An Underrated's Story

Chapter 1

“So, ladies and gentlemen, presenting to you the new age path-breaking analytical tool which would transform the way the data is represented from here on. It’s simple, robust and faster than the tools available in the market. It would work on any kind of data: structured or unstructured. You can even build breathtaking visuals from a simple notepad.” Arun, the Vice President of ANSY (ANalytical SYstems) explained about the new tool which his company is rolling out into the market. Everyone in the media session is paying the full attention as the new tool is coming up with many cool features, this tool is a part of big plans him and his father Arun have for a hostile takeover of the chairman’s position of the United group, who have their sizeable presence in Energy, Hospitality, Technology and Retail Markets.

A week Earlier at Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai

Arun is savoring the taste of his second cup of his Espresso with an amazing view of The Gateway of India in Sea Lounge Restaurant. He read the message stating the pending amount of the deal is debited. As the clock is ticking his impatience is growing. After a good five minutes he finally took his mobile and dialed the number, but he heard someone’s phone ringing very near to him, he saw Mayukh taking his seat in front of Arun. “Do you think that you are worth five extra minutes of my time?” Arun taunted. “Well, it was decided that we will meet at three!” said Mayukh gazing at Arun’s watch which showed the bigger needle at 12 and smaller needle at 3. He waved at the waiter. The waiter came to him with the Menu, Mayukh ran through the menu and ordered Kukicha for him. As the waiter left Mayukh handed an envelope to Arun which he snatched and read it.

“What is this?” Arun asked with an irritated voice. “It’s an invoice for the tool I have developed” replied Mayukh.

“I didn’t come for this!” Arun exasperated.

“Did you get your laptop?” asked Mayukh. Arun nodded at his men and Rishabh was given his laptop.

Mayukh opened his Drop Box in his laptop and downloaded his tool launch presentation and passed the laptop to Arun.

Arun scrolled through the slides and was flabbergasted with the number of slides he had to present.

“Should I memorize all this?” asked Arun, Mayukh nodded his head in approval savoring his tea and enjoying the beauty of the sea.

“If you pay me another 2 million, I’ll give you prompting on your D-Day” Mayukh replied nonchalantly.

“That’s too much” Arun said. Mayukh completed his tea and asked for a check.

“Okay, Fine!” Arun groaned as Mayukh started to leave paying his bill.

“I need access to the auditorium security room and get yourself a Bluetooth earbud.” Said Mayukh leaving the table. Arun cursed Rishabh under his breath.

Present Day

“This marks the end of the presentation. I’ll be happy to answer your queries” said Arun on completing his presentation.

“I have not received my payment” said Mayukh. Arun scoffed on hearing the statement which was clearly audible to Rishabh.

Someone from the audience raised their hand, and Arun turned his attention towards them. “You already have a similar tool in the market, what’s the need to come up with a new tool?” asked the person who raised his hand.

“Did we have one already?” murmured Arun under his breath. Nervousness started to creep in. Arun switched off the mic and started to tap the mic indicating the mic is not functioning properly. His men immediately ran to him to check the mic

“Why are you silent? Come on speak” Arun screamed in a low voice. Mayukh chuckled and nodded his head. He noticed one of the security personnel watching a cricket match on his mobile. He asked whether he could also join, the security personnel kept his mobile in the middle so that both could see the match. “Man, the ball is in the line and it's a clear plumb why did the batsman go for DRS?” exclaimed Mayukh watching the match.