Rishi

I stared at my watch for nth time. I was still fifteen minutes for the decided time but I was hoping for Karan to be here before time. I had decided to to fly down to Sanjana's native and do a little bit of my own research to know more about Khanna household.  Kishore Khanna, the patriarch had a big name and  respect in the city. Many brands partnered with him to get the base for their perfumes.  Khanna's were pioneer in natural fragrances, I did try a few from local market and it did impress me.

What surprised me was that people had to say all good about Kishore Khanna and bad about Karan, because   he did no respect the family values. Kishore Khanna seemed to be an idol of family values. But to me he was a man trying to control the lives and dreams of others.

''Where are you lost?'' A voice made me look up  and there stood a tall, good looking guy smiling at me.

''Karan Khanna!'' I said standing up and accepting a handshake. Karan checked me out from head to toe. ''You are okay, she could do better.''

I smiled. ''Yes, but I am the final choice. There will be no change in that.'' I replied. Karan chuckled

''Tell me Rishi!''

''What will I have to do to convince your grandfather.'' I asked 

''You have to be his choice. That simple. But he won't. Not because, of who you are or who your family is. Its just because Sanjana liked you and chose you, we have no right to choose something we like. One of my sister, she waned to do so much with her life but Dadu got her married before she could open her wings. Its just that she got lucky with her arranged husband. It has been more three years and she still keeps her distance. My uncle too suffered but gave up and you know my story.''

I felt a strange anger towards this Kishore Khanna. ''So I don't have a chance.''

''Rishi, I will speak to Sanju, she won't insist on the family part.''

''But that will break her heart, and I don't want that.''

Karan smiled affectionately, ''Sanju has always been like  this. Trying to make all happy. '' Karan huffed. ''Tell me if you have a plan.''

''I don't. But I have to try.''

Karan thought, ''Why don't your have dinner with us.'' And then he smiled. I nodded

***

Karan and his wife greeted me warmly into their sweet adobe. The way they looked at each other and he way Karan took care of her. I was glad for him that he chose her over his stubborn grandfather. And there was a small toddler who kept staring at me like I was some alien. I tried breaking the eye contact but whenever I would look, she was still staring at me.

''Your daughter is killing me with her stare.'' I said.

''She is just waiting for you to befriend her. '' Karan said. He picked his daughter and bought her to me. ''Say hi.''

Again, there was a stare. ''Karan, does your grandfather as well stare like that.'' After a moment he laughed. ''His stare is pretty scary.''

I smiled at the baby. ''What's her name.''

''Komal!'' Karan replied giving his daughter a peck.

Squatting down, I came to her level. ''Hi Komal. I am your uncle.''

And then she smiled. I have admit, that was he cutest thing I had seen in all of my living years. Picking her up, I spoke to her some random stuff and she responded in her own language which I couldn't understand but it sounded like honey. I handed her my keychain which she seemed fascinated about. I don't know what came over me, I pecked the top her soft head. My eyes went to Karan and his wife, he kept following her, helping with he could. Yes, this is what I want with Sanjana.

***

After exactly 24hrs I stood outside Khanna residence. ''You really want to do this?'' Karan asked

''yes!''

''We should think of something else.''

''Like me meeting him as some random business man and then overtaking his money. FInally he agrees to the wedding for the rest of the family.'' Karan chuckled hearing me

''He is Kishore Khanna, the man would have have done a Phd on you.'' Karan huffed, ''I still think you should inform Sanjana.''

''No, I do this my way.'' Karan nodded. ''I will wait here.''

''Why?''

''I won't step into that house ever again. Not till Kishore Khanna apologises to my wife.'' I stared at the man, my heart filled with respect.

 ''I will see you in a while.''

***

My presence in the main hall of Khanna residence bought a big commotion and I Liked it. Kishore Khanna stood opposite to me glaring at me , he seemed too angry that at my audacity. I smirked and looked over his shoulder. Sanjana's dad stood there a little worried but gave me a small smile. I greeted him joining my palms.

''How dare you?'' 

I took a step forward. ''I am never scared of any dare.''

Sanjana's grandfather looked mad. ''What can be expected out of  a filth like you. Your parents...''

''Shut it!'' I snarled. ''Kishore Khanna, you are a coward and I see that you have built a castle of cowards around you. You couldn't  tolerate that someone under you could breathe and dream. Sanjana and Karan did exactly that.''

''They both are dead to me.''

That angered me. ''Then step aside, you are no one to my Sanjana.'' Ignoring him I walked and stood opposite to Sanajna's dad. ''Uncle, I am Rishi Mehra. Sanjana And I like each other and see our future as a family. I came here because family means all for Sanjana, even when hers treated her like garbage. I promise to be by your daughters side for life. Will you bless us?''

Sanjana's dad looked happy, yet miserable. Tied by his duty towards his father. ''Uncle, do it for her.''

''He has my values. That's a different story that he couldn't impart same into her.''

''You have my blessings.'' A voice came from he other end. I stared at a middle age man who stood opposite to me next to Sanjana's father. ''I am Shekhar, Sanjana's uncle. Kishore Khanna's first victim. I wished I had the guts then , my life would have been different and the children of this family  wouldn't have suffered. But its time, I stand up.''

Sanajna's father patted my head and walked away. he looked tired and broken. ''Thank You!'' I smiled at her uncle. ''Karan has a daughter, cute one. You should meet her. '' I said before turning away to leave.

My steps halted and then  I stared at her grandfather. ''Mr Kishore Khanna,  the power you are so proud off can be destroyed in minutes. I love Sanjana, this is why you could splutter nonsense. I am not going anywhere.''

''Out of my house.'' I smirked before walking out. Guess I have to do this bollywood style. This man is proud of his power and I am going to snatch the same.

***

Third POV

''I told him not to do something stupid but Rishi will never listen.'' Rishi's father was mad , Roma rubbed her hands.

''Tell me what did he do.''

''He has started targeting the suppliers for Khanna Perfumes. Rishi can be persuasive and his feelings for Sanjana will make him go limitless.''

''But how.''

''Karan Khanna had started his own small perfume business after being shunned by his grandfather but Kishore Khanna used his influence and Karan couldn't flourish and Karan had to look for 9 to 5 job. Kishore Khanna is still trying to sabotage his career. Rishi is just playing the same game. He is using his contacts in showbiz and promoting Karan. He is slowing withdrawing business prospects from Kishore Khanna''

''How is he wrong?'' Roma asked. She felt her son was justified.

''Kishore Khanna wanted Karan to apologise, but Rishi wants him broken. Roma, Sanjana loves her grandfather. She believes in winning via love. Rishi is doing exactly what Kishore Khanna has done, the difference is, if he succeeds its going to break an old man. We don't want that. Sanajna will not forgive if her grandfather is hurt.''

Rishi's parents now looked worried about the outcome. ''Roma, I will try and minimize the damage.'' 

''What are you going to do?''

''Don't know, but something. I will have to meet Sanjana's dad and soon.'' Roma Mehra nodded.

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