Chapter 19

Next morning, ASR Designs:

Khushi drove her Daisy to ASR Designs with her battle team following her in their respective bikes (KT & Maze) & jeep (AJ & Jiggy). As per their plan, the bikes and jeep were parked in employee parking and Khushi drove towards ASR’s parking spot.

Bahadur, seeing Khushi with Daisy, came running: Memsaab, hum board lagaya. Dekho.

(Ma’m, I put reserved board… See?)

Khushi saw a reserved sign board in front of ASR’s parking spot.

Reserved Signboard:

She beamed at Bahadur: Very good. Yeh uske rightwala spot to khali hain naa?

(The one on the right is empty though, right?)

Bahadur beams back: Haan memsaab.

(Yes, ma’m)

Khushi beams even more: Purrrrrfect… Bye Bahadur.

Bahadur smiles his toothy smile and leaves: Bye ma’m.

Then she parked Daisy right beside ASR’s parking spot.

She whips out her cell phone and texts her gang: Mission L.G step one done. Proceeding to step two.

She climbs out of Daisy, whips out another sign board and hangs just below the other signboard.

New signboard:

The gang arrive to check out the complete sign, nods in satisfaction, hi-fives and then hurriedly takes the completed files and books to ASR’s office.

They neatly pile all files and books on ASR’s table so that anyone sitting behind the desk can’t see anything except the piles of files and books.

Then they check their watches and get ready for the showdown.

Maze tells the gang: You know right what’s next?

The gang solemnly nod and do their signature sign of success “All for one, one for all”…

Maze and AJ go to meet Rohit and KT and Jiggy wait in the reception for Khushi’s signal.

Khushi waits by the door to see when ASR arrives.

Right on cue at 8 o’clock sharp ASR’s BMW arrives at his usual spot.

He parks his car and him and Aakash get out.

Aakash notices the sign first and his eyes widen and start to twinkle: Errrmmmm…. Bhai?

ASR (Busy emailing from his blackberry): What?

Aakash (trying desperately to control his laughter): I think you should find another parking spot from now on.

ASR (Irritated): Why? It’s my spot.

He looks where Aakash is looking and his eyes widen in surprise first then narrow in anger.

He screams: Bahadur…

Bahadur comes running: Ji saabji? (Yes sir?)

ASR (Points his finger towards the sign): What’s that?

Bahadur (scared): Reserved sign saabji. Khushi ma’m ne bola agar sign nehin lagaya to woh Daisy park karega aur nehin hatayega.

ASR (Angry and about to erupt): Who the hell is Daisy?

Bahadur lifts his trembling finger towards the bright pink car right beside his own BMW.

ASR (Explodes): How dare she say anything? And how dare you listen to her? Who gives you salary? Me or Khushi?

Khushi sees Bahadur in distress and decides to launch the next missile a bit early. She takes out her car starter out of her pocket, starts Daisy and hopes she put the right CD in the CD player.

Suddenly a song starts playing at Daisy.

ASR jumps at the sudden noise: What the?

This is the song:

He looks at Aakash who is trying to stop his laughter but failing to do so. His anger gets into full blast as he realizes that this is all Khushi’s doing.

He strides towards the office.

Khushi sees him coming in like a storm. She quickly shuts down Daisy and runs towards the reception. KT and Jiggy sees her running. They take one elevator each and hit the top floor button.

ASR Designs' Elevators:

Khushi has previously found out from Sarah that ASR Designs’s building has three elevators because one to go up, one to go down and one for ASR’s exclusive use so that he does not have to wait for an elevator and so far no one dared to use his exclusive elevator… until now.

As ASR arrives he sees that all elevators including his exclusive one, have gone up. He pushes the button angrily and waits for them to come down.

Khushi, KT and Jiggy keep going up and down and play with elevator buttons.

In the meanwhile, ASR gives up on the elevator and takes the stairs fuming.

AJ notices ASR taking the stairs and texts Khushi immediately.

When Khushi gets his text, she punches top floor button and hits the first floor button on the elevator before going out so that it goes downstairs again. Then she runs to the top of the stairs with the newspaper and waits for ASR to come up.

ASR comes up the stairs breating heavily and notices Khushi standing and beaming at the top of the stairs holding the newspaper looking fresh as, well, a Daisy…

Khushi’s Look:

His temper which was already at boiling point erupts: What do you think you are upto Khushi Kumari Gupta?

Khushi widens her eyes: Me? I’m just getting you newspaper like you asked me to do. I’d have made you coffee too. (she wrinkles her nose cutely) But I did not think you liked the last one I made. (She brightens up again) But I have not given up. After all perfection is not achieved in one day…

ASR screams: Shut up.

He stomps to her and towers over her: You better have completed your assigned task or I will sue you for incompetency.

Khushi pretends to be scared: Really?

ASR gives her his evil smirks and stomps to his office only to see all the books and files piled on his desk, blocking his vision: What the?

Khushi pokes on his back with her index finger: Errmmm… those would be your completed assigned task.

ASR turns to her incredoulously: How? When?

Khushi beams: I’m brilliant, what can I say? (Then she sobers up) But I understand your difficulty to comprehend. My buaji says that in advance age like yours, memory and thinking capability start to sink. She highly recommends religious books as a way to find peace in one’s disability.

ASR bursts like atom bomb: What? I look old to you?

Khushi (wide eyes): Oh don’t worry. You have maintained yourself very well. (beams at him some more)

ASR shouts: Get out right now.

Khushi (mutters loudly while leaving): Also should control temper. It increases chances of heart attack in advanced age.

ASR slams his office door behind her.

Khushi jumps at the sound and then giggle and hugs herself in joy. She whips out her notebook and write:

Laad Governor – 2

The Empress – 2

ASR sees Khushi giggling and hugging herself from the other side of the glass door. Khushi did not know that his office door is one sided mirror which means no one can see inside the office but ASR can see outside.

He fumes: So Miss Khushi Kumari Gupta, you want to have a war huh? Fine, it’s on then. We will see who wins in the end.

Nandi squirms at his seat in excitement: Deviji, Deviji… You know everything. Tell me naa who will win? At least throw me some spoilers to share with my buddies? Please please please?

Devi Maiyya looks at him disdainfully: Well, I can only tell you this much, no one will win and no one will loose… But the war will be all-consuming.

Nandi scratches between his horns and talks to himself: This is even more confusing than some of the fake spoilers and rumours my buddies are spreading… Now what will I write in my blog?

Chapter 18

Khushi checks her watch and decides to leave for NIFT. So she goes to ASR's office and knocks on the door.

Khushi (grumpy): I need to leave now for my institute. I will come back tomorrow.

ASR (poker faced): Okay, fine. But I have your tasks for tomorrow. See those books over there? Read them and then analyse the files beside them with the theories and write separate reports on each file in word document single spaced in Arial size 11 font. I need this done by tomorrow morning when I arrive.

Khushi sees the stack of books and files gobsmocked…

Books:

Files:

Khushi stammers: But… but… I made very clear that I will only do part-time work because I need to finish my studies.

ASR (raises his one brow): So when did I stop you from leaving? But you chatted with the gateman this morning and wasted time unnecessarily. Now you will have to pay the price. I don't care when or how you do it. You can take the company laptop with you to do your tasks. But I need them at my desk when I arrive tomorrow morning.

Khushi (fuming): Fine.

She stomps out the door.

ASR leans back on his chair and smirks: Now we will see if your brain runs as fast as your mouth…

Devi Maiyya (rolling her eyes): Lo bolo… Maine kya isi liye Khushi ko fashion show mein iske god mein giraya tha? Aise to inka kuch nehin honewala. Mujhe hi kuch karna padega…

(Did I make Khushi fall on his lap for this? If they continue like this, nothing will happen between them. I will have to intervene)

Nandi sitting by her feet, munching on fresh grass imported from Newzealand, nods vigorously…

NIFT, New Delhi:

Khushi misses her classes that day as she managed to get there finally after making several trips up and down, getting the files in her car.

When she reaches NIFT, she sees her gang sitting at the canteen. She plops her exhausted self in a chair and puts her head on the table.

KT (Worried): Hey Khush, what happened yaar?

Maze (gently places his hand on Khushi's bowed head): Khush? Did something happen at work?

Khushi gets her head up from the table and bursts into tears alarming her friends. Slowly she narrates the story to them.

Maze (pulls Khushi into his arm like a baby while his eyes were still burning with anger): Don't worry, Khush… We are here for you… I knew when I heard the job offer, there was something fishy there. But I kept my mouth shut because I did not want to upset Khush. But I did not know that he will turn out to be such a jerk.

AJ fumes: What an a**hole…

Jiggy (angry probably for the first time in life): Yeah… I should have known when I saw him…

KT (boiling): Khush, you just tell me and I will personally break his legs for you… See if I don't…

Maze (the only one with a cool head): Calm down guys and KT, you keep your breaking and popping ideas to yourself. We will have to deal with it in a calm and planner manner.

KT: But we gotta do something. We can't let him get away with this?

Maze: He is a powerful man so he won't hesitate to take advantage of his position.  We will deal with him the way he is used on Khush. Jiggy, you call Rohit and ask him if he needs volunteers in ASR Designs. We all will go there to volunteer. It's free labour. So he should not have problem convincing Maddy. Also tell him that our motive is gaining practical experience in ASR Designs.

Jiggy nods: I'm on it.

Maze turns to KT and AJ: We all will help Khush to finish her task today. He has asked her to type the report so who does it does not matter. I don't care how long it will take, but we will finish it by tonight, so she can print them out and put the work on his desk before he arrives.

Once we get into ASR Designs, then we will deal with ASR himself.

Everyone agrees to the plan except Khushi.

Khushi (worried): I don't want you guys to get into trouble because of me. Please don't do anything that will get you into trouble.

Maze smiles at Khushi: Khush, we are your friends. We can't let any jerk to treat you like ASR treated you. Besides, I always thought that if I had a little sister, she would have been like you. And I swear to Allah, no one will put even a wrinkle on my baby's forehead.

Khushi jumps on Maze and hugs him tight: I love you too Maze…

Maze smiles and hugs her back: I know Khush…

KT (pretending to be tough while hiding tears): Oh boo hoo… How emotional. Where is a Bollywood movie maker when we need one? What about me Maze? Can you be your baby too?

AJ (sneers at KT): Oh yeah, the queen of sentiments, KT… You can't be sister, but I'm sure Maze would love to have you as his brother… You know like Bhai (Mumbai word for Hooligans). What about it, Maze?

Maze laughs at them, still with his arms around Khushi: Stop you guys.

Khushi laughs while wiping her tears: I love you all… Group hugs.

KT (sighs): Great… Just what we needed to make this pukey scene complete.

But moves in for a hug anyway.

Jiggy comes dancing in: We got in, we got in. Rohit convinced Maddy and now we are all going to ASR Designs.

They all cheer but Khushi makes them stop…

Khushi holds her hand forward: All for one,

One by one everyone puts their palm on hers and screams together: One for All…

Then they pull their palm up to complete the cheer.

Devi Maiyya rubs her hand in glee: Chalo, kaam ho gaya…

(Finally, my work is done)

Next morning, ASR Designs:

Khushi comes to work early to drop the work at ASR's desk. Then checks the watch for time and goes down to meet Payal. Payal was going to kitchen to grab a cup of coffee so she asks Khushi to tag along.

After grabbing their coffee, they were coming out of kitchen and they saw Aakash and Aman was coming towards them.

Khushi chirps: Hi…

Aakash and Aman both smile and greet them.

Aakash: So Khushi, how did you like your first day in ASR Designs?

Khushi (makes faces): Like an Israeli in Hitler's Germany, like a democrate in a republicans' meet, like an ice cream cone in Sahara…

Aakash laughs out loud: Maddy is that scary, eh?

Khushi (wide eyed): Maddy? Nope. I have not even met him yet. It's my khadoos (jerk) boss, Arnav Singh Raizada…

Aakash (surprised): What? Your boss is bhai?

Khushi (sad face): Yup. Aur woh bhi Munna bhai nehin; Gabbar bhai, Mugambo bhai, Shakaal bhai…

(That too *Names of most notorious Bollywood villains*; not sweet, Gandhi follower Munna Bhai)

Aman hides his chuckle behind his files…

Aakash laughs too: I like your spunk. I'm sure you won't have any problems. (winks at her, then looks at Payal with a different smile) Bye Payal

Payal blushes: Bye…

Aman says shyly: All the best Khushiji…

Khushi nods to both of them: Thanks Aakash. Thanks Amanji…

Aakash and Aman get into the elevator.

Khushi turns to Payal and squeals: Isn't he so amazingly handsome, Jiji?

Payal looks at Khushi horrified, thinking she is talking about Aman again: Handsome? Him? No…

Khushi (horrified too): What? You can't see the awesomeness of that handsome hunk? Are you nuts? You seriously need glasses urgently…

Payal (Mutters): Yup, then we will both look handy dandy specsy couple…

(Note: Both Aman and Aakash wear specs, only different style)…

Khushi in dreamland: Yeah…. Won't that be awesome?

Payal (scowls): No freaking way. (She leaves in a huff)

Khushi shouts after her: Jiji, suno toh… (Jiji, listen naa)

But Payal does not stop until she gets into her office.

Khushi (confused on her way up): Jiji bhi kitni ajeeb hain… Itna handsome aadmi, itna sweet nature, itna pyaara smile… Unko dikhai kyun nehin deta?

(Jiji is so weird… Such a handsome guy, such sweet nature, such lovely smile… why can't she see it?)

Payal (confused in her room): Khushi bhi kitni ajeeb hain… Usse Aman handsome dikhta hain? Lagta hain usse hi chashma dilana padega…

 (Khushi is so weird… She thinks Aman is handsome? I think she needs specs soon)…

Devi Maiyya (slaps her head): You both need specs soon… For your brain… Hey me, why do I get saddled with morons?

Chapter 17

Aakash's Office, ASR Designs:

Payal knocks in the door.

Aakash looks up and smiles at her: Payal, come in.

Payal smiles back: Hi, I was just going for coffee. Would you like me to get you some?

Aakash smiles back: No need to get me a coffee. I could use a break. Let's go together.

Payal blushes: Okay.

They go to the kitchen on Aakash's floor which is used just by the people in that floor.

Aakash's Kitchen:

Payal and Aakash walks into the kitchen.

Payal tells him to sit and she walks to the coffee machine to make coffee.

She asks Aakash: How would you like your coffee?

Aakash smiles at her: Medium roast, one cream, one sugar...

Payal looks at him surprised. Aakash teases her: Don't tell me, you have coffee with one cream, one sugar and medium roast too?

Payal nods still surprised. Now it's Aakash's turn to be surprised.

Then he smiles at her: It seems like our choices are quite same.

Payal smiles, nods slightly and turns her back towards the coffee machine to make coffee for both of them. She finishes making the coffee and turns with the cups on a tray to see that Aakash is not at the table. She puts the tray on the glass table and looks around for him.

Suddenly a stem of White Lilly appears on her side, she turns to see its Aakash standing there holding it and smiling at her. He must have grabbed it from the flower arrangement on the table.

Aakash smiles at Payal: A small thank you from me to you for making me coffee.

Payal looks into his face surprised, then smiles and teases him: At least drink it first and then say Thank you.

Aakash smiles at her looking at her eyes: I'm sure I will love it.

Payal blushes and accepts the Lilly with a smile.

Aakash picks up the cup and takes a sip. He then looks up at Payal and says with a glint in his eyes: Perfect.

Payal becomes shy under those twinkling dark eyes: Thanks.

They drink their coffee while sneaking glances at each other over the coffee mug...

Devi Maiyya sighs up there: Oh... (Pats her heart) Nothing like a good romance to get the pitty pat going and nothing like a coffee to get a romance started...

Suddenly Khushi's voice buzzes in her head.

She grabs her popcorn bag and pepsi: Oops, time to change focus...(sticks the pepsi straw in her mouth and slurps her drink) Ooohhh, can't wait for Arnie's reaction... (Squeals in glee)

Meanwhile, on the floor right above:

Khushi knocks at the glass door. ASR's voice booms from inside: Come in, Ms. Gupta...

Khushi walks in with the tray and puts it on his massive glass table with a beaming smile on her face: Your black coffee without sugar, sir.

ASR looks up from his laptop and sees the tray.

He looks at Khushi angrily: Didn't you hear my instruction properly, Miss Gupta? I said bring me coffee and today's newspaper.

Khushi beams a bigger smile: I heard you just fine, sir. (Points her index finger at the flower) There is your newspaper.

ASR gapes at the flower and then at Khushi and then at the flower again.

He explodes: What the hell did you do with the newspaper?

Khushi exclaims sympathically: Oh ho... You can't see very well? Must be old age catching up. That's okay. I'm happy to help.

She picks up the flower and holds in front of ASR's nose: Ab dikha?

(Did you see it now?)

ASR's temper boils at a dangerous level: I asked you to bring me the newspaper...

Khushi (round innocent eyes): Haan to? Wohi to laye hain. Ab apne humme yeh thodi kahan tha ki jaise newspaper deliver hota hain waise hi leke aao?

(Yes, so? I got you your newspaper. You did not tell me to get your newspaper the way it gets delivered in the morning)...

ASR closes his eyes shut tightly and clenches his jaw hard to bring his temper under control: Never mind.

He grabs the coffee and takes a large sip and chokes...

He spits the coffee out and screams: What the hell is this?

Khushi (even more innocently): That is your coffee. Black with no sugar.

ASR explodes: You call this coffee? What the hell did you put in it?

Khushi (pretending to think): Humm... Let me think. I put Coffee grounds, water, Red chilli powder, paprika, black pepper...

ASR screams: Shut up... You put fricking spices in my coffee? How dare you?

Khushi (saucer eyed): Arre? Aapne humse kahan tha black coffee with no sugar... To humne naa is mein chini daali hain aur naa doodh. Apne humse yeh to nehin kahan tha ki is mein sirf paani aur coffee hi daalna...

(Arre? You told me to get you black coffee with no sugar. So I did not put sugar or milk in it. You did not tell me to just put water and coffee in it)...

ASR (shouting): Who told you to make coffee with spices?

Khushi (nonchalantly): No one. Tabhi to aisi coffee banake le aaye. Humne kab kahan ki humme coffee banani aati hain?

ASR's nerve at the temple starts throbbing in tune with his throbbing jaw due to clenching his teeth too hard. If this continues, his dentist is going to buy a Ferrari by the time this contract is over...

ASR opens his mouth to scream: You're fir... (notices Khushi's eager expression and sparkling eyes)

ASR's brain catches the little minx's plan: So she is planning to make me fire her so she can get away easily without paying the price. Hummm... We will see Ms. Gupta...

ASR swallows his anger for the first time in his life and smirks: You may go to your office Ms. Gupta and wait for the next instruction.

Khushi (Now genuinely surprised): But I thought that... that...

ASR (wider smirk that would have made a shark proud): Fire you? No... I will not fire you for this little mistake, Ms. Gupta. (Completes the sentence in his head) I will make you suffer for this, until you beg for mercy...

Khushi's eyes flashes with anger but she forcefully stretches her lips in a smile: How nice of you sir. I'm looking forward to work with you...(Completes the sentence in her head) And drive you up the wall until you beg me to leave your company...

Both stretches their lips in a smile, but both understand the battle lines have been drawn...

Devi Maiyya was popping popcorn one after another with her wide eyes glued on them when suddenly a loud conch shell blares in her ear. She jumps a few feet at the sudden sound and sees that her husband's useless companion Nandi, the cow, was holding the conch shell and grinning at her.

She glares at him and shouts: What the? Why did you freaking blared that conch shell, you moron?

Nandi (now apologetic): I thought I heard that a battle has started, so I thought I'd make it official...

Devi Maiyya (Thinks for a moment): Humm... That's fine. I don't mind when I'm checking out other stuff. But don't interrupt me when I'm on the Star A+ channel... That's my special channel for my favourite people. Got it?

Nandi nods vigorously: Can I watch it too?

Devi Maiyya (haughtily): Humm... But keep your mouth shut... (slaps his paw that was slowly inching towards her popcorn bowl) And get your own freaking snacks.

Chapter 16

Khushi squeezes her eyes shut and chants: Oh no no no no... Khushi, you are not seeing him. This must be a nightmare. You need to wake up... Laad Governor can not be your boss...

She hears a furious voice ask her: Excuse me? What did you call me?

She opens one eye and sees him glaring at her in anger. She closes her eyes shut tightly chanting: Devi Maiyya, Devi Maiyya...

Devi Maiyya, about to pop a fistful of popcorn in her mouth, freezes for a second: Eh?

Khushi then opens both her eyes gathering her courage: Yo-ou? You can't be my boss...

Arnav sneers: Oh, but I am...

Khushi (now angry): But you said you won't hire me.

Arnav leans forward: Well, guess what? I changed my mind.

Khushi now fuming trying to straighten up to match his impressive height towering over her: Well, guess what? I have not changed my mind. I still don't want to work for you even if you are the last person in the world. I quit as of today.

She whirled and about to go out when a hard hand shots out and grabs her arm tightly: Not so soon, Khushi Kumari Gupta. May be you'd like to take a look at the contract you signed before you quit?

Khushi turns back to see ASR has picked up a red file from his desk and held it out to her: You know how to read English, right? Then go ahead and read this.

Khushi angrily snatches the file from his hand and opens it to read it. As she is about to read ASR interrupts her: Let me help you with that. According to the contract you have signed, you can't quit or resign from this job for a year as well as can't say no to any task I assign for you. If you don't comply with the terms and conditions of this contract, then you will owe ASR Designs i.e. me, One Crore rupees (Rs. 10,000,000) as compensation for breaking this contract. (ASR smirks)

Khushi was shocked to hear the terms of the contract. She looks up: But that's not fair. What kind of contract is this? This is not a job, its slavery...

ASR smirks: Well, Ms. Gupta... Who said life is fair? It looks like I have hired a slave then...

He goes back to his chair and sits down: Now don't waste my time with your chitchat and grab me a coffee, black with no sugar... Oh and by the way, also grab me today's newspaper.

Khushi is beyond pissed: Tell your PA. I'm not your secretary. I'm your intern.

ASR (pretends to be thinking): Hummm... Did I mention that in the contract? No... come to think of it, I did not mention it. I just said that you have been hired by ASR Designs and you will perform all the duties that will be assigned to you... You can read the contract to verify or take it to your lawyer...

Khushi grabs the contract and was about to tear it up when ASR interrupts again: Uh-uh... I won't do that. You see, it's a waste of your time and effort. That's just a copy. I have the original somewhere safe.

Khushi fumes for a minute, and then suddenly gives her blinding smile at ASR. ASR is surprised at the sudden change of attitude.

Khushi keeps smiling: Good strategy. I will give you this one.

She comes towards ASR's desk and plops her palms on his glass table and leans forward: If you think that you have scared me off and I will beg you to spare me, you are wrong. You don't know who you have challenged Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. I will drive you so crazy that just to save your sanity, you will yourself fire me from ASR Designs.

Arnav leans forward and looks into her wide eyes still brimming with anger: Challenge accepted Khushi Kumari Gupta.

Khushi straightens up and raises one perfectly arched brow: The game is on... Let's see who wins and who loses...

Arnav leans back: We'll see. Now if you don't mind, the coffee please?

Khushi's eyes flash dangerously and she storms out of his office.

As the glass door closes with a loud bang, Devi Maiyya jumps with her popcorn and pepsi flying in the air: Oyeee... I need more supply of Iced Tea too... Someone go to Lipton and get me some...

(Then she rethinks) On second thought, never mind. I will handle the owner. He will supply his stock to please me, I'm sure. (smiles big)

Khushi gets out of ASR's office and fumes: Laad Governor kahika... Coffee lao. Peelate hain aapko coffee.

(Laad Governor... Bring me coffee. I will get you your bloody coffee)

I should have known that there were something fishy going on... Why why why I did not read the bloody contract?

She hears the elevator door open and sees Aman comes out with some files. Her eyes narrow at her target. She yells: Amanji...

Aman jolts and fumbles with the files in his arms and then looks up and sees Khushi's stormy face. He decides to save his skin first. He runs to his office and hides under his desk.

Aman's Office:

Khushi comes after him and leans under his desk: Amanji, bahar aaiye... Abhi...

(Amanji, come out... Now...)

Aman pushes his huge glasses back up his nose with his trembling fingers and slowly crawls out...

Aman: Ji Khushiji? (Yes, Khushiji?)

Khushi stares down on him using her 3 inch heels: Aapko pata tha naa us contract mein kya tha? Aur apne humme bataya nehin?

(You know what was in that contract right? And you did not tell me?)

Aman clutches his files to his chest: Woh... Woh... Khushiji. Sir ne mujhko bola ki aapki sign chahiye jaldi se jaldi. Main kya karta? Meri naukri ka sawal tha... Aur unhone bola ki aapko kuch naa bataye, warna aap sign nehin karengi.

(Khushiji, Sir said to me that he needs your signature on the contract asap. What could I do? My job was at stake. And he told me not to tell you anything, otherwise you won't sign)...

Khushi realized that poor Amanji is extremely scared of his boss and beside it's useless to blame the minion when it's all that Laad Governor's fault... the monster... Poor Amanji.

Khushi smiles at Aman: Amanji, aap sahi keh rahe hain. Yeh sab us Laad Governor ki galti hain. Khair koi baat nehin, achcha humme bataiye ki kitchen kahan pe hain?

(Amanji, you are right. This is all that Laad Governor's fault. Anyways, never mind. Can you tell me where is the kitchen?)

Aman's eyes boggles out: Kaun? (Who?)

Khushi smiles: Laad Governor... Aapke boss. Kitchen kis taraf hain?

(Laad Governor...  your boss. Which way is the kitchen?)

Aman, still in shock at Khushi's audacity, lifts his trembling finger & points out towards the boardroom.

Khushi smiles: Thank you.

She goes towards the boardroom to look for kitchen.

She unknowingly mimics ASR's smirk: Coffee chahiye naa aapko? Abhi pilate hain Khushi chaap coffee. Aisi coffee pilaenge ki paani bhi nehin maangenge aap, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada...

(You want coffee right? I will get you Khushi brand coffee. After drinking my coffee, you will never even ask for water, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada)...

Khushi finds the kitchen by the boardroom and walks in.

Kitchen at Top Floor:

Khushi enters the kitchen and locates the coffee machine. She looks in the cupboard right over the coffee machine and sees some basic spices like Red chilli powder, paprika, chaat masala, black and red pepper, salt, sugar were there and beside them is the coffee beans.

She takes out Chilli powder, black and red pepper, paprika and salt and mixes them with the measured quantity of coffee beans. Puts them in the grinder and starts the machine.

While the coffee was being prepared, she grabbed today's newspaper and made origami flowers with it using kitchen scissors.

Khushi's Flowers:

The coffee was done. She took a tray and a small vase, plopped the flower in the vase, put the coffee cup by its side and smiled mischievously: Ab aayega mazaa... (It will be fun)

Devi Maiyya, sitting in padmasan (Lotus Position), clapping her hands gleefully: Yes yes, I'm already having fun...

Chapter 15

ASR picks up the phone and calls Sarah in reception: Sarah, the new girl will have a different office than the one I asked you to prepare. Hold her in reception and get it done. Also, tell Maddy to come and see me in my office.

Reception, ASR Designs:

Sarah asks Khushi to wait in the reception. Then she leaves in a hurry.

With no one to talk to and nothing to do, she was getting bored out of her skull. So she decides to play Angry birds on her cell phone...

She takes out her cell phone to play when she sees the dusky girl she met when she came there to meet Payal was coming out of the elevator.

She brightens up: Hi... (Waves her hand)

Lavanya stops in her tracks and sees Khushi. She smiles back: Hi...

Khushi smiles: Lavanya right?

Lavanya nods her head: Yes. And you are Khushi.

Khushi nods back: Right. So where are you heading?

Lavanya: Taking a smoke break. You want one?

Khushi smiles: I don't smoke. But I can chew gums to give you company...

Lavanya laughs: Sounds good.

The elevator door opens and Aakash strides out with Payal on their way out for a meeting.

Khushi squeals: Aakash (Waves her hand frantically)...

Aakash stops and smiles at her: Khushi? How are you?

Khushi beams ignoring Payal's frantic signals from Aakash's back: I'm good. Hey, guess what? I am new intern here. Isn't it awesome?

Aakash (surprised): Really? I thought we hired a guy named Rohit?

Khushi (smiling happily): Yup. But you guys needed another one. So I was hired. Amanji himself came to Princy's... I mean my principal's office and hired me... (Beams some more)

Aakash (Confused): Really? That's strange. (Smiles at Khushi) But I'm glad you are here... Welcome to ASR Designs Khushi.

Khushi beams: Me too. Thanks Aakash. But you know what the best thing is ever?

Aakash (amused at her happiness): What?

Khushi looks at Payal and her eyes soften: Because now I will be able to see my sister more often and work with her...

Payal's eyes soften with love too. She mouths back at her: Me too.

But Aakash was looking behind Khushi at Lavanya and misses where Khushi was looking.

He nods to Lavanya and says: I'm sure you love your sister very much Khushi.

Khushi looks back at Aakash and smiles again: I sure do...

Payal smiles at her but calls Aakash: Aakash, we have to leave. The clients are waiting.

Aakash nods at her: Yes, Payal. Let's go.

He looks back at Khushi and smiles at her: I'm very glad that you joined our company, sunshine.

Khushi beams at him.

Payal and Aakash leave.

Khushi turns to a gob-smacked Lavanya and squeals: Isn't he awesome?

Lavanya looks at Khushi (surprised): How do you know Aakash Singh Raizada so well? He called you sunshine...

Khushi (scowled): Who?

Lavanya points at the door: Him...

Khushi smiles: Oh Aakash... I met him at NIFT. He works here... (beams again) I have decided that he will be perfect groom for my sister...

Lavanya surprised: Huh? Works here? You mean you don't know?

Now it's Khushi's turn to get confused: Huh?

Lavanya sighs at Khushi's naivety and elaborates: He owns part of this company. ASR Designs is Arnav Singh Raizada Designs. And he is Aakash Singh Raizada, Chief Operating Officer, ASR Designs... Singh Raizada... Capiche?

Khushi surprised: Oh...

Then she composes herself and smiles back: Thanks for the information...

Lavanya waits for more reaction: And? Now what about your plan for him?

Khushi (confused again): What about that?

Lavanya exasperated: Now what are you going to do about your sister's groom?

Khushi (chiding): Now now Lavanya... Just because he is unfortunate enough to be born in a family where nepotism clearly is the way of life, I can't hold it against him... Can I? I'm sure he is good at his job and would have got this job anyway. Besides considering how successful this company is, he must be doing a pretty good job. It does not matter how he got the job. The point is he is working hard...

Lavanya's mouth hangs open: This is the most screwed up logic I have ever heard. But it (gasps) actually makes sense to me...

Khushi pats her on the shoulder: Now that you have met me Lavanya, I will teach you everything I know...

Lavanya decides to get back to work before her head explodes.

Lavanya: Khushi, I'm going back to work. See you around...

Khushi beams and waves her back.

Suddenly, Sarah comes rushing out of the elevator: Khushi... I mean Ms. Gupta. Come this way...

Khushi (happy): Okay...

Sarah and Khushi get into the elevator. Sarah hits the top floor button. Khushi notices Sarah throwing her sympathetic glances.

Khushi surprised: What?

Sarah nods vigourously: Nothing...

They arrive at the top floor. The elevator door opens. Khushi sees Aman standing there. She beams at him.

Sarah whispers at her: All the best.

Khushi turns to say Thank you, but the elevator door was already closed.

Khushi shakes her head and looks at Aman: Hi Amanji...

Aman gives his weak smile and says: This way, Ms. Gupta...

Khushi says happily: Oh, call me Khushi.

Aman mutters: You won't be for very long...

Khushi does not hear him: Say what?

Aman: Nothing...

Aman leads her to a office.

Aman opens the door: This will be your office, Ms. Gupta...

Khushi's Office:

Khushi walks into the gorgeous office in awe: It's beautiful Amanji... I love it...

Aman then takes her to the studio.

Aman: And this will be your studio. You will share this occasionally with the Designer team when we will be working on a show.

Khushi's studio:

Khushi: Oh my... I love it... (She claps her hand in excitement)...

Aman smiles a sad smile: Now you will meet your boss. Come with me...

Khushi beams: I know... Maddy... right? I'm a big fan of his work...

Aman shakes his head: No. You will report to someone else.

Khushi confused again: Someone else? Who is that? I thought Maddy was the head designer.

Aman: Ummm... That's your boss's office. He is waiting for you... Please go in...

Khushi finds herself standing in front of a giant glass door. She knocks and a booming voice comes from inside: Come in, Ms. Gupta.

Khushi was surprised, but she goes in and sees someone sitting in the huge chair facing the giant floor to ceiling glass window...

Khushi says: Good morning. I'm Khushi Kumari Gupta...

The voice booms: I know who you are, Ms. Gupta.

The chair swings back and Khushi sees her worst nightmare in front of her eyes...

Her eyes widen and she yells: You?

ASR smirks from his chair: Welcome to hell, Khushi Kumari Gupta...

Devi Maiyya clutches her large popcorn bag to her bosom and sucks in her pepsi: Ooohhh, now the game begins...