Chapter 1

                                                                                              Image by freepik

# Mumbai

“Anjali, I can’t believe you’re not ready with the documentation yet. Sidharth sir will be here any moment,” Nisha exclaimed, startled to find Anjali rushing around in a panic.

Anjali was sweating nervously. “Ma’am, I’m almost done. I’m just not feeling well today.” she mumbled, wiping the sweat off her forehead.

Nisha huffed in annoyance at the excuse and left the cabin, leaving a panicked Anjali behind.

At exactly 11:00, the office siren blared, signaling the imminent arrival of the boss.

Karan hurried to the conference room with the project file, knowing the meeting was about to begin and their boss wouldn’t tolerate clients being left unattended. Plus, it was imperative that everything was in place for Sidharth’s arrival.

And then, he strode in, flanked by his two imposing guards who followed his every step

Every woman on the floor subtly cleared her throat as Sidharth Shergil made his entrance. His presence was magnetic, his physique sharply defined beneath his tailored suit. There was an aura of authority around him that drew the eye—a blend of muscular prowess, striking height, and a rugged handsomeness that seemed almost too intense to be real. His gaze held a hint of steeliness, as though he could see straight through any facade.

He was Sidharth Shergil, one of Mumbai’s most famous and successful business tycoons at just 32. Walking directly to the conference room, he noticed Anjali, Karan, and Nisha already seated with the clients. Pleasant handshakes were exchanged, and everyone took their seats.

One of the clients, Mrs. Sunaina, couldn’t seem to take her eyes off Sidharth. Nisha shot her a glare but could do nothing; this was a common occurrence with every female client.

As Nisha began her presentation, Anjali started distributing copies of the documentation and realized there weren’t enough.

A tense silence settled over the room.

Anjali’s voice trembled slightly as she apologized, “I’m sorry, sir. I’ll get two more copies right away.”

Sidharth’s gaze sharpened on her. Karan and Nisha exchanged knowing looks—they were familiar with Sidharth’s high expectations and swift reactions.

“You didn’t anticipate the number of attendees?” Sidharth’s voice cut through the room sharply.

Anjali’s gaze dropped, her voice barely a whisper, “I… I knew, sir. It was a mistake. I will—”

He interrupted her sternly, “You’re terminated, Ms. Anjali. Please, leave the cabin immediately.”

Shock rippled through the room, except for Karan and Nisha, who had anticipated this outcome.

Karan sighed inwardly, feeling sympathy for Anjali, while Nisha wore a smug smirk.

Anjali’s apologies continued to pour out, but Karan gently guided her out of the room, knowing  it was just not possible to change Sidharth’s mind.

Anjali began apologizing again causing Sidharth to glare at Karan and Nisha. Karan quickly escorted her out, not wanting to provoke Sidharth further.

Nisha promptly handed Karan’s copy to the left out members and resumed the presentation, determined not to let the incident derail their meeting.

Outside the conference room, Anjali was overcome with tears, pleading desperately with Karan for a second chance.

Karan shook his head regretfully, “I’m sorry, Anjali. You know sir doesn’t entertains any mistake. That’s just how Sidharth Shergil operates—once he decides, he doesn’t backtrack.”

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# Mohali

“Heyy, now it’s your turn, Sana,” Bani said with excitement, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Today was the last day of their college, their send-off day. The atmosphere was charged with a mixture of joy and sadness, as everyone knew this was the end of an era. Friends were sharing their feelings, laughing, crying, and reminiscing about the good times they had shared over the years. Amidst the cheerful crowd stood Shehnaz, their most beloved friend, quietly standing in one corner.

She was wrapped in a beautiful pink chudidar that complemented her rosy cheeks. She looked like a typical Himachali girl, insanely beautiful, as if every corner of her face was painted with love by God. Her trademark smile, her brown eyes filled with kohl, her natural pink blush, and lips dipped in cherry made her stand out. Shehnaz’s beauty was not just skin deep; it was her vibrant personality that truly captivated everyone around her.

Shehnaz, feeling the weight of everyone’s eyes on her, looked grumpily at Bani before stepping forward. Despite her initial reluctance, she knew she couldn’t escape this moment. The college days were more memorable because of her bubbly nature, her madness mixed with sweetness, and her devilish yet cute innocence. She had all the colors of life within her, making every moment with her unforgettable.

She took a deep breath and started speaking, “Meri English sunake sabne bhagana hai… isse achha main Hindi bolu. Yakin nahi ho raha ke hum sab aaj ke baad nahi milenge. Kasam lage mujhe agar jhoot bolu, but sachhi rona aa raha hai. But koi na, ye bhi ek phase hai life ka. Babaji sabne khush rakhna aur sab contact mein rehna.”

Her voice trembled with emotion, and she completed her speech a little too early, unable to hold back her tears. Her friends, moved by her words and her tears, hugged her tightly, promising to always be there for each other. The bond they shared was unbreakable, forged through years of shared experiences and deep friendship.

As Shehnaz wiped her tears, a pair of hands suddenly closed over her eyes from behind. An instant smile formed on her lips, and she cried out excitedly, “Raj… omggggggg.”

Raj removed his hands and took her in a bear hug. “Tuze kaise pata chal jata hai humesha?”

Shehnaz smiled wide, “Dost hai mera… kaise nahi guess karungi?”

The chitchat continued as they made their way home. However, the atmosphere at Shehnaz’s house startled them. Her mother was in tears, but she quickly wiped them away as she saw her daughter and smiled lightly. “Are, Raj beta… kaise ho… aaj yahan kaise ana hua?”

Raj smiled back, “Aunty ji, main ekdum changa. Aap ro rahe hai kya?”

Shehnaz, sensing something was wrong, requested Raj to leave. Understanding the situation, Raj immediately left. Shehnaz went to her mother and gently made her look into her eyes. “Amma, ki hoya… aap ro rahe the?”

“Puttar, tu Jake fresh ho… fir baat karte hain,” her mother said, leaving for the kitchen.

Defeated and worried, Shehnaz left for her room. Her parents’ quietness was unsettling, and it worried her all the more. She sensed that something was terribly wrong, something that couldn’t be discussed in front of her younger brother, Baaz.

Once Baaz was off to bed, she confronted her parents about their odd behavior. “sab kuch khatam ho gaya. hum barbad ho agye,” her father uttered, his voice heavy with despair.

“Matlab…?” Shehnaz couldn’t understand what he was saying.

Her mother started crying all of a sudden. “Ye sab meri galati hai… Sab meri galati…”

“Ae ki keh rahi hai tu Jasbira. Taudi koi galati nahi hai,” her father tried to console her.

“Par ki hoya hai… meno abhi dasso,” Shehnaz’s brain was going mad with the puzzle.

“Tere mamaji…,” her mother started to cry again. “Dhokha diya hume. Tere papaji ko bina pata lage… dono bhi dukane apne naam karli.”

Shehnaz looked at her mother in shock. The shop was their only source of survival. She had seen her father work hard in the shop since she was a kid. What would they do now..

“Ab kya karenge… kaise jiyenge… bachho ki padhai… Sana ki shadi… ghar kaise chalega,” her mother became frantic. “Etna paise bhi nahi ke vakil kar paye. Ab kya hoga ji…”

Shehnaz took her crying mother in her arms. She herself had no idea what to say or do but comforted her mother “Maa… dekhna sab thik ho jayega… achhe logo ke sath achha hi hota hai… main hoon na…”

Rajender patted his daughter’s head sweetly as he noticed her face laced with panick. “Oyy tu fikar na kar… main koi job dhoond lunga jaldi.”

Shehnaz wanted to help her family too. she uttered softly, already knowing the reaction, “Papaji main bhi job karna…”

“Dimag kharab hai tera… job karegi… apne gaon mein koi ladki kaam nahi karti. Teri shadi karani hai,” Rajender said with finality. “Daarji sunenge toh dono ki jaan leni hai. Jaake soja ab.”

Shehnaz walked off to her bed, a little upset but couldn’t sleep. Her mind was restless with thoughts. Why couldn’t she work? She wanted to study more, but she also wanted to do a job. It seemed too difficult here. She didn’t want to marry so early and complained to her wahe guru ji. “just because me ek ladki hun toh me job nahi kar sakti.. ye toh galat hai na.. sheher me toh sari ladkiya kaam karti hai.. mujhe shadi nahi karni babaji… Aapne mujhe Mumbai mein kyun nahi paida kiya…?

Mumbai?”

Her eyes widened with a sudden realization.

Yes! That was it!

__________________________

# Mumbai

Sidharth was busy typing an email when he heard a knock on his cabin door. “Come in,” he called out without looking up.

Nisha walked in, her heels clicking on the floor, her skirt hardly reaching her knees. “Sidharth…sir,” she said with a flattery smile.

Sidharth, not bothering to look up, waited for her to continue. Irritated by his lack of attention, she handed him the list of three CVs that were shortlisted from sixty.

Sidharth was adamant about selecting his personal secretary himself this time. He had fired more than ten employees in the last three months. He glanced through the list. “I will meet all three together in the next 30 minutes,” he said, walking off without sparing her a single look.

Upset, Nisha crushed the CVs in anger. “Why does he never look at me… bloody why…”

The candidates were anxiously waiting for the interview, aware of the strict boss but seeing this as a golden opportunity to learn and grow under Sidharth Shergil for future endeavors.

Sidharth walked into the cabin and walked out in hardly ten minutes, glaring at Zoya, the HR head, who was waiting outside. Zoya knew the result already.

Sidharth looked at her, confused. “These people you shortlisted for my secretary post…? Are you out of your mind, Zoya? Do you need a day off?”

Zoya rolled her eyes. “Not my fault, sir. Our Ms. Smart Nisha was adamant that she would shortlist candidates.”

Sidharth sighed, irritated. “Zoya, it’s your job, and you know what I need. Next time, you need to use the words “please get in touch with Sidharth before getting into another’s job” With that, Sidharth walked off, leaving a happy Zoya behind.

_______________________

# Mohali

A week had passed, and all Shehnaz could notice was her father’s struggle to find a job. Her heart ached seeing her father so worried and restless. She hated her mamaji for betraying them. Karma would do its justice one day, she was sure of it. But right now, she wanted to be a helping hand to her parents and not just their responsibility.

Determined, she called Rajbeer and asked him to meet her at the riverside. She was unusually quiet, and Rajbeer understood something was terribly wrong. Shehnaz and quiet… that wasn’t possible. “Jab tak tu mujhe batayegi nahi kya baat hai, how will I help you?”

Shehnaz continued to look at the water, her voice trembling with suppressed frustration. “Mene job karni hai, but papaji ne mana kar diya.”

Rajbeer looked at her, confused. “Job…? But tuze toh MBA karna hai na…”

Shehnaz looked at him, irritated. “Mera mood nahi hai ab bas… mujhe job karni hai.”

Sighing, Rajbeer tried to relax her. “I am just asking, Sana. Uncle ji nahi manenge job ke liye… daarji toh kabhi nahi…” Shehnaz already knew that. “But kyu karni hai tuze job achanak?”

Rajbeer tried to change the topic. Shehnaz sighed, upset. “Ghar pe financial problem hai… papaji bahot pareshan hai.”

“Me dad se baat karu…?” Rajbeer didn’t like the sadness on her face. She looked quiet when she was happy. He wanted to hug her close but couldn’t. He couldn’t tell her he loved her. He was scared that if she didn’t reciprocate his feelings, he would lose her as a friend too.

Shehnaz denied immediately. “Ha ha, bade paisewale log ho tum log,” she joked, making him angry. She smiled cutely. “Papaji ko achha nahi lagega… waise bhi mujhe help kar, kaise convince karu unhe job ke vaste.”

Rajbeer himself wasn’t convinced with the job thing. “Nahi manenge… bhul ja tu…” She got up angrily, hearing his negavtive words. “Tu na useless hai… me koi idea dhund lungi…” He got up too. “Sapne dekh tu… daarji kabhi nahi manenge.”

“Shehnaz naam hai mera… aise haar nahi manti me,” she said, stomping her foot angrily and leaving.

Upset, Rajbeer sat there alone. He didn’t want her to do a job. He didn’t like the attraction every guy felt towards her beauty. He wanted to make her his.

________________

# Mumbai

One of the candidates, who was a chamcha of Nisha, informed her about the non-selection. Irritated, She went to meet Zoya instantly..

Zoya was on a call with a consultancy when an angry Nisha walked in. “I’ll call back in a few minutes,” she said, disconnecting the call.

“Why was none of the candidates selected?” Nisha asked, irritated.

Zoya was calm. “Boss found none deserving.”

“Really…?” Nisha couldn’t handle her anger. ” Is it because I shortlisted them?”

“Why don’t you ask that to boss directly?” she countered back with a wink.

Nisha was burning with rage. “Don’t try to be over-smart with me.” With that, she walked off, and Zoya rolled her eyes, giving up.

______________________

Sidharth was going to his mother’s room when he was stopped by Kajal aunty. “Sidharth beta…” Sidharth stopped at her sugar-coated voice.

Kajal smiled charmingly. “Where have you been, son? I was missing you…”

“I’m always present at the breakfast table unless I’m traveling,” he said, the unsaid hint clear.

Kajal made a face. “You know, honey… mujhse nahi utha jata etni subah.”

“Is there something important you wanted to talk about?” he asked, waiting patiently for her to come to the point.

Kajal sneered at his lack of response but couldn’t say anything. Instead, she smiled. “Honey, Aryan has booked a return flight for this Saturday. I am sure you will get his cabin ready soon as he would love to join immediately.”

Sidharth probably knew that. “That depends on how he clears his interview round. Anyways, it still has time. I’ll see you.” With that, he left for his mother’s room, leaving Kajal seething in anger.

“Maa…” he walked in, but the room was empty.

“Two minutes, Sid…” he heard his mother shout from the washroom.

Sitting comfortably on the bed, he called Anishka, his sister, “When is your trip ending?”

Anishka, who was on her trip, replied funnily, “Na hi… na hello… are you even missing me, Bhai?”

Smiling at his nautanki sister, “A lot, baby… bol na… when are you coming back?” His mother came out of the washroom, hearing her kids speaking on the phone, and smiled, taking a seat beside her son.

Sidharth immediately sat on the floor near her and placed his head in her lap. “At least a week more for the return flight,” Anishka said, starting to tell what she did, what things she saw, blah blah.

Rolling his eyes, Sidharth put the phone on speaker and closed his eyes in peace as his mother caressed his hair lovingly and placed a kiss on his forehead. “Ab bas, baby, we got you having fun there,” his mother had to put a stop to her nonstop blabbering.

“Mummaaaa,” Anishka screamed in excitement, “I’m missing you both and pata hai…” After an hour, when she finally cut the call, Sidharth was almost half asleep.

His mother patted his cheek softly to wake him up. “Sid, khabardar bina dinner kiye soya toh.”

Sidharth realized the call was completed. “Apki beti pagal hai, seriously…etna kon baat kar sakta hai maa?”

His mother laughed. “Chup badmash… ab bata, pareshan kyu hai?” He could never understand how his mother knew him so well.

She was his lifeline. “I don’t know, maa… ek ajeeb si bechaini ho rahi hai… main samaj nahi pa raha.”

His mother took his hands in hers and kissed them softly. “Sid, main hoon na tere paas…”

He lovingly kissed her forehead. “Aap ho toh sabkuch hai, maa… sabkuch…”

“Mera pyara bachha…” she loved the baby Sid within the strong Sidharth Shergil. “Maa, actually I was thinking to go on camping… will feel little distracted.”

Rita ji sighed. “Only if you promise to take care and be back soon.”

“Promise.” With that, he kissed her forehead again lovingly and left for his room.

_____________________________________________________

Alright, here we are with the first chapter of “Bhula Dunga”!

I am both excited and nervous as this is my very first post on the website. It feels like a significant step, and I’m thrilled to share it with all of you. Please let me know your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below. Your support and constructive criticism mean the world to me and help me grow as a writer.

Also, stay tuned for “Baarish,” which will be starting soon along with the rest of the stories. There’s so much more in store, and I can’t wait for you to dive into these new adventures.

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Thank you for joining me on this journey. Show lots of love, and let’s make this a fantastic experience together!

With love and gratitude,

Shalaka