._._._.

Way Back to Airport

They say home is where the heart is.

Delhi was not less than home for him. But right now he didn't have a heart to face the morning traffic of Delhi, as a feeling of anxiety was coming back to him.

The 15 hours journey, unbearable cold refreshment in the flight and a lack of sleep....

All of these had exhausted him!

Arnav straightened his Grey blazer, as his white shirt was peering from behind along with black pants.

'I just need a soothing shower!'

He thought while looking out of blackened windows of the large black SUV.

"What is the current situation Aman?"

"I can't name it as 'Good', ASR."

Came the prompt reply from his cousin-cum-friend, "Moody's Investor Service has downgraded our credit ratings. They were citing our stressed assets and low loss-absorbing buffers as the reason."

Arnav who was keenly listening, now commented on it, "It may give us a negative outlook. At this rate we can lose crucial deals."

While Aman completely agreed, before handing him the laptop, which had all the needed information for him.

Aman Mathur-the Managing Director of 'G&R' was really very talented.

That's why he had got such a big responsibility at such a young age.

Beng studied in the same school of Dehradun, Arnav and Aman knew each other inside out.

Although they had changed their ways as Arnav had taken the Finance & Accounts, while Aman had opted for Business & Management for graduation.

"How is Buaji?" Arnav asked about Aman's mother, while studying the data.

"Amma is fine, with her Nandkishore." Aman joked, getting a hint of a smile from Arnav.

(Well, ASR can't smile.
General Knowledge for you readers!😉 They my ask in your next job interview!😜)

"She is pestering me for marriage. Every week there is a proposal of a beautiful and well-cultured girl from Lucknow."

Aman had horrible expressions on his face, while speaking about it.

"You should get married then. Why don't you introduce her to Sheetal?"

Arnav advised him, with a mirth.

"Hmm...But Amma is sometimes very difficult. Sheetal is not as per her taste."

Aman sighed, assessing the incompatibility of his mother and girlfriend.

"Aman, Buaji had sacrificed a lot for you."

Arnav was serious, "Even after losing Phuphaji, she had fulfilled all her responsibilities towards you so well. Now it's your turn to fulfill her wishes."

Arnav talked like a big bro, while Aman just gave him a sad smile.

'It is true. And trust me ASR, I can do anything for her happiness.'

He thought as he suddenly straightened up.

"We are at Gupta's ASR."

Their SUV entered the premises, "I'll see you tomorrow then. There is a board meeting in few hours and I have to see the preparations. And you should take rest for now!"

While Arnav heard him silently he cut him off.

"No Aman, I'll be coming to office. I will meet Shashi Uncle and join you after the breakfast."

He shared the plan, now removing his stylish shades, raising his intense black orbs...enough to kill any female species just by one shot.

While Aman didn't say anything.

'ASR and work can't be separated. Even when he is tired arduously!'

The SUV stopped in the front porch of the Mansion, in the middle of vibrant hydrangeas and matching topiaries.

Traditional Indian styled building structure, painted in grey & white. The isle of a private lawn, reflecting the opulence and luxury!

It always brought some old memories of those teenage days-full of vitality and energy for Arnav.

Not a Raizada by birth, he was born as Arnav Singh Malik. Lost his both parents in that deadly accident, his Maternal Grandmother-Devyani had taken him and his sister, Anjali to her home in Lucknow. He was just 8 that time.

His Nani was the reason that he and Di were living a respectable life today. And that's why he had even changed his surname from Malik to Raizada.

It was a way to show gratitude to her.

Anyways he didn't want to keep any relation with Maliks.

Arnav's parents were never ideal couple.

Although they left the world together, they were never together when they were alive.

The extra marital affairs of his father, carelessness of his mother and their daily fights.... It was very complicated.

Then his Uncle-Rohit Singh Malik had proved to be a venomous snake.

By making a forged will of his Father-Rajesh Singh Malik, Rohit had snatched their share of property including their home in Delhi.

Anjali and Devyani had tried to fight. But their financial condition only deteriorated. Later it only worsened as Anjali's engagement broke.

It was a difficult phase!

That time Shashi Gupta had come to their rescue.

His Nanaji-Arvind Singh Raizada and Shashi were business partners.

'Guptas and Rais- G&R' was built by them. But after Nanaji's death, his maternal uncle didn't show much interest in family business, selling all his shares.

But his Nani didn't. She remained a minor shareholder of the company.

The tragedy 14 years ago had left them on the verge of bankruptcy, when Shashi had taken the responsibility of his education.

Shashi had asked Arnav to shift to Delhi, but he had denied it, instead choosing 'the Doon Public School' and later the Harvard University.

'Why to intrude in their personal life?'
Arnav had thought.

Gupta Uncle had proposed him to join the Main Branch of his company after his MBA degree.

But Arnav had again denied it.

Financing his education, then arranging marriage of Di, Raizadas had enough of favours from Shashi to handle. They couldn't take more...

Then suddenly G&R started facing the problems.

The signs of global recession had started affecting the business...and slowly Shashi's health.

It was not something very serious, specially when he had seen so much in life.

Losing wife so early in life; handling the company even when it had gotten through the worst crisis after his business partner-Arvind Singh Raizada's death; raising his two daughters single handedly specially that Khushi.

Arnav stopped his thoughts abruptly as he remembered Khushi.

'Don't think of that Laad Governess when I already have so much problems!' Arnav thought with a grimace.

'She thinks too much high of herself!'

Arnav wanted to think of something else, while marching towards the main door.

'I can think of Lavanya. She even had a crush on me.'

Well who can resist the ASR.

He had a smirk on his lips.

'Hmm, I should think about the sweet Lavanya, not that hot headed Khushi Kumari Gupta. She is completely unimportant... unworthy of my attention!'

._._._.

Thanks for reading 🙂.