Seven Days Of Love
Seven Days Of Love


SYNOPSIS
Rich and powerful business magnate, Kabir Khanna, the flamboyant personality with a mysterious past. He meets Meera, a beautiful ambitious woman, in the most unusual circumstance. Their acquaintance leads them to unexpected dimensions of life. They learn some mystical learnings of life in their seven days journey. A journey of love, compassion, and happiness.
PROLOGUE
She loved to stare outside her window and see the rush of cars on a busy highway. The highway illuminated radiant yellow lights with a tinge of sparkling orange color. Her room seemed a replica of the night sky. Her baby had slept peacefully on her lap. She placed him carefully in his baby cot and looked at her husband. She moved forward to kiss him but didn't. She kissed her baby and continued to stare at the contrast outside her window. Down it was golden and up above the sky it was dark. Deadly dark.
He woke up perspiring profusely. It was always the same dream. He was drowning and screaming for help. This time it was his swimming pool. He went in his lavish balcony and settled on his armchair with his drink. He rocked until it dawned.
A DAY BEFORE
Bliss restaurant was beautiful, exotic, and unique. Dr. Harish had reserved a cozy corner for them. He knew the talks they would have were guarded. The woman sitting at the next table gazed at Kabir, his entry had his own charismatic aura.
"Ordered your favorite drink." Dr. Harish said
" If a glass of drink could give me peaceful sleep." Kabir sighed.
"You have bottled your emotions in your mind. Just release them."
"I have expressed everything to you. " Kabir replied.
"Let's do it differently. It's therapy."
"What therapy?" He asked.
"Tomorrow morning the first person you meet at your office gate will be the most important person."
"Why so?" Kabir was unable to understand where exactly this conversation was leading.
"You will put yourself out for that someone. Go out of your way and give that person unconditional help and support. "
"Are you kidding me? I mean what kind of therapy is this? "
"Show some compassion, boy. Believe me, it will change you. Otherwise you and your dreams. All the best." Dr.Harish replied with a cute wink.
Kabir sighed.
"This is the craziest mistake I will ever do. " He said.
"I will keep my fingers crossed. Keep reporting me."
That night Kabir's mind wandered but surprisingly he slept peacefully.
DAY 1
Kabir saw a red cardinal bird chirping as he was on his way to the office. It's said that when we see a red cardinal bird you meet a special person.
He heard a screechy voice.
"Sorry, sir. Someone came suddenly so I applied the brakes." His driver said.
" Where's that, someone?" Kabir got out of the car. His protruding eyes searching for the one who dared to bang in his car.
" Can I have my papers back please? " she said. She had an attractive face with curly long hair suiting her round face. Her red attire was perfectly matching with her intensely intelligent face.
He closed his eyes to savor the experience.
"Can you hear?" she said as she collected the scattered papers.
Kabir kneeled down to collect the papers and saw her mangalsutra dangling from her neckline. She collected her papers and hurried inside Kabir's office.
"Good morning Sir." Kabir's office gatekeeper wished him.
He wished his gatekeeper sucking in a quick breath. I can't believe it. That woman. He whispered shaking his head in disbelief.
She lingered in his mind while he attended his morning meeting. After the meeting, he went to see off the guests. While coming, the lift stopped on the middle floor. He saw the same lady entering the lift.
"Lady, this lift is only for top management people. How could you enter this lift? " he fumed. She looked at him and started sobbing.
The lift stopped at the top floor and she walked inside.
"You have entered my cabin." He said.
"Sorry I will go."
"No sit-down. I am Kabir Khanna, managing director of this company. "
She sat down tightly clutching her purse. He offered her a glass of water and she gulped it down quickly.
"What are you doing in my office?"
She didn't answer and stared down at her hands.
"Answer fast. I don't like to wait. "
She started crying. He stared at her blankly not knowing what to do. For Kabir, this territory was completely unknown. How to soothe a crying unfamiliar woman? he thought. He had to show compassion as directed by Dr. Harish. He was aware of his last night's discussion.
"What's your name? You can answer that. " He asked narrowing his eyes.
"I am Meera and I can answer everything. I had an interview with your company and it went off well. But I don't think the panel will select me."
"Why is that so Ms. Meera?"
"I have a small baby at home and being a mother is a crime, Mr. Khanna, in this competitive world."
"Hmm. Is that so. Let me have a look at your credentials."
She handed over the file to him and Kabir studied the file silently.
"Well, you deserve this job. Your credentials are very impressive. Why are you so low in confidence, lady?"
"I have given interviews in past. They either reject me or offer me less pay. It's a disgrace that you corporate people talk about women empowerment. "
"That's not the case everywhere Ms. Meera. Leave your credentials and I will see what can be done for you. "
"I don't want sympathy but I must get what I deserve. I will not appreciate it if you offer me the job only because of this emotional meeting. "
"I don't indulge in favoritism and usually I don't like people advising me. But your point is noted." He said sternly.
"Thanks for hearing me. Good day." Her voice was choked with emotions and her eyes were still wet.
She left the cabin leaving Kabir astonished. No one dared to talk with him the way Meera did. Khanna Industries was a kind of modern office but there was no emphasis on openness in communication. In Khanna Industries there was only one rule. Kabir's rule. Employees found him unapproachable and at the same time they loved to work in Khanna Industries. Girls hardly left Khanna Industries. Piercing black eyes with well-toned muscles, rough yet elegant look, made Kabir the most eligible bachelor.
Kabir opened the first drawer of his table and took out a photo frame. He looked at the photo and held it tightly at his chest. He felt sick and kept the photo in the drawer. Meera's wet eyes flashed in front of him.
Meera was at the park for her evening walk with her baby. Her mind was still jittery with the morning meeting. Will Kabir offer me a job? Did he really feel I deserve the job or was it just a formality? She thought as she was strolling with her baby.
Her phone rang, disturbing her thoughts.
"Hello, Ms. Meera. This is Aditya from Khanna Industries. You t are selected for the post of finance manager. Can you start tomorrow?" He asked.
Her eyes brightened and she could feel a tingling sensation in her hands.
"Ms. Meera, are you listening ?"
"Yes, I can start tomorrow." She said with a broad smile.
"Well then, tomorrow first collect your offer letter and then we will direct you further. Good day and meet you tomorrow."
"Good day Aditya. "She said.
She kissed her baby on his cheeks. Finally, I got it. She whispered clasping her hands.
DAY 2
Meera watched the orange ball radiating rays of energy in the eternal sky and spreading enthusiasm to live life to the fullest. She was excited to start her work and tensed as it was her baby's first day at crèche. She had kept her baby in crèche a few times but today it was for the whole day.
"He has fun here. Don't worry Meera we will take care of him." Nanny at the crèche said.
It was a tough decision but individuality was equally important for her. With a heavy heart, she bid her baby goodbye.
She inhaled deeply when she entered Khanna Industries. I can do it, she whispered to herself. She was welcomed by Aditya the HR Manager.
"You liked your workplace?" Aditya asked.
"Yes, a lot." She replied.
"Ok then, Meera you have to meet Kabir. His cabin is on the last floor." He said.
Meera knew Kabir's cabin.
"May I come in ?" She asked.
He turned his chair and looked at her. His heart froze for a moment and started pounding again. He stared at her, analyzing whether her orange outfit with oxidized earrings radiated more or her artistic kohl applied brown eyes. She was a beautiful mystery and Kabir wanted to explore.
"Yes Meera," he said clearing his throat.
"Thanks, sir."
"Sir... no sir in my office. Call me Kabir. We believe in an informal approach."
She gave him a sweet nod.
"Let's start our work. You have to prepare a budget report for an ongoing project of our company. Its a reasonable assignment and looking at your credentials I don't think you will take much time to complete it."
"Yes. " She said with a broad smile. Costing and budgeting were her forte.
"Can you give the report to me by tomorrow noon?: He handed over the files to her.
"To you ?" She asked.
"Yes, we both will be working on this project." He said.
She felt a sudden rush of adrenaline all over her face. Her eyes sparkled and she was actually blushing with joy. She realized her emotions were visible on her face and she curtailed it. Kabir noticed it though.
"I owe eternal gratitude to you. Thank you so much for all you have done to help me." She held Kabir's hand for a handshake. There was warmth in her touch and innocence on her face and everything was just blissful.
Kabir's heart ached as he watched her leaving his cabin. Her gratitude was one of the most uplifting words he had ever heard.
He opened the drawer and took out the same photo frame. He took a deep, pained breath and kissed the frame.
Is she as beautiful as you are? He murmured.
Meera's enthusiasm was marred as she was struggling to complete her report. She continued to work late at night while her husband and baby were sleeping.
"Ashish wake up. I am nervous." She said to her husband waking him up.
"What Meera? " He asked sleepily. He got up from his bed rubbing his eyes.
"I am struggling with my first assignment. I have lost grip on my subject in this maternity break."
"Meera it's one o clock and you are tired. Listen to me and start tomorrow with a fresh mind."
He dozed off again.
DAY 3
Yellow tulips decorated in the flower vase gave a golden radiance to Kabir's cabin.
"How's she? " He enquired.
"She is fine but she misses you, Kabir. " A female voice on the other side of the phone answered.
"I will come to meet her in a day or two." He said.
His conversation was interrupted by Meera's entry. He ended the call abruptly.
"Sorry I forgot to knock. " Meera said. She sat on the chair and stood up again.
"Sit down. " He said.
I don't think I have lived up to your expectations. With so many of changes on the subject matter, I found it difficult to complete. She said and handed over the project file to Kabir. She looked at Kabir with a downcast expression. He felt a strong urge to be near her and give her a soothing hug.
"My dad used to say winners never quit. Take this paper. " He said gently.
"What is this?"
"I knew you will face trouble in preparing the report. You know the subject well but in the past two years, there were radical changes which you were not updated. I have jotted down all the amendments that happened. This will help you to complete the project easily. "
She stared at him incredulously.
" You did it for me?" Her voice stammered. A fluttery feeling in her belly made her nauseated. She was shivering.
"Yes. " He said.
She left the cabin speechless.
"How was your meeting with Kabir? Mrs. Eva enquired. Mrs. Eva was Meera's immediate colleague. She was a middle-aged and pleasant woman.
"Well I don't know what to say," Meera said in a low tone.
"Why are you perspiring so much? Kabir is sometimes nasty with his employees, especially when they don't complete their work on time. Don't get overwhelmed by his arrogance. "
Meera immediately hid the paper at the back.
Arrogance? Does he fire his employees? Meera asked.
"Yes, he does but in private. Meera just is calm and get going with the work he has given." Mrs. Eva said in a soothing tone.
Meera took the paper given by Kabir and started her work. The list of updates was so impeccably done by Kabir that she completed
her project within an hour's time.
She emailed the report to Kabir. After a few minutes, she got an email from Kabir.
It was written:
Well done Meera.
Kabir was unable to have his lunch. He was surprised with his ability to make difference in Meera's life. The visuals of her floral smile which had the ability to fill fragrance in his cabin gleamed in front of him.
DAY 4
Kabir was wandering in the lush green farm. He felt a soft touch on his back. It was Meera fluttering her eyelashes.
" Let's stroll in this paradise." She said softly. They both leisurely walked around the pastures holding each other's hand.
He didn't wake up perspiring this time. The whole dream was so captivating and beautiful. It seemed as if Kabir's heart healed from his enduring pain.
Meera entered his cabin cautiously. Her pulse rate was rising as she wanted to know the reason for yesterday's compassionate gesture.
"Meera I was waiting for you. There's good news. " Kabir said.
"What's that? " She asked forgetting that she wanted to ask him the reason for his kind gesture
"Our investors are extremely happy with your project. They are especially delighted with the reasons you have written for the projections. You have hit the nail!"
"Really!" She exclaimed curbing her happiness.
"Yes, and they want you to make a presentation. They will fix a meeting in a day or two. We both will attend it. Be prepared."
Her whole body was flooded with warmth. She felt as if she was reincarnated. It seemed to be aged when she heard words of appreciation. Suddenly life showered her a whole bouquet of it. She was lost.
She acknowledged his invite and left the cabin.
She left an aroma in Kabir's cabin that had the power to heal. An aroma that went upwards seeking light. Divine light. Everything was magical.
It was raining in the afternoon and Kabir felt an urge to go home. He tried to concentrate on his work but in vain. Finally, he informed his secretary and headed home. Just as his car crossed the main gate he saw Meera. She looked tensed.
"Meera what are you doing? Are you going home early? "
"I am going to pick up my baby from his crèche. He is not well." She said.
"I will drop you. Come in quickly, it's raining outside."
She quickly got in his car. She was desperate to be with her baby.
"Your husband didn't come to pick up? " He asked reluctantly.
"He is out of town. Will reach tomorrow morning." She said. Kabir could feel her apprehension. He wanted to console her but the situation was quite uncomfortable.
When they reached the crèche, Meera just ran inside without looking back at Kabir. After few minutes she came with her baby. He was sleeping in her arms.
"How's your baby? You want to take him to the doctor?" He enquired.
"No, the crèche called the doctor. I want to go home. Will you please drop me."
"Can I leave you in this situation alone? Sit backseat. "He said.
Kabir made sure that Meera settled at her home.
" I should leave now. " He said after he was sure that Meera was relaxed.
"A cup of coffee?" She asked.
" Maybe later. I should leave now." He was rigid and restless to go home.
She caught his hand without giving him any scope for movement. He froze just staring at her blankly.
"Why do you do this for me?"
"Do what?" He asked with a shaky voice.
"You go out of your way to help me. I know this corporate world. No one helps if there is no vested interest. What's your vested interest? "
Her question came to him as if he was hit by thousands of arrows inside his heart.
"I am just being courteous, Meera." He said. There was an unusual stillness in him.
"No there's something more to it." She said shaking her head.
He gave her a silent look and moved out of her house. She exhaled and sat on her sofa.
Her whole body was numb.
DAY 5
Mystical deep blue ocean's waves were crashing against the shore making the atmosphere peaceful and gentle. Kabir was sitting on the driving seat and looking at the endless sea. There was an old construction building near the shore.
"Is she sleeping ?" He asked looking at the old building.
"Yes. Shall I wake her up?" A female voice answered.
"No, I will come afterward." He said.
Kabir directly headed towards Dr. Harish's clinic.
"What have I done?" Kabir said crumpling onto a chair.
"You haven't done anything. " Dr. Harish tried to pacify him.
"Harish I can't take the guilt of making a married woman fall in love with me."
"Did she say that?"
"I sensed it yesterday night. I can't deny the fact that she has mesmerized me. Probably I would have helped her even if you wouldn't have said to me to do. She has changed everything in me. Making her happy is an antidote for me. There is some divine connection between us. I..I.. can't understand. " Kabir gasped for breath.
"You both are soulmates."
"Sorry what ?"
"Soulmates. " Harish emphasized the word again.
"Means we both are falling in love with each other."
"Maybe or maybe not. Soulmates can share a platonic relationship. Your willingness to help her makes you special in her life. Cherish these moments as they are unique and exotic."
"Exotic veggies salad. "Ashish exclaimed with happiness.
Meera was busy arranging the table for dinner but her mind was restless. Kabir's silence was killing her. She tried to converse with Kabir in the office but he tried to ignore her.
Why can't Ashish be like Kabir? She thought.
Ashish had given her freedom but that freedom suffocated her. She always felt that he loved her as his wife but not as Meera. Her happiness was never his priority. On the other hand, there was a man who was striving to make her happy.
"You seem to be lost in your own world. What're what matters ?" He said giving her a small pat.
"Nothing Ashish. As I mentioned, have a meeting with the investors tomorrow. I have to stay overnight. Just worried about how you will manage with the baby."
Ashish sighed.
"Meera relax. I will handle it. Mummy is going to come to look after him at night."
"Ashish, why did you call her for one night?" She asked him angrily.
"Meera what's wrong with you? "
"Nothing. In a way it's good she is coming."
She closed her eyes to visualize him but perhaps she was just chasing a mirage.
DAY 6
She looked stunning in her sparkling indigo color attire. Kabir knew she had the ability to conduct the meeting well and his intuition came true. She was a thorough professional and with Kabir besides her, she was a queen.
"We are impressed, Ms. Meera. I must say it was an impeccable presentation." One of the investors said.
"Thanks, Sir. "Meera said
"Why don't you both join us for dinner tonight. Kabir is eight o clock fine for you both?"
Kabir nodded and left the conference room without giving Meera any remote chance to speak with him.
Kabir didn't turn up for dinner. For Meera, it was the longest dinner she ever had. She was completely puzzled by his behavior. Her mind was spinning like a whirlpool. She was yearning to see Kabir. She excused herself and headed towards Kabir's room.
" Meera what's wrong?" He asked jerking his head back. He stood near his room door gazing at her completely astonished.
"What's wrong with you? You were supposed to come for dinner? She asked with her pulse racing at the highest level. She barged inside his room almost pushing him away.
"Why are you ignoring me for the past two days? Kabir, you confuse me. What's going on in your mind? "
He closed his eyes and took a long breath.
"Some questions are better left unanswered. " He said.
"Why? I want an answer to all my questions."
"You better go to your room, Meera." He said with an absolutely flat tone.
Meera turned around to go out of his cabin but her legs couldn't move. She got closer to Kabir and hugged him tightly. Kabir balanced himself by taking the support of a nearby oak chest. Her hug made him warm and all his body cells were screaming in joy. He reciprocated by giving his warmth to her. Their closeness seemed to be a bridge between the finite and the infinite.
Kabir realized his mistake and pulled her away.
"It's wrong." He said.
She stumbled back a step and stared at him. There was a painful tightness in her throat.
"Please Kabir...I ...."
"Meera immediately go to your room. " He said authoritatively.
"No, I won't. You hear that. I want to confess one thing and I will confess."
"What?" he asked angrily
"I think I love.."
"Don't Meera. Stop there itself. Don't complete this sentence."
"Why not ?"
"Because..."He was unable to say further.
"Because I am married." She said, in a choked voice.
"No ..... Because I am a Casanova."
"Casanova?"
"Yes, I hook up and had plenty of girlfriends in past."
"In past means? " She asked him surprisingly.
"Meera if you really care for me, you will leave my room right now." He turned away from her.
She left his room shattered and wounded. She collapsed on her bed. Uncontrollable tears just flowing down from her eyes wetting her pillow covers. She took her mobile and held it close to her heart. She was sure it was going to ring. Indeed, it rang. It was a text message from Kabir.
Can you meet me in the lawn area tomorrow morning?
Her whole body shivered with pleasure. With moistened hands, she replied yes.
DAY 7
Subtle violet lavender flowers in the lawn area of the hotel gave Kabir a feeling of a new positive beginning. He was waiting for Meera to come. She came in the lawn area embracing the sweetness of the lavender flowers. Her aroma of innocence blended with the sunshine making the day the most beautiful one. They kept looking at each other silently.
"Sorry about yesterday." Kabir began the conversation.
"Actually I should be sorry. I crossed my limits yesterday." Her voice cracked and she lowered her gaze downward.
He walked away from her to regain his composure. Suddenly, he walked towards her and held her hands.
" You are the purest soul I have ever met. I played with your feelings. I pretended to be nice to you. I am so guilty. " He said panting for breath.
"You haven't done anything to be guilty. I don't think you pretended anything. You helped me whole heartedly without any expectations." She said holding his hands tightly.
She was surprised by his sudden rush of emotions.
"I am ....I..had... "He tried to continue.
"Kabir please share your pain. You will feel better. Give me a chance to help you. "
"Yes, I want to tell you everything. I want to tell only you. Noone knows that my last girlfriend was pregnant with my child." He sighed.
She squeezed his shoulders tightly and nodded.
"I didn't want the child. She died soon after delivering a baby girl. My angel girl, Meera. My child. I ruthlessly kept her at an orphanage. She is two years old now. This guilt of not accepting my child is killing me. For the world, I am Kabir Khanna, the most successful and ambitious businessman. In my heart, I am shattered. I feel naked. " He covered his face with his hands.
"Whats your heart telling you to do?" She asked calmly.
"To accept her. Give her all love and affection. To take care of her the way you took care of your baby when he was not well. "
"Then do it. Human beings are reluctant to give. Learn to give. Accept her and only then will you feel better."
"I don't know. The whole feeling is so confusing."
"Nobility is sacred. Be noble and accept that tiny soul who needs you. Do this open-heartedly and experience the feeling of true enlightenment. "
Meera kissed him on his forehead. He gave her a shy yet radiant smile.
They both sat in the lawn area silently. They were touched beyond words.
They gave each other the most rewarding glance and parted.
A DAY AFTER
It was a rainy day and Meera was enjoying her cup of morning coffee on her balcony. She had worn a white Kurta. She glanced at the newspaper. It read:
'Kabir Khanna, the most successful business tycoon decides to adopt a baby girl.'
Meera saw a beautiful rainbow emerging in the eternal sky. When the sunlight enters the falling raindrops there comes a beautiful rainbow. So were her seven days journey with Kabir. He was her sunlight and she was his raindrops and they both formed the most mystical rainbow of their life.