Ajabdeh arrived at the place Jalal had provided them for a makeshift office till theirs was sorted. It consisted of two chambers for her and Rukaiya, one large hall with cubicles and a room for their client meetings. The employees looked visibly worried as Rukaiya briefed them on what happened and told them to continue with their work. It was almost midday when Ajabdeh went to knock on Rukaiya’s door. She sat down opposite her friend and sighed.
“I am sorry. I didn’t get time to apologize to you properly. But if we incur losses it’s on me. I...”
“Ajabdeh please don’t beat yourself up on this. You did the right thing. And honestly, it was brave of you. Even if we lose a few clients, the overall image will be good. We will be back in business in no time.” Rukaiya assured with a smile “And Jalal told me Mr Singh is ready to invest.”
“About that...” Ajabdeh sat up straight. “I am not so sure if we should take up his offer. I mean...” She looked at Rukaiya who held her hand in her warm palms. “Ajabdeh honestly, this is emotional for you, I understand. But if you ask me it can boost the business.”
“I know.” Ajabdeh nodded “But in my ego I kind of refused him... he was offering me half of what the place would be valued at...”
“And rightly so...” Rukaiya spoke “They are looting you. Especially at a time when you need the money. Don’t deny it. Mr Singh is helping out. I know you don’t like help or sympathy but he is doing it in a way you can’t deny. Right?” Ajabdeh nodded. Jalal knocked on the door and peeped in.
“I am here to see the new place. You two doing fine?” He asked as the ladies nodded.
“Mind telling me what happened yesterday?” Jalal asked sitting down beside Ajabdeh. “Pratap isn’t taking my call as usual.”
“Thank you for the office space Jalal,” Ajabdeh spoke. “I am losing count of the number of times I couldn’t have made it without you or Khan Uncle.”
“Then stop counting. And tell me the exciting part! Did he shout?” A knock interrupted their conversation.
“Mr Singh is here.” Jalal got up at his employee’s words.
“Excuse me ladies... speak of the devil and...” he bit his tongue “He’s gonna kill me.”
Ajabdeh was back in her chamber, taking her stuff out of cardboard boxes. They were going to settle here for at least two more months. She sighed at a picture of her and Heer with their mother that she took out from one of the boxes. Her fingers lingered on the smiling faces as she traced out her mother’s smile with her nails. A knock made her look up. Through the transparent glass door, she saw Jalal wave. Behind him was Mr Pratap Singh. He let Pratap in at her nod as she quickly put the picture frame down on her empty table.
“Sorry, the place looks like a mess.” She was quick to apologize for the heaps of files and cardboard boxes on the floor.
“Pratap wanted to talk to you, I will see you around?”Jalal asked as Pratap nodded and waited for him to leave.
“There you go, Ms Punwar.” Ajabdeh stopped her hands at a cardboard box as she saw a cheque land on the empty table.
“What’s this?” She asked looking up at him.
“Your share of the money.” He spoke, “I told them my lawyers found out the property had more claimants so they get half the money.” Ajabdeh looked eager.
“How did they take the news?”She asked.
“Not very gracefully.” Pratap shrugged “I am told.”
“Umm... but I can’t...” Pratap stopped her by placing another document on the table.
“First, this is your mother’s right, which you can’t refuse. Secondly, if you don’t take the money I am writing the property in your mother’s name. The choice is yours.” Ajabdeh looked a little taken aback at him. Was he out of his mind?
“Fine.” She took the cheque and looked at the sum. Her eyes shone.
“Go visit the hospital today,” Pratap said as though he could read her mind. “And ask them when they can operate on her.” She nodded silently. “Then one day we can fix an official meeting and talk of the expansion and use of the mansion to the business.”
“Thank you.”Pratap stopped at the door at her words and turned to nod “It’s all business Ms Punwar. I hope you expand your business and get me some profit.”
“I hope so too Mr Singh.” Ajabdeh smiled.
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