"I have to go back to Australia Karan. After my post graduation, I enrolled for a diploma course in Still Photography. Two months earlier, I have received an offer to work with a group of photographers on a year long documentary.The offer was a dream come true for me." Karan was left speechless on hearing Aditi speak.
"So, if you are going to ask me about whether we can settle down together, I don't think we can Karan. Atleast not in the next year or two. I have a golden opportunity to learn and I don't think I can let it go."
"Aditi is it because of what happened between us three years back?", Karan was lost for words, as he tried to convince Aditi.
"No Karan. This has nothing to do with that. Don't ever think of this as getting back to you. You have to understand how lucky I am to be chosen for this documentary and I cant let this slip thru my hands."
That discussion had happened two years back and Karan still remembered every word of it. A few days after that discussion, Aditi flew back to Australia. Karan and Kumar exchanged pleasantries at the airport as they bid Aditi goodbye.
The meeting with the Mumbai team was successful and Karan and Rajiv had the initial funding for their idea. In the last two years, their start up had been largely successful and making a name for itself in the market. Karan and Aditi spoke regularly on the phone but Karan never tried to broach the topic of their being together.
Now two years later, Karan was sitting in his office, going through the latest article on how their company was fast becoming a name to reckon with in the Indian market. The company was nominated in the Top 10 Emerging Start ups of the year category and many expected them to be runaway winners. As he was skimming thru the article Karan's phone buzzed.
"Hi Karan. How are you doing. I have been hearing great things about you and your company. Congratulations."
Karan immediately recognized the voice on the other end of the phone. "Thanks a lot Kumar. The hard work and commitment of our team has paid off. I have been hearing a lot about you as well. Looks like your consultancy work is in great demand. Have read quite a few reports that you have written."
"You are being generous Karan. On a serious note, I am calling you with a business offer Karan. I was wondering if we can partner with your firm."
After what felt like a small pause, Karan replied, "That would be great Kumar. If you are in town, we can catch up today evening at my office."
"That would be wonderful. Will be there by 7 in the evening. See you then", Kumar made a note of the meeting in his calendar.
Kumar was sitting in Karan's office shuffling through the magazines on the table. The consultant in him was busy assessing the office ambiance and the surroundings. The office felt like a happening place and Kumar felt the place had a feel good factor. His thoughts were interrupted by the receptionist's voice.
"Excuse me sir, you are here for?"
"I am here to meet Mr. Karan."
"Mr. Karan? which department Sir?", the receptionist was sure she never heard that name before.
Kumar sounded amused. "I want to meet your MD Mr. Karan." It was then he suddenly realized.
"I am sorry, I am here to meet Mr. Karthik Narayan, your Managing Director."
"Sure sir", said the receptionist and guided Kumar to the MD's cabin.
"Hey Kumar, pleased to see you.", Karan shook hands with Kumar.
"You have a great office Karan, Congratulations on your success, you deserve every bit of it." , Kumar was lavish in his praise and he meant every word of what he said.
"Thanks Kumar. Thank You so much.", Karan said as they settled into the lounge. "Rajiv is travelling abroad for some business meeting. He would have loved to join us for this meeting", said Karan.
"Oh okay. By the way, how is Aditi doing", asked Kumar, sipping the refreshing coffee.
"She is doing good. Her documentary was well appreciated and she is about to start her next one. She said she might travel to India as part of the documentary."
"That's nice to hear. What about your amma and appa and where is Akshaya now, its been a long time since I met them", asked Kumar.
"Akshu is doing her MS in the US. Amma and Appa are currently visiting her on a three month vacation."
After the niceties were done, both of them got down to discuss their partnership. It was an hour long discussion and at the end of it Karan and Kumar decided they would be business partners as well.
The finer details of the partnership would be worked out by the respective teams and the draft agreement would be ready in a few days.
By the time both of them stepped out of office, it was almost ten in the night. From being the best of friends to strangers and then back together as business partners, their association had come a full circle.
As they walked to the car parking, they felt zestful.
Linking this post to the A to Z Challenge
"I am sorry, I am here to meet Mr. Karthik Narayan, your Managing Director."
"Sure sir", said the receptionist and guided Kumar to the MD's cabin.
"Hey Kumar, pleased to see you.", Karan shook hands with Kumar.
"You have a great office Karan, Congratulations on your success, you deserve every bit of it." , Kumar was lavish in his praise and he meant every word of what he said.
"Thanks Kumar. Thank You so much.", Karan said as they settled into the lounge. "Rajiv is travelling abroad for some business meeting. He would have loved to join us for this meeting", said Karan.
"Oh okay. By the way, how is Aditi doing", asked Kumar, sipping the refreshing coffee.
"She is doing good. Her documentary was well appreciated and she is about to start her next one. She said she might travel to India as part of the documentary."
"That's nice to hear. What about your amma and appa and where is Akshaya now, its been a long time since I met them", asked Kumar.
"Akshu is doing her MS in the US. Amma and Appa are currently visiting her on a three month vacation."
After the niceties were done, both of them got down to discuss their partnership. It was an hour long discussion and at the end of it Karan and Kumar decided they would be business partners as well.
The finer details of the partnership would be worked out by the respective teams and the draft agreement would be ready in a few days.
By the time both of them stepped out of office, it was almost ten in the night. From being the best of friends to strangers and then back together as business partners, their association had come a full circle.
As they walked to the car parking, they felt zestful.
Linking this post to the A to Z Challenge
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