ᴇx-ʙᴏʏʀꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ, ɴᴇxᴛ ʜᴜꜱʙᴀɴᴅ

Chapter 3

"I need these sorted before I burst your head."
"Tom. Where are the files?"
"Arnav, can you tell me why our presentation is still not ready? It's been over 72 hours now."

Such things were common at the YUVA office. Of course, because the soon-to-be CEO had taken his role seriously. There was still 6 months until he would officially take over, but he had decided to start training and was taking it very seriously.

"Mr Nanda, can you please tell your son that he doesn't need to show up to work at 9 and make everyone else suffer the same fate?"
"I try son! What to do?"

Mr Rajesh Nanda. The founder and MD of YUVA industries. Named after his children Vamika and Yuvaan and starting as a small idea on a piece of paper, Mr Rajesh's vision came to reality as he worked day and night to make YUVA a success.
The result? Within just 19 years of its birth, it was now leading in varying sectors: IT, Retail, Oil and Gas, Steel, Energy.

He had taken the company to great heights and now he wanted his son to take over, so he could have the backseat. His daughter Vamika Nanda, 20, was studying to get into the business or as a lawyer. She was studying law in the US, with a minor in business management.

Rajesh Nanda had given both his children the freedom to choose their career path, and luckily so, they both were fond of taking the business path. Although Vamika was more inclined to law; the Nanda's supported her decision fully.

"Yuvaan." Rajesh Nanda said, entering his son's office, "You need to calm down."
"Dad, there's so much work left to do."
"I understand, but remember the golden rule, your team is your strength."
"I understand. Sorry."
"Go take a break, go for a small drive and then come back."
"I don't need a break."
"Yuvaan. This is not a request. This is an order."
"Dad...."
"Yuvaan. It's 9:30am. You have till 11 to sort your company. Get whatever you need to get done properly. At 11, I expect you to be taking a break and leaving the office."
"Okay dad."
"Good. Now let me call Vamika before she sleeps."

Yuvaan Nanda had everything managed. He knew how to work. After his undergraduate studies, he had taken off to the US, to be away from his mind and its internal turmoil. He had gotten into UC Berkeley to study Masters in Business Analytics and Management. He did a dual degree and got a MBA at the same time as well.

Once done, he came back to Mumbai and started working in his Dad's company. After 3 years, he was now one valuable asset. He had landed them some great deals and managed to raise the firm's name and reputation. Now, his eyes were on the next prize: market expansion.

"Hi Guys. I apologize for the way I behaved." He addressed his team, "We have a big deal to crack and a presentation due next week. It'll be a big win if we manage to deliver this deal."

His team had understood he has internal issues.
They knew their boss was strict but a gem of a person, which is why they never took his anger to heart. They knew he cared about each and every one of the team members, giving them ample of rest days if they needed, prolonged paid vacations, free education, entertainment bonus and healthcare for their employees and their families. Not just that, he had made sure each employee has to clock out at 5, so no one has to work more than the designated time. They loved their boss not just because he took care of them, but he also made them feel valued, and respected in their workplace. There was always a fight to work at YUVA, for obvious reasons.

Currently, Yuvaan sat in his office typing on his laptop after telling the day's duties to everyone. He believed in a 'lassiez faire' approach - allowing everyone to work as per their will without constantly asking them for their work and updates. He trusted that the work that would come would be perfect.

"Yuvaan." The voice belonged to Arush, his best friend and partner, "Are you okay?"
"Yes, why?" Yuvaan said, not looking up.
"Why is your anger more today?"
"I'm not angry."
"Are you sure it has nothing to do with the date today, Yuv?"

He stopped typing on his laptop. He didn't look up but Arush saw his jaw clench. He didn't like his friend's approach of ignoring the situation and his feelings and wanted him to talk about it.

"Yuv." Arush tried to talk, "Come on."
"Arush. I'm fine. It's 11, I need to step out of the office before dad comes. Please take care of the team."

He stood up and started to make his way outside when his best friend gave him a small side hug. Arush knew Yuvaan won't talk about anything. It had been 4 years now, and every year it's the same story. Yuvaan becomes angrier, becomes silent and then chooses to spend the day alone. Maybe this year would be different?

Yuvaan hugged his friend back. He knew Arush won't ask him to talk more. He appreciated that. He quickly walked out of the building, into the hustling city.

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