali bitiya, I think he is right. We have no right to spoil her mood. She needs her sister with her on her big day! I think we should not object to her presence on their wedding!" Said nani in a firm voice discouraging further discussion on this topic.

"But Naniji, Saale Saab will not approve this whole heartedly. I am sure it will be worst day for him ..." Sham started off.
"I said, I have no objection for her coming to the wedding!" Arnav said with gritted teeth and turning to leave the table. He strode towards his room, his heart racing and thumping against his chest. He had managed to get the approval.
He went into his room closing the door behind him. He stayed pressing his back on the door for some time closing his eyes. He did not hear any harsh reactions from downstairs. The things were settled. His Khushi was going to attend the marriage without any hesitation, with the permission of Nani.  His heart jumped with joy.

Sham was restless. He knew all his plans would flop if Khushi enters at this point of time. He had started to weave the net. One tug would ruin everything. He had to stop her from coming at any cost. Now he knew that payal knew where she was. If payal knew then Aakash would know and other family members too.
"I have to keep an eye on payal and her family" He thought curling up his lip. He knew whom to contact. He dialed Happy Ji garagwala's number.

"Hello Happyji. How are you?" He started with sweet tone.
"How is everything? You know I am worried about Guptas! The marriage date is approaching but you see I cannot come to their help. I am busy in Lukhnow! Just wanted to talk to Khushi ji!" He said waiting for the answer.
"Khushi ji? She is not here. At least I have not seen her. But every week she calls me up to know about the health of her babuji. She also asked about you once or twise!" said happyji happily.
"What? Did she ask about me? When?" he was surprised.
"When she was here and then went back to her work" Said Happyji.
"Where does she live?" he asked his heart racing.
"I don't know. She said she has a new job. She calls me on the STD booth installed in the garage." He said.
"Oh! Ok. Do you know her number?" Asked Sham expectantly. "It's the same I believe!" answered Happyji. "I didn't bother to ask her"
"Oh! Ok. I have her number I will call her." Sham hung up.

He knew even if he called her, she wouldn't pick up the phone. He should confirm her number first. He went back to the hall, where Payal, Aakash and Anjali were discussing about the arrangements. He sat beside his wife patiently waiting for the opportunity. The decorator called and Anjali hurriedly walked away to talk on phone.
"Payal ji, did you see the sample photographs of the wedding decorations? Come, I will show you!" said Aakash getting up. Payal followed. Sham grabbed the opportunity. Smirk appeared on his face. He had everything under control.

*** *** ***
"What is it, Sham babu? What do you want this time?" Asked the sub-inspector.
"Take down the number and get me the location of this number. Track this number!" ordered Sham.
"Ok. Sham babu! What happened to my work? Did you call the minister?" Asked the Sub-Inspector. "It will happen in due course of time. Don't worry!" said Sham and hung up.

**** ****

Khushi was surprised to see Payal's Call at this hour of the day. They had decided to call only in the night. "Jiji? What is it? Is everything ok?" she asked concerned. She thought about her babuji. "Hello, jiji! Are you there?" She almost shouted. Her Jiji hung up without uttering a single word. When Khushi called back her phone was switched off. Khushi was puzzled.

Her cell rang again. She looked at it. "Arnavji?" she had another surprise. First her Jiji and now Arnavji! "Arnav ji?" She called out loudly. There was no response. "Arnavji, are you there?" she screamed.
"Ye.. Yes!" he came out of trance. "Khushi...! Its done! Your are coming for the wedding! I declared it officially and everyone agreed!" He said excitedly.
"What? Oh! Thank you Arnavji! Hey Devi Mayya, Shukariya....!Arnavji..." She said screaming.
"Hold on! Khushi, I am in a hurry, I will talk to you later!" he hung up. Khushi went into day dreaming mode.

Part 66

Nani  was turned into a statue..! She looked pale and weak. She tried to hold the armchair for support in vain and collapsed into the chair. Ram Prakash came running for her help calling out Mami and Anjali. Mami came out and tried to support Nani with her hands. But nani had closed her eyes and was gasping.
"Nani...Nani! What happened to her?" Anjali asked panic struck. "Call the doctor please..." She screamed. Mami hurriedly went to call the doctor picking up the phone. Anjali supported Nani and gave her a glass of water.

"What happened, nani? And who had come? I heard voices.. but then I was meditating...." She stopped. "Its good that no one came out!" said Nani looking at the closed guest room door.
"But why were they here, Nani? And what were they shouting for?" asked Anjali.
"Hello Hi Bye Bye.. we should have said bye bye to them from the door itself. What was the need to let them in?" Mami muttered. They both looked at Nani, who had recovered a bit.

"Manorama, tell your husband to come back home immediately" said nani.
"Hello hi bye bye, just now he said bye bye to me and went to office" Mami muttered again dialling mamaji number.

"Why were they here Nani?" ssked Anjali again. Nani thought over for a while and said
"Some politicians rogues for some party fund!" She clutched anjali's hand and went to her room ordering Ram Prakash to lock the main door.
Mamaji came in hurriedly looking worried. He went straight to Nani's room. Anjali was sitting on her bed pressing nani's legs.

"What is it Amma?" he asked. Nani looked at Anjali. "Anjali bitiya, can you get tea for us?" asked Mamaji requesting Anjali to go out.
"Manohar, member of Thakur family from Kanpur just barged into this house" Mamaji was horror struck.

"What?" he could not believe his ears. "I am afraid; he is the same person... son of Nirmal Singh Thakur..what a striking resemblance!" Nani said in hollow voice looking at mamaji for some hope. Mamaji gaped at her with his jaw dropping.

Anjali came in with Ram Prakash with tea. Both of them stopped talking. " I will look into it " Said mamaji looking at Nani. She nodded. They had tea silently both of them engrossed in their own thoughts and Anjali looking at them puzzled.

Sham came out when nani went to her room. He came into the kitchen and went out from the back door. He looked threateningly at the maid. She turned away. The bell rang after Mamaji reached home and was talking to nani. Sham came in from the front door and called out "Raani Saheba!"

Anjali hurriedly came out and started talking in a tensed voice to him. "Ok. Ok Rani saahiba!" take it easy. Tell me what happened and how is nani now?" He asked moving towards Nani's room.

He went in but avoided her gaze. He talked to mamaji in a worried tone.
"Damaad ji, some politician had come asking for you. He looked annoyed." Nani said staring at sham.

"Politician? When? I was out for some time..." He started off in a surprised tone. Nani was shocked.. She had seen him opening his room door and closing it shut immediately when the rogue had barged in. She looked at him suspiciously.

"What? You had gone out?" she wanted to make sure she heard correctly.
"Yes naniji, I had gone out!" said Sham. "But why was he here looking out for me?" Sham asked in puzzled tone.

"Damadji, please make sure these people do not come to our doorsteps looking out for you!" said nani in a stern voice.
"I I don't know who was here and for what!" said Sham in a low voice.
"Please stay away from all the trouble! I am worried for you! Please... remember what panditji had said" said Anjali holding his hands. She was panic.
"Don't worry Rani Saheba, nothing will happen to me!" he said passionately, smiling at her.

He took her out of the room and mamaji followed them leaving Nani alone to brood on the incident. She was shocked at Sham's behavior.

"He lied !! Why did he not come out and left me alone to handle the situation? What relation do these two share between them?" She muttered with her head spinning. She knew how to handle this kind of hostile activity. She had never thought that Sham would know this Thakur.

"And what did damad ji do that this hooligan dare barging in our house.. I have to talk to Arnav bitawa.
She was suddenly worried about Anjali. "Did she make a mistake by marrying damadji?" she thought.

Arnav came home late in the evening. No one was in the hall. Sham had again gone out. Anjali and nani were in nani's room. Ram Prakash gave him the message that Nani had called him to her room. He went in.
"Nani, what is it? Are you ok?" he asked looking at Nani lying in the bed.

"I am ok. Chote!" She said. He sat on her bed beside his di. "Di, what happened?" He asked concerned.
Anjali opened her mouth to tell him what had happened in the afternoon. "Nothing much chote.. I just wanted to talk to you" she intervened looking at Anjali.
"Anjali bitiya, can you ask Ram Prakash to get coffee for him?" She asked hinting that she should leave.
Anjali went out. Arnav looked at his nani's worried face. She looked ten years older than her actual age. He held her hand and asked. "What is it nani?"

"Chote.. he had come!" nani said quivering.
"He, who?" asked Arnav puzzled.
"Rantan Singh Thakur...." She said gravely.
"Wh....? What were the security guards doing? Sleeping after lunch?" Arnav yelled getting up with a start. He looked at the ghostly face of his nani.
"Yes. Chote.. he had come here searching for damadji...!" she said with lot of unanswered questions in her mind.
"What? How does he know him? I mean what work he had with Jijaji?" He was thinking hard.
"I do not know, but chote... something is amiss... I don't know what but my intuition says something very serious is going to happen.." she looked very serious. She was actually shivering.
He looked at his Nani. He felt sorry for her. He knew what was coming but could not tell Nani anything about it.
"Don’t worry Nani, nothing will happen to anyone in this family. I will not let it happen. Trust me!" He said sitting back on her bed and holding her trembling hand. "Trust me Nani, trust me!" he whispered barely. Nani sighed.

Anjali came in with the coffee and Arnav changed the subject looking at Nani.
He came back to his room engrossed completely in his thoughts. He inadvertently dialled papaji's number.
"Hello Puttar, good evening1" greeted papaji in a pleasant voice. Arnav automatically smiled. "Hello" He said.
"What is it?" Papaji came straight to the point per his normal style.
"Mr. Ratan Singh Thakur barged into my house." He said as if trying to ease out his burden.
There was a silence for a while. Then papaji spoke in a grave tone "Puttar, he is enraged with Sham. Sham has ruined his plans to take over the spinning mill. He will go to any extent to teach him a lesson. You have to be careful. Sham can use anyone to his advantage. He knows the weak link. Be careful and keep him away from everyone. I suggest you increase the security at your house if you do not have one in place." Papaji said.

"Yes we do have a security deployed. I will tighten it further." Said Arnav assuring.
"Keep yourself safe, puttar! Don't take unnecessary risks." He said kindly. He was really concerned about Arnav's hotheadedness. "Keep cool, my child!" he said in a fatherly tone. Arnav was touched by Papaji's genuine concern for him.
"Yes papaji. Good night!" He said and hung up. He had lost his appetite and sleep as well.

Late in the night he dialled Khushi's number. He just wanted to talk to her, tease her, fight with her only to ease out his tensions. He wanted to fly away and land in her room.

Part 65

Sham arrived at the office in the afternoon and had a meeting with Mr. Banerjee. The big boss Mr. Balwindar Singh was out of office for the meeting He had missed the chance to meet the boss and impress him. Sham was disappointed. He had plans to meet the owner of such a big group. 

 

They were in the middle of the discussion when Mr. Banerjee asked the office boy to call MS Gupta with the files, only to know that she had already left. He was surprised to know this. She had never left the office without his permission. He controlled the urge of calling her up to ask if everything is ok. He continued with the meeting.

*** **** **
Next day, during the meeting with "Cotton Corporation of India" Shondeep had a detailed technical discussion and presentation on the productivity issues and labour problems. He was thorough in Manufacturing processes and had no problem in addressing the technical queries raised by the officials. The meeting went on very well.

When it came to sham to make is presentation, the representative of the other competing company was also present. He was shocked to see the representative. He went out hurriedly trying to call someone. Shondeep looked on confused at Sham’s behavior. Sham came in wiping sweat from his forehead and requested the other company to start with the presentation first.

He needed some time to gather himself. He had never thought that he would face this situation. It was almost fighting and competing against himself. One of the board members of the competing company was Mr. Ratan Singh Thakur! His boss, in his other Endeavour. He tried calling Ratan Singh but call could not be through. He was in a fix. If he negotiates successfully, his boss, Ratan Singh will not forgive him and if he does not negotiate successfully, He would lose his position as CEO and all his other plans will go for a toss.

He wondered why, this Ratan Singh did not tell him about this. He suspected foul play in this entire game he had set up for Raizadas. He needed time to assimilate the situation. He did not pay attention to what the other person was talking.

‘A bird in hand is worth two in the bush! He made up his mind. He decided to play blind and not to leave whatever was in his hands right now. He did his level best to win this contract with his forceful oratory skills and combining figures to support his statement. Officials seemed to be impressed with his presentation.
Mr. Banerjee and Mr. Sham Zaa came out wiping the sweat from their forehead. They had done their best. The decision was pending. Mr. Banerjee requested Mr. Sham Zaa to go ahead to the hotel room as he has some other company work in Mumbai.

During his travel to Dadar, Mumbai, he called up his boss. He gave the factual account of the events. "Sir, I am surprised, why was he so nervous when he saw the opponent representative. The competing company is company from UP, with headquarters in Kanpur. They have no experience in spinning mill and textiles. But I feel this is only to buy this co operative at throw away price and then salvage its assets. I don't feel they are pitched in for running the company profitably" He gave his analysis to his boss.

"Ok. Shondeep, in that case it is good for us" Said papaji sounding satisfied. " The board members seem to be politicians, a local MLA is involved Mr. Ratan Singh and an industrialist Mr. Ranveer ... I think I know this Ranveer he was in US for some time and then ventured into his family business." Said Shondeep giving all the details. He hung up wondering why his boss sounded so happy with the situation.
Mr. Balwindar Singh had a broad smile on his face as he hung up. Things had started falling in place for him too. He dialed Arnav's number.

"Di, why did you execute the power of attorney in his name?" He asked his Di waiting for Panditji to arrive. "What? Why chote? Why are you asking me this?" she asked in surprise.

"No! I mean... can you not see how over worked jijaji looks? Handling so many things at a time?" He said looking away from his Di.

"Yes, Chote, I understand but you know, he loves me so much, he does not want me to take any trouble so he insisted I should execute the papers. I am thinking of transferring all my shares in his name. .. Whatever is mine is his too!" She said gazing dreamily. Hopelessness could only be the term for Arnav's situation.
The maid had brought in coffee for Arnav. She started helping in the preparations for pooja. Arnav did not object. Somehow after the cell phone incident he had stopped shouting at her.

"Di, Don't you feel, Jijaji stayed away from home for a longer duration last year? And now suddenly he is at home all the time!" He looked at his Di. But his Di did not feel anything unusual in this. She had not even thought about it.

"Di, please think before you transfer the shares and give all your finances in his hands. I saw your account statements and there are huge cash transactions every month. Lot of cash has been withdrawn from your bank. Di, please don't take it otherwise, but I am just worried about the utilization of this money. Order me if you want something for yourself. But withdrawing cash is a bit of a problem..,, Its difficult to account for later…! " He said softly.
"Oh! That! You know your Jijaji needs money to help his clients financially sometimes. He is so kindhearted…, he cannot see the plight of others and always ready to help others.
The maid had got up and was moving towards kitchen hurriedly. Arnav could hear a faint sob. He was puzzled.

Papaji called Arnav at night to give him the account of the meeting. "Arnav, puttar, things would move faster than our expectation. He had already started siphoning out the money. We have to be very careful. Do not sign any papers before talking to Raj. And Raj is attending Payal's marriage. Arnav, puttar! Be careful at home .. We have stepped on the snake, either we kill it or be ready for a bite." He said gravely.

"Yes, papaji! " Said Arnav, thinking hard on measures to stop oncoming trouble. He wanted to keep everyone else away from this. Their plans were working but one wrong step would throw them in quick sand. He had to be very careful. He scanned through his mails and Raj had written to him about the negotiations and his predictions about the outcome. He replied back and called up Khushi. Now a days, he just waited for a slightest opportunity to call her.

"Khushi..!" He called craving to meet her in person. "Yes Arnavji! She said in a heavy voice. The fasting had made her weak.
"What is it? Are you ok?" Arnav asked worriedly. "Yes, I am ok. Arnavji," she said. She had no intentions to tell him about her fasting. Papaji had already scolded her about her crazy idea of fasting. Arnav would whack her. But she was determined to perform penance for her deceitful act on Anjali.

"Arnavji, Lavanyaji is coming for the wedding. She has written me. I am so happy! I wanted to talk to her about...." She could not continue. Her heart ached remembering their last meeting at the doors of Raizada House.
"Khushi.." Arnav too was emotional remembering the same incidence.
"I am ok, Arnavji!" Khushi faked.
*** *** **
Arnav was free from his tied up hand and was all set to take on his activities in full swing. The things had progressed to their expectations. With several rounds of negotiations the order was passed finally for the acquisition in their favor. The taking over process would start soon. Everyone had congratulated Sham on his success. He looked smug and complacent. Arnav congratulated him many times. Raj had asked Arnav to issue an incentive cheque of a fat amount to Sham. They were to celebrate his success with a grand party.

** *** ***
It was afternoon and family members of Raizada house were having their afternoon nap. Aakash, mamaji and Arnav were in the office after lunch and Anjali was taking rest in her room. She had forbidden Sham from entering their room and he was stationed in the guest room. He was disappointed initially and pestered her to change her decision. But later on didn’t bother much about it as his success made him so happy that he even forgot that he had a wife.

The bell rang and Ram Prakash opened the door. There was a firing in the air, so loud that everyone got up with a jerk. Sham came out of the room stopped in shock. Soon recovering, he went back and closed the door, bent down and looked through the peep hole. Naniji had already reached the hall looking around.
"Where is he?" a person banged on the door again. Ram Prakash looked at him frightened. "Call him out!" roared the person. He looked behind and his men barged in pushing Ram Prakash out of their way.

"What is it? Who is it?" Roared Nani. She was upset looking at the set of hooligans at her door.

The person came in staring at Nani. Nani looked at him. He was huge in size around six feet tall, with broad shoulders, long curly mane, wearing typical politicians attire of while kurta, jeans and a jacket. He had big mustache and stubble. He looked like a sot maniac. He had redish eyes full of loathing and glint. His teeth blackened and mouth red with constant tobacco chewing. He spat on the floor.
"Where is he?" he asked taking a step ahead.
"Who? Whom do you want?" asked nani trying to keep her voice steady.
"Ram Prakash, bring in some water for these gentlemen" She ordered and asked the gatecrasher intruder to come in. She knew she had to handle this diplomatically.

"Whom do you want? And who are you?"She asked keeping her voice calm.
"Call your son in law, that scoundrel Sham. I want to talk to him, right now!" said the intruder arrogantly.
"He is not at home. He is out for business purpose" she said looking in the direction of guest room. The door was tightly closed.

The intruder stared at her for a while and then getting up, said, "Tell him! I had come for him."
"Who?" She asked again.
"You wouldn't want to know who I am, you (Budhiya!) old lady!" he said smirking.
She still stood there waiting for the answer looking straight into his eyes.
"Tell him!" He took a step forward towards Nani, she refused to back away! "Tell him Ratan Singh Thakur had come!" He looked at her with a glint of arrogance.
"Ratan Singh Thakur, son of Nirmal Singh Thakur from Kanpur!!" He re-uttered and she froze...!

He left the house with his men leaving Nani in shock. The storm had reached the doorsteps.

Part 64

"What the hell! Who says so? I mean... this is all bullshit .. don't get swayed away by all this rubbish Di!" He was annoyed sounding blasphemish.

"Don't  talk like this chote...!" Anjali was upset with his profanity. Have faith in God! Chote!

Sham looked upset. He wanted to protest against all this. But had no other choice than to succumb to the pressure from his wife. She was not ready to listen. She had cancelled her trip to Mumbai, with her husband and Sham would have to go alone.

After dinner, Arnav came to his room he was dying to call Khushi...Her plan had worked!

He could imagine Khushi's brightened up and proud face.
Smirk appeared on his face. "Not so soon, Khushi..!" He thought. He was happy that khushi's plan worked and was little upset that this stupid plan of Khushi actually worked!!! He thought of not telling her for another couple of days... but Aakash barged in without his permission and said happily.

"Bhai, this plan worked. How could you think of such Khushi-ish plan?" He asked and without waiting for the answer.."We must tell this to Khushiji!" went further.
"Arnav had no choice than to admit that it was her plan. "Aakash, it was her plan and I was going to call her" he said dialing her number. "Bhai, let me talk to her first and then I will go!" he winked at his bhai.

"Hello, Khushiji, congratulations! Your plan worked! Amazing!" Aakash said excitedly. He talked to her for a few minutes and remembering that he should also call Payal, left the room hurriedly.
"Arnavji! Thank god! Something worked at last!" Khushi sighed. But then said in a serious tone.."Arnavji, I feel guilty. This is cheating.. we should not do such things in the name of god. This is deceit. Devi Mayya won't forgive me for this. I have to perform penance for this. I will do something.. I will eat only once a day, till the things are settled normally. I know there is no forgiveness for this sin..." She gasped for breath...

"Khushi! Hold on! Its not like that. We are doing this for good purpose, to save her life. Its ok! We are saving her from danger, Khushi, your devi mayya will surely forgive you!"He said (And me too!)" He thought to himself.

"So, don't worry and don't put yourself to yet another endurance test. I know you cannot control your hunger, Khushi!" he said smiling.

.."No its not like that! I feel bad for her! We are manipulating her, Arnavji! And I can stay hungry, Ok! arnavji!" Khushi said smiling and determined to do it anyway.
"Arnavji we are invited for dinner to Sir's house!" Changing the track, she said waiting for his reaction.

"Who? You mean that CEO?" he asked surprised. "Yes!" She said. "We?" he asked expectantly.

"We means the family, we all are going! Why Arnavji, did you think I will go alone?" she said laughing.
"Oh! Shut up Khushi and stop laughing!" Arnav ordered.
"And don't spoil your image there by talking something unwanted and poking your nose in their matters! Ok?" he retorted back.
"What?" He could imagine her thrusting her hands on her hips furiously.
"Goodnight! MS Gupta!" Said Arnav and hung up smirking.

Khushi woke up with a start. Mummiji had come to her room. She saw the time and was shocked. It was already eight. Mummiji looked worried. "Are you Ok, Khushi?" She asked.

"Ye.. Yes mummiji! I don't know how did I sleep like this!" she said guiltily.
"No issues, Khushi and now get up and get ready. We can skip our visit to temple today!" She said. "No. mummiji! We will go to the temple" She said resolutely remembering her conversation with Arnav last night.

She ran to get ready. Mummiji smiled. Khushi refused to have breakfast. She went to the temple with mummiji and from there to the office. Papaji was already there. She was sorry for her late entry.

She did not have lunch but papaji sent some fruits and milk with the office boy. They were to go for dinner to Shondeep's house. She was in her cabin when papaji entered and asked her to go home in his car. She was surprised. "Puttar, go home and don't come out till I tell you to. That Sham is paying visit to this office for a meeting with Shondeep. They have a meeting tomorrow in Mumbai. So its better you go home now.

"OK papaji I will go immediately." She looked nervous. She never wanted to see his face, at the same time she had an urge of whacking him square in the face. She went home without further questions. She was sending a mail to Lavanya inviting her for the wedding, Arnav called her.

** **
They were in Shandeep's house. His mother and father were very happy to see her. They had a big house suitable to Shondeep's status. His parents welcomed Papaji and Mumiji warmly. Khushi and Elsa with the kids were enjoying and playing in the garden.

At the dinner table Khushi helped Shondeep's mother. "Shondeep Sir, where is your family?" she asked with no inhibitions. Mummiji looked at her in surprise. "This is my family!" said Shondeep looking at her. "No! I mean.. your wife and children" She said looking at his mother. Papaji sighed. "She cannot be stopped!" he thought. He flashed a stern look at her, but she had gone beyond that. There was an awkward silence for a while with everyone looking away from each other. Khushi did not understand what was wrong.

"Well, I am single, Ms Gupta!" Shondeep said in steady voice.
"Oh! OK! But why?" She asked. Papaji intervened. "Khushi, we can talk about it some other time" He said looking at Khushi.

"No! its ok, sir!" said Shondeep avoiding his mother's gaze.
"I mean.. you are such a nice person! Girls would die for a glance from you and to get married with such a magnetic personality!" she said innocently. Shondeep gaped at her. His mother smiled and said "Yes that is true but he has not yet met his match!"

Shondeep could not take his eyes off her. His mother was touched with her innocence. She kept smiling at her. They had a peaceful dinner after that.

Papaji gave her a lecture on mannerism while coming back. She felt guilty. But mummji sympathized with her.

"But Papaji, I did not know he is not married and if he is not we will find out a match for him!" she said excitedly. "Khushi, stop it! I am not interested in opening a marriage bureau!" papaji stopped her laughing. But Khushi kept on thinking about Shondeep and his parents.
*** *** **
Sham had left in the morning. His plan was to visit Kolkata first to talk to Mr. Banerjee and then together they would go to Mumbai. Arnav immediately had called up papaji to ask Khushi to stay away. He stayed back at home to help his Di in pooja. He was relaxed. The things have started falling in place. Next week his sling would be removed and only a stretch bandage for another week will be put.
He called Khushi in the afternoon only to hear her voice. He told her about sham's visit. She was already at home. "Arnavji, I am writing a mail to Lavanyaji. By the way, when did you talk to her?" She asked him questioningly.

"Oh! Yes! I called her a couple of times just to re-establish the contact and invite her for the wedding." He said casually. "Ok. But why did you not tell me?" she asked sulkily. "Oh! Come on! Khushi, when did we talk at length to tell you all the details?" he asked.

"Arnavji, when is your next visit to Kolkata?" she asked changing the subject. He smiled. "Only after I am freed from this sling" he said.

Part 63

Arnav came out of his cabin after the call with Raj and saw Sham entering the office. He looked little tensed. Arnav for the first time, went ahead and talked to Sham. He discussed with him the next moves and also gave him the message that Raj wanted to talk to Sham immediately. Arnav ordered his system administrator to set up the call for sham and left office with Aakash. They had a board member meeting in the evening.

Sham knew this was his big chance to win over these peoples' hostility. He had to do this and get back the project in order to survive. He had two issues to address. The re-tendering issue and "protecting" anjali's interest in AR Group.

** *** ***

The meeting started off well. But when it came to ploughing some of the reserves from apparels and accessories companies, Arnav sensed some restlessness among the board members. These two divisions had many prominent businessmen on the Board. Arnav explained them the need of the hour. Most of them seem to agree that this was a better method to raise immediate finance.

"But then. Are we not diluting the profits for these companies? What if this new consignment gets rejected again? What will be the gain for these companies?"Asked Sham in silky voice.

"I don't see any mutual benefit in this ploughing back of the reserves. Further the apparels are not rejected so there is no loss for our company!" He said. Arnav looked at him raising his eyebrow.

"I mean... I am talking on behalf of my wife. She has Major share in this company and I need to protect her interest!" He said looking at the other board members.  "Nothing personal, Saale Saab!" he added sweetly. 

Arnav and Aakash looked at each other. Were they losing this battle?
Arnav got up from his seat and started the projector for his presentation on this issue.

Arnav's presentation was full of data and numbers with graphs emphasizing on the need for pulling the resources. He made it clear that though the companies were individually managed their objective was the collective growth. The other members seemed to agree on this but Sham harped upon his contention of not agreeing to pull the finance from Apparel division.  There seemed to be a deadlock again with no agreement...!

"But Mr. Sham... How are you involved in this? Mrs. Anjali holds the shares...!"  One of the board member raised an objection for Sham's involvement in this meeting. Holding on to this, Arnav pushed his contention and won, the resolution was passed and He took a sigh of relief.

"Aakash, I have some more work in the office. You go ahead and help Di. Panditji is coming in the evening to help in preparation of the Pooja." He told Aakash.

When he came home late in the eveing, he found his di very upset and sad.
"What is it Di?" he asked looking at Aakash. Aakash shrugged. He looked at Sham who looked away immediately and started to leave the hall.

"Jijaji!" Arnav called him back. "Its little urgent. I mean.. I received a mail and you may have to leave for Mumbai at your earliest. The big meeting is scheduled day after tomorrow. May be you can leave tomorrow evening after the pooja! I will arrange.." He said talking slowly, taking his own time to convey his message.

"I will leave tomorrow morning!" Said sham grumbling. Arnav looked surprised.

"What? You have pooja tomorrow, right?" he asked looking at his sulking Di.

"Yes, but its of no use for him! Chote... Panditji had come to overlook on the preparations. He has warned us about a grave danger. He says there is a threat to his life. I have to do vrat and fasting before the pooja and ... and.." She started weeping silently.

Arnav was upset. He came to his Di consoling her. "Di, what rubbish? What danger? I mean I don't believe in this. Don't be so superstitious Di! Nothing will happen.." He said holding her hands.

"No chote... its not like that. He is in danger.. and I don't want to take any chances. Panditji said, he we cannot perform the pooja together, it will not have its right effect and the purpose for which its being done will be futile. So I have to do the pooja alone." She started crying. Arnav stood there not knowing what to do. He exchanged looks with Aakash. Aakash looked equally sad.

"Chote... Panditji said things are not good for me for next three months. My Saturn crosses with his planets and if.. if we stay together ... his... his life is in danger..."She broke down crying.  Arnav ran forward to support his Di.  Sham looked on aghast!!

Part 62

She tried Calling Arnav to tell him that Papaji has forgiven her, but he did not pick up. She tried several times and he rejected her calls. Then messaged her that he was very busy. She kept thinking about the incidents. She winced at the thought of being caught. But the memories of being with her Laad Governer brought smile.  She blushed when Arnav pulled her and kissed her in her thoughts. She signed sulkily and went to bed.

Arnav was engrossed in his newly cropped up problem. Never in his life his consignment had been rejected. He had to take some drastic decisions. He was expecting around 30% profit margin in this project but now the project itself was in jeopardy. First time he felt frustrated with his business. He thought about his role model papaji.

"How does he manage with so many problems of so many companies!" he wondered. His group was thrice the size of Arnav's group and still he managed to keep the problems at bay.

"This is because of empowerment, my son!" Papaji had said once to him.

"Empowerment plays wonders. It shows you the true characteristic of a person. My plus point in this is I get into the true personalities of a people around me and then put them in power." Papaji had said.

Arnav could see the contrast in the two businesses. He believed in doing the things himself in his autocratic way. His philosophy was to delegate only those things, which could be ordered, making all the decisions himself. He was a control freak! He was more of autocratic type unlike Papaji's participative style. He thought of consulting papaji in this crisis but later on thought otherwise. He would handle it himself. He had to zero down on the root cause of this rejection, as this would affect the company malevolently.

*** *** **
Khushi woke up early in the morning. There was no message or missed call from Arnav. She had a plan. She sent a mail to Lavanya. "If she is in US, then it must be evening or night for her!" She thought. She started her routine. When she reached office she was surprised to see Lavanya's reply. She was very happy that Khushi contacted her.

"Chamakili! What a surprise! You wrote! That too in good English! I am pleasantly surprised!
Chamakili, I miss you. You brought our memories back. Thank you chamakili! And Keep in touch!
"Chamakili.. ASR had called me a couple of times, but he did not talk about you. Did you meet him?"
It was really nice to touch base again!!!" She had written.

Khushi smiled happily. She decided to write to her in the evening. "Arnavji called her? Are they in touch with each other? Why did he not talk to me about her?" She wondered, her smile fading away.

Shondeep had some work and he called Khushi. They were discussing some information on the spinning mill and papaji barged in. Shondeep was surprised at his worried looks. He got up from seat and shook hand with his boss.

"Shondeep, we need to talk and khushi, leave us alone for some time" ordered papaji. Khushi went out wondering.

Shondeep, I received the letter for reconsideration of the acquisition. The secretary, "Cotton Corporation of India" had called me up last night and today I received the letter. Another company is now in arena competing with us. We have to redefine our stance on this project. So be ready for the technical talk and I am entrusting the entire negotiations to new CEO Mr. Sham Zaa." Shondeep looked at his boss in surprise.

"Why does he trust this Sham? When I had expressed my skepticism on this person!" he wondered but all the same agreed to his boss.

*** *** ***
Khushi came home in the evening. After dinner, she decided to write to Lavanya and invite her for the wedding. She did not know whether Arnav would talk to her today! She did not try to call him. She opened her laptop to write to Layanya but somehow lost interest and went to bed.

Khushi was running from pole to post trying to say something to people only to find out that sham had already reached there before her and Anjali was always there with Sham to defend him. People blamed Khushi for ruining Anjali's life. Khushi had a bad dream and woke up with a jerk.

"We must somehow separate That person from Anjaliji. We must do something... " She started pacing thinking hard and the solution flashed...

She hurriedly dialed Arnav's number. It was almost 1.30 in the night. Arnav woke up startled. He picked up the phone.. "Arnavji, I have a plan to separate Anjaliji from that man... " She started off excitedly.

"Khushi..! do you know what is the time now? Can you not wait till morning?" He was annoyed.

"No! I cannot wait... listen... here is the plan!" She went ahead without bothering about his reaction. After she had finished, she took a deep breath and smile appeared on his face.

"I still think this is not going to work..!" he said. "But let us give it a try, khushi!"

"Yes we should give it a try.." ... "And good night Arnavji!" She said hanging up.


Early morning Arnav woke up with a pain in his shoulder. Last night he had skipped his pain killer. He came down for breakfast after having coffee in his room. Anjali looked very worried.

She said, "Chote I heard about your problem. I don't know what has happened to this house. Everything seems to be going wrong. Your Jijaji talked about some problem in your new company as well. I had called up panditji. He had suggested Shanti Paath for this house. I plan to hold it tomorrow. Please find some time tomorrow...!"

Arnav said "Ok di. But today we need to have an emergency meeting and I want YOU to be present. I have intimated other board members also.." He looked at his jijaji for reaction.

"But Chote, I cannot come today. I need to prepare for the pooja. But don't worry! Your jijaji will come. He will be of more help to you." She said holding her husband's hand. Sham smirked. Arnav lost his last hope.

"Saale Saab, do you know, the acquisition will be delayed as there is order for reconsideration and re-tendering. I will have to hold the negotiations!" he said looking at his wife proudly.

"What? Why? I mean.. the order was already passed in our favor." Said Arnav looking surprised.

"Yes but another competitor has directly come from the ministry" He said.
"Oh! Ok. So you are going to handle this.." Arnav muttered.

*** *** **

Arnav was on his way to the office with Aakash. He had been to the doctor for his checkup. He called up Papaji.

"Good Morning, puttar!" Papaji greeted him pleasantly. He too was in transit for his morning meeting with Shondeep.

"I know, you must have heard from him by now. And Yes! There is going to be re-tendering. But don't you worry. I talked to Raj this morning and we are not changing our figures in the new tender. And HE is going to handle this negotiation. Of course Shondeep is always there for technical issues. I will have a meeting with him and get back to you." He said hurriedly.

"What? Why he? He will ruin everything!" Arnav was little upset.
 "No Puttar, I will explain it later. Now I need to talk to someone else! Have a good day puttar!" he said and hung up. Arnav stared at his dead mobile. Aakash too looked surprised at this decision.

"Aakash take me to the Baragat Wala Temple" Said Arnav.
"What? Bhai, since when you became .....?" Aakash was surprised.
"Oh! Shut up Aakash! It's Di's work. She is upto some pooja and has asked me to meet Panditji." Said Arnav, looking at his cell phone. He was craving to call Khushi. He knew she might be on her way to office.

He got down at the mandir and asked Aakash to wait and dialed Khushi's number as he entered the Mandir complex. He came back after fifteen minutes talking to his Di on phone. They headed towards office.

He had received a mail from Raj and Raj requested a video chat with him "officially" Without wasting time he called up Raj. They talked about the new problem for a long time and when the meeting was over, Arnav was still more confused on Papaji's decision about Sham. Even Raj was against it but Papaji had put his foot down on this issue.

*** *** ***
Papaji had a meeting with Shondeep and given him the clear instructions about his preparations about technical issues and cost cutting without eliminating a single worker.
"We have to win this project on our technical knowhow and productivity. Understand? So be prepared for a detailed presentation on these lines and I will take care of the rest with our new CEO Mr. Sham. He is a good negotiator, I know! Shondeep, if you trust me, leave it to me!" Said Mr. Balwindar Singh, Shondeep's Boss.

"Of course, Sir! I know you will do whatever is best!" he said honestly.

"Khushi, entered his cabin with the files. Her presence brought smile on Shondeep's face. Papaji, too looked relaxed. They had some light talks between the routine business.

"Sir, my mother has invited all of you for dinner at your convenient time." He said looking at Khushi.

"Yes, Why not Shondeep? I haven't met your parents for long. So may be tomorrow? Ask your mom. We will come!" Papaji accepted his invitation wholeheartedly. Shondeep looked very happy. He dialed his mother's number to tell her this good news! Papaji took phone from him and talked to his mother. He was smiling while giving the phone back.

"So, Shondeep, dinner tomorrow is fixed and she is making all my favorites. I know some of these people are vegetarians but we will enjoy your mothers preparations! He said in jolly mood. Khushi raised her eyebrow and flared her nostrils in disapproval for non veg food."
She came back to her seat thinking about Arnav and imagining how he would react at this news. She smiled losing herself in his thoughts.

Part 61

"Who was it?" asked Sham suspiciously. He stood in her way! She was shaking with fright.
"How did you fall down?" He asked clutching her shoulders in manic. She was frightened to the core.
"I.. I slipped" she said shaking.

"Don't you try to be smart? You know what I can do to you!" He said threateningly.
"No. there was no one. I fell down on my own. Sorry!" She said looking down guiltily.
"You know why you are here! I want a minute by minute report! Understand?" Sham said furiously.
"Ye..Yes!" she said trying to make her way into the house. He moved from her way and went
Inside. She followed.

She was brought in the house to keep an eye on every one and for reporting their moves to Sham. Sham had tortured her for long threatening her. She remembered the day when she met Sham for the first time. Her Husband was working in Delhi Road lines as mechanic. Her husband had brought him in the house. She was pregnant at that time. He kept on coming to their house under the pretext of helping them with everything. He was a nice gentleman.

Then came the series of smaller accidents impairing her husband and caused him Permanent disablement. They were left to the mercy of Sham as he offered them financial help. She had all the gratitude for him. Sham was always with them during their hard time. He was there at the time of her husband's death. He helped her all the time, even to get the death and succession certificate and also filed her family pension papers.

She knew her husband owned the house they were living in. But to her shock and dispair, Sham produced the papers where her husband had mortgaged that property for some loan. She could not repay the loan. She had nowhere to go with the small kid. Again, sham came forward to help her and placed her in this house, only on the condition that she be his spy and keep reporting. She did the job honestly. Later on, in few days she could feel Anjali's warmth and innocence. She felt sorry for Anjali. She understood what sham was up to. She had gratitude towards the family as nani had offered to take care of the kid's education.

"I will not be the cause for their misfortune. I will not tell anything to that person which will go against this family. I will try to protect Anjili madam as much as possible." She used to pray every night.
She bumped against a girl and before she knew what was happening, the girl had got up and ran out of the gates. She stood there for a while looking at the girl. She bent down and picked up the cell phone. Concealed it under her saree and came back thinking.

"Who was that girl? Why was she running and looked so pale and frightened? Is she connected to Him? Was she running away from him? What did he do to her? Is she the victim of his deeds, like me? What do i do with her cell phone now?" Numerous questions made her head spin. She thought of not telling this to anyone.

She came inside and went straight to the kitchen she stood leaning against the kitchen platform panting. She was scared that Sham could see her through and knew she did not tell him the truth. She waited expecting that he would come after her again. But it did not happen Sham seemed to have taken her word in.

Sham came in. He knew something was cooking. He tried to get it from the maid but she seemed to know nothing. He had to do something drastic before the wedding. He was instructed to be dormant for some more time by his boss since the elections were round the corner. But he had no patience to wait for long. He was all ready for his hunt. He was sure Khushi will turn up at the wedding and he was not ready to give-up this opportunity. She had always ruined his plans and became a threat to his future plans.

*** *** ***
Arnav kept staring at the open door still unable to realize whether it was a dream or she really had come. He sat on his bed staring at the laptop. He called up papaji again to tell him that she has gone out safely.
Khushi went out of the gates on the road and found an auto. Payal came running after her and they went to their home safely.

"Babuji!" Khushi called out hugging her babuji. "Khushi!" said babuji with great efforts. She had a long talk with her family members and suddenly remembering something got up and said "Jiji, Buwaji, I am coming for the wedding but do not know when. But please let no one knows about it. Please make sure you do not allow that Sham in this house. By the way jiji, I bumped on someone in Raizada garden. I think she is that new maid. But please Jiji, do not tell this to Arnavji. He will be worried unnecessarily." Khushi said looking at payal.

"Can you not do one single thing right? Sanaka devi?" Screamed buwaji clearly worried.
"what did I do wrong buwaji? She bumped on me!" said Khushi argumentatively.
"Forget about it. I need to talk to Avinash and if possible meet him. She tried to reach her mobile in her bag. She had forgotten her cell somewhere.

Not bothering to think over it, she dialed Avinash's number from the landline.
"Jiji, I am going to meet Avinash now and from there will go to the airport" She hugged everyone and went out.

** **
Avinash and his wife were in he hospital. Avinash's wife was very happy to see Khushi after such a long time. "Khushi! I loved your gift. Its really beautiful. I wore it the other day at the party" She said smiling at her. "bhabi, I need your help. I want Lavanyaji's contact details." She looked at her husband.

"What? Khushi, why do you want to contact her after all this? But first tell me, why did you not meet me when you visited last time. And why did you send the gift with payal?" He asked sulking. He was visibly angry with her.
"Avinash! I had to curtail my last visit and at least I sent some gifts for both of you. You don't even bother to offer me tea or at least water and didn't tell me whether you liked it or not?" She looked at him smiling. He smiled back with all his sulkiness vanishing with Khushi's smile.

"Ok. I give up! Tell me what to you want this time? and liked your tiepin!" asked Avinash smiling at her.
"I want her contact details. I want to invite her for jiji's wedding" She said. "And you two are coming too! I don't know who will personally come to invite you. But this is my personal invitation" she told them "Yes! But are you coming for the wedding?" Asked Avinash's wife looking worried.

"Yes, I am coming. Don't know how! But I am coming, that's for sure!" Said Khushi.
"Ok. Give me the details" Khushi outstretched her hand to get the details.
"Avinash rumbled in his drawer for some time then tried to find out from his cell"
"Ok. Here it is!" He said and wrote down her email id. And gave it to Khushi.
"Thank you! Avinash. You are the one to help me in my distress. Now I have to run" she got up. Hugged his wife and went out like a storm.
Avinash shook his head smiling. "She has not changed a bit. She is the same Khushi, I knew her as a child" He said looking at his wife.

*** ***
Arnav still was thinking about the incidents. He thought "Khushi might have reached the Airport by now. I should have gone to see her off." He dialed her number. It was switched off.

"What the hell? Why has she switched off the cell? She must not have checked in. There is still time. He came out thinking about her. He saw the mail moving slowly towards his Di's room. He followed her. She was standing at the doors peeping in.

He went behind with mounting rage. What the hell is she doing outside, spying?
The maid had switched off the phone. She thought of giving it to someone in the house. The maid moved towards Anjali's room thinking of giving her the cell she found. She had only Anjaly in this house that she could talk. She was scared of everyone else. When she went near she found Anjali was talking to Sham. She waited outside. She did not want sham to know about the Cell phone.

She turned back to go after a while and froze. Arnav was standing behind her burning with rage. "What the hell!" he spoke with gritted teeth. She was trembling from head to toe with fright. "I...I found th..this" She said showing the cell phone. Arnav snatched the phone from her. He looked at her threateningly! She backed with fright.
He turned and came back to his room. He switched it on and saw the contact list. He froze. To be sure he dialed khushi's number from his cell and it rang. He and Khushi had escaped narrowly this time. He went to Aakash's room.
"Aakash, we need to go to the airport now. This girl has left her mobile here!" He said. Aakash was working on his laptop looking concerned.

"Bhai.. I need to talk to you! Its urgent! We will talk on our way!" he said getting up.
They were racing towards the airport.
"Bhai... there is a bad news! Our consignment of garments has been rejected for specifications mismatch. I received the rejection letter. It was a high value consignment to the French company, our new client. The Garments have been rejected but they have accepted the apparels"
"What? How? I mean I had given clear instructions with the specification designs.. I have to investigate... Aakash drop me at the office. You go and give her the cell. I need to take it up now!"
"Ok. Bhai, I will come later and join you" Said Aakash gravely.

** *** ***
Arnav barged into the office calling out for Aman! Aman came in looking nervous.
"Aman, get me all the files of this new french clients. I want every detail of the consignment. Get me the files immediately" Barked Arnav.

Within five minutes Aman brought in all the files. He scanned through the file and was upset. Two of the files were not arranged chronologically. He asked about it.
"Sir, I do not know. I always arrange the files chronologically. I don't know how did it happen!" Aman was clearly frightened.

"Who is the custodian of the files? You! Aman, you! You are paid for that. If you do not know, then who should?" I want a full report on this by tomorrow. .. Wait a minute... why are the document numbers jumbled up? " Asked Arnav throwing the files on the table. "Tell me the missing numbers" Arnav went collecting the files. Arnav read the rejection notification carefully noting down the loopholes in the terms.

He hooked on to the Servers and opened the folder for this client. He had made it a process that all the documents are scanned and kept on the server. He searched for the specification document and the designs. "I have to find out who has changed the designs..." He thought.
Aakash came in. "Bhai I gave the cell phone and came back immediately. Bhai... did you find out something?" Asked Aakash.

"Yes. Some documents are missing. Someone has tampered with our documents..." He said looking worried.
"Aakash, let us keep this for later. First we need to do some crisis management. Tell me where is the consignment now? What was the delivery value? Check the penal clause... We have to check the salvage value ... check what is the mismatch... Find out our cost. Get the insurance details. Aakash I need this in one hour. " Said Arnav.
"Ok Bhai. I will compile the information and get back to you." Aakash went away.

Arnav opened the MOU with the Client company. He studied the penal clauses. The consignment values and deadlines for delivery. He checked with the finances and loans for this consignment.

Aakash came in with the figures. They discussed the situation at length. "Ok. Aakash, This consignment was of 250 thousand Euros. Our cost including the transportation is about 10 crores. Now the apparels cost is 6 crores which are accepted. Now we need to get it back with the additional burden of transportation and customs on us. We need to salvage .. get back the consignment, categorize the material. No question of repairs and covering up. We need to redo everything. Utilize all our resources. We need to resend the new consignment within one month to minimize penal fees. Sell the rejects, push them into local market... get ready for the additional financial burden. We need to plough back some reserves from other units into this. Bank will not extend loan for redoing. One installment we miss and we are in mess. Make sure we have to repay the bank loan. Understand?" Arnav said this saving even his breath.

"Aakash, remember! Minimizing the loss is as good as profit for us now! Call the emergency meeting of the members of boards of all the group companies. We need their approval for ploughing back some profit from other units! " Arnav said gravely. "Yes Bhai" said Aakash agreeing to Arnav's views.

They both came back home late in the evening. Sham was waiting for them.
"What is it saale saab? You are looking very serious! What happened? Is there anything I can do?" asked Sham in silky voice. Arnav ignored him and went straight to his room. He was not going to call Khushi!

*** *** ***
Khushi reached home very late. She went straight to mummiji's room. She could not find papaji there. Mummiji told her that he is in the study. She went there and knocked on the door. "Papaji?" she asked. There was no answer for a while and then papaji said "Khushi, I am busy now please meet me tomorrow." She understood that he is not happy with her.
She pushed the door and went inside. Papaji was at the table staring at a open book with his hands folded on his chest. "Papaji..! I... I am sorry! I made a big mistake... I should have asked you before going... I am wrong and I really regret at it... There is no justification for this...Please papaji..." She went nearer. Papaji did not look at her.

"Papaji.. please look at me. I am ready for any punishment... please papaji... !" she said on the verge of crying.
"Its not the question of punishment, khushi! Did you know how many people you put in danger? Did you understand what would have happened if you were caught?" He asked her.

"Yes, papaji.. I understood. I am sorry. I have learnt a lesson. Please forgive me?" She said going nearer and putting her arms around his neck from behind. "Papaji I am sorry! Please?" She asked lovingly. Papaji could not resist. He smiled and stroked her head saying "I cannot get angry with you, my child!"

She smiled and came back to her room, thinking of calling Arnav.