Hell Bent, Heaven Sent

Fated Family

Shekhar's second day at AR started smoother. He was familiar with his team, and even on talking terms with ASR. Sure, his boss terrified him, but he was noticing many things of his which Arshi had inherited making him feel at ease without ASR even trying.

Just before lunch, Anish approached him. "Shekhar, come with me."

Shekhar followed Anish to a room. It was ASR's makeshift office. He gulped, thinking he did something.

"You can go." ASR dismissed Anish. "So, I want to make a few things clear with you."

"Yes, ASR?"

"You are Shyam's son."

Shekhar's eyes went wide.

"Many people hide many things from me, Mr Jha. But my wife never does. I don't know why Aman didn't tell me himself, given how he is the reason Shyam is your guardian."

"You knew?" Shekhar whispered.

"Your father and I shared a tumultuous relationship, Mr Jha. But that was the past. That was two decades ago. He has come a long way and proven himself capable in front of the law to be an honorable man enough to adopt. It speaks very highly of him, especially to people who know what he used to be."

Shekhar looked down.

"Look at me, Mr Jha."

Shekhar sighed. He was very close to breaking down. After a few seconds, he realised ASR was waiting for him to compose himself. So he did, and finally looked at his boss again.

ASR was smiling at him. "Never dismiss an invitation to come to my home, because you are no less than a son to me. Same as Arshi is no less than a daughter to him. It's your right to call my home yours too."

Shekhar was hell shocked at this.

"Now come and give your uncle a hug." ASR smirked, getting up and crossing his desk. "Come on up!"

Shekhar stood, and exactly like 24 hours ago, he was engulfed with a feeling that only his Dad could provide. Yesterday it had been Aman Sir surprising him. Today, it was ASR himself.

"Why are you so afraid of me?" ASR asked when they parted. "Is it because of yesterday?"

Shekhar nodded. "I thought I was assigned because I knew Arshi. Aman Sir corrected me after I left the office. I am sorry ASR, I should not have interrupted you like that."

"I am glad you did."

"Huh, why?"

"Because if you hadn't, I would have surely reassigned you, not asked Arshi nor Khushi about you, and would not have known that you're as good as-"

"ASR, I wanted to check this- Shekhar, you here?" A voice interrupted them.

"Why do you always have to barge in when I'm having a good conversation with my children?" ASR said, irritated at the interruption.

Lavanya Takkar's eyes went wide. "You know." She gulped.

"Damn right, I know. And if you tell your buddy Aman..." ASR was threatening his sister-in-law.

Lavanya nodded to him. "I will let you deal with him. Smiley spilled the beans, did she?"

"Who else? All of you were trying to keep my son away from me. Poor boy had to face my wrath the first day in office."

Lavanya looked at Shekhar. "You picked a fight with your boss's daughter, then your boss?"

Shekhar stilled. Shit. She wasn't there that night, how did she know?