Unadulterated Love

Part 20

Sid's POV

I received alot of gifts. Like a-hell-lot of gifts. My investors, stake holders, firm cooperators, business-partners, employees and fans had sent them.

We were opening them. By we I mean only Atharv, we were just sitting.

"This one now!" Neetu handed him another gift, a blue box. I remember who gave me this, am really waiting to see what's in it.

"It's from Shehnaa..aazz.." Ankit sang.

"So?" I ask.

"No.. I was staring at this box for countless minutes.. Not you..." he said innocently. Bastard.

"Chal khol beta.." I distract my nephew to open it, ignoring giggles in the background.

"Ye dekho..." he opened the wrapper.
It has ties, a collection of handmade woven linen-silk ties. It reminds me of Dad.

"Hey.. Aren't these same as Dad used to wear...?" Neetu asked.

"Yes.." Mom agreed caressing the fabric.

"I once...mentioned Dad had an amazing collection of hand-woven ties..." as I tell them, all look at me shockingly.

"You talk to her about DAD?!!" Preeti exclaimed.

"Yeah.. I mean casually.. She would be talking about her late grandparents.. And sometimes her childhood... And just like that... " I said.

I am touched eternally with this present. This is so thoughtful. If she was here, I would have hugged her tight.

"Oh boy.. You are so doomed already.." Ajay playfully high-fives Ankit.

"What do you mean..?" I enquire.

"Dude..You pick and drop her back home..!You beat up a guy for her.." Ajay recounts.

"Ae listen.." I wanted him to keep his mouth closed for now, but my sister interrupts.

"And guyyss... Do youu know..? Somebody couldn't properly eat and sleep when his friend was moving back to Punjaab..." she sang.

"Ooohh... I didn't knew thaaattt..." Neetu said.

"Okay.. Stop that.. What do guys want..?" I stood up, irritated with this teasing.

"Truth!" Sisters said.

"You love her.. Right?" They ask.

God, I wanted to introduce her myself. But not like this. They'll tease me to no end, I know. Can't lie either.

"Yeah.." I said. Scratching my temple slightly to hide away my smile. Mom's here, staring me. Why do I feel like a teenager, revealing about his crush. Argh.

I hear them hooting, cheering and laughing like mad. Yes, they've gone mad.

"Woohooo..." they take turns to hug me. I can't help but smile.

This much of an enthusiasm shows they like her, don't they?

"Shehnaaz ko aaj dinner pe bula le.. I would like to meet her.." Mom hugged me too. I just gave a nod.

I call her then.
"Hii Sidhaarth.. Happy Birthday once again.." she chirped.

"Hey.. Thanks again.. Kyaa kar rahi hai..?"

"Office me hu.. Preparing myself for a meeting.. Wish me luck.. Isme mujhe khudse saraa presentation dena hai.." she said.

"Best of luck baby.. Tu apna best dena.. Just revise of what you've thought of.. And you'll ace it.. Like always.." I said.