IPKKND FF: JALEBI by Jalebi Jane Thread 1: EPISODE 001-042 - Page 42

I love this feisty Khushi.

wonderful update. waiting to see what happens next.

JALEBI by Jalebi Jane (EPISODE 019)

FOR AS LONG AS THERE HAVE BEEN Raizadas industrializing our nation, there have been Prakashes in their service. And The Roof was no exception. Here the holy trinity of Hari-Om-Jai attended to all of Arnav's upstairs needs.

Hariprakash was the head chef. Jaiprakash was the housekeeper. Omprakash was the handyman-poolman-sundryman. All they asked of Arnav was that he look after his own plants. In fact, Arnav was on the rooftop, tending to his plants, when Aman arrived. And while Arnav finished his task, Aman waited by the pool, relishing the evening breeze, admiring the lit cityscape.

The view from this elevation was magnificent---and as always, all instances of beauty returned Aman to thoughts of Miss Parisa Khan. I don't think I have the language to articulate how eagerly he anticipated Saturday afternoon in a darkened cinema next to that fragrant girl.

And he must have wore some of his hopes on his face, because when Hariprakash offered him a tankard of beer, the older man teased, "So she finally said yes'."

Hariprakash always took liberties [most chefs do!] but this time his random quip hit so near the truth, that Aman actually started.

Arnav had just then been approaching the men. He smiled as he heard Hariprakash's words and caught Aman's guilty reaction. Lifting a frosty tankard from the tray in the servant's hands, he said, "from what I've observed they all say yes' to Aman. But Aman always says no'."

Hariprakash chuckled. And muttering something about youth and beauty wasted on the young and beautiful, he moved to the opposite end to set the table for dinner.

Arnav looked at the younger man, and said, "I only need ten minutes of your time, Aman."

Aman tilted his head, bemused.

"That is---if you are expected elsewhere for dinner," Arnav elaborated with a lifted brow.

"No, Sir," he insisted. "Hariprakash's speculations are without foundation---"

Arnav stopped him. And in a tone which both surprised and affected Aman, he said, "---I sincerely hope they are not unfounded. I lead a one-dimensional life, but don't let that be your life."

They sat. And Arnav began, "You'll be taking that meeting tomorrow afternoon with Mr Soni. He will probably expect a tour of manufacturing as well. I'm flying out tonight to spend a couple of days with my sister. And on my return, I may as well stop and view that new equipment in Busan." Drawing a long sip, he added, "I should be away no more than four days. I'll be available to you by phone as always. And if you need my face for any meetings, we can video-conference."

These sudden developments took Aman quite unawares. And gave him cause for concern.

When Arnav paused, he asked, "is everything well with them? With Di? With Ash? I thought you would next see them when they came for the house pooja."

"Yes, that was the plan, but I called Di a short while ago, and---well, frankly, I miss her. I want to see her." Arnav's voice caught as he finished his sentence. And Aman respectfully averted his face, to allow his employer to gather himself. It took only a moment, then Arnav cleared his throat, and with a stronger voice, he said, "she'll be coming for the pooja, but there may be delays with the house finishing, so rather than risk not seeing them for another month, I've decided to go now."

In all their history, Aman had seen Arnav's eyes brighten only for his beloved sister, Anjali, and his niece, Asha. Brighten with joy. Brighten with emotion.

Compelling reasons kept Anjali away from India. And, yes, she had returned for very infrequent and very brief visits---but generally Arnav flew out to spend three or four days with them every month. It was a tragic separation. Not at all their choice, for Arnav and Anjali were alone. Adult orphans. Their parents had died together under tragic circumstances six years ago, and very soon after, it had been made imperative for Anjali to leave the country.

But that is a longish tale, Sisters, and I'll save it for a more befitting episode. For now, I simply wish for you to know that Arnav was not incapable of deep feeling.

The two men then moved on to other business matters. And spoke further about the timeline for Raizada House. Though Arnav would still be the sole resident, more staff would be required. Specifically to manage the extensive grounds. And the important matter of security. Arnav left the co-ordination of all this to Aman. The matter of recruiting and training the additional indoor staff would fall into Prakash hands. Here Arnav expressed to Aman his wish that perhaps an established Raizada House would draw Anjali back to India.

It was not until they moved to take their places at the dinner table, that Aman initiated the topic of Khushi Kumari Gupta. Why had Arnav aborted his plan? Aman was curious.

Arnav waited for Hariprakash to finish serving, and when the older man retreated downstairs to the kitchen, he said, "I saw the wisdom in your earlier words. That my approach was excessive. Overkill, was the word you used."

Aman gave a nod and made an approving sound to support Arnav's change of policy.

But Arnav did not stop there. He continued, "while I'm away, find an excuse to dismiss her. I want her gone before I return."

These words made Aman look up. He tried to read his employer's countenance, to see what was not being said, but Arnav's eyes were on his plate.

"The contract?" Aman asked.

Arnav replied, "What contract?" reminding Aman of the moment he had witnessed it go through the paper shredder.

So Aman said, "I suspect she'll soon leave at HQ on her own accord. But until then, I can manage her. You need not deal with her at all."

Arnav looked up and said, "I don't want her anywhere on the premises. I don't want to see her. I don't want to hear her. I want her gone, Aman. Is that clear?"

With such a forceful statement, there was nothing for Aman to do but say, "as you wish, Sir."

They continued to eat in silence. And it was a long minute before Arnav asked, "what makes you believe she intends to leave HQ?"

Aman replied, "when I was in Janakpuri, I saw Miss Gupta with a man whom I understand to be her fiance. Once she's married, she may choose not to work---"

"Her fiance!" exclaimed Arnav. Everything showing that he received this information as a tremendous shock.

"Yes, she's engaged---or nearly so!---to a lawyer. Apparently, he lodges with them. In her aunt's home. By the way, have you met her aunt? She is terrifying---"

"Are you certain?"

"Quite! I ran for my life from her door."

Arnav shook his head and said, "No! I mean, are you certain about this man? It's impossible! She can't be engaged."

Aman laughed, "it's not that incredible, Sir. Granted you don't find Miss Gupta appealing, but I believe you are the one exception. You don't see her when she's with the other staff. She can be very charming."

"I have no interest in her charms. I'm asking if this engagement is verified fact or market square gossip?" Arnav demanded.

Aman shrugged and said, "I received my information from the man at the tea stall. He appeared well-informed. I didn't verify it with Miss Gupta, of course---but I saw them together and they seemed intimate---"

"What did you see? She kissed him!?"

"Of course not. But the body language suggested---it suggested high interest. Especially on his part. She was less so. But that is to be expected. She is innocent."

As Aman said the word innocent' he saw that Arnav's eyebrow indicated otherwise. And this disturbed Aman. He had to ask. "What are you insinuating, Sir?"

Arnav tossed his napkin on the table and came to his feet. He walked away from Aman, to the edge of the pool, and then after a few minutes, he returned. He met Aman's eyes, but did not speak. He appeared to be weighing his thoughts. Aman had never before seen him so unsettled.

"What game is she playing?" Arnav asked. It was almost as though he was speaking to himself.

Aman repeated, "game?"

"This afternoon, after I presented myself as a suitor and destroyed our contract, she kissed me."

It was Aman's turn to express surprise.

Arnav continued, "she is spoken for, yet she signalled to me that she welcomes my attentions. Do you call that the conduct of an innocent?"

i wanna read it all its my curious will ...but alas

Oh my God! Now arnv wud have the worst of opinions of her.. Im getting scared for her now.. Im hoping, pari informing aman the truth abt her engmt migt change things

Arnav told aman of what happened (not all of it but mota mota as they say) whats n this guy mind? he is so detached like a lotus in water and waterproof ! i seriously doubt that he will at all pursue her even if from far and na na karte...he's ruling planets are logic and brain and has a pacemaker in place of a heart!

plsss make them meet again, for heavens sake...this one day has been too long, end it and make them see each other again sooon

I loved the update...👏

Not a junction to stop reading how ever we will
wait eagerly for the update till tomorrow. Can we please get more than one update for today. Pretty please. You do know that I have read most of your stories still I want to read the next part. That is how much of good your stories are

Ah!!!!there comes misunderstanding