FF: Raya Story - New Chapter 21 updated, Pg 54 on 27 Nov 2016 - Page 21

Recap:

Dr Sharma and Mr Kapoor met at a coffee shop and finally introduced themselves.They know each other by last names.Mr Kapoor is in Bangalore to sign up Dr Sharma for research work. Ram visited Priya's house, but Priya was at work. So he met her parents. Sudhir suggested to meet Priya the next day for dinner. Both of them have some attraction towards each other. But both of them have not expressed it to each other. They also do not know the first names.

Chapter 16

Ram wakes up in the morning and reads Dr Sharma's proposal. He likes it a lot. He loves her writing and some of the creative and innovative ways she had approached the problem. Regarding the budget too he felt things were reasonable. Ram thinks, no wonder Vikram wanted to get this deal quickly. People would love to invest in this project. Anyway let us see what she has for us today. He meets with Mr Desai for breakfast, discuss a few things regarding the proposal and then both head out to meet Dr Sharma.

Priya wakes up early in the morning. She gets ready and heads out to her work to setup a few things before meeting Mr Kapoor.

Priya: Looks like I am early... That's great. I can finish up a few things before Mr Kapoor comes.

While Priya is at her office. Ajay stops by...

Ajay: Hi Priya, How are you? Early today?

Priya: Hi Ajay, Wolege baa (Come in- Kannada).. Came in early. Remember the pharma company... K&S .. and RK...

Ajay: Oh... RK... How can I forget.. En.. spl? (What's spl?- Kannada).. What about him?

Priya: Smiles... Sumne iro.. Anthadu enu illa (Keep quiet, nothing like that - Kannada)... I mentioned na.. I sent the proposal... He is here to talk about it...

Ajay: Oh.. Oh... But how do u know that RK is from K& S pharma?

Priya: Oh.. Ada...(that-Kannada).. I did not know either. Met RK yesterday for coffee... That is how I got to know...

Ajay: With open mouth... What coffee? And you said nothing and all... explain...

Priya tells Ajay about last evening's incident. She leaves out the details of the conversation..

Ajay: Oh.. Oh... So he spotted you... Hmmm... Dal main kuch kala hain..... in a teasing manner...

Priya: Saaku... Nange kelsa ide... iga barthare (Enough..I have work.. He will come now-Kannada)... Need to prep kano... hogu (Go-Kannada).

Ajay: Ok.. Ok...

Priya: One other thing. I would like you to join us for lunch if you are free.

Ajay: Me?? Main kabab main haddi nahi banna chatha hoon..

Priya: Arey nahi... RK is not alone. He is coming with his Research Director, Mr Desai...

Ajay: Oh.. Ok... I will join you... Just call me when you are going.. I can keep Mr Desai engaged... so that you and RK can have fun... Smiling, winking and teasing Priya...

Just then, Knock on the door... Mr Kapoor and Mr Desai walk in as the door is open. Ram was not expecting anybody in Dr Sharma's office. He was surprised to see who it was. He remembers him from the conference. He also remembers both Dr Sharma and he were always together during the conference. He thinks to himself..

Ram: What is he doing here? That too... Early in the morning.. They seem close.. Is he her BF? Or more... I wonder... Focus Ram... and coughs a bit ... To get Dr Sharma's attention...

Priya: Good Morning Mr Kapoor, Mr Desai.. Please come in...

Ajay: I will see you later. Leaves the room.

Ram and Mr Desai sit down. Priya also sits and continues the conversation. Ram introduces Dr Sharma to Mr Desai.

Priya: I hope you did not have an issue in finding my office.

Mr Desai: No problem. Mr Kapoor had directions from you.

Priya: Great! I shall order some coffee.. Is that ok?

Mr Desai and Ram: fine.

Priya orders coffee and coffee comes in a few mins.

Priya: I am so excited that you both could make it. I am sure both of you had a chance to go through my proposal.

Mr Desai: Yes. I liked your proposal. But there are a few things I would like to go over with you.

Ram: From what I could follow about your work, I like it. I also like the financial aspects of it.. but some negotiation may be needed.

Priya: Then I would like to suggest something. We can do a tour of my lab and show you the facilities here, so that you both get a better idea about my budget and proposal for this project.

Mr Desai: Ok.. That would be nice

Ram: I agree. Shall we?

Priya gives a tour of her lab, facilities at the university to Ram and Mr Desai. They get to meet a few people at the lab. They get a better idea of what kind of infrastructure Dr Sharma might need to this project. And also idea of who she might have to hire for this work. Discussion goes very well for both Priya and Ram. They talk a little more after they are back in the office. Almost time for lunch.

Priya: I am eager to begin this project. I think this would be essential in moving ahead in cancer research.

Mr Desai: I understand the potential in cancer research. That's y we are here.

Ram: I agree with Mr Desai. We like your proposal and would like to extend an offer of providing the funding for this project. Maybe you can come visit our company and take this further. Kyun Mr Desai?

Mr Desai: I sure think so. The research team would be delighted to have you over.

Priya: Thanks Mr Kapoor, Mr Desai. That sounds like a great idea! I would be delighted to visit your company.

Ram: Great. I will get in touch with you once I am back in Mumbai.

Priya: Thanks. Almost lunch time. Why don't we all go for lunch? I know a great place close by.

Ram: That would be wonderful. Chale Dr Sharma, Mr Desai?

Priya: Cool. One minute. She calls Ajay and invites him to join them. I hope it is ok with both of you. I invited my colleague as well.

Ram: Not a problem.I hope it is not the same guy at her office earlier.

Priya: Thanks.

They wait for Ajay. Ram sees the same guy.. and does not like it.. But what can he do? Decides to just go along with it. Priya introduces Ajay.

Priya: Come in. Meet Mr Kapoor and Mr Desai from K& S pharma. This is Dr Murthy.

All the pleasentaries are exchanged.

We can just walk over to this place for lunch if that is ok with everybody. Just 5 mins.

Mr Desai and Ajay readily agree. Ram has to say Yes... since all the others said ok.

Ram: Let's go. By the way, where are we having lunch?

Before Priya could answer,

Ajay: It's a small place, you get some good south indian vegeterain food. Hope that works.

Ram: Does not like that Ajay answers that.. Oh Veggie food... Dr Sharma you're a vegetarian right? In his mind oh no... another round of veggie food... How am I going to survive...

Priya: Yes I am. But the food is very good here. I love it.

All of them walk to the restaurant. On the way Ram tries to stay with Priya to talk to her. But somehow between Mr Desai and Ajay.. he never manages to get one on one time with her. He is disappointed. Meanwhile Priya is excited and elated that her project is getting funded and that too so soon. She wants to get more info from Mr Desai regarding research, so decides to walk with him, leaving Ram with Ajay. Once in a while she is glancing to see that Ram not really engaging much in the conversation, while Ajay has a smirk on his face. Priya is wondering what is up with these two. Anyway within 10 mins they reach the place. Ram is glad. He sits next to Mr Desai and opposite Priya.

Priya: Let's order. What would you like Mr Kapoor, Mr Desai?

They discuss about a few good items and have ordered the food.

Ram: He did not want Ajay to intervene so he decided to address Dr Sharma with questions. Dr Sharma, How do you like working here? I wonder if I can woo her to join my company. She is good. And that proposal can work well for us.

Priya: I love it here. Gives me the freedom to do what I would like to do. Love the team, people. I love Bangalore as well. So works well to stay with family and get what you want.

Ram: Nice. I can understand. I love it in Mumbai esp becoz of friends and family.

Priya: Nice. The food is here.

All of them were hungry. So hardly any talking during eating. Lunch is done. They all walk back to where Mr Kapoor's car is parked.

While walking back Ram is deep in his thoughts. Hardly conversing with anyone. He is thinking of last evening's coffee, seeing Dr Sharma unexpectedly, and meeting her today as well. Everything seems great. The other thing that pops in his mind is about Priya. He has to meet her today. Maybe I should call Mr Sudhir and find out about Priya's where abouts.

Meanwhile Priya gets a call. She excuses herself for a minute.

Priya: papa, Aap , is waqt? Kya baat hain?

Sudhir: Kuch nahi beta. Just wondered How is everything going?

Priya: Going great Papa. They have invited me to Mumbai to discuss this further. It looks like they want to fund my project.

Sudhir: Arey wah... Bahut acchi kabar sunaiye hain tune.. Congrats!

Priya: Thanks papa. Ab boliye, Kya baat hain?

Sudhir: Ok beta. I remember you telling me you can come home after lunch. Is that plan still on?

Priya: Yes Papa. I will be home by afternoon. They are still here. I have a few things I need to wrap up.. and then I will leave.

Sudhir: Wonderful beta. I am also coming home early. Ghar pe baat karte hain.

Priya: Bye Papa.

Priya disconnects the phone and joins in the conversation. But this time around Ram gets a call..

Ram: Vikram, Kaise call kiya?

Vikram: Kuch nahi. Bas puchna tha meeting kaise gaya.

Briefly Ram explains to Vikram what has transcribed today. Vikram does not talk much about personal stuff since he realizes Ram is still at the meeting.

Vikram: Cool yaar. Chal you have a good time. I will catch up with u later.

Ram almost goes back to the group, he gets another call. This time it is Mr Sudhir ..He is not sure what to do. What should I say... thinking he picks up...

Ram: Namaste uncle. How are you? Is waqt?

Sudhir: Namaste beta. I hope your not busy. I would like to talk to you for a few mins.

Ram: No problem uncle. I have a few mins. Aap boliye.

Sudhir: Dekho beta, Shipra aur main chahte hain ki, tum aur Priya ek baar milo.. Esp kyunki aap yahan hain... Priya is coming home early today beta.. Do you want to join us at our place for some tea?

Ram: Uncle. Aap ki suggestion acchi hain. Can I call you in 5- 10 mins and confirm that.

Sudhir: That should be fine beta. Call or even message me.. Either one works.

Ram: Ok Uncle. I will. Bye and take care.

Ram joins the group. He hears Mr Desai saying that he is leaving this afternoon 4 30 flight. Ram thinks.. then how will I get to priya's house. Then a thing flashes in his mind... Maybe I can ask Dr Sharma to drop me there, if she is going home early. And then remembers the two-wheeler from yesterday... Wow!!! That would be fun... Anyway... He pulls Dr Sharma to the side.. Ajay sees this and is surprised..

Ram: Dr Sharma I need to ask you something. Personal..

Priya: Yes Mr Kapoor. Tell me. What's up?

Ram: Dr Sharma, do you remember I met my family friends yesterday near your colony.

Priya: Yes I do, what about it?

Ram: Nothing. I have to go there. Since Mr Desai is going back He will take the car. I was wondering if you are going home early, then I can tag along.. If that is ok with you..

Priya is shocked. But she loves the idea.. Maybe I should have got my Dio..

Priya: Mr Kapoor you are in luck. I am actually heading home early. If you want to change or something. I will finish up here and pick u from your hotel. As I understand the hotel is not far from here and on the way as well. What do you think?

Ram: I think that would be wonderful! I will join Desai and go to the hotel. You can pick me up later on your way home. Thanks.

Priya: No problem. My pleasure.

Everybody says bye to each other. Ram and Mr Desai go to the hotel. Ajay and Priya back to their respective offices. Priya let's Ajay know that she is leaving early. Ajay wanted to ask what RK was asking her, but decided to do it later. Ram calls Sudhir to confirm the tea meeting. Priya is back at her office and lab to wrap all the things he had done for this meeting. Also she has some emails to send. After about an hour, Priya is done with her work and sends a message to Ram that she will be there at his hotel in about 20 mins to pick him up. She also informs her dad that she is on the way.

Thanks guys for reading. Next update will be RaYa meet... and a few other things...