The Successor

Sorry the delay on this - wasn’t sure if anyone will read now but I posted it anyway. 
Thanks to those who are still following this. 

The Successor 

“It’s 9.00pm” Rishabh reminded his wife tying his knightrobe whilst walking towards the desk in the corner of the bedroom Prerna was sat behind. From over her shoulder he watched her type. 

“This is due on your desk at 9am” replied concentrating hard on the screen. 

He admired her  commitment and hardwork. 

“And you were due at the dinner table 2 hour ago” he said softly cupping her shoulders dipping into the corner of her neck  to place a kiss. 

“I’m sure no one noticed” She replied without taking her eyes off the screen. 

“I did” she heard him say as walked to the other side of the room.

Rishabh dimmed the lights, switched on the aircon and turned to his beside only to see all pillows and cushions missing. 

…

Sneha had taken every single cushion and pillow she could find and dragged each  one down staircases, across floors and rooms and out into the garden.

When Rishabh finally found his way into the garden he couldn’t help put raise an eyebrow at at little Sneha who had stacked each  cushion on top of each other and had climbed a small tower to  reach into the the air with her little hands. 

Rishabh looked on confused for a moment. He soon realised his 4 year old was trying to pluck stars out of the sky.

…

Sneha wasn’t too pleased to walked back indoors. She was counting on him above all, if anyone could reach it would be her da. 

Even sat in his lap now at his armchair all Sneha did was turn back to look out of the window at the sky. There was nothing she wanted more than that one little star which Rishabh could see.

Rishabh had to Tap Sneha on the shoulder to get her attention.

“Close your eyes” he whispered 

Not sure she would see as there was something magical out there that was much more interesting than him but she did. He  still had the charm it seemed to get her attention. 

Sneha  closed her eyes and whilst she did Rishabh took her little palm in his hand reaching for pen he drew a small star in the middle of her palm.

By the time Sneha opened her eyes she was holding her star in her hand. 

Her little smile was heartwarming, infectious and something Rishabh would pull stars out of the sky for must he. 

….

Prerna was still working when Rishabh returned to their room. For a moment he paused at the doorway, he decided not to disturb but just watch. Prerna had come along way, she was Infact the person he had once inspired her to be. 

…

The next morning Rishabh had gathered all board members except Prerna in the lounge in an impromptu early morning meeting. 

“Hope we’re not bankrupt” remarked Mahesh true to his personality. He wasn’t a morning person at all but was pleased to see George had made strong cups of coffee with snacks to go with it. Dropping into a chair beside Mr Mehra Mahesh puts a  handful full of sugary goods into his mouth which  keeps him quiet whilst Masi and Mr Mehra look on pensively at each other. Whatever this was really out of the blue.

Rishabh walking into the lounge looks towards George. “Please make sure we’re not disturbed’

Nodding in acknowledgement George takes his leave. 

Taking to his chair Rishabh waits for silence before speaking taking note of curious eyes that see Mrs Bajaj missing but dare not question. 

“I’ve decided it’s time to step down”.  He announces.

There’s a landmark silence in the room for a moment. 

When no one speaks Rishabh assumes there are no concerns and continues. 

“Mere khyal se Prerna is ready.” (I think Prerna is ready) 

…

Prerna who was running a little bit later than usual this morning is glad she has enough time to get her report to Rishabh  in time. She hoped it would suffice and if it didn’t well there wasn’t much she could do.

Rushing to get ready Prerna takes one look in the mirror after getting dressed, grabs the folder and heads downstairs to have breakfast with the girls before rushing to the office.

“Mr Bajaj is working from home ma’am he’s currently in a meeting”. Mentions George who pours Prerna a cup of tea to slow her down. A sigh of relief passes through her now as she realise she has more time. 

“ Thank you George” she said sitting down.

“My pleasure Mrs Bajaj” smiled back George as did the girls at the table.

…

“Thought I never see the day” remarks Mahesh talking about his brother hanging up his jacket of course. He had no doubt Prerna would have been Rishabhs successor and a great one too!

Mr Mehras smile on the other hand spoke  for its self as did his encouraging words of support. Maasi was the only silent one in the room. 

“Any objections ?” Asks Rishabh said moving his gaze to his aunt however before she could reply they were interrupted.

It was Prerna at the entrance.

The room had gone silent as soon as they’d noticed her.

She knocked on the door lightly. 

Mr Bajajs chair had it’s back to the door but he still managed to know it was her,  not to mention the and the others  did an awful job of making it look like nothing was going on when they had spotted her. 

“Prerna..” he called out to acknowledge her and ask her into the room.

“I have the paper you asked for” she said quietly feeling like she’d interrupted something important and unsure if this was the right time. 

Rishabh held his hand out to take the file from her. Knowing full well she’d worked hard on this he wished to do her efforts justice. 

He heard her walk into the room  watched her stand awkwardly to the side of his chair.

 She felt out of place with the strange sense of unknown in the air. “Show me where to sign” she heard him  ask as he opened up the file on his knee and held his hand out for a pen but saw Prerna had bought along his reading glasses too. 

“Aap ek baar pad lete toh” (if you could take a look..)

She watched him put  on his glasses,  skipping to the bottom of the page to add his signature where needed. “Good work Prerna Thank you” he said closed the file and handed it back

“Won’t you check the numbers ”, it was a lot of money after all. 

This time he looked up into her eyes so she could see the confidence in his eyes “No need.” Although this made her a little nervous it was a compliment.

“She doesn’t know does she” pointed out Mahesh as soon as Prerna had left the room. 

“Not yet” replied Rishabh  however he  was quick to draw his attention back to Masi. She was the last of the board members who was yet to show their support. 

As expected Masi didn’t make it easy. There was a long pause before she spoke

“She has my blessing, it’s about time a lady took charge or the mess you’ve made.

..

As Prerna walked out of the room she felt an unexpected  rush of feelings she didn’t know how to place. It was the first time she’d took on such a big responsibility and Mr Bajaj had Nothing to Critque upon. 

She wondered if he was humouring her as he did sneha with her want for the stars but even so she decided to enjoy the moment of accomplishment.

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