1: Arrangements for The Guest
Akash Singh Raizada, compared to his cousin ASR, was a man of proportions; he was assertive when required, and passive at all other times. He lived up to his name for he was like the sky – clear and bright most of the time, allowing the Sun's rays to pass, but also powerful enough to block or lessen the star's effect and protect everyone living underneath him. He had always lived in his bhai's shadows, but his presence at AR was irreplaceable. If not for Akash, ASR would have lost some of the most profitable deals.
Keeping his previous decisions in mind, Akash decided to go against his bhai's advice, which he so generously received while executing Khushi's suicide plan, and composed the email.
Dear Jivvy,
I understand that this deal between GBD and AR cannot be finalized because of your "issue" with staying in a hotel. Your presence is vital, so I cannot offer online meetings as a solution, but I will be more than delighted if you agree to stay at the Raizada house during the duration of this project, which we believe will be around two to three months. I hope you consider my offer.
Sincerely,
Akash Singh Raizada
CCO of AR
Wiping the sweat off his face with a large white handkerchief, Akash hit the send button.
* * *
"But bhai! She is not the type of person to change deals on a whim." Akash knew that his brother did not want AR to sound desperate for GBD's contract. Arnav was a strong believer of "Aapni shart se kaam karo" (Work on your own conditions).
"And how do you know so much about her?" Arnav was clearly not happy with Akash's email.
"I had contacted a few of GBD's previous clients that had worked with her directly, all of them had positive reviews. They said that her entire team was very flexible, and finished their tasks beyond expectations, and on time." After the Sethi brothers' incident, Akash notched up his background research; he was not one to make the same mistakes twice.
"Really? If she is that flexible, then why can't she stay at a hotel? Why is that her reason for not signing this deal?" Arnav had never considered a career in law, but he held on to his argument firmly.
Or at least he seemed to do so in front of everyone else. His wife's antics did not leave much room for his arguments, and bickering with his Di was not an option – it always resulted in emotional blackmail. Lucky for Akash, Anjali's call had sent Arnav driving back home.
* * *
Dinner was a family affair at the Raizada house. Naniji occupied the head chair, with Mamaji on her right, and Mamiji on her left. Arnav's chair was right below the shimmering chandelier, many times opposite to his wife's chair. Khushi, Akash, Payal, and Anjali did not have fixed seats, and sat closest to their favorite food. Akash looked at his bhai, expecting him to break the news to the family members. But Arnav, who eventually forgave Akash's decision, merely shrugged before going back to drinking his orange juice. Akash cleared his throat, in a futile attempt to gain everyone's attention. He tried again, and Payal handed him a glass of water. Finally, he spoke up, "Dadi?"
Naniji looked at her grandson, curious to know what he wanted. She nodded, urging him to continue.
"You know how you say that guests are like God, and should be welcomed openly?" Diplomacy favored Akash more than ASR. Nani nodded. "Well, I have invited Ms. Jivvy to stay with us for a few months for a very important business project. She is the CEO and executive chairman of GBD, and this deal will take our company to an international market."
Mamaji had been reviewing the project with GBD, before Akash took charge of it. "Did she say yes, beta?"
"No, not yet, but I am expecting her reply sometime tomorrow. Why?"
"When I was studying the company's performance, I noticed that she does not make public appearances. Her team members work in person with the clients, but she usually communicates through email. One of my college friend works at GBD, and he was telling me that very few people in the company have actually seen her. She seems to be a very private person. So, I doubt if she would come."
"But if she comes, then we will have no problem," Nani declared. Lucknowians were known for their hospitality.
"But Akash, will she stay here for three months?" Anjali asked. When Akash nodded, she continued. "It's not that we have a problem or anything, but we don't know anything about her, so how will we welcome her? And is she the only one coming, or are all her team members also going to stay here?" Naniji agreed with Anjali's inquiries; it was important to know a bit about the person.
"Di, only she will be coming to stay here. Her team will be in a hotel somewhere, but she had an issue with staying there," Arnav replied. "As for the welcoming, I will let you know if she decides to come."
* * *
Hari Prakash had lost around five pounds since morning, running around here and there, cleaning the house, cooking international foods, setting up the guest bedroom, and so forth. He was almost on the verge of going to Manorama, and giving her part of his work, to help her stay beautiful. Khushi and Payal bhabis were helping him with the cooking, and he was very grateful for that.
His phone rang, and his hands trembled as he answered, "Ji Arnav bhaiya?"
"Send a driver to the airport to pick up Ms. Jivvy, and tell everyone that Akash and I will come home a bit late today." Call ended.
It was soon evening. All of the Raizadas, except Arnav and Akash, were seated in the hall, talking and waiting for their guest. When the doorbell rang, Hari Prakash opened the door and saw a girl sitting on her suitcase.
Edited by ipkknd_gbdfan - 12 years ago
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