Page 190 of 12 Years
‘That place means a lot to us. And it’s not just a comedy club. It has a great bar and lounge. We can use that space,’ Mudit said.
‘Mudit, come on,’ I started, but he raised his hand to silence me.
‘And you know the wildest thing about that club? Saket used to perform there. As a stand-up comic,’ Mudit added.
‘What?’ Neeraj said. ‘That’s it then. We must do the event there. Maybe Saket could even perform for us?’
‘Ah, another superb suggestion,’ Mudit said, clapping his hands.
‘That sounds like a lot of fun,’ Max said.
‘It’ll be awesome. The origin story. The humble beginnings of SecurityNet’s founder at a comedy club,’ Philip said. ‘We’ll get amazing media coverage for that.’
‘Not to mention, the founder will also perform a stand-up set,’ Neeraj said.
‘Stop it, guys,’ I said. ‘Now, if you’re all done with your crazy party ideas, may I sign this multi-billion-dollar deal?’
‘Sure, yes,’ Neeraj said and laughed. ‘But I’m confirming your attendance at the Mumbai event. Whether you perform or not is up to you.’
‘I’ll come to Mumbai, yes. I’m not sure about doing the act,’ I said.
‘He’ll do it,’ Mudit said, winking at Neeraj.
‘Guys, let’s focus on the task at hand,’ I said.
I signed the offer document. The room burst into applause.
‘See you in Mumbai, Saket,’ Neeraj said, shaking my hand.
I walked up to Payal’s makeshift office at SecurityNet. She stood beside her desk, packing some documents into brown boxes.
‘Excuse me, may I come in?’ I said, gently knocking on the glass door.
Payal looked up.
‘Oh, Saket. Yes, please come in.’
‘Last-day packing?’
‘Yes,’ she said. ‘And congratulations again on signing the deal.’
‘To you as well,’ I said. ‘When do you leave Dubai?’
‘Day after. My flight is on Sunday evening.’
‘Okay. Any weekend plans?’
‘Nothing. Just packing. Maybe some last-minute shopping—though I hate shopping. But I’ll drag myself to Dubai Mall.’
‘Ah okay. I asked because I’m going to the temple tomorrow. Ever since the deal closed, I’ve been meaning to go. Would you like to join me?’
‘Oh yes. I would love to. I can meet you there directly?’
‘No, I’ll pick you up this time. Seven o’clock?’
‘Sure. That works.’
‘Also, this time, I don’t have any dinner plans after. Would you like to have dinner together?’
