chapter 33

33 Sudden Invitations...._______________Next MorningAt Malhotra Mansion....It was an important day for the company....after the successful dispatchment of the first shipment ....The day marked for review of it by the Clients and how successful it get along the Public....Rishabh woke up with a slight grunt... snoozing his alarm.....he found his coffee already there on the bedside table....messaging his temple he stretched his hands to get a hold of it...sitting erect while checking his phone for any important messages he found out that everyone was asking him about the Company and it's further decisions and take on it. .....he was going back to the rude businessman zone, and was about to get up for shower mentally planning his day when he came across a text from Sukh which read "take care🙂" with a smile emoticon......His lips curled up to smile seeing that and slightly grinning he got up from bed to start the day.......At Office's basement.....God Sukhi!!!!! you are late again and surely you will pay for it... woh kahenga (indicating Rishabh)  Ms. Mehra aaj aap fir se late hai...aapse pehle din hi clear Kar Diya gaya tha ki, I hate late commers.... Office ka ek discipline hai ..... protocol hai...achaar hai....yeh hai woh hai Aur pata nahi kya kya.... (Ms.Mehra you are late again, I cleared it on the first day itself that I hate late comers...Office has a discipline... protocol...decorum etc, etc ...) Sukh was murmuring to herself running towards the Office entrance after parking Shivi .....fixing her hair into loose braids.....She was heading to the elevator when She heard someone calling her name from behind.....and turned around to see Rahul running towards her...she stopped in her tracks as he came to her and chided...I have been calling you for so long... on which she just arched her brow....He stupidly smiled to it and said Sukh dekhiye (look) I know we didn't started on a good note...See I was just doing my job it was just strictly professional no way personal....She was quitely listening to him....giving him a questioning look...he said again Sukh dekhiye hum maafi mangna chahte hai...I wanted to apologise for my previous behavior...you know lawyer's enthusiasm I overemphasised....Can we sort our differences over lunch today....She took time registering his words ...then quickly rejected his proposal reasoning...Aaj review aane wale hai and uske baad kaafi kaam hoga department mein...(we are going to get our review today...and after that there will be a lot of work in our deartment...) So Sorry maybe sometime later.... and sprinted inside the building while he was left bewildered there.....Rishabh on the other hand had a mild start of the day after having breakfast with his family....  already in his cabin he was waiting for Sukh to arrive....he was looking through the huge glass windows and saw Rahul approaching her  and to his surprise he felt vexed seeing that, but seeing Sukh didn't entertained him well, a smile of victory appeared on his face.....As soon as she reached the executive floor the first thing she received was a big hug from Malvika alongwith other team members .....As she said Congratulating honey we did it...... Cant breathe!!!!! She said....she broke the hug  as she informed the reviews were awesome and that they got to deliver next four shipments before time due to its increasing demands.....The news brightened her day....as she grinned ear to ear hearing this .....she excitedly hugged her back and the team planned to head out for lunch together as a small treat to everyone .....Excusing herself and reaching her desk...the first thing she found out was her intercom beeping....  receiving which she heard Rishabh ordering her to be in his cabin with his Coffee..... In a serious toneGetting him Coffee was not a part of her Job, and she must have retreated him but as she was very happy she readily agreed to it...Reaching the pantry she crossed paths with Malvika who was very excited for the team lunch and suggested Sukh to invite Rishabh as well....Despite Sukh was against it but on her insistence she insured her that she will try to get him....After around five minutes she knocked his cabin door asking him his permission to enter....while he as usual was busy with his files....looking up he asked her to get in.....and continued Ms. Mehra you as re late again...well it's of no use to talk to you about it now .... sounding a bit angry just send few emails to Chawlas about the deal and... .        while she saw him buried inside work....many questions were running at the back of her mind about whether and how to invite him or not .....she was continuously murmuring to herself.... Kya invite karna chahiye inhe, Naah Sukh definitely invite karna banta hai afterall he is the boss... (Should I invite him??? ofcourse I must afterall he is the boss)chewing her nails and biting her lips...she blabbered...         what if he rejects, she was disappointed with the thought; then thought what if he agrees....Kya kahenge unse...ki humlog ek town side inn mein jaa rahe hai rather than a classy restaurant....and aap Hume join Kare kyuki hum Chahte hain.... (What will I say to him...shout I say we are going to a town side inn and not a fancy restaurant...and you will join us just to keep up with us...)She glanced him again and his expressions said he is really occupied with work...she then thought to herself...yeh toh Pakka Mana karenga for lunch (He is surely going to deny for lunch), let's just carry on the courtesy to invite him...baaki we will figure out later....Her thoughts were broken by his words when he said Sukh are you listening!!....As she grasped...Huh!!!...Huh!!!! ???Sukh I was asking you to get me the minutes of last day's meeting and send some mails.... She nodded her head incoherently listening him and then composing herself said.. Sir minutes are there in the file in the first drawer beside your desk and the mails are already sent.... Confirmation bhi aa gaya.... biting her lips...A sudden smile of releif appeared on his face... as he was again taken aback by her work proficiency ....         looking upto her ,he then said... with a small smile...So my Coffee...she hurried at his remark and quickly handled him the tray....He saw the Coffee mug with a beautiful Coffee art....a cute smile creeped his face....he was happily sipping through his Coffee but she was still standing perplexed there.....Out of the blue she commented Sir blue colour suits you a lot. You look very handsome in it... her words made him choke on his Coffee as it was least expected from her...He gushed into a smile then said Thanks Sukh...but you can tell me what you want to say without being hesitant....She thought of zipping it up...then Letting out a deep breath she enounced.. Sir we are planning a group lunch today would you like to join us!!!!I mean I know you are occupied with work and all other stuffs but ....when he cut her midsentenc and said I would love to.....She was delighted hearing him then chided..but then with a surprise asked Sir are you sure... I mean it's a small treat in a countryside inn....  We are not going to any fancy restaurants will it be Ok... I mean you can back off if you want to....When he said again.. Ms. Mehra I will love to join you all...we will meet by 2:00 at lobby.....can we resume our work now......While she sweetly turned to leave out of his Cabin..... he mumbled to himself sighing... Group lunch!!!...        sounds interesting!!!...interwining his fingersAt lunchtime.....As decided The team went to a small townside inn... though the decor of the place was not much fancy with lights and Chandrell but was ethnically beautiful with sober decor..Being seated, Everyone was quitely waiting for their orders to be served maintaining their composure as if in mid of a serious meeting...Do you remember your interview Malvika..... our first encounter .. said Rishabh with a smirk starting the conversation....while she cringed at her table and hid her face in embarrassment gesturing him to stop ...which made him laugh out loud..While Abhimanyu asked teasing Sir...what happened that day Do share... rather she threw a tissue box over him..... Everyone too heeded to whatever they were saying....and he enounced We were hiring junior executives .... and she appeared to be the best in CBTs..... and trust me when I say it she was hired at the spot... but at interview when she was walking towards our desk lifting her chin up wearing 7inches heels, and beleive me she was not able to walk properly... and as expected she lost her balance and she fall straight to the ground hitting her chin with the Conference table..... I knew it was quite harsh and I expected her to be serious but you know what she did....enough!!! No further information to be provided said Malvika cutting him mid-sentenceWhat!!!! everyone said in chorus... and Rishabh continued she was fixing her hair and makeup kneeling down ; didn't cried at that moment but straighten herself and professionally answered our questions...I was amazed seeing that, truly Wonder woman I felt, but when we informed you are hired..she weeped like a baby...holding herself....Everyone bursted in laughter hearing that ..... Malvika was highly embarrassed and covered her face with her hoody.... blabbering I didn't had any other choice, which made me think that's most apt to be done that moment....Rishabh heard her, and enounced between his laughing session.....One must never be a person others want you to be, it's enough just to be a better version of yourself...His words reflected wisdom and everyone appreciated that... {Rishabh surely knew how to please people around him.....}After a couple of minutes their orders arrived .... they had a decent lunch and great time there and she saw his new side... he was having fun with others and participated in their small jokes....beside being a part of it...Sukh was really inspired and in awe of this new Rishabh in front of him....That Evening....Most of the Employees had an early off ....and the floor was almost vacant....Sukh was at her desk working over some files....she too thought of having an early off but the last minute work caught her up....She stretched her hands swaying them in air and saw the lights of his Cabin On....And to amazement that brought a peaceful smile over her face...she wanted to thank him for joining them...as she couldn't do it earlierhe was busy with the Clients....but a sudden realisation hit her about the time deadline and shrugging all the thoughts away she continued with the files again....Dhruvi you knew it very well you had plans today....you can't step back now.... Rishabh said pissed of Dhruv's careless attitude....Sorry Bhai ...this is the last night my friends are in town they will be leaving tonight...... they extended their stay for me... Please don't bother..I promise it will never happen again....and it's just a official party I know you will handle it very well... Please... Please ...please......Dhruv said pleading....But Dhruv you know that....when he rejoindered You are the CEO of the Company and I suggest you must make more public appearances ...it will help us in maintaining chaos among our rivals and may get my single brother a girlfriend... said Dhruv simpering....and disconnected the callRishabh was not much pleased with the idea of attending a Party......He was thinking of calling off the invitation when a knock on door dragged his attention out of that topic....He looked up to see Sukh with a bunch of files with her....and gestured him to come in by bowing down his head....He exaperated a deep sigh and straighten himself at his chair as he took all the files from her....He asked her to be seated and self was going through all the files while she was gazing around his cabin... You didn't went home early!!!..he asked quirkily ....Nahi woh bus ab kaam finish ho Gaya hai ab jayenga ( I have just finished my work, will leave now...)..she responded...He nodded his head in response and then approved the files....he was satisfied with her work and her working standards.... She was about to leave but then sat back to the chair opposite to him and said Sir ek baat kehni thi.....(I wanted to say something...)Haa kahiye....(Please continue) he askedSir thank you for joining us over lunch today, you graced the event I know you will have to stay here longer for that ....  But still you came for the sake of our happiness....  and that too last minute invitation... thank you so much... I owe you one....and will join you over to any meeting if you will invite me.....she happily blurted at a go in an excited tone....An idea came to his mind and he mocked her saying... That's so generous of you but!!!!But!!! she said questioningBut!!No Sukh you couldn't join me I know you will step back if it comes over to you....said Rishabh teasing her imitating her tone...After debating a while over the topic She got a bit irritated hearing him and said No it's not going to happen...you can test me... I'll not say No.....Ok if you say So...I'll fetch you up in an hour, be ready we are heading to an Official Party....and you are invited.... articulated Rishabh Huh!!!! said Sukh startled....Sukh was shocked after hearing him will be an understatement as she stared him bluntly still in disbelief widening her eyes to the size of a soccer.... She can't utter a word to revert and there was silence around them...What Huh??!!!! Ooo you must be thinking I am kidding but trust me I am not.... you just said you will be up for it whenever I will invite you anywhere ...so I am inviting you now....  he said breaking the silence,with a smirk on his face....as the look over her face was quite amusing for him....He articulated mockingly ....See I told you before.... I know sometimes it's hard to stand by your words....don't bother I am giving you another chance, I already knew you are going to step back, I understand.....when she interveined and said Ok Sir...I will be ready in an hour you can fetch me from Khurrana Villa.... I am staying there for a couple of weeks, So See you in an hour..... getting up from the chair.....Rather we will meet here... I have some work to be taken care of, so my driver will fetch you ..... She was still in disbelief as the invitation was least expected from his side....When he broke her trail of thoughts and commented...I suggest you to be quick as I want to see you exactly after an hour which includes your convenience time....with a smirk..Sukh mumbling something to herself quitely went out of the cabin....         Rishabh saw her moving out then let out a loud laughter which he controlled since a long time..... thinking to himself how she looked at him all confused.....You must learn to keep your mouth shut sometimes... Now you are stuck in it... who asked you to be sophisticated that too infront of him, whose attitude is always unpredictable...was all she was mumbling to herself when she went to her desk to collect her stuffs and abruptly went out of the floor....he was glancing him all the while through the transparent glass walls while he pressed his lips in the attempt of hiding his smile....        He was happy with his decision of talking her alongwith him.... He was inspired by the way she stood by her words ....then keeping all thoughts aside he enssembled his work over the files again....Later that evening.....Rishabh saw the time and realised there was not much time left for their departure... so he went to 25th floor and took a quick cold shower ...he was dressed into a black tuxedo .....he checked the time and realized he was running late by 5 minutes...so hurried himself to the ground floor... looking a bit pissed was now at the basement of the Office building with his Black Mercedes-Benz waiting for her arrival as she was already late by 10 minutes....**God knows why he is always peculiar about time....🤔He was checking his watch again and again and was already irated  he turned to his car which was in opposite direction and was about to call the driver to check the whereabouts when a car stopped infront of the driveway and he heard the sound of her ankles chiming and her clicking heels....        He turned around rebuking annoyed ...Ms.Mehra you are late by 10minutes... I already told you that... then stopped suddenly ......all his anger flushed and he was left stunned...He saw her walking through a distance away wearing a Red Saree....she was looking mesmerizing with her long open hair in swift straight strands, subtle makeup,  she was looking different but a beautiful different...  Soon she was standing before him then excused herself saying We were struck in traffic, Do excuse for the delay.....she sounded nervous and he sensed that....composing himself he enounced No no ... it's Ok ....we are getting late let's get inside the car....The drive was silent as none of the two spoke...Sukh looked very tensed and was continuously biting her lips looking outside the window which dragged his attention as he saw her from the corner of his eyes...Don't do that.. he said sharply...She composed herself in her seat then asked innocently How long it will take us to reach there...and where are we heading to....and what's the event about... Khurrana Auntie ....I mean I forgot to ask you about it earlier....Well we are heading to Green Emeralds Palace, it's not much far,  just 15 more minutes of driving and we will reach our destination...He replied with a small smile while Sukh nodded in response....Amidst she turned towards the window again thinking to herself should I tell him that I am scared and I have never been to this kind of parties earlier though there were events when I organized a few of them...I am Good with family gatherings, marriage celebrations traditional rituals and so on....... won't he think I am lying to him ...No... No.. I should not be so liberal to him, afterall he is my boss .....while he was thinking what is wrong with her, is she nervous.... maybe she might had other plans for tonight and now she is stuck with me...Fish!!!!  asking her to come along was a stupid decision ...I think I should call upon the event....He glanced her again and asked Do you had other plans for tonight...See I never force anyone for anything we may back up ....when she interveined and blurted releasing a deep sigh .. No it's not like that....and turned again to the window speculating the view... mentally enouncing....actually it's the first time I am being to such a party and I am a bit nervous...What!!!!are you nervous...He said mocking her.... imitating her tone....but she pouted her face and didn't responded....Irked Rishabh shifted his attention towards driving again thinking to himself... Whatever!!! if she is nervous or unwilling to go it's not my problem, I didn't asked her to give me her word, and if she did she should be ready to face the recursions of it...Soon their car pulled outside the Grand Green Emerald Palace which was a Palace turned 5-star Restaurant A part of it was converted to Museum which showcased the antics of that period....The entrance was elegantly decorated with flowers....and the moment they stepped down the car they were welcomed by Papparazi who were clicking numerous pictures of every guests; the guards guided them to the entrance and all the while Sukh was firmly gripping his hands out of nervousness.... Best part being he didn't resisted....Sukh was awwee struck seeing the beautiful Chandaller with the heritage crafted ceilings at the entrance .... Historical Monuments always being her interest ....        Finally you are here!!! a voice dragged her attention towards itself and she saw a man dressed in a Royal Blue Suit approaching them with a beautiful lady ....         {Aarav and Ruchi....}Hey Aarav !!! acclaimed Rishabh embracing him into a brotherly hug....You are late bro!!!! responded Aarav... breaking the hug he incoherently asked ... Hey Ruchi what about you I hope he doesn't tease you now..while she answered No way ...he dare do that now...I still remember my Karate tricks... exclaimed Ruchi... You guys forgot me!!!! a voice from behind grabbed their heed and she saw another guy with a model like girl entering the scene... then joined the group he exaperated dramatically You guys forgot about me and joined everyone in a group hug....All that while Sukh was standing at a distance watching their small reunion... Who is this beautiful lady with you. asked the latter...and everyone heeded to her... Oh Shit I am Sorry said Rishabh ... holding her hands he dragged her to the gang and introduced Well guys this is Ms. Sukhpreet, and she is my...he stammered Sub...she interveined but he cut her midsentenc and said friend...she is my friend...        Then introduced her to the groupmates...This is my friend Aarav he is a personal investigator and this is Ruchi his wife,  we were together in College... she completed ... and I am Ranbir Dhanrajgir... his brother from another mother .... childhood besties...and this is my girlfriend Natasha.. introduced Ranbir...So you are his friend!!!! interogated Ruchi suspiciously...then coming to her embraced her in a bone crushing hug declaring ....Now you are our friend as well ...Welcome to the gang Sukhpreet!!!!Sukh was finely accepted by his friends and especially Ruchi...who is seven months pregnant so couldn't dance, while Aarav and Rishabh were talking about business and stuff to other guests and Ranbir went to hit the dance floor alongwith his girlfriend,  they were talking on various topics ...she also came across the incidents how Aarav and Ruchi fall in love with each other and how his idea of troubling her backfired to him which led him to a bone injury....They were laughing loudly on their jokes while Rishabh was only staring her from a distance with a small smile..        That was the first time he couldn't take his eyes off her....Soon the host announced a small dancing competition and insisted every couple to join in... and so did everyone....Ruchi excused herself and stood up with Aarav...she went to the dance floor and saw Sukh being alienated sitting at the couch while Rishabh was standing a distance away with some business associates.....Hey Rishabh!! come here called Ruchi excited...see guys you know I can't participate in the ball with my baby bumb...So you guys be my proxy; go and dance in my behalf .....she exclaimed....but I don't know how to dance she tried to reason out....Rishabh too tried to stop her but on her continued insistance they agreed....        Rishabh proposed his hands to her and they both went to the dance floor holding hands....Ranbir hawled in appreciation seeing the duo approaching the centre of the floor...Sukh whispered softly to him ...I am not good at dancing .... Just follow my steps...he suggested..        Rishabh pulled her body close to him, taking her right arm he placed it on his shoulder;  he gripped his left palm and intertwined it with his palm .... Slowly his hands reach to her waist....The feel of his hands around her waist and their intimacy all of a sudden took her aback... she looked up to him in amazement then gazed down to the floor.....        their bodies moved according to the rhythm in a slow monotonous tone....she felt his breath fanning her ears...the world around them seemed to be vanished and time seemed paused, there were instances they looked into each other eyes....Rishabh was surprised seeing Sukh dancing in poise with all grace and they formed a good team... one by one after three rounds they were declared the Winners....and Ruchi was the most happy person around...She applaused and cheered at the top of lungs for them and after Declaration of them being the Winners she jumped in excitement....Sukh too was very happy after winning the tag....They get back to her to handle her the winning trophy but she declined and said it's yours ...You both deserve it...Time went into snaps as Sukh had the best time of her life with Ruchi and Natasha...they spoke about various fashion tricks and DIYs..As Ruchi couldn't stay longer so Aarav and Ruchi went back home early and Rishabh went to see them off to the Parking.. ..Natasha too left due to some urgent work... leaving Ranbir and Sukh ....Ranbir seemed to be a fun loving guy to her just like Dhruv...who was in an awwee of his girlfriend....Ranbir was narrating Sukh how she met her in a book launch event....and how they fall in love... while Sukh had been a good listener to him.... she a concluded most of his friends are friendly and talkative unlike him...On the spur of the moment his phone beeped and he chided teasing Excuse me for a while young lady!!! and got up to attend his call, for sometime she was left alone in the Hall....she was munching over some snacks when a guy from nowhere came and sat beside her.... He though was dressed formally but looked creepy....he was gazing her intensely which made her uncomfortable ... she thought of getting up from there but thought of seeming rude stopped her.... moreover she was with Rishabh who must be coming back soon gave her a feeling of being secured..You look lavishing..the guy commented in a seductive tone... Thanks...she responded politely...You are here with Rishabh? he interrogated... Yes she answered ...Well if I would have been into his place I would have never left you for anything...things like you needs extra love and Care....That was the heights and she promtly stood up from her chair...she gave him a look of disgust and headed towards the dance floor looking for Ranbir but surprisingly didn't found him anywhere...She then thought of heading to the exit to look for Rishabh but a hand from back gripped her hands and pulled her close to his body...I didn't allowed you to leave ....the voice said...his mouth smelled all alcohol and he could barely balance himself....He was well built and his body hovered her...he dragged her to a corner of the floorLeave ...I said leave my hands...she pleaded applying all her force but he tighten his hold upon her....His grip on her hands left red and blue bruises and her hand got all scratches from his nails....Collecting all her strength she slapped him hard across his face.....and knocked him down kicking him between the legs.... he stamped on his feet groaning in pain while She tried running away, but unfortunately lost her balance twisting her toes .....she crawled away from him but he soon stood on his feet and pulled her hair to make her stand...he raised his hands to hit her as she covered her face as a reflex waiting for the pain which didn't occurred.....Soon she found herself out of his grip and looked up to see Rishabh standing between them.....        Don't you dare Kaushik!!! his voice was a loud grown and the music in the background stopped...She stood behind him trembling on her feet....her hair now a complete mess and eyes blood shot red....she was scared to the core.....Rishabh my friend You are fighting with me for that S**t!!!! His hoarse voice surrounded the Hall but was soon dropped to silence as the next moment he received A great punch from Rishabh and was knocked down....Holding her hands Rishabh brought her to the exit where his Car was already parked.... Get inside the Car!!he ordered which she readily obliged...Rishabh furiously drove the Car crossing the speed limits...which turned her being more scared...The drive was filled with awkward silence....She was holding back her tears in her eyes and was hopefully looking to him who was angrily cleanching and uncleanching his jaws ....He didn't uttered a word after the incident, neither he scold or asked her the reason for her actions....his attitude made her presume that he is angry on her, again without knowing it was not her fault...On the other hand he was unable to get over the sight before him...Sukh crawling on the floor, her teary eyes....the way he grabbed her hair and her grunt...it was like everything was playing in his mind like a video loop and he can just visualize but can't do anything for it ...he felt helpless... imagining all the worst case scenarios that could have happened if he couldn't made it on time..,.mentally cursing himself... It's all my fault I must have taken her along...she was my guest; I invited her, my responsibility and..... I must have been to her side.... how dare he do that to her ...that jerk how could he touch my Sukh and lay his evil eyes on her...she is my.... he must have thought before doing anything.. how could he be so ....his trail of thoughts were interrupted by someone's voice and he turned to look at her hyperventilating keeping her eyes closed murmuring God's name.... meanwhile a car who was going through the wrong way crossed paths with him,they were about to clash which made him to loose control...and add up the speed ...The Car came to a sudden halt with a scratching sound and jerk....Leave!!! I said ... Just get out of my Car!!! Rishabh snapped angrily... besides she was flabbergasted....these were the last words she expected to hear from him that night...surely a bolt from the blue...😣______________________________________Mark the words....it made my day ♥️♥️♥️♥️ So guys we are at the end of the chapter hope you all enjoyed it...See you all in the next chapter update....Don't forget to vote and comment on my story....Do take time to give your feedbacks....Have a great time.....This is meSigning outBye Â