Disguised Intentions

by Manasi Joshi

  Disguised Intentions

  - By Manasi Joshi.

  PREFACE

  This book is a work of fiction. All characters, names or situations in the book are entirely fictional and do not resemble any living person that I know personally.

  Ever since I was a child, I was a dreamer and I had a habit of creating many stories in my mind. I grew up reading many novels. As I grew up, I began enjoying writing. Whether it was an essay for a school or writing for a magazine in school or college, I began liking it immensely. I took to blogging five years back, to cultivate my passion for writing.

  I have always dreamed of writing novels. This book is my attempt to realise my dream. I wish to continue writing as long as I live and continue to better my work with passing time.

  My love for creating stories and attempting to pen them down is what inspired me to write this book I guess.

  For me, every person I meet is a story. I love observing human nature and the different complexities of our emotions.

  I want to thank everyone who has supported me while I wrote this book. My mother has been by constant source of encouragement and this preface would be incomplete without thanking her. I also want to thank someone whom I consider my Guru- H.H Sri Sri Ravishankarji, the founder of the NGO Art Of Living. His teachings have brought about a tremendous change in me and play a role in helping me realise my writing ambitions.

  I want to dedicate this book to all of you who love reading. Reading gives an insight to the brain which we do not get otherwise. Never stop reading, is what I would say to all of you.

  Thank you.

  BOOK CONTENTS

  CHAPTER 1: AN ORDINARY DAY.

  CHAPTER 2: KABIR.

  CHAPTER 3: INTERESTING DAY.

  CHAPTER 4: FAMILIAR VOICE.

  CHAPTER 5: HE’S BACK.

  CHAPTER 6: DREAMS HAUNT.

  CHAPTER 7: MORNING HEADLINES.

  CHAPTER 8: WHERE IS PRIYA?

  CHAPTER 9: NUMBED.

  CHAPTER 10: WORRIED.

  CHAPTER 11: AYAAN.

  CHAPTER 12: COMPLICATED EMOTIONS.

  CHAPTER 13: THE PHONE CALL.

  CHAPTER 14: THINKING MODE.

  CHAPTER 15: CAT-IFIED.

  CHAPTER 16: TERROR STRIKES.

  CHAPTER 17: AN INNOCENT DEATH.

  CHAPTER 18: REALISATION HITS.

  CHAPTER 19: NATASHA SPEAKS

  CHAPTER 20: BRAINSTORMING.

  CHAPTER 21: PICTURE BECOMES CLEAR.

  CHAPTER 22: WORST NIGHTMARE TURNS REAL.

  CHAPTER 23: DISGUISE DECODED.

  CHAPTER 1: AN ORDINARY DAY.

  It was 5 am in the morning. Ishani woke up with a start. It was the same dream again. She shuddered as she remembered it. She gulped down a glass of water and tried to go back to sleep. She kept tossing and turning in the bed until she gave up on sleeping.

  At 6 am she was out on the street. She looked at her watch and sighed. She was a bit too early for office. She decided to jog a bit on the narrow streets of Mumbai.

  At age 27, Ishani was a self- made woman. A Maharashtrian, she was born in Nasik, brought up in Mumbai, she was currently a working as a graphic designer for a company called C.T.I (Corporate Technobiz India) she lived in Bandra, Mumbai.

  At 9 am she was at her office, located at Nariman Point. “Ishhaaniiii! Look what I bought!” said Priya. Ishani smiled at Priya. Priya Shah or as Ishani fondly called her-‘Pri’ was Ishani’s closest friend and was very dear to her. Priya was a software engineer working for C.T.I

  “You look beautiful Pri. This dress is very becoming.” said Ishani. “You look formal and classy for a change!” she added

  “For a change?” said Priya pretending to frown.

  Ishani grinned. Priya punched her playfully. Priya was a good looking Gujarathi girl with short straight hair, big eyes brown eyes and fair skin.

  “Let’s get to work. I need to finish this project or Mr Basu will fire me” said Ishani

  “Oh he can never do that Ishani. Everyone knows you are his favourite employee. “Priya said.

  Ishani laughed. It was somewhat true. Mr Sudhir Basu was the owner & CEO of C.T.I and was Ishani’s support system since she started working in C.T.I three years back. He had always encouraged her to succeed. She looked up to him. She knew that as a graphic designer, her role in the company wasn’t huge, but he had made sure that she was the H.O.D of the graphics department. She even had her own cabin! Nafisa and Raunak were two designers who worked with her, junior to her.

  “Good morning Ma’m. Here is the file of the project you had asked me to complete. It’s done. Do check. “A smiling Nafisa said.

  Ishani was fond of both Nafisa and Raunak who were trainees employed, who worked three times a week.

  “Good. Let’s get to work.” said Ishani.

  At noon, they broke for lunch. Ishani always carried lunch from home, but today she had forgotten to, courtesy her dream.

  She headed with Priya to the office canteen.

  “Hii” said a finger tapping at Ishani’s shoulder. It was Raghav, another friend of Ishani’s. Raghav Sharma too like Priya worked in the programming department and was a software engineer. He was a chubby faced, cute looking guy. He wore thick black spectacles which gave a geeky look to his cute face. He, Ishani and Priya were the best of the friends,

  “Looks like Natasha had a good time last night at the party.” He nodded towards a very beautiful woman dressed in black skirt. “She looks good today. Actually I think she always looks good.” he winked.

  “Who cares Raghav” said Ishani. “She may look good on the outside but she’s going to remain a nasty woman on the inside anyway”

  “Well that’s none of my concern. I just stare at good looking females. I think Natasha’s beautiful. ” Raghav said.

  “That’s stale news. Tell me something new.” Priya prompted.

  “You are one grumpy female Pri.” added Raghav

  Priya scowled. “I am not” she said.

  “Stop it you two. I am famished and have forgotten to pack my lunch. Let’s get some food inside us, shall we?” said Ishani.

  They sat across Natasha’s table. Natasha always had her two friends Reema Pande and Sahil Sinha with her. Sahil was rumoured to be Natasha’s boyfriend, but nobody knew for sure. They didn’t mingle much with anyone. The three of them were disliked by many since they acted like snobs most of the times. Natasha and Ishani’s eyes met. Natasha glared at Ishani while Ishani cold shouldered her.

  If Ishani had to name one person whom she disliked, she would name Natasha Bhatia. Natasha and Ishani knew each other since their college days. Call it fate, they both ended up joining the same firm and were working in CTI since three years. They both had a long history of dislike towards each other. Natasha worked in finance and accounting section of the company. ‘Horrible woman; why do I have to face her every day?’ thought Ishani.

  “Kirloskar Madam, Sir has called you to his cabin” said the peon, snapping Ishani out of Natasha’s thoughts.

  “Tell him I am on my way” she said jumping quickly out of her chair.

  “You haven’t finished your sandwich Ishani. I thought you were famished” scolded Priya

  “Ah, you guys finish it. The boss never calls me during lunchtime unless it’s important. I got to see what he wants.” replied Ishani as she walked out of the office canteen.

  “Well one’s loss is another’s gain” said Raghav, stuffing Ishani’s half eaten sandwich into his mouth. Priya smiled.

  Ishani knocked on the cabin door of Mr Sudhir Basu.

  “Come in” said a voice. Ishani walked in to see Mr Basu immersed in paper work. Mr Basu was in his late fifties, slightly balding from front, good looking for a ma
n his age, with kind eyes, a very kind smile and a gentle voice.

  “Sit. Ishani, I called you to inform you that we are extending our hand for partnership with the Arora Industries Limited. (A.I.L) I am handing over the graphic design work to you. You will have to work with Mr Arora for some time. For the time being, you shift your work base there and stay put up there. Nafisa and Raunak will handle the work here till then. Just instruct them that way. ” said Mr Basu.

  “Oh I see. Congratulations for the partnership sir and thank you for considering me. I will make sure everything goes smoothly. ” said Ishani.

  “Wait I am not done yet. You have to do a chore for me. My son Kabir is shifting back to Mumbai from Kolkata since he wants to expand his work here. My wife will remain in Kolkata though. Just show him around the company, will you? I am leaving for my Chennai meeting tonight.” He added.

  From what Ishani knew, Mr Basu’s son was into politics. He was an upcoming politician. She was puzzled as to why Mr Basu would want him to take a tour of the company.

  “Your son isn’t a business man sir, is he sir? Then why does he need to know about CTI then why does he need to know about our company? Surely he should be focusing on what he loves?” blurted Ishani.

  She immediately regretted her bluntness as Mr Basu’s face turned slightly pink and his nostrils flared a bit.

  “He needs to, my dear. I doubt how long his political fervour is going to last. I want to knock some sense into him and get him to follow my footsteps. You are a sensible girl Ishani. You surely understand I want the best for my son. “He said, his kind smile returning.

  “Yes, of course. I understand. ” said Ishani “I’ll show him around whenever he comes.”

  “He’ll come tomorrow” said Mr Basu in a dismissal tone.

  “Okay sir. I’ll take your leave. Have a good day.” said Ishani walking out of the cabin.

  She went back to her own small cabin. ‘Hmmm, Kabir Basu.’ thought Ishani. Well Ishani had heard a lot about him and had seen him in news channels, fighting for many causes. She was curious to meet him in person now.

  The name Arora Industries sounded familiar. The name Arora brought a memory to Ishani’s mind. She dismissed it since it was too painful. ‘Mr Basu was kind to think I am sensible.’ thought Ishani. He always included her in big deals and partnerships.

  Tomorrow was going to be an interesting day.

  CHAPTER 2: KABIR.

  Kabir put on one of his most formal shirts and looked at himself in the mirror. ‘Not bad’ he thought, eyeing himself in the mirror. It was a sunny day. He wore his Ray Ban sunglasses and stepped out of the house. So much for his father wanting him to join the office, he thought.

  At age 26, Kabir was a sorted man. He knew what he wanted in life. He knew he was never going to join his father’s business. He loved the power of politics too much to even think of anything else. He also loved India too much and wanted to bring about some change in the country’s scenario. He knew his blood was gushing with patriotism. Maybe it was his mother’s influence, but he had always grown up wanting to know more and more about his own country. He was filled with ideas as to how he would change the nation if he was in power.

  There was a lot which he wished to do and so he had set up his own party in Kolkata called Yuba Katha (Youth speak) It was hard to explain to his father the fervour which he had. Nevertheless he had to please his father sometimes so that his expenses were taken care of. It was going to be boring to take a look around his father’s office, but he had to go.

  He entered the C.T.I building at 11 am in the morning. As soon as he entered, two ladies jumped at him.

  “Mr Kabir Sir?” one of them asked.

  “Yes” he replied.

  “We’ll take you to Kirloskar Madam. She will show you around” said the other one, batting her lashes at him.

  He nodded and followed them. ‘Women’ he thought. ‘Always throwing themselves at me’ he yawned, bored.

  He wished he was with one of his many friends or girlfriends, or doing his work. In fact he wished he was at any other place than at his father’s boring company. Now he would have to face some stupid Kirloskar woman and bear with her as she showed him around. He yawned again.

  As soon as the elevator opened, the ladies took him to a cabin. Ishani Kirloskar, it read.

  One of them knocked. “Come in” said a voice.

  Kabir entered. One look at the woman and standing in front of him and his world turned. Or it seemed to stop. He didn’t know what was happening to him. He had seen many beautiful women in his life, much more beautiful than her, but somehow this woman seemed to have an impact on him which he never imagined.

  She had long straight hair which naturally curled at the ends and were tied in a simple pony tail. She was wheatish in complexion, not fair or dark. Her attire was simple with a kurta and leggings. She had fine almond shaped eyes which were lined with kohl and a straight small nose with a small shapely mouth. He just couldn’t take his eyes off her. Whoa, this girl is magic he thought.

  She smiled and extended her hand “Hello Kabir Sir, I am Ishani Kirloskar. Basu sir wanted me to show you around.”

  His heart melted as she smiled. He didn’t know what was happening to him. ‘Maybe it’s infatuation at first sight.’ He thought to himself. “Call me Kabir.” He said out loud and grasping her hand in a firm handshake. ‘Sometimes my father does do the right thing then.’ He thought, smirking inwardly. “Let’s get started then”

  CHAPTER 3: INTERESTING DAY.

  Ishani snorted inwardly as she took in Kabir’s clothes. He wore a bright red shirt and pants and had his glasses on even though he was inside the building. He had sleek hair which were longer than usual and fell on his face. He was a fine looking Bengali man. He was tall, dark and handsome like they described in Mills and Boons. ‘Rich men and their tastes’ she shook her head inwardly. She was sure he must be using his good looks and personality to his advantage many a times to get his work done.

  He smiled at her as she shook his hand. His flashy smile convinced her that her opinion of him was right.

  “Yes, of course, let’s get started. I’ll show you all the departments” she replied to him.

  “And you work here as?” he asked.

  She rolled her eyes. He hadn’t even bothered to read her name and her post which was written on the cabin door.

  “I am a graphic designer here since three years.” She said. “We’ll go down and start from the ground floor”

  By noon, Ishani observed that Kabir was if any, even more disinterested in what she was saying than he was earlier in the morning.

  His sleek hair was more tousled; he kept running his hand through it and simply kept staring at her with a blank face and checking his cell phone every now and then.

  Ishani was beginning to get a bit irritated by then. Why would Mr Basu force his son into leaving politics and joining his firm if his son was least interested in it? Mr Basu was a good man; he didn’t seem to be one of those types who force their children into doing something they didn’t want to. Yet, his son was here; lost as ever. Well it was none of her business anyway and she was nobody to have any say in it.

  “Well Kabir, we are done I guess. Your lunch will be provided in Basu Sir’s cabin. You can relish it there before you leave” she said, trying to hide her mild irritation and forced a smile.

  “I don’t need to eat here Miss Kirloskar. Not interested.” said Kabir “I will call you Ishani if you don’t mind” he added

  “The staff has specially prepared lunch for you Kabir. Their efforts would go waste. You can call me Ishani. No issues.” said Ishani grimly.

  “Well, if you are willing to give me company for lunch, I’ll have it then. I think today is your lucky day, you get to have lunch with me.” said Kabir, smirking slightly.

  Did he just smirk at her? Self- conceited rich spoilt brat, she thought. Ishani was a little taken aback. She thought he was crazy. But Basu sir would be ann
oyed if she displeased his son.

  “Okay. I would be delighted to.” She said half- heartedly.

  Kabir beamed at her visibly. He was like a child, thought Ishani. She wondered how he must be handling his political issues with such playful behaviour. She couldn’t help but smile at his childlike demeanour.

  Ishani carried her lunchbox to Mr Basu’s cabin.

  Kabir was busy with his cell phone when she knocked. He waived his hand to indicate her to come in.

  The canteen people had done a good job. She could see a lot of food on the plate he was served.

  “I’m starving Ishani. Let’s eat” he said putting his cell phone away.

  “I thought you weren’t interested in having lunch?” said Ishani raising her brows at him.

  “Well that was two seconds ago, right now I am starving, especially after looking at all this food served to me” he said, stuffing his mouth with rice.

  Ishani laughed. This man was really crazy.

  As they were eating, he asked “What do you think Ishani? Will my dad’s company grow much better if I quit politics and join his business?”

  Ishani was quite surprised. She wasn’t expecting this question. That was a difficult question and she shouldn’t be answering that.

  “I am not the right person to answer you.” she said as politely as she could.

  “I don’t know if you are the right person to answer this but I just want answer from you” Kabir said. He looked so earnest and sincere that Ishani didn’t have the heart to be rude to him.

  Ishani had no choice. “Well if you ask me personally, I don’t think it would make much of a difference. You should stick with politics if you feel that’s what you love rather than doing something like business half-heartedly. I don’t think you’ll be good here as much as you’d be at the political front. The people, they all adore you for what you are. Just stay that way. It’s all about following the heart I guess” she said.

  She bit her lip. She hoped her answer wasn’t too blunt. She had said too much she thought. She watched Kabir’s expressions. He smiled at her but there was a certain kind of sadness to it.