I can't count how many businessmen are sitting at this enormous meeting table. Before coming here, I left my heart on my mother's burning body!
My father and Dhiraj, who is my best friend, are resting by my sides, but I still feel alone.
My father, his shining bright black eyes are dull now. His happy pale face is reflecting his sorrow through the wrinkles today. His smile lines are deeper and his black hair is trying its best to fit on the black suit he's wearing.
He's been well nurtured and fit because he and my mother took care of their bodies, but today he looks fatigued.
For the first time in my life, I'm sitting on a chief chair. My mother used to sit on it. She'd never let me sit on it, and always said, you have to earn it first.
So, today, I'm not certain if I've earned it or I just get to sit here, because she's dead. Why did she sign the will in my name? She could've passed it to my father. I'm just 21!
Glasses raise a cheer up, and my father's speech catches everyone's awareness, drawing the night ahead. "Thank you! Everyone, to be here tonight, this is a tough chapter for me and my daughters. I deeply appreciate your presence with us at such a moment of our life."
My heart's beating as if it would come out at any minute. My black long dress is getting dirty because of the heels that I'm twisting unconsciously.
His eyes are mournful as he adds, "but as my wife wished, my first daughter, to take the business in her hands, so, we're here to honor my daughter's coronation and to always remember my wife's departure."
As I realize what am I about to do, I recall my mother saying, everything you do, always be one hundred percent sure!
I don't know Maa, if I'm certain about this, I'm not given an option to think this through. But I'll do it because you entrusted me with this.
Lifting my glass of liquor, I stood up after confirming the will, "to my mother, Nidhi Yash. I here take the business in my hands, my witness to be all of you! In the name of my mother, I vow to be the leader and the boss you all aspire me to be. Cheers!" I'm bewildered to be here, even more, to say this.
Not even a day has passed since my mother's cremation to be turned into ashes. And here I am, claiming the business.
All the investors, corporation, and major stakeholders might have established their misery for my mother's death, but I can see the greed in their eyes. Their black suits can't deceive my clear eyes.
Dhiraj, who's also sitting next to me, is Mr. Kaul, his father's substitute, my mother's secretary. I can see him as disturbed as I am. His black curly hair is uncombed today, his black suit exposes a little of his chest adding a glint to his brown skin, and his square face is making his sharp jaw more visible.
His dark black eyes find their way to me, exposing the anger burning in his eyes as he clenches his jaw.
"Ms. Nanmani, there's a union in Delhi, and your presence is a must there." Mr. Hans says as I glance at my father. Really? We're talking about the party, right now? He blinks calmly, expressing to me to calm down. I guess my reaction was quite visible. And after all, everything is about business in the end.
Always be temperate Nanmani. You are more hot-tempered and sensitive than you realize you are. Let no one learn what you're feeling or thinking. I recall my mother saying this when I had a fight with my classmate.
I remember I slapped a boy once, I was seventeen and was strolling down the lobby of my school when he shoved my shoulder, this has taken place a lot before, so, I knew it wasn't an accident. He was wandering with a few of his bratty friends and didn't bother to apologize, on which I lashed out.
I ended up in a principal's office by just a mere and worthy slap on his face. And when I came home, my mother wasn't bitter because I slapped him, she was unhappy with the tactic I used, - you could've been moderate, you don't know the benefits of compassion!
"Yes, Nanmani, Mr. Chatterjee wishes to meet you. He has something very important to discuss with you!" My father talks. I want to ask why, but right now I can't.
"I will be present at Mr. Chatterjee's party. Thank you for instructing me, Mr. Hans!" I try to be calm and be respectful, playing the same game as him.
The meeting went on, with everyone proposing new arrangements and offers, and advising me about other political and trade affairs I have to attend.
I want to be out of here as soon as possible. Dhiraj's eyes are fixed on the clock hanging on the wall. He can just smile at all the members picking at him. I see anger in his eyes as I reach for his hand to soothe him softly.
The meeting was one hour long. I say my goodbyes to all the members, taking a seat afterward. "Papa, why do I have to attend a party in such situations?" I speak, fisting my hand on the table.
He sits down on the chair by my side, after locking the door. His hand reaches to my fist, soothing it down. "Mr. Chatterjee is your mother's God brother. He's known her since she took the business in her hands."
"How does that work with me?"
"It does. Not only he was a brother, but an ally as well. He occupies a dominant place on political ground, as you know. It's going to be a very important party. Do not let your mother down." He gets up, running his hand on my head, "I'm going home. Your sister is alone. Come when you're ready."
"What is going to happen there?" I ask before he leaves the room.
"I don't know. Your mother never told me about what took place between them, what they talked about, or any arrangements they signed for. I just know it was always extremely prominent for her, and she missed no party or meeting with him. And I know you can do this!"
Leaving me alone to marvel, Dhiraj steps in. "Was it about Mr. Chatterjee?" I simply nod, instructing him, "prepare, for the Asthi Visarjan (bone immersion after death), we're leaving tomorrow!"