Annie ran up the stairs in a hurry.
''BHAI...Maan Bhai?!?!?! Vicky...Where the hell are you guys??
She ran at breakneck speed peeping from room to room, calling out to them.
''Annie, we're in Dad's room. '', a deep voice called out.
She ran and entered the room, only to find them playing carom, the board spread out on their parents' bed. The room was dimmed with the curtains pulled close and air conditioning on low...the table beside the bed had half-eaten plates of pasta and two Pepsi cans - a sight she had become used to lately.
''Bhai, I thought you were working today?? Pata hota ki aap ghar par ho toh itna bhaag ke nahi aati. ''( had I known you were at home, I wouldn't have run so hard).
''Kyun aisa kya ho gaya ki tumhe bhaagna padha...''Vicky asked, without looking up, concentrating on hitting the white coin in the pocket.
''Bhai I need you car for the day...''
Panic arose in Maan's chest on hearing the request...''why?? What's wrong with your car?'', he asked as calmly as possible.
''I banged it yesterday, it's at the garage...'', she answered guiltily.
''...and now you want to send mine there too...?'' he asked sarcastically, resuming his game.
''How rude Bhai, that accident wasn't my fault,'' she said, pouting. She took a pillow off the chair and sat on one side of the bed, watching the game proceed. ''How is it that you're at home anyway?''
''I've taken leave for a couple of days.'', Maan replied while trying to judge with cut would be the best for making the shot. ''Vicky was taking a couple of days off. So I thought I'd do so too.''
The world is made up of many kinds of people. Some belong to the foolish breed, while some have the astute genes in them. Maan Singh Khurana belonged to an advanced kind of the latter. After the one-sided conversation with Daadima, he had realized what path life was taking him. Leading a business empire over the country had changed him. At the age of 26 he had gained much, but in the process he had lost touch with what he used to be and he was trying unsuccessfully to re-gain it. He wanted to make changes.
The stern and angry demeanour didn't change much, but he did make an effort to re-acquaint himself with his family. Annie and Vicky were pleasantly surprised to see him make an effort to spend time with them and they welcomed this change with open arms. Spending time with Vicky playing their childhood games or taking Daadi or Annie out for movies had become routine.
''oh...''she replied looking warily at him. Then reverted to her topic...''So can I have the car? ''
He deliberated for a minute, then replied,'' Yes, but my driver goes along.''
She didn't argue - his tone had a sense of finality in it and she knew it was best not to argue.
''Ok...thanks''.
Maan positioned his hand over the striker and in one clean strike pocketed both the Queen and the cover.
''Damn it...bro fifth game in a row...this board is tilting towards you!!'' yelled a frustrated Vicky.
''Rubbish ' stop being a sour loser...it's all a mind game if u see it...'', Maan replied calmly.. "Exchange seats again if u want to. It's how you strategize and play...Vicky. Not hot-headed playing.''
''Carrom is just a game...one should be a little hot-headed while playing a game ' it's not business where one should be all cautious n over thinking. Kabhi relax kiya karo, bhai!''
''Relaxing doesn't mean that I completely ignore common sense and play without giving it any thought. This isn't your dance studio that runs on adrenaline, Vicky. ''
''Please bro...if I had to run the studio in your Hitler attitude, I'd have no dance studio today!!
''Vicky,'' said Maan sternly, ''My office wouldn't run as efficiently as it does had I not been this strict and firm. I'd have been taken for a ride by many. If you were a lot stricter, you'd probably see Studio 77 work more efficiently.''
''Bro, I run the studio with friends, not employees. People come to the studio to relax and enjoy themselves. If I make a chore out of it, they're never going to show up. ''
''A little bit of discipline is needed, in my opinion, Vicky. And Studio 77 is still in its baby stages. If you want it to go much further, you need to be a The Boss, there. ''
Annie looked from left to right, like it was a tennis match, amused where the conversation had led to.
''That's unfair , bro, if you're talking from your own perspective... Khurana Constructions was an established enterprise when you took it up. I built Studio 77 from scratch. There's hardly any comparison.'', said Vicky with a hurt expression on his face.
''The fact that I had to follow in Dad's footsteps, made it all the more difficult. Have you any clue how hard it is to earn somebody's respect...especially if that somebody isn't your friend, '' was Maan's pointed comeback.
''Had I been a little kind in Khurana Constructions, at least I'd have a friend or two in my staff!!'', bit back Vicky, a tad rudely.
''Wow'', said Annie cut in, keeping a straight face. ''Two grown men, arguing away over who's the better boss?? You two wouldn't last in each other's shoes two days!!'' Saying this, she got up from her seat and headed for the door, while Maan and Vicky looked at each other astonished.
Had a Girl just thrown a challenge at them indirectly??
Annie raised her hand to open the door, when she heard Maan's voice loud and clear.
''Two months, Vicky,...I'll hand over Khurana Constructions under your able lead, and I'll handle Studio 77. Let's see who'd ideologies win?''
Annie gasped and turned around shocked to see, Vicky looking him straight in the eye, and saying determinedly, ''It's a deal!!''
Chapter 26 - The Eyes Have It - page 41
Ishaani
