In search of the diamond -Fanfic-Updated-Chapter 51 - Page 9

Chapter 22-Gurleen

Gurleen gripped her teacup nervously as Manveer studied her.Her hawkish eyes seemed to probe her defences,testing for chinks in her armour.She had been invited to the Brar mansion by Bebe for an informal tete a tete.Her parjaii had been unable to make it so she found herself stuck in the same room with Manveer di and Jasleen Baweja.Worse,there was no Bebe or Prabhjyot to diffuse the tension;she was entirely on her own.

"So Gurleen,it seems that you're very eager to become a Brar bahu.The newspapers can't stop talking about your romantic exploits.I hope you know how to maintain decorum."Manveer commented acridly.

"At least her fiance loves her back.",to her surprise it was Jasleen who retorted.

Manveer di's face turned a curious shade of purple.Gurleen felt the comment was way below the belt and hid her grimace by taking a sip of her tea.

"Gurleen,I must really apologize for my Parjaai,sorry our Parjaai's behaviour.She's under a lot of stress.And please call me Jassi di.You're going to marry my baby brother after all."she gave her a dazzling smile .

Gurleen politely smiled back,all the while aware of Manveer di glaring daggers at her.

"Of course Jassi di."

Jasleen's smile grew brighter.Gurleen wondered if she was as genuine as they came. Perhaps, only time would tell.But she could definitely use with an ally in the Brar household.Someone who could help counter Manveer Di's wrath which didn't seem to be dying any time soon.Voices near the doorway,alerted them to Bebe's and Daarji's arrival.

"Puttar, you've arrived.I am sorry you had to wait for us.I hope you enjoyed yourself ."it was Akaal Singh Brar.A surge of anger came up which she hid well as she bent down to touch their feet.

"Jeeti raho"they echoed in unison.Bebe hugged her and led her to the sofa.In the chaos,Gurleen had missed the flash of jealous and hurt on her sister in law's faces.

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

"Gurleen,now that you're here,why don't you come with me to Jaspal's room?It will be your room as well one day." Bebe asked her .

"Bebe, the two of them aren't even engaged yet . Don't you think all this is a little premature? Aren't you the one who always says that one should never rush into something headlong? You've barely met the girl thrice ,why do you approve this wedding? Jaspal's life is at stake here.",Manveer di asked.

"Manveer Puttar,Gurleen in Brar Saab's choice and he has the ability to find a diamond amongst coal.I trust his judgement.Moreover, my son loves her and she him.What more could I want?"bebe replied,"Aren't I right puttar?"she asked turning to Gurleen.

Gurleen blushed.Strangely,she didn't think of their pseudo date, it was the memories of the ariboreatum that invaded her mind.Bebe laughed and tugged at her hand.The two of them made it up the staircase to Jaspal's room.She watched bebe knock and enter.There was no one there.

The room seemed to have a character of it's own,unique to Jaspal ji she mused.Stacks of books piled high on the desk, pens strewn around and the odd hair band, Prabhjyot's no doubt she thought with a small laugh.There was even a jigsaw box on the floor near the cupboard.

They heard a clutter as the owner of the room dashed into the room,a horrified look on his face.He ran to bebe,not noticing her presence.

"Bebe,is it true that you brought Gurleen ji to see my room? Couldn't you have given me a warning in the morning ?I would've tidied it up.God knows what she must think of me?"

"Perhaps you should ask her yourself?"Bebe suggested slyly before walking out of the room,closing the door on her way out.He turned around in shock to see her calmly sitting on his chaise.The shocked expression on his face sent her bursting into peals of laughter.She gestured him to take a seat

He acquiesced and sat down beside her.

"Gurleen ji,I must apologise."

"You need not,really. The room really does reflect your personality and it's to know that you are human as well."

He raised an eyebrow at her.

"My my ,the great Gurleen Babbar has given me a compliment.I must cherish this moment and keep it...."

Thwack!

He looked at her incredulously. and then at the pillow.

"Gurleen ji,how could you?Imagine if bebe saw this?"he asked in mock horror.

He picked up the pillow and it was her turn to dodge the onslaught.After while of running and dodging,they collapsed at the foot of the bed,on the ground,out of breath,laughing.

"Jaspal ji"

"Hmm"

"What exactly do you expect from this marriage?"

His smile froze as he mused.

"I need someone who can help me keep the business afloat.Like I might have mentioned earlier, this is a deal with benefits us both.We have the cash and you have the reputation.After the marriage, your financial woes will be over and the Brars get to enjoy your goodwill.Inder Veerji has done quite a number on the company."

Gurleen thought for a while,

"And what did you mean earlier ,when you called me the great Gurleen Babbar?"

He laughed,"You have quite a reputation amongst our peers,being clinical ,precise and even ruthless at times.But I honestly do not know what you're like in private."

"I suppose I'm different.What about you Jaspal ji?"

"I trust no one but the ones I love immensely and those who love me back in equal measure.I will go till the ends of the world for them."

"Lofty words indeed.The ones loved by you are lucky indeed.But the ones you hate luckieer still for they get exactly what they deserve in equal measure,no more, no less."

He whipped his head around.

"Don't look so surprised.I did my own research on your family,especially your cousins who seem to be in dire financial straits.Coincidentally,they were also the ones who profitted off Inder veerji's disgrace with all those interviews .A pity indeed.Anyways look at the time ,I'm afraid I have to take our leave.Goodbye Jaspal ji, we'll meet on the day of the roka."

As she left, she failed to see the conflicted expression on his face as he re-evaluated his assessment of her.

Originally posted by: themasked

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?😅

No no I'm okay with this form of Jaspal. Infact, I like him this way.

Chapter 21 & 22

Amrit has a bitter past too.

I wonder what Gurleen is upto? There seems to be something cooking in her mind.

Chapter 23-Jaspal

"Jaspal,when are you going to tell her?",his Inder veerji furiously whispered as they greeted guests.

"I've decided not to tell her anything.It will cause unnecessary complications."he whispered back,a stoic smile on his face.

"She's bound to find out after the marriage anyways."

"Daarji said he'll deal with it ."

"And you trust him?"

"If it's regarding the business,yes.My personal life is of no concern to him."

"And where may I ask does Gurleen come into the picture?"

"The former.The whole point of this wedding is to get our reputation back on foot thanks to your shenanigans."

"Is she aware of that?"

"Yes and she agrees with it."

"Then why not tell her of Daarji's plan to transfer the property following the wedding?"

"She might back out."

His veerji looked at him with a troubled expression.

"You're essentially trapping her,are you aware of that?What if she refuses to sign?Will you use force?"

"Obviously not, we're not barbarians.We'll convince her that it's a good idea.And about trapping her,as a business woman she should keep her eyes open for such traps shouldn't she?She can't trust people too easily."

His veerji shook his head,"I always thought you to be a better person but you're as bad as the old man."

Jaspal bristled,

"Do not compare me with daarji.Unlike him,I will do anything for my family.My life doesn't revolve around the Brar jewellers."

"But his life does, doesn't it and so does yours now.But what about Gurleen? You're essentially throwing her to the sharks that are Manveer and Jassi."

"If she can't deal with them, she's better off not being a Brar bahu.Daarji however disagrees.He said that he'd take care of them and ensure she lives with us peacefully."

"So you won't interfere; you're essentially leaving her to fend for herself.I can't believe you're doing this to someone you love."

Jaspal's heart skipped a beat.He didn't really love her ,did he?He swallowed before replying,

"Veerji,I don't love her."

"The picture in the paper says differently."

"It was harmless talk.And whatever my actions may convey,I can assure you that they are the result of pure infatuation.She is a very interesting person , someone who could keep Daarji on his toes.Nothing more,nothing less."

"Can't you at least tell her out of humanitarian concern?"

"We're running a business veerji,not a charity.

"You're a fool then.Throwing away your love for an inconsiderate,selfish old man must be the pinnacle of stupidity."

Jaspal remembered their conversation in the bedroom.She had known of his revenge on his cousins,yet she hadn't flinched.She'd called his love for his family endearing.Did he really want to let go of her?But he remembered Daarji's words,

"Never let your emotions cloud your judgement when it comes to the greater good."

And wasn't he doing that now?The family was dependent on Brar jewellers.They couldn't afford to lose on account of his feelings.And it's not as if Gurleen would be miserable after the wedding.Daarji had promised to ensure she lived peacefully and happily.

His thoughts were interrupted by the honk of a car.The bridal party had arrived at Brar mansion.He struggled to catch a glimpse of her in the chaos.He did register Jassi di greeting Gurleen with a hug and pulling her along for a little chat.He decided he would catch her alone later.Soon he found himself herded off to the stage .The roka was about to begin.

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

"Well Puttar, it is our honour to welcome you into this house as our second bahu.Nearly eight years ago ,we welcomed Manveer into our household and now it's your turn.I hope you're happy with us and will keep the Brar name up."

said bebe,as she placed the chunri over Gurleen's head and hugged her.His daarji surprisingly sported a smile on his face,his first genuine one in decades.

"Don't look so surprised Jaspal,"he chuckled,"this old man is capable of smiling as well.It gladdens me to see you truly happy.You've finally found a life partner who is as intelligent and compassionate as you.You will be happy,I know that for sure.And Gurleen puttar,trust me when I say that you won't find a man better than Jaspal here.May God bless the two of you to live a long and happy life.",saying that,he hugged the two of them and lightly kissed her on the forehead.

"Brar Saab,the sun might have risen from the west today.For the first time in your life, you've called someone puttar and you've also hugged them.",a very surprised yet happy bebe spoke up .

"I can't help it Jabjyot,"daarji replied ,smiling again.

To his shock ,Jaspal realised that the old man was actually crying.And they were genuine tears.

"Looks like you're not the only one who has become emotionally invested in this relationship.",his veerji whispered.

Jaspal grit his teeth.He was not and could not afford to become emotionally invested.His resolve was sorely tested when he turned around to face her during the ring ceremony.The two of them were flanked by their respective parents.For the first time that evening,he managed to take her in.Clad in a green lehenga,the same shade of the early leaves in the spring,she looked beautiful.She didn't wear much jewellery,barring a pearl choker,a gift from his bebe,which ended up accentuating her long neck and matching drops.

He had the sudden urge to trace her neck propriety be damned but the sight of her eyes stopped him.They looked dead.The flecks which had danced before him in the light looked dead and he felt a deep sense of foreboding.A wall had gone to between them,a hostile one that too.

They exchanged rings ;as he held her hand,not wanting to let go, he searched her face desperately,hoping to find the reason behind her distress.But she avoided his eyes for the rest of the evening.After the press conference and sn impromptu photoshoot with the family,he finally got the opportunity to speak to her alone, dragging her off to a secluded corner.

"Jaspal ji,do you wish to tell me something?"

His heart stilled and a sense of foreboding washed over him.

i just read your story, it's really interesting. Instead of bringing this stupid leap how interesting would it have been if they showed the backstory of Gurleen and Jaspal and business aswell as focussing on the main leads too! Love the cast of the show but feel they are under utilised

Originally posted by: Aleyamma47

Chapter 21 & 22

Amrit has a bitter past too.

I wonder what Gurleen is upto? There seems to be something cooking in her mind.

Not really.She knows that Jaspal will go to any ends for his family and admires him for that.Jaspal had always considered her to be an idealist who goes by the book but this revelation makes him rethink his whole opinion of her as a soft spoken , gentle woman.Plus he's having second thoughts about the whole property thing.

Ps:I can finally tag people now.I'll always tag you when I post a new chapter

Originally posted by: Simiyy

i just read your story, it's really interesting. Instead of bringing this stupid leap how interesting would it have been if they showed the backstory of Gurleen and Jaspal and business aswell as focussing on the main leads too! Love the cast of the show but feel they are under utilised

Thank you❤️

I'm glad you find this story interesting.It started of a simple love story which seems to have taken a life of its own 😅

I'll be honest here, I've read every single one of your stories .Your os on Hansraj and Prabhjyot was the first fic I read and it was also the one which introduced me to the characters of TMD.That's when I got curious about the show and its characters.I also love love your take on Garry and Seerat.It's nice to see them as grey characters with a proper redemption arc.

And coming to the show, the characters were woefully underutilized.They hit a gold mine with the story and cast but they didn't use it well.In fact , there's a stark contrast between the first twenty episodes or so and the later ones.

Chapter 24-Gurleen

Gurleen was very confused.Her family was definitely hiding something from her,atleast her mother and brother were.Her Parjaai was equally confused and had vowed to get to the bottom of things.Shortly before their departure fror Brar mansion,she was summoned to the study where here mother and veerji awaited her,their expressions suggesting rains of doom.She surveyed them warily as they stood in silence.

"Mummy,what happened? Is everything alright?", she asked worriedly.

"Gurleen,I need you to listen to this patiently. You must control yourself and not act recklessy."

"What is it mummy? You're scaring me.Are you sick or something?"

"No puttar, I'm perfectly alright.I need to confess something before we leave for the Brars."

Gurleen looked at her mother ,chills creeping up her spine.Her veerji didn't look better, he was positively ready to throw up,judging by the greenish tinge to his face.

"What is it mummy?".While her voice sounded soft to a lay person,those who knew her well could detect the threat of menace it carried.

"Akaal Singh Brar had blackmailed us into agreeing to this marriage."

Gurleen had nodded slowly ,the anger starting to rise,

Deep breaths Gurleen,slow and steady,she told herself

"I'm assuming there's a reason you haven't told me yet."

Her veerji swallowed gingerly and looked at his mother for askance;she avoided his eyes.Sighing,he continued,

"Mummy was responsible for the fire which destroyed your orphanage but it was assumed to be a freak accident .We covered our tracks well but the old man apparently has an eyewitness."

Gurleen was numb with shock,her brain unable to process the onslaught of information.

Ten children had died that day along with their warden.

"Veerji, tell me one thing.Momsie ...."

The older woman flinched but Gurleen ignored her and continued

"But momsie is quite influential.She could easily,what do you call it, make the evidence disappear.What has prevented her from doing so?"

"Gurleen.....",she ignored her mother once more and focused on her brother.

"He threatened to reveal the information to you.He was sure that you'd ensure that mummy and I ended up in prison.Moreover ,a criminal case against mummy could cost us crucial losses at this juncture.That's why she didn't want to reveal this information to you."

Her brother finished,looking at her expectantly.

She stared back ,in a daze.It didn't matter at all.She was a pawn to the Babbars all the way up till the end,right from her adoption till her wedding.She was responsible for all those deaths.

"Gurleen,say something."it was her mother.

She turned towards her,

"What do you want me to say momsie? Do I have to say that I'm proud of you for killing eleven people?" ,her last words coming out as a scream.

"It wasn't my intention to kill anyone.Your records following the adoption had to be destroyed.Don't forget, your mother was a minor at the time of your birth.If the courts had declared your father a rapist ,the business would have sunk then and there itself."

Gurleen felt sick to stomach as her mother went on a tirade.

"This is not at all about you, it's about our livelihood and our employees who are heavily dependant on this company group to flourish."

"Momsie, you're deviating from the fine.It's not about destroying the records.I understand your reason,but how could you be so careless?Eleven people died mummy, eleven .And ten of them were children."

"They were orphans, Gurleen."

She felt a chill permeate her bones and the numbness began to set in.

"You happen to forget that I too am an orphan."

"No.You were born a Babbar and will always be.As long as you're alive,you can never escape your blood and legacy.Till the day you die, whether you like it or not, you're tied to the company and the company to you .Whether you like it or not, others will depend on you.You matter the least in the giant scheme of things.Do not expect anyone to consider you as their first priority.I'll give you five minutes to collect yourself and arrive downstairs."

With those words,her mother swept out of the room,the hem of her saree trailing behind.She looked at her Veerji who signed her to wait.He locked the door and made her sit down.

"We don't have time before they come looking for us.There's something mummy hasn't told you yet.Brar women cannot work after marriage.Akaal Singh Brar used blackmail not only to convince mummy to accept the marriage but also facilitate the property transfer from your name to his son, Jaspal's name."

"No wonder he was so nice and polite",she fumed.

"Let's not judge Jaspal immediately.We do not know if he is privy to the plans or not.Let's wait and see ."

She nodded.

"Mummy didn't reveal the truth today out of love did she?"

"She realised there was no guarantee that the old man would keep his end of the bargain.She couldn't risk him revealing the secret to you after marriage and emotionally manipulating you into signing away everything after gaining your trust.Revealing everything now means she can control the narrative in her favour and force your hand using me.She's hoping you'll fight the brars in her stead and simultaneously find a reason to break off the marriage as well.If she were to act directly,the evidence will go to the police.Akaal Singh Brar would have never imagined her confessing everything to you in his wildest dreams .

"Why didn't she tell me about the property transfer?"

"She anticipated your anger.She was worried that you'd impulsively agree to it just to spite her.

He caught sight of the derision on her face

"Don't look at me like that,I know the reasoning is quite stupid."

"Veerji ,please give me a minute to think."

She paced the room,wracking her brains.

"Gurleen,why don't you just sign away the property?"

She looked at him quizzically.

"The business is tainted.Mummy has done a number of unspeakable things in the name of business."

"She set the orphanage ablaze on purpose, didn't she?"she interrupted her brother who sighed and nodded.

"Yes Gurleen.The warden had known your mother or in other words she had been our loose cannon.But the deaths of the children were accidental though."

"As if that makes it better,"she muttered under her breath.

"Princess,just agree to the Brar's conditions. You'll be free off an unwanted burden.Plus you'll annoy mummy to no ends.She'll be spitting fire .I first thought of breaking the wedding but your young man seems nice."

"Unfortunately my hatred for Akaal Singh Brar is greater than my dislike for mummy.He tried to manipulate me once again.And I cannot forgive him for what he did to you."

Her veerji looked trouble.

"Mummy is hoping I call off this marriage,so it's imperative I get married.And Akaal Singh Brar loves his business doesn't he?I have beautiful plans for them ."

"Gurleen,please don't throw away your life for their petty fights.Call off the marriage, leave the business and come with me and your Parjaii.We'll leave this dreadful city behind and start afresh elsewhere."

"How can I do that veerji?After all,the world doesn't revolve around me.I'm tied to the company for the rest of my life."

Her brother sighed at the sarcasm .

"She didn't mean it.She does love you."

"Not as much as she loves you.I will always be dust in front of you.She adopted me only because you loathed the business and a conventional marriage.And no, it's neither your fault nor hers",her voice softened.

"You can't help the way you love.And I'll always be an outsider where the family is concerned.Bit that doesn't mean I'll take things lying down.She dragged me into this,she is more than welcome to face the consequences.And now I believe,I have a fiance to meet."

Chapter-23

I feel Jaspal is somehow caught between love and responsibility.

He does love Gurleen but doesn't want to admit it and considers her a pawn for saving his family reputation tarnished by Inder.