Bhargav Kulkarni walked into the conference room of AI Works, followed by his team of managers and executives. He took his seat at the head of the table and looked at the large screen on the wall. It showed the quarterly report of the company, highlighting the achievements and challenges of the past three months. Bhargav's face was expressionless and cold. He said, "Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining me today. As you can see, we have had a remarkable quarter, surpassing our targets and expectations. I want to congratulate you all for your hard work and dedication. You have done your job." He paused and scanned the faces of his team. He noticed a slight frown on one of them. He said, "However, I also want to warn you that we cannot afford to be complacent or overconfident. We have to maintain our standards and quality and keep innovating and improving. We have to stay ahead of the competition and the market. We have to be the best."

He pointed at the frowning manager and said, "Mr. Sharma, I see that you are not happy with something. Do you have something to say?" Mr. Sharma gulped and said, "Yes, sir. I have a concern about the new project that we are launching next month. I think it is too risky and ambitious. I don't think we have enough resources and time to execute it properly." Bhargav narrowed his eyes and said, "What makes you think that?" Mr. Sharma said, "Well, sir, the project involves developing a new AI system that can diagnose and treat diseases using natural language processing and computer vision. It is a very complex and challenging task, and we have not done anything like this before. We have to deal with a lot of data, regulations, and ethical issues. We have to collaborate with doctors, hospitals, and patients. We have to test and validate the system extensively. We have to ensure its accuracy, reliability, and safety. We have to do all this in a span of six months, with a budget of 50 crores. I think it is impossible, sir."

Bhargav smirked and said, "Mr. Sharma, I appreciate your honesty and your concern. But I disagree with your assessment. I think it is not only possible but necessary. This project is our opportunity to make a difference in the world, to save lives, to create value, to showcase our capabilities, to establish our reputation, to achieve our vision. This project is our mission, Mr. Sharma. And I have full faith in you and your team to accomplish it. You have the skills, the talent, the experience, the passion, the support, and the guidance to do it. You have me, Mr. Sharma. And I have you. Together, we can do anything. Do you understand?"Mr. Sharma nodded and said, "Yes, sir. I understand. Thank you for your confidence and your encouragement. I will do my best, sir." Bhargav said, "That's what I like to hear, Mr. Sharma. I'm glad we are on the same page. Now, let's move on to the next agenda item. We have a lot to discuss and plan. Let's get to work, team."

He clapped his hands and said, "AI Works, let's make it happen!" 

The team cheered and said, "Yes, sir!"

Bhargav was exhausted after a day of intense meetings. He decided to skip going home and head to his penthouse for an early evening instead. He needed some time to unwind and recharge. He called his personal trainer and asked him to meet him at the penthouse for a martial arts session.

Bhargav loved martial arts. He had been practicing them since he was a kid. He found them to be a great way to improve his physical and mental fitness, as well as his self-defense skills. He enjoyed the challenge, the discipline, and the adrenaline that martial arts gave him. He also liked to spar with his trainer, who was a former MMA fighter and a black belt in several disciplines.

Bhargav arrived at his penthouse and changed into his workout clothes. He met his trainer at the spacious gym that he had built on the top floor. He greeted him and said, "Ready for some action?" The trainer smiled and said, "Yes, sir. Let's do some mixed martial arts. I want to test my skills and endurance. Let's go for three rounds, five minutes each. No holds barred."They put on their gloves and mouthguards and stepped into the octagon. They touched gloves and began to fight. They exchanged punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. They grappled, wrestled, and submitted each other. They pushed each other to the limit, showing no mercy and no fear. They fought with skill, power, and passion. After three rounds, they were both exhausted and bruised. They stopped fighting and hugged each other. They congratulated each other and thanked each other for the good fight. They walked out of the octagon and grabbed some water and towels. Bhargav said, "That was awesome. You are amazing. You always give me a tough time." The trainer said, "Well that's the goal. Alright see you again later this week. Call me if you want a session before that. Bye." and he left.

Bhargav went to the pool on the roof to unwind and cool down after the hard workout. He did a few strokes and then lay on his back. He gazed at the blue sky and the occasional white cloud. He felt a wave of tranquility and serenity as he thought of his family. But deep inside he had a sense of emptiness... as if the other part of his soul was missing. Today was the day he was left at the altar without any explanation. It brought back memories of his fiancée and the intensity of his love for her and her betrayal as she abandoned him at the altar on his wedding day. He had given up on love and marriage since that day 8 years ago, but the gap was always there. He was not prepared to fill it. The magnitude of his love for her and the agony he was left with frightened him and he did not want to experience it again. Realizing how he was falling into the negative cycle again, he thought about his aims, and aspirations and about himself and his mission. He closed his eyes and meditated as he was floating in the pool. He emptied his mind and concentrated on his breathing. He felt a bond with himself. He felt a burst of energy and confidence. He opened his eyes and smiled as he tried to affirm, "I am happy. I am grateful for everything in life. I am blessed."

He got out of the pool and dried himself with a towel. He put on his robe and walked to the lounge area. Vijay knowing the date and Bhargav's mental state every year on this day, was already sitting on a couch, waiting for him. He greeted him and said, "Hey, Vijay. What are you doing here? I thought you went home." Vijay replied, "Ha yes, I was about to go home, but I wanted to talk to you first. I have some bad news." Bhargav asked, "What is it?" Vijay said, "It's about the creative design director position. I still haven't found anyone who meets our requirements. I've interviewed dozens of candidates, but none of them impressed me. They all lacked the experience, the skills, the vision, or the passion that we need for this role. I don't know what to do, Bhargav. I'm running out of time and options. I'm frustrated and stressed." Bhargav sat with Vijay and they both discussed different strategies to look for the ideal candidate for this role. Once they were done with the brainstorming session, Bhargav clapped his hands and said, "AI Works, let's make it happen!" Vijay smiled and said, "Yes, sir!" Vijay said, "I have to go now, Bhargav. I have to take care of my son. He was vaccinated this morning and he's running a fever. I hope he's okay and Ragini is able to manage." Bhargav said, "I hope he gets well soon. Give him my best wishes and my love. And take care of yourself too, Vijay. Let me know if you want some help." They both hugged each other and Vijay left.

As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting the room in a warm glow, Bhargav sat in a leather chair, scrolling through messages on his phone. An invitation to a high-profile gala caught his attention. He decided to attend, partly for appearances and partly to indulge in the distractions that such events offered. Donning a tailored suit that accentuated his commanding presence, he made his way to the gala.

The ballroom glittered with chandeliers, the air thick with anticipation as the city's elite mingled. Bhargav, with a cold and calculating demeanor, navigated the crowd. Dressed in an elegant gown that complemented her features, a woman Sunaina dressed to impress seemed drawn to the handsome enigmatic billionaire. She approached Bhargav with a subtle smile, trying to weave her charm around him. They engaged in small talk, his words carefully chosen. Following that Bhargav's attention shifted to other attendees. Among them was Bhavana, a sophisticated businesswoman known for her sharp intellect and bold demeanor. Intrigued by her confidence, Bhargav struck up a conversation, their exchange revealing a mutual respect for each other's accomplishments.

Meanwhile, in a secluded corner of the gala, Anjali, Bhargav's ex-fiancée, observed him from a distance. The haunting memory of their broken engagement lingered, and a mix of regret and longing flickered in her eyes. She had learned about the gala through mutual connections and couldn't resist the chance to hopefully see Bhargav, in case he shows up.

As the night unfolded, Bhargav once again found himself in Sunaina's company. The magnetism of his wealth and influence continued to captivate Sunaina, leading her to willingly accept his invitation to his hotel room. Intrigued by the mystique surrounding him, she entered the privacy of his opulent suite. What ensued between Bhargav and Sunaina was a charged encounter, characterized by a subtle interplay of desire and detachment. As Bhargav blindfolded her before they even began, the scene was set for a heightened sensory experience. In the midst of Bhargav's pleasure-laden world, Sunaina remained entranced, unaware of the emptiness reflected in his eyes and the absence of tender caresses and kisses. Once they were done, Bhargav swiftly disposed of the condom and wasted no time in sending Sunaina out of the suite. His actions were swift and devoid of emotion, leaving her bewildered and disoriented as she exited. Back at the gala, Bhavana discreetly watched Bhargav leave with Sunaina, a knowing expression on her face. She understood the dynamics of the billionaire's world and chose to remain an observer, intrigued by the complexities of his character. In another corner, Anjali secretly fumed over Bhargav's departure with another woman.

In the early hours of the morning, Bhargav stood by the window of his suite, watching the city slowly come to life. He reflected on the events of the night. The gala had provided moments of distraction, but the underlying solitude persisted. He thought of home, where his ajji's gentle touch would heal his weary soul and mend his broken heart, where he could be himself again. Seeking solace, he decided to drive back home, yearning for peace and joy in his ajji's loving arms.