NEIL

I sat behind my polished mahogany desk, my expression stern as I looked at the employee standing before me. "Aryan, you've had ample opportunity to complete this project on time. Unfortunately, you've failed to meet the deadline."

Aryan shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting around the room. "I-I know, sir. But there were unforeseen complications..."

I cut him off, my voice firm. "Complications arise in every project. It's your job to anticipate and adapt. You've consistently failed to deliver results, and it's impacting the team."

Aryan's face fell, and I could see the realization dawning on him. "I'm letting you go, aryan. Your lack of performance has made it clear that you're not the right fit for this company."

"Sir I'll do better, I swear. I'll work day and night to catch up. My family depends on me... if I lose my job, I'll lose everything."his voice shaking.

I sighed, my resolve unwavering. "Aryan, it's not just about you or your family. It's about the company's reputation and success. I have a responsibility to our stakeholders to ensure we're operating at the highest level."

The words hung in the air, and aryan's expression crumpled. I stood, signaling the end of our conversation.

"Neil, calm down" said yash aka yashwardhan chauhan looking into his laptop typing on kyboard calmly. He has been my best buddy and he's the one i started this company with. He is five months older to me. And trust me he is the most unpredictable person on this earth But still he is one of those people i can trust. Every word he says has a meaning which might not make sense now but definitely in the future.

We've been through thick and thin together, and he's more than just a friend – he's my partner in every sense of the word. We started this company from scratch, fueled by nothing but a crazy idea and a determination to make it work.

We've had our fair share of disagreements over the years, but our friendship has always been stronger than any difference of opinion. We know each other's strengths and weaknesses, and we've learned to play to those strengths.

He's the one who keeps our employees' morale high, who listens to their problems and offers solutions. And when we're faced with tough decisions, he's the one who reminds me the kind of company we want to be.

Starting a company with your best friend can be a recipe for disaster, but for us, it's been a blessing. We've grown together, both as friends and as professionals. And as I look at yash, I'm grateful for the partnership we've built – one that's based on trust, respect, and a deep understanding of each other.

Rajveer grinned mischievously. "Told you it wasn't so bad. I think I might've enjoyed it a little too much, though."

I raised an eyebrow. "You think? I swear, you were almost gleeful when you were explaining the severance package to him."

Rajveer chuckled. "Hey, someone's got to keep the mood light around here. Besides, I'm just trying to live vicariously through our HR interactions."

I laughed. "You're a strange, strange man, Rajveer. But hey, at least the deed is done. Now let's focus on finding someone who's actually competent."

Not like I have serious anger issues but people are getting on my nerves today.

Rajveer Suryavanshi 21, is a whippersnapper – almost 6 years younger than me, but with the financial acumen of a seasoned pro. As a CA, he's got skills that put some of my older, more experienced colleagues to shame.

He has got this infectious energy – always buzzing around, full of ideas, and eager to take on new challenges. Sometimes I feel like his dad, but he's always good for a laugh and a fresh perspective.

When it comes to crunching numbers, Rajveer's in his element. He's got an uncanny ability to spot discrepancies and optimize financials. I've seen him whip up complex financial models in a fraction of the time it would take me.

Despite his youth, Rajveer's got a maturity beyond his years. He's level-headed, always thinks on his feet, and has a wicked sense of humor. We often grab lunch together, and I enjoy listening to his take on the latest financial trends.

I sat in the conference room with my friends, Rajveer and Yash, sipping my coffee and getting straight to business.

Rajveer leaned forward, his eyes shining with excitement. "Guys, I think I've found the perfect opportunity. There's a growing demand for telemedicine platforms, and I think we could create something game-changing."

Yash, the tech genius, nodded thoughtfully. "I agree, the market's ripe for disruption. But we'd need to move fast – there are already several players in the space."

I leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers. "I like the idea, but we need to crunch the numbers. What's the potential ROI?"

Rajveer pulled out a folder filled with financial projections. "I've run the numbers, and I think we can expect a significant return on investment. Plus, it aligns with our company's mission to make healthcare more accessible."

Yash nodded, his eyes scanning the projections. "I'm in. But we need to assemble a strong team to make this happen. I'll start reaching out to some of my contacts."

I smiled, feeling a sense of excitement. "Alright, let's do this. I'll start working on the business plan. Rajveer, can you get your team started on the medical aspects? And Yash, can you assemble the tech team?"

We spent the next hour discussing details, brainstorming ideas, and assigning tasks. As we wrapped up, Rajveer grinned. "This is going to be huge, guys. Let's make it happen."

Yash nodded in agreement. "We're in this together, as always. Let's make some magic happen."

I smiled, feeling grateful for my friends and our partnership. We'd built our companies together, and now we were taking on a new challenge – one that could change the face of healthcare.

"Nevermind im hungry let's eat food" rajveer said while putting his lunch box on The table. This little fucker does he have a well or something inside him or what.

How come he is always hungry ?

"I give you salary to work here not to eat food"

"Yea so now i will have to start working in the lunch break aswell. If i were to make a day in a life of neil khanna it would have ended in a minute because you do nothing except gym and work " rajveer said and Yash chuckled as we sat together to eat. And as he opened the box, the smell of my favorite vegetable filled my nostrils. Bhindi. I loved it and the way his mom made it was just amazing

"Im telling you neil my dii's cooking skills are so good, it'll make you forget your own name!"

"Oh, I'm sure it'll be a real challenge to forget 'Neil khanna' "I said sarcasm dripping from my voice.

"Hey, don't knock it! Rajveer's dii cooking is legendary. She's the only person I know who can make bhindi taste like a Michelin-starred dish."

don't worry, my dii won't make you forget your name... but she might make you forget your diet!"

Fuck, the diet. I totally forgot about it.

"Neil let's go home it's almost 6 maasi maa asked us to come home early today." Yash said while looking at his watch.

"Yes it just this one presentation i need to approve." Yash has a tragic family history. He is actually my cousin, he's the son of my maasi and he has been living with us ever since my maasi died.

After I completed my work for the day I left for home in my car. Rajveer was staying for a little longer today to analyse the monthly financial records so I could leave early today. I really appreciate rajveer's work spirit he's not afraid to pull up extra hours without getting tired. He is a man of morals unlike me who has a chilling lack of ethics.

"Yash , why did mom call us early today I mean anything important. Do you know anything"?? I asked him while driving the car way back home.

"Nah" he said while scrolling through his phone.

My mom is a force to be reckoned with – bold, straightforward, and unapologetic. She's the kind of woman who tells it like it is, without sugarcoating or mincing words. Sometimes I find myself wincing at her brutal honesty, but deep down, I admire her for being unafraid to speak her mind.

If she doesn't like something, she'll let you know – and if she does like it, she'll make sure you know that too. It's a trait that can be both refreshing and intimidating, depending on the situation.

Growing up, I often found myself on the receiving end of her forthright opinions – whether it was about my choice of clothes, my friends, or my career path. But as I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate her unwavering honesty and conviction. She's taught me to be confident in my own skin and to stand up for what I believe in.

Despite her tough exterior, she's got a heart of gold and would do anything for her family. She's the kind of mom who'll tell you the hard truth, but also be there to offer a comforting hug when you need it. I love her for her unapologetic nature and the way she always keeps me on my toes.

Although yash was not her biological child she never differentiated beteween him and me and treated both of us equally. Hence the name maasi maa as he calls my mom.

"Maa we are home. Where are you?" I looked for her in the kitchen and there she was cooking us food in the kitchen.

" Maa why are you always in the kitchen aren't you tired ? You should take rest"I asked my mom while looking for an apple to eat.

"I will if you bring me a beautiful daughter in law".

Crap. I mentally cursed myself because I know where this conversation is heading now.

"I mean what is the point of bringing in topic of your beautif- i mean daughter in law nimmi aunty also makes great food"

"Food is just one way to name it. You too know I don't wish on making your wife stand in the kitchen every now and then, I too know that nimmi makes great food that's why she'sour househelp. It's just that there are things for which you need a wife. You know what I am talking about". She looked towards me.

"No I don't." I said as I washed the apple and took a bite of it even though i knew what she was trying to say. How do even parents talk to their kids about that don't they feel akward. I cant imagine myself talking to my kids on that if i had one. My mom sighed.

"Neil, why don't you get married.This is the right age for you to get married and have kids and-"

"Then why don't you get Yash married first if you are so desperate for a daughter in law." And as I finished saying that I could feel yash glaring at me, but I ignored it. I took another bite.

"Yash told me that he has reasons. "

I could say the same thing as he did-I wanted to say this but I never did what's the point of bickering when I know my mom will always find a way to persuade me. Every time we have argued in the past, I don't remember any instant where I could win the argument. Typical moms.

"Alright". I said "and I am going to the gym will be home by an hour"

Gym is a stress buster for me and to be honest it's a hobby that keeps me fit both mentally and physically because it gives me time to think about a situation and decide wisely what is good for me.

I was never interested in marrige stuff not like my mom and dad have a bad married life. They are great. My mom was a maths professor and my dad was a zoology professor they apparently fell in love and married each other.

But with marriage comes great responsibility and I'm probably not ready for it, but if mom and dad insists on doing so I'll do it.

I came home after the gym and I could hear peoples voices. Oh are there guests at home or what. Not bothering about the guests I straight went to my room and took a bath to wash off the stress. I got changed into something simple a white t shirt and grey joggers which i wear pretty much every night and stepped out of the bathroom only to find my brother waiting for me outside.

"What? "I asked him drying my hairs with a towel.

"Actually there's someone who wants to meet you." Yash said smirking a little leaning agaings the door.

"At this time" I furrowed my brows and looked at the clock it shows 8. And I headed straight into drawing room with my hands in my pockets.

I noticed four people. A young man and a women who were about my age. And an old couple which i assumed to be their parents.

"Neil, we were waiting for you". My dad said smiling at me.

"Let me introduce you to the Suryavanshi's this is my old friend mr sanjay Suryavanshi and his wife mrs Meenakshi Suryavanshi". I forced a smile on my face.

This is their son prakhar and daughter kiara.

I forwarded my hand for a hadshake. The women blushed hard as i shook my hands with her.

Wait are they- No.

Our MMC is here.

Drop black emojis in the comments.