The Satisfied Grin (753 words)

Suresh is a worried man now. His business, once thriving, was nose-diving with literally no orders in the books. He had built his business big, investing huge capital by borrowing from many sources. Till a couple of years back, Suresh got the lion's share of the orders from big customers. Lately, his rival, Kartik, has clinched all the deals. He undercut the prices to the bare minimum, making them unworkable for Suresh with his huge investment. Possibly, Maybe, Kartik greased the palms of the officials in charge of purchase at the customers’ end. With a lean and efficient staff, Kartik ensured prompt delivery of quality products. 

 The men and machinery at Suresh’s factory were all practically idle now, with mounting losses each month. It was clear to Suresh that Kartik was bent upon driving him away from the scene. The banks and lenders were on Suresh's heels as the huge debts were not regularly serviced. Even salaries to the staff and labour were delayed and paid in instalments. Suresh tried in vain to poach and bring Kartik’s key employees. There was no way Suresh could dislodge his competitor from the scene.

Outwardly, Suresh maintained cordial relations with his rival but was really seething in anger. He attended Kartik's daughter's marriage and gifted a large silver pot. None can discern any enmity between them.

Things became very bleak, and he had to find a permanent solution to this wretched problem or shut the business and go to jail for failure to pay the debts.

Blade Babu was surprised when Suresh arrived at his door early one morning. The prefix came from his early days as a pickpocket; now, he was a hardened criminal with a long record and a reputation as a contract killer who left no trace. “Good morning, Sir. I am honoured by your visit. You could have sent a word, and I would have come to your place,” he said.

“It is okay. In fact, I did not want you to be seen at my place as the matter is very delicate”

“I understand, Sir. Tell me what I can do for you. I am at your beck and call,” Babu said in an ingratiating tone.

“Thanks. My business is in doldrums because of Kartik. I hope you know my competitor.”

“Sure, Sir, I know him, though I have not interacted with him so far. He lives in Neelankarai in a palatial bungalow”

“Yes, the very same man. I pleaded with him that both could share the business equally without undercutting each other. Besides arrogantly refusing, he has chosen to sell at loss-making rates only to eliminate me from the business. All my efforts to reason with him have failed,” Suresh said

“Oh, I am sorry. Why wouldn’t he amicably work with you is beyond me. In what way, can I help you?” he asked

“I want a permanent end to the problem. Money does not matter. You are talented in this area.” Suresh said in an almost inaudible voice.

“I understand. He is a rich man and must have clout. But I have also handled such people. It would cost much as there is risk,” Babu said equally softly

“How much?”

“25 lakhs”

Suresh opened his leather bag and handed over bundles of notes. “Here are 20 lakhs. I will pay you the balance after the job is done” he said

“Pay me the full amount. I do not want you or your man to meet me afterwards. “Babu said

Suresh paid the balance without demur and asked, “When will this be done?”

“Anytime within two days. Please do not contact me on any score. Have some buttermilk before you go. I will keep the money inside and come in a minute,” Babu said

“Thanks. I will wait for you,” Suresh said happily, sipping the buttermilk from the glass. There was a wry smile on his face at the thought that the job was done so easily.

As he sat with his eyes closed, thinking of the likely jump in business, the smile faded as he felt slightly giddy. Simultaneously, he became aware of a metal pressing the rear of his head. He faintly heard someone saying, “K Sir... Luckily, the guy himself has come here, and the matter is being settled to your satisfaction.”

 Before he could turn in panic, he saw a million stars exploding and a brilliant light shining. All was quiet thereafter, even as a satisfied grin spread over Blade Babu’s face at the double windfall.