The secret of a happy life is respect. Respect for yourself and respect for others.

~Ayad Akhtar

Jagati

"You are not doing this John Deere Project." Mama said sternly feeding me upma made with ghee and cashews,made for me by my papa, as I was hungry in the middle of the night.

Jet lag sucks, you can't sleep and you get hungry in the middle of the night.

"I am doing it, that was my hard work and no one can stop me." I disagreed with her while she shoved a spoonful in my mouth to shut me up.

Guess what the surprise Nelson had for me?

You probably would've guessed it right, Devansh's village is one among John Deere's selected for their project, which I have to mentor personally and the location of their manufacturing unit is just 10 miles off their place.

That pig couldn't destroy me professionally, so he is attacking me personally as he knows my past now.

Old me would've been scared about this, but the new me is not scared of anything. No one can ruin my career which I built with my efforts, be it Devansh or Nelson.

Stop acting strong.

I am strong.

"I know you are worried about me Mama! But trust me I can handle it, and I am not weak anymore to let people walk all over me. Facing your fears makes you stronger, isn't that what you told me Mama." I said convincing her while she looked at me in awe.

"When did you grow up Janu? I missed you a lot." She replied with tears in her eyes.

"Mama! I will be going to the Global India office first time tomorrow. I am so excited. Are you proud of me." I asked her changing the topic.

" We will always be proud of you." She said holding me by my chin and placed a kiss on my head.

"Are you proud of me Aunty? I helped Uncle make Upma." Dhruv came with his bowl pouting at my mom.

"That's my Aunty, and I helped with that. So she would be more proud of me." Kar came from the kitchen eating from his bowl and sat beside Dhruv.

"Whatever floats your boat bro, and by the way Uncle likes me more than you, he gave me extra cashews." Dhruv irked Karthik by sticking his tongue out.

This Dhruv can start a silly fight with anyone, Dhruv is staying in our home and so is Karthik and everyone in my family after they knew that I came back.

"I like my daughter way more than you three." My papa came, hugged and kissed me while everyone in the room glared at our love.

My mama snatched the bowl of Brownie with Ice cream from my papa's hands and while the other two monkeys started eating from it.

My family is my life, looking at them laughing and fighting with each other like kids makes me feel content. I missed this happiness, I miss my old self.

After a lot of silly fights and goofy plans we all went back to our own rooms and slept peacefully. I got up by 6 and got ready in my high waist black pants, white tee shirt and beige checkered jacket on top, to look like the COO of Global.

I have to make a real good first impression, I have to show all these people in here that I am the boss not some little kid.

"My daughter grew up, look at her. She looks like a real business woman." My papa said as soon as I entered the living room.

"Why does she have to work for some other company Jaggu?  when she can work in our own with Karthik? It's hers as much as its Karthik's." said my aunt as in Karthik's mom walking in from her room.

Oh god! she started this again. She is scared to leave me alone because of what happened and thinks that Karthik can be my baby sitter at work.

Why can't they fight like every other sibling for money and property?

"So cute Aunty! I love you. I got that job because of my skills and papa already appointed me a female security guard who is gonna be my PA. Don't worry about me and worry about that son of yours who apparently has a girlfriend now." I told her pulling her cheeks while my papa laughed.

Yup! Apparently Karthik could be tamed, the man who said love is not my cup of tea, is drinking the same tea now. I didn't meet her personally or know her name but she exists.

Dhruv was still sleeping, and I didn't wanna wake him up so I ate breakfast and started to Global India with Shreya, an ex-army convoy gunner, who's gonna be my PA/ Security/ baby sitter.

Shreya is 24 and a real quiet woman, she doesn't talk unless required and was specifically recommended by Shyam Bhaiyya.

We reached the 25 floor tall glass building located in a 10 acre campus.

Phew...Breath in Breathe out..I can do this.

We walked to the reception and found Mr.Rao V.P of Global India waiting for me with a flower bouquet. I met him so many times virtually during our meetings.

After introducing him to Shreya, we all walked to 24th floor with a vague tour of the building, and reached my very own cabin.

"Adjust to the new space for a few minutes before all the meetings start." With that Mr.Rao left me and Shreya alone.

It's so beautiful form up here, the never ending blue sky and milky white clouds, greenery of plants and fake water pond and people rushing into the office.

After a few minutes Mr.Rao walked in with all the managers and one person in the office had their jaw on the floor, and it is Karan, the one who made fun of me yesterday.

Why do you have that evil look on your face?

Cause I am about to do something evil for once.

Don't.

Shut up and let me handle this.

After introducing me to everyone, and me explaining the new project to them, I opened my mouth.

"Mr.Rao, Can Mr.Karan over there help Shreya get familiarized with all the details while we get accustomed, and be her assistant." I asked him as sweetly as I could.

Did you just ask Karan to be an assistant for Shreya, who's your assistant ?

I saw Karan gritting his teeth and making fists at me.

"If that's okay with Mr. Karan of course or else maybe we can find another manager." I slyly threatened him with an evil smirk on my face.

"No sir, I'll be happy to assist." Karan said with a fake smile.

Why are you doing this?

Cause he deserves it, you are way too emotional and nice to let jerks like this run all over you.

Karan stayed back sulking while everyone in the room left with a smile on their face.

"Just because you changed your name to some Jagati and got this job doesn't mean you are my superior and can rule over me." He barked coming forward from his place.

Shreya was about to move forward to tackle him but I signaled her not to.

"You do know that I have the capability to fire you and make sure you won't get a job anywhere in the world. So, I suggest that you keep your silly remarks to yourself and get working. Get me all the data on Global Hospitals along with a decaf coffee with 2 cubes of sugar on the side, with skim milk for Ms. Shreya here." I said to him sternly and waved him off.

He left stomping on the floor like a kid and did what I asked.

Before I knew it it was noon and it was time to meet the representatives from all villages John Deere was going to help, one after the other.

I explained them what John Deere is going to do, the shipment of the tools required is already in containers which will reach by the end of the this week and we can get started next week.

The door opened with the last person left to meet along with Mr.Rao, if I knew he was the one a few days earlier I would've been scared and worried, but not anymore.

"That's Ms. Jagati, Chief Operating Officer of Global.  She has accomplished so much in the last year for us, Global Hospitals and this John Deere projects are her ideas." He introduced me with a smile on his face.

As soon as Devansh heard the name Jagati, his eyes which were looking at the view from my office met me, pure shock was written all over his face, did he not expect me become this person.

I didn't either, our only goal was to marry him remember.

"I saved the best for the end Jagati, Devansh and his village are an amazing asset to this project. He did so much work to our agriculture game, he got the youngest achiever of the country award last year." Mr.Rao said so proud of Devansh.

He accomplished his goals, he did it.

"I know him Mr.Rao, we went to the same college." I told him with a smile before he could say anything more.

"My  bad, I will let you two catch up." He said closing the door leaving us all alone.

He walked forward, pulled a chair and sat before me, scanning my every movement and emotion. His eyes are showing me the emotion he always had when he looked at me. The smell of lemons hit my nose making me close my eyes and enjoy the past, and comfort it gave me.

Always sit in my lap, never beside me.

That's what he used to say, not now. Don't go mellow on him.

I set my self straight, cleared my throat, moving his attention away from my face to my words.

"Umm..I know you don't want to see me or talk to me right now. But, I can't quit this project, if you have any issues or want to back out, talk to Mr. Argo from the John Deere team. He might he.."

"This project is above me, it's for the people in my village. So, I don't need anyones card to contact, I want this project to happen." He said cutting me off and looking into my eyes making me weak.

Don't give him the power over you. Mind over heart and body , Mind over heart and body.

"I am glad we could keep our personal differences aside and work together for this. Let's get on with it." I said and started explaining him all the details, the methodology and the process.

I could feel his eyes poking me, all the time. I didn't understand if he was just looking or listening to me.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked him not able to hold myself, at his piercing gaze looking at him seriously.

"Nothing..I am just proud of all the things you did. I am really proud of the person you turned out to be. I am really happy for you.." He said with real emotions in his eyes.

I literally felt my stomach churn at his words, and I think my chest swole 2 more inches in happiness at his words.

I could see a glimpse of my Dev in his words, I knew he would be proud of his Janu.

"Thank you! I didn't have anything to do except for studying. My papa told me about your accomplishments too, you seem to be doing great." I said to him, welcoming the uncomfortable silence into the room.

"How are your parents and your friends? " I asked him wanting to ease up the room before getting back to the work at hand.

I really wanted to know how they were doing ever since I saw him.

"Everyone is great, my dad is gonna be ecstatic if he knows you are back." He said smiling maybe imagining uncles reaction and I was truly happy at his words.

I really did miss everyone here, the love uncle and aunty showed me.

"Can I ask you something?" I asked him to get an answer out of him, as Nidhi, Kajal and everyone weren't telling me.

"What happened to Manju and Aarthav? Manju doesn't look happy." I asked him playing with the mouse of my desk.

His face dropped at my question and explained everything to me, how Manju fought with everyone defending me, which slowly led to their breakup.

I am partially the reason for that too, I know that she loves him but why is it so hard for to accept that. Love is accepting the people with their flaws, she can't act like that, they are engaged now.

Hmm...Looks like the cupid me has to get into action.

I rang the intercom and Karan came into the room.

"Get me the details on AA constructions immediately." I ordered without sparing him a glance.

Devansh laughed out loud looking at Karan taking my orders and looked at me like I was unbelievable for doing that.

"Did that really happen?" He asked me laughing and I nodded at him tucking the hair behind my ear.

I literally felt a tug on my heart listening to his laugh, why does he have that kind of effect on me?

Why am I loving the person who hates me? Why does his smile make me happier than the day I got to know that I was promoted to COO?

"How did you get that new scar on your face?" He asked me pointing to the one he gave me that day.

He cares for me, he cares so much that he found such a small change in my face.

He is the reason for that, don't forget. I can't do this anymore.

"I got pushed down one day, It's nothing big. Let's complete the project details." I said quickly hiding it with my hair which I pushed back a few minutes ago and continued with the details on the project.

"We will start after the 20th, and the manufacturing unit start a week after that. Me and my team will be there everyday to look through the whole thing."

So, I took out the folders from the drawers on the side for him to sign and forwarded it to him.

"If you are happy with the process and agree to all these terms, just sign here and here." I said pointing to the areas he needs to sign and handed him the pen, while he just stiffened up on looking at my fingers.

"Yo..You still wear my ring?" He asked me in a broken voice and tears forming in his eyes.

How could I take it off? When it was the only physical evidence of our relationship in my life.

My next instinct was to hide my hand away from his gaze and that's what I did.

"It holds so much value for your grandparents, and I didn't want to lose it. You can take it back it you want." I said to him trying the ring out of my finger.

"No, keep it, if your fiancé doesn't mind. It was always meant for you.." He said with a pained look on his face at the word fiancé.

Who's my fiancé now?

Arjun dumbo! because of that little brat Dhruv.

"Arjun is n..." I was stopped as the door banged open making me jump in fear.

"I saw Karthik's girlfriend  in his office today.." Dhruv's said coming in followed by Karthik.

"What is he doing here? " Karthik rushed to me as soon as he found Devansh in the room and so did Dhruv.

They both are looking so furious and funny to me at the same time, Dhruv in his Bermuda shorts and super mantee, and Karthik in his well tailored suit, both eating ice cream from a cone. These two a perfect examples of man child.

"He is here for the JD project." I sushed them both from hovering over Devansh and hurting him.

"You should leave now Mr.Devansh, I will meet you on the 18th with all team members at your place." I said to him with a smile and stood up from my chair, feeling conscious about the two man child's catching my every move.

Devansh looked hurt but walked away from the office room without making any mess giving me one last hurt look.

"Who allowed you guys in?" I grunted at them as soon as he left.

"Why are you still talking to him? I promised you that wouldn't hurt him but that doesn't mean I will keep quiet again." Karthik said acting like a typical brother and Dhruv nodded agreeing with Kar.

"My cute little Man child's, I won't let anyone hurt me. Where is my ice cream now?" I pulled both their cheeks standing on my chair, so I can reach their faces.

Dhruv and Karthik were shocked seeing me smiling after so long, that we had to go out for lunch and celebrate.

I felt happy and I really don't know why?

Maybe you and Dev talked after a really long time and it was civil.

Maybe it's because we know that he cares for us even now.

Maybe it's because my project is moving forward Dumbo, my happiness is not related to him.

Keep telling yourself that.

And after that my day went smooth without any hiccups except for the glares of Karan which I could definitely ignore.

He also got me the file on the construction company Aarthav started, he seems to be doing okay, and in a really cost efficient way. So, I proposed John Deere to use AA constructions for the manufacturing unit.

I also need to get Manju involved in this, I should put them closer with each other so they can rekindle and realize their love. With that determination we drove to Manju's house, with two tasks at hand.

1. Convince Manju to start working with me

2. Get Manju closer to Aarthav and make them a happy couple.

"Hi Aunty! Is Manju home?" I asked her mom as she opened the door for me.

"She locked herself in her room Janu! She fought with her father today." Aunty said with a sad smile.

"Don't worry Aunty, I'll take care of it." I told her texted Shreya to go home because i don't know how long this might take.

I went towards Manju's room as we met up here 2 days ago before Nidhi and Sammy left for their honeymoon.

"Manju! It's me open the door." I knocked on it and waited her to open.

After a few minutes, I heard Manju open the door and saw her red puffy eyes, swollen face and disheveled hair. Looking at her broken like that hurts me and knowing that I am the reason for it hurts me more.

I immediately hugged her and she cried in my arms while consoled her.

"What happened Manju?" I asked her.

"Why do you care? You are gonna leave me like you did without any trace after years of being best friends." She sniffed her nose looking so cute like a little girl.

"Manju I had.."

"Don't you do dare give me some trashy explanation, if you wanted to you could've messaged me or send me postcard with an encrypted message." She started talking making me laugh.

"Fine! I am a sucky friend. Being the good friend you are tell me what happened?" I asked her

"My dad wants me to get married next week to Aarthav. He didn't even ask me if want to or if I like him. He forced me to quit my job, he is being such a typical father trying to get rid of me now that I am 23. I don't want to get married, I want to work and make a life for myself." She shared her feelings with me.

"Why don't you marry Aarthav and work after marriage? It's not like he can stop you."

After that sentence my face literally banged with pillow that Manju threw at me.

"You want me trade off from man to another man, I want to be my own person, not some one's wife or daughter."She reasoned the story of every girl from an orthodox family.

" Just so you know that  Aarthav is the reason I am in this mess, My father somehow found out I was in a relationship with a boy in college and is riding my back on getting me married. And now Aarthav came back again wanting to marry me and my dad was glad to hand me off and fixed it with him.UGHH..I want to run away from this prison." She screamed into the pillow on her lap.

"I have a proposition for you. " I said and she eyed me suspiciously.

"We need a mechanical engineer to lead the JD Project and I will give you that position and get you out of this place by convincing your father, but I need you to promise me something." A small smile crept on to her face as she heard me.

"I will give you anything, you just gotta ask." She screamed into my ears.

"Don't hit me now... I want you to give Aarthav a chance. I know you still love him, just work it out... stop trying to hate him, When you love someone you have to be careful, you might never get it again." I told her holding both her hands trying to assure her and protecting myself incase she hits me for my suggestion.

"He is still fighting for you, trying to impress you. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a love like that. Do you know what AA constructions is? Anju Aarthav. He made mistakes but stop punishing him and give him a chance. Please..." I pleaded her while her eyes got glassy with tears.

"I wanted to once but my ego was bruised when he went to my dad without asking me. I will talk to him sometime soon."

"What about you then? Do you love Dhruv's brother? Are you happy with him?"She asked me with concern.

"Arjun is not my fiancé, Dhruv just wanted to show Devansh that I moved on from him and I was living the best life. I am really happy with myself, and I get to work with my best friend." I told her the truth.

"And your ex.." She said smirking at me making me gasp.

"Your fiancé could be joining us too.." I said to irk her up while she hit me again.

Someone should tie her hands before she kills me, but all in all today was one of the happiest days of my life.

So, that was the first conversation between Janu and Dev. I think I did okay but let's see.

While writing this chapter I had an epiphany about Nepotism.If you had the chance to give someone, personally I would prefer someone I know from my family or someone I know who need it.

Is that a bad thing? or is it just human nature to look out of their own before others? I am super confused because it is a bad to rob the opportunity from someone deserving.

Anyway I will stop my stupid thoughts and hope you enjoyed the chapter.

Don't forget to vote and comment.

Love,

Sneha