Chapter -2
So, the reunion finally!!! Surprised?' Renuka Sanyal gleamed. Her dignified tone failing to camouflage her excitement at watching the two in shock.
Renuka Ma'am! How have you been? And what are you doing here? I mean people from Resultrix Designs were supposed to be here.' she paused for a second, realising what it meant, she just thrust herself on Renuka Sanyal in nervous excitement. How could I miss that? Oh Yes! I remember you were to launch your Design Research Consultancy. I am so sorry...' she didn't know how and when to stop, when Randhir interrupted her, Take a break you silly girl. But tell me what are you doing here?' he turned towards his mother in disbelief, You mean, she is the SPOC you were talking about, with whom I am to work with for this project?'
Sanyukta alternately look at both of them in confusion, trying to grasp what was going on. A dull Monday morning had suddenly turned into an action packed and full of surprises day. Renuka Sanyal was still gleaming as she saw the action unfold infront of her. She was the one who had orchestrated this meeting. Mr. Naik had shared Sanyukta's profile with her and she had recognised it instantly. She wanted to share the news with Randhir immediately, but decided to do otherwise. She had always known, since the time he was in FITE that he had had only one friend there or rather anywhere. But when Randhir joined her, there was no trace of Sanyukta in his life, atleast as per what met the eye. Sanyukta had also been her personal favourite during the Dream Team' competition of which she was a primary sponsor. She had tried asking Randhir about Sanyukta's whereabouts but was met with an abnormally cold reaction, Must be doing well for herself. You can checkout her profile on the social media if you wish to know more.' he had tried to imitate indifference. Renuka Sanyal had been left wondering.
And today she saw two of her favourite people meet each other, in surprise or probably in shock. But whatever, she was enjoying every bit of it, only sceptical about her son's reactions once they were out of this place. Randhir Singh Shekhawat did not like surprises afterall.
Both Sanyukta and Randhir were trying to assimilate what was going on, when Mr. Naik made his grand entry. Tada!!!! So are we done with the introductions?' he smirked trying to make sense of both the young people's expressions. Hey! you guys in shock. I thought it'd be a happy surprise for both of you.' He shared a wince with Renuka Sanyal.
Ahmm! Any ways, now on a serious note, we need to kick off this project by Wednesday. The deadline for submission of the detailed designs is three months down the line. As I understand, that the two of you are not meeting for the first time, there is no need for a formal introduction, but nevertheless, it's my duty to apprise you both of the requirements of this project.' He said as he handed out a copy each of the project blue book to both of them, You may want to go through it together and close in the gaps if any.'
Both Randhir and Sanyukta listened to Mr. Naik, trying to focus on the task at hand. The attempt was only half successful though. Both of them kept stealing glances towards each other, taking their eyes off from each other whenever their eyes met. Both of them felt dizzy with the gush of emotions within them. They felt stirred and on the edge. It was like that someone had set open a locked cabin somewhere in the corner of their hearts. But there was no time right now. They had to concentrate and get on with the job. Mr. Nayak and Renuka Sanyal were running them through the SoPs finalised by them for the project. Once both the senior members in the room were done speaking, they looked curiously at their juniors. What? Are you both here at all in the meeting room? I guess Miss. Sanyal, we should disperse today to help these two young people recuperate from the surprise that they have been subject to today. I suggest we meet tomorrow again same time, same place.' Mr. Naik said trying to sound extremely professional, even though he was amused to the core with what he saw infront of him. Two completely dishevelled and flummoxed young people. He realised there was something more than a lost friendship between them. He now only hoped that this would not affect the project.
I'll leave for Delhi tonight itself. Randhir will be stationed in your office for the rest of the duration of the project and will co-ordinate with our team in the New Delhi Head Office. So Randhir, please be there on time tomorrow and make yourselves comfortable.' Renuka Sanyal said winding up the meeting as she stood up to leave.
I'll come with you.' he blurted out as he too stood up. Excuse me Mr. Naik, just for today. I'll be there sharp at opening of office hours tomorrow morning.' he requested Mr. Naik as he followed his mother out of the conference room. His eyes met Sanyukta's for the last time that day as she stood there perplexed.
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Why did you do it?' Randhir asked his mother as he followed her to the SAPL reception where Renuka Sanyal called for her driver. I mean you should know that I don't like surprises. You should have told me in advance' he continued in an insisting tone.
Renuka Sanyaal looked back at Randhir and titled her head, her eyes very curious about Randhir's reaction. I thought you were friends Randhir!' she continued towards her Audi, which the chauffer had just parked in front of the reception gate. Randhir followed her to the car and opened the other side of the door to get himself in the car.
Randhir? I thought we were to always travel separately. This was your protocol right?' Renuka Sanyal looked to her right at her extremely worked-up son.
Listen mom! I mean Ma'am. It's true that Sanyukta and I were friends in college, but then we moved on and got busy with our lives. We have been leading distinct lives for last 4 years. And with our different temperaments when it comes to work and otherwise, I don't think I can put up with her. It may not be a good idea for Resultrix Designs'. I'm sure you don't want to jeopardise the reputation of our company.' Randhir said trying to present a professional rationale.
They had reached their hotel and were walking in the lobby towards their rooms on the same floor. Please listen to me, i'm sure there is a work around to this contract, or may be we can work on a remote co-ordination mode, or something else. Please think about it... Ma'am' Randhir was almost pleading now.
Renuka Sanyal stopped right infront of her room; she turned around and looked straight into his eyes. What's wrong with you Randhir? Whatever happened to your professionalism? This is the project that you have to work on for the next 3 months under the circumstances stipulated by the current contract and the agreed SoP. So it'd be better if you didn't waste your time and mine' she said in an extremely calm voice. By the way my flight's at 8 tonite, i'll leave for the airport by 6 in the evening.' were the last words that Randhir heard from his mother as she turned around to vanish behind the door of her hotel room.
Randhir was waiting for her in the hotel lobby at 6 p.m. when she appeared from the reception after checking-out. Before he could say anything, Renuka Sanyal shot off, Listen Randhir, I know that you do not deem me to be the best person to talk about relationships, but I feel that yes it's important that we move on in life, but we definitely should make an effort to retain the good things in life. I would tend to think that Sanyukta was one of the best things that happened to your life, so why do you want to run away from her? Sort it out whatever it is between you two. And this I say because whether you like it or not that you are my son and after all the mistakes that I have made as a mother, I don' t want you to regret your personal decisions in life like I do today. I say this also because, this project is our bread and butter. We have toiled hard to earn a respectable position in the industry and I do not want to spoil the promising prospects of our company. So sit back, sort your mind out and make sure that we pull through this project successfully.'
She raised her one hand to Randhir's shoulder, patted it slightly, Randhir there's a lot more to you that remains to be explored. Set yourselves free of your past and try and create a beautiful tomorrow.' Randhir stood there half lost and half listening to her.
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