Abhigya FF - DEAL (Completed chap-8, page 28)

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Pragya was walking towards the stage with the mixed feelings. Her groom was busy in talking to his friends. She wondered his choice of the wedding sherwani, Black, a color to protest, and even in this mood a tiny smile found a way on her lips. She could only see stern expression on his face when he looked at her. Their eyes met for a moment and then he started looking straight till his friends asked him to hold garland. Rest of the wedding rituals went as usual. They did talk in between; as and when it was required.

It was not the first time Pragya was entering into Mehra Mension, but this time, she was not only the daughter-in-law of this family but also the owner of this big Mehra Mansion. Till few days back, she was just an employee in Mehra's office and now she owns everything that belonged to them, all credit to this marriage. The reason of her marriage was very complicated. It was the toughest decision of her so far simple life. A bright student who had worked really hard to achieve what she wanted, worked day and night to reach up to a level in her professional life but little did she know that, all her efforts were closely monitored by someone, for entirely different motive. She had never thought that her boss, whom she always considered as her mentor and who always backed her no matter what, one day, he would ask her for such a favor that would change her life forever.

Pragya was famous for making the successful deals. She had never let her seniors down and always came out as a winner. She had an impeccable quality to correctly guess the next move of other person. So far business decisions taken by her were proved to be right and unbeatable.

Prgaya had always been so engrossed in her student and professional life; that she had never even once thought about marriage. She was the topper in her management institute and The BEST in the office. Having so many qualities was definitely not a boon for her when one day her boss called her in his cabin. Mr. Pream Mehra, the owner of Mehra industries called her to make a deal.

Mr. Prem Mehra, a very successful business person, had all the qualities of a true businessman. But he was nowhere near a good, kind-hearted person. His own benefits were his only priority and motive of his life. And like most of other money-minded he also had to sacrifice his personal life to achieve this position. His wife had died long back and his only son was not even willing to see his face. Though he had a large joint family, his mother, younger brother and his family and everyone seemed to be living a happy life together in his huge house but his own son, preferred to live with his mother's sister in Canada. Father-son never had a good relation but their relationship turned to worst in last few years. Abhishek even refused to come to India till his father is alive. Mr. Mehra had no doubt on Abhishek's capabilities to handle his business ventures but the issue was his anger and bitterness towards his father. Mr. Mehra had been longing for his retirement life but he had no candidate who could handle his business after him. Pragya was good but still she lacked few qualities and those were rare to come now. She could be anything but brutal and in business you ought to have qualities like this and including others. He had a plan in his mind. Pragya was a nice, good looking, hard-working and above all, he knew she was emotional.

He started off by showing Pragya legal papers mentioning Pragya as the owner of all his properties and business ventures. And assured Pragya that his team of loyal people (he used to refer them as his inner-circle) would be helping her completely to handle everything. But in return he wanted Pragya to marry his only son Abhishek. Though Pragya assured him to consider the marriage proposal but she was not getting ready to accept the ownership. It was required; otherwise there was no way Abhishek would come back to India. Then Mr. Mehra decided to take a middle path. He asked Pragya to keep the ownership till she gives birth to a family heir. With the birth of their child, Abhishek would be entitled back to all the properties.

Pragya had never heard such things in her life. It was weird. In her last seven years of professional life in Mumbai, she had seen people doing all crazy, unethical, illegal and other things but this was top of the list.She was being asked to marry a person till she gives the birth of

their child but what after that. She had no interest in properties but marriage was a serious issue. As per Mr. Mehra, his son would never leave his child's mother. So she should not be worried about divorce.

Pragya had absolutely no idea about Abhishek and he was also not available to discuss what so ever. But there was no way Pragya was going to involve a child's life into this. Pragya asked for some time to think and later refused his proposal.

Mr. Mehra was adamant. Pragya was Mr. Mehra's last option. He had high hopes from her that she would be able to manage Abhishek. He didn't want to lose this chance. He desperately wanted to take retirement and for that Abhishek's return was mandatory. He knew Dadi's tears over a phone call to Abhishek and her plea to marry Pragya to get back all the family properties would be enough for Abhishek to agree for this alliance. Everything was inter-connected if only Pragya would have accepted it. Then he decided to take an extreme step and everything sorted out in place.

A proper deal was drafted on papers with clauses, entry and exit conditions, terms, timeline etc. Both interested parties signed it in the presence of inner-circle. And it was kept safely with them. Abhishek's signature wasn't required; anyways he would not accept the deal.

Mr. Mehra had not planned the wedlock for Abhi and Pragya but a deadlock. Pragya would be in this marriage due to this deal and Abhishek due to the promise he made to his Dadi. Like always Mr. Mehra was successful in his plan.

Pragya was sitting in her husband's room and waiting for her first night to begin. She was still in her wedding lehenga, green and red one. She had no excitement, how could she be excited to marry a college drop-out, spoiled brat and most probably a drug-addict. How would she explain to her friends that she got married to a singer who wears dog-tags and uncountable bracelets? What was the use of so much education and hard work if one day she had to sit on a plate and wait for someone to come and have her; to make a baby? She knew what exactly a guy in Abhishek's situation would do. Obviously he would be physical with her either today, tomorrow or day after tomorrow.

Pragya was very upset when Abhishek entered in the room. He went to the closet, changed his dress and again went out of the room. He wore the same t-shirt that when she saw him for the first time, the day when Abhi came to her office. Their wedding date was about to be fixed. Abhishek agreed to come only once his father left for Europe to live his rest of the life there. He even didn't want to see his face.

Pragya entered the conference room to attend a presentation. She was standing near the wall behind a guy who was wearing all types of different bracelets as if he had just robbed a souvenir shop. She instantly knew who that guy could be. After the presentation, presenter asked people about their views and he started receiving rave feedback from the attendees. Then he asked Abhi sir about his views.

"Do you seriously want to know my views about this presentation? "

"Fine, it was a piece of shit, should have never come under this projector's light. Utter waste of time and electricity. "

Wow, awesome, this guy proved that he is the real son of Mr. Mehra and not an adopted one. Great, sir was so right to take this decision.

Not only one, I would be happy to make many children with this guy.

Pragya's excitement about Abhi was short-lived. Soon she heard him apologizing to the presenter for his humorous feedback.

Pragya left the room immediately.

Later Abhi came to her cabin; which was earlier his father's cabin. Pragya was on a call, she indicated Abhi to sit on the sofa but Abhi went around looking the cabin. He stopped for seeing a painting. Pragya had always liked that painting - A boat in the storm, going ahead and a boy was sitting in the boat.

Abhi took the painting, broke it into two pieces and threw in the dustbin.

Pragya was not amused. She cut-off the call and looked at Abhi who was directly looking towards her. There were no emotions in his eyes, absolutely nothing. Pragya found it very strange. Anger, curiosity, dislike, there was nothing in his eyes.

He asked her - "When is the wedding date?"

"28th"

And he left. After that Pragya saw him on the stage.