PART ONE
PRESENT DAY
LONDON
1
Raj Bhasin looked at himself in the reflection of his mirror for one last time before going out and facing the world, wearing a fake smile. He smiled for a while.
‘No. This looks too fake.’ He thought to himself and reduced the intensity of his smile. ‘No. This appears too formal.’ He chose something in between and then nodded. He looked good in his brown beard. He was soon reaching his forties and was ready to hit the benchmark with lots of success in the field of diamonds. For the first time in his life, he was taking a leap of faith in business and all because he trusted his mentor, Krit Jhunjhunwala.
He took a deep breath and forwarded towards the main event. He adjusted his suit and smiled at everyone who came in his way. Many recognizable faces were waiting for him in the garden area. He nodded in their direction and moved hurriedly towards the main hall where he was needed to address every guest.
Raj Bhasin waved in direction of the audience and took his place on the podium. Raj took a moment to inhale everything and get used to the surroundings. His eyes fell on the showcase of jewelry designs and beauty products at the entrance of the main hall. ‘At least Rahul is good at showcasing things and managing such huge events,’ Raj thought about his business partner, who was sitting in the front row with his Krit Jhunjhunwala and other chief guests of the event.
Raj was now ready to speak. He looked in the direction of his translator once and started his speech.
“I am elated to announce that Meer diamonds has now joined hands with the world’s one of the biggest suppliers and traders.” Raj nodded and thanked the person who was sitting in the front row. He raised his glass of wine, showing the gesture of accepting the praise. Everyone clapped.
“Meer diamonds started the journey in the world of diamonds just a few years back, and because of such short experience in the market, I was a little skeptical about the decision to take such a big step, but my partner, Mr. Rahul Singhania is quite confident about our move.”
Every eye was now on Rahul Singhania, who was beaming with happiness. His wife Angel was sitting next to him, and she smiled and patted Rahul in appreciation. Krit also nodded a bit but was silent.
“Today, we are starting our journey to take the products of Meer Diamonds among the common people of this country.” Raj Bhasin paused as the translator did her job of translating his words for the audience. In the front row, Angel and Rahul tried really hard to hide their disappointment.
“But nothing of this would have been possible if my adviser, my mentor, my Guru, Mr. Krit Jhunjhunwala, didn’t encourage me to take this step. He is the reason for me standing on this podium and making such a big decision for this company.”
Krit Jhunjhunwala was expecting such words from Raj Bhasin. Being in his mid-sixties, if he had anyone to call as a son in this lonely world, it was Raj Bhasin. He loved him and truly wanted the best for him. Everyone around started clapping for Krit and Rahul, and Aisha too joined the club. They also left their seats to clap for the man. Krit Jhunjhunwala took his time to stand up and waved while accepting the applause. He then moved to the podium. Raj took a side and left space for Krit to address the audience. No one stopped clapping till he was ready with the mike.
“I am amazed to hear so many claps for an unmarried man.” Krit showcased his skill of being witty with his words. Soon the room was filled with laughter. Krit’s eyes were now on Bhasin. He was laughing as well. His eyes then fall on Rahul. He fell silent.
“These two friends of mine, Raj and Rahul, consider me a lot. More than what I actually deserve. They call me a mentor and gave me so many fancy words. They are very kind. I am no match in front of their dedication and skills. But when someone comes to me asking for help, I am always available with my experience.”
Raj and Rahul both had their eyes glued on Krit.
“When Raj came to me with his problem, I simply said that there is nothing to worry about. The way he thinks to take the business forward is definitely a good idea.” Krit added. One of the members of the film fraternity from the audience raised his glass in appreciation.
“At last, both of them took the best possible decision for the company, and I am happy that now oldies like me can flaunt more about our beauty using Meer Diamond products.” Everyone laughed, and with this laughter, Krit took leave from everyone, and the event continued with other speakers and product showcases.
*****
Once the event ended, the jamboree started. Few of the guests were looking at the paintings hung in the hall, and a few others were busy discussing the catalog of Meer Diamonds with the employees. Rahul noticed everyone, showered the fake smile on everyone, and after getting a drink in his glass, he left towards the garden area. He gulped the glass and looked at Aisha managing the celebrities using her charm, and then his eyes fell on Krit, who was walking at the corner with Raj and discussing something. He wondered what they were cooking but knew this was not the time to interrupt. He left the glass in the tray of one of the waiters and moved away.
2
Raj and Krit were in deep discussion when the world around them was busy enjoying the lavish party.
“There’s nothing to fear or stop when you have decided to become a businessman. You know you can do nothing that will harm anyone. Be pure inside your soul, and I know you very well. You did nothing wrong even when you decided to found Meer Diamonds.”
Raj looked at Krit with no expressions, only with all his ears like an obedient child in front of a teacher.
Krit continued, “And not even now when you have thought to expand your business. Only the sky is the limit for a person like you.”
“The problem for me is Rahul. He wants to earn from even the last diamond we have in our bag.” Raj spoke his frustration out.
“There’s nothing wrong with it. You just need to take care of your speed and intentions.”
Krit then notices Angel walking toward him and Raj. He signals Raj to come out of the frustration and behave as society wants him to. Along with Angel, there was Shelby, a very famous Hollywood actress.
Angel hugged Krit and Raj and then introduced them to the actress. “This young man here with lots of experience is Krit Jhunjhunwala, and this oldy here with lots of Passion here is Raj Bhasin.” She smiled and induced her smile on everyone’s face.
Then she turned towards the actress, “And this gorgeous lady needs no introduction but still to freshen up your memory is Shelby, the Hollywood actress.”
“Glad to meet you both.” Shelby said and continued, “Thank you so much, Mr. Krit, for convincing your student, or else this boy of yours doesn’t even want to meet us.”
Her eyes were on Raj. Raj lowered his gaze. Krit understood something and smiled, and while rubbing his hand on Raj’s shoulder, he said, “Well, all I have is his.”
Krit took a moment to pause and observed Shelby and Raj. He then took his leave, “Well, now, if you’ll excuse me, this man got to eat.” He smiled and left. All three of them watched Krit leave to the buffet area.
“Really looking forward to your Diamonds Raj. There are certain things that people above me say. One of them is that celebrities can’t have everything. But thank you for agreeing with Rahul. It really means a lot.” Shelby’s tone changed drastically. It was sensuous now. For a moment, Raj did melt a bit but then held himself back together.
Angel looked at both of them with excitement, and then her eyes started to search for Rahul. He was talking to someone else. Angel thought, ‘Rahul is always in some other world.’
“Meer will never differentiate between its customers. Though prices may vary, the product is an assured best for the range.” Raj answered in a typical businessman way.
“Well Raj, Shelby didn’t mean that.” Angel tried to intervene.
“I love how you talk so freely with me. Every time I see the person beneath. Can you see Raj?” Shelby was shattered beneath but never showed her true self in front of anyone, not even Raj.
“Raj?” Angel took a gentle hand behind Raj and took him aside to talk in a whisper, “I am the one who invited Shelby to this party. I think you should now start thinking about building a family for yourself.
She waited for some response from Raj, but when nothing came, she took all her attention back to Shelby and said, “I’ll now take leave as well. I have some guests to attend. You two carry on, please. Shelby will see you at tonight’s party.”
Angel walked away, and the two were left with an awkward silence between them for a while.
Shelby wanted to say something, but Raj was looking somewhere else. They both wanted something else but were showing something different. After a while, Shelby couldn’t control her urge to finally ask the question she had intended to for eternity. “Raj, tell me, why can’t you like me? I have been so earthly, and yet don’t fall for me. Is it only me who sees something between us? Am I being a fool here investing my energy to turn this relationship into something else?”
“Earthly has got me till here. Maybe now I fear earthly.”
“Imagine just the two of us from here to a remote place cut out from the World. Isn’t it a great feeling?” Shelby wanted to see something in Raj, but Raj was stern like a wall.
“I think we should move inside. People are waiting for us.” Raj Bhasin was cold with his response. Shelby was now used to disappointments.
*****
“One of the followers asked me whether I have hidden a few of the diamonds somewhere so that I can use them in great depression when the Rupee has no value of their own.” Raj Bhasin started laughing. Krit and Rahul also joined him. They were standing next to Raj inside the main hall.
Diamonds on three plates were kept on display on a transparent glass shelf. Two guards were around it, keeping their eyes fixed and ready to attack if anything happened. Few couples in the center were dancing. Raj, Rahul, and Krit were standing at the side and laughing animatedly.
“That man is learning from the wrong person. He should come and learn from me.” Krit commented on the follower, and the laughter continued.
“One old guy was looking at the diamonds on display, and he commented, maybe one day I’ll be able to gift them to my wife. I went to him and said, of course, you can; they are quite affordable for a person like you. He replied I know that is not the issue. The issue is with my wife, who died a few years back.” This time Rahul made everyone laugh.
When the three were busy cracking jokes and laughing, Shelby came to Raj and, extending her hand, asked, “Would you like to join me on the floor to dance?”
Raj was reluctant at first, but Krit pushed him on the back, which was the signal for him to go with the flow.
They both moved to the center stage.
“I am grateful you accepted.” Shelby was being generous.
“Why would you think otherwise?”
“I don’t know. A guy who has achieved so much in such a short time can choose to reject.”
“Everybody has a choice.”
Shelby looks at him hopelessly. Raj always had to say something that spoils Shelby’s mood. She never got the love she deserved from Bhasin, but she was addicted to him. In a world where everyone wanted Shelby, Shelby chose Raj Bhasin.
“But don’t worry… I won’t impose that power upon you.” Raj smiled.
They continued dancing. The beat was getting romantic, and the two of them were getting close to each other.
“It’s like living one moment at a time with you. I wish to move on in life, but your thoughts never let me.” Shelby was keeping her gaze low. She was confessing her feelings.
Raj looks at her.
“I have one such moment planned for tonight. Come with me.” Shelby now took the hand of Raj and started to take him with her out of the hall.
Angel looked at the couple leaving. She knew the plan, and she smiled, watching the love grow. She picked up her glass of Champagne and enjoyed the vibe when she looked at the person standing next to him. It was Taluk.