The Wallflower (Vol 1)

Work Hard, Play Hard

• Jo kisi ka nahi hai wo andaaz hoon

Kaustav's POV

"Hydrothermal is still quite a new concept. The current government is quite keen on sustainability. It is centred around utilising geothermal energy and hydrothermal processes for various applications, such as power generation, industrial processes, and sustainable development."

"Ashish, I am interrupting you over here. But we really don't need the geography/science classes over here. What I really need is the elaboration on the last statement." I didn't want to be rude, but my day has started at 5 a.m. and it just refuses to end.

On normal days I might have called it a day by this time and sanctioned it to my home office, working while enjoying cognac. But today is the reception of my younger brother. Akshay and Anaya may not be borne by my mother, but they would always be my siblings. I have never differentiated between them and Anshul.

And today is my little rascals, sorry brother's reception and he legit threatened me to disown me if I will not be present during reception. He can be dramatic when he wants.

I think this marriage hormone affects men as well. He was the most non-affectionate guy I have ever met. Yes, that is me saying who gives a competition to stone cold faces. He has changed after that incident.

It has changed everyone, in my opinion. Even Taiji has mellowed down. No one will accept it. But in the darkest corners of their brains and hearts, everyone accepted that day, that no one is invincible.

We are the biggest clan to ever rule. Arbitrarily, government is the civic body which rules this place. But we always have had the say in the economic and administrative domains. It started with our great grandfather with humble beginnings, but it was our grandfather and Vikram Tauji who cemented the business network.

My father was there but he was more into, umm, what we say nowadays, yes, PR and advertising. Is that me covering my father's mistakes in my subconscious mind? Well yeah. He may have not the brightest bone, but he did what he could do.

" Sorry sir, I was getting to that. Hydrothermal systems tap with the earth's natural heat, where water is heated by magma, creating steam or hot water that can be used to generate electricity."

" God Ashish!! Not again!!" My patience was thinning out and the amused smile of papa and tauji is really not entertaining right now.

" Know what Ashish. I will take it from here. I know you have done excessive research on the project." Tauji, Vikram Rajawat is a very fair employee. He gives the employees the pat on the back when needed and guides them in every way. It doesn't mean he didn't rule his kingdom with an iron hand. He has given out punishments when necessary. But in all, the common word is that it is a treat and sheer honour to work with him.

Dadaji always said, taking care of the employees who really work for you is your prime responsibility. They are taking the company forward with their sheer grit and strength. Taking care of their family is the least you can do for them. As without the foot soldiers you can never win the war.

Tauji has been the star student who has sponged off every gyaan from our grandfather.

Hence, Ashish's over excitement on sharing each and every aspect of the project. In other times, I may have indulged in science class, but right now spare me the horror!

Now we were just waiting for Ashish to turn off the projector and log out from teams, while Tauji and Papa were just smiling at my annoyance.

"What is wrong with both of you today?" I was beyond exasperated. I think I really needed a drink. But it was improper of me to order it in front of them.