04

2|• Dinner with Mehra's?

(In Russia)

I stood in my cabin, gazing out the window at the city view as I spoke on the phone. My vest suit was immaculately tailored, and my tone was professional and direct. I held the phone in my right hand, my left hand casually tucked into my pocket.

"Good morning, Mr. Johnson," I said, my deep voice firm and authoritative. "I trust you're doing well. I wanted to discuss the latest sales figures and our strategy moving forward."

I listened intently as Johnson responded, my expression thoughtful and my eyes fixed on the view outside. My tone remained steady and professional, even as we delved into the details of our discussion.

"I understand your concerns, Mr. Johnson, and I assure you that we're doing everything in our power to address them. I'll have my team send over the updated reports by the end of the day."

I paused, my gaze still fixed on the window as I considered Johnson's next question. "Yes, I believe we can definitely explore that option. I'll have my team look into it and get back to you."

As the call came to a close, I nodded to myself, my expression satisfied. Another productive conversation, another step forward for our business. I ended the call and stood there for a moment, my eyes still fixed on the view outside.

When the sound of the door opening broke the silence. I didn't need to look up to know who it was - Advait Singh, my trusted assistant and childhood friend.

"Sir, you have a meeting with Mr. Valentino from Italy in 20 minutes," Advait announced, his voice professional as always.

I nodded curtly, my eyes still fixed on the window. "Okay."

But my attention was already shifting to the next task at hand. I glanced at my wristwatch and then back at the file in front of me. "Call all employees to the conference room in 2 minutes," I instructed Advait.

Advait hesitated for a moment, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. "Sir, sudden-" he began to protest, but I cut him off with a stern look.

My gaze pierced through the floor, my eyes boring into the ground as if daring anyone to question my authority. Advait knew better than to argue with me when I was in this mood.

"Okay, sir," he nodded hastily and scurried out of the room to carry out my instructions.

🦄

I stood up from my chair, my eyes scanning the room with a sense of urgency. "So, you guys really are going to present these things to the investor?" I asked, my tone laced with skepticism.

"Except for Mr. Volkov, no one understood their work properly."

The room fell silent, and I could sense a collective nervousness emanating from the team. I glared at each of them, my expression stern.

"Time is money, and I don't have all day," I declared.

I paused, surveying the room to ensure everyone was paying attention. "I want everyone to correct your mistakes and put the file on my table in one day. Am I clear?" I demanded, my eyes narrowing slightly.

The team nodded in unison, their faces set with determination. "Yes, sir," they chorused.

I nodded "Good. I expect nothing but perfection. Get to work."

As I stepped into my office, the soft glow of the morning light streaming through the window illuminated the space, casting a warm ambiance.

I shrugged off my coat, letting it slide down my arms, and settled into the plush leather chair, feeling the familiar comfort envelop me. "Could you please provide me with the relevant file for review?" I called out, my voice low and even. "Sure"

Advait appeared, his footsteps quiet on the carpet, and placed the steaming cup on the edge of my desk, the aroma wafting up to greet me. I nodded, my eyes fixed on the screen as I typed, my fingers flying across the keyboard.

Just as I hit send on the email, my phone buzzed, but I ignored it, my focus solely on the task at hand. Advait cleared his throat, "Rudra, your coffee," he reminded me, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled and kept the file on the desk.

I looked up, our gazes meeting, and raised an eyebrow. I took a sip, feeling the rich flavors dance on my tongue, and nodded, "There are a lot of issues in this, and what's this? The development work is still stuck at 67%." I kept the mug down scanning the file.

"I apologize for the delay. I'll review the project timeline and discuss with the team to identify the roadblocks. We'll provide a revised completion plan by the end of the day." I nodded.

Suddenly, I noticed Advait staring at me, a curious expression on his face. "What?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Your sister's wedding is in a month, and you're still working your ass off?" Advait asked, taking a sip of his tea.

I sighed, knowing he was right. My mom had been calling me for months, asking me to come back to India for Kiara's wedding, but I had been putting it off, citing work commitments.

"It's a whole month away," I said, trying to downplay the situation.

Advait raised an eyebrow. "Your mom has been calling you from past three months, Rudra. She wants you to come home soon."

I knew he was right. My mom had been calling me nonstop, asking me to come back to India, but I had been convincing her that I would come this month. Deep down, though, I knew it was unlikely.

My work commitments were too heavy, but also I have to arrange my schedule soon because I can't upset Kiara she is more important for me from my work.

"You're 27, don't you want a partner? Someone who will love you and help control your anger issues?"

I snorted, my expression skeptical. "You think anyone can control my anger issues, Advait? Including me?" I shook my head, my eyes drifting back to my laptop screen. "I don't think so. It's out of my control."

There is no one in this world who can control me, no one.

Advait leaned forward, his eyes locked on mine. "Rudra, you need someone who can understand you, support you. You can't keep going on like this, alone and angry all the time."

I sighed, my patience wearing thin. "Advait, focus on work instead of my future, okay? I have a meeting with Mr. Valentino in 5 minutes."

Advait nodded. "Okay, boss. I'll let you prepare for your meeting."

He stood up, his eyes lingering on me for a moment before he turned and left the cabin.

🦄

"Hello Mr.Raichand", A guy greeted me in his Italian tone. "Hello, Mr.Valentino", I replied.

"Non vi ho fatto aspettare troppo?" Mr.valentino said and I smiled.

(I didn't keep you waiting too long, did I?)

"No, non c'è nulla del genere, sei arrivato proprio al momento giusto." I replied back in Italian tone. I know 9 languages including Indian language and Italian is one of them.

(No, there's nothing like that, you've arrived just at the right time.)

"Cosa dici, iniziamo la riunione, signor Raichand?" Valentino said.

(What do you say, shall we start the meeting, Mr. Raichand?)

"Certo", (sure)

Around after half hour the meeting was about to end. The smile on the person's face who was sitting in front of me speaking a lot about our company.

"Siamo molto soddisfatti della vostra azienda e delle vostre metodologie di lavoro, saremmo onorati di avere l'opportunità di collaborare con voi." Valentino said standing up from the chair.

(We are very pleased with your company and your work methodologies, we would be honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with you.)

"È un piacere per noi avere l'opportunità di lavorare con voi" I replied back earning a warm smile from him, after a handshake, Valentino went from there.

(It's a pleasure for us to have the opportunity to work with you)

Working with Valentino is like a getting success in your dream work.

🦄

As I finished my workout, I stood in front of the mirror in my washroom, catching my breath. Water droplets trickled down my skin, glistening in the light.

I took a moment to admire my reflection before heading for a warm bath. The soothing water washed away the sweat and fatigue, leaving me feeling relaxed.

After my bath, I wrapped a towel around my hair and began to dry off. I slipped into my pants and started ruffling my hair with the towel, trying to get rid of excess water.

Just as I was getting comfortable, my phone rang.

I turned towards the sound and picked up the phone, my heart sinking as I saw the caller ID. I took a deep breath, bracing myself for what was to come.

"Hello, Maa," I said, trying to sound cheerful.

"Cut the formalities, beta. When are you coming home?" Maa asked bluntly.

"The wedding is still a month away, Maa. I'll try my best to come in two weeks," I replied.

I heard her sighed. "Why take so much trouble, son? Do one thing I'll send you the wedding venue's location directly, you just come straight there",

"That sounds goo-" I began, but Maa cut me off.

"Idiot, I want you here in two days! If you don't come, I'll drag you back by your ear!"

"But Maa, I have work and-" I protested, but she wouldn't let me finish.

"I don't care about your work, and I won't listen to excuses today. Advait will handle everything. You're coming home and that's final. Am I clear?" Maa declared.

I knew better than to argue. "Yes, Maa."

"We have a dinner planned with the Mehras this weekend. I told them you're joining us," Maa continued.

"Okay Maa as you say. Can I go now?" I asked, eager to end the call.

"Hmm," Maa replied, and I hung up, tossing the phone onto the bed and rolling my eyes.

"Dinner with Mehra's",

******

First things first

I'ma say all the words inside my head

I'm fired up and tired of the way that things have been, oh ooh

The way that things have been, oh ooh

******

How's the entry and character of our main lead?

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1583 words.

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