Bhakti Sharma is a simple conventional woman in her early thirties. She is skinny yet her sharp features gives her the feminine look. Beautifully carved cheekbones, intense eyes which look dull n mysterious, moderate height. Her dark brown hair ends few inches above her fully rounded hips. Simple personality resembling a common indian working women; Who carries vegetables in local trains to utilise her time. She belongs to the usually group of mango people in the city of Mumbai who earns just enough to sustain their family and save enough to pay their debts.

She works in a food supply department at Mumbai. The corruption in the department and the reserved mentality of society has made her learn the hard way that there are no free lunches, so one has to work damm hard to earn every bite on their plate.

Sitting on her rickety old fashioned desk, burring her head in work and sincerely entering numbers to the computer like a machine , she starts her daily work ritual. Her left hand swim over the keyboard like a pro making a rhythmic tune with her fingers & her right hand busy rechecking the task; whereas her uncontrollable mind had left her seat and started wandering between her past present and future.

Every day the same routine from pass 7 years has made her worn out till her last bit but she haven’t quit as her life majorly depends on this job.Within few months of her job she was convinced that she couldn’t do this and immediately wanted to quit but the desperate need of money after her father’s death glued her to this job since she was 22, the sudden death in the family took everything from them. family was just the term left of it. The whole family, relatives even her mother and sister blamed her for her fathers death. 8 years have passed but the pain of the blame has stayed. She got her fathers job even though she was just a college student . Her fathers few colleagues helped them to get some stability in their life. But it never changed the fact that she lost everything with his death.

“Bhakti..-Bhakti…”. Came a voice. Her aimlessly wandering thoughts jolted back to her seat when she realised someone is calling her from behind. 5-6 colleagues of her had made a group at the extreme corner table and had started digging lunch from each others tiffin. she had lost track of time that its lunch hour. It was Mrs. Degwekar eagerly crying out her name with utmost delight, the only time this lady remembers Bhakti is after she has finished her lunch and is carving for something sweet. Mrs.Degwekar turned from her sit and called out again “bhakti are you not hungry its so late, come out with your box we are waiting” with this she turned back to her tiffin without showing any further concerns for Bhakti. Neither did bhakti put any effort to say as she has become accustomed with the ppl around. she saved her work in her desktop, took her tiffin and walked towards the group at the back.”Did you got anything sweet to eat Bhakti??“ she was looking at Bhakti as if without any sweet she would fall of her chair immediately. Bhakti nodded pulling a chair and sat next to the group trying to fit in physically and mentally. As soon as she opened her triple layered lunch box. Every one jumped to grap there share of laddus. Her mother packed the tiffin expecting her to eat laddus and gain some charm to her skeleton face, Completely unaware that she never ate those instead her colleague ate them licking their fingers. As the laddus were finished so was bhakti’s purpose, everyone started settling back to there seats ignoring the fact that she just started having her lunch.Everyone left except Vinay; Once he got a chance to talk, he almost jumped from his seat and asked “ where is Geetika i can’t find her anywhere - is - she - unwell ? “.

Vinay is a tall guy in his late thirties, married with a kid, he is a senior accountant here. He has a face of a college guy with few grey hair and a pot belly but for those who know him can see the dirty animal he is behind his crooked-boyish-smile. Whereas Geetika was her only friend for life who understood her more den anyone she could know. she is alot younger but still they share a bond of sisterhood who held each others back. Both Geetika and Bhakti are friends since 6 years. when Geetika initially joined as her subordinate. Bhakti helped her in all ways possible to make her feel comfortable in the office as she understood how difficult it was for herself to fit in.

Vinay’s enquiry about Geetika was very much expected as he only talks to her when he wants to enquire something about Geetika .

“Why do u ask ?” She snapped at him with an expression that clearly said her lips are sealed & come what may she wont tell him anything.

“oh i was just asking in general - you are her best friend so i thought you might know something” still expecting answer shamelessly.

“NO” she kept it precise.

“No ? Haha stop kidding me!!! you both stick together like soulmates! - this isn't possible........ “ his mocking act of disbelief urged her to throw the remaining curry in her tiffin straight at his ugly face. She tried her best to control her temper kept her reaction minimal, she collected her tiffin box and said “ask her by yourself once she returns“.She walked off to her table ignoring his further attempts to make a conversation.

Finishing her final work of the day she left the office after 6 in the evening. Taking long strides towards station to catch her evening local at 6:20 from bandra to kalyana. Falling short of breath and her legs getting sore, she tried catching some air to fill her lungs once she reached the railway station, it was 6:16 on her watch. There was a moment of happiness as she saw the time, she made it 4 minutes before the train arrived. The race with time made her anxious everyday but thats the only thing that kept her alive.

Her phone vibrated like a monster jumping in her purse. she reached for her mobile, it was Geetika.As soon as she received the call Geetika shouted with excitement “Bhakti please say your not in Train because m coming to pick you up the train today wait for me outside the stations back entry ill b waiting “ bhakti was perplexed as she cannot understand the context of her joy

“what ? - yes m at platform.....Geet...”

“Ok than wait for us in front of entrance”

“But...wait US....who are you with?”

“do as i say babe.. bye! “.

Knowing Geetika's nature, arguing or questioning her was useless until she finishes what she wants to do. By then her local train has also arrived and she waved bye to her regular train mates.With sign language she said she isn’t joining them today and headed towards the entrance.

Geetika arrived after 15mins in a honda city car. She jumped out of the car and rushed to bhakti in joy n hugged her tight.

“Ohhh bhakti!! .... I want you to meet someone “ saying that she released her and opened the box in her hand and started filling Bhakti’s mouth with sweets. Whereas Bhakti was all shocked up by what was happening. In the middle of trying to Swallow the sweets she tried to speak “ who??...Your are so happy!!....what is the matter??

A guy came out of the same car and signalled them to come inside the car. All of a sudden some pitter-patter rain started dropping, so without wasting any ado, Geetika pulled Her from one hand and rushed towards the car. The guy was on drivers seat and Geetika settled next to him while Bhakti sat behind her at the back seat. Geetika started “ this is Dev my fiancé “

“What? How? When? “

“ohhooo too many questions madam…..!!” Busted Geetika

“Obviously!! ” exclaimed Bhakti

“He and his family came to our home today to see me .... remember i told you yesterday ….the reason i took leave-”

“Oookkk...... ?? “ Bhakti still trying to digesting the fact and uncertain what’s on with her.

“so she liked me at first sight and she said yes! so we got engaged “ stated Dev with a sense of pride, teasing Geetika by poking his finger on her shoulders

“ oh hello mister …. There is a long queue of guys who want to marry me .. your lucky that i choose you “ Geetika returned him a playful nudge.

“ Waooww that was quick… I mean Congg..ratulaions. Am so happy for you dear…may god keep you both happy together “ Bhakti burst out with happy emotions after absorbing the revelation, tears of joy covered her eyes.

“Well … excuse me am still not married yet save your precious emotions for our marriage “ Geetika said in her own happy spirit.

Then both the love birds kept teasing each other, showing pictures of there engagement ceremony and seeing there happiness She forgot her own pain for a moment.

“Bhakti the marriage is in 6 months and i will get you a groom from all the hot guys coming to the marriage “ Geetika announced clearly with out any second thought.

With those kind of thoughts Bhakti’s heart skipped a beat.

“ No am fine the way I Am, your precious help is not required “ she protested in the most ordinary yet convincing manner as if this the most lame thing anyone said about her being with anyone.

Geetika doesn't listen to anyone once she decides so just to distract her and she changed the topic asking them what they liked about each other , what are their plans for marriage , hence keeping the two busy.

Thoughts of marriage took her back to many years old memories when her marriage was a prime concern for everyone. All the incidents of past started accumulating in front of her.

Bhakti-"how cud you and baba do dis to me maa, the whole town knows about my marriage except from me!!.....what wa stge reason of this secrecy.”

Maa- Aree… beta we were waiting for u to give the good news once u come home for vacation , anyways its good dat u came to know. Once this news has spread people all around the town are coming to congratulate us, we are so fortunate.

Bhakti- u mean m actually getting married without my own choice. How cud u ppl decide something so important without even discussing it with me.

Maa-" taru he is ur father and he has the full right to decide wat is right for u after all we all wish a great future for u, now u dont need to worry ok

Bhakti- ya right, now i dont have a say on my own marriage, waaow!!! I cant believe you guys are actually doing this to me.

Maa- uffooo stop being so dramatic taru the whole town is goin crazy with the news of ur marriage. All town girls are getting jealous of you u. Do u realise how lucky u are.

Bhakti- lucky my ass!!...He shud feel lucky, if any girl marries an illiterate jobless ill-mannered idiot like him who thinks way too high of himself for no fucking reason.the only thing he is good at is roaming around the whole town like a goon were as the fact is he is nothing without his father.

Maa- shut up taru behave properly dys is wat is taught in ur big-city-college?? Did u forget to respect ur elders.

Bhakti- y did u ppl have to choose such a worthless guy for me.

Maa- Do u even know Ramdas maharaj himself came to our small house with so many gifts. And with folded hands he asked for the permission to make u as their daughter-n-law for rituraj. U shud have seen ur father, he was into tears with joy. Never did we imagined to send u to dys reputed family . Taru u will live like a queen. Omg i... am … so happie.

Bhakti- i dont want luxury from someone else....i have other plans for my life i want to earn a great of my own.... and...

Maa- taru why are u making a big fuss out of this. U can do dat all after marriage. maharaj ji already agreed that u can do wat so ever u want after marriage. he said u r so talented that u are an inspiration to the girls of our town , even rituraj is so influenced with ur intelligence dat he too has started learning English . Which guy does dys for his wud b wife tell me.

Bhakti- thats it!! I told u he is worthless and trying to match up with me, but u noe wat he cant. And i wud b nothing more than a trophy wife to him.

Maa- wat nonsense!! Ur whole thots are corrupted shiva shiva shiva, ur father is the most happy man today bcoz of ur marriage and u cant just give him dis little happiness.

And she started crying with her typical mom melo drama. Seeing her mother cry she felt short of any further arguments.

She was determined that she wont give up dat easily until she talks to her baba. As he was her very last hope.

A sudden jerk brought her to reality. Dev pulled his car near Bhakti’s house in borivilli, mumbai.“we have reached Bhakti” Geetika said. Seeing Bhakti’s pale face Geetika turned to reach Bhakti. “Hey bhakti whats the matter, you seem so lost ” her remarked made bhakti realise that she got too carried away with her good-for-nothing thoughts. Composing her posture she smiled and shook her head in withdrawal.

“No am fine , its just the motion sickness i feel when i travel in cars” with that bhakti opened the car door as normally as possible. “ ohhh dear why didn't you told me that early, shit!! Am so stupid. “ Geetika felt guilty.

“Hey, thats ok yaar I really enjoyed the ride with you guys” she tried to make Geetika feel better. Geetika hugged her tight and said softly “M sorry , i love you sweetie”. Bhakti shouted on her in more friendly way “ Stop it now, congratulations to both of you “

“ I love you to bits, its late go safe … tadaass !! “ biting the final goodbye she turned and left towards her apartment. “ see you tomorrow “ screamed Geetika happily from behind. Bhakti turned and waved her. With that Geetika and Dev zoomed out in their car. Bhati was left alone on the gloomy streets, she aimlessly pushed herself towards her abode.

Today the hustle is evident in the APOGEE Mansion. The owner of GREY SERAC has returned after 4 years & the spark of happiness is felt by everyone. The true heir of Rakesh Malani is back to take charge of the mansion. Will he be the new head of the family or just an eye candy to this mansion is what everyone is curious about. The Apogee Mansion is an abode for all the Malanis who live their own separate life under the same roof and Lately its the only thing that binds everyone as family. So if he becomes the new head of this so-called family then anyone and everyone related to this mansion is under his jurisdiction.

His return is accompanied with a happy news therefore everyone is in high-spirits and jubilant vibes are all around the Place, at-least thats what it seems. The mansion is run by a battalion of staff members who work 24 By 7 in 2 shifts. A hierarchy of staffs and maids operate this huge abode under the guidance of their House Manager who knows every tine-tiny detail of the mansion and their secrets.

Nilofer, a 46 years old women who has dedicated all her life to this place. She is the House Manager and the most respectable staff member Apogee has ever seen. Her father was the oldest staff member here and she has learned most of the the tradecraft from him. It was 10:30 in the morning and she is in the hallway checking the final arrangements for the day.

“Is everything ready? he will be approaching here in an hour” She said with a hint of unease.

To which the House keeper replied with a pleasant expression “The required arrangement are done Maam.”

Over the years of training and experience the staff have learned to be as calm as possible in any situation, so its hard to read there expressions even under worse circumstances.

Nilofer’s assistant Joseph informed on radio that head of all departments in the mansion have been assembled in the administrative area. Head of these different departments are provided with radio technology plugged to their ear like a Bluetooth device all day long for faster communication. Everyone is busy doing there last minute checking of todays event. A meeting at such a rush hour sounds crazy to everyone one but thats how Nilofer pushes everyone’s boundaries to work harder and faster and finish their work on time.

She said to everyone present in the room “Make sure today’s family lunch and welcome dinner is a spectacular experience for everyone. Its rare that there are family dinners with every single family member present including the future family members. Any silly mistake and your career ends here so be very cautious, carefully and invisible to the guest.”

“Yes Ma'am” all the staff member nodded and said in unison.

“His schedule is running late by an hour so lunch will be late, but dinner will be on time. So remove our special appetisers from the evening snack and serve it during the course dinner as people won’t have an appetite till evening. Also Cleaning team has to be on toes due to the time crunch.”

Before she could continue any further her assistant interrupted the meeting by exclaiming “He is here Maam!” She nodded and signalled every one to be ready with their course of duty.

A vintage Rolls Royce in golden colour stopped in front of the main entrance door. Guards immediately rushed to open its gate. The hustle behind this “HE” everyone is talking about is finally here. The moment he stepped out of his car everyone’s eyes glimmered due to the aura he was projecting. For many of the mansion workers this was the first time they got to physical see him and the sight was pretty intimidating. The energy cultivating in the mansion was of a king returning to his palace after winning a war. There are many epic moments the mansion has experienced in past years but this was definitely a favourite one for all. The cars carrying luggage rolled done to the garage. Few cars stopped behind him and people rushed from these cars towards him for his assistance. He walked straight towards the door which was wide open to welcome him.

Many happy faces where waiting for him in the lobby to welcome him and one of them was his Mother. She stood there with open arms to engulf his son with her hug as she was very excited to meet her son after a very long time. He came towards her and touched her feet as a sign of respect. His mom lifted him up and hugged him tightly. This was an awww moment for everyone. Photographers were clicking nonstop to get the perfect shot of this union.

“I am so excited for you son. Congratulations, i don’t have words to tell how happy I am”. Saying this she finally released him from her embrace. He smiled and nodded his head.

She added “This will be the wedding of the century. I’ll make sure the whole nation will remember it for years”.

Seeing her enthusiasm he said “We indeed have a lot of time to discuss and plan that.”

She raised her eyes in disbelief and said “6 months is not a-lot of time son. Your the most eligible bachelor of this country, do you think anyone will let it go that easily.”

He simply smiled in agreement and said “Do as it pleases you, but first let me finish some emergency work” he said with an unknown reluctance.

His mother nodded in understanding and loosened her grip over his hands which she has been holding for a while. There was an unsaid tension felt by everyone but said by none.

“Nilofer we need to discuss something.” He just generated a visual understanding with the house manager who was standing next to his mother. He released his hands from her hold and headed towards his new work space.

His mother Sabnam Amin is in her early fifties. She is an Arabian beauty with a well curved body. She looks like his elder sister in many public appearance thats why guessing her age is very difficult for her admirers. She runs a very successful business in fashion and merchandising. Also is a part of various social reform programs. She loves the media attention from time to time. And presently she is giving fitness and fashion goals to ladies in fifties.

On the morning of her son’s arrival, she wore a light peach gown paired with a white summer jacket custom made from paris. For accessories she wore a diamond pendant set given by the father of his son. She is very particular about her every looks and how media perceives her, as she wants the world to see her motherly side but not as an old woman. She is no-less-than a celebrity specially when someone is staying in Apogee Mansion.

Every brick in the mansion is happy to welcome their new owner Rituraj Malani. Since past 4 years the ownership of nation’s most expensive property was under dispute. And during that period his mother was the partial owner of this mansion. So till now every decision taken here needed a final word from Sabnam Amin. His arrival after so many years meant different things to different individuals.

He had a whole team of people working around him round the clock who have a designated role to play. His arrival strategies with respect to the news of his marriage were pre-planned by his team long back. Once landing in the city he had a small talk with his PA about what is today’s agenda so that distribution of work can be done among the team members to avoid any confusion.

After the brief meeting with his mother he rushed towards his new office quarter. This quarter is a small section of the mansion which is setup into a whole new office. It was originally his father’s cabin with a library and a conference hall which is now modified as an office quarter exclusively for him. Keeping in mind to preserve the authenticity of his father’s cabin.

On approaching his new cabin, the sight of that door reminded him of his first day here and how naive he was to trust everyone and everything. The guard open the doors for him. Never did he thought this day would come. Everyone has an irreversible regret in their life and his was being a .... Malani. Adrenaline hits through his veins once he enters the well-furnished cabin. Flashes of his father sitting on that chair came to his mind. He can never forget those angry dark eyes and dense brows of his father, such thoughts turned Rituraj’s face into hot molten. Everything he lays his eyes upon reminds him of how far he has come and all he has lost in this journey. He stood near the his father’s high backed chair, reminiscing over the last glimpses he had of this place when Mr. Rakesh Malani was alive.

Since a long time he was convinced that his memories has gone vague with time but standing in this cabin made him feel like a young boy who has to prove the world that he is not just a love-child who shouldn’t be born. Just when he was trying to cool off his emotional turmoil, he was interrupted by the housekeeper who greeted him with respect and said “Welcome Sir I am Ashok kumar, incharge of your office quarter. Its our honour to work for you. As per your demand every thing in the cabin has been left as it was. Once you settle in I can give you a tour of your new office.” Rituraj composed himself a little and said “Thank you Ashok ” He tried to sound relaxed. Ashok nodded to the command and left.

By this time his work team has created quite a hustle-bustle all around the mansion. He himself was absorbing the new energy around him. After spending few minutes staring the chair and table belonging to his father. He decided not to use it instead he sat on the sofa opposite to that. This is the biggest accomplishment of his life because his father once told him that he can never be worthy of this chair. He accepted the challenge then and proved him wrong now. But couldn’t make up his mind to sit on it. Happiness is all he wanted to feel but for some unknown reason he just can’t.

He was a little preoccupied sorting his emotions when there was a knock on the door. He got alert, took few deep breath and said “come in Sneha”. She entered with excitement but seeing him sitting on the sofa made her a little confused. She has been working for him pass so many years therefore she understood the importance of this place. But who dares to question him. Rituraj noticed her flickering excitement. But giving importance to anyone other then himself is no more available in his dictionary.

“Sir, Our team has done an amazing work. The stock prices of your own company Grey Serac and your father’s company the Apogee group of companies have levelled up.” Sneha was very pleased to inform him.

“Hmmm.... and?” he replied calmly because he already knew this is gonna to happen.

Sneha opened her tabloid to show the top news.

The top 3 headlines on every news channel were.

1. “ Rituraj Malani the sole heir to Rakesh Malani and the Major shareholder of Apogee group of companies.

2. “Rituraj Malani inherited the most expensive property in the nation“

3. “Rituraj Malani, the big daddy of hotel Industry is getting hitched to Sonaya Singhal.”

“Sir the news of your engagement has created quite a stir in social media & its the most treading news too.” Sneha said with pride and joy.

“Good” he said and started looking up to other news .

Sneha expected him to show some enthusiasm but his reply were as normal as any ordinary day in office.

Rituraj Malani, is a very popular name world wide for making news headlines every now and then. The first time he hit the headlines was for being an illegitimate son of Late. Rakesh Malani, who was a successful tycoon himself. And since then he is media’s favourite news circuit. Recently he is hitting the headlines for being the ultimate billionaire who took over his father’s company and made it 10 times bigger and international.

Another reason he is often found on tabloids and social media is because of his dating life. This 35 years old handsome hunk won the title of Mr. perfect, Most Eligible bachelor and many more over the past decade on various national and international poll. His only love of life is to work and passion is to win!. He is often seen with beautiful women here and there. But the netizens are always unable to hook him to any particular woman. So his engagement is the biggest news in the nation.

“Sir these news have played well. Many investors are interested in our upcoming International hotels.” Sneha tried again to get some response.

“Apogee or Grey Serac ?” He asked with curiosity.

“Well, 90% are interested in your company The Grey Serac.” Sneha replied with a smile and thought once a businessman, always a businessman.

“Thats called a good news. Line up meetings with all those investors immediately.” He said.

“Including those who once declined to invest in your company and are now in our black list” she was a little surprised and asked to confirm.

“Specially those!” He said with a cunning smile.

“And the Devil is back” Sneha murmured to herself and left the room.