Arnav sat at his desk wondering about what had happened since his completion of college. He had jumped head long into materializing a business which he had wanted to stand up on his own. He had enough of his mother and uncle trying their best to keep float their family expenses and to keep up the pretense of the royalty for others. He had no option but to accept the death of his father, the knowledge of his entire father’s ancestral property being tricked by his father’s partners leaving them penniless. But he was too proud and driven to let all those weigh him down. So today he was sitting at his desk trying to put up a business deal which was supposed to be presented to his first ever clients.
He was planning to run a software product company which dealt with retail business software. He was sure that his idea would be a hit but international market being the focus, there were many other details which contributed to starting a business. Raising the initial investment seemed to be the biggest hurdle.
His mother,Nani and Mami , all had agreed to give them their property and gold but he couldn’t possibly accept all of it. Akash had an equal claim to those properties though Akash had openly admitted he didn’t give a hoot to those properties and his Bhai could have them for business. Arnav rejected the property selling idea but said he would ask if gold is required
He had depended on raising the money on loan. He had rose as much from loan against gold and sold his share of property from his mother. Even that didn’t suffice. He was currently raking his brain to raise the rest of the sum. There was nothing he could pledge for any more loan.
While he was lost on such thoughts, Akash came for a discussion. Over the period of time he was at home, Arnav had grown to like Akash. He was a genuine person with honest heart. Akash had an eye for finances and was helping Arnav with the numbers and estimations.
As they were discussing, Khushi came to call upon Akash for dinner. On her way down Akash informed on her insistence the dilemma they were in.
Khushi discussed with Ron and her father about it. They agreed to fund the remaining money but offer to him on loan so that he doesn’t feel insulted. Khushi asked them to keep her name out of it. She knew if things went wrong and Arnav blasted ,Ron would be the better shield. Arnav would easily have her for his breakfast.
So after several insistence and persistence from her father that he is giving the money on loan, Arnav agreed but only after pledging the only hotel which Mamaji insisted Arnav should take.
Akash had also discussed with Khushi about their predicament of resources. Good resources are hard to find and for startups it would be a big challenge. They would demand such salary and perks, the company could be drained in six months even then there is no assurance of quality of work. What they wanted were a bunch of people who were dedicated and who could be trusted to be with the company during good and bad times. That was when an idea stuck Khushi
In a few months time Arnav and Akash were still reeling their heads about numerous technicalities like real estate, building, equipment, safety measures, resources etc . That is when they heard a loud squealing voice and recognized it to be of Khushi’s. Akash and Arnav rushed out instinctively. They feared the worst.
The sight that welcomed Arnav completely stupefied him. He saw Anjali,Lavanya,Rohan,Aman and Nishant on his door steps. Khushi was jumping with joy while hugging each of them. Saanvika stood along with Mami and Nani with a wide smile.
Arnav felt she was more happy than him to welcome them. They had settled down and shared their life after college. All of them ,except Anjali was placed abroad in big MNCs . Anjali was working for an MNC at Mumbai but she had relocated to Delhi.
The next news threw him off. All the others had resigned their jobs and were joining the new venture with Arnav. He didn’t know if he should be happy or not. He tried to convince them that his was a new one and given the industry, he didn’t want any one of them to take such huge risk. They remained adamant. He tried his best to gather the info who had informed them on the venture. He had 90% confidence it was Khushi. He knew he had to be thankful to her .He would have never done this and he was relieved of the biggest problem. His friends were so good in their areas , he would never be able to find a replacement.
They informed that they had rented 2 flats, one for gents and one for ladies, at the nearby location which was hardly ten minutes walk from Shaanthivan.
That day Arnav slept peacefully after a very long time.
With the team and money ready, Arnav realized a new found energy. The work moved fast. Before they knew a building was hired ,machines were setup, hiring was in full swing and the product designing had resumed. They put their heads together and brought up the best features. The experience others had gained from the employment and the contacts they had garnered in industry helped them start in a strong foot hold
It was finally time to start the office formally. Aranv just wanted to place the equipments and furniture and start working. But Khushi literally pleaded with the others to have a puja which they also thought was the best way. While everyone thought of who should be invited to inaugurate , Khushi suggested Saanvika and everyone agreed immediately. Khushi took the responsibility of the inauguration which was to be a private affair. She consulted a priest and found an auspicious date and time.
So the day arrived . Rathodes,Zala and Arnav’s friends all were present at the new office except Arnav. He didn’t want to be present in puja as always and he liked to be away from crowd.
As the time neared , Khushi realized there is no way Arnav is going to come on his own. Excusing herself, she rushed to Shaanthivan in a car.
She impatiently rang the bell. On its opening, she rushed to his room.
Without preamble, she pushed open the room to a loud “What the..!” from Arnav.
Luckily for him, he was fresh out of bath and was wearing a neat casual
She took hold of his left wrist and dragged him out of his room. Before he could catch his breath, he was being forced out of his house to a waiting car. If it was someone who didn’t know them, they would have thought he was being abducted. Once inside the car, Arnav exploded.
“What the hell do you think you are doing? I was expected to complete a very important document for tomorrow’s discussion. Don’t think I would be willing participant of your childish pranks. Others may fancy you, not me! I am not in for those girls who would throw themselves on me. Don’t think you can have such liberties with me. ”
Khushi looked at him with tears in her wide eyes, threatening to spill at any moment. Arnav felt something tugging at his heart. Unconsciously his hands rose to his heart. Khushi looked at him and the car stopped abruptly. She brushed away her tears, came around to his side, opened his doors and dragged him out. When she saw others coming to join them, she immediately left his hands. He felt the loss of her warm touch and he didn’t like it.
Saanvika said to him “Thank God you decided to come. Priest said it was important for you to be present and the auspicious time was running out. ”
He joined them while Khushi trailed behind them. Once the puja was over, Saanvika was asked to cut the ribbon heralding the formal inauguration. As Saanvika came forward she dragged Khushi along with her. Everyone, including Arnav, was pleasantly surprised. Khushi put up a very happy smile which she always reserved for Amma. Amidst cheers and wishes, Khushi and Saanvika together cut the ribbon. AR Softwares were born.
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