Rhythms of the Heart ✅

34

The conference hall buzzed with activity as the final presentations drew to a close. Neel, his adrenaline still pumping from his well-received speech, stood amidst a throng of impressed attendees. He'd represented Oberoi Enterprises with confidence and poise, leaving no doubt about his potential as the future heir.

"Mr. Oberoi," a distinguished voice boomed from behind him. Neel turned to see Mr. Agarwal, a leading figure in the industry, extending his hand. "A truly impressive presentation. You have a natural charisma, young man."

Neel shook Mr. Agarwal's hand, his heart skipping a beat. He'd long admired Mr. Agarwal's business acumen. "Thank you, Mr. Agarwal. It's an honor to meet you."

"The honor is mine," Mr. Agarwal replied, his gaze lingering on Neel for a moment. "Your father will be very proud. He's a fortunate man to have such a capable son."

Neel felt a surge of pride. Representing his father, his future, had added a whole new weight to his words. This wasn't just about proving himself; it was about upholding a legacy.

Just then, his phone buzzed. It was Ishaan, his best friend, calling to check in. He excused himself from Mr. Agarwal and stepped aside for a quick chat.

"Dude, where have you been hiding?" Ishaan's voice crackled through the phone. "Paris, huh? Fancy."

"Just doing my duty," Neel chuckled, keeping his voice low. "Conference is just wrapping up."

As they chatted, Neel noticed Mr. Agarwal approaching again, a smile on his face. He politely ended the call.

"Mr. Oberoi," Mr. Agarwal said, "I was just having a conversation with my son, Veer. He mentioned you two haven't had a chance to meet. Veer!"

A tall, friendly-looking man emerged from the crowd. "Neel Oberoi, this is my son, Veer Agarwal," Mr. Agarwal introduced them.

Neel and Veer shook hands, their smiles mirroring each other's. "Nice to meet you, Neel," Veer greeted. "Dad couldn't stop raving about your presentation."

"Likewise," Neel replied, surprised at the ease of the conversation. "Your father's a legend in the industry."

Mr. Agarwal chuckled. "Legends get old, son. But enough of formalities. How about we celebrate a successful conference? Drinks are on me. You gentlemen join me?"

Neel glanced at Veer, who winked. "We'd be honored, Mr. Agarwal," Neel responded, a sense of unexpected camaraderie blossoming.

Little did he know, this chance encounter would set in motion a chain of events that would intertwine his business world with a melody of the past, a melody he thought was forever lost.
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As the evening wore on, the atmosphere at the bar transitioned from formal to friendly. Mr. Agarwal, a surprisingly jovial man beneath his stern exterior, regaled Neel and Veer with stories from his early days in business.

"There I was," Mr. Agarwal boomed, wiping a tear from his eye caused by laughter, "stuck in this dusty little town in the middle of nowhere. My first major deal, and the local partner tried to fleece me blind! Can you believe the nerve?"

Veer doubled over with laughter, clutching his stomach. "Classic Dad! And what did you do?"

"Do?" Mr. Agarwal chuckled. "I outsmarted him, of course! But let's just say it involved a whole lot of bartering and a rather questionable goat..."

Their laughter filled the bar, a warm and genuine sound. As the conversation flowed, a lull fell for a moment. Neel's gaze drifted across the room, landing on a grand piano tucked away in a corner. A lone pianist was tinkling out a melody, but Neel's trained ear caught a discordant note.

"Excuse me," Neel said politely, leaning closer to the pianist. "There's a bit of a wrong note in the second bar, just a slight adjustment in the..."

The pianist, a man with a receding hairline and a touch of arrogance, bristled. "Wrong note? Young man, I've been playing for over twenty years. Perhaps you should stick to business and leave the music to the professionals."

A tense silence descended upon the table. Veer, sensing trouble, started to speak, but Mr. Agarwal placed a hand on his arm, a knowing glint in his eye.

"Sir," Neel addressed the pianist calmly, "I apologize if I offended you. However, I stand by my observation. If you'd like, I can demonstrate the correct sequence."

The pianist scoffed. "Oh, really? Be my guest. Play us a masterpiece then, Mr. Businessman."

Neel didn't hesitate. He strode towards the piano, his confidence radiating outwards. He settled on the stool, his fingers hovering over the keys for a moment. Then, with a gentle touch, he began to play.

The first notes flowed seamlessly, weaving a tapestry of sound that captivated the entire bar. It wasn't a show of technical prowess, but rather an expression of raw emotion, a melody that spoke of longing and hope. The discordant note that had initially jarred Neel was now a distant memory, replaced by a harmonious whole.

As the final notes faded into the air, a stunned silence hung heavy. Then, applause erupted, a wave of appreciation washing over Neel. He rose from the stool, a hint of surprise mixed with a deep sense of satisfaction on his face.

Returning to the table, Veer was the first to speak. "Neel, that was incredible! I had no idea you were such a talented musician."

Neel shrugged modestly. "Just a hobby, really. It helps me unwind."

Veer nudged his father. "Speaking of hidden talents, Dad, remember how Malang played the piano at my wedding? He had everyone mesmerized."

Mr. Agarwal's eyes softened, a flicker of something akin to pride crossing his face. "Yes, he did," he murmured. "He played a beautiful piece, a melody that..."

The sentence trailed off, a sudden tension filling the air. Neel felt a jolt of surprise. "Malang?" he echoed, his voice barely a whisper. "Your brother's name is Malang?"

Veer and Mr. Agarwal exchanged a worried glance. The name hung heavy in the air, a link to a past Neel had desperately tried to forget.

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