Just stepped in and my phone rung. It was my dad. He informed me that the helper at our shop had quit the job.
Dad: (worried) There is minimal growth in income and expenditures are on high pace. Hemanta has asked for his 2nd semester fees. I don't know how will everything go well.
Me: The central bank has stated there will be around 3% retail inflation in the upcoming quarter. The stock market also seems rising. However, it's never trustworthy. So far economists have analysed, it's favorable time to take risks and go with them. So, it's a good time to build stocks of such items that have a life of over 6 months.
(I responded to pacify his worries. We had a long conversation on various related topics. At the end, he asked me to return back stating I would perform better in business than in law while I urged him to wait and watch.)
Aunt Savitri: Here's your tea, son! I will be returning to my home on 25th of this month. My ticket is confirmed. Grandma and Grandpa will be alone. (Perplexed) It would be better if your mom returned. I didn't want to but my son wants to take me with him.
(She wished to get an excuse.)
I understood why Dad wanted me to return.
Me: I knew that you can't stay here for long. It's wrong to expect you here forever. So far, mom's return is concerned, we have to think about dad too. Let's see. If I have to return back, I will.
(I assured her not to worry about grandparents.)
Brother Bhargav also talked about choosing any other field than investing 5 years in law. He suggested me to take CMA/CS. Everyone was examining me on various perspectives. I urged them all to take some time before reaching any decision. I believe once a decision is made, you should dive into proving it right.
I knew returning back would be a huge loss.
One morning, I heard grandma, on a call, expressing concern for someone. Actually, one of my uncles had decided to quit his partnership business because of recurring losses scenario. Meanwhile, a guy named, Ashtanga, cheated him and fled away with a lump sum of 25 lacs cash. When I talked to him, he didn't want to expose everything. I guaranteed him to help him get the money back. I knew it was a risky game. Talking to uncle, I came to know some important details about Ashtanga. I asked my uncle not to shut down rather carry on the business as long as possible.
Me: Uncle, take leave and let your employees handle it for a week. Come home and involve yourself in the municipal agro-project, recently launched, as a labourer. Click some photos and post it with a caption it as your own. I will move to 'Raogarh' and urge Ashtanga's mom to help us. I will get him anyway.
(I made an assuring statement.)
Uncle Dhanlal: (on phone) Okay, if you are sure, I can do this. Anyway, a log is enough to save from drowning. And if you do it, I shall do as you say.
It was all secret conversation.
The next day, I lied my grandma that I was going to library. I moved to 'Raogarh', an hour away, and somehow I got few information about Ashtanga's family. Around 5:15, I saw Ashtanga's mom coming out of her home. She was nervous. As she approached to the temple nearby, I followed her. She expressed her worries to the priest saying that her son must have been in some problem. He was not answering her phone. Bad omens were occurring repeatedly in the last few days.
Ashtanga's mom: What should I do?
The priest asked her to stay calm and suggested her perform a fast worshipping God Ganesha. She, still quite worried, moved out of the temple when she slipped at the stairs and fainted. I got her phone with me and asked for help. We took her to the nearby hospital. In between, I made a call to Ashtanga. He didn't receive. I had a call from my aunt Savitri. I answered her that I was at Vinita's home. At the same time, Ashtanga's mom's phone rung up. It was an unknown number. When I picked it up, Ashtanga introduced himself.
Me: (interrupted him) Where ever you are, come back. Your mom is in hospital. She is unconscious. She slipped at the stairs of temple.
(And I cut the phone.)
But, the cunning man Ashtanga tried to make his way clear all round.
I returned back that day. It was around 7 o'clock in the evening. Grandpa was furious over me. I didn't respond.
One day later, Ashtanga arrived to his hometown. Uncle Dhan lal reached behind him. Seeing his business partner Uncle Dhanlal at the hospital, Ashtanga made a apologetic gesture.
Aahtanga: Dear Dhan lal, mom fell off the stairs at temple. Doctors presumed she would not recover her memory. I had no idea what to do. I am sorry I took away the money but it was all for mom. I am sorry! Please forgive me.
Uncle Dhanlal: (dramatically sorry) How is your mom now?
Ashtanga: She is absolutely fine. Nothing much wrong has happened. Thanks to god!
Uncle Dhanlal: If you had informed, we would have done something. She is my mom too!
Ashtanga: Our business was recurring losses. I didn't know what to do. Here's the money. Take it back. (He handed over the case to uncle Dhan lal.) But I heard you have started a new agro-project here in your municipality. I heard it's a high budget project. You never told me about it.
Ashtanga complained amicably but he was intimidated inside.
Uncle Dhanlal: Okay, I have an offer for you to be part of it. I am also sorry, I never discussed about it before. The project is worth 45lacs. If you want to join, invest 5 lacs only and we shall partner it the same way as we did the business.
(Uncle Dhan lal wished to punish Ashtanga.) But, I don't want to carry on the business now. I am quitting it. You may carry the business alone. Despite the firm made losses, it has funds enough to pay it's dues. Here, I have brought all the files and reports. You may see, understand and sign. Out of the capital of 28 lacs, leaving aside the Goodwill, I am taking my 14 lacs and 5 lacs for our partnership in the new project. The remaining is yours. Good luck.
(Uncle Dhan lal explained Ashtanga everything.)
Ashtanga assented. Uncle Dhan lal was fortuitous. He returned back and the same evening, I dropped him to railway station.
Uncle Dhanlal: I never believed you are so smart until this happened. I should bow to the capacity you have in this age.
I smiled at him remembering what happened in the backdrop:
(I informed dad about Uncle Dhan lal's condition. He made concerning remark. Dad called uncle Dhan lal who I had directed what and how to elaborate. Dad offered his brother to join him in the business when he has left the partnership. Uncle Dhan lal was bound to accept the offer.)
This way, Ashtanga was punished for his wrong deed. Uncle was saved out of such partnership. Dad got a better known and experienced person to work under him and a family to live with. Dad could easily send mom to serve grandparents. And I need not return back to Nepal postponing my studies. The next morning, dad called me!
Dad: See, it's all grace of God as I always say. However, we must prepare ourselves for the worst. One who helps himself, God helps him.
He was happy. And I too.