New Arshi FF : Merger - Link to Thread # 2 on Page 141 - Page 23

A/N: First Sorry Sorry Sorry (to the power of infinity). I didn't mean to give such a late update. But we had guests who were to stay only for 3 days. But it got extended to almost three weeks.😲 Believe me when I say that I had the entire update etched out since last Tuesday but just couldn't find the time to pen it down.

I really really loved all of your comments. It is these comments which are helping and encouraging me in writing this story to the best of my abilities. Please do keep the comments coming. I want to thank each reader who has commented individually. Believe me, you are making a huge difference in my life.🤗

Please excuse the typos.

So, here is the next update. Please do share what you felt after reading it.

CHAPTER 8

Arnav couldn't stand these bunch of jokers for a second more. Making an excuse of meeting his team, he turned around. Khushi was seated on a table, slightly secluded from the rest of the crowd. Good. Exactly what he needed. Distance away from the crowd.

Khushi gave him a broad smile. But Arnav's face was grim. That was normal right?! His face was always grim. But...but... There is something different today. He looks... disturbed... I will ask him again... I wonder what is disturbing him?

But, just as he approached the table, they were interrupted by NK and Deepak, who joined them. The sense of achievement was written all over their face.

"Sir, you have no idea what people are thinking. While some are in awe, others are dying out of envy. You have become a star overnight Sir. There is only one question all are asking. How did we manage to do this? Especially breaking into Chenambur Textiles. Apparently the South India Regional Manager has been trying for business for years from them. He was totally bowled over."

"Hmmm..." Arnav took the chair to the left of Khushi while NK and Deepak sat to her right.

"Sir, you've got to tell us. What did you say to the CEO of Chenambur for him to change his mind altogether. How did you make all this possible?"

"Yes ASR. We would like to know too. How did you make this happen young man?" The Marketing Head patted on his shoulder. He was accompanied by the very group of people, sans Mr. Mallik, from whom Arnav was running away from.

<<FLASHBACK>>

It was a Friday late evening. A week before they had received the order from Chenambur. Arnav found himself sitting in the office of the CEO of Chenambur beside NK and Deepak.

The old man was least interested in meeting them. His entire demeanor was dismissive.

Arnav had been silent through the entire meeting till now. The CEO had covered his face with a wet white towel and arched back on his chair. He was himself wearing a white shirt and a white lungi. And presently most likely sleeping.

Arnav heard NK and Deepak pleading for an order. "Sir, we have already shared our sample pieces with you. Sir, we just want this one chance to prove ourselves. You will see that both our quality and prices are very competitive. Sir, please have a look. You may like this piece Sir. Do you want it in a different colour? We can make that happen."

The CEO laid still on his chair. Absolutely no response.

Arnav on the other hand wanted to kill himself for all the begging that NK and Deepak were doing. Did they hold a "Begging Degree"? If yes, then he was sure that both of them had topped their class.

After what seemed like a long time, Arnav asked both NK and Deepak to step out of the CEO's room. And asked them to send in two cups of coffee.

The CEO's office-boy entered with two cups. Surprised to see his boss sleeping, with a white towel on his face. And a young primly dressed boy sitting in front of him. The office boy said "Sir Coffee" and left.

That's when the CEO removed the towel on his face and looked at the room. He saw two cups on his desk. And the Branch Manager. Looked like his Chunnu-Munnu had disappeared.

"A good cup of coffee will do you good, Mr. CEO." Arnav's commanding voice alerted him.

"I will cut short this chase and come straight to the point Mr. CEO. Have you heard the name of AR Corp?"

"Who hasn't heard about it? The entire textile industry is buzzing about the new entrant into the market."

"So, I will presume you have also heard that they are scanning for good suppliers in the industry. Have you sent them your proposals Mr. CEO?"

"Of course we have. But they seem to be very tough clients to please. Like most of the suppliers, we have not received any response."

"Then my offer will interest you the most Mr. CEO. For every purchase that you make from Mallik Fashions, you will get FIVE times the business from AR Corp."

The CEO sat straight on his seat. And kept sipping on his coffee. Arnav didn't bother to drink. He wouldn't like it anyway.

"This deal is only for a year. After that, you can stop placing orders with Mallik Fashions even if you continue to get orders from AR Corp. How does this sound?"

"Very fishy. There has got to be some catch here. If you have so much reach in AR Corp, then why aren't you getting a business for Mallik Fashions?"

"Well...the truth be told, Mallik Fashions is a small fish. AR Corp wants to deal only with large established companies, whose risk profile is the least and who are reliable." Arnav was straight forward.

The CEO nodded. He knew Mallik was a very deceitful and untrustworthy supplier. He had once been blacklisted by some international customers for fraudulent supplies. However, the question that was nagging the CEO was why the young chap was making this offer. And what was the catch? Would he or his company be in trouble? How will such a junior branch manager manage to get the orders for him from such a big international client.

"Mr. CEO, this is a very straight forward deal. For every 5 Rupees of business you get from AR Corp. You will place a 1 rupee business with Mallik Fashions. There will be no contract. This is solely on mutual trust. You will place all orders with Mallik Fashions ONLY AFTER you get orders from AR Corp. You can back off on this deal when ever you choose. There is no pressure whatsoever. But, in this one year, if you stop placing the corresponding orders with Mallik Fashions, you will stop getting orders from AR Corp FOREVER."

"And I think I need not emphasize to a man of your stature that, as far as the rest of the world is concerned, this conversation never happened."

After a good half hour, the CEO slowly realized that there was no harm in accepting this offer. Nothing was on paper. And the choice was his totally. And it was only a matter of ONE YEAR.

So they shook hands on it and agreed that their respective departmental heads (read Chunnu-Munnus) would figure out the details. Both of them walked out of the CEO's cabin. Shook hands. Promised that they would do good business with each other. And parted.

NK and Deepak could only gape with open mouths at this scene and hurried to keep up with ASR's long strides.

Arnav went back to office and quickly arrived at what was their deficit sales he had planned for the branch for the quarter. He multiplied that number by five.

Later in the night, he called Aman to take stock of the progress he had made.

"Hey Aman. Sorry haven't been in touch with you this week. So what's the status as of today."

"Well ASR. There has been a lot of progress this week. Our PR Agency did a good job of introducing us into the Indian Market. By word of mouth and very discreetly they have spread a news that

"A big fish has entered the textile industry in India. Nobody knows who the real owner is. But the name of its American owner is AR Corp. The company is looking for local suppliers. And they are looking for fresh and new designs."

And this news has reached almost all the CEOs of all top textile companies. Especially the ones which you and I have selected."

"From the customers you contacted over the last fortnight, we have started receiving intial orders. More orders will come in the course of time."

"Now, we need to finalise the suppliers from whom we will get everything done."

"Ok Aman. That's a good progress. Now, I want you to first place an order with a supplier named Chenambur Textiles. I will let you know the reasons later." Arnav gave the details of the order including the value. Aman noted all of them diligently.

The following Tuesday AR Corp finalized a large deal with Chenambur.

And in three days time (the day Khushi returned from her exams) Chenambur placed an order with Mallik Fashions.

So, when Khushi went running to Arnav with the news of the deal, nothing came as a surprise to him.

<<END OF FLASHBACK>>

"ASR..." Lavanya whined. "Where are you lost? We are all waiting for your answer."

"What can I say? May be it was good and persistent negotiation. We should really congratulate NK and Deepak here. I just nudged the CEO to close the deal."

NK and Deepak eyed him with confusion. Khushi didn't understand why he was being modest.

Shyam thought "I knew it. This chocolate boy is running away with all the credit when it was his team who bagged it for him. And yes, that smart assistant of his is one beaaauuutiful woman." He gave his signature smirk.

Lavanya gushed. While the management team was very skeptical if he was saying the truth or being modest.

"Other things apart, I really appreciate Mr. Mallik for his dedication towards his work." He swayed everyone's attention to another topic.

"Many owners would have already converted such a successful company into a Public Limited Company." He stressed on the word "successful" even though it was sarcastic. "By now, they would have sold their shares either in the Share Market or to another big company. And would have been enjoying their retirement days on a beach resort."

"But looks like Mr. Mallik is extremely devoted to his company. And has no plans of retiring."

Lavanya swelled with pride. Nobody gave due credit to her dear father. Shyam and the finance head were fed with an interesting piece of information to earn brownie points from Mr. Mallik.

"Well gentlemen and Ms. Mallik. We need to take your leave. We have our flights to catch." Arnav got up abruptly.

"Lets go." He addressed to his 3 team members. Without waiting for a response from anyone, he strode towards the door.

***

Once out of the Conference Hall, NK jumped with happiness. "Sir, what a conference it has been. Our branch has finally made a mark in this company. This calls for a celebration. Sir, we should celebrate once we are back at office."

"Sure NK. Whatever is appropriate. Go ahead. It is the achievement of the entire branch."

Once back in the branch, it was decided that they would host a party and all the staff were invited along with their families.

On the day of the party, Khushi and Kaka entered the venue along with Payal, Khushi's little sister. They went ahead and met up with all the staff and their families. Payal pulled Khushi and murmured in her ear. "Jiji, where is your akdoo Arnavji? I don't see him."

"Oh..Yamraj is not here as yet. Else who in their right mind would laugh and chat around him." NK intervened with his expert comments.

"And you must be...NK right?"

"Hey!!! How did you know that? And Woooaaaw Khushi. You are looking so pretty...You should dress up this way everyday." He winked.

Khushi smiled in embarrassment. Never was she praised about her beauty.

"Isnt my Jiji the prettiest. She hates dressing up even though I pester her everyday. And my Jiji has told me everything about all of you. And I know you nicknamed Arnavji as Yamraj." Payal giggled. "It's been such a long time since I saw him."

"Hey have you met ASR before?" NK asked.

As if right on cue, Arnav entered the party hall.

"Lo, here comes the Yamraj." whispered NK and moved forward to receive him.

Arnav moved around the party exchanging pleasantries with the families of the staff. To everyones surprise he maintained a very pleasant demeanor. No one had seen him so relaxed and casual. This party was not a bad idea after all.

As he cruised through the party, he came to talk to Khushi. And who was this girl beside her? It felt as if he had seen her before.

"Don't rock your brain so much Arnavji. Yes, we have met before. And I am Payal. Jiji's sister. Uff... she slapped her fore-head. I mean Khushi's younger sister."

"Chutki, call him Sir." Khushi whispered into her ears. But Arnav heard her, with a lopsided smile. Quite amused at his new name. Nobody had addressed him as Arnavji. He was either Chotey or ASR.

"Arey Jiji. He is your Sir in "office". But you always call him Arnavji when at home. That's why I called him Arnavji too." Blabber mouth Payal kept spilling it all.

Arnav's mind presently was occupied else where. He was rather looking at Khushi. She was wearing a white anarkali suit with red and silver embroidery. Simple flowing red chiffon duppatta. Her hair let loose. Light kohl in her eyes. No other make up. Her lips and cheek had a natural hue of light pink. Did she always look like this. So charming ... cute and... soothing?

"Arey, are you even listening to me or not Arnavji. Oh, sorry. Sir-ji. Otherwise my Jiji will kill me once I am back home. Anyway, you will be doing bhangra once you hear the news of my death. You wont have anyone to pester you." She was the only one to laugh at her own joke. The other two did not join her.

"Chutki. Stop it now. Khushi tugged her at the elbow. I am really sorry Sir. This is my little sister. You met her on the first day..."

"Yes... I know. And don't apologise for her Khushi. I think it is about time you ask your own apologies young lady." Arnav riled up Payal. Trying to have some fun of his own.

"Lady? Chi chi... I am still young. Only 16 years old. And why should I apologise?" Payal was miffed.

"That's for you to think." Arnav didn't let go of her.

They were interrupted by NK's announcement on the stage.

"Bhaiyon aur un bhaiyon ke behnon (Brothers and sisters of those brothers). Maaf kijiyega, meri abhi tak shaadi nahi hui hain. I am trying to be a bit safe." He held his ears.

The entire party roared with laughter.

"Before we start with the dinner, we have come up with a small game. Here is a bowl. And into this bowl all of you will put in chits. Each chit will contain your name and one thing you are good at. At the end, the best act will get a prize."

The bowl was quickly passed around and everyone put in their chits.

Many chits were opened. Some sang. Some mimicked. Some danced. Some recited poetry.

NK claimed that he had Kishore Kumar's genes. And as soon as he started to sing, Deepak snatched away the mike, unable to bear with his braying.

Deepak claimed that he is the best at pushing the shopping cart behind his wife. That's what he does every weekend. His wife hid her face out of embarrassment.

Then it was Payal's turn. And what is she good at "Dancing on Bollywood songs along with her Jiji."

Much to Khushi's embarrassment, she was pulled onto the stage. Everyone clapped, encouraging them to start. Payal had instructed NK to play Salaam-E-Ishq.

Once the music started, Khushi was lost. The music bringing out her natural talent. The two sisters danced in complete sync just as they did at home.

Arnav couldn't take his eyes off Khushi. Her graceful movements, enchanting smile. They brought out life, energy and what is the right word...yes...happiness. She was bringing out the emotion of happiness.

The song ended. The hall was full of loud applaud and whistles. Everyone shouted asking for another dance.

The two girls started dancing on Desi Girl. This time Arnav saw a mischievous Khushi. Her expressions were spot on. They were joined by NK, Deepak and other young boys on the stage.

Then they danced on Pairon mein bandhan hain.

Khushi and Payal came down from the stage and got everyone dancing. The entire crowd let go of their inhibitions. Raising their hands and skipping and tripping and making cumbersome steps, every person in the hall participated in the song. Kids showed off their talent. Women felt shy. Men encouraged their wives to join them.

Arnav let the crowd to enjoy themselves. Time and again he saw Khushi looking at him. Calling him with her expectant eyes. Imploring him to join them and have a good time. But Arnav doubted if he could fit in that crowd. A crowd so joyful and for this one moment had forgotten everything about the world around them and were having a blast.

Just then, the phone in his pocket buzzed. He took it out.

It flashed VASANT MALLIK CALLING.

He moved to a corner of the hall and received the phone.

"Hello... ASR. How are you? You left without leaving a word the other day at the conference. I wanted to talk to you. Are you in a pub. I hear some music in the background. I am sorry to have called you at this time."

"That's alright Mr. Mallik. You were saying you wanted to talk to me?"

"Aaah. Yes. So, I have a good news for you. I am promoting you to become the South India Regional Manager of the company. If you could change the face of my smallest branch, I don't know what plans you would have for an entire region. You will be moving to the Regional Branch and should report immediately."

Silence. Arnav heard him. He was waiting for this exact response from Mallik after his remarkable performance. But something was not right. He had a feeling that something was not right. He pinched at the center of the eyebrows and looked up. And there he saw. Khushi. Dancing happily. Pulling someone with her and getting them to dance. Laughing her heart out. Khushi, skipping and twirling.

As if he called out to her she turned looked towards him and smiled. Still dancing. Albeit slowly.

"ASR... ASR... are you there? You didn't respond to my news. Will you take up the role of the South Indian Regional Manager."

***

Khushi kept searching for Arnav. He was no where to be seen. Finally she spotted him at the corner of the hall. He was talking to someone over phone. She saw his eyes. His face. She could definitely tell that he had heard something very disturbing. Her smile dropped. And she stopped dancing altogether and stood there looking at him.

***

Arnav saw Khushi looking at him. He was looking straight towards her. Unknown to himself, a sense of unease was written all over his face. "I will take it up Mr. Mallik". He spoke over the phone. Right then Khushi's smile dropped. He felt his entire face and chest constrict.

"Fantastic ... Fantastic. I am so eager to know what you would plan for the region. You have earned it my boy. Will talk to you next monday, as soon as you take charge in the new office. Good bye." Mallik cut the call.

Arnav slowly walked towards Khushi. Amidst the dancing crowd. He stood very near to her. As if she HAD to be the first to know. Khushi looked up to face him. Both of them, for the moment, forgot that they were among people.

"I have been asked to take up the role of South India Regional Manager. And I said..." Khushi could not take the suspense. "Yes." She smiled. A smile of happiness. Arnav knew that she had not realized the implication as yet. So, he went on to break the news. "I will be moving to the Regional Office. I have to report on Monday."

Everyone around them had gone silent when they saw ASR approaching Khushi. And when he said that he was promoted to become the regional manager they started congratulating him with loud applause. "Yaaayyy. Hurray... That's fantastic news."

Realization dawned on Khushi. He was going to go away. She would most likely never see him again. She slowly took steps backwards, away from him. The rest of the crowd was moving towards him to congratulate. Her legs took her to the balcony of the party hall. She needed to be alone.

Arnav's eyes followed her. Everything had worked out as per his plan. They why was he feeling that something was amiss.

Later dinner was served. Arnav stood in a secluded spot with his plate. Only NK was with him. He saw Khushi and Payal in the balcony. They were still there. Khushi had not yet eaten. She was gazing into the dark. Silently. The gentle breeze blowing her hair lightly. For the first time since they had met all those days ago, he could not figure out what she was thinking.

***

Khushi stood there. Looking into the darkness. She was feeling numb. Not happy. Not sad. Just numb. She did not know how to react to this information. She should be happy for him. He was growing in his career. It was bound to happen. But what is this feeling of emptiness that had sunk into her all of a sudden. She felt lost. Not sure where she would go from here.

Would the next few days be the last that she would see of him? Is this it? The closure of most likely the best days of her life. She was doubtful if she would experience anything as enriching as she had felt in the last 6 months.

She turned around and looked at him.

***

Arnav saw her turning around.

"We will all miss you Sir. And I am not saying this to you as just a Boss. We will miss the person you are." NK told him sadly.

"Yes. I will miss you. I will miss the person you are." His eyes told her. A twinkling light reflected out of the film of tears accumulated in her eyes.

A/N: Do let me know what you felt about this update. Or press the LIKE BUTTON. I am really sorry again for keeping the story on hold for such a long time. Would love to know what you felt about this update. Please do comment.

Originally posted by: segad

wouldn't Lavanya be his cousin if she is his chacha's daughter?

His reaction after the presentation was understandable. But interesting that he took Khushi along to vent.

why was he surprised by the slides obviously he had reviewed the presentation?