It’s evening in India, and Rahul’s family has gathered in the living room for a video call. His mom dials, and soon Rahul’s face appears on the screen, a bit surprised to see them all together.
Rahul: smiling "Hey! What’s up? All of you together? Is something going on?"
Mom: grinning mischievously "What, you forgot your own birthday is coming up? Or is America making you forget all these important things?"
Rahul: chuckling "How could I forget? I was just waiting for My Official Reminder Call."
Dad: jumping in with a smirk "Official reminder? Look at this kid acting like he’s some big-shot! But just remember, you’re turning 26 , not 16."
Aarushi: teasing "Yeah, old man! Soon you'll be getting grey hair!"
Rahul: rolling his eyes "Old man? I’m just turning 26, Aarushi! Don’t make me sound like I’m 60 !"
Mom: "26, haan? Just four years away from 30! Soon you’ll be as ancient as your dad."
Dad: pretending to be offended "Hey! I heard that. Rahul, tell her I’m still in my Prime!"
Rahul: laughing "I don’t know, Dad. Mom’s got a point… 26 is pretty close to 30."
Aarushi: grinning "So, bhaiya, any plans for the big day? Or should we just assume you’re spending it alone with your books and a cup of coffee?"
Rahul: playing along "Oh, definitely! Me, a stack of textbooks, and a small cupcake. Maybe a single candle if I’m feeling festive."
Mom: laughing "Arrey, Rahul, that’s no way to celebrate! We’re going to do a proper puja for you here, and then you can have some kheer at least. I’ll make sure to eat an extra spoonful for you."
Dad: "And don’t think you’re escaping that ‘Happy Birthday’ song we sing every year. Aarushi’s already practicing her off-key version just for you."
Aarushi: singing dramatically Haaappy Biiirthday to yooouuuu…"
Rahul: cringing and laughing "Okay, okay, that’s enough! No wonder I wanted to leave the country!"
Mom: smiling warmly "Just because you’re far away doesn’t mean we’re letting you off the hook, mister. We’re celebrating here, and you better take a break and celebrate there too."
Dad: teasingly "Just don’t get too sentimental, beta. Turning 26 only happens once, and you won’t get away with ‘I’m too old’ jokes once you’re actually old."
Rahul: grinning "I’ll keep that in mind, Dad. You all just wait for my grand return—and for Aarushi’s pitch-perfect birthday song!"
He decides to call Radha in India, hoping she remembers but also wanting to see her reaction.
Radha: answering cheerfully "Hey! Calling late today. Did you finally get tired of all that ‘business’ stuff?"
Rahul: smiling "Yeah, yeah, all work, no play. I needed a break, you know?"
Radha: "Oh, big businessman needs a break, huh? What’s up?"
Rahul: acting casual "Oh, just feeling like… there’s something big coming up, like a special day or something…"
Radha: pretending to be confused "Hmm… special day, huh? Let me think… Holi? Diwali? Or maybe it’s just… National Businessman 'S Day ?"
Rahul: laughing "National Businessman’s Day? Radha, come on! You really don’t know?"
Radha: holding back laughter "Ohhh, right! It's National Donut Day ! Perfect for you—you could use a little Sweetness !"
Rahul: playfully groaning "Radha! My Birthday ! Are you telling me you forgot my birthday is this week?"
Radha: pretending to be surprised "Ohhh, that’s right! It’s somewhere in March , right? Or… April?"
Rahul: facepalming "Seriously , Radha?! I’m turning 26 , and you’re telling me you forgot?"
Radha: barely holding back a laugh "Ohhh, right , right , 26! It’s just, you’re so far away and all… sometimes I forget these little details."
Rahul: feigning hurt "I knew it. All these years, and my best friend's memory is this bad."
Radha: still teasing " Well , maybe if you didn't go halfway across the world , I'd remember ! Anyway, I’m sure you’ll do something exciting, like a… big business meeting with cupcakes, maybe?"
Rahul: sighing dramatically "I was hoping you’d remember, maybe send a little surprise… of at least pretend to care!"
Radha: smiling, finally dropping the act "Oh, fine, Mr.Dramatic . I didn’t forget, okay?I was just messing with you."
Rahul: grinning "I knew it! You’re always up to something. So… should I expect some grand gesture from thousands of miles away?"
Radha: mischievously "Just wait and see. You’ll never know what’s coming—could be a sweet surprise or maybe just more teasing."
Rahul: pretending to be thoughtful "You know, Radha… I was thinking about My Birthday gift ."
Radha: curious "Oh? What’s the big businessman thinking? Should I send you a Fancy Suit or maybe a New pen to sign all those future deals?"
Rahul: laughing "Come on, Radha. You know I’m not talking about a suit or a pen. I was thinking of Something … a bit more… Personal ."
Radha: playfully suspicious "More person, huh? Like what ?A handmade card ? Maybe a video of me singing ‘Happy Birthday’ really badly?"
Rahul: grinning "Nice try. But not quite what I had in mind."
Radha: pretending to be clueless "Hmmm… flowers ?Chocolate ? Oh! I know! A cute stuffed bear with a bow tie."
Rahul: leaning in, voice a little softer "Closer … but still not quite it. I mean something only you could give me."
Radha: laughing, catching on "Rahul, we’re halfway across the world! Unless I can mail myself to America, I’m not sure how I’m supposed to ‘give ’ you anything that special."
Rahul: playfully "Who said anything about mailing yourself? I was thinking… maybe a little promise."
Radha: intrigued "A promise? Oh, really? What kind of promise does Mr. Birthday Boy want?"
Rahul: teasingly "A promise that… when I’m back, I get a real birthday gift. Maybe one that involves… you know… something like a kiss."
Radha: laughing, blushing a little "Aha, so that’s what this is about! You’re already planning birthday gifts months in advance?"
Rahul: smiling "Well, they say good things come to those who wait, right? And for you… I can be patient ."
Radha: flirty "Oh, is that so? Well, Mr. Patient, you better make that birthday wish then, because I don’t give out kisses for free."
Rahul: grinning "Consider it wished for. And believe me, I’m going to hold you to that."
Radha: teasing "Fine, fine. But don’t get too used to making demands. Just this once, I’ll think about it… as long as you promise to keep being your charming self."
Rahul: laughing "Deal. Just don’t forget, okay? I’m going to be waiting."
After his call with Radha, Rahul dives into his business course. He reviews financial analysis, learning to read balance sheets and cash flow statements. Moving on, he studies strategic planning with tools like SWOT and competitive analysis, followed by marketing strategies and understanding consumer behavior. He explores business ethics to make responsible choices and covers operations management to improve efficiency in supply chains. Finally, entrepreneurship ....
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