chapter 31

 Literally Stubborn...That night... Rishabh's POV.... Kaise kahe usse ki Jo bhi humne kaha, jaise kaha uska koi Matlab nahi tha... ( How should I say whatever I told her that night I didn't mean it)I was angry and lashed on her... woh baaton ko ko Dil se laga ke baithi hai, Aur humari sun bhi nahi rahi.. (she thinks, I meant everything I said and is not ready to listen to me.. )Rishabh was on his terrace.... having a stargazing session... He was quitely watching the sky counting stars.....with a light frown on his face...Dhruv was passing through the passage when he saw him at the terrace.....he felt something awkward and went to him...He was lost in his thoughts , when Dhruv nudged him and asked What's up Bro any Problem...He looked to his direction giving him a small smile and replied No, everything is fine....just thinking about business.. .After some moments of silence and taking two more steps towards him.... He stood beside him  and said well I must have been the one angry and lost and you should have been there trying to confront.....You didn't even appreciated me after my presentation....you knew I worked quite hard for it....He Smiled back to him and said.. No it's like....I thought you are mad on me so will be ignoring me for some more time...They were silent for some time but then...  Well I heard a gossip today ....koi aapke chehre pe i-phone phek ke Chala gaya...( Someone threw i-phone over your face....)  so I thought abhi sok Mana rahe hai aap.... (you must be celebrating grief...) said Dhruv smiling cynically winking at him...while he just looked to his direction then turned his head again.....with a small smile... He continued, see you know I am always there for you, you can open up with me....He looked to his direction and lambasted... your friend.. she has been my problem.... I know she conveyed you this....but she must not have told you... I tried to resolve the fight we had but she didn't,  Maa thinks I was wrong so I must apologise.... I didn't wanted to confront anyone but Mom persuaded me to do so....He continued.... accidentally I broke her phone today so I got her a new one....  But No; she had to say something everytime...  so this time she said I don't want any compensation....I mean seriously....Dhruv chuckled hearing him and said trust me Bhai, she didn't said me anything.....we didn't spoke the whole day..  and Bhai are you listening to yourself, you broke her phone and got her a new one..and that too an i-phone, anyone will think you are trying to compensate for the mistake and are not Sorry about it.. I know her, she is very peculiar about her things.He grasped some air and chided irritatedly don't try to defend her...I called her several times to my cabin today for Confronting but she didn't showed up....I don't know what's going on in her mind,she says I am not her immediate boss so she is not bound to obey me.... I mean I am the CEO of the Company....but still I hold no value to her...All the while Dhruv was watching him in amusement.....He turned to him and asked Now you may proceed..... instead of looking at me like this, you can start making fun of me.... he shrugged his shoulders in a No and chided.....Bhai this is the first time you are talking about someone...you never ever bothered about anything..You were the most insensitive person I ever knew....any girl, any person or inciedent hardly ever bothered you;so what's it, that you can't stop talking and thinking about her....He was quitely embarrassed listening to him and said No I am not bothered.....I just wanted to let you know that she is not as an idle person as you all think her to beGritting his teeth he said she .....she is.... she is literally stubborn.... his words were broken as he stammered saying him..Dhruv bursted in laughter and said.. Bhai you are getting her all wrong again... she is not stubborn she is different,why can't you get she is not like other girls who literally dwell for your attention , who are Ok with expensive gifts as Compensation....she just expected a genuine Sorry... not an expensive phone........he was quite thinking about his wordsTapping his shoulders Dhruv said I got to go now...and yes thanks for believing us!!!!while Rishabh looked to him shocked....Dhruv chided faking a look of surprise... What!!! Bhai I know it was you who stopped Rahul to say something further.. ...he blurted in a go....Rishabh was taken aback hearing him and he continued....now you got to trust me this time , it's not Sukh....I have my sources everywhere.....Chuckling he passed away....while Rishabh was thinking over his words... and taking his Security matter seriously ...Next Morning....at Office.....Rishabh was all settled in his cabin...he was mentally prepared to resolve the matter between them and start afresh....        He called his sub-staff and ordered him to inform Sukh that the first thing after she arrives is she got to come to his cabin .....Disconnecting the call he Impatiently expected her to show up;there was still some time left for the office to resume....On the other hand Sukh was in her home busy Cooking and preparing stuffs for the family... Last night was an unexpected surprise for everyone....but a good surprise...Roohi was acknowledged to be the top 6 finalist of the Quiz Competition she took part at ..whole family was very happy ....but there was an irony too....the final round of the Competition which was supposed to be in town was shifted to Mumbai...Although the organisers committed to take care of the Participants...but still her parents will be accompanying her there..They will be leaving for Mumbai Airport that afternoon.....Since Sukh can't get long holidays at the early stage of her job and she wanted to be a part of Sumit's pre marriage rituals... she decided to stay back.....Though her parents were not agreed at the first place but as Mrs. Khurrana assured them they gave the idea second thoughts.........thus Sukh will be staying back with Khurranas.....Everyone was running and Collecting their stuffs, packing bags in a hussle......Obviously...Everything was planned at the last minute so no one was prepared and that made the situation a bit unsatisfactory.....Back in Office.... Rishabh started being vexed in temper.....he was watching her desk in a hope for her to come but she didn't arrived....Soon the Clients arrived, and he was called for the Meeting...  The Clients made many proposals but everything seemed to be nonsense for him..... He just looked at the negatives of them and soon called off the Meeting....**He surely had a bad start of the day....**He was sitting lost in his Cabin glaring at her desk distantly..Taking a hold of his phone he called the Security people to check about her whereabouts...         ....but their reply vexed him more....His thoughts were broken by the sound of someone's footsteps...Dhruv barged in his Cabin holding some files, again without knocking...he sighed at the sight while he chided Hey!!just needed your signature over this.....He nodded his head and reached for the documents....he thought of asking him about her, as being her friend he must surely be knowing where she is....but choose a different way....He commented going through the documents....you were so sure of Sukh being the best asset for the Company....,  we had a meeting now,and will be having another half an hour later, where is she...  That's quite irresponsible....Dhruv scrunched his face in embarrassment and informed I am so Sorry Bhai.... actually she informed and asked me about taking a leave for two days....Sorry I forgot to inform you....Actually I had her lunchbox with me so I called her last night  that's when I came across the situation....It slipped my mind....you know her sister.... He cut him off and said I was right about her....she is literally stubborn....She must have called me...and didn't asked you to inform me  afterall you are her boss...not her subordinate....Dhruv giggled at this and replied Bhai she called you many times since morning....you may ask Lavanya if you don't trust me.... it's in records...go and check your mail...she must have sent something in your inbox coz she sent me her application for leave as well....He persuaded ...why are you being grumpy.....It's been almost a month since she is working here, she too deserves a break..Rishabh was still not satisfied hearing him ... . To divert his mind from anger he commented Are you sure she is not bothering you.. I mean you are unaffected by her...        Dhruv chuckled saying this while Rishabh glared back to him....and handled them to himGiggling he took the documents and went out of the Cabin.....The day seemed to be quite unusual after the incident.....he postponed all the meetings...and was going through the current files and contracts....of the deals they recently signed and working upon...He seemed pissed and frustrated, he didn't spoke to anyone at the Office...even didn't had her Coffee...It had been really hard for him to concentrate on work....his mind kept picturing her.......he looked to the application placed on the table once,        but being Rishabh he didn't paid any heed to it.....and took the files lying there near it.....**He was missing her presence.....her smile, her coffee and at most his arguments with her.....He expected to see her today but it didn't happened ...well it was always the case with them... her presence made him feel giddy with happiness....and her absence just made him drive to seek for her....He was unaware that she managed to change him ....to bring the Rishabh back which got lost in the race of life....***Sighing upon himself.....Rishabh stood up from his desk and got an hold of the Application she sent....        he read through it....and found the reason to be naive....he was assured it was not her work as he knew her working skills....Frustrated he tore the letter in anger...and gave up the thought of Confronting her again.....        Sukh was busy packing her stuffs when Dhruv called her and declared...I owe you one Sukhi....        While she was perplexed and sighed in frustration.. .I owe you one!!! dude I owe you my lunch boxes and a treat for the success of the deal and .... She said out of breath.....when he cut her off and said...I faked an Application letter and some calls by your side...  Actually my dear you sent the leave application to me but I guess you forgot about Bhai....Sukh panicked and chided nonchalantly....faked an application.....Oh my god.....Sorry Sorry, so Sorry ....I forgot it, I mean Sorry Sir..When he chuckled and replied..it's Ok Sukh it happens.. I suspected you must have forgotten to inform Bhai about it....so I did it....thus my dear I owe you one.....Sukh bit her lips in embarrassment and replied thanks a lot Dhruvji... I mean it slipped my mind don't worry I will fix it...when he ordered... well for now onwards call me Dhruv ....that will be the compensation..She smiled hearing him and nodded her head....while Dhruv smirked and said...stop nodding your head and just say Yes.....They both smiled to each other and she disconnected the call after excusing herself as everyone was calling her .....Two days passed after the incident and they didn't saw each other....Rishabh was back into his old attitude of soaking himself in work to flight his anger ......He almost closed himself from everyone in the house, making the excuse of an important deal.....and new Contracts..Sukh too was busy in helping Mrs Khurrana in the preparations of Kuldevi Puja.....as she moved to their place.....For the next two days.... After all their efforts they were all prepared for the event, Sukh proved herself to be the best again ....She took care of Caterers and Event Organisers....While Mrs Khurrana was busy making guests lists and inviting them...Most of them were invited by a call and sending Invitation Cards by staffs....For family Invitations Mrs Khurrana wanted Sukh to be by her side but as she was the one who was handling the Event's Arrangements she withdrew the idea and included Mr Khurrana in the plan..At weekend...Sukh went to the local library, to return some books she borrowed..the place was named Old Diaries and was near Orange and Peaches, it had a good Collection of Romantic and Fictional Novels...  alongwith a DVD library ...Eventually ....It was her favorite place to hangout after Orange and Peaches.....Reaching the place she merrily greeted Mrs.Shukla...{she is a loving lady with sweet dimples who is in her mind 50s..the place is owned by Shukla Couple....} while Mrs.Shukla was busy arranging the new Collection..Mrs Shukla smiled merrily to her engrossing her in a bone crushing hug....Sukh was very contented meeting her after almost a month..... breaking the hug she asked her about Mr. Shukla and was told that he has been to the nearby nursery...to get some flowers saplings.....After a while of Conversation, Mrs Shukla excused herself from her to greet another visitors.....She was going through their latest collection when Mrs.Khurrana called and asked her to be back home early, and to join her for inviting some guests including Malhotras personally,as she had a good relationship with them and others were old family friends ....Sukh readily agreed to it and suggested she will meet her at the venue as she had Shivalik by her side...While Mrs Khurrana too quickly acceded to it... where Sukh hurried herself to leave...Collecting all the books she choose to read so far and bidding Mrs. Shukla goodbye she made her way towards her destination.....After about some 45 minutes Sukh and Mrs Khurrana meet at the parking area of the Malhotra Mansion..Mrs Khurrana saw the huge bag she was carrying with her which clearly stated she had a new collection of Books for the week....She gently hit her arms and snapped in a concerned manner....you must not carry these huge parcels with you ... .your hands will start paining....as she smiled Sheepishly in response .....Mrs Khurrana asked the Driver to get the Bag from her side... and dragged her inside the Mansion alongwith her. ....Sukh smiled and asked Auntie...where is Khurrana Uncle....see he can't ditch you like this...its a serious matter you know; and they both bursted in laughter.....Mrs Khurrana articulated...Well I apologise for calling you early dear..... He has been to Avasthi's to invite them..and is stuck there; ..  now you tell me, how was it being there after so long... and did you got the books you wanted....Sukh excitedly nodded her head in Yes.. hearing her.. and said Please don't embarrase me Auntie afterall I stayed back to be by your side.....you consider me as your Daughter and mother's never apologise....Well after we get back I will narrate you everything about my visit and trust me I have the best of books of the new Collection they had..... Mrs Khurrana too was very excited hearing her, both looked really happy....Soon they were at the huge hall of the Mansion alongwith Dhruv and his Parents....Their Conversation started with the warm words of Rakshit Malhotra, he took the first seconds thanking her for Saving the Company and it's reputation and her stand against Mr.Rathod.....Sukh in reponse took a hold of his hands and replied Sir it was you who inspired me.... remember you said loyalty and betrayal are not in our hands... You called me your family... that's the greatest gift I may have received...I am glad you trusted me.....  Giving each other small smile they moved on the topic....The idea of having a Jagrata and Kuldevi Pujan before the Pre wedding rituals made everyone exuberant...and the fact that Sukh is arranging everything, made everyone more excited....Dhruv too wanted to be a part of the Organisers so he came up to her with his ideas.....They both were sitting in the couch together... discussing the Decorations...Despite most of the arrangements were done she thought of adding something more to it as Dhruv had an awesome collection of Decor ideas....  ....They both were talking and giggling when Rishabh passed through the Hall.....he was heading towards study with a bunch of files in his hands.....She didn't saw him coming but for seconds her heart started racing making her feel his presence......she looked around but found no one there....Whereas He was surprised to see Sukh in the house.. .. he was contented to see her smiling but as he was resoluted to himself he didn't took a step to greet the guests..... instead he started moving in a fast pace....He was heading to the study when Mrs.Khurrana called him , he turned to her pressing his lips and greeted her in response....Sukh saw him in casuals for the first time that day.. and for sure was taken off guard...He was in black swetshit with black track pants....gis hair was a bit messy and he growled some beard over his face making him look more handsome.... she stared him for moments but he didn't even glanced her once.....soon she averted her gaze too...She asked him to join them but he excused himself saying Auntie I have an important project to work upon, you all continue, I will meet you guys later....Sukh too was disappointed hearing him...Soon it was time for them to leave.. . They all hugged and bid their Good-byes to each other,Sukh and Mrs Khurrana were half way to the Parking area when Mr Khurrana arrived .... Malhotras asked him to join them but as they didn't had much time , they went straight to the next venue while Sukh decided to head back to Khurrana Villa.....She was half way to it when she realized that she forgot her phone at the Malhotra's house....bitting and pressing her lips against each other she turned again to the Malhotra's....Back in Malhotra Mansion Rishabh was frustrated .... seeing her again, and missing the Opportunity to clear things were making him more angry.....He again had a misconception that she ignored his presence....he was working on the Laptop repeating in mind.... I need to work to keep my mind off her, I am not even going to start analyzing what happened today evening....She reached the place after thirty minutes and now was awkwardly walking to the pavement of the Hall repeating in mind just get your phone and leave Asap.... She didn't know why things seemed to be different to her that time..... She was looking around herself to locate Mrs. Sukhmani or the other maid she knew... but found no one there, many staffs too were absent.....but surprisingly she distantly saw Rishabh there working over his laptop.....when his staff arrived and brought him his Coffee.... She was dressed a bit sensually showing her cleavage opening the top two buttons of her blouse....she added Cinnamon to it as he asked him to do that earlier....but seeing the Coffee mug he growled in anger and shouted....I asked for Juice not Coffee, and threw the Cup in anger....she was scared and bowed down to collect the pieces when he saw Sukh at the doorway.....She was looking surprised with her eyes wide open....and hyperventilating, she was holding the corner of her veils in an attempt to hide her fear.....  Soon he dismissed the maid and ordered her to get some starters alongwith it....He was gritting his teeth when she walked towards him....taking small steps and looking at other direction to ignore his glare....She stood near the table and straighten her hands to get the hold of her phone lying there while he was watching her moves deathly....She gulped a lump in her mouth and said softly Sir can you please pass me my phone it's lying near you....That was the highpoint....he instantly straighted up and holded her hands dragging her to the nearby room near the swimming pool.....he was holding her by her wrist .....        when they went I side the room....she was gasping in pain, he looked into her eyes and pushed her to a Corner of the room....Before she could utter a word he closed the door upon them and fiercely walked to her.... She was taken aback by this move and started taking steps the opposite direction....She was about to run when he stopped her to the glass walls of the room....She was scared as hell and shouted to call Sukhmani Auntie for help....he then called Rakshit Sir, Dhruvji and even their maid for help....He stood near her and stated Kya hua... koi help ke liye nahi aaya ,woh isliye kyuki Ghar pe koi nahi hai...  (what's wrong .....no on came to rescue you...well that's because no one is in the house.. ) gritting his teeth....in a sharp toneHis words were ringing in her mind and she made an attempt to run from there;He yanked her hands to him and pinned her to the glass wall caging her body with his arms..He chided in anger kitni baar aapse kaha hai jab hum kuch kahe toh beech me mat jaya karo....kitni baar.... (How many times I got to tell you, don't leave our conversation in between when I am speaking....how many times....) in a sharp tone...teen din see dimaag kharab Kar rakha hai....(it's been three days you are irritating me....)        She looked up to him in Surprise...and murmered to herself dimaag Sach mein kharab ho gaya hai aapka hum toh aapse mile hi nahi toh aapko pareshan kaise karenge..... ( It's for sure you are being mad, I didn't meet you since three days, how can I irritate you all the while....)She quickly lowered her gaze.....  While he reprimanded....I know about the nature of people like you, pehle innocent portray karke rishte banate hai,  and uske baad unhi rishton ko use karte hai.. (first you portray to be innocent to make relationships...then you use them.....)Jaise aaapne Dhruv ke saath kiya;( the way you did with Dhruv....) faking an Application letter...that was the thing I ever imagined he will do and even faking calls in the Official records.. trust me that was the heights....Aap toh bahut kehti thi Values ke baare mein, rules ke baare mein ab kya hua, sab kuch badal gaya.... (you were to preach about values and rules...what happened then, why did everything changed....)Moving on, Hume bus yeh kehna tha ki jab aap apne according cheezo ko use Kar rahi hai toh humne bhi Jo kiya woh galat nahi tha ... ( I just wanted to say when you can use things in your accord....then whatever I did was not wrong as well.....)Don't think I am trying to justify myself..... I am the boss there, no one is above me.... and I am not answerable to anyone, agar hum Chahte toh Abhimanyu ko wahi ke wahi fire Kar dete.. ( if I would wanted I may have fired him that instant....)but I gave him a Chance to prove his innocence, but again he didn't showed up, I was not wrong in thinking he was the Culprit...Anyone in my place would have done the same thing.....This time Sukh was vexed and replied Wow Sir aap toh Sab kuch jante hai...bhagwan hai na aap toh...  Woh galat tha, hum galat hai....and what not... (Wow Sir you know everything, it seems you are God .... he was wrong, I am wrong and what not....)You were right rishte banate hai humara jaise small town log, but aapko pata hai Sacha rishta apne aap ban Jata hai... jaise aapka Aur Abhimanyu ka bana tha....I know kisi bhi experience ke bina he was hired on twice his expected salary seeing his financial Conditions.... jaise Dhruv Sir Aur Abhimanyu ka ban gaya Aur jaise Aapka Aur Lavanya ka hai...(People like us make relationships, but true bonds are made just like that........ Like the bond between you and Abhimanyu.... you gave him job twice the expected salary seeing his financial condition... Like the bond between Dhruv and Abhimanyu  and like You and Lavanya... )Rishte banana easy hai but nibhana.....Usme life nikal jaati hai.....( It's very easy to create a relationship but to keep it ...one needs a whole life for that....)I am Sorry for not informing you before taking a leave but ....Check your phone, I called you several times that night but you didn't responded....And you were right before as well, Aap chahte toh fire Kar sakte thay usse ... Koi bhi silly reason deke ; lekin agar aap chahte toh pata Kar sakte thay, baatein sun sakte thay ..... magar aap . Aap toh saza dene par aa gaye....... (You may have fired him giving any silly reason but you may have tried to learn about the matter you maybe have heard me, but you have been eager to punish him......)  She had a serious look over her face which clearly stated I am not weak or wrong.....He was shocked hearing her and left her side removing his hands and taking a steps back....She chided in mind....aap na sirf gussa Kar sakte hai...Aur kuch nahi, woh bhi bina matlab ka gussa , hume apna phone bhi nahi lene diya....( You just can get angry and that too useless anger of yours.... didn't even let me take my phone ....)She fixed her veil and made a move to leave the place.....but was alarmed when she felt his strong hands gripping her wrists.... he yanked her hands towards himself and she hit his shoulders.. twisting and gripping her hands at her back he snapped again I am not done yet, let me finish....They were quite proximal and he could sense her heart beat racing while his breath was fanning her face ....He was about to speak up when a staff knocked at the door.. he left her hands instantly and she swiftly ran out of the room....Opening the door she smiled to the girl standing some feet's away holding a tray...... She was holding her wrists to hide the bruises she had ... and smiling to her she made her way towards the Hall...Through the Corner of her eyes she saw him standing there in frustration fisting his hands in anger....she quickly took her phone and went away.......with the sound of her ankles the only thing to be heard echoing in the huge vacant hall....While Rishabh was catched off guard watching the way she covered her bruises and handled the situation, realisation drowned him.....and he was left devastated______________________________________Glimpse of the next chapter.....Sukh: Stop staring him...Sukhi he is your boss, don't be tempted by his looks.....it bad to see someone changing his clothes and remind you, he is not yours to see.....Rishabh: you literally punched me ....______________________________________Hey guys we are at the end of the chapter....Hope you all like it....see you all in the next chapter update .....Till then Smile 💐In case no one told you today .....You are one of a kind.....your worth is much more than what you estimate it to be....See you guys....This is me .....Signing out......Bye,*"*