But as it turns out you have become just like me, impatient and impulsive. Lol…”
“Oh, okay! I got a little carried away. I loved the idea and the whole concept! So, speak up and show me what you got, baby!”
“So, our old Zoonie is still alive eh? For a second there I felt that the face, voice and body are hers, but she seemed lost beneath this sophisticated costume.”
I winked at her as she playfully whacks me in the head. “Okay, remember the small school building in Juhu, that has been shut down for years? The one right on the beach behind the 5-star hotel?”
“Yes, I do! As a matter of fact, I am working on a deal with the owners to buy it for my company.”
“No. You are kidding me! That is where I want to set up my Café Library. It is the perfect place. It’s in a prime location, close to schools, colleges and even a few offices. Prithvi Theatre is nearby and the Juhu beach has an influx of thousands of people every day. The building is away from the traffic, more towards the beach and thus, it’s the perfect spot.”
“Amazing! You have really done your research! I am impressed!
Since when have you been working on this?”
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and was ready to do business. Her asking price was astronomical, as it’s prime property and in the heart of Mumbai. I could not have paid for it even I took a loan and liquidated my assets. And then as you know I got distracted and…”
Zoonie looked at me pensively and spoke slowly, “Hmm, I understand. She mentioned a prospective buyer, it must be you!!
As my team couldn’t find anyone.”
“OMG! Imagine the probability of us both offering a buying price for the same property, huh?”
She was taken aback slightly, “What do you mean?”
I cleared my throat nervously and continued speaking,
“Actually babe, there was a special reason I wanted to meet you today. Among all your questions there was one about how will this dream come true? Well, I want you to help me with it. I can express my ideas, find the people, procure the books and set it up and run it. But the only person who can make my dream a reality is, you.”
She looked utterly surprised, my eyes brimming with sincerity.
But I knew the concept had ignited a spark of excitement within her. I nervously awaited her response, knowing it was not a small monetary investment that I was asking of her. After the longest sixty seconds of my life, she exclaimed excitedly, “Yeeeessss, I will love to do this! In fact, I want to do it! From what you told me it will be exciting and challenging. Mumbai’s fast-paced life needs a quiet haven like this. The idea is a super hit!”
She sprang out of her couch and pulled me up to hug me tightly. I hugged her back with excitement, joy and relief. Suddenly she pulled back,
“Hey, there is one problem. I will need a proper business proposal to present to dad. You need to whip up all the required investments, revenue details, presentation of charts, designs, 163_LU_1st Proof_4 Nov 19 page cum.indd 101
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102 • Ritu Kakar layouts also a possible profit graph. I will need you to impress him with limitless potential to this venture.”
“Sweetheart, I have it all here.” I give her the file from the chair beside me
“Oh my God! Babe! You have not only impressed but shocked me today! Okay, first let me see your proposal before I say further.”
She almost snatched the file from my hand and plonked herself on the couch. I sat quietly watching her go through each sheet carefully. I saw her scribbling notes with a pencil every once in a while. Her thoroughness made me nervous and sweaty. I kept looking at her, twitching uncomfortably whenever she made notes.
The intensity in those black, beady eyes staring at me made me nervous and twitchy, till I lost patience.
“WTF Zoonie! Don’t use your business tactics on me! You may be an astute businesswoman, but you, little miss, are still my friend. So, speak up! What do you think?”
Instead she looked down and continued browsing through the file. She sure had mastered her father’s art of keeping people on tenterhooks. I was feeling faint at the speed the blood was rushing through my veins. Finally, she spoke, “This is excellent work Kai!
So well-written and detailed! Yes, there are a few things we could work on, but even in its present form, it will leave an impact on my dad.
I gasped excitedly and clasped her hands,
“Soooooo, that means you are on it with me!! Yay!!!”
She exclaims laughingly
“Ohhh babe, try stopping me now! But will it be in partnership or…?”
“Of course, I want to be the sole proprietor, but I would also be happy to have you as a sleeping partner in my dream venture.
The profits can be split in 75/25 ratio if it suits you and uncle.”
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She smiled mysteriously and said,
“Hmm, let me speak to dad first. But I think we could work on the ratio once the finance team gets involved. One thing is for sure, we are doing this. It is a path breaking Idea that will change the way people read and interact in a busy city like Mumbai. If we adopt the franchisee format, we can replicate it across the country. Dad loves scalable projects…it makes him feel powerful…Hmm…where did you get this fabulous idea from?”
“Well, by sitting here, in this coffee shop.”
“Huh? Explain...”
“Remember we spent most of our time here especially during exams or assignment submissions. So, while I waited for you guys I would hope they had books around to help pass the time. So, I did an in-depth study during our second year, and used this idea I had of having a café attached to a huge library for my thesis. Our English teacher loved the idea, in fact, she insisted on me doing a diploma in business too. Armed with all that, here I am.”
“It’s a unique idea, if it works then we will give Starbucks a run for their money. The idea of having educational books is superb, it will attract a lot of school students and youth. The idea of the project corner with research volunteers is phenomenal. You know, studying or reading with coffee and snacks close at hand, amazing.
In the digital era where reading hard copies is disappearing, this concept will allow spaces for reading, encourage offline discussions and give a platform for intellectual expression. Wow!
Simply WOW!”
I beamed back with a smile that made my cheeks hurt. Yes!
Finally, it looked like my dream will come true! I looked at Zoonie with a myriad of emotions and gratitude shining through my eyes.
I continued softly,
“So, you will talk to uncle right…. Ummn…When?”
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“Today itself babe! In fact, I should be going now, I need to see him before he leaves for the US trip this week. Babe, start looking for the right kind of café staff, accountant, librarian etc. Also start shortlisting the books that you wish to procure. Think about the décor, accounting system, cataloguing system and marketing etc.
Basically, everything that you will need to start. And hopefully, I should have his approval in a few days, max three.”
We stood as she prepared to leave. Just before she sat in the car, I hugged her tightly once again and whispered softly in her ears, “Thanks a lot. This means a lot.”
I was finally going to watch my dream manifest into reality.
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20
I reached home with a spring in my step. The excitement of seeing my dreams turn into reality was immense. The past few weeks had been tough, but bouncing back strongly felt awesome.
On reaching home I updated mom and dad on my meeting.
I saw varied emotions on both their faces. One had love, pride and encouragement, the other was fi lled with fear, worry and concern
– dad was apprehensive at the speed of it all. Both wanted me to think carefully before taking the leap. But I looked them in the eye with confi dence and said,
“Mom, Dad, I know I have made some rash decisions in the past. In fact, I have misused the liberty and freedom given to me. But this is not something I am doing impulsively. You both are aware of the fact that I have been working on this for a long time. My meeting Zoonie was to show how serious I am. Secondly, Zoonie is a businesswoman and a friend who will keep me grounded. She will not allow me to go beyond my capabilities.”
As I awaited their decision, mom let out a long, heavy sigh of acceptance, but Dad stared me down before announcing
“Okay, Kaira. We give you one year to prove your potential.
If by the end of next year, you don’t prove yourself, I will get you married.”
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106 • Ritu Kakar Fear rushed down my spine at the seriousness of his look and words. I saw the disappointment, hurt and humiliation I caused him. His trust in me was shaken badly, for which I couldn’t blame anyone but myself. But that one look also strengthened my resolve to make a success of this venture and prove to him his faith in me was not wrong. But for now, I just hung my head down and accepted his conditions. “Thanks, Dad. I know I have disappointed you, but will prove that I am your good daughter. I will gain that trust and pride back. I promise.”
He didn’t say anything, but just as he reached the bedroom door, he turned around and said,
“All the best my dearest daughter. I too want to see you succeed. I love you.”
My eyes are bright with tears of regret even as he gives me his love and a second chance The next few days I waited eagerly for Zoonie’s call. My entire future depended on this call. Even though mom offered all the love and support, she couldn’t stop my heart skip a beat every time the phone rang.
Three days of waiting on pins and needles, I got THE call.
Dad was suggesting other possibilities as I lamented over my fate when the bell rang. Even though I had been awaiting it, the voice on the other end stunned me. Seeing my zapped state mom and dad sat up straight. I didn’t realize the call has ended nor that the phone slipped from my hand. I looked shocked, Mom got up to hug me and Dad said,
“Sweetheart, was that Zoonie? Baby, it is going to be okay. We will figure another way to arrange finance. Don’t get disheartened.
Come on, child it will all be fine.”
It took me another few seconds to grasp the fact that they were upset for me. I shook myself out of my stupor and shouted, 163_LU_1st Proof_4 Nov 19 page cum.indd 106
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“Dad! Mom! It is fantastic news! Yes, that was Zoonie, her dad has agreed to my project, to my Café Library. Dad, my dream is going to be a reality.”
Shouting this I started jumping like a maniac. It took both mom and dad to hold me in tight hugs to calm me down. I hugged them back and suddenly started sobbing like a baby. They both stood by me as I wept long and hard.
After Drew’s incident, deep down I wasn’t sure I would be able to pull this off. But now with a confirmation in hand, I felt an adrenaline rush making me dizzy with sheer joy. Drew was my learning curve. Many girls experience similar situations but not all are able to propel forward in life. I was being given a chance to prove myself to my family and make my dream come true. This was an opportunity for me to move forward in life.
I agreed to meet Zoonie at her office the next day. Having met her father a few times earlier, I bowed down and paid regards to him.
“Good morning Uncle. How are you doing?”
Now Zoonie’s father was a shrewd businessman. I had seen him in action once when I was at their home. He was very clear in his views and saw time as an investment. He therefore kept his conversations brief and to the point, especially if they were not marching towards evident profit. So, I knew him being here meant something important was to happen.
“Hello Kaira, I am doing very well. And from what I have seen you have been working hard.”
I avoided the urge to shuffle my feet nervously and blurted out, “I am trying, Uncle.”
He reiterated in an encouraging tone,
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108 • Ritu Kakar margins is superlative. Everything was well-aligned and properly articulated. But now, I want you to show me your picture.”
I looked at him, puzzled, “I am so sorry, Uncle, but I don’t understand what you’re asking.”
He was holding my file in hand when he says, “Child this is all on paper. I want to hear and see your vision. I want to understand your dream.”
I understood what he meant. He was testing my passion. It reminded me of how he had spoken to his colleague a few years ago. His classic style was starting off by being friendly and then shaking that man’s foundation with tricky questions that forced him to falter. Well, his style won’t work with me. I not only knew my dream but have been living with it for three years.
“Well, Uncle, in that case, we need to go where my dream is going to manifest into reality.”
My answer surprised him, but he agrees to go with me. The site was twenty minutes from their office. During the journey he asked many questions seeking details. He doesn’t say much, but listens and watches me like a hawk. A few times during the questioning I looked at Zoonie for help, but she just smiled in encouragement.
When we reached the site, I felt excitement run through me. My eyes sparkled with joy; uncle noticed this too. I circled around the place, imagining how it would all look. For a minute I forget about uncle and Zoonie until his cough for attention woke me to them.
I smiled sheepishly and say, “Ohhh, I am so sorry. I just got carried away.”
He smiled back and said calmly,
“I could see that. Now that you have us here, let’s see how you plan to execute your vision.”
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About twenty-five minutes through my talk, I mentioned the corner for project mentors and also spoke of how ideas could be incubated here. Uncle’s plastic smile changed to a warm and accepting one. I was guessing that my innovative initiatives and intricate details impressed him. At the end, I let out a long sigh of relief. I had a feeling that the company would back me and he would bless us. I saw pride and respectin his eyes which made me feel an inch taller.
“Kaira, Zoonie as they say, great initiatives and ideas are born twice, once in the mind and second in reality. I could see everything, every door, every window, even the chairs as you described. So, child welcome aboard! You have my approval for this innovative project. I also agree with the 75/25 partnership only because I see your hard work in putting this project together.
I would love to see your vision come alive because it is beautifully articulated. However, I have one condition, we will be together for the franchise model as well. Hope you are okay with that?”
Instead of shaking uncle’s hand, I touched his feet for blessings.
This pleasantly surprised him, he put his hand on my head and quietly said, “God bless you.”
We returned to the office to sign the papers and sealed the deal. Once done, I was getting ready to leave when Zoonie asked for a name.
“I am calling it Epistemic Cafe Library, which means relating to knowledge or the conditions to acquiring it, ECL in short.”
“Wow, you really have thought everything through. I like the name, it’s different. Hey, when is Tasha back?”
“Oh, it’s just been a week since they left. Another three weeks or so. In fact, she called yesterday, and I told her about our agreement. She was ecstatic.”
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“Wow, how will she stay still now? She must be dying to get here and help.”
“Oh, I’m sure Sam will keep her busy. Lol… and anyway I have told her to rest and chill. She will be getting very busy with the interiors when she returns.”
I called mom and dad with the good news. Dad sounded very happy, but the tone I wanted to hear was still missing. But I knew it won’t be for long. Soon, I would get the pride back I used to hear in his voice.
While I awaited the blueprints, I met with Mrs Choksi for the finalization of the sale deed. The speed that money lends you is amazing! Things now moved at an unimaginable pace. Within two weeks the building repairs started.
Once I agreed to the designs, Zoonie started the structural construction of the library. At the same time, I started looking for book wholesalers and publishing houses for educational books, novels, best sellers, magazines, etc. Between it all, I also searched for people willing to help build the perfect cafe. People who were efficient at administration, accounting, cataloguing, cooking and marketing among other profiles.
But finding the right people was a tough job. Recruiters charged a hefty commission despite that, the few they sent for an interview were unsuitable. We had time, so I kept my patience intact. The construction and repair work would need two months and another month for the detailing like light, water and electric points. After this, we would begin the interiors, that would take another month. So, I kept looking and waiting for Tasha who’s help I desperately needed now.
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21
“Hey, are you thinking of Mystery man again?”
The sound of Tasha’s voice brings me back to the present. My eyes fi rst go to the cradle to check on Angel and then to Tasha. She is eyeing me with a cheeky look.
“Good afternoon sleepyhead! How are you feeling?”
“I am feeling fi ne and rested, but you seemed far away.”
“Hmm, delving into the past does that to you. Since yesterday the past has been biting my ass at odd times.”
She winks and jokingly remarks, “Hmm… you must be sore by now.”
“Hahaha, you are funny! Anyway, do you want anything?”
Before she could answer, the nurse comes in with a snack.
Well, lucky mommy being served while the attendant starves, huh! While I gather my thoughts, the door opens to let mom in.
“Hey mom, aren’t you back early?”
“Kai, have you seen the time? It’s 6 p.m.! In fact, everyone will be here soon. Which world are you living in?”
She shrugs and moves to Tasha after caressing Angel’s pretty forehead. She calls over her shoulder, “There are some sandwiches and rolls in that bag. I know you must be hungry.”
“Thanks mom, you are the best! I am really getting hungry.”
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112 • Ritu Kakar While everyone is there, I ask, “Family, can I have your attention please?”
Hearing this Sam blurts out,
“Kai, can you cut down your dramatics? Talk like a normal person for a change.”
I frown at him and reply, “Ya, I can see you missed me. I know that everyone is busy with Angel but can you all please decide on a name?”
I turn away from him and look at the rest.
“I know I sound pushy but I need a proper name for this cutie, even though Angel sounds nice.”
“Kai, we like the name Arshi. It is short, sweet and meaningful.”
Mala aunty rarely makes announcements or decisions in the family, so it comes as a pleasant surprise.
Everyone nods in consent. I gleefully clap my hands and walk towards mom. She is holding Arshi in her arms. I touch the baby’s face lightly and whisper softly in her ears, “Welcome to our crazy family Arshi.” I plant a peck on her forehead and look up to find everyone busy talking among themselves.
“Mom, when is Tasha going to be discharged? Just asking cos I won’t be able to come to the hospital tomorrow.”
“I think she will be discharged the day after tomorrow, depending on her stitches. As for tomorrow, it’s okay as I am coming home tonight. Mala will be staying with Tasha tonight and I will stay tomorrow afternoon. If you want to leave even now you can.”
I kiss Arshi again, wish everyone goodbye as I leave. I ignore Drew even though I notice him stealing looks at me.… don’t you find his behavior odd? Hmm… I wonder why…?
I am just about to start my bike when my cell phone rings.
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convenient and handy, but they almost always ring at the wrong time. Hmm it’s the Café. As soon as I answer the phone, a voice rambles at the other end,
“Sorry for troubling you at this late hour, but I just had to remind you of your meeting tomorrow at noon with the devil.”
I smile and reply, “Well, hello to you to Nikita. I am well, and so are Tasha and Arshi. Yes… we have finally named Angel. Isn’t it a lovely name… Arshi?”
Niki sighs and apologetically continues speaking,
“Okay, okay! I am sorry! But that man has me at my wit’s ends. I don’t want anything to go wrong tomorrow. I don’t want to give him the opportunity to label me as an inefficient member of ECL.”
I sigh in exasperation, “Relax, will you? You are stressing me out as well! I will be in at 11 a.m., so chillax for now. Now I gtg…
bye!”
Good heavens, who is this Aveer Mehra? I Googled him the other day again, there is a lot about his achievements but no photograph. The articles praise his professional contribution, but nothing about him or his personal life. Is he really as bad as Niki portrays him to be? Well, time will tell. Right now, all I need is my bed.
During the ride home, my mind wanders to the thoughts of my Mystery Man. Hmm… strange when do I start thinking of him as mine now… huh!
I don’t even think we will meet again, even though destiny crossed our paths twice! And each time he made me feel nice about myself. Yes, I appear to be a successful extrovert, but deep inside I am still emotionally scarred, who had closed all doors to relations. I still make friends with boys, but have never got involved with anyone again. The past has been hard to let go but 163_LU_1st Proof_4 Nov 19 page cum.indd 113
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114 • Ritu Kakar Mystery Man opened the floodgates of my heart. How? I am not sure. A car honk close to me shakes me up.
Oops! I am being careless, again! I better concentrate on the road.
I see a note stuck on the door of my house. I open the envelope and burst out laughing till tears run down my happy face. I shake my head exclaiming, “Niki, Niki! What has this devil done to you?”
Wait a minute! Did I just label the man as the devil? Gosh! He seems to be getting into my head too!
I read the note again, ‘Kai, call me paranoid, stupid or whatever adjective you come up with. But please be on time. I don’t want to have to deal with the devil again please. XOXO.’
Wow, I am intrigued! I remember when Niki had first come for an interview three and a half years ago. She was unemployed and inexperienced. It was her commendable risk-taking appetite and the go-getter attitude that had impressed me. Over the years, she turned out to be ECL’s biggest assets. Later she confessed that my positivity and confidence instilled faith in her. She could relate to my vision the same way I did to her dreams.
She became my Lady Friday (if there exists a term like that!) She got involved with every aspect of operations and allowed me to focus on other crucial ones.
Zoonie, Tasha, Nikita and I could plan the interiors, the furniture for the books and our office space. But running a fully functional café that serves good food & drinks needed the handiwork of an expert.
Good food and coffee would make my library even more welcoming. We tried poaching, recruitment firms and college drives but came back empty-handed. This worried me to no end.
We almost gave up and thought of tying up with a third party when I accidentally met Robin and Pete.
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We happened to be at the same coffee shop I was waiting for the interviewee and they, for their interviewer.
They mistook me for their interviewer and we got talking. We just struck a wonderful rapport.
It’s only when my interviewee, the gourmet chef approached our table did we realize the case of mistaken identity. But we didn’t see the need to rectify it.
They had agreed to all the terms. I liked them, they seemed experienced, aware and committed. They had the enthusiasm to explore a different terrain. Something I appreciated and wanted.
The next day, during the tasting session, we were greeted with a wide array of the most scrumptious food. The table was laid out with a wide variety of pastries, puffs, sandwiches and the best coffee ever. You already know about my romance with coffee; so, when I say it was the best, of course I am right!
Robin and Pete had turned coffee making into a science of personality typing. They had a flavour for every person according to their outlook and personality. This innovation brought us a lot of accolades later. I was on a roll, ECL now had everything to get started. The library almost ready, the café was in the process, books were set for display, the décor was complete and to top it we had the best staff ever. Though different, we were all united by a common vision that allowed us to form a relationship beyond work. ECL was now all set and my extended family was ready to conquer Mumbai!
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22
I smile at the memories as I set aside Niki’s note. Mom has cooked and stored the food in the fridge. I pile my plate with food and plonk myself on the sofa in front of the television.
As I enjoy the soulful food , I savour the fruits of my success and being blessed to share it with like-minded people.
Zoonie, Tasha, Nikita, Robin, Pete and I, we were the perfect team. It took a little longer than we anticipated , but fi nally, ECL was ready for business. I still get the jitters as I remember the excitement among readers, the excited questions from the journalists. Zoonie’s dad’s PR agency did wonders for the launch.
ECL was established as a popular youth hangout and yes, we were here to stay.
I take a deep breath and loudly mutter to myself,
“Enough Kaira! I think you have wasted enough time reminiscing the past. Enoug
