The next morning, Kian arrived at the presidential suite of the Ritz at seven. He was welcomed enthusiastically by both father and son. "Come son" Mr. Merchant extended a welcoming arm to his guest and hugged him heartily; "Come, sit next to me."
Kian took the chair that was on the right of Mr. Merchant, while Milan took the one on the left. "What do you prefer – fruits or cereals?" – he asked
"Cereals, if you please." – said Kian.
Mr. Merchant helped Kian with his cereals and filled his own plate with fruits. Milan helped himself with a bit of both.
"I hear you are quite a sensation these days." Mr. Merchant remarked. "How was your meeting yesterday? Did the Frons bow down yet?"
"You knew about it?" Kian asked metaphorically
"Ah, come on!" Mr. Merchant objected; "Everybody is interested in what you do. Besides this is the most talked-about acquisition ever. Even Alysé can't help raving about you."
Kian felt his heart beating loud. He placed his spoon on the plate and rest his hands on his knee. "I just do what I know best," he said politely.
"Numbers speak my boy! Stock prices of "Cotton" have soared fifty per cent since you started showing interest in the company. Such is your impact in the corporate world. This is why people are scared of you."
These are the moments when Kian is painfully at loss for words. He was well aware that his speaker expected him to be humble and grateful for the adulation. But he was not. Why should he? Was he not worth his name?
Mr. Merchant laughed, "Come on now; have something; even a businessman needs his nourishment." He served him some fruits and said - "I suppose, this deal is as good as closed. What next? Any new projects in the pipeline?"
"Nothing concrete as of now" said Kian,
"Then, why don't you help Alysé? Teach her some tricks. That child is trying hard to establish her company."
"I hear she is doing quite well for herself. She has some big names in her kitty."
"Ah yes…she has something up her sleeves for now. It would be interesting to see how far she can go with it." the proud father said. But, the businessman in him was pensive and reflective. He said - "You see, she lacks the killer instinct. Sustaining business means taking hard decisions – one needs the courage and foresight. That's why I want you to watch over her."
"Well, the truth is that I don't know much about the franchisee business. Besides, I am good with numbers, not people."
"Which is why you are a perfect match! You take care of her interest and she can teach you people management." Mr. Merchant became excited.
Kian felt his heart race. Mr. Merchant had unwittingly stirred old feelings and evoked new thoughts and ideas within him. Words like 'perfect match' aligned well with his personal goals. They also threw light on his feelings.
He realized that this 'silly girl' meant more to him. He wished to see her more and know her better. But even his excited heart could not be diplomatic; he said - "I don't play a losing game..."
Mr. Merchant placed his fork on the plate and crossed his arms over his chest. Then, looking straight in the eye, he said - "What do you mean?"
"I don't like investing my energies into something that doesn't belong to me." Kian heard himself speak.
"Hmm, I understand." Mr. Merchant, the businessman, nodded. "What do you want?" His eyes narrowed and his brows furrowed. He knew Kian was a tough negotiator. He was alert, he would guard his girl's interest.
Kian leaned forward and rested his arms on the table. "Alysé." he said emphatically. "I want her hand in marriage and the sports company as her dowry."
Milan's eyes lit up in amused admiration, "Audacious and direct!" he said in absolute disbelief. "You really think outlandishly, don't you?"
But Kian was not surprised. The more he considered this 'outlandish proposal' the more confident he was of its sanity.
However, the father was not amused. "You don't waste any opportunity, do you?"
"Well, you know the Jindal genes." Kian said unabashedly.
Mr. Merchant chuckled. "I know what you mean. Either you have it or you don't - the Jindal trait. You father is the same."
He picked up the fork and shoved the watermelon piece into his mouth chewing it quietly while mulling over the proposal. "Well," he said in a while, "I don't decide things for her. She manages her affairs independently. Besides, there is a boy she is seeing…"
"I will woo her and win her heart." Kian interrupted sternly; "I am formally announcing my intention of marrying your daughter. I am asking for your blessings."
Mr. Merchant looked at him with consternation and said -"She is in love with that boy. I know her, she will never agree,"
"I will sweep her off her feet. She doesn't know what being with a man is. He can't protect her the way I do."
Mr. Merchant's antennas relaxed and he realized that Kian had got on the wrong train and was in for a bumpy ride. Judging from his determination, he also knew that it was useless arguing with him. He said - "Well, if you think so, then you have my permission."
Kian looked at his friend. Milan was not as stoic as his father. He wished to warn his friend; he said- "I'm not sure if you understand Alysé. Her heart is not a business that you can acquire. I'm afraid, you will end up burning yourself." said the doting brother.
"I will take my chances." Kian was adamant. "I want your support."
"You will fail and fall," Milan warned
"Even so…"
"Well," he said with a sigh, "If you insist..."
"Thank You." Kian nodded and said, "Don't tell her yet. I wish to woo her on my own."
His audience agreed.
"Also, I have studied her business proposal. It is comprehensive and seems promising. I have spoken with some of the directors in my company; they seem quite excited about the project. Our company will partner with Ten Sports[1] and be their partner for fifty per cent share."
Mr. Merchant nodded. "You'll need to discuss the business matters with her. Ten Sports is her independent venture."
"I will have the draft ready for her."
"Sounds good!" said Mr. Merchant. "Come… come, let's enjoy a hearty breakfast."
[1] Alyse' company