Fan Creations
Originally posted by: Aleyamma47
Wow, there's a lot of suspense in the events of this chapter 26.
I am really curious to know how the suspense elements will gradually unfold.
P.S. I'm taking a break from IF for a few months so I may not be able to regularly comment on this story.
It's alright.All the best with your studies❤️❤️
May I continue tagging though so that you can keep track of the chapters when you return?
Originally posted by: themasked
It's alright.All the best with your studies❤️❤️
May I continue tagging though so that you can keep track of the chapters when you return?
Yes sure please do tag me so I will know which are the chapters, I have missed when I come to the forum.
Chapter 27-Inder
"What the ..."Inder cursed as he accidentally dropped his glass,his heart nearly leaping out of his chest when he heard the door slam.His daarji had returned home from the office in a foul mood and locked himself in his study,ignoring a very concerned bebe who appeared close to tears.The appearance of his brother ,who was clearly trying to mask his laughter behind a veneer of concern and indifference,did nothing to abet his confusion.
He caught his eye and jerked his head meaningfully.Ten minutes later both of them had made camp in Jaspal's room,the door locked and fortified against nosy sisters.
"Jaspal,what the hell is going on?The old man is creating a ruckus while you're grinning away like a madman."
"Veerji, you're looking at the husband of the chairperson of the Babbar-Brar group of companies."
Inder looked at him flabbergasted.
"What now?"
"She blackmailed Daarji into agreeing to a merger.Long story short, she owns Brar jewellers as well."
"As well?"
"Technically Daarji is the chairman of Brar jewellers.She owns twenty five percent of the company so it's a joint ownership thing now.Plus Brar jewellers is now owned by the Babbar group of companies,so Daarji has to report to her."
Inder started to laugh.He would've paid a fortune to see the expression on his father's face.His brother seemed to be more cheerful as well,which he was thankful for.
"Jaspal, aren't you upset?",he asked curiously.
"I'll admit that part of me doesn't appreciate the merger but it's Gurleen ......and we did have it coming for us.If we hadn't tried to pull the wool over her eyes,she wouldn't have had to resort to drastic measures."
"You have the right to feel upset.The two of you are getting married for heaven's sake.Why can't you just talk it out and be honest?"
"We are business partners.We cannot afford to trust each other."
Inder threw up his hands in frustration.
"What is wrong with you? You were perfectly fine before they finalized this wedding.Then suddenly you decide to become Jassi and start plotting against everyone.If you're scheming, at least do it properly.First you decide to work against daarji,then you agree to get the property from Gurleen and now you're sitting and laughing about your fiance hoodwinking your father.Make up your mind and choose your side already."
Jaspal looked at him dumbfounded.
"Veerji, what if I don't want to choose a side?What if both feel wrong?Daarji said he was proud of me today when I told him about Gurleen agreeing to sign the papers.But at the same time,I didn't want to see her disappointed."
Inder was at a loss.He had never seen his little brother look so lost.Out of the four of them,Jaspal had always been the calmest and most out together one.While Inder had partied and flirted around,his brother had been the one to clean up the messes and keep their daarji out of the loop.It was the same with Jassi.Whenever they'd fought with daarji,their arguments would grow violent with broken vases and torn cushions.While their daarji had never raised his hand on them,the yelling had been terrifying.
Bebe would lock herself in her room and not come out till the yelling stopped.She preferred to pretend that everything was normal and stable.
He winced when he remembered the day Jassi had eloped.The silence in the house had been more chilling than the yelling.No one had dared to utter a word to daarji.It had been Jaspal who'd clinically dissected the whole scenario and convinced daarji to accept her marriage for the betterment of their reputation and to avoid breaking the family.They had all taken him for granted.While daarji threw himself into the business, bebe into maintaining the image of the perfect family and him drinking away, perhaps they'd unknowingly thrust all their burdens on Jaspal.By the time they'd realised it,he had become unreachable, hidden behind an impenetrable wall.
No one knew what the real Jaspal was like.They only remembered the obscure, somewhat unsettling and disturbingly calm boy.Infact, he had never seen his brother express so much emotion till that date and then confrontation with Gurleen.
While he knew it was too late for the family to fix their issues with Jaspal,he hoped that his little brother would find happiness and peace on his own.
Chapter 28-Gurleen
She bowed her head in prayer once the kirtan ended.
Babaji meher kare.Please forgive me for my sins.Give me the strength to overcome the adversities awaiting me.Please give me the strength to do the right thing.I don't want to ruin anyone's lives.
She bowed to touch her forehead to the floor and rose .Thanking the granthi for letting her borrow the harmonium she went to the kitchen where she found him,standing uncertainly near the basket of rotis.She carried the basket to the hall where everyone was seated for the langar.He wordlessly started distributing the rotis to the patrons.They silently worked in tandem, barely exchanging a glance.
Two hours later,they were done.
"Gurleen ji,can we please talk?"
She fidgeted nervously before nodding slightly.He led her to the sarowar where they had first met.The memory brought a slight smile to her lips.They made themselves comfortable on the stairs and watched the sun glisten in the still water below.
"You played beautifully today."
She bowed her head in gratitude .
The silence was comforting , occasionally broken by the chirp of a bird in the tree beside them.
"Gurleen ji ,I'm sorry about what we did,both my father and I.It was very unethical of us to attempt the blackmail.And whatever happened after that,I have no right to hold it against you.We had it coming for us."
"Jaspal ji,I don't know what to say.This is not something which can be fixed with a simple apology.It's a matter of broken trust here.I know that whatever we have is not romantic what so ever.But please understand that this marriage means we do share something whether we like it or not.I will be living under your roof and will essentially be at the mercy of your household. And I need a safe space of my own.I can't always be looking behind my shoulder twenty four seven. I'll go half mad and never know peace."
"Are you saying we should be friends?"
"Friends is too strong a word.I would suggest acquaintances who don't double cross each other.I'm not asking you to love me and prioritize me over your family.You don't even have to talk to me about your personal feelings.I just want to be in the loop when there are things concerning me.I will stay out of your way."
He looked stupefied.
She continued,
"If this is impossible,just say the word and we can break this engagement.I will find a way to deal with the aftermath amicably without any harm to either of our families' reputation .
"NO! I mean, it's not necessary,unless of course you're desperate to break it off.Your request is quite reasonable .I will adhere to it.Similarly,I would also request the same of you."
She nodded.
"Gurleen ji,I just want you to remember one thing.I know that the Brars don't divorce but if you ever find this marriage suffocating,please let me know.I will help you get a divorce if that's what you want .This is something I promise and you may hold me on to it.I won't budge from my stance ."
"Even if it's Daarji?"she asked in jest.To her shock his reply was serious enough.
"Even daarji."
She was taken aback.As far she had known him, Jaspal Singh Brar was a man who valued his Daarji's opinion highly and respected it to a tee.Yet here he was, talking about divorce and what not.He edged closer towards her as a cold wind started to blow.
"Gurleen ji, aren't you going to apologise?",he asked her.
She winced as she recollected the incidence at the Brar office the previous week.It hadn't been one of the greatest moments.Her anger had propelled her into doing something distasteful.
"Jaspal ji,I don't regret what I did.At that point our business ,mummy and veerji were at stake.I had to save them.Moreover,how can I forget what your daarji did?First with veerji, then with mummy and finally me.I really don't appreciate people trying to manipulate me."
He looked at her quizzically .
"Your veerji?"
"Daarji was the one who sent me to the storeroom where I discovered his affair."
"Oh! That is actually awful.I would like to apologise on his behalf but I know it's pointless so let's leave it at that.But Gurleen ji it was not right to drag Angad and Parjaai into this mess"
"I know and that is something I wish to apologise for and it's also something I regret deeply.But rest assured and please don't tell daarji this,I wasn't going to follow up on that ,it was an empty threat."
"I understand but once again,this is not something which can be fixed with an apology is it?Not to mention,you did take away our company.Daarji isn't the only one affected.A number of our employees will have to be sacked as a result of this merger."
She bowed her head as he continued.
"I believe we both have a long way to go to earn each other's forgiveness.But I believe our relationship can be cordial as we work towards it.What do you say Gurleen ji?
"You might as well call me Gurleen.We're about to get married ."
He raised an eyebrow,
"Will you call me Jaspal then?"
"Heavens no.That sounds really awkward.I'd die of embarassment."
"I am so flattered now.",he commented wryly.
She blushed hard.
"It's got nothing to do with you."
"Manveer parjaai always calls Inder paaji by his name.No one minds it.Unless you're old fashioned enough to believe that it will shorten my lifespan.
Imagine,the great Gurleen Babbar being the perfect sati Savitri. "
She swatted at him as he burst into laughter .
"It's not funny . It's just awkward.Stop laughing."
He stopped for a second and looked at her with a serious expression.
"How will you address me at home?What if you need to call me for something?"
"I'll call you Ranjha."
He stared at her for a whole minute, looking absolutely horrified.
"Please don't do that Gurleen.I have a reputation to maintain.Jassi di and veerji will never let me hear the end of it and Bebe.....oh God she'll tell everyone and I'll have to change my name and move continents."
Gurleen decided to pull his leg a little .
"Is it that horrible being addressed as Ranjha?Or is it because this Ranjha has already found his Heer?"
He frowned at her in annoyance.She decided to continue.
"I would like to meet this Heer of yours .I wonder
if she knows about our engagement...."
SPLASH!!!!
Chapter 29-Gurleen
He had actually splashed water on her.Not to be outdone,she retaliated and thus an impromptu water fight was started. He tried to dodge her onslaught but she kept on evading his attempts ,managing to drench him head to foot.
"Gurleen, I give up.Please stop."
And she conceded, smirking triumphantly.He just shook his head,making her laugh harder.
"If Daarji and bebe saw you right now...", he started.
"They aren't here now, are they?,she asked.
"You're as bad as Prabhjyot."he muttered.
He looked at his watch and grimaced.
"I'm afraid it's getting late so I'll have to take my leave now,lest Bebe starts worrying.I will see you next week and if time permits,even sooner."
She looked at him, surprised.
"I'm sorry?"
"I usually come to the Gurudwara every Friday but I think I will change it to Saturday now.I absolutely adore your music.It's divine.I should warn you though,bebe has been dying to hear you play,so she might tag along."
She just stared at him, processing the onslaught of information.
"Gurleen ji,,we are fiancees now.People tend to become suspicious if we don't spend time with each other.Don't worry, it's a PR stunt and you'll be briefed the details before we meet elsewhere.
Rest assured,our meetings in the Gurudwara will be private.I would appreciate it if this stays between the two of us.This is neutral ground and we're not allowed to lie to each other over here."
"Alright,I agreed to your conditions."
His phone rang and he answered it,his expression growing more irritable with every word said.Deciding to give him some privacy,she ascended the stairs to wait outside the main complex.She watched him pace frantically and gesture something vaguely.It took an eternity for him to finish and hurry up.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting.I need to get home immediately.Apparently Prabhjyot tried to mess around with Inder veerji and somehow ended up dyeing Daarji's beard blue.Please don't ask why or how such a thing happened."
"Jaspal ji, I honestly suggest that you change your clothes before going back home.Daarji will skin you alive if you showed up looking like this.",she said gesturing to his wet shirt which had stuck to him like a second skin."
He yelped in horror.
"What do I do?Last time, I had the excuse of an accident.No one will believe I fell into the same sarowar twice.They'll definitely cook up a scandal at home especially since everyone knows you always come to the Gurudwara on Saturdays."
She watched him have a complete meltdown on the steps in dismay.
"Jaspal ji , it's not as bad as it seems.You can always get a new shirt and change.There are plenty of shops nearby.I'd love to invite you home but Amrit veerji's shirts will be too small for you."
"Oh.Thank you, you're a life saver."
He hugged her and she stiffened.She suddenly found herself very aware of his presence.His wet arms encircling her waist,his chest against her face and his nose buried in her hair.She fit perfectly in his arms,she realised belatedly.He finally released her, looking sheepish.
"Jaspal ji, it's just a wet shirt.You really don't have to worry about it."
"You don't know daarji."his tone spoke volumes and shd didn't wish to probe.
He hastily bid her farewell and left,leaving her confused at the doorstep of the Gurudwara.
*************************************************
When she got home,she was surprised to find her Parjaai in the hallway,looking tensed.Her mother was nowhere to be seen.
"Parjaai, what's going on?",she asked warily,fearing the worst.
"Akaal Singh Brar and his wife are here.They're talking to mummy ji in her study."
She didn't know what to make of the situation. Everyone at home was angry at her.Her mother hated the fact that she was marrying into the Brar family despite all that they had done,her veerji blamed himself for what he termed her sacrifice while her Parjaai was upset about her blackmailing scheme.
"I still can't believe you of all people would stoop so low.Why did you get Inder's family involved ?They haven't done anything to us."
"It was an empty threat."
"It's easy for you to say it now as Akaal Singh Brar has given you what you wanted.What if he hadn't given in and driven you to a point of desperation?You would've definitely done something drastic."
"Pammi , don't you think they're better off leaving that hellhole?"her brother sauntered up to them and continued,
"Akaal Singh Brar is a dictator through and through.He uses and throws away people according to his whims.It's not exactly an ideal environment to raise a child in."
"Yet your darling sister is hell bent on entering that house.",her Parjaai interjected,running her hands through her hair in frustration.Gurleen wanted to comfort her badly.
"Parjaai,I need to do this ?"
"For yourself or for the company?"
"The company"
"Are you serious?Are you talking about the sane company which ruined our lives,a legacy which has already scarred us?A company which was once headed a by our rapist of a father.Is that the man you wish to tie yourself to?"her brother asked her angrily.
"Unlike you,I don't have the luxury of leaving the Babbar name behind like mummy said.I will forever be a pawn to both my natal family and the one I marry into.I have accepted that.At least let me live what's left of my life in my own terms."she replied coldly and went to the study.
Bebe looked like she had been crying while daarji was as stoic as ever.Her mother's expression was unreadable.
"Sat sri akaal bebe,daarji,mummy."
"Sat sri akaal , puttar."It was Daarji
"Jabjyot and I were just about to leave.But before that I want to talk to you alone."
Gurleen lead him to the terrace.
"I agree to your conditions and I have signed the papers."
He chuckled at the shock on her face.
"You won fair and square and I lost to a worthy opponent.I will not trouble you on this count any longer.You will be warmly welcomed into our family as a Brar bahu.And to answer your question,yes you can continue your duties as chairwoman even after the marriage.This is however the only exception I'll make.
We'll try to stay out of each other's way and mind our own heads.The day you cross me will also be the day you rue.I will rain hell upon you."
His voice had taken a menacing turn.
"I believe the same thing applies to you as well."
She replied stonily.He gave her a grudging smile with perhaps a hint of pride and pl
aced one hand on her head,symbolising his acceptance.
Istg your story make daarji look like a devil. But anyway nice chapter,I loved the hug between jaspal and Gurleen
| topics | author | replies | views | reply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amanita09 | 0 | 417 | ||
| themasked | 3 | 365 | ||
| fantasy1000a | 30 | 1.3k | ||
| fantasy1000a | 45 | 2.5k | ||
| fantasy1000a | 11 | 842 |
comment:
p_commentcount