In search of the diamond -Fanfic-Updated-Chapter 51 - Page 8

Chapter 18-Gurleen

Gurleen stared out of the window of her office,lost in thought.The engagement had brought in a veritable storm;whether she liked it or not,she still wasn't sure.The man she was about to marry was an enigma unto himself. While his business credentials were excellent and surprisingly cleaner than that of her mother's and brother's,she had no clue about his personal life.

For all she knew,he might be a psychopath in the making,or a wife beater,or a chronic cheater.No matter how hard she tried she couldn't reconcile her imagination with the man who had handed over her Sarangi, blushing and refusing to meet her eyes.Regardless of his nature,she knew that the bigger hurdle would be his family.The only person who genuinely seemed to like her was Prabhjyot.Manveer di hated her while her fiance's older sister creeped her out.

Inderpal Singh Brar's reputation preceded him and she refused to judge him until she actually met him.That left bebe and Daarji, as he'd insisted she call him.She didn't trust daarji;he had engineered the whole thing from the beginning and was clearly more manipulative than she gave him credit for.He wouldn't enter into an agreement without the expectation of gaining an upper hand .

Come to think of it,mummy and veerji had looked very furious that day,when the Brars had come over.Had they been forced into agreeing to this marriage?There was something quite fishy here.Would Daarji actually resort to blackmail ?

Why wouldn't he? A voice inside her head asked. Suddenly,a suppressed memory reared its head up.That day,all those years ago,the old man, who had told her to go to the storeroom, had been Akaal Singh Brar all along.He had known of her brother's affair and used her to create scandal,leaving Manveer di with no choice but to marry his elder son, whether the couple liked each other or not.She felt a surge of anger.Never had she hated someone with so much passion.How dare he use her as a pawn to destroy her own brother's life?

Akaal Singh Brar,I promise you'll live to regret this,she vowed.A knock on the door startled her.Her secretary poked his head inside,looking sheepish.

"Ma'am, there's a young woman who wishes to see you.I informed her that a prior appointment was necessary but er..er..er...she insisted that the rules did not apply to family."

Gurleen raised an eyebrow.While she knew that she should refuse on the grounds of protocol,her curiosity did get the better of her.

"Show her in."

The moment she saw her guest,she burst out laughing.

"Ms.Prabhjyot Kaur Brar."her secretary announced in the deepest and most regal voice he could muster.

Gurleen watched amusedly as the twelve year old walked up to her desk and settled herself in the chair opposite her.

"Sat sri Akaal Prabhjyot ji.To what do I owe this honour?"

"Sat sri Akaal Parjaai.School is over for the day,so I'll be spending the rest of my evening here."

Gurleen looked at her quizzically to which the younger girl replied.

"Ordinarily,I would go to Jaspal veerji's office .But he's busy today and I don't want to go back home.Since, you're my Parjaai now,I have come here."

"Why do you not want to go back home?"Gurleen asked her gently.

"Inder veerji and Manveer parjaai had a fight yesterday.Daarji is very angry with both of them.For all I know they're probably still fighting.I don't like it when they yell you know ."

She sniffled a bit but brightened when Gurleen called her for a hug.

"Well Prabhjyot ji, I'm glad to have you here.But does your family know where you are?"

The girl shook her head.

"How about we call your bebe and inform her?"

"Bebe will ask me to come home."she muttered, downcast.

"What about Jaspal ji?"

Prabhjyot nodded.

Gurleen picked up her phone only to realise she didn't know his number.Sighing,she turned to the girl who was only too happy to help her.She dialed the number and waited.

One ring.....

Two rings.....

Three rings......

"Hello,this is Jaspal Singh Brar.May I know who is on the line?"

"Hello,this is Gurleen."

She heard a gasp which was quickly muffled as a cough.She smiled to herself,fighting the urge to giggle.

"Gurleen ji.This is rather unexpected."

"Should I call some other time? Perhaps you're busy."

"Oh no no . I'm not busy please go ahead.Is everything alright?"

"Everything's fine,thank you for asking . Prabhjyot is currently in my office.She didn't inform anyone at home it seems.So I called you up."

"They probably won't notice she's gone till nightfall ",she heard him mutter before he continued.

"Gurleen ji.I couldn't thank you more.And I apologise on Prabhjyot's behalf for disturbing you.You must be really busy.I will come immediately to pick her up."

"That's not necessary Jaspal ji.I don't mind having her here.She's a perfect angel and absolutely no trouble at all.Please do not hold up your work on account of this.I can even drop her home if you like."

"Angel,my foot,you have clearly not met her properly."

She laughed while he continued,

"I cannot thank you enough.I'll be over as soon as I'm done with my work.And if it's alright with you, perhaps we could dine together tonight."

Gurleen smiled, nervousness bubbling in her stomach.

"I'd love that."

"That's great.I'll see you at around six.Bye."

He hung up.

Gurleen turned to Prabhjyot.

"Prabhjyot, your veerji will come at six.I have a lot of work to do"she gestured to her files,"so I'll be unable to play with I'm sorry"

"No issues Parjaai, I'll have to finish my homework anyways."

Giving her a kiss on the cheek,she bounded off to the couch and made herself at home,soon engrossed in her school books.

Gurleen turned her attention to her paperwork,putting all thoughts about the dinner at the back of her mind.

Awww...Prabhjyot-Gurleen's parjaayi-nanad bond is so cute.

Akaal seems to be the main antagonist in this fiction.

Waiting to read on Gurleen-Jaspal's dinner date.

Chapter 19-Jaspal

Jaspal took a deep breath before entering the cabin.Technically speaking ,he had no reason to be nervous.They were about to be engaged the following week;this was necessary to acquaint themselves with each other and address the media as well.Gurleen's secretary announced him and he walked in.

"Where's Prabhjyot?"he asked her,wondering where his little sister had wandered off to.

"Bebe came to pick her up an hour ago."

Jaspal nodded recollecting his conversation with his mother .

"Bebe, I won't be home for dinner.Gurleen ji and I are dining together."

"Jaspal,am I hearing things?Are you actually...""

"Bebe! It's a perfectly normal gesture amongst those who are about to be engaged ."

To his consternation,his bebe had just laughed.

"Puttar, it's common amongst those who are engaged.This is the first I'm hearing of someone taking their prospective fiance on a date."

"Bebe,for the last time, it's not a date.We are merely dining out for formality's sake.Plus, the media will no doubt be there."

"Oh Jaspal,what will I do with you?Did you tell Gurleen about the media?I hope she isn't expecting a private,low key setting."

Jaspal had sworn under his breath, out of his mother's earshot.He had neglected to tell Gurleen about the possible presence of the media.He had resolved to rectify it as soon as possible.

"And Bebe, Prabhjyot is currently in Gurleen Ji's office."

"WHAT?What is she doing there?"

"Shanti bebe.You should probably ask her.I'll drop her off at home before heading out with Gurleen ji."

"No, don't do anything.I'll pick up Prabhjyot.You take care of your date."

"For the last time Bebe, it's not a date.It's a business engagement."

"Fine, whatever you call it,make sure she reaches home safely."

"Gurleen ji,I wish to thank you once again.Few people can put up with my pesky sister for as long as you have."

She smiled at him.It made him feel warm and fuzzy which he ignored.

"She was perfectly well behaved and rather sweet.She finished her homework and played around a bit.I must apologise though.We may or may not have gone to the cafeteria for hot chocolate."

Jaspal started laughing.His parents were going to have the time of their lives trying to control Prabhjyot who was on a sugar rush.Part of him was going to regret missing the spectacle but the other part swiftly reminded him that if he were home, he'd be the one babysitting his baby sister.Thanking his stars,he faced the woman in front of him.

"That's Bebe's problem.Please don't worry.If you're ready,we can leave Gurleen ji."

She nodded and the two of them left the cabin.He nodded to her secretary on their way out.They rode the elevator together to the parking lot.He noticed Gurleen hesitate.

"What's wrong?",he asked.

"My car is here.Perhaps I could drive to the destination you have in mind."

Jaspal thought for a moment before replying.

"How about you leave it here overnight?I'll drop you off tonight and pick you up tomorrow morning as well."

She nodded tersely.He opened the passenger's door to his car for her and took own seat.Soon,they were on their way,silence engulfing them.Hoping to break the ice,Jaspal cleared his throat,

"Would you like some music?"

She shrugged in response;he switched on the radio.They landed on a station playing classical music.He noticed her eyes light up in recognition.Smiling to himself he focused on the road as she hummed to herself,gazing at the scenery outside,nothing but a blurry streak.

"Gurleen ji,I probably have to warn you,we might be accosted by the media at the restaurant.If you're not comfortable with it,I can change locations to somewhere more productive private."

She looked pensive for a moment.

"That's alright Jaspal ji.I understand the necessity of this whole dinner.You're doing it for your father aren't you?"

Jaspal deflated.Once again,she had seen right through them.

"Yes.There are rumors flying around that he blackmailed your family into agreeing to this marriage.There's no way your mother would've approved especially when the Ahujas had been contenders.As a result,our reputation is starting to take a hit."

"That is true", she mused."And since I'm affianced to you,it won't be long before we're targeted as well."

Looking at his raised eyebrows,she merely rolled her eyes,

"They'll latch on to the fact that my mother did something warranting blackmail.So anyways, back to the point.What exactly is our game plan tonight?"

Jaspal was relieved.She understood his reasons and did not seem too put off by the farce.But a part of him was still disappointed that she had agreed so easily.

"Well, perhaps we could hold hands and maybe smile a lot while talking.And if you're comfortable enough we could even try a hug.I think this is enough for a first date."

"That sounds reasonable."

She was back to staring out of her window.

Reasonable?, his mind asked.

Did he truly have no effect on her?How could she agree so easily to this without any fluster ?

Did she look at him the same way he looked at her?Soon,the realisation dawned on him;this was as much a business deal to her as it was to him.He should've been ecstatic,he didn't have to deal with a broken relationship in the future;but all he felt was a twinge of sadness.Everything seemed gloomier all of a sudden.

Originally posted by: Aleyamma47

Awww...Prabhjyot-Gurleen's parjaayi-nanad bond is so cute.

Akaal seems to be the main antagonist in this fiction.

Waiting to read on Gurleen-Jaspal's dinner date.

Akaal is not exactly an antagonist.He is more of an anti- hero and a very flawed person.I just hope his redemption arc is convincing enough later.😅

Come to think of it,no one truly an antagonist here.They're just a bunch of people taking extremely bad decisions and paying for them.

Ah Haan! Jaspal is getting desperate while controlling his feelings. Although, he is showing out that the marriage is a business deal/partnership, nothing else.

Deep within, he does hope for a romantic partnership with Gurleen.

I wonder how will be Gurleen falling for Jaspal?

Chapter 20-Jaspal

He had secured a table near the window; they'd be in full view of the parking lot which was perfect for their plan.A waiter came to take their orders and left.Gurleen looked as uncomfortable as he felt.He found himself tongue tied.The candlelight seemed to make the flecks in her eyes dance, simultaneously make her glow.This was not part of the plan.He was supposed to pretend to woo her seamlessly and sweep her off her feet,making the headlines the next day.

He saw her start .

"I recognise the man sitting at the table behind you.He is a reporter from the Ludhiana times.No doubt there are others around.We need to do something."

Jaspal broke out of his reverie and started forming an action plan.

"I will hold your hand and smile.Smile back at me and blush if possible.Then I will start narrating a story.Just laugh at appropriate intervals whether you find it funny or not."

She nodded.

"It's doable except for the blushing bit."

"Can you think of a memory which can make you blush?"

"I think so."

"Good.We'll start in three,two,one......"

He took a deep breath and reached out for her hand.She stiffened and he stopped.

"I'm sorry,are you uncomfortable with this?We can drop this if you want.Please don't force yourself into this. Don't worry,I can take no for an answer."

To his satisfaction,she finally cracked a smile.

"It's okay.We need to get this right.Too much is at stake.I can't drag the two of us down."

"Gurleen ji, forget the stakes for now.You need to feel comfortable,that will always be my first priority."

She looked ready to cry,tears of frustration leaking from the corners of her eyes.

"May I hold your hand?"

She nodded.Taking her hand in his,he stroked it gently,rubbing over her knuckles.The rhythmic movements calmed her down again.

"Gurleen ji.It's not your fault.If you feel uncomfortable,please let me know immediately. I will most definitely not take offense.As I am unaware of your usual body language,it will be difficult for me to gauge your emotions.

I will no doubt crack the code with time,but till then I need you to openly talk about your feelings.I will also do the same to ensure we're both on the same page .

And one more thing,we will tell each other exactly what we're about to do beforehand and fine tune it.There will be no spontaneous acts so you need not worry too much."

She nodded,calming down completely.

"I'm sorry Jaspal ji."

"Nonsense. I'm glad we had this conversation."

"Jaspal ji, let's try executing our plan again but let's go slowly ."

He was already holding her hand,all he had to do was smile at her.She smiled back and his treacherous heart fluttered.And finally,the blush came.To his horror,he was the one who blushed and not her.She burst out laughing and he turned redder.He didn't have to tell a story after all.Her laughter was infectious and soon he was laughing as well.The tension between them vanished.They didn't notice the discreet snap of the camera.

A confused waiter finally brought their food and they finally willed themselves to stop.

*************************************************

As they waited for the bill,Jaspal finally had a look around.It seemed to be a charming establishment but a little too fancy for his taste.Being a Brar had its own price,plus his he was a patron.It would've been rude of him to take her elsewhere .The dance floor caught his eye.

"Gurleen ji,do you dance?"

"You'll have to be more specific."

"Do you know how to waltz?"

"Sort of ,but I prefer tango."

He filed this interesting titbit of information away.

"Would you like to dance now?",he asked gesturing to the dance floor.

"No offence Jaspal ji,but you won't make it alive to the wedding if daarji or my mother catch you .Inder veerji will probably have to scrape your entrails off whatever weapon they decide to use."

Jaspal winced.It was true after all.

"You make a fair point."

She laughed and it gladdened him.

Get a grip on yourself Jaspal.You can't afford to get distracted.Both of you have businesses to run and families to take care of.Make one wrong move,and you'll be digging your own grave.

"And Gurleen ji,I just had a thought.We should practice common romantic gestures in private.It will help us feel more comfortable with each other and make it easier for us to deal with public scrutiny."

"That's actually a good idea.Let's give it a shot."

The waiter brought their cheque which they decided to split,which was ideal considering the fact that they were business partners.One day he hoped to pay in full and much much more.They thanked the staff and went out to the parking lot.

"Jaspal ji,how about we give them one last show?",she asked ,gesturing to the Paparazzi inside the restaurant who were now unabashedly glued to the window.He nodded,

"What do you have in mind?"

"A simple hug;you will have to put your arms around me, approximately half an inch above my pelvis while I put mine around your neck.We will stay in that position for around ten minutes."

He blinked."I'm fine with that."

"Three, two,one....."

They stepped closer to each other,he put his arms around her waist and pulled her closer;she let out a soft gasp.Her arms went around his neck ,his head buried in her hai.He prayed she wouldn't be able to feel his wildly beating heart .The ten minutes were up far too soon for his liking and he reluctantly pulled away .He dropped her off at home and left after making plans to meet up the next day.They had to practice for the roka.

*************************************************

The next morning

"Jaspal,you might be interested in today's paper."his bebe called out as he settled down for breakfast .He looked around,his family in various states of anger and amusement.

His parjaai looked like she had swallowed a lemon while his parents were decidedly amused.Prabhjyot,bless her heart was staring off into space.

He looked at the newspaper his father passed him and his heart skipped a beat.

Love is in the air

The elusive heir to the Babbar fortune,Gurleen Kaur Babbar has finally found her match in the second son of the Brar family,Jaspal Singh Brar.They were spotted together ,having an intimate dinner........

His eyes skimmed over the lines only to land on the photograph accompanying the piece .A picture of her laughing at him,eyes crinkled in joy while the flecks in her irises danced in the candle light.She had never seemed more beautiful to him.

He discretely tore out the photograph and stuffed it into his pocket.It was his secret to keep.

Originally posted by: Aleyamma47

Ah Haan! Jaspal is getting desperate while controlling his feelings. Although, he is showing out that the marriage is a business deal/partnership, nothing else.

Deep within, he does hope for a romantic partnership with Gurleen.

I wonder how will be Gurleen falling for Jaspal?

Gurleen falling for Jaspal will probably take a few more chapters.It will happen slowly.

Jaspal..... He's so deeply in love

Chapter 21-Amrit

"Gurleen"

He stood at the door to her room,hesitating.She frowned and beckoned him in.

"What's wrong veerji?"

"I saw the paper this morning."

"Are you disappointed?"

"No,not at all."

Pammi had managed to wrestle the truth from her,not once believing in this new found romance.She really did know his sister the best.The whole idea of this farce did not bode him well.

"Are you sure about this?You don't have to go through with this engagement just because we agreed.Mummy,Pammi and I are ready to support you through this.You are more important than our reputation ."

"Veerji, it's alright.I know you'll support me no matter what.But unfortunately,we need this engagement to work.I've talked to Jaspal ji.They're as desperate us."

Desperately enough to resort to blackmail, he thought viciously.He held his tongue for his younger sister's sake,against his better judgement.His mother had no desire to invite Gurleen's hatred.Akaal Singh Brar was a piece of work ,and they had the misfortune of getting entangled with him.

This was all his fault.The company 's financial woes, his collapsed marriage,a lack of Babbar heirs;he had managed to destroy everything by not being forthcoming.His mother had been furious when the affair with Vikrant had been revealed.

"Couldn't you have at least informed us that you were dating the boy?We would've been prepared for such contingencies.And couldn't you have been more discreet?" She had yelled at him for hours before collapsing into sobs and apologizing over and over again.They had to sedate her.

Deciding to man up and attempt damage control he had tried distancing himself from the whole mess,marrying Parminder.He had ended up breaking his own heart and Vikrant's as well.His lover had been forced into conversion therapy ,enduring isolation for months at a time before he had attempted suicide.His scared parents had finally seen sense and shipped him off to the states where he had settled down with a nice young man who loved him unconditionally. They had two children.

At home,things had gotten worse.Parminder hated him for the way he had ditched Vikrant for the sake of his reputation .She had moved into the guest bedroom and whatever relationship they could've had had bitten the dust.Gurleen had started to struggle with her identity as news about their father started to make daily rounds.His mother had refused to get involved,the hurt and betrayal unable to overshadow the sliver of affection she had for the girl especially when her first born had hurt so much.

Once again,he had done the only thing he knew,he had run away.This time he threw himself into the business for which he had no aptitude, nearly running it to the ground before his mother intervened and had him kicked out.Numb with frustration and worthlessness,he had turned to alcohol,which in turn had only compounded his despondence.

The vicious cycle had finally come to an end the day Vikrant had left for the states.Gurleen had chased after him all the way to the airport,hoping he'd stay behind,only to meet with an accident on the way .

He still remembered Pammi's frantic call ,the rush to the hospital,only to be met with her battered body,her blood dripping all over Pammi as she sobbed over the broken child.There had been a scene outside the operation theatre with Pammi berating him and his mother in the strongest and crudest words she could muster,grief paving way to anger.

He had sat next to his mother in silence when the doctors pronounced Gurleen stable and Pammi rushed in to see her.

"Mummy, we've messed up badly.We cannot continue like this.Gurleen nearly died today.We should have talked her out of her guilt a long time ago."

"No wonder she likes Pammi the best.",his mother had mused.

He had become furious,

"Really mummy?Is that all that you can think of?How can you blame her for loving you less when you yourself barely gave her a glance?This is not about you.It's about Gurleen.While she owes you nothing,you owe her the world,as the person who adopted her.Whether you like it or not,this is the family we've been given,we have to learn to be happy together."

He had stormed off into the ward,where his wife and sister were waiting.Pammi had flashed a grudging smile; she'd overheard the outburst.

He now looked at his little sister,conscientiously sorting out her paperwork .

I may have broken my own heart, but I'm thankful for the people who have been sent to patch it up.No matter what happens, I'll be there for you Gurleen .Akaal Singh Brar will rue the day he makes you cry. He vowed to himself.

Jaspal Singh Brar was their wild card.While he did have a blemish free history,even the best of men had monsters hidden within them.Unless Gurleen herself fell in love with the man and he with her, there was no way he'd let this engagement take place.He'd have to talk to mummy first and convince her to tell Gurleen the truth.If the business went bankrupt,so be it,one less burden on them.

Originally posted by: Aleyamma47

Jaspal..... He's so deeply in love

I really hope he is in character.I want him to be realistic and not over the top as he's not a very lovey dovey person on the show.So I'm trying to keep it subtle.Will I have to tone him down a bit?😅