Chapter#25
Over the connection Shaurya heard his mother's voice as she entered the conference room apologizing to Rajiv for her tardiness in arriving scarcely a minute late for the out-of-the-blue video call she had been summoned to. He watched as, unaware of that he had already dialed into the conference call, she began questioning bhai if he knew why he would have asked the three of them: Rajiv, Hina and herself, to gather now. Had he learnt the truth, she pressed on, piqued that her son hadn't even bothered to contact her since their initial phone conversation when he had reached his destination. Shaurya smiled to himself, before clearing his throat loud enough for his mother to hear him. Karuna Khanna's attention was finally drawn to the wall mounted monitor. "Namaste, Maa," he greeted her.
"Oh... Shaury..." It was evident that she was worried of what was to come, but she did a good job of collecting herself in front of him, while taking her seat at the table. "How are you, Beta?"
The door opened, and the last participant of this meeting entered and took her seat at the table.
"Good, you are here, Hina. You have good news for me I hope," Shaurya queried ignoring for now his mother's question.
"Ji Sir. The company's attorney has come back with a suitable local recommendation. The firm will be able to discretely handle any legal aspect you require, both business, and any... ah necessary criminal defense should the need arise."
"Excellent, Hina. Ensure that their details have been forwarded to me today, so I can confer with them in advance of my meetings with..."
As expected, his mother interjected; reacting to what her son had casually brushed over.
"Excuse me: any necessary criminal defense... is that some kind of joke, Shaurya? What exactly have you done or dare I ask what are you planning on doing that you would need to secure legal counsel?"
Her son's smirk did little to assuage her misgivings.
"Nothing so far, Maa. However, as I was distinctly informed, I am not on my home turf at the moment, I figured it better to be prepared than run the risk of relying on a court appointed attorney should I end up the wrong end of a police encounter. Likewise, I'm banking on reducing that probability by obtaining all of the information the three of you chose to keep from me before today. I cannot hope for any measure of success if I do not have all of the facts." He paused to let this sink in with all of them before continuing. "But first things first. Bhai, as it pertains to ISC..."
**********
"You were right, Mehek. Shaurya was there, but he checked out four days ago."
Gone; he had been that close and now he was really gone?
"But that's a good thing," Mel affirmed, breaking in her friend's silence. "It's what you wanted, right?"
"Haan..."
Yes: it was a good thing and she should have been completely relieved, but the finality of the information that had been relayed to her still hit her like a ton of bricks. Not only had he come to America; he had actually been there at her hotel. But for only one night. Despite the fact that she had been on pins and needles for the last couple of days while waiting for his next move, learning that Shaurya actually appeared to have complied with her pleas to go away, now brought the sting of tears to her eyes. And not, if she were to completely honest, because she was glad to see the back of him. She was so bloody confused. Taking a breath to steady herself, that she hoped didn't sound so desperate over the line, Mehek asked Mel to thank her friend who worked in room reservations, who had gone over and beyond in helping her. It wasn't her fault that the news Mel called with, had left her adrift in an ocean of confusion at the most damnable of moments. She disconnected the call and then turned off her mobile and tucked it into her pocket.
"Pull yourself together, Mehek Sharma. Remember: this is a good thing."
She was put off countering her own argument when she was joined backstage by her partner for the afternoon.
"Another sell-out crowd, but nothing you haven't handled before Mehek," Malik commented with an encouraging smile.
"So, says the man who needn't worry," Mehek stated, "because he has the comfort of knowing that his biggest fan is in the audience today." She couldn't help but grin when her Malik rolled his eyes in response to her comment.
"Urgh...don't remind me," he said, as he leaned to peer out at the audience. He found her front and center, chatting up a storm to the people seated near her. "I shudder at the mischief she is probably getting up to about now."
"Stop. Aunty is lovely, and understandably, very proud of her precious son," Mehek responded taking a small break from her morose thoughts, recollecting her recent introduction to the older woman who clearly doted on her first born. "If she happens to be sharing how special her beta is with everyone, then that is a mother's prerogative."
Malik sighed. "I had hopes that with her excitement over tonight she would have remained at home, but not Mom. She was up at the break of dawn beginning her prep so she wouldn't miss the demo. I have been advised to let you know that dinner will still be ready promptly at seven. Make sure you come hungry," Malik warned. "She's looking vey much to impress you... very much."
"And I'm looking forward to it," Mehek mentioned seconds before she walked out side-by-side with her co-chef for today's cooking demonstration.
It rankled Shaurya how good the two of them looked together; how their rapport allowed them to effortlessly banter back and forth much to the appreciation of the enthralled audience who had come to see them. But if he had to suffer watching this to get access to Mehek, then he would.
Next to him, the Disney executive, nodded approvingly at the pair of chefs on stage, and then turned his attention to the restauranteur who he had been attending today. They had missed approximately a third of the sold-out demonstration, but when the executive observed Shaurya Khanna's mouth upturn into a small smile, he realized that the idea of bringing the visiting businessman had borne fruit. On the understanding that they were now in vigorous competition with their local competitors for the man's next venture, the Disney executive had been given the mandate of persuading Shaurya Khanna to make Disney his first choice. It had looked to be a hard sell: the man was like ice when it came to business. This small display of emotion was the first indication of that anything positive could come from their meeting. Disney's top brass had already been told that Shaurya had met their counterparts at Universal Studios, who were keen to add to their City-Walk Dining destination; and who knew what promises had been made to the man already. Someone of Shaurya Khanna's caliber would be a definite feather in their cap, and Disney would have to do all they could to prevent that. For now, though, the man was totally absorbed in watching Chef Mehek, and immediately the executive grasped that this could be key to their negotiations. Perhaps, he thought, a familiar face could go far in swaying Shaurya Khanna in Disney's favor.
"I imagine this has to be a very satisfying moment for you, Mr. Khanna. In the very short time Mehek Sharma has been with us, she has managed to make her mark, which given the scale of the festival is telling. Hers and Chef Malik's demos are the ones that have been consistently oversubscribed this year. I doubt even someone of your stature could have managed to obtain admission today."
"Let alone, with such a prime vantage," Shauya conceded, referring to their backstage positions. Inwardly he smiled. Things were progressing just as he hoped. "However, Ms. Sharma's success here has very little to do with me; she is a force of her own making. And...the two of them seem quite the winning team."
"That is true, but you cannot deny that your influence is present." He nodded to the audience, which as their recent guest statistics supported, showed a marked increase of Indian-American attendees this year. "Undeniably, Ms. Sharma's name is synonymous India's Super Cook and by virtue with yours. With the association already established, as well as a ready-made client base, you cannot deny that Disney would be the logical..."
The man was interrupted when, along with the audience, Shaurya began applauding the conclusion of the demonstration. The two men watched as Mehek and Malik began the informal post-demo interaction with the audience, which they had become known for.
Shaurya purposively checked his watch "Shall we continue on to Disney Springs for the site inspection then," he asked impassively.
"And forgo meeting Chef Sharma? That will not do at all. I'm certain she will be pleased to meet you, since you have travelled so far. Trust me Mr. Khanna, our schedule will not be thrown off at all. The crowd should taper off in a few minutes."
"Thik Hai, if you insist."
************
"You were wonderful, Mehek beta; absolutely amazing. Frankly, I think that you deserve your very own television cooking show. That is what you should be aspiring to, not to be stuck behind the scenes in some industrial kitchen."
"Aacha, and being in the kitchen is such a bad thing, Mom?"
The high-spirited older woman didn't even skip a beat, reaching up and pinching her son's cheek as she answered the perceived insult, "Nahi Beta, not for you, the kitchen is exactly where you belong, you have always been happiest there creating your masterpieces, but a shining star like Mehek should be out on display sharing her gift with the world."
The woman in question blushed at the effervescent praise, demurring further comment with a shake of her head.
"See now you have embarrassed her Mom."
"Bah...I am just calling it as I see it. Her talent is sure to be wasted... you should propose it to the corporate heads, beta."
"I will take your suggestion under advisement, Mother." Malik offered barely able to contain his mirth.
"Indeed, you may be on to something Madam, so consider your idea duly submitted."
The trio turned simultaneously, when the new voice revealed that they had been joined, and as quickly they all froze in place when recognition of the visitor who hadn't spoken, hit them. Malik was the first to regain his senses. "James, how are you, he asked, extending a hand to the Assistant Director calmly before his eyes wandered briefly to the still silent bystander. He focused back on his colleague. "I had no idea that you were coming today.
"A spur of the moment decision actually, that fit in perfectly with our business meeting. But please, let me formally introduce you ..."
Effortlessly, Shaurya took command of the meet, when he removed and pocketed his designer sunglasses so he could face the chef eye-to-eye: man-to-man. He offered his hand to him, not surprised by the firm grip he received in return. "Shaurya Khanna and you are Chef Malik Varma: the man who had the incredible foresight to bring Ms. Sharma to the attention of the corporation. An exceptionally astute move on your part that has met with resounding success. Congratulations," he added as the two men continued to measure each other through their handshake. Held for a couple of seconds longer than sociably acceptable, they both let go at the same time. "I can only assume that such prowess is inherent in your family," Shaurya added facing the elder of the two females, a charming smile on his face. He bent down respectfully, raising with folded hands; the gesture much appreciated as indicated by the smile on the woman's face as she offered her blessing. "Namaste Aunty, I could not help but overhear your opinion, and I think you are quite on to something. I too believe Ms. Sharma to be destined for bigger things and a bright future."
"Thank you, beta," she responded before glancing sideways at her son both in triumph and in a subtle hint for her son to do the needful.
"My mother," Chef Malik stated tersely, forgetting for the moment the company he was keeping, as he unleashed his anger. His mother's discreet cough broke this spell, and his words were far calmer when he continued. "Mrs. Indira Varma: a great fan of yours actually, Mr. Khanna."
"A huge fan, Beta," the woman fawned, completely agog over the celebrity's out-of-the blue appearance. By then she had pulled out her mobile and had it pointed in Shaurya's direction. "May I," she asked brazenly, much to the dismay of her child.
"For a huge fan: of course. But let's go one better," Shaurya answered, in full charismatic mode, before relieving her of the device, and embracing her to take a couple of selfies with the eager woman, himself. His mind racing over what Mel had advised him on the woman who had come to visit, Shaurya had already distinguished that unless, heaven forbid, she was of a mind to make Mehek her bahu, Aunty could be helpful to his cause. This was but a small effort that could yield huge dividends for him.
Shaurya sent another smile her way as they appreciated the photos, before directing his attention at last to his quarry and finally, allowing his host some direction in this meet-up.
"Of course, no further introductions are necessary," James stated amiably.
In the time that he had exchanged words with Malik's mother, there had been a subtle shift in positioning of the two co-workers, with Chef Malik now in an almost protective stance slightly in front of Mehek. While interesting, it was not unexpected from what he had heard of the man, but for now Shaurya ignored it and cast his eyes directly on Mehek. She, he was pleased to note, met his stare directly with fire in her eyes, letting him know that it wasn't her choice to appear to be cowering behind her colleague.
"Ms. Sharma, we meet again. It was pleasure to see you at work, and very easy now to see how you managed to hone your skills so quickly."
She stepped from behind Malik to answer him. "Thank you Shaurya...Sir," she added belatedly; obstinately. "I am surprised that you are here...in America that is. Are you staying long?"
"Just as long as it takes to conclude my business dealings: some days, a few weeks at the most."
"Business," she asked skeptically.
"Haan Mehek: business. Perhaps If time allows maybe we can meet again and I can share my plans with you. Perhaps over dinner: your choice this time around of course."
"I'm busy," Mehek blurted out.
He nodded, acknowledging her comment. "Well, as I hadn't exactly suggested any specific evening, that is quite alright, Ms. Sharma. My hotel it turns out has the most amazing room service options, so you needn't fear for my dining plans for tonight at the very least. At any rate, I just wanted to say hello and congratulate you on a fine performance." He dismissed her and then bid her companions goodbye, insisting on the need to be elsewhere. Beside him, as they retreated, he could practically sense James' frustration at what he believed to be a futile meeting. But when they were no more than a half a dozen steps away the call Shaurya hoped for came.
"Shaurya beta, wait a minute."
He turned with an affable smile on his face. "Ji Aunty."
"I'm certain that it won't be anywhere near as fine as what you would expect to get at your hotel, but it will be tasty, and made with love. But most importantly it will be in good company."
"Aunty?"
"I cannot bear the thought of you isolated in some hotel room dining alone, beta. Malik has already complained that I am making too much just for the two of us and Mehek, so please say you will join us for dinner tonight. I for one, will feel so much better. Be kind and indulge a mother who could only hope that the same be done for her own child if he was in a foreign country alone."
Despite attaining more than he had hoped for, Shaurya could not deny the warm feeling the generous offer evoked. "Thank you, Aunty, I would be honored. Provided of course, my coming is not an issue."
"Never think so. Oh, and James, you are more than welcome as well."
Vaguely he heard James offer his regrets, and after getting the necessary directions, Shaurya thanked Mrs. Varma once again. He didn't dare cast his eyes in the direction of the two chefs: one who's barely contained vehemence was palpable even from the distance where they stood waiting for the older woman's return. He doubted if he could hide the self-satisfaction he felt in making the initial inroad that he fully expected would lead a reluctant Mehek back to him.
"And remember Beta; dinner is exactly at 7:00PM...come hungry."
"Trust me nothing could keep me away, Aunty... until 7:00."
And until then, Shaurya determined, he would continue with his work from another angle. Before the day was done he would know exactly how far the company would go to ensure that he didn't sign off with their rivals.
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Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
