...Female Protagonist: Sanjana Kashyap--24y...

Profession: IAS Officer, Posted in Jodhpur, Rajasthan

SANJANA'S ASTHETICS:

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Male Protagonist : Akshay Singhania--28y

Profession: CEO & Owner- Singhania Corporation, Mumbai, India

AKSHAY'S ASTHETICS:

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Chapter-1

10:00 o' clock

26th September 2015

District Collector Office

Jodhpur,Rajasthan

Every single person working in the office was on their toes, trying to arrange each and every single thing perfectly as the District Collector of Jodhpur district will be arriving with the MLA in almost 15 minutes.

The meeting will be held between the executive officer and a part of state legislature with the objective of opening of 20 schools in district for the girl child.

Jodhpur even though is a developed city but the villages under this district are still backward and the rate of the education for girls is very low.

So, to improve the literacy rate of the girls in district this meeting was held.

At exact 10:15, a beautiful woman entered the office accompained by a 52 year old politician decked in white kurta-payjama.

"Sir, Welcome to DC's office." The woman greeted professionally.

"Thank you, Ms. Kashyap."

"Sir, thanks to you for taking out time to come for this meeting."

"Its a noble cause, Ms. Kashyap, so I have to come."

"Absolutely Sir, your social works are indeed prominent and will definitely help you in fetching the votes for the upcoming elections."

"You can count votes as additional benefit of my passion of helping people."

"Yes sir, so can we start our discussion?"

"Let's do this." Replied the MLA.

After a detailed discussion of 2 hours, the location, budget and infrastructure was decided.

The woman escorted the politician out and thanked him profusely for his contribution in the task.

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Sanjana's POV:

"Sanjana, your mother is trying to call you from past 20 minutes." My assistant informed me.

"Thanks Jyoti, I will call her after completing the paper work, it will take half an hour max."

"Ma'am." With that she left.

I started doing the paperwork but is interrupted by Jyoti.

"Jyoti, my mother? " I questioned even after knowing the answer. My persistent mother does not have patience.

"Yes, she is on the line." She handed me phone while replying to my question.

"Thank you, Jyoti you can go on your lunch break."

With that she was out.

"Good Afternoon Mumma, how are you?" I greeted my sweet mum. She, my dad, my brother, his wife and my elder sister lives in Delhi.

My father, brother and my bhabhi work in MNCs while my elder sister is completing her masters. My mother is a school teacher. I am youngest in the family and unmarried among us three.

My brother - Siddhanket is 30 and married to his wife- Kavya for almost 5 years. My sister Shivika is studying to be a professor and is married to Nandesh Sharma who is a doctor by profession and is a resident of Chandigarh. My sister is staying in Delhi for completing her education.

"I am trying to reach you for an hour but what I can do when my daughter does not have time for me?" My mother taunted me.

"Mama, I am sorry. I was in an important meeting with M.L.A. "

"I see. When are you coming home?" She asked me.

"It depends. As soon as my work will be finished I will board the flight. You just handle Kavya."

"I understand, don't worry I will talk to Kavya. Y finish your work."

We bid our byes and with that I hanged up the phone. I called Jyoti in my office and instructed her to complete all the work by today only.

Fortunately, Iwas finished by 8:00 in the evening and it was all thanks to my colleagues for extra hours they put in.

Now, I will be able to catch the morning flight and attend Kavya's baby shower. Yes, she is pregnant and soon there will be an addition of new member in our family.

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08:00 o'clock

27th September 2015

Domestic Terminal

Indira Gandhi International Airport

New Delhi

India

I landed at airport and was booking a cab on my phone when I collided with a lady decked in an expensive sari.

The collision between us resulted in scattering the papers she was carrying in her hands.

"I am so sorry. I was not paying attention while walking." With that I immediately scoot down to collect papers and give it to her.

"No problem, young lady but next time be careful."

"Absolutely, it was a lapse of judgement on my part and from next time I will refrain from repeating the same mistake."

"By the way, I am Neelanjla Singhania."

"Sanjana Kashyap, Ma'am." And with that we departed our ways.

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14:00 o'clock

Singhania Mansion

Mumbai

Neelanjla Singhania was sipping her cup of tea when she suddenly remember the girl who collided with her. That girl was beautiful, innocent but at same time smart, confident and strong.

The way she handled was elegant and classy. It can be easily deduced that she is well educated.

She immediately dialed the number of her son's trusted security advisor Alex Jameson.

"Alex, I need you to find me information. I only know her name and residing place. "

"It will not be a problem but it can take 2- 3 days."

"Okay, I want you to find each and every information available about Sanjana Kashyap by tomorrow ."

"Sure, all the information will be delivered to you."

"Alex, do me a favour. Make sure to keep my son out of loop."

"Ma'am. "

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9:00 o'clock

Flat-15- B, DLF Apartments

Vasant Kunj

New Delhi

Sanjana's POV:

As soon as I enter the house I was surrounded by my cousins and aunts as it was a ladies function all the males were send out.

I love surrounded by my family. I was youngest among all the cousins and was loved by all. So, I enjoy all the love and attention I get.

The whole house was decorated beautifully and the light music playing in the background was giving hint of a child shower being held.

I gave Kavya the babycare kit and the cute clothes I have bought as gift.

The function was peacefully completed. After the function was finished we all cousins were talking of our future plans.

"Sanjana, you are well settled career wise and unmarried among us. What are your plans : arrange marriage or love?" My cousin Devyani asked.

"I appreciate your concern for my marriage. It will happen when time will come and you know that Mumma and Papa are against being in a relationship before marriage. I respect their views, so no boyfriend."

Our conversation was interrupted by Mumma calling us all for lunch.

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11:00 o' clock

29th September 2015

Mr. TejPrakash Kashyap recieved a call from Neelanjla Singhania where she informed him about his youngest daughter being

prospective bride for her youngest son Akshay Singhania. He responded to her that they can meet and see how it proceeds.

"Lata, call Sidhanket, Kavya and Shivika. I need to talk about something important."

"Sure, give me a minute."

After few minutes all were settled in master bedroom. TejPrakash asked "You all must be thinking why I called you here?"

"Yes Papa." Shivika replied to him on behalf of everyone.

"Just few seconds before I recieved a call from Neelanjla Singhania."

"Neelanjla Singhania but we don't know any, right?" Kavya asks confused.

"Personally no but you might have got an idea who I am talking about."

"Yes Papa, Akshay Singhania's mother." Siddhanket answered.

"But Papa, why will she call you and what can be the reason?" Shivika questioned.

"She wants Sanjana to be her daughter-in- law or more precisely as Akshay Singhania's wife."

As soon as the words left TejPrakash's mouth there was a pin drop silence in the room.

Akshay Singhania is a force to reckon with. The richest and most powerful man in the world. Controversy free famous life but in business world he is called The Devil because he does not tolerate disrespect, negligence and mistakes.

"Lata, what's your view on the prospective relation? "

"What did you said to her?"

"Just this, let us mingle with each other first and if everything is good then why not. "

"Yes, This is good. Let us meet first and it will be good if Sanjana will meet them first after all she will have to spend her life with them." Lata concluded.

"Yes, it will be best."

Everyone agreed and left for their respective rooms.

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Singhania House

New Mumbai

India

Akshay Singhania - The business machine, recieved a phone call from his mother and she was sprouting some nonsense about meeting his potential bride. As long as she does not stretch the issue to marriage its fine. If she wants she can scrouge every single woman on planet till she does not ask him to meet her everything is fine.

After ending the call, his secretary entered the room and informed him of his upcoming meeting with Mr. Rehman Abdulla- Owner of Rehman Oil Inc.- one of the biggest oil field in Dubai.

Akshay owns many oilfields in Arab Countries but till now Dubai was only restricted to construction, hotels & resorts, finance, advertisement & manufacturing. He wants Singhania Oil to be untouchable, so he needs to acquire this deal.

When you are rich everyone scamper around you like bees on honey and this is what he enjoy. It is totally opposite when you are poor. It is a lesson which he has earned very early in life. When everyone follows his order in a blink of eye- it gives him a sense of power and he thrives on the same. He does not care whether it is out of fear or respect.

His secretary again reminded him of his meeting. He would have fired her if she was not so good at her work.

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Meeting Room

Singhania House

All the other interested buyers in the oilfield had decided to negotiate at Singhania House.

Everyone present there was aware that it will be Akshay Singhania buying it but they just want to try it for their self- esteem. Some older businessmen were not able to digest their defeat in previous bids.

All were waiting for THE AKSHAY SINGHANIA and he did arrive in all his glory followed by his secretary, security chief and CFO- Singhania oil. Akshay Singhania was way too good looking with hieght of above 6", silver eyes, aristocratic nose, high cheekbones and razor sharp jaw. He was what you call the epitome of beauty.

Without greeting anyone he sat on the head of table and signalled his secretary to start the meeting.

The best priced offer till now was $700 million dollars and when it came to him - he stated $250 million dollars.

Seeing the shocked faces of all the delegates he generously offered an explanation. "I am not finished yet. -directly addressing Rehman- I will let you have 20% ownership for upcoming 2 years. 20% ownership means a significant part in profit of Singhania Oil, what say, Rehman?"

Akshay was aware he did not want to sell full field as he wants to retain some shares in his family legacy.

"Yes, I agree. In 2 years if I managed to buyback it from you at future market price will you give it back to me?"

"If then, yes."

Bloody fool businessmen blinded by emotions, this idiot does not even know that 20% shares will only fetch him $200 million dollars of profit in 2 years and thus making him being unable to buy it from him.

Once something is his: he does not lose it at any cost. His 20% shares will be acquired at the end of 2 years by Akshay that was given.

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Sanjana's POV:

It has only been 15 hours since my mother has dropped the bomb of my marriage and now they are taking me to meet his family. As per his mother, he is not gonna be present because of his important meetings.

We are at Singhania Grand waiting for their arrival. I am dressed in a beautiful monochrome red and white salwar-suit (an Indian outfit). My hair is in side fishtail braid. I love traditional clothes. Its not that I has a problem with modern clothes, infact I wear western outfits most of the time but there are few ocassions when I get the opportunity to dress in traditional and I cherish it. My mother has already given me lecture to wear traditional clothes, i.e, saree after marriage.

I do agree with her but I am not gonna do it for office. I am going to balance- at home sarees and at office my business suits, pencil skirts, formal pants and stitellos. Heels are something which are an evergreen part of my wardrobe. I wear heels most of the time 4- inches. So, I am very comfortable in it. I hope my to be husband to be tall at least 5'11, so that when I wear heels I do not surpass him. If he is not our photos are going to look like that of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. I shudder at the thought.

Kavya slapped my hand indicating that I am lost in train of my thoughts and our guests have arrived.

"Good Evening, Ma'am." I greeted Neelanjla Singhania.

"Good evening, call me Aunty for now. Let me introduce you to my daughter Kirti, my eleder son Ketan and his wife Milapriya, my sister-in-law Harsheen, her son and daughter in law Tanmay and Khusali." She at once was finished with

"Evening." I greeted them all as we all settled ourselves and after sometime the question answer round started.

"Sanjana, what about your qualifications?" Ketan was the first to question.

"I graduated from DU(Delhi University) after that I cleared UPSC in first attempt hence during the my masters was done online."

"Impressive, where are you posted right now?" Commented Kirti and asked.

"Thank you, in Jodhpur."

"Are you aware that if everyone agrees for your and Akshay's alliance you will have to apply for the transfer."

"Yes, I am aware of that."

"Do you know how to cook food and handle household works?" Akshay's aunt questioned.

"Yes, I can cook indian, mexican and Italian. I can also handle household works quite efficiently." I replied confidently

"Wow, that's awesome. These all are favourites of Akshay." Neelanjla Aunty exclaimed and I blushed.

"When can we meet,Mr. Singhania?"asked my mum.

"Address him as Akshay and you can come to Mumbai and meet him there." Aunty responded.

"Yes, that will be absolutely perfect." My Dad agreed.

"Lata, It is yes from our side and you are left to decide. If it will be a yes from your side then let me warn you- the wedding will take place as soon as possible."

"It is last marriage of our house and I am thinking to do it on a large scale." My mother voiced her opinion.

"Mama, I would prefer a close knit ceremony." I butted in.

"My daughter-in-law has spoken and the same will happen."

"Ok, then close knit ceremony it is." My mother gave in.

"It will be alright if Kavaya and Sid come to Mumbai tommorrow?" My Dad asks.

"Yes, that will be great. "

"Tej, if you don't have any problem I would like to talk to Sanjana alone?" Nilanjla Aunty asks.

"Sure, no problem at all."

"Sanjana, let's go to pool side." And with that we headed for the pool.

"Sanjana, you can call me mom now - as it is yes from our side."

"Will definitely call you mom when mine and Akshay's alliance will be confirmed."

"Sanjana, listen to me carefully then decide after analyzing thoroughly." I nodded at her in consent and asked her to continue.

"Akshay is very personal does not share his problems. He had a girlfriend earlier. I don't know the cause of the breakup but it had a bad impact on Akshay it left him what he is today : cold, rude, emotionless and ruthless. I am telling you all this because I know you are strong and will be able to handle him."

"Aunty..."

"Sanjana, decide after a thorough analysis because it is a question of your life."

"Sure." I muttered distractedly.

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Siddhanket and Kavya left for the Mumbai very next day and liked the house and people. They has so much money - I mean their son has so much many yet they are so down to earth.

Siddhanket found Akshay very straight-forward that some people may find rude but he was honest and not very much spoken. He only speaks when he found it necessary.

During this time Akshay's mother has done the drama of being ill and not eating food till her son agrees to marry.

At last, Akshay has to agree and it was decided that they will get marry after a week in Singhania Grand, Delhi. Their engagement was done on the very same day both Sanjana and Akshay agreed.

After a week, they were wedded in a very close knit ceremony in presence of friends and family.

Neelanjla Singhania was able to approve Sanjana's immediate transfer to Mumbai through her contacts.

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Sanjana's POV:

Now, here I am sitting in the car with my newly wedded husband. We had not even spoken a word but when he filled my partition and tied mangalsutra around my neck I fell in love with him and I promised myself that I will fulfill all my vows and will not surrender to defeat till last.

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Post Wedding Rituals

Akshay and Sanjana's Room

Singhania Mansion

Mumbai

Sanjana's POV:

I am waiting for my husband in his room. This wait is itself magical. I cannot wait to talk to him, to see him and feel him. The room is beautifully decorated with fairy lights and rose petals. The theme of the room is black and red with minimal white. It was tastefully done. The hanging lights in the corner are giving the room a warm glow and rose petals on the bed are creating a romantic atmosphere.

My chain of thoughts was broken when my husband came in my room dressed in white full sleeved round neck shirt with its sleeves folded till elbows and light grey sweatpants.

"Mrs. Singhania, I need to clarify few things." He said formally. Okay, he can do his way. For now, I will listen to him.

"Please continue."

" I agreed to marry you only because of my mother. I do not believe in love so do not expect me to love you. You are my wife in eyes of my family and society only. I will fufill my duties as husband and I will expect the same from you. Am I clear?"

His words pierced my heart. How cruel can he be? His words brought tear to my eyes but I will not cry in front of him and  his mother has already told me what I was signing for and it was my decision to go with it. So, I will face all the consequences bravely.

"Yes, anything else?" I asked in a strong voice not wanting to show him the hurt and pain I was feeling.

"Pack my bags. I am leaving in morning for States. I am asking you because till now my mother and maids use to do it for me now I cannot ask her to do so."

"Akshay, you need not to clarify I am your wife whether you accept it or not. As your wife it is my duty to take care of you. It will be done. Now, Can I be excused?"

"Sure." He dismissed me. His talk was so formal. It was as if  he was not talking with his newly wedded wife but his employee.

I made my way towards bathroom after taking out my pajyamas. As soon as, I closed the door my tears started flowing non stop.

I am not gonna let myself and his mother down. She had trusted me with him. I am not going to let her trust go down the drain.

I composed my self and started removing my heavy jewellery. After that I let my hair out of bun and cleaned my makeup. I left the chura (bangels worn by bride) and mangalsutra (a chain which signifies the status of marriage) . It is something which I cannot remove for 3 months. After that I changed in my pajyams. It was monochrome light skinpeach silk pyjamas which I absolutely adore for the comfort it provides.

After that I folded all my wedding dress and jewellery and placed it in cupboard. My husband does not like to share his walk-in- closet. His mother has renovated the room with two cupboards for my clothes.

While I was changing Akshay was busy working on his laptop. This man does not get tired or what. Today was the most hectic day of our lives or maybe not for him. He does not have to wear 10 kjs of clothes and jewellery for freaking 10 hours.

"Akshay, please get some rest as you have to wake up early for your morning flight."

"You sleep, I am left with some work I will sleep when it is finished."

"Good Night."

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Morning 06:00

Next day

I am getting ready for the day. I has freshen up, showered, has wore my red saree with golden embroidery and my heels. My chura, mangalsutra and my sindoor (vermillion put on forehead by married Indian women) are my only jewellery.

I had left my hair open to get it dry. I packed Akshay's bags and wake him up.

"Akshay wake up, its already 7:00. Wake up otherwise you will get late." He did not even stir.

I touches his shouder and try to jolt him a little. It causes few droplets from my hair to fall on him which cause him to wake up.

"Good Morning, Akshay. I have packed your clothes and arranged your outfit for the day. I am going downstairs for making your breakfast till then you can get ready." He did not reply just grunted and left for the bathroom.

Since, all some of the relatives are still here and I am newly wedded I have to cover my head for few days.

Today, I will have to cook some sweet before making breakfast as it is a ritual. Before, that ritual I cannot enter the kitchen.

I only know about his mother's room. So I knocked on her room's door. His father opened the door. Everyone is still sleeping as it was quite hectic and everyone has slept after 3 in morning.

"Sanjana, you here this early in the morning. You needed something ?"

"Good Morning Papa, sorry to disturb you this early in the morning, Akshay's flight is at 08:00 so I have to make his breakfast and I can not do so because of pending ritual of Rasoi pujan(A ritual where newly wed bride has to cook something sweet) . I thought to take help from Ma. "

"Good Morning, fair enough. I will ask Neelanjla to help you."

"Sure."

I was reading newspaper when Mom came dressed in an elegant ivory and pink saree.

"Good Morning Ma, sorry to disturb you this early."

"Good Morning , don't worry this is the last day of my work. From now on only you have to take care of him."

"Yes absolutely, when will be rasoi pujan?."

"It is scheduled at 10:00. I will get his breakfast ready asap."

"Sure, What are Akshay's favourites?"

"He is a little choosy when it comes to foodbut bhindi masala, paneer- pyaaz ke parathe, dahi bhindi, bharava baigan, rajma chawal pasand and biryani(all indian dishes). "

"Except biryani I can cook everything. Will you teach me how to cook biryani? "

"Ofcourse, your husband needs biryani twice a month and I get tired easily nowadays. You will have to take care of his needs ."

Our talks were interrupted by Akshay decked in navy blue suit, rolex watch, platinum cuff links and his silver tie in his hand, he was looking dashing. My husband sure is handsome.

"Good Morning, Mama." He wished her and kissed her cheek.

"Good Morning, beta(son). "

"Why are you cooking? Is it not her job now?" He said while pointing with his chin towards me.

"Its because rasoi pujan is not performed yet. After its done then she will be cooking for you and home, its her responsiblity now."

"Mama, here tie my tie."

"Sanjana, tie your husband's tie."

"Why she and why not you?"

"What you mean why she and why not me, I am your mother not your personal assistant and from now on don't come with me for your tie."

"Ok."

I took his tie from him and tied it in a perfect knot. He is tall even in my 4-inch heels, I had to stand on my tiptoes for circling it around his neck.

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I set the table for his breakfast and served him.

He was having his breakfast and Ma and I were talking on random topics, when we were interrupted by a man dressed like bodyguard.

"Sir, your luggage has been loaded and jet is on standby we can leave whenever you wish."

"We leave in 15 minutes."

"Alex, let me introduce you to your boss' wife: Sanjana meet Alex Jameson, Chief Security Officer, Singhania Empire." Ma introduce us.

"Good Morning Ma'am, nice to meet you."

"Good Morning Alex, nice to meet you too and please call me Sanjana."

"Sure, Sanjana."

"Alex, if you are done. I would like to leave now."

"Sorry Sir, sure."

"Bye Mama and bye." With that he left.

"Sanjana you go and rest, when it will be time for rasoi pujan I will send Kirti to fetch you and Sanjana remember to wear some jewellery."

" Sure, Ma. "

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10:00 o'clock

When I came downstairs for rasoi pujan, there were atleats 20 guests except family members. I had wore a light weight diamond and ruby necklace with matching earrings as per Ma's instructions.

I greeted elders by touching their feet.

"Sanjana, what you will make?"

"Ma, I was thinking to make Sooji ka halwa (an Indian dish) ,everyone will like and it takes less time."

"No one has have breakfast yet so you will have to cook it as well."

"Sure MA" With that she left the kitchen.

I made grilled cheese veggies sandwhiches, aloo ke parathe(stuffed bread with potatoes) with schzewan chutney fresh orange juice and sooji ka halwa for breakfast.

I set the table for breakfast and call everyone out. Everyone settled themselves while I and bhabhi served.

Suddenly, Harsheen Chachi(Aunt) asked "Neelanjla, where is Akshay, have not seen him yet?"

"Harsheen, he has important meetings that's why he have to fly to States."

"He has just got married yesterday and has already left his wife." Commented Harsheen chachi' sister.

"Meeting was important that's why he is gone otherwise he would have been here only."

"Neelanjla, he is your beloved son so you will take his side. He is now owner of biggest empire in the world obviously arrogance is a part and parcel." Her statement made my blood boil but I controlled it.

"Chachi, I am sorry you have no right to interfare and indulge without knowing everything. Akshay has gone because he had important work and the meeting was scheduled before the date of our marriage was fixed so it will be appreciated if you keep your taunts to yourself and when it comes to arrogance, he must have a little because it is not easy to achieve what he has but he is not arrogant just like do his work with full dedication that's why is not able to present in every unnecessary social functions." I answered her politely.

"Neelanjla, make your daughter-in law understand that she needs to control her voice."

"You need to understand this, not Sanjana." The reply Ma gave them shut their mouth.

With that she handed me a packet of Shagun(a kind of gift) and left with Papa. Everyone praised the food and left for their respective rooms.

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