The Secret Wife of the CEO

Lakshmi Ajji takes help from Vijay

A couple of kannada words that are used below:

Ajji - Grandma

Tatha - Grandpa

Vijay Desai rang the doorbell of Bhargav's house, holding a bouquet of flowers and a box of sweets. He was Bhargav's friend and colleague, and he had come to visit him after a long time. He smiled as he heard the familiar voice of Lakshmi ajji, Bhargav's grandmother, who opened the door and greeted him warmly.

"Namaste, Vijay. How are you? You have not visited us in a long time. Come in, come in. Bhargav is in a meeting, but he will be done in sometime. You can wait in the living room. I'll make you some coffee," she said, taking the flowers and sweets from him."Namaste, ajji. I'm fine, thank you. How are you? You look very well. Thank you for the coffee. How is tatha? Have not seen him in a while" Vijay said, following her into the house. "He is good. He is out with his friends as usual to sit and chat in his 'somberi katte'(lazy hangout)"Ajji came back with a tray of coffee and biscuits. She set it on the table and poured him a cup. She sat next to him and asked him about his work, his family, and his kids anvith and avni. He casually spoke to ajji as she is like his own grandmother.

"Vijay, can I ask you something? Do you know of any jobs in your company or any other places for artists? I know a very good artist who has no prior work experience, but she is very talented and hardworking. She could use some help," ajji said, looking at him with hopeful eyes. "An artist? Who is she, ajji? What kind of art does she do?" Vijay asked, curious. "Her name is Sanju. She is a young girl who lives in a nearby village. I met her a few days ago, when I went to visit Pari and kids in the orphanage. She was teaching art to the kids there. I was really impressed. I learned about her life through Pari. She lost her parents in a tragic accident when she was only one year old. She lives with her grandfather, who loves her dearly but struggles to provide for her. She has no formal education beyond the 12th grade, no financial resources, no career prospects. But she has a passion for art. She sings, dances, and paints with whatever she can find, like old newspapers, natural pigments, and worn-out brushes. She creates stunning artworks that depict the beauty and culture of her village, with such skill and expression. She has a talent, Vijay. A talent that should not be ignored," ajji said, her voice full of respect and affection.

She got up and went to her room. She came back with a few old books in her hand. She handed it to Vijay and said, "This is her artwork. Take a look." Vijay took the book and opened it. He was stunned by what he saw. The book was old and worn, its pages torn and stained. But on those pages, there were paintings that took his breath away. He saw mountains and rivers, fields and forests, houses and temples, people and animals. He saw colors that were vibrant and natural, like turmeric, kunkum, mud, and coffee. He saw strokes that were delicate and confident, like a master's. He saw a vision that was original and authentic, like a genius's.

He looked at ajji with wide eyes and said, "This is amazing, ajji. This is incredible. This girl is a prodigy. How did she do this?" Ajji smiled and said, "She did this with her heart, Vijay. With her heart and her imagination. She told me that she paints what she sees and what she dreams. She paints to express her feelings. She paints because she loves it. And she loves it because it is the thing that gives her joy and hope."

Vijay felt a surge of emotion. He felt admiration for Sanju, who had overcome so many challenges and created such beauty. He felt sympathy for Sanju, who had faced so much hardship and deserved so much better. He felt inspiration from Sanju, who had shown him a new perspective and a new possibility.

He got an idea. An idea that could change Sanju's life. An idea that could benefit his company. An idea that could connect art and opportunity. He looked at ajji and said, "Ajji, I have an idea. I think I can help Sanju. I think I can offer her a job. A job that suits her skills and interests. A job that pays her a decent income and gives her a chance to grow. A job that involves art and technology. A job that is perfect for her." Ajji looked at him with surprise and curiosity. She asked, "What kind of job, Vijay? What do you have in mind?"

Vijay shared his idea with her. He described the new game project that was based on a fantasy world, that drew inspiration from Indian culture and mythology. He said that the game required a design team, that could produce the graphics and the artwork for the game. He said that he was also in need of a design intern, who could help the team and make some sketches for the game project, using her natural flair and style. He said that he could offer Sanju a decent salary, equip her with training and tools to create art digitally, and give her a stage and a crowd for her art. "What do you think about this idea, ajji? Do you think Sanju would be interested in this job? Do you think she would be willing to try something new and different? Do you think she would be happy and successful in this job?"

Ajji looked at him with gratitude and joy. She said, "Vijay, that is a wonderful idea. I think this is a great opportunity for Sanju and she would be very interested and willing to try this job. You are such a sweetheart to offer her this job. You are a blessing, Vijay. A blessing for Sanju and for me." She hugged him and thanked him. She said, "You have made my day, Vijay. You have made Sanju's life, Vijay. Thank you, thank you, thank you." Vijay hugged her back and said, "You are very welcome, ajji. You have made my day, too. You have made my job, too. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

They smiled at each other and waited for Bhargav to join them.