" Besides, I am aware of your private meeting with The Mathur's. I am also aware about the three months timeline that has been offered by them.
But, there's one thing they didn't mention. Our cardboard would be made up of special bamboo which grows in the forests of Wuzu, China.
While theirs would be made up of recycled plastic." Sophia added, earning the shocked looks from the people of Shrikant & co.
'How does she know about our deal?' Mr. Chavan wonders.
" But, isn't using cardboards made up of recycled plastic better than bamboo? Shouldn't we consider the impact this product will make on our environment?" Siya, the head project manager, couldn't help but asked.
" To answer Ms. Ranawat's query, please be rest assured. The bamboos that are being used are of special quality and are patented bamboos of The V International.
Their speciality, they carry the power of healing and regeneration. When cut in a specific way, using our patented special method, they not just regenerate, but grow up to be healthier, stronger and taller than their previous form.
Not to mention, this bamboo is famous worldwide for its superstrength, agility and the ability to be waterproof.
So, the product made up of these bamboos would eventually turn out the same. Unfortunately, the process is long, rigorous and time consuming. But we can do nothing about it.
However, if we talk about the cardboards made up of recycled plastic, then there is a problem."Sophia paused, earning the full attention of Siya.
" What's the problem?" Siya asks back, making Sophia smile. She took the bait.
" Plastic, however much recycled, when burned, ends up releasing the toxic fumes in the environment, polluting it and I am against that.
After all, a wise man once said; we have borrowed this earth from our great grandchildren, not our forefathers and it's our duty to keep it as habitable and fertile as possible for them." Sophia explained, making people give her the looks.
Morality, in business!
They couldn't help but stare at Vir, who just gave them a blank stare in return. Well, he believes in whatever Sophia believes in. And he follows whatever she follows.
" But, we are not ordering them to burn them." Mr. Chavan clarified.
" Yes, I am fully aware of that. But, your consumers at one point will. Especially when it would be of no use to your consumers." Sophia added, making people's eyes go wide.
She thought this far.
"Since you already know about our meeting with The Mathurs, then there is no point in hiding anything from you. Then, you must also be aware that the price they have demanded for their part of the deal, is one-third of what you guys are expecting from us.
I mean, keeping our conscience aside, they are offering us a good deal, which is benefitting us alot." Mr. Chavan emphasized on the last word.
" Indeed, desperation is such a thing. It forces you to do things which you would never do in your sane mind.
Exploitation is another. As long as you are benefiting, why would you care about what the other is suffering from?
The Mathurs are newcomers and they are desperate to make a breakthrough in the market, whereas even you know the price they have demanded is below the bare minimum.
They might not be aware, or maybe they are willing to overlook the money part, but what about you? Are you planning to play dumb too?
Is that what it means by keeping your conscience aside?" Sophia couldn't help but ask, loathing visible in her voice and face.
"Ms. Rajput, we are here to listen to your part of the deal. To what you can bring to the table. If you have nothing, just say it, don't waste our time.
As I have said earlier, our time is precious. Besides, we are businessmen, we look for the profits, not conscience. Well, you are too young to understand it anyway.
Forget it. Let's end this meeting here and part our ways respectfully." Mr. Chavan got enraged and started lecturing, even ready to storm off the meeting room.
" So, not only do you lack ethics, you even lack manners. Don't you know how to talk to a lady?" Vir finally interrupted, making the entire room go silent. Eerie silent.
"I-I am sorry, Mr. Singhania." Mr. Chavan apologised formally, as soon as he regained his senses.
"I am not the one you belittled, Mr. Chavan." Vir emphasized, his voice cold,freezing almost suffocating. Almost.
" I. Am. sorry. Miss. Rajput."Mr. Chavan apologized through gritted teeth. After all, anger is one thing and offending The Virendra Singhania another. Completely, on a whole other universe level, another.
"Not accepted." Sophia replied, making Mr. Chavan formed two tight fists to control himself from saying something that he would regret later.
This kid, she really doesn't know what's good for her. He, a senior, deputy manager of one company is apologising to her. He is lowering himself to her. She should be grateful. She should be over the moon. And it's only right for her to be polite and forgive him , for his moment of outburst.
This girl. She is seeking her own death. Besides, who is she, anyways. A presenter, who is definitely too new to handle an important meeting like this.
Otherwise, who disclose their ace cards like this. If she knew about the meeting with The Mathurs, then she could have used it to her advantage, instead of laying it flat on the table. Idiot.
"I…"Mr. Chavan tried again.
"Well, I understand my colleague was a little out of line, just now, but he isn't entirely wrong. We are here to do the business. If you can offer us something better than The Mathurs, then please go ahead and tell us.
Otherwise, we would have to go with The Mathurs deal, regretfully."Siya finally spoke. Fine, Jay [ Mr. Chavan] is in the wrong. Not to mention his short-tempered personality. But, at the end of the day, he is her colleague, she can't let a young girl downplay him.