Research

      

We enter the board room she clinging to me and Neel walking to my left. There are three people two men and a woman. I am worried that Miss Deshpande might fall, I tighten my grip and she does the same and I can’t resist a smile. We near the table. The first men approaches me and says “bonjour, I am Francois Bennoit” and extends his hand towards me. I let go of her and shake his hand firmly. He turns towards her and holds both her hands and blows kisses on both her cheeks and she flinches but smiles at him. I shrug.

He tells her “vous etes tres belle mademoiselle.” She smiles and thanks him for calling her beautiful, “meci beaucoup monsieur, vous etes gentil.”  She knows French? I look at her. We are interrupted by the woman, she says “hello everyone I am Elena and I think we should start on the purpose we are here for.” The man shrugs and laughs a bit and tells her “Elena tu n’es pas jamais tranquille.” And the woman just stares at him as we take our places. Elena was indeed rest less like Francois called her moments ago. The other man, David was quite. Elena seemed more business oriented than the other two and a bit shrewd. She starts talking again “I am indeed quite surprised to see three young and inexperienced people attend this meeting.”   

Amulya responds “inexperienced? Well ma’am can you please define your requirements for the project.”

Elena replies assertively “well, first the MD has no clue of administration, the CEO is new to the company and has no idea about our tie ups and the creative head is again new to the company and doesn’t know the working style we require.”

Before Amulya responds I chip in “well, looks like you have done your research Elena but you are not right about everything, even though all three of us are new to the company none of us are incapable to handle the project.”

She responds shrewdly “is that so Mr CEO? But if this is going to be one more of those useless we deserve a chance talks, I am not interested.”

I laugh and she cocks her head and Amulya and Neel glare at me. I ignore their glares and talk calmly “there you are again Elena, WRONG! There will be no talk about requesting for a chance. And about us three as a team, then let me enlighten the important points you have neglected in your research. Amulya may not know about administration but she is a Mass Com and a photography student and has experience. Neel has many published works to his credits which are quite good I am sure you might have found them, unless your research is not up to the mark and about me, I am here for the administration and I am not sure about how much you could find out about me but I don’t care.”

There is a knock on the door and Mr kukarni enters, Elena says sarcastically “well Mr Kulkarni you have chosen a boy for the company’s distraction huh? He has no manners of how to behave in a meeting.” And looks at me Mr Kulkarni’s eyes follow hers and rest on me.

I respond “well, Elena don’t you lack patience, do you always make deals hastily, is your talks with the Italian company one of the hasty decisions?” her face pales and she sips water. “Do you really think that deal will work out? Or are you really that foolish?” I add sarcastically.

Mr Kulkarni is quite surprised and asks “what are you talking about Raghav?”

“Sir, after Mrs Deshpande’s death, the beautiful and intelligent Elena here cracked a deal with the Italian Media house.”

Francois, David and Mr Kulkarni look at her and Amulya and Neel look at each other.

I continue, “So as I said Elena we are not talking about any chances for ourselves, and frankly you were the one who was going to waste our time. And now, that is how a research is done and so are we. Thank you every one I think our company will take your leave now.” And i signal Amulya and Neel to leave and they obey. As I am near the door I turn back and snap at her “well, Elena before you waste some more time let me tell you, your deal with the Italian company. Forget your 20 million as we have already made a deal with them for our next project. And as your company can’t bear the loss now they will be more than happy to mortgage it in pieces goodbye.” I smile and walk out.   

    

UNEXPECTED MISSION

 “Well, you clean up good Miss Kulkarni now you just have to finish your make up.” I say.

She looks at me in a quizzing manner and fidgets with her hands which rest on her skirt. And she replies “make up? I don’t want to I am ready to go.”

“No you are not and any way you just have to apply basic things I got you.” I reply calmly, maybe it’s the effect of those sparkling eyes.

“mmmn, about that I don’t know how to use them.” She replies hesitantly.

“What?? You are joking right? How can you not know to apply basic make up?” I ask shocked.

“I do know to apply Kajal and lip gloss, well that I apply most of the days but the rest nothing.”

“You freaking worked in a media house!” I say spitefully.

“When I went on air someone did the makeup, I am sure you would know that but other than that I do not use make up if you haven’t noticed.”

I simply gape at her and think of something to say but I can’t she has left me speech less. I just nod and leave the place. When I return I find Neel holding her hand and talking cheerfully. Oh! What am I going to do with these two? I barge towards them with the petite lady next to me and say “Amulya she is the superintendent of the guest affairs in this hotel, she will help you.”

She doesn’t say anything, just rises and smiles politely at the lady and walks into the room with her. I occupy her place next to Neel and think about the manner less girl’s polite smile. It makes me smile for some reason and relax thinking about her sparkling eyes and her in the formals. She doesn’t look that bad but she looks so different in formals. If I think about it she looks better in her hooligan attire and hair tied up in a bun. She looks good even when she is recklessly on a tree clicking pictures.

“Dude, are you listening?” Neel nudges me with his elbow.

“Oh! What? Can I have some peace?” I say disturbed as I am jostled out of my train of thoughts.

“Okay! I was just saying… isn’t she awesome?” he says animatedly.

I glare at him and he speaks again “do you think she would go out with me?”

I feel strange at his question, but why and without thinking I snap “I do not know and I do not care! Now, if you could just shut up it would be of a great help.”  And he shrugs and stays quite. After an agonizing period of 15 minutes and 32 seconds, I decide to talk to him, feeling a little guilty for my behavior. “Neel your bike is nice, I like it.”

He just smiles and nods muttering “thank you” at that precise moment the door opens and she comes out. Neel gets up and sprints to pull her into a hug. And I just stand there gaping at her like an absolute idiot. I try to look away but can’t. She looks beautiful; I measure her makeup which is just barely applied. I was right about her skin tone, the foundation merges well with her skin, I am sure that she hasn’t applied the Compact. She has applied Kajal, liner and some mascara and no eye shadow. Her lips shimmer with whatever amount of lip gloss she applied or not. She looks at me pulling out of Neel’s embrace and smiles her breath taking smile. I find myself breath less. I sigh and say “you look fine.”

Neel jumps in “FINE? Dude you must be crazy she looks anything but Just FINE!” Before I can respond she speaks “ Raghav, I can’t walk in heels.” And she fidgets again. I am surprised as I don’t get angry, well, what to expect from a girl who doesn’t know to apply eye liner. I reply calmly it is okay, I will escort you till your seat, and you can cling on to my arm. People will think I am just following high mannerisms and escorting a lady.”  And walk towards her and extend my arm towards her so she can slip her hand and we can be linked.

The Manner less girl in formals

The car steers away from the school and the view of Mr Kulkarni becomes distant in the rear view mirror. Why did he have to say all this, I can’t afford to side track myself from my motives but before that I need to concentrate on the today’s meeting and how to make her look presentable. The car pulls near Sigma mall. I get down and find the two idiots happily chattering and munching on burgers and fries. I walk towards them.

“Did you buy a dress?” I ask.

“Well not yet, how long can it take? We will buy once we have had our lunch. Here you can eat this she offers me a burger.”   She says while handing me the burger.

“Thank you but no and finish eating fast we do not have time.” I say glancing at my watch.

They look at each other roll their eyes and answer sulkily “fine” in unison.

We enter a store, she starts looking through some clothes, he joins her and both of them start chattering and laughing. I must take the situation into my hands. She must be sally’s size; I will pick out couple of dresses for her.

I look through few formals and decide on a black pencil skirt and a royal blue top. The top would make her eyes sparkle. She definitely wouldn't have any makeup things with her so I decide to buy that as well. Her skin tone must be 3; I buy foundation, concealer, compact, liner, kajal, lip gloss and mascara. I glance at them and they are still giggling looking at a pair of green jeans. I sigh and head towards the first floor to buy an important thing. Hopefully my guess is right…

I return after my purchase of black stilettos, they are still giggling away. ‘Stupid people’, I think to myself and head towards her and ask for her card.

“But we haven’t decided on anything” she says.

“Well I have, so just give me the card and both of you head towards the venue and Amulya freshen up before I come.” I say irritated.

“But I want to see what you have chosen.”  She says annoyed.

“Well no since you spent your time giggling away you don’t get to choose.”

“It is okay babe chill come lets go.” Neel slides his hand around her waist and they exit. Oh damn i forgot to ask I rush towards her pull her into a hug and whisper my concern.

“Have you done your legs?” I ask.

“Excuse me! I don’t...” she starts with her nonsense, I cut her mid-sentence,

“Oh please stop over reacting and just answer to the point.”

“Yes”, she gulps. Relief dawns on me and I release her from my embrace and say “great, you are good to go.” And they leave.

I finish the payment and head towards the venue, after a quite journey I reach the venue and look for her. Once I find her I hand over the bags. She looks at me doubt fully and goes into the room uncle had booked for us to get ready. Neel and I follow her.

She opens the door finally, we enter. Well she actually looks good in the skirt and that blue top. Her hair casually let down on her shoulders. Neel whistles at her and she smiles. She looks at me and I nod… her eyes do sparkle, I smile at her and she flashes her breathtaking smile.

The reckless and the Avenger

Yes, that is what I thought, I do not want spend another moment listening to you, you can go in the car. So, Neel tell me.” she states angrily.

“I have an Avenger.” He says looking a little confused.

“Great, I will ride.” She says.

“What? You are going to ride?” both mr Kukarni and I say.

“Why? Can’t I? You people can’t be chauvinistic.”  She says shocked.

“No, I didn’t know you could ride, and what about license?” he asks.

“I have an international license and I have it with me in my pocket.” She replies. “Neel please get your Avenger.” He goes and she gives me a cold look…

He arrives with his red Avenger, and hands her his helmet. she climbs on and wears the helmet and the engine roars with life.

“You can’t ride.” I blurt without knowing why.

“What the hell is our problem dude? Who are you now, my mother?” She says and her face drops and her eyes reflect anguish.

Damn! I have to think fast I end up saying “you are new to Bangalore; you don’t know the roads well.”

She looks satisfied with my answer and says “well, you are right.” She turns to Neel and says “hop on, you can guide me.”

“Then why can’t he ride? Or all the three of you just go in the car.” Mr Kulkarni says voicing out my opinion.

“Uncle, I am riding end of discussion. It is Neel’s bike and he doesn't mind.” She asserts.

Neel nods at her and he smiles. And he mounts the bike behind her.

“It is in UB city, you can buy a dress in Sigma or EVA.” Mr Kulkarni says and sighs.

Both of them nod and she speeds of, leaving us behind.

“I am worried about her.” Mr Kulkarni says.

“I understand.” I manage to say.

“Well, get going. Here is your phone; I noticed you didn't have one, take this all the contacts you need are stored even Neel’s you can call him so you can find them and choose a dress for her.” He says.

“Thank you mr Kulkarni, that is very kind of you.”

“ Raghav,  call me uncle, and take care of her and yourself. I understand it is very hard to leave everything behind and come to a different country, with no family, no friends and nothing familiar.” He smiles gently and adds “if you need anything call me.”

I nod impishly and climb into the car.

PHOTOS AND BIKES

“You climbed a tree? What is wrong with you what if something happened to you?” a worried mr Kulkarni asks.

“Well, I was clicking a picture for City’s edition this week and you don’t need to worry about me. Thank you but I can manage. Where is the venue?”

What she is going to a meeting like a hooligan? Stupid woman! I can’t resist myself and say “you can’t be serious about coming to the meeting like this!”

“It shouldn’t matter to you and who told you would be coming with me?” she snarls.

“Of course he is going with you, he is the CEO. Even Neel is going with you because he will lead the creative team for the magazine. And Raghav is right you have to be more formal. Amulya, I know it will be hard but you have to.”

“I don’t have formal clothes, I didn’t get enough money to buy something now.” She says making circles with her feet.

“Are you serious? Not even a pair?” I ask genuinely curious.

Before she says anything her uncle hands her a card, her phone and says, “Take the card, the pin no is stored in your phone.” Then he looks at me and says,

“Raghav, you chose a dress for her.”

“What nonsense, why should he? I can choose my own.” She snorts again!

“I am sure you can kiddo, but he seems to have a good taste and he knows more about corporate things. There is a mall on the way take the car I came in.” he says.

“Neel how did you come here?” she asks.

Why does she want that? She wastes so much of time. “Can we just leave? I don’t want us to be a minute late.” I say.

DISCOVERY

“Have a look isn't it good?” he says still looking at her.

I look at it; the picture is just a regular scene… It was of a couple who were walking with a baby in the guy’s arms. A group of friends passing by laughing, two were pointing at each other and two others were giving hi fives. A girl who looked angry about something and was talking over phone and a vegetable vendor was pushing his cart and he was being followed by a dog.

“Yes, it is fine” I say.

“Fine? What is wrong with you? Look at the colours, the lighting and the life in it.”

Before I can respond she cuts in “what are you doing here?”

This stupid girl is asking me what I am doing here. “Why the hell don’t you have a phone? And why the hell aren’t you in the office?”

“Excuse me I am not answerable to you.” She snorts again.

“I am absolutely not sorry to tell you that you are crazy, irresponsible and extremely manner less and stop snorting you are not a pig.”

“I am not an employee who works in your father’s company, you have no rights to talk to me like that and get the hell out of this place and can very well get the hell out of the company.” She hisses.

“Hey guys can you please stop fighting?” he says.

“Stay out of this” she and I say together staring at him, we see a car enter. Mr Kulkarni gets down and walks towards us.

“Hello Raghav, you found her finally, good.” Mr Kulkarni says.

“Amulya please carry your cell phone around.” He tells her looking at her in a loving manner.

“Yes, that is a good advice Mr Kulkarni and I hope she follows it.” I say and I snort. This girl made me snort!

He looks at the hippie looking guy and asks him “and you are?”

“I am Neel, the new photographer for ‘City Lights’ it is an honour to meet you sir.” The photographer says.

“Oh yes, you are the new photographer great. Welcome to the media house.”  He smiles and looks again at her.

“Amulya, ‘City Light’ is our weekly magazine. Madhurya was proud of it.” He says.

“Of course, she is proud of the magazine, the channel and the publishing house everything except me.” She laughs. “Please can we not talk about her?” and half smiles.

What was the deal with this girl anyway? May be her mother, well she ruined her life like my mother’s. Only reason I pity this manner less girl but I must concentrate on the plan.

I am interrupted by her uncle.

“Amulya, okay as you wish, I came here to tell you that our French collaborators want to meet you. And There is a board meeting a well, the collaborators from Spain and Italy are not here today though I want you to go to the venue immediately so that you can get briefed about it” he says.                                

“Hold on, you are Amulya Deshpande? The one who owns the media house? And you climb trees to click pictures? Wow! The photographer chips in.

hold, zoom and click

I walk towards the school, still thinking about her. I see a small gate and I try to open it, it squeaks while opening which wakes up a sleepy guard. He asks

“Yen agbekittu sir?” (what is it that you want)

“Press, kulkarni madam idara?” I ask whether she is inside the school.

He looks puzzled yet he lets me inside the gate to an open ground which is huge, children scattered into groups. Some playing, some talking and laughing and some others were running across the field making the dust rise from the ground. The dust cleared its path to a glimpse of her. Her sight made me smile slightly but it ceased due to the shock I felt. This crazy girl had climbed a tree and was trying to click a picture!! Stupid woman, I hope she falls and breaks her neck for this reckless behavior.

She says “ nodu hige hidkondu zoom madi click madu.” (see, hold it like I am holding then zoom the lens and click.) And she flashes her smile. She gets down from the tree and pats the little girl’s shoulder, she was teaching.

Another flash, I try to locate its origin a guy, my height but more like a hippie, just like her! She looks at him. he walks towards her, so do I. Before I can utter a word, he starts with introductory pleasantries.

“I am Neel” the new photographer for Medias, so.. I hope you are another photographer, because you are doing my job. He smiles.

She smiles back and replies “oh yes, this is my last photo. I was told that I was going to be replaced by a better photographer. Nice to meet you.” She snorts and smiles again.

I feel like banging my head into the same tree she was earlier on. She is pranking him! And who snorts? This crazy girl is so damn manner less. He smiles back with a confused look and says.

“Oh, well the way you clicked that picture from the tree, I bet you know your angles and positions.” His smile widens.

Wonderful, just wonderful! He was Flirting and dirty talking with some stranger that too during work. What a start, I wonder what she would say.

She arcs her eye brow and snorts again and says “well I just hope your angles and positions as a photographer are good, otherwise you will end up just like me ‘job less’.” And she smiles.

“Hey, that is what I said, anyways can I see the picture you clicked?” he asks.

She fidgets with the camera and he clicks her picture again. She shrugs and gives him the camera. He looks and smiles.

“That is a nice picture, why did they hire me? I wonder.” Finally he notices my presence and hands me the camera. She sees me and freezes.