Imagine being offered a job at the very place your family has arranged your marriage without asking or telling you. Then, on the day of your engagement, you meet your fiancé for the first time, and he turns out to be your boss! What would your reacti... Imagine being offered a job at the very place your family has arranged your marriage without asking or telling you. Then, on the day of your engagement, you meet your fiancé for the first time, and he turns out to be your boss! What would your reaction be? Can a boss-assistant relationship coexist with a lover and future husband-wife relationship? And what happens when you have to keep your relationship hidden from the world to maintain professionalism? Can two people manage to balance everything? To find out, read this story: "My Boss is My Secret Lover!"<br />
Page 1 of 13
A party was underway in a banquet hall on the ground floor of the Royal BlueStar, a large five-star hotel in the city. The party was attended by well-known businessmen, politicians, and celebrities. The hall was decorated in a high-class style. The flowers and lights were in a blue and white theme. Curtains of the same color were tied in a decorative manner on the glass windows. This party was organized to celebrate Shivika Khanna, the owner of the SK Group of Industries, getting a big international deal. She had invited almost all her acquaintances. At the party, there were more enemies of Shivika than her friends and acquaintances. However, they were burning with jealousy, but no one wanted to miss the opportunity to attend such a big party, as it would also give them publicity. Shivika didn't care about these things. She was heading towards the hall door in her red Ferrari car with her manager and security personnel. She was wearing a red long gown with silver work. She looked beautiful in the off-shoulder gown with a choker and open hair. Shivika was about 25-26 years old, but she had made a good name for herself and her company in the business world in such a short time. Especially after her father's health deteriorated, she handled everything alone. Shivika was beautiful and tall, so she didn't wear very high heels. Still, she wore two-three inch heels that matched her gown. She entered the party with her old manager, Dinesh Uncle. As soon as Shivika arrived, discussions started in the crowd. All the media reporters present there ran towards the door with their cameras. So many people gathered to welcome Shivika that the path to enter from the door almost closed. All the media reporters wanted to click Shivika's pictures and take her interview, but Shivika didn't seem interested. It wasn't the first time for her; she was habituated to it and knew how to deal with it. "Hello, hello madam! Miss Khanna... this way!" "Mam, please look this way, have a look!" "Mam, just one question..." "One picture, one picture, please!" Shivika was hearing such voices from the media reporters surrounding her. But none of them could reach Shivika because four security personnel were walking around her, keeping her completely safe and keeping all the people away from her. Shivिका walked into the party hall with full confidence, ignoring all those people, and started moving towards her VIP section. All Shivika's security personnel stopped at the door. Only her manager, Dinesh Uncle, was with her at this time. Walking with slightly fast steps, Shivika was also looking back. Then her attention was diverted to the front, and she collided with a man coming from the front. "Can't you walk without looking? You've spilled my drink on my clothes..." That man said, wiping the spilled drink from his white shirt with his hand. The boy's eyes hadn't fallen on Shivika's face yet. He was busily looking at the glass in his hand and then at his clothes, on which half of the drink had spilled due to the collision with Shivika. "What the hell! Your mistake, and you're telling me; can't you walk without looking?" Shivika scolded the man. She wasn't used to someone yelling at her like that. "Aren't there any paths for coming and going, miss..." The boy said this and then lifted his gaze and recognized Shivika as soon as his eyes fell on her face because Shivika was a famous business tycoon, and her SK Designing company was the best in the city in the jewelry designing business. "Oh! I'm really sorry, mam... whoever's mistake it is, but saying sorry doesn't make one small." The boy immediately apologized. "Yes, if the person in front has money, power, and position, then even big people easily apologize, just like your tone changed in a moment." Shivika teased the boy and moved forward after looking at him from top to bottom. Shivika understood that the boy was apologizing only after recognizing her. Earlier, he was ready to fight, and it often happened with him. The boy looked back at Shivika for some time after she moved forward. He was actually thinking about what Shivika said because she said it right. He also apologized after recognizing her; otherwise, he would have scolded the girl coming from the front for spoiling his clothes. He often encountered such behavior from people, so he understood it well. But for now, he couldn't do anything and moved towards the washroom silently, shaking his head. Dinesh Uncle, who stood behind Shivika and was her manager, tried to say and talk to Shivika for a long time, but Shivika was talking to the rest of the people, so she couldn't talk to Dinesh Uncle. Now Shivika was alone and was holding her drink and drinking it. While drinking her drink, Shivika asked Dinesh Uncle, "What's the matter, uncle? Is there something?" "Madam, that boy..." Dinesh Uncle said only that. Hearing this, Shivika looked around her and said, "Which boy? There's no one here." "Aren't you know, madam? He is the one you collided with. He is the one with whom your father fixed your marriage." Dinesh Uncle told Shivika the whole thing. "What!!" Shivika said in surprise, and the drink in her mouth almost came out of her mouth, which she quickly cleaned with a tissue paper. While doing this, she looked at Dinesh Uncle, who was testifying that it was true and shaking his head. He further said, "Aren't you know, madam! I thought you would know about it. Your father talked to you, and I thought you perhaps recognized him, that's why you stopped and talked to him." "Papa just mentioned it once in front of me, and I denied him as always. So what's the point that he fixed my marriage? How can I marry anyone like that?" Shivika said with the same surprise and denial. Dinesh Uncle didn't say anything about Shivika's statement because, although he now worked for Shivika, he was her father's manager and had been working with them since then. He also wanted Shivika to get married, but Shivika denied all of them and said she didn't want to marry anyone. Shivika felt that no one would be ready to marry her without seeing her money, power, and position, so she didn't want to give such an opportunity to anyone. After that, Shivika looked for the boy throughout the party, but she didn't see him anywhere again. The rest of the people came and talked to Shivika, and despite not wanting it, Shivika talked to some and replied to their questions, but her mind was now occupied with that boy. The boy was almost of the same age as Shivika; apart from that, he was also handsome and attractive. Shivika must have talked to him for only two minutes, and she still hadn't forgotten his face, while generally, she met so many people, and she didn't remember everything about them. Before her party ended, Shivika returned home because her father had also returned home a little while ago. To be continued.
No response from Groq.
The next day, Shivika was sitting in her cabin at S's Designing House. She was very troubled, holding her head with both hands. Just then, the door opened and a man entered. He was a decent-looking, medium-built person, about thirty years old.
Seeing him enter, Shivika shouted, "What the hell of all these designs, Jatin! Not a single one of them is decent! Along with that, you people still haven't selected a single decent candidate for my personal assistant job! All the interviews I've given, they were all dunces!"
"I am sorry, ma'am! I'll speak to the head designer about the interviews. There's still one candidate left. You can take his interview. We'll see about the rest tomorrow." Saying this, Jatin gathered all the papers on the table in front of Shivika, put them in a file, and walked out of the cabin.
A few seconds after Jatin left, the room's door opened again. Without looking, Shivika said, "No, Jatin! Not again! I don't want to hear any more excuses."
"But my name is not Jatin, ma'am!" a completely different, deep voice fell into Shivika's ears, which was completely different from Jatin's voice. Shivika looked up and recognized the person standing at the door instantly. "You!! You here...? Don't tell me Papa sent you here to meet me."
"What ma'am! Whose papa?" the man said with a completely clueless expression.
Seeing the expression on his face, Shivika understood that he probably didn't know anything about this. The young man had a good personality, but his face also showed a lot of stress. It looked like he hadn't slept properly for many days; his face looked quite tired.
Shivika looked him up and down. This was the same young man she had met at the party last night, and with whom her father had fixed her marriage. That's why seeing him here, Shivika's question had come out immediately.
When Shivika had met him at the party yesterday, he had seemed familiar, and seeing him today, Shivika felt the same. Shivika didn't pay much attention to this and remembered her father's words that the young man's father used to work in their company. Shivika thought perhaps she had seen him coming and going, which was why she felt that way.
The young man had also recognized Shivika by now. Remembering the party last night, he said with a pitiful expression, "I am sorry for last night, ma'am! And may I come in... I have come here for a job interview. You won't judge me based on our last conversation."
Shivika couldn't help but laugh at his words. But, placing one hand over her face and trying her best to suppress her laughter, she said in a very serious tone, "No, no, come in. Sit down, please. And don't worry about that! First impression is last impression, everyone says that, but I believe more in nature and behavior than first impression and looks, and for work, even more in talent and hard work..."
Shivika didn't feel like interviewing for her secretary the man she was going to marry, but looking at his face, it seemed like he desperately needed this job. Therefore, Shivika couldn't refuse him outright.
In fact, Shivika didn't want to marry him at all. So, for now, she didn't consider him as her husband and didn't talk to him about it. She began to interview him very professionally, but the young man kept looking at Shivika intermittently and thinking about her words.
Looking at his resume, Shivika said, "Oh, you are well-qualified, but not enough experienced for this job. You haven't been anyone's secretary before."
"Yes, ma'am! I don't have any experience as a personal assistant or secretary, but I can promise you that I won't disappoint you. Please give me this job, I really need that!" the young man requested. Shivika, reading his name in the file, said, "Mr. Karan Malhotra, Son of Mr. Ashish Malhotra... Wait, your father has worked here in our company, as a designing consultant..."
"Yes, ma'am! He worked here for ten years, and he also has very good relations with your father," Karan said, as if giving another reason to hire him.
Hearing this, Shivika placed the file she was holding on the table and said, "Karan, what do you think? If I hire you easily just because you request like this and take your father's name with my father?"
"No, no, ma'am! I have no such intention, and I haven't come here on anyone's recommendation. I saw the job vacancy and I need a job right now, so I just came for this interview. Otherwise, it's your wish..." Karan explained his point.
Shivika was thinking a lot while looking at him. She couldn't understand whether Karan genuinely knew nothing about the marriage or if he was just pretending to be ignorant in front of her.
Thinking this, Shivika got up from her seat and walked towards Karan, saying, "Okay, if I give you a chance, will you prove yourself? Because in this job, you won't get any weekly offs, and you'll have to accompany me everywhere. Is that okay for you? Because I don't want to hear any excuses later."
Hearing Shivika's words, Karan looked at her thoughtfully and asked, "Does this mean my job is finalized? Thank you so much, ma'am, and I will not disappoint you at all, I really..."
Seeing Karan happy, Shivika signaled him to stop with her hand, "Oh wait... wait... no need to get so excited. You are not finalized for this job yet. I am just telling you all the terms and conditions so that if you are finalized, there shouldn't be any problems later. Because I don't have that much time to keep taking interviews for one post repeatedly."
Hearing this, Karan's face fell. Shivika started trying to understand him. While thinking this, Shivika took a few steps towards him, and her heel flipped. She stumbled. Karan quickly caught her as his attention was also on her.
"Are you okay, madam?" Karan asked, holding her hand. At this moment, Shivika's face was in front of his, and she was half-bent, standing crookedly in front of Karan, whom Karan had saved from falling with great difficulty.
Hearing this, Shivika quickly straightened up, but she seemed to have sprained her ankle. So, she took support from the table to stand. Because of stumbling and falling in front of Karan like this, she felt a bit embarrassed.
So, without looking at Karan, she said, "You can go now! We have your phone number... you will get a confirmation call from the company."
Karan silently got up from his chair and said in a low voice, "Thank you, ma'am, it's nice meeting you!" Saying this, he walked out of Shivika's cabin.
After he left, Shivika sat back in her chair and wondered if this was a game of fate or if it was happening to her deliberately. Would Karan still want to work as her assistant when he found out that she was going to marry him?
What kind of person is Karan? Shivika didn't know anything about his family or his life. But all his qualifications and talents matched the job profile, so after thinking about it, she decided to give Karan the job.
Therefore, just half an hour after he left, she called her manager and asked him to come to the cabin. Handing him Karan's file, she said, "Finalize this candidate, and tomorrow call him to the office and explain all the work."
The manager took the file and left. Shivika was just thinking about this when a few minutes later, a girl of almost the same age knocked on her cabin door. Without saying anything, she opened the door slightly and peered inside. She was looking at Shivika as if trying to gauge her mood and the situation there. She didn't ask to come in, and Shivika quietly gestured for her to enter.
To be continued
No response from Groq.
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Throughout the journey, his father's words kept echoing in his mind. On the other hand, he found himself repeatedly thinking about Shivika. He knew nothing about the girl his father had arranged his marriage and engagement with. Karan was under immense stress amidst all this. He parked his bike in the office building and pressed the button for the fourth floor in the elevator. Just as the elevator doors were about to close, a girl came running and stopped them from closing by placing her heel in the gap. She then quickly entered. She also pressed the button for the fourth floor.
Karan was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't properly notice the girl's face at first. But then her mobile phone rang. She tucked her hair behind her ear and put the phone to her ear. Unknowingly, Karan's gaze fell upon the girl's face.
It was none other than Shivika Khanna, the owner of the company and his future boss, who was busy talking on her mobile. She paid no attention to Karan standing behind her. But seeing Shivika, Karan seemed to forget everything else. He just stood there, lost in her, thinking about her.
In reality, Shivika had seen Karan as soon as she entered the elevator. Therefore, to ignore him, she didn't turn around even once and continued her phone conversation, looking straight ahead. In fact, she could clearly see Karan's face in the glass at the elevator door.
Before Karan could think any further, the elevator reached the fourth floor. The elevator door opened, and Shivika swiftly exited the elevator and headed straight into the office, towards her cabin.
Seeing the floor number, Karan also snapped out of his thoughts and stepped out of the elevator. He didn't even realize where Shivika had gone so quickly.
Karan entered the office and looked around in confusion. Just then, a voice came from behind, "Late on your first day of work? We spoke on the phone in the morning, and the time was also given, yet..."
"I am sorry sir! But I was told to be here at 10:00 AM, and it is currently..." As he spoke, Karan looked at the large digital wall clock behind the reception. It showed 10:30. He fell silent.
"And it's 10:30! You know how to tell time, don't you? Because here at S.K. Company, those who don't value time are not needed. And the boss absolutely dislikes latecomers," Jatin said sternly. He had been working here for the past five years and was the head manager.
"I am sorry sir, I had a slight confusion about the time. But from tomorrow, I will be perfectly on time," Karan apologized quickly. He didn't want to displease anyone, as he desperately needed this job.
"Okay, fine! Come with me..." After his apology, Jatin said sternly. Hearing him, Karan followed him.
After this, Jatin explained all the work to Karan thoroughly and emailed all of Shivika's personal work-related information to his desktop.
After that, Jatin showed Karan his seating place and left. During this time, Karan didn't see Shivika even once. Throughout the day, his eyes kept searching for Shivika, even when he didn't want to. During lunchtime, when everyone went to eat,
Karan remained seated at his desk. With his head bowed, he began to ponder what his father had said when he left in the morning.
"What were you talking about, Papa? My marriage and engagement, and which rich and capable family agreed to marry their daughter to me? I think he was talking nonsense. Maybe his mind has gone haywire, that's why he's saying anything. Because no one has come to our house to propose for anyone, so how could Papa suddenly find a match?" Karan was thinking about everyone. Then he sat up straight, but his face was still in his hands, his elbow resting on the table in a peculiar posture.
Shivika came out of her room and took a deep breath, then looked at Karan. At this time, all the office staff were in the cafeteria. He was the only one sitting there.
"What happened... you didn't go for lunch?" Shivika said as she approached him. Seeing Shivika, Karan couldn't believe his eyes.
Shivika also couldn't believe that she was asking the employee who had joined the office on the first day about his lunch.
But then her hand slipped, and her face turned sideways. Then, flustered, she stood up abruptly and said, "Good morning boss... no, good evening... oh... it's afternoon, lunchtime."
"Oh, stop it! I'm human too. There's no need to be so nervous in front of me. And it's lunchtime, you know that, so what are you doing here?" Shivika asked again.
"Oh, well... I'm not hungry right now. But you haven't gone for lunch either," Karan replied. But Shivika said nothing after that. She just nodded her head and walked towards Karan. Karan found it a bit strange because someone was coming so close to him.
Karan involuntarily took a step back from his place and, simultaneously, leaning his upper body back, tried to distance himself from Shivika. Shivika paid no attention to this.
She walked forward and picked up a file from the table. Then, looking at Karan from top to bottom, she said, "There's no need to get scared and run away like this. I'm not a ghost. And by the way..."
As she said this, Shivika fell silent and, taking the file, turned around and left.
After that, both of them were thinking about each other. Shivika still couldn't believe that Karan didn't know about his upcoming engagement. She felt that Karan must have found out about it by now.
"Why are you acting so oblivious and innocent? When I know very well that you are getting engaged and married to me only for my money. And this whole plan of sending you here for a job must be my foolish father's idea."
Evening time;
Karan didn't see Shivika all day and didn't meet her, but his mind was somehow stuck on her.
Then, as he was leaving the office, Karan overheard people nearby talking. They were discussing something, perhaps related to the office. But Karan hadn't mingled with them much yet. So, seeing Karan, the people immediately fell silent.
Therefore, he didn't ask them anything and quietly left the office.
As Karan was heading home on his bike, his attention wandered. His focus was not on the road at all.
He was just maneuvering his bike through the vehicles on the road, moving forward. Suddenly, the headlights of an oncoming car hit his eyes, causing Karan to fail to apply the brakes and resulting in a minor collision between his bike and the car.
It was fortunate that the car driver applied the brakes at the very last moment, preventing any serious injuries to Karan or themselves.
However, Karan still fell to the ground with his bike and was pinned beneath it. Some people came to help him. As he got up, Karan saw that he had sustained some minor scratches.
Just then, a deep voice came from inside the car, "What happened, driver? Why did you stop the car?"
Hearing that voice, everyone turned to look in that direction.
To be continued
Karan's House;
Karan came back home, limping slightly. His younger brother was sitting in the hall.
Seeing Karan walking like that, he quickly ran over to him. He placed one hand on Karan's shoulder for support and said, "What happened, brother! Are you okay? Why are you walking like this? Did you hurt your leg? But how?"
"Yes, someone stopped me while going out this morning. Perhaps that's why, because such people only talk about things that spoil your mood..." Karan said deliberately in a slightly loud voice, looking towards his father. He was indirectly telling this to him.
It was his father who had stopped Karan for a talk when he was leaving in the morning. Because of his father's talk, Karan's mood was spoiled the whole day. Due to this, he wasn't paying attention to what was in front of him on his way back, and he had a minor accident. Fortunately, he wasn't injured badly.
Samar understood the meaning of Karan's words, but he didn't say anything that would escalate the situation and heat up the atmosphere.
He said, while helping Karan to sit on the sofa, "Brother! You sit here, I'll bring the medicine."
"How did you get this injury, son? Surely this man must have stopped you... By the way, what about your job? Is it confirmed or not?" Karan's stepmother said, showing fake concern after looking at the scratch on his leg. Then she asked her question of personal interest.
Karan shook his head helplessly at her question and sighed deeply, saying, "That man is your husband, but I am fine. You don't need to worry so much. My job is also confirmed, so there will be no tension about money now."
"We won't have tension about money anyway. I have finalized your marriage proposal with someone from such a big family, and still, you are talking back to me." Hearing her words, Karan's father said, sitting up from his place. He mostly used to lie in the hall watching TV or sleeping.
Hearing about this marriage proposal, his wife Aradhana looked at him in surprise and said, "Marriage proposal with a wealthy family? When did this happen and with whom? And why didn't you tell me anything about it? Karan, son, what are you... don't you consider me your mother?"
"Mom, please! This is not the time for emotional blackmail. Just look... brother is injured..." Samar said, coming there with a first aid box.
"I myself didn't know about this. Dad told me this morning too. I thought he was just saying it, because I didn't see any possibility of something like this happening." Karan said, shaking his head sadly. Samar started cleaning his wound and the blood on his skin with antiseptic liquid. His injury was not very deep, just a few scratches in a couple of places.
"Yes, so what is there to tell? And anyway, don't forget, I am the head of this house, and I can make decisions like this. Besides, this is all for your own good." Karan's father said, announcing his decision abruptly and turning his face away.
"Do you only remember that you are the head of this house when it comes to making decisions for the house? And do you ever remember it when problems are standing over our heads? You never come forward to solve them..." Samar almost shouted at his father. He had been watching his father's actions for so many days. From childhood to the present, he had always seen his father being lazy and making excuses. Nothing else, except that he controlled others' lives.
"Calm down, Samar! What's the point of listening to him? I am not going to get engaged to any girl. And anyway, right now I need to concentrate on my job. Whoever they have finalized the proposal with, they can find the boy themselves. Let's go!" Karan said with an attitude and holding Samar's hand, he started leaving with him.
But the idea of a marriage proposal from a wealthy family somehow stuck in his stepmother's mind. She started thinking about it. Meanwhile, Karan's father also became worried with Karan refusing like this.
"Karan, son, you can't do this. I have truly done all this for the good of the house, because you know how much debt I am in." Karan's father tried to stop him by requesting.
At his words, Karan stopped abruptly and said, "So you have finalized my engagement? It's not like winning a lottery. And what do you think? Will all their money become ours by getting me married into a rich family? You know me well, I won't take anything from those people, even if I do get engaged and married..."
"Yes, yes, I know all this. After all, I am your father and I know you very well. But the huge loan I have taken from the company, due to this marriage, our loan will be completely waived. And then you won't have to pay it back from your salary." Karan's father said, requesting again in the same way.
"Alright, but I want to meet those people before the engagement!" Karan said, making his decision after thinking for a moment.
"Do you want to meet the whole family? By the way, you can meet them at the engagement tomorrow, how much time is left now?" his father said, making an excuse. He had no idea whether Shivika and her father would be ready to meet Karan or not.
"Well, I was supposed to meet everyone, but if I can meet just the girl, it would be fine. Because I have to clarify a lot of things with her?" Karan said again, thinking. A lot was going on in his mind at that moment.
His father looked at him, trying to read his mind, and said, "Karan! What's going on in your mind? You are not going to meet that girl and refuse the marriage, are you... Look, don't do anything like that. And if those people are not ready to meet, then you won't insist on meeting, will you?"
"Okay, I am ready. But I just want to know what their compulsion is and why they want to get married into this family?" Karan said, looking helplessly at everyone around him.
"Oh, son! Why are you talking like this? After all, you have to marry someone, don't you? And now that such a good path has come your way, why are you refusing?" Aradhana's eyes also lit up hearing about the entire loan being waived. She also came forward and tried to convince Karan.
"You are unbelievable, Mom! You have neither met that girl nor anyone from her family. In fact, just like me, you just found out about this, yet how can you call the proposal good?" Samar said in utter surprise.
"Leave it, Karan! There's no point talking about this. Whatever happens, will happen at the engagement tomorrow. But I have to talk to that girl about this." Karan said, calming Samar down. Then he staggered towards his room. Seeing him struggling to walk, Samar stepped forward, supported him, and came along with him towards his room.
To be continued;
No response from Groq.
No response from Groq.
As soon as Mr. Khanna entered the room, he asked Karan, "Yes, tell me son, what did you want to talk about? But please don't refuse this relationship."
"Uncle! My father must have lied to you and told you something wrong. We are middle-class people, and I don't think any kind of relationship can exist between us. And the way this engagement happened today... I don't call it an engagement, it all felt like a joke," Karan confided in Mr. Khanna.
"No, I know everything about your father, family, and you. Your father, Mr. Ashish Malhotra, worked for our company for ten years and also has a loan of twenty lakhs from our company. And whatever you saw just now, Shivika was doing it deliberately so that you would refuse this marriage and not like her," Shivika's father explained everything to Karan.
"She... she's doing it deliberately? Does that mean she also doesn't want to get married? Then why are you forcing her to marry me?" Karan immediately spoke his mind.
"She's just doing it out of stubbornness. She thinks no boy is good enough for her. There are one or two more stupid reasons for that girl... But I know, son! You will be able to handle her. Just always be by her side. She has a very good heart, but she's just a little stubborn and foolish too..." Mr. Khanna said to Karan, almost pleading. Hearing this, Karan fell into a moment of thought because he had no other argument to offer.
"But uncle! If she's acting like this, maybe she likes someone else. Can't there be another boy in her life? Why are you forcing her to marry me? Maybe she needs some time. And this condition you've put on my father about waiving the loan, because of this marriage, my father is pressuring me. Otherwise, I also don't want to get married right now," Karan said, after thinking a little, speaking all his thoughts before them.
"Look, son! I've waived the loan. So, it's your benefit. Now you won't have to worry about that. And you will get married to some girl one day or another anyway. As for Shivika, there's no boy in her life because she doesn't give anyone a chance and knows very well that everyone is after her money. But the fact that you don't want to marry her even after knowing the truth means you are not greedy for money. Besides, if you guys need time, that's fine. I'll give you six months. Before that, I won't pressure either of you to get married," Shivika's father told Karan everything. Hearing about the six-month period, Karan breathed a sigh of relief.
"Okay, uncle! But are you aware that I work with Shivika... I mean Madam, at her office? And I just joined three days ago, and I can't leave this job because of this engagement..." Karan replied, considering all aspects.
"Yes, that's fine. Am I asking you to quit your job? And I am aware of this. But I thought perhaps after the engagement, you wouldn't be able to do this work. After all, what man in the world would like to work under his future wife? But if you have no objection to this either, it means I have chosen the right boy for my Shivika. Son, you are very good," Mr. Khanna said, praising Karan in front of him.
"I'm not that good, uncle! After all, there's a benefit for me in all this too. And I'm working for my family. Even if I get engaged to Shivika, won't my responsibilities end?" Karan revealed the truth of his life to them. Mr. Khanna smiled and said, "Yes, that's absolutely fine, I understand your point. And you will work with her. You will spend most of your time with her, so you both will get to know each other. And if you wish, you can tell your friends and colleagues at the office about this engagement, but ask Shivika first."
Karan nodded in agreement. When he thought about it from all sides, the fact that the huge debt on his family would be waived because of this relationship was a good thing for him.
Besides, Mr. Khanna had promised to give him six months, which was ample time for him. And Karan felt that in this much time, Shivika might find a way not to get married herself.
"But uncle, how did this happen to you?" As Karan was leaving, he felt he hadn't asked anything about Mr. Khanna. So he stopped and started asking about him.
"Son, a few years ago, I had a paralysis attack, and because of that, my legs and half of my body don't work. Since then, Shivika has been handling everything. That's why she has become like this," Mr. Khanna said with a hint of sadness.
"What did the doctor say, uncle? Can you get better?" Karan asked with some concern.
"Yes, the treatment is ongoing. But there's no movement in the lower part of my body. And that's why I worry about Shivika. Because I have no guarantee when I'll be alive. And after me, someone should be there with her, right? And you are absolutely right for her, son. Take care of my Shivika," Mr. Khanna said, holding Karan's hand.
Hearing his words, Karan also became a little emotional and said, "Uncle, please, don't think like that. You will be completely fine."
Hearing Karan, Mr. Khanna released his hand, turned his face away, and began to hide the tears in his eyes. Because he himself knew that the hope of his complete recovery was very slim, and he didn't want to appear weak in front of him.
Seeing him like this, Karan understood the situation and, moving towards the door, said, "Okay, uncle! I'm leaving. I'll come to see you later. Take care."
Karan said with a smile and, saying this, he walked out of his room and then headed towards the exit door of the house. But then he bumped into a boy who was coming inside. And as he bumped into him, Karan turned and apologized. Although it wasn't Karan's fault, the boy himself couldn't walk properly. Seeing him, it looked like he was heavily intoxicated and staggering even while walking.
To be continued
No response from Groq.
For the first time in days, Shivika called Karan "Mr. Malhotra." Karan couldn't digest this. He felt Shivika was taunting him.
"I am sorry, Madam! But yesterday... yesterday was my engagement, that's why I couldn't come to the office," Karan said, looking at Shivika's face. He wanted to see her reaction.
But there was no change in Shivika's expression. She smiled strangely and said, "Engagement... so yesterday was mine too! Would I have left my meeting by making an excuse of engagement? I already said, whenever I come to the office, you will also have to come. You will not get holidays. You are already taking so many holidays, I don't think you will be able to do this work."
"Shivika, please... don't do this. We have personal relationships, can't we keep them separate from our work? I know you didn't want to get married or engaged, but whatever the reason, believe me, I am also not entering this relationship by my own will. I also have some problems due to which..." Karan started to express his feelings to Shivika. Shivika looked around and quickly got up and reached the office door.
She opened the door a little, looked outside to see if anyone was there, then closed it properly.
Karan didn't understand her action. He was looking at her, confused. Then Shivika came back and said, "What is this? You start anywhere! At least look around before you speak! I don't want everyone to know about this. And anyway, I am not holding any personal grudge. I am talking professionally, but you are connecting it to our personal lives."
"Okay, then I am sorry, Madam! From now on, I will not take any more leave. You can call me whenever you want, I will come. But please don't fire me. I request you, I really need this job," Karan pleaded. Shivika smiled and said, "Really? So you have no problem working under your fiancée and future wife?"
"What's the problem with that? Every company has some boss or the other. You are the boss here, so what difference does it make? What a strange question! By the way, your father was also saying the same thing," Karan said, shrugging his shoulders carelessly. It didn't matter to him.
"Oh, you've already spoken to Father? I thought he was the one who sent me here for this job. But perhaps at that time, you didn't know you were going to marry me," Shivika said, thinking.
Karan was completely confused. He didn't understand what Shivika wanted to say. "Sorry, Madam! But please tell me, are we talking professionally here, or about personal life? I am very confused."
Karan sat on the chair opposite and held his head.
"I don't want to get married, just understand that. Whatever your reasons for marrying me, I have nothing to do with them," Shivika said indifferently and looked away.
"Yes, I also didn't want to get married, but I have to. If you didn't want to get married, then why did you get engaged? Talk to your father. I have spoken to him. He has given six months' time to think about this relationship..." Karan explained the whole matter. Hearing about the six months' time, Shivika looked at him in surprise and said, "Oh... so Papa is also not in a hurry for our wedding? He is giving six months. But when did this conversation happen with Father...?"
"Yesterday evening, after the engagement. When you were having a meeting here. That's why I couldn't come to the office," Karan said, taking a deep breath. Shivika fell into thought.
"Okay, fine. Then there's no problem. We'll pretend to be happy in front of Papa. In six months, I will find some solution to break off this engagement. There's no need to worry now," Shivika said, relaxing and sitting on her chair.
"Yes, I also thought so. But if our marriage doesn't happen, then perhaps your father won't waive off our loan, which my father has taken from your company..." Hearing that Shivika wouldn't marry him, Karan felt relieved, but upon remembering the loan, he became a little disheartened.
"Oh, so Father put this condition in front of you?" Shivika asked.
Karan nodded his head.
"Okay, fine. I will find a solution. But please, don't tell anyone in the office about our engagement. I don't want anyone here to know. Then everyone will me... I guess you can understand!" Shivika said, looking at him.
"Okay Shivika... I mean Madam! I won't tell anyone until you want me to. But I have a question," Karan said, looking at her.
"Yes, alright. Now, even if it's just in name, we are engaged, you can ask a question! Ask!" Shivika said, crossing her legs and sitting up straight, looking at Karan.
"Why... why don't you want to get married, Shivika?" Karan asked. Shivika looked at him. There were emotions in her eyes that she had been hiding until now.
Karan changed his question, "I mean! Why don't you want to? Is there a specific reason? And not just with me, or with anyone at all...?"
To be continued...
After asking his question, Karan looked at her, expecting an answer. But Shivika wasn't looking at Karan. Glancing around, she avoided his gaze and said, "Well... I... I don't think I need anyone at this stage of my life... and whoever is in my life, I don't think you can accept me with all of it."
"What is it in your life?" Karan asked again.
"Oh, mister! Did I give you permission to ask any questions? You're going too far! And why should I tell you about my life's problems? We're only engaged now, and you're already behaving like a husband," Shivika said, changing her attitude in an instant.
Hearing her tone, Karan understood that she was hiding something. That's why her tune had changed so suddenly.
"Yes, I did ask one question, but I didn't get a proper answer. So, well... by the way, it's okay if you don't want to tell me. But whenever you feel like it, you can share it with me. I will definitely try to understand!" Karan said warmly.
Hearing Karan's words, Shivika looked at him with disbelief and surprise and started thinking.
No one had ever spoken to Shivika with such love and warmth before. So, hearing him, she felt a warmth in her cold heart. But then she immediately dismissed the thought.
Taking a deep, cool breath, Shivika said, "I don't think anyone can understand! But one second... you said you don't want to get married either. So, tell me, what is the reason? Is there already someone in your life? Because you look decent enough."
Shivika asked Karan this, but deep down, she hoped Karan's answer would be 'no.' And for some reason, she didn't want to hear that there was already a girl in Karan's life, due to whom he didn't want to get married.
"No! Boys like us only have problems in our lives, not girlfriends. Because everyone wants a wealthy, rich boyfriend. Just looking decent isn't enough," Karan said, smiling sarcastically. Pain and suffering were clearly visible on his face, which Shivika could also see. But she didn't say anything to console him at that moment. Shivika extended her hand slightly, but she couldn't place it on Karan's. Thinking something over, she withdrew her hand.
"Oh... there's no girl in your life? Then what's the reason? For you, this is such a great opportunity. You'll become the husband of a millionaire girl without doing anything! But still, you don't want to get married? There must be a big reason. Or are you just saying that? In reality, you want to get married?" Shivika asked, looking at him, raising one eyebrow.
To her words, Karan forced a smile again and said, "To be honest, I don't want anyone in my life right now. And I don't think I'm worthy of any girl yet. Because neither is my financial condition stable, nor is the home environment... Besides that, my father owes money to so many people. I feel like my entire life will be spent repaying his loans. And honestly, just to get rid of that twenty lakh loan, I would actually get married."
"Oh, you're not worthy of me? Even so? And what do you think, I'll adjust in your house, with your problems...?" Shivika questioned.
"Firstly, I'm not approaching you to come into my life. All this was discussed by our parents. Besides that, your dad wants us to get married. My dad is also pressuring me. And in such a situation, when I have no option, just consider me a bit selfish; that at least one problem in my life will be reduced," Karan said, taking a deep breath. It was unclear from his words whether he wanted to get married or not.
To tell the truth, both of them were stuck in the middle. Neither wanted to completely leave each other, nor did they want to get married by obeying their families.
Perhaps both of them needed some time to understand all this. And thinking this, Shivika's father had given them six months between their engagement and their wedding.
Listening to Karan's words, Shivika was lost in him for a moment. She felt that perhaps Karan had too many problems in his life, and for some reason, she wanted to help him overcome those problems. But she didn't know why she was thinking this.
Shivika was very confused about all these things. Suddenly, she banged her hand on the table and said, "Okay, enough! That's enough now! I don't want to talk about this anymore. I guess everything is clear between us. And yes, one thing, you won't call me by my name at the office. Because that will make everyone suspicious of us, and then someone or the other will find out about our relationship, which I absolutely do not want."
"Okay, I understand, ma'am! But everything is still not clear," Karan said in a low voice, getting up from his chair. Shivika looked at him in surprise. But Karan walked out of the cabin, and Shivika didn't stop him at that moment. Because Shivika also needed some time to think about all these things.
As soon as Karan left, Shivika clutched her head with both hands, almost tearing her hair, and said, "Ahhh! Why is all this so complicated and confusing? Why can't I understand anything? Oh God! What do I do now..."
Shivika was feeling very frustrated with herself while thinking all this. But then, taking a few deep breaths, she calmed herself down, saying, "Relax, Shivi, relax! Nothing has happened. You still have six months. And six months is a lot of time. Everything will be fine. And you won't have to get married either. Relax... cool down."
Shivika was saying all this, calming herself with her hand. While saying this, she had closed her eyes. Just then, she felt as if someone was standing in front of her, staring at her. Feeling this, Shivika opened her eyes and looked.
To be continued
"You... what are you doing here Divya? You scared me half to death..." Seeing Divya standing in front of her, Shivika got a little flustered and said, placing a hand on her chest.
"What am I doing, meaning? Can't I even come into your cabin now? By the way, did you forget? I work here too, or is the cabin exclusively booked for your handsome personal assistant now?" Divya teased her.
Hearing Divya's words, Shivika got flustered and, avoiding her gaze, stammered, "W-w-what nonsense are you talking, Divya! I... I didn't say anything like that. I was just asking if you needed anything..."
"Oh... if there's nothing like that, then why are you reacting so much? It's like you've been caught red-handed. But it's okay, dear, there's no crime in liking someone. And he is so handsome. You know, all the girls working in the office have been after him since the day he joined. Look, Pooja and Nidhi outside are still staring at him," Divya said, pointing towards the outside from the window and drawing Shivika's attention there. Shivika also saw that most of the girls working in her designing house were focused on Karan and were trying to talk to him on some pretext or another.
"What the hell! What is going on in this office? And are those girls crazy? They just go after anyone like that," Shivika said with a bit of anger. She had been watching everyone outside for the last two minutes, and what Divya had said was absolutely true.
Most of Shivika's staff were girls because girls are more creative and have more interest in jewelry designing. Shivika hired hardworking and talented people, so she didn't differentiate between boys and girls.
"Cool down, dear! Let whatever is happening, happen. And you're reacting as if he's your boyfriend... And by the way, what was he doing here for so long? Was the cabin even locked from the inside? Really, is there something like that..." Divya said, looking at Shivika with mischievous eyes.
Hearing her, Shivika adopted a bossy attitude. "If you have too much extra brain, then use it for work. Your brain works too much in these things. And anyway, he is my personal assistant. I was explaining work... work-related matters to him. And there's nothing more than that!"
"Oh, oh, sorry dear! I was just kidding. But your face turned pale! And why are you giving me such explanations? Relax, if he's handsome, then girls will naturally be attracted to him! If not the boss, then any worker can try, right," Divya said in a playful tone.
But Shivika took this comment seriously as well and said angrily, "What do you mean, 'can try'? Do you people come here to work or to try your luck with guys? Go and do your work, Divya! And give Pooja and Nidhi a warning from me too..."
"Okay, boss! But I came to show you the final designs that we need to release next week," Divya said, showing the pendrive in her hand.
"Okay, give it to me. I'll check it, and you can go..." Shivika took the pendrive from her hand and asked her to leave. But even after she left, Shivika's attention remained outside.
She watched how Karan was talking to everyone very nicely and with a smile.
Karan's nature was such that he made friends very quickly. Besides, his personality was also attractive, which drew people towards him. But he was new, so he wanted to build good relationships with everyone.
Shivika tried repeatedly to distract herself and told herself, "Relax, Shivika! He's not really your fiancé. Yes, even if you are engaged, how well do you know him? That you are thinking like this about him. And anyway, he's just talking to those people."
Saying this, Shivika closed her cabin window and focused on her work. She plugged the pendrive into her laptop and started checking the final designs.
Evening time;
By closing time, almost half the people had left the office, and the rest were finishing their work and packing up. Just then, Shivika came out of her cabin and saw that Nidhi was still there, even though her work was done.
She was looking at Karan with a smile and moved towards him, thinking something. Just then, Shivika suddenly called out to Karan, "Karan! Come here for a minute..."
Hearing Shivika's voice, Karan left his work and came towards her. Shivika asked him to come into the cabin and then went inside.
Meanwhile, Karan passed by Nidhi and paid no attention to her. Nidhi stomped her foot in frustration and left because she understood that she wouldn't get a chance to talk to Karan now.
On the other hand, as soon as Shivika entered her cabin, she clutched her head and said to herself, "Shivi! What are you doing? Now that he works in the office, these kinds of things will happen every day. Will you stop him from talking to others with excuses like this every day? And why am I thinking so much about him? Why does it matter? I don't even want any relationship with him."
Shivika was muttering all this to herself in a low voice. Just then, the cabin door opened, and Karan entered, saying, "Yes, ma'am! Do you need anything?"
"You've become quite close with everyone in the office in just three-four days, haven't you?" Shivika said abruptly upon seeing Karan, and as soon as she said it, she covered her mouth as if she had said something wrong that she shouldn't have.
"What, ma'am! I don't understand..." Karan asked, confused.
To be continued
"Don't pretend to be so innocent, I've seen it all. And that's precisely why I don't want any relationship with any man in my life. Because I know no man can ever be loyal to just one girl, especially when girls themselves approach him so openly," Shivika said with utter disdain. The pain and hurt in her words were clearly visible.
However, Karan understood that she was indirectly telling him all this. But he didn't understand what he had done. Regardless of the reason Shivika was saying all this to Karan, he still couldn't listen to such false accusations about himself. For him, his self-respect was the most important thing.
"What do you mean, Madam! Speak clearly. And I'm not acting... what are you talking about? And as for loyalty, perhaps you haven't met anyone like that yet, which is why you have such an opinion!" Karan replied straightforwardly. Honesty, along with firmness, was visible in his eyes; he was absolutely sure of his words.
"What do you mean... I don't want anyone. And I just saw you; you men just talk big like this. And when it comes to loyalty, you forget about your partner so easily," Shivika looked at him again with the same hateful gaze. The scenes from the entire day, all the girls approaching him to talk, and Karan smiling and talking very nicely to all of them, kept flashing before her eyes.
"What do you mean? If your boyfriend cheated on you or betrayed you, how can you judge all guys based on that? And at least don't say such things in front of me, because I am absolutely not like that," Karan said as much as he understood from Shivika's words.
Hearing Karan's words, a crooked smile appeared on Shivika's face. Laughing in the same manner, she said, "No one is such a big playboy that they can cheat or betray Shivika Khanna. And anyway, I don't have any ex-boyfriends. I don't trust anyone that quickly."
"Oh, so on what basis are you saying all this then? And what's the point of including me in all this?" Karan asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
Hearing this, Shivika started laughing. Laughing in the same way, she said, "Haha... along with cheating, you men also have the talent to lie, which I've seen. You lie so smoothly! And what was all that I saw with my own eyes today? The way you were flirting with all the girls in the office. Yes, I know some of them came after you themselves, but still, how can you forget that you are engaged... I mean, if you like someone, it's fine, but you were involved with everyone, seriously!"
Hearing all of Shivika's words, Karan understood everything. He moved forward towards Shivika's chair and said, "So, you're not telling me indirectly, but directly. Sorry, not you, but *you*, Shivika, because you're saying all this to your fiancé, aren't you? Because whatever a personal assistant does in the office, what difference does it make to her boss?"
Saying this, Karan bent down, placed his hands on both sides of Shivika's chair handles, and brought his face very close to hers. Shivika pulled her face back as much as the space allowed. But there was a support behind the chair, due to which she couldn't move back further.
Shivika, initially a little nervous, said, "What... what are you doing, Karan!" "...And by doing this, you are proving your playboy image in front of me too. Because it doesn't matter to you who is in front of you, the boss or an employee? You just..." Shivika was about to taunt him again when Karan interrupted her, shouting, "Shut up... just shut up... You might be my boss or my fiancé, but I haven't given anyone the right to assassinate my character yet."
For the first time today, Karan had spoken a little loudly in front of Shivika. Because of this, Shivika's eyelids blinked unwillingly. But still, she opened her eyes and tried to look into Karan's eyes, where she clearly saw anger and frustration.
"I have no desire to assassinate your character or anyone else's. I just said what I saw," Shivika said, turning her face away. Karan, clenching his fists tightly with both hands, stood up straight. Then, placing one hand on his face, he tried to calm himself and said, "You know, Shivika! I don't get angry easily, but you easily made even a calm person like me angry. But you know, what is seen is not always the truth. And then, it's the same thing about our relationship, betrayal, and loyalty. So, I told you that nothing is clear between us yet, so how can you say this? Yes, I admit we are engaged, but you don't want this marriage, right? So, I will be with someone then... Don't you understand this simple thing? Then why can't you accept it, when you yourself don't want to marry me!"
Shivika became confused by Karan's words. She stammered, "What... what do you mean by these words? And why wouldn't I be able to accept you with someone else? I don't think anything like that about you. But I am just telling the truth about you and boys like you. And what, what is seen is not the truth? Weren't you talking to all the girls today..."
"What is the relationship between us? That you are asking such questions. And can't I even talk to anyone? Anyway, we are all colleagues. And if I behave well with them, why do you have such a problem, Miss Shivika Khanna? Remember, we are only engaged, I am not your husband. So please, don't behave like that." Karan said all this intentionally so that Shivika would feel bad and become clear about what was going on in her mind. So that this confusing relationship between them would end and they could at least reach some conclusion!
"I... I have no desire to be your wife or anything. Do whatever you want. I... I... I'm getting late!" Saying this, Shivika picked up her purse from the table in front of her and, moving past Karan, quickly walked out of the cabin. Because she herself didn't understand why seeing him talk to those girls made her feel so bad that she was still thinking only about that. And for such a small thing, she had told Karan so much.
Even though the relationship between them is not clear or real yet. And neither of them is sure about what will happen in their future.
To be continued
Shivika stepped out of the cabin and directly walked to the parking area where her car was parked. She got into the car and asked the driver to take her home. The driver started the car.
As the car moved at its own pace towards home, the windows were open, and Shivika was sitting on the edge. The wind blowing through the window made her hair flutter around her face, but she was lost in her thoughts. She couldn't understand why she had said all that to Karun. His questions and behavior... Shivika was getting angry with herself. She was also feeling a bit ashamed. She wondered how she would face Karun the next day. She had ignored him and left, but he was her colleague. She couldn't avoid him.
These questions swirled in her mind, and Shivika opened her eyes and spoke in a low voice, "Why am I thinking about this so much and getting nervous? I'm Shivika Khanna, the CEO of a big company. I can handle this. I just asked him some questions. And I'm his boss, after all. He can't go against me. Just be yourself, Shivika!"
After telling herself all this, Shivika felt a bit relieved. She sat back in her seat, took out her mobile phone, and dialed a number.
Karun was still in the office, in Shivika's cabin. Even after she left, he was trying to make sense of everything. He couldn't understand why Shivika had ignored him and left. But then he looked at the clock; it was almost 9:00 PM. Seeing this, he stepped out of Shivika's cabin and started packing his things. He was preparing to leave the office since only the watchman would be there now.
Karun stepped out of the office, took a taxi, and headed straight home. His mind was racing with thoughts, but there was no one he could talk to about it. His younger brother, Samar, was close to him, but Karun couldn't discuss this with him.
The driver stopped the car outside Shivika's house. A few minutes passed, but Shivika was still lost in thought. She didn't even notice the car stop or that they had reached home. The driver's voice broke her reverie, "Madam, we've... we've reached home. Do you want to go somewhere else?"
The driver asked this because Shivika hadn't gotten out of the car even after so much time. He thought maybe she was thinking of going somewhere else. But it was late, and Shivika usually returned home from the office at this time. However, she was not usually so distracted that she wouldn't notice small things like that.
Shivika turned her head, looked around, and then said, looking out the window, "Okay, yes, home... we've reached home..."
Shivika's behavior seemed strange to the driver, but he didn't say anything. Shivika opened her door and stepped into the house.
As she entered the house, she saw her father in the hall, along with her caretaker nurse. Ignoring them, Shivika headed towards the stairs. Her room was on the first floor, and she was also upset with her father.
As she climbed the stairs, she heard a voice coming from the room next to hers. That was her daughter Kavya's room. Before going to her own room, Shivika moved towards Kavya's room. Inside, Kavya's caretaker/nanny, Jyoti, was trying to feed her, but Kavya was stubborn and turned her face away.
"No, no, auntie! I don't want to eat. I only want to eat from Mommy's hands. No one loves me, not even Mommy... She left without meeting me this morning."
Four-year-old Kavya was complaining in her baby talk. Shivika understood everything clearly.
"That's not true, beta! Your mommy loves you, and everyone loves you. Your mommy must have had some urgent work, that's why she left early."
Jyoti tried to explain and feed Kavya, but Kavya was adamant.
Shivika stepped inside from the door and saw and heard all this. Jyoti noticed Shivika and understood her gesture to leave. Jyoti got up, moved towards the door, and stepped out of the room. As soon as Jyoti left, Shivika closed the door and sat in front of Kavya.
Kavya was still sulking, with her face turned away, hands folded in front of her. She hadn't seen Shivika enter, so she didn't know that Jyoti had left and Shivika was now sitting there.
Shivika didn't speak either. She quietly picked up a spoonful of rice from the food in front of her and held it in front of Kavya's face, saying, "Okay... you'll eat from Mommy's hands, right? Kavi?"
Shivika's voice made Kavya look at her, and she opened her mouth. Shivika fed her lovingly. While eating, Kavya said, "But Kavya is still angry with Mommy. Mommy doesn't love Kavya."
"Mommy loves you very much, beta. Sorry I left without meeting you this morning. But it was Saturday, and your school was off. I didn't wake you up because you looked so cute sleeping..."
Shivika said, placing her hand on Kavya's cheek.
"No means no, Kavya is hurt!"
Kavya repeated her anger. This time, Shivika made a sorry face and said, "Okay, what will Mommy do then? How will Kavya forgive Mommy? Mommy has already said sorry."
Shivika's words made Kavya put her hand on her face, smile, and say, "Mommy, bring me ice cream."
"Ice cream?"
Shivika said in surprise.
"Yes, Kavya wants ice cream now. And you promise that tomorrow, on Sunday, you'll spend the whole day with Kavya. Only then will Kavya forgive you."
Kavya said, extending her hand lovingly. Shivika hugged her and said, "Okay, promise, my child! But first, finish your food, and then Mommy will give you ice cream."
Kavya became happy after hearing this and started eating from Shivika's hand. Seeing her happy, a smile also appeared on Shivika's face, and for some time, she forgot about her other problems.
To be continued...
The next day, Karan woke up. He looked at the clock; it was ten o'clock. He sat up in a hurry, thinking he was late for the office. His sleep vanished instantly.
He was about to get ready quickly when he remembered it was Sunday. He sat down with a sigh of relief.
Normally, the office is closed, so he has Sundays off. However, he had been informed beforehand that he might be called in if there was urgent work. He had agreed to this.
Karan was thinking about all this, with his hand on his head, when the door to his room opened and his younger brother, Samar, walked in.
"Are you up, brother? I was coming to see you. You don't usually sleep this late, so what happened today? Are you feeling alright?" Samar asked as he approached him.
"Yes, I'm perfectly fine. It's Sunday today, can't I sleep in a little longer? I just woke up..." Karan said, yawning.
Samar didn't respond to his comment and sat down next to him.
"What's on your mind now?" Karan asked, seeing Samar sitting silently.
Samar was thinking about something, lost in his thoughts. After a moment, he replied to Karan's question, "Your engagement has happened, brother, so what have you thought about your future with sister-in-law?"
"Oh, my engagement has happened too? I don't even remember. It's good you reminded me. And what's there to think about anyway? It's not like I had planned anything for this engagement. It just happened by the grace of God and Dad. We'll see what happens next," Karan said nonchalantly, as he really didn't feel like talking about it.
"Brother, what I mean to ask is that sister-in-law and this house... she probably never imagined this. And I don't even know if she knows anything about all this. You know, our family problems, how will she adjust?" Samar said, speaking with a lot of maturity.
"Oh, Samar, why are you thinking so much about this? And besides, I've spoken to her father about this. They've given us six months to understand each other. And they're not in a hurry for the wedding. So, let's see what happens?" Karan said carelessly again, and ruffling Samar's hair, he got out of bed and headed towards the washroom.
***
Vrinda Mansion;
Shivika always felt guilty that she couldn't spend enough time with Kavya.
Even though she had hired a separate caretaker for Kavya and admitted her to kindergarten, she was still just a four-year-old child who needed love and affection.
So today, Shivika decided to spend the entire Sunday with Kavya. Although, when work was heavy, Shivika didn't take Sundays off, but at this moment, her daughter's love was also important to her.
"Mamma, this teddy is my favorite! And I've named it too!" Kavya said, showing a soft toy to Shivika. Shivika took the soft toy from her hand and said with a smile, "And what have my baby named it?"
"Mamma, I've named it Kittu Bear! It's a nice name, isn't it?" Kavya said happily. Before Shivika could reply, her father arrived in his wheelchair and interjected, "It's a very lovely name, just like my Kavya..."
Shivika was in the living room with Kavya at that moment. So her father also came there. But as soon as he arrived, Shivika got up and started to leave.
Just then, Kavya called out from behind, "Mamma, where are you going? I want to play with both you and Nana Ji!"
"Nana Ji won't play with us, dear. And I'll be right back," Shivika said, gently stroking Kavya's head. As she started to walk away, her father's voice came from behind, "Daughter, are you still angry with me?"
"Does that matter to you? Your wish is being fulfilled, isn't it, what you wanted," Shivika said, turning around suddenly with a hint of displeasure.
"It matters to me, daughter. And I don't want you to always be alone like this. And you know my condition... I don't know how long I'll live. And believe me, Karan is absolutely right for you. And he's a very good boy too. Just give him a chance!" Shivika's father said all this with a touch of emotion. Hearing him, Shivika also became emotional.
"Papa, why are you saying all this? Your treatment is ongoing, isn't it? And I've spoken to the doctor. They said you can get better. So why are you talking like this? And how will everything be alright by getting me married? You just want to push me away from yourself," Shivika complained with a pout. Kavya, sitting in the middle, was listening to all this and looking at both of them one by one with her small, round eyes.
"Mamma, are you angry with Nana Ji? Did you two have a fight?" Kavya asked very innocently. Both Shivika and her father turned their attention to Kavya.
Shivika called out to Jyoti. Then, she explained to Kavya very lovingly, "No, baby! We didn't have a fight. We're just discussing something important. You go to your room with Aunty. I'll come there and play with you."
"Okay Mamma! Bye Nana Ji, take care..." Saying this, Kavya smiled at both of them and went to her room with Jyoti. She was still holding the teddy bear in her hand.
To be continued
No response from Groq.
Karan was impressed by Shivika's hard work and dedication. He sat opposite her, watching her with silent admiration.
He had come here to impress Shivika, but he himself had been impressed by her. Karan liked Shivika's way of working from the very first day, and perhaps that was why he had no problem working with her, whether she was his fiancée or his future wife.
As soon as the video conference ended, Shivika turned around and saw Karan standing there, looking at her. Seeing him standing, Shivika asked, "You... you are still standing here? Aren't you going home?"
Hearing Shivika's question, Karan mumbled in a low voice, "Yes, I don't want to go home at all right now..."
Shivika was not paying full attention to him, so she couldn't hear Karan's words. She asked again, "What happened... did you say something?"
"No... nothing. I was just waiting because I thought you might not need anything else, ma'am!" Karan replied very professionally and breathed a sigh of relief inwardly that Shivika hadn't heard his low-spoken words.
"No, no, I don't need anything else... you can..." Before Shivika could finish her sentence, Kavya entered the room holding a small teddy bear and said, "Mamma... you forgot your promise, didn't you? You know how long Kavya has been waiting for you, and you still haven't come to play with me!"
Little Kavya complained with obvious displeasure. Shivika quickly came forward, hugged her, and said, "No, darling, Mamma hasn't forgotten her promise. Mamma was just finishing an important task, and that task is done. I was about to come to you, but look, my baby came to me before I could. Now we will play together."
"Really, Mamma?" Kavya asked happily. Shivika kissed her cheek and said, "Yes, baby!"
Karan stood there, looking at both of them in utter astonishment. That little girl had just called Shivika 'Mamma' in front of him, and Shivika hadn't denied it. She was showering her with love and affection as if she were her own daughter.
"Shivika! Mamma... why is she calling you Mamma? Is it true..." Karan asked Shivika with surprise. He was asking this question not as her assistant, but as her fiancé. This was all a shock to him because he had no prior knowledge of this.
"Of course, I'll call my Mamma 'Mamma'. What are you asking such stupid questions for? And who are you, Mamma's friend?" Before Shivika could say anything, Kavya answered. Shivika gestured for her to be quiet and asked her to go sit aside. Then she came forward, took Karan's hand, and led him to the door, looking at him in surprise, and said, "Why do you look so shocked? Don't tell me! Dad didn't tell you anything about this!"
Shivika asked this question looking at Karan. He had no idea that Shivika had a four-year-old daughter. Shivika didn't look that old, and she didn't seem like a mother at all. So, Karan helplessly nodded and said, "Yes, he didn't tell me. And how much have I even spoken to your father? Besides, even the little I did, he should have told me, and you could have told me yourself."
Kavya was busy playing with the small teddy bear in her hand. Karan was saying all this while looking at her.
"Seriously! I don't know what Dad is trying to do. He hid such a big thing from you. And yes, Kavya is my daughter. Do you have any problem with that? Even if you do, what does it matter? We aren't really getting married anyway." Shivika said, shrugging her shoulders casually.
"Is she really your daughter... yes, she looks just like you. But did you have a previous marriage... I mean, your daughter and her father..." Karan hesitated to ask this question. Before he could finish, Shivika said, "No... I haven't had any previous marriage, and I am both her mother and father. Do you have any problem with this?"
"Okay. So, you don't want to share anything with me, I can understand! We aren't that close, but I truly have no problem. And who could possibly have a problem with such a cute little child." Karan looked at Kavya, who was sitting a little distance away, with very loving eyes. Kavya got up from the sofa and walked towards them.
Seeing her coming towards them, both Shivika and Karan fell silent. Shivika looked at Karan, trying to understand if Karan genuinely had no problem with it or if he was just pretending to be nice. Your future wife already has a daughter, and I've just told her that I haven't been married before, yet how can she act so cool? Does she really have no problem with this, or is she just faking it?
As Shivika was trying to figure all this out, Kavya came and stood between them. She was only up to Karan's knees, so touching his feet, she said, "Uncle! Why are you bothering my Mamma? And anyway, because of you, Mamma can't play with me. So now you have to play with me too. Will you play with Kavya?"
"Kavya! What are you saying? And Mamma told you not to talk to strangers, didn't she? And Mamma is just coming..." Shivika scolded her. Kavya's face fell. Seeing her, Karan knelt down in front of her and said, "Baby, I'm not bothering your Mummy. We were just talking. And I'm not a stranger, my name is Karan. Consider me your friend, and I will definitely play with you."
Karan said this with a very loving and gentle smile. Hearing him, Kavya became happy and said, walking happily, "So, can I call you Karan? And you'll really play with me now, won't you? You won't make a false promise like Mamma, will you?"
"No false promises, let's play now." Saying this, Karan picked Kavya up in his lap, and Kavya started laughing heartily.
Shivika watched them with surprise, seeing Kavya so comfortable with him. It didn't seem like they had met for the first time today.
Kavya doesn't talk to strangers easily, nor does she mix with them quickly, but for some reason, today she herself initiated a conversation with Karan and became comfortable with him so easily.
To be continued.
Karan had no issue with Shivika being engaged, nor with him finding out later that she also had a daughter. His problem was why Shivika hadn't told him earlier.
Still, for some reason, he felt a strong connection to the little girl and was playing with her affectionately. Shivika was happy to see both of them like this, but she still went to Kavya and, pulling her closer, said, "Kavya! Go to your room. Mommy will come to your room in a bit and play with you. We are a little busy right now."
"No... Kavya is not going anywhere. And Kavya wants to play with her new friend. And you say things, but you don't play with me." Kavya said, holding out both her hands and pouting.
The tiny Kavya looked very cute and adorable while doing so.
"No Kavya! Don't be stubborn like this. You play with your toys or with Jyoti didi for now..." Shivika said, explaining to Kavya with a bit more sternness this time. Seeing her scold Kavya like this, Karan intervened, "Leave her be, she's a little child. Why are you scolding her? And if you have a problem, I'll go to Kavya's room with her. Alright dear, let's go. Your mommy is getting troubled."
"Oh, why are you interfering? Is she my daughter or yours?" Shivika said, cutting him off, and pulled Kavya's hand away from Karan's and stood Kavya beside her.
"So, when did I say she's mine? But you're behaving as if I'll snatch her away from you," Karan said with a grimace and again took Kavya's hand from the other side.
Seeing them fight like this, Kavya laughed, putting her little hand over her mouth.
Hearing Karan's words, Shivika glared at him angrily. But before she could reply, her gaze fell on Kavya, who was laughing at both of them fighting like this.
"Now, what's making you laugh so much, Kavya?" Shivika asked, staring at the other person like she did Kavya.
"You both look like a husband and wife. I saw it in a drama, where husband and wife fight cutely like this," Kavya replied to Shivika's question, holding back her laughter.
Hearing Kavya's words, both of them looked at each other, and the situation between them became very awkward. Neither of them knew what to say.
"Be quiet Kavya! Where do you learn all this? And what did you say? Drama... What drama do you watch on TV?" Shivika said, scolding Kavya.
"Oh, I don't watch it, Mommy... Jyoti aunty watches it, and I was sitting with her, that's all," Kavya said with complete innocence.
"This Jyoti needs to be taught a lesson. What does she watch in front of a little child? What effect will it have on her? Jyoti... Jyoti, where are you?" Saying this, Shivika left Kavya there with Karan and went out of the room to find Jyoti.
As soon as Shivika left, Kavya came and stood near Karan and, lightly tapping his leg to get his attention, said, "Karan, please don't mind what my mommy said. She's been single for so long, that's why she behaves like this. But Nana Ji is looking for a husband for her. He promised me, he will introduce me to my father."
Karan was very surprised to hear such things from such a small child like Kavya. He bent down, stroked her hair, and said, "Your father... do you miss him?"
"No, because I've never seen him. But Nana Ji said my father will come very soon with Mommy. By the way, Karan, aren't you my father? Because I saw you with Mommy," Kavya asked very innocently, and Karan didn't know how to answer her suddenly.
Because her Nana Ji had indeed chosen him for Shivika, but he couldn't explain this to little Kavya. So, smiling, he pulled her closer and said, "No baby, I'm your friend, right? We just became friends."
"Yes, yes! You are my friend, right!" Kavya said happily on his words. And just then, Shivika returned, and she said to Kavya, "Kavya! You are still here? I told you so much, yet... you don't talk to strangers, right?"
"But Mommy, Karan is not a stranger. He's my friend now!" Kavya replied. But Shivika didn't listen and holding her hand, started taking her out of the room. But then, stopping at the door, Shivika looked back at Karan and said, "Karan! You can go back. I don't have any other work right now."
"Okay!" Karan just said that. And then Shivika took Kavya towards her room.
After that, Karan packed his belongings and came out of the study room, and with very heavy steps, he started descending the stairs.
He had many questions running through his mind about Shivika and Kavya's relationship, and he hadn't found a single answer yet.
Shivika's father was in the hall downstairs and saw Karan coming down the stairs. As Karan was descending, he was pushed from behind, causing him to stumble. He grabbed the railing on the side and saved himself from falling.
"I am sorry bro! Actually, I was in a hurry!" Karan turned to see who had pushed him, but the voice came from in front of him. He saw it was the same boy whom he had helped lift onto the sofa in the hall from the door with the help of a servant on the engagement day.
The same boy was descending in a hurry, due to which Karan was slightly pushed.
The boy was still walking unsteadily, just like last time. His voice was also not stable. But he was in such a hurry that he didn't stop to listen to anything Karan said and went straight out the door.
Karan watched him leave the house at such a brisk pace and thought to himself, "Why is everyone in this house so strange? It feels like behind every person, thousands of secrets are hidden. One is Shivika, and the other is her brother..."
Shivika's father noticed that Karan had many questions in his mind, and he also knew that Karan had found out about Kavya. So, calling him near, he said, "Karan dear, come here. I need to talk to you about something."
Hearing his words, Karan came out of his thoughts and musings and, nodding his head, moved towards him.
To be continued.
