P E R F E C T I O N

This word has been almost synonymous with the life of

Sanskaar Maheswari

24-year old, born with a silver spoon in mouth, the only son of business tycoon Durga Prasad Maheswari. With his jet black hair, deep and lustrous eyes below thick lashes and smile to die for, he is nothing less than a charmer. One of the most eligible bachelors in town. He holds a Master's Degree in business administration from the best university in the US. Ready to take on his dad's business empire, his life seemed too perfect.

He had always been told the importance of perfectionism since his childhood. Meeting his dad's expectations of being perfect in everything was nothing less than a herculean task. And he never failed, for he dreaded the thought of letting down his dad.

But somewhere deep down, he couldn't help but give in to the thought of how would it be, if his life had not been perfect at all.

Swara Bose

P E R F E C T I O N

This word is non-existent in her dictionary. In fact, she never understood this concept. People talking about the same, always amused her and she always wondered is there something in this world which is perfect without flaws? Why is it necessary to be perfect when imperfection has its own beauty? Like one of her favourite authors mentioned

"If you look for perfection, you'll never be content." She strongly believed the same.

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Board Room - Maheswari Industries, Mumbai

The room buzzed with excitement, members discussing the reason for this sudden board meeting. Well, the talk underneath is, the son of Durga Prasad Maheswari who is back from the USA is going join his dad's business and also as one of the board members.

With the entry of Durga Prasad Maheswari, the buzz died, replaced with pin-drop silence.

Called as 'DP' by his business partners, Durga Prasad usually carried a serious look on his face. A well-built personality and a man of few words, his story of how he started off small business and turned it into a successful business empire single-handedly with his hard work and sheer dedication is well known in Marwari society, even in Mumbai.

DP started off meeting in his usual firm and commanding voice.

"Thank you, Gentlemen, for joining me. As you all might have guessed, I am extremely pleased to announce the return of my son from states and ..."

Meanwhile, a young man stepped down from his BMW sedan. Dressed in black Armani suit and Gucci shoes, his aviator glasses just added to his already alluring charm. He walked inside confidently making his way towards board room amidst admiring glances. He smiled to himself as this has become a common sight, being the "show stopper".

About to enter the room, something caught his attention. He stopped back for a second and slightly adjusted the tilted plate reading 'board room' to its correct position, "Perfect," he mumbled.

Looking at his fossil watch, He grinned. " On time". Well, he was taught to be punctual. He stepped in.

"Please welcome my son Sanskaar Maheswari," DP pointed at the young man who just walked in. Amidst applause, he made an entry and stood next to his dad.

Dp placing a hand on his shoulder "Sanskaar, I am so happy you have decided to join the business with no delay. From today you will be the Chief Head of Marketing and one of the board members. I am sure you will handle these responsibilities to the best of your abilities." Giving him a short hug "Welcome Son". Durgaprasad beamed proudly. Applause rang round the room "And I am sure members would love to hear you, Over to you"

Sanskaar looked around the room noticing the curiosity on the faces of members.

"Thank you so much ladies and gentleman for the warm welcome, and thank you dad ki aapne mujhe ye mauka diya. I am really happy to be part of this empire jo mere dad ne itne mehnet se khada kiya. I will try to stand up to his expectations. But..."

He paused for a while and looked at his dad.

" Dad, I don't want to get in as a board member just because I am your son. I want to earn my place as a board member and I would like to start off with a small stint in the marketing department, not as chief but as an intern under Mr Malhotra, the chief of the marketing department."

Now the whole room buzzed again with this latest development. DP himself tried to hide the initial shock of Sanskaar's words but succeeded in covering it up behind his usual self. Sanskaar looked at his dad trying to gauge his reaction. He heaved a sigh of relief as he got a nod of approval and he continued

"Mr Malhotra", he said looking at an elderly man, "I have heard a lot about your expertise from Dad and It would be my pleasure to work under you and learn. I hope you don't mind." He added with a grin.

Malhotra stared at the loss of words. He had seen privileges being exploited but here is one who wanted to start from scratch. Impressed and a bit surprised at young man's humility "Of course, not Mr Sanskaar." He smiled back.

"Aap mujhse bade hain, Please call me Sanskaar " He replied cordially. That earned an appreciative murmur round the room.

Though initially apprehensive, Dp's face now beamed with pride looking at his son, meeting every board member, name by name, telling them how important they were in the path of business growth, how he heard from his dad, the contributions they made to the business. Good start!

The meeting ended with DP saying " I am proud of my son and I am glad he wants to earn a place on his own. All my best wishes." It was followed by a round of applause.

Back In The Car

"Dad, I am sorry I went against your decision but..."

"Its ok, Sanskaar. Dp patted on his shoulder. "It's time, you take your own decisions and I am proud of this decision of yours. Next time make sure to have a word with me."

"Sure Dad", Sanskaar nodded obediently.

"My question is why Sanskaar? As an intern?" Durgaprasad posed a question curiously. His son could have the world if he wants to.

"Being your son I am already privileged, but the career I want to build it on my own," Sanskaar replied confidently.

"And I really liked the way, you went around with introductions and eased your way." Dp complimented.

"Common! Dad, you know I do my homework and planning before I step into something."

Of course, he does. Durgaprasad answered back with a smile.

Maheswari Mansion

Annapurna Maheswari

She religiously followed the norm of 'pati' is equivalent to God. She has been a source of strength to Durga prasad during his days of initial struggle and had been playing the role of wife, mother to the perfection. She had every reason to be happy that day. Her son Sanskaar was back after 2 years and Today was his first day in Maheswari Inc. On the horn of the car, she hurried with a plate of 'aarti'

Looking at both of them walking together, her happiness knew no bounds. Overwhelmed, her eyes filled with tears of happiness.

Sanskaar nodded his head with an expression of not again, "Mom, Please, yaar! Not today. Is it mandatory to celebrate every occasion with these happy tears? Have you been watching too many daily soaps?"

Annapurna smiled listening to his rant as she slowly did aarti. As they stepped in, she asked them to freshen up and come down for lunch.

"Aaj sab mera fav bana haina, I know mom. I love u" Sanskaar kissed his mom's cheek and rushed to his room

DP always noticed, Sanskaar is more free with his mom, he becomes carefree and casual when around her is more rigid when it comes to him, but he had no complaints. He was of opinion, kids should have a certain amount of fear around parents other than absolute freedom.

And today's boardroom meeting, though he was happy, somewhere deep down it troubled him.

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Gadodia residence, Kolkata.

"Shona, I know you love the milk cake, but it's hot, beta. You will burn your hands." Sharmistha tried to explain her daughter who is bent upon tasting the cake at that moment.

Just then Sekhar stormed into the kitchen "Did I hear someone say milk cake?"

"Baba" Swara rushed to him hugging, "You are on right time and your Mysti is not letting me have the cake" she complained making a cute face.

"Arey aise Kaise?"Sekhar picked up the plate, Dad and daughter duo rushed into the hall. Sharmistha smiled watching them.

Sekhar is a named businessman in Kolkata, and Sharmistha worked with Ngo's. Their daughter, Swara Goadodia is known for her lively and bubbling personality, shared the roots of two cultures with her mom being 'Bengali' and dad being 'Marwari'.

She shared equal comfort with both her parents. Brought up in an open and friendly environment, she was never stopped from doing anything if she believed it was right. Her parents always supported and stood by her. Sekhar believed kids should be given the freedom to choose their life, all they can do as parents is to advise them, but the decision should be left to them.

Happiness and joy marked their little world but today, gloom descended.

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"Shona, Tumhe kahi jaane ki jaroorat nahi hain," Sharmista's voice echoed breaking the silence in the hall of Gadodia residence, "Just take it off your mind, what happened last few weeks. Let's just think It never happened."

Swara gently held her hand "Maa. We can't run away from the truth. You know that"

"Kuch Nahi Jaanti main", Sharmista pulled back her hand " You are not going anywhere. Shekar, Samjahvo isse"

Swara looked at her dad, who stood silent and she didn't fail to notice the tear on tip of his eye, ready to flow.

"Kya Bolu Mysti? I think," he tried to sound strong "It's good for her to leave."

"Shekar! " Sharmista tried to protest.

"Maa, Baba is right, Please Let me go ", Swara pleaded.

Sharmistha looked at her husband and then at her daughter and she knew the decision was made. She wiped her tears.

"Shona, I had a word with Mr.Mehra," Sekhar handed over a cover, "He will take care of everything back in Mumbai.

"Thanks, Baba", Swara touched their feet seeking the blessings. Picking her luggage she walked, leaving her teary eye parents behind.

Wiping her tears, "I am sorry Maa, Baba. But I have to do this." She told herself resolutely.

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"Identity is partly heritage, partly upbringing, but mostly the choices you make in life. 

                                                                                                                         - Patricia Briggs, Cry Wolf