chapter 34

  - Meeting Of The Parallel Lines34. Realisations.... 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...😣Sure Sir; was the only answer she gave, holding back her tears and pain....She readily stepped down his car as then he accelerated it and drove off...Sukh looked around herself puzzled as was unable to trace herself...it was almost midnight and no one was around whom she could have asked to help for....Realising she was only three blocks away from Khurrana Villa she deceided to walk to the destination...being shattered after hearing him she doesn't thought of calling anyone for help....silence to a girl who never keeps quite even when she is sleeping was unimaginable...she assumed every lie to be true what he never believed...Heading ahead she fumbled walking due to her twisted toe so sat beside the roadside bench ....She tried to console herself saying it's not your fault if he doesn't beleives you are innocent...it's not your look out if he thinks you are responsible for whatever happenedand it's absolutely not your concern if he feels you are a disgrace to the Company...but soon started crying... murmuringYou must have not agreed to the Party ...you must not have been alone and you must not have slapped him...what if he is a reputed personnel..what is he was one of his friends...but....she reminisced how he treated her and how he dragged her hair...his touch his creepy looks made her feel disgusting of herself as she face palmed herself in embaressement ....she cried her heart out...Rishabh besides was zoned out as he was continuously reminded of the incident but sudden realisation hit him as he confront what he did now was uncalled for.... cursing himself he abruptly took a U-turn to the place he dropped her..To his surprise Sukh was nowhere around...he called her name again and again but still couldn't find traces of her....he reminded himself She twisted her toe so it's unfortunate that she could have walked away .....he ran around searching for her when he found her seated on a bench beside the road.....Scrunching his face he went to that direction to find her crying her heart out....        His heart ached seeing the sight infront of him....but being Rishabh he never permitted himself to show his emotions easily....He went near the bench and sat beside her        Sukh let's go!!!he eloquented... turning to her...No reply...Sukh we may talk inside the car, don't create a scene!! let's go... He tried holding her arm which caused her wince in pain...and he promtly held his hand back to himself....Fine if you want to stay like this .... who am I to bother !!!! I will join you, let's sit like this, in the dark beside road and weep...he commented...Still no reply....See Sukh stop behaving like a kid....You are my responsibility and I can't leave you here like this....he said lucidly...Responsibility!!!! you can't leave me....but you did it....are you sure I am your responsibility...she sharply remarked breaking her sobs...her words helding so much pain...mentally stating I am nothing to you, and I know that...how come I am your responsibility and you don't beleive me...how is it possible when you beleive I was responsible for that inciedent and still hold back to me without knowing it was not my fault.....Yes you are my Responsibility!!! I am answerable to Khurrana Aunty as she sent you with me helding her faith on me....It's fine Sir I will manage....she tried getting up but soon sat back due to her aching leg....she opened her sandals and found a piece of glass struck in her swollen feet....he tried to reach for her but she pulled her legs towards her again..He sat beside her and she continued to sob....this time hyperventilating....Sukh it's enough..hence I have no options left, I hope it's Ok!!! He said as she stood up form the bench and carried her bridal style to his Car....she tried her best to resist by punching him on his chest.... but all in vain....He made her sit on the front seat and getting antiseptic liquid from his first-aid kit, started cleaning her wounds.... shrugging off all her objections...She tightly gripped his shoulders in pain while he quitely did his job....It's done... he said finally after bandaging her foot and applying ointment in her hands...still her eyes were teary...she didn't willed to confront him about the inciedent but for unknown reason she doesn't wanted to stand wrong in his eyes ...Sir I ....she tried to say but interrupted as he saidBefore heading our conversation anywhere I just want to clarify that whatever you did today was wrong you must not have slapped him....Her tears threatened to fall off when he completed you must have broken his head....that would have been his perfect punishment...maybe that would have helped him to see things clearly....She was touched by his words....she never expected him to be on her side...and promtly embraced him in a hug as his arms felt the most secured place of the world....He too was taken aback for the moment... He felt her warmth in his embrace....He tried consoling her saying stop crying ...it's Ok!!!it was not your fault...But she continued weeping....and recounted.. I was very scared...I looked around for you but you were nowhere.... I was walking to the exit when..... she narrated everything to him without missing anything...I was very scared...she murmered again...losing consiousness...His eyes too were teary hearing her, he fisted his hands in an attempt to control his anger; He felt her body warm in his embrace her body slightly shivering stating she had fever.... getting a stole from his car he covered her and drove off to Khurrana Villa....Later that night....Beside being exhausted Rishabh was not able to sleep that night ...everytime he closed his eyes he pictures her face in his mind....        Her swaying hair, her smile, her eyes everything about her was arresting his thoughts to herself.....He smiled reminiscing the way she grabbed his hands tightly all the way, their dance, how they were a perfect couple...the smile of victory...her happiness her twinkling eyes,Persisting with the feeling of guilt...the hug, her tears and her shivering body...all this on a same day was much more than expected...Next Morning......Have it beta it's good for your health trust me it's not that bitter...you will feel good.... Mrs. Khurrana called running behind Sukh with a bowl in her hands...No way Aunty!!!!! absolutely No...I am not going to have this Kadha..(herbal soup with bitter taste)...Maa and you can't blackmail me like this....see I am perfectly fine....she said justifying herself running around the porch of Khurrana Villa....the sound of her anklet chiming surrounded the Villawhile Mrs. Khurrana was running behind her back and Mr.Khurrana distantly watched the scene contently...Sukh was feeling much better than last night, her fever all gone, credits to Mrs Khurrana who didn't slept all night and nursed her with all her love and affection....she was even empowered by her;she praised her for her bravery after she narrated her the whole inciedent... although she manipulated some parts of it like she didn't said her that Rishabh left her midway....being honest she was happy with the fact that her family trust her and her decision...she never expected Rishabh to be by her side as they hardly know each other but still he faught on her behalf last night and that was enough for her...she also came across the fact how he looked stressed when he dropped her....You are such a kid ... snapped Mrs.Khurrana breaking her reverie pulling her ears after tricking her to finish the drink despite she was making faces to retaliate the bitter taste...and then left for preparing breakfast while she got dressed for Office...At Malhotra Mansion:Maa where is Dhruvi.... interrogated Rishabh....Oh Good Morning son answered Sukhmani smiling as he wished her back and asked again... Mom where is Dhruvi...Well he is at poolside with your Dad but will you tell me why are you vexed early morning....He sighed and replied I am not vexed but Dhruvi is being a kid day by day...Look at this ...he handled her a piece of Paper ...        taking a hold of which she read it aloud...Vaadhu Chahiye...Var hai Rishabh Malhotra...CEO of Malhotra Industries..Var ke gun: handsome, rich Workaholic and so on......and bursted into fits of laughter..The Paper had an matrimonial advertisement which read rich successful businessman Rishabh Malhotra needs a bride ....and interested candidates can contact his mother for further details....while he stood beside observing her...soon Dhruv and his father too entered the Hall and joined their conversation....That's not funny he remarked...Ofcourse it's not funny!!!look Mom if my brother had to step up in party with her subordinate where his girlfriend would have been on that place,then being a responsible small brother I should do something right...I must take some effort to help my brother get a girlfriend rightwell not a girlfriend then a wife atleast...Dhruv mocked RishabhWhat are you saying Dhruvi, be clear I can't get anything.... acclaimed Mrs.Malhotra...Wait a minute let me show you one more picture..Dhruv commented and got her Morning newspaper....the first headline of Corporates page was Famous billionaire Rishabh Malhotra stepped into party last night with a girl in red saree!!!!.....Rishabh knew he was all caught up so tried chasing him but Dhruv was fast enough to show her the same...        Woww....is this our Sukh!!!! Sukhmani was awestruck looking at the picture..Sukh looked elegantly beautiful in it...God Rakshit look at this ...Sukh is looking so beautiful...she showed the picture to his dad ...and he agreed to her....You went to a party last night? questioned Rakshit smiling...Yes Dad and that too because of him.... he pointed to Dhruv who was grinning ear to ear for no reason....Dad he stepped back last moment ...and I had to go ...he complained which earned Dhruv a look of suspension...What !!!it's not my fault...I... Dhruv tried justifying..No I just stepped back the last moment...commented Rishabh...and chased him while he was running around the Hall....Well but...he tried interruptingStop nagging each other you two... interveined Sukhmani...Ouffff!!!!still you guys fight like kids...go to your rooms and be ready for Office...she ordered...He looked to the Wall clock which read 8:15am and claimedShit! I am late!!! all because of you...said Rishabh throwing a cushion to Dhruv...That's what I wanted to say...you are late and mumbled it's high time you get yourself a girlfriend else you will have to attend Party with your subordinates.... intentionally loud enough for him to hear everything,then smirking went to his room....Back to his room Rishabh hurried himself in dressing up for the day while Dhruv was thinking about his own little secret ..**he intentionally stepped back last night from the event because he wanted to pair up Sukh with Rishabh as he beleived she is the perfect girl for his brother....but keeping his thoughts to himself got ready for work... mentally grinning thinking about his small stunt on his brother today.....**At Office....Great Sukhi you are on time today!!! Sukh complemented herself as she was on time today...No one was there in the department except Abhimanyu and Malvika...who also managed to be on time...Hey Good Morning Sukh you are in time today ...greeted Malvika;Good Morning Sukh Mam joined Abhimanyu....Very Good Morning guys!!! She wished back... Abhimanyu left them there self carrying a bunch of letters to be delivered to the HR department...You sound so happy today may I know the reason of your happiness...teased Malvika...Yep !!! I heard a great news with the start of the day...Roohi is selected in the final round of her quiz Competition!!! finally her hardwork paid back....she repliedHey it's not about your boyfriend...well Congrats!!! acclaimed Malvika...You know I am not into anyone so nothing about boyfriend and Thank u ...she replied back mocking her tone...and the duo smiled over itShe then chided one more week and my family will be back in town...God I miss them so much....she smiled to her.....their conversation was interupted by a phone call from Ravi who sounded impatient....Hey Sukh!!!!can you please check whether Rishabh Sir in his cabin ...he pleadedSure !!she answered heading towards his cabin...Well I guess he is not in his cabin ...I didn't saw him coming... interveined Malvika...So he is late today!!!Wow!!!even Mr. Alarm clock maybe late ...she mentally mocked then asked ... Is there something urgent Ravi!!!you sound disturbed....Well Sukh Rishabh Sir was supposed to come along to receive Mr.Batra from Airport you know he is an important client ....we are getting late and he is not picking up...I don't even know how he looks like...just can't offend him you know...Ok Wait...I know him...I am coming along... she assured then hurried to the basement...Rishabh entered the Office after half an hour and was angry on himself for being late but was releived when saw she was not in her desk...which to him meant he still has someone whom he can bash upon...He was heading to his cabin when a guy barged inside the floor shouting ....The Security People tried to stop him but he didn't heeded to their words....An expected figure appeared infront of him and Rishabh shoved his hands to his pocket and stonefaced himself ...He attempted hugging him but he held his hands and criticised This is my office Kaushik, let's be professional...        Professional is it.... then What is this Rishabh!!!!how can you be so unprofessional....he took out a piece of Paper from his PocketUnprofessional!!!he sharply opined..Ofcourse it's unprofessional you know the deal between us was so important for my Company...you can't terminate the contract like this...We are friends...he tried justifyingFriends!!! Kaushik do you really call yourself my friend..the contract between us lasted for more than a year and I can't see any efforts from your side ...you did nothing to gain my Company any Profit..while we were paying for your losses , we have given you enough time and resources...Let me remind you I am here for business..and nothing is important for me except Profit....he exclaimed in a businessman tone        But all of a sudden...you may have given me some time or an early notice....he acted as pleading this timeWell I am not bound to remind you everytime about your or my actions you must have read the contract and shown some effort...that may have earned you the cognition....He smirked evilly jibing Profit is it... Rishabh my friend, do you really think I don't know the reason behind your deeds... it's all for that S**t...Enough...he shouted Not a single word or I swear within snaps I will ruin you and you know I mean what I say...he threatened gritting his teeth...while Kaushik was out of words...Soon the staff gathered around them and embarrassed Kaushik left the place ....Rishabh too headed ignoring all the to his cabin after the altercation ignoring all the scuttlebutt around...Sukh being unaware of the inciedent a while ago returned to the floor smiling.....while everyone glared her suspiciously...Good Morning everyone..she greeted but none responded and soon got back to their respective works...The looks on their faces made her feel repellent but shrugging all the thoughts away she headed to the pantry to get Rishabh his morning Coffee...In Rishabh's Cabin:Get in Ms. Mehra Rishabh answered the knock on his cabin door without looking up...Sir here's your Coffee...Well Thank you ... atleast you remember this...he remarked criticising herWell Sir I hardly forget stuff...she murmered as she knew he forgot about Mr. Batra's arrival today..Say it clearly....he rebuked angrily..His sudden anger gave her a quite jolt and she asked Is everything Ok Sir;Yes everything is fine it's just that you were late again today ....and now presenting yourself infront of me as you have done a great favor to our Company...not an inch of guilt on your face...he criticised again...But Sir..she tried interruptingSukh Let me finish!!...he chided gritting his teeth...You know what it's more than a month and I am done with your excuses... everytime you do the same thing and everytime you have your lame reason to justify your actions...He continued scolding her while she didn't disputed. .Their conversation was interrupted by a phone call from Ravi ;as he asked after greeting Good Morning Sir I wanted your permission as Mr.Batra wants to reschedule the meeting to 11:30,which means just after an hour should I finalize it..What are you saying Ravi Mr.Batra was about to arrive tomorrow...he asked shockedWell Sir I guess there is a Confusion, he has already arrived and as you were not available Sukh Mam accompanied me for receiving him from the Airport...He realized that he forgot about his arrival and sighed scrunching his face...Now the situation is Due to some circumstances he is running short of time so he asked to reschedule the meeting... actually he may sign the Contract today...he continuedWell it's not Sukh Mam but you who was supposed to convey me that....he reprimandedI am Sorry Sir , I was occupied with making arrangements for them so I requested her to do that on my behalf...he reasoned outArrangements..!!!what arrangements..!!you were aware of his arrival and was supposed to be prepared beforehand...he snappedI am extremely Sorry Sir... he replied backI will not spare you if anything like this happens Next time... and informing me first, leaving everything behind must be your priority...do you get that...he vociferated...Yes Sir...I am Sorry again..he completedSir what about the meeting he asked again...Yes !! we may proceed with the meeting..he exclaimedHe glanced back to Sukh who was looking to the ground passively ...Sukh..I..he tried making a conversationSir should I get you another cup because your Coffee is already cold I guess..No it's Ok .....he repliedFine Sir.. I will get you the report for the meeting within 10 minutes, and left out of his cabin...she sounded hurt but this time refused to show her emotions to him...He saw her heading out of his cabin and making her way to her desk...He was iniquitised by his actions and mentally stated...You must have avered that you went to receive Mr Batra... I must not have scolded you like this then..Just after she left from his Cabin Lavanya barged inside ...Rishabh how could you terminate the contract like that...we are here for business...I know you must have the idea that your action will have an effect on the Goodwill of the Company.... snapped Lavanya angrily..        I really appreciate that you care about the Goodwill of the Company but that's my look out.....so keep yourself away..and one more thing keep the Conference Room ready we will have meeting within half an hour and I don't want any mistake...his sharp words sounded more than a threat and she leftdaring to speak any further ...Later that Afternoon....Malvika and Abhimanyu returned contently after their field work but to their surprise saw Sukh still busy typing on her laptop despite it was lunch break and most of the floor was empty...Is someone trying her best to get the employee of the year troffe or your lunch is too bad to be edible....Malvika asked Sukh sarcastically...No it's almost done...I'll have my lunch after this...Sukh repliedHey don't get yourself upset for anything Ok.... acclaimed Malvika...No everything's alright ...don't worry..she replied back a bit confused....Malvika then left to her desk while she stood up arranging the papers in a document file and headed to Rishabh's cabin...She was about to knock when she heard Dhruv's voice coming from inside Rishabh's cabin and he sounded angry...She didn't wanted to interrupt them so thought of leaving but froze in her tracks when she heard the reason of the dispute...Inside the cabin..Bhai what is the matter with Sukh because of which you broke the Contract...Dhruv questioned barging inside his cabin....I know this pretty well that Kaushik is your friend and the deal you broke was not much profitable to the Company but my only question to you is why am I getting this news from outsiders...he continuedWho told you about this...he interrogated backHe sighed and replied it's Lavanya;Well that's not an answer;Bhai I am never going to doubt or question your decisions but atleast you must have trusted me...he rejoinedyou know what the worst part was I had no answer to her accusations I was not able to defend you....Lavanya!!!despite he chided gritting his teeth...Scrunching his face he remarked.. Dhruvi it's not about trust or something...it's just that things were so random...Kaushik misbehaved with Sukh last night and it was awful...he tried harassing her...and that is not acceptable....Last night was so tough on me..Sukh has done so much for the Company and I was not able to protect her...he completedWhat are you saying!!!how did this happened ..you were alongwith her...did he ...he questioned shockedYup!!!trust me it was more awful than that...I will tell you things later as this is not the right place..he reasonedOhh Ok ... So that's why she was crying all day...I saw her working on her desk...she looked so sad today...her eyes all puffy..and that's why you were angry today morning...God I am so Sorry for being kiddish bro..I must have understood that earlier...he apologizedIt's Ok Dhruvi it's not your fault at all...consoled RishabhBhai I have an idea do permit me to teach a lesson to your friend my way....he askedPermission granted...he agreed smilingHe smiled and left from the place...Sukh stepped back hearing the sound of his footsteps then after sometime someone knocked his Cabin door....        Get in...!!!her orderedSir this files are done and we need your signature over these... Malvika articulatedOk..he replid then gestured her to keep them at the table...Sir you may go through them and point out the mistakes to me...I will get to fix them...she proposedwell this work was not assigned to you, why are you going to fix them...where is Sukh it's her work...He questionedAmm Sir she left...was her answerLeft... What do you mean by that....where did she go...he askedI don't know Sir but she came to your cabin a couple of minutes backthen I have no idea about what happened, she handled me the file then left...she completed...It's still half an hour left for the break to get over So I think she will be back till then....she reasoned outKeeping quiet He then dismissed her from his Cabin then after sometime went out in search of her...Rishabh went to 24 the floor to look for her then around basement ...he even tried calling her several times but she didn't answered...Rishabh knew that she heard their conversation...and knowing her he knew she must be feeling sad...He found her sitting near the fountain lost in her thoughts....He calmed himself then went to her and acclaimed...Sukh the Project report you made is a trash...you got to redo it....        Her trail of thoughts were interrupted and she turned around to face him then stood up from her place and politely nodded her head in response...Her blood shot red eyes clearly stated she was crying...but she managed to hide her emotions....he felt hurt seeing her like that...then continuedNot only that you got to finish project report of last two deals and before that I want minutes of the meetings on my table ...He expected her to rebuke but here she was quitely saying Yes to his orders...Fine then will see you around..Ok ..she repliedHe expected her to follow him but she didn't got up from her place...Sukh I assigned you with work..he criticisedSo..she exclaimedSo you must be working now on your desk rather than wasting time like this here..he slightly reprimanded20 minutes still left for break to get over, I can do whatever I like..she replied irritatedA mischievous smile appeared on his face...So may I...he conjoinedHe reached her then sat beside her and getured her to sit as well...which she agreed without objectionBoth of them now facing the fauntain and there was moments of silence...Sir may I ask you something.. she questioned out of the blue...Hmm he replied..I know I am the reason behind the Contract thing , and I know this termination is going to affect the Goodwill of the Company...I know he has connection with media and their bad review will also add up to the losses ...So I suggest you must not terminate it...and on Counterpart...I will apologise in front of media...will that do anything good..she suggestedSukh get one thing straight... I am a businessman but my values are not business.. he interrupted with a sharp comment....I ensure you, Media Reviews are not going to decide or effect how will people accept our product...and as for apology thing...Hum kabhi bhi kisiko bhi bina galti ke kisi ke samne jhukne nahi denge...(I will never let anyone down for anyone's sake when they are not guilty be it you are anyone...)I hope I am clear on this!! he remarked looking at her...Her eyes sparked listening his words...she was gratified to him...he protected her dignity...He on other hand was pleased specualting her sparkling eyes which mirrored her happiness...She was about to thank him when..Lunch break is over and you are still here....he interrupted checking his watchHuh!!!What Huh!!! get back to work...Hmm....she replied incoherently,You are so insensitive..she muttered getting up from her placeAnd you are cute...he blabbered to himself...The day went into a blur after the inciedent...But a sweet smile was persistent on her face...Later that Evening....No Mr.Batra, no apologies we are glad to sign the deal with you, you may proceed with your tour we will get back soon with you... Rishabh was speaking over his phonewhile Sukh was walking towards the elevator with a bunch of Papers when she bumped to Rishabh who was heading to his cabin...        Can't you see ...they both criticised each other at the same time...Their clash made Rishabh's chin hit her head while his chin got hurt...It's not my fault...they chided together again....They both glared each other then both bursted into laughter....I am Sorry...they chided again together...She laughed more heartily which grabbed his attention...She passively moved aside giving him the way to his cabin...He paved his way and their hands brushed...his touch always giving her tingles over her body...Shrugging away her romantic thoughts and collecting all the Papers she ran to the elevator...While Rishabh glanced back to her from his cabin and saw her walking towards the elevator....        ______________________________________Glimpse of the next Chapter.....Sukh: I must not have feelings for him...he is my boss and not mine to love...Rishabh: I don't know how to name this new feelings I think I love her....______________________________________So guys we are at the end of this Chapter hope you all enjoyed it...Don't forget to vote and Comment...Looking forward to it...See you all in the next chapter update...Till then Smile....💐🙂🙂🙂🙂💐This is me ...Signing out...Bye...____________________________________