Chapter 21 - Tree

Jimmy said "I want to join theater, I recently got a role in a drama but grandpa had not allowed me to take that role"

Daniel asked "why?"​​

"Although it was an amazing role he still didn't allow me"

"Yeah, that's why I am asking what's the reason?"

"There is no reason Daniel he just made fun of my role and said it is not good enough for me to leave business."

"But no role should be treated like this, grandpa was indeed wrong here, I'll talk to him."

"Thanks Daniel"

"But for the context what was the role about?"

"I am supposed to protect the main lead in that play."

"Oh you were offered the role of a bodyguard" Daniel thought it is not a bad role then why grandpa didn't allow Jimmy.

Just then Jimmy's reply answered his thought.

"Not a bodyguard, I was offered the role of a tree, where I have to be a tree, I'll be the shadow to a child character in the play and protect him from harsh sunlight, it was a very responsible role. That child is the main lead and I would be protecting the main lead."

Daniel was first speechless and then he started laughing at him.

Jimmy pointed a finger at him and said, "that's exactly how grandpa laughed at me."

After laughing for sometime Daniel, said "grandpa took a wise decision"

Jimmy looked sad with what Daniel said and turned his face towards the other side. Daniel continued laughing and said, "why do you want to do such silly roles?"

"It's not silly, it's a responsible character. Anyway you are not as a good brother as I am so stop laughing."

Daniel was taken aback by his emotional words and asked why would he say something like that.

"You were supposed to meet grandpa's friend's granddaughter for marriage alliance, mom is really excited to make that girl her daughter-in-law but when you told me you met someone in Peebles and you like her, I supported you and didn't call it a silly decision."

"Yeah because she is amazing, not a silly decision" Daniel replied

"I didn't meet her so I don't know is she is amazing or not but in my first business meeting I did meet the girl grandpa selected for you and she is awesome, her business skills were top notch too, I thought if you marry her then she will take care of our business and I am free to do whatever I want but when you said you like someone else I left my selfish reason behind and supported your decision. Can't you be just supportive towards me the way I am to you?"

Daniel understood Jimmy's pain and went near him, put his hands on Jimmy's shoulders and said "I will help you in grabbing a role in the theater before that you have to prove your ability in business by cracking at least small deal"

Jimmy asked, "I don't understand why are you linking both things? Why do I have to crack a deal?

Daniel said "If I want to talk to grandpa on your behalf , I should have a valid reason and I don't want my brother to be a quitter, I want to prove he is capable enough to do business but he chose to follow his passion".

Jimmy asked "Ok, but how can you help me to get a role in theater, you don't even have any contacts"

Daniel said "do you know Jack Nolan, a famous writer and director"

Hearing his name Jimmy jumped in excitement and said, "of course he is the most famous writer and director in our theater world, he is the role model to one and many in our generation. By the way, why are you asking about Jack Nolan?"

Daniel said in a cool and calm voice that he is his friend.

Jimmy jumped and asked in an excited tone "I know all your friends but never heard about him".

Daniel said in a humble tone "he was my classmate when I was studying medicine in cambridge university, but after the first year of our academics he realised that his interest was lying in theater so he dropped out from medical school to join theater. But he and I bonded very well in that first year and stayed in touch since then. We even occasionally meet and I do attend his plays whenever I can".

Jimmy asked him "will you really recommend me? And will he really cast me in a role?"

Daniel said "once you prove yourself then I will take you personally to my friend's place and ask for a role, he won't say no to me."

Jimmy said in an excited and happy tone "I will prove you and grandpa, do you know if I get a role once in his direction, I can become a big actor and would even get offers from movies".

Daniel said "ok , now you know your target, try to accomplish it as soon as possible and I will keep my promise".

Jimmy was very happy and felt relief. He said goodbye to his brother and went to his room.

Daniel then again started thinking about Rachel and wondered how to bond with her and meet her frequently.

...

Rachel's house

After Daniel left, grandpa asked Rachel to freshen up and come to have lunch with him and grandpa Michael.

Grandpa and his friend Michael then when to the dining area and started talking to each other

Michael said "James, are you happy now. Rachel has returned home, don't force her to do anything now and let her talk to you first when she feels more comfortable and prepared. See, she is looking happy now, seeing her like this makes me feel better, by the way that boy Daniel who helped our Rachel to reach here safely he looked very handsome with perfect qualities, a gentleman should have, Isn't that true?

Grandpa said "yaa...Daniel is looking like a perfect gentleman….but don't you think we have seen him somewhere? I can't recollect properly but I have a feeling that I have seen him somewhere."

Michael smiled at him and said, "I was having the same thought, it might sound weird but he looked like someone we know of or maybe we are just overthinking."