The Birlas' - PARINAMA

Chapter - 5: New Journey Part - A

Time Lapse Alert:

In the past four weeks, a lot has transpired in the lives of Birlas and everyone who is even remotely associated with them. That's the best thing about time. It never stops for anyone and it constantly changes. With it brings a lot of changes in the surroundings, emotions, relations and their dynamics. Let's dive in and see what each Birla has been up to in the past four weeks. Along with that let's also see how all the others have been coping up with the Birla Clan and their antics.

Aradhna was super happy to have Roohi on board for her restaurant and the Friday nights have been total sell outs ever since. There were too many requests to increase the number of passes made available for the shows or to add in more shows. Both of which, she knew would be not possible. When Neil told her 4 weeks ago that he would come and discuss the formalities, she was ecstatic to just sign a deal. Because Roohi wasn't legally allowed to sign a contract, her parent or guardian had to approve it. 

Neil took up the role. Boy! Did he drive a hard bargain. She never met someone as rigid, as relentless and as protective as Neil Birla. He ensured that every single thing on the contract was as per Roohi's convenience. The contract stated clearly that if and when Roohi wills to leave, she would be relieved without any hassle. Her schedule will be accommodated based on her study commitments. She will be cared for and treasured by the management because a single scratch on Roohi or a single negative remark from Roohi would cut this journey short immediately.

She would not sing with random bands because it is tough for them to trust Roohi with too many strangers every single time, especially if they aren't around by any chance. So, she was assigned the band she initially sang with and the family met with already. The timings were strictly to be maintained and Roohi should not be allowed to step out of the restaurant without security or prior permission from the family. The contract was so fool proof that it startled her at the beginning. 

She had known Neil for quite some time and her family is well known in Udaipur. She had a reputation for God's sake, and she hated being treated as an agent who would go to any length to exploit talent. They had these negotiations for two days to and fro. One the last day, Aradhna put her foot down.

"If you can't trust me with Roohi, then there is no point stretching this. I have better stuff to do and don't take me for someone who is desperate because I am not." Aradhna scowled.

Neil was indifferent. As much as Aradhna appreciated Neil for the being the man he is and for the love he has for his Roohi, she hated dealing with him. She was about to respectfully show him the door when Abhimanyu called Neil. 

"Ji Bhai! Haan. Abhi ho jayega" Neil hung up and he had a frown on his face. 

"Ok. I am sorry for going overboard with this. I will sign this or I can get Bhai to sign this if that is legally important" Neil said evenly. Soon Aradhna's frown morphed into a smile. 

"Neil! All this really is just a formality. We are much more than acquaintances and you didn't have to sit and negotiate with me. I care for the talent I sign up and I would do what's best for them. I am not the one to exploit a 16 year old's talent. 

Like I said, I have better things to do. You can really trust me." Aradhna for the first time since they started discussing formalities, ditched the professionalism. 

She could see that Neil was just being paranoid as all this was entrusted on him to take care. As soon as he heard Aradhna, a warmth seeped in calming his erratic heartbeats. Her smile assured him of Roohi's safety.