by Shailly Jain
Contents
Title Page
Copyright
The one with the Coffee Incident
The one with the Intriguing Lady
The one with the Secret Proposal
The one with the Table Dance
The one with the Car Scandal
The one with the Rivota Place
The one with the Creepy Opponent
The one with the Old Skeletons
The one with the Beautiful Venue
The one with the Unfortunate Accident
The one with the Golden Heart
The one with the Soft heart
The one with the Shopping
The one with the Gala
The one with the Damsel in Distress
The one with the Hospital Sneak
The one with the his Heart
The one with the LakeHouse
The one with the Axe and Snow
The one with the Kills
The one with the Bad Dream
The one with the Old Tales
The one with the Night Sky
The one with His Legacy
The one with the Heart Break
The one with the Plan
Epilogue
Tangled Tale with a love twist
Singh Bride's
Shailly Jain
Copyright © 2020 Shailly Jain
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.
This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.
Shailly Jain has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.
The one with the Coffee Incident
Gaurav is after his life for Goa trip, Bro we can do something else than work. Karan curtly replies - You don’t do work, I do. Giving him a stinky eye, Gaurav continues - let’s go. There is a whole world outside to explore.
Karan’s eyes have not left the screen for the past few hours. He is going over every minute detail, again and again. Which is making Gaurav restless. Bro this project is not so big why are you so interested in this one. He knows the answer well.
It’s his first venture with media firms. First impressions make a lot of impact on people’s minds. A good rapport from such a prestigious firm will guarantee his success.
Reporters nowadays are getting several threats, especially if they are truthful to their field. Security arrangements become mandatory on big occasions, which means more money for him.
Karan smiles, seeing the pleading look in his friend’s eyes. Gaurav was eager to go to Goa for the past few years, but now when his father is finding a woman to marry him - Goa has become a priority. Now more than ever.
While going over the details Karan notices, the firm handling tech support hasn’t provided the list of candidates attending tomorrow’s conference. These details will help him understand the organizational structure and whom to talk to get things working.
He dialed Julie to know the progress on Security clearance passes. Sir, there are a few changes they wanted on the list, it is in progress. She knows how much he hates unprofessional behavior. Sir, If it’s not completed until 4 pm, I will let you know. He is getting late for a project meeting, so he hung up.
Realizing Gaurav is still in the room and expecting an update on Goa’s situation. Karan mockingly replies - will get back to this in some time. He knows this line always pisses his friend the most.
********
Every team member with a problem can come directly to her is her first rule. This open-door policy is proving a nightmare today. Since morning people are giving excuses for leaves, at this rate, the whole team will be new for tomorrow’s conference.
Rahul starts making coffee seeing her expressions. He knows well not to imply that people are telling lies to get leaves. Being a sympathetic fool, she will never agree to his harsh tactics. Thinking of a way to solve her dilemma while keeping her feeling intact is tricky.
Seeing him carrying cups, she gives a big goofy smile. My Savior, how do you come to know, her words laced with mockery. Putting cups on the table, he right away closes the door? dislikes the prying eyes. Raising her eyebrows, she asks in a mock sympathetic tone - What the topic of your visit today?
He gets up and starts mimicking his father’s stern voice - Same lecture about responsibility, with instructions to join you tomorrow at a boring conference.
Sia knows the look so well to fall for it -Don’t look at me like that, I am not covering for you again.
He knows after a few emotional lines she will help him as always. Plz, I get bored, at such events and you know that. I will be of no help. She chuckles at the thought of Rahul conversing about technologies with someone.
He loves, when she laughs at such small things, he continues to make a point - I am labor in the construction business. I understand the concepts of cement, bricks, and sand. You know the best feeling is to look at your creation. In my work field, it’s someone’s dreams. How to build things from scratch is my calling, not any conference.
Seeing the look of understanding on her face, he knows the work is done. She agrees with some reluctance - I will do it just this time for you. Labor in construction, the height of modesty. Sheepishly smiling, he promises - To show my presence at the conference, I will drop by.
Resigning from the topic Sia looks at work-Okay, as you wish, this will turn my lie into somewhat truth. While the conference where you will be actually? Can I know that truthfully?
Before he can answer, the knock interrupted the conversation. The staff started coming, one by one to tell her, they will be attending the conference tomorrow. Sia is relieved that everything is coming around as per the schedule. He gives a thumbs-up emoji and thank you note to HR, while she is busy talking on the phone.
Taking it as his cue - I will see you tomorrow and left for site.
Seeing him walking out of the office she thought, how less time they have right nowadays. She is mostly busy with added responsibilities. Making a mental note to plan something in the coming days she started catching up on the remaining work.
********
Next day at the Conference:-
Karan is furious about the situation, he hates people who lack punctuality. Tech team head Mr. Rahul will not be coming today, his second in command Miss. Sia is not to be found anywhere. All of their team members are useless to him as they rely upon Sia for every decision.
From the corner of his eyes, he can see, Gaurav shaking his head. Hinting him that he is overreacting. Gaurav smiles softly, “Hey take a walk there is a lot of time in the event. I will give you a call if she shows up”. Gaurav reached for a tablet to find any details to contact her.
The picture caught his attention. She is a slender, tall, and have hazel doe-eyes. There are a few details about her qualification and a cell number. Turning around to grab the phone, he sees Karan has left to check the security perimeter.
Sia is walking as fast as she can when she bumps into someone. The coffee she is carrying has a fan out all over the man. In a panic she shouts - “Take off your shirt, the coffee is steaming hot”. When he didn’t budge, out of inst
inct she starts opening the top few buttons.
In nervousness, she is blabbering the words too fast. Hey, Don’t worry. You are wearing a T-shirt inside. I am very sorry it’s all my fault. I am late for the conference due to a dog’s accident, a car hit him, and the doctor was not available. It’s a long story, but the market is filled with idiots. They don’t take responsibility for their actions”.
She pulls, her hands back realizing - she is taking off a strangers shirt, in the middle of the compound.
Swiftly moving back, she fumbles in her purse, to hand out a business card - Plz, let me know the cost of the damage. Still keeping her eyes down, she says, Gets it dry clean or buy a new one. I am late for the conference so sorry once again.
This time she looked at him directly, the person in front of her is angry with a clenched fist. The frown on his face and tight lip suggest he has a lot to say. Fear gripped her, she half-ran stammering - bye, call me if you need anything.
She left him standing there with a card and a halfway unbuttoned shirt. The card says, Miss Sia Bharadwaj.
The one with the Intriguing Lady
He enters the room with a big smile. Hi, I am Karan Mehra, I don’t think we have met yet. She looks up from the papers, its the coffee incident guy. Shit why this always happens with her?. What will he be thinking? It’s damn embarrassing.
Gaurav’s voice broke her chain of thoughts, Dude what happened to your shirt?. Nothing, I just spilled some coffee. Karan is finding it amusing to see her embarrassment.
Gaurav gave him a quizzical look. Meanwhile, Sia has regained her composure, he directs the question towards her again - So you are?. Slowly biting her lower lip, she softly smiles, I am Sia Bharadwaj, nice to meet you.
Moving behind the desk Karan looks at Sia, Let’s discuss the placement of cameras and angles that you require too. Gaurav left the room as the discussion started saying he has a few calls to attend.
She is quick to detect the angles of cameras which both of them can share. She pointed a few gates which can be closed to reduce a few security people. Her knowledge about the software and their work is amazing. When she talks about work her eyes lit up and she comes out very confident about her ideas.
Increasing light in the passage has impressed him the most. He understands her every idea isn’t worth considering, but he likes her analytical mind.
So what do you think Karan?, He calculated it on paper, before speaking - We can finish these tasks in 20 mins as in 40 mins everybody will be arriving. Sia, I will take care of this, you can check other aspects, with your team members. Your team has been waiting for you.
Thank you see you in the break, she left the room.
********
Karan and Gaurav, are in an elevated control room, height helps to keep a hawkeye. All the computer screens are showing correct feed and time. Barking orders to his assistant Julie. Gaurav seems to be deep in thought looking at something down. Karan smiles, “what’s caught your eye”?
Nothing Karan, it’s just she seems nice. I know she is not your type, but she is something. So What do you think?
Karan’s gaze automatically starts assessing her- Obviously, she is beautiful in her way. Her long hairs are tied in a tight bun held by a wooden stick, which has tinker bells attached to it. It makes a little sound at her sudden moments.
She is joking and smiling with team members. Her eyes show a bright sparkle when someone is doing their job right. She passes angry looks to someone who has made a mistake and then very patiently explains the right way to do it. Her eyes never leave any expressions untold.
Clothing is a different story, so many layers one cant make out the physique below it.
He realizes that he has been staring, and she is now giving him a questioning look. He shakes his head to signal No. He looked sidewards to avoid her, where Gaurav is looking with raised eyebrows. Looking at the camera screens he says in a stern tone, She looks good. You will be better without her.
Gaurav is not interested in pursuing, he just asked the question, because the first time he has seen Karan admiring someone.
Hair Prick on back of the neck has left her conscious of his gaze. Set aside the awkward feeling, she concentrated back on work. All the equipment is in place and ready to use. Checking the decibel levels and clarity of sound equipment, she moves to check the lux level. This media conference is going to be the talk of the town. It’s a big opportunity for anyone in her position, for Sia it’s a way to make uncle proud.
The backdrop is all set now to start the entry of reporters. They cleared the podium and seating area. She gave a thumbs-up sign to them and moves to the high tower. She has found Karan stealing a few glances in her direction.
Gaurav taps at the seat next to him, seeing her in the doorway. You want anything ordered everybody downstairs is having breakfast. She is more interested in the types of equipment around. Slightly shaking her head she smiles, No I am okay.
Her roaming around is disturbed by the Karan’s Scowl face. Taking the seat near Gaurav she asks - How all this security business works? How do you keep an eye on everyone? Gaurav is telling her about the basics of security. Seeing her excitement, he shows how they change the feeds and operate voice control.
There is so much to do, she asks Can I help with anything? He is going to hand her the vision glasses, when Karan curtly cut their conversation - All Chit chat outside, please. The atmosphere in the room has grown tense instantly.
Gaurav moves a finger to imitate shhh, pointing at his phone to show a game app. Ordering a cup of coffee, she downloads it. They have been playing it for more than an hour now. At least they are not talking loudly anymore.
Both of them are only goofily smiling while playing ludo. Karan feels like he is the only grown-up in the room. From the side of his eye, he can see they are exchanging something funny on apps dashboard. Her look suggests it might be about him.
Seeing him working past hours, she learned a few things about security operations. But she is not able to concentrate much. Karan is proving to be a great distraction. His v-shape built is like a Greek god, broad shoulders, chiseled chest, long strong leg. Biceps patterns can be traced from the thin material of the t-shirt. The way he carries a simple pair of jeans, they look exclusive. Her mind keeps thinking about how handsome he looks in a plain black t-shirt and blue denim.
He is a sight to see. Karan can feel her eyes lingering over him, making him hot around the collar. He smiles at the thought - she is checking him out. Hope she likes what she sees.
********
Rahul’s voice bought her back from the dreamy land. How is everything going for you princess?. She shushed him, seeing him deep in work. When Karan turned to say - “Sia No family or friends allowed”.
His tone irritated her. Why can’t he keep his cynism to himself?. No talking, no laughing, no chit chat, no interactions. He is not the only one who is working here. They all have worked hard for this event.
Ignoring him, she starts the introduction. He is Mr.Rahul Sengar, his father owns the supreme digital. Today, he is here to look over the project. Karan is the first to shake his hand. Introducing himself, he drifted back to screen monitoring in no time. To fill the awkwardness, Gaurav comes forward. Why don’t you guys join me for lunch?. Rahul confirms to directly meet at the lunch venue after checking on the team.
When they are out of hearing reach. He finally asks, what is his deal?. Words of Sia made him smile - he is just a snobby khadoos.
Sia is telling him all about her crappy day. The dog’s accident and the irresponsible behavior of citizens. How she accidentally ruined khadoos shirt. Sia pokes him, look at 3 O’clock the hot mediator is checking you out. In a teasing tone, she said, I think you are high in demand. If you want to give a call, I have her number. Before he can say anything, Gaurav arrives.
Handing them the VIP passes, he says, come with me. The Dining room looks lavish with a wide variety of dishes and luxurious setting. Gaurav winks, this is a b
etter seating area.
Rahul laughs, Such privileges come with your job or charm. Gaurav looks at the mischievousness in his eyes, “It about small pleasures, I intended to enjoy. When I am in a good company”. His reply gets a hearty laugh from both of them.
All three of them seem like enjoying each other’s company. Karan’s mind and eyes both are out of control. They keep getting back to the screen frames of Sia. His mind is occupied with her thoughts. Is she a sweet person or a gold digger having an affair with her boss.
He is keenly looking at their closeness and how she tells him everything. How she smiles while talking to him. Touches his arm out of habit. He keeps telling himself that Gaurav’s interest is the reason behind his thoughts. Whatever there is, but Sia Bharadwaj has notched a bit of curiosity and interest for herself.
The conference is almost over and, most of their team members have left. Equipment packing will take about an hour. Handling is the responsibility of trusted team members, so they are free. Exchanging numbers, they bid goodbye to Gaurav. Sia clicks a selfie to prove uncle that his son was here. She is messaging the same to his father while Rahul’s eyes are fixed on Karan’s expression. He doesn’t like it a bit, the way he looks at her. Sia wants to stay till packing up, but Rahul insisted to go home. When she didn’t look convinced he bribed her with ice cream.
********
Packing a few rolls, Gaurav is back to the control room. Knowing his friend he will be finished after everybody will leave the premises. After hours will be filled with today’s reports and study. Karan is looking at the parking frame where Rahul is helping her settle in the car. Seeing Gaurav, he switches the frame fast.
Karan hand me over the surveillance duty and eat something. Gaurav smiles as Karan hands him control but keeps eyes on the screen.
Karan has never felt this apartment as home. But it’s a great place to entertain guests for a few nights. He had socialized with all the media members. A few leads on big media events were mentioned earlier. He is sure that most of them will take his services after today’s successful event. Money doesn’t matter to him. Taste of success is what he craves. In a few months like always, he will be a well-known name in media firms for security purposes.