C3 Chapter 2

Shivansh POV

The alarm rang beside my bed at exact 5:30 in the morning. Rubbing my eyes I get rid of the remaining sleep and walk to the washroom to freshen up. Within half an hour I was ready on my track pants and shirt to hit the gymnasium of my penthouse with a bottle of water in my hands.

The phone in my pant pocket vibrates and I connect the earpiece walking on the treadmill. "Good Morning Mom." Within a minute of connecting to the call the peaceful features on my face transform to annoyance but my voice restricts in control as I speak to the lone woman I love in the complete universe. "What did he do?" My tone was composed hiding the indignation. "Don't worry, I will handle him and set everything right." I assure my mother regarding the out turned events concerning my brother. Atul had been the spoilt boy of our family. Being the younger among the two of us, he had been the pampered little lad of our parents since he was a kid and the consequences are - today he is beyond control. Partying, drinking beyond limits, girls and motor cycle races have become his life style over the later years. Mom is always worried about him concerning the upshots of his reckless actions.

The present worry of my mother is the hit and run case registered upon him for rash driving and consumption of alcohol beyond the limits. "Hello Mr Harshwardhan....I hope you will take care regarding the case imposed on my brother." I dial the superintendent of police and assure him that I would keep a close watch on my brother. Opening the call list of my phone, I dial the next number most warranted. "Atul" my voice resonates in the silent walls of the gymnasium. "Shut the hell up." I chastise him for an explanation as my face goes red transpiring to an untameable fury. "This is the last warning I am giving you." My voice transforms to an unearthly roar. "Else, you wouldn't wish to hear what I am going to do to you." For a few seconds there was a pin drop silence at the other end and then I hear his trembling voice in a short whisper. "This will not happen again big bro."

Dressing in a sky blue shirt and navy blue pants I prepare my usual breakfast, a toast with eggs and a glass of orange juice. "Hi Baby, you are up early? When are we going to meet again?" The girl from yesterday night calls me from the stairs of the spare bedroom. "Never" I answer her composed sipping on my juice. "A complimentary gift would reach your address before the evening." I tell her sparing no glance checking the mails on my phone. In a blazing anger the words fall out of her lips like pelting stones. "How dare you...." I don't let her complete. "All the terms and conditions were made clear to you before you reached this place and you signed the deal under your complete conscience. Now get out of my house before the security comes and drags you out." I tell her giving out no emotions as I type the replies for the mails of primary importance.

Two hours later

I dialled my receptionist, "Sara, call Mr Lal to my office within ten minutes."A few minutes later there was a knock at my door. I was looking into my company's balance sheet and could unfurl innumerable errors in the numbers projected. I had taken over my dad's company two years ago after completion of Masters in Business Administration in Stanford University, California... United States. Since then I had worked almost 24/7 throughout the years and expanded our company three times its original since my takeover.

Mr Lal was standing across the table. His face was red as good as a tomato. Nervousness evident on his posture and his hands were slightly shaking. I am ethical and compassionate person but as far as my business is concerned, I am cold hearted boss who works only under terms and profits. "Mr Lal how could you be so irresponsible towards your job?" I reprimand answers scowling at our accountant for miscalculating the previous month's turnover.

Mr Lal had been accountant in our firm for the last 20 years and had been a trustworthy, responsible employee since I was four. He had been like a family. During the recent course of the events I notice him slightly distracted from work. I respect him for the dedication he had shown towards our company all his life but now the situation is going beyond control. I excused giving him soft cautions during the hitherto instances but he is taking away all my patience by committing frivolous errors even a layman would not make.

"Take a seat Mr Lal." I regard the elderly accountant. "What's the matter, Mr Lal? You had been messing with the balance sheets and your ledgers are improper." My voice goes commanding and authoritative as I lean back on the comfortable leather seat giving him my undivided attention. He trembles with anxiety smitten on his face and answered me with quivering lips "Sir, I apologize for giving you the trouble and promise to give my undivided attention towards my work. Please excuse me considering this as the last chance."

I dismiss his needless blabber and state in dominance. "Mr Lal I know there is some issue which is bothering you and I am not going to take further chances on this matter considering the well being of our enterprise. As an aged employee of the company with many unprecedented years of work I promise you any kind of help and support which deems warranted. Now tell me what's your problem otherwise I am afraid, I may have to oust you name from the employee payroll?"

Wiping the small droplets of sweat appearing on his forehead Mr Lal answers my question shaking in nervousness. "Sir, I am diagnosed of terminal stage lung cancer. I have a son who is in his seventh grade and my daughter is in her final year of graduation. I started my career in your company with a salary of two thousand per month. Even with all the savings I pooled up and increments over the years I am not able to pull up a gratuity of at least ten lakhs. My doctor told me that my days are numbered in this world. I am worried about my finances and the life of my wife, children after my death because of which I am not able to concentrate on my work. I know my health and family are private matters and I truly regret for my conduct towards work but please don't remove me from this job. This is the last hope I have in my life."

I was completely shocked over Mr Lal's indisposed revelation. It was difficult to form words to console the aged employee who had grown his hair gray working for my company. Learning about his health, there was not much that could be done to save him but I was determined to support his family and help the old man to die in peace.

Bringing out the cheque book from the drawer of my table I sign a fifty lakhs cheque that could stand as a support. Lifting of my seat, I circle the table and pat his shoulder as he faces me tensed. "Everything will be fine and taken care regarding your family Mr Lal." I promise him and handover the cheque. Mr Lal visibly relaxes in front of me with a smile edging over his sad features. "Sir, I and my family will ever be grateful to you for your generosity." He tells me in immense pleasure with his eyes shedding happy tears. I pat his droopy shoulders one more time and speak with an enriching smile. "I have a condition. From today forward you will work for the firm giving your utmost dedication and." He wouldn't let me complete "Yes sir." His reply goes decisive and firm this time, with all the negativity driven away.