That Gutsy Man

All the friends were invited at Prashant's wedding. It was supposed to be highly extravagant wedding as Prashant was a successful investment banker and was getting married to a senator's daughter while rest of the gang was struggling to start career. As expected, right after we landed, chauffeur was waiting to pick us up. We checked in to the hotel, relaxed for some time and were ready to attend wedding. Many page 3 socialites, politicians and film stars were invited and we too passed smile and shook hands with many of them. It was indeed a pleasant evening and we returned to the hotel after wedding ceremony.

The hotel was reserved for two days, so that visitors could go around the place considering it was a scenic city nestled between hills and sea located in South India. Everyone was highly appreciative of Prashant’s generosity. We had lavish morning breakfast and left to go around the city. After coming back, we ordered lunch in the room as we had to do packing to catch the evening flight. The food arrived, appreciation was coming after every delicacy tasted. Unexpectedly, the intercom buzzed. It was the manager who informed that food and beverage was to be paid by us. Everyone's face got whitewashed. We assumed it will go to Prashant’s account. To estimate the bill amount, I called the reception. The figure was big enough to give us a massive jolt. While some of the guys denied eating anything, others were planning how to go away without paying. A couple of them started packing faster so that they could get out of this mess early. One of them thanked God that the reservation was not made in his name. While all this was shaping up, Sandy looked at everyone and said, "I'm going to talk to the manager," and walked away.

After 10 minutes he came back with 160 degree smile. Everyone understood the problem is fixed. Sandy informed that the manager had agreed to waive the bill after talking to Prashant. We took a big sigh of relief and we checked out of the hotel with confidence.

I appreciate the guts what Sandy displayed. Most of the time people shrug off responsibilities, they blame others or try to get away. But, the ones like Sandy show us true leadership. Leadership is all about taking responsibilities, even in tough weather. I appreciate the guts of that man.