The next morning, a black sedan pulled up to a slightly weathered but structurally sound four-storey building in the heart of Andheri West. The paint was peeling in places, and the windows on the third floor looked like they hadn't been cleaned in a year, but the foundation was solid brick and mortar. This was it.
Mahesh led the way, with Arjun following a step behind, taking in the street-level view. The location was prime, a short walk from the main market and easily accessible by auto-rickshaws. A constant, gentle hum of Mumbai life surrounded them.
The owner, a harried-looking man named Mr. Shah, was already waiting at the entrance. He forced a tight smile as they approached.
"Mr. Mehta, thank you for coming on such short notice."
"Not a problem, Mr. Shah," Mahesh replied, his tone professional but not cold. "This is my nephew, Arjun. He'll be overseeing some of the new ventures."
They exchanged brief pleasantries before Mr. Shah unlocked the main door. The ground floor was a single, large, open space currently empty, save for a few dust-covered crates in one corner. Light streamed in from the large front windows, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air.
"As you can see," Mr. Shah began, gesturing widely, "it's a very versatile space. Perfect for a reception area, a small retail outlet…"
Arjun walked to the center of the room. The floor was sturdy. He could already picture a sleek reception desk, company logos on the wall, and visitors coming and going. It had potential.
They moved to the second floor. This floor was partitioned into several smaller rooms, a more traditional office layout. A musty smell hung in the air, but the rooms were of a good size.
"This is where we would house Mehta Theatres," Mahesh said quietly to Arjun. "Plenty of room for the admin team and a small conference room."
Arjun nodded, running a hand along the surface of a wooden desk left behind. It was solid. The building was old, but it was built to last.
The third floor was laid out similarly to the second, and Mahesh claimed it for Mehta Films. "Space for your team, an editing bay perhaps, and your own cabin."
Arjun stood by one of the grimy windows, looking out at the busy street below. He could almost feel the energy of a creative team at work. It felt right.
They climbed the final, narrow staircase to the fourth floor, which was a single, large room that spanned the entire footprint of the building, with a small, dilapidated terrace attached. The roof had a few leaks, evident by the water stains on the ceiling.
"It needs some work on the roof," Mr. Shah admitted quickly, "but structurally, it's fine. Could be a great storage space, or even another office if you waterproof it properly."
Mahesh and Arjun exchanged a look. The building was a diamond in the rough. It needed investment, no doubt about it, but the bones were excellent, and the price reflected its current condition, not its potential.
As they were walking back down, Mr. Shah seemed to grow more desperate. "Listen, Mr. Mehta. I know you're interested. I have another property, a much more premium one, and I need to sell both, quickly. It's a four-bedroom penthouse in Madh Island."
Mahesh stopped on the second-floor landing. "Madh Island?"
"Yes," Mr. Shah said, a flicker of hope in his eyes. "Beautiful place. Sea-facing. The thing is, I have a… situation. A debt that's coming due. I'm willing to make a very attractive deal if you take both properties."
Arjun listened, intrigued. A sea-facing penthouse in Madh Island was a significant asset, even with problems. "What kind of deal are we talking about, Mr. Shah?"
The man took a deep breath. "The building here, as we discussed, is 2.75 crore. The penthouse… on the open market, it's worth much more. But for a quick, all-cash deal, I would let it go for 75 lakhs."
Mahesh's eyebrows went up. That was an exceptionally low price. "What's wrong with it, Mr. Shah? Don't tell me the roof is leaking there too."
Mr. Shah wrung his hands, a picture of distress. "No, no, nothing like that. The building is solid, the penthouse is in excellent condition. It's… a family matter. A partnership went sour. I need the capital, and I need it fast. Dealing with two separate buyers would take too much time, too much negotiation. One clean transaction for both properties for a total of 3.5 crore. That's my final offer."
They stepped out of the building and back onto the bustling street. The noise of traffic and vendors provided a stark contrast to the quiet urgency of Mr. Shah's proposal.
Mahesh was thoughtful. "A penthouse in Madh Island. The rental income alone on something like that would be substantial."
Arjun's mind was already racing. "And think about it, Uncle. Apart from the investment potential, a place like that could be a goldmine for us. We could use it for shoots. Any scene that needs a high-end, modern apartment? We have it. We could rent it out to other productions when we're not using it. It becomes a revenue-generating asset for the production house."
It was a compelling argument. The building for the offices was a necessary operational expense. The penthouse, however, was a different beast entirely. It was an investment, a tool, and a safety net all in one.
"It seems too good to be true," Mahesh said, ever the pragmatist. "A price that low almost always comes with hidden complications."
"The only complication seems to be the owner's desperation," Arjun countered. "And that's an advantage we can take. We just need to do our due diligence. Check the papers, make sure there are no liens or legal disputes."
"Of course," Mahesh agreed. "That goes without saying. But on paper… 3.5 crore for a commercial building on this road and a sea-facing penthouse in Madh Island. The market value of both combined would be easily double that."
Arjun nodded, looking back at the building. It was starting to feel less like a rundown structure and more like the foundation of their future. "We should do it."
Mahesh looked at his nephew, a faint smile on his lips. "Already spending the money I haven't agreed to spend yet?"
"You're going to agree," Arjun said with a confidence that surprised even himself. "You're a businessman. You see the value here. The office building solves our immediate space problem. The penthouse is a strategic long-term asset for Mehta Films. It's a two-for-one deal that we'll likely never see again."
"Alright," Mahesh said, turning back to Mr. Shah who was watching them with hopeful anxiety. "Thank you for your time, Mr. Shah. We are very interested. But this is a significant decision."
"Of course, of course," Mr. Shah said, nodding vigorously. "I understand completely."
"We need to discuss this internally," Mahesh continued. "We will get back to you before the end of the day with a definitive answer. If we decide to proceed, we will need to see all the legal documents for both properties. Title deeds, society papers, tax receipts, everything."
"Yes, yes, I have it all ready," Mr. Shah said, relief washing over his face. "I can bring them wherever you want, whenever you want."
"Good," Mahesh said. "We will be in touch."
With that, they turned and walked back to the sedan, leaving Mr. Shah on the pavement, visibly lighter than when they had arrived.
***
The atmosphere in the Mehta household that evening was a mix of cautious excitement and due diligence. After dinner, Mahesh laid out the proposition to Naina, with Arjun chiming in to elaborate on the strategic value of the penthouse for the new production house.
Naina listened patiently, a small, thoughtful frown on her face. "It sounds wonderful, but it also sounds… rushed," she said, once they had finished. "A property at that price? There has to be a reason."
"We've considered that," Mahesh said. "The reason is the owner's desperation. His story is plausible. These things happen. The key is to verify the paperwork. If the titles are clean, then his personal financial problems are not our concern."
Arjun added, "And the potential for us, Aunty… it's huge. Having our own offices will professionalise everything. And the penthouse? We could save on location costs for a dozen future films. We could even rent it out to other producers. It becomes an asset that works for us."
Naina looked from Mahesh's steady face to Arjun's eager one. She had seen the change in Arjun over the past few months. The boy who once couldn't be bothered with the family business was now talking about assets and strategy with an assurance that was genuinely impressive.
She sighed softly. "Your father would have done the same thing," she said to Arjun, a faint smile touching her lips. "He always said you should buy when others are desperate to sell."
Mahesh reached across the table and placed his hand over Naina's. "I think we're all in agreement then," he said, his voice calm and decisive. "But the paperwork is paramount. No shortcuts."
Arjun nodded, feeling a surge of adrenaline. This was it. The next step was concrete. "Should I call him, Uncle? Tell him we're ready to see the papers tomorrow morning?"
"Yes," Mahesh said. "Arrange it for ten o'clock at our current office. We'll go through everything there. And Arjun?"
"Yes?"
"Call Sagar as well. I want him to be aware of the penthouse. The sooner our creative team knows what assets we have, the sooner they can start thinking about how to use them."
"Good idea," Arjun replied, pulling out his phone. He felt a sense of immense satisfaction. Things were moving. The abstract dream of Mehta Films was rapidly taking on solid, brick-and-mortar form.
***
The next morning, the office buzzed with a quiet energy. Mahesh was on the phone with their company lawyer, scheduling a meeting. Naina had arrived to oversee the proceedings, a pot of tea in hand. And at 9:30 AM, Sagar walked in, his expression a mixture of curiosity and nervous excitement.
"Morning, producer," he said, shaking Arjun's hand. "I hear we're expanding our real estate portfolio."
"You could say that," Arjun laughed. "Come, have some tea."
Over steaming cups, Arjun laid out the plan. He explained the purchase of the four-storey building for their offices and then, with a slight dramatic pause, the deal for the penthouse in Madh Island.
Sagar's eyes widened. "A penthouse? Are you serious? That's… incredible."
"The price is incredible, which is why we're buying it," Arjun clarified. "But for us, it's not just an investment. Think about it. How many scripts have you read that require a swanky, modern apartment for a character? We can charge our own production a nominal rent, saving lakhs. Or we can lease it out to other productions. It's a resource."
Sagar leaned back, a slow grin spreading across his face. "My mind is already racing. We could shoot scenes there, of course. But what about using it as a writer's retreat? A place to brainstorm future projects away from the city noise? Or even host small cast readings or pre-production meetings? It's more than a location, it's a creative space."
"Exactly," Mahesh said, walking in just in time to catch the end of the conversation. "That's the kind of thinking that will make this company successful." He looked at Sagar. "Good to see you, Sagar. Your enthusiasm is appreciated."
Sagar sat up a little straighter. "Thank you, sir."
Just then, the receptionist buzzed. "Mr. Shah is here."
"Send him up," Mahesh said, all business now.
A few moments later, Mr. Shah entered, carrying two thick, plastic-wrapped folders. He looked even more anxious than the day before, his eyes darting between Mahesh and Arjun. He placed the folders on the conference table with a soft thud.
"All the documents, as you requested," he said, his voice slightly hoarse. "Title deeds for the building, registration papers for the penthouse, society maintenance records, tax receipts for the last five years. Everything is in order."
Mahesh didn't touch the folders. Instead, he looked directly at Mr. Shah. "Before we open these, Mr. Shah, I want to be crystal clear. Our lawyer will scrutinize every single page. If there is even a hint of an issue—a lien, an unpaid levy, a disputed clause—the deal is off. Immediately."
Mr. Shah swallowed hard. "I understand, sir. There are no issues. I assure you."
Arjun could almost feel the man's desperation radiating across the table. It was a tangible thing.
Mahesh gave a slight nod and gestured to the folders. "Sagar, could you please take these to our lawyer? His office is just down the road. Tell him to give it his highest priority. We need an answer by this afternoon."
"Of course," Sagar said, carefully picking up the heavy folders. He shot Arjun an excited, slightly nervous look before leaving the room.
Silence descended once the door closed. Mr. Shah fidgeted with the strap of his watch. Mahesh simply stared at him, a tactic that was clearly making the other man more uncomfortable. Arjun decided to break the tension.
"So, Mr. Shah," he began, "the penthouse… what's the view like?"
Mr. Shah seemed grateful for the change in subject. "Oh, it's magnificent, sir! Unobstructed view of the sea. You can see the sunsets from the balcony. The breeze in the evenings is something else. My wife… she especially loved the monsoons."
He trailed off, a flicker of sadness in his eyes.
The lawyer's call came through at 4:30 PM sharp. Mahesh put it on speakerphone. The lawyer's voice was crisp and professional.
"Mahesh, I've gone through everything. The title for the commercial property is clean. No encumbrances. The society has no pending litigation. For the penthouse, it's also a clear title. All maintenance fees are paid up, and there are no outstanding dues with the Madh Island cooperative society. The papers are in order. From a legal standpoint, you're good to go."
Mahesh let out a breath he didn't seem to realize he was holding. "Thank you. That's exactly what I needed to hear."
He ended the call and looked at Mr. Shah, who was now watching him with a look of sheer desperation.
"The papers are clean," Mahesh stated simply.
Mr. Shah's shoulders sagged in relief. He almost collapsed into the chair behind him. "Thank God," he whispered.
Mahesh picked up a pen. "Then let's proceed. As discussed, 2.75 crore for the building, to be purchased by Mehta Theatres Pvt. Ltd. And 75 lakhs for the penthouse. I will purchase that in my personal name for now. We can transfer ownership of the asset to the production company later, once it's more established. The total is 3.5 crore."
He slid a chequebook from his drawer. "We can make the initial token payment today. I'll have my lawyer draw up the agreements. We can aim for registration within two weeks."
Mr. Shah looked as if he might cry with gratitude. "That… that would be perfect. Thank you, Mr. Mehta. Thank you."
As they were finalising the details, Arjun leaned forward. "Mr. Shah, we have a request. The penthouse… we'd like to see it. Today, if possible. Before we make the payment."
The request seemed to startle Mr. Shah, but he recovered quickly. "Of course, of course. It would be my pleasure. I can drive you there myself. It will be best to see it in the evening, as the sun sets. That's when it's truly beautiful."
An hour later, they were in Mr. Shah's car, heading north towards the relative calm of Madh Island. The city's chaotic energy gradually gave way to narrower roads, coconut groves, and the salty tang of the sea. The penthouse was in one of the newer, well-maintained buildings. The lobby was clean, if a bit dated.
The elevator opened directly into a small foyer of the penthouse. As Arjun stepped inside, the first thing he noticed was the space. It was vast. An entire wall of the living room was made of glass, offering a panoramic, uninterrupted view of the Arabian Sea. The setting sun was painting the sky in strokes of orange and purple, casting a golden glow across the spacious marble flooring.
Sagar, who had been quiet for most of the ride, let out a low whistle. "Wow," was all he could manage.
Arjun walked to the glass wall. The view was breathtaking. He could see waves crashing onto a distant shore, fishing boats bobbing on the water. The city they had left behind seemed a world away.
"This is incredible," he said, turning to Mr. Shah. "It's exactly as you described."
Sagar was already exploring, his director's mind at work. He walked through the four bedrooms, all with attached bathrooms and ample wardrobe space. He stood in the large, open-plan kitchen, picturing scenes of domestic comedy unfolding there. He stepped out onto the large balcony that ran the length of the living room, feeling the cool sea breeze on his face.
"Arjun," he called out, "we have to shoot here. For 'Bheja Fry'? The climax could be here! The protagonist, at his wit's end, comes to this beautiful, empty place… the visual irony would be perfect."
Arjun grinned. He'd had the same thought. It wasn't just an investment anymore. It was a creative tool.
The deal was sealed that evening, with a formal token payment cheque changing hands. The mood in the car on the way back was triumphant. Mr. Shah was a man saved. Mahesh was a savvy businessman who had secured a phenomenal deal. And Arjun and Sagar… they were filmmakers who had just acquired their first major production asset.
Mahesh dropped Sagar at a café near Andheri station. "I need to get home," he said. "You two can grab a bite and discuss your film."
"Thank you, Uncle," Arjun said, genuinely grateful.
As the car pulled away, he and Sagar found a quiet corner in the café. The day's events had left them both buzzing.
"I still can't believe it," Sagar said, stirring his coffee. "A penthouse. We have a penthouse. My next script is definitely going to have a millionaire protagonist."
Arjun laughed. "Let's finish this one first. Speaking of which, how's the team coming along?"
Sagar's expression turned from dreamy to focused. "It's coming together, piece by piece. I've been making some calls since we last met."
He pulled a small notebook from his pocket and flipped it open. "Remember I mentioned I knew a cinematographer?"
Arjun nodded.
"I spoke to him. His name's Sameer. He's young, has a great eye, and he's worked on a couple of indie features. More importantly, he's enthusiastic about the script. He likes the idea of shooting mostly in one location. He says it's a challenge that allows for more creative lighting and camera work. He's in."
"Great," Arjun said, making a mental note.
"That's not all," Sagar continued, a note of pride in his voice. "I found us an Assistant Director. Her name is Pooja. She's a firecracker. She's been working in a big production house for the last two years, coordinating schedules and managing crowds. She's tired of being a small cog in a big wheel and wants to actually direct things. She's smart, organised, and she knows how to handle actors during an audition. I've asked her to come on board."
"Perfect," Arjun said. "An experienced AD is crucial. She'll save us a lot of headaches."
"I agree," Sagar said. "With Sameer on camera and Pooja managing the floor, we have a solid creative core forming. I'm still looking for a sound recordist and an editor, but I have a few leads. The intern situation is also good
Arjun leaned forward, the day's high-flying real estate deal settling back into the immediate reality of their film. "You're right. The auditions. Have you finalized the details?"
Sagar took a sip of his coffee. "I've put the word out through a few acting schools and online forums. The response has been… overwhelming, as predicted. I've booked a small community hall in Andheri for this Saturday. Three days from now. From 10 AM to 6 PM."
Arjun let out a theatrical sigh. "Three hundred hopeful actors, all believing they are the next big star, crammed into a community hall for eight hours. You've certainly outdone yourself, Sagar. It sounds like my own personal version of hell."
Sagar grinned, completely unfazed. "You're the one who insisted on watching every single one yourself, remember? Said you didn't want to miss any hidden gems."
"Ah, yes," Arjun replied, tapping a finger on the table. "A moment of idealistic folly I now deeply regret. Still, a promise is a promise. Have we got our interns?"
"Yes. Few students from Whistling Woods. They'll manage the registration, the crowd, and the paperwork. One of them will also help with taking initial photos of the candidates."
"Good. Let the fresh blood handle the chaos. We'll just focus on spotting the genius amidst the mediocrity."
Just then, the waitress came to their table to clear their plates. She was young, with a bright smile and a no-nonsense efficiency that Arjun found intriguing.
"Anything else for you, gentlemen?" she asked.
"A black coffee for me, please," Sagar said.
Arjun looked up at her, a playful glint in his eyes. "And I'll have another coffee. And if you could also bottle some of your positive energy, I have a feeling I'll need it to get through this weekend."
The waitress laughed, a genuine, pleasant sound. "Positive energy is not on the menu, sir. But I can add an extra shot of espresso to your coffee. That's the closest we can get."
"A warrior's solution. I appreciate it," Arjun said with a wink.
As she walked away, Sagar shook his head, chuckling.
"Seriously, Arjun? We're in the middle of planning a film and you're trying to pick up the waitress?"
"It's called multitasking, my dear director," Arjun retorted smoothly. "And besides, a filmmaker should observe humanity in all its forms, including the charmingly efficient ones. It's for research."
"Right. Research," Sagar said, rolling his eyes. "Speaking of research, what are we looking for in the auditions, specifically? We need to be on the same page."
Arjun's expression shifted, the playful humour giving way to focused thought. "For the lead, the one who plays the simpleton caught in this web of eccentric characters, we need someone who can do subtle comedy. Not loud, not slapstick. The humour should come from his reactions, from the bewilderment in his eyes. The audience should feel for him even as they laugh at his situation."
"I completely agree," Sagar said, leaning forward. "That character is the anchor. If the audience doesn't connect with him, the whole film falls apart. For the other roles, especially the eccentric ones, we can be more flexible. We need actors with strong, distinct personalities. People who can deliver a bizarre line with a completely straight face."
"Exactly," Arjun said. "I'm picturing a cast where every single person feels like they could be the star of their own weird little movie. The comedy comes from the clash of these different universes."
The waitress returned with their coffees. She placed Sagar's black coffee in front of him and then set down Arjun's. "One coffee with an extra shot of warrior's solution," she said, her eyes crinkling at the corners with a smile.
Arjun grinned. "A warrior thanks you. He also wonders what a girl like you is doing in a place like this, serving coffee to delusional filmmakers."
She laughed again, placing the bill on the table. "Someone has to keep the delusion grounded in reality. And the tips are good."
She turned to leave, but then paused. She picked up a stray paper napkin and a pen from her pocket. With a quick, fluid motion, she wrote something on it, folded it, and placed it next to Arjun's coffee cup.
"For the days when you need more than just coffee," she said softly, before walking away with a final, knowing smile.
Arjun picked up the napkin and unfolded it. A phone number was written there, along with a name: 'Kavya'. He looked over at her, but she was already behind the counter, busy with another customer. He pocketed the napkin with a quiet, satisfied smile.
Sagar shook his head, a mixture of amusement and exasperation on his face. "Unbelievable. You're like a magnet."
"Talent, my friend. It's a burden," Arjun said, taking a sip of his coffee. "Now, where were we? Ah, yes, the circus of auditions. So, Pooja, our new AD, will be the gatekeeper. She's the first line of defense."
"Exactly," Sagar confirmed. "She'll handle the initial screening. She's got a good eye for weeding out the completely hopeless ones. We'll only see the shortlisted candidates. This should save you from the absolute depths of despair."
"You're a saint, Sagar. Truly," Arjun said, placing a hand over his heart. "And what about our cinematographer, Sameer? Have you brought him into the loop?"
"I sent him the script this morning. He called me back an hour later. He loved it. He specifically mentioned the scene in the second half where all the characters are in the same room, each having a different, ridiculous conversation. He's already talking about how he can use lighting and focus to isolate each character's emotional state within the same frame. He gets it."
Arjun's smile widened. "A cinematographer who 'gets it' before he's even been paid? We've found a unicorn. What about the costume designer you mentioned? The friend."
"Oh, Roshni! Yes, I spoke to her too. She's on board. She's fantastic with character-driven costumes. She was already talking about how the main character's clothes should be slightly ill-fitting and muted, to visually represent his social awkwardness, while the eccentric characters should have louder, clashing patterns to mirror their personalities. She's brilliant."
"This is starting to feel less like a shoestring production and more like an actual movie," Arjun mused. "Okay, so we have a director, a cinematographer, an AD, and a costume designer. The core creative team is forming. What we're missing are the pillars of the organisation."
He leaned back in his chair. "I'm going to look for a dedicated accountant and a production manager for Mehta Films. Not just for this film, but for the long term. We need to build a proper structure."
Sagar nodded in agreement. "That's smart. We can't keep running everything from a notebook and a prayer."
"We'll aim for a meeting with whoever is available by Friday," Arjun said, pulling out his phone to check the calendar. "Okay, it's the 14th today. So, the day after tomorrow. The 16th. Let's say 11 AM. We can use the conference room at the Andheri office. By then, hopefully, Pooja, Sameer, and Roshni can all make it. We can do a proper table read of a key scene, see how everyone vibes together."
"Friday the 16th. Got it," Sagar confirmed. "I'll coordinate with them. And listen, if you need any help with the production manager search, just say the word. I know a few people who handle the logistics for bigger productions."
"I appreciate that," Arjun said. "But for now, focus on the auditions. That's our immediate priority. Let me know if you hit any roadblocks, financial or otherwise. My producer's hat is always on."
"Will do," Sagar said, finishing the last of his coffee. "Alright, I'm off to go and be a real director. I have a bunch of calls to make."
"Go on then," Arjun waved him off. "Create your empire. I'll handle the real estate and the flirting."
Sagar laughed as he got up. "You certainly have your strengths."
After Sagar left, Arjun sat alone for a few moments, the quiet hum of the café a soothing balm after the whirlwind of the last two days. The penthouse, the office building, the team coming together—it was all happening so fast. He felt a thrill of possibility, a sense that he was standing at the very beginning of something big.
***
15th August 2004
The next morning, the air in the office was thick with purpose. Arjun walked in to find a small hive of activity already underway. Mahesh was in his cabin, the door open, barking orders into the phone. Naina was at the large central table, a mountain of files in front of her, systematically sorting through paperwork for the new properties.
And at the reception desk, Sunita, their ever-capable receptionist, was a whirlwind of efficiency, juggling calls, directing a delivery boy, and looking like she could single-handedly run the entire corporation if need be.
Arjun leaned against her desk. "Sunita, my dear. How does the empire stand today?"
"On the verge of collapse, sir," she deadpanned, not looking up from her computer screen. "But I'm holding it together with sheer willpower and an excessive amount of caffeine. Good morning."
He laughed. "That's the spirit. Any calls for me?"
"A few from theatres," she said, handing him a stack of message slips. "And one from a 'Potential Future Star' who felt his audition was 'destined to be seen by the producer directly'. I told him the director was handling it. He seemed… unimpressed."
"Ah, the delusions have begun early," Arjun mused. "Thank you, Sunita. You're a rock."
He walked over to the central table where Naina was working. "Morning, Aunty. Slaying dragons today, are we?"
Naina looked up, a smile softening her focused expression. "Something like that. Just making sure all the i's are dotted and t's are crossed before we hand over any money. Your father always said a deal isn't done until the paperwork is signed and the cheques are cleared."
A familiar warmth spread through Arjun's chest. He often thought of his parents, a quiet ache that was less of a wound and more of a scar, a reminder of where he came from. "He was a wise man."
"He was," Naina agreed, her gaze turning a little distant for a moment before she refocused. "So, what's on your agenda for today, Mr. Producer? More real estate conquests?"
"Not today," Arjun said, pulling up a chair. "Today, I'm focusing on the human element. Uncle, are you free for a minute?"
Mahesh had just finished his call and walked over, wiping a hand over his face. "For you, always. What's on your mind?"
"We have our creative core forming for Mehta Films," Arjun began. "But we need the operational spine. I was thinking we need to hire a dedicated Production Manager and an Accountant. Not freelancers. Full-time employees."
Naina nodded in approval. "That's a smart move. Proper structure is key to sustainable growth."
"I agree," Mahesh said. "But finding good people is tough. Do you have someone in mind?"
"Not yet," Arjun admitted. "So I was thinking we cast a wider net. We post an ad. A simple, direct one. 'Mehta Films seeks a dynamic Production Manager and a meticulous Accountant for its upcoming and future projects.' We ask them to call the office and email their resumes to Sunita. We can shortlist from there."
Mahesh considered it. "It's a bit old-school, but it might work. It'll filter out the lazy ones who can't be bothered to make a simple phone call."
"Exactly," Arjun said. "And I know just the person to place the ad for maximum visibility without spending a fortune." He picked up his phone and scrolled through his contacts. "Vikram. He runs an entertainment news blog. owes me a favour from college. He'll post it on his platform and a few job portals he has access to. He'll make some noise."
He made the call, his tone shifting to one of easy camaraderie. "Vikram! My man. How's the world of celebrity gossip treating you? … Good, good. Listen, I need a favour. I need you to be my town crier for a bit…" He explained the details, his charm turned up to full volume. After a few minutes of banter, he hung up, triumphant.
"It's done," he announced. "Vikram will have it live by noon. He'll probably write a small piece about 'Mehta Films Making Big Moves' or something dramatic to get it more clicks. We should start getting calls by this afternoon."
"Excellent," Mahesh said, clearly pleased with the proactive approach. "Sunita, I'll need you to be our HR department for a few days. Please keep a meticulous log of every call and note down who sounds professional and who sounds like they just escaped from a reality TV show."
5.4k+ Words