Gaurav The Prodigal Son

They were now into their second year, and Jay was conscious of his father’s request he do everything possible to hasten his return to take up responsibilities for the family. Brinda was into her own study program and enjoying her studies immensely. She was making friends with those in her class and delighted there was such a mix of cultures to enrich her experience in Australia. She had spent weekends at the Martin residence and was beginning to feel a kinship with Thomas and June Martin who helped her with banking and government issues foreign students must comply with.

While her brother Jay held an Indian driver’s license, he relied on Anthony to take him any place he needed to go far from his apartment. Brinda didn’t hold a driver’s license, so Anthony helped her as she made application and sat tests for the Australian license and took her to remote places where he gave her instructions away from traffic areas to complement what she was learning from the firm chosen to be her driving instructor. Jay always accompanied them to make sure Brinda was not compromised by being alone with Anthony even though he knew his friend was a trustworthy person to be alone with his sister.

When eventually Brinda gained her license Jay felt a little jealous. Now she had her license she was anxious to have a car of her own and put the proposition to her father who refused. If his son didn’t need a car then his daughter didn’t need one either. Anthony having observed her confidence and skill allowed her to drive them around in his Suzuki but insisted he still sit in the passenger seat in case of an emergency while she was on a provisional licence. This Jay did not like, and he and his sister had their first fight over this increasing familiarity with Anthony which he knew would not be approved by his parents or the clan.

Jay was also alarmed at the events happening within his family in Ahmedabad. Gaurav had been interfering with the Ambani business interests in the US and Chandrakant’s elder brother who guided the family went to the US to check out what was going on there. There’d been an altercation between the head of the Ambani family, and his nephew. Gaurav dishonestly sought to cast the blame on his father and say he was acting under his instructions. The fact of the matter was Gaurav was seeking ways to take over Ambani interests in the US and using the might of the Mehta business interests and contacts to make a takeover of his family’s interests.

Chandrakant’s brother the acknowledged head of the extended family came back to set his brother Chandrakant in his place and Chandrakant appalled at his eldest son’s betrayal protested his innocence. But his relationship with the rest of the family began to break down. At a meeting of the clan, it was decided there should be a parting of the ways as Chandrakant was not to be fully trusted after his son’s attack on joint family assets in the US. A fair division of the assets would be made to provide funds for Chandrakant to go into business of his own, but he was not to be in competition with the family in whatever he chose to do.

Chandrakant was heartbroken as family is everything to an Indian and he was apparently being disenfranchised from further connection with this family that was his identity. The family treated him fairly and funds were supplied more than sufficient to set up any business he desired but with limitations on not being able to compete as part of the settlement he didn’t know where he could do that. Perhaps he should emigrate with his money and then there’d be no further friction in the clan but where could he go. The US was out of the question now as Gaurav was playing havoc there to his embarrassment. So, he sought one last favour of his elder brother. The Indian government was very strict in controlling the movement of money in and out of the country. Could his share be provided in dollars abroad somehow? The family did possess overseas businesses so had access to foreign currency. The dollar value was calculated, and Chandrakant was asked where he’d like the funds transferred to. It was a toss-up between his Singapore bank account and the one he’d opened in Australia to serve his children’s educational interests.

Both Singapore and Australia had High Commission offices in New Delhi, so he headed there to investigate possibilities for migration with his family and money and business opportunities in each country to put his money to work and provide income for the family. He came away with a mountain of information to sift through. Normally he’d have gone to his elder brother for advice, but he was now estranged from the family and had to make the decision on his own. Consulting with his elder son was now out of the question too as he’d abandoned the family and could not be trusted. His son Jay was level-headed, so he flew to Sydney to consult with him. Jay and Brinda on learning of their father’s intended arrival date requested if Anthony could help by driving them to receive their father and he was happy to accommodate them even though it meant a loss of a class.

Anthony stood at a distance and watched as Jay and Brinda rushed to meet their father as he emerged from the international terminal. They rushed forward and touched their father’s feet in respect, and he placed his hands on their heads as a blessing. Jay pulled the luggage along while father and daughter advanced entwined toward Anthony for a formal greeting. Chandrakant sat in the passenger seat on the way to the city and their apartment and quizzed Anthony as he drove. He’d heard much of this young man from Jay but needed to know more about him to judge whether this young man was a good influence to have around his son and daughter.

Chandrakant was happy when he saw the quality of the apartment he’d purchased for his children’s use while they studied. It would be a little cramped for the three of them, but they were used to such things when travelling. Anthony helped move Chandrakant in then paid his respects and headed back to the university. Jay and Brinda were so glad to see their father that they decided to miss out on classes for the day. During their conversations that afternoon Jay casually mentioned Thomas Martin oversaw one of the big five accounting and consulting firms with branches around the world and this caught Chandrakant’s attention. Perhaps he could get some guidance from this man and his consulting firm.

Jay sent a message to Anthony and waited until he responded after class. Two hours later Anthony messaged back to say he’d contacted his father and if it was convenient to Chandrakant Thomas would see him at the office after work that evening. The number of Thomas’ secretary was given to confirm the appointment and in consultation with his father Jay confirmed the appointment which was scheduled for five thirty. But it would only be a half hour appointment to see what services Chandrakant needed as Thomas had a dinner meeting that evening with foreign clients which he could not break.

That evening Jay and his father were there promptly waiting in reception for the secretary to call them into Thomas’ office and Thomas rose to meet them as they entered exchanging pleasantries and indicating the interview lounge where they could sit. He apologized he’d such little time to give them that evening but promised to make time for them later should the need arise. Chandrakant observed him closely and instantly recognized this was a man to be trusted. So very quickly he outlined the extent of the fortune he wanted to transfer to some country where there were business opportunities and to confirm information he’d received from the Australian High Commission in New Delhi which had looked to have possibilities for the size of the investment he could bring into the country but he had to compare that to possibilities in the Singapore environment. Thomas took notes as Chandrakant spoke and when Chandrakant looked at his watch conscious of the fact they had been talking for a while and recognizing it was only a half hour appointment he concluded his report. Thomas looked up after making final notes.

“Mr. Ambani. The size of the fund you’d bring into Australia is significant and we could work with you to find opportunities you may be interested in. We do have expertise in helping foreign nationals set up business in this country and excellent contacts with government to facilitate entry and permission to stay even eventually obtaining citizenship if all checked out to their satisfaction. Now where are you staying. Your children are regular visitors to our home because of their friendship with my son and we complement you on the way you’ve raised them to be respectful and focused on their studies. We have been able to help them on many occasions and offer you accommodation at our place while you are visiting Sydney as we feel we know your family now.”

Chandrakant turned to his son in surprise at this generous offer from a stranger. Then turned to face Thomas again.

“That is so kind of you to offer to accommodate me Mr. Martin. I prefer to be with my children, and the apartment is in a convenient place for me to get around Sydney, but I’d take it as an honour to visit you sometime to thank you for your kindness to my children. I know you must leave quickly for your appointment so could I make an appointment to spend more time with you to explore opportunities in Australia sir?”

Thomas nodded and smiled as he moved to usher them out and they paused at his secretary’s desk to find a suitable time knowing Chandrakant only had a brief time to spend in Sydney. It would require some rescheduling of appointments, but they eventually found a slot during lunch next day and locked in a two-hour appointment where associates would join them. Then Thomas paid respects and hastened to the elevator to meet up with his evening appointment. It would be a late evening before he could arrive home to be with his family.

Jay turned to his father as they caught the elevator down to ground floor.

“They have a nice place close by where you can get excellent Indian cuisine. Will you join me? Brinda will have already eaten as she likes to snack at night before settling down to studies.”

Chandrakant nodded and they both headed for the restaurant to enjoy the fine food produced there. They both gave the food high marks and complemented the chef as they prepared to leave. The chef was from New Delhi.

But Brinda had not been snacking and studying as Anthony had called in to see how everyone was settling in. He was surprised to find Chandrakant and Jay not there then remembered he’d facilitated their appointment with his father. Perhaps he should not be there while they were absent, he thought but Brinda pulled him inside scolding him for thinking about leaving. They stared at each other silently for a while then Brinda broke the silence.

“Why did you want to leave when this is the only time, I get to talk with you without big brother watching. Am I really that ugly?”

Anthony shifted nervously on his feet.

“I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen Brinda and it’s frustrating to know I can never have you for my own because of your culture and your family prejudice against foreign intermingling in marriage. So, I’ve been keeping boundaries so at least I can see you from a distance and be happy to know you’re there. I started liking you when you messaged your cheeky comments before coming to Australia but it’s so hard to be around you and know it can never lead to anything with you here now. It makes me sad.”

Brinda leaped forward and threw her arms around him and Anthony froze wondering what was expected of him.

“Your family would not like you doing that Brinda and it’s so hard for me to not touch you. Maybe I better go.”

“I choose you as my man Hanuman. Why don’t you fight for me. I want to spend the rest of my life with you in this country. Please say you care for me enough to want that too.”

“Oh, I do want you, Brinda. My heart is bursting with joy at what you said but be practical your family would never accept this, so we are only setting ourselves up for heartbreak.”

“When I finish my course, I’m going to come to your home and ask your parents to intercede for us with my father, and I’ll not leave the country, or you so be warned. If my family refuse our betrothal, I’ll commit suicide. I’d never be happy with anyone else than my Hanuman.”

“Brinda, I want that too but don’t press your brother and father on this as it will mean I don’t get to see you again and that would be very painful for me, and they would return you to India immediately.”

Anthony bent down and kissed Brinda on the forehead then pulled away from her and headed for the door. He paused before heading for his car.

“I love you, Brinda Ambani.”

She wept with pleasure in her room until her brother and father returned then dried her eyes and emerged smiling. It was good to see her father again after so long.

It took several sessions with Thomas Martin and his associates before Chandrakant could clarify opportunities and decide. He’d travel to Singapore to check out opportunities there but was seeing possibilities of migrating to Australia with his money and these possibilities were appealing because he was now estranged from his beloved clan. It was a stable country and had good education possibilities for his last child Hetvi.

Of course, eventually he’d have to face the search for suitable Indian men from respectable families for his daughters. That was the downside about leaving India his beloved country. His wife Alpana had attended Catholic schools in India and had a good command of English, and he had also attended English medium schools so could handle the international business language very well. He’d made sure his children had the same opportunities. He noted there was a strong Indian diaspora in Australia, so they’d be able to attend functions though the culture around them would take some adjustment getting used to. So far, he’d been treated with respect and had not detected any prejudice as some returning to India had claimed.

One week later he departed for Singapore with his two children to see him off through the kind help of Thomas Martin who arranged for the corporate minivan to take them to the airport and bring Jay and Brinda back to their apartment. It was a service provided by the firm to prospective customers. Both Jay and Brinda hoped their father chose to migrate to Australia as they could see potential for a good future in this country and of course Brinda would have one less thing to worry about if her family located here. She was dreaming of life with her Hanuman though Anthony hesitated to build his hopes having learned of the prejudice against marriages to foreigners from Jay. Jay anticipated marrying a woman chosen for him by his family from India eventually.

Meanwhile Gaurav had found himself in difficulties in the US. The Mehta family had been excited at their recruit from the beginning and for two years with the aggressive help of Gaurav and Radha the family interests had benefited greatly as one competitor after another was destroyed by this team to the benefit of the holding company. Family share prices had gained significantly on the stock market. But it seemed that the duo was not benefiting the holding company as much now as one target company after another seemed to weather the attacks from Mehta’s, so they called the duo to account in their highest administrative committee to find an explanation. The excuse was there was a new player in the market that was outbidding Mehta corporate interests and building a formidable opposition.

Some of the Mehta seniors began a methodical investigation of this new competition. They reached a dead end as the controlling interests of that entity protected their ownership through multiple registered entities eventually disappearing into an offshore company the Mehta’s could not trace ownership of. They also noted a change in the duo Gourav and Radha their whiz kids who seemed to be taking a less aggressive stance in projects given them. They decided to take more of an interest in where Radha and Gourav spent their time and who they associated with and hired private detectives to follow them both to observe and report back to the Mehta’s daily.

To be continued.

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