07-06-2021

Actually, I wanted to post this chapter yesterday 10th Anniversary celebration. But I couldn't. So, I'm posting it now. Happy IPKKND Anniversary. 

It may not be up to your expectations. 

I'm not a lawyer or I'm not a person who belongs to the law field. I don't know anything about legal procedures. So, please take it as fiction don't try to find any logic. Read it as just a story. 

I didn't mean to insult or degrade anyone or anything. If I did, it's completely unintentional. 

Please ignore typo and grammatical mistakes, not proofread yet. 

And also please let me know if anything is not fitting in the update as in-line comments. I will correct them. 

Thank you so much to each and everyone for your unconditional support and love. 

Here is the chapter. It contains 5140 words.

Part 10:

Monday, AR.

"Sir, as you both know, tomorrow is a board meeting. And, members will be meeting tomorrow to discuss the next CEO. With ASR's departure, everyone is eager to know and elect a new boss as soon as possible. They don't want the business to get affected by his absence and that is what is happening already. So many investors are dropping down from our business. And also few customers are backing out telling, without ASR there is no perfection in AR. Sir, everyone believes that without ASR, there is no survival of AR. And as ASR was the big shareholder, and all remaining board members have equal shares, everyone is planning to get into the CEO post. And a few members are already contacting my assistants to know about all members' shares and details. I too got a few calls, so I think this is the time to announce the Will. Before meeting all the board members, I want to inform you all, about a few changes in ASR's Will. can I?" asked Mr Roy, AR's legal department head.

"Please, Mr Roy, carry on. Whatever it would be, we are sure that Arnav beta must have thought for the best of AR and us. You, please tell us what you want to," said Mama. Akash nodded in agreement.

Khushi sat there with a blank expression.

"Sir, as you already know, ASR was 40% shareholder where Mrs Jha and you are having 10% each. But as you wanted to retire, you transferred your shares to Mr Akash. So, including altogether, your family is 60% shareholder in AR. The Remaining are the other 4 members' shares."

"I know, we had an argument about my shares that time. Arnav wanted me and Akash both to have the shares. When I said I wanted to transfer mine, he was so disappointed," said Mama, remembering their argument.

"Yes, I know. ASR said that to me. So, now you still have a chance to get the shares, Sir. If you are willing to take shares he asked me to transfer 10% from his shares. Then he would remain 30% and you get 10%," said Roy.

"No..., I don't want any shares. I'm better with the duties I'm having now. I am happy to be a working partner. I wanted to retire this year. But with Arnav's departure, I think my retirement will be postponed. Still, I don't want any shares," declared Mama.

"Are you sure, sir?" asked Roy.

"More than anything, I'm sure," confirmed Mama.

"Okay, then I will go to the next point. ASR asked me to transfer 15% of his shares to Mrs Raizada. With that, he still remains the main shareholder with 15%. And also he kept Mrs Raizada as his nominee for his properties and shares. And with his sudden departure, everything goes to Khushi ma'am, and she becomes the new boss with 30% shares." Roy gave the legal papers to Mama.

"NO..., I don't want any shares or properties. I don't want to," Khushi said, feeling miserable.

"But you don't have any other choice, Mrs Raizada. If you don't accept or take, all the shares go to AR charitable trust. Then directly or indirectly ASR or you will not be part of AR. And I'm sure, he will be very sad knowing that AR went out of his family's hand. I don't think it will be a great idea. AR is ASR's dream, Mrs Raizada. My suggestion is, you should take this. If what I heard from ASR about you, then I'm sure, you will be the right person to accept these shares." said Roy.

Nodding his head, Mama said "Roy is right, bitiya. If Arnav beta wants to transfer his shares to you, then he might be sure that you can do this. Please bitiya, don't disappoint him."

"Please Khushi, accept this. If he trusts you with AR, then I'm sure you can do this. And please don't think about Dadi or others, because it's your right. And you should obey your husband. Please Khushi, accept these. I don't want Bhai's hard work to go to waste," Akash pleaded Khushi.

"I don't know, Jiju. I don't know anything about business or fashion. I don't want to spoil AR's name. It's Arnav Ji's baby. I don't know," said Khushi, tears rolling from her eyes.

"No, you will not spoil anything. We will help you with everything. Generally, he doesn't trust anyone with his business. But he did. Please Khushi, don't break Bhai's trust," Akash requested once again.

"I don't know," Khushi whispered, looking scared.

"Don't worry, Ma'am. Trust me, you will be fine. Firstly, please sign here. I need to submit papers in court regarding you being ASR's nominee and legal heir. Later you can decide about shares and all. For now, I need to submit papers, so please sign here," said Roy.

Khushi looked at Akash and Mama, who nodded their heads. Gulping hard, Khushi signed the papers, without knowing that with that one sign she will become the owner of AR. Akash smiled at her thinking about her innocence. He understands that she doesn't know what it is to be a nominee or legal heir. He promised to himself to take care of this innocence and teach her everything about business and all, which she should know. He promised to himself to safeguard this innocence which his brother left for them. After Khushi signed the papers, she gave it to Roy.

"And, Mrs Jha has her shares too, which she gave her POA to ASR. I think no one knows about this. I don't know whether she remembered or not. She was never interested in business, so she asked ASR to do her job. And now, he made changes in the Will. You and Akash sir are free to do whatever you want with your shares. But he requested Akash sir to remain with him. And about Mrs Jha, he changed her right on her shares. He mentioned that she can't sell or transfer or gift or give POA to anyone. She will have the right to take her share of benefits and profits. But she can't get the freedom to do whatever she wants with the percentage of shares. If something happens to her, then her shares will go to her children with the same restrictions. And if she doesn't have any kids, then all her properties and shares will go to AR charitable trust. He was very determined about this clause, Sir. I don't know what made him change this, but he was very stubborn about this," said Roy, handing over those papers.

Mama looked at Roy and Akash, confused. Somewhat Akash understood what made his brother make these changes. He looked at Khushi who looked at him in return with an understanding look. Both nodded at each other but kept quiet.

"So, the final shares of Khushi ma'am will be 30%, you and Anjali ma'am will be 10% each. And 4 board members 10% each. All together it's 90%. And for the remaining 10% shares, he appointed one new board member. He hoped that with this person, all of you will not have any problem," said Roy looking at Mama and Akash.

"I don't have any problem if that person is Aman," said Akash, guessing the person. "Because I know how much Bhai trusted Aman Bhai and how much he contributed for AR. He deserves this. But if that person is not Aman, then I need to think about that," declared Akash.

"No need for that, Akash Sir. because the person is Aman himself. Here are the legal papers. Aman doesn't have any news about this. It was supposed to be a surprise for Aman which ASR planned for his birthday. But before that, ASR left us," said Roy with a saddened tone.

Tears rolled from Khushi's eyes hearing about Arnav. She closed her eyes.

"So, I hope there is no doubt or problem to both of you about the Will. ASR wanted to tell you both about it before he announced it to others. Because he doesn't want you both to feel shocked or surprised hearing about his Will or decision. He wanted to inform you both beforehand," looking at both Mama and Akash nodding their heads in understanding, Roy continued "I will come tomorrow again for the board meeting and will announce ASR's will. I will submit these papers in court today. I will take your leave now." with that Roy left from there, leaving them in Arnav's thoughts.

"Sure, Mr Roy. And please inform Aman about this change. If we say, he may feel uncomfortable. Tomorrow we will talk with him and make him agree to Bhai's wish," said Akash, knowing about Aman's nature.

"Sure, sir," Roy said before leaving from there.

"Papa, I don't want you to say anything about this to anyone. Not even to our family. Let Mr Roy be the first one to announce. After hearing about Bhai's will, tomorrow there will be so much drama in our house. I don't want that to happen today. At least for one day, we can stay in peace at home. Please Papa, only for today," requested Akash for which Mama agreed. After that Mama left from AR stating about meeting some of their business clients.

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"ASR wanted to give you this," said Aman, giving the envelope to Khushi. "Actually I came to RM to give you this along with your marriage certificate. But after seeing whatever happened there, I didn't think that would be the correct time."

Khushi nodded her head, taking the envelope. Her hands shivered while taking the white envelope and looking at the letters "Khushi" written on it. She gulped the lump.

"He trusted you, Khushi. He believed in you with everything. He was just hurt and sad, thinking you didn't trust him with the truth, Khushi. He was so disappointed with himself for not being able to make you trust him. He was so angry at himself for forcing you into your marriage. He loved you always, Khushi. He had so many plans about proposing to you. He was so helpless with the way you both got married. He wanted to tell you everything before your wedding. But that Shyam...," Aman gritted his teeth mentioning Shyam's name. "He said you wanted to elope with him when the wedding is happening. ASR knew that was not true. So, not having time to explain things, he asked you to marry him. Believe me Khushi, he never wanted that. He regretted how he married you. But in all these, he was so happy that you married him. I never saw him that happy. He was so elated. He wanted to apologise to you, for everything, for every hurt he caused you from the start. I don't know what was written in that. But whatever I said was true, Khushi. He loved you from the bottom of his heart." seeing Khushi standing at the window, looking outside in deep thoughts, Aman left from there giving her space to think and relive her days with Arnav. He knew how much Arnav and Khushi loved each other.

Not only Aman, everyone in AR knows that. When Khushi worked in AR, everyone used to bet on who would propose first - Arnav or Khushi. Everyone easily noticed the drastic changes in ASR and Khushi whenever they both were around. The secret looks both threw at each other. Everyone knew. Every employee felt over the cloud hearing about Arnav and Khushi's marriage. Everyone celebrated their wedding. But, destiny has different plans. Aman sighed looking at Khushi from his cabin down the floor. How he wished to see both of them living their lives happily. Both were important to him, ASR is his boss, best friend and everything. And Khushi, even though he never said out loud, she was like a baby sister to him. He always felt brotherly love towards her. Being a single child he always wished for a sibling. He was so happy having Khushi. With Arnav's departure and seeing Khushi so sad, it's painful for him. He prayed to God to do some miracle and send their ASR. So many lives depended on him. So many people are grieving his death. Aman took a deep breath and went to complete his work.

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Khushi looked at the road, with a blank mind. She heard whatever Aman said about Arnav Ji. And she knew everything, he said. She knew that Arnav Ji loved her. She always felt his love. Maybe his way was different, but it was evident and clear. Anyone can notice the love he has for her, it's so prominent. She will not be surprised if everyone here in AR knew about their relationship. The dominance he showed on her, the way he reacted when she talked with any other male person, the way he held her hand or pulled her towards him always gave away his undeniable affection towards her. And she knew that affection turned into Love while they worked for their siblings' wedding and wedding rituals. The way he teased her in Mehandi, Haldi and then his kiss! how can she forget that feather-light touch of his rough yet soft lips? How can she forget that slight prickly touch of his one-day-old beard and his warm breath on her ears?

Arnav Ji! Tears rolled from her eyes. She closed her eyes reliving the days.

Even though he forced her into their marriage, she understood that he wanted her with him. It's true, the way he behaved was totally wrong. But she knew how he got hurt seeing her sad. She didn't know the reason for their sudden marriage. Yet, she can guess the reason. The shocked expression on Shyam and Arnav Ji's angry look towards Shyam confirmed her guess. Then she thought if he already had any inkling about Shyam's betrayal, then he would take care of everything without her telling him anything. She was sure that he would do the background check on Shyam. She never wanted to hide things from him. But she knew he would become aggressive knowing about her engagement with his Jija Ji. She knew how he would have behaved knowing about her fiance. Didn't she see how he reacted to the news of her engagement? Didn't he panic? Then how can she expect him to act normal and cool when he knew about her fiance? So, she understood him when he forced her.

But the guilty feeling in her is not leaving her in peace, for hiding the truth about Shyam. Even though it was unintentional, it's still making her guilty. She should have told him everything, about her past, her childhood, her family and last but not the least... her undying love towards him. But now, it's too late to think about that. He left, he left her to deal with the evil. He left her without a word. She never expected that his punishment would be this strong for not telling him the truth. She never expected, she never guessed not she can never think in her wildest dreams. But that's the truth - he left her, forever. She took Arnav's picture which is on the shelf, in her hand.

'Why did you do this to me, Arnav Ji? Is it fair to punish me by leaving me for my small mistake? No, please..., I can't live without you, Arnav Ji. Please come back to me. Please forgive me. Please come back. Don't leave me like this. Please...,' Khushi cried, holding the picture to her heart.

After some time, she heard a hustle-bustle outside the cabin and looked down. Seeing all the employees moving towards the canteen, she realised that it's already lunchtime. So, she left after informing the receptionist. Her steps halted seeing Arnav's SUV in the parking lot of AR. She slowly walked towards it and caressed the vehicle with so much longing. She has so many sweet-bitter memories with this lifeless thing. But it played a big role in her love life. This vehicle played one important role in their lives. She kept her head on the glass and closed her eyes, trying to feel the remnants of Arnav. Her trance was disturbed by the argument.

"Don't talk loudly. Khushi ma'am is here. We shouldn't disturb her," said one security guard.

"Oh..., okay. But I want to give these keys to Aman sir. He asked me to give the keys directly to him," said the AR driver.

"What keys?" the security guard asked.

"ASR's SUV keys. I just brought back the vehicle from servicing after the police took over after the accident," said the driver.

"Give them to me, I will give them to Aman Bhai," said Khushi, leaving both of them baffled.

With a soft 'Ma'am', both the men stood and bowed their heads in respect. She composed herself seeing the respect they have for their boss.

"We are sorry to disturb you, ma'am. We didn't want to," said the security. Seeing Khushi talking with one guard and driver, the security manager came running to them.

"Ma'am, is there any problem?" asked the manager.

"No problem," said Khushi to the manager and turned to the driver and said "Anyways I'm leaving for home. You didn't disturb me. Give me the keys." Khushi said, forwarding her hand.

Nodding his head, the driver gave the keys and asked, "Ma'am, can I drop you home?"

"No, thank you. Mohan is there to take me," Khushi said with a very small smile and turned to leave. But stopped hearing the driver's words.

"Thank God, it's Mohan. We can be relaxed. If there is any other driver in his place, I don't know how he would be."

"True, Mohan is a trustworthy man. Even ASR trusted this man always. That's why ASR always asked Mohan to drop and pick him up whenever he went on trips. He also asked Mohan to be available for Khushi Ma'am," said the security.

Hearing security's words, Khushi turned back and walked towards them. "What did you say? Arnav Ji always wanted Mohan to pick him up?"

"Yes, ma'am. Other than Mohan, ASR never wanted us to drive him," confirmed the driver.

Khushi looked at both the men and then the SUV keys. She shook her head thinking something.

"Ma'am, are you okay?" asked the security manager, worried seeing her lost in thoughts.

Khushi took out her mobile and called someone but the call wasn't answered after a few calls.

"Ma'am?"

"Where is Mohan? I want to meet him immediately. Send him to Arnav Ji's cabin in a few minutes. I don't know what you will do or where you will find him. But I want him in the cabin in the next 5 minutes," Khushi ran inside, saying.

"Did the conference finish? Is Aman Bhai free?" Khushi asked the receptionist, in anticipation.

"It's about to finish, Ma'am," said the receptionist, getting confused seeing Khushi panting.

"Ask Jiju and Aman Bhai to come to Arnav Ji's cabin when they finish their conference," saying that Khushi left from there, not even listening to what that receptionist girl wanted to say.

After waiting for a minute or two, the cabin door was knocked by someone. After hearing Khushi's come in, Mohan entered the cabin.

"Khushi Bhabhi, manager sir said you called me," said Mohan.

"Mohan Ji, are you the one who picks Arnav Ji every time when he goes on trips?" asked Khushi.

"Yes, Bhabhi. ASR gave us a strict order that I will be the one who picks and drops him whenever he needs the driver. He also said to me that I should be available for him 24/7. What's the matter, Bhabhi?" asked Mohan.

"Are you sure, you never missed any of his trips? And which vehicle you took to pick and drop him?" asked Khushi again.

"Of course, I'm sure, Bhabhi. I'm the only one allowed to drive ASR. And ASR always preferred SUV, unless the vehicle goes for servicing." said Mohan, getting confused by Khush's questions.

"Okay. So... where were you on the day of Arnav Ji's accident? Police were saying that Arnav Ji met with the accident while coming from the airport. Why aren't you with Arnav Ji that time? Where were you?" asked Khushi.

"Bhabhi, that day, I didn't even know ASR was coming back from his London trip. He said he will call me before he leaves London. But I didn't get any calls!" said Mohan, getting scared.

"Oh! Call the travel department head and security head and ask them to come here, immediately," ordered Khushi, which was obeyed by Mohan.

"Khushi, what's wrong? Did you ask us to be here? Why are you still here? Why didn't you go home yet?" asked Akash, coming inside the cabin along with worried Aman.

"Bhabhi, they are coming," said Mohan.

Khushi nodded her head and paced in the room.

"Mohan, what are you doing here? And whom did you call? Who is coming?" asked Aman.

"Bhabhi asked me to call the travel and security head," said Mohan.

"Why?" asked both Akash and Aman.

Before Khushi says anything, the door is knocked by two men.

"Ma'am!"

"On the day of Arnav Ji's accident, who went to pick up Arnav Ji?" Khushi asked the travel department head.

"Generally, Mohan will go to drive ASR, Ma'am," said the head looking at Mohan confused.

"No, he didn't go, on that day. He was at RM. I asked him to stay at home that day," said Akash.

"Then, in that case..., I don't know ma'am," said the travel department head.

"Damn..., did you have any information about Arnav Ji on that day?" Khushi asked the security head.

Not knowing how to answer, the security head shook his head in denial.

"Damn it. Why did Arnav Ji trust you? If you can't take care of his things then what is the use of giving you so much salary?" shouted Khushi leaving everyone in the room in shock.

"Khushi, what's wrong? Why are you getting irritated?" asked Aman.

"If I find any of you wrong or working against, then get ready to see Mrs ASR. I will not leave anyone," said Khushi with a mad glint in her eyes.

"Ma'am! What are you saying? How can we go against ASR? We can't even think about that in our wildest dreams also. He gave us life, Ma'am! We can never betray ASR," said the travel department head...

"Yes, Ma'am. We can never do that. ASR trusted us. He gave us the responsibility of his and his family's security. Be it with security guards or vehicles, in RM or AR. He made us head to these two departments trusting us. Every day we were keeping guard of him, his family and his employees. We are the people taking his employees safely to their homes. Every day we are taking care of you all. If you need to go anywhere, we are the people checking your cars' condition thoroughly and making sure about your safe journey. We are the people who are following you all throughout the day, wherever you go. Without our knowledge or permission, nothing can reach you. Here we are working for you all not caring about our lives, you are accusing us? How can you expect us to betray him, Ma'am? He, the ASR, trusted us! He never accused us or doubted us." said the security head, feeling offended. Slight anger is noticeable in his voice.

Both Akash and Aman frowned at the security head. Before they say anything, they hear Khushi asking.

"Is that so? Then answer me one question. Why weren't you informed about Arnav Ji's travel?"

"He never informed us until he returned. He always called us once his plane landed. By the time he came out from his security check we used to reach there;" said the security head not liking the way Khushi is asking the questions.

"Okay, I agree. Tell me one more thing. You said, every day you guys will check our cars, is that true?" asked Khushi.

"OF course, that's true," said the security head.

"And if any of the drivers at RM are not available, then who will drive Arnav Ji's family? Who will bring them for duty?"

"If any driver wasn't available, then I will inform the travel head and he will send his trusted drivers to RM," said the security head.

"Are you sure?" asked Khushi.

"Of course, Ma'am. I'm sure this is what is happening till now."

"And, are you sure you guys never missed this tradition?" asked Khushi.

"Yes, ma'am." said both the security and travel head.

"Then answer me, who took ASR's SUV on the day of his accident?" asked Khushi, leaving everyone in the room shocked.

"What are you asking, Khushi?" asked Aman.

"Answer me! Normally, Mohan would Drive Arnav Ji, isn't he? But on the day of his accident, Mohan Ji stayed at home as Akash sir asked. So, who took his SUV to him? If you didn't appoint anyone to take the SUV to the airport then who took the vehicle? How did the police find the vehicle there?"

Everyone stood there shocked hearing Khushi's questions. Everyone looked at each other with fear.

"ANSWER ME!!!" shouted Khushi.

"Ma'am..., we..., I mean..., I..., we...," stuttered both the men.

"Shut Up..., just shut up. You were saying so many things to me just a few minutes before. Then what happened? What's your answer? Tell me, is this the way you take care of things? Is this the way you are doing your job? Is this the way you are working for Arnav Ji? You said, he trusted you both. So, is this the way you guys repay his trust? ANSWER ME!!!" shouted Khushi, swiping her hand on the table leaving everything shattered on the floor.

Everyone stepped back, seeing Khushi in anger.

"If I find any of you or your negligence caused Arnav Ji, the accident, then get ready to see the hell. I am not going to leave anyone in this matter," warned Khushi.

"Ma'am, please, trust us. We didn't do anything to ASR. We didn't cause any harm to ASR. Please trust us, Ma'am," pleaded both the men.

"I can't trust you or forgive you both after seeing your irresponsibility and negligence towards Arnav Ji. If you were this irresponsible regarding Arnav Ji, then how can I trust you with my family and our employees? You both better search for new jobs," said Khushi, in a no-nonsense tone.

"Ma'am, please. Don't do this to us. We didn't do anything to ASR. Hearing your questions, we agree that we were irresponsible and negligent. But ma'am, we didn't do anything to ASR. Please believe us. We can never do that. He was like a god to us, please Ma'am. Please, trust us," both men literally begged Khushi.

"If you didn't, then find the person who did it and bring the person to me. If you didn't hurt Arnav ji or betray him, then prove yourself. I need proof, as soon as possible. If you can't bring the person, then get ready to see the jail. Now get out...," Khushi shouted.

Nodding their heads, they left from there. Before Mohan left, Khushi called him.

"Mohan Ji, you no need to wait for me. You better go to RM. I will come by myself," said Khushi observing his face keenly.

"No, Bhabhi. I will wait in the parking lot. Raju and Krishna are there at RM. I will drive you back home. I can't take any risk now," he whispered in the end.

Nodding her head, Khushi asked him to leave the cabin and turned to Aman and Akash.

"How can we miss this before? Damn it..., that means, the accident didn't happen accidentally but deliberately. That means, someone ki...ki...killed ASR?" Aman said, terrified.

Akash looked at Khushi who was looking at them with tears in her eyes.

"But who would do that?" asked Aman to no one in particular.

"Shyam!" said both Akash and Khushi.

"What?" asked Aman.

Then Khushi and Akash said everything they knew about Shyam and the doubts they have.

"I'm not going to leave that man. I will kill him with my own hands," said Aman in anger.

"Aman, control yourself. Shyam is a very dangerous guy. He is a lawyer for god sake. He knows everything about law, and he can turn every point against us and favourable to him. Before taking any action against him, we need solid proof. We can't take any risk regarding his matter," said Akash.

"I can't believe this. How can I ignore all these? How can I be so engrossed in grief? But Khushi, how did you get this doubt?" asked Aman.

"I was there when a driver wanted to give you the keys. And heard them talking about Mohan being the only person who drove Arnav Ji always. Then I remembered seeing Mohan Ji at RM on the day of the accident. And I needed to clarify my doubts, so I asked them to meet me, rest you know."

"But, if Shyam killed ASR, what would he get? Hasn't ASR already made his Will? Then why did he kill him?" asked Aman.

"Because Shyam didn't know about Arnav Ji's Will yet. He wanted us to stop searching for Arnav Ji. He wanted us to forget about Arnav Ji. And If we do that, then he can leisurely think about the property and plan how to get it," said Khushi, thinking something.

"No, Khushi. As Bhai is dead, how can Shyam think and plan about the property? One day or other, Shyam will come to know about the Will! And Bhai did not give any right to Anjali Didi, to transfer or gift her share. And he will not ask us. Because he knows that he will not get anything from us unless he gets the entire property from Bhai himself. Since you hid the fake Will, I don't think he would make a new Will to take Bhai's signature. As Bhai is already dead, I don't think it's possible in any way," said Akash.

"Hmm..., it's possible in two circumstances," said Khushi thinking.

"And that is?" asked Aman.

"One, he might forge Arnav Ji's signature and register the Will," said Khushi.

"No, Khushi. That's not possible. Roy said he will register the will today. And if anyone takes a new Will and tries to register, then ASR or ASR's lawyer should be present there. I don't think it would be possible," said Aman.

After thinking about what Aman said, Akash asked, "And what is another circumstance?"

"Arnav Ji, being alive!" said Khushi, leaving both the men in shock. 

...to be continued. 

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So, how is it? how did you guys find this part? is it okay? or are you guys want to throw eggs, onions or worst chappals on me? Let me know. 

Awaiting your response. I will try to post the next part ASAP. Please be patient with me and my updates. 

Thank you.

.Sri.