My True Gurdian, Guide and Rehnuma

I wanted to reach my customer's place before lunch time, where I was expecting an order, but due to very heavy traffic on the way, I reached my destination during the lunch break. The security person at the factory gate told me to wait at the reception and go inside only after the lunch break. I sat down at the reception and started imagining things and some how or the other, thoughts started coming to my mind, like, if I don't get this order, concerned person has gone on leave, competitor has given better price or the decision of the capital purchase postponed for a year etc. etc. And to divert my mind, I started reading a magazine which was lying at the reception, but I could not concentrate on it.

All of a sudden I was interrupted by some one from the back and when I look-up at the stranger, I simply jumped from my chair, oh my God, look who is here, the Unit Head himself standing in front of me; I came to meet him and his team for the order. He was looking at me and smiling, for few seconds, I was simply shocked and speechless, he asked me very politely "why are you sitting here at the reception, come to my chamber please?" 

Thereafter, he took me to his chamber and after Greetings, he asked me again "did you have your lunch, you must have left home early in the morning, isn't it?" And before I could answer his question, he came out from his chamber and took me to the staff canteen. I was offered lunch and when I asked him to join me, he said - "I already had my lunch, you carry on, we will have coffee together, alright."

Later, I met with his team members, but all said and done, in-spite of my best/sincere efforts, I could not get an order that day. I was told by the Purchase Manager that the proposal to buy the said machine has gone to head office for approval and budgetary sanction for capital purchase and they will release the purchase order and advance only after the due approval/sanction. I was not satisfied with their answer, but I was left with no option but to wait for some more weeks for the said order. They assured me that this order will be given to us, I must go home without any tension/worry and with peace of mind.

I was wondering, going back home without an order was not adviceable. And how to face my boss was a big question in front of me; because, I was over confident and have assured him that in this visit I will definitely get this order, due to my excellent customer relationship and my confidence level was above 90% for this client.

I was just wondering, how will I explain these things to my boss, and what excuse I will offer to him, I was dead sure that he will not buy my story of delay in getting this order, (which was long over-due). He will definitely ask me the basis of my so called confidence about this order and once again it's proven that I am not capable of forecasting and my judgmental skills are very poor. I have no option left but to leave this client for the time being and look for some other prospective clients for the order/s, so that I can achieving my yearly target, without fail.

After completion of my work, I was planning to leave, but then, I remember my host's invitation to have a cup of coffee with him. To be honest, I was not in the mood of having coffee. But at the same time, I wanted to convey my sincere thanks to my host for his warm hospitality.

Therefore, I visited my host, in his chamber with my sad/dull face and he immediately understood the reason of my sadness and said: -"you did not get an order today I know, but you don't worry, order is all yours, it will take some more time, because HO has raised few quarries, which has been answered, the revised proposal has been sent again and we are expecting an approval within next 15 days from head office, as soon as we get the approval will let you know, you don't worry and cheer up."

In between our talks, he opened his flask and poured coffee in two cups, (which were lying on the table), and he offered me, hot cup of black coffee, which he brought from his home for himself. Although, coffee has never been my favorite, but that day, I liked the black hot cup of coffee very much. I had witnessed his deep sense of care, concern, love and sincerity for the well being of his company, employees, vendors and customers, which was crystal clear, transparent and it has further made me comfortable and gave immense satisfaction to my soul and I left his office with peace of mind, because whatever he said to me that day was truth and only truth; which was genuine, pure, transparent and 24 carat gold.

28 years have passed since then, but even today, I very clearly and distinctly remember the taste, flavor and richness of that cup of coffee, because it was offered to me by my client with his love, care, concern and affection.

On my way back home, I explained to myself, I did not get an order this time, never mind, but with the grace of God, I have met with a perfect Gentleman, who is not only a good human being but also very decent, well behaved, down to earth and a highly professional Businessman with a human touch.

And to my utmost surprise, a week later, I got a telegram from the said client's office, in which they advised me to collect the order with advance from their office immediately.

This visionary with his determination, dedication, clear-vision, positive attitude, Midas touch and charisma has made him the top class business tycoon of Indian corporate world and he is holding the portfolio of "Managing Director" of  Rs. 3500 Crores plus empire, very successfully, in India today. 

I feel honoured and privileged to have him as my true Guardian, Guide and Rehnuma. The God has given me the best gift of my life, which I cherish with pride. I pray to my God Almighty (with folded hands), to bless him with his wisdom and all his dreams may come true, Amen!

With Prayers

Gurcharan