A Business Deal [MxM]

Chapter 1: Vansh

People are swarming in front of my eyes. I sigh looking at the conundrum caused by my sister's big fat Indian wedding. There was no way it was going to be low-key. Especially when she belongs to India's third largest conglomerate and is getting married to the older heir of India's second largest conglomerate. Clear enough, it is a business deal first; the parties in concern can fall in love later.

It is sangeet tonight. My sister Tara is on the stage with her friends, dancing to a mash-up of some Bollywood songs. Next up would be my almost brother-in-law Jagat with his friends. And then some more performances. It is going to be a long night ahead.

"Are you the next in line, Mr Vansh Shah?", asks Dhruv, Jagat's younger brother. He takes two more steps towards me and dissolves any distance between us. The worst of all human communication. Unwanted. Unasked for.

"Could be you too. Who knows?", I reply curtly.

He chuckles. "The assumption is good, but impractical. You are Tara's older brother, so very logically, you should have gotten married first."

"Says who?"

"Say ways of conglomerates."

I shake my head and take a step away from him. I can do without him disturbing my already turbulent state of mind. But bringing that point up was the worst thing he did. I am what one might call, kind-of engaged.

Marriage talks have been going on between me and Yashika Choksi, the youngest daughter of India's biggest fashion retail chain. Currently, Yashika is in the USA. Or did she move to Europe a while back? I don't remember. At the age of 29, she has two Masters degrees. I am sure the first one was in Business Administration. The second, fashion? Architecture? Fine Arts? I think it was something on the lines of law. Never mind. For all I know, she is way too intelligent for me. Our marriage would be a disaster. She has lived as much of a liberated life as I have been sheltered.

I am book smart, but give me practical things and I am the ultimate recipe for disaster. Two years back, I was given the responsibility of expanding our family's energy business in the solar power sector. My life has been pretty difficult since then. Especially, if you consider that solar panels are best for places with a good amount of sunlight. We did not want just 'good', but 'extreme'. Since then, I have travelled to the most arid and drought-prone places in the country. Supposedly, it is on-field training. Harsh climate has become a regular companion. Sunscreen hasn't been able to protect me from the tan either. That comes as an advantage perhaps, since it makes me look 'sexy'. I recently made it to the list of the country's sexiest men- one of the two businessmen to make it to the list otherwise monopolized by actors, sportsmen, and some models here and there. The other businessman who made it to the list- the one standing beside me, Dhruv Sanghvi, my brother-in-law or whatever.

I look at Dhruv and realize why I made it to a higher rank than him. Seeing how his brother Jagat just looks slightly better than an average Indian guy, Dhruv's looks are commendable. But then again, he takes after his mother more than his father.

He is wearing an embroidered midnight blue kurta with a pyjama of the same colour. With a plain silver dupatta around his neck, he reminds me of a popular actor in some song. I don't know how intentional his cosplay was, but I straightaway copied that actor's look from another song with my maroon kurta pyjama set and black dupatta.

He clears his throat. I shut my eyes and let out an exasperated sigh.

"What now?", I ask him.

"Why won't you go closer to where the people are sitting?"

"Why did you come here?"

"I did my part there. You did not."

"I have no part there."

Wanting to end this conversation, I just walk away from Dhruv and find myself another corner. As I settle in my new space, I spot him standing in the same place. He is talking to some guy who is now occupying the space I occupied earlier. From my spot, I can see three-fourths of Dhruv's face. I know why I ranked higher- I have a stubble, Dhruv does not. When men across the country are going around with stubbles and full beards, this guy just has a handlebar moustache. The difference makes him attractive I guess. But who cares anyways?

Dhruv is now smiling at the guy. His upper lip is almost concealed by his moustache, leaving just his teeth and lower lip visible in that wide grin.

My phone chimes. A text from Yashika. She needs a photo of me from today's event. Again. I click a few selfies from different angles and then begin deciding the best one to send over. I select two after some minutes of intense contemplation and send them over. She sends me a ton of heart emojis. She is smitten with me. I am sure of it. I smile looking at the phone screen.

"Who is it?" Dhruv's standing right next to me again, trying to peek.

I don't really have to look up from my screen to know it is him. His cologne tells me. I turn off my screen and slide my phone into the pocket of my kurta. "Why are you so concerned?"

Dhruv shrugs. "If you are getting married anytime soon, let me know. Ahh, I'd be among the first ones to know. We are almost family. I'll help you out." He gives me a smug smile.

"Why would I want your help? Especially when my to-be fiancé has a degree in fashion." I am not sure if she does. I just blurted it out. And I have no intention of marrying her. Why did I call her my to-be fiancé then?

Whatever was left of his smirk slowly vanishes. He nods his head and stands by my side. "Sure. You have your to-be fiancé.", Dhruv says. I notice a hint of despondency in his voice.

The uneasy silence is killing me. I blurt out, "You appear particularly sad about it."

"Sad or happy- I have no right in anyone else's business."

"What's the matter? Why do you appear all serious?"

"Nothing." He starts heading into the crowd before I can prod further.

He has disappeared into the crowd, and I can no longer spot him. He has great camouflaging skills. I chuckle to myself and take out my phone which has been buzzing for a while. I answer the call from Yashika.

"Hmm?"

"What's with the 'hmm'? I am still upset that I could not make it. You are enjoying all by yourself."

"What's there to enjoy? I am just tired."

"Don't lie. Make friends."

I chuckle. "Most people here are businessmen and directors. With whom do I strike a friendship?"

"It's a good time for business if not friendship. Strike a business deal if you can."

"Sure. I'll talk to you later." I end the call with a grin on my face. I still feel that Yashika is too smart for me. What I also know is that she puts me at ease. It is going to be a downfall either way. I just have to decide the intensity of it. My ruminations bring a huge grin on my face. As I look up, I see Dhruv looking at me. He is still in the crowd, but now visible. He looks away as soon as we make eye contact.

Her idea was good. Friendships might not necessarily be my thing, but I can improve myself in business to get rid of this inferiority complex. I haven't performed badly with the solar power sector handed over to me. I am learning. I can learn to be more practical.

I can strike one here. A business deal.