Feelings

6

Rihan had been working on his pitch the whole night and well into the early morning hours, he was running on very little sleep and had started to drink coffee as if it were the only thing keeping him alive. Hercules was walking towards Rihan's counter and saw that he was very busy in preparation for the presentation, Hercules then stood still and waited for them to start.

It seems that Hercules had underestimated young Rihan. As soon as the young entrepreneur started his presentation he had the crowds flocking towards his stall, it looked almost as if someone was giving away free motorcycles at the rate the people streamed towards their counter. This made Hercules even more eager to see the young man. This was his chance to change someone’s life as he had always hoped he would be able to. 

About thirty minutes passed and the crowd was getting subdued, Hercules had started to wander off into the convention hall where the festival was being held. He returned to see Rihan as sleep on the chair sponsored by the university. Suddenly this hardened man with all his years of brutish discipline was starting to crack. Little tears started to form and roll down his cheek, feeling this he decided to excuse himself to gather his emotions. Luckily Rihan was out like a candle in the wind. 

Hercules returned to find him sleeping in the same spot as he left him. Hercules awoke Rihan and got the surprise of his life… right there in the convention centre in front of all his peer, professors, potential investors and the dean; Rihan awoke and sucker punched Hercules Knight. Hercules was knocked to the floor with his ears singing and ringing at the same time. Rihan, seeing that the man was in a suite, immediately realised his mistake. He ran towards him and started apologizing profusely “Sorry sir; sorry it wasn’t meant for you; I didn’t see it was you”.

Hercules regained some sense of being human after that punch; yet he stayed cool and calm. He had realized that this was almost a victimless crime, Rihan had to become more hardened than Hercules ever was and had to put a massive wall around him; together with some pretty solid defences in the form of a massively potent right hook.

After about five minutes of apology from Rihan and pride gathering from Hercules, they got acquainted with one another. “Hello, I am Hercules Knight, though I feel less like a warrior now” Hercules said, joking in an uncharacteristic manner. Rihan replied “Hello sir, I am Rihan. I am so, so sorry about hitting you. I don’t know what came over me, it was pure instinct.”. “There is no need to apologize I fully understand where it came from.” Hercules said “I saw you on the street working on bicycles; is that a full-time job or were you just helping someone out?”. “That is a job I had to take, you see we come from a lower-class family, but I refuse to let that stop me. I will one day make it, ON MY OWN” Rihan said visibly serious. “Is there some sort of presentation that you can show me? I might know a few people who would be willing to help an aspiring man such as yourself.” Hercules said.

Rihan and Hercules spent the rest of the day speaking laughing and brewing ideas, Hercules introduced himself and young Rihan to almost all the CEO’s at the festival, yet he asked everyone to keep quite about his own identity. It was refreshing to be treated as a mere friend instead of a boss or someone to be feared, but soon reality came knocking, hard. 

Viraj came around one of the stalls and made a B-line, towards Mr. Knight he greeted Rihan as a full after though and started rambling about the CEO of the IT company wanting to meet his newest potential investor. Rihan immediately looked at Hercules, he was shocked to find out that his new “friend” was actually someone else. Rihan started to walk away thereafter Hercules grabbed his arm. “Wait, I need to speak with you, please” the sincerity in Hercules’ voice was evident and Rihan could see this was a man about to break. Rihan nodded his head and stood his ground. 

Hercules set up a meeting with the IT company CEO visibly in a hurry and ran towards Rihan who had been waiting all along. “Let’s start over; I am Hercules Knight, I own Horizon the IT company. I saw your presentation today and want to invest in you.” Hercules said while holding out his hand “I am looking for a young and dedicated team and I think that you fit that bill” Hercules continued his presentation. Rihan took Mr. Knight’s hand and said “Rihan Khurashi; Self made Indian man who wants to know more.” 

Hercules smiled as he looked his new found brother in the eye, he could see they shared a bond not many people in this world will understand. Hercules proceeded to explain that he was incredibly impressed by the work Rihan had done, while still working and being in college. “Where did you learn the skills to create such and amazing concept. I don’t know anyone who could be as creative as you have been, and then at such a young age as well.”. Rihan felt flattered with the complements and started explaining - “My father owns a garage and since I was a young boy my dad always invited me to come in and work with him in his shop. While I was there, I was always curious in how the engines work and how I could improve on their designs, so that is what I did. I came up with this design of my own.” Rihan went on for about fifteen minutes explaining that he was intrigued by all things mechanical and electrical.

As Rihan spoke more and more about his passion and love for what he does, Hercules got more and more impressed; not just with what Rihan did but by who Rihan was, he kept on thinking of old times, times in his younger years where he had that same passion starting out in the slums and working his way up. Hercules was in awe of what was happening in front of his eyes. He nearly cried a few times that day. It was at that very moment that Hercules decided. 

“Rihan I have an opening in my company; we are looking to expand into the sub-continent India and I need young people who are driven; such as yourself.” Hercules offered Rihan a job right there on the spot. “Mr. Knight I appreciate the offer but…” was not really the answer he expected to hear from Rihan “I have no idea who you are and I also need to complete my studies with my friends as we all have a claim in this project. You see sir, I also can not afford to work for only one company as I need to pay my own tuition fees for college.”.

The words left Mr. Knight numb at first, but we need to remember this is a man who loves a challenge more than anything else.

“Is there no way that I can change your mind?” Hercules asks while Rihan is about to walk away. Rihan answers “Not unless you know someone willing to pay for my tuition.”, Hercules here realises an opportunity. “You obviously don’t know my company very well. We have enough capital to easily cover three people’s tuition. We also have an automobile shop looking for the next bright engineer, I feel that you would fit in nicely.” Hercules answers, this has got Rihan very excited “Hold on to that very thought for just a second. There are some people you have to meet.”. Hercules nods with a firm look on his face, he is now finally returning to the businessman everyone knows him to be.

Rihan grabs his phone from his pocket and immediately dials Shivam. “Shivam; hello” Shivam answered the phone and gets an earful from an excited Rihan “Where are you! I have an amazing opportunity waiting to be grabbed. Get your but over here; is Vineet with you?” Shivam answers and tells Rihan that he and Vineet are on the way.

While they were waiting Hercules could no longer control his curiosity, he had to ask; “Who was that on the phone?”. Rihan explained that the person he contacted helped him on the project and that he was bringing a girl with him who is an IT genius, the had all worked together on this very project and Rihan felt it only fair to include them in the rewards. Hercules saw the heart of a man who knew what it was to look out for someone else; “Rihan, no matter what happens in life, always work hard. Someday, like today, someone is going to see your hard work and it will all pay off.”

While they were waiting Mr. Knight got another call from Viraj to inform him of a company that would like to meet him. “Rihan, I have to go now, please give tell me to whom I must address the check, I will also need the amount for all the tuition fees.” Rihan shows his true character and requests something rather odd. “Sir, there are many young people in India who really need the money to study at universities like this one. Can I make the request that you rather donate the money towards the camp so that it can be shared among fellows of mine?”

Hercules was cool and calm, he knew exactly why Rihan was asking this and he obliged happily. As Hercules signed the check and filled in the number given by Rihan; he shook Rihan’s hand and gave him some news. “This will now be a yearly donation so that more and more people can study as you wished them too.” Hercules said it with a smile cracking at the side of his mouth almost reassuring Rihan that this wasn’t a business investment, rather an investment in him. Rihan broke down into tears just as Shivam and Vineet rounded the corner. “Rihan! Are you okay?” Shivam exclaimed as he ran towards him. “Mr. Knight are you on your way?” Viraj asked from a distance; Hercules excused himself and left the youngsters to discuss what just took place. 

It took about five minutes but eventually Rihan gathered himself enough to tell Shivam and Vineet the whole story, from the knock down punch all the way to the million-euro investment. They were awestruck with the incredible story of how this all transpired and how this famous CEO truly had a heart of gold and an eye for talent.

Viraj walked the whole convention centre full and finally he met his target. “Mr. Rihan! Just the man that I need. Mr. Knight completely forgot to take you details, he would like to contact you with regards to the contract and the job offer.”. Rihan felt the colour leave his face, up until this moment it had all been a strange sub reality, an almost to vivid dream… he mustered his strength wrote down the shakiest letter anyone had ever wrote and as soon as Viraj left he collapsed unto the same chair he had fell as sleep on just a few hours earlier. This was it; this was all that he had dreamed off for so long.

When the dust had settled and everyone had time to gather their thoughts Vineet, who was sitting across from Rihan said something that would shock all of them. “We forgot about Neha! She was working overtime today; we never even mentioned her to Mr. Knight!” he exclaimed it like a mother who had lost her child at the local play park. They all immediately jumped up and ran towards the street. They ran and ran and eventually came to the café. 

Vineet grabbed Neha by the hands and looked deep into her hazelnut brown eyes… he was absolutely breathless, not just because of the running. “Neha…” he gasped for air “Rihan has some amazing news!” he finally got out. “Rihan! What is the matter, is someone chasing you? What did you do Shivam?”. They laughed and Rihan took a step forward, “Take off your apron, you don’t need it anymore. We have just signed a deal that will set us up for life.”. 

Neha had been hard hit the past few months, she exclaimed “Don’t make jokes like this, guys you know we don’t have time for silly pranks anymore.”. Vineet, now finally able to speak in full sentences grabbed Rihan’s shoulder and said “Neha, this is no prank nor is it a joke. We just met a CEO who is going to cover all our tuition expenses for out degrees, he has also offered us work in his automobile shop. We finally have it! This is the break we were waiting for!” 

Neha also had some news, as earlier that same day she was in the convention centre.

Earlier that day…

Neha is standing at the edge of the table waiting for the computer to run through its start-up process. Neelima comes running like a bat out of hell, “Neha! Neha; there are coming, the judges are on the way!” Neelima exclaims as he runs out of breath. Just as Neelima gets the last word out the computer lights up and all the programs are now ready. In the nick of time Neha gets the projector up with all the data she needs.

“And this is Neha, a true talent. She is an incredibly hard-working woman who has evolved from young girl to sparkling woman.” The dean introduces Neha as he does all the other students from the projects. “Neha this is…” The dean gets interrupted… “Lakshmikant Mohan, please to make your acquaintance, young lady” The CEO of Arpa tech is the first to introduce himself and the judges, dean and professors are all rather stunned at this. “Likewise, sir I hope you have enjoyed your day thus far. Hopefully we can make it even better.” Neha looks straight at him with a visual intent on closing the deal from the word ‘go’. 

Neha starts to introduce her system and almost instantly her legs become a cartoon jelly bowl wobbling and shaking and tilting… luckily she has the table to cover up the shaking and remembers a few tricks her father had shown her in her younger years, like picturing the crowd naked… and holding a clickable pen in your hand to relive the stress that you feel. She sees his face in the back of her mind and remembers a time long ago. “Breath Neha they are all here to hear what you have to say.” She remembers her father’s words and the subtle smile he gave her back-stage to a speaking contest while she was in school. She takes a deep breath and starts the presentation to the naked crowd…

She is elegant and bold, yet she has this sparkling to her… seeing her presentation was like seeing a Sachin Tendulkar batting performance. All the right notes were there, but none of them were robotic in any sense of the word. She eloquently delivered the presentation to the judges and the CEO of Arpa, so much so that no one even interrupted her with questions… the awe from what they had witnessed was visible in their faces. The silence was eventually broken by the Arpa CEO who exclaimed “This! This is what I am here for! We need more of these types of presentations!”. The judges were so impressed that their notepads were hanging at their waists with not a word crossing their lips. Neha was so disgruntled she didn’t even know if the silence was good or bad. 

Seeing the CEO’s reaction nearly breaks the walls she had to put up for so long. She feels the tears forming in her eyes. She quickly starts to click the pen as she realises the tears are about to start rolling. All those nights of late work and absolute tiredness from the early morning classes might finally be paying off for her and her family… she can only imagine the look on her dad’s face as she tells him about this great opportunity. 

The CEO speaks again saying “This is what my company needs; what you have suggested I will be buying this is incredible. The firewalls that you have, the algorithms all of the cybersecurity needs that I have will be solved by this one system! It is awesomely amazing!” he is obviously impressed and not afraid to show it to anyone. “Young lady I need your contact details to set-up a job interview with you… I need you at my company! Please” This is the first time that the CEO has ever used the word in a business setting. 

The CEO leaves and Neha is left wondering if this was all just a dream… 

Neelima quickly jumps on Neha and there is no doubt left in her mind; this was no dream this was absolute reality and things were finally falling into place for them. She was now on the verge of a huge deal that would solve all of her current problems. “Neha! We have finally seen the light at the end of this horrible tunnel! I can’t believe you gave such an amazing presentation! Did you see their faces? They were absolutely gobsmacked at you!” Neelima was even more visibly excited than Neha was. “We mustn’t get ahead of ourselves now…” Neha said trying to control her urge to shout from the rooftops “… but I have to admit this is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!” She lets out a big yell of excitement, as everything settles in to her mind and her idea of reality. 

Neelima and Neha started packing up all of their materials used for the presentation… the day was coming to a close for most of the students and presenters in the convention hall, but for Neha the day was far from over. In front of her laid a double shift of work at the bustling café. “Oh, hopefully this will all be over soon.” She thinks as she puts her backpack on her shoulder. 

As she walks out of the convention centre with Neelima at her side, she bumps into a man and almost gets completely knocked over… he asks “Have you seen a Rihan?” It is Mr. Viraj. “He is across the hall you will have to hurry if you want to catch him” Neelima replies trying to help Neha keep her footing. “Thank you!” the man replies as he starts running towards the opposite end from where they are. “That was so odd…” Neelima and Neha both say almost simultaneously. “Neha I will be going home now. Shall I tell dad or would you like the honour of telling him?” Neelima says all the while joking that she might spoil Neha’s surprise to her father. “NO! Please don’t be like that!” Neha exclaims but as soon as she does she sees the mischievous smile growing from Neelima’s face. “Oh, you are horrible!” Neha says while having a chuckle. “I had to see the look on your face!” Neelima says in a full laughing canter. “Are you going to be okay, getting home on your own?” Neha asks as a worried mother wishes to be. “Of course I will be… have you met me before. Usually things fall in place for me.” Neelima says as only an arrogant teen can. “Fine, do as you please! Just let me know when you are safely there! Please?” Neha’s concern is visible. Neelima nods her head and leaves Neha to go to work.  

At the café

“Neha, aren’t you ecstatic about this awesome news?” Vineet asked as he saw Neha daydreaming about earlier that day. “Huh… uhm yes, yes I am sorry I just have a lot on my plate right now…” Neha explained as she came back to reality. “Oh, I see… how was your presentation?” Vineet asked solemnly. “It was good they really enjoyed it to hear me speak.” Neha said with the worry creeping up to her throat.

She knows that she has a very large decision ahead of her, I she going to stay with her friends and work with them… or is she going to follow her dream of working with Arpa Tech. She starts to dwell on the possibilities just as a customer wakes her up “Excuse me, miss… I would like to order.”. Neha quickly gets snapped back into reality and makes short work of the order from the customer. Then her future stress hits her again… one thing is an absolute. Sacrifices will be made and unfortunately, she will have to make the decision on her own. One thing is for sure though, she will never be working like this again! 

Rihan and Shivam are having a laugh and a very long and argues discussion on what they will do once they start their new jobs at the company… life could not be greater for these two at this very moment. Vineet on the other hand still has a small dilemma… the ring in his pocket has been burning a hole through it for a while now. Most people wouldn’t ever dream of doing what he is planning but then again Vineet is not most people. He knew from the moment that he met Neha that she would be the one he was waiting for, he sat in the corner watching her wait on the tables… the way her hair flowed over her shoulders, her smile when she heard the person being polite to her, the absolute sparkle in her eyes and the way she moved with such grace and poise. 

Vineet was in love with Neha since the first time he laid eyes on her… he was certain of the deed he just could not find the right time or place to ask Neha to be his bride. Was this perhaps the day? The day he became her provider and she became his happiness…