17

Next day! The news of the cases against Sham, the lawyer and son in law of Raizadas was all over the media. Their phone never stopped ringing. With reporters lurking outside Shantivan, it was difficult for anyone to go out of the house. Additional security guards were called upon. They already had faced this wrath of media. This time they were prepared and could take the brunt smartly. All the family members stuck together and avoided going out including Arnav and Aakash. Aman handled everything smartly. Slowly media interest subsided and the things normalized bringing back their routine. 

Arnav and Khushi were thinking of sending Anjali back to Kolkata till the case came up for hearing. But Anjali had refused.

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

"Shondeep, come home for the dinner tonight. I want to talk to you!" said papaji. He had come to the office after a very long gap and there was a rush to greet him and welcome him back to the office. Papaji found out sometime to talk to Shondeep. He nodded.

"Shondeep, I need to talk to you about my succession plan." said papaji after the dinner. They were in Papaji's study room. Shondeep had some idea about these plans. Papaji had talked about it before. He had anticipated this.

"Yes Sir! I know! I assure you my full cooperation to this new successor!" said Shondeep. Papaji gaped at him.

"Shondeep, I am happy that you will fully cooperate with yourself!" said papaji looking very serious. Now it was Shondeep's turn to gape at papaji with mouth falling open. 

"Shondeep, you are one of the successors!" Papaji said in a calm voice. Shondeep could not believe his ears. "What?" he blurted.

"Yes Shondeep, you heard right. You are one of the successors. As I had declared in the press conference, you will run the BTR group with three others. I know, no one can match you in technology and insight into processes. I am assigning you the responsibility of CEO (chief Executive Officer) of the entire group. You will be working with Arnav and Raj who will take up Purchase, Marketing , Finance and General management. "

"But sir..." Shondeep started off. "No interruptions when I am talking, Shondeep!" reprimanded Papaji with stern voice. Shondeep shut his mouth at once.

"Shondeep, apart from this I am assigning you the responsibility of the operations of the entire Group. Now you are not the CEO of one unit but the entire group. Here is the succession plan...." Papaji talked to Shondeep for a long time neatly explaining him everybody's roles and responsibilities...

"Shondeep, this does not give you three the power to take strategic decisions. You all need Shushi's go ahead before the decision!" he said. Shondeep was not surprised. He knew his Sir very well by now, after working with him for five years. 

Shondeep listened to him with rapt attention. He was overwhelmed with Sir's generosity. When Sir stopped talking, Shondeep opened his mouth.

"Sir, but you have a successor! Why do you want to decentralize the power?" he asked the basic question. 

"I have my own reasons for doing this." answered his Sir.

"Sir, but I mean... we have to talk to Raj about this first, before splitting up the responsibilities!" Shondeep said in a deep voice. 

"Shondeep, this is my company and soon going to be yours too! What do you think, have I not talked about it to Raj?" asked Sir looking straight into Shondeep's eyes. He was searching something in Shondeep's blue deep eyes. Shondeep gazed at his Sir for a while and said.

"Yes Sir! I accept! I am ready to take up the responsibility. It will be a great experience to work with Arnav, Raj and Khushi, with your guidance!" 

Sir came around leaving his place. Shondeep got up. Sir hugged Shondeep and said in a deep hoarse voice "shondeep, now I am assured that all my dreams will come true with your able leadership! I am proud of you!" Papaji switched off the recorder.

"Sir!" Shondeep too got emotional with his voice cracking. 

"I have one more piece of advice for you Shondeep!" said Papaji.

"Learn to look forward. Leave all your past behind, Shondeep! Life is beautiful, try and make it more beautiful for yourself!" said papaji placing his hand on Shondeep's shoulder.

"Sir....!" Shondeep sent his tears back. Only his Sir knew about his pathetic and dreadful past.
Papaji took him to Mummiji, and said "Bibi! He has agreed!" Mummiji looked satisfied. 

Shondeep touched their feet. They both blessed him. He had become a part of their family too.
"This needs celebration, biwi... let us plan something tomorrow with his parents. May be a lunch at his place?" said papaji licking his lips. He just loved Shondeep's mothers's non veg preparations.

Shondeep and mummiji laughed. "Balwindar..!" called Mummiji in mock anger.
"Biwi... Shh... Don't take my name in front of this young boy! He will start taking liberties with me! I am still his boss!" said papaji winking at Shondeep. 

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

Raj was with Dad and Mom. Dad had explained him his role. Raj had this conversation with his Dad before, long back when he had come to India for the second time after the family reunion. They both had chalked out the plan. His dad had waited for the right time.

"But Dad, why are you in a hurry! You declared your retirement plan after two years. Why are you doing it within six months?" asked Raj.

"You know, this ailment and hospitalization has taught me several things. 'Kal kare so aaj kar, aaj kare so Abb!' he said "Things you plan to do tomorrow, do them today and today's plans, execute them now!" he said gravely. " I have to do so many things yet and I feel I have little time" he said.

"No! Dad!" Raj got emotional. "Don't worry Raj, I am not going to die so soon! But I need to withdraw myself from this business world!" said papaji thumping on his back.

"Raj, its time for us to accept 'Vanaprasthashram', as advised by our culture! Its retirement time for us!" said mummiji 

"Why mom? We want you, we cannot think of living without you!" said Raj with tears in his eyes. He looked devastated. 

"Raj, you are not getting it! We are not going anywhere! We just want to enjoy our old age with freedom and happiness! We want to be with our grand children, move around the world at our pace.. just do whatever we want to! This business thing had tied us up! We request you to set us free!" Mummiji said calmly.

Elsa came forward. "Raj, they are right. It is time for them to relax and we should shoulder their responsibility. Dad and Mom built this empire, now we have to take it up!" she said. Papaji had tears in his eyes. "See, my daughter in law has understood it perfectly!" he said and hugged Elsa for the first time. Elsa wiped off her tears. She felt the touch of her father, whom she had never met!! She was touched! She was overwhelmed by the love and affection of her family.
"So its decided! By June end I am going to retire. In fact from now onwards, the responsibility is on your shoulders Mr. Raj. Managing Director of BTR group!" Said papaji smiling.

"This calls for celebration... call the kids, we are going out!" he said.

"Raj, don't worry! You can handle two businesses.. Till you decide to come back for good, Shondeep will assume MD's post in your absence!" said papaji relieving Raj.

"But I want to come back, DAD!" said Raj.

"Yes I know! But I can understand your problems. So take your time to decide!" said Dad.
"But I am not going back now! We are in search of a good school for the kids here!" said Elsa to their surprise.

Mummiji looked at her with tearful eyes. "Why search for a school? Raj's school is the best one!" said papaji loudly. 

"This needs double celebrations! I am calling Khushi and Arnav right now to give them this news! And then we are visiting Raj's school with the kids!" said Dad happily.

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

Khushi was in a meeting with her team in the evening. Raghu had met mummiji a couple of times and was in touch with her with every plan. The entire show was taking shape. They were happy with their own creation. They knew, theirs will be the unique show! Khushi was happily humming. Shondeep was present after a long gap, for the meeting. Raghu explained them the theme. The creative team was working day and night. Their assignment of Models was ready. They had gone ahead with planning for promos. 

"Khushi, nice to see you after a very long time!" said Shondeep when the meeting was over and everybody had filed out. Raghu was still lingering.

"Raghu ji, is there anything you want to talk to me?' asked Khushi.

"Ye.. yes! About the model assignment... should I go ahead per our plan? Or you want to me talk to Madam?" he asked Khushi.

"No need, Raghuji! I have already talked to her!" said Khushi. Raghu nodded and went out.
"So, Shondeep Sir! Congratulations! Mr. MD Sir!" she said grinning at him.

"Not MD, Khushi, its CEO!" he corrected her smiling. And you are my assistant executive! " he said proudly.

"Yes Sir!" she saluted him. 

"How is every body, Khushi!" shondeep asked her. She opened her mouth to pull his legs about Anjali. But remembered Papaji. "Everybody is fine Sir!" she said. She could not resist.
"Just a minute sir! There is someone at the door! Just hold on!" she said and vanished. Shondeep waited with a puzzled look on his face.

"Di... I have to make an urgent call; can you please talk to Shondeep Sir till I finish the call? I mean he is on video chat and I don't want to logout! " she said. Anjali nodded and went to Khushi's room.

Khushi dialed some random number pretending to be talking on the phone!
She went hurriedly into the room when she saw Arnav and Aakash walking in.
"Di.. thank you!" she said glancing at Shondeep's image. 

"Ok, Shondeep ji, you carry on!" said Anjali and went out crossing Arnav at the door.
He peeped into the screen and greeted Shondeep.

"If you want to talk to him, sign in on your system. I am logging out!" she said angrily.
Arnav and Shondeep grinned at each other.

"Khushi, one more thing... I am going to Mumbai tomorrow. The insurance problem and assessment work has become complicated. I may have to stay there longer. I will be communicating with you from there!" said Shondeep.

"Shondeep, is there anything I can do? I mean I can come there with you!" said Arnav.
"Thanks Arnav, I will call you once I reach there and see the situation!" said Shondeep. Arnav nodded.

Khushi logged out and went out!
"Big secret plans!" Arnav muttered this time.

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

"Hi ASR!" called Lavanya over the phone. Arnav had woken up with a start with his phone ringing. Khushi was fast asleep. He looked at the time. It was almost 1.00 in the night.
"Lavanya?" he wondered picking up the phone.

"ASR! I just remembered something about our show! I mean I wanted to discuss something with you!" she said sounding excited. 

"Now? At this hour?" Arnav was little irritated. "Can we talk tomorrow?" he asked her. Khushi turned in her sleep and putting her arm around his waist she went back to her dreams. 

"ASR, I got a brilliant idea! You should listen to this!" she said. He sat up. "Has she lost it? Its past midnight!" he thought. Khushi had turned in her sleep again getting disturbed and had kept her head on his laps. 

"Lavanya, we will talk about it tomorrow. Write down your brilliant idea…!" he said disconnecting the phone.

Lavanya was disappointed. She had expected him to be excited and to rush to her place to discuss her idea, which he used to do earlier. It was hard for her to accept that he had changed priorities. She went to sleep sulkily. "Thank god! Chamakili does not come to the office!" she thought. At least in the office she got his undivided attention!

Arnav had pulled Khushi up and had gone back to sleep wrapping her in his arms.

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

The Fashion event was fast approaching. The two teams were working day and night. Their meetings were frequent, almost every day or sometimes twice a day.

AR group had given it a complete international look booking international Models from France and Romania on their assignment apart from top Indian models. Romanian models were less costly with a beautiful body, perfect vital statistics and very professional. These models would give the show the perfect global outlook. They had brought in their Top designers on board again! Regi Thomas Kunnur…! The ultimate …! Their style theme was finalized parallel to the designs finalizations. It was a huge work. Aakash, Arnav and Lavanya had completely buried themselves in this show. This was a big opportunity for AR group to showcase their garments and designs. 

The two houses were working day and night for the success of the show. Twenty seven  teams were participating from all over the world. The event was scheduled for Eight days showcasing four team in a day with the shortlisted entries on the grand finale. Though it wasn't a competition, the teams from Kolkata and Delhi considered it to be one and hell bent to outsmart the other team. 

Papaji was enjoying this competition between his own two teams. Elsa was very excited and took active part in the planning and preparations. Khushi was relaxed. She had empowered everyone and was just looking over the general preparations. The things were going smooth for both the teams. They both were very secretive about their themes and designs. Papaji used to blurt out the other teams plans misleading most of the time and enjoying the fight. Khushi had stopped talking and listening to Papaji about the show. 

Arnav had visited Nanded to help Shondeep in setting right the after blast situation. But it seemed that the things were out of control and a drastic step needed to be taken on this. Shondeep had a meeting with textile minister and was briefed about the labor situation there. The co-operative members were unhappy with the progress and the magnitude of loss. Shondeep and Arnav tried talking to papaji about this. He refused to help outright and said "You call a meeting of all four and decide. I will give you my advice but the decision is yours!"
Arnav and Khushi were to go to Kolkata for the meeting. Arnav received a call from one Mr. Sharma who said the matter is urgent and needs a personal meeting. Arnav was skeptical. He called up papaji. 

"Mr. Raizada, look at the documents. This person has the power of attorney of your sister and has entered an ‘agreement to sell’ with us. We have paid him earnest money with the advance for the same. Now he has failed to complete the sale! I may have to send a notice to your sister!" said Mr. Sharma spreading out registered documents before Arnav. Arnav was shocked looking at the papers. 

Arnav's lawyer collected the papers from the table and rearranged them.

Sham had produced the power of attorney papers with Anjali's signatures on it and had taken money from this Sharma to sell another property which was jointly owned by Anjali and Arnav. "But.. how can he do this?" blurted Arnav. I am a co-owner and he cannot sell it like that.
"Why did you not see the title deed? Mr Sharma?" asked Arnav's lawyer. 

"He said he will get the other power of attorney also!" said Mr. Sharma and promised the deal would be completed soon. Since the price for the property quoted was very tempting, I offered him the advance to the tune of 15 lacs for the property worth Five crores, Mr. Raizada!" said Mr. Sharma in distress.

"I want my money back!" he said. "Your sister is accountable for her power of attorney, and she has to pay back with interest!" he said.

Arnav's lawyer took over. "Ok. Mr. Sharma, let us scrutinize the papers again and let us decide further action. In the mean while you send us the legal notice. I will take it up and investigate further" he said reasonably. Mr. Sharma went back with some assurance.

Arnav stood there with his head spinning. Sham was about to sell his property worth Rs. 10 Crores for only at 5 crores!

"We have to find out what has he done with our other properties and bank accounts!" Arnav was shocked to the core. "Am I getting robbed by this con man of all my wealth?" thought Arnav with a shudder. This entire sham episode was turning into a dangerous affair!
"We have to find out!" he declared.

"How?" asked his lawyer, "Unless people like this Sharma come forward to claim the property or the refund, how do we know to whom he has dealt with and for how much money?" asked the lawyer practically. Arnav looked aghast.

"Don't worry! He stands no case. We can recover all the money from sham!" assured the lawyer.

"When?" was the question from Arnav. His brain had started calculating the worth and market price of all his properties jointly owned by Anjali. His worth would reduce to 25% if he lost the cases!

…….
"Hello puttar!" responded Papaji when Arnav called him that night.
"umm, papaji.. there seemed to be a problem!" Arnav started off.

Papaji listened to him carefully. When Arnav finished narrating, there was a silence from both the sides for a while.

"It is good that you told me this, Puttar! I will call you later!" said papaji and disconnected.
Arnav felt relieved talking to papaji. He was thinking about the property problems all the day with no rational solution. "Have I lost my rationality? How did I fall for this? Why didn't I change the title when I came to know about his deceitful behavior? Damn it!" he was cursing himself all the day. He had decided to handle this crisis himself but then looking at the magnitude of the problem, gave a call to papaji.

"So this is it! This sham has caused so much of damage to the Raizadas!" thought papaji, dialing a number.

"Hello, dasgupta! Come to my place. It is 10 in the night, ... I know its your bed time! But come here! I need to talk to you!" he ordered. Dasgupta had no choice.

"So this is the situation! Now tell me what can we do? " asked papaji. 

Dasgupta thought for a while and said " Balwindar ask his lawyer to file caveat so that no property would be dealt with without intimation to Mr. Raizada. Ask lawyer to challenge the POA (power of attorney). Testify the signatures. Revoke the POA first. " 

"What if he already has sold, like he did with Sharma?" asked Papaji looking concerned.
"Can't help... it makes the executor of the POA responsible" said Dasgupta gravely.
Papaji got up with a jerk. "Find out something, Das... I need a solution to save my son in law!" he said angrily.

"Ask him to send the copies of property papers to me! I will see what can be done!" said Dasgupta, who was a leading practitioner in the eastern part of India with a roaring practice and having a firm of almost 20 eminent lawyers. Getting his appointment was worth winning a case. Papaji was a friend to him. He would do anything for his friend Balwindar!

Papaji called up Arnav and asked him to send the property papers. 

****** *************
"Di... when you sign on the papers, do you read those?" asked Arnav softly to his Di.
"Yes, chote! Why?" she asked him back.

"Di, did you by any chance execute a power of attorney in his favour!" Arnav felt awkward to ask this to his Di who was already in distress. 

"No chote! I don't remember signing on any such paper. Though he had brought up this idea several times off late. But I don't remember signing! I only had signed the document to empower him to manage my finances! " she said looking suspiciously at Arnav.
"What happened?" she asked him.

"Nothing Di! We need to be cautious!" he said getting up.
"Good night Di" he said moving out of her room!
He knew he had no chance! She indeed had executed the power of Attorney!

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

Khushi was humming happily. They were to leave for Kolkata in a couple of days. Arnav came into the room. A smile appeared on his face seeing Khushi so happy. 

"What is it, Khushi?" he asked. "Nothing!" she dismissed turning her back on him. He was irritated. "Fine!" he said and went to bed. She looked back and was puzzled. "What happened now?" she thought. "Why is he so peevish?' she couldn't understand.

She switched off the lamps. Somewhere after midnight Khushi felt uneasy. She opened her eyes and looked around. Arnav was awake with wide open eyes fixed on the ceiling. She switched on the lights.

"Switch off the lights, Khushi!" he said turning his back. She got up.

"Arnav ji? What happened? Is there a problem?" she asked in a soft voice, sliding towards him and putting her arm around him.

"Nothing! Its just that I am worried a bit" he said.
She waited for him to go ahead but he did not.
"You do not want to talk about it, right?" she asked him.
"No .. I mean ... Khushi..." he sat up.

"Khushi, what if I lost everything?" he blurted his inner fears.
"Wealth?" she confirmed. He nodded.
She sat up. Putting her arms around his neck she asked innocently "What is wealth, Arnavji? Money?" 

He had no answer. He gaped at her. "Who cares?!" she exclaimed.

"Go to sleep, don't worry about it!" she said switching off the lights again and pulling him in her arms. 

"Yes Khushi, Wealth is not money.... My wealth is not going anywhere!!" he thought clasping her in his arms. Arnav had a peaceful sleep that night.

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

"Khushi, I am not coming for lunch!" Arnav called up Khushi. "Ok!" she said. She finished her chores and prepared his Tiffin. She took it to his office. Aakash had a client visit and was to take lunch with the client. 

Khushi reached the office. Arnav was in conference room with other members of his staff. She waited for the meeting to get over. People started pouring out of the room at lunch time. Arnav did not come out for a long time. Khushi did not know what to do.

"Oh! Khushi bhabi? How are you?" Asked Aman. She got up. "Anam bhai, where is Arnav ji?" she asked. 

"Must be in a conference room! But the meeting is over! Why?" he asked.

"Oh! Ok! I got his lunch!" she said moving towards conference hall.

It was dark inside and the screen had illuminated with some pie charts and sales figures. Khushi was blinded for a second and then could see two silhouetted figures close to each other.

"Arnav ji?" she called out. The figures broke apart. Lights were switched on and she saw Arnav and Lavanya. Arnav had moved away to switch on the lights. Khushi stood there confused not knowing how to react. She couldn't believe what she had seen.

"Khushi..!" Arnav came forward. Lavanya stayed behind.

"I got your lunch!" said Khushi. Smile appeared on Arnav's face. "Ok! Let us have it then!" he said moving towards his cabin. Khushi followed. The silhouette figures still lingering in her mind, she asked "what were you doing?" He had no idea what she was thinking. He said "discussing with Lavanya, about projected sales figures after the show!" 

"Ok!" she said. She looked at him curiously. This tie was loose, his shirt button was open. She stared at it. "Oh! I had loosened up a bit while giving the presentation. Lavanya tried to set it right!" he said plainly trying to set it right. She smiled and gave a tug to his tie winking at him. He chocked. "Khushi..!" he screamed angrily. "What?" she asked innocently.

"What is it ASR?" Lavanya had followed them.

"Hello Lavanya ji? Join us for lunch!" said Khushi pleasantly. 

"I have already ordered for two! I mean his favorite Pasta and Salad!" said Lavanya. Khushi looked at Arnav. "Oh! I didn't know you ordered your lunch. I thought ...!" she said sheepishly.
"Its ok Chamakili, we will have both!" said Lavanya. They had a peaceful lunch! Arnav went back to his work.

So, Khushi, how are the preparations going on? Asked Lavanya.
"Very well!" said Khushi. "Concepts are taking shapes now!"

"Oh! Great! You know what? All our designs are finalized. And Manish Malhotra is on our consulting board. Lavanay was super excited. Khushi smiled. 

"You know chamakili, we really have a very strong team. You know? Regi has taken over…! I know ours is going to be the best show!" she said dreamily. Khushi nodded and said "I know! Wish you all the best!" Their team really was the strongest one.

"How many models you guys signed up?" asked Lavanya. "You know, we have bagged the top super models. I mean its so amazing... I am going to be managing the show!" Lavanya was still floating in the air. Khushi smiled. "I am so happy for you Lavanya ji!" she said. 

"Khushi... !" Arnav had come back. "Are you still here?" he asked looking at the duo.
"You know, ASR, I was just telling Khushi about our preparations!" she disclosed excitedly.
"Khushi...!" Arnav came on to her aggressively. "Leave my office.. right now!" he raised his voice.

Khushi giggled and said "I just wanted to take autograph of Manish Malhotra, the topmost fashion designer! And of course.. Regi Sir!!!" 

Arnav grabbed her. Khushi freed herself and ran out of his cabin sticking out her tongue. Lavanya stood there dumbstruck. "Lanavnya! Have you lost it? You are disclosing your plans to your competitor, damn it!" he yelled. 

"Ok! Bye Bye Lavanya ji! Call me!" Khushi shouted from outside. Arnav fumed.

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

"Hello Raghu ji, they have booked Manish Malhotra!" Khushi gave the secret news!
"I know, I had a talk with him. We were together in Paris sharing the same apartment!" Raghu told her.

"Ok!" she said thinking.
"Madam, don't worry. We are in control. You know our theme. We really do not need this!" said Raghu. "Yes, I know!" said Khushi. "I just wanted to give you update on their preparations!" she said and turned to design team. They had a very fruitful discussion. 

Everything was going according to plans. Elsa visited the office everyday and she was a great help to everyone. They adored her, respected her, loved her creativity. She seemed to be well read about the fashion industry in general. Raghu had all the praises for her. Khushi's secret plan was getting some success! She smiled to herself.

"Let this show get over! I will take out my trump card!" Khushi said to herself.