Chapter 7

*Vikranth Pov*

“Are you nervous?” I asked while passing the contract file so that her funding process can start soon and she can begin the work on her new company.

It’s been two years since she returned to India after finishing the course in event management and even worked at a good company for these two years to gain experience.

I felt she could open one on her own and propose the idea before everyone during last week’s gathering and everyone was happy about it.

However, Mohan’s Uncle didn’t like the fact that GH is going to fund her company as he stated he has enough funds.

It took me a few days to make him understand how close she will be to GH if we will fund officially in this way and he reluctantly accepted.

Even Shrishti was hesitant but she promised to not let us down. She nodded opening the file but smiled looking at the contract.

“Are you dating anyone right now?” she suddenly asked and I automatically replied, “No!” and I paused realizing that was a wrong answer.

“I am planning on a goal to reach within two years and prove myself. Then I will be taking care of an important matter in my life.” She mumbled staring at me with a smile while I gave her a blank look.

“Goal? What goal?” We glanced up to find Prathap walking into my cabin.

“To reach the breakeven over the investment GH is giving me.” Shrishti explained while I frowned at Prathap.

“Did you again take leave from the restaurant?” I asked to which he sighed nodding and settled down beside Shrishti.

“That chef is really rude to me these days even though I cook better than him. How can he make me wash dishes when I am the sous chef? He doesn’t know how to treat staff at all.” He explained while I leaned back still frowning at him.

“You have worked for nearly five restaurants in these two years. When will you not have a problem with someone?” I asked and he rubbed his forehead.

“I don’t think I am the type to hear orders from someone. I want to open my own restaurant and you know I have a talent for it.” He mumbled before glancing up to stare at me.

“You are 25 and not in 30’s to not even bear to hear orders from someone. And do you have funds?” I asked raising my voice to which he frowned.

“I am going to look for another restaurant soon.” He replied back while showing his anger after hearing the words regarding funds.

I know Pramod Uncle keeps on taunting him that he doesn’t have enough funds. That is not completely true as even though he is shifting around, he is earning good but he needs to settle down somewhere which doesn’t seem to be like the case.

“Don’t look for another restaurant and come to work at GH.” I stated which surprised both of them.

“Vikranth?” Shrishti called me as Prathap started glaring at me and about to shout as I just repeated his Dad’s words.

“Prove to me that you are actually capable of handling the work while being in a commanding position and I will persuade everyone to fund your own restaurant. I will do it even if your Dad will not accept it.” I added and he froze hearing those words.

“How long?” he asked after a few minutes of silence.

“Until I feel like you have the capability or for some other reason.” I replied and he frowned shaking his head.

“Fine! Because it’s you, it will be definitely fair, unlike my Dad. Which position should I start at?” he asked with a determined look.

“You already worked as an intern here and the course you did abroad will be taken as the one needed for our hotel business. So, for now, you will be the director of handling the hotel business regarding all the things that are needed from cookwares to single cloth used in the hotel. Most of these items are being produced by GH itself now and so your while work will revolve around only GH.” I explained checking the system where I found there is a position available as the previous one tried to hide away the funds relating to the hotels and bought cheap things.

“Okay! I will come for an interview within a week.” He nodded and I felt a sense of relief thinking at least he will not go around shifting different restaurants his whole life.

“Okay! Everything just got settled like this? I got scared that you both will fight right now.” Shrishti commented laughing to which Prathap rolled his eyes.

“Can anyone of us even think of fighting with Vikranth? Don’t joke around, Shrishti.” He commented while I shook my head.

She sighed the contract before passing it back saying, “Even I wouldn’t come with much better terms, that you provided and so I will not get it checked with anyone else.”

“I will try to not take help from both of you regarding the establishment of it of course other than funds.” She commented standing up.

“Don’t stress yourself and give us a call when you need to.” Prathap said and I nodded at his words to which she smiled before leaving the cabin.

I passed the books which he need to look after a bit for the interview and he walked out after some time as it is time for a meeting regarding the brainstorming for any new business idea as every single one is running successfully.

****

“Congratulations!” I wished him after reaching his cabin to which he smiled before looking around the place.

“Don’t come here otherwise they will think I am here through connections even though that is kind of true.” He mumbled to which I shook my head.

“You got help but not with everything on a plate. You earned it too. I will give a tour around the place as I am free right now.” I said checking the watch and he accepted before we started going around while I tried to find some kind of business idea from this roaming.

I have conducted two meetings but none of them presented a good idea that could be the next successful step for GH.

“What is happening there?” he asked when we reached the warehouse where the product samples for hotels are placed.

I glanced at the cameras and remembered that there is an advertisement shooting today for the cookware utensils.

“Advertisement shooting for cooking utensils.” I explained and he turned to stare at me.

“Wow! You even started a model agency?” he asked while gesturing to a girl at the counter who seems to be the model for this advertisement.

“Of course not!” I replied frowning at him as he still doesn’t know what GH is involved in and whatnot.

“You didn’t do complete homework?” I added to which he sighed.

“I studied hard regarding the work I need to do and not everything.” He replied and we both heard a slamming sound and the director shouting, ‘cut!’

“How bad she is really at cooking?” one of the staff commented who didn’t realize my presence yet.

“Come on! Do you know how hard it is to be a model? She is getting popular with commercials and also trying for auditions but the agency doesn’t seem to care much about her. Why didn’t they tell us ahead that she can’t cook? I even asked them and they didn’t say anything otherwise we would have arranged some food ready.” Another explained sighing.

“I know! Many agencies don’t treat their artists well unless they are popular.” They both continued to discuss about agencies while Prathap suddenly sighed.

“I can’t look at this anymore.” Saying that he continued to walk while I followed him which made everyone realize my presence.

He walked towards the platform and started removing his cuffs to roll the sleeves before gesturing to the camera to start shooting.

I nodded at the director who followed Prathap’s plan after getting my acceptance and this time it took just one take and everything was done.

“I will go and change my clothes.” He commented as we can smell the cooking on his shirt to which I nodded but continued to stay there.

“She is definitely a good model as she didn’t get flustered with the whole script change and did it. No wonder she is recommended these days.” Director commented reaching my side and I nodded before thanking him for today’s work after which he started packing up.

I found the model reaching my side saying, “I am sorry about the wastage because of me. I don’t know how to cook and I even passed the information to my agent but seems like there was a miscommunication.”

She apologized to which I nodded before forwarding my hand saying, “I am Vikranth Guptha!”

“I know! I am Anitha and a model from NK agency.” She introduced herself smiling without showing any frustration about how she got nearly scolded for earlier takes.

“How long have you been working as a model?” I asked and she gave a curious look but explained calmly her whole profile in simple terms.

“Don’t want to act? Just interested in modeling?” I continued and now we started walking out of the warehouse.

She sighed but calmly replied, “I want to act more than anything.”

“Why didn’t you?” she smiled but didn’t reply to that question.

However, I continued to ask about how everything works in an agency and she calmly explained without getting irritated.

“Thank you for explaining everything.” I thanked her to which she nodded before clearing her throat.

“The earlier person… is he an employee here?” she asked hesitatingly.

“Why?” I asked thinking she may have felt embarrassed for this sudden change and want to complain.

“He is so handsome and thought of asking his contact if you know him, Mr. Vikranth.” I didn’t know what to react hearing those words.

“Sorry about that sudden confession. I will be taking my leave and hope to work again on the products belonging to GH. They are good but a bit costly for my regular use and wish to use them at least like this.” She just continued.

“Okay! I will leave now before I embarrass myself more.” Saying that she nodded before walking away and I couldn’t help but smile while shaking my head.

It takes a lot of guts to be honest about one own’s thoughts before a stranger. I didn’t think much about her words as I suddenly got an idea for the next business plan we can make to raise the stakes of GH.

****

“Are you really serious about this?” Prathap asked checking the meeting schedule.

“Yes! Will you vote for it or not?” I asked while preparing for the speech.

“I will vote for you but I found many members to be against you. Why? Aren’t you helping GH? Why do they want to stop you from becoming a CEO of GH?” he asked shaking his head.

“Also, you are the son of the founder of this group.” He added and I paused hearing those words and controlled my expression before glancing at him.

“That’s why they don’t want me to be the CEO as they think after me it will be my Son and then my Grandson. They don’t want it to happen that way and right now trying to seize an opportunity to place someone else.” I explained and he snorted at that.

“If you were not a good businessman then they are right at that but now they are just being foolish.” He mumbled and I didn’t comment as we need to leave for the meeting.

In the board room, everyone was present and I calmly presented the new proposal, and as expected a few of them denied it from the start.

“How can you bring such business to GH? We are traditional and working for so many years and these entertainment things are not for us.” Mr. Girish commented.

“I know there should be thought given to the thinking that people would have based on their age.” I said nodding while Prathap coughed to which Pramod Uncle glared at him.

“However, this is not just an extension to the business but a long-term profit for all our present businesses. Like we spend a lot to hire models and for promotion of many products of GH. Now, we will have artists in our own company and the payments need not be high like in the past. Also, the products will get promoted easily.” I explained which paused many.

“Adding to that, we can use our hotels as a stay for their traveling and many more things like this. All we need is a proper plan to make sure to take care of every detail.” I added and waited for their response.

“And with Vikranth here, we can be assured. I am in for this proposal.” Prathap stated folding the file loudly and I shook my head at him.

However, after him, others started stating their opinions, and with 60% of votes, the proposal got approved.

“I think I should be the brand ambassador of GH with the number of products I am modeling for relating to this company and also to meet the Vice-President directly for such a small matter .” Anitha stated while signing a new contract to model for the new hotel we are going to construct in the neighboring city.

“Oh! I will be busy from next month most probably.” She added passing the contract back.

“Why?” I asked frowning at her words.

“It is still not official but I got a movie offer and that too main lead.” She replied with an excited tone.

“Congratulations!” I wished her and she nodded smiling.

“Actually, I am planning to start an agency soon for GH but it is still not official and it will take a year to start it.” I added and she gave a surprised look.

“I will not tell anyone and if you have any doubts, please let me know.” Saying that she stood up and I nodded with a polite smile.

However, after she left I frowned thinking about how to pull her into GH now that she is going to be famous. I need to keep more money aside then.

****

#After A Year#

“Have you invited everyone?” I checked with my secretary and he nodded passing the guest list.

“She is not attending?” I asked gesturing a name and he nodded before saying that her agency didn’t confirm anything from her side.

I let him go before calling up her number which I took a few months back and didn’t get to meet her even though continued to hire her when the advertisement team felt she is suitable and everyone is comfortable working with her.

“Hello, Mr. Vikranth!” she picked the call while greeting politely.

“I sent an invitation for the GH agency opening. Not going to come, Ms. Anitha?” I asked checking the guest list.

“I didn’t receive the invitation. Is it possible to send one to this number?” She asked with a tired tone.

“Okay!” saying that I passed the invitation before calling Prathap.

“Where are you?” I asked when he picked the call.

“In the canteen!” he replied and I sighed rubbing my forehead.

“After eating lunch, go to the venue of tomorrow’s function and check whether everything is fine.” Saying that I cut the call while thinking about Prathap.

He is working and doing everything for the past two years that he needs to but he is definitely not interested in all this no matter what.

I will wait for him to express his desire to leave then. I thought rubbing my neck feeling tired and checked the messages where I found Shrishti’s message saying she nearly reached her goal.

I closed my eyes thinking what else can I do to make her lose feelings. I don’t have the heart to reject her to her face and made her sad and I don’t dare to accept also.

For now, I need to concentrate on this work and will think about that later. I ignored her topic after sending a normal congratulations word.

However, I didn’t expect to receive this question after the whole success of opening the agency properly as I asked to meet Anitha separately, she threw me a weird question.

“Do you like me, Mr. Vikranth?” I stared at her in utter shock.

“What?” I asked back.

“I mean, I am not that established but for every small contract, I am meeting you and even this event’s invitation… I am sorry but I still have a crush on that employee of yours. I am able to see him from time to time but I am faithful to my feelings.” She explained but this time not smiling.

“Don’t worry! I am just thinking about my business while meeting you and even for this invitation matter.” I stated making her frown.

“What happened to the movie?” I asked changing the topic and she stiffened but didn’t say anything for some time.

“I lost it as my agency thought someone else to be good at that role.” She replied without any emotion.

“Okay! I want you to be the first artist I sign into GH.” I stated and she just stared at me in silence.

“Wh… what? Why?” she asked in a confused tone.

“I was searching so much for a business idea and that meeting actually helped me. Also, I see talent in you to adjust in any kind of situation and also you are familiar in the present times with GH than anyone else. It is definitely not because of my feelings as I am always business-minded.” I explained and she frowned before clearing her throat.

“There is still a year left in my contract with NK agency.” She mumbled and I nodded while assuring her that I will pay the penalty for her.

“You can think about it.” I offered and she nodded before promising to think about it after which she left the function while I took out the list of artists I want to add next.

****

“I am glad to be a part of this and thank you for giving me this chance, Mr. Vikranth.” Ms. Anitha said extending her hand after we signed the contract with her new agent present.

She finally decided to accept my offer and was even able to sign up and it nearly got destroyed because of Prathap.

Why did he think she is my partner and suddenly brought her to meet Shrishti without knowing the facts? At least he stopped Shrishti from expressing her feelings for sure as she finally reached her goal. However, if Ms. Anitha felt hurt with all that and decided to back out from this, it would have been a problem.

“I will be looking forward to the results and I hope you didn’t mind the schedule that is planned for you. We were lucky to find a good commercial event plus a small web series even though it’s outside our country. You will get a good base from the foreign market and after a year or two, you can get more offers from our country. I will make the needed arrangements before you reach the place as I will be going there tomorrow itself.” I explained showing the schedule and she looks excited but worried too.

“Any problem?” I asked her frowning.

“No! I stay with my friend and I already informed her but this will be tough for her. You need not care for such things and I will deal with them. I am already glad to get this opportunity.” She replied smiling before we started having our dinner.

“I will make sure she doesn’t get any trouble for sure, Mr. Vikranth.” Her agent Mrs. Keerthi assured me before leaving the place as I offered to drop Ms. Anitha as it is on my way to the company.

After driving in silence for a few minutes, I finally opened my mouth saying, “I am sorry about today’s afternoon’s incident, Ms. Anitha. Please don’t take him in the wrong way.”

“You need not apologize because of that as I… it was my mistake to just go along with him while feeling lost in the moments.” She mumbled and I can understand as she already told me that she has a crush on Prathap which I completely ignored but I never thought she will get hurt because of him like this.

“For two years I liked him from far but now I think I will feel embarrassed whenever I think of those memories. I was so building dreams over the clouds with today’s meeting as I thought he must have found out about me and that’s why he was there and the way he interacted too gave me a push. But then they all crashed down with a snap.” She added shaking her head and a few tears rolled down her face.

“I am sorry for talking too much like this. I think the wine is taking effect.” She mumbled brushing her tears away while I stayed silent.

“However, it felt like he wants us to be in a relationship, or maybe you in a relationship. Why? Is he concerned about you or maybe like someone who likes you?” she shook her head and I nearly ran over the divider hearing those words and she sobered a bit after that.

“I am right? He was trying to talk to the lady with you regarding us by stressing the words. So, she likes you but he likes her?” she continued to ask and I felt I need to add a condition to her agent to never let her drink more than two glasses of wine.

Why is she able to know all those details with such perfection when those two were stupid all this time? Do they think I am blind or what?

I know Prathap likes Shruthi and he knows that she likes me. And as for me… I shook my head to not go to that part.

“So, he wants you to be in a relationship which would give him a chance with his crush? Maybe you should start dating someone but I already heard you be in relationships before then why didn’t he get the chance. Maybe you need to be in a serious relationship like engagement or maybe marriage. Then the problem will be solved but then if you like her too then it’s another matter.” She continued to talk and I immediately messaged her agent regarding her alcohol tolerance.

“We are here, Ms. Anitha.” I mumbled sighing in relief after reaching the address she gave me and I found someone waiting for her.

“You are drunk!” the person who must be her friend whispered the moment Ms. Anitha threw her arms around her friend.

“What will you do when I go away? I will be leaving within a week. What happened to you?” she shouted at the end and I glanced at the person only to find a few bruises on her face.

“I am fine!” her friend mumbled before glancing at me.

“She has a low tolerance for alcohol. Please inform that to your boss.” Saying that she turned around to leave.

“What? Did you give up your education fees for that stupid father of yours? What will you do now? I was hoping you will get living arrangements after joining this course.” Ms. Anitha shouted and they were near to their house building but I was able to hear her voice.

“I will handle it.” Her friend shouted back while I closed the door which they didn’t close so that I can keep the voices away from my head as it is aching too much right now.

Prathap is really taking serious steps now and I don’t know what will happen if something goes wrong and I can’t let that happen. Maybe… I thought with a frown covering my face at the words ringing in my head.