Shivani quickly rushed out of Aman's room. Fifteen minutes later, she returned, transformed into a completely different person—dressed in a proper Sardarji getup. Her formal suit, fake beard and mustache, and a turban completed her look.
Aman's eyes widened in astonishment.
"Shivani! Is that you?" he gasped.
Shivani lifted her hands dramatically and replied in a thick Punjabi accent,
"Oye na ji, na! I'm not Shivani! My name is Chaman Singh!"
Aman, now visibly tense, said, "Shivani, if Jai finds out, he'll kill me!"
"Don't take tension-wa, paji!" she grinned, slipping between accents. "Main doctor mention-wa, samjhe paji?"
Then, changing her tone to her usual self, she added seriously, "Bhaiya, don't worry. No one will find out anything. I'll handle it. Just tell me what exactly I have to do once I get there."
Trusting her determination, Aman explained the entire plan and then sent her off with his most trusted men.
---
Same Day, 8 PM — Party Hall, London
The party was held at London's second most prestigious hotel. Prominent businessmen from all across Europe were attending. Jai was seen engaging in polite conversation and networking with the elite.
Just then, Shivani entered the party hall, disguised as Chaman Singh. Dressed in a well-fitted suit, with a perfectly tied turban, she confidently scanned the room. As her eyes met Jai's, she approached him and greeted,
"Sat Sri Akal, Sir ji!"
Jai turned around, surprised. "Sat Sri Akal! And… you are?"
"You didn't recognize me, sir ji?" she said, widening her eyes in mock disbelief. "I'm Aman's brother—Chaman!"
"Aman's brother, Chaman?" Jai repeated, clearly confused.
"Oh, what I meant was… I'm his friend's brother! So technically, I'm like his brother too," she added with a grin. Then she handed her phone to Jai. "Here, sir ji. You can ask him yourself!"
Jai took the call.
"Hello, Aman?" he said.
On the other end, Aman spoke softly, "Yeah, Jai?"
"Why didn't you come yourself?" Jai asked.
"I'm feeling a bit unwell. Got a fever just after your call in the evening. I've briefed Chaman about everything. He'll handle it."
There was a pause. "Just… please take care of him, okay? It's his first day. If he makes a mistake, don't scold him too much."
Jai sighed, "Alright, fine. But you should've told me earlier. I would've handled it."
"I was fine till morning," Aman replied, letting out a few sneezes. "Achoo! Achoo!"
"Okay, get some rest," Jai said. "Oh, by the way… how's Shivani? Is she okay?"
Aman's heart skipped a beat.
"She's with you, right?" Jai asked.
Aman quickly bit his tongue and fumbled, "Oh—yes! Yes, she's perfectly fine! I meant… take care of my little brother Chaman, okay?"
Before Jai could question him further, Aman quickly ended the call, held his chest in relief, and looked up.
"Thank you, God. Please take care of Shivani!"
---
As Jai turned around, he bumped right into Chaman—Shivani, who was standing close behind. She nearly lost her balance but Jai instinctively caught her by the waist. She flinched and shut her eyes, terrified.
He steadied her and frowned.
"What are you doing? And why were you standing right behind me?"
Shivani lowered her head and replied nervously, "Sorry, sir ji. It won't happen again."
Jai gave her a sharp look but said, "Fine." He turned to walk away.
Suddenly, Shivani grabbed his arm. Jai looked back, his eyes filled with suspicion.
"Why are you behaving like a girl?" he snapped. "Let go of my hand!"
Startled by his tone, she released him immediately. "Sorry, sir…"
"It's okay," he muttered and walked off.
Shivani followed him silently, doing exactly what Aman had instructed. She performed her duties like a perfect personal assistant. Jai, though tough on the outside, was secretly impressed by her efficiency.
However, Shivani wasn't comfortable in the suit. She kept tugging it down awkwardly.
Jai noticed and growled, "What are you doing? It's like you've never worn a suit before!"
Shivani nodded, "Yes sir ji— I mean, no sir ji!"
He rolled his eyes, "Stop with this yes-no confusion!"
"Sorry, sir…" she whispered.
---
Later, as Shivani went to get herself a glass of water, a Punjabi lady from a traditional Indian family stopped her.
"Oye puttar ji, wait a second! I need to ask you something."
Shivani, now nervous, touched her fake beard anxiously.
Oh no! Did she find out I'm a girl? she wondered.
She looked up toward the heavens. Dear God, please save me!
"Yes… Aunty ji?" she said hesitantly.
"Why do you look so nervous, puttar?" the lady asked.
"No-no, I'm not nervous," Shivani stuttered. "It's just… I'm thirsty. My throat is dry, that's why my voice sounds odd."
"Oh okay! Drink some water first. Then we'll talk."
Shivani quickly gulped down her water and turned around.
"What's your name, son?" the lady asked again.
Shivani clutched her chest in panic. Why is she following me?
"M-my name is… Chaman Singh," she finally said.
"Such a lovely name, Chaman!" the lady beamed. "Puttar ji, what are your thoughts on marriage?"
"Good thoughts, aunty ji!" she said quickly.
The lady smiled wider. "Would you marry my daughter? She's very pretty and well-mannered! Here—look at her photo."
Shivani stared at the photo in disbelief.
Wrong number, aunty ji! Definitely wrong number…
The lady leaned in proudly. "Isn't she beautiful?"
Shivani nodded, "Yes, aunty ji, very beautiful."
Desperate to escape, she added, "Aunty ji, an emergency just came up. I need to go to the washroom right now."
And with that, she fled in a hurry toward the restroom, trying to hide her flustered face.
To be continued…