Numaan threw a grand reception party for Vicky and Riya. All the dignataries of Mumbai business world were invited. Big media personalities were there too. That included Laxmi's father. Alok's father one of the team's consulting archaeologist for museum and Vishnu whose art was appreciated by even royals were invited. The entire royal family was present too.
" Trust Numaan to throw a party", said Manav.
" Yeah", said Gaurav. " My mother and Malti are ready to book you. He came with his fiancee today. He and Manav were next in line to get married.
Meanwhile
Aasma stood with Salman . She was a bit intimidated by hustle and bustle of the party. She held his hand tightly. Salman was amused and felt a bit protective. It was his nature. To take care. He did that as his father passed away too early. But he realised one thing. ZOYA NEEDED NO CARE.
She has dressed flamboyantly in a green gown with a fringe shrug and was clear in chatting and welxoming the guests for the party. She was also involved in arrangements as she also instructed a lot people. Her hairs were neatly tied in a top chignon. She wppore black pencil heels and could easily walk in them.
" She sure makes a great hostess", said Zaid admiring his sister. " You could never worry about parties", he said to Salman.
" I don't know. I don't enjoy parties. Vikram forced me into this one", he said.
" There are so many people", said Asma.
" Ever thought you both are with wrong people", said Ibrahim.
Salman shook his head laughing but Aasma went quiet. Ibrahim was not a fool. He knew something was cooking between Numaan and Zoya. They were pretty comfortable with each other. On the other hand Aasma always loved Salman. He intend to find out everything. He loved his siblings and was ready to help them all.
Alok was looking at Laxmi.
He was introduced to her at previous parties. In this party his parents and Vishnu were there.But so was his grandfather. AND IT WAS NOT EASY TO FOOL MURUGAN SHASHTRI.
" Ajja( Grandpa)", he said to his grandfather. " I want you to meet Mr. Shukla from Laxmi publications", he said.
" Yes I have heard about him", said his grandpa. " How do you know him"?
" Got to know him in the inaugration party for Vikram's resort", said Alok. He has to hide his intentions.
Mr. Shastri liked that his grandson was now associating with upper class. His daughter made a mistake by marrying that cheap professor. Mr. Shukla was a rich and influential person. Oberois were the richest in town. He had no problems with Salman and Sumeet but both of them were just nominal heads in company. Sumeet's elder brother Amit controlled the main shares in Khurana hospitals whereas it was Ibrahim and Numaan who controlled Qureshis. SO VIKRAM OBEROI WAS ALOK'S FIRST FRIEND HE REALLY LIKED. Sole heir, influential and clever businessman Oberoi helped Alok in meeting upper society people
Meanwhile Laxmi met the pundits
" Hello uncle and aunty", she said cheerfully.
" Laxmi", Mrs. Pundit was pleasantly surprised.
" Riya got married", she informed.
" Yes your friend", she said.
" Yeah, where is Vishnu", she asked.
" With Zaid", said his father.
" I personally don't like him associated with rich spoiled kids", she said sadly.
" Good thing now is that he is working", said Mr. Pundit.
" His art is good. If he turns over a new leaf it would be good for us."
At that time Zoya came there.
" You father is looking for you", he said.
" Okay aunty see you", she said as she left.
" Nice brahmin girl", said Mrs Pundit to her husband. " I wish Alok marries her".
" Just relax with your matchmaking", said Mr. Pundit.
But Mrs. Pundit's wish was about to come true.
" Laxmi meet judge Shastri", said her father. " He is employed in Supreme court".
" Pleased to meet you sir", she said politely.
" Hello Alok".
" You have met him", asked her mother.
" At inaugration party then at Riya's wedding", she said.
" That's nice", said Mr. Shukla.
Alok invited Laxmi for a chat. They talked about their careers and family.
" My parents are also present here", he said. " Come lets meet them. Better don't mention it to my grandpa", he said.
" Why"?
" He hates them", he said. " I'll tell you later".
" Okay", she said.
" Maa", he said as Mrs. Pundit turned.
Laxmi was delighted on meeting them.
" Mrs Pundit is your mother. She is a very nice lady".
" You know her", he asked surprised.
" Hello again aunty. Look who I got", she rushed to pundits. They looked happy. But Laxmi thought Vishnu was forcing it.
" You got Alok", said Vishnu.
" He is a friend", said Laxmi.
" You are our good luck", said Mrs. Pundit.
The family happily chatted with Laxmi. She felt like a part of them.
Later
Men stood together having drinks. Except for Salman who was a teatotaller.
" Someone is enjoying his nights", said Vinod looking pointedly at Vicky.
" You get to enjoy too", replied Vicky.
" Excuse me there are respectable singles here", said Numaan.
" Who", asked Manav. " I mean respectable not single.
They all laughed.
" Is anyone of you interested in Ms. Shukla or does she have a boyfriend I am unaware of", asked Alok.
" None of us are interested", replied Gaurav. " Are you"?
" Yeah kind of", said Alok.
" You get a clear road. No boyfriends ", replied Numaan.
" Vicky will you put in a good word for me", said Alok.
Now Srikant has bet his money on Alok. This is how he wanted heirs. Alok had a strong character unlike Vishnu. And Laxmi was a just and virtuos person. Fate was on his side.
" Why not", he said. " Come with me".
And they both went to the girls.
" Hey beautiful ", Vicky lightly kissed Riya on her ears as he hugged her.
She was standing with her friends. She shyly smiled back.
" Hey to yourself too", she said.
" So my friend Alok here would like to say something to you Ms. Shukla. You do know him right", said Vicky.
" Of course", said Laxmi. " What's it"?
" I am not good at this", Alok started. " Never have done it before. But I like you Laxmi. Very much. I like your fighting spirit and honesty. And I like how you and maa are friends".
" Alok", said Laxmi.
" Just a minute or I will forget", he said.
She closed her mouth.
" I want to marry you", said Alok.
LAXMI'S EYES WIDENED. She stood with her mouth open. Even Zoya, Riya and Lisa were stunned to silence. Only person smiling was Vicky. He winked at Riya.
" I am not forcing you to marry me. I did not ask your father too. If its a yes from you then only...please come out with me once", said Alok.
" Alok I.."
" Please don't say no before you know me", he said. Then he turned and left.
Riya meanwhile gained her composure.
" I agree with him", she said. " He is not good at this". She giggled as other two girls joined her.
Laxmi did not.
" But he is honest", she said. Then she ran after him.
" Wow", said Vicky. " That was fast".
" She is a winner", said Zoya. " That man is a keeper".
" So you and I finally agree on something Ms. Qureshi", smirked Vicky.
" Finally", she smirked back.
Meanwhile
" A.alok", said Laxmi.
He has reached his friends.
" Yes", he was happy to see her.
" I would love to go on a date with you", she said. " Will you dance with me", she asked.
He chuckled as they went to dance floor and danced.
" Mr. Shukla", said Alok's grandfather. " It seems Alok likes Laxmi. I like her too. If you like him lets make an alliance and get them married".
" I could not find a better man for Laxmi", said Mr. Shukla.
They shook hands and hugged.
Mr. Shashtri was happy that Alok preferred a rich girl. Alok's plan succeded. Now with his father-in-law's influence he can get his surname back. Also HE REALLY LIKED LAXMI. Win win...