19."What’s Going On Today"

"So, Vikram, can you tell me why you called me here? I mean, Keerthi didn't mention the reason for this meeting," I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

Vikram nodded, his expression turning earnest. "I recently heard your song, and I have to say, it carries a lot of emotion. I have a studio called Echo Soundscapes. It's currently regional, but I want to take it to a national or even international level. With your help, it's possible. I want to invest in it and have you as my partner."

His words hung in the air, and I felt a rush of excitement. This could be a significant opportunity for me. As I mulled over the offer, I couldn't help but think about the potential it held. If I could help elevate this studio to new heights, it could open doors to unimaginable possibilities. Investing in major studios like Marvel or DC could become a reality.

After a moment of contemplation, I looked back at Vikram and replied, "Can I see the studio details?"

Vikram nodded eagerly and turned to Keerthi. "Keerthi, please provide Krishna with the details."

Keerthi nodded and handed me a file containing all the information about Echo Soundscapes and their work. I delved into the details, immersing myself in the world of the studio. The more I read, the more convinced I became of its potential.

After thoroughly examining the contents, I passed the file to Seenu and Ammu, eager to get their opinions.

I looked at Vikram, considering his proposal carefully. "Okay, I agree with the deal. So, how are you going to distribute profits, and how many shares do I get if I invest in your studio?"

Keerthi handed me the agreement, and Vikram explained, "We will be 50/50 partners in the studio. As for your music or song rights, it's 70% for you and 30% for the studio. So, it's also indirectly profitable for you."

His words resonated with me, and I understood his perspective. "Don't think why I am doing this," he continued, "because I know I can't handle everything alone at this state. I am searching for the right person for my studio, and when I heard your song, I saw potential. I also checked your other works, and this partnership is also profitable for the studio. You own a chain of IMAX theaters, and I also know you are interested in Hollywood and superhero movies. So, if you're able to make a name for yourself, this can be helpful for you."

His explanation made sense, and I nodded in agreement. "Yes, I understand that," I replied.

We proceeded to sign the contract. As I glanced at the name of Vikram on the contract, I noticed his thumbprint next to it. It served as a stark reminder of his physical limitations—he could only move his head.

Despite his challenges, Vikram's determination and vision were inspiring. I felt a sense of respect and admiration for him as we finalized our partnership.

After signing the contract, I turned to Vikram and inquired, "So, what's the plan? Do you have any ideas?"

Vikram nodded thoughtfully and replied, "Yes, for now, we are focusing on the music industry. I want you to create five songs—two in regional language and three in Hindi. With these, we can kickstart our plan and decide our next steps based on how well the songs perform."

(A/N:Suggest me some songs)

I nodded in understanding. "How much time do I have for this?" I asked.

"I'm hoping you already have some songs with you. Once you've completed them, we can select five for recording. I'm expecting them by next month," Vikram explained.

"I already have some songs. It's good we can select from them. I'll inform you when I finish writing," I assured him.

With that settled, I stood up and said, "I'll take my leave now."

"It's been a pleasure working with you," Vikram replied.

"Likewise. But are you sure you don't have a twin brother?" I ask again.

Vikram smiled wistfully. "I'm sure, Krishna. I don't have a twin brother, and even if I did, I wouldn't know. I'm an orphan."

I nodded sympathetically. "If you say so. Goodbye, see you soon."

I looked at Keerthi and extended my hand for a handshake. She gracefully accepted it, and I couldn't help but admire her beauty. "I hope we can meet from time to time, Keerthi. It's an honor to spend time with a beautiful girl like you," I said with a smile.

Keerthi blushed slightly and replied, "I hope so, Krishna."

Feeling Ammu's gaze on me, I quickly released Keerthi's hand, not wanting to cause anything. I bid Vikram and Keerthi farewell before making my way back to the car. As we approached, I noticed Ammu teasingly mimicking my earlier words.

"I hope we can meet time to time, Keerthi. It's an honor to spend time with a beautiful girl like you," she teased, raising an eyebrow at me. "A beautiful girl like her? What does that mean, Krishna? Am I not beautiful?"

Seenu wasted no time in jumping into the car, leaving me alone to handle Ammu's playful banter. I turned to her with a smile, pulling her into a warm hug. "How could that be? I was just joking. Of course, you're beautiful, Ammu. That's why I fell for you. You're beautiful not just on the outside, but on the inside too, my innocent girl," I reassured her, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Ammu's anger melted away, and she returned the hug, holding me tightly. From the car window, Seenu's voice interrupted our moment. "Are you two just going to play lovey-dovey out here, or are you coming to sit inside?" he called out, breaking the spell.

We both chuckled and nodded, reluctantly breaking our embrace and settling into the car. Seenu started the engine, and we began our journey back, the atmosphere light and filled with laughter as we shared jokes and stories along the way.

As the familiar ringtone echoed through the car, I glanced at my phone to see Lawyer Paani's name flashing on the screen. I hadn't spoken to him in a while With a slight smile, I answered the call.

"Ah, Lawyer Paani, how do you remember little old me? How can a humble person like me assist you?" I said, teasingly.

There was a noticeable nervousness in Paani's voice as he replied, "Krishna, can you come to my house tomorrow? I need to talk to you about something important."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his request. "Something important? Could it be that the elections are approaching, and you need funding from me, Paani?" I said.

Paani hesitated before responding, "Yes, about that... how should I put it..."

I interrupted him, I said. "And if the Jana Dalam Party needs funding, shouldn't that old man give me a call himself instead of sending you, Paani?" I asked pointedly.

Paani stammered, "Krishna, sir have some work..."

"Don't waste my time, Paani. Tell me the truth," I demanded firmly.

"Last time, what you said to him, he didn't like it. He didn't want to talk to you. That's why he told me to talk to you about funding," Paani explained.

I let out a sigh, shaking my head in exasperation. "That old man and his non-existent ego. He's become this old, but he still doesn't have any sense," I muttered to myself. Turning my attention back to the conversation, I asked, "Paani, tell me, does he need my help, or do I need his help?"

Paani attempted to interject, but I cut him off, frustration evident in my voice. "And if he needs my help, then he should be the one calling me, not you, Paani."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line before Paani spoke again, his voice tinged with desperation. "Krishna, listen to me. If you don't come, he'll just kill me. Please, come tomorrow to my house. We can talk there, please."

I closed my eyes, feeling torn. Despite my irritation with the situation. With a resigned tone, I relented, "Okay, okay, I'll come tomorrow."

"Thank you, Krishna," Paani said, relief evident in his voice.

With a heavy sigh, I ended the call as I ended the call, Seenu glanced over at me, curiosity evident in his expression. "Call for funding, huh?" he remarked.

I nodded in response, a hint of annoyance lingering in my tone. "Yeah, it's Paani's call. He's invited me to his house for a meeting."

Seenu raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Why didn't that old man just call you himself?" he asked.

A frustrated sigh escaped me as I leaned back in my chair. "That old man is idiot," I replied, shaking my head. "Last time, I bruised his ego, so now he doesn't want to talk to me directly. Instead, he's using Paani as a middleman to ask for funding."

Seenu chuckled at my explanation, shaking his head in amusement. "Ah, the complexities of human pride," he mused, his laughter trailing off.

I couldn't help but join in, finding humor in the absurdity of the situation. It was a familiar scenario, one where egos clashed and communication faltered, resulting in unnecessary complications.

As we returned to the company, I noticed Parimal rushing towards us with a worried expression on his face. Concerned, I gestured for him to calm down. "Calm down, Parimal. Take a deep breath and relax," I advised, hoping to soothe his nerves.

Taking my advice, Parimal nodded and began to regulate his breathing. Once he had composed himself, he urgently informed me of some news. "Boss, there's something you need to see," he said, his tone filled with urgency.

Curious and slightly apprehensive, I followed Parimal as he led us to my cabin. Upon entering, he promptly turned on the news channel, and what I saw next left me puzzled and confused.

On the screen, a breaking news headline flashed, accompanied by a reporter's voice recounting the events. My eyes widened in shock as I listened to the report, trying to make sense of the unfolding situation.

On the screen, my brother Bheeshma's photo flashed alongside a news report. "Bheeshma Organics has announced its next CEO as Jr. Bheeshma, the real heir of Mr. Bheeshma. Jr. Bheeshma is the brother of Mr. Prasad, the CEO and owner of Nirvana Enterprises. So, can we say it's also connected to Nirvana Enterprises? Did Mr. Krishna have some kind of plan, and is he also involved in it? There are so many questions that we have, Mr.Bheeshma said he is taking press conference soon to answer our questions" the report said.

"What the hell is going on, Krishna? How could Bheeshma become the CEO, and why haven't I heard anything about it?" Seenu exclaimed.

I ran a hand through my hair, frustration evident in my voice. "I'm just as clueless as you are, Seenu. And why hasn't Mr. Bheeshma bothered to inform me about this? What the hell is going on?" I muttered, feeling a sense of unease creeping over me.

Turning to Seenu, I issued instructions with determination. "Seenu, I'm heading home to get to the bottom of this. You handle things here and make sure to handle the media situation," I instructed, my tone firm.

Seenu nodded in understanding, ready to take charge in my absence. My attention then shifted to Ammu, who had been quietly observing the conversation. "Ammu, let's go," I said, my voice softer as I addressed her.

She nodded in response, her expression reflecting her concern. Following me out to the parking lot, I mounted my bike, feeling Ammu settle in behind me. As she wrapped her arms around me in a comforting hug, I revved the engine and steered us towards my house.

(Words count:1980)