ManeetFF Dancing Frm The Ashes link on pg146 - Page 5

Khurana Constructions:

Gaurav Khurana. Life hadn't come easily for him. When his father had set up Khurana constructions, it had been a small firm. Tejpal Khurana had been hardworking, but his early death had pushed the burden on Savitri Khurana's shoulder's. Since Gaurav was still young, she had managed to keep the business afloat till he was able enough to handle it. Gaurav had then brought the business back to life and given it a new lease of life. True he did face a lot of ups and downs, but he did revive it. His mother gave him handy advice and a helping hand. Success led to happiness in the form of his wife and children, but tragedy struck when his wife died giving birth to Vicky.

Life however went on. His business and his children were what drove him. His favourite was Annie. Her docile nature and quick wit reminded him of his late wife. Maan had taken after him in his temper, while Vicky had taken after him for his passion. He knew that once Vicky had decided on being a dancer, nothing would sway him. Maan, despite being a good dancer, had the mind of a businessman. He just needed to be honed.

At the moment Gaurav needed his son's opinion. He knew what decision he needed to make, but he still wanted to hear Maan's opinion. He called him now, from the party he was attending to meet him at KC.

Maan came immediately.

''What's going on Dad?'' He asked calmly.

''Maan, the Malhotras want to change the clauses of the deal papers. I want you to have look at them first.

Maan sat down, and went through the papers.

''Dad''. He said once he'd finished. ''These clauses will cause a lot of labour problems, and it's going to cause losses for us.''

Khurana Sr. smiled looked proudly at his son.

''I was hoping that you would notice it. A keen eye is needed in this business world. Anybody can take you for a ride. You have to be vigilant at all times. They don't call it cut-throat business for nothing.''

Maan listened carefully and weighed his father's words. This was not his first piece of advice. His dad kept advising him from time to time and Maan stored these bits of knowledge. He knew that they would come in handy.

''Still Dad, they are the Malhotras. Will we get such a big deal again? Our firm is quite small as compared to theirs. We can do as they say for a bit right? It's just project.'', asked Maan with uncertainty.

''No, Maan,'' he replied firmly.

''But Dad, Malhotras. It's a big deal here.''

''I know, son, but it's at the cost of our dignity and value as a firm.''

''Dad, with such a big firm, isn't it more important to keep them happy?''

''Maan, it's pittance that we're getting for our services. I am not against the deal, but the newer clauses don't sit well with me.

''Dad don't make this an ego issue, please.

'' Maan, dignity and honour is something you shouldn't let go of. It's what defines us, Khuranas. If we do the deal, then it'll be according to the original clauses. It's not about my ego, but about my dignity as an entrepreneur and boss. None of my staff will do for anything less'.

Maan looked up at his father and realized what his father was saying. It was a piece of advice he remembered for the rest of his life. It added something to Maan..made him a little something more.

The phone rang and Gaurav answered it. He spoke to the receptionist and asked her to send in the visitor.

A middle aged balding man entered the room. He was dressed well and had a superior air about him.

Mr Khurana rose and greeted the gentleman.

''Hello, Mr.Patel, how are you?''

''Hello, hello Gaurav. Hello, beta,'' he said turning to Maan.

''Hello, Sir'', Maan replied with a small smile.

His entry was not something he was happy about. Mr. Patel was a few years senior to his father. He was in the same field as the Khuranas were and often visited them. Maan didn't like his interference in their business and his father's trust in him. Mr. Patel was degrading in his attitude towards Gaurav and Khurana constructions , but Gaurav seemed to trust his advice and opinions. However, his condescension towards the Khurana's kept Maan's guard up with him.

Gaurav was explaining the clauses of his deal with the Malhotras to Mr. Patel. Maan disapproved, but there was little he could do about it.

Mr. Patel went through the papers. He seemed to be going through some kind of thought. Finally he kept them on the table and looked at Gaurav.

''The new clauses seem ok. Go ahead.''

Maan interjected. ''But, Mr. Patel, the clauses will cause us labour problems.''

''Maan is right, Patel saab''

Mr. Patel looked a little annoyed.

He weighed his words and spoke to Gaurav. ''Gaurav, dekho, mujhe iss business main 15 saal ho gaye hain. Kabhi kabhi you have to make such sacrifices.

Even though he was making the same statements that Maan himself had made, Maan had now bought his father's argument. He therefore did not believe what Mr. Patel said. His guard already being up, he came up with counter arguments to interject in the conversation.

Gaurav seemed to believe what Mr. Patel was saying. This was getting Maan irritable, but every time he tried to interpose, MR. Patel cut him off and made him feel like a child.

Finally after a lot of time, Mr.Patel got up to leave. Gaurav seemed convinced by what Mr. Patel was saying and he had a stressed look on his face.

''Think about what I said, Gaurav,'' Said Mr. Patel before he left.

After his departure Gaurav looked pensive, like he was considering Mr. Patel's advice. Seeing this Maan became agitated and wondered if he father had been brainwashed.

''Dad, please tell me your not re-thinking your advice to me!'', he said in exasperation.

''Son, I can't well ignore what Mr. Patel said. ''He does have a lot of experience''

''Dad, I know he's a good friend of yours, but I just don't trust him. My instinct tells me he's up to no good.''

''Maan, how can you say that. When I was new in the business he helped me out so much. I owe that man for the support he gave me''

''Oh, come on Dad, you know it as well as I do...the advice he gave you at that time was beneficial for him more than it was for you.''

''Maan, I can't understand your dislike for him. He's always helpful. Don't you trust my trust?''

''I trust YOU dad, not him. And so I have to say that the 1^st decision you made was right. We cannot afford to let go of profits and have labour trouble in the same go. Please stick to your original decision.''

''Give me time to think about it Maan,'' Said Gaurav, quietly. He didn't know what to do...both the options seemed confusing in retrospect.

He decided to think about it after going home and discussing it with his mother.

AT HOME:

Savitri Devi: Gaurav, kyat um itne losses paana chahte ho?

Gaurav: Nahi maa, par itni badi deal apne haath se jaane bhi nahi de sakta, aur mujhe jhukna bhi nahi hain.

Maan was standing in the background listening to the elders speak.

Savitri Devi asked for his opinion.

''Daadimaa, I don't think Dad ne yeh deal karni chahiye. Maine bhi yahi kaha ki iss deal se humaara hi nuksaan hain, but Daadi it is a big offer. It'll get us recognition.Still, despite all of that, I say we do the deal on our previous terms and dismiss the newer clauses!''

Daadi observed Maan as he spoke. She saw a proud young man who was voicing his opinions based on what he had deducted for himself. She was pleased with what she saw.

Savitri Devi: I think he's right Gaurav...both of you are , but ultimately it's your decision Gaurav. You don't need to do it today. Sleep over it and think. Then decide tomorrow.

Gaurav: Ji maa, I'll do that.

He turned to Maan.

''Come on , son, let's get this discussing, and let Maa rest.''

''Dad, why don't you go ahead, I need to speak to Daadi.''

After his father had left, Maan sat near his Daadi's feet. He didn't speak much. She sensed his mood.

''Something wrong Maan. It's not the business deal is it'', she asked intuitively. Maan was the quietest of her grandsons. He never emoted much, but just kept his feelings to himself. She , however understood him well.

''Anita, Daadi...she's already dating someone in the US...she was never serious about me. ''

''To be honest with you Maan, mujhe woh aapke layak nahi lagi. She wasn't very grounded. It's good you found out about her in time.''

''I know Daadi, but I felt that I shouldn't have actually given her attention in the 1^st place. She was a nobody and she is known everywhere now, because of me."

''Maan, don't let your pride blind you. Humility is what makes a man. How a man treats a person lower in status than him, shows what he is made of. Don't think that just because you are Gaurav Khurana's son, that you are some big celebrity. You are still nothing in your own right, and I would hate to have any grandchild of mine with false pride...Treat ever person you meet as an individual. They might not all be good people with your sense of values, but that's how you'll learn to judge people and the keep your friends.''

Precap: same one; Geet??working hard??

Comments, people!! Chetti chetti! (hehe me loving this phrase...thanx to Lucky paaji)

Chapter 10 - A Slice of Humility

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