Kaustav’s POV

“Hydrothermal is still quite a new concept. The current government is quite keen on sustainability. It is centred around utilising geothermal energy and hydrothermal processes for various applications, such as power generation, industrial processes, and sustainable development.”

“Ashish, I am interrupting you over here. But we really don’t need the geography/science classes over here. What I really need is the elaboration on the last statement.” I didn’t want to be rude, but my day started at 5 a.m., and it just refused to end. 

On normal days I might have called it a day by this time and sanctioned it to my home office, working while enjoying cognac. But today is the reception of my younger brother. Akshay and Anaya may not be borne by my mother, but they will always be my siblings. I have never differentiated between them and Anshul. 

Today is my little rascal, sorry brother’s reception, and he legit threatened to disown me if I am not present during the reception. He can be dramatic when he wants. 

I think this marriage hormone affects men as well. He was the most non-affectionate guy I have ever met. Yes, that is me saying, who gives competition to stone-cold faces? He has changed after that incident. 

It has changed everyone, in my opinion. Even Taiji has mellowed down. No one will accept it. But in the darkest corners of their brains and hearts, everyone accepted that day that no one is invincible. 

We are the biggest clan ever to rule. Arbitrarily, the government is the civic body that rules this place. But we always have had a say in the economic and administrative domains. It started with our great grandfather with humble beginnings, but it was our grandfather and Vikram Tauji who cemented the business network. 

My father was there, but he was more into, umm, what we say nowadays, yes, PR and advertising. Is that me covering my father’s mistakes in my subconscious mind? Well yeah. He may not have the brightest bone, but he did what he could do. 

“ Sorry sir, I was getting to that. Hydrothermal systems tap with the earth's natural heat, where water is heated by magma, creating steam or hot water that can be used to generate electricity.” 

“ God Ashish!! Not again!!” My patience was thinning out, and the amused smiles of Papa and Tauji were really not entertaining right now. 

“ Know what Ashish. I will take it from here. I know you have done excessive research on the project.” Tauji, Vikram Rajawat is a very fair employee. He gives the employees a pat on the back when needed and guides them in every way. It doesn’t mean he didn’t rule his kingdom with an iron hand. He has given out punishments when necessary. But in all, the common word is that it is a treat and sheer honor to work with him. 

Dadaji always said that taking care of the employees who really work for you is your prime responsibility. They are taking the company forward with their sheer grit and strength. Taking care of their family is the least you can do for them. As without the foot soldiers you can never win the war. 

Tauji has been the star student who has sponged off every gyaan from our grandfather. 

Hence, Ashish’s over-excitement about sharing each and every aspect of the project. In other times, I may have indulged in science class, but right now, spare me the horror!

Now we were just waiting for Ashish to turn off the projector and log out from teams, while Tauji and Papa were just smiling at my annoyance. 

“What is wrong with both of you today?” I was beyond exasperated. I think I really needed a drink. But it was improper of me to order it in front of them. 

“ Nothing. Your annoyance and your getting to the point attitude, it is so similar to Papa.” 

“ I think we should not waste time reminiscing about the past.” Dadu is the only topic where I don’t indulge my father. It is a sore point for me, and the disdain written on my face really sobered up the environment between the three of us. 

“So the point is the energy emitted by this can help in our factory operations such as drying, heating, and cooling, particularly in agriculture, food processing, and paper manufacturing.” 

“ But bhaiya, setting up and processing the whole operations will not benefit you in this financial year. At Least according to the statistics shown over here.” Papa is looking at the numbers being shown. And I think now i can fully understand what is the problem behind all of this. 

But as always, Tauji will not say it. Meaning: I have to say it and look like I was desperate to do the menial job.

“ Yes, it will cost us in operations. But look at the brighter side, we can compensate for that by the subsidies which the government will give us while our whole operations will be done by hydrothermal plants. So it is a win-win”

Lies, lies, and more lies. 

“I think you are right. Apart from the whole cost of setting it up and employing the whole manforce behind it, there is not a big problem with it. But I hope Tauji, you are not eyeing the barren land which is just near our salt refinery plant.” What? I have to do what needs to be done. 

“ Bingo! That is exactly the space where I want the plant to be.” 

“ There will be a case of environmental endangerment and don't get me started on the union problems.”

“ I am sure you will take care of everything.” 

Meaning: you do the menial job without making anyone notice. Basically, set up everything from scratch. 

“ One favour: Can you set up a meeting with the Chief Minister and Principal secretary?”

“They are at loggerheads. They will not meet you at the same time and definitely not at the same place.” 

 “ Tell them the official spokesperson for the project is me. They will comply.” 

Setting the meeting part could have easily been done by me, but it was a power play, which Tauji indulged. The same can never be said about Taiji, so I refrain from doing it in front of her. But I do that with him in the hopes that in some corner of his heart, he is still the Tauji who used to play with me during his off hours. 

“ If that is all, I really would like to congratulate the newlyweds and get out of here.” 

“ Life Advice Kaustav: Family is everything and what binds them together is love. We may not be the ideal family, but attending functions out of love rather than necessity will only deepen the relationship.”

In moments like these, I still think there is some sort of love for his brother and us. It is there, it just needs to be scraped. I am done scraping, so with a singular nod, I bid them adieu and walk towards the foyer. 

But before I could enter the reception area, I heard some voices, and if I knew better, one of those voices belonged to Taiji. Well, for first, she has never raised her voice on anyone, and I am not a person who is a peeping tom, but this is a first for me as well. 

And I really want to know who can rile up Taiji other than Anshul.

What the other girl is saying is as much of a mystery as the girl herself, but the priceless reaction Taiji needs to be captured and framed. If I meet this girl ever again, I would really like to know her. 

Though I would have liked to wait for this girl to make an exit, this needs to wait. If I really don’t congratulate Akshay this time, he will whine about it till the next century. He really wants me to be there. 

And I am nothing if not a good brother. Speaking of brothers, there is an incoming call from the youngest of the lot. 

“ Bhai, aap kaha ho?” (where are you?)

“ Aa raha hoon. Bas upar hi hoon.” (Coming. I am just taking the elevator)

“ Itne jaldi upar chale gaye. How can I talk when you have left us in this merciless world? Speaking of a merciless world, may I transfer that island in my name?” (How can you leave us so early)

“ Teri nautanki khatam ho gayi ho toh bata dena. I have more pressing matters to deal with” (Done with theatrics?) 

Trust me, the youngest is the hardest to deal with. Anshul may act like a clown, but he took the betrayal the hardest. He may not show it at every turn, but it was hard for us to make him see reason at that point. Thank god Mum was there, or else I would have to deal with a delinquent teenager. 

Speaking of delinquents, our family has grown so fast. It was yesterday everyone was playing basketball, and in a matter of time, everyone went their own ways. 

One has found a life partner, who is the epitome of grace and everything good. While the other two have found passion in their lives. And I like this if new beginnings have the promise of laughter and solace. 

“ Lo, bhaiya aa gaye!!” Anaya comes running towards me and crushes me in a bone-tearing hug. She was always special to us. One angel between the devil brothers. (See, brother has arrived!)

“ Haan, haan ho gaya. Bhaiya ki chamchi. Leave some space for us as well.” Anshul starts to peel her away, but Anaya is still clinging to me while making faces towards Anshul.

“ Pehle didi bol. Main tujhse 7 mahine badi hoon.” (First, pay respects, I am older than you by 7 months)

“ Meri jutti!!” (No Way)

“ Anshul, language.” Someone has to end this tomfoolery. 

“ Bhaiya, thank you for coming.” Akshay makes way for Disha while coming towards us. Now, this is what I like about Akshay. He doesn’t forget his responsibilities towards family while being assertive. I loved how he fought with his mother for what he wanted in his life and he was not sorry after that. He said what needed to be said without being vengeful. 

He has learned from the best. In this case, it is me. 

Both of them touch my feet simultaneously. For the first time, I am flustered. I have never been on the receiving end. 

“Bhaiya thoda embarrass ho gaye naa? Ab aap jeth ji ban gaye ho. Try behaving like one.” Anshul gives his not-so-needed advice. (You've become a brother-in-law now.)

I want to really backhand him this time, as my patience is running low. But it was what Disha said that stopped me.

“ Vritra kaha hai? Bhaiya, aap ne upar dekha use?” (where is Vritra? Was she on the first floor?)

Now why does this name sound familiar?