Cafe talk

A cozy, bustling café with a warm ambiance. Raj and Amulya sit at a corner table, away from the noise, sipping their coffee as they spread out documents and laptops for another business meeting.

Scene: Business Meeting Turns into Friendship

Raj: (reviewing a document) So, Amulya, I've been looking over the latest financials for Pack Your Bags. Your growth metrics are impressive. The expansion strategy into tier-2 cities seems like a smart move.

Amulya: (smiling) Thank you, Raj. It's been a lot of hard work, but I believe in our model. With the right support, we can make travel accessible to everyone.

Raj: (nodding) Absolutely. By the way, have you thought about incorporating more personalized travel packages? I've noticed a trend towards curated experiences.

Amulya: (enthusiastically) Yes, actually! That's something we're exploring. I'm glad you brought it up. Personalized travel can really set us apart from the competition.

Raj: (leaning back, smiling) You know, Amulya, it's always a pleasure discussing business with you. Your insights are always sharp and forward-thinking.

Amulya: (grinning) Likewise, Raj. You have a knack for seeing opportunities and turning them into actionable plans. It's refreshing to work with someone who understands and supports my vision.

Raj: (laughing) Well, I have to admit, I'm learning a lot from you. Your passion for your work is contagious.

Amulya: (playfully) Oh, come on, Raj. You're just saying that. But seriously, it's been great having someone to bounce ideas off of. It makes the process so much more enjoyable.

Raj: (smiling warmly) You know, Amulya, our meetings have started to feel less like business and more like catching up with a friend.

Amulya: (nodding) I was thinking the same thing. It's nice to have someone who understands the challenges and triumphs of running a business.

Raj: (raising his coffee cup) Here's to our partnership and to new friendships.

Amulya: (clinking her cup with his) Cheers to that!

Raj: (after a sip) By the way, how's your family doing? I know they mean a lot to you.

Amulya: (softly) They're doing well, thanks for asking. My parents are really proud of how far Pack Your Bags has come. It's been a dream come true for them to see me succeed.

Raj: (genuinely) That's wonderful to hear. Family is so important. They must be so proud of you.

Amulya: (smiling) They are. And I'm grateful for their support. How about you? How's your family?

Raj: (thoughtful) It's been a journey. There have been challenges, but we're working through them. My parents are finally starting to reconnect, and I'm doing my best to support them.

Amulya: (reaching out to touch his hand briefly) That's good to hear, Raj. It's not easy balancing family and business, but it sounds like you're doing a great job.

Raj: (smiling) Thanks, Amulya. I appreciate that. You know, it's conversations like these that make everything worthwhile. It's good to have someone to share these moments with.

Amulya: (nodding) I agree. It's important to have people who understand and support you. I'm glad we've become friends, Raj.

Raj: (smiling warmly) Me too, Amulya. Here's to more successful ventures and a lasting friendship.

As they continue their conversation, the bond between Raj and Amulya strengthens, evolving from mere business partners to close friends who support each other both professionally and personally.

A cozy, bustling café with a warm ambiance. Raj and Amulya sit at a corner table, away from the noise, sipping their coffee as they discuss business.

Scene: Talking About Bittu and an Unexpected Encounter

Raj: (leaning forward) By the way, Amulya, I recently found out that Valmiki's son, Bittu, works at Pack Your Bags. Small world, right?

Amulya: (laughs) Oh, Bittu! Yes, he's quite the character. To be honest, he was a bit annoying at first. Always so eager and... persistent.

Raj: (chuckling) Really? I didn't get that impression from him.

Amulya: (smiling) Oh, he grows on you. I ended up sending him to various parts of India to help establish new offices. It kept him busy and out of my hair for a while. But he did a good job, actually. I'm planning to have him back at the Hyderabad office soon.

Raj: (smiling) That's good to hear. Valmiki thinks he's a bit aimless, but it sounds like he's found his stride with you.

Amulya: (nodding) Yes, he has. He just needed some direction. He's got potential.

As they continue their conversation, Jayaram and Yashu are walking along the footpath outside the café. They spot Raj inside, laughing and talking with Amulya. They exchange mischievous smiles and decide to approach the table.

Jayaram: (walking up to the table) Well, well, what do we have here?

Raj: (startled, turning to see his parents) Dad! Mom! What are you doing here?

Yashu: (smiling) We were just out for a walk and saw you through the window. Who's your friend, Raj?

Raj: (flustered) Oh, um, Mom, Dad, this is Amulya. She's the CEO of Pack Your Bags. Amulya, these are my parents, Jayaram and Yashu.

Amulya: (standing up and shaking hands) It's a pleasure to meet you both.

Jayaram: (grinning) The pleasure is ours. We've heard a lot about you, Amulya. Raj talks about your company quite a bit.

Yashu: (teasingly) Yes, and it's nice to finally see our son smiling so much. You must be good company.

Raj: (blushing) Mom...

Amulya: (laughing) Raj has been a great partner and a good friend. We've been working on some exciting projects together.

Jayaram: (pulling up a chair) Mind if we join you?

Raj: (smiling awkwardly) Of course not. Please, have a seat.

They all sit down, and the conversation continues, now including Raj's parents. They talk about business, Bittu's potential return to the Hyderabad office, and various other topics, enjoying the pleasant evening.

Jayaram: (after a while) You know, Raj, we're really proud of how you've been handling everything lately. It's good to see you so involved and happy.

Yashu: (smiling warmly) Yes, we are. And Amulya, thank you for being such a good influence on our son.

Amulya: (graciously) It's been a mutual benefit, I assure you. Raj has been instrumental in helping us grow Pack Your Bags.

Raj: (smiling at his parents and Amulya) I've been learning a lot from Amulya. She's truly inspiring.

As the evening progresses, the bond between them all strengthens. Raj feels a sense of fulfillment seeing his parents happy and proud, while Amulya enjoys being part of this newfound camaraderie. The meeting turns from a business discussion into a warm, family-like gathering, leaving everyone with a sense of contentment and optimism for the future.

Scene: Raj's Room (Night)

(Raj is hunched over his phone, typing furiously. A notification sound dings.)

Raj: (Smiling) Finally, a reply!

(He reads the message.)

Amulya (text): Hey Raj! Sorry for the late response. Work got a bit crazy.

Raj (text): No worries! Everything alright?

Amulya (text): Actually, there's some news. i am taking a small team to Paris for a work project .

Raj (text): (Types quickly, then erases) Wow, that's amazing, Amulya! Paris, huh? Must be exciting.

Amulya (text): It is! Though, a lot of responsibility too. Gotta make sure everything goes smoothly.

Raj (text): (Hesitates, then types) Well, if you need any backup, you know... someone to, uh, keep you company or translate tricky signs... I'm just a message away!

Amulya (text): (A short pause) That's sweet, Raj. But I think this is something I need to handle myself.

Raj (text): (Slight disappointment shows) Oh, of course. You've got this!

Amulya (text): Thanks, I appreciate the vote of confidence. Anyway, it's getting late. Early flight tomorrow. Good night!

Raj (text): Good night, Amulya. Have a safe trip and good luck!

(Raj sighs and puts his phone down. He stares at the ceiling, a frown creasing his forehead.)

Raj (to himself): Just work, right? Nothing romantic with Bittu on this trip... nothing romantic...

(He closes his eyes, but sleep seems to evade him.)