Entering the CEO's office at AIM company (Jaigarh Branch):
Me: Good Afternoon sir!
CEO: Good Afternoon Agastya! I was thinking about you actually.
Me: Oh, anything important sir!
CEO: Obviously, it's for you. I know you won't be here once the Dakshgram is completed. But, we could be with you had you let us participate in building your empire!
Me: That's not my empire sir! The Puria Family is the owner of Dakshgram. If you say, I can forward your request to Dakshit!
CEO: Oh, common Agastya! Everyone knows that the whole idea of Dakshgram is yours and every decision related to it awaits your opinion.
Me: The one who you are talking about is not the one who is standing in front of you, sir!
CEO: You know Agastya, I am familiar to your strategical and persuasive arguments. So, if you get me a good order for Dakshgram, I will let you terminate your job on time and if not, (smiles) you may never visit your Dakshgram again.
Me: I will try to fix your meeting with the owners of Dakshgram.
CEO: Go for it.
(As I turned back)
CEO: Wait! You must have something to tell Agastya!
Me: Umm, yeah! I have a invitation from my college on its Convocation ceremony. It's on 23rd December.
CEO: That's a week later, on Saturday. What's your schedule for the Kasturi Bhavan that you are working on?
Me: Sir, It's going to be over by the end of this month. Here's the file! The team has completed four fifths of the project.
CEO: See, Agastya! Mrs. Kasturi Nayak is very important client for us. I don't want any kind of delay here. If its done within the schedule, you may take leave on Saturday and if not, you will end up losing your month-end remuneration.
Me: Sir?
CEO: Good day Agastya! You may go.
Directly approaching to team, I called them to pay their attention to me.
Me: Project Mgr. Lokesh, what's your update on the Kasturi Bhavan?
Lokesh: Sir, I gave you the file yesterday! Only one fifth is remaining.
Me: I want to visit the site right now.
Lokesh: (frightened) Okay, sir!
Upon reaching the site, I saw the team mates enjoying their mid-day meal. The entryway and windows were being installed and serviced. Other works indoors had been completed. When I compared the order with the work done, they had made a huge blunder by painting lime yellow in the study room and light green in the pooja room while the order was vice versa.
Me: Lokesh, What have you done this? It's a blunder.
Lokesh had his eyes wide open. He called his teammates immediately. They all argued for taking the responsibility while no one discussed about the correction.
Me: STOP IT! Lokesh, ask everyone to get back to their work.
Lokesh: Everyone, get back to your work. I warn you if any mistake is done, you will face the consequences! No more discussions and arguments. Just do your job. Understand?
Me: What should we do now? If Mrs. Kasturi sees this, we all are going to be expelled out of the company.
Lokesh: I am worried, sir. Ma'am Kasturi believes in Vastu shastra and she is not going to like this. I have no idea to correct it subject to Vastu.
(I saw Lokesh wearing a gold pendant of shri yantra on his neck. The pooja room had a long alley sided with pillars and the main house had two cemented windows on both sides.)
Me: Lokesh, I have to return now. I will call you if I get an idea for its correction.
I had a call from Bhavna Bhabhi when I returned back to my room.
Bhabhi: Hello Agastya! Happy Geeta Jayanti!
Me: Pranaam Bhabhi! Same to you!
Bhabhi: So, my topper devarji, when will your convocation ceremony be held?
Me: I received the invitation today and it's on 23rd December.
Bhabhi: Will the farewell program be organised too?
Me: Yes, bhabhi. If Dad's there, let me talk to him!
Bhabhi: Yes, of course. Papaji, Agastya is on call!
Dad: Yes, Agastya!
Me: Dad, it's my convocation ceremony on 23rd December. I wish you and mom attend it with me.
Dad: Listen, had I attended your brother's convocation that you believe I will attend yours? You may ask your brothers.
Bhabhi: Agastya, don't worry! I will ask your brother to attend. If possible, I will come too.
Me: Thank you bhabhi!
23rd of December, 2023, At College:
After eleven months, when I revisited my college, it felt like a diaspore returning to his homeland. The Utkarsha had too been a generic name for the best students at the college who were thus provided the onus of conducting the grand programme.
Almost everyone of my batchmates had his/her guardian attending the programme. For the first time, it was a rendezvous with Bhanu's parents Mr. and Mrs. Bhansali.
Bhanu: (on seeing me restless) Agastya! Is Vinita jiji coming here?
Me: Really? I wish!
Bhanu: C'mon! You must have called her.
Me: No, I didn't. I called Mom and Dad but they refused.
Mrs. Bhansali: You are the topper! Your parents must come. How can they be so rude?
Bhanu: Mom, Agastya is getting restless and this means Vinita jiji is coming.
The juniors called us inside for it was getting late for the programme. Just at the moment I took the seat, I felt Vinita jiji has arrived. As I turned back, she and Bhavna Bhabhi together had come.
Gurudev were the chief guest at the programme and hence, he initiated it. Mr. Shaunak carried on with the host dialogues. He called my name at the stage to receive my graduation certificate, gold medal and letter of Appreciation.
Me: Jiji! Bhabhi! let's go!
(Ascending to the stage of the grandiose hall of the Vikram College.)
Me: Pranaam Gurudev!
Gurudev: Rise and Shine Agastya! Namaste Vinita ji! Namaste!
Both: Pranipaat!
(He handed me the Certificate while the Special Guest DSP Bhima wore me the gold medal and Vice Principal Anand Mohan sir handed me the Letter of Appreciation. My fellow juniors provided me a trophy as their 'Token of Love')
After me, Aisha collected her awards. Bhanu, Jagriti, Tanuja, Jaidev, Achyut, Mukul, Yug and Shakti followed her.
At the end of the programme, Mr. and Mrs. Bhansali wished to talk to Vinita jiji and Bhavna Bhabhi.
Mr. Bhansali: See, Bhanu and Agastya have been living together for a long period of more than three years. Both of our families know about it and have accepted their relation. But, before it goes too late, we wish to wedlock their relation.
Vinita jiji: (smiling) We too are awaiting the day they get married. But, Agastya's two brothers are yet bachelors. Unless and until they get married, how can Agastya marry your daughter.
Mrs. Bhansali: We are well-known of the fact. We don't have any suggestions but we wish they too get married soon. Actually, our mother is not liking this relationship elongate now. It was too difficult to make her understand but now, we are forced to get her married. Please, try to understand.
Bhavna Bhabhi: We understand Mrs. Bhansali. Agastya will too understand but our parents won't accept this.
Mr. Bhansali: See, if not Agastya, I will marry find her a suitable match. But, I can't wait now.
Vinita jiji: We have to discuss on this subject.
Mrs. Bhansali: Please, go ahead. You may call us on this number. We want a decision now.
Mr. Bhansali: Thank you! Namaste!
(Bhanu went with her parents.)
Vinita jiji: Agastya, did Bhanu propose you to marry her?
Me: Years ago!
Bhavna: Jiji, papaji won't care if Bhanu is married to anyone else!
Vinita jiji: Before that, he will believe that all that happened today is actually Agastya's planning to get married early.
Me: What happened? Please elaborate.
Bhavna: Agastya, Bhanu's parents want to marry her off to you without any delay. But..
Me: Unless Bhargava and Hemanta get married, I can't marry her.
Vinita jiji: What should we do now? We can't even initiate.
Bhavna: Agastya, please don't get angry! Did you ever have physical relation with Bhanu?
Me: No! We kissed, cuddled and hugged each other but it never happened. I have always avoided it.
Vinita jiji: That's the major problem. I get it now. Bhanu is forcing her parents to get her married to you.
Me: Why would she? I have promised her to marry.
Bhavna: Agastya! Understand it yourself.
Vinita jiji: Yeah! We have to return now. The bus departs at 9:40 p.m and it's already half past eight.
Bhavna: Take care Agastya!
Me: So, what to do next?
Bhavna: Bhanu will do all by herself. Don't resist! (laughs)
Next morning:
(Over phone call with Dakshit)
Me: Dakshit, my boss wants to get him an order for Dakshgram!
Dakshit: What did you answer him?
Me: I have assured him a meeting with you!
Dakshit: And what should I do in the meeting?
Me: You have to be so stingy and mean that he rejects the deal by himself.
Dakshit: And if he accepts my stinginess?
Me: Then, lets give him an order worth less a crore.
Dakshit: When are you scheduling our meeting?
Me: 29th of December.
26th of December:
(At Kasturi Bhavan)
Lokesh: Sir, the whole of project is almost complete but I couldn't makeover the blunder.
Me: Are the windows of study room ready?
Lokesh: The glasses are yet to be installed!
Me: Okay, come with me. Lokesh, we have to install blue shade concave glasses here. Adjacent to the pavement outside viewed straight from this point, install a lamp post made of blue shaded convex glass.
Lokesh: I didn't get you sir!
Me: This room is in the ESE of this house. Mixture of blue and yellow gives green colour! Do you get it now?
Lokesh: Oh! Sunlight effect! But, what about night time sir? People generally use study room at night.
Me: Aren't you the project manager?
Lokesh: Yes, but...
Me: C'mon Lokesh! Install blue lights on all three walls and give them a single connection. Simple!
Lokesh: My damn goodness! And what about the pooja room sir? We have to correct it too.
Me: Which university did you graduate in, Lokesh? Come with me!
Lokesh: Will we use the same trick here?
Me: Part of! See, this wall (behind Shri Krishna idol) is the main focus. We will first sketch shri yantra here. The main walls and the triangles of the yantra will be painted red such that its mixture with green gives yellow effect. Now, the rest is on you. By 29th of this month, I want it complete! No excuses!
Lokesh: Yes, sir!
(Back to office)
Me: Sir, the owner of Dakshgram has replied that he would meet you on 29th of December.
CEO: Wow, Agastya! I knew you would do it. I will get the deal and our branch will get recognition in this area! Good job Agastya!
Me: Sorry to say, sir! What If the deal doesn't work out?
CEO: Impossible! Agastya, it's investment time rather than profit making!
Later that evening, I had a video call from Dad:
Dad: Hello Agastya! How are you doing?
Me: Pranaam! I am well, dad. How about you?
Dad: Everyone is fine here. I had a call with Mr. Bhansali.
Me: Oh! (feeling awkward)
Dad: Are you ready to marry Bhanumati?
Me: Dad, I am not in hurry!
Dad: IF I ASK YOU TO MARRY ANYONE ELSE, WILL YOU?
Me: I will respect your decision, Dad!
Dad: Our mayor Ma'am Madhu too wishes to marry her daughter Kusum in our family. Your mom and brothers are too considering her.
Me: Kusum! But she won't be a nice pair with brother Bhargava and/or Hemanta.
Dad: Haha! Why so?
Me: Very low Compatibility!
Dad: And what about you? (smiles at me) Agastya, I have a wish! Will you fulfill it?
Me: Unless, it doesn't contradict with my vision!
Dad: I want to get all three of you married at once. Can you make that happen?
Me: Before I pledge you on this, why me, Dad?
Dad: Son, I am physically present here with the family but my heart is always with you. I feel to be living the life of Dev vrata Bhishma Pitamah!
Me: I pledge you to fulfill your wish, Dad!
Dad: Remain Blessed, my child!
Bhanu returned from her office where she worked as an associate to Mr. Nagar Lal Chaubey!
Me: How was your day, love?
Bhanu: As usual Agastya! Everyone throws tantrums, oh god!
Me: So pitiable! Right?
Bhanu: No, people are wise at attacking others and defending oneself but when things go awry, they lose their patience! I have no pity for such people!
Me: That's why they are pitiable, just like children!
Bhanu: You feel pity for everyone. I can't! How will you govern Dakshgram if you feel pity over all for whatever one does?
Me: Just like our ancestors did!
Bhanu: (smiling) That's fine! Nice.
Me: Bhanu, don't you think we are delaying our marriage?
Bhanu: (with eyes wide open in surprise) Agastya, you have no idea how restless I am to marry you. Wait, you must have a purpose! What are you hiding?
Me: I wanna kiss you first!
(muahh)
Me: Now listen, Dad wants all three of us to get married on a single day. We have to find them a good match!
Bhanu: Who do you consider for brother Bhargava?
Me: Jagriti!
Bhanu: Umm, nice! And brother Hemanta?
Me: Our mayor Sumati.
Bhanu: Really? It's a tough one. Only you can reach to her personal life, Agastya!
Me: Yes, and one more!
Bhanu: Aye, I am going to marry you!
Me: Of course my love. But I am talking about your brother Shubham!
Bhanu: Oh! Have you thought for him too?
Me: Yes, why not. How about Kusum?
Bhanu: Daughter of Ma'am Madhu? But she is our mayor!
Me: So, don't they get married?
Bhanu: But, she will find someone high class guy for her daughter.
Me: Don't worry! I just want you to convince your brother. Rest leave all to me! We all will get married at Dakshgram!
Bhanu: I feel it like a dream, Agastya!
Me: But, hunger is waking me up!
Bhanu: I will get something in ten minutes! (kisses my cheek and enters into Kitchen)
8 a.m., 29th of December:
Lokesh called me at the Kasturi Bhavan site. He didn't inform that Ma'am Kasturi and my boss were waiting for me at the site!
As I entered the house, Ma'am Kasturi had an angry look on me.
Me: Good morning sir! Good morning ma'am!
CEO: Good morning? My foot! I told you Agastya that Ma'am Kasturi is one of our most important clients. And you were supposed to supervise this project!
Me: Yes, sir. But, what mistake have I committed?
CEO: Oh! Don't behave so innocent Agastya! (pulled my hands) See, what have you done to this puja room? Do you believe anything magnificent can happen beyond this?
I got confused in his words and actions. Ma'am Kasturi started to laugh high. Everyone laughed.
Ma'am Kasturi: I must tell you are a wonderful person Agastya! This is beyond exception. I get mesmerized when I look at it. WOW!
CEO: Agastya, you not only corrected the mistake but saved our relations with Ma'am, saved Lokesh's job and even yours too.
Ma'am Kasturi: I had no idea that the study room was painted light green. Your idea stupefied me!
Lokesh: Yes, sir. These convex and concave glasses do magic here! Thank you sir!
Me: Lokesh, you just have to calm yourself when things turn to get wrong. As a project manager, you should have this basic quality. I could correct it the same day I noticed it but it was your job and I do not interfere in anyone's onus. So, I just did my job and nothing more than that.
Ma'am Kasturi: Anyway, thank you for this Agastya! I look forward to working with this company for more projects!
CEO: Thank you ma'am. You are always welcome!
Ma'am Kasturi: I have to leave now. Mr. Abhinav, I have organised a New Years Eve party at my residence! I am inviting you! Don't forget to come, Sunday evening 8 p.m. onwards!
CEO: Sure, ma'am. It's my pleasure!
Me: (after she had left) Sir, you have a meeting with the owner of Dakshgram, today at 1 p.m.
CEO: I am proud of you Agastya! Tell me what do you want?
Me: Sir, I want you to grant me leave for today!
CEO: Well, okay. Enjoy your day!
Me: Thank you sir!