SENIOR Gupta BREATHED HIS LAST
G&R ORPHANED
SHOCK IN THE BUSINESS WORLD

New Delhi
Prominent Indian businessman Shashi Gupta has died on Tuesday at St. Xavious Hospital, of a suspected heart attack, at the age of 60. He had became unwell on Sunday, when he was admitted to the hospital.

His condition was later reported to be stable though, only to ripple the shock waves with his sudden demise.

The chairman of one of the top textile empires, 'G&R', and an advisor to the 'Chamber of Commerce's Economics Committee', Mr Gupta had been coping up with his health since last month and so did the company which is facing ebbs and lows.

Across the city, friends and businessmen were stunned at his death. None of the daughters of Mr Gupta was available for comments.

._._._.

Gupta Sadan

Arnav was trying to console a very hysterical Lavanya for past half an hour.

He himself was torn from inside losing his mentor, guide and patron; feeling like he had lost his parents once again. But right now he was too tensed with other problems to mourn.

"Lavanya, please eat something. Even Uncle would not have liked if you behave like this."

"Arnavji, why did everyone leave me? I didn't remember much of Mom's death. But Papa was everything for me."
Her tears were unstoppable.

Arnav was never very good with words and emotions. While Lavanya hugging him tightly, was not helping either.

Flashback:

"Aman is perfect for Lavanya. It's your responsibility to arrange their marriage." The last words of Shashi were running in Arnav's mind.

Flashback end

'How will Lavanya take the news of her marriage with Aman?'
He was not sure.

"Arnavji, you won't leave me na." Lavanya said looking at him with expected glance.

Was it a question to him or an assurance to herself?

'How will I fulfill the promise given to a dying father?'

"Lavanya, I have some important call to make."
Arnav detached himself from her. "You should be strong. Please have something. I'll come in a minute."

He rushed to his room.

Right now, Lavanya was not his biggest problem.

._._._.

Flashback

"Do you trust me Khushi?"

"Papa, what type of question is this?"

"I know that we have disagreements. You don't like many of my decisions. But whatever I do is for your well-being beta."

"I know Papa!"
Khushi had whispered with Shashi's hand on her head, in the hospital room.

Flashback End
Khushi in her Room

At that time she didn't know exactly what was her father talking about.

But now she knew...very well...as she replayed all the incidents of last two days in her mind.

Khushi had eavesdropped Shashi and Arnav's conversation yesterday, a few moments before her father's demise.

Flashback

"Arnav, I want you to marry Khushi!"
Shashi's voice was weak but firm.

Flashback End

While Khushi was almost broken, not believing her ears.

'Didn't Papa know that Lavanya likes Arnav or the most obvious- I DON'T LIKE HIM.'

Khushi could never know what her father was thinking.

He had gone, for never to come back.

Since last 24 hours, she was engrossed in pain, agony, hurt, those fake sympathies from fake relatives and those unrealistic assurances. But now she was realising the other problems that needed attention.

'I couldn't stop Papa's death but I'll never let myself pushed in the hands of Grim Reaper.'

She was determined that she won't marry Arnav.

'Not in this lifetime.'

._._._.

Arnav's Room

"Stocks are performing well, ASR! The news had pushed up the numbers by almost 10%." Aman briefed him.

"This type of reaction was expected from market, Aman! Keep tabs on it and let me know if you get any update."

At least company was doing good. It had been recovering since the deal. And the death of chairman had triggered such dramatic reactions from market.

Cutting the phone call from Aman, Arnav sat on the sofa. These 3 days were the worst.

Flashback
Three days ago

He had rushed to hospital when Aman had got that call. Amid white walls and sheets, surrounded with machines, Gupta Uncle was looking restless to him.

"Arnav, I don't think I can recover now."
Shashi was having chest pain, so he was kept under care.

"Uncle please..."

"Hear me out ..."
Shashi had cut him between.

While Arnav had gulped, listening to him intently.

"You respect me too much beta! I don't deserve this."
Arnav had raised his eyes on Shashi's comment, shaking his head in disagreement.

"I am a selfish father."
He had sighed before continuing.

"Whatever I did for you and your family...there was my motive behind it."

He was finding it difficult to make full sentences.

"Uncle..." Arnav tried to intervene.

"I wanted something in return it. A shrewd businessman I am!"
Shashi had said with a chuckle.

"Even if you ask me for my life, I won't hesitate Uncle."

Arnav assured him. When the world had pushed him away, this man had held his hand.

"No not your life, actually it is my part of life I want to give you."

Shashi was talking in riddles which Arnav was not getting clearly.

Before they could continue Khushi had barged in. Never leaving her father's side, they didn't get chance to talk...until it was the last time of Shashi.

Flashback
On day of Shashi's death

Arnav had to wait two days, all confused, before they could talk alone. That day Khushi was in doctor's cabin and he was with Gupta Uncle.

"Khushi thinks I will recover soon."
Shashi had told him.

'You will uncle!'
Arnav wanted to say but remained silent.

"Her mind overpowers her heart."
Shashi had a light smile on his face."But Lavanya is very emotional. Unlike Khushi, her heart dominates her."

His voice was wavering, when he took his hand in his shaking one.

"Arnav beta, promise me, that you'll take care of my daughters."

"Yes Uncle, I promise."

"It was my wish to see them getting married but now it will remain a dream."

Ok!

Arnav had already anticipated marriage talks.

He could think about all the possible talks, 'Lavanya, me, Buaji, Aman, NK, Khushi...'

"Aman is perfect for Lavanya."

Arnav's breath hitched, hearing this, but the next sentence again took a laboured one. "It's your responsibility to arrange their marriage beta."

Arnav was shocked, no flabbergasted.

'Of all the people, I have to manage Lavanya's marriage?'

"Will you get it done??"
Shashi wanted to confirm it.

"Yes Uncle, I'll."
Arnav had said ignoring his unease.

"Do you like someone?" Another question from Shashi.

Arnav didn't understand what he wanted to know.

"Do you have someone, with whom you want to spend life, have a family? Any girlfriend or fiancée?" Shashi had elaborated.

"No...No there is none."
Arnav had stuttered, first time in his life.

He had no plan to get married or go commit to someone, never in his life.

"Then I want you to marry Khushi."

What the fu.....

Arnav had felt ground shaken under his feet.

'Did I hear something wrong.'

Seeing his blank expression, Shashi had repeated himself, "Arnav, I want you to marry Khushi."

His voice had weakened. "Consider it as my last wish." His breath rate had risen.

Arnav had sobered himself, seeing the condition of a father, nodding his head.

"I will uncle."

Shashi had patted his back, his eyes, though tired, were looking at him proudly.

But the next second the slow breath had become harsh. As doctors rushed in, Arnav was asked to go out.

Burdened with those promises which he had to fulfill, he had come out, while Shashi was taken care by doctors.

'I am not sure if I can fulfill them in this lifetime.'
Arnav was thinking now.

._._._.

A shocking update kya😜.

Thank you🙂.