The BnB Question

There was a kid among the WRSC associates called Venkateshwarulu. We used to call him Venkat or Venky in short. He was brought up in one of those simple Brahmin families in India and was not used to the metropolitan ways.

One day he went up to Mr Arora, his team lead.

'Hi Arora. Can I ask you one thing?'

'Yes, my dear boy. How can I help you?' Arora was happy to see him.

'You remember the place you lived in Hounslow before? The BnB (Bed and Breakfast, similar to a hotel room) run by a guy called Nav?'

'Yes, I do.'

'I had been living there since I came to London and I want to move out; I can't afford it. Nav was angry when I told him about my plans and says he had given me the room for a lower rate because he had a deal with you.'

'With me? What deal?' Arora was surprised.

'A deal that any WRSC associate living in his BnB was supposed to live there until he went back to India. And that's the reason he was giving it for a lower rate. He says you had promised him on that.'

'Haha!! What a joke. He's playing business with you. Don't fall for it kiddo.'

'Hmmm… That’s what I thought.'

Mr. Bakshi who was curious to find out what the guys were discussing ran down from his desk to interfere.

'Oye!! Kya chal raha hai (What is happening)?' He massaged Arora's shoulders as he looked over at Venky.

'Nothing, just asking about a BnB issue.' Venky replied.

'What BnB issue?'

'Ohh nothing...'

'Are, bolo yaar. Ham pardes mein hai. Ek doosre ka madad to karna hai na. (C’mon, tell me dear. We’re in an alien land. We may need to help each other.)'

Venky repeated the story all over again.

'Ye log kamine hote hai (These guys are morons). We have nothing to do with it. Do you think we have made any such deal with that bloody BnB guy? Humein kya choothiya samajhke rakha hai kya (Do you think we’re assholes)? ' Bakshi stopped massaging Arora’s shoulders.

Both Venky and Arora looked confused.

'You guys are brought here to work for the client. That's all WRSC is concerned about. Everything outside that is immaterial to the company.' Bakshi's voice was rising. 'Do you think we're running a BnB business taking commission from any such dirty scum bag at Hounslow? If you guys get into trouble it's your problem. None of my fucking business yaar.' Bakshi was now shouting at the top of his voice.

It was late in the evening and as usual only WRSC associates were in the office. There was no single white guy in the office to laugh at the nonsense. No desi (aka Indian) lifted his head above his monitor. Everyone pretended to be too busy. I was sitting opposite to Arora listening to the whole conversation. I had already selected the best paperweight and was ready to throw it at Bakshi's head. But Venky was standing a few feet behind him and I didn't want to miss Bakshi and hit him.

Arora ushered Bakshi away into the kitchen to explain. 'Are... ye chootiya salon ko kaam pe dhyaan dene ko bolo yaar...(Tell these bloody assholes to concentrate on their work.)' Bakshi voice faded away. I was disappointed. I looked across the office. Nobody showed any signs of trouble. All associates were still busy. Amazing concentration, I thought.