CHAPTER 9: ANGAD'S EXHIBITION
(Inspired from Gaatchora modified as per FF)
It had been a month since Garry and Seerat got married. Their reception had taken place a week post their wedding and had been the talk of the town. It had gone very well and time flew post that. They had not had time to go for a honeymoon yet as Garry was extremely busy with a new line that he had launched and Seerat had also officially joined him in business as a minor partner.
There were as is too many women in the house managing things and the family was more than happy when Garry asked if Seerat could join him in business. Daarji was extremely happy that Seerat was helping Garry become independent. If Garry wanted he could have not done anything also, but he still did, this made his grandfather very proud of him. Infact Daarji was very proud of both his elder grandkids, they both had done very well in their own respective fields...Angad more so. Garry was very lucky to have found a life partner who understood him and will be with him in all aspects of life....thinking this Daarji felt a bit sad for Angad. Angad did so much for his family but was still so lonely, his ardaas to babaji everyday was that Angad should find true love and a life partner like him and Jabjyot....who loved and respected each other, who were with each other through thick and thin and who knew how to keep the family together.
Seerat joined Garry in office every day and was responsible for their marketing and modeling department. In addition Garry had hired Sahiba as his freelancer designer. He has been impressed with her self designed clothes in the wedding, they were smart and light on the pocket, exactly what he wanted to make his brand symbolic with. She was hesitant to say yes but Garry asked her to see this as a professional deal and not bring relationship into it. So she agreed and would join them sometimes too in the office.
Garry had also postponed his honeymoon because he wanted to attend the jewellery exhibition that Angad was conducting next weekand and few weeks later was Holi, it was going to be Seerat's first holi....he wanted it to be special. Once everything was done, he was going to take Seerat for a leisurely trip, which she deserved. The thought of sharing her first experiences going to all places new for her, filled him with delight.
Angad was planning to venture into the Canadian and UK punjabi wedding jewellery market and had been working towards it for a long time. The brar name was synonymous with trust and design in India, he wanted to expand the same abroad also. He had finally made a breakthrough and was going to hold an exhibition for his export oriented line next week And a lot of his prospective clients were going to come to look at the same. It was a very important day for him as he had bet a lot of money on it, also it was also a matter of his reputation. Rival brands had been trying this for years but he had achieved this feat and it was a moment of pride for him and Brar jewellers. He expected to bag deals worth few hundred crores for sure and had been working like a man possessed for last few months on this.
As the day of the exhibition came nearer, he was working late nights, was busy finalizing the stay arrangements, the venue for the exhition, the designs itself, the decoration, everything. He was a perfectionist and also was micro managing everything in this event. Even the placing of the lights over the jewelley was micro managed, to bring out the true glitter in the gems. In anticipation of huge orders he had purchased a lot of raw material in advance...and was very confident that things were going to be absolutely fantastic.
DAY BEFORE THE EXHIBITION
Garry was preparing for pocket friendly wedding collection line and his first few batches were ready. Today was the day they were doing photoshoot for the same and Seerat was overseeing it at their office with Garry. As it was relatively a startup still, they both liked to manage things themselves. Sahiba had joined them as couple of her designs were getting shot and she wanted to see how it turns out.
Sahiba had never been to a photoshoot before and she found it not as glamorous as it looked post it was shot. But she was still very curious and amazed at the whole process, it was a lot of work and effort she realised. They were done with the entire shoot by 4ish and the three of them were chilling in Garry's cabin while the TV was on in the background. Sahiba and Seerat were talking in general and sipping their teas when Garry suddenly stood up and exclaimed in surprise...'Oh my God....how did this happen' he looked shocked and extremely upset.
'What happened Garry, is everything OK...?' Asked a concerned Seerat.
'No its not...oh my goodness, I need to go....' said Garry disoriented....looking at the television.
That's when Seerat and Sahiba noticed the news Channel- the venue where Angad was holding his exhibition the next day had caught fire due to a short circuit. The place had burned to ashes and they could see a distraught Angad outside the venue.....he was coughing badly and was very distraught...
'What happened', asked Sahiba.
'Angad was planning this very important exhibition tomorrow, he has crores at stake and the place where the exhibition was to happen has burned to ground' Replied Garry....he too was shaken up...
'Angad is so distraught and that smoke...it's not good for him'....'I need to go to him....' Garry walked out of the door....
Sahiba and Seerat went after him, Garry himself was so shook up, Seerat could not leave him alone. As they were getting into the car, Seerat asked Sahiba to come along....
Though she did not like that ATM, she found the sight of a distraught Angad a bit upsetting. He was such an arrogant proud man, that helpless desperate look did not look good on him. He was betrer off as an arrogant person only, with his head tall, she thought. Sahiba was a kind of person who could never see others in pain. She was not sure she wanted to see him now, in his vulnerable state, even if she hated him....
Garry was extremely upset and could not imagine what Angad must be going through...Seerat was constantly trying to console him....'Garry you have to be the strong one here if you break down....how will you manage Angad, your family...so please be brave'
Sahiba was unusually quiet, she did not know what to say, this was such a personal matter for the entire brar family but if Seerat di thought she could be on some help....she will accompany them. They went to the event location, but Angad had left by then....the firefighters had doused the fire, but the place had burned to ground....it was filled with water and smoke. It was impossible to revive the place....they headed towards Brar Mansion....
As they entered....Sahiba tried not to go ahead and make her presence felt...she hung back in the background.....
Angad was distraught and his mom was trying to calm him down but he was in no state to listen....he was on his phone....'What do you mean no other place is available....we will pay whatever amount they want....but Pam you have to find some alternative....ok....no keep trying'
'What happened Angad' Daarji asked
'Daarji there are numerous events across Ludhiana tomorrow, we are not getting any alternative location and even if we get....no event management company is willing to take up responsibility for The decoration.....our caterers and other things are booked, but we don't have a location and an event manager' spoke Angad....extremely agitated and worried.
'Can we cancel the event' asked Manveer
'No Manveer we can't....our clients have already arrived in Ludhiana or are enroute in the flight....if there is no other alternative then we have to cancel...but we will incur huge financial loss and a major reputational loss' Inder Replied.
'Veerji...I have also tried everything but am not able to get any other location as per our needs' Jaspal walked in..worried.
'Maybe we can revive the same location' said Manveer....'they have doused the fire by now right'
'On an assumption, even if we use the same place, how will we prepare it....it's all burned up....we need someone to decorate it and no company is willing to touch this project now....cause it's matter or their reputation also and they know its a sinking project now. Our regular event managers have refused to assist with a new site also as they are not prepared to do this overnight'
Angad was anguished, he had worked so hard on this, put his money and reputation on line and God did this to him....he could not belive this was happening with him....he had never been unfair in business .... never cheated anyone, everything they had was through pure hard work and dedication....but this...
Daarji was very upset too, money would come and it would go, but he could not see Angad so hurt, he had worked so hard for this and did not deserve this. A grandparent's heart pained for his favorite grandchild.....no matter what he said about being fair and all Angad was his most favorite, more than his own kids also.....his first grandchild....he could not pamper Angad enough when he was a kid, he was so sweet and innocent as a child, always caring, always respectful.....Angad was still very caring but had lost himself, doing things for his family and amassing huge wealth......he prayed for babaji to intervene and do something to help Angad in this situation and in life in general.
As he was lost in his thoughts, his gaze fell on a sombre Sahiba standing in the far corner of the hall near Seerat....and he remembered his wedding anniversary day....the divine noor that she had spread....his experience and instincts urged him.....
'I think there might be someone who can help us....' He thought out aloud....
'Who Daarji' asked Angad
'Sahiba'
Angad was shocked and turned to see where Daarji was staring, Sahiba...what was she doing here.....
Angad and everyone around them were shocked but not as much as Sahiba herself....she could not comprehend what Daarji was saying...
She got really nervous with everyone looking at her, some questioning her presence and some hopefully..
'Daarji I was with Garry and Seerat when this news broke so just happened to come along to see if I could help in anyway, but I don't think I can do anything much here' stammered Sahiba...
'Sahiba puttar, we saw your work on the Paath day, I am sure Babaji has sent you here today with a purpose, you have helped us save our reputation twice before, once on paath day and once on the kirtan day....you were meant to be here today also' finished Daarji
'Yes Sahiba....you are so good at art, you can surely help, please' said Garry With hope . 'You know about jewellery right, you design for your father and you know about decoration also' pleaded Garry.
'Yes Sahiba, you have helped so many of our neighbours with their functions, you can surely help' said Seerat Di.
'Yes Di, but this is an event at another scale, which I have never done before. To execute something like this one needs time, team and materials...'
'You don't worry about team and materials, we will ask our entire staff, at home and office to be at your disposal, and get whatever you need, please help Sahiba' requested Inder.
She was so shocked by this request and not sure if she would be able to do this....and could not answer immediately
'Let's cancel the event' said Angad ....'I don't think Sahiba wants to help...and it's not going to be easy' he said dejectedly and started coughing badly....his mom and dad rushed to him....trying to calm him down....
She hated him but seeing him defeated ... she was not aware of her feeling but ....she would rather see an arrogant Angad than a defeated Angad...it did not suit him ..... 'I will help' said Sahiba and with those 3 words there was a wave of hope in the room.
Angad calmed down a bit and a primary team of Angad, Garry, Sahiba, Seerat, Inder, Jaspal, Hansraj and Jasleen camped in the study. Angad was still not 100% well and Sahiba thought it must be due to some smoke inhalation.
They asked Pam to arrange pictures of the location and were reviewing it on the projector to see what could be done....the place was completely burned down, with absolutely 'zero scope' for revival. Everyone, enthusiastic few minutes ago, seemed to have given up, specially Angad. He was slumped on the sofa with his head in his hands. Sahiba went mute and started thinking.... it was seven in the evening right now......where could they do this...suddenly she started shooting questions and making quick notes....
'When is the exhibition planned'
'Tomorrow'
'I know...time?'
'Eleven in the noon, followed by a corporate lunch' Inder replied
'Whats the theme of the jewellery'
'Big fat punjabi Wedding collection'
'How will it be displayed'
'All our diaplay units have burned to ground, but we can get some from our stores but they won't be asthetic'
Angad had already given up.....His shoulders slumped....answer to every question of hers showed how impossible all this was.... when he suddenly heard an excited voice....'I know where we can do the exhibition!'
'Where' asked Inder, surprised at the excitement in Sahiba's vocie.
BRAR MANSION!
Everyone looked at her as if she had grown two horns....except Seerat Di....she was familiar with Sahiba'a brilliance and the way her mind worked up something extremely unimaginable but unique....
'Are you out of your mind' asked Angad...
Sahiba did not mind his sarcasm....or his anger, she was ecstatic to have found a solution and started speaking: well let me put my idea forward
1. We are not getting any location for now so have limited choices
2. Your Mansion is literally a Mansion....in the garden alone you managed a party of 300+ for Garry and Seerat di roka so you definitely have space.
3. You have multiple indoor areas, which are huge and spacious and can accommodate the actual exhibit whereas you can do your lunch outdoors.
4. Your staff is familiar with the house and so is your family, it's way easier for us to decorate the Mansion that a new place.
5. We re-creat the entire big fat punjabi Wedding, with various functions across your ground floor, and showcase theme based jewellery.
6. For example pool side, we arrange a cocktail party, we can arrange a mock menhdi set up in your front garden, similarly haldi, choora, etc etc....with Wedding and reception being the finale.
7. Coming to the display, all your units are burned so I suggest to use live models doing mock functions, Garry and Seerat di can arrange models and clothes or infact some of the family female members can also do it to give a feel of authenticity. They can explain each ritual and it's significance to your foreign clientele and it would give a touch of personalized service.
8. It's your house so you can beef up security according to the requirement to keep your jewels safe.
9. We can arrange a punjabi style welcome and lunch....to give a proper wedding vibe.
10. So basically instead of just displaying your wedding collection, we actually recreate an entire wedding experience for your clients and they can actually experience how your jewellery will fit into the entire wedding scene rather than just imagining it on the bride and her relatives.
11. Your models can later join in for lunch, where the clients can see the jewellery up close and inspect it more closely!
Sahiba finished with a deep breath and looked around excitedly. She was greeted with complete silence and astonished faces.
Angad did not know how to react....that was....
'Brilliant idea Sahiba' exclaimed Inder in amazement. It was soo bizarre that it bordered on genius. Everyone was filled with excitement, Angad got back his energy too and called his entire team to brar mansion....with Sahiba leading the entire event. Angad was not used to listening to instructions but he had no option right now.....
The entire brar family was asked to get involved, other than Prince. Work was divided:
1. Study was going to be the strategy room, with additional worktables set. Sahiba designing the decor for each mini event. She made a list of complete event sequence, from chunni to roka to mehndi....finally upto the reception..
2. Angad was to go through his designs and assign them event wise, no. Of ppl wise.
3. Garry and Seerat called all their models and asked them to come early in the morning for a very lucrative assignment and they all agreed. Work was further divided with Seerat assigning models for each event and Garry finalizing the clothes for each event from his collection.
4. And any functions for which his line was not sufficient, they called their designers and offered them free marketing with foreign clients in exchange for suitable clothes for one day. Everyone obviously agreed.
5. Hansraj was given the responsibility of arranging for all the things like flowers, lights, etc. They had recently done a wedding and they could not find one event manager to lead the whole show but they got individual contractors...smaller in size....who were willing to provide Individual services like flowers, furniture, etc.
6. One family member was assigned one mini event each, with the task of getting it decorated as per the designs.
7. Rest of the work was divided among the Brar jeweller managerial staff.
8. Manveer and Gurleen were also ensuring that everyone was fed during the night and taken care of.
Sahiba was busy finalizing the entire set up one by one and had not had anything to eat, it was already later than midnight.
Manveer got a late late dinner served and caught hold of Angad, Garry and seerat to sit down and eat...
'Mamiji I will go find Sahiba....she has not had anything post lunch....'
'You wait Seerat, you eat peacefully and I will go find her' said Manveer. Manveer found her near the haldi event preparation, going through the entire thing and guiding the staff.
Manveer observed Sahiba and realised that she had literally saved Angad and his reputation today, well it was not yet done but she was the reason they had hope today.
'Sahiba....sahiba' she had to call her twice as Sahiba was extremely busy....'Sahiba'
'Oh, Mamiji, please tell me'
'Come have dinner" 'later, let me finish some stuff...." sahiba said distracted....
'No, no later...now' Manveer said firmly and took Sahiba by hand and started walking towards the study....'but there is lot of work left'
'I know and that's why I am asking you to eat....you need your energy....you have a big responsibility on your shoulders'
Sahiba gave in....just as they were about to enter the study...Manveer stopped to face Sahiba and said....'Thank you Sahiba...I just want you to know how much this means to me and Inder.. you doing this for Angad and Brar jewellers...'
'But it's not done yet and you don't need to say thanks mamiji'
'Yes but the efforts count .....and I WANT to say thanks....' saying that she gave Sahiba a hug before they entered into the study, where Manveer ensured that all of them ate well.
They worked throughout the night and managed to finish just before 9 in the morning. Everything was ready:
1. Thr dhols to welcome the guests
2. The lunch preparation under way in the main lawn
3. Veer, Kiara and Ekam's rooms were converted into changing and makeup rooms for models, with Garry and Seerat overlooking things.
4. All individual sites were ready.
5. Angad's jewellery had also arrived and they were taking an inventory of the same and assigning it to various models.
6. Security was beefed up and ....they were all set to go!
Angad got ready and left to greet his guests and get them and other brars went to get ready for the welcome and the display.
By 10.30 everyone was ready. As Inder and Manveer came down they noticed Sahiba running around doing last minute touches....
'Sahiba, you did not get ready' asked Inder.
'Me, what will I do getting ready....'
'You will join us for the whole event, what else'
'Why me' asked an astonished Sahiba
'What do you mean why you....it was your idea, your efforts, you have to be there to showcase it' said Manveer
'No...I don't think so, this is only for family and I will be there but mostly managing things in backend'
'No backend, you need to be in forefront, with us and I don't want any arguments on this' said Manveer mock sternly.
'Anyway I don't have anything to wear so" said Sahiba, confident of getting away...smiling
'That's easily solved, I think our blouse sizes are same, come to my room and freshen up and I will help you with one of my sarees" Saying that Manveer dragged away Sahiba, protesting, with Inder promising to manage last minute things.
The brar employees had taken over the actual execution, all models were in their place and the setting was all set to go.
Manveer took Sahiba to her room and took out a beautiful off white saree with heavy golden Zardosi border and small flowers all over. The blouse was also self with a deep back...this was a very old but designer saree of manveer and she thought this blouse may fit Sahiba perfectly.
'This is so beautiful.....' praised Sahiba, touching the saree reverently....
'Yes, isint it. This is for you, I am sure you will fit well'
Sahiba was aghast, she had never worn something so expensive in her life and she was sure this saree was a designer piece....with her tendencies she may drop something on it and spoil the masterpiece.
'I can't wear this'
'Why'
'This looks too expensive. ...what if I spoil it..no no, leave it'
'Sahiba, this will go well with the entire theme and don't worry about anything, just wear it'
'But mamiji..'
'No mamiji.....freshen up and get ready. You will find everything for your makeup/blow dry in the dressing room, no one will disturb you.'
Sahiba went through the nearby door. These rich pol had a bedroom, a dressing room and a bathroom....wow. her entire bedroom would fit into mamiji's bathroom and dressing room. She quickly freshend up and had just finished wearing her saree when the door opened....startling her.....it was mamiji....
'Don't worry it's only me....I thought you would somehow look a bit incomplete hence I got something else too'...saying that she took out a jewelley box and showed her a heavy and beautiful white kundan and emerald neckpiece with earrings. It was heavy, yet very elegant and smart....one of the finest pieces Sahiba had ever seen....she looked at Manveer and it clicked in 5-10 seconds that it was meant for her!
'I can't wear this....I have never worn something so heavy...I never wear such jewellery, it does not suit me....what if I loose it....' Sahiba kept on giving reasons but Manveer would have none of it.. she made Sahiba sit down and put the neck piece around her neck.
'It suits you so well' said Manveer happily....the neck piece suited the saree in a perfect contrast and Sahiba was looking like a princess.
'Well finish getting dressed and come down, Angad is about to reach with his guests' Manveer left, leaving Sahiba to finish her makeup.
Sahiba was feeling very awkward but also felt warm. Mamiji was so sweet....she might as well enjoy wearing the jewellery and saree for sometime ...
THE EXHIBITION BEGINS
As planned, as the clients alighted from their vehicles, accompanied by Angad and Jaspal chachu, the dhols started, welcoming the clients. The family welcomed them with garlands....Angad was very nervous....all this was not his first choice but he had no options....as the clients gathered in the huge spacious hall along with his Family, they were very confused.
'We thought it was an exhibition...what is this....you promised us a display of your jewellery' they questioned Angad..... he did not remember when he was last this nervous but before he could say anything...he happened to glance up towards the stairs.....Sahiba was walking down them in a off white Saree, her hair open, very subtle and little makeup and wearing one of his most beautiful pieces of jewellery.....he was spellbound, she looked like a queen... ...he had always wondered how she would look in a neckpiece and now he knew.....
'Angad....' one of his clients prompted.
'Ya as this is a wedding collection, we are showcasing it to you in a similar setting' said Angad...though he was an excellent businessman, currently he was tierd and was not able to explain the theme...as he had not yet connected with it..his clients looked restless and dissapointed....
'What he means to say is, the Brar jewellery line that we want to launch is the wedding collection line. So, we wanted to give you a unique experience where you not only see our jewellery but live it too...instead of a regular exhibition....wherein the jewellery just sits in a box to be viewed, we are going to take you through the entire journey of that jewellery in a wedding, wherein the jewellery will speak to you too. We have prepared various segments, showcasing various functions that take place in an Indian wedding and how our jewellery fits into each occasion perfectly. It's basically our way of creating a simulation for your better experience' ....Sahiba finished.....she was trembling with fear but as it was her artists mind that had come up with this...she could explain it with a passion and conviction that no one could..... there was silence for few precious seconds, wherein the entire family and staff awaited the client reaction....only to hear applause and a cheer.
Angad sighed a breath of relief ...the clients looked really impressed with the idea....and were quiet curious to see the whole exhibit...He took them through the entire place, one of his family explaining the importance of each tradition and the relevance of clothes and jewellery in it.........the exhibition was a resounding success. The clients were extremely impressed and seemed quiet happy. Everyone proceeded for lunch post the exhibition and got busy entertaining the clients.....
Sahiba was tierd....the adreline rush that she had been working on for almost 24 hours now......left her and she felt really tierd......her work was done here and she should leave the family to their event she thought and went to mamiji's room to remove the jewellery, change into her clothes and leave.....she will take an auto home.....
Angad had seen her leave the party and wanted to speak to her...he called Pam and gave her certain instructions...
As she came down the empty hall (as the lunch was in the lawn) to leave, she saw Angad in the lobby. She was passing by when he called her out 'Sahiba..."
'I wanted to speak to you.....I know you have worked really hard and I.....'
Sahiba was about to stop him from thanking her, she had done everything only because she could and just to help him....when Pam joined them out of nowhere and handed Angad something and left.
'Ya so as I was saying...I know you have worked really hard....and you did well. You did me a favor and.....I don't like keeping favors.....so here' he threw a cheque on the centretable.
'It's a cheque for Rs. 30 lacs, it values your services and compensates it tenfold i think...its more thsn what you may make in a year......I think this will make us even' he finished.
Sahiba could not believe her ears....just less than 24 hours before....this this...man was all defeated and lost and now....he was insulting her help....insulting her....he wanted to value her efforts.......she had never felt so cheated or insulted ....he was indirectly rubbing her social and financial status in her face....she picked up the cheque, to his satisfaction......just before he could turn and leave....to his astonishment she tore the cheque to pieces and threw them in air, turned and walked off.
WTF....who the hell did she think she was....before he could pursue this thought further Pam came to speak to him.
Sahiba had tears in her eyes as she was walking out when she came across Manveer, who was coming in for some work ..'what happened Sahiba...why have you changed, where are you going and are you crying'
'No no...I am not crying...mamiji I am really tierd . .can hardly stand...I changed and left all your stuff in your room....I will go home now...am very tierd'
'Why don't you rest here'
'No I want to go home' said Sahiba agitatedly.
'OK let me call the driver'
'No It will take time...I will take an auto' before Manveer could stop her...Sahiba left.
What could have happened she thought, as she entered the house she saw Pam and Angad talking and then Pam picking up something from the floor....
She wondered if Angad had said something to Sahiba....She ill check later with him
What an ass! Truly horrible guy. Instead of thanks this is how he treats her. Please make manbeer find out and bash him for just how much he has embarrassed her upbringing by behaving this way with Sahiba.
I can feel Sahibas anguish, pain and embarrassment for money being thrown at her face in this way.
Loved reading Sahiba giving him spicy paneer, too good! Amazing chapter
IT IS A WOW UPDATE.
Saheba is simply brilliant, She saved Angad quite litreally and Angad could have simply thanked her.
Oh no! Angad was so rude to Sahiba... Felt bad for her... Hope he learns his lesson soon. And kudos to you sis, that whole Big Fat Punjabi Wedding concept was awesome.🙌🙌.. The idea of setting the exhibition in BM and giving them the entire experience. That was very interesting... As usually loved the update.. And is egaerly looking forward to seeing what your Angad and Sahiba has in store for us. 🙃🙃
Amazing update! Loved the idea and how sahiba saved the day! But her efforts were not appreciated like they should be sadly. Hope Angad sees her for what she is soon.
Btw.. I wanted to say I really appreciate you posting these chapters so quickly. Every morning I wait to see if there’s a new chapter and you never disappoint! Thank you ♥️
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