Part 63

Arnav came out of his cabin after the call with Raj and saw Sham entering the office. He looked little tensed. Arnav for the first time, went ahead and talked to Sham. He discussed with him the next moves and also gave him the message that Raj wanted to talk to Sham immediately. Arnav ordered his system administrator to set up the call for sham and left office with Aakash. They had a board member meeting in the evening.

Sham knew this was his big chance to win over these peoples' hostility. He had to do this and get back the project in order to survive. He had two issues to address. The re-tendering issue and "protecting" anjali's interest in AR Group.

** *** ***

The meeting started off well. But when it came to ploughing some of the reserves from apparels and accessories companies, Arnav sensed some restlessness among the board members. These two divisions had many prominent businessmen on the Board. Arnav explained them the need of the hour. Most of them seem to agree that this was a better method to raise immediate finance.

"But then. Are we not diluting the profits for these companies? What if this new consignment gets rejected again? What will be the gain for these companies?"Asked Sham in silky voice.

"I don't see any mutual benefit in this ploughing back of the reserves. Further the apparels are not rejected so there is no loss for our company!" He said. Arnav looked at him raising his eyebrow.

"I mean... I am talking on behalf of my wife. She has Major share in this company and I need to protect her interest!" He said looking at the other board members.  "Nothing personal, Saale Saab!" he added sweetly. 

Arnav and Aakash looked at each other. Were they losing this battle?
Arnav got up from his seat and started the projector for his presentation on this issue.

Arnav's presentation was full of data and numbers with graphs emphasizing on the need for pulling the resources. He made it clear that though the companies were individually managed their objective was the collective growth. The other members seemed to agree on this but Sham harped upon his contention of not agreeing to pull the finance from Apparel division.  There seemed to be a deadlock again with no agreement...!

"But Mr. Sham... How are you involved in this? Mrs. Anjali holds the shares...!"  One of the board member raised an objection for Sham's involvement in this meeting. Holding on to this, Arnav pushed his contention and won, the resolution was passed and He took a sigh of relief.

"Aakash, I have some more work in the office. You go ahead and help Di. Panditji is coming in the evening to help in preparation of the Pooja." He told Aakash.

When he came home late in the eveing, he found his di very upset and sad.
"What is it Di?" he asked looking at Aakash. Aakash shrugged. He looked at Sham who looked away immediately and started to leave the hall.

"Jijaji!" Arnav called him back. "Its little urgent. I mean.. I received a mail and you may have to leave for Mumbai at your earliest. The big meeting is scheduled day after tomorrow. May be you can leave tomorrow evening after the pooja! I will arrange.." He said talking slowly, taking his own time to convey his message.

"I will leave tomorrow morning!" Said sham grumbling. Arnav looked surprised.

"What? You have pooja tomorrow, right?" he asked looking at his sulking Di.

"Yes, but its of no use for him! Chote... Panditji had come to overlook on the preparations. He has warned us about a grave danger. He says there is a threat to his life. I have to do vrat and fasting before the pooja and ... and.." She started weeping silently.

Arnav was upset. He came to his Di consoling her. "Di, what rubbish? What danger? I mean I don't believe in this. Don't be so superstitious Di! Nothing will happen.." He said holding her hands.

"No chote... its not like that. He is in danger.. and I don't want to take any chances. Panditji said, he we cannot perform the pooja together, it will not have its right effect and the purpose for which its being done will be futile. So I have to do the pooja alone." She started crying. Arnav stood there not knowing what to do. He exchanged looks with Aakash. Aakash looked equally sad.

"Chote... Panditji said things are not good for me for next three months. My Saturn crosses with his planets and if.. if we stay together ... his... his life is in danger..."She broke down crying.  Arnav ran forward to support his Di.  Sham looked on aghast!!