SOLID SOUL - THREAD 2 - CHAPTER 30 / PAGE 49 - Page 4

Thank you so much for updating! That was awesome!! Pls continue soon!

Dear all,

After sending you the PM, realized that the subject line referred to Chapter 22 on Page 5, while it is Chapter 23 that is published on Page 5. Sorry for the confusion.

Happy reading

CHAPTER XXIII

Monday, August 22, 2016

Cotton Earth, Inc. HQ

Mason Ohio,

Kesar reached the office at her regular time at 6.30 am. Two hours later she had caught up with reading and replying to all pending emails and getting up to speed to the happenings at the office.

At 9.00 am she walked into the conference room for an all departmental heads meeting. At 11.00 am, she walked on the sixth floor executive board room for a working-lunch-board meeting to discuss the launch of Cotton Earth's new Design School, a special project that had been under wraps for over a year. The design school idea had been Chachaji's baby. He wanted to get it off the ground before he handed over the reins to his nephew, Hitesh. Kesar had put in innumerable number of hours to get the project off the ground. The board had fully supported the venture and Good Earth Inc. had teamed up and collaborated with renowned design schools, fashion houses and developed the curriculum. The design school was already staffed and was operating. But the institute had not been opened for admissions as yet. The agenda for the day's meeting was going to be the final run-through. The board was also going to be furnished with timeline from the logistics team starting with the inauguration of the institute, admissions to public, press releases and the launch of the 1^st academic year in the fall of 2017. In the midst of serious discussion, Gerald Parker nonchalantly asked:

Gerald Parker: What do you think is our net worth in the market today?

The question brought forth random responses from the attendees, but for Kesar, the question hurled her brain into an over-drive. She had filed away the incident between ASR and Gerald as a non-event. But this meeting was no chance meeting. She sat back and gauged reactions from various board members, and finally she looked at her mentor, Chachaji. All she received from him was a tilt of the head and a blink. Apparently the Old Fox missed nothing. The meeting had finally come to a close and an utterly spent Kesar reached her office. The first day after vacation was always hard, and especially, India trips were harder. Not only was the journey long, but returning was emotionally draining and jet lag seemed to creep up out of nowhere. She had almost nodded off during the final presentation. And now she had an hour to spare, before she left for the day. She had to see Chachaji before she left for the day. She locked up all her stuff, grabbed her purse and bagged her laptop. Locking her office door, she walked across the hall into Chachaji's cabin. As usual in the background, Yanni's magic on the piano was pouring out of the speakers. And today Chachaji was listening to his favorite piano pieces [Yanni's Nightingale (Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ELpVA6BlbQ )]. He looked up from his laptop

Chachaji: Are you delivering good news or bad news?

Kesar: We will see. During the Dubai trip, I happened to see Gerald with the President and MD of AR Group, Arnav Singh Raizada,

Chachaji: And?

Kesar: And what? I was too far from them to hear anything. I just turned and left and did not think much about it till Gerald made the comment about our net worth.

Chachaji just raised his eyebrows

Kesar: Thats it, you are just going to raise your brows? You know, it is Gerald who is talking about net worth.

Chachaji still looked at her in askance''

Kesar: I am not playing charades here.

Chachaji: And ''.

Kesar: And what'''' I don't have anything more to elaborate on, just a hunch.

Chachaji: Hmm '''Arnav Singh Raizada, Chairman & MD, AR Group, and ''..

Kesar was still clueless and just raised her brows in askance now

Chachaji: and your husband.

Kesar felt as though someone had punched her guts.

Chachaji: I know you initiated the divorce, but it was never filed. So yes he is still your husband. I had to find out Kesar or should I call you Khushi. I had all my expats investigated and then Paddy told me everything about you, a year after our marriage. And here is something more for you to chew-on, Paddy knew that it was ASR with Gerald that day in the Dubai hotel.

Kesar was now puzzled,

Chachaji: Remember the night when you left the kids at Paddy's insistence so that you and Janaki could go out shopping, Paddy happened to come down to the card room along with the children. She spent a good part of her evening playing poker with ASR and Gerald along with your kids. Amusing enough for you?

Chachaji: Your daadibua's rotund figure masks her rapier sharp brain. The presence of children at the table that evening was a perfect decoy for her to observe ASR. I have been expecting this, it should be soon. I know my fellow board members. Gerald is not shrewd enough to attract the likes of ASR. If I read ASR right, he is the one who has started the ball rolling. By now, he probably has 50% of the board in his pocket and my own nephew, Hitesh, will be trying to cut a deal here. But, let me also tell you this, this is no business visit, it's just a cloak. The nature of the visit is very personal. I don't blame him either. Had I been forty years younger and single, ASR would have found one heck of a competitor vying for your attention. And let me tell you, he and you wouldn't have stood a chance against this one and only, Hari Om Mathur.

Kesar/Khushi was overwhelmed.

Chachaji: And finally even if ASR makes a bid for my company, it will be my pleasure. I could not have chosen a worthy successor to hand over the reins of my company. It will do Hitesh a world of good. I have been thinking about retiring after the launch of the design school. But let me warn you, in the event of a takeover, I am not going to hand over my company and my prized right hand to ASR. He will have to prove himself. It will be business as usual. And let me also tell you one more thing, at the end of the day, if you chose not to go, we are here for you.

As hot tears rained down Kesar's cheeks, she felt as though someone had made her stand under a cool shower of sandalwood paste. Her heart was soaring and at the same time, was at peace. Yanni's musical piece from the speakers had reached its crescendo and the music echoed her sentiments. Very few people in her life had stood by her unconditionally. Hysterically laughing and crying, she walked towards her mentor and was enveloped in a bear hug. She stood in his arms for a while before

Chachaji: All okay now ? go..., go home and spend the evening with the kids. We will take it one day at a time. And when you come in tomorrow, we will chalk out our strategy in the event of a takeover bid. And let us not forget about "Bring your children to work" which is going to be on September 6.

Kesar came back home, just in time to see her oldest, Mohit disembark the school bus. 10 minutes later she was still on the drive-way waiting for the twins to come home. She did not have to wait long, Bus 18 rolled in and the younger two ran towards her. Amma waited as the children rushed to the sit at the breakfast counter for their evening milk and snack. Since it was the first day after school, the conversation was all about school.

Shantivan, 10.30 am

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

For ASR the week could not go by soon enough. But at the same time, the week was flying by and the list of things to do was already a mile long and growing. He had come home early because the office had to be shut down due to breakage in the water mains requiring major plumbing work. He sat at the poolside gazing at the shimmering water, mulling over the outstanding tasks on the list. His lush green sanctum calmed him, that's when he realized that one of his exotic plants, the Bird of Paradise, was not doing so well. He had checked with a lot of nurseries, but none of them were able to figure it and he could not bear to lose the plant. The plant had been one of the few gifts he treasured. Without giving further thought, he dialed Lavanya's London contact number. The phone was picked up on the third ring

Lavanya: ASR'' this is a pleasant surprise''.kaisse yaad kiya?

ASR: Hai, kaissi ho (How are you?)

Lavanya: Che saal ke baad yeh pooch rahe ho? Acchi hoon aur let me get to the point, phone kyon kiya? (You are asking the question six years too late. Anyway I am fine and let me get to the point, why did you call? )

ASR: Yaad hai tumne mujhe woh exotic plants diye the, mujhe manane ke liye. Yehi about six years ago. (Remember the exotic plants you bought for me to pacify me about 6 years ago) And I had come to your house to take you back to Shantivan. Khushi was also there with you. Where did you buy them from? One of them is not doing so well and I would like to know which nursery you picked it up from?

Lavanya: Honestly ASR, I don't know what plants you are talking about. Woh Chamkeeli ne tab kaha tha ki tum mujhe manane aaoge. Aur tum aaye bhi, lekin what plants? Shayad...nahi yakeenan, yeh Cham'Khushi ne kiya hoga. (That Chamkeeli had said that you will come and take me back to Shantivan, and I sure was elated with when you turned up at my doorstep, but I am confused about the plants, I did not send you any plants? I think... no... I am sure this was another one of Cham'.I mean Khushi's ploys.)

Lavanya did not have to elaborate any further; ASR knew.

He disconnected the call and walked to his closet. He pulled out the single suitcase that the factory custodian, Premnarayan, had handed over to him four years ago. He pulled out the large envelope that had contained miscellaneous papers, invoices, small reminders other than the never-filed divorce papers. At that time those pieces of paper had not made sense, but now he was able to put two and two together and come up with four. He pulled out a yellow crumbling piece of paper that was handwritten on Prateek Jewellers' (in Old Delhi) receipt. It detailed the sold item - 8 gram gold bangle, rate per gram and total amount (product of rate and total grams). Below the invoice was a hand-written address in pencil near Connaught Circus and a phone number. Tears were dripping down his cheeks as he made a quick call to the number. The call gave him the answers he wanted. Within minutes, he loaded his plant in the SUV's trunk and sped towards Joginder Singh Nursery in Connaught Circus. He was met by the 70 year old owner, Ronit Sachdev (RS). ASR was able to strike an immediate rapport with a fellow plant lover. Over 30 minutes, he knew why the plant was not flourishing ' over-watering. It had been as simple as that. Both men tended to the plant by taking it out of the container and ridding the plant of the soggy soil. The owner then painstakingly put the whole plant in a tub of clear water. A 30 second immersion rid the plant of the soil remnants. RS then removed the plant from the water and brought a pair of clippers. He snipped the root ends that were beginning to rot. New soil was added to the pot and the plant was replanted. ASR flipped open his wallet and paid in cash for the services, the owner got a bird's eye view of Khushi's picture

RS: Oh I remember her, she is your wife? But she said,

ASR: Yes...?

RS: I thought she said she was buying on behalf of someone for her boss.

ASR: I was her boss at that time.

RS went on to say that the Connaught Circus location was basically the logistics base, but the production site and nursery was an hour away in Palla Village. Since he had time on hand, ASR started driving towards the nursery and took leave from RS. Feeling very exhilarated, armed with more printed material for exotic plant care and the nursery's catalog, ASR reached the nursery location. The sprawling six acres of space was a plant haven. He was like a child in a candy store. He walked taking in the large tableau of flora and fauna before him. He spent a good two hours at the nursery and ended up buying an assortment of plants. Catch Khushi to have given him a slice of heaven. That night as he retired, he picked up Khushi's 8x10 picture frame from the bedside table. Tonight the need to feel her was very intense and compelling. He shut his eyes and let his fingers traverse all over the glass.

ASR: Khushi...kab milega mujhe chutkara is akelepan se? Thak gaya hoon sab kuch zhelte zhelte. Bas ab to aa jao...please. Sorry to bolne ka mauka do.(When am I going to be relieved of this solitude. I am tired of handling this alone. I just want you to come back, please. At least give me a chance to apologize)

The rest of the week flew by, so did the weekend. At 8.00 am, the following Monday morning, on August 29^th, 2016, ASR submitted his visa application in person and walked out 90 minutes later after completing his visa interview successfully. The visa officer asked him to return to the consulate at 5.30 pm to collect his stamped passport. He threw his jacket on the passenger seat and started to drive back home. If he could get his reservation confirmed for tonight he would leave as early as tonight. But Aman could only confirm departure on Friday, 1.45 am, September 2^nd, 2016.

The week dragged for ASR and he was in an exuberant mood when he finally finished on work on Wednesday evening. He had packed for a 4 week stay. He opened the locker in his cupboard and pulled out Khushi's Mangalsutra and put it in his wallet. Over the weekend, he had visited Khanna Jewellers to pick out a ring, but decided to make the purchase in the US along with her. His blackberry pinged indicating email messages. He opened his laptop to browse the finance presentation sent by Sarathy. He acknowledged Sarathy for providing an impressive finance presentation. He had asked Pam to assemble the whole presentation. He had outlined the presentation format and had asked her to put the 60 page presentation in MS Powerpoint. He was set to leave in a few hours and Pam had yet to email him the presentation. It was a good thing that he was reaching the US over the weekend. He would have ample time to tweak the presentation if need be.

Thursday, September 1^st dawned. He was going to spend it with his family before he proceeded to the airport at 09.30 pm. The mood around the dining table that day was pensive and somber. Each of the members had been living with their share of guilt for over four years now and hoped that this trip would be one that will provide them redemption. The Guptas had come down from Lucknow and Gaurav had joined them.

Nani: Safal hokar aaiyega Chote, itna hi kahenge. Aur yeh leejiye, humre ghar ke pehle pad pothe ya pothi ke liye devi maiyaa ka raksha dhaga aur chain. (Wish you all the success Chote; that is all I can say. And this is sacred thread and chain is for my great grandchild)

Di: Chote, Khushi se keh dijiye ki kanyadaan ke liye unhe hi aana padega. (Tell Khushi that she has to come for my Kanyadaan)

Mami: Yes, yes, tell phati saree, ke unke sasoo maa ka order hai ab ee ghar ma duty join karne aa jaye. (Tell Phati Saree that her M-I-L has ordered her to get back home and take up her duties.)

Payal and the Guptas had nothing to contribute to the conversation. Only Akash chimed in.

Akash: Best of luck bhai. (And enveloped him into a hug).

10.45 pm

IGI Airport, New Delhi

ASR sailed through customs and was seated in the business class lounge with his laptop. Pam had yet to send in the presentation. He quickly drafted a message demanding the status of the presentation. Promptly at 12.00 am, the Delta personnel made the boarding announcement and soon the first and business class passengers started boarding the flight. Since his sleep pattern had been so erratic during the week, ASR had no trouble falling asleep. He had decided to forgo breakfast and asked the flight attendant not to wake him up for breakfast. He reached Amsterdam at 6.00 am. The 3-hour layover could not pass quickly. Soon boarding began at 9.30 am for the next leg to Detroit. He reached Detroit at 1.15 in the afternoon. After clearing customs, he reached Terminal B, Gate 5 to board the Delta Connection flight to Cincinnati. It was past 4.30 pm when he reached Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport. Since customs and immigration formalities had been completed in Detroit (being the first port of entry), ASR walked to the departure gates and took the shuttle to Enterprise Rent-A-Car and was given a swanky new Buick Enclave.

The drive from the airport to his hotel, Holiday Inn, Mason, was another 45 minutes. He quickly sent a text message to Akash about his arrival into the US. The corporate headquarters for Cotton Earth Inc. was less than a quarter mile from his hotel. ASR had traveled on a Friday to give himself the weekend to get over this jet-lag also scout around the area before going into Cotton Inc.'s office on Tuesday, September 6. And this time, he had another day, Monday, Labor Day.

ASR received his presentation from Pam on Saturday morning. She also indicated that she had received her visa and would be reaching on Monday afternoon. He had made sure that the front desk would send the airport shuttle for airport pick-up.

Late Saturday evening, Gerald was at the hotel to take him out for dinner. At Maggiano's, the dinner venue, he met the other two board members, Amy Su and Rob Roy. The dinner dragged for ASR as he was being inundated with redundant information. All he wanted was the company roster and zero in on his wife's name. He tried to pry information very unsuccessfully. He had a tough time reigning-in his temper through-out the evening. At the end of the evening, all he could come up was the following

ASR: I will think of some way, after all, tomorrow is another day.

The next day when Gerald called, ASR excused himself on the pretext of preparing for Tuesday. He had worked until late last night completing the presentation and he was not going to divulge the same to Gerald. He had been exhausted tweaking the presentation. If Pam had been there, she surely would have heard an earful about what he thought about her performance. While taking a break from the grueling task, on a sheer instinct, he tried to Google Khushi on the web unsuccessfully. Using the Yahoo's People Search tool also turned out to be a wasted exercise, as the search engine indicated that the person had chosen to remain unlisted. But the silver lining to his search was that he found Padma & Hari Aum Mathur living a mile and half away from the company headquarters in Mason. If the Mathur's were in the vicinity, then Khushi would have to be in and around somewhere. He jotted down the Mathur's address and phone number. And that is what he was going to do this morning, scout out where the Mathur's lived. Armed with directions from Google Maps directions he gunned the engine. In less than three minutes, he was driving into the sub-division of Longcove. The houses seemed massive, guess it was expected since the houses were all over million dollars. After driving for over half a mile on the tree lined avenue, his SUV passed over a small bridge. The bridge was humped and had a medieval look. The side walls overlooking the lake; was flanked with sculptured gothic style lamps. The man-made lake was built in such a way that all the houses boasted of a water-front in their back-yards. As he meandered through the subdivision on Long Cove Avenue, he turned right into Emeritus Drive a cul-de-sac street (a street that dead ends) and finally stopped at the last house that resembled a castle. ASR did not linger any longer. He drove out of the subdivision and was soon on route taking in the sights the city had to offer. This is what he missed in India, the pleasure of driving. On his way he stopped at Kalamatas, the take-away Greek food restaurant. Later in the evening he called home. He did not have much to convey other than his arrival into the US.

Sunday and Monday rolled by and the only significant event was the arrival of Pam. Tuesday morning, ASR walked out of the shower and donned his light blue shirt. He wore dark socks before slipping on the sleek flat front trousers. Stepping into his black Oxfords (also known as Balmorals), he went on to add Nani's gift of the antique silver cufflinks. He almost chose the traditional red power tie, but changed his mind and settled for a navy blue and silver striped tie. After executing a perfect Windsor knot, he slipped into his Raymond's made-to-measure two-button single-breasted navy suit. Since he had had a hair cut prior to leaving India, they did not need much care. He just ran his fingers through his lightly gelled hair and swept them back giving him a well groomed look. The lap top and the presentation folders were packed in his hand-held leather portfolio. The time was 7.15 am and he had asked Pam to meet him at the lobby at 7.30 am so that they could reach by 7.45 am to meet the three directors at the company's offices.

At the lobby he found Pam looking like a train wreck. Despite several reminders to dress professionally for the event, he found Pam's outfit over the top. The four inch heels were an invitation to disaster and he couldn't fathom how she was going manage in that skirt. And the hair was a veritable crow's nest. Any other time he would have taken her to task and would have told her to change, but he had no other choice but to look the other way and ask her to follow him.

Problems started in the parking lot. Pam opened the passenger door, and was unable to hoist herself up into the SUV without displaying a good portion of her thighs. Her problems touched a higher notch, as she tried to negotiate the polished floor of the lobby at the entrance of Cotton Earth, Inc. ASR noticed the lobby was decorated with a lot of balloons and a huge banner from the high ceiling read ' Welcome to Cotton Earth Inc. The three musketeers, Gerald Parker, Amy Su and Rob Roy met ASR as planned. The party of five did not wait to be announced. They rode the elevator to the executive floor. Stepping out of the elevator, he scanned the huge office area that was buzzing with activity. There was the constant clicking of keyboards, some hushed conversations, while some loud ones from the corner and there were children moving around the cubicles of all ages and sizes.

Gerald: How could I forget, today is "Bring your children to work".

For ASR, things could not have worked in his favor. It meant he might get a chance to meet his child today. The possibility simply had a dizzying effect on him.

They moved past the half walled offices and a bank of conference rooms to reach the executive offices. The office door tags read Kenneth Cole, Operations Director; Randy McDowell, VP Human Resources; Kay Gee, CEO; K.G, Executive Assistant. And there he caught sight of Khushi in a chair with another woman looking at the computer monitor over Khushi's shoulder. He had no choice but to follow the team but knew that at least he had found her. The party was now reaching the end of the hallway that housed the office of the President, Hari Aum Mathur. The receptionist, Wendy Miller, greeted Gerald and indicated all take a seat in the seating area while she announced their arrival to Mr. Mathur. Next to Mr. Mathur's office, was another empty office that was tagged K. Gupta, increasing ASR's confusion.

Kesar felt a twinge but was unable to look away from the monitor. She had been helping her assistant, Komal Ganatra, KG, with a complex MS Excel formula. Once the formula had worked, she walked along the corridor, but found nothing out of the ordinary. She had returned to her desk when Amma called and indicated that she was at the door with the children. She brought the three children up to the executive floor and asked them sit in the conference room next to her office. Komal also piled her two toddlers in the same conference room.

Wendy came out and escorted the entire party into Mr. Mathur's office.

Within 30 minutes, ASR put in his bid to take over Cotton Earth Inc. After listening calmly,

Mr. Mathur: Why don't we move you all to the board room? While you get comfortable, I will get the rest of the board for an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EOGM). We will have to conclude all business by noon and continue the next day because we are celebrating "Bring your children to work" today. You must have seen the little tykes run around. At noon we will be having lunch and hosting a number of children's events. Many children are also performing.

Gerald: But Hari, why can't'.?

Just the mention of children was music to ASR's ears. If he could just borrow the big electric stapler from Wendy's desk and seal Gerald's mouth from dripping further nonsense, he would have done one good deed for the day. As they were being housed in the board room, he interjected

ASR: Sure Mr. Mathur, I am all ok with that and don't mind being part of it.

Hari Aum Mathur (HAM) smirked, and mentally remarked, "Sure you would like to be part of it and you should be too, it is high time".

HAM walked to his office and dialed Paddy's number

HAM: ASR is here with Gerald, Amy and Rob. You need to get here.

Padma Dwiwedi Mathur (PDM): Yes I will be there soon. Does Kesar know?

HAM: She has an idea that he may come, but does not know he is here. Anyway get here soon, I have to get a hold of Hitesh (Hitesh Ayush Wadhwani ' HAW) and Henry (Henry Ethan DeVry ' HE).

HAM called Kesar's cell phone as she did not respond to her desk phone.

Kesar was surprised to find Chachaji's phone number displayed on her screen.

HAM: Come for an emergency meeting at the board room now. Have the children come?

Kesar: Yes they have and they are sitting in the conference room next to my office. He is here isn't he?

HAM: Yes, chin up and come on. I will be here.

HAM disconnected and proceeded to call Hitesh and Henry. After that he proceeded to the board room and informed the party of five that the rest of the board members would be joining them in the next 30 minutes. The meeting was now going to convene at 9.00 am. While Wendy set up the hot and cold beverages and packed snacks, Gerald was directing ASR and Pam to the restroom facilities.

ASR started his trek back from the washroom. He was yearning to get another glimpse of Khushi, but the cubicle marked K.G was empty. Disheartened he walked towards the boardroom. As he passed the bank of conference rooms, he saw about seven kids and his new friend, Kiran, waving at him. He walked into the conference room:

ASR: Fancy catching you here?

Kiran: I know, oh btw have you met my brothers, Mohit Bhaiyya and Rohan. Mohit Bhaiyya, Rohan, come and come and meet my new friend.

ASR watched a lanky and a chubby kid come towards him.

Kiran: Remember him from Dubai, meet ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA

ASR watched Rohan try to control his laughter. But he could not resist not knowing.

ASR: What is so funny, if the joke is at my expense, then isn't it fair that I know about it?

Rohan: Sure, it is your name.

ASR: Yes I have been told that if the letters of my name can be transposed to get RAVAN and ARS. It is a stale joke you know. Your sister has told me that already.

Rohan: Did she, then how did she miss the third one?

Kiran & ASR: There is a third one?

Rohan: Well you can have V A N A R, and you know what that means, a monkey.

The three siblings cracked up and ASR could not believe it. In all these years no one had dared to make fun of him and here a bunch of toddlers were cracking up at his expense. He was here for a take-over and

Kiran: but why are you here?

ASR: To buy this company and

Pam after using the facilities was walking back to the board room, caught sight of ASR with the children. She stepped in to impress the kingpin.

Pam: Hello children, how are you? Would you like chocolates?

Kiran rolled her eyes at the greeting and looked at ASR

ASR: My assistant, Parminder Kaur, aka Pam

Kiran: Hello Ms. Pam, welcome to Cincinnati. And thank you, but no thanks, I am not allowed to have chocolates.

Pam: Really, naughty naughty, you have lot of cavity don't you?

Kiran: No I am severely diabetic, legacy from my Dad. So sugar is bad for me.

Ignoring Pam, Kiran turned to ASR: Sorry please continue, "To buy this company and?"

ASR: To find my Sita

Kiran: Then what are you doing with this Shurpanaka?

If ASR's mirth level was at one for the VANAR comment, the SHURPANAKA comment increased his mirth ten-fold. He burst out laughing to Pam's rising fury for being referred to as Shurpanaka. Here she was trying to become ASR's Sita and this chit of a girl had denigrated her to a she-devil. Poor child had no clue how the comment had aggravated Pam. But at present, Pam couldn't do anything but bide her time to teach the tyke a good lesson.

ASR and Pam walked back to the board room. And to add to Pam's chagrin, she found Chamkeeli in the boardroom looking very chic in a teal blue shirt and a black wide leg pants setting up a lap-top. Her make-up was subtle and her accessories shrieked class. And to make matters worse, her single object of obsession, ASR, was drooling over his wife.

HAM: Well ASR, I think we have a full quorum. I know you are familiar with GP, AS and RR. Let me introduce you to the rest of the board, HAW, HE, PDM and my right hand, Kay Gee.

ASR moved like an automaton shaking hands with the HAW, HE and PDM. His focus was all set on the one and only, Khushi Kumari Gupta, correction Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada.