chapter 28

The Betrayal..Next Morning!!!.....Rishabh woke up keeping in mind about having a conversation with Abhimanyu..He decided the day to be the deadline and if he doesn't confer about it or cannot convince or justify him about his previous actions he will fire him today no matter what....Sukh on the other hand was anxious about today's inciedents..... She knew his mother will be operated today and Dhruv too was not there with her, as he wanted to be on his side...There was a good thing about the day as well, the team completed the project before the deadline all thanks to their sincere hardwork... the only part left was editing and it will needing two days time...she decided to have a conversation with Rishabh ,she thought of conveying him the update about the deal, and to look upon it for once to check if it is upto the mark or not....Also she wanted to inform him about the present scenario even if it means breaking promise she made to Abhimanyu .....Both of them got ready for the day with plans to execute upon....Sukh was giving the final touches to the presentation she had to give today infront of the board members .....Rishabh too was eager to be in office.. .he had a pre planned schedule as well... he will be having back to back meetings and Conferences as the deals he was working upon were all finalised....Reaching the executive floor he found no one there so he directly headed to his cabin...He was waiting for Mr Rathod as he trusted him upon emotional matters, he thought of having a conversation with him..  He presumed he will be able to guide him as after Mr Avasthi he is the most senior staff of Malhotra Groups....His attention was dragged by a knock at the door and it was himhe called him in and addressed him to be seated with a nodhe greeted him Good Morning Uncle;while he cut him off saying you are my boss Rishabh don't call me Uncle in a fake affectionate manner....He replied office hours are not started yet, so I am not your boss for now...they both gave each other small smiles, then he said I know I must not have called you so early knowing your health conditions ... but I want your advice upon something,  see there is a person in office and I doubt him for betraying usthough I don't have any solid reason to blame him but I am sure he is hiding something so what should I do , do you think I should confirm with him and try to resolve the matter, or should I take actions....He grinned evilly and then said you are the boss here you have the authority to punish ; you don't need to justify anyone,if you think he is cheating upon us then you are free to take actions , don't bother about anyone they don't stand near you.....With his assuring words he continued... I know your nature you can be never wrong... and grabbed his hands.Unfortunately He was pleased hearing his words...and then dismissed himbut somewhere he still wanted to have a conversation with Abhimanyu It was like, something inside him was stopping him to take action against himHe called Lavanya to his cabin ....When she arrived he asked, rather ordered her to prepare the Conference Hall for the meetings....without even looking her for once... he then asked her to inform him about arrival of Abhimanyu....He was astonished coming across the fact that he is on a leave,she exaggerated Sir he is on a long time leave I practically didn't saw him since a weekwhen he asked her the reason, she replied I don't know it coz I don't have anything to do with him....A frown appeared on his face...  Lavanya then informed him that Sukh may have granted him leave , probably she is well aware of the reason.....Her words fumed his anger but somehow he managed to control his temper..He asked her to bring the files which are to be signed by him and dismissed her..He crossed his fingers making it a fist in irritation then mumbled to himself        what are you up to Sukh why are you indulging yourself in something which will hurt you later...Sukh was done with her presentation, she was about to go to his cabin when she reminded of his meetings before the Conference...She also came across the fact the Clients will be late so the Presentation will be after 12:00 ,so she thought of visiting Abhimanyu's Mother,She assumed it will be a good surprise for Dhruv and Abhimanyu as well..she asked Lavanya to show Rishabh the Presentation for a final review... ....and self headed to the hospital....Rishabh came out of his cabin and saw everyone there except Sukh and Abhimanyu....he called Malvika and asked her about the progress in work...as she was instructed that Sukh will be presenting the final report to him and not to inform him she kept silent and said...we are working upon it Sir.... With a smile...He nodded in response and asked her to call Abhimanyu ..... Which he didn't responded...irritated he went back to his cabin and asked Lavanya to prepare a suspension letter addressing Abhimanyu ...which she quickly prepared .....and handled him.... without thinking twice he signed the suspension letter....Frustrated he stormed to the Conference Hall .....He thought Sukh to be negligent towards her work as she we as to give the presentation today....Reaching there, he found all the clients ready for hearing him,he was about to take over when Sukh came inside the Conference Hall panting,she excused herself for being late then continued the presentation...All that while Rishabh was looking at her astonished...He was definately impressed by the way she presented the deal , all the claws and terms were perfectly arranged , but still he had anger on his face....The Investors and the Clients were very happy with the proposals and they locked the deal..Rishabh was very contented about it and asked the Law Department to draft the Contract as soon as possible....She too was glad with the fact that everything went to their favor;she assumed this will give her an opportunity of having a conversation with him....After the meeting.... Sukh was there in the executive floor as she knew this is the time she can talk to him, he lighted the candle near the idol at her desk and headed to his cabin....She was half the way when she saw him walking inside.. for unknown reason she was freezed at her place seeing him.....Composing herself she approached him and greeted him with Good Afternoon...Though he being stubborn Mr Rishabh Malhotra didn't replied to her greetings, and just asked her Come to my cabin.... while she was startled.. she nodded in response, and followed him....mumbling to herself I will tell him the truth today no Matter what....It's Ok if he will punish me for informing him latebut atleast he will give up his feelings of hatred towards Abhimanyu...Reaching the cabin he slammed the door closed....while she was taken aback....He took close steps towards her while she was taking steps back...until her back hit the wallShe was about to move away when He pinned her to the wall, caging her inside his arms...then asked in exasperation this was so undisciplined, you didn't reported me before the meeting ....and without my approval you gave an presentation, what if something wrong have happened !!!....I already stated my point clear, nothing is more important to me than the dignity of this Company....She was paused then mumbled Sorry.... looking down to the ground, she was not facing him in an attempt to hide her tears..He snapped again Sorry you are saying Sorry!!!!!Mind it Sukh, Your Sorry can't compensate to your mistakes everytime.... while she was quite...He saw the fear in her eyes and moved few steps away...she walked to the desk .....She saw something at his desk and went numb seeing that...He then asked what are you guys upto... what about the task I assigned to your team, who Surprisingly has its one member missing....It's been almost a week and no one showed me any progress over it....Do you all think there will be a miracle or something which will turn things into magic and the work will be completed on time ...All the while she was standing there staggered...He continued And who gave you authority to grant leave to someone, let me remind you,  I am the boss here;  how could you do that..... Answer me......Her eyes had tears in them then she replied....how could you do this....He was shocked hearing this..She turned towards him then continued you promised me  that you will not take actions against him if you don't have any concrete evidence, which I am sure you don't have ....how could you suspend him.... ???he saw the letter there, which he kept below the paperweight .... then sighed I am the boss here and not bound to answer you but you are....so tell me where you went all of a sudden just before the meeting and updates about the Project...I want the briefs and minutes as soon as possible..She reposted again.... Sir but you promised me!!! how could you do this...you betrayed me!!!! this is not fair.... her words were broken.....He was shocked will be an understatement, he snapped Miss Mehra did you just said I betrayed you!!! stop accusing me....what I did is just a response.. I asked him to report to me but he didn't... you are new in the firm so you must not know the norms here ;Every staff is bound to have my permission granted before taking a leave and he violated the rules...and most important I called him severe times for having a conversation but he is lost in his own world ....All this reasons are enough to suspend a staff and this is just an disciplinary actionNoone in the Company knows about his frauds...and the evidences you are talking about I will present them before you tomorrow ....She tried cutting him off but he said enough I have work to be taken care of, you may leave..She tried to speak again but he shouted I said leave....wiping her tears she made her way outside his cabin.... half the way he called her and said Sukh you always give me advices on how to live life.... give me the opportunity this time...never trust anyone blindly in life.....she looked back to him but didn't replied .....She was feeling dumbfounded...as if she is not in her senses ....she had no other works except the meeting which already happened so she directly made her way back to the hospital..Outside ICU she found no one , as Dhruv went to get the medicines while Abhimanyu was talking with the Doctors about the operation and it's complications...Being dejected she began sobbing covering her face, this was like the end of all hopes, like she lost to someone....she cried more and more while everyone around was looking at her in amazement... Soon Dhruv showed around and handling the medicines to the nurse, went to Sukh....He consoled her tapping her shoulders saying  hey don't behave like a kid.....don't worry Aunty will be fine soon, don't stress yourself ;see you should learn something from her, she is so full of life,  nothing wrong will happen to her....While she was sobbing badly.....Rishabh on the other hand was in his cabin signing the Contract Papers.... Lavanya was standing beside him...** something was changed in her, she started dressing like Sukh, but yet our Sukh had her own aura... **while he was engrossed in his work ....just in time without gazing up he blurted Sukh see this, here; add the claws which you presented today, as well....        Lavanya was frustrated at this and said it's Lavanya not Sukh ....he was embarrassed but didn't showed it on his facehe rather said whoever it is it doesn't matter, get this work done.....and dismissed her....She walked outside in rage...clicking her heels noisely..He resumed working again thinking to himself well if it was Sukh on her place she would have smiled then corrected me.... she is definately different from others,but still she is wrong in trusting someone wrong,  never mind I will correct her misunderstandings tomorrow and then she will be thankful to me.....At Hospital Dhruv panicked seeing her crying like that, then sat beside her He asked Sukh what's wrong why are you crying so much see I am being worried now please tell me what is bothering you....in a concerned voice...Despite she was still crying.... dejected he threatened if you don't stop crying now... trust me I will bent on my knees, sit on the floor and weep like you are doing it... Sukh was shocked hearing it then glanced at him ..... She narrated him everything about today's inciedents and the suspension letter..she said sobbing Ab hum kya kare kaise batayein Abhimanyu ko yeh saari baat.... (what should I do now how can I inform Abhimanyu about it now....)Dhruv assured Don't Worry Sukh I will talk to bhai...  He stood up from there and was about to leave when a hand from behind grabbed himShe too stood up and saw Abhimanyu there ... He said Dhruv Sir I am glad having you by my side but please don't exaggerated all this now ...I know Rishabh Sir is a good man and I have no grudges for him...He is right, he called me several times but I couldn't reply any..I know I am guilty, I know I violated many rules within this time span  but nothing is more important than my Mother now ....I will get another job somewhere if not this one,and trust me I will always consider myself lucky of being a part of Malhotra Industries once....though I am not able to make place in your hearts....He continued Thank you Sukh Mam, I will always be grateful to your for your constant support ,  his voice was broken and he had tears in his eyes....Dhruv engulfed him in a hug and said stop it Abhi...just stop it for now, no one is going anywhere Ok....Now first things first what did the Doctors say....He replied they say it's a bit critical and the Surgery will happen tonight around 9:00.... they also say if everything goes well they will discharge her within two days...but all this surgery thing and all is really bothering me...Dhruv gave him an assuring smile and said Don't worry. You go and spend some time with Aunty she must be feeling lonely...Sukh too gave him an assuring look then said, Dhruv Sir is right Abhimanyu... you take care of Aunty and don't worry .....we will figure everything out...One more thing come tomorrow at Office by 11:00 am we have some pending work there that must be completed tomorrow...He nodded in response and went inside ICU....Dhruv asked Sukh did you informed Bhai about Abhimanyu's Mother ....she nodded her head in a No then said I tried but he didn't let me speak....Dhruv shrugged then asked what about Mr. Rathod,she replied I don't know.. but I will face him tomorrow...Dhruv excuse himself by saying  I have some important work to do you too should go and join AbhimanyuI will be returning within some time then you can go back to office ...she was resistant at first but then smiled and joined the two...Dhruv made his way to The Head Office speeding his car..At office Rishabh's mind was occupied with the thoughts of Abhimanyu.....he couldn't beleive that a guy like him will ever try to betray him....he worked hard to get this job and was brilliant of all the accredited candidates ....        Soon the Contract Papers related to Morning Meeting arrived and Keeping all the thoughts aside Rishabh was again engrossed in his work...Dhruv rushed towards cabin and knocked the cabin door...He felt his presence then replied what's wrong with you,since when you started knocking...come in with a chuckle ... .He came inside the cabin and sat infront of him.....Rishabh asked Where were you....this whole time since last night .... I called you several times You should keep a Check on your phone....I was worried..He didn't responded....he gazed up and saw his face... his eyes were puffy as if he cried his heart out ...He asked concerned are you Ok Dhruvi.... what's wrong and what about your eyes ....didn't you slept last night, and did you had your breakfast..... see Mom is not around it doesn't mean you can be careless...He replied No actually I was working on the project report so couldn't sleep for long last night... And don't worry about breakfast, I had some sandwiches a while ago....He nodded his head then resumed working...Dhruv cleared his throat to gain his attention the continued...Bhai can I have a word with you.....Rishabh replied Ofcourse Dhruvi ....don't be hesitant....You can say anything you like.... You have all ears...He gasped then asked Bhai did you suspended Abhimanyu.. see he is a nice and hardworking guy.. things are not the way they seem...You don't know what happened to him a couple of days ago.....His words fumed his frustration and he chuckled synically....he rebuked Ohh it means she indulge you in this matter as well.. .Dhruv tried to cut him off but he continued...this means you are not here to have a word with me, it means you are here to convey her words....Dhruv reposted Bhai please listen to me for once... and please don't drag Sukh into this matter;  she doesn't even knows that I am here...Rishabh smirked and replied I didn't took her name but you mentioned her..He chided Dhruvi go and ask your friend not to use you as her weapon...You were supposed to be out of this matter.... it was something between me and her noone knew about it and so you must not have been awared too..Dhruv berated Bhai No one is using me as a weapon ... ....are you even listening to yourself .... You sound so evil..... see I am not here to judge your decisions you may have your own reasons.....but the point is you are just being spectator to one part of a story and unaware of the other part .......When he cut him off saying Dhruvi you are naive enough for all this  stay out of this matter, it's none of your concern ....he said but Bhai listen to me once and trust me you will come across the realitywhen he admonished Dhruvi .....I said stay away from this matter  I will answer all your questions tomorrow... till then I don't want to hear his name again....and I hope I am clear enough...He was left dejected then said Bhai I hope God gives you strength when you come across how wrong you are...Rishabh slammed the desk in anger and he censured...And trust me,this anger of yours will drown you in a pool of guilt someday.... and stormed out of the cabin..Rishabh was left stunned and mumbled to himself one more day Dhruvi and I will show you who is going to regret and who is going to celebrate...         And Ms. Sukh Mehra now you will have to explain why you dragged Dhruvi into this.... The matter was between us, I didn't included anyone of staff members in this, but you did..... It was not me but You who betrayed me!!!!Around 5:30 Dhruv reached Hospital....he found Sukh and Abhimanyu together inside the cabin alongwith his mother laughing over something ....he smiled seeing them and then joined the trio....He asked Guys what's up!!!!when Abhimanyu got serious again....while Sukh blurted Aunty was narrating us his childhood story ...He used to steal fruits from his neighbour's garden who had big moustaches.....and used to get beaten up for it seldom...  In an attempt to get mangoes from the trees he even broke his arms and tored his pants once.....She bursted out laughing again....Dhruv too found the incident funny and started laughing over it....while Abhimanyu was looking at them embarrassed...The four continued with the fun session for some more time as the Doctors asked them to keep her smiling, this encourages the spirit to live in a patient...Sukh thought of staying back with them .....but Dhruv suggested she should be back as tomorrow will be a long Day...she will be facing Mr Rathod and she needs to be prepared for that... staying back here will not help anyone either.. ..After a while Sukh excused herself from them and came back to office again...At the basement of the building she found Lavanya near her Alto.....she wanted to ignore her but she crossed her paths with herShe faked her a smile and chided Sorry dear I forgot to inform Rishabh about your Presentation... ...you know I was quite busy with the work so it just slipped out of my mind ....hope you don't hold grudges for me for that ....in an fake affectionate manner.........She smiled to her and said No Ms. Lavanya it's absolutely my fault.... and directly went to the executive floor to get her files mumbling to herself.. I must not have trusted you with. Anything knowing the beautiful bond we share.....she saw a note at her desk which reads come to the 25th floor.. I am waiting...From Rishabh..She was amazed and thought it to just be a prank by someone, collecting all her stuff she went to the executive floor ....She found everyone resting there, she knew the work is all done leaving the editing part and knowing everyone worked really hard for it so just gave up the idea of disturbing anyone         She called Malvika and Ravi as they were to help her with that....She was informed Malvika went back to her home and will return within 9:30pm while Ravi is out for grabbing some food and will return within some minutesShe checked the time which reads 8:00pm ...which means still one and half hour for her to return...she made herself a coffee and was about to drink it when her phone beeped it was a call from RishabhAttending the call .......the first thing she heard was him yelling hope you got the note I kept....or you are actually unethical enough go keep your boss waiting... come to the 25th floor...... .....in a cold toneHis words send chills upon her spine and she was unable to say anything Keeping the Coffee mug aside she ran to the elevator...._____________________________________Sukh: So Sir didn't Abhimanyu informed you about anything and do you know about Ephedrine...Mr.Rathod : Yes !!!it was me behind all this ... everything was going well but this girl interrupted....Rishabh: slamming the table...Not a word against her Rathod ...______________________________________So guys we are at the end of the Chapter....Hope you all enjoyed it....See you all in the next chapter update....Till then Smile 😁😁😁and spread happiness...*****This is me***Signing out*******Bye****:-)****