chapter 30

 New beginnings??!!!!!In Rishabh's cabin:Usne humari baat bhi nahi suni Aur woh chali gayi ....ek baar sun to leti........(she didn't even listened to me and she went away...she must have heard me for once.. )  interwining his fingers.        Yeh galat baat hai.. chahe Jo bhi ho usse aisa nahi karna chahiye tha... (it's wrong... whatever be the reason...she must not have done this)Rishabh was in his cabin ....he couldn't overcome what happened a while ago.....Soon Lavanya arrived with a notepad on her hands..and said Hii Rishabh ....up for the day.. you called me I guess, I am set for the dictation..He looked at her in amazement then composing himself gestured her to sit....he continued... Address the Apology letter on the subject of delay in product delivery to Ms.Mehra... While she cut her off saying Rishabh it's Mr.Bhalla....He looked at her then grasping some air said Lavanya you may leave now....I will narrate you this later....She stood up but stopped when he called her again asking for Sukh... saying send Ms Sukhpreet to my cabin...She being irritated and jealous said she is not in office!!! I guess she left again without informing you...I suggest you should fire her Rishabh... undisciplined staff like her are such a disgrace for the company......they should never be around ...what will she teach her subordinates if she is not disciplined...Her words vexed him and he shouted enough Lavanya...just because you are my friend it doesn't means I will listen to every hell nonsense you spill....Remember; I am the boss here, I asked you to call her, and the answer should have been Sorry , she is not around Sir... glaring and stressing on the word Sir...He continued....you don't need to preach me on how should I handle my staff....and if it's about being disciplined you must take a look at yourself, you are late by an hour today,you didn't updated me with the meeting minutes since a week and most important your work proficiency is below average again....He stood up looking at her with a small cynical smile.....and said         So I would suggest focus on your work beside suggesting others, hope you get it straight in your head....She clicked her heels in anger and said Ok and started moving towards the exit... when he stopped her again and said One more thing Lavanya...she turned around pouting her face and said Yes!!!he castigated you should not refer me by my first name .... things are different now, we are not in College anymore ... it's against the protocol... looking through the files.... She nodded her head in anger and quickly went outside the cabin...On the other side Sukh was sitting near a Park..her mind was not working effectively, she can't think of any way how to react; she was happy on her victory,hurt by his words, Sorry for her Rakshit Sir and angry on Mr. Rathod it was like she was carrying a bundle of feelings ,like a storm of emotions arrived inside her....She needed someone to speak with and the first person whose face came across her mind was Mrs Khurrana... Without giving any second thought she ignited Shivalik's engine and made her way straight there...Rishabh barely had concentration in work that day ....he was looking at her desk, through the cabin's door and her absence disturbed him the most...soon he called Lavanya and asked her to cancel and reschedule all the meetings for the day ,grabbing his laptop and wallet he walked outside the building..Khurrana's were very happy with her visit she spent her time working in the Cafe.....and replaced her position with the Chef,** cooking always gratified her and so does serving and seeing smile on someone's face. **The day went within snaps and she felt merry after being in the Cafe after so long....she bid her Goodbye to the Khurrana's andThe next thing she did was ordering two family packs of Ice cream and driving her way straight home....Later That Evening....Rishabh was in his room lost in his own thoughts .....he came across Abhimanyu's innocence and his mother's health issues that afternoon....He could feel the pain he went through because some years ago he felt the same way.....         The fear of losing your dear ones is the last thing one can ever think of and above all his commitment to the work.....Mr. Rathod's word was banging on his head...he dared refuse me to cheat him, so I tried to frame him..... everything he said was like a curse....Dejected he sat on the couch resting his head at the back....his eyes had tears in them... after so long he felt to cry.....Soon his mother arrived at his room with a tray of food, she knew he didn't eat anything since the day....She put her hands on his forehead in an attempt to calm him,  he opened his eyes and jolted in surprise....he looked away and askedMom you here, is everything alright...  hey how's Dad is he fine now..... and where is Dhruv you guys were upto for an outing today right....She nodded her head in Yes....and said Yes he is alright ...he just had his medicines and is resting.. ....Dhruvi is in his room, working upon his laptop... Rishabh nodded his head and corrected his sitting posture;Looking at the food tray she was holding in her hands he said Thanks for bringing food Mom, but trust me I am not hungry... actually I had enough after the meetings...while she was looking at him with eyes full of love which says.. You can talk to me about anything....I am by your side....He averted his gaze in an attempt to hide his tears, but all were in vain as she hugged him back....She tried to calm him down saying....It's Ok Rishu....it was not your fault .....her words soothed him somehow and he placed his head on her lap.... holding her hands.....         Rishabh was quite for some time while his mother was moving her hands slowly on his forehead somewhat ruffling his hair....He finally sighed and said I failed today Mom...his voice helding so much pain...sighing he continued I promised myself I will never let you guys down, I will be your knight ..... but I failed...I failed to protect my family...She consoled him saying... ..it was not your fault... your Dad always says loyalty or betrayal is not in your hands...Don't Worry Beta everything is fine now....but I must say you must be grateful to God as you came across reality on time....else things would have been difficult to Control...While he was quitely listening to her...she chided again and one more thing Rishu...you should talk to Sukh....you need to clear out everything...He was taken aback by this and asked...who told you about Sukh...she smiled and replied my intelligencers are everywhere.... Just because I stay in home doesn't means I am not aware of inciedents at Office..Rishabh gave her a small smile listening to this and replied... Then I must work upon my Security, because your spies are everywhere...and especially keep an eye on Dhruvi....His mother bursted on Laughter hearing Rishabh and said... well it was not Dhruvi this time or if it was not him, then too I have other sources... Rishabh gave him a smile and sat back on the couch...She mixed the food and started feeding him...he saw that and resisted I am not a kid Maa, I can have it myself.....while she replied No matter how much you grow, you will always be my Child.... finally he gave up and ate his meal from her hands......Sukh and his family had a great evening together...  After almost a week she meet her father... they both spoke about her project the Presentation and his traveling venture..  though her mother knew about Office inciedents but the matter was hidden from his fathershe knew he will ask her to resign immediately if he comes across anything as such,  she knew he has always been protective about his Daughters;and if the matter is concerned about her he will never think twice before taking an action...to give a small treat to the family he planned to make evening snacks for everyone , and everything he made were her favorite....while Roohi decided to assist him in the kitchen.... and her mother was busy doing household chores....Sukh excused herself from them and went back to her room.... meanwhile she decided to play her favorite tracks in the amplifier....She was looking for the pendrive in her bag when she came across the keys of her office Drawyer ...she realized that her pendrive is with Rishabh...who didn't returned it to her, Her thoughts about him were back; reminisence of the incidents playing in the back of her mind,          She reminded the bitter words of Mr. Rathod; the sour feelings he had for his very own friend;she even thought of Rishabh;the Conversation she had with him, his facial expressions when he came across his betrayals; how he saved her from Mr. Rathod ,how Rakshit took her side,Out of everything she reminded of the smile on Abhimanyu's face , which made her lips curl up into a smile ....she thought to herself... all's well when end is well....and everything was worthit... I hope Rakshit Sir overcomes all this soon;  just in time she heard Roohi calling her name to come and grab the food...She quickly kept the keys at the table and went to the kitchen......At Rishabh's homeHe and His mother were talking about random things while feeding him when out of nowhere she said I guess Dhruv is a bit disturbed with everything...while Rishabh replied No Maa he is mad on me; he came to me and I didn't gave him a chance to speak; I know besides being my small brother he has an individuality , he too have different opinions.... I must have understood earlier, that Dhruvi is not a kid anymore... I will apol.....She cut him off and said No Rishu Dhruvi is not mad on you; he is just a bit disappointed, and you know you can resolve his anger; just talk to him he will understand.....He kissed his mother's hands in esteem ;when he heard Dhruv calling her....both of them smiled at each other ; Keeping the plate aside she went to his room but before ordering Rishabh to finish everything in Plate....That Night....Sukh's mother was messaging her hair while Roohi was studying and her father went outside for some work.... After so long she had some leisure time with her mother.....After some while she asked her about the scenario at Office and She narrated her everything about today, all the events, That series of misdeeds of Mr. Rathod and how Rakshit Malhotra seemed to be broken; She even appreciated Dhruv for being a emotional support all the while..her words showing him gratitude...Fortunately their Conversation was partly heard by Roohi who was passing by the Drawing room...she was somewhat affected by Rishabh's gesture of saving Sukh....she thought he is not as bad as she presumed him to be and was Sorry on her behavior......Rishabh was standing at his balcony and was engrossed in his thoughts....he was thinking about the ways to face her the next day, mentally preparing a speech for himself ....He was nervous as he knew she is stubborn enough to hear him.. but still he wanted to apologise and explain her his side of story....just then his phone ringed        Dhruv was in his room and was going through the presentation for the last time the team decided to submit the final report and presentation tomorrow..... And as he was the Head of the team he will be presenting it...  While Sukh decided to assist him with it; he though was anxious about it but still he was angry with Rishabh....From his previous attitude It was apparent that he mistrusts him and beleived an outsider, he wanted to tell at him but he knew Rishabh was not wrong on his place....Today after so long he saw his father dejected....it reminded him of the bad time the family suffered ;So much of thoughts were going behind his head, all this feelings were irking him,An idea passed his head and he thought of calling Abhimanyu to know about his well being.... But looking at the time he gave up the idea......he looked around his room and found the walls to be plain and boring,So he decided to Paint the empty canvass of his room, he looked for his Painting stuff and getting a hold of them, he started Painting on the Walls.....** Dhruv has always been a good Painter and Designer but he designs for himself it was his personal space and kind of an escape point from stress....***On Rishabh's side: the Caller I'd appeared was a surprise for him....and he thought of discarding it.....It was a call from Sukh's No. and he couldn't think of the reasons why she called him now ,  But giving seconds thought he answered the call....        It was Roohi who called....she was never the kind of a person who holds guilt and grudges for anyone , habitual of always speaks her heart out and she done that again.She took a hold of Sukh's phone and called Rishabh...He waited for a while for the Person to speak and finally he heard a somewhat familiar voice who apparently snapped him last time he can't forget her words for sure..She we as quite for a while then asked am I talking to Mr. Rishabh Sir....He replied in a soft tone Yes It's Rishabh here.....with a small smile...        She chided Sir it's me Roohi here and I just wanted to Thank you, for taking my sister's side and saving her; from that stupid Rathod guyWell it does not mean I am not angry with you anymore ,I still am annoyed as you didn't hear to her atfirst...but still thanks....if I would have been there I would have punched him hard....murmering that last part... though Rishabh could make it what she said....He chuckled hearing her words and replied well thank you Roohi....and the asked did your sister narrated this tale to you....        Hearing which she replied no I just evesdropped her conversation with Mom....Rishabh nodded his head and asked is everything fine there is she Ok..She sharply retreated I am not going to have a gossip session with you Sir....I have my exams tomorrow and I am getting back to my studies....Rishabh smiled and questioned you have an exam???? on which subject....She irritatedly replied I have Chemistry exams and it's quite difficult, now if you permit me I got to resume my studies...He sighed and wished her Best of Luck for exams then disconnected the call...        **For some reasons he felt relaxed after talking to her;  she gave him feelings of a small sister who always fights with you but is cute enough to apologise first....**Her mother was very Sorry for Rakshit and commented sometimes our enemies are in disguise of our friends.. .and people like Rathod are like snake inside the sleeves ....She suggested Sukh I guess you should go and meet him once....it may comfort him and added I will cook something good for Dhruv tomorrow, I know he likes my dishes.....it will be a good way to thank him....she nodded her head in response....and after some while of more blabbering she went to her room...She saw Roohi heartily memorising her lessons and smiled to her....she wanted to talk to her but seeing the scenario she laid on her bed to relax....but soon fall asleep...        Her mother and Roohi came to her after a while to call them for dinner but seeing her in deep slumber she backed off saying let her sleep, it's been quite a long since she slept so peaceful....On which Roohi said it will be a good idea to practise and commented Besides, Jiji looks pretty good when she sleeps!!!!.... and they both left the room..Next Morning at Office....Sukh reached Office early as she was excited for the day, finally after everything they are done with it and will be submitting the final report of the Project..She called Dhruv on her way to Office to know his whereabouts and was told that he will be reaching Office with twenty minutes... She expected everyone to be there but surprisingly the entire floor was empty....She went to the 24 the floor and found everyone packing their stuff as they don't need to accommodate there anymore.....Everyone was happy and was busy Collecting memories of their beautiful stay....She too joined the crew and they all clicked selfies together....Having done that she went back to the executive floor to arrange the Conference Hall....Rishabh on the other side was anxiously preparing himself for his apology speech which he wished to present to her.....After all the reviews and practice ...... Sukh, Dhruv and their team were all set for their Presentation... and we're eagerly waiting for Rishabh to show up......Sudden realisation hit her that she forgot to light candle before her idol and she quickly took her bag and made her way towards her desk.....Rishabh as usual was on time and was making his way to the Conference Hall...         Everyone at the basement was wishing him Good Morning while he nodded in response as he was speaking over bluetooth to Arjan khattar, his lawyer......Soon he reached near the Executive floor and was about to reach his Cabin when Boom!!!! he felt something hitting his chest ....The person was about to loose it's balance and he held her hands to save her from falling.... Unfortunately her phone fell down from her hands...Without sparing a glance to the guy she gasped in pain and started yelling Agar aankhen band karke chalne ka itna hi shock hai toh phir trademill pe chale.. (If you want to walk keeping your eyes closed, then you should walk in a trademill.....)Can't you look around before walking ......God you broke my phone..... You know it costed me my 3 months of Pocket money savings...A small smile appeared on his face which immediately turned into a frown hearing him and he replied...Apologies... I will compensate for this one.... His words were soft . sending chills on her spine.....While she looked up in Surprise....hearing him....**Those words were for her but she misunderstood them and jumped to a conclusion that he is responding to his call...        She saw him having a look of amusement over his face......which irritated her more;she bowed down to pick up the shattered parts of her phone.... mumbling something to herself....While he was continuously speaking to Mr.Khattar.....on various topics....She expected a genuine apology from him but here he was ready to pay the Compensation....She quickly stood up with the spare parts of her phone and quickly paced towards her desks....while he stood there watching her....He was about to speak, but she left again..Gasping he made his way towards his Cabin.....Sukh on reaching to her desks quickly lighted Candles....and folded her hands....though she was still thinking about her broken phone.....Sitting on her chair....she gathered all the pieces and tried fixing it,She was mentally cursing him mumbling....ek Sorry toh banta tha...har cheez ke liye compensate nahi kar sakte aap... sirf phone nahi, yeh ek dream tha humara, three months ki savings thi....God please yeh on ho jaye.....(He must have said Sorry, you can't compensate for everything...It was not just a phone, it was my dream, my three months savings, God please get it On, it must start working out.....)Surprisingly she switched it On, and it started working, She found no damage over the model ,just one or two scratches which one can go with,she was as happy as anything and started dancing like a child.... smiling and hugging herself,For her no one was there on the floor but Rishabh was watching everything from his cabin....Unknowingly, his lips curled up to a smile seeing her happy....he wanted to talk to her so marched toward her deskHe was half the way to it when he saw her collecting all her stuffs and walking towards Conference Hall....He looked at the Candle at her desk and some tapes and other spares of a phone..... He remembered the incident and an idea crossed his mind....he chuckled looking at her direction and stood there watching her with the end of her veils swaying in air.... soon it was the time for the meeting to commence....He was about to open the door knob when another hand reached for it and he turned around and found the person to be Sukh..... He smiled to her but she didn't looked at him and went straight inside the Conference Hall..Sighing he stepped inside the room and found everyone there waiting for him.. ...Settling in his chair he asked everyone to Present their report....Dhruv stood up from his Chair and Started the Presentation..... All the while Sukh was assisting him; she completed his sentences and they took their turns in delivering their report..While Rishabh was delighted seeing the team work.....He was carefully watching Dhruv who now was talking like a Pure sole businessman.. he was really happy and gratified witnessing the change in his carefree brother.....The Presentation went well and all the investors were quite impressed.....they all came upfront to seal the deal ...... Congratulating Rishabh on the success...With the demand of Speedy shipment of the product ASAP.....while everyone was Congratulating and appreciating him on the Success .....his eyes was fixed on Sukh who was grinning happily with Dhruv and Abhimanyu.... After the incident Rishabh went along the investors and the Lawyers to bid them Goodbye while she marched happily to the executive floor .....She announced the success of the deal to everyone hearing which ......they were all contented and started applausing on their success....Just in time Rishabh too joined the Crew and announced raise in Abhimanyu's Post to be Marketing Manager......He was very happy hearing the news, with the brightest smile ever on his face, besides Sukh was quite gleeful too....Soon it was almost lunch time and he went back to his cabin.... everyone resumed their work again..  While Sukh announced a small treat for Abhimanyu and Dhruv.....She handled him her lunch box and the trio planned to have their lunch together....Though Dhruv was quite resistant to wait but finally agreed....she sat back on her chair and resumed working...After a while Rishabh called on her desk and asked her to come in.... Instead She ignored the Call and resumed working again.... and sent Malvika to his Cabin.....making an excuse for herself.....Rishabh expected her to be there but began furiously irritated when she didn't showed up.....She knew it was not her task to assist him as he is not her immediate boss .....so was fearlessly working on her ComputerLater about half an hour he sent his sub-staff to get her to his cabin. Havi g no option left she stood up from her Chair and talking a notepad went there....She knocked the Cabin door asking for his permission to enter.. while he quitely responded nodding his head....         She was taken aback by this but composed herself and entered the cabin.....He then gestured her to be seated on the Chair opposite to her desk and she quitely agreed to it.. She was having mixed expressions of anger and surprise on her face....Both of them were quite and finally he broke the silence and said....I called you a while ago, why didn't you showed up, this is ..when he stopped mid sentence.... his voice was low and sharp....She was quitely listening to him.... scrunching his face he dragged a small bag to her direction and said This is for you.....Sukh opened it infront of him and found a brand new i-phoneX there.....she was vexed; and  She thought to herself it's one of the most expensive phone....  he thinks of me to be an Opportunist?? did whatever he said he meant it.... He thinks I will forget everything seeing this expensive gift.. .While he conjoined stammering see I.. I...hope you know about the raise Abhimanyu received.... I just want to sa....When she cut him off and said Sorry Sir I can't receive your gift....it's way beyond what I deserve... .He exasperated and said Sukh this is just a small token of ....When she chided again Sir I don't want people to beleive and comment whatever I did was an act to attract a rich guy like you......He was about to say something when she dragged the bag towards him and stood up from her Chair...Lambasting Sir you are not my immediate boss and I am not supposed to respond you, I am Sorry but I have some pending work to finish, so with your permission may I leave..Rishabh was totally irritated hearing this and said Sukh listen to me.... .when she turned around walking towards the door....She was about to open the door when he yanked her hands towards himself dragging and pinning her to the cabin door....Her heart beat increased terribly and she took fee steps away from him to increase the distance between them, looking downwards ...        While he shouted .....Jab hum baat Kar rahe ho tab mud ke mat Jaya karo..... (Don't turn around when I am talking....)She jolted in fear and asked Sir Please... humara hath chodiye Hume dard ho raha hai...(leave my hands you are hurting me....)He conjoined....kab se hum aapse kuch kehna chahte hai.. .... ...(I am trying to say something to you)....Let me finish!!!! lekin aap toh apni hi baat kahe jaa rahi hai... Aapne ek baar bhi humari baat nahi suni, aur aise chale jana yeh kaha ka tarika hai.... (you didn't heard me once and leaving away like this, this is not a way to behave...)She broke her silence and said Sir.... Humara haath, her words were broken as she was holding tears in her eyes...she gazed upto him....while he left his handsShe requested again Sir hume jaana hai.... (Sir I got to go....) and Yes Sorry agar aapko hum galat lage ho, lekin aap bhi jante hai...Log humesha misjudged karte hai dusron ko; (Sorry if my behavior irked you....but you know people misjudge others often..) I don't want to add to my Critics....and Phone sahi hai humara... (my phone is alright) thanks for giving it a thought but I don't want any compensation....kuch cheezein apni keemat se jyada matter karti hai.. .(somethings value more than their cost....)Despite all this He was quitely listening to her then bursted gritting his teeth you may leave from here!!!.....She quickly stepped out of the cabin.....Rishabh was hell irritated after listening her, her words reminiscing in his thoughts..she was honest with her answers and he knew he too judged her being an Opportunist.........he sighed talking to himself..I thought talking to her will be an easy task but here I am I scared her again even I hurt her sentiments this time....God she looked terribly scared... I hardly think I can fix anything now....While Sukh was working on her Computer thinking about his behavior ......she thought to herself... aaj pehli baar( today for the first time).. I saw a different kind of emotions in his eyes ....I am sure it was definitely not anger.... Was it me or I genuinely saw Guilt in those dark sobs..... ______________________________________Glimpse of the next Chapter. .Rishabh : God Dhruvi your friend is literally stubborn....She never lets the other person speak in a Conversation..Dhruv (chuckling) : Bhai this is the first time you are talking about someone...you never ever bothered about anything..any girl, any person or inciedent hardly ever bothered you;so what is it, that you can't stop talking about her..______________________________________So we are at the end of the Chapter... Sorry for the late update guys;Do mention in the Comments how do you like my chapter and your favorite part..And don't forget to vote.....See you all in the next Chapter Update.. .This is meSigning Out....Bye"*****"Â