chapter 32

32. Unexpected con-fab......At Malhotra Mansion....Maa you know I wanted to be there, but Sorry I can't accompany you....said Dhruv in a pleading manner.... Conjoining....My friends are visiting me...they will leave the town tomorrow.....I am actually Sorry....While Sukhmani was pouting her face showing displeasure.... he continued....Maa I am Disconnecting the call; will see you today evening...don't worry Ok..  for sure I will be there before the puja starts....and trust me be the worst case scenario will be there to pick you up...I got to go now...Bye see you.... saying this he disconnected the Call...Mrs.Sukhmani Malhotra was in a dilemma as she wanted to be to Khurranas place before the rituals starts..... marriage ceremonies always contented her and that too her friend's son's wedding......But as Mr.Khurrana was out for his golf match and Dhruv went along with his friends.....she was devastated.... She doesn't wanted to be there alone with the driver so the only person left was Rishabh.....At Khurrana Villa....Sukh beta stop stressing yourself...just go and grab your breakfast, soon guests will start arriving..You will not get time then.....Mrs. Khurrana was behind Sukh following her around in the Hall where she was busy with the decorations chaos.....She was murmuring something to herself for the decorators whose works were bit unsatisfactory by her side.. ..Hearing her she responded, It's Ok Auntie...I will have something later.... Just look through this do you feel it's going well with the theme I mean they would have added more colours to it....or what about more garlands...Sukh was wearing an Orange Salwar Kurti in contrast with yellow, her hair tied in a loose bun and she weared no makeup on her face;Mrs Khurrana smiled to her and said playfully.....yes you are right more colors would have made it like rainbow......Sukh didn't noted the sarcasm in her words and nodded with her showing her agreement .. ..soon realisation hit her and she bursted in laughter..both of them smiled at each other and dragging her hands...she brought her to the kitchen and served her the breakfast......Sukh's mind was still occupied with the decorations and probable dysfunction which surely didn't existed..  While getting her a plate Mrs. Khurrana assured Sukh that everything in the decor is more than fabulous ...she didn't need to worry about it...She knew her taste and every dish was prepared according to it .... smiling and ordering her to finish everything served, she left the place to check on Mr Khurrana... ......Despite Sukh was munching over her breakfast quickly inmidst of thinking something more beautiful... seemingly lost in her thoughts.. .        At Malhotra Mansion....A knock on the door dragged his attention towards the door and he fekt Sukhmani standing there....Please come in Maa you don't need to ask.... . said Rishabh in a sweet tone eyes still on his laptop..while Sukhmani came in with a sheepish smile on her face....        He waited for her to continue but as she was quite for more than minutes ....he asked her in a serious tone... Come-on Maa speak up....why are you so quietwhen Sukhmani narrated him everything...... making an innocent face....He sighed hearing her and replied with a small smile... So what you want me to do now, you know very well that I can't accompany you there......  I have work to finish which is important        turning to her he continued...Moreover I know what's going to happen there...I will be the one standing in a corner with a group of Aunties staring me with vigilance and appreciating me with their extra cheesy lines....and you praising my qualities with extra cheesy words..... exaggerating them....And atmost what's going to happen, you will whirl around looking for my bride .....Back in Khurrana Villa....Soon guests started to arrive and Mr. & Mrs. Khurrana greeted them....while Sukh was changed into Persian green Suit... her hair now neatly tied in braids,and she was by her side.... smiling and greeting everyone .....There was still sometime left for the rituals to be started and everyone was talking amongst each other .....Getting an opportunity and excusing herself from others..... Sukh started with her Rangoli....she used different colour in a beautiful combination.... making it an incredible piece of art.....it took her around 30 minutes for completing it....and it was simple yet elegant in its own way.....        she was giving it final touches when someone hugged her from back....with her small hands covering her eyes .....The voice asked her to guess whom she was, despite she didn't took seconds recognising it was Meher....{Meher is a 6 year old girl, who lived in the neighborhood of Khurranas....  literally a happy child; since she worked in Orange and Peaches she has been very close to her...they both used to play together when she used to arrive at Orange and Peaches...and from the time since she moved there she spent more time with her.....}She playfully smiled listening to her while Sukh turned her around to herself and saw her all dressed in a pink lehenga for the event ... She looked very cute and adorable......she hugged her back , Breaking the hug Meher complemented Sukh for the beautiful Rangoli saying Sukh Jiji yeh Rangoli toh bahut Sundar hai..  (Sukh Jiji it's a beautiful Rangoli....)she smiled listening to her while Meher playfully took red colour from there and painted her nose red...... Sukh smiled again and rubbing her nose asking her to stop it.....she then took fistful of yellow colour and tapped her cheeks..  She ran away from her teasing Sukh Jiji had a red nose and a yellow face......Sukh too Joined her in the fun and ran behind her carrying fistful of colours in both her hands.......She was running behind her when her heels broke and she lost her balance hitting someones chest..... she balanced herself by placing her arms across his chest wincing slightly for the pain which occurred while her toe twisted.....she gazed up and found the guy to be none other than Rishabh....he was staring her quitely while her cheeks were red in embarrassment....She quickly took a step back but was alarmed seeing the impression of her hands over his coat....It was now coloured in yellow and Peach coloured patches ......she was smiling within but waited for him to speak up.....She had an intusion that he is going to shout upon her infront of everyone and that will be embarassing so I o ignore the situation she snapped murmuring... Why does it happens with us always......huh!!!She exaperated in mind....I mean why you come around looking for me when I am least expected to see you around.....She expected him to yell back to her but surprisingly he didn't said anything....She looked up to him to look into his eyes but aw the balcony and asked him to back off....... while he was there standing like a statue....unable to grasp her mood swings......She moved towards him for dragging him away but was too late and kids splashed him with a bucket of Coloured water.....which ofcourse they borrowed from her making an excuse ........ The water left him all drenched and he looked up in anger... clenching his jaw....he saw a group of kids laughing and mocking him..... soon his mother too arrived and the sight before her made her burst in fits of laughter.......Not only her, everyone around started laughing over him while he just narrowed his eyes at Sukh....who was holding the corner of her veil I fear........Rishabh was about to leave the place when Mrs Khurrana arrived and asked him to change his clothes.... she also asked Sukh to carry him to the guest room and get him Sumit's clothes to change into.......On which Rishabh interrupted and said Aunty I am Ok...I just came to drop Maa here.....I am pretty much done here in a calm tone...Despite Mrs Khurrana insisted again and finally he gave up......Rishabh followed Sukh to the guest room clenching and unclenching his jaws lightly sniffing and sneezing....they were at the passage when Sukh murmered something difficult for him to make out ...he called out loud in annoyance... you may be a bit louder here; if you want to say something say it clearly....she turned around pouting her face and blurted I asked you to back off but you...can't you listen to me once without interrogating.....and now look at you, you are sniffing ... it's the month of December....soon you will catch cold and .....she stopped mid-sentence....But rather he asked And what....And she continued in temperment... why was you admanant on going back when Khurrana Auntie asked you to wait ....how can someone be so.....He prompted So... and she was quite He asked again So what...  Despite She gestured him to the room beside and snapped here comes your destination....you are requested to proceed Sir....I will be back within a while.....While he balled his fist and went inside the room shutting the door closed loud enough.....While her jaws dropped seeing him angry without any reason..... letting out a deep sigh.... Rishabh quickly took off his blazer and shirt and was now standing bare chest facing the mirror.....he waited for Sukh to return but as she took some extra time he called his driver to get him his clothes from the car.....He stood beside the balcony of the room perceiving the sight there...., {Khurrana Villa had an breathtaking view as it was located near the outskirts of the town....}Sukh came back to the room holding a white shirt in her hand.....she knocked at the door and to her surprise found the door to be open...She went inside the room and saw Rishabh bare chest who was facing the other direction. .. although he saw him in the reflection of the mirror....he was speaking over his phone to someone leaning against the window frame...Her breathing hitched seeing him like that as she stood froze there..... unable to take her eyes off him she was staring him with affection....Rishabh sensed her presence around but continued with his conversation....Soon she shifted her gaze away .... reminding and mumbling to herself....behave yourself, and just Stop staring him... Sukhi he is your boss, don't be tempted by his looks.....  it's bad to see someone changing his clothes and remind you, he is not yours to see..... Soon he disconnected the call and saw Sukh mumbling to herself..  an evil smirk appeared on his face....and he commented... don't you think watching someone like this is not a noble thing to practice....he waited for her to say something as it had been days he didn't spoke to her  and they didn't faught it was like he was bringing topics for her to speak.. like he wanted to hear her and her words were soothing to him.....She looked into his eyes then covering her eyes with her palm, and turning away she handled him a white shirt saying...Here, you can wear this white T-shirt, it will go with your trousers......He looked back to her and and taking steps close to her took that shirt from her hands to wear it .... while she went out to the adjoining room to get a blow drier.....After around 2minutes, she was back with the drier but to her surprise saw Rishabh stuck in the shirt...He tried really hard to get out of it... but all in vain.. keeping the blow drier at the table she ran towards him and unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt.....Sukh saw him hyperventilating and his face turning to red... she snapped him saying.... Sir aapko shirt bhi pehenne nahi aati..... buttons toh khol dene thay. .. (Sir don't you know how to wear a shirt....you must unbutton it before wearing.. )While he retreated...Ms.Mehra you called it a t-shirt so I ..  when she cut him off and said dekh lena tha na pehle.....aur hume kya pata ki aap itni baat sunte hai humari....(you must have looked to it, and how come I will know that you are so careful about my words and admire them so much... )she said in a blur when Rishabh was glaring her with strange unreadable expressions...... They both were staring each other when a knock on the door broke their eye contact.....he glanced at the door and found his driver there with his clothes...he asked him to come in and keep the clothes over the bed.....He dismissed the driver and chided thanks for your helpful approach Ms. Mehra......, I will manage from here  in a sharp tone...Sukh being nervous and hesitant felt herself short of words and quickly came out of the room holding her hand to her heart mumbling to herself.... chain nahi hai inko bhi, chutti aur weekend par bhi hukm chalane aa Gaye.... (He is so restless for teaseing me even in weekends and holidays ) pouting her face ......Rishabh closed the door behind her and took his shirt off..Having a hot shower and changing into his clothes he came out of the washroom wrapping a towel around his waist...He was looking at his reflection murmuring to himself....I expected her to show some respect towards me,atleast few words to show affection no no not affection but care afterall I am her boss but she ....she is always like this, she snaps me when I am not wrong and never protests when I am wrong..... and was settling his wet hair when he heard a knock at the door .... he thought the person to be Sukh and irritated opened the door but to his surprise he found a group of children between the age group 5-8years standing in a queue.....Hardly to acknowledge the reason of their presence there he politely asked them kids why are you all here, do you want something... or is someone calling me....they all shook there heads in a No and sang in chorus We are Sorry Uncle.....All of them chided together We didn't wanted to splash water on you, it was a prank for Sukh Jiji.... .He was unable to make out what made them apologise but then Meher from the group came to him and gestured him to bent down.....As he bent down on his knees she kissed him on his cheeks and handled him a rose anf said Sorry....soon all the children joined her and one by one kissed him......A cute smile creeped on his face as he kept on thanking everyone for the rose while saying it's Ok to every child....Soon all of them left and he saw Sukh standing a distance away behind the pillars watching them.....        Soon she concealed herself again behind the huge pillars of he Villa.....while he closed the room's door again .....Later that afternoon....Things went well after that incident..... though Rishabh wanted to leave early but he too stayed back alongwith his mother....After the first segment of the ritual, they were all gathered at the living room of the Villa...  and were enjoying the supper....while kids were playing at the lawn.....The food was lavishing and some dishes were especially prepared for the ladies who were fasting .... whereas for all the guys and other guests arrangements were made at the adjoining section of the lawn....Mrs.Khurrana proudly praised Sukh for the food and the decor in front of everyone ....Mrs. Malhotra too praised her cooking skills..... while she just blushed and smiled in gratitude giving response of their admirational words....Soon Avasthis arrived, and both Mrs. Khurrana and Malhotra got engaged with them.....where Sukh joined the kids in the game....Rishabh was awkwardly sitting with Mr. Avasthi who was giving him lecture over tea, describing it's flavors and different types which he had least interest upon....and soon decided to walk off....he looked around for his mother and found her at the corner of the room speaking with Mrs Khurrana.....        He was about to move when Meher handled him a bowl of peanut custard......and asked Uncle Have it, this is my favorite dish you know Sukh Jiji made it for me.... making a cute face....Though he wanted to resist but he couldn't resist her innocence....he quitely took it from her hands and had a spoonful of it... the taste was undoubtedly the best ...but for some unknown reasons he felt a bit dizzy with every bite of it....he had a couple of spoons and was having another bite when someone snatched it away from his hands....He looked up to the person and felt a strong punch in his stomach which made him throw out.....He was about to yell when he lost his conscious.....the only words he heard last before fainting was someone yelling his name and the sound of someone's bangles which was tapping his cheeks..Dhruv was having a gala time with his friends; they were all his college friends, and many were back in town after spending years abroad ...They were all enjoying their small reunion at his friend's out house....while one of them announced and invited others to his wedding which was supposed to be on the year end..all of them were speaking amongst each other when his phone beeped and he saw 19 missed calls on his no....He then saw a couple of messages which basically read be on Khurrana Villa ASAP....he knew no one would have called him if it wasn't an emergency....so without thinking twice he left for his destiny..Around two hours later.....Rishabh woke up with a moan and found himself in the guest room of the Khurrana Villa, the place where he changed today.....He helped himself to sit erect and found his mother sitting beside the bed holding his hands....The moment he was about to enounce something ......his mother jerked her hands away from him and yelled in a loud tone.... Were you in your senses when you had that custard.....He opened his mouth to verbalize but was again cut off by her and she said....you pretty well know what would have happened if you had any more of it.....Though he seemed all astonished....where she was fuming in anger..He stood up from the bed and stated Maa it's Ok... I am fine, just have a look at me while she turned away....His mother reprimanded thank God you are Ok but really didn't you remembered you have allergy with peanuts,  last time you had it when you were 10 years old and we had to admit you ...... Poisonous reactions take place in your body after it's consumption....God I was so scared....When he hugged her from back and articulated consoling Maa please calm down I am fine Ok ..and trust me I forgot about this stupid allergy you were always so protective and choosy about my food that I never had to remember it.... and that sweet girl, her smile everything just made me forget it...  I assure you I will be careful from the next time but for now please come down ok I am fine just look at me I am really good I am feeling good Maa don't worry......When she turned to him embracing him in a hug reciting thank you God, thanks for your blessings.... thank you so much .... tears were unstoppably shredding from her eyes.....Just in time Sukh came into the room holding a tray with some medicine, soup and a glass of water.....A grin appeared on her face seeing her standing there and she left his side and dragged her hands gently to bring her inside the room....She placed her hands on her shoulders and announced...it all because of her you are fine.... God we were very scared....you know she punched you to make you throw up  and the doctor said that was a wise decision to make.... you forgot about your allergy but she didn't.. . God I am so blessed having her today....she was continuously praising her.....Sukh asked Sukhmani in a low voice handling her the tray Mam these are the medicines prescribed to him.... and one more thing he needs to have something before it, so I just made a soup as he must be feeling a bit sour now....Sukhmani smiled at it and on the other side excused herself from them saying Dear I need to inform Mrs. Khurrana about Rishabh... I will ask her to resume the rituals now....she too was very worried about him can you please take care here....on which she nodded her head in a yes.....And all the while he was staring her in amazement.....while she was looking away to flight his gaze....It was then after she left that she gestured him to sit....and he followed it without questioning ....she asked him to complete the soup and handling him the tray said "Sir these are the medicines you are asked to take...." when he cut her midsentenc and commented....so you knew about my allergy... .well that's strange how do you know about it.... she was quite for a while looking here and there and rejolted Sir the soup is getting colder and you are asked to take the medicines as soon as you gained conscious.....but he rebuked Ms.Mehra you just punched me and you don't want to answer it over this... in a sarcastic tone....he expected her to answer but what happened next was unexpected,,she bursted in tears and was hyperventilating.....he reached for her while she hugged him in response..... unable to think anything else he asked her to calm down consoling her,but she was weeping like a kid as she held him as if her life was dependent on him and said between her sobs...I am Sorry. . her words were broken and Rishabh was in a dilemma of how to console her...He carried her to the bed holding her hands tapping them in consolance...she continued S Si... Sir I don't wanted to insult you infront of everyone ....but that was the last thing that came over me...  even I didn't knew Meher was carrying the custard for you, else I would have never given her that...While Rishabh was attentively listening to her....breaking the hug she chided....Sir trust me I w.....when she felt a finger over her lips and he said enough Sukh...he gently wiped her tears with his fingers and said Sukh I am thankful to you..... it was a right decision... I am glad you were around me.... and it's not your fault I myself forgot about my allergy....you don't need to worry Okshe was quitely listening him but tears were still flowing down from her cheeks...He ordered Sukh stop crying Ok just stop it....while she managed to hold her tears back but still her eyes were watery.....Rishabh smiled at it and commented well it felt good to see you scared, well it means my anger works on you as well ....on which she rebuked it's not your anger ....you are my boss and I will follow all your orders no matter what it's my duty....A cute smile creeped his face and he said Sukh a few moments ago you were crying like a kid and now you are all professional...why are you so....So...what. she asked in irritation...let me get my medicines first he said asking for her permission with a smirk ..she nodded her head in agreement slightly pouting her face looking away in anger ,while he had some spoons of the soup then had the medicines...Soon a voice reached her ears which called her name...she stood up responding it but the voice soon fainted making her think it was not a call for her....She was about to leave the room with the tray when Rishabh murmered so... unpredictable....she heard him completing his sentence....Sukh smiled at it when he called her again and asked  she grasped hearing him....She looked back to him and keeping the tray aside smiled saying  Ok...he quickly got up from the bed and suggested let me introduce myself first,  he introduced I am Rishabh Malhotra and I am your boss,she too stretched her hands out and stated I am Sukhpreet Mehra better called Sukh and I am your subordinate....they both smiled to each other introducing themselves....when Dhruv barged in the room and embraced Rishabh in a bone crushing hug....he was running out of breath and said Bhai I am glad you are Ok God Mom sent me a voice message and she sounded so scared...God I was so worried.....seeing the prevailed scenario Sukh decided to give them space and quitely left the room.....That night.....She is so unpredictable.... one moment she is all serious and the other she is so sweet ..... one moment she is the savior and the other a savage..... One moment she is captious and the other so sensitive to understand unspoken words....Rishabh was drafting his thoughts about Sukh in his mind.... obviously running of sleep.... today's inciedent was surprise for him as well....she saved his life today....He surely was grateful about it.....and their introduction to each other was the another best thing again....but there was something about today that made him proud upon her, he was told how she consoled her mother while she was being upset and how she took care of him and her ... how she handled the guests and the Doctor's complement....and ofcourse the punch which was just to make him throw out and didn't hurted him.....many questions were left unanswered to him that night... .Aaj Ghar pe puja thi, kaafi saare guests bhi aaye thay, unme se ek Rishabh Sir bhi thay(there was a puja today, many guests arrived too to make the event more auspicious Rishabh Sir was among them ....) it was amusing that kids welcomed them with buckets of colourful water, well that was a prank on me if he would not have been on my place, though they apologized later but he was all drenched after the incident I didn't expected him quite rather I thought he will shout upon them infront of everyone but he didn't ...sweet khadoos.... realising what she just wrote she cutted sweet from her sentences... continuing she wrote everyone was very impressed with the decor and food but accidentally he ate the peanut custard which he was allergic to... I had to punch him to make him throw out...I was too scared seeing him like that....shrugging her thoughts away and leaving few lines for other sentence she scribbled aaj pehli baar unhone humpe gussa nahi kiya,(it was the first time he didn't show anger to me)... we didn't had a fight today rather we introduced ourselves to each other officially.....Sukh was at her room penning down today's inciedent in her diary....but everytime she tried writing something her verdict stopped on him ...like it was only him whom her mind is engrossed thinking upon....like her whole thoughts was revolving around him.She stood up from her table staring outside the huge windows of the Villa her face brightened up in moonlight her eyes lit up with tears....there were many questions running through her mind         As she asked herself....What came over me...why I did that, God knows what he must be thinking of me; I hugged him, despite knowing he is my boss and not my to hold.... and why was I weeping like a kid infront of him.... why the thought of seeing him hurt made my heart ache.... why did it felt like I can't afford to loose him.....when I know he does not belongs to me......______________________________________Glimpse of the next chapter.....Sukh: I have never been to a place like that before I don't know how can I manage .....Rishabh: he must have thought before doing anything.. how could he be so ....______________________________________So guys we are at the end of the chapter....I am extremely sorry for my late updates.... Please don't bother it.Hope you all enjoyed the chapter please let me know about it through your comments....Looking forward for your feedback....See you all in the next chapter update....Don't forget to vote and comment....In case you don't know.... Every love story is beautiful ..... but ours is my favorite...This is me Signing out Bye....