You are my Sunshine

"Dev...Dev..breakfast ready, come down." - Sarada shouted from the staircase.

"Coming Mom," Dev replied and came to the dining table in his full designer suit.

It was a beautiful mansion poised majestically on a prized two-acre estate with timeless elegance and stately sophistication.

Meet SatyaDev, the most eligible bachelor in Chennai city.

At such a young age, he had built his empire in the hotel industry. He is also the owner of a renowned chain of star hotels, which spread across the world. Dev is a cold-hearted, arrogant, self-centered man and also a Casanova type. He lives by his own rules, and with just a snap of his fingers, he can get whatever he wants.

"Good morning Mom, wow! You made poori with potato today?"

(Poori- an Indian whole wheat bread formed in flat rounds of dough that puff up when deep-fried)

"Yeah, your favorite right?"

"Yes, but how many times I had told you, not to strain yourself in the kitchen, then for what we have cooks?"

"They may cook, but Mom's preparation comes along with love and care."

"If you say so!"

They both started eating. Sarada choked her food after hearing Dev's next statement.

"Mom, tomorrow we have to visit Mr.Raja's residence to fix my marriage."

"What?"

"Yeah, a deal came. Mr.Raja promised to invest a big share in our company when I marry his daughter. He also promised to merge with some of our businesses. You know they are the number one in this industry, if we merge, our company will rise to the number one position. It's a very good deal, what you think?"

Sarada doesn't know whether to cry or laugh at her son's business mind. Composing herself, she calmly replied,

"Dev, this is not your business, your life; you have to live with that girl for your lifetime. There must be some attraction or love, and simply for the money, you can't do this. By God's grace, we are rich enough now, then why you are thinking like this. You have to be content with what you have. I meant not to say you should not develop our business. You are still young and energetic, and I am sure you will reach great heights one day. But Marriage is a lifetime commitment; your wife would be your everlasting relation."

"Everlasting relation, you very well know what relations did" - he laughed sarcastically.

"Dev, that is different, this is different, and don't think that I will support this idea of yours. You may consider this as my request, and can't you fulfill your mother's only wish?" - she justified.

"Mom, why can't you see the benefits we will achieve through this?"

"Sorry Dev, I won't let this happen. I know about that family and the girl. Already her name was spoilt in the social circle, and I can't imagine her as my daughter-in-law"

Dev thought for a while and mulled it over. Sensing the emotional attachment of his mother, in his marriage, he decided to leave it to her wish. For the past few months, Sarada was showing so many pictures of prosperous girls and asking his permission. As Dev rejected on the spot, she even asked, whether he is in love with someone, so that she can take it forward. But Dev being Dev, didn't take it seriously, and only business can grab his attention. So when the proposition came, he thought of killing two birds with one stone so that his mother will be happy, and at the same time, he can also achieve what he had dreamt for. But he never imagined that his mom would be this much sensitive about his future wife. She is her only love; how can he reject her request.

"Okay fine, I will inform him, happy can you smile now" - he pulled her cheek, who was keeping a long face.

"That's my boy!" - she hugged him with joy.

"But one condition, you have to say yes for the girl I am showing" - she added.

"You can take that for granted, I don't have any choice, even if you show a donkey, I will marry her okay" - saying that he started to his office.

But Sarada can't feel happy; she started worrying about her son's attitude. Even before 30 years, her husband asked her opinion. But he is behaving like a heartless man, she thought. Hers was an arranged marriage, and her parents didn't ask her opinion about the groom. But her soon to be husband, Mathan visited her and asked her opinion on the proposal. She still remembers his words,

"I am very much interested in marrying you, but I want your decision in this. You may have some dreams about your future husband if I am not the one you imagined, we can work it out. Without using your name, we can stop this marriage without taking forward"

Sarada fell in love with his words and they lived as a perfect couple. But his son is void of sentiments.

"Is it my mistake, didn't I teach him good values" - she worried herself.

There is nothing to blame on her. She is a perfect mother, but the sequence of events that happened in their life turned him one.

During his childhood days, he was not like this, but everything changed after his Father's death. His Father, Mathan, was number one in the hospitality sector. He owned so many businesses all over the world. When his regime was at its peak he was fed up with the accounts. Based on his Accountant's advice he transferred many of his assets to some of his close relative's names and assigned them as partners. They were dummy partners and the poor Mathan relied on them on his money. But destiny played its role. Mathan got a heart attack and collapsed on the spot.

Dev was in his freshman year at that time. His mother was also very naïve to face their cunning so-called relatives. After Mathan's demise, the dummy partners claimed their share and left Dev and his mother in the lurch. Dev was so young to run a company, but he transformed himself and took the responsibility. He switched to evening classes and started learning things about the company.

They were left with a single company that was in his father's name. But that too had to be pledged to run the company. Mugil was the one who was very helpful at that time. Mugil was his only friend during his school time. They both joined the same business college. Though his family was not well established, they are known for their reputation.

Dev worked hard during the initial stage, and some of the senior-loyal employees helped him to recover from the disaster. Later, after finishing his studies, his full concentration was in business, and he worked his ass off for its development. Now the company is in number two position in the hospitality sector only next to Mr.Raja's company. During this period, Dev turned into a ruthless, arrogant, and self-centered businessman. There is no such word called sympathy or empathy in his dictionary.

Dev didn't go to his office in the morning, as he had to attend a business conference in a hotel. After the conference, he reached his office almost at lunchtime. It's a huge thirty-story building, all curtain walls, an epitome of architect's excellence, with Dev Group of companies written in bold golden letters. It was quarter to one when he arrived.

As he walked in the corridor, all his employees greeted him in the middle, but he didn't greet them back, not even a smile or nod. The wind carried the whispers of his name and made everyone tremble in fear. He walked like an arrogant lion, and Anu was on the way to her friend Riya's cabin on the twenty-fifth floor, who happened to be the personal assistant of Dev. Anu was carrying her lunch box and came to this floor for having lunch with her friend. She joined this company through Riya's reference a month back. Her cabin is on the tenth floor.

Everyone was in an alert mode and greeting their boss, and this sudden change in the environment made Anu turn towards the direction. There he came in his dark grey suit, white shirt, and grey tie. Because of the sudden commotion, she was puzzled and stood without knowing what to do. All the employees moved out of his way as he strode in, his movements powerful and confident. But Anu stood there motionless clumsily with a lunch box in her hands. As he felt odd, he looked at her. His eyes were intense yet cold, almost ready to glower at any soul on his way. Her legs became numb and her palms started sweating. With one look, she dropped her tiffin box on the floor. The food spilled everywhere on the corridor. In fear she closed her eyes, the security guards rushed towards her.

"Clean up this mess" - Dev commanded his guards and entered his cabin. The guards almost peed in their pants. Even if anyone causes such a scene, the guards are the ones to blame for letting them on his way. They thanked all the Gods in the world for saving them from his outburst.

Fear pounded in Anu's heart, she could barely breathe, and she rushed into her friend Riya's cabin and released the breath she was holding.

"Anu, what on earth happened to you?" - Riya screamed at the top of her lungs.

"Just, I didn't expect his sudden entry; Riya, is he the boss, will he dismiss me?"

"Lucky you, he didn't enquire about you. Don't stay here; you better return to your cabin, we will talk in the evening, okay"

"Okay, okay, see you then"

"Wait Anu, take my lunch box, you spilled everything" - Riya offered.

"No dear, you eat, I can manage"

Anu rushed to her floor in the common elevator. She cannot lose this job; this is the only source of income for their family.

Anuradha alias Anu, the eldest daughter in her family. Everything was normal in their family till a few months back. But when her father was diagnosed with kidney failure, the family got devastated. Earlier, one of his kidneys was damaged, and he was getting treatment. Later, the second kidney also got damaged, and he is in dialysis now. During his initial stages, he used to be a chain-smoker, which resulted in uncontrolled high blood pressure, which in turn damaged his kidneys. He became bedridden and stopped working. Anu just entered her final year in college at that time. The family became helpless, and Anu left her studies and searched for a job to pay off their bills.

Though his father Mohan got some settlement funds from his company, the treatment expenses put a curb on their hands. With zero choices, Anu had to leave her studies. Riya is a good friend of hers, and they reside in the same neighborhood. She is three years older than Anu. After her studies she worked somewhere and later she got this job in Dev group of companies last year. She knew everything about Anu's family condition and thought of helping her. Though Anu didn't complete her degree in accounts, Riya managed to recommend her resume in their HR department. As she didn't complete her degree, she was offered a trainee job in the accounts section. Anu felt very thankful for Riya. That was a timely help for their family, and she thought, she can continue her studies, once they get stabled. Anu has a brother who is fifteen years old and he is attending school. Her mother Seetha is a home-maker.

Doctors advised a kidney transplant for her father Mohan. Anu's kidney may suit her father, but he rejected the idea, as she is very young and has to live her life.

"I am already dying, don't spoil your health, you have to lead a happy married life in the future." - was his statement.

They can't afford the expenses to get a kidney donation. Her mother's kidney doesn't suit him. They were in their bad days and leading their life. No company would give her a job. She managed to attend the interview well, and her grades helped her to grab this job. If she losses her job now, it is a doubt only whether she will get a job in near future. This thought panicked her.

Today Dev was in a disturbed mood after his discussion with his Mom. So he didn't react when she saw the mess created by Anu. When he was in his train of thoughts, Mugils voice interrupted him.

"Hi bro, in deep thoughts?"

"Hi, Mugil"

"Nothing, Mom didn't agree to that Marriage deal"

"That's music to my ears, Mom did the right thing"

"C'mon bro, you too?"

"Dev, this is marriage for Gods sake"

"Whatever, I don't know, how to inform Mr.Raja"

"Leave it to me, I will happily deal with that" - saying that he was about to leave, but Dev stopped him.

"Mugil, you wanna join me for the party tonight at the Bar?"

"No Dev, you knew my answer already, then why you are wasting your time"

"Change buddy, office, home, office, isn't it boring, come outside man so vibrant you see"

"I know your vibrant world, full of smoke and disgusting girls" - Mugil mocked.

"Hey, they are the No.1 models in the industry, you know"

"Whoa, you and your models don't drag me in this" - he replied and returned to his cabin.

Dev smiled at his friend. They were like opposite poles. Dev will be an arrogant businessman in the daytime and will become a complete Casanova at night. He will change his girlfriend every week. He doesn't believe in a serious relationship, and he likes to enjoy the world with no strings attached.

On the contrary, Mugil is a complete geek. He always wishes good things to his friend. Though he had other options, after his studies, he partnered with Dev in his business. He always keeps a low profile, and not like his friend who lives in dreams to achieve great heights. He is a working partner for Dev in some of his businesses, but he restricted himself by not involving in all of his friend's ventures. Mugil is like a second son to Dev's Mom Sarada. She used to wish that Dev should be considerate like Mugil.

Dev's company hosted a meeting with the clients regarding the annual outcomes. There was a presentation in the seminar hall, and Dev was also there. The Accounts manager presented the facts and figures. Even though he checked the presentation beforehand, there was an error, which misinterpreted one million as ten thousand. Though he managed at that moment, Dev was not happy with that. He commanded the accounts head to meet him in person after the meeting.

"Who the hell prepared the presentation?"

"Sorry Sir, this won't happen again, our new assistant lacks experience, and she is a trainee."

"Then why are we recruiting such a person; dismiss her."

"Dismiss her right away, and we don't want inefficient people here" - he further added.

"Sir, but.."

"No ifs and buts, do what I say, or go along with her"

"Yes sir" - he surrendered. Though his mistake was also there in the presentation, he kept mum. He had heard that Dev could make anyone disappear without address, and that thought enough terrified him.

Anu was that poor assistant who got fired. Though she escaped from yesterday's event, today the bad luck knocked on her door again. She was informed about the dismissal. She felt her world crumble. She rushed towards her friend Riya and explained her situation. Riya felt very sorry for her, as she cannot help her in this context.

"Look Anu, no one dare to speak with him; he is so full of himself, the only thing I can do is to let you inside for a talk after getting permission from him" - Riya said with a sad face.

"Okay, at least I can try." - Anu sighed.

It took Riya the whole day to get a slot for Anu. Earlier, Riya informed Dev that one of our employees wants to talk with him, but she didn't mention the dismissal part. Though Riya reminded him twice, he didn't respond to her. At last, by the office closing time

"Riya, you told me that someone is waiting" - Dev questioned.

"Yes Sir, can I call her inside" - Riya said in relief.

"Okay, but only five minutes" - he gave permission.

Riya informed Anu immediately and without wasting time, Anu knocked on his door

"May I come in, Sir?"

"Come in" - there came his commanding voice.

Anu tried to calm herself down and rushed inside the door. She couldn't explain anything, after seeing his arrogant and powerful posture; she stayed frozen on her spot. Riya had informed her earlier that he had a rage that would chill the bones of people. Anu felt those words two hundred percent correct.

"Why are you here?" - he asked without taking his eyes off the laptop he was working on.

"I..I..." - she stammered.

Dev stopped working and suddenly glanced at her. Anu felt that powerful eyes could bore her.

Gulping down, she said in a feeble voice

"Sir, I am sorry for the confusion that happened earlier in the meeting today. I am the new assistant whom you dismissed this morning. Don't-dismiss-me" - she said quickly.

"Careful what you say"

"Sir, this job is important for me. Please, don't dismiss me" - she pleaded with her eyes.

There is no such word called second chance in Dev's dictionary. But her pleading eyes made him think. But his ego didn't allow him to accept her apology. So he tried to find a strong reason for her dismissal.

"What's your name?" - he questioned

"Anuradha Mohan" - she lifted her head to meet his gaze.

Dev searched the profile of employees and analyzed her details.

"So you are a college dropout, that's why the poor efficiency, I don't know how our HR department is recruiting such people. I have to give them serious instructions now onwards" - he said himself rather than speak with her.

He raked his fingers through his dark hair and continued

"Sorry Miss. Anuradha, you aren't qualified enough to work at Dev Group of companies" - he said flatly.

His words pierced her heart like a knife, but she composed herself and requested again with a trembling voice,

"Sir, I promise this won't happen again"

"Are you going to cry? I hate crying women, who aren't strong enough to do anything correctly, see yourself out Miss" - he said and continued his work.

Anu felt like crying, but her sanity made her rush out from the room. Riya felt very pity for her.

"Sorry Anu, he is a jerk; what are you going to do now?" - Riya inquired with true concern.

"I don't know Riya, who will give a job for a person like me?" - she almost cried.

Riya thought of her contacts to find some job for Anu, but nothing seems useful. Thinking for a while, she suggested,

"Anu, if you wish, you just go and meet Sarada Madam, our Boss's mother. I had heard that she is a kind woman who helps a lot. The last time when the union problem came, she was the one who solved the issue. They are having so many companies at least she can give reference to some other jobs under their firm."

"I can do anything, and I feel nothing wrong in meeting her but, where can I meet her?" - Anu gave a puzzled look.

"Obviously at her home" - Riya replied coolly.

"What. How can I go to his house?"

"That's easy dear, tomorrow by nine this Devil will be here, you give me a call, and after confirming, you go to their house. Sounds good right?"

"Okay" - Anu replied feebly.

"Cheer up girl, that Madam would help, I know" - Riya tried to lift her mood.

Unwillingly Anu agreed to her idea, though she felt bad about visiting his house, her father's medical treatment was the only thing that came to her mind.