Opposite Poles..Part 33

Part 33

“Jiji.. I am leaving…!” Khushi hurriedly picked up her bad and was almost out of the door.

“Khushi..! careful! “ Payal said in a worried tone.

“Don’t worry Jiji., I will manage!” Khushi came back and hugged her jiji.

“Umm.. Khushi, I will go to deliver the fabric.  Last time he had given his concept.  I worked on it.. Hope he likes it!” Payal said dreamily.

“Why not. Jiji? My Jiji has done it.  He will definitely like it.  By the way, he who?” Khushi asked narrowing her eyes.

“Who?” Payal asked back.  “That’s what I am asking, Jiji, he who?” Khushi pursed her lips.  Payal flushed.

“He has given me the big order..! Khushi, I will have to take help of Buwaji also..!” payal was able to change the subject.

“Yeah Jiji.  I will also help you, if that monster is kind enough to send me home …!” she frowned.

“Ok bye jiji!” She ran out of the door.

********   *********    *********

“Aakash, you are coming with me!” declared Arnav.

“Umm No, bhai.  I will finish off some work and come..!” Aakash said avoiding his gaze.

“Collecting samples? Again?” asked Arnav irritably.  Aakash did not answer…

“Hello Hi Bye Bye, Aakash bête, Kaahe ke samples…! Which samples?” mami asked suspiciously. 

“Before that I want to show you some samples…!” she took out photos of prospective brides she had shortlisted for Aakash.  Aakash looked away in frustration.

“Best luck Aakash!” Arnav murmured with a line of smile and got up to leave.

“Hello Hi Bye Bye! Arnav bitwa, These are for you also.  Come, have a look at them…!” Mami invited.

“Oh! Not me! I am leaving…!” he said and turned.

“Anyway, he doesn’t need these photographs..!” Aakash took revenge.  Arnav looked at him sternly and left.

“Aakash.. I need to talk to you before you go!” Anjali said seriously.

“I am leaving now Di!” said Aakash getting up from the chair.

Anjali and Aakash were in her room.  “Aakash, how serious are these two?” she asked.

“Di, you know, Bhai does not believe in these things and so does she…! They are steady..!” Aakash said sincerely.

“But Aakash… this won’t go far… You know what I mean… they should decide about their future..!” Anjali was worried about her younger brother.

“Di, bhai knows better.  He will take care! Don’t worry, Di! Bhai and Lavanya are going steady..! But please, Di save me from mom and her photos..Please!” he pleaded.

“Hmm, only on one condition… you should give me updates everyday about Chote and Lavanya…!” Anjali said smiling.

“I better tolerate those photos..!” Aakash teased Anjali and left hurriedly.  

********   ******  ******

“Payal ji, these are wonderful!” Aakash praised her again.  They were walking on the market street.  She had given him the fabric and had collected the ones on which the motifs were to be worked on.  Aakash had given her the concept and had appreciated the earlier work done. 

“Would you like to have tea?” he asked hesitantly.  She looked around and nodded.   Soon, they were in a small hotel sipping a cup of tea together. 

“Payal ji, are from Delhi?” he asked hopefully.  “No Lucknow!” she said.  “Nani will like her..!” he calculated smiling. 

“Umm, I think, I should leave now!” she said getting up.  He nodded.

“Shall I drop you?” he asked her.

“No.. my house is round the corner.  Opposite that big garage..!”  she said and left.  He waited there till she was out of sight and then sighing, came back to his car parked far away.  

**********    ********   ********

“Type these letters and get the printouts in half an hour!” he barked at her.  She nodded glancing at Lavanya who was sitting in his cabin.  She did the job and was waiting for someone to go to his cabin.

“I don’t want to go alone in his cabin.  That monster will scare me again..!” she muttered.  She saw Lavanya climbing the stairs.

“Umm Madam..! Sir had given the work me to take print outs..!”  she held out the papers smiling.

“What do you want me to do?” Lavanya yelled at her. “I am not your servant, go and give it to him yourself..!”   Khushi entered his cabin behind Lavanya.

“Sir.. these printouts.. !” he looked at the time.  “25 minutes..!” she muttered realizing his intentions.

“You can go now!” ordered Lavanya..  Khushi turned to go happily.

“Wait!” came a malicious voice.  Let me read the papers.  “Umm Lavanya,  I need the presentations post lunch.  Make sure the designs are ready!” he said.  Lavanya got up.  Khushi stood there fidgeting. 

His cell rang..! He picked up the phone.  She turned to leave.

“Don’t move!” he snarled.  She froze.  He took the phone.

“Yeah Di.  Are you ok?” he was concerned.  She was surprised to hear his soft voice.

“Di.. Don’t exert yourself! .. I will call the doctor!” he said.  Khushi gaped at him.

“Di please.. Or I will come there!” he threatened his di softly.  Suddenly he looked human and not the monster.

“Where does his softness go, when he is talking to me?’ Khushi wondered.

“Yeah Di, take care!” he disconnected the phone, glanced at the papers and gestured her to go.

She turned muttering…. “No personal calls during office hours…!” she was sure he had not heard it, but she was wrong.  She barely reached her cubical…

“Khushi!” he yelled.  She shuddered.  Others too looked up and understood.

“Ab to isaki Khair Nahi..! Khushi will have it now!” her colleagues thought.  Friends were sad foes were happy.

She went up and stood at the door.

“What the hell is this? You have spelt me wrong… You have spelt Arnav Singh Raizada, wrong!” he barked.  She came forward to take the papers from him.

“I will rectify and get the printouts..!”  she took the papers and turned.

“Did you forget? Let me assess the damage.  Arnav Singh Raizada has a big name, big enough that no one would spell him wrong.  You spelt him wrong.. the damage is ..” he paused and smirked.  She looked up at him in shock.

“But Sir, I will get it rectified immediately.. Only the paper cost…!” she was reasonable …

“Enough! How dare you argue with me! I will assess the damage!” he came around and again had invaded her personal zone making her weak and to hold her breath in fright.

He stared at her.  “How many thousands?” she thought.  He turned his back on her thinking.

“Let me see…say ten thousand per wrongly spelt alphabet?” he turned to her.  She was furious..

“Only? Your name is worth only this much?” she asked scornfully to enrage him.  He came on to her.

“Even if you work for the rest of your life in this office without any pay, you will require several lives to repay the damage… That’s my worth..!” he said with gritted teeth.

“Ss.. Sorry!” she was frightened.  “You better be!” he said proudly.  “Ghamandi! Conceited Monster!” she muttered. 

“Oh is it?” he again had heard it.

“This time,  I am lenient.  Say Ten thousand Rupees? Or…!” he stopped smirking.

“Or?” she asked hopefully.  “Is there a way to avoid paying money..?” she thought looking at the monster.  He had a lopsided smile.

“Let me think..!.... I think you need to practice spelling my name..!” he said again invading her personal zone.  She felt weak.  He smirked wickedly.

“Stand in that corner and spell out my name a hundred times..!” he said and she gaped at him shocked. 

“What? Is this a school?” her voice was loud enough to irritate him.  He trapped her between the chair and his arms and said in a deadly voice.

“If you behave like a child, you will be punished like a child!”

“Sss … Sorry!” she said weakly looking into his eyes. 

“Decide, Khushi Kumari Gupta! Ten thousand or hundred times..! You have time till evening..!” he had moved away.  She reached the door.

“Head Monster.. I mean master..!” she muttered furiously.  “Take his name 100 times! My foot!” her rage went over the edge.  But then losing ten thousand was out of question.  She frowned.  She calculated.  It would take only fifteen minutes for 100 times.  She went back to his cabin.

“umm Ok!” she said and stood in the corner.  He smirked wickedly… She started off counting her fingers..

A.R.N.A.V Arnav, S.I.N.G.H Singh, R.A.I.Z.A.D.A Raizada!  …. He focused on his laptop listening her taking his name.  With every count, bitterness in her mouth increased.  “No Wonder, he has sugar problem.  He is so bitter..!” She thought frowning.  His smirk grew in a smile as she reached one hundred. 

“Finished!” she said grinning and came forward, picked up the glass and drank water.  He looked at her and picking up his laptop said “I am going for a meeting…! You got to write my name hundred times, by tomorrow..!”

“What?” she screamed.  He turned and said “Yeah! You heard it right..!”  She gaped at him for a while.  He was gazing at her.  Her expressions changed.  “Yes Sir!” she stood in attention.  Now, it was his turn to be shocked.  She went out of the cabin grinning.  He shrugged and went for the meeting.

*********   *******  ******

“Khushi, what happened? Why were you standing at the corner for so long, in his cabin?” asked Rekha.  There were Ten people now for Tiffin Sharing.  Khushi felt embarrassed.  She looked down recollecting the humiliation she felt and then looking up, said

“Nothing Rekha Madam.. Sir wanted to change his ringtone, so he requested me to spell his name in my sweet voice to record it…! A.R.N.A.V.    S.I.N.G.H.   R.A.I.Z.A.D.A.  Arnav Singh Raizada..!” she said grinning and the table erupted in laughter.

“We tried a hundred times, but he couldn’t get that sweet melodious tone from me! I guess, I will have to try again, tomorrow! ” Khushi took her revenge sending another wave of laughter.  Others looked at their table enviously, missing the fun. 

Opposite Poles..Part 32

Part 32

“What? How is that possible!” Sham wiped off sweat.   The person on the other side of the phone spoke something.  Sham looked lost.

“Look.. I cannot meet you know.  We will meet in the evening…!” Sham told him calmly.  The other person spoke something.

“Ok! I will come there in fifteen minutes…!” Sham gave up.  He disconnected.

“How is it possible? How did he find out?” he blurted sending back strands of hair from his forehead.  The things were going beyond his control.   He had to do some damage control.  

******   *****   ********

“Look, if you don’t pull me out of this mess, I am going to disclose everything…!” Prashant was furious.  Sham was deep in thoughts.

“Why didn’t you tell me, there were CCD cameras installed everywhere?” Prashant got up from his chair aggressively.

“How would I know? I have never entered that warehouse…! You work there, you should have found out!” asked Sham pulling Prashant down. 

“I know, Mr. Sethi and Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada, are not going to spare me! “ Prashant was doomed.

“Remember, if anything happens to me.. I will take you all with me!” he said raising his finger threateningly. 

“We all are partners in this… Mr. Sham.. you said you will take care..!” Prashant said.  Sham was deep in thoughts to find out a solution.

“You said.. we can use that girl’s gullibility.  But she was the one who reported the discrepancies…!”  Prashant said

“I used her login to change the entries but its logged with time stamp in the system… And that so called boorish, stupid girl, had already reported  ...before I could do anything…!” Prashant felt trapped in the well knitted web.

“You said, you know that girl and we can use her…!” Prashant raised his voice. 

“Look Sham… don’t blame me if anything happens to her…! She is the one who will expose us..!”  Prashant had a menacing  look in his eyes. 

“Shut her up! Else I will take some drastic step to shut her up forever!”  He threatened sham. 

“Shut it! Don’t you even dare talk about her like this.  I will see what I can do.   I will send her away…!” Said Sham thoughtfully.

“I don’t know what interest you have in that girl… But she is dangerous…!” warned Prashant.  Sham again lost in thoughts. 

“She  is been  moved to safety! I am worried, Sham! “  said Prashant gravely.  Sham looked up at him.

“She is transferred to AR Designs…!” Prashant dropped the bombshell.  Sham looked devastated.  He rose from the chair in shock.

“Shut her up.. else I will kill her!” Prashant got up from his chair and went away.  Sham sat there for a long time.

“Why didn’t she tell me? If she meets Saale Saab, everything will be a waste!” Sham thought gravely. 

Prashant had already threatened.  “I must take care of Prashant before he does anything…!” he thought clenching his fists.

“How dare he talk about Khushi ji like this?  She is my find.. I can’t let her go! I have taken efforts to win her!” He was frustrated.  Khushi had proved to be a difficult person.  He was wrong about her.  She was smart, bold and straight forward, blunt enough to expose anyone who was wrong…!”

“Oh! Khushi ji, you don’t know, how much I want you…! You and me!.! It’s a challenge to bring you completely under my control… You are the one for me!” Sham stroked his left fist with his right hand licking his lips… 

********   ********    **********

“Khushi ji.. Aap Ne Bataya Kyun Nahi? Why didn’t you tell me you are transferred in That Raizada’s office?” Sham looked furious.

“Raizada? Sanaka Devi? Kya yeh such hain? Is it true?” Buwaji came on to her furiously. 

Everyone was shocked.  “Aree, Sanaka Devi…why didn’t you tell us?” screamed Buwaji.

“Iss Main Kehene ki kya baat hain Buwaji? There was nothing to tell, Buwaji!” Khushi retorted.

“I am transferred temporarily. I will be relieved soon!” Khushi was unable to understand why everyone was so upset.

“Aree… he is the one who ruined your life!” Sham now, was unable to understand Khushi’s view point.

“But Sham ji, you only recommended me for that job.  You also did not know that it was his warehouse, right?” Khushi caught him red handed.  He had to nod and say “Yes, even I did not know!”

“Then? It was a coincidence.  Sham ji!  I did not know it was his.  Else, I would have never worked in that office.  Now I cannot do anything.  I will not leave unless I am cleared of all the charges…!” said Khushi determined.  Payal nodded in concurrence. 

“What? What charges?” asked Buwaji.  Khushi dropped her shoulders.

“Buwaji, they have charged her for theft!” Sham’s rage went out of bound.

“What? Aree Paramesari…! This was the only thing left…!” Buwaji sat down on the bed with a thud clutching her head and crying out hysterically.

“Shh… Buwaji, ..! Calm yourself down.  I will handle it.. I know, I have not done anything wrong.  I will be relieved soon…!” Said Khushi holding her buwaji’s hand.  She jerked her hand and getting up said.

“Tomorrow morning, you will go back to Lucknow..! “ Sham had a faint smile on his face.  Khushi shook her head helplessly.

“No, Buwaji! I can’t, till the enquiry is over!” she said gravely.  Buwaji gaped at her.

“But,  that Raizada, will create more problems for you, Khushi ji! I am worried! He is capable of doing anything..! He will … I don’t know..! Buwaji.. forgive me, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to work in his office…!” Sham held buwaji’s hand.

“It was not my idea.  I am compelled to work ..!” Khushi said helplessly. 

“Khushi ji, I am a lawyer! They cannot compel you like this.  You go back to Lucknow! I will handle everything here…!” he held Khushi’s hand assuring her his protection.  Khushi looked at him.

“Haan! This is right.  Khushi, Payal, you go back to your parents and Sham Babua will see what that Raizada is up to!” Buwaji was overwhelmed with Sham’s helping hand.

“Nahi! No!” Khushi looked serious.  “I won’t run away from problems…!”

“Arree, sanaka devi… you invite problems…!” Buwaji was enraged.

“No! Buwaji, Shamji has already helped us.  We cannot burden him more..!” Khushi looked at Sham with tearful eyes.

“Khushi ji.. don’t worry.  I am always with you!” Sham stroked Khushi’s shoulder.  She moved away.

“No Sham ji.  I will not go!” she said resolutely. Sham looked at Buwaji for support and said

“Khushi ji, you are too simple.  You don’t understand the danger.  The Raizada can do anything… I mean ANYTHING!  Now that you work in his office, he will trap you alone… and you ….!” He left his speech half way and looked at buwaji’s aghast face.  Buwaji shuddered.

“Nahi, Sanaka devi.. you will not work in that office…!” declared Buwaji..

“What if he does something to you?” sham looked at Khushi.  She gaped at him. 

“Khushi ji, you don’t know these rich people… I am worried, Khushi ji! He will take advantage of the situation and …!” he again left his sentence incomplete to get the right effect.

“No Sham ji.  He will not do anything like that.  I can take care of myself..!” Khushi said confidently. 

He was dragging her in his car..! “this.. your so called brother would have taken you anywhere… and…” He was yelling..!

“Don’t be so sure Khushi ji!” Sham was frustrated.

“I am sure, sham ji! I will manage!” she said and went into her room.

She changed into a comfortable night dress and turned,  taking her dupatta over her shoulders and saw Sham standing at the door.

“Sham ji?” she was surprised.  Sham came in.  She felt awkward.

“You?!” she said little upset.

“Sorry, Khushi ji, I should have knocked.” Said sham walking upto the chair.  “This is the second time he has done it..! “ thought upset Khushi.

“  I think you should go back.  You are taking undue risk!” Sham said authoritatively.  She shook her head.  “No Sham ji.  I already have decided…!”

“I am sorry, Sham ji.  I know, you are my wellwisher.  But I have to take the decision on my own.  And I have decided..!” she said with determination.  Sham went out.

“Umm… Buwaji.. I am going out for a while…!” said sham looking upset and went out.

“Buwaji…! You will call her amma babuji and tell everything.  I am sure, Khushi ji.. You will go back to Lucknow once your babuji comes to know about this….!” Sham smirked.

“Before that… Iss Prashant Ka Kuch bandobast Karana padega! I have to take care of this headache Prashant…!”  Sham picked up his cell and dialed a humber.

“Rattan Saab…!” he started off.

**********    *********   ********

Prashant was all set to shut her up.  ASR was all set to crush her under his heels…!  Sham was setting up the field to send her back to Lucknow where he would have enough time to bring her under his control….! Khushi,  oblivious to all these was determined to work till the enquiry was over.  She had faith in her devi mayya and on her own convictions. 

Opposite Poles..Part 31

Part 31

“Hey You!” Lavanya called her out.  Khushi got up and went to her cabin.  Two more typical bimbo girls were giggling sitting on her table. 

“Pam and Sim, tell her what to do and get the things set properly.  You know, keep a close eye on her…!” Lavanya would never miss the opportunity to throw insult.  Khushi looked down.

“Chalo..!” came a voice with disgust.  She went behind them into the studio.  

“Anytime the Models will arrive.  Keep the costumes ready.  “ They ordered Khushi.  There was another person doing the laying out of the props.  Khushi looked around.  She had never seen a place like this.  It was dark everywhere.  Quite a few white umbrellas were scattered all over the place.  Different funky props were piled up.  On one side the huge pile of fabric was kept and on the other side a huge red leather sofa with blue cushions was propped up.  The person came nearer.

“Here! I will give you the costumes and you label them..ok?” he told her.  She nodded.  He gave her the labels and staplers to pin the labels.  She started working with him. 

“Hey, Gupta…! Khushi!” someone called out.  She looked up pinning the label.  Regi  Thomas was in front of her.  She smiled.

“Would you like to try one?” he asked.  She shook her head.  He shrugged.

“But you know? I would like to see you in some of the dresses I designed..!” he said.  She smiled.

“These are not my types..!” she said looking up at him.  He grinned.

“That’s what you think…!” he blurted.  He had made up his mind to make her wear at least one of the dresses.  

“Yes! Done!” she said straitening up herself.  She looked around in satisfaction and turned to leave.  As usual, tripped over one of the open umbrellas and fell flat on face.  Someone lifted her up.

“Can’t you do a single thing right?” he asked with gritted teeth.  She pulled herself apart sheepishly and took a step to leave the room. A strong hand grabbed her.

“Not so soon, Ms Khushi Kumari Gupta!” he snarled.  She shuddered.  “Let me assess the damage..!” he looked around and found out the torn umbrella.  He picked  it up and gazed at her. 

“How much does it cost? Umm.. a thousand rupees?” he thought aloud.

“What? One thousand? We get it for hundred rupees at the corner!” she said loudly, sending waves of murmur. 

“Let me decide..!” he barked.  She went out of the room with fallen face.

“If this continues.. I will end up paying that monster at the end of the month!” she muttered realizing what he was up to. 

“Khushi Kumari Gupta, beware!” she said aloud and went back to her cubical.  

******   *****   ******

Arnav was back home in time for dinner.  Anjali looked happy to see the entire family present for the dinner.  They all had dinner peacefully.

“Saale Saab? What happened to the theft case?” Sham opened the topic.

“What? How do you know?” Arnav asked at once.  He looked at Aakash. 

“No! I mean… I heard you talking to someone…!” Sham said awkwardly.  He was caught on wrong foot. 

“No! You were not in town, when this happened…!” Arnav looked at Sham suspiciously. 

Sham looked away.  “Anyway, I just asked casually.  I have no business in your matters, Saale Saab!” Sham said slyly.    Anjali, sensing the tension, tried to divert everyone’s attention.

“Aree Chote! You were asking about the story, yesterday! Some King and the mouse”

“Oh! Yeah! Nani knows the story…!” Arnav too was interested in this subject, though he did not show any interest. 

“We didn’t hear bed time story from Nani in so many years…!” said Aakash.  Being youngest, he had the right to pester nani.

“Nani… we all are at home today! Nani, we want that story tonight!” Anjali said in a childlike voice.  Nani smiled and nodded.

“King and Mouse? Haain? Hello Hi Bye Bye? Kouno chuhe ko pakadawana chahate hon kya, Arnav Bituwa?” Mami asked loudly.

“Chuhe ko Naahi! Chuhiyaan Ko!” Mamaji pulled her legs.  Arnav looked away embarrassed.   “Do you know the story of the King and the Tiny Mouse?” two green eyes were gazing at him with mischief. 

“Khushi Kumari Gupta!” he clenched his fists. 

“Nani we will get our blankets…! Aap Bhi Chaliye na!” Anjali said excitedly clutching her husband’s hand.

“No Raani Saaheba.. I have some urgent work and tomorrow I have to leave early morning…!” Sham said softly holding her hand.  She nodded sulkily.

“Yeah Di! We will get our blankets and Nani will tell us the story!” Aakash was dreamy reminiscing his childhood.  Arnav refrained from reacting.

“Chote? You are coming, right?” Asked Anjali, suspiciously.

“Aree? He is the one who asked about the story.  He will have to come!” said Nani smiling at her grandchildren.  Arnav was more than eager to listen to the story, but he remained expressionless.

“So we will meet in Nani’s room at 9:30 ! “ Declared Aakash and went to his room.  

*********   ******   *********

Long long ago, there lived a King!  He was brave, kind and good hearted.  He looked after his subjects like his children.  He was fond of collecting unique pieces from all over the world.  Everybody was happy and prospered in his kingdom.

In his kingdom, there was a small hole, and a mother mouse with her only child lived in that hole.  The child was a good kid.  Mother called him Tiny.  Tiny used to play around and help others in their work, when his mother was out on a food hunt.  Everyone loved Tiny.  

Nani started off with the story.  Aakash was the first to reach Nani’s room for the bedtime story, followed by Anjali, followed by reluctant looking Arnav with their blankets in their hands.  They all had gathered on Nani’s bed.  Anjali was first to occupy Nani’s laps.  She rested her head on her lap.  Aakash was on the other side of Nani holding her hand drawing his blanket till neck.  Arnav awkwardly was sitting at the other end of the bed at his Di’s feet still with the folded blanket.  

Nani continued with the story stroking Aakash’s head.  

Tiny’s mother loved him very much.  She was proud of her child.  One day, she decided to give him a surprise gift.  She secretly started stitching a Amigo Cap for Tiny.  She finished it in a week with little white feathers, dangling beads and a string of pearls on a beautiful black satin cap.   She gave it to Tiny and Tiny jumped with joy.  He kissed his mother and wore the cap.  It fitted him very well.  He looked into the mirror and puffed his chest with pride.  He was looking like a prince.  He went out with the cap on his head, and wandered on the streets drumming his favorite beats with his little drum.  “DumDum Dumakk..DumDum Dumakk.. DumDum Dumakk …Dumm!

Nani stopped to sip water.  Arnav had already reached his Di’s side and resting his head on his elbow to have a better look at Nani.  

 Everyone looked curiously at the adorable mouse, Tiny.  They appreciated the workmanship of his mother.  They praised the cap and Tiny.  Soon he became the talk of the town.  Everyone was discussing about the beautiful cap!  The king came to know about the cap.  He too was curious.  He asked his men to bring Tiny to his Court.  His men brought Tiny.  The king looked at Tiny and his beautiful cap.  He liked it very much.  Even though he was a king and a noble man, he couldn’t resist temptation and wanted it in his collection.  Tiny refused politely.  “Your Highness, this is a gift from my mother…!” he said bowing down before the king.  The king requested him several times. But he refused politely.  The king got angry and snatched his cap away.  Tiny felt very sad.  But he was a cleaver mouse.  He knew, he cannot match the king’s power.  He went out with the dropped shoulders.

“hum… then?” asked Arnav eagerly resting his head on his Di’s shoulder! "I can resist temptation..!" he thought smugly.

“Tiny went out with his little drum and he knew what to do.  He started off loudly.  “DumDum Dumakk..DumDum Dumakk.. DumDum Dumakk …Dumm!”   “The King is a begger… he asked for my cap… The king is a snatcher, he took my cap… “DumDum Dumakk..DumDum Dumakk.. DumDum Dumakk …Dumm!”

He moved on all the streets drumming and gathering crowd.  Now the king became the talk of the town.  The King’s men told the king about the mouse again.  The king understood what he had done.  He called the mouse again in his Court and offered him a golden cap in lieu of his cap.  Tiny shook his head and went out again.

“DumDum Dumakk..DumDum Dumakk.. DumDum Dumakk …Dumm!”  The king is a bargainer, the king is a snatcher, the king took my cap and offered me the golden one Hoo!!…“DumDum Dumakk..DumDum Dumakk.. DumDum Dumakk …Hooo!

He went on streets again.   The King was frustrated now.  His reputation was at stake.  He called Tiny again and gave back his cap.  Tiny felt better. But he was not to give up so soon!  Tiny was all set to teach him a lesson.

Nani waited to catch her breath.  Arnav was too eager to stop.

“Then?” he asked holding his Nani’s hand.  “Wait Chote!” Nani took a deep breath and continued.

Tiny went out drumming on the streets.  “DumDum Dumakk..DumDum Dumakk.. DumDum Dumakk …Dumm!  This King is a coward,   The king chickened out.. He gave my cap back… Hoooo!  He gave my cap back… hooo! “DumDum Dumakk..DumDum Dumakk.. DumDum Dumakk …Hooo!

The king understood.  He understood that though he was powerful and almighty he should not trouble others and snatch away their belongings…! The king understood that his power lies in protecting and not in snatching.

He again called Tiny.  “Tiny, tell me what should I do to stop you from drumming on the streets?” he asked fondly.  Tiny saw kindness in his eyes.  

“Tell me Tiny! What will you take to stop drumming?” asked the king getting up from his Thorne.  Tiny looked up at the king and bowing down before him, said

“A place in your heart!” King was overwhelmed.  He lifted Tiny on his palm and placed him on his shoulder.  The king went back to his throne and said

“I confer knighthood upon Tiny, the mouse! He taught me an important lesson!  True power lies not in conquering but in protecting the poorer and weaker…!”

From then on… Tiny became Sir Tiny, The son of his proud mother….!”  

Nani finished the story and looked at her three grown up grandchildren aged 30, 26 and 24 listening to her like small children with their mouths open in a gape, eyes wide open and resting their chins on their fists lifting their heads on their elbows, snuggling and curling up in each others sides….!  

“Hmmm Now go to sleep like good children” Said nani caressing and running her fingers in their hair. 

Arnav looked hypnotized.  Two confused looking, smirking green eyes were gazing at him..!  “I said, you took my phone Sir..!” 

“Damn it!” he banged his fist on the bed.  “Khushi Kumari Gupta…! Before you even think of doing anything… I will crush you under my heels….!” He gritted his teeth…, slumbering on the bed beside his sister.