Geet - Meri, Phir Bhi Parayi

Chapter II

Applause greeted Maan as he entered the boardroom.

A firm grip held Maan's shoulder. "And here is the man of the hour, our very own, Maan!" boomed a voice by Maan's ear.

"Arjun Sir, thank you so much," said Maan when he finally found his voice. He reached out and shook Arjun's hand, reassured by his broad smile.

"Well done, young man. You've done us all proud," said Arjun as he nearly slapped Maan over with his trademark less encouraging, more destabilizing pats. Arjun stood a solid, stately six feet with graying hair and crows feet that framed his kind gray eyes. His white goatee juxtaposed his stocky build, making him seem rather unassuming at first glance. Although taller than Arjun, Maan always looked up to Arjun Sir, as it was through Arjun that Maan had received his position in Handa Industries.

"Haan, haan! It's not everyday such a young fellow gets appointed senior partner. Magar hum kis ke baare mein baat kar rahe hai? Yeh toh koi aam insaan nahi hai, yeh humare Maan hai. Humare apne Maan Singh Khurana," chimed in a voice from the sea of black suits now surrounding Maan.

"Haan, haan, aakhir pota kis ka hai?" came a baritone response.

Maan looked up from shaking the other suits hands.

"Daarji," Maan smiled. He stepped forward to touch the feet of voice that had just spoken.

"Na puttar, na!" Maan was stopped before he could bend over completely. Daarji held him tightly by his shoulders, before pulling him into a bone-crushing hug. Tears gathered in Maan's eyes as he held on to the man who had been his father when his own had cast him off. This man, with his teht Punjabi, rotund belly and Poirot-like mooch, had won Maan over with his first 'Sasriakaal.' Daarji pulled away first, smacking Maan playfully on the arm.

"Kya hai, Maan puttar, ek tu aur ek humari poti, jo humare aankhon mein ainvay aansoo laate hai," said Daarji as he wiped the corners of his eyes.

"Kya kahein Daarji, hum hai hi itne kamaal ke!" teased Maan, rolling his shoulders back while adjusting his collar. He cocked his head and gave Daarji a lopsided smirk.

"Oye, zyada udd mat," Daarji pulled Maan's ear. "Main abhi bhi tera Daarji hoon. Jitne bhi senior partner-shartner ban gaye ho, samjhe?"

"Daarji, please! Mera image mat kharaab karo!" pleaded Maan.

"Haan, haan, tu apna image sambhal ke rakh. Aur ab teri boss bhi aaeygi na, toh usse impress karni padegi, hai na?" said Daarji as he released Maan's ear.

"Daarji aap bhi na," muttered Maan as he quickly readjusted his suit and tie. "Aisi koi baat nahi hai, main bas achcha sa impression jamana chahta hoon. Senior partner jo hoon, na? I don't want her to regret her decision."

"Kyun, pet main voh, kya kehte hai? Voh joh--haan, titliyan hai?" Daarji whispered in Maan's ear, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Daar--"

"Arre aap dono kya kusur-pusur kar rahe ho?" boomed Arjun's voice from across the room. Maan shot Daarji a black look before meeting Arjun's eye.  "Aaiye, tashreef rakhiye, humari malakain abhi aati hogi."

"Of course, of course," Maan grinned as he stepped forward and pulled out a chair for Daarji.

"Daarji, pehle aap,"

"Jinda raho, puttar," smiled Daarji as sat down.

The room settled as Maan glanced around, realization washing over him. The glass boardroom table gleamed, reflecting the faces leaning back in sleek grey chairs seated about it. He smiled as his glance caught sight of his own reflection. He was sitting with the board of directors, the executives, Handa Industries' major shareholders and hot shots, movers and shakers. But this time, he was one of them.