Thank you do much to all of you who liked and posted their views of this story, means a lot. Here's the next part, expecting to hear from you all again.😳
Part II
Shekhar Gadodia looked around the study room, a glass of hard liquor in his grip which he twirled every now and then. Durga Prasad was nowhere to be seen, excusing himself for a quick change of clothes before the two of them drown themselves in alcohol and usual business talk. He opened a button of his crisp suit, loosening it around his neck as he breathed deeply. He and Durga Prasad knew each other for years, had done unspeakable things together to reach this position today. Yet, Shekhar never feels more subordinate than he does when he keeps a foot inside this house. The mansion used to belong to a king dated back to 1930 and Durga Prasad didn't change a thing after he moved in. People says woman's touch makes everything better, but even the Matron of the house, Annapurnaji, could not shake off the chilly, sinister vibe of this house.
Maybe Durga Prasad didn't want to shake it off, to intimidate people further.
Shekhar's mind drifted to his own house. Dayal Nibas *6, named after his late father, and his girls. It didn't use to feel like home, but for the last two decade, it does. Sometimes it's necessary to fight for your love and the life you deserve. Or else you will be miserable for the rest of your life.
The door of the study opened and Durga Prasad entered, pouring himself a bit of drink, then slumped opposite Shekhar, "Long day."
"Inspiring speech. My eyes nearly welled up." He mocked. Durga Prasad snorted, sipping from his glass.
"Mr. Sanyal called. He's not happy the announcement, since the deal is not yet finalized."
"I do not care about his happiness. He can sulk for all I care." Arrogance oozed from every syllables as he went on, "He knows he will be bankrupt if we don't buy him. Who does he think he is showing attitude to?"
"He also knows this is our chance to go public and skipping large amounts of paperwork." Shekhar pointed out.
"Not a good enough bargaining chip. Anyways, how does it matter?"
"Apart from a nice dramatic end to an otherwise nice evening? Not a bit." He smirked, frowning the next moment, "I didn't see Lakshya. Did he sneak out?"
"Don't talk about him." Durga Prasad sounded bitter, "God help me, there better not be a headline with his color exploitations tomorrow alongside my Award coverage. I swear, the boy alone give me more trouble than all the other kids of my family put together."
"And yet, you hinted that soon your Heir will handle the business."
"I didn't mean him." The former glanced at him, "I have two boys, Shekhar. There was never a choice to make."
Shekhar looked surprised, his glass of liquor hanging midair as he asked, "You mean Adarsh? Are you serious?"
"You know he was never on my radar. But fate." He sighed, shaking his head, "Anyway, he would do way better than Lakshya ever could. He already knows inside out of company, he should not have any trouble handling it in, say, next 2 to 3 years. We both will support him until then."
"Of course." He still looked shell shocked, blinking rapidly, "But still, Adarsh? He has always been too moralistic for my liking. And you know we can't trust him with certain things."
"Then we won't." His eyes conveyed how serious he was, "After Disha merge with us, we need to be more careful about our actions. Adarsh can be a new face of company, PR will like it. A family legacy, passing down to son from father."
"You have really thought about it in deep." Shekhar murmured, then exhaled a surprised laugh, "You know, I used to think when we both will have this talk one day, the conversation would have been widely different. It sounds like a . . . a . . " He struggled with a proper word.
"Compromise?" Durga Prasad supplied, "Go ahead, say it."
"Yes. That." He agreed, "I just can't stop thinking that things would be very different if Sanskaar was here."
"Fate has almost always been cordial with us, but if there is one thing, one single thing I could rewrite, I would have chosen this. You know I would." The former replied, taking out his glasses and massaging lightly the bridge of his nose, suddenly quiet.
Then he spoke up, "Talk about Fate . . . earlier, when they were about to announce my name, I had this vision. About past."
"Anything in particular?" Shekhar inquired, getting up to pour himself some more liquor.
"The day Swaraj Bose walked into our lives."
The former's frame stiffened at the mention, "Why on Earth . . . "
"I have always thought to myself that, was the start of everything. Tonight, the award, the claps, pats on the back, they felt like a climax, after everything me, you, every one of us did. Of course, my head decided a little visit of the past."
"You need a damn shrink." Shekhar slammed his glass on the table, bracing himself against it as he reeled back and forth in obvious distress. Durga Prasad observed him quietly, contemplating something in his mind. He was about to say something when someone knocked the door twice, then Adarsh came in.
"Kid." Shekhar composed himself somewhat, giving a wry smile, "It's nearly 2. Should not you go and sleep?"
"I just had something to discuss with Dad." He looked at the man hopefully, who gave a nod. Shekhar took this as his cue to leave and he did, closing the door behind him.
"Ah Dad . ." He rubbed his palms together in nervousness, overlooking the obvious amusement on his Father's face, "Needed to ask you . . a thing. Was thinking from days, actually."
"Just ask, Adarsh."
"Sure, of course." He took a deep breath, meeting his father's eyes, "Pari and I, I mean we, we are expecting."
The disbelieve smile spread over the older man's face, "Really? That's great Son." He patted his back once, "When did you find out?"
"We got the reports yesterday." Adarsh spoke with excitement, "Was meaning to tell you but the award ceremony and all . . "
"It's fine. Is she alright? Everything okay?"
"Yes, yes."
Durga Prasad leaned back on his seat, "You should go and tell your Mother immediately. She will be ecstatic."
"Yeah sure." Adarsh started to rub his hands once again, "But this is not the only reason I came here. I wanted to ask something." At his father's encouraging nod, he went on.
"Dad, ah, we are soon becoming No. 1 pharma in India, and if everything goes fine overseas we will spread more. That's a lot, like, responsibility. Also, the competitors." Frustrated with his blabber, he released a harsh breath and started again, "What I am trying to say is this - Pharma business has always been messy. The rivals play dirty, you know it of course. Thank god you never let any of us feel the danger that comes with owning a company in this sector but I know Dad. I shadow you and Shekhar Uncle and hear things, and it scares me. For my future."
"Is this about what happened to Uttara?" The older Man asked gravely.
"Partially. But it didn't come in my mind overnight, it has always been. And now Pari and I . . . "
"It's different." Durga Prasad finished, "What do you want from me, Adarsh?"
The former looked up, startled at the straight forward question but thankful as well, "I want out, Dad." He stated.
"Out?" He repeated, "You want to move out? To a different state?"
"No." Adarsh clarified, "I want to start new. Leave the company. Take Pari to somewhere and make a new life."
"Without the surname Maheswari or the company Centaur Pharmaceuticals chase you after."
"Yes." He breathed, leaning forward as he urged, "I know I am asking a lot, Dad. Maybe I am unfair, because danger is everywhere. But those dangers, I can handle. What I can't is the constant worry that my job can be harmful to my family. I can't live in a world like that."
After a couple of minutes of heart stopping silence from the older man, just when Adarsh had nearly given up hope on any answers, Durga Prasad spoke up.
"I am sorry, Son." He genuinely sounded remorseful, "I am sorry that I could not protect you better, I could not make you feel safer. I apologize for making you worry about the kind of world you will be raising your child. I am sorry the torment of your mind at this moment."
"No Dad." Adarsh shook his head, ready to cut him off, but the next words stopped him cold. The remorse tone gradually transformed into steely determination as he declared his answer.
"But I have to say No. I can't let you go. I can't give you the permission to leave this family. I can't give you the permission to make a new family by tearing your old one apart."
"I will never . . . " He sounded shocked at the string of accusations, but the old Man was not quite finished yet.
"You will live in this family and welcome your Child. From tomorrow, you will no longer follow me or Shekhar. You will remain in the office and attend every board meeting possible. And in next two years, you will be the CEO of Centaur Pharmaceuticals."
"Dad." He begged, getting down on his knees as he gripped the former's hands as if they are lifeline, "Don't do this. Please. Please."
"Do not beg." He commanded through gritted teeth, every bit of the elated soon-to-be Grandfather vibe gone from him, "It won't change my mind."
"Dad . . . " Adarsh sounded broken, but the older man raised his one hand in air to stop him further.
"It's been a long day. Go, we will meet tomorrow in the breakfast table." He gave a stern gaze when the former whimpered in protest, "I said Go." He hissed softly, and the effect was immediate. Adarsh jerked backwards as if touched by a live wire, his eyes wide. Then slowly, he stood up and left, closing the quietly behind him as if he was in a trance.
Durga Prasad removed his glasses and started massaging his temples.
**********************************************************************************
It was a ritual in Maheswari house that every member of the family has to attend Breakfast.
Now, it's a different thing that Lakshya has never been one to properly keep his eyes open during these things.
Sujata snorted when he yawned, which felt like for the hundred times in the last ten minutes. Beside her, Ram Prasad, her husband, gave a side eye to her, but something said by Annapurna diverted his attention.
"Bhai sa, are you with us?" She inquired with a small smile. Ram Prasad took a sip from his strong black coffee before answering.
"Sorry, Bhabhi ji, I didn't have any sleep last night. If you don't mind repeating . . . " He looked eager.
"I was just saying to Annapurna that nowadays Lawyer's firms got this complicated habit of appointments and meeting schedules." Durga Prasad spoke for her, eyeing his younger Brother, "Nobody meets without a pre-scheduled appointment. It's hard to get someone when you really needs one."
"Is this about the merger?"
"Actually yes." He confirmed, "Mr. Sanyal wants a meeting today. My lawyer is not available until the day after tomorrow. If I tell him so, the man might just bit my head off."
Lakshya made a noise unexpectedly, his mouth full of bread which he gulped at the disgusted expression of his Mother before speaking, "Kaka sa, you should go with Dad. Solidarity and stuff."
Ram Prasad gave a wry smile at his nephew, "Lakshya, I don't handle corporate cases. Also, it's better not to deal with family. Keep personal and professional life separate."
"You always say that." He gave him a glance, then shrugging, "Everyone else managing the two just fine."
"Let's just say I am not competent like your Father." The way his tone changed at the end, Sujata could not help but another snort, which she quickly covered as a cough.
Annapurna raised one eyebrow in question at her Sister-in-Law's antics to which she stammered, "Dry bread. It got stuck . . . here." She finished lamely, pointing to her throat. Ram Prasad shook his head, exasperated at his silly wife.
"So that's a No, is it Ram?"
"Don't make me say it aloud, Bhai sa." The younger man murmured, then excused himself as he left for work. Sujata stood near the door until he sat inside a car and left, and then turned toward the house.
After the breakfast was over, Pari hurried after her Mother -in-law, her fingers knotted into the end of her pallu, a nervous tick she always had. Sujata instructed the maids and cooks about the menu of lunch, then sat beside Lakshya, one hand under her chin.
"Lakshya, will you take the whole day to finish it off?" At the young man's sheepish half grin-half yawn, she asked, "When did you come home last night?"
"Around 4." He mumbled, "Dropped Ragini home, then went for a drive."
Her eyebrows rose in hair, "She was with you?
He nodded, gulping down orange juice in an animalistic way which made her wince, "But don't tell anyone. She sneak in. Only Swara knows."
Sujata smirked, "Maybe I should talk to Jiji about you two, don't you think Lakshya?"
"About what?" He sounded confused, but realized just Sujata slapped her forehead at his hung-over slow brain, "Oh. God no! Kaki sa, don't do anything. Please."
"What?" She shrugged, "You two are young, it's okay to go here and there to have fun. We elders will feel better if there's a commitment."
"I don't see her like that. And really, commitment? Plenty of time for that later." Lakshya stood up and a dropped a messy kiss on her cheek, "Don't think much about it, Kaki. I swear."
"Uh-oh.'' She mumbled just he left, looking at him with narrow eyes until he ascended the steps and vanished out of her sight. Lakshya has always been closer to her than his mother, Annapurna. Maybe the silly, knuckle headed Aunt who can't keep her mouth shut (according to the world) was a better suited friend/ mother figure than her Jiji, the iron-willed female who was always busy playing the perfect wife to Durga Prasad to the world, than she was being a part of this family.
Family, she snorted bitterly thinking about it. This is no family, just an illusion for the PR of the company. Everything about this family is directly about the company. Sometimes Sujata feel claustrophobic just thinking about it, the damn company. It's like they don't own the company, but the other way around.
She stopped her monologue when Uttara came downstairs, giving a gentle smile to her only remaining child. She was the only one who was kept out of this Breakfast rule, thanks to her irregular sleeping patterns and mood swings. She sat down and Sujata immediately served her breakfast. The two ladies chit-chatted idly and soon Uttara was done with her food.
"Maa." She started, "Can I visit Swara before I come back?"
"Sure." She halfheartedly replied. Sujata never really liked the Bengali Brat, as she calls her in her head. Ever since she was a kid, she had no regards for rules, no fear of elders scolding or even punishment. Other kids would stay far away from Durga Prasad's study, fearing the stern looking man's glare. She would run right inside and would only give a broad smile in return. For some reason, the usually stoic, perfectly composed Annapurna has always been quite taken with her.
Sujata has always preferred the calm Ragini, she would normally sit in a corner and keep an eye on everything. The elder woman has found some deep similarities with her even when she was young. Sadly, none of her children shared her feelings. Uttara barely speaks to her even though Ragini tries, and Sanskaar . . .
She stopped herself from that direction of thoughts.
But barely. The tears flowed freely when she sat on the floor of the dirty store room an hour later, clutching an old dusty photo tightly to her chest as if her life depended on it.
It's the same routine every day. If one could see the clown-ish Sujata Maheswari now, they won't recognize her. Her petite frame never stops shaking, the tears never stops. And it's always silent, as if word has failed her amount of grief. Or maybe the pain is too private to scream and share with the world.
The door was suddenly opened behind her and Parineeta walked in, looking grief stricken herself. Sujata stared at her, her eyes red and understanding. One look at her and the young woman broke down, sitting beside her and putting her head on her shoulder.
"It's okay." She whispered softly, patting her head as she rocked her back and forth. She didn't have to explain, Sujata already knows. The mansion is too big and words flows freely from every corner. One just needs to listen carefully and put two and two together.
"I was not trying to break this family." Pari whispered. The elder woman was not too shocked by the route Bhai sa-Jiji took to stop the two from moving out, they have always been ruthless. Or maybe it's again, the company's fault. She wondered when they stopped taking decisions from heart and started to ruin their children's lives for so called Legacy.
"Cry as much as you want. Cry until you don't have any tears left." She spoke over Parineeta's whimper, running fingers through her hair, "Because tomorrow, you have to get up and fight for your child. And these tears will only be a nuisance. Cry Parineeta, empty your heart."
And she did. So did the older woman, looking longingly at the dusty old picture of her Son.
**********************************************************************************
"Tell me a poem." Uttara demanded, bringing her knees near her chest as she looked at the other woman.
"Oh ho Tara, you know I am no good with literature and stuff." Swara huffed, "Ragini knows, though. Should I call her for a poetry class?"
"I asked you."
"Why don't you like my sister?" The former tilted her head, eyes narrowing. Uttara backtracked quickly.
"When did I say I don't like her?"
"Uh, some things are meant to be sensed."
"She is reserved, I guess." Uttara shrugged, "Tell me that poem you were reading the other day. With the one with lost Prince."
Swara smiled grimly at her request but fulfilled nonetheless, with an exaggerated sigh which soon turned to genuine grin as Uttara squealed silently.
"And Lara left in youth his fatherland/ but from the hour he waved his parting hand/each trace wax'd fainter of his course, till all/had nearly ceased his memory to recall." Pausing a little, the former one added before the next couple of lines, "I don't remember the next para, so skipping it."
"His hall scarce echoes with his wonted name/his portrait darkens in its fading frame/another chief consoled his destined bride/the young forgot him, and the old had died/'yet doth he live!' exclaims the impatient heir/and sighs for sables which he must not wear." *7
"I really like this poem." Uttara had a soft, serene smile on her face, as if she was lost in the world of the poem. Swara gave her a few moment to absorb the feelings evoked from the poem, then cleared throat.
"Okay, are we going to talk about your therapy session of today?"
"Nothing new to talk about." She avoided her eyes, "Same questions, same suggestions. I am not sure what I am doing there anymore, or why." Stopping for a couple of seconds as if to contemplate the next words, Uttara added, "Yesterday, during fireworks, I had a sudden vision. Of that day."
Swara squeezed her hand reassuringly and the former came out of her sour mood, "These things should not happen. That is why I am going for therapy, are not I? Doesn't look like its working."
"Don't give up."
"There is a poster with that tag line back in his clinic." She fell backward with a thud, clutching a pillow to her chest as she spoke, "It's been months. I feel like a scary little baby unable to let go. I don't think I can move on, you know?"
"I don't think you are supposed to move on." Swara chewed on her lip as she replied, "Who in the world can move on from something horrible, really? Maybe we should just work to make the harsh memories bearable so that we can function properly."
Uttara listened with rapt attention, but sensing the situation getting too serious curled her lips to a teasing smile. "Oh, Preach." She complained, to which Swara hit her with a pillow, both girls bursting into a fit of giggles afterwards.
"Ai." They both went quiet as Swara's Dida, Shobha Bose, entered the room with a stern expression, her round Harry Potter-isque glasses on the edge of her nose, "Ki chal raha hain? Eto Haasi?" *8 She said in a mixture of her mother tongue, Bengali, and Hindi. Swara glanced at Uttara as she walked toward the older woman.
"Nothing Dida. Did we disturb you?" She asked worriedly.
"Na na." She waved her hand to dismiss it, getting inside the room and slumping on Swara's bed, "Maanlam *9, I am not young like you two. But share the gossip, will you?"
"No gossip." Uttara covered up quickly, pasting a fake smile, "I was just telling her to start doing her own make up and dress. She said yesterday's outfit, you and others put together for her. It was beautiful."
Swara made a face, keeping her chin over Dida's shoulder, the latter immediately starting to caress her cheek, "My Soru was never much into dress up. Maybe," Her tone became suggestive, "she will start once she gets a Boyfriend."
Her granddaughter let out a scandalous, "Dida!" whereas Uttara burst into laughter. The former pouted and looked away, trying to come off as angry. The other two shared a look and started cajoling her, which soon turned into a tickle fight.
"Phone, Phone." Dida spoke up, breathless with laughter as she excused herself from the mess that was the younger duo. Her earlier friendly expression vanished, there was a new Shobha Bose standing no less than five feet from the girls, a side of hers which never comes out. She closed the door quietly behind her and moved toward the roof, the phone pressed to her ears.
"Sunchi. *10" She started without a proper greeting, looking around. Once she was on the roof, she pretended to check the once wet clothes, listening to the other side intently at the same time.
"It will be done." She ended the call after a several hum of agreement. Once she was done, she hold several dry clothes in her hand and proceeded to leave.
And collided directly to Parvati Gadodia.
"Uff." She muttered under her breath, giving a death glare to her Samdhan, "Ondho na ki? *11 Look where you are going, will you?"
"Not my fault if you are too busy in your phone, Bangalan." Parvati chewed each words, her eyes suspicious, "Who was it, anyways?"
"None of your business, Madrasan." She bit out.
"I am not Madrasan. We are Marwaris."
"Same difference to me." Shobha Bose replied cheekily, leaving behind the fuming old lady. The rage passed as the time marched on, but the suspicion never left her eyes.
When the girls were busy teasing and laughing with each other, in another room Ragini was having a conversation with Lakshya, her finger tracing idle patterns on the mattress.
"So nobody suspected you were not home?" His voice came from afar as if he was on the other side of tunnel. She heard the noise of car-engine as the Maheswari brat drove in top speed, her eyebrows knotted in worry.
"Dadi handled everything. Lakshya, please drive safe."
"You worry too much." He brushed aside her concern, his voice momentarily cut off due to the sound of a Lorry overtaking, "So, what's today's plan? Wanna go out again?"
Giving a shy smile to herself, she replied, "I would love to, but I don't think you would be free."
"And why would that be?" The other one laughed. She sat up straight before answering.
"You have not heard, have you?" Taking a deep breath, she informed, "Last night, your Dad decided to hand over CEO position to Adarsh Bhaiyya. He will be in office from today, so obviously it's up to you to follow after Uncle and Baba."
The car screeched into a halt and then Lakshya had put her off the speaker phone, "Explain." He commanded. Ragini sighed.
"What's there to explain, Lakshya? Uncle had announced yesterday that his heir will take over the company, though it was in roundabout way. It's his first step, Bhaiyya will be in office, familiaring himself with Board meeting and stuff, and so that leaves you, doesn't it?"
"How do you know it?" He inquired, though not particularly interested in the reply. Ragini has always been more informed about his family and surrounding than him. It's been always like this.
"Baba was telling Maa. Do not think much about it, I am sure Uncle was keeping this to tell you all in a perfect time."
"Of course." She could sense the anger under his response, then he let out an uncharacteristic laugh, "How many siblings do I have to eliminate to get my inheritance, Ragini? What do you think?"
A chill went down her spine, "Don't talk like that, Lakshya."
"Oh, I won't be just talking." He sounded determined, "See you soon, Babe." And he cut the call over her worried thoughts. She threw the phone away carelessly, popping down on the bed on her stomach as she thought about his words.
What she has always thought about Lakshya, Dark and Exciting? She should have added ruthless too. Ragini has always been fascinated with Durga Prasad's life story, the immigrant who had nothing when he set foot in this city, and two decades later he along with her Father rules here. Business is about quick successful decisions and ruthless ways to make sure your competitors never stand a chance, so it's obvious Durga Prasad was quite capable of both. Alas, when he passed on his traits to Lakshya, quick decisions turned to impulsive ones and ruthless is just another word to describe cruelty. Ragini shivered, thinking what happened five years ago. Though implied many times, she still have trouble believing Lakshya can be that much selfish when it comes to the things he wants.
She prayed to Durga Maa he doesn't do anything dangerous this time.
******************************************************************************
There are some repetitive words when it comes to describe Durga Prasad Maheswari's wife, Annapurna. Soft spoken, loyal to her Husband, generous in charities, stern and defensive when someone criticize her Husband and Family.
The biggest one of them all is that she is Mrs. Durga P. Maheswari. Somewhere along the way, Annapurna the person was lost.
As she sat in the garden of her mansion like home, she found it hard to imagine that once upon a time she used to live in a small hut with her 3 siblings, the famous Desert of Rajasthan not 3 KM away from her house. It feels like another lifetime, or like a movie, surreal and touching; the scarcity of water and food alike, ever present quarrel between parents about money, the scorching heat making holes in her milky white skin, the siblings who had no other dream and hopes except for silly toys made of earth and bangles.
She always knew she was destined for something big. She knew those four walls was only suffocating her future, the possibility of the world in her palms.
When she was married to Durga Prasad, her hopes were crushed. Not only the man was nothing like those prince charming stories, but also he was just like the family she had left behind, poor and confined to the realms of his mind. Oh, how wrong she was! After another of their quarrel, one day he had announced her that he was going away to another state for better income. She was relieved, to be honest, staying away from that stoic, less spoken man, at the same time trying to come terms with the fact that like thousands of others, she was just another poor man's wife.
Imagine her surprise when Durga Prasad sent her a telegram, and not long after that the whole family was uprooted from a small village of Rajasthan to a big city like Kolkata.
She didn't know much about the work he was doing first, but she knew one thing- people were noticing her Husband and it's time she shed the village girl personality, step up and stand beside him. Or else he will pick someone else. And that's exactly what she did from past 30 years, she stood beside him no matter what. The only person who knows the man inside out, the secrets and ambitions he keeps close to his heart, his weaknesses and strength alike.
Annapurna might have fulfilled half her heart's desire, to have the world at her feet, but she has lost herself along the way. Most of the time she doesn't mind, after all, it was a necessary sacrifice to achieve her dreams. If she had remained the clingy village-girl, she would not have stayed by his side. The definition of their marriage might not be up to the societal standards, but again, a necessary sacrifice. You can't get everything and moralistic happily ever after at the same time.
That's what she kept telling herself for the last three decade of her life. But not anymore.
With great power and lust comes the hunger to achieve more. A part of her, the cautious suspicious self-berates her for this, but the part who have turned a blind eye to everything her Husband and his partner does and enjoys this lavish lifestyle, who loves excitement, wants to grab this opportunity with both hands and make full use of it. Something of Annapurna Maheswari to left behind, a legacy of hers. Yes, made of her Husband's money, but doesn't she own it?
"I do not care." She emphasized on the last part, her voice dropping several octave as she swung back and forth out in the garden swing, "Confirm the deal. Use whatever you needs, money, hookers, alcohol. If that doesn't work tell him if he wants Durga Prasad to suffer even after handing over the company, taking over a new partner in last moment will be the best course of action."
"He is not budging until he knows about this anonymous client taking an interest in his company. Mr. Sanyal wants to meet."
"That is not possible, and why else I am having you if that's exactly what I have to make this deal happen?" She berated the other person thoroughly, then took a deep breath, "Dangle a proxy."
"He will find out if we use a false client."
"Then make sure he doesn't." She snapped, temper rising, "The deal between Disha and Centaur is just a few signatures away. Once the merger happens none can get Disha shares without tipping off the other. Persuade the old hag, and do not," She threatened, dropping her voice until it was only a whisper, "I repeat, do not call me until it's a Yes."
She could just picture it in her head, as she lied down in her bed that night. Buying 51% of Disha and becoming a new partner, becoming a Board member not only because of Mrs. Maheswari surname, but because she earned it. She glanced at her sleeping Husband beside, oblivious to her plans. He won't know what hit him.
Then the landline rang. Durga Prasad, as quick as ever, jerked into consciousness the moment it started ringing, picking it up with a rough 'Hello'. He went very still as the other person informed him something, Annapurna noticed, her own stomach knotted in worry.
Finishing the conversation, he turned to her, "Turn on the TV, Annapurna."
She did, handing him over his glasses which he kept searching. He exhaled a breath and put on the news channel quickly, and suddenly Annapurna felt like her lungs are closing up.
Mr. Sanyal was dead. It was a heart attack.
"How tragic." Durga Prasad muttered, exhaling another breath, "But not surprising, given his years long Heart problems."
Sanyal died in his home. The last person who saw him was his family.
"The deal?" She could barely say aloud the words. He quirked an eyebrow, sitting up straight.
"What do you think?"
And she saw red. Rage nearly blinded her vision, coursing through her veins and making every nerve in her system come alive.
"You killed him." It was not an accusation, she was just stating fact. Durga Prasad looked mildly amused.
"What do you think of me, a Monster?"
"Yes." She wasted no time to reply. Shaking his head, he turned to the TV yet again. He started speaking after a very long time, just when her patience was about to snap.
"There was this meeting Adarsh had with a new Pharma, a small one really. Not worth our time, but he demanded to have this meeting. It was useless, just like my PA predicted." He turned to her, a wicked glint in his eyes, "They had developed a small Yellow pill, a tablet to prevent nervous breakdown. Just a bunch of adrenaline, in that one, there are already so many products like that in market.** They had generously left a few samples. Shekhar said it would be nice to test a few samples, I heartily agreed. Easily mixed with water too, Sanyal didn't know the difference of taste during dinner."
"Why?" Annapurna inquired though clenched teeth. It doesn't matter, the truth is Sanyal is dead and her deal is off. Her dreams and hopes of a legacy leaving behind? Gone.
"I don't like surprises, Annapurna. The old bas***d never liked me, and wanted to make sure I was through hell even after he agreed to merge our companies. Wanted to bring a new player, an anonymous one.#" His eyes spoke that he knew who was it and suddenly she went pale, "You look unwell, dear. Please, don't stand there. Sit."
She did as she was told, Durga Prasad getting up to switch off the TV. He stopped right in front of her, towering over, then his hand was under her jaw, grabbing it rather painfully so that she had no choice but to meet his eyes.
"You, are my wife." He whispered each word separately, their breathes mixing together, "Do not try to become my Boss." Then he left her jaw, pacing up and down the room, "I commend your efforts though. Sanyal was a stupid, boasting and revealing too much about his new partner. There was a reason I crushed him. Do not get disheartened."
"Would it be so bad?" She asked in a shaky voice, tears nearly spilling over, "My buying Disha shares?"
"Of course not." Durga Prasad stopped pacing, coming to stand in front of her once again. "The thing is, Annapurna, that I am a very territorial person. I started this, you know, and till the day I die I will make sure I control it no matter who gets the CEO seat in the end. You tried to rule over me, so I had to take steps. Whoever," He lowered his frame so that he was on her level, "will try to destroy me, Annapurna? They will burn. I will make sure of that."
Later, while Durga Prasad slept under the covers peacefully, a small hindrance out of his way, Annapurna was busy throwing up in toilet, for the first time in years her body and mind out of her control.
*6 Nibas- Bengali word for home. Dayal Nibas- Dayal Residency
*7- Poem by Lord Byron, Lara. It's not just a poem about a Lost Prince, have not yet read the whole thing. Too damn long.🥱
*8 Ki chal raha hain? Eto Haasi?- What's going on? So much sound of laughter? *9 Manlaam- I get it/ I understand *10- Sunchi - I am listening. *11- Ondho na ki? - Are you blind or what? (Recently discovered Rishtey Channel and old SR epis. Dida's broken Hindali were pretty embarrassing but endearing as well😆.)
#- The thing about Disha- Centaur merger - Not too familiar with Corporate stuff so just taking creative liberty. Disha's owner Mr. Sanyal was big Pharma in 90s, before DP came and crushed him. For years he was trying to seal the deal by merging the two in which he was successful, in the end. Disha is already in share market so if a new player buy majority share he/ she will be new partner in the new merged comapanies. Sanyal wanted a new person in his place just to rile up DP. Now he's dead, do not cross DP. ** - Not a least bit idea about adrenaline pills. May exist in real world, may not be.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Edited by .Avengers. - 9 years ago
Current Affairs
Real Estate
