BEYOND THE CLOUDS (Completed)

Chapter 31

Two years Ago – Deceased Narendra Shukla’s Prayer ceremony

Sidharth stood with his hands folded, thanking the guests as they left, offering their condolences on the passing away of his Badepapa.

Even though he was struggling to fight back his tears his eyes betrayed him occasionally, spilling over his grief.

The death of the most important person in his life had left him shattered and today he truly felt orphaned.

Quietly awaiting for all the guests to leave and taking one last look at the huge portrait of his Badepapa that hung in the centre of the dais, Sidharth covered his teary eyes with his shades and cued Rana to get his car when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

It was his friend Adhiman Malhotra and his sister Devanshi. Seeing his dear friend, he couldn’t stop himself and hugged him, shedding fresh tears.

“I am so sorry Sid. Bade papa was truly a great man. Godspeed to him. Take care brother” Adhimaan said as his own eyes watered.

“I recently met him at mom dad’s 25th anniversary party. He was a gregarious personality. I am so sorry for your loss Sidharth” Devanshi spoke, resting her hand on his for a bit longer than necessary.

“If you ever need a friend to talk to, I am just a call away” her soft voice fell on deaf ears as Sidharth was too broken to take notice of her touch or her suggestive words.

It took him almost a month to snap out of his mourning and get back to work.

But only more focused and driven this time, with a promise to self that he will make his bade papa sit up and take notice of his achievements even from the heaven above.

On one such business day when he was seated in his office, engrossed studying
spreadsheets, his PA Hazel buzzed him

“Sir Ms. Devanshi Malhotra is here to see you” her voice crackled on the speakerphone.

Devanshi Malhotra? Ahhh Adi’s sister. But why is she here? he thought scratching his head.

“Yes Hazel, let her in, but please call me exactly after 15 mins. I don’t have much time to spare” he spoke to the speaker phone and awaited his unexpected visitor.

“Hey Sidharth” Devanshi walked inside a few moments later, as he now fully recollected having met her at the Prayer ceremony.

“Hi Devanshi. Hows u?” he asked with a tight-lipped smile.

“Hope things are good with you. I am once again sorry for your loss” she empathized.

Breaking the awkward silence, Sidharth jumped straight to the point.

“So what brings you here Devanshi? I am sorry but you will have to make this quick, I have my next meeting scheduled in 10 mins” his voice was dry.

“Oh yes ofcourse, infact please accept my apologies to come unannounced. But I was here with a friend for a coffee so I thought to visit you and kill two birds with one stone” she giggled but Sidharth’s expressions were still bland, quieting her in an instant.

“Actually I came here with a proposition” she announced and the mention of a proposition piqued his interest too.

“See, I know you don’t really date the women you go out with. Such PR gimmicks are a normal. So why don’t you attend these events with me. As your date. I mean nothing romantic at all” she looked at him, to check if he is buying her idea.

“And if this is not romantic what is your gain in this?” the sharp businessman asked.

“The same thing that those women gain. A good media mileage that follows with dating a handsome and rich businessman” her confident directness made him take notice and he was keenly listening now.