The Undefined

CHAPTER 11: Someone's Dream

Meera's eyes widened. "Adi's brother? Is his last name Rajkumar? You never told me that? Wassup, bruh? You had a rich friend and you never told me that?

Well, someone was so busy flirting with their boyfriend! How could you possibly remember my laments?

Meera smiled yet felt guilty. But she really doesn't remember such facts. Vrindha noticed her face and diverted the topic. "Well, Meera! You don't come here often! Do you want something from mother?"

"No, Vrindha! I just wanted to see you after leaving you alone last night ... Well, how you are feeling about this proposal?"

"It's a mix of emotions, pa... Adi's dream was always to launch EPRO and make a difference. This could be a way to honor that dream, but it's also complicated because of the family dynamics."

Meera sat down beside her. "I understand, Vrindha. But think about it. If EPRO is launched by RK Group, it would be a huge counter to the past. It would show that Adi's dream is unstoppable, even by those who tried to undermine him."

Vrindha nodded slowly. Meera's perspective made sense. This could be a powerful statement, a way to honor Adi and turn the tables on the very people who had caused him pain. "You're right, Meera. Maybe this is the way to go."

Meanwhile, the sound of footsteps approached the living room.

Hey, your mom's footsteps...... then I am leaving, bye!

Ok,Bye!

______________________

Vrindha reflected on her decision again. It was EPRO, that helped push herself to live. The NGO funded her education in IISc, Bangalore, when her very own family stranded her. With all conversations she had with Adi, Vrindha researched on this topic with utmost dedication. She remembered a moment during her PhD ceremony. A senior professor had approached her, a look of concern on his face. "Vrindha, your project is groundbreaking, but remember, the higher you climb, the more rivals you'll attract. Stay vigilant."

Those words echoed in her mind as she prepared for her meeting with Krishna. She spent the rest of the morning researching Krishna Rajkumar. When his very image appeared on her digital screen, her very beat fell....

He is Krishna Rajkumar !!!!!!!

So, the guy who was the whole reason for the family drama was Adi's brother. She couldn't believe her eyes. Wow, now destiny is playing with me again? she questioned her very life scenarios. It felt like as if God was tired of writing good destinies and chose to make her life the most chaotic one of all. If this isn't destiny, what it is?

Both siblings are destined to not receive a good impression from my family in this lifetime, she sulked to herself with a smirk on her face.

Adi's brother is also her brother. She thought to herself. Well, Adi has told about his brother that they were close and he is not bad as their father, atleast that's what she remember from their previous conversation.

It was for a moment but her thoughts again aligned back. There is no freaking no need to compare Adi with his brother. " I should not let my personal dynamics into this....No matter whoever it is, I should not let them know that I know Adi. Also as Meera said, if RK Group of Companies launch EPRO, it would be a justice to Adi."

With these thoughts, Vrindha went back to the screen. She went through every article, every interview, that painted a picture of a dynamic, ambitious young businessman with a reputation for innovative ventures.

With a deep breath, she replied to Krishna's email:---

*To:* Krishna Rajkumar *

Subject:* Re: Collaboration Proposal

Dear Mr. Rajkumar,

Thank you for reaching out with your proposal. I am interested in discussing this collaboration further. Could we schedule a meeting at your earliest convenience? How about we meet at the Café Royale tomorrow at 10 AM?

Best regards,

Dr. Vrindha Senthilnathan---

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In the living room, her parents were engaged in a hushed conversation, their worried glances betraying their calm demeanor. Vrindha entered the living room, failing to notice the environment.

Is the lunch ready?, her voice hoarse.

Not yet.

Well, I have a good news for you guys. RK Group of Companies has sent me a proposal of collaboration about EPRO. I might receive a huge sum of money and fame if this gets in my hand... This project could give 10x my annual tunrover in a single project, amma...

Though the news was happy, Valli couldn't stop worrying about the injured neck. She sighed to herself. "Always with your projects. But what about your own future, Vrindha? You can't keep chasing shadows. There's a proposal we received, a good match for you. Think about settling down."

Vrindha's frustration bubbled over. "Mom, this could be sad for both of you. But the very word 'marriage' is enough to make me feel disgusted.I can't think about it right now. I need to focus on my work. Please understand."

Her father turned off the TV, his expression stern. "We only want what's best for you. But if you keep going down this path, you'll regret it. One day, you'll yearn for stability, for a man's love and secure gaze, rather than the evil eyes of lust and judgment."

Vrindha forced a smile, a mix of sadness and resolve in her eyes. "Thank you for your concern, but.....I am not ready for such commitments yet. I will think about it. But as of now, I need your approval for this collaboration. It might be a turning point in my life.

Both of them had nothing to answer. Meanwhile the sound of the notification popped up. She picked up her phone from the coffee table and saw an email from Krishna Rajkumar:

*From:* Krishna Rajkumar *Subject:* Re: Collaboration Proposal

Dear Dr. Vrindha,

Thank you for your prompt response. Café Royale at 10 AM sounds perfect. I look forward to our meeting.

Best regards,

Krishna Rajkumar---

Vrindha quickly replied:

*From:* Vrindha Senthilnathan*Subject:* Re: Collaboration Proposal

Dear Dr. Rajkumar,

Thank you for confirming. I look forward to discussing the project in detail.

Best regards,

Vrindha Senthilnathan.

The silence in the room strangled her. Unable to tolerate any longer, she raised to leave the room, her parents' voices softened. They didn't express their support openly, but their concern was evident. "Just be careful," her father said gruffly. Vrindha nodded, feeling a bit more grounded. "I will, Pa. I'll see you later." " Call me, when the lunch gets ready"

She spent the day reviewing Krishna's background and her own thesis, their previous encounter still fresh in her mind. Despite her mixed feelings about him, she was determined to make a good impression. This project, EPRO, was Adi's dream, and she would do everything in her power to make it a reality.

__________-----

To be continued............