NAIVEDYA MANSION, MUMBAI – 08:14 A.M.
Early morning sunlight filtered through the wide glass
windows, brightening and lightening with golden rays while pleasantly warm
weather and chirping birds could be heard outside. Confident and well-versed he
enters with count-memorized steps dressed in black-white track suit through the
backside pool sliding door holding Saitan's harness in his right hand who is
leading him being the faithful companion. In his left hand is his white folding
stick which he tapped lightly in front of him walking in the bright large
living room connected to the sliding doors leading to backyard garden and
poolside, lightly sweating and panting from his regular morning
jogging-routine. The lavish living room has marble floor cover with fluffy Persian
carpet, eggshell-white walls, huge beige comfy couches with many cushions,
expensive chandelier hanging above, 52’ inch flat-screen mounted on the wall.
 |
| Living Room |
He knew the walls of his home was lined with smiling
pictures of his family which is a known-knowledge but not one he could see in
reality. Though he couldn’t see with his eyes anymore but can easily picture the
layout of the huge mansion and estate that his home in his head having
memorized like the back of his hand. Feeling the melancholic thoughts starting
to invade his mind, he pushed them away forcefully as to not want to deal them
anymore like always and rather tuned to the sweet melody echoing throughout the
house. He could clearly hear the familiar voice of his mother singing morning
aarti and following that he made his way to the temple of his home where
everyone is gathered for morning prayer, letting the calmness wash over his
turbulent senses.
…
“Suboh
shyaam charno mein diye hum jalayen
Dekhen
yahan bhi dekhen tujhko hi paayen
In labon
pe tera bas tera naam ho
In labon
pe tera bas tera naam ho
Pyaar
dil se kabhi hi na ho kam
Yeh hai
tere karam
Kabhi
khushi kabhie gham
Na judaa
honge hum
Kabhi
khushi kabhie gham…”
Every morning in Raichand household begins with morning
aarti in Nandini Yash Raichand's voice which she sang during morning prayer and
giving aarti-tilak to all the family member. Wearing in off-white saree with
white-stone and embroidery, black hair tied in neat elegant bun and minimal
jewellery, she started with her husband, Yash Singh Raichand who is wearing
white kurta-pyjama and a shawl over his shoulder by putting tilak on his
forehead than giving prasad. She next moved to give her elder son who also
wearing white kurta-pyjama putting tikka on his forehead and gave him prasad in
his hand. Next, she moved to her sweet daughter-in-law clad in pale-yellow
A-line salwar-suit and dupatta covering her head, smiles at her as she gives
the aarti, putting tikka and handing the prasad. Moving on to her cute, naughty
granddaughter in pink dress she bends down to give the aarti then puts a small
tikka on her little forehead and gives a full Ladoo to the giggling child as
prasad with a smile.
Straightening up she felt the presence of special person
behind her whom she could never missed and turned towards door with bright
smile as he tried to sneak up on her in silent footsteps. She causally saying: “Aagaye
tum, aaj itni der kaise hogayi Ammy…?” putting tikka on his forehead and
fed him little bit of Prasad sweet. (You are
here, how come you are so late today Ammy…?)
Armaan shook his head in amusement asked: “Mumma yeh aapko humesha kaise pata chal jata hai ki main hoon…?” pouting a bit to hide his smile at another failed attempt at sneaking up on his Mumma, how she knows his presence is something he would never know. (Mumma how do you know every time it's me…?)
 |
| Mr. Armaan Singh Raichand |
Armaan Singh Raichand or otherwise called Ammy
affectionately by his family is twenty-nine years old dashing young man with
bronze complexion, handsome face with chiselled features, striking
aquamarine-blue eyes framed by thick eyebrows and lashes. He has straight
aristocrat nose, high cheekbones, strong jaws covered in light stubble, manly
full lips, deep dimple smile and broad-shouldered muscular frame is
six-feet-three tall. In simple terms he is Mills & Boons Mr.
Tall-Dark-Handsome who has girls spooning at the sight of him though that is
before they learn of his disability of blindness, then those girls couldn’t run
away from him fast enough. He wasn't blind by birth but an accident three years
ago had taken away his eyesight and though there is possibility that he could
regain his eyesight but hasn’t felt like gaining it back just yet.
He is successfully working in the position Chief
Compliance Officer or CCO of RC Corps. with his father and elder brother in
their family business. Every document and contract papers were made in Braille
alongside so that he could read before signing necessary papers and his trusted
P.A. double-checked them always too. In fact, Armaan is an amazing painter and
seeing his paintings no one can say that they are made by a blind person. He is
very independent, normally has Saitan with him who is his guide dog or you
could say his ‘eyes’, has black belt in self-defense martial art. His family
supports and love has only made him what he is today, an independent man whose
disability is no hinderance. Raichand Empire is vast and in many industrial
fields including architectural, medical, education and fashion. His blindness
hasn’t ever been a hindrance for him in any way being as independent as he
could with the support of his family made sure, of especially his Mumma and
Bhabs who were with him through all his ups and downs the most.
Seeing her youngest son sulking of sorts made her laugh
and reply cheekily: “It's a mother's secret.” which only serves as making
him pout harder and everyone else laugh at his expense.
Mrs. Nandini Yash Singh Raichand
This Mrs. Nandini Yash Singh Raichand, forty-five with
sweet round face, wheat-ish complexion, blue-grey eyes, small nose,
affectionate smile and is tiny plump elderly lady stood only five-feet-three.
Loving housewife of her business-tycoon husband, holding up to her status-image
and caring mother of her children whom though she loves equally has a little
soft corner for her youngest son. She is affectionately warm to her sons, the
sweet mother-in-law-who-is-more-of-a-mother to her daughter-in-law and always
spoiling her granddaughter.
Armaan sulked seeing at everyone was laughing at his
expense and Misha took mercy on her sweet brother-in-law, said: “Okay enough
now, let’s get ready and head for breakfast or else everyone is going to get
later for their respective appointments today.” smilingly ruffled Armaan’s
hair who gave her grateful look.
That was enough reminder for everyone to get a move on
since it was busy for today while others had plans, so wanted to make most of
it. So, with that everyone dispersed to their respective rooms to get changed
into clothes for the day while Nandini kept the puja thali in the mandir before
heading towards kitchen for quick check and instructing servants for setting up
breakfast. After that she heads to her room to help her husband sort out
because despite so many years, he still needed her help with his tie. While
Ayaan went ahead to his room, Misha took their daughter, Peehu to her room to
get ready before herself as the baby-girl chatted away happily munching away on
her ladoo. Armaan carefully entered his own room and got started with his
familiar morning routine of getting ready with the ease of practice.
.....
THIRTY-FIVE MINUTES LATER
Now changed and wearing a pale-blue saree with silver
design, Nandini is watching as the servants set up the dining table for
breakfast as she waits for her family to arrive for breakfast after getting
dressed up for their respective schedule for the day. First to arrive was her
husband dressed in tailored dark-brown suit with beige button-down and marron
silk tie, sat in his place at the head of the table as she started to serve him.
Few minutes later her elder son, Ayaan with his little daughter, Peehu arrived,
greeted them smilingly as they took their respective seats and moments later
came in Misha. The servant, Nakul started serving Ayaan while Misha made a
plate for her daughter’s breakfast before doing hers as the casual
conversations went around the table with everyone talking to everyone.
Not minutes later came dressed semi-formal in navy-blue
shirt, blue jeans, brown slim jacket and hair perfectly styled, Armaan entered
holding the reins of his guide-dog. He addressed: “Nakul, please take Saitan
and feed him.” sat down on his seat and removed the harness from his dog’s
collar who happily bounded after the servant for his food.
Nandini finished with serving her husband proceeded to
make a plate of buttered toasts and sunny-side-up-eggs for Armaan, asked: “Ammy,
what's your plan for today…?” finishing up placed in place for him to reach
like every morning saying, “Your breakfast.” pouring him a glass of
orange juice before she started making a cup of tea for herself.
Armaan carefully picked up a toast from his plate: “Thank
you Mumma.” then took a bite of his toast and replied after swallowing, “I
don’t have any appointments or meetings or anything, so don’t have to go
office. So, I am pretty much free today, you need anything Mumma…?” asked
taking another bite of his toast.
She replied easily: “Kuch nahi bas aise hi poocha.”
smiling at him before taking a sip of her tea. (Nothing,
just asking.)
Dressed smartly in white button-down, black tie and black armaani suit with the suit jacket draped over the back of his chair, Ayaan says:
“Arre Mumma kabhi humse bhi toh pooch lo, hum bhi yahi baithe hai par aap
toh hum dekhte hi nahi. Kabhi kabhi toh aisa lagta hai ki aap bhool hi jaati ho
ki aapke aur bhi bache hai Ammy ke ilawa.” pouting as he complains
mockingly and everyone laughs. (Arre Mumma
sometimes ask us also Mumma, we are also sitting here but you don’t see us at
all. Sometimes it feels like you forget that you have other children except
Ammy.)
Dr. Ayaan Singh Raichand
This is Dr. Ayaan Singh Raichand, elder son of Yash and
Nandini Raichand and very good-looking wit handsome face complimented by aristocrat
features, bright steel-grey eyes famed with thick brow, high cheekbone. His sharp
jaws are covered in trimmed stubble, straight nose, short dark hair, lean
muscular built and is six-feet-two tall. At the age of thirty-three, he is a
successful and quite renowned neurosurgeon by profession, is happily married to
the love of his life, has cute daughter, supportive parents and loves his
younger brother like anything. So basically, life is good for him and his
jovial-laid-back attitude reflects that just as much easily in his easy
charming smiles.
Armaan replied teasingly: “Aww don’t get so jealous now
Bade Bhaiyya, you already know that Mumma loves me most. In fact, everyone
loves me more than you and by now you are used to it enough to have gotten used
to it, right.” wrapping his arms around his mother sitting on his right side,
to hug her and stuck his tongue out at his brother before hugging her tighter
while she just patted his arm smiling affectionately. It is true which no one
can deny that Nandini did love her all her children but she adored her youngest
son the most out of all her children.
Wanting to tease her hubby dearest, Misha said naughtily: “Yeah, I love Armaan more, he is favourite!” taking a sip of her orange juice and smiling at her husband’s face. This is Mrs. Misha Ayaan Singh Raichand, beautiful woman with fair complexion, light brown eyes, heart shape face, cute smile and long wavy hair of thirty. She sweet, bubbly, chirpy and bit crazy Bhabhi-maa or Bhabs as Armaan calls her, wife of his elder brother. She is total opposite of Ayaan but loves her husband to bits and her daughter too. Armaan is more of son than just her brother-in-law while she loves her parents-in-laws too.
Mrs. Misha Ayaan Singh Raichand
Ayaan frowned: “What no! I'm supposed to be your favourite.”
being betrayed by his wife like this, where is justice nowadays. But he knew
teasing when he sees that mischievous look on her face and says, “That's okay
I know I'm favourite of my princess, right princess…?” looking at his cute
daughter for support.
The said cute baby replied: “No daddy, Mr. A is my favourite.”
cuddling to Armaan from other side. This is Peehu Singh Raichand with cute
face, chubby cheeks and cute smile is the four years old daughter of Ayaan
Singh Raichand and Misha Singh Raichand, cute niece of Armaan and being the
only child in the family is pamper like a princess. Her most favourite family
member is her Chachu, Mr. A. and the cute little bundle of joy and naughtiness
of Raichand family.
Peehu Singh Raichand
He too pulled her closer, cooing: “Awww my P2 I love
you also, so much.” and kissed her cheek, making all laugh.
Ayaan whined: “Traitors the lot of you, nobody loves me
here! I feel so unloved and unwanted right now. My own family how could you all
do this to me…?!” being all dramatic and all laughing at his theatrics.
Yash looked at the happy faces of his family, they were
all laughing, teasing, joking with each other. Once he had lost his hope to see
this sight in this house again but three years back that fateful night like
god's blessing came and his family is happy again, he could never thank god
enough. He knows Ayaan is just joking and loves his little brother to bits. He
asked his elder son: “Ayaan you are going hospital…?” taking a bite of
his toast.
Mr. Yash Singh Raichand
Yash Singh Raichand elderly man of fifty is quite good
looking for his age with wheat complexion, handsome face with sharp
complimenting features, dark-hazel eye framed by bushy eyebrows. He has
straight nose, thin manly lips, distinguished French-beard, salt-pepper short
hair, fit lean built and six-feet-two tall. The renowned business tycoon and owner
of Raichand and Co. though has a very down to earth personality and is still
Managing Director though he is planning to retire in a year or two, handing
over the business to his children. He is a loving husband to Nandini, caring father
of Ayaan and Armaan, supportive father-in-law for Misha and fun dotting
grandfather to little Peehu. His wife has been his biggest support through his
success and failures, their children are all sorted out in their lives mostly,
always made sure to be there for his youngest son and make as independent as
possible. He is mostly content and happy with his life though he hopes his
Armaan to settle down sometime soon but for now he is proud of his son’s
achievements despite all the difficulties he had to overcome but his life is
good, not too many complaints.
Ayaan replied: “Well I have regular appointments, three
new patients and then I have two minor surgeries also yesterday’s major surgery
patient is still under observation, so have that to monitor too. Also, not to
forget the paperwork that I need to catch up on so all in all, I am quite a
busy-bee doctor today and that reminds me that I need to hurry up as to not get
late.” shoved a piece of toast in his mouth hurriedly now recalling the
busy day ahead of him.
Yash merely nodded in understanding and resumed his own
breakfast while hearing her husband’s busy-doctor schedule, Misha made a face
saying: “Oh my Ayaan, you have some really hectic schedule for the day but I
needed to go mall today. So, I can safely assume that there is no way you can
make time to accompany me today…?” asked frowning mildly.
Ayaan gulped his coffee before answering: “Sorry Mish today
is really busy day, especially with that Post-op patient under observation and with
two surgeries though minor is important.” sincerely apologetic but there is
nothing he could do.
Armaan finishing the food in his mouth, says: “That's okay
Bhabs I'll come with you, don’t have anything much to do today beside that one
lunch meeting anyways.” then turned towards his father, “Dad, you don't
mind if I come directly to the restaurant for that collaboration with that
other company whatever its name is, lunch meeting…? I don't have anything before
that meeting today, so am not going to office today anyways.” informs his
father dutifully.
Yash nods easily agreeing: “That is fine Ammy, I know
that you are not handling this project but I want you to be present for the
meeting at least. Anyways, I hope you have the necessary details, just be sure
to present on time at the restaurant.” said seriously than easily went on
to finish his breakfast.
That was all that was said as after that everyone hurriedly finished with their respective breakfast wanting to get on with their respective schedule for the day. Ayaan was the first to finish his breakfast and he got up, placing kisses on top of his wife, daughter, mom and brother before dashing off with his coat and briefcase in hand. Finishing the last of his coffee, Yash got up kissing his wife’s hand, his granddaughter’s forehand and patted his son and daughter-in-law’s head affectionately before taking off. Little Peehu jumped off her chair as soon as her mom finished feeding her the last bite and happily ran away to her room to play while Misha finished off her breakfast quickly. Armaan finished his and got up from his chair saying to his sister-in-law that he is waiting to leave with her when she is done than kissed his mom on the cheek than proceeded towards his own room. Nandini and Misha were last to finish their breakfast as Misha went of to get ready her daughter before doing the same while Nandini instructs the servants to clean up than give instructions for household duties.
……
IN-ORBIT MALL, MALAD, MUMBAI – 01:00 P.M.
In-orbit Mall is one of the most luxury shopping mall in
Mumbai, it was developed by K Raheja Corporation in 2004 and is also one of the
largest shopping malls in South East Asia. On the ground floor, popular British
stores are located, besides those stores are a numbers of Indian designer
fashion outlets. On the first floor, there are good numbers of national and
international clothing brands as well as music stores. It is located outer
western Mumbai, a perfect location for shopping lovers or so was said to them
as a shopaholic Lavanya Kashyap who would seem to be on a shopping spree.
NK in semi-formal attire of dark jeans paired with
light-blue t-shirt and black slim jacket looked pretty tired as he complains: “Yaar
Lavanya, stop now, it's already over three hours aur tumhari shopping khatam hi
nahi hoti, I'm tried!” knowing that his poor legs can’t take anymore dashing
around in the mall for long.
Lavanya just waved him off saying: “Shut up NK, I've
just started, I haven't even shopped anything yet.” like the fashion diva
she is and looking pretty too in her little high-neck nude mash full-sleeve dress with rose-pink vine embroidery, matching
accessories, perfectly done make-up, open hair in loose curls and
high-heels. Her eyes roaming around in thoughtfully as she considered which
shop to enter next, clearly nowhere near finished with her shopping spree.
Horrified he looked at the twenty bags in his hands,
asked: “Even after buying all this you are saying abhi tak I haven't shopped
anything!” with disbelieve.
Lavanya shrugged it off without a care already a cute
dress on a shop window had her attention, exclaimed: “Aww look at that dress
Chamkeli! It's so cute, chalo let's go there.” dragging a mostly silent lost-her-own-world
Khushi and tired NK to the next shop that caught her fancy.
.....
SAME TIME ON OTHER SIDE OF INORBIT MALL
Armaan dressed in navy blue shirt, dark blue jeans and brown jacket with hair carefully messy gelled laughing coming out of a shop with holding hand of giggling little Peehu in pink dress in left. Misha in cute pink Micky mouse top and black jeans with open hair by his right hand, guiding him as the trio entered another shop. Checking and picking out the dresses Misha as liked and they were all at billing counter line, laughing and joking with Misha in cue while Armaan standing beside her with holding Peehu. That was the sight which had greeted Lavanya when she came out of the trail room and was going to the billing counter after telling NK and Khushi to wait for her. Seeing ASR standing their laughing with a lady and a baby girl in his arms was a jolt to her system but recovering quickly, she hid behind a shelf as she saw him turn to look her way then carefully peeped seeing him turned other side. She rushed to where NK and Khushi were waiting, shoving the dresses back in a random rack carelessly, dragging both them out who looked at her confused but she didn't say anything.
 |
| Armaan and Misha's outfits |
Dragging them out of the shop Khushi dug her feet in
attempt to stop or not to face-plant any time soon: “Lavanyaji stop! What
happened to you…?” asked thoroughly confused and annoyed by her friend’s
behaviour.
Lavanya perplexed for few moments but quickly made excuse:
“Woh I just remembered we had a meeting with Mr. Yash Raichand and I don't
want us to get late, so chalo.” not the best excuse but it should do for
now, she thought.
Khushi trying not to trip over her own feet or saree, gave
Lavanya a look like she has lost her mind before shakes her head in resignation
and followed silently without any word. NK exclaims in relief: “Thank god
her shopping spree ended!” though already thinking about how he was never going
to shopping again in his lifetime with a shopaholic ever.
So, with that they were on the way to parking lot and soon
standing beside their car which was provided to them from hotel as they had
requested. But since there were so many shopping bags that backseat got full.
Seeing which Khushi suggests: “You guys go in car I'll take cab and meet you
at meeting venue.” already walking out of the parking towards the cab stand
before anyone had a chance to protest.
As soon as she was out of sight and hearing range, Lavanya
turned to NK fanatically saying: “NK you won't believe what I saw!”
almost screaming.
NK looked at her puzzled: “What…?!” wondering if
she can get anymore weirder than she already is or has hit her head without
them knowing today.
Lavanya said dropping the bomb on him: “I saw ASR with
a lady and baby-girl in that shop.” this got NK numb, never in million
years he thought this as she continued, “I so wanted to confront him and
bash him for doing this to Chamkeli. But then if we had then Chamkeli would
have seen him and would’ve taken his side, so I dragged you guys out.” told
him the real reason for her reaction.
Recovering from his shock and signed as he said: “Sahi
kiya, but now come on we are going to confront him, I'm not letting him go on
with his happily-ever-after like there is nothing is wrong. While Khushiji here
is making her life miserable because of him.” with underline fury and raged
NK stormed inside with Lavanya running behind him cursing about temperamental
men.
....
MEANWHILE OTHERSIDE OF THE MALL
Armaan held little Peehu while Misha paid the bill and
then picking up the shopping bags the trio exited the shop with the little girl
blabbering about wanting to visit toy shop next while the adults smiled at her
affectionately. They are about to go to Toys R’ US when Misha’s phone started ringing
and she pulled it out to check the id, says: “It’s from office, I have to
pick it up.” looking apologetically then excused to move little aside to
answer the call.
Armaan with Peehu stood at one side leaning on the railing
while Peehu happily chatted with her uncle about everything she deemed important
enough to share. He was attentive towards her but slightly distracted with random
thoughts like what must Satan would be doing at home now since he has left his
guide dog at home instead of bringing him to mall with him. It was ten minutes
later that Misha came back and he asked: “Everything okay Bhabs…?”
casually while straightening up.
She replied: “Seems like we have to cut the trip short,
there is some minor emergency at office that I need to handle. So, we are
heading out now and I have already called driver.” pocketing her phone.
Hearing that Peehu whines: “But… but… but my toy…”
pouting unhappily.
Misha says: “Sorry sweetie but I have to go to office
now but I promise I’ll get you two toys next time we come shopping if you be
good girl now.” ruffling her daughter’s hair.
Pacified with that Peehu nods thought still pouting a bit but
mostly got over with the promise of two toys next shopping trip. Seeing that crisis
of public tantrum averted for now, Armaan and Misha along with Peehu made their
way out of the mall to parking and where the driver was waiting with the car,
he says: “Bhabs you take the car and go to office, I’ll call for another
since I need to be at the restaurant for lunch meeting and that is the opposite
way.” recalling about his meeting about which he almost forgot.
They had reached their car and the driver quickly took the
shopping bags from them was placing them in the car trunk while Peehu got in
the car. Misha turned to her brother-in-law: “Then you take the car and have
driver drop you off than Peehu, I’ll take a cab to office.” suggested.
He rejected the idea, saying: “It’s fine Bhabs, I’ll just
call for another car from home and it would only take thirty minutes at most, I
have time. You take this car and Peehu with you, I’ll be fine don’t worry.”
assuring her easily.
Misha seemed like she would argue but her phone buzzed
again with a call from office and quickly answered it before turning to her brother-in-law,
agreed: “Okay fine, since I am in hurry as it would seem but I am calling home
for another car for you.” with that she made another quick call home to
call for another car to pick up Armaan from mall.
After some more assurance from Armaan and persistent calls
from office, Misha got in the car hesitantly and left with her daughter to office.
Armaan stood there for few moments before making his way to front of the mall
to wait tapping his white stick, having come many times to this mall he
remembers the way by heart. Upon reaching the gates, he folded his stick and carefully
pocketed it, to wait but suddenly he felt dizzy as he tried to stand straight
but suddenly started to swilling on his feet. He started falling when he felt a
soft feminine hand hold him and lavender-honey with jasmine scent, just like HER
scent engulfed him and a soft gasp was heard before he blacked out.
Khushi was trying to catch a cab from last ten minutes but
couldn't find one, so she made her way to front of the mall intending to ask
someone about the rickshaw stand. She saw a tall muscular man wearing brown
jacket and dark jeans waiting with his back facing her, he looked familiar but
shrugging the thought she made her way to him to ask. And she was about to call
the man when he started swilling on his feet, he tried to gain balance but
couldn't and started falling so she caught him before he hit the concert
sidewalk. As soon as she held him sparks flew and the same tingling as the warm
chocolate-caramel with coffee-woody undertone masculine scent surrounded her and
she saw the man's face and couldn't believe: “Arnav!” as a shock gasp
left from her lips.
