Chapter 11

 

 

” Why not we watch Cartoons ? Jab takk hamara khana aata hai..“  He rubbed his nose to hers’..Then lazily walked toward Living Area, with Pihu in his arms..

 

 

He cosied himself on sofa.Straightened his legs over broad rustic table.Then leaned upper body against sofa back. Still within her father’s arms, she exactly copied Maan’s acts.

 

 

Her legs overlap on Maan’s..Then she slanted herself back against Maan’s upper body. Rested her head over his chest.

 

 

He turned on TV n shuffled channels.Finally discovered channel of her interest..Airing Tom & Jerry then ” Ok aab dekh k batao..u r enjoying it or not..otherwise channel change walla option to hai he.. ” He wrapped one arm around her little tummy..In other hand , he held remote if needed to change channel..

 

 

The great Maan Singh Khuraana ..When he watched any business news last time ? Himself he didn’t answer ?  Now he was watching Tom n Jerry, just to spend some quality time with his child…he craved for 6 long years…When she not just accepted him, but won her all trust..Now she was claming..more of his love , affection and attention..

 

 

Maan didn’t want Pihu a scared n dumb girl more.. But her father’s Disney princess..Full of life, fun loving..Little spoiled but much well mannered..

 

 

He could never find out , why kids giggled aloud ? Ever after watching, those silly acts of Tom & Jerry.. Because his GM never allowed him..When ever she went out, he rarely got chance to watch TV…Making fool out of his nanny ..With that servant’s boy..But couldn’t laugh..

 

 

Now his daughter’s childhood, would rewind his life, to feel what he missed.His daughter would never have to compromise..He came out of trance, when her laughter echoed in living area, filling life in every corner….Watching Jerry who made Tom’s life living hell..

 

 

After meeting her, this was the first moment..When he felt, she was cracking barrier of her silence n hesitation..bit by bit..

 

 

Harsh past occupied his mind again..With his hand, he raised  Pihu’s chin up.. Softly pecked on her forehead..She instantly replied with her ear to ear grin..

 

 

” Oh ho !!  History in making…Hu hu hu..” Addi dashed in..Teasing Maan.

 

 

His silly entry, grabbed quick attention of father, daughter ” Maan Singh Khuraana !! Tom n Jerry dekh rahe hai ? hy hy hy “ Addi neighed, showing off his teeth.

 

 

He pushed back his spects…As he moved further,  to occupy seat, adjacent to Maan’s sofa….Both father n daughter’s eyes chased him..Maan gave an intense stare ,squeezing  his brows..

 

 

Maan desired to punch Addi..He knew well its for Pihu. Then how dare he ? Made fun of him. Still didn’t skip chance to pull his leg. Coz he was helpless due to his daughter…

 

 

” uuhhhh “ Addi cleared his throat..he knew Maan was furious..But why Pihu was constantly shifting her gaze ? From Addi to TV Screen n Vice Versa..

 

 

After long Tom n Jerry ended battle at good terms. They became friends. But Addi felt something was cooking in father n daughter’s brains.

 

 

Addi felt awkward..Pihu was behaving strange..Suddenly covered her mouth with her hands..Her inward giggles vibrated through her father’s body..

 

 

” Why you are suppressing you laughter ? Atleast share it  with me ? “ Maan wispered near to her ear..

 

 

She cracked up  ” Haan..haaa..haaa… haa…Wo wo na ..wo Chuha, dekho Baba “ breathlessly laughing  Pihu pointed her finger toward screen.

 

 

“Oh laughing at Jerry..Then laugh aloud Bachcha, what is stopping you “ Maan brushed her hair back…Which were troubling her on face..

 

 

“Wo na, wo na..Uncle k jaisa hai..He he..Hai na Baba..Bollo ? “ She dropped bomb on  Addi..Her improving conversation n vanishing hesitation was clearly visible..What she discovered such ? Then compared Addi with Jerry was too hilarious ..Due to this she was laughing madly..

 

 

A great jolt for Addi  ” Ha ha ha..Oh oh..Addi ko chuha bana diya meri beti ne..Oh my god..I never noticed in six years..Obviously u look like Jerry ? “ His stomach ached..Both Maan and Pihu laughed whole heartedly making fun of Addi….

 

 

He had no place to hide..Their fun filled evening was at full swing.

 

 

” Betay main aapko chuha lagta hu ? Bollo..” He knelt down n made puppy face..Already at the verge of cry Addi asked ? Great moment for Maan to take revenge. How could he spare Addi.

 

 

She scanned Addi head to toe..Then looked at Maan. Both father daughter communicated through their eyes..Maan raised his brow n nodded little..To know his girl’s verdict prior before Addi.. She slightly smiled ” Haa ! “

 

 

Addi’s eyes widen in shock..Maan made fist out of his fingers..To cover his lips.. Some how to control him bursting..

 

 

“Okey.Ok, I am Jerry..What about ur Baba ? Yeh kya hai ? Tom!!  “ irked Addi  questioned..But his stare was on Maan.

 

 

” Mere Baba ? “ she shifted her legs to sofa..To be sidewise on Maan’s lap..She wrapped her tiny arms around Maan’s broad structure..” Yeh to Mere Baba hai. “ Pihu snugged her face into Maan’s chest..

 

 

” Addi check n mate “  Words came out hardly, overwilmed with his child’s innocent judgement.He filled his whole world (Pihu) tightly in his secure arms..

 

 

 

                                Kehta Hai Baabul, Oh Meri Bitiya

                               Tu Toh Hai Mere Jigar Ki Chithiya

 

 

 

Addi was speechless. What to name this feeling ?  Which brought them such close, in no time.. That they were inseparable. Maan’s damp eyes.. were flood of emotions, he was craving for ” Yes Maan, check n mate..I am ready to loose every time.”

 

 

Servant brought food at right time..Otherwise these light moments, were taking other route .. What items were there ? Gulab Jamun n Barfi..Other servant went out..To collect order for Samosa n Pakodas..

 

 

One maid came with coffee for Maan n Addi n Hot Chocolate for Pihu “Let me serve little lady “ Addi offered..Maan passed a grim smile..He still had pain in any corner of heart.

 

 

Father was not fond of sweets n fried food. Still for his daughter, he had to try…He had to adapt her habits..had to keep patience…Precisely for long…So to mould Pihu, in a life style of Maan Singh Khuraana’s daughter.Nothing to deny she had too..But not forcibly..

 

 

He had committed, to raise his child by own.Without nannies.. A father was ready to fulfil motherly duties..To make her a better human being.Without any restrictions n fears Letting her explore her childhood..Which he never had.

 

 

Addi served Maan n Pihu in same plate.Two Gulab Jamuns n One piece of Barfi  “C baby Jerry Uncle served you Gulab Jaamun n Barfi in ur plate..Don’t you want to eat ? Hu hu hu .” in his famous donkey laughter.. He offered plate toward Pihu.

 

 

She looked at plate unbelievably. Then toward those 2 smiling faces..To make her feel more comfortable.. Addi petted her cheek, n brought plate in  front of her..Maan settled her on sofa.Cut a tiny bite of Gulaab Jaamun with spoon.She instantly opened her mouth. When Maan brought spoon near to her lips..

 

 

Denying spoon, she came to her desi avtaar. She picked a piece with her hand…Offered it to Maan…His reaction was same…opening mouth instantly..Sugar syrup with sweets was poisonous for him.. He couldn’t chew but gulped it.

 

 

Nothing enough to delight his child..It was a totally new experience for him..During his phase of childhood to teenage… Daddi didn’t care..He had his food or not. When ever he skipped means..she never compelled him to eat…But today his tiny daughter, was feeding him. Not with spoon or fork..instead with own hands..Without caring her hands were sticky.. Due to sugar syrup.

 

 

It was such a Divine feeling.As well full of happiness.. Addi n Maan buzy in leg pulling Addi regretted , Pihu was on partiality,  by not offering him to eat.

 

 

Much delighted girl, had completely opened up with both..Her hesitation toward staff, had lessen little..When they brought more items, she was not much scared.. Her eyes couldn’t believe. What ever she demanded her father fulfilled it.

 

 

Her mind let her trust..That staff  members were good..Bringing food for them.. Following Maan n Addi’s instructions..All people with particular dress code were nice..This her father told.

 

 

In between Addi’s phone buzzed, continuously.First he ignored . But KC chief architect Sasha was calling…

 

 

” Addi take the call.. certainly some thing is important. Otherwise why Sasha will call after office hours? “ Maan suggested, sipping his cup of coffee.

 

 

Addi and Sasha always kept daggers ready, for each other.Either face to face or phone conversations.It was not good to mess in front of child. So Addi slipped to corridor.

 

 

” Kya hai ? Why are you disturbing after office hours too ? “ irked Addi, didn’t let her speak…

 

 

Sasha who was already in foul mood, for some reason..She did counter attack ”  Addi..apni shakal dekhi hai kabhi..no one is desperate to meet you..So keep ur attitude…MK ka phone switch off aa raha hai…Its called professionalism, which compelled me to contact you…how ever , why to waste time on you.. Its regarding Mr. Rohit Bajaj’s venture” no one ever dropped a weapon. But there was no doubt..How much sincere she was, toward her work..

 

 

Oh even you people were thinking …suddenly how Rohit n Maan’s deal came in between. But I have reason. We ll discuss…

 

 

Addi was amazed..What she wanted to discuss abut such important deal on phone

 

 

On other side

 

 

Rohit already had cleared to  Somya n Riya ….that they didn’t think …he was sitting silent from years..Now it was time for next move.First to link up with KC with a master deal. There was no reason to decline this offer by Bajajs. 

 

 

From 3 months Rohit was working on this. Both Maan n Rohit never met. But two months back Bajaj Groups’ Architecture Head met Addi in  a conference. During their conversation Addi learnt about Bajaj’s Group’s new project. Which was near Noida.Also Rohit was eager to start it as soon as possible.For this venture KC was the top priority in his list.

 

 

Addi asked to sent the project file. How could Maan decline to tie up with Rohit. According to  Architecture, Finance, Marketing, Construction, every departments’ detail assessment …for two months…this was a beneficial project.

 

 

Maan’s final analysis gave it go ahead . Now everything was on Addi..Maan was just there for signatures. Some formalities were left before signing deal…Rohit had done everything, even before Riya’s declaration to come back.For Maan this was just a high profile deal. But for Rohit this was a part of his game.To reach Maan by hook or crook..

 

 

In Chandigarh back to Addi n Sasha’s conversation.

 

Sasha confused Addi a bit ” Mr. Bajaj’s deal..What to discuss at this time..?”

 

 

Sasha puffed up ” What u mean this time ?  MK never compromise with business. .. Time matters nothing to him..Thats why he gives all responsibilities to u..When goes out..Also let me tell you. Mr. Bajaj’s PA phoned me that her boss wanna final deal in two days. “

 

” Two days ?” Addi repeated.

 

 

” Yes two days. Actually he will be on US Business Trip … By this Monday ..” Sasha replied calmly now.

 

 

” Fine, I ll talk to Mr. Bajaj directly. Don’t you worry..” Addi cut call before Sasha could utter anything else.

 

 

 

 

Addi’s worried face disturbed Maan too. Why he was this much sad ?

 

 

“What happened ?”  anxious Maan questioned.

 

 

Addi was perplexed ” Actually Mr. Bajaj wanna finalize deal in two days. He is leaving for US by Monday..”

 

 

“I think he is crazy Addi ? Its weekend. N tomorrow its Lohri ? Addi u know..How is it possible ? “ with lump in throat he replied. Their talk was going over the head of little girl. Who was busy with her Samosa.

 

 

Maan creased her head ” Addi cancel the deal. There is just Sunday in between Lohri n Court Hearing on Monday…Its all about mine past related to Lohri, its all about my child’s future. About a life I dreamt of with my Baby…How I could think about a stupid  deal ? ” He was weak very weak. Totally blank at mind.. he looked up in Addi’s eyes. Who was standing beside him. 

 

 

” Shhh, Why  you worry ? Jab main hu..Let me talk to him first” Addi pacified him. Petting his shoulder.

 

 

Maan silently nodded..He hugged Pihu more tightly.She offered Samosa bite to her father.. Which brought smile on his face…

 

 

Again Addi moved few steps from there. Becoz there was no Sasha on other side. He needed not to move out.

 

 

He dialed straightway Rohit.  Informed him about his PA’s phone.

 

 

” Mr. Aditya, there is some unplanned urgency..Regarding my US Hotel Business..On other side, further delay in our venture affecting financial calculations..Neither Mr. Khuraana nor you were in reach. So my PA called Miss Sasha. “ Rohit gave valid reason.  Why he wanted to complete formalities soon.But actual reason was his plan..He was setting up to trap Maan Singh Khuraana.

 

 

 ” aaaa I apologies Mr. Bajaj..Actually Maan has some pppersonal urgency. He doesn’t take calls during such situation.But you need not worry. I am available on his behalf.” he confidently convinced.

 

 

” Thats’s wonderful ,But m available till Monday. I hope weekend is not a problem for you..” cherished Rohit replied

 

 

” He he he… not at all…no not aalll ” he stuttered. He didn’t stutter always it was like a fit..

 

 

” Fine , inform me when u r available from tomorrow to Monday Morning..I ll be there in Delhi..Then I ll catch flight for US..”Rohit said..

 

 

” Mr.Bajaj, I’m ready on urgency basis. But neither Maan is in Delhi nor me..This deal can be finalized before ur trip, only if you ll come to Chandigarh.” in low tone Addi expressed his helplessness. He didn’t want to leave Maan  in this condition.

 

 

” Chandigarh ? “ confused Rohit

 

 

” Yes Mr. Bajaj..Maan is not here. So I am alone to look after..Here in Chandigarh tackling very important issues..I can’t come to Delhi. As our meeting was also not planned..” adamant Addi’s forced Rohit to accept his term.He had no other option. So accepted it.

 

 

 

” Fine Mr. Aditya..No option for me..When I have already invested triple on land.. Than actual price..There is a great proposal in US too. But our project is in final stage.. If we ll complete all formalities…I can focus on this..Its not a good option to look after two high profile deals at same time. When other is in primary phase of discussion” Rohit narrated everything in detail.

 

 

” Theek hai Mr. Bajaj..What about Sunday ? Time u decide..Also don’t worry about hotel booking. Let me do little for you..” relieved Addi said.He didn’t want to loose this deal.

 

 

” Oh thanks for ur gesture.. But no need to book hotel. I already have posh flat in Model Town Area.” Rohit laughed..

 

 

” That is really good.So plz message me details about meeting venue , time etc.I ll there by time” Addi grinned on his side. Both hanged up on good note..

 

 

In Mumbai , Same Day , 5:40   

 

“Somya , Riya “ Rohit marched in calling mother, daughter loudly .

 

 

Both were in kitchen. Cooking after days in same kitchen for a great family dinner. But  inquisitive man’s high pitch note..panicked mother daughter. What bomb he was going to drop now ? 

 

 

They rushed to living room hurriedly..Rohit was again on phone.As both entered he ended his call.

 

 

“Rohit kyo chilla rahe ho aap ? “ frustrated Somya said. Who forgot to leave kitchen knife.Still holding it, pointed toward Rohit..

 

 

” First give this dagger to me..Otherwise you will attack me. If I ll ask both of you to pack bags. We are leaving for Chandigarh. First to Delhi by 2:25 AM flight then from there to Chandigarh..“ he snatched knife from Somya..Left mother and daughter rooted to spot..

 

 

” Pa Chandigarh ? Aur wo bhi ! “ Riya couldn’t complete. A cold shiver ran through her spine.

 

 

” Yes my child , wo bhi jab Lohri k din, hun Chandigarh ja rahe hai.. I could travel by own. But this is the time to start, where everything left behind..” Rohit hugged shivering daughter .

 

 

“Rohit ! I think you are out of mind ? Lohri k din Chandigarh ..” confused Somya questioned..

 

 

He narrated everything to both.

 

 

” Pa you are planning to work with KC ? Whats need to go to Chandigarh..You can wait for their return to Delhi..Why such hurry ? What need was to lie that you are going to US ”  haunted experience brought back all pain of Riya with her tears.

 

 

Somya freed Riya from Rohit and took to her embrace to console her.

 

 

” Yes I lied.I don’t want to put our project at second place. Coz Mr. Maan Singh Khuraana is also dealing with 2-3 other ventures of same repute. Agar unme se koi finalize ho jaata.. Wo usko priority deta..It means delay in our project. How could I bear that ?  I also know if Addi is there..Maan is not away from him..They are inseparable . How much shrewd businessman, he may be. But I am Rohit Bajaj. “ confidently he gave real reason behind his game plan. Actually the main reason was to start business relation with Maan as soon as possible..He smiled sarcastically.

 

 

“Ok I admit , you are rite. But why you want to take us with you. Especially Riya ?” as always same clash between both husband wife’s point of views regarding their daughter. Mother who wanted to protect her daughter from everything. Father wanted her to face all.

 

 

He smirked. Looked at totally numb girl. Who was silent.” Yeh to tum apni Beti se pucho  Kyo Riya ? What do you say ?” he jerked Riya from shoulder to bring her back

.

 

After a while ” Yes Pa, I ll go.. You said na , not to ask why ? Which I repeated today Sorry for that..But you taught me to ask what’s our next move Pa..You need not to dump me, so I can realize that I am not a garbage..Lets start from where that life stopped..I am ready..Same day..Same place..” with a commitment Riya wiped her tears. Looking at victories face of her father. And shocked mother.

 

 

She dragged her confused mother to pack the bags ” This is what I want to teach you. For this you took 6 years..Not more.. You gave us reason to live my child..An aim to be fulfilled. You have to win this battle. Being as a leader..I ll not lead this time..But yes this father is always by your side..” Rohit sighed deeply..after much introspection.

 

In Chandigarh , almost same time

Maan overhead everything..But listened as silent spectator. Waited Addi to finish call.

 

 

” Addi why you called him here ?  When are here..You can travel to Delhi ?” Frustrated Maan called him near. Addi bent down..Maan almost wispered in his ear. Not to disturb his girl.

 

Addi grinned and stood straight “Maan, first of all I am not leaving you alone. Especially for these three days. When tomorrow is Lohri. Puchki is with you..Secondly this is a big deal. We can’t leave it..Mr. Bajaj tumhare relative hai kya ? Jinko yahan ka patta hai.. Aur wo tumse milne aayegay..He ll be in city..This is farm house. I ll meet him there.So why are you worried ? ” Addi rested hands over waist and put some akal in Maan’s dumb brain.

 

 

“Waise tu utna gadha bhi nahi, jitna mai samjhta hu..Thanks to be my shadow..But yes I can’t challenge  Puchki..Her words matter only. You are Jerry..” Maan grabbed Addi’s wrist. And pulled toward him. He lost his balance n somehow gathered himself..

 

 

” Ha main gadha hu..You also don’t fly high.. In short spam she tagged me as Jerry.. Teri beti hai dekhna tera kaise band bajati hai..” Addi challenged.Both laughed aloud. Diverted Pihu’s attention

 

 

“Kya hua Baba , Jerry Uncle ?” she shrunk her brows reading both faces..

 

 

” Nothing baby , your uncle told me a joke..” what more to convince a 6 years old . She trusted her father.Grinned ear to ear.

 

 

She came to her knees on sofa.Think for a while.”Wo na..”..She was bit confused.

 

 

Why she was hesitating. Anxious Maan first gazed Addi..Who also set his glasses and came near to her.

 

 

“You need something Puchki bollo beta?  “ he got up from sofa taking her in arms.

 

 

” Wo nahane walla kamra..hota hai na..” she pointed her finger..But toward which way she should.She didn’t know where to go..Even Maan couldn’t guess.Her words were like a riddle for him till now. Always needed to crack 

 

Addi nodded and tapped at Maan’s back ” Akal k dushman..Nahane ka kamara..means washroom..”

 

 

” Oh aapko washroom main jaana hai..” Maan sighed deeply..

 

 

” su su aayi hai..” in low tone she replied..

 

 

” Okey fine beta..Per jab bhi apko jaana ho..Tab bolte hai washroom jaana hai..” he stepped toward his room….She didn’t answer.

 

 

” What to say ? Washroom ?” he said again

 

 

” Waashroom..” she repeated..Maan kissed her on cheek and disappeared from there.

 

 

” Lo ho gayi shuru Mr. Maan Singh Khuraana ki training classes..Na staff ko chain..Na aab Bachi ko chodega padhane se…Aaj se he manners training shuru uski..” Addi made fun of Maan at his back..Clapped loudly…

 

 

 

Precap : Lohri ..Father Daughter’s day planning ?

Riya back to same place. Where whole her life changed..

What clue Maan gonna get ? To give him a ray of hope.Like his wait will be over soon.