by Shailly Jain
Karan loves when she is sassy, it excites him. Disturbed by his thoughts, he focuses back on Arvind.
Arvind- I heard you took a mediocre 9to6 job.
Sia- No sins in my account, it’s stable too.
Arvind- I think You are still upset with me. It’s all in the past.
Gaurav- We should leave, give you guys some space. It seems personal.
Sia can see Gaurav is ready to leave but, Karan has not budged from his place. He is waiting for her command. Arvind notices that Karan is looking directly at him, his eyes radiating protectiveness for Sia.
Sia- No need. It’s not personal, its business.
To Karan, it seems like an understatement. Tension in the room suggests otherwise. It’s like a match, still waiting for the winning point.
Arvind- True. Let’s close the London Diaries. Can we discuss the future?
Arvind left his chair and slowly starts moving towards Sia. Karan, stood up seeing him coming near to Sia. His body leans closer to form a shield. Arvind can now see Sia partially behind Karan. Now the only way to Sia is through Karan.
Arvind stops one foot away from her. Sia, If you are in this city, no one is more qualified to handle it. I swear no past.
Karan- He whispered in Sia’s ear- No pressure, choose wisely.
Arvind is eying them suspiciously. There is more to them than meets the eye. Sia has started calculating in mind. He wants something from her. She is no more the naive girl whom he can manipulate. She can handle it now. Arvind is just a freelancer, who has landed a big gig. The project will go on, either they do it or not. This project involves both money and publicity. Arvind is going to benefit anyway, why not they too make a profit from it.
Sia- Elaborate, what you are proposing.
Arvind- Karan’s firm and the Supreme digital team headed by you, will work closely on this project. If any more associates require, we can hire more teams.
Sia- Your involvement details.
Arvind- I will be there for any assistance. Can we call it a truce?
Sia- Fine Truce. We can discuss tomorrow in detail.
Arvind- Celebration time. Let’s have lunch and drinks.
It’s lunchtime nobody is feeling up to it. Seeing Sia and Gaurav’s face, he has to deny.
Karan- Meeting has been longer than scheduled, further appointments await. Sorry, next time.
Arvind escorted them to the gate of his office. Walk from office to parking compound is remaining. Sia is non-stop chatting with Gaurav about how much she will enjoy being a part of this summit. Some of the best minds in their fields are going to come and share their thoughts. Gaurav has never seen her so excited about any project. To be fair, he is looking forward to this project more than others. He is dying to ask how she knows Arvind exactly. Karan’s alarm beep is indicating its time to leave.
Karan hands the keys to Gaurav, Go fast, don’t miss it. Gaurav gave a hug to her and left in a hurry. Sia is looking quizzically but, Karan is not saying anything on the topic. Bidding her bye, he moves in the opposite direction.
********
Coming out of the compound, she sees Karan standing by the gate. She stopped the car next to him, opening the passenger gate shouting - “Come in. I am not going to charge”. Karan can see Arvind has been watching everything from his cabin. If he denies it now, it will give a wrong impression.
Sia thought, Out of instinct only but, today he acted on her side. Least she can repay him is by giving a ride. Karan’s cab is 20 minutes away. Canceling it, he enters the car.
As soon as they hit the road, he got rid of blazer, waist, tie, and cufflink. Were they biting you, Mr. Mehra? Sia asks laughing. Karan answers gritting his teeth, it’s hot outside.
Sia can see he is back to his usual self khadoos. She adjusts the ac for more coolness. To make a conversation, she asks why Gaurav left in such a hurry? His reply was simple, an appointment with a doctor. The uncomfortable silence is back again, he only answers in 4-5 words.
The one with the Old Skeletons
Why you want that software? She asks softly, to kill the silence. He retorts, What’s your deal with Arvind Vashist?. He thought she will never answer but she surprises him by asking to stop at any shop, to eat and discuss.
They ate in silence. Sipping tea, Sia starts her story-
I was young and wanted to do something revolutionary. After my mother’s death, I got involved in some low level of illegal hacking. During one gig, I met Arvind. He is also into changing the world crap. He introduced me to many people on the internet like us.
A group of teenagers has stumbled upon a big company’s money laundering portfolio. The company is donating high amounts in charity and then taking a big piece of it back. Black money is being turned white.
Arvind wants me to hack their accounts and transfer the money directly to poor people, in small bills. We became friends, and he asked me to join University in London.
When my father came to know, I wanted to study in London. He approved it in a minute. He told me, It will be good for me and my career. I think the real reason was, I am too much a reminder of my mother’s loss. It took me two years to complete the software. It is the last day of scam. Today, the money will be sent in poor people’s accounts, when I noticed the glitch.
On-screen the software shows several accounts but, in real life, it’s one account. Other numbers are just permutations and combinations. Arvind has become a good friend. I don’t want to doubt him. But as he left the room, I froze the screen. When he left his laptop, to find someone to repair. I read the whole program. We both have designed a part of it, his work is only to integrate the account details. So I don’t have any idea about one account.
I checked the account number, it’s one in Arvind’s name. The laptop has info on many such scams. But software is designed specifically for donating companies. I can run only one. I fled with the laptop executed the software with a minute change. The money left the donated accounts but never reached Arvind’s. The money reached its rightful place.
He called me many times, I know he was searching for me. I got rid of the laptop, shifted to India. Cleaning up my act helped me start something new. My social account is so discreet that it cant be traced. Years passed and I forgot the incident.
Karan is trying to assess the truth in her words. Her story matches some points with Arvind’s words. Karan doesn’t believe completely but, her eyes hold the truth. Now she is waiting for him to answer.
He is no good with words or emotions like her. So he decides to tell the emotionless part. He has never shared the whole story with any living soul. Not going to break the pattern for Sia Bharadwaj. The words came out with more hatred than expected.
I need it to keep an eye on a group of companies. These are all part of the same parent company. I suspect there money laundering, fraud, or something illegal is going on. My suspicion is not based on a hunch, a personal source has confirmed the same. It’s a legacy built on betrayal, innocent blood, I want to destroy it.
Sia feels more connected to him by hearing the reason. Indeed, he hasn’t given any personal details or his connection in all of it. Still, she feels somehow that he has shared more than he is willing to. He is deeply connected to all of this. Sia has to find out more about him, before deciding to help with software.
Leaving the restaurant Karan offers to drive. Both have been thinking about their past. As they reached his office, Sia starts moving towards the driver’s side. She collides into him near the gate, he smiles softly. In a light tone she asks, Don’t tell Rahul about London, Bye. He nods in return, to agree.
********
Sia is explaining today’s incident to Rahul and uncle. Gaurav mentioned the company name during the meeting. Arvind and I were acquaintances in a past project. He liked our tech support ideas but not the security. So he proposed to join both of our teams, I agreed. Rahul is all happy about the project. But, his father’s mood is sour. He seems relieved when they lost the project. Seei
ng her sitting he asks, Do you know why papa is in such a bad mood? which made her jump for no reason. Sia flat out said No.
Uncle is handing the proposal presented in the meeting. Sia and Rahul designed it, a quick check will be enough. They will be prepared for tomorrow’s meeting. In one week the summit will take place. And Arvind will be back in the creepy closet he crawled out of. Rahul interrupted her thoughts by asking, Do you want to stay?.
She denies sleeping in her old bedroom at Rahul’s home. Telling lies about Arvind is hard enough, sleeping back in her old room will bring back the memories. She needs to keep her mind clear, Arvind wants something. Saying her goodbyes, she leaves for home.
Sleep has eluded her eyes tonight. She sat up and started looking at Karan’s past, anything that can help her to determine his cause. Similar to hers, his profile is hiding many time-lapses. Digitally The Man is a ghost. Everything about his professional life like achievements, projects are undertaken, etc are available. But only a few personal details are available online. An old pic with his mother is all she can dig up in an hour. She ran the pic for a match but nothing came up.
His file is highly encrypted and Sia is feeling guilty trying to decrypt it. If he has tried so hard to conceal his past, she shouldn’t try to know it. Everybody has a right to their past. Deciding not to dwell on it further she closes the laptop. She will help him if her heart agrees. Soon the sleep took over.
Meeting ended quickly, Arvind has to be someplace. He divided the budget and handed over the contracts to sign. Being clear on money prospects, he left for them to take care. Rahul remarks, does he know this can be mailed. They cant suppress their laughter.
Dividing the work Gaurav suggests he will accompany Rahul to take care of the venue, catering, transport, accommodation, etc. Karan and Sia can handle types of equipment and workforce to be deployed.
Gaurav doesn’t understand why all three of them are looking grumpy. Work division is appropriate. Rahul’s work as a civil engineer connects him to many real estate agents. So the venue will be easy to find. Catering and transport are easy enough to be taken solely by Gaurav. Sia and Karan are the only ones who can decide equipment for their fields. A trip together for ordering pieces of equipment will be beneficial for both. Some of this equipment can be used for multiple purposes.
Rahul whispers in her ear if you are bored call me.
********
Karan takes the lead, Sia joins me. The ride is silent as Karan has nothing to say. She opted for Punjabi songs this time. The tap of his fingers suggests his enjoyment.
Karan knows a dealer who lends types of equipment and has a big collection to choose from. Detailed requirements prepared in advance, help them to choose easily. Sealing the deal on the list of pieces of equipment. They are thinking of dealing with hunger. Karan is on the lookout for a decent meal when he sees Arvind waving at them.
Sia eyes him to confirm if he has invited the unwanted guest. Karan responds with a no, he is also surprised to see him. Arvind waves a bit harder from the cafe, signaling them to join. Let’s join him, Sia, see what he wants.
Seeing the widespread food. She asks you are going to eat it all. Arvind offers the seat to them, No, it’s for us to enjoy. Sia is sure that they have been followed, no way its a coincidence. Whatever his intentions are really, she will know them soon. Now, why not enjoy the meal. She remarks to see his reaction. Don’t lie, you got stood up, someone other than me is also upset.
Arvind remains calm, So Karan, what’s your plan rest of the day?.
Karan can see he is avoiding her Sia for some reason, we have two more stops to cover. Arvind asks leaning in, Do these stops require the presence of this beautiful lady?
Sia is taken back by his question. Is he asking her indirectly, by confirming with Karan? He is trying to be irritating on purpose or luring her to accompany. There is no way she is going with him anywhere.
Karan distastes the idea of her being alone with Arvind personally, but it’s not his choice to make. He knows that she is well capable of handling him.
Karan looks at her, depends on the lady. Without wasting another minute she says, Can’t spare a minute today. Next time ask me directly.
Arvind understands there is no point to elaborate any further. Karan has become alert in an instant and now waiting for his next move. He has realized one thing for sure, Karan is very protective of her. The mere mention of taking her can make the man jealous. If he has to get his way with Sia, dealing with Karan cant be avoided. He once read - if you can’t fight someone, make them a friend.
Giving them a bright smile he starts, there are a few ventures I am looking into. Some of them might interest you too. Come sometime and socialize. In the coming days, I am throwing a party. It is a small gathering with powerful old friends. Seeing her disinterest he focuses on him. You see Karan I am a pro in technologies, Sia scoffs.
Arvind proceeds with the same confidence, my friends have similar interests. We are always on a watch for security firms as its not our strong point. Your presence will be beneficial to your company. So may, I interest you in a night of intellectual discussions and drinks?
Karan smiles, there is no harm in meeting someone. It sounds nice, when is this happening? Arvind knows when someone is interested in his proposal. He finalizes the deal by saying, day after tomorrow. I will be waiting for you and bring Gaurav too.
Sia knows there is an only disappointment if you believe his words. She declines the invitation by saying, maybe something after the summit. This week is hectic enough to add you to the list. Arvind makes a last try to interest Sia again, If your schedule opens up, please try to join. She replies politely, We will try to join, but now we should leave Karan.
Thanking him for the food, they start to leave. When Arvind hands a small chit to her behind Karan’s back. Sia wanted to throw it away, but her curiosity took better of her. “Come plz, for all the past good times. Truce in working”. She can feel, Karan’s eyes lingering on her back.
Sia asks casually, What do you think of Arvind?. Karan’s words made her laugh - Other than his car and secretory, nothing is impressive. He adds mischievously, One thing is true, you dress like a boy. She playfully punches him on the arm. On a serious note Sia- He has a hidden agenda guy is not trustworthy.
Dropping her at the office, he calls Gaurav. We are invited to a business gathering in two days. Prepare a proposal for that, coming to the office.
Knowing more about Arvind will only help to find his intention about Sia. He wants something and using all his cards to achieve. Karan thought he can play the same game. But in his mind, it’s clear. The man is a chameleon, he changes color with situations. Such a person cant be trusted.
The one with the Beautiful Venue
After a few days:-
Everyone is excited to work on this project, but she has to choose wisely. Other projects cant get hampered for this one.
Rahul has taken a break from the construction to help her and learn business reins. His presence has made things easy in the manpower department. Uncle has taken care of all the other projects, giving them a free hand.
She is all ready for meeting with Rahul and HR when a delivery boy arrives. Carrying flowers, smiley pillow, chocolates. She asks, Whose courtesy is this? Mam turns the pillow its a surprise for you. Come to the party, your’s Arvind.
She returned it with a note, Peace accepted no need to send anything. Really busy tonight, We will make a plan in the future.
********
Gaurav burst into fits of laughter coming out of Arvind’s party. He says mockingly, this will be for the betterment of our company. We should do such socializing from time to time. Karan is trying hard to maintain his serious face, but the laughter skipped his lips. The party was a sheer waste of their time. The crowd inside was a group of socialites hiding their failures behind big talks. Not a single viable venture was mentioned. Everyone is luring them to invest in one of their scams.
The security p
rojects mentioned were way below their work now. Such projects were done by them years back, during the startup. The cuisine, liquor, and cigars were cheap. There was no sign of his secretary for Karan to entertain himself. Arvind was extra clingy, showing their friendship to gain trust in the circle. The only highlight of the night is the laugh on Gaurav’s face. Karan smiles, Stop laughing now. I admit it’s my mistake, let’s get something good to eat.
Coming days are no better every nook and corner she sees, Arvind is there. He is finding every reason to meet her. She has been avoiding it the best, but he is not taking a hint. Yesterday he came to discuss the Linux technology arrangement, today he invited himself to the venue. She is thinking of skipping work, but it’s no solution. Today is not a good day to be sitting alone.
This very day represents both sadness and happiness. The memory of baking cake, lighting diyas with her father. Is one of her fondest memory of young time. More or less, she used to make a mess of the kitchen. The smile on her mother’s face was worth their efforts. Every year she comes to pray for her divine soul, who has an unbreakable bond with God.
Karan has started becoming impatient, no one has reached the venue. Karan has never laid eyes on such serene beauty. Awestruck by the vision coming towards him, he takes a deep breath. Sia waves her hand in a white sheer Chikan Anarkali kurta paired with red salwar. Red Bali pattern earrings studded with mirror work is reflecting light around. Her long hair tied in a loose braid, a few strands have escaped hanging loose on her face.
Kurta sways with every move. Kajal has increased the depth of those green amazons, she looks mesmerizing. Small tikka on her forehead suggests a temple visit.
Sorry, I am late, touch on his forearm made the reality crawl. Karan thinks, looking like this everything is forgiven. Don’t worry, you are the second to arrive. She offers the prasad, as he moves one hand forward. She smiles, both hands right over the left. He follows the instructions, sorry.
The venue manager and crew arrived in 10 minutes. Distance from her will ease the excitement, they enter the venue. The walk from the gate to the hall is through beautiful gardens of red roses and a huge water fountain in the middle. Hall can accommodate 1000 people. The elevated area can be used to deploy a podium and staging area. Pillars distance distinguishing the counters for different technology. The area above the staircase is half of the ground floor. Attached rooms there will help the caterers to execute food with ease.