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Raj Bhasin looked at himself in the reflection of his mirror for one last time before going out and facing the world, wearing a fake smile. He smiled for a while.

‘No. This looks too fake.’ He thought to himself and reduced the intensity of his smile. ‘No. This appears too formal.’ He chose something in between and then nodded. He looked good in his brown beard. He was soon reaching his forties and was ready to hit the benchmark with lots of success in the field of diamonds. For the first time in his life, he was taking a leap of faith in business and all because he trusted his mentor, Krit Jhunjhunwala.

He took a deep breath and forwarded towards the main event. He adjusted his suit and smiled at everyone who came in his way. Many recognizable faces were waiting for him in the garden area. He nodded in their direction and moved hurriedly towards the main hall where he was needed to address every guest.

Raj Bhasin waved in direction of the audience and took his place on the podium. Raj took a moment to inhale everything and get used to the surroundings. His eyes fell on the showcase of jewelry designs and beauty products at the entrance of the main hall. ‘At least Rahul is good at showcasing things and managing such huge events,’ Raj thought about his business partner, who was sitting in the front row with his Krit Jhunjhunwala and other chief guests of the event.

Raj was now ready to speak. He looked in the direction of his translator once and started his speech.

“I am elated to announce that Meer diamonds has now joined hands with the world’s one of the biggest suppliers and traders.” Raj nodded and thanked the person who was sitting in the front row. He raised his glass of wine, showing the gesture of accepting the praise. Everyone clapped.

“Meer diamonds started the journey in the world of diamonds just a few years back, and because of such short experience in the market, I was a little skeptical about the decision to take such a big step, but my partner, Mr. Rahul Singhania is quite confident about our move.”

Every eye was now on Rahul Singhania, who was beaming with happiness. His wife Angel was sitting next to him, and she smiled and patted Rahul in appreciation. Krit also nodded a bit but was silent.

“Today, we are starting our journey to take the products of Meer Diamonds among the common people of this country.” Raj Bhasin paused as the translator did her job of translating his words for the audience. In the front row, Angel and Rahul tried really hard to hide their disappointment.

“But nothing of this would have been possible if my adviser, my mentor, my Guru, Mr. Krit Jhunjhunwala, didn’t encourage me to take this step. He is the reason for me standing on this podium and making such a big decision for this company.”

Krit Jhunjhunwala was expecting such words from Raj Bhasin. Being in his mid-sixties, if he had anyone to call as a son in this lonely world, it was Raj Bhasin. He loved him and truly wanted the best for him. Everyone around started clapping for Krit and Rahul, and Aisha too joined the club. They also left their seats to clap for the man. Krit Jhunjhunwala took his time to stand up and waved while accepting the applause. He then moved to the podium. Raj took a side and left space for Krit to address the audience. No one stopped clapping till he was ready with the mike.

“I am amazed to hear so many claps for an unmarried man.” Krit showcased his skill of being witty with his words. Soon the room was filled with laughter. Krit’s eyes were now on Bhasin. He was laughing as well. His eyes then fall on Rahul. He fell silent.

“These two friends of mine, Raj and Rahul, consider me a lot. More than what I actually deserve. They call me a mentor and gave me so many fancy words. They are very kind. I am no match in front of their dedication and skills. But when someone comes to me asking for help, I am always available with my experience.”

Raj and Rahul both had their eyes glued on Krit.

“When Raj came to me with his problem, I simply said that there is nothing to worry about. The way he thinks to take the business forward is definitely a good idea.” Krit added. One of the members of the film fraternity from the audience raised his glass in appreciation.

“At last, both of them took the best possible decision for the company, and I am happy that now oldies like me can flaunt more about our beauty using Meer Diamond products.” Everyone laughed, and with this laughter, Krit took leave from everyone, and the event continued with other speakers and product showcases.

 

*****

 

Once the event ended, the jamboree started. Few of the guests were looking at the paintings hung in the hall, and a few others were busy discussing the catalog of Meer Diamonds with the employees. Rahul noticed everyone, showered the fake smile on everyone, and after getting a drink in his glass, he left towards the garden area. He gulped the glass and looked at Aisha managing the celebrities using her charm, and then his eyes fell on Krit, who was walking at the corner with Raj and discussing something. He wondered what they were cooking but knew this was not the time to interrupt. He left the glass in the tray of one of the waiters and moved away.