Chapter 2 - Welcome to Mumbai
Things had been crazy busy the entire week with everyone putting in long hours to finalize Bird Song's marketing pitch. Arjun was making sure there was no room for error. He had asked Sam to even have a backup presentation ready just in case. She had been under a lot of stress since last couple of days and just wanted to get it all over with. Patience was not her forte and due to enormous work pressure, her mood had been pretty crabby. It was 8:00pm on Friday night, and their team was still at the office finalizing campaign details.
"Seriously Teji, desi people have conquered every corner of the world. I mean, check these Lancome executives out - Radhika Mishra and Neil Malhotra - you can't get more Indian names than theirs."
"So true Sam... Do you think they will be the typical ABCD type?"
"No idea. It really doesn't matter if they are NRI or what - as long as they choose Bird Song," she added smiling.
"Arjun Sir seems pretty calm."
"I don't think he is capable of any emotion."
The team just laughed at Sam's comment. They could never tell if their boss was happy, sad, stressed or angry. He always had the same stoic expression, just unattached to everything except his work.
"I think he needs to get laid."
"Good lord... Zubin, I can't believe you said that!" replied Krithika in amusement.
"You all were thinking it... I just said it out loud."
"But Sam, you've known Arjun Sir since you were young. Was he always like this?!" asked Teji.
"Honestly, I can't remember much... he was gentle and kind, but reserved. He didn't really have close friends; at least I don't think he did. Perhaps he made some friends when he moved to Canada. I know he's good at heart, just has a bit of a personality issue."
"Is he going to meet the Lancome folks at airport? Their flight should be arriving soon, right."
"Naah... he won't. Well, technically it would be unethical. It would probably put all parties in an awkward position. I mean they haven't picked Bird Song to represent them as yet, so the whole airport greeting thing might be considered a 'tangible interest'. And if anything Arjun is very ethical and professional when it comes to work."
"True."
"Ok guys, let's run these presentations from the top, and then we can call it a night."
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"Radhika, over there - look."
"I see him."
Neil and Radhika had collected their luggage from the carousel and were by the exit area when they noticed Lancome India counterpart waiting in the visitor area with their name sign.
"Welcome to Mumbai!"
"Hi Amit ... This is Radhika, our Assistant Manager."
"Hello Mr. Dutta"
"Nice to meet you! How was the flight?
"The usual - long and boring" replied Neil.
Mr. Dutta took both Neil and Radhika to the company SUV parked in the arrival parkade, telling them that said vehicle and chauffeur was assigned to them for the entirety of their trip. He was a middle aged man, and Radhika had only talked to him briefly during their overseas conference calls. Neil had met him before, and was definitely more familiar with the staff at their Indian office. The company HQ in India handled mainly sales and retail, while all the brand and marketing management was handled by Lancome International. Hence, they were here from New York to launch the new skin care line.
"Are you two hungry?" asked Mr. Dutta as they all sat in the Lexus GX en route to hotel.
"A little bit. Does the hotel have a nice restaurant? I think we both are too tired to venture out, and our jetlag will kick in soon."
"Yeah, they actually have a couple restaurants open till late. We should be there shortly - roads are not as busy at this hour."
"Thanks."
"Do let me know if you guys need anything. The hotel is close to the business district so you won't have to deal with bad traffic commuting for meetings and all."
Radhika noticed the lights and crowds as they drove up to the Grand Hyatt Mumbai. It was close to 10:00pm and the city was very much alive. She was excited and nervous, having always wanted to visit India. Her Dada-ji was from Rishikesh originally, but his work for the Indian government kept him moving from one country to another. Her father had visited India only a few times during his life thanks to her grandfather's job. He was born and raised in Karachi (Pakistan), lived in London (England) during his teenage years, and finally in Ottawa (Canada). Her parents had met during their university years in Montreal, and so it became home to them. Their wedding had taken place in Karachi, Pakistan - which is where her maternal family was from.
Dada-ji had given her a list of some true Mumbai delicacies to try, knowing well he had a foodie granddaughter. Radhika really wished her Maa was with her so they could explore the city together during her free time. She missed taking holiday trips with her mom, and India had always been on their bucket list. Well, there was always a next time.
Checking into the hotel was quite seamless, and both Neil and Radhika had decided to relax and freshen up before meeting for dinner downstairs. Their rooms were adjacent to each other, much to her relief.
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"Hello"
"Hello Radhika ... have you reached ok?"
"Yes Maa ... I am at the hotel. I got your text messages, but figured it was best until I was in my room to call you back."
"How was your flight?! Are you tired?"
"Maa, I just reached - of course I am tired. Flight was alright, business class makes travel much easier."
"Have you eaten anything? Just be careful of water and dairy! How's the weather? Is the hotel in a safe neighborhood?"
"Seriously, you ask too many questions. Neil and I will meet for dinner in a bit - at the hotel only. We won't be going out tonight so don't worry. The hotel is very nice and seems safe, but nonetheless Neil is in the adjacent room and I have his number on speed dial. As for the weather, it's quite muggy."
"Ok, well take it easy and call me before going to bed. Your Papa and Dada-ji also wanted to talk to you."
"I will. Oh, before I hang up, note down my room number and hotel telephone just in case."
"Let me write it down."
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After finalizing the presentations for Monday, Arjun accompanied Sam to her place as Piyali had invited him for dinner. He didn't mind it as they could discuss Bird Song's business prospects - that is if they got the Lancome account. Piyali was a through and through businesswoman, while she loved her family to bits, she never let her relation with Sam get in the way of work. He truly appreciated her professionalism. His mom and Piyali were college friends, who had ventured into setting up their own business upon graduating from university. While the latter was business savvy, Arjun's mother was the creative brain behind Bird Song. They had made a good team, starting the company from a small home office to where it stood now.
During the time of his mother's ailment, Bird Song suffered quite a blow in business as no one could fill that gap. That is why he returned to Mumbai - working here somehow made him feel closer to his mother, and helped bring the company back to its glory days. They went through major restructuring and organizational change once Arjun took over. He made Sam the Creative Director simply because she had really good interpersonal and communication skills. She may not have the best ideas at times, but she worked well with her team and was able to meet company targets. To be fair, Arjun did have a habit of micro-managing the creative details, particularly for all international accounts. He knew his peers didn't always appreciate his critiques but it was necessary to win contracts.
"I am exhausted" said Sam at the dinner table.
"Sorry for being such a slave-driver" replied Arjun solemnly.
"It's ok... we are used to it by now! Your tweaks have always appealed to the clients, so in a way we should be thanking you."
"Is this for that Lancome account?" asked Samrat.
Samrat, Piyali's husband, was a university professor and had very little interest in anything business related. He was mostly aware of Bird Song's activities through his wife and daughter, but unless the contracts were related to Nuclear Physics or Chemistry, he didn't care much to add to the topic.
"Yeah" replied Arjun.
"Well, young man, I wish your team the very best. Though quite frankly, I don't think we should talk business at the dinner table... please, give your minds a much needed break."
Arjun simply smiled and nodded.
"Oh Arjun, do you have any plans of visiting Montreal?! I know Nandini must really miss you." Piyali had wanted him to take a vacation for his own sake. She may not show it but she cared for Arjun quite a lot, considering he was her best friend's son and well, everything he had been through.
"I was thinking in a few months' time - once things are somewhat steady at work."
"Have you thought about settling down in life?!"
Arjun choked on his wine at that question. "Sorry," he replied trying to control his cough.
"Mom, seriously!"
"Well, I was coming to you next, Sam. You just turned 30... I know career is important but so is having a familial life."
"I have you guys! And Manya will be here too shortly, so our family will be complete."
"Let her be Piyali..." commented Samrat.
"I haven't found someone that I can connect with. So it's not like I want to be alone for the rest of my life... but I'd rather be single than in a relationship where I don't feel anything."
"Fair enough" replied Piyali, "Actually Mrs. Sharma's son returned to Mumbai - he seems to be a charming young fellow so..."
"A blind setup?"
"Hear me out first Sam... you know I am more forward thinking than that. All I am saying is there is no harm in meeting him once, and if you don't like him then that's it - no one is forcing you to date or marry him."
"Ok, I guess that should be alright."
Interrupting their family conversation, Arjun replied softly "Umm, it's getting late, Piyali. It has been a long day for all of us... I think I should leave."
"Oh already?! Hope I didn't scare you with my marriage talk."
Smiling, Arjun added "No, not at all. I am just tired ... anyway, thanks for the dinner. Everything was delicious."
"You are very welcome. And I will pass your compliments to the cook. You know my culinary skills are limited to steamed rice and chai."
"Alright, well, I shall see you both on Monday. Take care Uncle." he said getting up from the table politely.
"For sure"
"Bye"
"Drive safe Arjun."
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"This tastes so good!!"
"I know, right"
"Honestly, nothing beats desi food! I remember the time my family and I visited Germany... after a couple days of bland food, we were badly craving biryani and I remember Ankush Bhaiyya googling reviews for all the Indian restaurants. It was hilarious. After that we only ate at Indian, Persian and Turkish restaurants" Radhika added laughingly.
"Same here ... I actually love all types of Asian food: Chinese, Thai, Malay and East Indian... definitely my favorite flavors in a cuisine."
"Things are so alive here! I mean New York and Montreal are pretty happening cities, but there is a different feel here. Reminds me of Karachi a bit"
"So here's a question for you! Which cricket team do you support?" Neil asked in an amused tone.
"Not that I am into it much - usually only follow the world cup ... Ankush Bhaiyya is a big cricket buff, and we support," lowering her voice to almost a whisper, she leaned forward and added "Pakistan. But, Papa and Dada-ji support India".
"I knew it... you ghaddaar" he replied teasingly.
"Oh please... I am a mixed breed like you." she laughed out loud.
Neil winked at her, and added "That's why I love you."
"Aww... now I feel diabetic."
"So, what should we do tomorrow?"
"I actually wanted to go shopping for sarees and kurtas - I mean Di's wedding is coming up, and I figured I could do some shopping here for everyone."
"I guess touring the old city can wait," sulked Neil.
Smiling, Radhika replied "We could just go to the beach on Sunday and take it easy. I do want to tour the old city, but we have lots of time and with my jet lag I'd rather wait another week before sightseeing."
"Actually, I agree."
"But I will take my camera still - well, maybe not for shopping but definitely to the beach."
"Just FYI, I won't be helping you carry that big clunker."
"Don't you worry - I am used to it by now. It's not like I kept my lens kit - just have the 50-240mm, it should suffice."
"How boring... you know what most of us use? A smartphone!"
"Oh you won't understand..."
"I get it... it's one of your hobbies."
Radhika nodded in agreement, and continued eating the biryani she had ordered at the hotel restaurant. Neil had asked the server to get their bill so he could charge it to the company credit card, and they could finally call it a night.
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Year 2008
The live band had been playing a good mix of jive and rock music, and almost all the attendees were busy shaking a leg or two on the dance floor.
"What are you doing here?"
"I have been asking myself the same question."
"Well, you don't need to sulk... it was a simple question. I take it you don't like music or dance." After a pause, Radhika continued, "Umm, I volunteer for the Children's Hospital Foundation - my duties just got finished so I can finally enjoy the party. Actually I wanted to try the tempura prawns and veggie samosas my peers were raving about. Have you had a chance to try any food?"
"Do you always talk this much?"
"I was only trying to be nice. Sorry if I disturbed you. But honestly, I love these fundraising galas the foundation throws - it's good change from the usual hospital scene. Things can be a bit depressing there."
Arjun frowned at her last statement, and simply walked away from her. Confused, Radhika followed him, asking "Wait, did I say something wrong?"
"I am working right now. Sorry, can't socialize" he replied in stoic manner.
"Work?"
"I am the event organizer - just here to make sure things are running smoothly."
"Oh... well you could have answered that when I first asked what you were doing here!"
"Now you know ... look I don't mean to be rude, but I really shouldn't be socializing."
"Ok... well, for what it's worth I think you organized a pretty awesome gala" replied Radhika with a toothy smile.
Arjun couldn't help but smile at that comment, pinching the bridge of his nose as he shook his head. "Thank you" he replied sincerely before walking away.
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It was 5:00am and Radhika was wide awake in her hotel room. She had gotten pretty good sleep last night, be it only for a few hours, but jetlag got the better of her and now she was lying in bed staring at the ceiling. Not wanting to watch TV so early, she decided it was best to browse the online world and check up on some of her work emails.
As she logged in to the network, Radhika noticed an email from Arjun regarding the meeting agenda. "Wow, it was sent at 4:00am", she said to herself.
Dear Mr. Malhotra / Ms. Mishra,
I hope your flight was pleasant, and have reached Mumbai safely. Attached please find the detailed agenda for our meeting, Monday afternoon.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thanks & Regards,
Arjun Mehra
President, Marketing and Advertising
Bird Song Co.
Mumbai, India
Phone: ### #### ### ##
Cell: ### ### ###
Quickly reading over the meeting outline, and knowing all details mentioned were adequate Radhika replied to the email.
Dear Mr. Mehra
Thank you for the email. Our flight was alright and we are settling in. I have read over the agenda details, and it looks good. We shall see you on Monday.
Best Regards,
Radhika Mishra
Arjun had just completed throwing some punches and kicks at the heavy bag in his room; it was his usual weekend routine to start the day with some sort of a physical activity. As he rehydrated himself with a fruit smoothie, he noticed his work cellphone vibrate indicating an email notification. Quickly, he opened up the email and smiled seeing the sender's name.
"I take it jetlag has you up this early, Ms. Mishra," he whispered softly. He hit the reply key and sent a short acknowledgement note.
Thanks for the prompt response. See you both, Monday.
Regards,
Arjun Mehra
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Intro / Index Edited by esprit_00 - 9 years ago
Marathi TV
