Palak was betrayed by her husband, and then accused of infidelity.<br /> <br /> Will Palak be able to uncover the truth? What is the truth about Muskan's birth, and who will accept Muskan?<br /> <br /> Life is not easy; it has to be made easy, someti... Palak was betrayed by her husband, and then accused of infidelity.<br /> <br /> Will Palak be able to uncover the truth? What is the truth about Muskan's birth, and who will accept Muskan?<br /> <br /> Life is not easy; it has to be made easy, sometimes with style, sometimes by ignoring things.<br />
Page 1 of 6
Life is not easy,
It has to be made easy.
With some style, with some neglect!!
But Palak couldn't understand how many things she should neglect and move forward.
"Stop this life,
Who knows how many tests are still left?
The measure of patience is just about to overflow."
Palak said, writing two lines on the pages of her diary. She stood at the taxi stand for a long time waiting for a taxi, but today it felt as if the taxi drivers had also gone on strike. There was no empty taxi at the stand. She had to go for an interview. For the last month, she had been trying hard for interviews, but there was no hope anywhere.
But why was there no hope?
She knew that too. When one's own people become enemies, this is what happens.
People win over enemies, but who has ever won over their own? Looking back at the past days, Palak smiled sadly.
Today too, to give fate a chance, she set out on her path.
With great difficulty, a taxi driver agreed to go for double the fare.
But alas, fate!!
Her luck was so bad that her taxi broke down in the middle of the road. The taxi driver got out and started looking in the bonnet.
Meanwhile, Palak anxiously looked at the watch on her wrist.
"Brother, how long will it take?"
"Can't say anything, Madam!! I don't understand what happened?" the driver said.
"But I understand that this job is also gone." Palak said to herself, making a face. She was very worried. The area where her taxi had stopped was quite deserted.
After some time, Palak saw a car coming towards her. She was getting late for the interview, so she thought of asking for a lift. Her gaze fell on the approaching car, and she tried to stop it by waving her hand, but the car passed by her.
"Oh!! When there's a need, this is what happens." Palak said, shaking her head regretfully. Her face looked as if she was about to cry or would cry.
"What Kanha Ji? If you don't have mercy on me, at least have mercy on that innocent soul. You have closed all paths for me. So at least open one door for my smile." Palak said to God, looking at the sky. As the name of smile came to her lips, a faint smile spread across her face, making Palak's face incredibly beautiful.
It seemed as if God was waiting to hear her request. The car stopped a little further ahead, and Palak's eyes lit up at this.
"Thank you Kanha Ji! This is for the smile!!" She blew a flying kiss towards God in the sky and quickly reached the car.
"Brother! My taxi broke down. And I have an important interview today. Understand that this job is very important to me. Can you drop me at the Vinayak Group of Companies office?"
As soon as Palak spoke, the driver turned and looked at his owner sitting in the back, who nodded in agreement and lowered the partition between him and the driver.
Then, after a few moments, the driver asked Palak to get into the car.
"Okay Madam! You come in."
Palak quickly sat in the empty seat next to the driver. The driver immediately drove away.
After some time, their car stopped in front of a big and magnificent building. A large board of Vinayak Group of Companies was displayed in front.
Palak glanced at the watch on her wrist and then at the building in front. She had arrived exactly on time. Joining her hands, she first thanked Kanha Ji and then said to the driver with a smile.
"Thank you so much, brother," Palak said and quickly went inside the building.
The person sitting in the back of the car glanced at Palak as she went, then gestured to the driver.
The driver drove the car forward and headed towards the company's parking. The car stopped in front of a private lift. Just then, a uniformed doorman came and opened the car door, and from the back seat emerged.
A boy of about twenty-seven years! Dressed in a black three-piece suit. Dark-shaded glasses over his eyes. Height about six feet and above, with a muscular body built in the gym. Hair neatly set with gel and an expensive Rado watch on his hand!! In short, at first glance, he had the quality to attract anyone!! And this is the owner of Vinayak Group of Industries!! Pranav Singh!
"Mr. Malik! I need the complete list of candidates for all today's interviews. Right now, on my table!?" Pranav said to Mr. Malik.
"Okay Sir!" Mr. Malik replied with a slight nod of his head.
Leaving from there, Pranav entered his personal lift. Pranav's eyes kept returning to Palak's face, especially her deep black eyes without kajal!!
Pranav closed his eyes.
A shadow flickered before his closed eyes.
"The girl I searched for in so many cities, I would meet her here on the way to my office? I never thought of that. But is it her?" the mind asked the heart.
"No! My eyes cannot deceive me. This is the same girl, but if it is her, then what is she doing here???"
"I have removed the desire to have you from my heart,
But my eyes have become accustomed to waiting for you!
Who knows if it is you or your shadow!!
But whatever it is, now this is life.
With you, my friend!!"
To be continued.....
Palak sighed with relief upon reaching the office on time. The interview hadn't started yet. Upon inquiring at the reception, she learned her interview was thirteenth in line. Palak glanced at the candidates present.
"So many people for one vacancy!! Oh Kanha Ji? Will I not even get this job?" Palak thought despairingly and quietly sat on the bench nearby.
She had been fired from her previous job without any notice. Why was she fired? Palak knew very well, and now she wasn't getting any job. She also understood the reason for that very well. But she had heard about this company that only talent was prioritized here. No one's recommendation worked here; hence, after being rejected at many places, she was standing in line here today.
She could somehow manage her own expenses, but what about her little daughter, Muskan? Seeing the smile on her face was what kept her alive.
Muskan!! Palak's three-year-old daughter! She was not only the reason for the smile on her face but, in totality, the support for her life.
Palak closed her eyes and remembered Kanha Ji in her mind, and Muskan's smiling face appeared before her.
"All the best, Mama! You are the world's best Mama. See, Kanha Ji will definitely fulfill your wish."
"No, my daughter! You are the world's best daughter; that's why your mom seems like the world's best mother to you. Otherwise, everyone feels that I haven't been able to be a good wife, let alone a good daughter."
After some time, the interviews began. Palak also gave her interview and, along with all the other candidates, started waiting outside the interview room for the results.
After about an hour, the company manager came to Palak and, handing her an envelope, said,
"You are selected, ma'am! Your job is confirmed! You can come to the company on time from tomorrow."
What more could a blind person want than two eyes! Palak couldn't believe her ears.
"Thank you, sir... Thank you so much!"
The manager smiled faintly.
After completing all the formalities, Palak left for home, where Muskan was waiting for her.
Meanwhile, in the boss's cabin,
"Sir, I have done as you said. Miss Palak will join from tomorrow," Manager Mr. Malik told Pranab.
"Okay!" Pranab replied, nodding his head while keeping his gaze fixed on his laptop.
"But sir, I didn't understand one thing. The job was for the post of accountant, so why did you hire a personal assistant?" Mr. Malik asked.
This matter truly surprised him. He had been working with Mr. Pranab Singh for the past four years, but Pranab had never hired a personal assistant for himself until now, and suddenly he had given Palak the job of his personal assistant.
Hearing Mr. Malik, Pranab lifted his head from the laptop and looked towards Mr. Malik. His eyes were completely red. Mr. Malik got a little scared.
"Sorry, sir!" He bowed his head.
When Pranab gestured for the manager to leave with a wave of his hand, Manager Mr. Malik immediately turned and walked out of the cabin.
As the manager left, he thought to himself, "First of all, sir never needed a personal assistant. Senior Singh Saheb had even brought several people as his assistants, but sir had shown them the door, and today he himself hired a personal assistant without a vacancy??
"Anyway!! What do I care? Let sir do as he pleases. My workload has just decreased. At least now the burden of personal meetings has reduced," Mr. Malik thought and walked away.
As soon as the manager left, Pranab leaned his head back on the chair and then closed his eyes.
"The world doesn't ask about the living,
People come to funerals like they attend a wedding!!"
The words escaped Pranab's lips.
He started looking at Palak's information on his laptop again.
"This girl's name is Palak Singh Rajput. Details from education to everything are given. But what I need to know is not here. Anyway!! Since I've found out so much and she has come before my eyes, then I will find out all the other things."
Pranab said to himself, exhaling a deep breath. The incident from four years ago flashed before his eyes. He immediately took out his phone and opened his gallery, extracting a picture.
"My suspicion was not wrong at all. This is the same girl. Now there is no doubt!!"
The picture in the laptop was exactly the same as the one in his phone gallery. The only difference was that in the picture from the gallery, the girl had vermilion in her hair parting and a small bindi on her face. But here, in the biodata, the picture was very plain.
"Now I have to find out, if this girl is the one, then how did she end up there that night? Until I find out about this, the regret within me will not let me live. After all, who is she? And what was she doing there in that condition that night??" Thinking to himself, Pranab called someone on his personal phone.
As the call was received from the other side, Pranab asked.
"Did you get any news about the picture I sent you?"
"No, sir. With just one picture, how can we find someone? The hotel staff says she might have been a newly married honeymoon couple. How many couples visit there for vacations every year? Whose details will we get? We searched all over Manali. This girl is nowhere."
"She is not in Manali! So where will you find her? That girl is here in Delhi. I am sending you her biodata. Now I need all her personal information. With details!!" Pranab said, almost ordering.
"Okay, sir!!"
"Just 'okay' won't suffice. If you can't do this job, tell me. I'll hire someone else," Pranab asked.
"No, sir! If we get the biodata, we will find her roots," came the confident reply from the other side.
"Alright! Let's see. By tomorrow morning, I want all the details on my table," Pranab said, disconnecting the call.
"I cherish every symbol you gave me,
Be it the pain in my heart or the water in my eyes!!"
The remorse in his heart!! A drop of tear fell from Pranab's eyes, trickling down his cheek.
To be continued.....
The next morning, there was a rush at Palak’s house. It was eight in the morning. After waking up early, Palak made breakfast, then bathed and got ready. She lit a lamp in front of a small idol of Kanha Ji in the small temple built in her house and stood there with folded hands.
"I know, Kanha Ji! The decision I've made is difficult, but it's not wrong!! You know that too, so why are you making this difficult decision even more difficult? Please, help me.
I have taken on such a big responsibility relying only on you. One decision of mine has distanced me from my home, family, and loved ones. I am telling the truth, and you also know what's in my heart, that I have no regrets about my decision. Now, my entire life is only and only for my daughter Muskan. I am ready to do anything for the smile on her face.
Please, Kanha Ji, give me enough courage to do this happily on my own strength."
After asking for strength for herself, Palak went to wake up Muskan, for whom she truly needed a lot of courage.
There were two reasons for this. Firstly, waking Muskan from her sleep was no easy task, and secondly, looking at Muskan’s innocent sleeping face, she didn’t feel like waking her up. But she had to go to play school! That’s how Palak could also go to work! There was a part-time maid in the house, but Palak couldn’t leave Muskan at home relying on her; so, out of compulsion, Palak had to wake her up.
Palak gently picked Muskan up in her lap.
"My dear child!! Still sleeping! You’re so sleepy that you don’t even feel like going to school today. Even though today is my daughter’s first day at school, and who gets late on their first day?" Palak said, caressing Muskan.
"Mamma, who made this school?" Muskan asked, slightly opening her eyes and looking at Palak. Palak smiled at this innocent question.
"I don't even know who made this school! Now, if you don't go to school, then ask your teacher."
"Is it necessary to go to school?"
"It is absolutely necessary. If you don't go to school, how will you ask your teacher who made the school? Your mom doesn't even have the answer to such a difficult question," Palak said, kissing Muskan’s cheek.
Then, Palak quickly got Muskan ready for school and went to prepare her lunchbox.
But what kind of Muskan would she be if she got ready for school and went to school peacefully? As soon as she saw Palak putting her lunchbox in her school bag, Muskan ran all over the house.
"I don't want to go to school! I don't want to go to school."
"Hey, how can you not go?" Palak, carrying Muskan’s bag, ran after her. Muskan made Palak run around the sofa three or four times. Finally, giving up, Palak pretended to stop and looked at Muskan, sitting quietly on the sofa.
When Muskan saw that Palak was no longer chasing her, she herself went behind Palak and put her small arms around her neck.
"Mamma, are you angry?"
"No, who am I to be angry? You don't listen to your mom, right? So go have fun. Don't go to school! Mom won't say anything to you now. If you don't want new friends, that’s fine. Now mom won't talk to you either."
"No, no. Don't do anything so drastic. You are my best friend!!" Muskan said, kissing Palak’s lips.
"Yes, a very good friendship. You don't listen to a single word of your friend!"
"I will listen to all my friend's words and love my friend a lot, and you should talk to me too. I made something for you," Muskan said.
"What?" Palak asked.
Muskan held out her drawing book.
"Did you make this?" Palak’s voice held surprise. Muskan nodded yes. Muskan had copied Palak’s sketching exactly, which left Palak completely stunned.
"God knows where she got this talent from! I can't even draw a flower or leaf properly! But this girl, at an age when children can't even hold a pen properly, draws so well at this age that your eyes remain wide open," Palak thought to herself, looking at the sketch in amazement.
"What happened, Mamma? Don't you like it?" Muskan asked in her sweet voice, seeing Palak staring like that.
"No, my child! It's very beautiful. So beautiful that even your mom isn't this beautiful," Palak said, kissing Muskan's palms. Suddenly, Palak's gaze fell on the mole on Muskan’s palm. A shadow flickered before Palak’s eyes.
Some blurry memories!!
"No, my mom is very beautiful! She is the world's best mom." Before Palak could delve further into her thoughts, she heard Muskan’s voice. Shaking off her thoughts, Palak smiled deeply.
After this, Palak left the house with Muskan. First, she dropped Muskan at her play school. Today was Muskan’s first day at play school.
Seeing Palak leave, Muskan was a little sad, but Palak explained a lot to her. She talked to her teacher. Somehow, with a heavy heart, she left her at school and Palak set off for her office.
At the gate of Vinayak Group of Industries!!
Palak and Pranav arrived at the office’s main gate together. But Palak was on foot, and Pranav was in his car. However, as soon as Pranav's gaze fell on Palak, a big smile spread across his face.
"Stop the car!" Pranav stopped his car and stepped onto the office’s ground area on foot. Everyone was looking at Pranav in surprise, because ever since Pranav had taken over from "Mr. Singh" (Pranav's dad), this was the first time Pranav had walked into the company on his own.
Otherwise, his car always stopped in front of his personal elevator, and Pranav, without paying attention to anyone, would go straight to his cabin! But today, he was in front of all the employees.
All eyes were on Pranav, but Pranav's eyes were on Palak. As always, Pranav was wearing black shades, making it impossible to see where his eyes were directed.
Pranav started walking, matching Palak’s pace. They had barely walked ten steps together when Palak, unaware of all this, went inside the office. As soon as Palak entered, Pranav changed his path and headed towards his private elevator. As the elevator door closed, he looked at Palak, who was entering through the office’s glass door.
Asked for company for two steps,
Asked for love for just a moment,
With a smile on the lips,
This is a feeling of love!
Whatever it is, it’s a poetic mood!!
It’s just,
With you, my dear!!
To be continued......
Throughout the day, Pranav made no attempt to talk to Palak. He had asked Mr. Malik to train Palak thoroughly. Mr. Malik was engrossed in his work, which left Palak with no free time. However, Pranav's gaze remained fixed on Palak through the CCTV.
His heart repeatedly urged him to call Palak to his cabin and ask her about herself, but some hidden cowardice in his mind wouldn't allow him to face Palak.
The entire day passed by in this manner, absorbed in work. It would be accurate to say that Palak's entire day was spent learning her job, and Pranav's entire day was spent watching Palak. In the evening, a person stood in Pranav's cabin. He placed the file in his hand in front of Pranav and said,
"Sir, this is the detail of that girl, Palak Singh Rajput, which you had requested."
Pranav reached out and took the file, then gestured to the person to sit on the chair in front of him.
"Thank you!" the person said, sitting down.
"Sir, Palak Singh Rajput! She is the daughter of Abhinav Singh Rajput. But we found out something interesting about her."
Before the man could say anything further, Pranav raised his hand to stop him.
"Abhinav Singh Rajput!! You mean the one from Rajput Industries??" Pranav asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise. Abhinav Singh Rajput was a well-known name in Delhi. Rajput Industries had a good reputation in the city.
The man nodded.
"Yes sir! Mr. Abhinav Singh Rajput has three children, two sons and this daughter, Palak! Who was the youngest and his favorite."
"What do you mean by 'was'?" Pranav asked quickly, but the man said nothing for now.
"And what else interesting did you find out?" Pranav wanted to know.
"Sir, she doesn't meet her parents! Meaning, she has left home, or her family has kicked her out. That's why I said she 'was' Abhinav Singh Rajput's favorite daughter. Currently, she lives alone with her daughter, and the house she lives in belongs to her childhood friend."
"One minute!! What did you say? Palak has a daughter too?" Pranav was stunned.
"Yes sir! She has a three-year-old daughter, whom she admitted to playschool today. Her official name is Prerna Singh Rajput, but she affectionately calls her Muskan. My investigation revealed that because of this daughter, her entire family is angry with her.
No family member wants to accept her with her daughter, and Miss Palak doesn't want to leave her daughter. That's why she lives separately with her daughter," the man explained.
"Strange man, Mr. Rajput!! He doesn't want to accept his own daughter with her daughter??" Pranav's words held anger, irritation, and surprise. The man nodded.
"Miss Rajput was fired from her last job without any notice. In the last 3 years, she has changed about five jobs, and at all of them, she was fired because of Rajput Industries. In this city, not many people dare to mess with Mr. Rajput."
Pranav was flipping through the pages of the file while the man provided him with the details.
"This means Mr. Rajput is the one creating problems in Palak's path!!" Pranav said, understanding the situation.
"But why? Why is Mr. Rajput creating so many difficulties in his own daughter's path?" Pranav asked quickly, flipping through the file.
"Sir! There is only one reason. He has offered Miss Palak to come back home many times, but Miss Palak doesn't want to return without her daughter. Because of this, no one from Rajput House maintains any contact with Miss Palak.
Mr. Rajput says he will give Palak to a good orphanage where she will be well raised, but Miss Palak has to leave her."
"What?" Pranav felt like he had been struck by lightning.
"Yes sir!"
"And where is Miss Palak's husband? Can't he take responsibility for his wife and child?" That night flashed before Pranav's eyes. The day he first saw Palak.
Sindoor in her hair, red bangles on her hands!! It was clear she was someone's married wife. The memory of the bangles made Pranav feel something prick his palm. Pranav jerked his hands open and looked!!
There was nothing there today!! But the fragments of the broken bangle that had pricked his palm, their sting still felt in his heart.
Hearing Pranav's question, the informer lowered his head.
"Sir, despite trying our best, we couldn't find anything about her husband. We can't say anything about him!! Where he is, how he is, or in what condition."
Pranav narrowed his eyes and looked at his informer.
"Sir, try to understand. You gave a deadline until this evening. Information from inside Rajput House is not easy to get. Give me some time. I have gained the trust of some people.
But based on the little information I have, it seems her husband has left her, and her family doesn't want to take responsibility for this child, nor does the Rajput family want to accept Miss Palak with this child," the man said softly.
Hearing the man's words, Pranav fell into thought.
"Any picture of Miss Palak's daughter?" Pranav flipped through all the pictures.
"No sir! She keeps her daughter away from social media, let alone her family. Besides this, I will tell you the rest in a day or two, and I will also provide details of the people around her," the man requested, asking Pranav for a few days' grace.
Pranav nodded and gestured for him to leave the cabin, then began looking at Palak's pictures in the file. One picture seemed to be from her wedding, where Palak, dressed as a bride, was seated.
Pranav's fingers began to trace Palak's face in the picture.
You are alive in every breath of mine,
Oh my love, I have missed you so much!!
Without you in my life, there is nothing, my love!,
Life is just this!! With you, my darling!!!
To be continued.....
Here is the English translation of the given chapter:
Meanwhile, when Palak returned home, Muskaan was already there. Muskaan had come from school with one of Palak's friends, Ruchi. Currently, Palak was staying at Ruchi's house. Ruchi's house was empty; she lived with her family in the neighboring bungalow. Palak had hired a maid to do the household chores, who lived in the servant's quarters built in Ruchi's bungalow. She worked for Ruchi and also did Palak's chores for free.
As soon as Palak entered the house, Muskaan became very happy and immediately hugged her.
"How was your first day at the office?" Muskaan asked with a smile.
"It was very good!" Palak replied with a smile. However, the whole day had been quite heavy for her. She had a lot to learn and was very tired, but Muskaan's smile had dispelled all her fatigue.
"And now, you tell me! How was your first day at school?"
"It was very good, Mom! I made a lot of friends, and one of them became my best friend," Muskaan happily narrated.
"Oh, wonderful, my child!!" Palak picked up Muskaan and entered her room. She sat Muskaan on the bed and started changing her clothes.
On her way home, she had bought chocolates for Muskaan. She took them out of her purse and gave them to Muskaan, who became busy eating the chocolates. After changing her clothes, Palak sat next to Muskaan on the bed. Muskaan took a bite of her chocolate and offered it to Palak.
In the past, Palak used to involve her mom in everything she did, and her mom would lovingly kiss her forehead. Remembering her past, Palak's eyes welled up with tears.
"What's wrong, Mom? Did someone scold you? Why are you crying?" Muskaan asked, wiping Palak's eyes with her small hands.
"Nothing, beta!" Palak took Muskaan into her lap and lovingly stroked her hair.
"Then why are you sad? If you don't like the chocolate, it's okay. We can go out," Muskaan said.
"No, beta! I'm not feeling like it," Palak replied softly. Whenever memories of her family and home came to her mind, Palak would sink into sadness.
"Come on, Mom! Today I made my first friend. Let's celebrate," Muskaan said, holding Palak's hand and pulling her up. "Oh, my child wants to celebrate?" Palak said, lovingly touching Muskaan's cheek.
Some time later, Palak took Muskaan to a nearby park.
In the park, Muskaan found children of her age and became busy playing, while Palak sat on a bench. Her eyes were fixed on Muskaan. A genuine smile adorned Muskaan's face as she swung on the swings. Seeing her, a smile also spread on Palak's lips.
Suddenly, a familiar voice fell on Palak's ears.
"What's wrong? Did you come alone?"
As soon as she heard the voice, Palak looked beside her and was surprised to see a woman about 45 years old sitting there.
"Mom, you're here!! What a pleasant surprise!!" Palak's lips had both surprise and happiness, but Mrs. Supriya Rajpoot's face was completely calm.
"Yes, it might be a pleasant surprise for you, but not for us. I just came to see if my daughter remembers me or not," Supriya Ji said.
"I miss you very much, Mom," Palak said, exhaling deeply. Her heart was saying that she wanted to wrap her arms around her mom and rest her head on her lap, but she restrained herself.
She was quietly looking at Supriya Ji and waiting for her to speak further. Supriya Ji had come with a different mood.
"It doesn't seem like you remember us at all. It seems that you've found a good way to be happy by pushing us into sadness," Supriya Ji's gaze fell on Muskaan. Suddenly, Muskaan's eyes also fell on Supriya Ji while playing. She got down from the swing and came running to Supriya Ji and held her hand.
"Nani Ma!!"
The happiness in Muskaan's voice when she called her "Nani Ma" was equal to the anger that Supriya Ji felt.
"Move away from me! I'm not your Nani," Supriya Ji almost pushed Muskaan away.
"Mom!!" Palak moved forward in a flash and saved Muskaan from falling and held her hand.
"Did you get hurt, beta?" Palak asked Muskaan. Muskaan shook her head in denial. She was looking at Supriya Ji with her big, innocent eyes, not understanding why Nani Ma was getting so angry with her. But Supriya Ji's anger didn't stop there.
"Why don't you leave her hand? Why are you trying to take our respect along with yours?" Supriya Ji said, forcibly separating Muskaan's hand from Palak's.
Palak was stunned by her behavior, and Muskaan started crying.
To be continued...
"Why aren't you letting go of this girl's hand? Why are you so determined to bring shame to all of us?" Supriya Ji said as she forcibly separated Palak's hand from Muskaan's.
"She is my daughter, Mom!! Since you're not willing to let go of my hand, why should I let go of my daughter's? And what's the way to talk to a child like that!! You've never talked to my three siblings and me like that, nor have you ever behaved like this. So, how can you behave like this with my daughter?" Palak asked, surprised.
The two of them were talking, but Muskaan didn't understand much. However, she felt that her actions had caused Nani Ma to scold her mom.
Muskaan didn't feel sorry for the behavior Supriya Ji had shown her, but she was hurt that her mom was being scolded because of her.
"Maybe Nani Ma doesn't like it when I touch her," Muskaan thought.
"Sorry, Nani Ma!" Muskaan said, holding her ears.
"I won't touch you. You two can talk," Muskaan said, crying, and started walking away.
"Muskaan, stop!" Palak chased after Muskaan, but Supriya Ji quickly grabbed Palak's wrist.
"Why don't you let her go?" Supriya Ji asked.
"I won't let her go. She's the reason I live. I didn't just name her Muskaan; she's the reason I smile. Her name isn't just inspiration; she's my inspiration. I can't live without her!! And I won't stay without her. But you people can live without me, can't you? So, please leave me alone," Palak said, shaking off Supriya Ji's grip.
"This is all nonsense, Palak! This selfish, mean world!! No one dies without someone else here. You'll come crawling back to us when Muskaan isn't in your life anymore. I'll see where you'll go then," Supriya Ji thought to herself, angry.
As Palak walked away, Supriya Ji followed her.
"I don't know where my daughter will wander off with this girl! First, she was crazy about her dad, and now she's crazy about this girl. Everything is happening because of this girl. When this child isn't in your life anymore, I'll see where you'll go. You'll have to come back to us," Supriya Ji thought.
As Palak exited the park, she couldn't find Muskaan.
"Have you seen Muskaan, beta?" Palak asked Muskaan's friends.
"No, Auntie," they replied.
Palak was getting worried about Muskaan.
"Where did Muskaan go? Where did she go, beta? Mommy loves you, beta. Please come back," Palak said, her eyes welling up with tears.
Palak opened Muskaan's photo on her phone and asked people passing by if they had seen her.
"Have you seen this girl anywhere? She's wearing a white and red capri today."
The watchman pointed down the road.
"That way, madam! She's over there," he said.
Palak ran after Muskaan, but Muskaan was running faster. Tears streamed down her face. She was hurt that her mom had been scolded because of her.
On the other hand, Pranav was dealing with a new problem. He had to meet a girl because of his father.
As Pranav walked with the girl, she kept talking, likely about herself. Pranav listened to stock market news through his Bluetooth.
The girl collided with Muskaan as they walked.
"Watch where you're going! Can't you see?" the girl shouted.
Muskaan's eyes welled up with tears. Pranav quickly grabbed her hand and supported her.
The girl continued to scold Muskaan, but Pranav's expression changed. He looked at Muskaan's innocent face and felt a pang.
"Don't cry, little one!!" Pranav tried to comfort Muskaan.
Muskaan hid her face in Pranav's shoulder. The girl continued to scold her.
"Shut up, Miss!!!" Pranav warned the girl, his eyes red.
To be continued...
"Shut up, Miss!!!" Pranav warned the girl with a threatening finger, his eyes red with anger, while managing a smile with one hand.
"If you utter even one more word, I'll forget you're a girl."
"Don't you know how to talk to someone as young as me? And as for children roaming around on the street like this, there's a children's park ahead. Maybe this little girl got separated from her family and ended up here. No one has the right to judge someone without understanding their struggles and troubles." Pranav said angrily.
"I'm sorry! I didn't understand. The way this girl bumped into us, I got angry." The girl quickly apologized, seeing Pranav's anger.
"You're angry? That's your problem, not this child's. Children don't understand if their parents are angry or in trouble, so how can they recognize it? This little girl didn't make you angry; her condition clearly shows she's crying because she got separated from her parents. Instead of comforting her, you're taking out your anger on her. There's a limit to carelessness and anger!!" Pranav shouted at the girl, his anger rising. The girl looked at him in surprise.
After all, she had come on a date with Pranav to discuss their marriage, but he seemed uninterested. She was a supermodel by profession, whose life was limited to her clothes and external looks. She had already confirmed that there was no need for children in their life, and currently, she didn't want to take any risks with her career. But here Pranav was, standing with an unknown child, treating her with affection.
When Pranav found the girl looking at him like that, he furrowed his eyebrows.
"If you can help me find this child's parents, then let's talk; otherwise, leave quietly! I'm angry right now, and I think you understand what anger means. Anger means anger, and when someone's angry, they don't understand anything else!!" Pranav emphasized the word 'anger'.
The girl's eyes widened in surprise, and her mouth opened.
"My foot!! Screw this stray beggar child!! I'll search for this wandering girl's parents!! Is that all that's left?" The girl thought to herself, annoyed. She wished she could pull the child out of Pranav's arms and throw her to the ground.
When Pranav didn't see the girl respond, he said, "I hope you understood my point. It's better for you if we don't discuss this matter further because our perspectives will never match!!" He made his point clear and told the girl to leave.
The girl was furious, but she couldn't say anything to Pranav. She had to do an ad soon, sponsored by Vinayak Group of Companies. Even if this marriage didn't happen, having a good relationship with Pranav could provide her with good support. So, she handled the situation calmly and said, "You're really angry right now. We'll discuss this matter tomorrow."
It was unclear whether the girl had asked Pranav to calm down or was reassuring herself, but she left. Pranav gently moved Muskaan's face away from his shoulder.
"Hey, look! Who are you, beta?"
"Muskkaan!" Muskaan replied, her nose wrinkling.
"Wow, your name is beautiful, Muskaan!" Pranav smiled slightly at Muskaan's name.
"Do you know what Muskaan means? It means a smile appears on your face. So, why is our Muskaan crying like this?" Pranav asked, wiping Muskaan's tear-stained face with a handkerchief from his pocket.
"I'm not crying. Mommy says dirty kids cry, and I'm a good girl!" Muskaan said quietly.
"Good girl!!" Pranav looked around, searching for someone who might be looking for their child. But no one seemed to be searching.
"Do you want some ice cream, beta?" Pranav asked Muskaan, seeing an ice cream parlor nearby. He was trying to find a way to distract her. Muskaan's eyes were filled with tears, but she wiped them away with her clothes. When she didn't respond, Pranav offered her ice cream, hoping it would cheer her up. But Muskaan shook her head.
"Mommy said not to take anything from anyone!" Muskaan explained.
"Why?" Pranav asked, puzzled, but quickly realized that children are taught this for their safety. A smile appeared on his lips.
"So, does your mommy tell you to do everything she says?" Pranav asked.
Muskkaan nodded.
"Your mommy said not to take any food, but not to eat with someone!! Come on, beta, let's have ice cream together, and then we'll go find your mommy." Pranav said.
" Ice cream!" The mention of ice cream made Muskaan's eyes sparkle, and her mouth watered.
To be continued...
"Your mother refused to take any food, but she didn't refuse to eat together! Come on, son, let's both eat ice cream, and then we'll go to your mother," Pranav said.
"Ice cream!" The name of ice cream made Muskan's eyes shine, and her mouth watered.
"Do you like it?"
"Yes!!"
"Then let's both eat ice cream first, and then we'll look for your parents."
Hearing Pranav's words, Muskan smiled openly. After all, she loved ice cream very much. Seeing the smile on Muskan's face, Pranav's dejected heart felt completely lightened. Otherwise, first because of knowing Palak's past, and then because of this girl, his whole day had been very bad. Now, finally, he was starting to feel good.
It felt as if cool breezes had suddenly started blowing in the humid evening. Pranav got ice cream for Muskan, and the same flavor for himself. When he asked Muskan about the flavor, she shook her head in negation. After all, what could a three-year-old child tell? So Pranav, on his own preference, took chocolate flavor for himself and for her too. And now, while eating ice cream with Muskan, he was trying to learn about her.
But Muskan became so engrossed in the ice cream that she had to eat her ice cream first. Only after that would she say anything. But here, Palak had become distraught searching for Muskan.
Mrs. Rajput was with her. When she saw Palak's obsession with finding Muskan, she grabbed Palak's hand and pulled her.
"What are you doing, Palak? Is your mind alright?"
"My mind is not alright! How can a mother be alright when her daughter has disappeared from her sight? God knows where my daughter has gone. In what condition would she be at this moment?" Palak said, crying.
Seeing Palak's condition, Mrs. Rajput's heart ached. After all, Palak was her only, youngest darling daughter. Her mother's heart wanted to hold her daughter to her chest and support her through this difficulty, but in the next moment, remembering something, she shook Palak and said,
"Why are you going crazy after that girl? Let her go if she's gone! At least you've gotten rid of that trouble! Now come home with me quietly. Leave the rest to me."
"Mom, please!" Palak said, crying.
"No 'please,' Palak! She is not your daughter, she is an illegitimate child! And this is the fate for such children."
"Mom, are you saying this?" Palak asked in surprise.
"Yes, I am saying it! And I am saying what is true," Mrs. Rajput said firmly.
"But Mom, weren't you also unwilling to accept this? Don't you trust your daughter anymore?" Palak couldn't believe that the woman standing in front of her was her mother, saying this about her daughter. And somewhere about Palak herself! About her own daughter!
"Yes! Because now I have solid proof of this matter. When Parikshit asked for a paternity test of the child in the mother's womb, I was still not ready. Your father was also not ready for this. If you remember, we supported you at that time. Why would anyone look at their own child with suspicion? And if they do, what trust can there be in a relationship with such a person? That's why we supported you, and the most important thing was that we trusted you. We trusted our daughter! Our blood! We trusted our upbringing! But Palak, you broke this trust. We are not even capable of meeting anyone's eyes," Mrs. Rajput said with sadness, closing her eyes.
Hearing Mrs. Rajput's words, Palak's face became clouded. Somewhere in her heart, she had a suspicion that she was not with her husband Parikshit that night. But still, her heart refused to accept this. But today Mrs. Rajput herself was telling her something, which she didn't have the courage to hear. This was a truth that Palak wanted to forget, just like that dark night.
"You know, Palak! After you left, your father got DNA tests done for Muskan and Parikshit, and it clearly came out that Muskan had no relation to Parikshit whatsoever. We failed to convince Parikshit, Palak! What he said turned out to be true. Now tell me! What will you say in this matter? Do you still think Parikshit is wrong? Oh, he loved you madly. Even after all this, he wanted to accept you. He only said that you should abandon this child, but you didn't deem it necessary to abandon this child. Instead, you abandoned your home and family. Not only that, you also abandoned us. Is that illegitimate girl so important to you?" Mrs. Rajput questioned Palak.
"Yes! That girl is very important to me, but you also remember one thing. She is not an illegitimate girl! She is my daughter. I gave birth to her, and no reality in the world can deny this fact! Even if her father is nowhere to be found! Even if Parikshit refused to accept her! But her mother is still alive, and I will find my daughter," Palak replied, wiping her tears.
Mrs. Rajput shook her head in regret.
This was her own daughter, who, despite making a mistake, was unwilling to admit her mistake. And in whose eyes, her parents had proven to be wrong! Her home, her family, her brothers, her husband, all had been proven wrong.
But whose fault was it? Which was now in front of them in the form of Muskan? Who was wrong? Who was right? It was difficult to say. But for now, both mothers were right in their own places. Both were worried about their daughters.
To be continued.
“How can I explain to you, Palak, that seeing you distressed for your daughter, a mother’s heart also weeps for her daughter in the same way. You understand the restlessness for your daughter, but you don’t understand the restlessness of your mother for you.
How much you have changed, Palak? Just because of a smile!! I have to think if you are my only daughter, the one who used to sit by my head all night if I sneezed. Sometimes I felt that I hadn't given birth to you, but in your form, I got my mother back.” Mrs. Rajput was looking at Palak, thinking to herself. But Palak started moving forward without replying to Mrs. Rajput. So Mrs. Rajput grabbed Palak’s hand again.
“What is it now? If you don’t want to have any relationship with me, then don’t. But I have a relationship with my daughter!!” Palak wanted to pull her hand away and run towards the road to find Muskaan.
“Please, calm down a little. If you gave birth to Muskaan, then I also gave birth to you. You can’t leave your daughter alone, so I can’t either. I raised you for 19 years, holding you close to my heart.
And remember one thing, Palak, relationships are not kept or made; rather, relationships are born on their own, some by blood, some by heart!!
And similarly, relationships cannot be completely broken, because to break blood relationships, one has to change their blood group! Which is not possible. And to break heart relationships, one has to break their own heart first. Which is absolutely not possible with one’s own hands, because in trying to do so, that person will die themselves.” Mrs. Rajput explained the deep matter in few words.
“Then why are you bent on breaking my relationship with my daughter?” Palak asked helplessly.
“Because because of her, our daughter has broken ties with us and left,” Mrs. Rajput said, looking around.
Her bodyguards were nearby. Understanding the gesture of their eyes, one of them came to her.
“Yes madam!”
“Find Muskaan baby. She must be in this area. She can’t have gone too far. Go, find Muskaan somehow and bring her to Palak’s house.” Mrs. Rajput ordered her bodyguard.
The bodyguard bowed his head, nodded in affirmation, and gave instructions to his fellow bodyguards. In no time, the bodyguards of the Rajput Group spread throughout the market, and the search for Muskaan began in full swing. Mrs. Rajput took Palak’s hand and said,
“Let’s go, Palak! Let’s go home now. Standing on the road like this is not right. If the media sees you, it will become an unnecessary headline. They will bring your daughter to you there.”
“I am not going anywhere from here without my daughter,” Palak said quickly.
“Don’t be stubborn, Palak! Even if I accept that I have no relation with Muskaan, I have one with you, right!! Just as Muskaan is precious to you, the smile on your face is also very precious to us. Your daughter will be found safe and sound.
You can trust your mother this much. Even though you didn’t take a second to break our trust.” Mrs. Rajput supported Palak, but at the same time, she felt it was necessary to point out where and what Palak’s mistake was. This time, Palak said nothing but walked towards her home with her steps.
Meanwhile, the bodyguards of the Rajput Group, while searching for Muskaan, reached inside an ice cream parlor. Where Muskaan had finished her ice cream, and Pranav was cleaning the ice cream from her face with his handkerchief. Muskaan was looking at him, smiling, her big dark eyes twinkling.
“Come on, good girl! Now tell me, what is your father’s name?” Pranav asked Muskaan.
“Father’s name?” Muskaan fell into thought.
“Yes! Father’s name! I must know your father’s name. Only then can I take you home,” Pranav said, looking at Muskaan’s face with interest.
“Muskaan doesn’t even know this!” Muskaan said, making a gesture of not knowing with both her hands stylishly.
Pranav laughed at this.
“How can it be that this little, tiny Muskaan knows everything in the world, but not her father’s name!!”
“I don’t know my father’s name because father doesn’t live with us!” Muskaan replied thoughtfully and innocently.
“Then who do you live with?” Pranav was getting interested in her words.
“I live with my mother!”
“Then tell me your mother’s name!” Pranav said.
“My mother’s name……” Before Muskaan could tell her mother’s name, the bodyguard came and said to Muskaan,
“Muskaan baby, you are here? Madam over there is worried looking for you.”
Seeing the bodyguard, Muskaan smiled.
“Nani Maa is looking for me?” Muskaan asked happily.
She recognized this man too, and this uniform!! Because whenever Mrs. Rajput came, this man was always with her.
“Yes!” As the bodyguard extended his arms to pick Muskaan up, Muskaan waved goodbye to Pranav and went into the bodyguard’s arms.
“See, Nani Maa is just angry, but she loves Muskaan very, very much!” Muskaan told Pranav.
“Sorry sir and thank you!” the bodyguard said, bowing his head.
“It’s okay!” Pranav said softly, kissing Muskaan’s head as she sat in the bodyguard’s lap. Pranav wanted to ask her about Muskaan, but at that moment, his phone rang. The phone showed ‘Dad Calling’.
Pranav paused to receive the call, and the bodyguard quickly took Muskaan away. But then Pranav’s gaze fell on Muskaan’s waving hand, which was raised to say goodbye to him. Smiling, Pranav also raised his hand to say goodbye, but then his gaze fell on Muskaan’s waving hand and then on his own hand. On his right hand, in the exact same spot, was a large birthmark, just like Pranav had.
“Oh God! Now how will I find out about this girl? And why does seeing this girl make me feel like someone close to me is going away?” As the distance between Muskaan and Pranav grew, so did Pranav’s restlessness, which had subsided a few moments ago.
In this state of restlessness, he didn’t even realize that his phone was ringing continuously in his hand, and two tears had rolled down from the corners of his eyes to his cheeks.
Some tears were like this, sir,
They flowed on their own and dried on their own,
Their feeling came only after they flowed.
As long as they were there,
There was life, with you, my dear!!
To be continued.....
Comment!
Archana Verma ✍️
We did not learn loyalty,
Yet loyalty did not come.
After finishing all her work for the night, as soon as Palak got into bed, she looked at Muskaan's face. Suddenly a thought struck her; what was right before her eyes could not be denied at any cost. Not a single action or feature of Muskaan matched Parikshit's. Whose image resided within Muskaan, she didn't know. She herself had felt this, and the guilt that gnawed at her from within!
But what was Muskaan's fault in all this? The mistake was Palak's.
But how?? And where??
Palak had never thought of anyone else besides Parikshit, and still didn't think of anyone else.
Palak sat by Muskaan's head and gently stroked her hair. What dream Muskaan was having in her sleep, she didn't know, but a faint smile graced her face. However, Palak's heart was heavy.
What if Muskaan were lost today? What would happen to Palak's life? Muskaan was the greatest support in her life. But what Mrs. Rajput had said earlier was not a small matter.
Palak had been thinking about her words ever since they left. Lost in their words, Palak hadn't even noticed what Muskaan was telling her in her lisp. The guard had only told her that she was sitting with someone and eating ice cream. And Muskaan, in her childish voice, was praising that uncle in many ways.
Well!! Muskaan had been found, and for Palak, this was the greatest relief, but still, why didn't her heart feel at ease?
Palak closed her eyes and tried to remember something. She couldn't recall anything.
"Sometimes life, running at a perfectly normal pace, suddenly gives such a jolt that it seems not difficult, but impossible to handle. This is life."
Palak thought to herself helplessly.
This was also the story of Palak's life. Her good, happy life had suddenly given her such a jolt that she stood at an unknown crossroads. She herself didn't know where. Now, she had finally gathered strength in her heart and mind to find her way, if not for herself, then for her daughter Muskaan! By then, Mrs. Rajput had arrived and left her once again at this stormy juncture.
They had raised the same question again, the question Palak wanted to avoid.
A question on Muskaan's existence!
A question on Palak's character!
Who was Muskaan's father after all? And when Palak was married to Parikshit, why wasn't Parikshit Muskaan's father?
Palak slowly began to stroke Muskaan's head and gradually drifted back into the past.
Her marriage to Parikshit was a grand affair, with the consent of her and her family. Parikshit, who had grown up abroad, was the son of an Indian businessman. Parikshit's family wanted a quick engagement and marriage!
Mr. Rajput had no objection to a quick engagement and marriage, but he said that this marriage depended on Palak's 'yes' or 'no'! He could not hand over his only daughter's hand to someone whom his daughter did not like! Until then, he had never given his daughter a toy without her consent, so how could he give her a life partner?
Although Palak was ready to bow to her father's decision, Mr. Rajput did not agree. And thus, Palak and Parikshit's first date was finalized under the supervision of their families.
For the first time, Palak and Parikshit met before the wedding. At first sight, Palak quite liked Parikshit. Parikshit, with his simple features, was a tall, well-built man who did not deserve a girl like Palak. Because Palak was much more beautiful compared to Parikshit, but what Palak liked about him was—
His behavior!
Seeing the lively Parikshit, there was no question of saying no. Parikshit and his parents shopped for everything, from the wedding to clothes and jewelry, according to Palak's wishes. Parikshit's family welcomed Palak with open arms, celebrating her arrival into their home every day. Parikshit was no exception. Even before sleeping at night, he would send goodnight messages, and before Palak woke up in the morning, a bouquet of her favorite beautiful tulips with a good morning note would be found in her room.
Palak felt like she was flying on air, and when Parikshit asked her about the honeymoon destination, Palak blushed.
"What should I say? You decide."
"Look Palak!! Although I have lived abroad from the beginning and we will go back there after some time, people here say that our country is very beautiful. So, let's select a place in India for our first honeymoon, and after that, when we go abroad from here, I will take you wherever you say. But this time, let's plan to travel somewhere in India," Parikshit asked for her permission as if making a request.
What more could Palak want? Her life partner was asking for permission before taking the first step on their life's first journey. She immediately agreed, and the day after the wedding, they left for Manali.
Manali!!
But what happened on the way to Manali?? Palak strained her mind to remember. Then, she suddenly remembered that Parikshit had not come to the room the entire night on the wedding night.
Why??
Since Parikshit had married by choice, where was he that first wedding night, leaving his bride?
To be continued....
Where was Parikshit, the night after his wedding, on his wedding night, after he had married by choice?
Palak, dressed as a bride, had fallen asleep waiting for him. When Parikshit came into the room in the morning, she gave him an angry look. Parikshit smiled at that.
"Sorry dear, friends kept me with them last night! And after that..." Parikshit pressed his tongue under his teeth and closed his eyes.
"Meaning??" Palak couldn't understand.
"Oh man!! The party was going on last night, and after that, I got unconscious myself. I never drink!! But I got married yesterday, and I had come to India after such a long time. There were childhood friends. The friends just started insisting. Due to the pressure of friends, I had a quarter pack, but I couldn't handle it, and in such a state, I felt uncomfortable coming to you. I thought, what would you think!!"
"But you could have come and slept here. You didn't come the whole night. You don't know! I was so scared because you didn't come!!"
Palak felt very bad. Then Parikshit apologized to Palak, holding his ears.
"I am sorry Palak! You had to wait because of me. But I promise this won't happen after today."
Palak looked at him with her wide eyes. Seeing her, Parikshit placed his hand on his heart and lay down on the bed.
Palak, who had decided all night not to talk to him, got flustered seeing Parikshit fall on the bed like that. She felt that the story of yesterday's drink had indeed affected Parikshit.
"What happened to you?" Palak asked softly, placing her hand on his head. In response, Parikshit pulled her hand towards him. There was a mischievous smile on his face.
"Oh man!! You get scared so quickly? Now you should be used to getting such shocks." Parikshit said, moving the hair from Palak's face.
"Meaning?" Palak asked cluelessly.
"It means that when a man has such a beautiful wife, he'll get a heart attack seeing her! I'm just feeling the first shock." Parikshit said with a smile.
Seeing Parikshit's passion, Palak turned her face away in shame, but Parikshit felt that Palak was angry. He immediately tightened his grip on Palak and said in a coaxing tone,
"Look Palak, I know I made a mistake. I am sorry!! I am apologizing to you. I won't give you a chance to complain in Manali. There, it will be just you and me. There will be no scope for a third person to come between us. But listen to me first."
Parikshit was speaking, and Palak, hiding her face, was trying to control her emotions.
It was out of the question to be angry with this man. Who, as soon as he came in front of her, took control of all her emotions. Palak was lost in Parikshit's charm.
"You know that from the beginning, I studied in boarding, and then Dad sent me abroad. I had very few chances to come to India, but yesterday I got married, my cousins were there, and some friends who have become acquaintances. Last night, they sat me with them. And one more thing....." Parikshit said, winking one eye.
Palak slowly turned her face towards Parikshit and looked at him.
"How many times will you give the same explanation?"
"I am not giving an explanation, I am just telling the truth. Anyway, someone told me that where there is love, truth prevails, not explanations." Parikshit said, looking at Palak.
Palak had said this to Parikshit on their first meeting, that is, their first date.
"Look, don't be angry! It's just that yesterday they had a party, and you know I'm not suited for such parties. I mean, how would you know? I'm telling you!" Parikshit said the last line in such a way that a slight smile appeared on Palak's lips.
Seeing which, Parikshit's face fell.
"So, are you making fun of me?"
Palak shook her head no innocently.
"Make fun of me, make fun of me!! Make fun of me as much as you want. Yesterday, my friends were also making fun that he can't even handle one glass. That's it, I also didn't think much!! I downed two glasses instead of one, and after that, my condition was indescribable!!" Parikshit was saying everything in such a way that Palak was getting interested in his words. Anyway, when this man spoke, Palak couldn't do anything but listen to him.
"But even then, I was thinking of you, and I didn't have the courage to come here!" Parikshit said, holding Palak's hands.
"Please forgive me!"
"I am not angry with you. But from now on, promise me that if anything like this happens, you will call or message me." Palak said, opening Parikshit's tied hands.
How could she be angry with someone like him? Who, after drinking, didn't even have the courage to come in front of his wife! But then!!
Then what happened that everything changed?
Palak herself couldn't understand anything.
"I don't know anything, Palak!! I am still ready to accept you. Knowing that you have shattered my trust. Because both of us need truth, not explanations!!
Now you think about what you want? My companionship or this child??"
Were these Parikshit's words or molten hot glass!!
Which reached Palak's ears. Palak became completely flustered.
Just then, Muskan suddenly turned and placed her hand on Palak's stomach. Palak glanced at Muskan's face and gently stroked her head and kissed it.
"I had nothing to say in my defense yesterday, Parikshit!! And I still don't.
But yes!! This is the biggest truth of life, which I cannot turn away from. A wife can be unfaithful, but a mother cannot, and it is the biggest truth that whether Muskan is yours or not, she is my daughter."
The destinations were also theirs, the path was also theirs,
We were alone, the caravan was also theirs,
The thought of walking together was also theirs,
Then the decision to change the path was also theirs,
Why are we alone today, the heart asks this question,
The people were theirs,
But was God also theirs?
To be continued....
After Muskan left, Pranav felt very restless. He had left the office early today, but he didn't feel like going home at all. He was driving his car aimlessly on the road. Moments from the Mussoorie trip were flashing before his eyes. After completing his MBA, he had come to India from London. Along with him were his four friends, who belonged to different countries. Mr. Singh wanted to launch him in a big way, but meanwhile, some of his foreign friends had planned a trip to India.
One of his foreigner friends had a chain of five-star hotels in India as well. A new hotel of this chain had opened in Mussoorie. It hadn't been long since the hotel opened, but it was being talked about a lot. Tourists were liking the hotel very much. He had some official work at his hotel. Using this as an excuse, he had planned to take all his friends there. It was the tourist season.
At such a time, getting a booking at the hotel was impossible, but since the hotel owner was with them, these people were getting a good chance to visit, roam around, and have fun even during the season. Pranav didn't feel like going, but his friends wouldn't leave him alone. After university life, these were the only few days they had free. After this, everyone had to get engrossed in their own businesses. Therefore, Pranav also took permission from his dad for a few days and joined his friends.
The first two to three days passed in great fun. Pranav's friend Lee Martin provided his friends with all the facilities of his hotel. But the night before the morning they were supposed to return, the revelry that took place shut down the chapter of fun in Pranav's life forever.
"I have to admit, man!! Mussoorie city is beautiful in itself, but your hotel is even more beautiful, and your hospitality is the most beautiful."
Zihan, who was from Saudi Arabia, said, praising Lee Martin.
"So, should I understand that you will call me to Saudi Arabia soon to open the next hotel?"
Lee Martin said with a smile.
"Absolutely! Just let me join the business. I would like to collaborate with you and strengthen myself further,"
Zihan said.
Both of them were in the hotel business.
"Okay! Give me the construction work!"
Mac said, raising his glass.
"We will take care of you too."
Zihan and Martin smiled.
Pranav was listening to them and slowly emptying his glass.
"And you, Pranav! You take care of both of us."
Martin and Zihan said, coming and sitting next to Pranav.
"How is that?"
Pranav felt like laughing. They had come for a holiday and were talking about business.
"Man, you have such a great business in the fashion industry. Your company organizes big fashion shows at home and abroad. Cast a glance towards our hotel sometime. Our hotel will become even more famous. Right, Zihan?"
Martin asked.
"Yes, man! Your company was the biggest sponsor of the fashion week that happened in Saudi Arabia last time, and I myself heard from my Baba Jaani that our hotel was not selected. They regretted it a lot. But I didn't know it was your dad, otherwise, I wouldn't have let this opportunity slip away!"
Zihan explained.
"Don't worry! Neither of you will miss any opportunity. First, let me join the business. Let me see, understand, and only then can I make any decision."
Pranav said casually.
"Absolutely!! I brought you here just to show and explain to you."
"Meaning??"
Pranav didn't understand.
But his other three friends smiled at his words. The fourth, who was Lee Martin's elder brother Sam Martin, was not present at the time.
"Tonight I have made such arrangements for you all that will make your lives even more colorful. Just enjoy, Lee."
Martin said, clinking his glass with his friends in a toast.
"What arrangements have you made?"
Pranav asked.
"You'll find out when you go into your suite. Sam has gone to make proper arrangements for it."
Mac said, winking one eye.
Pranav shrugged off Mac's words casually. He had no idea that the night wouldn't be colorful, but rather the colorfulness of this one night would shroud his coming many nights in darkness. In such darkness of regret!! From which it wasn't difficult, but rather impossible for Pranav to get out until today.
Pranav never wanted to remember that night. Even now, just the memory of that night made him restless. He punched his steering wheel furiously.
"Haaa!! It's all my fault! I knew how despicable my friends were, but still, I listened to them."
Pranav held his head and pulled his car to the side and sat in that position for who knows how long.
"Don't listen to your heart, it will make you a beggar,
Those who sit sadly, were once kings..."
Around 10:00 PM, when he felt hungry, he finally paid attention to the time and realized he had been sitting in this position for 2 hours. He was about to drive his car to a restaurant when his phone, which was in his pocket, started ringing. It showed "Dadi Maa Calling". There was no question of ignoring their call. Reluctantly, Pranav picked up the phone and put it to his ear.
To be continued.....
Around 10:00 PM, hunger struck, and he realized the time. He had been sitting in the same position for two hours. Just as he was about to drive his car to a restaurant, his parked phone began to ring.
"Grandma" was displayed on the screen. Listlessly, Pranav picked up the phone and held it to his ear.
"Hello!!"
"Where are you?" Pranav's grandmother, Mohini Ji, asked as soon as he answered.
"Nowhere, Grandma, I'm just out for a bit! I'll be home in ten minutes!" Pranav replied.
"There's no need. If you're out, stay out, because your father is in a furious mood inside the house. Anyone who comes before him will be roasted like a tandoor." Grandma revealed the secret.
"His mood is always furious, after all, he's a hangman! But why is he so worked up today without even seeing a red cloth? Because the one who makes him angry is quite far from home at the moment." Pranav asked in the same vein.
"What else can the poor man do? He's starting to understand at this age that children are disobedient. In my youth, I enjoyed being disobedient, and now seeing him yell like this, I swear by Kanha Ji, I enjoy it immensely." Grandma said, chuckling softly, but it was clear she was trying to suppress a full laugh.
"You're something else, Grandma! You're a complete single piece!!" Pranav laughed.
"Is this something you just found out today? Your grandfather knew it fifty years ago!" Mohini Ji said proudly. Her husband, Rajiv Ji, sitting nearby, looked at her and smiled.
"It's a matter of preference. I've always preferred single pieces."
"That's true! That's why your son is also the eighth wonder of the world, unique in his name." Mohini Ji shook her head.
Pranav could hear the entire conversation from the other end of the phone. A faint smile played on his lips, but the restlessness in his heart made him rub his temples.
"So now his child has become disobedient? Is the food and water at Singh Mansion not agreeing with him? Whose time has come to leave with their belongings?" Pranav inquired.
"Oh, it's him, who else, wandering around until nine at night? I heard he had a date arranged with a girl, but he abandoned her halfway and sped off in his car." Grandma said, adjusting a pillow on her bed.
"Oh ho!! That's very bad. What are their plans now?"
"What plans? When one is angry, where does the capacity to think and understand remain? Just a dragon chewing embers and spitting fire! He's waiting for him in the drawing-room downstairs in his full glory."
"Then fine, let him wait! I'm not coming home tonight." Pranav said.
"Oh no, no, my dear! Don't do anything so drastic. If you do something so drastic, this old grandmother won't be able to sleep tonight." Grandma said, looking towards Grandpa.
"So you want me to be martyred in his anger today?"
"Oh no, no, God forbid! I've thought of a solution for you. That's why I called." Grandma was still speaking when Rajiv Ji took the phone from her hands.
"I've opened the door to your room's balcony. Park the car against the back wall and jump over to this side from the roof. It's straight from the balcony. No need to climb with pipes doing stunts at night. Come into the room quietly, because your room has a master lock from the outside." Rajiv Ji said.
"And this master lock!!!" Pranav asked.
"It's a favor from the deeds of you and your father." Rajiv Ji replied.
"Then let them keep the master lock! I'm not coming home today." Pranav said with a sulk.
Rajiv Ji and Mohini Ji kept calling out, "Hey, listen! Listen!" but Pranav hung up the phone and turned his car towards his flat.
He had rented this three-room flat in an apartment, where he occasionally stayed. Upon arriving here, he quietly made himself some Maggi, ate it, and lay down on the bed.
"Get married, get married. It's as if marriage is the cure for all life's troubles. Why doesn't anyone try to understand me? Until I find out the truth of that night, I'm not getting married. I need to know what exactly happened to her that night?"
He tossed and turned for a while, but the restlessness in his heart was so intense that sleep wouldn't come.
Finally, he went out to the balcony and lit a cigarette. Just then, his phone, which was in his pocket, started ringing. Listlessly, Pranav took out his phone. He was about to cut the call when his gaze suddenly fell on the screen.
"Lee Martin Calling!!"
Pranav's sinking eyes lit up as they found a shore.
"How could I forget this? Everything happened in their hotel."
But the next moment, his face fell, because every time he had spoken to Lee about this, Lee had feigned ignorance. According to him, these were escort girls.
"If you won't tell me the straight way, then I'll have to bend the finger a bit." A sharp smile spread across Pranav's lips.
He picked up the phone, held it to his ear, and without waiting for Lee to speak, said,
"Meet me at the meeting tomorrow. I'm ready for your proposal!" Pranav said.
To be continued.....
Early in the morning at Palak's house, the Aarti of Lord Shri Krishna was resonating. Both mother and daughter were performing the Aarti of Kanhaji together. After the Aarti, Palak placed the Prasad in Muskan's hand, and Muskan immediately touched Palak's feet. Seeing this act, Palak's eyes welled up. She lifted Muskan into her lap and gently brushed aside the hair on her face, kissing her head.
"Mother says that good values come from blood, so why are my Muskan's values so good?" The night had passed, but the conversations from last night were still lingering in her mind. This was the journey of life, which continued day and night, and everyone had to move forward with it.
She was about to delve deeper into her thoughts when Muskan took a raisin from her Prasad and offered it to Palak.
"Momma, you have some too."
Palak smiled and ate the Prasad from Muskan's hands.
"Now, you sit quietly right here. I'll bring your breakfast. After breakfast, you need to get ready, you have to go to school, and after dropping you off at school, I'll go to my office too." Palak was planning her day ahead while explaining to Muskan.
"But Momma!! Is it really necessary to go to school every day?" Muskan asked thoughtfully. Hearing Muskan's question, a smile crept onto Palak's lips. Last night, Palak had asked,
"Is it necessary to eat ice cream every day??" Today, the opposite question was posed to Palak.
"It's absolutely necessary. If you don't go to school every day, you'll miss out on the daily lessons. Then, you'll have to work harder the next day." Palak quickly went to the kitchen to make parathas, making sure Muskan was seated on the chair.
"Yes! That's true. We get homework every day." Muskan pouted.
"But where do we go to school every day that we get homework every day?" Palak came to Muskan with a plate of parathas.
"How?"
"What I mean is that you have two days off in a week: Saturday and Sunday. Everyone else has to go even on Saturdays, yet they only get one day off on Sunday." Palak said as she sat on the chair opposite Muskan.
"Okay, Momma! Tell me one thing. Did Kanhaji study? Did he also have to go to school to study?" Muskan's next question was ready.
Palak nodded with a smile and took out a paratha for her.
"Then send me to the same school. I'll study in that school. Not this one!" Muskan said quickly.
"Think about it, Muskan! If I send you to their school, then all this fun on Saturdays and Sundays will disappear." A meaningful smile played on Palak's lips.
"How's that?" Muskan didn't understand.
"Because Kanhaji used to study in a Gurukul, like today's boarding schools!! And if I put you in a boarding school, then you won't even find Mom there. Now the decision is yours. Do you want to stay with Mom and study in this school, or go to a boarding school?"
"No, no, I'm fine here. At least I get to see Mom after coming home from school." Muskan said quickly.
"Then, like a good child, go to school every day. Study diligently at school and do your homework when you get home. Otherwise, I won't hesitate for a second to send you to boarding school." Palak had also packed Muskan's tiffin.
"Yes! I'll study. Don't send me to boarding school, Momma!" Muskan said, wrapping her small arms around Palak.
Palak smiled.
"If I send you to boarding school, will I be alone? Never, my child! You are the only one I have to lean on. Everyone else has turned their backs on me." Palak thought to herself, but didn't say it to Muskan. The fear of being away from her mother for studies was enough.
"This Sunday, we'll go out again." Palak said, placing her hand on Muskan's head.
Muskan was delighted.
After this, Palak took Muskan with her on her scooter towards her school. First, she dropped Muskan at her school and then headed towards her office.
When Palak reached her office today, everything was perfectly quiet. All the employees were already engrossed in their work as soon as they arrived at their desks.
"Why does it feel like I'm late? Am I late for my job on the very first day?" Palak looked at the watch on her wrist and then checked her cell phone. She also glanced at the wall clock in front; all three times were the same.
It was still five minutes to 10:00 AM, but looking at the office atmosphere, it seemed like work had already begun.
"Maybe work starts before 10:00 AM here! I'll confirm today!" Palak shrugged her shoulders.
As she was walking towards her desk, she suddenly encountered Mr. Malik on the way.
"Thank you, Miss Palak! You've arrived five minutes early today. I was waiting for you."
"Yes, please! Come with me." Mr. Malik gestured for her to follow him.
Palak felt something unusual, but she gathered her bag and followed Mr. Malik.
Mr. Malik took her with him and entered the elevator. The elevator stopped directly on the fourth floor.
"You know that you applied for the accountant position, but since the accountant position was already filled, you have been appointed to the secretary position?" Mr. Malik asked.
Now Palak started looking around. In her joy of getting the job, she hadn't even looked at the appointment letter, and yesterday, when they were explaining her work-related tasks, she had assumed that perhaps the workload for the accountant position was high!
But the notorious job of a secretary!!
For a moment, Palak's face fell.
To be continued.....
Rajput House
Delhi
"Did you go to meet Palak yesterday?" Abhinav Singh Rajput asked his wife, Supriya Ji, during breakfast.
Supriya Ji lowered her head as if caught red-handed.
Only the two of them were at the breakfast table. The elder son, Abhilash, had already left for the office, and the younger son, Abhimanyu, was in another city.
"Why are you lowering your head like that? I never told you not to meet Palak. Keep meeting Palak. If possible, help her a little, and keep persuading her to come home," Abhinav Singh said, placing a hand on Supriya Ji's shoulder.
"What do you think? Is all this so easy? She is exactly like you, stubborn to the core. Once she decides something, she won't rest until she achieves it," Supriya Ji said.
"But I don't agree to anything wrong," Abhinav Ji replied.
"What is wrong? What is right? Who will decide? You are right in your place. She is right in her place. If you cannot let go of your daughter, then she cannot let go of her daughter either," Supriya Ji repeated Palak's words.
"I understand her problem, Supriya Ji! But you also try to make her understand that she cannot become a part of Parikshit with Muskaan!! And if a married daughter is not a part of her family, then she is never a part of society," Abhinav Ji paused his breakfast, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.
"Whether she becomes a part of society or not! You have refused to consider her a part of your family," Supriya Ji seemed quite upset with Abhinav Ji.
"Do you think I can refuse to consider my own daughter a part of my family?" Abhinav Ji asked, looking at Supriya Ji.
Supriya Ji fell silent.
"Oh, she is not just my family, but a part of me. How can I explain this to you and to my daughter? But what she is doing is wrong," Abhinav Ji seemed caught in some dilemma.
"Everything ends here, with who is wrong? Neither you are wrong in your place, nor is your daughter wrong in her place, and Parikshit is not even in the picture in this matter! So how can he be wrong?" Supriya Ji said, getting up from the table. As she was about to go back to her room, Abhinav Ji held her hand.
"What did you say? Say it again."
Supriya Ji let out a deep sigh and sat back down in her chair.
"Try to understand from my perspective. When Palak and Parikshit went on their honeymoon alone, with no third person, then where did this third person come from? Don't you trust your daughter?"
"It's not about my trust or yours, Supriya Ji." Before Abhinav Ji could finish, Supriya Ji interrupted him.
"Then whose trust is it? Parikshit's!! It was on Parikshit's trust that we sent our daughter with him! And when Parikshit himself failed in that, what is our Palak's fault? And on top of that, Parikshit's condition!! The world adopts children they meet on the street. Those who don't have children adopt from orphanages, so how is his ego hurt in adopting Muskaan??" Supriya Ji's list of questions continued.
Abhinav Ji listened silently.
"I don't know why, but I feel we have misunderstood the entire matter," Supriya Ji said.
"Yes, that's possible. Parikshit called," Abhinav Ji said, understanding Supriya Ji's point, and revealed something new.
"What was he saying?" Supriya Ji asked.
"He is coming to the world-class fashion exhibition happening in Manali. I will talk to him. If he is not willing to adopt Muskaan, then we will have to find another way. I cannot leave my daughter to stumble like this. And one thing I am understanding is that I know my daughter is just like me, and if my daughter were wrong, she wouldn't be so steadfast in her decision by now. It's not just about Parikshit and Palak's relationship. Because of this, my entire home is falling apart, and I will not let that happen while I am alive. You can rest assured. This time, I will investigate from your and Palak's perspective. If nothing else, at least the truth will be revealed!!" Abhinav Ji said, making a firm decision in his mind.
From his side, he had made every possible effort to convince Palak to admit her mistake, but Palak was unwilling to admit her mistake. Secondly, their younger son! He himself stood against the decision of throwing Palak out of the house. Now even he was regretting his decision. Because of this, he was being forced to look at things from a different angle.
"By the way, tell me, how is our Muskaan?" Abhinav Ji asked, looking at Supriya Ji.
Supriya Ji turned her face away, showing her displeasure.
"Oh, do tell me. Even if she is not Parikshit's daughter, she is our Palak's daughter, isn't she?"
In response, Supriya Ji opened her phone and handed it to him, displaying several pictures of a smiling, happy Muskaan, which she had probably taken while she was playing in the park.
To be continued....
"Did you know you had applied for the Accountant position, but the Accountant post was already filled? That's why you have been appointed to the Secretary's post?" Mr. Malik asked.
Now Palak started looking around. In her happiness of getting the job, she hadn't even seen the appointment letter. Yesterday when she was told about her work, she thought that perhaps there would be more accountant work here!
But now hearing Mr. Malik's words, she was thinking differently. Palak was not unaware of how infamous the job of a secretary was in the corporate sector. What to do? What not to do? Palak felt like she was swaying on a swing. In her appointment letter, she had only seen the salary. The salary was good, double her previous job.
One, she was not getting a job in such a big city. Secondly, she got a job here without any recommendation, and that too with such a good salary!! So, there was no question of saying no. The only issue was that the post was of a secretary. Palak took a few moments to think and then said,
"Yes sir!"
"Okay! What was explained to you yesterday, you have to do that work from today." Mr. Malik took Palak with him into his cabin.
"Our sir has never appointed a secretary before today. Before you came to this position, I used to do all his work, but now you will have to. I have already prepared his schedule to help you. You take a look at it and then inform sir.
Sir likes black coffee. He doesn't like milk! Besides that, he likes all his things in their proper place, but you also have to keep in mind that he doesn't keep anything in its proper place. He keeps everything scattered around. They have to be organized, otherwise, they also shout," Mr. Malik was explaining one by one about the company owner.
After explaining everything, he asked Palak, "Did you understand everything I said?"
"I have understood a lot, but if there is any confusion in between, I will ask you," Palak said quite normally, but the innocence with which she nodded her head brought a smile to Mr. Malik's lips. Mr. Malik was a 50-year-old experienced person. He did not understand Palak's appointment to this post, but he was compelled by the boss's order. But now, seeing Palak, he was quite lost in thought.
"You are still a child, Miss Palak! Who knows why she has come into this world?" Mr. Malik said with complete truthfulness.
Palak smiled sadly. What could she tell them that she had not only come into this world but had also seen the bitter truth of this world?
"Let's go! Your work starts from today. Here, take today's schedule! Sir has come to his cabin. You go and meet him. Our sir is very good by nature and his character is absolutely clean. So don't worry too much. He will be cooperative for you. Just avoid his anger. In anger, he sees nothing," Mr. Malik said, handing the paper to Palak. Palak took the schedule paper and started reading it carefully.
"And yes! This is your special notebook," Mr. Malik said, taking out a tablet and pen from his cabinet and placing them on the table.
"You can note down all of sir's important work and all the notes he gives in this. It will only contain office-related things and office-related articles, which I have already done. Once you look at it in your free time, you will get a lot of ideas.
Sir's cabin is on the fifth floor. There is no direct lift from the fourth floor or any floor to the fifth floor. You will have to use the stairs to go from here to there. There is a special lift that only sir uses, and until you get permission, you cannot use it. Because sir does not like to share his personal things with anyone. Your cabin is next to sir's and your nameplate will be on your cabin door," Mr. Malik said.
Palak took both items in her hands.
"Thank you, sir!" Palak smiled softly.
"All the best, Miss Palak Singh Rajput!" Mr. Malik said.
Palak slowly left his cabin, and as she went, she gently closed the cabin door.
"Oh God! Such an innocent girl, and her duty is with Dracula. Let's just somehow manage that he doesn't yell at this innocent girl!!" Mr. Malik settled back into his chair, sending Palak off with his prayers. Little did he know that even Pranab's voice couldn't compete with Palak.
Pranav had stayed at his flat last night and had come to the office by 8:00 AM. It was because of his early arrival at the office that work had started here so quickly. Palak arrived on the fifth floor and started looking at the long corridor. Where to go? She couldn't understand. Cabins were built on both sides, but all the cabin doors were closed. So, reading the nameplates on everyone's doors, she reached her cabin.
Meanwhile, Pranab's eyes were fixed on the CCTV camera, the live broadcast of which was running on his PC. His gaze was on Palak's every move. With every step Palak took, his heart beat faster.
There's an earthquake in the lanes of the heart,
Perhaps your feelings have passed through here..
Now, it remains to be seen, my beloved!
How many feelings are left with you, my dear!!
To be continued....
Arriving at her cabin, Palak took out a small idol of Kanha Ji from her purse and placed it on the table. She joined her hands and bowed to them.
"Trusting you, I have accepted this job too, because no work is small or big. The rest is your will!"
Taking Pranav's schedule and tablet, Palak walked towards his cabin. Standing at the door, she took a deep breath.
"Come on Palak! Your work starts today. Every day is a new job and a new test!"
Meanwhile, Pranav's eyes were fixed on the CCTV camera. The live broadcast from the camera was playing on his PC. His gaze was on Palak's every move. With every step Palak took forward, his heartbeat increased. As soon as he heard the knock on the door, keeping his eyes on the PC, he said softly,
"Come in!!"
Palak slowly entered the room and closed the door just as slowly. But the automatic door locked itself. Palak turned back for a moment and shivered with a jolt.
Pranav, whose eyes were still on his PC, saw Palak trembling like that.
"What is true, what is false! Why can't I understand anything? You are present at the place you shouldn't be, all the time, and your actions show that you are uncomfortable in this place. So why have you come to such a place?" The CCTV footage was playing on his PC, showing Palak's face clearly. Staring at Palak's face, Pranav was thinking to himself.
Slowly, Palak walked towards him.
"Good morning, Sir!"
Pranav nodded slightly and, lifting his head from the PC, fixed his gaze on Palak's face. Her face was expressionless, and her eyes were looking into Palak's eyes; as if wanting to descend from her eyes and know the state of her heart.
Pranav fully expected Palak to be surprised to see him here and ask him something. But Palak was not surprised at all. For a second, no expression appeared on her face as if she had never seen Pranav before or recognized him! Simply looking at him like that, Palak became nervous.
"Myself, Palak Singh Rajput. Your Personal Secretary." Palak said softly, taking out her appointment letter from her file and placing it in front of Pranav. Pranav nodded slightly.
He didn't deem it necessary to glance at Palak's appointment letter. His eyes were still fixed on Palak's face, and Palak was getting nervous by his gaze.
"Sir, this is your schedule for today." Palak was giving him the details of his meetings and work one by one, and Pranav was listening to her absently.
"That night when you came into my room, all I knew was that you were an escort girl!"
"And today when you are standing in front of me as my personal secretary!
Why don't I see that confidence in you which is required for both professions? Why do I feel that you have been pushed into both places by force, or is the innocence of your face hiding the darkness of your heart?" Pranav's heart was questioning, looking at Palak's innocent face.
"Sir!" Palak interrupted, seeing Pranav not listening.
"I am listening, please speak," Pranav said.
Palak reminded him of everything once again and placed the schedule on his table, weighing it down with a paperweight. Pranav silently watched her every move, and Palak stood there silently with her hands folded, awaiting his next order.
"For the last 4 years, I have been waiting for this moment when you would come in front of me and I could ask you about the reality of your journey to coming so close to me? And today when you are so close to me, why does my heart want to avoid that reality and just live this reality where you are near me!
Why don't I want the shadow of that night to ruin this bright day of mine? While I have spent so many dark nights just waiting for this bright day when you would come in front of me and I would get my answers!!" The restlessness inside Pranav's heart was at its peak.
"This is the supermodel's file. It has pictures of some new dresses and portfolios of some models! Arrange this. It is important for today's meeting." Pranav said, taking out a file and placing it in front of Palak. He had intentionally taken out the Martin Group file, and the name Martin Group was also written in large letters on top of the file; but Palak took the file from his hands quite normally and started to leave.
For ages, we were waiting for them,
They came and then they left,
What all we had to say to them,
But we just stood there gazing at them!!
"I did not tell you to leave, Miss Palak! You can sit here on the sofa and do your work," Pranav said.
Palak nodded slowly in agreement and walked towards the sofa with the file. She opened the file and started arranging it according to her understanding. Pranav watched Palak work intently.
Pranav's heart began to feel restless. He wanted answers to his questions, but here Palak herself stood before him as a question. Now he couldn't stop himself. He pushed his chair back, got up from his place, and, taking long breaths, stood in front of Palak.
To be continued...
Pranav's heart began to feel restless. He wanted answers to his questions, but here Palak herself stood before him as a question. Now Pranav couldn't wait any longer. He pushed his chair back, got up from his seat, and strode with long strides to stand before Palak.
Palak, engrossed in her work, looked up when she saw Pranav standing in front of her. She jumped up abruptly, dropping her papers and pen.
But her legs were trembling. She wanted to ask Pranav, "Sir, is there any problem?" but her voice died in her throat. Just then, there was a knock on the door.
Palak's gaze turned towards the door. Meanwhile, a displeasure appeared on Pranav's face. No one came into his cabin without being called, so who was at the door?
"Yes, come in!" Pranav said.
The door opened with a jerk, and Mr. Pratham Singh stood there. Seeing him, the frown on Pranav's forehead deepened.
"Dad, you here?" Pranav asked, stuffing both his hands into his pant pockets. Mr. Pratham Singh smiled thinly.
"When a son gets so busy with work that he doesn't have two minutes to come home, then a father has to come to the office!"
Pranav started looking around. He understood why Mr. Singh might be here? But he wanted to avoid such conversations in front of Palak for now. Meanwhile, Mr. Singh's gaze remained fixed on him. He hadn't seen Palak yet because Palak was completely hidden behind Pranav's large frame.
"I need to talk to you about something important. Can we sit and talk?" Mr. Singh's expression changed immediately.
"You wouldn't come here without something important to say. Tell me, what do you have to say?" Pranav also said with a completely cold expression.
Ignoring his rudeness, Mr. Pratham Singh gestured for him to walk to his chair.
As Pranav moved away, Mr. Singh's gaze fell on Palak.
"You here?" Mr. Singh recognized Palak immediately, and Palak joined her hands in front of him.
"Be well, child. How are you?"
"I am fine!" Palak said softly.
Mr. Singh, with his eyes, wanted to know the reason for Palak's presence from Pranav, but ignoring it, Pranav moved towards his chair.
"You do your work, Miss Palak!" Pranav told her to sit and continue her work as he was leaving. Palak quietly sat back in her place.
"No, tell them to leave. I need to talk to you about something important."
"Whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of them," Pranav said flatly, fixing his gaze on his PC.
Mr. Singh understood that he wouldn't be able to influence Pranav any further, so he began.
"I am proud that you have fulfilled my every expectation, for which I entrusted you with the reins of Singh Fashion. You have carved out a distinct niche for yourself in the fashion industry. Besides, your desire to enter the hotel business is also correct!
But the meeting happening today is regarding a world-class fashion show. I think you will have a dual responsibility in this matter because this time we are not just organizing a fashion show, but we also have to manage the hotel.
"What do you want to say? Say it clearly! I understand my work," Pranav said, closing his laptop.
"I want to help you in this regard," Mr. Singh said.
"How?"
"You have just stepped into the hotel business, and it requires a lot of attention. In such a situation, I want you to focus on your work and leave the fashion department to your secretary," Mr. Singh said.
"I understand that too," Pranav made a face.
"So, if you understand, then why haven't you appointed a secretary yet?" Mr. Singh asked. In response, Pranav let out a deep sigh.
"Anyway, leave it! Mr. Malik can't handle this. I have appointed a new secretary for you. Meet her! She has a good six years of experience in the fashion industry. She can help you with show organization. Miss Paridhi, please come!!" Mr. Singh called out.
Just then, a twenty-four-year-old girl, wearing pencil-heeled sandals and a black one-piece short dress, stood at the door. Seeing her, Pranav's eyes narrowed.
This was the same supermodel whom Mr. Singh had chosen for a date with Pranav yesterday.
"Did I tell you that I need a secretary?" Pranav asked Mr. Singh. Mr. Singh shook his head in denial.
"Then take them back home, I don't need them," Pranav said, ending the conversation flatly.
"Pranav, try to understand. In the fashion industry, not only hard work but also presentation matters, and Miss Paridhi's presentation is always good. You will get a lot of help from her," Mr. Singh was trying to explain to Pranav. Just then, Paridhi entered the cabin, her high-heeled sandals clicking. She glanced at Palak, who was working on the sofa, engrossed in her work as if she wasn't even there.
But Paridhi smirked scornfully at her dress sense. Palak was wearing a white chicken kurta and jeans at this time. Even in this attire, Palak looked perfectly decent, but Paridhi's eyes were fixed on her as if she were mocking Palak. Her smile ignited Pranav's fury.
To be continued....
Pranav looked at Paridhi intently. His gaze was fixed on Palak.
"So, her name is Paridhi!" Pranav thought to himself. This was the same girl whom Mr. Pratham Singh had arranged a date with for Pranav yesterday. Recalling Paridhi's behavior and smile from yesterday, Pranav's eyes narrowed. And then, seeing the way she was looking at Palak with a cunning smile, it was as if his body was set ablaze.
"Sorry Dad! I don't like your choice at all," Pranav said.
"Why?" Mr. Pratham Singh was surprised.
"Because I already have a perfect secretary who has knowledge of fashion shows as well as construction. Moreover, she knows how to behave with others. But looking at Miss Paridhi, it seems her general knowledge is also lacking. It would be better if Miss Paridhi improved her general knowledge and focused on this fashion show event. Otherwise, when brakes are suddenly applied to a speeding car, there is not only sound but also the risk of an explosion."
After saying the first paragraph to his father, he said the second paragraph looking at Paridhi's face. What had he said? He had outright insulted her, and at the same time, he had warned her that if Paridhi did not improve her behavior, Pranav would not hesitate for a moment to end her career.
Hearing this direct insult, Paridhi became irritated. A supermodel, who was accustomed to hearing praise day and night! She couldn't tolerate so much. Anyway, she had not forgotten the insult from yesterday evening. Another wound had been added to the existing one. Just as Paridhi was about to say something, Mr. Singh stopped her with a raised hand.
"May I know who your perfect secretary is?" Mr. Singh asked.
Pranav pointed towards Palak with his hand.
"Miss Palak Singh Rajput!"
Hearing her name, Palak slowly raised her face. Mr. Singh was looking at her. Seeing Palak, a sense of satisfaction washed over him. He blinked his eyes. Palak smiled slightly.
"It's nothing, son! You do your work," Mr. Singh said.
"As always, your decision has surprised me this time too. You are absolutely right. We cannot take a risk with such a big event. Even if Paridhi has more knowledge about participating in fashion events, Palak has more experience in organizing these events, and even more so in the field of construction. I already know Palak very well. Her decisions are wonderful. Come on, it's okay! You oversee today's meeting. We'll talk about further matters after that." Mr. Singh got up from his seat and started to leave, gesturing for Paridhi to come with him. Just as Paridhi was casting a lingering glance at Palak, Pranav's voice reached her ears.
"Miss Paridhi, please collect the dress list and model list from reception. After that, we also have to attend the meeting today. I don't like negligence in work."
"Okay, sir!" Paridhi left with a sulky expression.
"Miss Palak, is the work I gave you to shortlist done?" After a while, Pranav asked Palak.
"Yes, sir!" Palak got up, gathering the pages of the file.
"That's good! It's also time for the meeting, let's go." Pranav gestured for Palak to accompany him. Palak paused for a moment, thinking. In her previous jobs, it was only office work! Coming and going out like this was not included in her duties. But now she had to go out for a meeting, and what was most troublesome was that she had seen the meeting location while arranging the schedule.
Palak absolutely did not want to go there.
"What happened? What are you thinking about? I won't wait. Hurry up," Pranav said, standing at the doorway.
"Okay, sir!" Palak reluctantly followed Pranav.
As she was about to step towards the stairs to go from the fifth floor to the fourth floor, Pranav grabbed her hand.
"Where are you going?" The shift from 'you' (formal) to 'you' (informal) had happened in minutes.
Noticing this, Palak's breath caught in her throat. She replied with her head bowed, "Sir, downstairs!"
"The lift also comes to this floor!" Holding Palak's hand, Pranav entered his personal lift. The personal lift came down directly. As the doors opened, Paridhi and two security guards were standing there.
Seeing Pranav in front of her, Paridhi greeted him with a smile. She didn't want to spoil her image in front of Pranav anymore. She thought Pranav had come alone, but when her gaze fell on Palak, who was hidden behind Pranav, her eyes narrowed again.
"This two-penny girl is stuck to him like a ghost!"
When Palak's gaze fell on Paridhi, she saw that Paridhi's eyes were fixed on her, and when she noticed the angle of her gaze, she realized that Pranav was still holding her hand. Palak gently pulled her hand away from Pranav's.
"Miss Palak, you come with me, and Miss Paridhi, you get in the car behind!" Pranav walked ahead towards his car with both his hands in his pant pockets.
"Yes, sir!" Palak and Paridhi said in unison. Otherwise, before this, Paridhi had been looking at Palak with glares and envious eyes, and Palak was shrinking into herself. This rivalry was not hidden from Pranav's eyes.
Both of them moved forward together, but upon hearing the name of the car behind, Paridhi's anger intensified. She deliberately pushed Palak with her shoulder in such a way that Palak's hair fell on her face. Darkness seemed to descend before Palak's eyes.
Then, she suddenly felt as if the same black mole on a palm had waved before her eyes!!!
To be continued.....
Palak and Paridhi both moved forward together, but upon hearing the name of the car behind, Paridhi's anger intensified. She deliberately shoved Palak so hard with her shoulder that Palak's hair fell from her face. Darkness descended before Palak's eyes.
Just then, she suddenly felt as if the same black mole on the palm, which was in front of her eyes, was waving.
Palak's mind went numb. How could she forget this mole?
This was what reminded her of so many things, and most importantly, that Smile also had this mole in the same place on her left palm.
Before she could say or hear anything, she heard Pranav's voice in her ears.
"Miss Palak, are you okay?" Pranav had held her with both his hands and made her stand upright.
Palak slowly nodded her head in affirmation.
"You go inside and sit in the car. I'll be there shortly." Taking long strides, Pranav stood directly in front of Paridhi.
"Give me the file!" In anger, Pranav had forgotten all courtesy. Seeing Pranav so angry, Paridhi was shocked for a moment. Then she said softly, "I didn't do anything."
"I'm not asking what you did? I've seen what you did. Silently, give me the file." Pranav reached out and almost snatched the file from Paridhi's hands.
"You will not go to the meeting with us now. Go, sit in the office and see the fitting of the designs you have finalized." Pranav turned back with the file.
"But sir!" Paridhi shouted from behind.
"Miss Paridhi! Don't you hear me the first time? I said you are not going with us now. Before I end all my contacts with your modeling agency and you disappear from my sight, out!!" Pranav shouted in anger.
Paridhi was intimidated by his anger. She knew Pranav could do this in anger, but if he terminated his contract with the modeling agency, the modeling agency could impose a hefty fine on Paridhi. Out of compulsion, cursing Palak in her mind, she turned back.
A little later, Palak and Pranav reached a five-star hotel of the Rajput Group of Hotels. As soon as the car stopped at the hotel entrance, Palak firmly held the file in her hands, as if gathering the courage to get down. She had arrived where she didn't want to be and was now hesitant to face the people present there.
By then, Pranav had opened his side of the door and gotten out.
"Miss Palak, do you intend to stay in the car or will you come out too?" Pranav asked, leaning towards the car window from Palak's side.
"Yes sir!" Palak quickly got out of the car. As soon as Palak was seen, the security guard on duty gave a strong salute, at which a sharp smile spread across Pranav's lips. Palak, with Pranav, crossed the reception and headed towards the meeting hall upstairs. Everyone who saw Palak there was filled with a pleasant surprise.
Some bowed their heads and wished her, while Palak's head was completely bowed. Pranav knew that Palak was the daughter of this hotel's owner, but deliberately, to tease Palak, he asked, leaning towards her, "It seems you visit here quite often! Almost every staff member recognizes you."
Palak slowly raised her head but said nothing in response.
"I can understand. Your work must be such that you have to come to this hotel for all kinds of meetings." Saying this, Pranav opened the door of the meeting room.
Palak was lost in thought about his words. For what kind of meetings?
Both had reached the meeting room. Many other well-known businessmen were there, and among them were Abhilash Singh Rajput along with his father Abhinav Singh Rajput. Upon seeing Palak with Pranav, they looked at each other and then started looking at Palak. Both their faces were expressionless at that moment, but their eyes clearly showed that perhaps they too were unaware that Palak had joined Singh Group.
Pranav sat in his chair and Palak stood next to him. With about three minutes left before the meeting started, all the businessmen were talking amongst themselves and waiting for some more to arrive. In between, Palak kept looking at Abhilash, but she deliberately avoided looking at Abhinav ji.
Seeing her behavior, a faint smile appeared on Abhinav ji's face. His daughter was angry and was expressing her displeasure in this way, but he suppressed his smile within his lips without being noticed by anyone.
Just then, the meeting room door suddenly opened and Sam Martin, Lee Martin, and Zeeshan Afridi entered.
Seeing Pranav present there, a familiar smile played on the lips of these three friends. Breaking the meeting protocol, the four hugged each other very warmly, but while shaking hands with his friends, Pranav's gaze remained fixed on Palak's face.
He wanted to find some familiar expression on Palak's face. He wasn't just hopeful, he was fully confident that Palak would know at least one of these three, but Palak stood there silently with an impassive expression, as if she didn't even recognize them! And neither the Martin brothers nor Zeeshan showed any sign as if they knew Palak beforehand.
Pranav was lost in thought. After all, what was the reality behind Palak's innocent face? The heart said one thing, but the mind refused to accept it, and the heart didn't want to trust any of the mind's arguments.
No one is innocent in this world,
It's just that everyone's sins are not exposed..||
To be continued....