Before the Name Became a Man
1045 Words
One morning,” the man began, his voice slipping effortlessly into that of a storyteller,
A young girl bustled around the kitchen, humming softly as she prepared breakfast. Once everything was ready, she carefully arranged the dishes on the dining table and called out,
“Mom, Dad, breakfast is ready!”
Her parents arrived moments later and settled into their seats. As they took their first bites, smiles spread across their faces.
“Wow, Sanam,” her mother said proudly. “This is delicious. Your cooking has really improved.”
Sanam smiled, brushing off the praise.
“Thanks, Mom. But I’m still nowhere near as good as you.”
Her father, Ishaan Arora, chuckled and added playfully,
“That’s for sure.”
Laughter filled the room, wrapping the house in warmth.
Suddenly, the television broke into their conversation with a breaking news announcement—the shortlist for the Businessman of the Year award.
“So,” Ishaan asked casually, “any guesses on who’s winning this time?”
Sanam didn’t hesitate.
“There’s no need to guess, Dad. He’ll win again.”
Ishaan raised an eyebrow.
“Oh? And you’re not saying that just because he’s your idol?”
Sanam frowned slightly.
“What do you mean by that, Dad?”
He smiled knowingly.
“Ever since your time in the U.S., Muheeb Oberoi has been your inspiration. Don’t think I haven’t noticed that cupboard full of his magazines, interviews, and achievement articles. Or the way you follow every update about him online.”
Sanam blushed.
“Dad, please… yes, I admire him. But I’m serious. He truly deserves it.”
Ishaan laughed softly.
“I know, I know. I’m just teasing. Honestly, I agree—he’s the obvious choice. But let’s see.”
All three turned toward the screen as the anchor opened the envelope.
“And the Businessman of the Year 2026 is… Mr. Muheeb Oberoi, Chairman of S&M Companies!”
Sanam’s face lit up instantly.
“I knew it,” she whispered, pride shining in her eyes.
Ishaan stared at the screen in amazement.
“Unbelievable. That’s his seventh consecutive win!”
“Exactly, Dad,” Sanam said excitedly. “He started his company just eight years ago, and now it’s India’s number one. Isn’t that incredible?”
Ruhi turned to Ishaan, curious.
“I understand why Sanam admires him… but you? I’ve never seen you follow a businessman this closely.”
Ishaan smiled thoughtfully.
“When you’re in business, you always observe the person leading the industry. It helps you adapt, learn, and survive. A businessman can’t afford ignorance.”
Sanam nodded eagerly.
“Exactly, Mom. Dad understands the business world.”
Ruhi smiled in understanding.
“That makes sense.”
“Great leadership inspires growth,” Ishaan added. “And Oberoi is the kind of man whose decisions can reshape the market.”
Sanam agreed proudly.
A moment later, Ishaan turned to her.
“By the way, didn’t you have an interview yesterday? Any update?”
Before Sanam could answer, the phone rang. Ishaan picked it up, listened briefly, and handed it to her.
“Sanam, it’s for you.”
She took the phone, her heart pounding.
“Hello, this is Sanam.”
A professional voice responded,
“Ms. Sanam, this is the hiring manager from S&M Companies. We’re pleased to inform you that you’ve been selected.”
Her breath caught.
“We’d like you to report tomorrow at 9 a.m. to meet Ms. Sheerin, team leader of the engineering department.”
“Thank you so much!” Sanam exclaimed.
Her parents leaned in eagerly.
“What happened?” Ruhi asked.
Sanam’s face glowed.
“I got the job!”
“At which company?” Ishaan asked.
Sanam grinned.
“S&M Companies.”
Both parents froze.
“What?!”
“Yes!” she laughed. “I made it!”
Ishaan beamed with pride, while Ruhi hugged her tightly—though worry lingered in her eyes.
“But it’s far from here,” Ishaan said. “Almost three hours with traffic.”
“That’s why I’ll rent a place nearby,” Sanam replied calmly.
As Sanam left to prepare for the next day, Ruhi turned to Ishaan, her voice trembling.
“Don’t you realize who the boss is there? What if he sees her?”
“I know,” Ishaan replied evenly. “And it’s time they meet.”
Ruhi’s eyes widened.
“You planned this.”
He smiled faintly.
“It was wrong to keep them apart.”
The next morning, S&M Companies was already alive.
Glass walls reflected the early sunlight, elevators hummed steadily, and the quiet confidence of a company at the top of its game filled every corridor.
Inside the executive wing, Sheerin paced back and forth, glancing at her watch for what felt like the hundredth time.
“Sheerin, what’s wrong?” a calm voice asked.
She turned sharply to see a handsome man standing near her desk, his posture relaxed but commanding.
“President Sajid,” she said hurriedly. “The journalist has been waiting for a long time to interview Mr. Muheeb. But he hasn’t arrived yet—and he’s not answering any of our calls. I don’t know what to tell them anymore.”
Sajid smiled, completely unbothered.
“Relax,” he said reassuringly. “I’ll handle the interviewer. You focus on reaching my brother.”
She let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding and nodded.
“Thank you, sir.”
As Sajid walked away, a sleek black car rolled to a smooth stop outside the building. The door opened, and a tall man stepped out.
Muheeb Oberoi.
He adjusted his cuffs once and walked toward the entrance with measured confidence—no rush, no hesitation. Heads turned instinctively as he passed.
Inside, Sheerin spotted him and exhaled in relief.
“Sir, where were you?” she asked, hurrying toward him. “The interviewer has been waiting for quite a while.”
Muheeb offered a small, knowing smile.
“Shh,” he said lightly. “He was meant to wait.”
She blinked, confused.
“Go tell him I’ll join in ten minutes.”
Without another word, Muheeb walked toward his office, unshaken by the chaos his absence had created.
- Writer
