Situation: Sahiba is on winter break from her university. She comes to Daarji and Jaspal with a proposal for the business. Angad starts to feel jealous seeing Sahiba’s camaraderie with her classmate.
Title Inspired By:
Dil ke dar pe mere,
Tu yahin hai kahin na kahin.
Aahatein, ho rahin teri,
Dil ke dar pe mere,
Tu yahin hai kahin.
It was the Brar backyard garden. The winter sun provided the warmth one sought. Akaal and Jaspal were fully enjoying it with the garma garm chai and pakoras.
Sahiba came forward with a smile, her easel and her jhola of paint materials. Daarji and Jaspal asked her about her semester, and Sahiba went on in detail explaining the new things she picked up from there.
“It was wonderful. I had gotten the opportunity to learn so much. Especially, how important it is to distinguish yourself as a brand. Thank you Cha…I mean Sir for helping me select the right program to further my studies.” Sahiba spoke to Jaspal.
Jaspal smiled and corrected her, “ Sahiba when you call Gurleen, Chachi, then why can’t you call me Chacha? You’re like a second daughter to both Gurleen and I.”
Daarji smiled at Jaspal’s response, understanding that Sahiba now had the complete support of Jaspal and his family.
“Thank you Chacha ji. I have a marketing proposal for Brar Jewellers. If it’s ok, can I share it with you both?” Sahiba gingerly asked for permission, afraid to overstep her boundaries.
Daarji spoke, “ Haan Puttar, go on tell us.”
“Why don’t we hold an annual Jewelry cum Fashion show? We partner with budding designers who will showcase our jewelry at our signature annual event? We would be trend setters in jewelry in the Indian market. Every year, the theme can be different. Also, whichever designs sell the most, we can give an additional bonus to the team that got the jewelry designed, I mean from the designers who researched and worked to put it on paper to the goldsmiths who brought the designs to life? This way, we being the leaders, display what to wear. Everyone would want to see what we come up with and all TV and film industries would want to replicate us. The middle class too would want us, just like how people want European brands like LV and Hermes. We will be the only Jewellers to be doing this, and with the right marketing having this occur perhaps a quarter before the wedding Lagan season, everyone will be hooked. Be it mothers, to be brides, aunts, or in-laws! Plus, we are building relationships with new designers, so the focus would rarely shift from one big brand to another, say like Manish Malhotra. The only brand in recognition will be Brars Jewellers.” Sahiba spoke with passion and energy.
Jaspal and Daarji looked at one another, and Jaspal smiled, “Seems like that entrepreneurial program you are studying is already showing its effects! It’s a brilliant idea Sahiba. Why don’t you pitch it to Angad, afterall he’s the CEO of Brar Jewellers.”
“Chacha ji, I think it will be better if you pitch.” Sahiba spoke with a low tone. Jaspal and Daarji understood why she had become quiet so suddenly. Anything to do with Angad, would make her keep a firm distance. So, why would she change all of a sudden and speak to him!
“Sure Sahiba, I’ll talk to him if you’re not comfortable.” Jaspal assured her.
Later Evening - Angad’s Study
After the Baweja scandal, the Brars were very cautious of discussing any business strategy under closed doors. Angad had soundproof materials added to his study doors, and exterior walls of his study room. He did not want any discussion to be privy to the Bawejas.
Jaspal had pitched Sahiba’s idea to Angad without mentioning her name. Angad loved the idea and decided that he would bring it to fruition next year. It had multiple pieces to strategize with his marketing team.
“Angad, I’m glad you like the idea so much that you want to work on it right away. However, it's only fair we give the original thinker the due credit. This was Sahiba’s idea which she pitched to Daarji and I this afternoon.
Angad was surprised by his uncle’s disclosure. His uncle was an honest man who would never wrong anyone or steal credit. Angad was amazed to see Sahiba’s business savvy acumen. He realized she didn’t want to come to him directly so she told Jaspal Chachu.
Her idea will definitely set Brar Jewellers in a league of its own. I’ll need to discuss the details and logistics with Pam tomorrow. - he thought
Gurudwara near Shimlapuri
Sahiba and Veer were with Keerat at a golgappa stand near the gurdwara. After prayers, they had decided to stop by for a golgappa treat where they incidentally met one of Sahiba’s classmates, Mirza Singh Bhalla. He was an easy to get along jovial fellow who wasn’t an amritdhari, but he had sikhi imbibed in his personality and way of thinking. He traced his lineage to the illustrious Sikh gurus, and was part of a business family that was in the food industry.
They had a golgappa eating challenge where Keerat won against Veer while Sahiba lost to Mirza. By the time they finished, it was getting dark. Veer’s car broke down, so Mirza offered to drop everyone off. Approaching Brar Mansion, both Veer and Sahiba insisted Mirza come in.
Daarji and Bebe had a gala time with Mirza. They discussed deep spiritual topics. Afterall, it wasn't everyday you had a descendant from the Gurus at your house.
Soon Angad came, and Daarji asked Sahiba to set the dinner for their guest as well despite Mirza’s polite refusal. Angad had been getting along fine with Mirza until he noticed the camaraderie and ease between Mirza and Sahiba.
“So you and Sahiba know each other?” Angad asked.
“Arre Paaji, yeh toh Sahiba Bhabhi ke dost hain Delhi se unke academic program mein. He’s also from Ludhiana, and we happen to have run into him while meeting Keerat today at the Gurdwara.” Spoke Veer with full enthusiasm recollecting his time spent with Keerat.
“Sahiba tum nahin khaaogi?” Asked Mirza seeing that her plate was not set.
“Arre nahin Mirza! I have no place left in my stomach. Trying to beat you and Keerat in a golgappa contest is something I’m not attempting anytime soon” replied Sahiba smilingly.
“Bhabhi aapne sahi kaha. Inn dono se toh main bhi haar gaya, varna banda tha bade kaam ka!” Joked Veer.
They were having a golgappa contest? How come even Veer didn’t inform me. Is this Mirza getting too friendly with Sahiba? I mean I know if a guy does something to her, she’ll scratch his face off, but still…- Angad’s mind thought
Jassi and Hansraj along with Prabhjyot were cracking silent jokes at the expense of Angad solely on the fact that Sahiba’s friend’s name was Mirza. They were alluding to the star crossed lovers Mirza & Sahiba from the famous love stories of Punjab.
After dinner, as Sahiba was seeing off Mirza, Angad too came. Sahiba found it strange that all of the sudden he was paying attention to one of her friends. This was out of character for Angad. Still Sahiba figured she should not poke too much into this matter.
After closing the door, Angad asked, “He lives close by to Shimlapuri?”
“Well, he lives in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Colony. Why? Why are you so curious?” Sahiba questioned back.
“Nothing” Angad figured it would be prudent to end the conversation there before any slip ups which would lead to further interrogation from Sahiba. He quickly walked towards his room.
Late at Night - Angad’s bedroom
Angad was tossing and turning in bed. On one hand, he wanted to approach Sahiba on her idea and tell her how fantastic it was, but then on the other hand seeing her closeness with Mirza somehow irked him. It never happened before that her closeness with someone would bother him so much. Yes, granted her proximity to Veer bothered him, but that was just because he thought Veer was too innocent for the likes of Shimlapuri.
Why does her smiling at Mirza get me so angry? I mean she has her life, and she didn’t hide anything. In fact she made sure everyone had met her friend so there would be no suspicion. One side, Sahiba you bring forth ideas to expand Brar Jewellers, yet on another side you laugh, joke and even have a golgappa contest with your friend yet you always stay away from your husband. You avoid me like the plague. Why? - wondered Angad’s mind
Angad’s heart countered- You know damn well why Angad. Did you ever treat her with respect? What did you do that she would cherish? And yes, you’re jealous that she has golgappa contests with Veer and Mirza. You wanna know why? Well number 1, she thinks you think of yourself as too uppity for eating at a golgappa stand that too at Shimlapuri. Then number 2, she thinks you probably couldn’t handle it, figuring you’re the more foie gras type person. Finally number 3, why would she even want to spend time with you? She’s told you so many times clearly that she has no interest in you, at least not the sadu, Akdu ATM persona you sported in front of her.
Last but not least, you were always jealous if a guy spent time with her. Heck you were even jealous of Veer! Now I know you are not anymore simply because Veer sees her as your wife, so you feel no threat from him. However, the same can’t be said for all men now, isn’t it? Boy, you first have to admit to yourself that you’ve fallen hook, crook, line and stinker deep for no one other than your very own Mrs. Brar aka former Rajnikant of Shimlapuri - Sahiba Kaur Monga, your sworn nemesis turned wife! Once you get over that hurdle, we’ll reconnect on the next steps!
Cricket
Mahadev And Sons
