chapter 32

SerendipityEpisode-32Today, after many years, Megha was visiting Gupta Sir's house. Purab had come to Mumbai after a long time but had fallen ill.He usually managed the Delhi office of SWC—a true Delhiite, refined and well-mannered. Monthly visits to Mumbai meant that he and Megha often met at the office, but going to Gupta Sir’s house was rare.The last time Megha visited had been two years ago, when Mrs. Sunidhi Gupta passed away from a heart attack.As Megha rang the doorbell, Pramila Tai, the housemaid, opened the door, busy with her tasks.Megha requested her to prepare some moong dal rice khichdi for Purab before heading to his room.Inside the dim room, Purab sat wrapped in a shawl on a chair near the corner.Outside the window, the distant Worli Sea-Link shimmered in the night. Megha switched on the lights, gently touching his forehead.“Why are you sitting in the dark like this? Still feeling unwell?” she asked.Purab looked up, his voice soft. “Just lost in thought. How did the Supreme presentation go? Dad was so pleased.”“Yes, it went well. I met Sanyal Sir for the first time—he’s quite a character! I enjoyed speaking with him,” she replied, smiling.“And Rajeev? Was he there?” Purab’s question made Megha’s expression shift slightly.“Yes, he was. Arrived a bit late but stayed till the end. Anyway, we got the Sehegal project. I just signed the contract,” she shared, her face lighting up.“Great news! You deserved it. Now let’s see what happens with Supreme’s decision,” he replied, leaning back in his chair, his gaze steady.Should I tell Purab about everything? No, not today. He’s still unwell, she thought. Maybe in a few days.News had begun circulating that Supreme was close to finalizing a contract with JPM.The Technosys takeover was shaping up to be the biggest of the coming financial year for Supreme, with all major financial news channels keeping a close watch.Speculation ran high on whether the project would go to JPM or SWC, and the media was likely to break the news before Supreme made any formal announcement.Megha brought herself back to the present and asked, “Did you eat anything in the afternoon? And did you take your medicine?”“It’s nothing, Tai. I had prepared soup earlier, he had very little... when i offered soft rice in the afternoon, he wasn’t hungry,” pramila tai complained with a smile as she entered with a mug of coffee.“See? He’s so fussy about food,” Pramila complained lightheartedly. Megha laughed, “Well, Pramila Tai, let’s make some khichdi now and see if he can resist.”Purab folded his hands, feigning surrender. “Thank you both, but please don’t gang up on me,” he said, smiling.After a pause, Megha looked at him teasingly. “You really need to take better care of yourself, Purab. Always traveling, always working. Maybe it’s time to ask Gupta Sir to arrange your marriage! Then you’ll have someone who can properly worry about you.”Purab turned to her, a serious expression on his face. “If you care so much about me, why don’t you marry me?”“Purab…” Megha felt the coffee mug slip in her hand.“Yes, Megha. At least tell me why you keep refusing. You always say I’m your best friend… So why can’t this best friend be a good life partner?” Purab’s eyes held hers, waiting.“PURAB, PLEASE. We’ve discussed this before,” she replied firmly.“So tell me, what’s the problem?” he asked, frustration edging into his voice.“Purab, I value our friendship above everything. I’ve never thought of you in that way. I don’t want to get married again, and I’ve told you this before. I hope you understand.” She stood and looked out the window, her gaze distant.“Right now, my focus is on taking SWC to number one. I think we can do it together, starting with the Sehegal project. And if we secure the Supreme project… nothing can stop SWC from reaching the top,” she said, watching the lights on the Sea-Link bridge twinkling in the distance.Purab stood up and moved next to her.“I’m sorry. I’ve been feeling lonely all day, and I just… I thought maybe after all these years… maybe things would be different.” He paused, taking a breath. “But I’m sorry if I crossed a line.”Megha softened. “Purab, please don’t misunderstand. I don’t want to complicate our friendship. It’s so important to me. If I ever need anything, I know you’d be there, even if I called in the middle of the night.”She placed a hand on his shoulder. “Let’s keep this friendship pure. We are best friends, and we always will be.”To be continued....© ®️ Meghna_Yadav 2021Special Thanks to friend Gayatri and my loving daughter, my buddy.Hello Readers,Illuminate the five stars of ratings with your gentle touch. Do let me know your thoughts via comments..Thanks and Regards,Meghana Yadav... Â