Race – Let’s Run

Heavy rain out and Anant was with his wife, Shikha, at his home enjoying the season sitting nearby open window facing roadside having cup full of tea in his hand. That was Sunday evening around 6 PM. Couple was watching raindrops kissing thirsty land, result of which was spreading smell of wet land all around. Watching two elements kissing and spreading some beautiful feelings, they also started becoming romantic. Anant put the cup aside, went near to Shikha and said “I Love you” in a very soft and calm but a romantic voice. As a response, she gave him a hug and said “I Love You too”. Shikha just had a bath, so her hairs were wet. Anant stroked her wet hair. Both separated after hug. But, Anant’s palm was still playing within the maze of Shikha’s wet hair. He then moved his finger on Shikha’s soft and cool cheeks, and stopped his finger at Shikha’s visibly thirsty lips. Shikha kissed the finger. With the help of other hand, Anant pulled Shikha towards him. Both were so close that both can feel breathing of each other. Shikha started breathing fast. Anant first kissed on her both the cheeks. Then, he placed his fingers on Shikha’s chin to take her face off upwards to match the height of her lips with his lips and both kissed. Suddenly somebody outside started ringing doorbell so hard, when both were in between romantic mood. Buzz sound was irritating them and spoiled their romantic mood obviously as well. 

Anant opened the door and he saw his childhood friend Naushil Sahay entirely wet and full on breathing hard. Anant welcomed him by saying, “Hi Naushi, welcome. Oh! You are wet. Please come inside first”. “I am not here to chitchat and enjoy tea with you, Mr. Anant Aggarwal.” Naushil said in little angry voice. Anant shocked by Naushil’s words but he remained calm though. He told Naushi, “See my friend. I don’t know what the problem is and why you are so angry on me. But you are entirely wet. So please come inside first, have a ginger tea; you will feel better. Then we will talk. I am ready to talk with you as long as you want.” Naushil agreed and got inside home. Shikha prepared tea and served hot pakodas as well with tea. All 3 enjoyed the evening snack.

“What do you want, Anant?” After snack and tea, Naushi asked Anant. Anant asked instead of replying, “First tell me what happened. What’s your problem with me?”

“Remember the days when we used to be very close friends during our school days. You were happy with your life and I was happy with mine. We were happy in each other’s company. Nothing like competition was there between us. But, ever since we entered engineering college, you started comparing your score with mine. You were visiting cabins of good professors without telling me so ultimately to be a popular student. And you see the result. You were among top ten Graduate Engineers from the University and I was amongst bottom ten. You are happy, I know; because you got handsome salary job from campus placements and a beautiful wife as well.” Saying this, Naushi turned to Shikha. Then he looked back to Anant.

“So, what’s the problem here?” Anant asked.

“Problem is you Mr. Anant!!! You have won each and every race of life. And you kicked me every time out of the track. I just remained standing there, watching everything as it happened, and did nothing assuming you to be my friend and see what my position is right now.” Naushi’s voice became louder with his words getting harsher. He continued, “Remember the campus interview during which you got the job. I asked you some questions but you avoided answering any of them, saying you didn’t know. You got the job but I didn’t. Anant, that day you intentionally didn’t give me those answers. You knew all the answers but kept quite.  And that’s not all; you kicked me out to win not only in professional life but also in personal life. Also, how can I forget that you knew of my interest in Shikha and still took her out of my life, so that you can beat me. She is your wife now”. Naushi looked at Anant with disgust.

“Naushi, I loved Anant from the very beginning. It was not like Anant proposed me and I said yes. You don’t know our story.” Shikha replied.

“Please don’t give clarification, Shikha. Why didn’t you mention about your relationship with Anant the day when I proposed you.” Naushil said.

“But … “ Shikha said further but Anant interrupted her by saying, “See Naushi, I think it’s useless to discuss all these issues right now. You seem quite disturbed. Something has gone wrong with you, that’s for sure. Isn’t it? I may be wrong but I would like to know if anything is wrong?”

“Everything is wrong, my dear friend. First you kicked me out of the race. And today, my dad kicked me out of the house. So please don’t try to act like you care.” he said in irritated voice.

“Oh! See Naushi, I am really sorry to hear this. But you can stay with us here as long as you want to.” Anant said.

“I don’t want any sympathy from you, Mr. Anant.” Suddenly Naushi said in loud voice (almost screaming). He stopped for a couple of seconds to regain some composure. Then he continued, “I don’t want anything from you. When I needed your help, you acted selfishly. You wanted to win everything - a good job, a beautiful wife. You didn’t think about me then. Instead, you always thought how to keep me away from your track. Okay... if you think that life is a race, so be it. Today I also accept this as a race. So, let’s have a race. Let’s run.” Naushi said to Anant petting on his shoulder. Anant didn’t say a word at that time. Naushi continued, “Down the line after 5 years, 10 years, 15 years or further; we will keep on comparing our positions. I know you are ahead of me right now. But, that is OK. Let’s start the race from today itself, rather from this moment itself and see who’s going to be ahead in some years time. I will teach you a lesson. I will only meet you when I win this race now.” Naushil left saying this. Anant didn’t try to stop him and also didn’t let Shikha to stop him.

Next day, Anant tried to phone Naushil, but got no replies. He tried contacting Naushil again for a week but he still didn’t reply. After around a week, Anant got Naushil’s SMS saying, “Busy running d race. I will contact u later. Bye & Best of Luck my dear FRIEND." 


AFTER AROUND 10 YEARS ….

Shikha was watering the plants in the balcony (her usual morning routine). Anant was inside home teaching their son, Swar. It was again a Sunday. Suddenly, Shikha saw an expensive car stopping in front of their house. She was little shocked, as she never saw such an expensive car in this colony before. Shikha called Anant. Anant came out. Shikha asked him, “Have you invited your boss or did you do anything wrong in the company?” A visibly surprised Anant said, “What? Are you mad? I am not fool to invite my boss on Sunday. And you know I am never a careless worker”. “OK” she said and looked at the car, “then whose car can that be?” Anant looked at the car. Within a minute; a very sophisticated, dashing middle-aged man with an expensive suit and sunglasses came out of the car and walked towards Anant and Shikha standing in the balcony. He was Naushil. He came close to balcony and said “Hi” to both of them (they were completely in shock as if they had seen a ghost).

“Hi Naushi ! What a personality, man! An expensive car, your dress.. everything about you has changed. I am really glad to see you like this.” Anant said happily.

“Thanks Anant. Really, I worked very hard to achieve all this. God knows what all I went through to gain this position.”  Saying this Naushil turned to Shikha and told her, “Shikha, I am happy to see that you are as beautiful as you were all those years back, in college.”

“Thanks” Shikha said.

Suddenly Naushil changed his facial expression to a wicked grin and said, “Shit! But, did I mention that my wife is far more beautiful than you ever were?” Naushil was proudy in his voice, but Anant and Shikha were calm.  

“Oh! Nice to hear that. So, you came with your wife?” Shikha asked.

“Yes of course, with my wife and my child as well.” Saying this, Naushi called both.

An extremely beautiful woman in a stunning pink saree along with a cute little boy of around 5 years age came out of the car and started walking towards Anant’s house. “Meet my wife Mansi and my son Mantra.” said Naushil introducing them. After a small conversation, all went inside the house.

“So Naushi, you last came here more than 10 years ago. I am very happy today. Let’s enjoy tea and pakora together. Shikha, prepare them.” Anant said.

“Shikha, sorry but no tea and pakoras please.” Naushil said.

“Why? This used to be your favorite snack, isn’t it?” Shikha asked.

“Yes, that used to be. But, not now. And, as such we are going for a lunch; it may spoil our lunch there. Actually, we have lunch party today with a client at a nearby Five-Star hotel.” Naushil said.

“Oh! Good to know that. But, you can tell us name of the hotel. We are not going to follow you.” Anant said teasingly.

“You won’t be able to follow as well, Anant. And even if you do, it won’t be of any use. You should be aware that you must have a fat wallet to enter a Five-Star hotel. And you probably can only dream of that.” Naushil replied full of proud. Anant didn’t like this behavior and he felt bad. Naushil continued, “And also, Mansi is figure conscious, so she doesn’t eat kind of oily middle-class food. So, please if you can bring me a black coffee and; juice for Mansi and Mantra.”

“OK. And what’s for you, Anant?” Shikha asked.

“Only ginger tea for me dear. I wouldn’t prefer oily middle-class snack in front of our rich health-conscious friend.” Anant replied.

Shikha prepared and all started having their part of snack. Having cup of coffee in hand, Naushil asked Anant, “So, what are you doing these days?”

“I am Project Manager.” Anant gave short reply.

“In that same company at which you were 10 years back?” Naushil asked.

“No. I switched to another company after that. I am Project Manager in this new company, promoted from Senior Programmer – Java.” Anant replied.

“Oh! I see” Naushil said. “And what are you doing right now?” Now Anant asked to Naushil.

“Mine long story, dude. I am Director and promoter of TechPro Solutions. The company is in partnership with my friend Imam Sheikh. We used to be programmers in the same company. So, he was my colleague-cum-friend. We thought to start our own company and now you can see our yearly turnover is in eight-digits. You should give me a call someday, you can work for us. I will double what you earn now. After all you’re my old friend.” Naushil said.

“Thanks but I am fine where I am. I must say, you have grown unbelievably fast in all these years!” said a smiling Anant and continued, “OK. Now, tell us something about Mansi as well. I mean her background, how you both met etc.”

“Mansi used to be an Air hostess with Sandpiper Airlines. We came met each other on one of her flights from New York to Delhi. Slowly, we became friends and then fell in love with each other and then got married. She is now helping with our business. She handles all PR, HR and administrative work in my company.” Naushil replied.

“Good. So, finally you settled down. A profitable business, beautiful wife, cute little boy- a small happy family, prosperity - everything you have.” Anant said but Naushil interrupted him and said, “Thus, in short I beat you in the race. You know, today morning, I thought that it’s time now that we compare our relative positions in life. But, I see here that there is no comparison between us. Finally, I won and you lost the race and that too very badly, Mr. Anant.”

“Yes exactly. I wanted to say that only, Naushi” Anant said.

“Ahhh what’s this Naushi, Mr. Anant? Don’t call me Naushi. Have some respect as you are talking to the director of TechPro Solutions here. So, please call me Mr. Naushil Sahay. Small people like you should know that.” Naushil said in little anger. Anant said nothing in reply. Anant and Shikha both looked at each other but didn’t say a word.

“Mansi, let’s move, we’re done here. Mantra, let’s go now. We are getting late for the lunch. See you Mr. Anant.” Saying this, he moved to Shikha and bid her a “Bye” as well. Then, he went to meet Swar and gave him five Rs. 1000 note and said, “Bye beta. Come at my place, surely. Mantra would love to play with you. And yes, purchase something you want with this.”

Naushil and family left; but he had insulted Anant and Shikha, very badly. At night, the couple had a discussion on the matter. “Naushil is totally changed. He was insulting us continuously and you said nothing in reply. How did you think that somebody is insulting you in front of me and I bare all this? I saw the pain in your eyes, and I couldn’t swallow it. I looked at you many a times but you were quite. I didn’t say anything at that time only because you were not speaking. Why didn’t you react? Answer me, Anant.” Shikha asked.

“I know Naushi and his nature very well. He is not going to listen and understand anything when he decides something; he becomes possessed and obsessed with it. 10 years back, he did the same thing. He didn’t listen to us. Today he decided to show his position and insulted us, ultimately to express his win. So, if it made him happy, so be it. As such it was useless to say anything to him. And actually, my point of stress is not his behavior, I am worried about him. See, what he has achieved in just a short span of time. I hope he is not doing something wrong.” Anant replied to Shikha.

“Whatever it may be. I am too tired. I am going to sleep. And you also sleep early. Don’t worry about him; he is clearly not worth it. You have to go to office early tomorrow. So sleep now.” Saying this Shikha slept but Anant was wide awake and thinking till late night. 


AFTER AROUND 1 YEAR ….

It was Saturday night around 9 PM. Anant was scolding Swar for being caught by a teacher cheating in exam. Although Swar being prestigious student, teacher didn’t suspend him for exam instead just put “-5” remarks on answer sheet.

“Please stop now, Anant. He will not repeat. He has already promised that.” Shikha said Anant. Suddenly her eyes stopped at the main door of the house. “Yes, but … “ Anant also looked at the door where Shikha’s eyes were stuck. There was Naushil standing with loosened tie, slightly torn shirt, and wounds on his face. Anant and Shikha were shocked to see him like this. Both ran towards Naushil. Without asking anything, they first brought Naushil inside and closed the main door. Shikha offered him a glass of water and Anant applied first-aid on his wounds.

“Swar beta, go to your room and do your homework. If you complete homework today, we will go to funfair tomorrow for sure.” said Anant to his son (Anant didn’t want Swar to see all this).

“What is this? Who did this?” Anant asked Naushil wiping his wounds.

“Long story. First I want to have ginger tea and pakoras.” Naushil said. Anant and Shikha looked at Naushil surprisingly. “I am not joking. Don’t look at me like this. I am really missing my favourite snack.” Naushil clarified. Shikha went inside kitchen to prepare the snack.

All started taking snacks and simultaneously discussing. Anant asked Naushil about reason for his wounds.

He started telling his story, “Imam got an agreement signed from me. That agreement was for removing me from TechPro Solutions. That means, as per agreement I am handing over proprietorship, all assets and all rights of TechPro Solutions to Imam. I am no longer Director of TechPro Solutions now. I went to meet Imam and we had a verbal fight. He said that I am not even eligible for being a peon in my company TechPro. Now, the company is his sole property. I was angry, and caught him from his shirt’s collar. He called up the security guards to throw me out. And those security guards who once used to salute me, today they punched me so hard and kicked me out of the office.”

Naushil put tea cup down and took out a packet of cigarette from a pocket. He lighted up a cigarette and started taking long puffs from it. Anant asked him, “But why did he do so?”

Naushil answered, “There were lot of problems between us with regard to partnership. I always wanted to be better and richer than him. Our management styles were totally different. Once I bribed our Company’s Chartered Accountant. Accountant had forged figures of account such that I get more money apart from profit share. Forging included dummy vouchers, fake invoices etc. But that forging no longer continued, when Imam had a doubt. He audited everything by himself and got to know everything. He didn’t say anything to me but stopped hiring services of Accountant. I thought he didn’t doubt me, so I didn’t oppose his decision to remove the Accountant. When I had a fight with him, he told me that ‘don’t call me a cheater because you are a bigger cheater than me’. That means, he knew I was only behind the account forging. And that is only the reason, why he did so.”

Shikha asked Naushil, “What will you do now?”

Naushil replied, “Nothing. My sign is there on agreement. I have no supporting point to fight with him legally.”

Everyone was quite. Naushil continued, “That’s not only thing happened with me. Everything went wrong in my life in last one year. Whatever I did wrong, same happened wrong with me as well.”

Anant asked, “What do you mean?”

Naushil replied, “Mansi and Mantra are no longer part of my life. Mansi divorced me and Mantra was killed.”

Anant and Shikha shocked to hear this and both said in harmony, “Oh! Gosh. But How?”

“And I am sure that these happened to me because of my wrong deeds only.” Naushil continued, “I had a Personal Secretary named Isha Singh. Her husband Samarjeet was in comma and hospitalized. She needed to deposit money in hospital daily to keep her husband alive. Her salary was low to pay daily hospital fees. One day she came to me for salary hike. I asked her the reason and she told me why. I took benefit of this situation and offered her big money to sleep with me instead of salary hike. She agreed after initial hesitation that lasted for around 3 days. Whenever she was in need of money, she used to call me up. She was living alone. So, I used to go her place, enjoyed night with her and next day I used to pay all her hospital dues.”

“So, what is the connection of this story with what has happened with you?” Shikha asked.

“I kept a relationship outside my marriage and Mansi did the same. One day, I got a mail from Mansi around a month back when I was working in the office. I was shocked to read that mail. She had an affair with a married businessman named Rovish Banerjee. As he was married, there were many barriers for Rovish and Mansi to get married. Their love didn’t turn into marriage and both separated. Then, she married me but their love story didn’t end there. Rovish divorced his wife and started meeting Mansi again. He wanted to marry Mansi. But, Mansi relented because of Mantra only. Mantra was killed around 3 months back; and so she wanted to move on and hence wanted a divorce so that she can marry Rovish. That day, I left office early and reached home. Mansi was ready with divorce paper. I argued little with her but she was firm on her decision. Then I avoided discussing more with her and straightaway signed divorce paper. She left my home shortly after I signed the divorce papers. I loved Mansi a lot but she betrayed me very badly.”

“And what happened with Mantra?” Anant asked.

“I had a client named Mr. C Iyengar, a known real estate builder of the city. I confirmed a big project of integrating of all his business operations. The project cost was Rs. 3 crores. He paid me Rs. 1 crore in advance. Remaining he was to pay on completion and implementation of the project. Even after completion and delivery, he didn’t pay outstanding amount of Rs. 2 crores. I had waited for 2 years but he didn’t pay. Many a times, there were verbal fights between me and Imam for this matter as this project was confirmed by me, so payment collection was my responsibility only. So many phone calls, Emails, written notices, SMSs - everything done to him to get the payment released. But he never replied nor released payment. I avoided taking legal route as that would have taken time. So, I took help of a local gang and got his daughter kidnapped. Gangsters threatened Iyengar. Iyengar was smart enough. He didn’t want to make her daughter’s kidnapping public news. So within two hours, he came with money and I ordered to release his daughter.  But, as a response he got Mantra kidnapped and he threatened me to give his money back. At that time, I didn’t have 2 crore rupees cash in hand. It was month end, so there was not much money in company’s account as well. I asked for more time but he didn’t agree. Next day, I got dead-body of Mantra. A bullet was found in his chest during postmortem. He killed my boy. I filed a case against him in court as well but nothing has happened yet. He was not even arrested.” Naushil started crying saying this.

Anant offered him a glass of water and rubbed his back. Naushil told crying, “Everything is over in my life - parents, business, wife, and child. Only thing left with me is my bungalow which continuously reminds me of Mansi and Mantra. There is no meaning of me to live. I want to die, Anant. Kill me.” Naushil hugged Anant very tight. Anant gave sympathy to him. After much efforts of Anant, Naushil calmed out. All had dinner together and Naushil stayed for night at Anant’s home only.

Next day in the morning, Anant said Naushil sipping tea, “You remember, 11 years back, you didn’t listen to what I had to say. You said that I believe life is a race. I don’t believe that. Actually, you started believing that. I never thought you as my competitor. You blamed me I hadn’t helped you. But, whenever I was comfortable and whatever I knew, I always helped you with that. Did you forget I even tore my answer sheet and pass a chit to you in one of those engineering exams? And regarding placement, I cleared first phase of written test which you weren’t able to. How can you blame me for that? My intention was not to get you out of the competition so that I can be ahead of you. My intention was not to run a race with you. I always wanted to be by your side”

“Then what about your marriage with Shikha? You took interest in her even after knowing that I liked her.” Naushil asked.

Shikha replied this time to Naushil, “When I said no to your proposal, he came to me to convince me. Actually, I had a crush on him since long. But, this idiot never tried to talk with me nor proposed me. That day, first time he talked with me. I didn’t want to miss the chance to talk more with him. So I said I want time to think. He agreed. Then he started talking with me to persuade me. And I always asked for more extension. Slowly, he started taking interest in me as well.”

Anant said to Naushil, “Actually, I liked Shikha as well. But, when I got to know that you were also interested, I stopped thinking about her. And, that was only reason why I was not talking with Shikha. When I was talking with her regarding your proposal, she always used to ask for extensions. Slowly, I got to know she is interested in me, not you. But still I didn’t cross the line.”

Shikha interrupted and said, “Yes, so I made the move lastly. But this fool was still convincing me to say yes to you. I finally said to him, ‘proposing me was Naushil’s decision, but whom to love is my sole decision. So, I say that I love you. Now if you don’t love me just say so and move on, I won’t stop you. But I don’t love Naushi and am not going to cheat him. I want to be with you and if you don’t love me I won’t marry anyone else as well’”

Anant said, “I couldn’t see Shikha crying that day and I finally accepted my feelings. I am sorry, Naushil.”

“No need to say sorry. It’s OK. It’s almost 12 years now, this all happened. So, it’s useless to discuss all this now.” Naushil said.

“Anant, you told me that you don’t think life to be a race. Then, why you were scolding Swar last night may be just because he got less percentage or lost top ranking in class. So, some or the other way, you also believe life to be a race, isn’t it?” Naushil questioned.

“I was not scolding him for getting less percentage or for not getting top rank. I never forced him for such things. I always motivated him to improve his knowledge all the time. He tried to cheat in the examination, because he wanted to achieve first rank this time instead of 2nd or 3rd which he usually achieves. But instead of taking straight and right route of studying hard and getting higher rank, he took shortcut by cheating in the exam. I never forced him to achieve first rank but that was his goal only. His intention was good but path was wrong. And see, ultimately what has happened. He got ‘-5’ remarks, that means examiner will deduct 5 marks from his actual result. He tried to win the race but in a wrong way and ultimately he ended up with loosing part of his efforts from what was his actual achievement. Same thing happened with you, Naushi. You wanted to beat everybody but for that, you chose wrong path and the result is in front of you. You even tried to stop my promotion through Mr. Rathod who was my superior and your contact but Mr. Rathod failed to show sufficient evidence to Top Managers because of my honesty and loyalty. You knew everything about me during last 10 years and you even tried to stop my growth whenever you could do.” Anant said. Naushil was quite thinking something. 

Anant continued, “See my friend, life is not a race. Life is an open ground where you need to decide your own track and run at a pace which you are comfortable with, not at a pace at which others are running. Life is not about beating others and moving ahead; or also it’s not about doing wrong or cheating others to beat them. This will make you tired and may break you down as well like what your current situation is. Sorry if you get hurt, but you lost everything. You have nothing. You are fully dropped from a top level to bottom. You told me that I lost the race. Yes, I lost the race, but I won the game of my life because I have everything and I am happy with my small world.” Anant said.

Naushil started crying again. Shikha asked Anant to stop. “I already told you to kill me. If you can’t help me, please don’t torture me.” Naushil said realizing his mistakes. “I am ready to help you.” Anant said. “What should I do now?” Naushil asked.

“First of all, go back to your parents.” Anant told to Naushil.

“No, I can’t.” Naushil replied. “You should. And if you hesitate I will call your parents first and convince them.” Anant said. After little more discussion, Naushil agreed.

Anant made a phone call and got to know, Naushil’s father is hospitalized and his mother is also at the hospital. Both ran to hospital. Naushil met his mother after 11 years. Both started crying and hugged each other for long time. Then, Naushil met his father in ICU. His father did not have much time. Naushil said sorry to his father. His father managed to look at Naushil and apologized to him by raising his hand as much as he could and having tears in his eyes. Within a few minutes, Naushil’s father passed away. Naushil’s mother asked Naushil to come back home when they were crying together at hospital. Looking at the situation, Anant went downstairs at billing counter to complete post death procedures.

He saw a beautiful lady ahead of him near service window at the same billing counter. The clerk at billing counter asked that lady, “Your name?” Lady replied, “Isha Singh” Anant became alert. “And what is your husband’s name?” Billing clerk asked again. Lady replied, “Mr. Samarjeet Singh” Anant shocked to hear this. Lady was Naushil’s secretary.

When Isha was leaving billing counter, Anant asked her, “Excuse me, I am sorry but it seems I have seen you somewhere. Do you work at TechPro Solutions?”

“Yes I work there. I am Mr. Naushil’s personal secretary there.” Isha replied.

“Ok that’s why! Actually, Naushil is my good friend. So, I might have seen you at TechPro itself.” Anant said. Anant stopped for couple of seconds as suddenly he saw Isha’s eyes wet and face turned sad. He asked Isha, “Hey! Are you crying? I am sorry but I don’t know why you are here at the hospital.”

Isha said nothing in reply; instead tears started bursting out of her eyes. Anant was waiting for Isha to calm down. “My husband just died in the morning. I am totally alone in this world now.” Isha finally said.

“Oh! I am sorry to hear this.” Anant said. Billing clerk was waiting for Anant to start procedure but Anant was standing speechless in front of Isha as she was still crying.

Within few seconds Isha wiped her tears and said, “It’s OK.”; and started walking away from the counter. Anant looked at her once more when she was going and then moved ahead to billing counter to complete the procedure. In the evening, Naushil completed funeral procedure.

Next day, Anant suggested Naushil to meet Mr. Iyengar. As usual, Naushil was not ready to meet killer of his son, Mr. Iyenger, initially. Anant then explained Naushil, “See Naushi, actually you started enmity with him by kidnapping his daughter. I am not telling you to forget what he has done but there is no meaning of this enmity. You did mistake first; so I think you only should take initiative. Go, talk with him, and apologize him for kidnapping his daughter. I am sure he will also accept his mistake of kidnapping and killing Mantra. And God knows if this will happen, the issue between you both may settle down out of the court itself, instead of visiting court for each hearing and still there is no guarantee of justice.”

Anant finally agreed and went to meet Mr. Iyengar. After initial hi-hello, Naushil said, “So, you seem happy, Mr. Iyengar. You took revenge kidnapping and then murdering my boy. Yes, that only I deserved.”

“I didn’t kill your boy.” Iyengar said.  

“Then, did I kill my boy?” Naushil counterquestioned Iyengar.

“I am not saying you killed your son, but yes, you are only responsible for what has happened. I told you not to call Police. But you did it. And so your son was killed.” Iyengar replied.

“What?” Naushil surprised, “What are you saying? I didn’t call Police.”

“Really?” Iyengar was also surprised.

“Yes. I didn’t call Police.” Naushil said.

“Oh! Then, who called Police?” Iyengar said in worried voice.

“Police?” Naushil said.

“Yes. That day, Police reached at the location where your child was kept after kidnap. Police asked all gangsters to surrender. The gang leader called me up to ask why I have sent Police. But, as such I didn’t send Police there; so I thought you only notified Police about your son’s kidnapping and somehow Police reached there.” Iyengar said.

“But, I didn’t notify Police. Anyways, what happened then?” Naushil asked.

“Actually, I don’t have idea exactly what has happened. I just got to know only rough idea as to what incidents took place there. Gangsters were not ready to surrender. So, for their safe escape from the location, they put gunpoint on your son’s forehead. Initially, Police put their guns down. Gangsters started running having your son with them. As soon as they started running, Police again took their gun and started firing to stop them. Then, encounter began from both the ends. And in this encounter, your child became victim. Now, bullet from whose gun killed your son; that is difficult to say.” Iyengar clarified.

“Oh Shit!” Naushil got disturbed; and started looking here and there.

“I know what you are thinking. You want to know who killed your son. But, I personally recommend you not to go for any in-depth investigation in such case. Because if Police are at fault, they are never going to disclose anything. And if Gangsters are in fault, you can do nothing because all gangsters are already killed in that encounter. So, better forget whatever has happened and start your life again.” Iyengar said.

“But, if you didn’t kidnap my son; this might not have happened. Why you did so?” Naushil said.

“I am really sorry for your child, Naushil. My intention was not to kill your son. I just wanted to make you realize what you feel, when somebody keeps your loved ones on gunpoint and asks you for the money. Money no longer remains important for you at that time. Money seems nothing in front of our loved ones. You did the same with me. I also had not 2 crore rupees on hand at that time, but somehow I did arrangement for the money immediately. Because I was concerned only about my daughter at that time, not money. And for you, money was important far more important. So, I decided to make you realize if same thing happens with you, what remains important for you. I was in no need of that 2 crore rupees. That is your right and that is yours only.” Iyengar said.

“But, you didn’t pay my money on time, and then only I got your daughter kidnapped. Otherwise, I am not gangster.” Naushil said.

“And why do you think I should have paid you? Ask yourself, did you provide me quality solutions? Did you provide me the level of services which you committed at the time of confirming the contract? Your engineers completed development of system alright. But, soon after, there were so many problems and bugs in the system after actual implementation. None of your engineers came to resolve those issues and later, they even stopped attending our phone calls. Is this what you call quality services?” Iyengar asked in little angry voice.

“I know that was my fault. Actually, at that time, I confirmed another big amount project with the  deadline. So, I forced all my engineers to wrap up your project as early as possible and start working on the new project. More projects, more money – this was my thinking which made me to do this. I didn’t think about quality instead just focused on number of projects. I apologize for that.” Naushil admitted his fault.

“Let me tell you one thing. Your project is not being used at our company because of poor quality. I asked Imam to help us in this but he talked with me rudely and denied to work on my project. So, I don’t want to deal with TechPro or Imam further on this project. I think you will be interested to complete my project and make it working.” Iyengar said.

“But, why do you think so? Do you think I would like to work with the person because of whom my only son was killed?” Naushil asked.

“See Naushil, I have already told which was fact. And even I hurt when I heard about your child. An innocent child was killed because of me, that I admit. But, is that any meaning of this enmity? Does that mean we should fight forever?” Iyengar said. Naushil was speechless. Iyengar continued, “Better, let’s forget everything and start with business terms again.”

“I am totally lost at the moment. Sorry, I will not be able to.....” Naushil said in little sad voice but Iyengar interrupted him by saying, “Naushil, don’t be disappointed. I can understand what is your situation right now. But, you have life to live ahead. Rebirth yourself and grow up once again. Start with my project, involve yourself with work; I am sure you will forget everything as time would pass.”

“You had bad experience to work with me. Still, why do you want me to work with you again and complete your project?” Naushil asked.

“Because I am not a bad man. You can consider this as an atonement for my wrong deed. Now, you can decide atonement for your wrong deeds.” Iyengar replied.

Naushil was quiet. After thinking for few seconds, he finally agreed to work for Iyengar. “That’s good.” Iyengar said.

“But, this is a giant project. I can’t do this alone.” Naushil said.

“Oh, come on man! I didn’t say you do it alone. You build up your own team and complete my project first. Then I will get more projects for you from my company as well as from my contacts.” Iyengar said in happy mood motivating Naushil.

“Oh! I see. Thank you, Mr. Iyengar. It would be my pleasure to work for you.” Naushil said happily.

“I heard about your wife also. I am sorry for you. Actually, I know Mr. Rovish. He is my competitor; in fact, his company is bigger name in the industry than ours. But, his company always remains afraid of our quality and projects we come up with, which may harm their business. I know Rovish’s entire history. He married a girl named Divya under pressure to fulfill his mother’s last wish. Both tried to make their marriage work, but were not able to adjust with each other. Rovish wanted to divorce Divya, but couldn’t because of Rovish’s father. Actually, Rovish’s father used to support Divya always. In between, Rovish fell in love with Mansi. But, as he wasn’t able to divorce Divya, they were not able to marry and decided to separate. Mansi married you. And then one day Rovish’s father passed away and soon after Divya started feeling insecure with Rovish. So, she also decided to seperate. They separated, and Rovish became free to marry Mansi.” Iyengar said.

“I am really thankful to you Mr. Iyengar for giving me support in such a bad time of my life. I commit you that as soon as I will have arrangement of money, I will give you back your 2 crore rupees as this was not my right because I didn’t satisfy you with my work.” Naushil said.

“I am not concern about money as of now. I want my system up and run fully at the earliest. So, you plan your work from today itself. And yes, if you want money, please ask.” Iyengar said.

“No thanks.” Naushil said.

Naushil was happy to get some work. He decided to start a new company but not with the motive to beat TechPro or any other company. He asked Anant to be his partner in this new company. But Anant denied.

“I can’t be your partner, Naushi. I am happy with what I am earning. And honestly speaking, as such I don’t have the money to invest in the business as a partner.” Anant said.

“Then don’t invest anything. Whenever you have arrangement, you pay me your part.” Naushil said.

“But, is there any meaning of it? Just being a partner free of cost?” Anant asked.

“See Anant, I am not doing this because you are my friend or you held me together when I was falling apart. The thing is I need someone with excellent technical expertise to oversee the operations. I want to do quality work, something I never did in TechPro. Also, I am too disturbed due to what has happened recently with me. I am not in a position to start a new company and fully manage it at my own. I need you, man. Please try and understand.” Naushil requested but Anant was thinking. After a long discussion with Shikha, Anant said, “OK, man. I will work with you. But I will not able to invest in your company as of now. So as soon as I will have financial position, I will invest in your company to be a partner. Is it Ok?”

“Yes. I will invest 100% in the company for now. You will work for me and I will give you monthly salary.” Naushil replied and gave him a hug.

Naushil was happy today. He found reason to live today and Anant was with him now, that was another point for his happiness. On dinner table, all 3 were chatting and enjoying their favourite food.

Suddenly Anant asked Naushil, “What about Isha? I mean any idea as to where she is currently and what is she doing these days?”

“Why did you ask about her all of a sudden?” Naushil asked.

“Nothing! Just for the sake of knowing more about her.” Anant asked.

“Actually, she was on leave for almost 15 days before the day when I was kicked out of the company. Her husband was serious so I granted her as many leaves as she wants. Then I no longer remained part of that company. So, currently I have no idea what happened with her husband or where is she.” Naushil replied.

“You didn’t try to know? I think you might have her contact details.” Anant said.

“Yes, I have her number. But, my situation was such that, I couldn’t think out of my own problems.”  Naushil said. Naushil stopped for a moment, then he continued, “Anant, I know you. Something is there in your mind or you got to know something. I doubt. Tell me whatever it is.”

“I think you should call Isha at least once. You may not know but her husband is no longer in this world. She is widow now.” Anant said.

“Oh Shit!” Naushil put a spoon full of rice back into plate saying this. He placed his hands on his forehead. His face turned sad.

“How you got to know this?” Naushl asked Anant.

“I met her at hospital. Apparently Samar was in the same hospital where your father was admitted and died.” Anant replied.

“What will happen with her now? Why God does such tragedies with the person like her? I was exception and I was deserving. But, she was very nice lady, truly innocent.” Naushil said.

“Naushi, the way you worry about Isha .. “ Shikha said but Naushil interrupted her by saying, “It’s not like I love her. So, if you’re thinking on those lines, you are wrong.”

Naushil continued, “Actually I know a lot about her. She has struggled all her life, but it seems her struggle never ends. Isha is actually a Gujarati girl. Isha Jani was her actual name before marriage. She fell in love with Samarjeet and decided to marry him. But, they faced barriers from parents at both end. Their parents were against this inter-caste marriage. Samarjeet and Isha tried their best to convince their parents but they failed. They did court marriage. Isha’s parents broke all relations with Isha. And when the couple reached Samarjeet’s place, Samarjeet’s father put a condition to choose either his parents or Isha. Isha literally shocked when Samarjeet chose his parents. Samarjeet offered a rented flat to Isha. Isha had no option than to accept that rented flat. Samarjeet was living with his parents and Isha at rented flat. Samarjeet’s father had given oath to Samarjeet not to meet Isha. But Samarjeet was still meeting Isha. Initially, Isha was angry on Samarjeet’s decision, as his decision left Isha fully alone in this world. But, then Isha got to know that Samarjeet is adopted son of his parents. That was the reason why he didn’t leave his parents. Samarjeet tried his best to manage relation with his parents and Isha. One day, Samarjeet’s mother hospitalized due to severe heart attack. Doctor indicated the case to be sensitive and gave a deadline for her survival. Samarjeet’s father took vow to visit Golden Temple if his wife would survive. When Isha got this news, she forgot everything and reached hospital to serve her mother-in-law. Samarjeet’s father realized his mistake of not accepting Isha as daughter-in-law and he then allowed Isha to live with the family. Samarjeet’s mother survived. One day, Samarjeet and his parents were going to Amritsar by car to visit Golden Temple and fulfill their vow. Isha didn’t join them due to heavy workload at office. Their car met with a horrible accident. Samarjeet’s parents died on the spot. And Samarjeet’s head was badly injured and he went into comma.”

Naushil couldn’t complete his dinner and had a glass of water. He then continued, “Initially I only had bad interest in her. But after few nights together, gradually I started liking just being with her. We used to talk about our lives when we used to be together. She told me all this history one day. I always respected her but that day it all changed. I couldn’t touch her from that day on. After that, I started taking care for her. All I wanted to be was her friend in need. Apart from hospital fees, I also helped her a lot some or the other ways. One night, I realized that she likes my company; she likes to meet me and spend time with me. She was behaving totally differently with me that night. She was talking with me just as if I was her husband or boyfriend. I was shocked and a thought came in my mind that whether unknowingly she started to love me. I was married during those days. I didn’t want she loves me. So slowly, I got escaped from her and stopped going at her home. We were meeting only in the office but I stopped chitchat with her during office hours which usually I used to do. After few days, I also started feeling alone in life though I was with Mansi. I realized I also unknowingly started to love her. I understood that Samarjeet deserves her more than I do after all I was the villain in this story. Thus, it was my decision to push Isha away from my life. Though I stopped making love with her, but I kept on depositing money in the hospital so that Samar can recover and Isha can spend happy life with her love, Samar.”

“Do you think she loves you?” Shikha asked.

“How can I say? I just had a doubt that she was loving me. I might be wrong. And also, I didn’t talk with her since many days.” Naushil said.

“You just said you unknowingly started loving her. Then before that, why did you say you don’t love her?” Anant asked.

“Because I don’t want to love her. And also I don’t want her to love me. Samar was her hero and she was loving him a lot. I was a villain who took advantage of her situation. I am a devil and I do not deserve angel like her. ” Naushil replied.

“Samar was her hero, Naushi. But now, what? And why do you call yourself villain or devil? If you are devil, then why did you take care of her? If she was liking your company then why did you pushed her away from your life? Why did you pay hospital fees if you were not making love with her? Just think, Naushi. You are no longer villain in her life, but you are another hero because you helped her in her bad time. Will she forget everything which you did for her? I think, no. Naushi, Isha is widow now. She is totally alone. She needs you because you are only closest man in her life after her husband and you didn’t even call her till now.” Anant said.

Naushil was speechless. He just nodded to express that he agreed with Anant.

“See Naushi. As a lady, I can understand that what a girl feels when she is married but does not feel herself to be married because she is living alone, without her husband. She didn’t spend much time with her husband. So, what I think here that when you entered in her life, it was like she is married again and she got someone, who spends time with her, helps her and takes care of her. So, I don’t think she did’t love you. As she is alone now, there is nothing wrong to propose her.” Shikha said.

“Yes, I agree with Shikha. Give it a try. At least you should talk with Isha and try to know what she thinks about you.” Anant said.

Naushil went into deep thinking. Naushil finally said, “Yes, I will talk with her and propose her as well. If she will say yes, I will marry her and give her all happiness.”

Next day, Naushil phoned Isha and talked with her. Isha cried a lot and Naushil gave her sympathy. Naushil asked Isha to meet him once. Isha agreed. Naushil and Anant went to Isha’s place. As soon as Isha saw Naushil, she hugged him; forgetting Anant was beside Naushil. Soon after, both separated as Anant coughed intentionally. Naushil and Isha sat in separate room to talk. Anant preferred to sit in balcony to read newspaper. They talked for around an hour and then Naushil proposed Isha. As soon as Naushil proposed her, she gave a long lip-kiss to Naushil which was clear answer from Isha.

After a week, Naushil and Isha married in the district court. After marriage, Naushil stayed with his mother and Isha, at his father’s old flat. He sold his bungalow and earned hefty amount on that. Out of that, he decided to return 2 crore rupees to Iyengar and rest money he would invest in the new company.

Naushil met Iyengar and returned him 2 crore rupees. Iyengar returned him 1 crore rupees. “This is for what?” Naushil asked. “This is fees for completing my project. I don’t want you to work for free. And I understand, you are in need of money at this stage. Please keep this 1 crore rupees with you. This is your right only, and no need to return this.” Iyengar said.

Naushil named his new company “Mantra Technologies” after his son’s name. He appointed Isha to manage administration and finance with him. Anant headed the core team and worked on new innovations. Naushil offered Anant slightly higher salary than was in his previous company. Although, Anant denied to take higher salary but Naushil didn’t listen. With all their combined hard-work, the company grew quickly and became a renowned name in local IT market. Company’s focus was not competition and money; but Quality. And that is what made them famous. Anant also started purchasing stake in Naushil’s company, and gradually became 50% partner of Mantra Technologies.

One day, Anant and Naushil attended Iyengar’s marriage anniversary party. Both were shocked to see Rovish and Mansi in the same party. Rovish came to bar-counter where Anant and Naushil both were standing. Rovish said to both that, “You are The Mantra Tech guys, right?” Both said “Yes”. “Well, looking at IT as a prospective industry, I have also invested into IT and started my own IT company. And I am sure I am going to beat you guys very soon.” Rovish said.

Both looked at each other and said in harmony,

“Let’s run. BEST OF LUCK !!!”