Sinner's Game: Karma will chase! Page 7

  ‘These days I don’t get much time but I enjoy music a lot. It’s also my favorite activity during the weekend’.

  ‘What kind of music do you like?’ asked Akshay.

  ‘It all depends on my mood but for me lyrics play a very important role. If I don’t understand the lyrics or the deeper meaning, I can never enjoy a song. For me, it is a ground rule for all songs. Reema thinks that I am crazy.’

  Akshay was a big fan of good lyrics himself but he just wanted to hear her out.

  ‘I like songs with deep meanings. I have learnt many Urdu words in this process – just to understand meaning of my favorite Ghazals.’

  ‘So we do have something in common – outside work I mean,’ said Akshay.

  ‘May be more who knows’, said Tanuja with a slight smile but she continued without letting him speak, ‘I also really love traveling, specifically outside India. But haven’t done so for quite some time.’

  The flight to Hong Kong was short and uneventful. At Hong Kong, they spent some time in the lounge together. The next leg to New York was a longer one. While Akshay followed his well-practiced routine during the flight, Tanuja found it tough to pass time. There were not enough movies to catch up as most were available on the OTT platforms.

  The weather in New York was pleasant but relatively chilly in comparison to Gurgaon. A pickup from the airport had been arranged for them. During the drive, Akshay was yawning and falling asleep intermittently, Tanuja enjoyed the scenic beauty of New York.

  The entry to Manhattan was breathtaking for Tanuja. She clicked few pictures with her phone to savour the memories. The check-in at the hotel was smooth. After the check-in, Akshay told Tanuja, ‘It is 9:00 am now and I will need an hour to freshen up and call Garima. If you are hungry you can go for breakfast.’

  ‘I also have a few calls to make, I will wait for you for the breakfast.’

  Calls made, freshened up, they met for breakfast in a while. After breakfast, they headed for the shopping. Tanuja had to pick some formals for the upcoming investor meetings. Despite all reservations, Akshay tried his best to help her in the selection. Tanuja really appreciated his gesture and thanked him profusely. After a light lunch they headed for the Central Park for a walk. Central Park was full of attractions, from green meadows to sprawling waters, gardens and unique bridges.

  Tanuja was overwhelmed with picturesque beauty of the park and wanted to spend more time there. Akshay showed some resistance initially but then finally agreed. Tanuja was full of energy and quite different. Tanuja was now quite comfortable in Akshay’s company and had started light banter with him. To his surprise. Akshay enjoyed his stroll more than his earlier trips. He was getting more comfortable around Tanuja and wanted to spend more time with her. By 5 pm Tanuja was quite tired and wanted to go back to the hotel.

  She said, ‘I enjoyed today but I am feeling tired right now. Can we go back to take some rest?’

  ‘Tanuja, this is not the time to go back to hotel. As per my experience, the next few hours will be quite difficult. Staying awake during this time would be your biggest challenge. So, let us go to a place where there is loud music and we can enjoy few drinks.’

  ‘As you say, but I can sleep even while sitting on a chair right now!’

  ‘In that case, I will just offer you a stool near the bar!’

  ‘Then keep your one hand free to save me from falling!’

  ‘I think the combination of good music and a nice drink may help you.’

  Tanuja had to battle her sleep hard. Akshay tried to regale her and keep her awake by narrating incidents related to his prior visits. Tanuja tried to concentrate but her body decided not to support her. She fell asleep many time during the conversation – waking up in between to see the smiling face of Akshay. Akshay found her even more attractive while sleeping and didn’t mind watching her. He looked at her and realized his growing attraction towards her. He had never looked at Tanuja in this manner or any other girl for that matter. He now wanted to spend more time with her during the trip. Tanuja finally woke up and they left the bar around 8 pm and called it a day. Akshay called Garima before he went to bed and told her about his day. He did not to mention Tanuja at all.

  Their first meeting next day was with the investment banker, Joe, who had the fund raise mandate for Hailthy. The first investor meeting was organized with VAS Capital. Rob from VAS Capital was waiting with Joe in a boardroom for the meeting. Rob got up to receive Akshay and Tanuja. After brief introduction from Akshay and Tanuja, the discussion shifted to the investor presentation. Tanuja and Akshay handled all questions related to the US market and global expansion strategy. Rob was quite impressed with Akshay and Tanuja. He was always interested in the Indian market but mostly through public market.

  After finishing the meeting with Rob, Akshay asked Rob, ‘so what do you think about our meeting?’

  Joe said, ‘Well to sum it up, you may to cancel all other meetings and enjoy rest of your days in sightseeing! I have never seen Rob so excited during a meeting.’

  Akshay said, ‘Meaning?’

  ‘Well Rob looked quite excited about this deal and he even discussed Hailthy’s valuation with me earlier. He will surely discuss this with his board on the coming Monday and if everything goes well, it will take one more meeting before the term sheet is out.’

  Akshay was thrilled, ‘That is really great! Initial interest from Rob will be good for us and we should aim for non-exclusive term sheet, so that we can negotiate hard on the valuation.’

  ‘Well let us wait till the term sheet is out and focus on our remaining meetings. I am very happy with the outcome of our first meeting.

  The next few days were quite hectic as there were about six planned meetings scheduled. Tanuja and Akshay got to know each other better during late night dinners. For some reasons Tanuja stayed away from alcohol. Akshay tried few times and then gave up. He wanted Tanuja to open up more. Tanuja noticed everything but maintained her control. She was impressed by his professionalism and confidence and his sense of humor, about which she had heard so much. The experience she gained in terms of business and raising funds was invaluable. She was aware that this would help in realizing her own dreams.

  On the last day, Akshay and Tanuja went again to shop. This time, Akshay needed her help to shop for Garima. They were in Zara when Akshay said, ‘Tanuja I am bad when it comes to shopping for Garima so need your help here.’

  ‘I can but I don’t know much about her. It would help if you can show me some of her pictures.’

  Akshay realized then that he didn’t have too many pictures of Garima on his phone. He showed her some pics of Garima from her Facebook page. ‘Oh wow, she is gorgeous.’ Tanuja said that to gauge Akshay’s reaction. Akshay didn’t say anything. Instead he changed the topic, ‘Well feel free to check her albums and find me some nice dress!’

  ‘Are you under some pressure to buy something for her?’

  ‘Look I have hardly called her during this trip. The dress may compensate for that.’

  ‘Sure, but you need to help me too!’

  ‘Is this a quid pro quo? How can I help you?’

  ‘You will know very soon. Once I am through with my list, I will call you. You can even enjoy your coffee for now.’

  Tanuja had plans and she wanted to cash on this opportunity. While selecting suitable gift for Garima, she picked some dresses for her as well. She wanted Akshay to see her in hot and revealing dresses – something that was not possible in office. She wanted to see Akshay’s reaction. Akshay strolled in the Men’s section for some time, while Tanuja went to the Women section. She called Akshay and asked, ‘Do you mind giving your feedback on my selection?’

  ‘For you or Garima? I don’t think that you are of same size.’

  ‘This is just for me.’

  Akshay followed Tanuja and stood outside the trial room of Zara. Tanuja came out and asked, ‘How do I look?’

  Akshay scanned her from top to bottom. Ta
nuja had picked a very sexy dress with a deep neckline. He intentionally avoided looking at deep neckline. Tanuja turned to reveal a sexy back. The dress fit perfectly and accentuated her curves.

  ‘How is this one?’

  ‘Well it can’t get better! I think it is made for you. Good choice! Can we go now?’

  ‘Wait I have to try a few more. These dresses are quite expensive so you need to be more patient. Please!’

  Akshay struggled to maintain a poker face, Tanuja’s plan really worked. She succeeded not only in tantalizing Akshay, but this turned out to be a first step towards their informal interaction. Akshay was already distracted but Tanuja’s sensuality made her more desirable. When he came out of Zara, he felt relieved. Tanuja couldn’t have asked for more. Now she was excited about the return flight where she hoped to get closer to Akshay. She had learnt so much about Hailthy’s Intellectual Property during the trip but at a very high level. She wanted to learn more in this area as this was crucial for her own venture. The crux of business was always in founder’s head.

  The return journey to India was smooth. It was a successful trip from a business perspective. Tanuja got an opportunity to interact informally with Akshay. Akshay opened a bit on his personal front but did not go into details. V Akshay saw Joe’s mail after landing and was excited to see a term sheet for investment. He was not in a mood to open the term sheet on his phone and decided to call Joe instead.

  ‘Hi Akshay! Hope you had a nice trip back home.’

  ‘Yes Joe, I saw the mail from VAS Capital. Why don’t you summarize their terms?’

  ‘Well frankly speaking they are being stingy on valuation. This will dilute you a lot. I am in touch with the other investors and will get back to you shortly. You must be tired so we can connect tomorrow.’

  ‘Sure Joe, let me review the terms and we can connect tomorrow. Bye.’

  ‘Goodnight Akshay.’

  The Downfall

  After his last interaction with Priya near Sohna road, Himanshu realized that he could not take a risk like that with Priya. He had a good time with Priya in the car but he could not afford to be caught in a car with Priya, in a remote place. Himanshu wanted a safer place to continue his relationship. With his salary, he could hardly afford even a single night’s stay with Priya, at any good property. He needed money and he thought about his options. The only option was asking Aditi. Aditi had arranged funds from her father for his past requirements and she had never asked Himanshu about paying it back. This gave him confidence to ask for more money for his nocturnal activities.

  When Aditi returned from her office, Himanshu had made tea for her. Aditi was surprised by this gesture but she did not suspect Himanshu’s ulterior motive behind it.

  ‘Have you started cooking now?’

  ‘Yes and no! Listed Aditi, I need to discuss something with you.’

  Aditi sat down with her cup of tea, wanting to hear what Himanshu had to say

  ‘Aditi I have started earning now. I still have some problems. Some of that old debt remains and those guys are troubling me again.’

  ‘What? We had paid everyone as far as I remember. In fact we still have to pay back the loan that I had taken from my father.’

  ‘Don’t give me the loan crap again. You know it quite well that it was not a loan.’

  ‘I don’t think I can ask my father again so we need to plan something else.’

  ‘Like?’

  ‘Since both of us are earning let’s take a personal loan now.’

  ‘I don’t agree with this Aditi.’

  ‘Himanshu then you can borrow from your father.’

  ‘How dare you?’

  ‘If I can borrow from my father you can do it too. Himanshu, I very well know where your salary goes. You spend nothing on our household expenses. Even the electricity bill is settled by my father.’

  ‘That’s because this flat is in his name. He could have transferred it to me.’

  ‘No comments on that and that is his wish. We should be thankful that we are staying in such a nice place.’

  ‘I will spend my money as I feel like. You don’t have any say in that, do you understand?’

  ‘Fine. I am not asking for your money but I can’t borrow from my father anymore.’

  ‘Do what you feel like doing and I will do what I want in my life.’

  Himanshu angrily left the house. He called his friend for Hauz Khas arrangement and left his house. He desperately wanted company of good looking girls and drugs. Aditi wanted to confront him but decided not to..

  It was quite late at night and Himanshu had not gotten back home, as usual. Aditi was well aware of Himanshu’s lifestyle and had resigned to it. But she was still worried about his safety.

  Around 2:00 am, the doorbell rang. Aditi was surprised as Himanshu always carried a spare key for the apartment with him. She opened the door and found Himanshu standing there along with a girl. This had never happened in the past. She was furious.

  ‘Himanshu, who the hell is she and what is she doing here?’

  ‘She is a friend and there was a power cut at her apartment so we are here. Do you have a problem?’

  ‘So are you planning to get all your female friends to our home? Stop giving this stupid excuse.’

  ‘So this house may be your father’s but behave like a wife. Do you even know the meaning of marriage?’

  Himanshu now started shouting loudly and because of her self-respect, Aditi did not want to argue with him late at night. Even though Himanshu had crossed all moral boundaries of their relationship, she was concerned about her reputation and didn’t want to create a scene so late at night.

  She went back to her bedroom but she could not sleep. Himanshu was chatting openly with the girl shamelessly and after some time he shut the door of the other room.

  She switched on the television to drown the sounds coming out of the other room. The sleeping child also started getting disturbed. She left and knocked at the room door.

  Himanshu came out. ‘What do you want?’

  ‘What are you up to, Himanshu? Have you brought a prostitute to our house? This is unacceptable. You have crossed all limits with your indecent behavior.’

  ‘Aditi, how dare you call my friend a prostitute? ‘So who is she? Is she your colleague from office?’

  ‘Well none of your business.’

  ‘This will not be tolerated. I will lock the house and go back to home, if needed.’

  ‘Sure yourself. I can and will do anything I want with my money.’

  The Software

  Meanwhile Vyom’s detective agency had taken off well with time. As promised to Yamraj and his wife, he was indirectly helping the society to become a better place.

  Vyom enjoyed this line of work and often thought about his interaction with Yamraj. He vividly remembered the last conversation but he was not sure if that was for real. Vyom fixed a camera in his bedroom just so that he wanted to be sure that he would not hallucinate in future. He was confident that the camera would capture any future interaction with Yamraj.

  Initially clients hired Vyom as a detective for getting diligence done before a potential matrimonial alliance. Previously finding out an affair was quite easy. One could easily connect dots through Facebook profiles. With the adoption of new social platforms like Snapchat and WhatsApp, it became increasingly difficult to track anyone. Vyom had to follow people in person in order to track their activities. This made his job riskier - something that he did not prefer. He desperately wanted a solution through technology.

  He started familiarizing himself with snooping devices. He started hacking to target individuals. He adopted this approach as his last resort. Smart users always deleted messages to avoid any snooping activity and he wanted to solve this issue.

  Vyom’s big challenge continued to be WhatsApp encryption and he became desperate to find a solution. One day when he was surfing on his laptop about WhatsApp’s encryption, he found out that there was no legal sof
tware available for this problem. Frustrated and exhausted, he prayed for some divine intervention before he went to sleep.

  In the middle of night, a flash of light interrupted his sleep. He got up to see if Alka needed any help. However, Alka was fast asleep next to him. The room dazzled with light and once again, he saw Yamraj standing in the middle of the room with a smile on his face.

  Yamraj said, ‘Vyom, you have chosen the right path. You have also adhered to your promise. It is good to see such technology advancement on Prithvi Lok.’

  Vyom was not fearful and was better prepared this time with installed CCTV in his room.

  He responded with a smile, ‘Yamraj Ji! It was important for me to choose the right path and give more meaning to my life. My wife is also quite happy with this change.’

  Yamraj said, ‘Vyom, we can clearly see change in your lifestyle and your good karma will help you later when you reach the final destination. I have dealt with many people like you. To avoid death they make many promises, which they fail to keep. No one has put in efforts like you have.’

  Vyom was more comfortable now, ‘I am very grateful for the course correction that you have brought to my life and for giving me another chance to give back to the society as promised.’

  ‘We are very impressed with technological advancement in your world.’

  ‘Sometimes technology can create barriers too! These days I am unable to track WhatsApp messages due to its encryption. It is getting tougher each day to nail culprits.’

  Yamraj laughed and said, ‘We have seen this type of secret interactions throughout the passage of time but nothing is hidden from our eyes. Every problem has a solution if you try harder.’

  Saying this Yamraj disappeared in a flash of light followed by complete darkness in the room.

  Vyom immediately rushed to check the video recording on the cloud storage. He quickly opened the website and logged in. He clicked on the latest recording. He looked like a fool sitting upright and talking. Yamraj was nowhere in the video. He thought to himself, ‘Well it was a stupid idea to capture God in any camera.’