Kashish's POV
The dinner goes well Prakash uncle leaves to drop back the guest to their home. Babli and I drop on the sofa after cleaning up, Jamuna aunty brings a juice for us "Have this juice before having the dinner" she implies. We drink it in once, I see a extra glass "Whose is this for" I ask to aunty. "Oh it is for Parvaan. He is in terrace" suddenly auntie's face lightens like she realize something "Can you bring it to him Kashish? I will set the table for you and Babli". "It is okay aunty you go rest we will manage everything" I try to decline the latter announcement. "It is okay I am not tired. But you guys look exhausted. So go and give this to Parvaan while I set the table" aunty literally shoos me away.
No ones POV
Kashish climbs the stairs to terrace there she looks around to search for Parvaan, and she notices him staring at the moon in sky standing alone. "Earth to Parvaan ji. In which thoughts are you so lost that you didn't even realize my presence" Kashish voices. He grins and throws back "Today's superstar is here to greet me, what for?". Both share a laugh "Aunty asked me to bring me this" Kashish replies motioning towards the juice glass. He grasped the glass "Thank you", his eyes diverts back to the moon. "Isn't it beautiful?" Kashish states sharing the same view as him. "Indeed it is" Parvaan agrees readily. "But why do we find it so beautiful?" he questions in melancholy. Kashish raises her left brow higher in confusion "Because it shines" she answers uncertain. He bobs his head gloomily "Yes we does find it beautiful because it glows during night. It gives light during darkest hour, but what makes it more fascinating is because it is unreachable. We can admire it's beauty but can never touch it" he simply states looking distant.
His words creates a doubt in Kashish's mind whether he is being metaphoric or simply stating a fact "Are you implying yourself as distant admirer?". Kashish's question somehow breaks Parvaan's chain of thoughts his gaze turns to Kashish. Kashish tries to read his expression but in vain as it doesn't give away anything much. He chuckles "Everything we say isn't always related to our reality and I just wanted to be poetic looking at this beautiful view". Parvaan expression changes to a playful one giving a slight relief to Kashish's suspicious impression. "Well since you said it is unreachable. A thought came to my mind" Kashish playfully looks at Parvaan pointing at the moon. Parvaan intently listens to her words "Well its not like moon is completely unreachable. The earthlings the astronauts had already landed on moon", Parvaan laughs at Kashish's practical words. "You are speaking the truth. I totally forgot about it" he continues to talk in between of his laugh "I lose". Kashish and Parvaan shares a genuine smile after that.
"Thank you! for today. This contract is really very important for father. Today you had helped us a lot" Parvaan earnestly expresses his gratitude with a soft smile gazing at moon. Kashish also sharing the view smile "There is no need to thank. I did what I had to do". Parvaan turns his gaze to Kashish "Not everyone think same as you". Kashish makes an straight eye contact "Consider I am different" she says it smugly.
"So why are you sad even after getting the contract?" Kashish directly inquires. Parvaan doesn't reply right away he huffs "Why do you think I am sad", he questions raising one brow. "The kind of look you were giving when you were staring at the moon I have seen it often and I know what it means. And I had noticed you have been tense this whole evening" Kashish looking serious conditions. "I thought you bought what I had said earlier" Parvaan wittingly tries to divert Kashish not wanting to simply open up about his deepest feeling yet but Kashish's expression was saying she isn't buying it. Parvaan exhales "It is about the contract, father has always wanted to venture back in event catering business". "Venture back?" Kashish questions confuse. "Yes our main business back ten years ago was as an event catering. Our canteen catering was an side business. Our business was flourishing day by day, we used to get a call for new contract every day. Father was very happy, our condition were improving we renovated our house we bought a car. Everything was going well until one day during an wedding event,the guests who had our food had an food poisoning. We were questioned we had no proof for our innocence. We stopped having new contracts, our partnered event planner broke the contract with us. And had made new contract with another caterer". He pauses and sighs Kashish all throughout listens closely, Parvaan continues "He was none other than our uncle. Father's own younger brother had betrayed him. Afterwards we came to realize it was uncle who had ruined our dish causing the food poisoning, he even manipulated our workers and took them away. Father got heartbroken and totally left doing catering for any events. After so many years my father with my and my mothers insistence has agreed to start again. And Mr. Gill being his old friend decided to give him a chance. Mr. Gill is an successful and popular event planner of Delhi, this is really a new beginning. We are partners now which is not limited to only catering" he ends his long story with a hopeful smile. Kashish nods in return giving a genuine smile "Indeed it is. Everyone has gone through some tough time but what is important is to be strong in those moments and forget about the painful experiences. Time heals every wound it makes you stronger. I am sure now uncle Prakash will be stronger and more successful than ever". Parvaan beams at her reply "I love your enthusiasm. It is making me more confident".
All this moment is being witness by a proud looking Jamuna she happens to hear everything she merely came to call Kashish for dinner but overheard their close conversation. Jamuna clears her voice earning attention from both Kashish and Parvaan "Kashish dinner is ready, you can go down. Babli is waiting". Kashish leaves Parvaan and Jamuna in terrace, Jamuna looks directly at Parvaan "You shared our family history with a stranger who came just weeks ago, that is very odd of you" she questions at his unexpected behaviour testing him. Parvaan scratches his neck lightly "She is no stranger. Today she had helped us a lot, by the way she will know anyway. Babli would have told her it is just that I did before Babli" he leaves the terrace after having drained all his emotions in one day. After Parvaan leaves Jamuna smugly smiles "I think I am gonna get a good news soon" she then also walks down the stairs.
Kashish's POV
At around 11:47 pm my mother and I return to our home, I take a long shower after a tiring day. Today was a mentally as well physically draining day, I feel like my whole body has lose it's power to do anything. I have had more stressful day than this but today somehow after getting fired I was already tense and all this pressured atmosphere in Awasthi house it took a toll on my body. I change into my night suit and head to bed for sleep. After tossing and turning for an hour I sit on the bed. I recall today's incident in the mall, today's insult "You poor dirt" it is still ringing in my ears, somehow it brought back some unpleasant memories which I thought I had thrown out from my life. I sigh "This is not the right time to think about my past. I have to think how am I gonna tell the truth to Ma tomorrow. I am sure she would ask the reason of me losing my job". I fall on bed bringing the blanket to fully cover myself, I forcefully close my eyes.
I wake up to the sound of alarm, it is still 5 am I reluctantly get up to start my day. After preparing breakfast, cleaning the kitchen, hall and my bedroom. I head to shower to clean myself up, after shower I do veneration and pray to Grandmother Desai. I look intently at her photo "I wish you were here, grandma. You would have given solution to my every problem".
"What problem?" my mother voice rings behind me. I turn back to see my mother standing directly behind me with a serious expression. "Nothing" I try to hide my strained feeling. "Don't lie to me. I can see you are disturbed since yesterday" my mother can easily guess my mood since I was a kid although I got better in hiding through years, yesterday was hectic day and I forgot to be careful around mother.
"I know you lost your job" my eyes flickers nervously, "How did you know?" I respond in confusion. "Suman called yesterday while you were in terrace. If I didn't pick up I would have not known" my mother speaks up looking all angered, she huffs and walk to sofa, she angrily looks up to ceiling "Why did you listen to all that nonsense when it was not your fault? You should have told them the truth". "I didn't want to drag the matter, and I know it would have never ended in my favor" disappointed I inform to mother knowing that no matter what I did the circumstance would be same. My mothers eyes softens realizing I simply didn't want to fight back against the mistreatment "You already know the world isn't fair. It is our own duty to fight for our happiness and right. If you keep being weak and ignore everything people will try to oppress you". I know what my mother is saying is right if I don't fight for myself no one is gonna take me seriously everyone will try to stomp me but I don't have the courage or energy to defy the rich. Just then my phone rings, I see Parvaan's name on screen "Hello", a reply returns from other side of the line "Oh Kashish are you home?". "Yes" I respond, "Okay" he cuts the line. I look at my mother who still had a sad look "Ma, why do you think too much? It is just a job"
"It is not about the job, I won't mind you sitting idle in home" she comments in concern, I know mother doesn't like when I ignore things like this.
A knock in door brings a stop to our conversation. I open the door to find Parvaan along with Uncle Prakash "Uncle Prakash, Parvaan come in", they enter I find them carrying a number of packet in hand. "Good morning, Saina ji" uncle Prakash greets a space out mother who in return tries to maintain her expression neutral "Good morning, Prakash ji". Parvaan stands in front of me and hands the packet "This is for you", I carefully open it, I find its a sweet box of motichoor ladoo, I instantly look up to see Parvaan giving a proud look "Aunty told me this are your favorite. So we brought these bunch of boxes for you and aunty as a thanks" I see him and uncle smiling expectantly. "Thank you" I accept their kind gesture of gratitude.
Parvaan carries the other boxes and keeps it on the dining table. "So when do you leave for your work?" Prakash uncle unknowingly inquires, I suddenly become tense recalling the past conversation with my mother.
"She has left her job" my mother informs which surprises Prakash uncle and Parvaan as their gaze is suddenly on me now, "Why?" uncle further inquires "You were very glad to work there. Did something happen?. "I was fired" I calmly try to let them know. "Why so?" Parvaan's eyes broadens depicting his surprise. "I made a mistake that's it" I can't tell them the truth as I don't want to lengthen the matter.
Parvaan doesn't try to investigate further which I am glad about. "So what are you planning now?" uncle ask with concern reflecting in his face, he could have guessed that I don't want them prying into the reason.
"I will search for a new job. I am sure I will find something new soon" I say trying to sound as normal as I can.
Prakash uncle stays silent for a while looking like indulging in his deep thoughts. I walk to Parvaan to help him, I take the boxes and head to the kitchen. After I am alone I give out a long breath it has been a stressful moment, I arrange the boxes of sweet in the fridge and walk back out.
I see Parvaan and uncle Prakash is busily exchanging words. I wait for their discussion to finish, Parvaan nods then focus his eyes to me "I want you to work for us Kashish". "What?" I am utterly confused with his sudden statement. "Yes, Kashish. We want you to work for us" Prakash uncle states with determined expression. "But I, I mean what can do?" I question still astonish at what were they implying about. Both father and son chuckle at my reply "Kashish did you forget we do catering business? Of course we are asking you to help us in that. We want you to work as our cook" Parvaan nonchalantly speaks. "I mean but what if my food is not good enough. It might affect your business" I voice my reluctance due to my concern. "Come on, don't think too much. We know your capability. And it is not only about work it is about helping each other" Parvaan conditions. I look at uncle to clear my doubts, uncle smile broadly "Say yes, Kashish. We have signed new contract and we are really in need of new employees. If you could assist us we will be thankful".
I look at my mother for assurance, she nods answering my concerns.
I comply to their request "Yes". Parvaan claps keenly "Welcome our new assistant hash cook".
In early evening I head out with Babli for little girl's out, she continuously insisted saying she is super bored to stay in home. But I have a feeling she made up that as an excuse, she probably came to know the whole situation that went in my home. We take a seat in the same tea stall, "Congratulation on new job, Kashish the great" Babli jokes holding the tea cup with hand "Cheers to your happier and merrier days". "Cheers" I chortle as we clink our earthen tea cup. "So when do I have to join? Did uncle inform you?" our discussion focuses on the work. "He said by next two days. He'll assign you to assist in the canteen work" Babli babbles while sipping her hot tea. I realize during this conversation that I don't really know anything about their catering work, I know they have a canteen business, they are running a canteen service for a well known company but I have never inquired about it "So which company was it? I realize I haven't really asked". "It is Singhania group" Babli smugly replies "One of the leading company in India. And we are provider of their daily bread. Such a proud moment" her expression reflects her proud feeling. But somehow the Singhania gives me a doubt, it is not like there is only one Singhania company in whole Delhi I try to reason with myself. "Surprise are you?" Babli grins continuously "Well it hasn't been much time just two months ago we were offered this deal and my father gladly accepted it. We had a catering business for a college canteen for years but my father wanted a change and somehow it came like a fate" she explains in one breath. While all these conversation was going on my mind was constantly spacing out, I am trying to convince myself but the doubt has already been planted in my mind now I will need to clear it. "Do you know who is the owner?" I hesitantly inquire praying that my doubt is baseless. "You really don't know about Singhania group" her expression is showing her surprise in bold letters. I never tried to inform myself about the elite world I even used to avoid news channel just so I don't come across those people even in virtually, I have been trying to avoid it my whole life. "I never thought it is going to be useful for me. And when did knowing about a company became a thing" my reply was just me trying to keep away from the real reason. Babli sighs "Well you are from different state and you don't look the type to keep information about multinational companies and their hot owners" her eyes diverts dreamily, it is very rare to see Babli acting all shy and dreamy. "Are you okay?" confused with her behavior I question.
"Oho, Why break my dreamland?" Babli interjects jokingly. "You were spacing out, so I brought you back. And by the way you haven't answered my question yet, so begin again my information machine" I giggle while reminding her main topic of our discussion.
"Since now you're Dilliwalas, I will inform you about the most hot gossip of all Dilliwalas especially the young girls. Every girl living in this city even for once dreams about being with the great Dil trinity in short of Dilliwalas trinity" Babli dramatically rattles away having that same dreamy and foolish look "They are the dream and happiness of many young hearts and pride of the old hearts. They are from one of the richest and most successful families of in India. They are the provider, maker and the heart breakers" I listen to her words intently even if it was sounding more like advertisement of a product "They are the most eligible bachelor of our country. Leaders of top leading companies. They are the... Drum rolls" her behavior has even piqued curiosity in my mind "What is going on here?" Parvaan's voice snaps us both halting Babli's word. "I was enlightening our Kashish about Dil trinity" Babli grins at me ignoring her brothers sour expression. "Don't put you're weird ideas in Kashish's mind" Parvaan shrugs looking unimpressed. Babli looking pissed stands up "What is weird talking about our boss?". Parvaan grunts "I know what were you talking about. This simple unnecessary gossip about all those rich kids I am aware of it acutely. You don't need to argue with me for that". Babli was now boiling with anger at Parvaan's words "I know that, you are jealous because girls doesn't like you and they prefer them" she sticks out her tongue. Parvaan just sighs at her childish act "It is better not to argue with you" he walks away to the home's direction. "He spoiled my mood. Lets go back Kashish I don't know what Parvaan will say to Ma and Papa. I have to make sure he doesn't just blabber to our parents" Babli keeps down the still half filled cold tea to return back home, I also go along with her.