IT WASN'T THAT SIMPLE

CHAPTER FIVE

It was already six months that Sid left his job and invested himself completely into the business, but it was yet to yield any financial gain. They had numerous meetings with potential investors but none of them were successful. However, there was one noticeable difference in Sid's approach post he left his resignation. He was way more confident and sounded more authenticated during his pitches. Though the things were still the same but it seemed as if he was happy and content by giving his best to his idea.

Also, Sid was back doing events. Within a month of quitting his job, he realized that even after dedicating ample time to the start-up, he could easily include some events in his calendar. So, he got in touch with the companies he used to previously partner with and informed them about his availability. As he was starting afresh, he wasn't handed over the responsibilities of big gags instantly. He had to start with small birthdays and karaoke events and gradually climb up the ladder.

Sid and Punit once thought of applying for a personal loan for their start-up investment but Sid didn't had a job and Punit wasn't eligible for the required amount of sum. They were disappointed that they didn't had that option in their sleeves but were also completely convinced that they needed investors to make the business happen. However, their failure to acquire funding was starting to make Ayesha a bit weary.

"So, what are you guys planning next?" Asked Ayesha while sipping her coffee at one of their regular, after-office dates.

"Nothing much," replied Punit as he drafted a query letter for one of the potential investors. "Same as usual."

After hesitating for some time, Ayesha questioned, "What if you guys don't get the investment?"

Punit wasn't amused by her query. "Why would you say so?" He shut down his laptop and continued, "Sid is giving his everything to this project. I am drafting and shooting query mails in our dates. Even during the free time in office, I am working on our idea. Why would you think that we won't get funded?"

Ayesha immediately understood that her tone was wrong, if not the question. She politely voiced, "I am not saying that you guys are not going to get funded. I am just considering the worst possibility. What if it doesn't work out the way you want it to be?"

"Well, we will try for another six months and still if we don't manage to raise funds, then I guess, I would continue my job and Sid would also join one."

"That would be an entire year gap on his resume. Getting a job won't be easy for him."

Punit was running out of his patience. "So what do you want me to tell Sid? Should I tell him to quit chasing his dream and go back to a job because Ayesha feels that our idea is not worth of getting funded and it won't be easy for you to get a job after a year? If that's what you want then you have to tell it to him yourself because I am not going to do that."

Punit was loud enough to draw the attention of the rest of the café towards them. Ayesha coldly said, "I never said that and you don't need to be rude. It's a discussion not an argument."

Punit immediately understood his gaffe. "I am sorry. I didn't mean to be loud but I need you to be on our side and not doubt us. Between office and start-up, my life is a mess right now and you are my only respite. The last thing I want to do is fight with you. So, if you want to ask question then let's go home, have some whiskey, cuddle each other and ask as many questions as you want to. I will be more than happy to answer all of them."

"You know very well that with whiskey and you, I hardly ask questions," smiled Ayesha. "But not tonight. I have a presentation to make and some relatives are, right now, waiting in my house because they haven't seen my face for a long time. So whiskey, you and I need to wait till the weekend."