Part 54

They came home. Elsa had retired to her room but papaji and mummiji were in the hall waiting for them eagerly. Mummiji came driving her wheel chair forward. She looked at both of them  and Khushi went into her arms "mummiji..!" Mummiji patted her smiling with teary eyes. She asked both of them to change and handed over towels to them.
Khushi changed and came back into the hall and saw Arnav was already in the hall wiping his wet hair with the towel. Papaji hugged him getting overwhelmed with emotions. Arnav, for the first time experienced such warmth in the hug. He looked at Khushi, who looked at him in surprise, with dropped jaw. He had a smile on his face and was looking at her as if he has taken away her papaji. She came forward sulkily; “Papaji…!” she pulled his arm and papaji embraced her too with Arnav. Arnav wrapped his arm around her shoulder and she blushed. "Happy Birth Day, my dear child!" said papaji kissing her forehead.

Butler brought in the hot coffee. Arnav sneezed and Khushi looked worried. "Don't worry, Khushi, nothing will happen to him. He is a strong boy!" said papaji smiling. And She sneezed. Arnav looked at her arching his eyebrow. She smiled and said "Don't worry! Nothing will happen to me. I am a strong girl!" papaji roared in laughed thumping on her back and sending her off balance. “You two are made for each other…!” he thought winking at his wify….!

Next day early morning, though she had not slept well in the night, Khushi and papaji were taking their morning tea. Arnav was still sleeping and Mummiji was in her room. "Khushi, though it's a Sunday, since Arnav is here, I would like to have a meeting with all of you. Call Shondeep at 8 and ask him about his availability at 11.00 in the morning today. We will have lunch together." Said papaji.

"Ok. Papaji, I will do that," She said looking at Arnav who had just walked in. "Good morning, Puttar!" greeted papaji. "Good Morning, Papaji!" Arnav reciprocated. Khushi looked at him in surprise. "Papaji?" she asked him silently. He smiled. Butler brought in black coffee for him. He looked at Khushi. There was no trace of the night's ordeal on her face. But her eyes reflected pain. The color on his face changed and he looked serious. "Puttar, if you are free, I would like to have a meeting with you and Shondeep at 11.00 today" Said papaji. "Ok." Arnav agreed.
"So my dear children get ready..." He said and left.
"Arnavji, I am taking mummiji to the Mandir. You take rest and get ready. I will join you at breakfast." She said getting up to leave.

"Listen Khushi..." Arnav said halfheartedly...
She stopped. Turning and coming near she asked little concerned "What?" but there was no response from him. He was staring at her, making her conscious. "What is it?" she gasped unable to bear his gaze. He did not answer but his gaze travelled from her eyes to her lips. She blushed and tried to turn away from him. He was quicker and she could not escape. “Happy Birthday! And thanks for this .." He whispered in her ear. She pushed him away and ran to her room.

They were gathered for the breakfast at 9.00 in the morning and Khushi said, "Papaji, I plan to leave early to prepare for the meeting."
Arnav's phone rang. "Yes Aakash, is everything ok?" He asked. He listened hard for a while and then said "Ok. Aakash, we will have to find out some other way. We will discuss when I come back."
"What is it Arnavji?" Khushi asked worriedly.
"Nothing Khushi, we can talk about it later..." Arnav clearly not wanting to talk about it, tried to avoid her question.
"What other way? What were you discussing?" She was not ready to leave the topic.
"OK! Aakash talked to HIM about his proposed trip for special training to Mumbai ..." Said Arnav, looking at papaji.
"He is one step ahead of us. He had plans to take Di with him.... He says it will be nice change for her too!" said Arnav seriously. "Anyway, I can handle it later when I reach Delhi, now can we proceed for the meeting?"
"Khushi is going ahead and we will join her later. Shondeep would also reach early .." said papaji.
"Oh! Ok. I mean, I will also leave with Khushi and download my mails. Yesterday night I could not do it." Arnav said looking at Khushi. Papaji nodded.

They were ready to leave for the meeting after the breakfast. Papaji declared, "We are going out for lunch with Shondeep and we will have a special dinner in Taj tonight." Kids were planning something else. "But dadaji... we had different plans" said meera sulkily. "You can have it in the evening, kids!" said papaji and turned to leave.
Arnav and Khushi left for the meeting early.  Papaji gave Arnav the car keys.
"You could have downloaded your mails at home also and joined us later..." Khushi said looking at him.
"And what? Leave you with that CEO alone?" He asked her directly.
"What?" Khushi gaped at him. He ignored her question. They drove to the office silently.
They reached office. Shondeep had already arrived and had started working. He greeted both of them wondering how they came together. Arnav greeted him back seriously.
Khushi, smiling pleasantly came forward "Hello Shondeep Sir, how are you? How is your father?" She asked.
"Oh! He is ok now and discharged yesterday from the hospital. Thank you Ms. Gupta. And yes, my mother has invited you for lunch at your convenient time." He said looking at her.
She avoided looking at Arnav's furious face.
"Ok. Arnav, coming back to the agenda of today's meeting, I would like to brief you about the plan of floating a new company for this acquisition...." Shondeep started off..
"I think we can discuss this in the conference room..." said Arnav getting up and wanting to take him away from Khushi. Both of them went into the room leaving Khushi behind to prepare for the meeting and take copies of the essential documents.
Papaji arrived exactly at 11.00 am. Arnav admired his punctuality. He greeted him rising from his chair and so did Shondeep. Khushi brought in the copies of agenda and all the supporting papers. She turned to leave but Mr. Balwindar Singh gestured her to sit. And asked her to take down the minutes of the meetings.

"Ok. So coming to the point, we have decided to go ahead with floating a new company as a liaison office with both AR and BTR group as stakeholders. However, there is another Person willing to invest in the corpus and join us as promoter. " He paused for other's reaction.
"He is from US. Mr. Roger..." He looked at Khushi and Shondeep.
"What?" Khushi cried. Arnav did not understand who this Roger was. He looked confused.
Mr. Balwindar Singh said in a steady voice hiding his excitement. "Its Raj. My son. He is popularly known as Roger" He smiled.
"He is putting in half a million dollars and we are putting the rest. The proportion between AR and BTR groups is yet to be decided but we will soon conclude on that." He went ahead looking at Arnav. Arnav nodded.
The initial corpus fund will be of Five crores and half a million is around 2.5 crores. We need to put in another 2.5 crores together.
"If Roger, Raj is putting in 50% then AR group can put in the balance" Said Arnav calculating the risk factor for himself as well as for BTR group.

"No. Mr. Raizada, he will be investing as a separate business house and it has nothing to do with BTR's investment. He will control the major activities and we will provide the operational support," He said looking at Shondeep for approval. He nodded.

"Mr. Raizada, I would like to have your opinion on this as you will be the integral part of this entire operation." He looked piercingly at Arnav.
"Yes Mr. Balwindar Singh, I would like to put in my 50% in the corpus fund balance. That makes 1.25 crores from AR Group." He said looking at Balwindar Singh to gauge his reaction.
"Ok. The remaining is our contribution," He concluded.
"There is another major decision I would like to take in this meeting; the second and final point on the agenda. He referred to the file and took out the paper. Glancing at the paper he said, "The next point is to appoint a person in charge of operations. I propose Shondeep will be acting Managing Director but to put another responsibility on his shoulder will be taxing for him as he handles two of our companies single handedly. So I propose, We appoint Mr. Sham Zaa to take over this acquisition as CEO..." He could not continue..

"What...?" Khushi had got up from her chair, horror struck. Shondeep looked at her reaction in surprise. "Ms. Gupta, what happened? Are you ok?" He asked her getting up from his chair unable to understand what her reaction was for.
Arnav came back to his senses after the initial shock and looked at papaji for support. He did not want Khushi’s outburst.

"Would you please bring in his profile?" papaji ordered signaling her to go out.
She walked out with ghostly face. Shondeep kept on looking at her back in shock.
"What happened?" He asked looking at the duo.
"Nothing Shondeep, I think she forgot to incorporate his profile in the file! She lacked attentiveness. ." He shrugged.
"Oh Ok. I have his profile in my laptop" Shondeep said opening the profile document.
"I will get my laptop too. I have a copy." Arnav said getting up and looking at papaji for approval.
He went to Khushi's cabin. She was sitting there like a statue not knowing what to do.
"Khushi....!" He called her.."Arnavji... What is he doing, putting that person in power..." She was aghast.
"And what do you think you were doing? Reacting like this in front of everyone?" He was furious.
"You know, that CEO does not know anything about HIM and you were all set to reveal.." He went on angrily.
Khushi kept quiet looking down. "Khushi..!" Arnav came near and glancing around put his arm around her shoulder to console her. "Try to understand and control yourself. We will take care. Papaji must have had a plan for all this. Trust us. Khushi!" he said gently and helping her to get up, he took his laptop from his bag and went into the conference room.

They went out for lunch. Shondeep kept on asking Khushi whether she was ok; Every time making Arnav to look at him angrily. Papaji had solved the sitting arrangement, sitting next to Khushi and placing the two on opposite side; Shondeep opposite papaji and Arnav to Khushi. Papaji diverted the discussion from business. Arnav was gaping at Khushi's bright smile and Shondeep somehow missing his heart beat.

Papaji had become nostalgic about Hindi cinema and Khushi was at her best. She kept feeding him with movie names and he went on telling details. She was at her best in spoonerism too saying "mait a binute! For wait a minute! Dyasa pil for pyasa dil..." This had made everyone but for Arnav laugh their hearts out releasing all their tensions. Arnav kept flashing furious looks at Khushi whenever Shondeep appreciated her Bollywood knowledge. Arnav became a passive listener morose with Khushi. The discussion turned to instruments and musicians.. Arnav was at his best. He knew many great maestros with their compositions right from BonyeM, to hariprasad chourasia to Beethovan, mozaart to Zubin mehta...
Khushi kept gaping at him. He seemed a mystery to her.
"You are truly an ocean, my laad governer!" She thought looking at him with dreamy eyes.

“Sunaa Maine…” he suddenly barked glaring at Khushi and she winced dropping the spoon. 

“What?” Sondeep was confused.   “No! Nothing…!” Arnav looked away embarrassed and Khushi hid her face bending down to pick up the spoon.  Papaji narrowed his eyes suspiciously and then shrugging, continued…!

Shondeep had all admirations for Arnav. They had lunch peacefully. Papaji ordered his favorite desert Chocolate mousse, before khushi could order hers, Arnav muttered "Jilebees.." causing Shondeep look at him in surprise. It was difficult for both of them to hide their feelings.
Bringing back to the business topic, Shondeep said "It's a good decision to bring a person like Mr. Sham Zaa to work on this acquisition." Khushi chocked, coughing hard and gasping for breath. Arnav could not control himself. Getting up and reaching up to her, he thumped on her back holding her hand. "Are you ok?" He asked in a worried tone still holding her hand. She nodded and tried to take her "Band hack! Oops, hand back"

Shondeep looked at them in surprise. Papaji said "Ok then, let us disperse. I have some work and need to meet someone. So Shondeep, thank you for taking out time on Sunday!"
"Mr. Raizada, you and MS Khushi carry on with your work in the office" he winked causing Khushi blush and Arnav smile. He left with Shondeep. Khushi and Arnav were lost in each others’ gaze.

"Khushi puttar," Papaji had come back. She startled. "Remember, kids have something for you. So, both of you, go home early!" he said. "Yes papaji!" both of them said unanimously.

Part 53

Arnav closed his eyes. He still had not come out of the morning dejection. Payal had unfolded Khushi's childhood.

Khushi had celebrated her 8th birthday with her little friends. She had gathered lot of gifts. Her father had promised her a doll. But he had forgotten his promise and Khushi, though received some fantastic gifts, from her parents, was wild about it and went on ranting. Her father said he would get the doll for her. Her parents went out to get the doll, never to come back from that fatal accident.

Khushi did not understand why they did not come back soon and why they were sleeping in the hall. and why others are crying.  She thought her parents did not the get the doll they had promised her in the market and that's why hiding their faces. She tried to wake up their lifeless bodies shrouded, saying, they can go tomorrow morning in search of the doll and she did not mind waiting for another day for the doll. She had cried that they slept without singing lullaby to her. No one had anything to offer her any consolation. Her uncle babuji.. Took her to his home after the funeral was over, telling her that her parents had gone to Alahabad and would come once they get the doll.

"Arnavji, Khushi waited for her parents for sodays together. Babuji got a new doll for her everyday, but she refused to play and waited for her parents. She kept on telling my babuji to call them back and said she did not want the doll but let her parents come back...

Slowly she realized that they were not going to come back. The reality had sinked in and she started blaming herself for her parent's death. The guilt was killing her from within."

"After that she never celebrated her birthday. She does not talk to anyone and doesn't even come out of the room... This is the only day she locks herself in the room. She does not like anyone to enter her room, talk to her or console her. We just wish this day is deleted from our lives and the next day dawns early." Payal couldn't control her sob, Unable to continue, she left. Arnav had come to his room dejected.
It was 8 in the evening; Arnav rang the bell waiting at the front door of Khushi's house in Kolkata. He had boarded the plane and had taken a taxi to reach papaji's house. He did not know why was he there and what was he going to do. He just wanted to be with her no matter how would she react.

The butler pulled open the door and took the his bag from him. He went to tell about his arrival to other people. Khushi was playing with the kids and Elsa was in his room connected to her US office. Khushi was surprised at his arrival. "Arnavji?" She was smiling. He felt better. Both kept looking at each other, their pulses racing.

"How come? You were to visit on Sunday, right? Have you bought a monthly pass from the airlines?" She asked grinning and walking towards him.
"Ok fine. Should I go now? You want me to leave?" He asked in mock anger.
"No I didn't mean that..." She was nervous looking at his anger.
The kids had already started pulling Arnav's hands and pestering him to play with them. He smiled at them and lifting Tej walked away from khushi. She kept looking at him. "Why is he here? Papaji had told me that he will come on Sunday for their business trip to Nanded to visit the Sahakaar Co-op spinning mill" The phone rang and Khushi picked up.

"Khushi, its me Papaji. Has Arnav puttar arrived? I am on my way and will reach in 10 minutes," Papaji said from the other end.
"Yes papaji, he is here. Did you know he is coming?" She asked in surprise.
"Yes puttar, there is some pressing work." He said and hung up.
It was almost 9 in the evening when papaji came home. They had dinner together. Papaji and Arnav were in the study after the dinner. Khushi was whiling away time. There was no sign of both the men coming out of the study. She waited for them but later on she went to sleep.

She prayed her Devi mayya to give her strength and forgive her. "Hey Devi mayya, have mercy on me for I am the sinner and my sin has no remission. I have to carry this burden of sin on my shoulder throughout my life.... " She sat there for a long time. Even after twelve years... the intensity of her guilt had not reduced. In fact it had increased as the years passed by. Tears rolled down her eyes unknowingly. "I... I did it.... I .. I am a killer.... I killed my parent..." She started weeping silently. The raindrops were dancing on the makeshft tin shade at the corner of the garden....
There was a knock on the door at midnight.....

 Khushi stopped suddenly. She was weeping for a long time. "No.. I can't open the door... No one knows about it.... I can't show my face... I.. I.. should sleep now! " She said to herself and hurriedly went to her bed, switching off the lights. She waited with baited breath. The intensity of the rain outside had increased.

There was a bang on the door again. "Khushi.." Elsa had called. Khushi got up with a jerk. "Elsa bhabhi? at this time?" She came to the door but again went back as she heard other voices.

She heard Arnav, "Khushi... open the door! I know you are awake! I saw you switch off the lights just now! Open the door! Else I will break open!" He said threateningly.
She opened the door. Everybody except the kids had gathered. They all came in. She tried to hide her face from everyone turning to face the window opposite the door.
" Khushi putter" mummiji called her warmheartedly. Khushi denied turning. All looked at each other hopelessly.
Papaji came forward but "Please leave me alone... please... "Said Khushi sobbing. Papaji stopped dead and turned. He signaled at Arnav. Arnav stayed there and others left the room.
He put his hand on her shoulder. She was trying to control herself, trembling uncontrollably. "Khushi....! Chalo! Come!" He said turning her around and taking her with him. He came out. All were waiting.

Mummiji spoke first. "Khushi... Happy Birth Day!" She spoke driving her wheel chair nearer.

"No...!" Khushi cried and turning her back broke into a run to get to her room. Arnav stopped her in the middle. Held her tightly in his arms. Papaji came near and handed the car keys to Arnav. He took the keys and clasped Khushi's palm in his and walked towards the front door. She walked with him hypnotized.

He made her sit in the car. Mother nature was out pouring. He drove away without a word. He took her in that rapid rain to Robindro Lake, her favorite place. It was pitch black outside and pouring. He switched off the car lights. Released his seat belt and helped khushi release hers. She was trembling. He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his arms. She lost control. She poured her heart out on his chest. And outside, Mother Nature was pouring her heart out. Robindro Lake was filled to the brim... on the verge of overflowing...

"Khushi...! I am sorry! I cannot talk like other people. I cannot find words to console you. I can express myself neither with the words nor with my actions. Khushi... try to understand... I grew up suppressing my emotions, my sorrows and even happiness. What I express is only the anger...It gives me strenght... I don't know words, Khushi... .... I am not the right person in such situations. I do not know how to solace you, Khushi... please... please... I cannot be a support .. I am sorry Khushi... I am not the one with words...... " He swallowed hard. Tears welling up in his eyes. He opened his mouth .. But only he could speak was her name in a hoarse voice. He could not say anything that he thought.... He could just hold her in his arms and let her cry on his shoulder. He waited not knowing for how long...

Khushi's sobs subsided slowly. She lifted her face and looked at Arnav's wet eyes. "Arnav ji, I.. I am a sinner..." She spoke with great efforts. She tried to open the door. He helped her. Opened his door. Both of them came out in the rapid rain. She marched a few meters ahead leaving him behind in dispair. He did not go after her but leaned against the bonnet and waited, looking at her drenched figure in that rain.

She stood like a statue lifting her head towards the sky. It was pitch black with no starts to talk to. She just looked up drenching in the rain completely and so did Arnav. She looked at the Lake. Its black water absorbing the rain looked like an ocean, deep and mysterious. She slowly turning back to face Arnav. He came up to her.

"Arnavji...I .. I killed them.. they were shrouded like these stars..." she said. Arnav embraced her like never before and spoke "Its not you, Khushi. Its your fate..." He suddenly stopped. Khushi too looked up at him.

"Did you say FATE?" she asked. He nodded in acceptance. The person who smugly said he wrote his own destiny was accepting the supremacy of fate and destiny. Faint smile appeared on both the faces. He looked at her face and without even knowing what he was doing started kissing her eyes wiping off her tears from her cheeks. The rain subsided....The catharsis was over... He had liberated her from the guilt....

Khushi looked at the ocean like Lake. "Arnav ji, this looks like a ocean... like you. Arnav means ocean in Sanskrit, deep and mysterious, with the treasure deep down. No one can touch its bottom. " She said resting her head on his chest. He kept looking at the Lake.

He, with her in his arms walked up to the car and opened the door. She was about to enter but took her foot back...
He looked at her questioningly. " It's a Mercedes. Will get dirty and get spoilt..." she said guiltily, looking at her drenched pathetic condition.

He nodded hopelessly. "Khushi... it's a thing... it is for us. And we are not for this. Understand? It can be cleaned... Do you want to walk down the distance to home in this rain, only because the car would get dirty?" he asked smiling and came unto her and pushed her in the car. Both of them drove away to their Home.... Khushi looking sober and calm... drenched completely in his love. Arnav controlling his urge to grab her agian and taste her lips...!

Part 52

Arnav was irritated with himself. Khushi had sensed his inner feelings. 

 
He was in a very good mood in the morning and was sure that nothing would go wrong from now on and his stars were shining brighter. But when he came to the office and saw the pathetic situation in the conference room, he thought otherwise.  His stars were gloomy. He never wanted his systems to fail at this crucial juncture. He had asked his person to set it right. But fortunately everything was settled since he had plan B ready for backup.

He mused on his own vulnerability in front of Khushi. “She always catches me on wrong foot.. However I try to hide my feelings, she always exposes me and every time I feel swayed away by her. I will get back, Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada…. “ He thought resolutely.

Aakash called him up. “Bhai… I casually asked Di about her accident. She said she tripped over the small stool which the new maid had kept it there and had forgot to keep it back at its place.”

“See.. I knew it. Its him. She must have kept it on purpose. We did right in ousting her out of our house. “ He said in a rage. “Aakash we have to do something without wasting time.” He said worriedly.

“Bhai…. Thats why I called you. Di has called back the maid, saying its not her fault. It seems the made had brought the stool for Di to tighten up her braces. Di said she wants that maid back in the house as she is needy and we have to help her.” Said Aakash seriously.

“Humm!” Arnav was deep in thoughts.

“Bhai… I told Di and offered that maid, a job in our office. Bhai… Di refused to send her saying she is illiterate and it would be difficult for her to work in the public place like offices. Bhai… she is not ready..” Aakash said.
Arnav banged his fist on the table in frustration. Things were not going his way. Or were they?
All the satisfaction he had with the outcome of the meeting vanished. He decided to go home for lunch.

He went home only to find out that Sham was still at home having lunch with all the family members. “Hello Saale Saab. It’s a pleasure to have you for lunch with us after a very long time.” He said silkily. Arnav did not respond. He silently started having his lunch.

“How was the conference call Saale Saab?” Arnav was shocked at this question. “OK” he said curtly hinting that he did not wish to answer any further questions on this.

“Anyway, I have an interview with Mr. Banerjee at 4.00 and I think I should leave now. I need to abreast myself for this meeting” Said Sham smirking.
“Yeah ok” said Arnav. He was relieved that finally sham was going out leaving his Di alone at least for some time.

** ***
“Di, I will get another maid for you, may be more experienced and qualified. I cannot take chances with this one, Di… Please listen to me..” Arnav pleaded helplessly. He wanted to drive the maid out of the house.

“Chote… Don’t bother yourself with these domestic issues. I have decided that she will stay here and that’s final. I have promised your jijaji. So she stays. Look at her, poor girl, having a child to bring up with no family backing…! Widowed at such an young age….” Anjali said looking at the maid who had come out to clean the table. Arnav glanced at the maid and was shocked to see tears in her eyes. “Crocodile tears…!” he thought.

Sham was on his way to the office. He called his aide again. “Keep the CD ready. I am coming to the office in a few minutes.” He ordered.
“Sir, we have a situation. There is problem. Our Lease line failed and I could not connect to the wireless router initially. But when I set it right, he had already started his con call using his USB Internet Dongle on his laptop. He refused to connect his laptop to our office LAN and used it as stand alone system. I could not record the meeting…”

“What? Damn it! “ Sham was visibly frustrated. Nothing was going right for him.
“Sir, He used his laptop for the con call. But we can always sync his laptop with our servers…” the aide said hopefully.
“What are you waiting for?” Asked sham angrily.
“Yes Sir, I will go, get his laptop and will call you back once it is done…” Said the aide.
Arnav decided to work from home and went to his room. Opened his laptop and started downloading his mails…..

Sham was all set for his interview. It was a big day for him. He had an initial set back as he could not get the recording of the meeting of ASR and the CEO. He wanted to know more about this CEO to tackle him.

He sat nervously in the conference room and waited for the screen in front to glow. Exactly at 4.00 it glowed. Mr Shondeep Banerjee greeted him. He kicked off the meeting and asked Sham to elaborate on his profile. Sham started off politely gauging the other person. "He seems to be sober and straight forward, averse of politics. He can be easily managed. Does not know much about legal politics... I think I can pocket him" thought sham while he was talking on his own profile.
"Mr Sham Zaa, you seem to have experience in handling the government officials but you have no experience in handling the complex issues like privatization of co-op units and handling the Industrial relations." Mr. Banerjee asked him cutting off his elaborate talks.

"Mr. Banerjee, I am a lawyer by profession and know all the legal implications of such privatization. I may not have prior experience, but there is always a first time. And I am sure with my contacts I will handle such cases." Said Sham confidently.

"There can be issues of labor union and also political vested interests..." Said Mr. Banerjee.
"Politicians can be managed. I have done that before. They can be handled on their weak links..." Sham said.
"What is your philosophy in handling these critical issues? How would you prepare yourself?" Asked Mr. Banerjee.

"Get it done by any means should be the approach. Any document can be doctored to our advantage..." He said looking at Banerjee to read his mind. Mr. Banerjee had no expression on his face. Sham was unable to get the reaction.
The interview went on for more than two hours. Sham seemed to be exhausted with the detailed questions. He had prepared well. His person from Sahakaar coop spinning mill had already briefed him about what to say and what to hide. According to him, he had done well. He was welversed with all the legal complicatins about the union, the compensation issues, about Labour Tribunals, about filing the papers and also on the implication on the members of coop. Societies.

The only hitch was he could not gauge Mr. Shondeep Banerjee. He seemed to know nothing initially but as the interview progressed, Sham was shocked with his thorough knowledge about the co-operative manufacturing societies and the problems faced by such units. Sham had to change his stance frequently and had to go on back foot every time Mr. Banerjee encountered him on issues of ethics and motives.
Sham came out wiping sweat on his forehead. He dialed a number and talked to the other person with a glint of pride. He had done well. Now he will have the Raizadas dancing to his tune. The person on the other side seemed satisfied. He congratulated him on his success.

Arnav went out in the evening alone. No one knew where he went. Late in the evening, Arnav, Shondeep and Mr. Balwindar Singh had a telephonic con call. Mr. Banerjee gave his report on Mr. Sham Zaa.

"Sir, Arnav... this is my first hand report on this lawyer. Oh Boy! He knows his domain. He had done his homework well. He knew all about the co-op. spinning mill we are considering to take over. He knew about the process and the government agencies involved. He seems to be thorough about what he was talking over. I feel he could be the right person for this take over.

Arnav was shocked at this. How can Shondeep be so impressed by this conman? He didn’t react. He just kept listening to what they were talking.
Mr. Balwindar Singh on the other hand reacted. "Oh! Ok. We will consider him after some more investigation about this person."

"Sir, but before we go ahead with this person, I would like to place before you some of my readings about this person. He seems to be a dicey person. He tends to ignore the rules and get the work through back door entry. He has no inhibitions about bribe and thinks its one of the method of getting the things done. He is of the opinion that nothing can happen if we abide by the rules. Though he is a lawyer he has no respect for laws and rules." Shondeep said gravely.
"Then, why are we considering him? I have never done any illegal thing in my life. Though I am of the opinion that power and money can mend and bend people, I will never do any illegal thing.. forget about bribing." Arnav was furious about this discussion. He wanted this person out.

Balwindar Singh did not react initially and after a long pause he spoke. "We need to meet again before we take any decision. But prima facie, he seems to be ok for this position. I will let you know in the next meeting." He concluded the con call.
Arnav waited for some time and then called papaji. "Arnav I was waiting for your call. Puttar, before you say something, listen to me carefully." Said papaji and started off his analysis.

"Puttar, I had not given any background of this entire exercise of trapping Sham to Shondeep. I wanted his honest, unbiased opinion and I got one. Shondeep is very good at judging people and putting them in the right quadrant. Puttar, knowledgeable wicked persons are more dangerous. We have to handle them carefully and use their brains to our advantage. He is a lawyer with a criminal mind... these people are a danger to the society. They get away with everything. They can be trapped only by patience. We have to wait for the time when they err on their confidence.... Puttar, do you understand what I mean?" Papaji asked him kindly.

Arnav forgot to react, his head spinning. He was thinking about sham and his ulterior motives. "Puttar, I request you think about it rationally and ponder. You will realize what I mean. I will talk to you tomorrow. And if you trust me... leave this issue to me to handle. "

"Yes. Papaji... uncle.. I leave it to you! Good night" Arnav hung up. He came home.

He called Khushi in the night. "Khushi....".
"dwaad? Adnaajwee! DwaeD!" there was noise from the other end and a silence for a while... He heard coughing and then hiccups and a big gulping sound. He was flabbergasted.
"Sorry! Arnavji... I was eating and I had swallowed hard and chocked up...!" She said still coughing.
"Oh! Are you ok now?" He asked. He could hear voices in the background. Lot of kids and a loud music! There seemed to be commotion all around.

"Khushi... what is going on?" He asked.
"Oh! Nothing. The kids got bored so I gathered some more kids from the neighborhood and we are having a party here..." She said.
"Ok. Khushi. I will call you later." He said frustrated and hung up. He knew there is no point talking to her at this point of time.

*** ***
It was an overcast Friday. It was drizzling the whole day. Monsoon had set in. Lot of things happened in these days after the meetings on Tuesday. He had instructed his Company Secretaries to go ahead with floating a new company with a five crore corpus fund. The office bearers were yet to be decided. He had a feeling that the things are going his way. He was watering his plants before going to the office.
He saw Aakash and Payal sitting on sofa. He headed straight towards his room. He overheard them talking. "No Aakash ji.. please..Its 28th ...not on 28th... Its Khushi's birthday...." Payal was saying seriously.

Arnav stopped dead in his tracks. "Khushi's Birthday? When? This month? Next month?" He turned back.
"Aakash, what is it?" He asked looking at Payal. She had stopped talking.

"Nothing Bhai... we were planning for rain picnic, both the families to a resort, like we used to go when we were kids." Aakash said excitedly.
Arnav paid no attention to what Aakash was planning. He kept looking at Payal.
"Which 28th?" He asked.
"This 28th....." Said payal confused.
"That's tomorrow... Saturday, july 28." Arnav thought.
"Khushi's birthday!! And I don't even know about it..." He thought. "Why did she not tell me before?" he mused. He had heard her talking about celebrating everybody's birthday but never about her own birthday. He turned to leave.

"Payalji, we will celebrate her birthday in the picnic". Aakash was not ready to give up his picnic plans.
"No Aakash ji. We do not celebrate her birthday". She said almost sobbing.
"Why?" Aakash asked.
"It's a long story. We just do not talk about it at all." She said. "Ok. Aakashji, we have to leave for shopping. We will plan out our picnic on some other day. Please?"
They both got up to leave.
"wait a minute, payal... I want to talk to you" Arnav said seriously.
"Ok. Bhai... I am waiting in the car" Said Aakash and left.
"Payal... tell me what is it that you do not want to talk about?" He asked.
"Arnavji... I really do not want to talk about it and Khushi will also not talk about it. In face she will not talk to anyone tomorrow." Payal had tears in her eyes.

"Payal... I am asking you this for the last time. Tell me.." He asked threateningly.
"Arnavji ..."She started off in a small voice.
Arnav stood there thunder struck... gaping.
"Poor Khushi.... She thinks she is responsible..." Payal could not say anything more and left.
Arnav came to his room like a sleep walker totally dejected with a heavy heart!

Part 51

Arnav was at his favorite place gazing into the sky. It was almost midnight. His cell rang. Its was Khushi!
"Hmm" he picked up. "Arnavji... poolside?" she asked passionately.
"hum!" he said.
"I am looking at the starry sky after a long time, the clouds are gone.." She said.
"Khushi...!" he was emotionally hit.
"Arnavji, look up in the North...." She said.
"What?" He was surprised.
"Look up North, do you see a big bright stable star?" She asked. He looked up in the direction saying "Yes!"
"That is a Polaris, the only one stable star which does not change its position, no matter what" She said deeply.
"Hum?" He still was confused.
"That is you! Arnavji... A pole-star, polaris... People who are lost look up at the pole star for Direction....Its you!" She said passionately.
"Khushi...." His voice cracking... ! He gazed at the star... He saw a twinkling bright star peeping out from behind Polaris. "Khushi you are there with me... you are here.. by my side...!" he was overwhelmed....
"Arnavji...bring your gaze down. Do you see a Kite with a tail?" She asked. Arnav obeyed.
"yes" he whispered. "Look at the bright red star and a blue twinkling star next to each other...." He kept gazing.
"Your parents... Arnavji....Mamma..Papa!" She said in a whisper. He was speechless...
"Arnavji talk to them....." She almost ordered.
"What? " ...
"Yes Arnavji.... They are waiting... talk to them..." He kept gazing at the starts for a long time her hanging up of the phone went unnoticed.

He looked up to the red and blue starts... tears welling up in his eyes, but refusing to roll down... "Mamma.....I...I am..!" The stars brightened up for him....

*** ****


It was a bright Tuesday morning. Arnav woke up with Khushi's name on his lips. He felt light and bright and was ready to take on the day. Last night, for the first time he felt relieved from the burden of heavy chains he was tied up with. He had a long talk with his mother.

He had a meeting scheduled with Sohodeep at 11 in the morning. He got ready and went to the office.

Sham had called his person to instruct him. "Every conversation with that CEO should be recorded. I want that video tape before I take on the interview with the CEO. Understand?" he had said. The other person had agreed and it was all set to record the video con call of Arnav and CEO.

Arnav reached office exactly at 10.00 in the morning. Aman had kept all the files ready for the meeting. He glanced through the documents and kept his notes ready. Homework well done!

He went to the conference room. The system administrator was still working on fixing the LAN and the lease line. The digging up of the roads had damaged their data line. Arnav yelled at him in frustration. He went out to get his laptop. The system administrator had finished his work. It was almost 11.00 and he opened his laptop and was ready for the conference call.

The 50" monitor brightened up and glowed the conference room in Kolkata. Arnav sat upright and was ready to greet the person. He was seeing this CEO Shondeep Banerjee for the first time. Mr. Balwindar Singh's voice echoed. "Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada, and Mr. Shondeep Banerjee.. Good morning. Sorry, I could not make it. But its my pleasure to introduce both."

"Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada, this is Ms. Shondeep Banerjee. He is the CEO of our Weaving grpup. He is with us for last five years. He is BS and MS from MIT, US and has done his masters in Business Administration. He has specialized in Manufacturing and Production Engineering. We are proud to have him with us and he is an integral part of our group." Said Mr. Balwindar Singh proudly.

"And Shondeep, this is Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada, a very dashing entrepreneur with tremendous business acumen. He specializes in Textile Engineering and has been a formidable name in Fashion Industry. Their shows are always instant hit. We have conducted our summer collection with his group AR Group of Industries, mainly into design and garments. The BTR group is proud to be associated with AR group and we look forward to working together forever." He introduced Arnav.
Both the men greeted, gauging each other.

Clean-shaven, Shondeep Banerjee was wearing a Navy Blue tailored suit with French cuff style White Shirt, cuff links, matching blue tie with mirror polish lether shoes. He was slender, more than six feet tall and in his early thirties. He looked handsome with his full business attire. His light eyes had a blue tinge suited his strikingly chiseled face. His eyes reflected his confidence, intelligence and purity of heart. He had a captivating smile, which would instantly spread over others faces. He had styled his curly long hair with back combing highlighting his broad forehead. He smiled at Arnav with genuinity and Arnav automatically reflected the smile in return.

Arnav on the other hand had worn a mono color business suit with brown color gradient. He too had a full business attire with stubble and a serious face. A six feet tall Arnav, had a muscular athlete body. His eyes flashed confidence, intelligence, aggressiveness and gutsy nature. He looked tougher and formidably dominating with his piercing brown eyes.
"Hello Mr. Banerjee, it's a pleasure to meet you." Arnav started off taking charge of the meeting.
The two contrasting personalities started off with the same objective.

"Mr. Raizada, you can call me Shondeep.. by my first name.." His American friendly culture reflected in him. Arnav nodded and said "Its Arnav.." Both smiled and the meeting kicked off with the initial pleasantries.

Each of them discussed his points and noted other's important points. Shondeep scribbled a note and called for the office boy when there was a want for some information. Arnav waited for the information to arrive looking at Shondeep. He had a good impression about this CEO. He seemed to be a techie guy setting up the manufacturing processes. Arnav had never ventured into manufacturing. This was his golden chance. Shondeep was never into fashion design and garmenting. He knew nothing about it. He only produced cloth and not into its ultimate usage. Both of them had a great opportunity working together. Both of them admired each other for their domain expertise. They were complementing each other.

There was a knock on the door and Khushi entered the conference room with the file. She was wearing a dark brown wrap around long skirt and a plain white waist length top  and a brown sash.

Arnav almost fell down from his chair.  He got up with a jerk "Khushi...". But then kept his face straight. His heart thumping against his chest, he gaped at her striking beauty. Khushi had her back to the screen and had bent to hand over the file to Shondeep across the table. Shondeep signaled her to take a seat. She sat and glanced at the screen. She knew Arnav would be on the other side.

Shondeep introduced her to Arnav. "Arnav, she is my boss's assistant and is helping us in this project. We have been getting all the information with its interpretation and graphs only because of her relentless efforts. She is our asset." Said Shondeep looking at her unblinkingly. She glanced at Arnav and smiling, greeted him. Arnav just nodded. He wanted to hug her, to hold her in his arms. He was losing his composure.

Shondeep asked some information and Khushi started off. Shondeep had lent his ears and eyes for her. He was looking at her intently and Arnav started to miss out the important points. He started flashing angry looks at Khushi and Shondeep who were deep in conversation over the fact file.
"Why does she have to smile at him? She should be within her limits. Why is she not looking at me?" his brain stopped working.

"Yes Arnav, I think you have a valid point and we need to probe more into this. My boss will be joining us soon on telephone and we will bring it up to him". Said Shondeep looking at Arnav. Coming back to senses Arnav only nodded without taking his eyes off Khushi.

Khushi felt embarrassed at his gaze. "why is he looking at me like this? What will Shondeep Sir think?" She started blushing wishing Arnav takes off his gaze.
Shondeep had all the admirations for her. He had developed a soft corner for her after they met in the hospital. Arnav was burning with jealousy.

"Ok. Sir, if my work is over, I would like to leave. She said glancing at Arnav with a smile but she got shocked when she did not receive the same smile from him. "Ok. Thank you for your valuable help, Ms Gupta" Smiled Shondeep
"NOT Ms. Gupta! ...... Mrs. Raizada!... " Arnav's heart cried.

Khushi came back after lunch. Papaji had not returned yet. He had concluded the conference call on telephone. Her cell rang. It was Arnav. She was surprised. They had decided that they would call each other only in the evening.
"Hello Arnavji" She picked up smiling.
"Don't you have any manners? Why did you have to enter the conference room?" He asked angrily.
"What? I mean.. what did I do?" she asked bewildered.
"What the hell do you think you were doing in there? Barging in and the way you were talking ...!" Arnav was furious.
"What? Sir called me in. And I thought you would be happy to see me.." She was visibly hurt.
"I.. I mean.... Why were you grinning at him?" He asked.
"What? What are you talking about?" She was confused.

"Khushi... tell me since how long you know him, this CEO?" He asked suspiciously.
"I had met him before, with papaji. But I am working with him when he took over this project!...Why?" she asked still utterly confused.
"How much do you know about him This CEO.? I mean .... Is he married?" Arnav could not control himself.
"I don't know... but when I met his mother... no one from his family was there with them." She said
"What? Did you meet his mother? Why? I mean... what was the need? And why did you have to look so beautiful, today?" He asked getting angrier.
"What? His father suffered an heart attack Saturday night and I visited the hospital..." She started off....
"Wait a minute.... Why are you asking all these things? Do I smell something here...? " She asked grinning.
"Oh! Shut up Khushi...!" He was caught off guard.

**** ****
Sham had called his person exactly at 1.00 in the afternoon to get the record of the video conference call.....

Part 50

Ambulance arrived. He hopped in to accompany his Di to the hospital. He saw Aakash rushing home. "Aakash throw that maid out of the house, right now!" He screamed.

"Chote...! Its not her fault. Its just an accident" Said Anjali faintly.

"No Di! I know who is behind all this. This is not an accident. He is doing it. I know.. I am not going to leave him." He muttered.

"Chote.. what are you talking about? Who is doing this?" She asked. Arnav turned his face hopelessly.

"Shh! be quiet. You need to stay still. You are bleeding. " The paramedic in the ambulance silenced her. Arnav sat there holding her hand helplessly. They reached the hospital. Doctors took over. He waited there pacing restlessly.

He called up Khushi's Papaji and felt a little better after talking to him. He said he will talk to Khushi in the evening. He saw Aakash and Sham rushing in. He clenched his fists in fury. He wanted to kill him. Aakash dug his fingers in his shoulders to stop him from doing anything in a fit of rage.

"Bhai... NO!" he said.
"Where were you? Di is in pain and ... what was your maid doing? She was supposed to take care of Di ...Damn it!" He came on to Sham aggressively raising his fist. Sham paced backwards in defense holding his hands in front of his face to avoid the blow from Arnav.
"Saale Saab. This is not the time to fight. I need to see my wife" and pushing Arnav aside with all his might he ran forward towards the operation theatre. The ward boy stopped him. He waited there near the door glancing at Arnav.
Doctors came out. Sham came forward with tears in his eyes. "Doctor...?" He almost sobbed.
"She is fine. Her braces penetrated into her ankle. Don't you worry. She is all right now. We have bandaged her wounds and have fixed her braces. You can take her home in an hour. I would like to talk to you Mr. Raizada" Said the Doctor.

"Talk to me Doctor. I am her husband" Said Sham "Ok. Both of you please come with me" The doctor said. Arnav was shocked with Sham's behavior.

"You need to take care. Frequent injuries to her ankle will damage her soft tissues permanently. She is already undergoing treatment with us and had shown improvement in her ankle movement. There can be a set back with this kind of accident. I have given instructions to the physiotherapist. Please take care." The doctor told them

"Yes, Doctor, I will take care." Sham said with tears in his eyes leaving Arnav speechless and aghast.

Sham rushed to Anjali who was sitting on the bed of a VIP ward. He hugged her saying "Raani Saheba... aap ne to hamari jaan hi nikali thi.. My heart stopped when I heard about this... Please Raani Saheba... don't be so careless ... " His grip over her tightened and he wiped his tears.

Arnav felt hopeless. He had succeeded yet again in taking away his sister from him. He banged his fist on the wall hurting himself in frustration. Sham came forward looking straight into Arnav's eyes.

“Saale Saab... don't worry. She is ok now. Let us take her home.” Aakash came forward looking at Arnav's clenched fists and holding his hand said "Let us go Bhai..."

…..
"Khushi, Arnav had called up. It seems his sister had an accident in the kitchen. He had taken her to the hospital..." Papaji said seriously.

"What? Anjaliji? What happened? How is she? Oh! My god. Hey devi mayya Raksha Karana!!" Khushi stood up with a jerk. She started dialing Arnav's number.
"Stop it Khushi!" Papaji snatched her mobile. She looked at him bewildered.
"What? Why?" She asked.
"Because, they are in the hospital and his brother in law is there with them. Arnav must be busy, Khushi!" Papaji said calming her down. "He said he will call you in the evening. Wait for his call Khushi. Don't call him..." Said Papaji authoritatively.

"He called you! Why didn't he call me?" Khushi was hurt.
"Khushi, he called me so that I can be of some help to him. He knows you get panic and he really did not want to put you in more trouble. Khushi he will call you... please understand his situation and sit down" He looked at Khushi reading her mind.
"I know, HE has done it. He can do anything." Tears welling up in her eyes, Khushi said slowly sitting on the chair.
"Khushi, she is all right now. Puttar, promise me, you are not going to call him. That will add to his problems." Papaji said putting his hand on Khushi's trembling hand.
"Why did you tell me? You should have waited till he calls me, Papaji!" She put her head down on the table.
"I told you because, Khushi, I wanted you to be strong and stable when he calls you. Your panicky will cause him more pain. He should be strong enough to handle the situation and you should stand by him."

"There is a possibility that it could be a mere accident. So think about it with a clear mind, Khushi! Think about the possibilities."

"Why us, Papaji? Why these woes only for us?" She asked crestfallen.

"Its because, both of you are strong enough to endure ...! so be strong." He said calmly.

"Now, put these thoughts and worries aside and continue with your work. I am sure something good will happen after such an endurance" He patted on her back and went away.
Khushi sat there for a while thinking on what papaji had said. And then got up to carry on.
She frequently kept checking on her mobile hoping that it would flash Arnav's name.
She reached the hospital to meet Shondeep Sir's mother in the evening. She met his father. "Sir resembles his father so much!" thought Khushi.

"She is the one I talked to you about!" Shondeep's mother introduced her to his father grinning at her. She promised them that she would meet them again and left for home.

She reached home. Kids as usual were waiting for their Khushi buwa. But she had no mood to have fun with them. She silently drank tea and told Elsa about today's incident. Elsa took the kids out in the garden. Papaji came in at dinnertime. Still no phone from Arnav. "What was going on? Why all are trying my patience?" She was on the verge of breaking down.

"Khushi, when Arnav calls, I would like to talk to him first." Said papaji firmly looking at her. She nodded.

*** ****
Arnav came home with his Di, Aakash and Sham. Sham lifted her, brought her in and took her to their room. Arnav and Aakash went behind them. Nani and Mami were waiting nervously.
"Di.." Called Arnav. "Saale sahab, please let her take some rest now." Said sham hinting that they should leave the room. Arnav and Aakash came out devastated.

Nani came forward. "She is ok, Nani, nothing to worry about. Fortunately there is no further damage to the ligaments. She needs to be more careful" Arnav said looking at nani. She sighed. He looked around. The maid was not to be seen. He left the hall with Aakash and went to his room.

"Aakash....!" Blurted Arnav in despair.
"Bhai... let us not talk anything about it now and here. We will go to office after some time" He said. I will go freshen up and come back. Do you want some coffee? I will send it with Ram Prakash"

Arnav nodded. He sat there staring unfocused. Then came down and asked nani "Nani, tell me exactly what happened."

"Chote... Anjali bitiya had sent the new maid to the store room. Anjali bitiya wanted to prepare special dish for Damad ji. I was in the hall. Ram Prakash was in the kitchen with her."

Arnav called Ram Prakash and looked at him questioningly. "Arnav Bhaiya, I was in the kitchen with Anjali didi. She turned around to get the oil canister and was talking to me. I turned to get the milk. I heard her screaming as she tripped over something and saw that she had fallen down with the canister and the oil splutter every where. She could not get up and I could not help her as the floor was slippery. I brought the cotton cloth and spread it calling out for naniji and mamiji. We together lifted her and brought her in the hall." Said Ram Prakash frightened to the core.

"Apparently, this looks like an accident. But I should investigate" He thought. Without uttering a word he came out. He called Aakash and both of them went to office again.
*** ***
Khushi's cell rang late in the evening when she and papaji were in the hall. She looked at papaji and said "Arnavji..!"

"Ok give it to me!" He said and took the phone. "Arnav its me!" he said.
"Ok. Tell me one thing before you talk to her. Did you ask how did it happen?" He asked. He was listening hard for a long time and then asked "What was that she tripped over?"
"I do not know. Our servant had cleaned the Kitchen." Arnav said in frustration.
"OK. Try and find out. But I feel this could be a mere accident.... Talk to Khushi" he handed over the phone to her. He waved her to go to her room.

"Hello..!" Khushi called on the verge of crying. But she controlled herself. She remembered that she should be strong. "Hello Arnavji, How is Anjaliji now? What did the doctors say?" She asked in a shaky voice.
"She is ok, Khushi. Her braces came out and she was bleeding. But she is all right and can walk" Said Arnav gravely. There was a silence for a while

"Listen Khushi.... I wanted to call you when I was in the hospital but could not take the risk since he was there." Arnav said.

"I can understand Arnavji." She said consoling him.
"Arnavji, this is going beyond our control. We have to do something. We have to separate them. Can we not send him somewhere far away under the pretext of this new work?" She asked hopefully.
"Khushi, I was thinking on the same lines. “ he was relieved that they were thinking on the same solution.

"Arnavji please take care and call me" she said. "Yes Khushi! And you too, take care and don't panic." He told her. Both of them lost in their own thoughts hung up.

Part 49

"I will know her spending pattern. I will find out how much he has squeezed my sister." He thought smirking.

He came back to his room in the evening with Aakash. Aakash still had the hangover of the lunch with Payal. He was in a dreamy state, not taking in anything that Arnav was trying to tell him.

"Aakash...! Wake up! We have a task ahead." Arnav was irked.

"Sorry bhai...! I know...! But I just can't stop thinking about her!" he said. Arnav shook his head hopelessly. He started working and checking his emails on his laptop and Aakash sat there staring unfocused.

"Aakash, I had left my cell at home and HE had picked it up." Arnav said gravely after some time.
"What?... did he scan through?" Asked Aakash shocked.
"How do I know? Nani took it back from him but looking at his nature I feel he must have seen my contact list or messages" Said Arnav.

"Oh! Now what?" Asked Aakash aghast.

"Now what? We have to wait and watch..." Arnav remembered his conversation with Khushi and smile appeared on his face. He had changed Khushi's name to Aman2.
"And he has brought in a maid to help Di." He Said.
"What? I.. mean.. this could prove dangerous. We have to do something bhai...!" Aakash was getting shock after shock. He was waking up from his dreams. "Aakash, we have to be very careful. We should do something to safeguard Di.." Said Arnav seriously.

"Ok. Aakash... coming back to business... I have received the list of required documents to go ahead with the project. One Mr. Shondeep Banerjee, CEO of a group company of BTR is deputed on this project and he will be interviewing Jijaji next week sometime." Said Arnav.

"Let us wait and watch the outcome of the interview. In the meanwhile I have consulted our Company Secretary. He says this can be done in a couple of weeks time once we decide to go ahead with it. I have asked him to prepare the MA and AA. (memorandum of association and Articles of Association). I will have to talk to Mr. Balwindar Singh before we go ahead. I will do that tomorrow morning.." He said in a tone of reporting the progress.

"Ok bhai... I feel we should go ahead with our plans. That way we can keep him away for some time from our other companies..." Aakash said thinking on the options.
"Yes Aakash and now if you excuse me, I need to water my plants." Said Arnav getting up. Aakash dismissed himself.

*** ***
Arnav's cell rang late in the night and it was Aman2. He smiled and picked up the phone immediately. "Khushi.....!" He called her.

"Arnavji! Papaji has returned from his Kaar Seva..." Khushi said. "I will start my routine from tomorrow..." She went on "What is the news at your end?"

"I stayed home the whole day. HE was there all the time. I could not talk to Di much. .." He started narrating. There was not much to talk about from both the sides. But a phone was a must to hear each other.

"And another news is HE has brought in a new maid for Di.." Said Arnav waiting for her reaction.
"What? Why? This could be dangerous, Arnavji! Be careful." Khushi said in worried tone.
"Yes, I know." Said Arnav.
"How old is she?" Asked Khushi suspiciously. Arnav could not understand her question. And then.... Simper appeared on his face.
"Um... let me think. She served me food. She seemed to have fair complexion. Then she came to my room with a tray. She looked young....and.." He started off,
"What? Were you looking at her? What do you think you were doing? Why do you have to look at her? Did she enter your room? How many times?" Khushi went on angrily.

"Khushi... wait .. wait.. Something is burning. Wait. I will go to the kitchen and see if she is alright...." Said Arnav trying to control his laughter.
"Ok. Arnavji... you carry on... I am going to sleep. Goodnight!" Khushi was really angry at him.
"Oh! Wait .. .. I was just kidding...Khushi? Are you there?" Arnav asked getting serious. There was no answer from the other end.
"Khushi.. talk to me.. .. look, I am sorry.. I was just kidding...Khushi KHUSHI!" he called her with his voice rising.
"Hello Arnavji... I will call you tomorrow... there is another call coming in for me from my colleague ...Goodnight Arnavji" She hung up smiling maliciously.

"Now keep thinking about this non existent colleague of mine, the whole night Arnavji... " She thought smirking and went to bed.

Khushi woke up early in the morning. Her typical day started at 6.00 in the morning. She got ready, took mumiji to the mandir, ran to catch the bus, for her training. She entered the office exactly at 11,00 am. Papaji had already reached and was busy with the meeting. She went to her desk and looked into the files on her desk, waiting for her emails to get downloaded.

She scanned through her emails. Sham's Profile was in her mailbox sent by Shondeep. instructing her about the preparatory work in the new project. She noted down the instructions and started working on them. She called up the official of the Sahakaar Co-op Spinning Mill requesting the person in charge to send the company documents. She sent the mail. The spinning mills officials had to send the last 10 years balance sheet with profit and loss accounts and the resolution copy resolving to hand the loss making co-op society over to the private owner.

She neatly filed the papers sent by their financial consultant with the project report noting how this sick unit will be turned around into a export oriented company within a span of three years. She waited for papaji's meeting to get over. At lunch time, Papaji came out of the conference hall and greeted her. She went for lunch with him twith her nonstop chatter. Papaji listened to her patiently.

"Khushi, did you call Shondeep?" Asked Papaji. "Sorry Papaji, I will do that." She said guiltily.

"No need, Khushi I had been to the hospital in the morning. His father is been shifted to the private room and will be discharged in a couple of days. His mother had all the praises for you. I told her on your behalf that you will meet her in the evening. So you need to go there at 6.00 in the evening. You have to curtail your lunch time to leave early. So hurry up and get back to work." He said and left for his next meeting picking up the file from her. She came back to her desk.

Papaji came back in a few minutes and said "Khushi... we need to talk. Come with me..." He sounded serious. They went into his cabin. "Khushi... Arnav had called...." He started off...

*** ***
Arnav got ready early morning and skipping the breakfast he left for the office. On his way, he had called up Papaji. They discussed about their plan. Papaji had approved his plan of action.

He had said "Go ahead with your plan of spinning off a new company for this. Make him the authorized signatory. But before that, make sure all the legal formalities are completed. Puttar, we are taking a big risk. Our money with our reputation is at stake. You should remember 'absolute power corrupts absolutely'. You have to keep constant vigil on his activities. I will have my person tailing him always as his assistant but he is capable to give us a slip. Give him a prima facie power but clip his wings. I have a strong feeling that he has an abettor. I will get that report soon. But be careful, puttar." Papaji hung up leaving Arnav in deep thoughts about the risk he was about to take.
He came to office. He had made it a point not to talk to or email Mr. Balwindar Singh in the office. All the communication was through Mr. Banerjee. He received a mail with copy to sham about his interview on Tuesday at 4 in the evening. He had received a separate mail about his video con call with Mr. Banerjee on Tuesday at 11.00 in the morning.

By the time he finished his morning work and was getting ready for the meetings, he received a call from Nani. She was in panic. She said Anjali slipped in the kitchen and is in severe pain.

"Nani, call the ambulance, I am leaving right now" He called up Aakash and without waiting for him raced towards home. He was not sure what had happened. He kept on thinking about the worst. He had anticipated some untoward incident would happen but not so soon.

He was furious. His sister was in pain, and this all because of one person. Tension was killing him. He dashed home and called out "Di.... " He ran inside. His Di was lying on the Sofa in the hall, bleeding. Her braces dangling, and she was visibly in deep pain. He knelt down beside her and took her hand in his saying "Di.. why did you go to kitchen? ..you should have taken care Di... You have a maid now!" Suddenly remembering about the maid, he Screamed "Where is that maid? What was she doing when Di was in Kitchen? Nani, where is she?"

He was sure that this was not an accident... His Jijaji was nowhere to be seen.