Next morning Khushi woke up with a plan to save her Babuji's business. First she would go to talk with the land owner with their shop and then she would get a job to help out with the house. That would solve some problems.
As for the photos... Maybe she could sneak into Sheesh Mahal and burn all those prints. Then what would that Rakshas give to the media? But Sheesh Mahal was so large. Where would find those photos? What if he kept them behind lock-and-key? What if he would found her sneaking Sheesh Mahal to burn all those prints? Khushi bit her lip nervously. She would work on this part of the problem later.
Khushi got out of her bed and went to bathroom ready for the day. She took a quick shower and quickly got ready. She hurriedly ate her breakfast and packed two four rotis with jiggery along some chana and kept it her jhola along with her educational certificate. She with her jhola and phone rushed out of the house, not even stopping to answer Payal.
She first stopped at Ram Singh's house, the land owner of their shop. She knocked on the door. His wife Laxmi opened the door.
Khushi " Chachaji ghar pe hai, Chachiji "
Laxmi " Ha " smiled brightly " Come Khushi Bitiya "
Laxmi took her to the living room. Khushi saw Ram Singh there having his tea.
Ram " Khushi Bitiya " smiling brightly
Khushi " Chachaji, why are you demanding more money from Babuji? "
Ram " That shop is on prime property! And for the last 5 years, I haven't increased his lease. He has paid me nothing but a bare minimum. All of a sudden, when I increase it, I'm the bad guy " with twisted face
Khushi " Chachaji. you're not the bad guy. You have a right to ask for more money. It's your land. But all of a sudden you make it thrice of current rent? ChachaJi, you know about jiji's wedding breaking. We just can't afford that right now "
Ram sneered "Shashiji what thought before sending you? When he couldn't convince me, he sent his daughter to plead for him. Well tell your father that either he pays me 15000 from this month or he takes his little shop somewhere else "
Khushi felt tears stinging in eyes "Chachaji, please try and understand. Please hold this lease increase, at least for a few months. Just until Babuji can get back on his feet "
Laxmi " Dekho Khushi Bitiya we're sorry for Payal Bitiya's broken marriage but it our business. We can't run in loss for your family problem " snickering " Tell your father what Ramji telling to pay us 15000 from this month or he takes his good for nothing shop somewhere else "
Khushi " Chachiji... "
Laxmi " Darwaja Wha par hai "
She walked out of the house with disheartened. So what if she couldn't make understand Ram Prasad, She could still help out with her Babuji's shop by finding a job. She picked up a paper from the street-corner seller and turned to the classifieds to look for any job openings. There were one ads for call centre and another for PA for private company. Perfect!
***************************
Arnav was having his lunch. He glanced around the empty 40 seater table. He smirked thinking after 6 hours the seat opposite him would be filled with her lower and defeated eyes.
Just six hours.
Laxman came " Master, Mr. Ram Singh came "
Arnav " Take him to my study room "
Laxman " Okay Master "
Arnav wiped his lips with napkin and left for study room for the very important deal with his new client Ram Singh, the land owner of Khushi's father shop and surrounding area.
Arnav sat on his chair. Just few seconds later Ram Singh entered. He offered Ram Singh his opposite chair.
Ram " Mr. Raizada, you have called me earlier today for a deal "
Arnav " Mr. Singh I want to buy your land of Mistan Bandhar and the land around "
Ram " But Mr. Raizada, I am not interest to sell the land "
Arnav " Mr. Singh, what if say I' ready to pay heavy amounts of 2 crores for this land "
Ram " 2 crores ? " eyes widen
Arnav giving 2 crores cheque to Ram Singh " Yes 2 crores " smirking knowing Ram ready to sell the land at the price of four times of actual price
Ram " I'm ready to sell " happily
Arnav gave him a black file and Ram Singh happily signed the papers.
***************************
Around 5pm Khushi dejectedly returned home. The two places she went to for interview required at least a bachelor-level education but she studied till higher secondary due to her family's poor financial situation. She got into a heated debate with the receptionist of the private company. All she asked was for a chance to prove herself but the receptionist emphasised Khushi not even meet their company's minimum requirement so why waste time on an interview? The girl had threatened to have Khushi thrown out by security before she finally relented and left.
Entering the house Khushi looked around, not finding anyone in the living room. She walked to the kitchen but even this room was empty. Her Babuji was probably at work but Amma, Buaji and Payal should be at home. She decided to freshen up and change into more comfortable clothes. She was going to her room but stopped by her parent's room noticing voices coming from inside the room. The door wasn't closed fully, so she could see Babuji and Amma inside.
Sashi " Garimaji, please stop crying " pleading
Garima " This is too much for my Payalia to see Abishek Bitwa marrying someone else not her " sobbing " Thank god Jiji took Payalia along with her at Kanpur. Today our Payalia facing this situation for you Sashiji " accused
Sashi " Garimaji... " shocked
Garmia " Yes Sashij " with rage " Me and Jiji told you so often to send Khusi away, but you never listened to me or Jjji. For some child from the streets you ruined our Payalia's life. Without her Payalia would be married to her fiancé. To make a comfortable life for a child from the streets you ruined your flesh and blood, Sashiji " sobbing " For once I want one honest answer from you Sashiji. Tell me Sashiji did you once regret that you brought Khusi into our house? "
Khushi held her breath while she stood outside, her cheeks damp from her tears. She was afraid from her Babuji's honest answer but at the same time needed to hear it all.
Sashi " YES! I regret that I brought Khusi into our house on the day our Payali's wedding was cancelled. I always gave Khusi extra love thinking she alone. Kid from streets. But in all of these I forget my Payalia. What kind of father I'm Garimaji. I'm the cause of all sadness of my Payalia " with tears
That's it. Khushi couldn't stay there anymore. She rushed to her room and completely broke down into tears.
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