Listen to Sheela ki Jawani, while reading this chapter.... 

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Author's P.O.V....

" Ahm...Ahm..Sir," Rhea who had been silently observing from a short distance behind them coughs lightly.

Abhimanyu blinks, as if snapped out of a daze. His eyes shift slightly, realization dawning. " I-I mean...for your SoulStrock," he says, quickly correcting himself, adjusting his posture as if that might erase what he just said.

Ananya looks at him , equally caught off-guard. She blinks, then her lips curved in a small smile." O..oh. Okay" she says softly brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

Both try to act unaffected, but there's something unmistakably warm lingering between them.

" Aaiye. Ander chaliye. I'll give you a quick tour...but thoda sa renovation ka kaam chal raha hai , thoda mess ignore kijiyega." Ananya clears her throat, then turns with a gentle smile and leads them inside. Behind her, students also followed.

The interior is buzzing with life, even amidst the mild chaos- canvases stacked in a corner, ladders against walls, one section taped off for painting. Amid it all, a few students are working on sketches, and her colleagues Neha and Priya are discussing layout changes near the display wall.

Ananya turns to the group. " Everyone, yeh hain Mr. Abhimanyu kalra -the CEO of Kalra Empire as many of you already know him,  and some of you have already met. Aur unki assistant Rhea. " She said, gesturing towards Abhimanyu and Rhea.

" Nice to meet you all. I'm Abhimanyu Kalra." Abhimanyu said polity.

Rhea gives a professional smile." And I'm Rhea, Nice to meet you.

Everyone looks up, startled. There's a soft chorus of greetings and surprised looks.

One student grins cheekily and said." Bhaiya aap toh sach main bahut handsome hai."

Abhimanyu lets out a quiet, amused chuckle, nodding in acknowledgement with his usual graceful poise.

Neha steps forward, offering a smile. " We've heard a lot about you, sir. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Abhimanyu observes everything around him -the half-finished mural on the ceiling, the collage wall filled with Polaroids, the quiet pride in Ananya's voice as she introduces the space. Then she turns to him again.

" Aap Soulstrock ke liye aaye hain?" she asks, curiosity in her eyes. " Main samjhi nahi..."

Abhimanyu glances towards Rhea. " Rhea, please?"

Rhea nods with a polite smile and steps forward. " Of course." She turns to Ananya.

" Actually, the Kalra Empire is building a flagship township in Goa- it's called Project Synergy . It's a premium coastal township where all six verticals of the Kalra group are coming together for the first time in one integrated vision."

Ananay's interest deepens." And through Kalra Art & Culture, we're launching a curated art residency. We'll be inviting select artists to design murals, installations , and community art pieces across the township -from walls to cafes to gallery lounges m Soundtrack is on our radar for this." Rhea adds with a glint of opportunity in her tone.

" There's compensation, of course , plus profit -sharing on any points or collaboration through the culture centre. And if this model works, there's scope for national -level exposure. This could be huge- for Soulstrock, and for you."

As Ananya listens with focus, Abhimanyu's attention drifts again...To her. He isn't really paying attention to the words. His eyes rest on her face, the way her brows draw together in focus.The glow on her face. He's completely unaware of how obvious it is until she glances at him mid-sentence and catches him staring....A pause.

He quickly looks away. She blinks again, a soft flush creeping up her neck, before she tucks her hair back and composes herself.

" That sounds... really nice," Ananya says, her voice gentler now. " Maybe we can talk more about it later. I'll need to discuss a few things with my team first, if that's okay with you. just want to make sure everything is aligned."

Abhimanyu nods, his tone calm and understanding." Of course. Take your time. I'd rather everything be thorough."

Rhea, standing beside him with her tablet in hand, smiles in agreement." That makes complete sense."

Just then , Neha chimes in cheerfully, " Since you've come all the way here, you must take a look around our art centre before you leave."

Abhimanyu turns slightly, his eyes finding Ananya's again. " If you don't mind...or rather if you'd like to show me around?"

" Sure. Aaiye, I'd love to guide you through." A hint of smile touches her lips.

Rhea checks her watch and sighs slightly. " I'll skip this, sir. I have quite a bit of work left to do. I'll just leave from here." she says to Abhimanyu, he nods in agreement.

She exits gracefully, leaving them alone as they begin walking further into the art centre. As they walk down the quiet corridor, Ananya points out the rooms -one converted into a cozy lounge for students, another filled with supplies, and a bright studio where splashes of color still linger on canvas and cloth. A few corners are under mild renovation -new shelves being added, walks being painted in soft earthly tones.

" This is our main art space" she explains, her voice calm and steady. " The students come here for individual sessions or sometimes group work. The idea is to give them freedom to create, without the pressure of the outcome."

Abhimanyu walks slowly, his eyes scanning the vibrant mess with quiet interest. " It doesn't feel like a therapy room . It feels alive."

Ananya smiles." That's exactly what we aim for."

Then Ananya gestures towards a side door that opens into the back of the centre. " And this...is our little escape Spot."

They step outside into a charming, unfinished mini garden. A stone path winds through patches of grass a bench nestled under a tree, and a few easels stand abandoned but colorful.

" Sometimes the kids sit here and paint, " she says, " Nature helps them feel grounded. It's quiet, and they say the breeze listens better than people."

Abhimanyu stands there for a second, letting the moment sink in. " I can see why. That's a kind of peace here...not easy to find these days."

Ananya glances at him, her eyes soft." Wanna sit here...kuch der ke liye?" she gestures toward the wooden bench under the gulmohar tree.

He nods with a faint smile." Sure."

They sit down -side by side, not too close, not too far. Just enough to feel calm.

A moment passes, filled only by the rustle leaves and distant chirps. Then Abhimanyu turns towards her slightly. " Why did you decide to open the art centre?"

Ananya smiles , her voice steady but thoughtful." Mujhe art hamesha se pasand tha..but more than that, main chahti thi logo ki berang life ko colors se bharna so i opened this art therapy centre." Her eyes glimmer as she speaks -soft, luminous, like a quiet sunrise. There's no drama ,only truth.

" Kya aapko paintings pasand hai? she asks, turning to him.

He hesitates, then gives a small, dry smile." Not that much anymore....kisi aur ko pasand thi but voh ab nahi hai." 

Ananya looks at him, her eyes gentle. After a moment, she says quietly." Maybe they're still watching , you know...from somewhere."

She smiles, not to cheer him up , but because she means it." And I'm sure they'd be happy if you paint again. Paintings become more special when they carry someone's memory in every brushstroke."

The silence that follows doesn't feel empty. It feels like something unspoken just found its way into the light.

Abhimanyu looks at her -suddenly, like her words pierced through something old and silent. for a second, he forgets to breathe. His expression softens , the edges of his usual composure blur. It's not healing yet. But it's the beginning of it.

He whispers, " Thank you."

Ananya nods slightly, a small smile brushing her lips. just then a leaf lands softly on her head....she doesn't notice, but he does.

As she continues talking about something, he gently reaches out, hand moving slowly to lift the leaf from her hair. She pauses mid-sentence eyes widening at the sudden closeness...her heart stutters.

Their eyes meet. A stillness falls between them. She doesn't move. Neither does he. Something shifts -subtle but undeniable. Their breaths sync, the space between them suddenly charged. Her cheeks flush just a little, and a soft pink creeps up his neck.

Abhimanyu blinks, gently taking the leaf in his hand, " Uh...this...it was on your head."

Ananya blinks too, flustered beyond measure. " O-oh okay . Thank you." she says, eyes suddenly fascinated by the ground.

A quiet moment follows -awkward, shy, oddly beautiful. Both smile a little to themselves, not quite ready to look at each other again.

Then his phone buzzes..he checks it -an urgent call. He answers, speaks about something.

Ending the call, he turns with a smile." I have to go.. kuch urgent kaam se."

Ananya." Oh okay."

He holds her gaze for a heartbeat longer than necessary. " Bye..and thank you for showing me this beautiful place.... Also this is my card. If you decide to work with us..or anything else , feel free to reach out. My number is written here." he pulls out a sleek minimal card and offers it her

Ananya nods." I'll... bye." And just like that, he walks away, the leaf still in his hand.

_____

It's a beautiful breezy Mumbai night. The chandeliers of the Kalra Mansion glow warmly, casting golden reflection on the marble floors. But the real buzz is inside Abhimanyu's room -not his usual quiet haven, but tonight a mini party zone.

On the thick Persian rug laid out in the centre. Trisha, Avni , Manik , Saket, Ritu and Aarav who's staying over tonight are all sitting cross -legged in a circle on the floor, pillows tossed here and there , laughing like kids on a sleepover.

Abhimanyu, meanwhile is perched on an armchair beside the bluetooth speaker on his table. A soft smirk rests on his lips as he controls the music on his phone, acting as the game master -not playing, just pausing and playing the track. A warm breeze flows in through the windows , ruffling his hair slightly.

Ritu in her floral night suit, claps excitedly. " Chalo chalo shuru karo!"

Trisha grinning." Mujhe lagta hai chachi phele round mein hi phasengi."

Ritu ." Arey main toh expert hoon beta. Dekhna."

The music starts -a fast-paced track, and the pillow begins flying from hand to hand. Everyone's energy is buzzing. Abhimanyu watches with folded arms, tapping his fingers on the chair's armrest..

He stops the music. Everyone gasps, heads snapping to the one caught -Ritu...

Avni ." OHH! MUMMY! gayi aap toh!"

Manik dramatically." Yeh toh hona hi tha."

Saket laughing." Expert thi na tum toh ? Chalo ab ready ho jao."

" Okay chachi ko task main dungi... Chachi bataiye chachu aapko first date ke liye kaha leke gaye the aur kya kya romentic lines boli thi aapko impress krne ke liye." Trisha said with a mischievous smile.

Avni." Ha ha mummy bataiye?"

Ritu." Are beta, pucho mat date ke naam par mujhe satsang mein leke gaye the...aur romentic lines ki jagah , satsang ka saar sunna pada." she pouted a little, glancing towards saket, and then entire room burst into laughter.

Saket tried to hide his embarrassment." Seriously, yeh tha mera romantic plan?" said to himself.

Manik smirk." Chachu , ab samajh aata hai ki true love ki asli definition kya hoti hai -satsang!"

Everyone laughed even harder at Manik's comment.

The pillow spins again to peppy music. Giggles and mock anxiety rise.

Music stops. It lands on Trisha this time. " Main dare dunga. Trish, Bhai ki tarah serious face bana ke CEO style speech de -product launch wali." Manik said.

Trisha adjusts her imaginary blazer, stands up and begins." Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Today, we present to you...the future of technology. We call it -kalra khaas. Because basic toh sab hote hain. Thank you!"

Everyone claps and whistles." Are wah kya acting ki hai, Trish Oscar winning." Aarav said.

Abhimanyu shakes his head with a chuckle, muttering " Show -offs."

The third round begins. And now, the moment of glory. Music spins...and stops. The pillow lands on -Manik.

Manik. " No. NO. Not me."

Aarav with an evil smile." Manik beta, tumhare liye special task hai -dance kar Sheela ki Jawani pe."

Everyone howls in approval.

Manik." Main nahi karunga asa kuch bhi ...task change kro."

Saket." Chal chal suru ho jaa..sabne kiya h na tujhe bhi karna pdega voh bhi yahi."

Manik groaning." Main badla lunga sabse."

He snatches Avni's bright pink dupatta." Music chalo , Sheela ready hai." Manik said.

The speaker switches to that iconic track -the beats of " Sheila ki Jawani" drop , and the room transforms into a mini film set.

Manik now officially possessed by the spirit of an item girl, tossed Avni's pink dupatta around his neck and smirked.... The music starts.

I know you want it..

But you're never gonna get it..

Tere hath kabhi na aani...

Manik struts into the center of the circle like it's his ramp. With exaggerated sexiness, he rolls his shoulders and drags fingers across his face like he's in a slow -mo glamour ad....he gives a sultry look to Aarav , making a kissing face and winks.

He runs his hands down his torso seductively, hips swaying left and right, like a total item girl, flipping the duppata behind his back and letting it trail.

Avni screams." OH MY GOD!"

Trisha is doubled over laughing...Ritu hides her face behind her hands but is peeking through fingers like she's watching a mujra.

Maane na maane koi duniya ye saari..

Mere ishq ki hai deewani...

Manik twirls dramatically, let's the duppata fly in the air, and begins a seductive chest roll, arms above his head...Then he fake blows kisses to the imaginary audience ( aka his family) , spinning the flair.

He drops down into a slow floor move, crawling forward, gazing up with intense, exaggerated eyes.

Aarav howling." Yeh toh mujhpe line maar raha hai!"

Abhimanyu chuckles, trying not to laugh , biting his cheek.

Hey, you! I know you want it ...

But you're never gonna get it....

Tere hath kabhi na aani..

Manik rises , twirling like a drama queen, now holding both ends of the duppata like a veil and walking towards saket , lip-syncing with pouted lips and a hip sway.

He turns swiftly, popping his hip to the beat, then does a hair flip like katrina herself.

Everyone erupts into hoots and claps.... Trisha and Avni are crying from laughter.

Maane na maane koi duniya ye saari...

Mere ishq ki hai deewani..

Ab dil karta hai, haule haule se..

Main toh khud ko gale lagau..

Mujhe aur kisi ki zaroorat kya..

Main toh khud se hi pyaar jatau..

Manik gets ulta extra now... He walks to each audience members -first Avni , then Trisha , Aarav , Saket and Ritu -pretends to hug himself sensually in front of them.

Saket wipes tears laughing... " Yeh toh kat ko bhi piche chhod gaya!" Ritu says.

What's my name

What's my name

What's my name

My name is Sheela,Sheela ki Jawani..

I'm too sexy for you..

Main tere haath na aani..

Manik is now fully unhinged, whips the duppata like a whip..He points at the audience, runs his hands down his body, does a fierce hip thrust, mimicking exact steps -all seductive, all exaggerated.

No no no no no, Sheela

Sheela ki Jawani

I'm too sexy for you

Main tere haath na aani..

The beat continues bumping, and Manik, high on Sheela -energy, flips his invisible hair, bites his lips and gives the audience a wicked smirk.

Silly silly silly silly boys..

Oh oh oh ...( You're so silly)

Mujhe follow follow karte hai...

Manik twirls like a diva, points at Aarav then Abhimanyu,as if they're the silly boys, and does a slow seductive wave.

Haan jab unki taraf dekhu..

Baatein haule haule karte hai..

Hai magar

Be-asar mujhpe har patra ..

Manik does an exaggerated sigh, pretends to get love letters thrown at him...He crawls a little , then stands. His facial expressions go from dreamy to mocking like " Hmph.. amateurs."

Haaye re aise tarse humko..

Ho gaye sau barso re...

Suke dil pe..

Mega ban ke teri nazariya barse re..

Trisha, Avni and Aarav stand up , giggling like back-up dancers... They form a circle around Manik, doing twirls and rotating like in the actual music video...

I know you want it

But you're never gonna get it

Tere hath kabhi na aani..

Sheela , sheela ki Jawani

I'm too sexy for you..Main tere hath na aani...

The music bands louder -everyone claps and cheers joining him this time.

It's complete mujra madness- dancing, hooting, laughing.

Abhimanyu, who was chuckling silently, now leans back into the couch eyes twinkling.

Suddenly -Rajeev appears at the door... standing. Watching in disbelief and silent horror.

Music is still on.. Abhimanyu notices first. He quickly grabs the remote. MUSIC STOPS.

Everyone freezes mid-dance like statues...all eyes slowly shift to Rajeev. He says nothing. Just stared.

Manik, still catching breath not realizing, shouts. " Arey papa aap? Aaiye na! Aap bhi utaariye Sheela ki Jawani ko!"

The room gasps. Aarav chokes. Trisha slaps her forehead...

Abhimanyu's mouth twitches, fighting a laugh.

" Ye toh gaya aaj."  Ritu whispers to Saket.

Rajeev's eyes widen just a little... His voice thundered like a clap of lighting  - " MANIK!"

Manik , froze the realization crashing down on him like a tidal wave. He put a hand over his mouth in horror. " S-sorry! I-I mean... Papa , aap bhi dekhiye na mera.. Sheela ki Jawani ka voh.." ..

Aarav whispers little." Mujra"

Manik repeats dumbly. " Haan, mujra." Everyone winces.

Rajeev narrows eyes ." Kya?"... Manik gulps , looks at Aarav like he'll kill him, then blurts." I mean performance."

" Bahut raat ho gayi h.. Jake so jao sab." Rajeev said.

" Ha bhaiya bus jaa hi rahe hai." Ritu said trying to hold her laughter.

Rajeev gives a last glare to Manik, then turns around and walks off.

The second he exists -everyone bursts out laughing.

Manik flops on the floor face -down " I'm changing my name. Sheela died tonight."

Suddenly, Abhimanyu's phone buzzes with a message notification. A small smile tugs at his lips. Without a word, he excuses himself and walks out to the balcony.

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