A Business Deal [MxM]

Chapter 12: Dhruv

I find his hands getting tighter around me. This sudden display of empathy--it could be sympathy too-- is disturbing in its own right. Everything has been going on smoothly- we are on track with the plan, we haven't argued, we are getting along amiably. The only thing that has changed is his gaze towards me. His eyes look different. His rigidity prohibits me from understanding the meaning behind the front he has been putting up lately. He has warmed up to an extent that a return from it now seems impossible. I need him more than ever now. That once physical desire is metamorphosing into an emotional dependence. My need for him is now driven by merely having him around. If he exists around me, it would be more than enough for me. And hence, the sudden hug. The sudden request that asked him to stay back for a bit longer. If he agrees, good. If not, I am used to being alone anyways.

We draw apart. I have teared up unknowingly. I sniff to hold back my tears. He brings his hand to my face and wipes my tears. His gentle touch stirs me from within. His thumb wipes my cheek dry. He comes forward, even though there isn't much distance between us. My heart begins to pound. Can he hear me? I hope not. He stands that way, gazing at my face for some time. He gulps, and then steps back. "Let's go.", he says.

I nod. I wipe my face dry and follow him out like an obedient kid. We wait in the living room for Pulkit Kachwaha. He arrives in his car, bringing his driver and secretary along. I had assumed he would bring a convoy, but never mind. He is wearing a off-white kurta and a white pyjama. Vansh outright dressed like him. I am sure of it. I think of it and smile to myself. Good move to impress. Pulkit comes forward and shakes hands with us. He has a light stubble, and a vibrant smile. No wonder many people call him one of the most good-looking politicians of the times. He takes a seat, and we get to some casual talks first, waiting for some refreshments. The talk slowly transitions into strict business, with me making recommendations for the wind power project. Vansh adds his inputs from time to time. Pulkit listens intently. His attention is driven by his need to secure a second-term by doing well this time. Politicians are all the same. If some good can come out of his greed, then why not.

The plan is not merely to install windmills in the desert, but also around the hotel. If solar energy cannot serve all the purpose, we can let wind energy do the deed. It also helps with Vansh's 50% renewable energy operations plan for the hotel. Sisodia liked the plan. He suggested painting the windmills to match the aesthetic of the hotel if they are going to be closer to the site; but this can wait for later.

As ecstatic I was narrating the plan to him that day, Vansh appeared a bit lost. He even rushed to the car and had to take his medications, the latter of which I was informed by Palak later. Something has been off since then. Mayank and Palak appear to have a mutual understanding about not telling me something. All the things match up to tell me it is something about that day which they are concealing from me.

Things go rather smoothly with Pulkit Kachwaha. He does not try dragging things around, or interrupting, or overpowering us. Nodding his head and providing constructive inputs does not seem much like a politician, but I remember he has an MBA degree. He's smart. He knows what he is doing. What we are trying to do.

During dinner, Pulkit moves the conversation from business to other things. Business is tedious. We, as businessmen know it the best. And although we hope for a life that is away from business, it is rendered next to impossible. Our glamorous and luxurious lifestyle has darker layers to it, something that people turn a blind eye to, or are plain unaware of. Take business marriages for example. Love and and compatibility are often neglected in favour of profits. The marriage between Jagat and Tara is plain business. As would the marriage between Yashika and Vansh be. I am taken over by pain- it feels as if something sharp pierced my heart and shredded it into pieces. As much as I try avoiding it, my brain keeps reminding me of the fact that Vansh is taken. Even though not officially engaged, everyone in the business and pop culture circle knows that the two of them are meant to be. I have heard rumours about them getting married in the coming year. My request for him to stay over for the New Year's Eve is directed by that very intention. It feels as if I am giving him away even though there's nothing between us. I need closure. A closure for the deal, but more importantly, my feelings. Isn't it ironical that I began seeing Shashi at a New Year's party, and I am trying to end my feelings for Vansh around the same time?