chapter 28

SerendipityEpisode-28The moment Megha sat in the car, she called Akshay.“Hello, Megha,” he answered.“Akshay... please tell me the Sehegals have given us an afternoon slot for the meeting,” she prayed silently. ‘God, let me secure at least one project today, or else the whole day will be wasted.’“Megha, no confirmation yet, but I’ll check again. I’ll call Mr. Sehegal’s PA and update you,” his voice was tinged with disappointment.For the past 15 days, Akshay, Megha, and their five-member team had been working tirelessly for this meeting with the Sehegals. When they found out it was canceled this morning, it felt like all their efforts had gone down the drain.Megha felt a wave of dizziness, as if darkness had clouded her vision.“Okay, I’m heading to the Worli office,” she said, her voice trailing off.“How did Supreme’s presentation go? Any progress on their project?” Akshay asked, sounding a bit unsure.“I’ve left already... let’s discuss it in the office.” She hung up, hitting the backseat of the car in frustration.She had been talking for over an hour, and now her throat was parched. She pulled out a water bottle from her bag, took a deep gulp, and felt a slight sense of calm wash over her. Why did I even bother coming to Supreme? What was the point?After all the hard work, now if we lose the Sehegal project... I’ll be left with nothing. She felt the frustration rise. It’s all because of Mr. Mehra, she fumed inwardly. He’s probably sitting comfortably in his air-conditioned office, sipping coffee, while my time and project slip through my fingers.She recalled his face this morning, walking into the meeting late with that smug expression. I hate latecomers! She thought bitterly. What kind of behaviour it was? This is not garden...Either respect the schedule or don’t bother showing up at all.When he opened the door, there was a smile on his face, as if he enjoyed wasting my time. At first, I didn’t think he’d stay for the entire meeting, but he did. Surprisingly.But why was he staring at my face instead of the presentation screen? she wondered, checking her phone’s reflection. ‘No, everything looks fine. Was it because of the saree? I wear one every day... so why does it matter?Ya right!!! Even on award ceremony night, he assumed that I am hotel staff due to saree...Mr. Mehra!!! Now you know I’m the Vice President of SWC? I could have secured the award, she mused,But your gaze was distracting me, that’s why I decided not to look at you...You sensed my neglect, so deliberately asked the question...An earned dignity allowing me to finish the presentation with barely a smile...Should I have answered right then and there?Did I talk too much in advance?After all he is the CFO of Supreme Group...Everyone was looking at me like I had committed an unpardonable crime.But Rajiv is not as arrogant as I assumed... Yes, he didn't ask any questions again...But Rajiv what happened to you while talking to Sanyal sir You suddenly started admitting as 'It was your mistake'...Although I tried to suggest with my eyes that don’t say anything, but you did not listen only...So I had to interrupt in the middle...and you smiled softly.If you wanted to admit your mistake, you should have apologized later...But while standing in lobby, you were saying confusion, presentation, cabin??What exactly did you want to say? ...Yes, even I didn't ask...But I spoke instead of you...What else is there to talk about? ...But why I felt, that he wanted to say something else...About the presentation?He tried to stop me from talking...Did I talk too much?He was surprised when I mentioned about JPM...he had a question mark on the face as who must have told me...But that sandalwood scent...I sensed while talking with Rajiv ...I mean I was only talking and he was listening...Was that his perfume?It smelled very different...something different...And those dark brown eyes.... looking into the heart... knowing everything in the mind... without speaking...how tall is Rajeev?? ... definitely more than 6 feet ...Talking to him made my neck itch… How high should I lift my head to keep speaking?Next time, when talking to him, I’ll have him sit in a chair while I stand in front—it'll save my neck!In the lobby, though, I avoided looking at him too much...I noticed it twice... the look of disgust on his face, and tension etched into his forehead.I’ve never met anyone who speaks so clearly. And yet, here I am, holding back words I want to say.Today, my work is done…Leave it Megha. Think about the Sehegal contract!Now Gupta Sir and Sanyal Sir are heading to lunch to discuss, god knows what will happen.Mr. Mehra will sign the contract and send it to JPM.But Sanyal Sir is really great, always cheerful and kind like Gupta Sir.How else could someone speak so warmly to a VP of a consultancy firm?Megha, you’re the one leading this project; he said confidently, the faith he has shown in me is incredible.Sanyal Sir even said Rajeev's name so fondly, almost like he was talking about his own son.Gupta Sir treats me like a daughter, and with Sanyal Sir and Rajeev, it feels similar.Rajeev must have been with Supreme Group for over 15 years—time has only strengthened those bonds.I wish I had the chance to work closely with Sanyal Sir, but Rajeev’s involvement changes things.If we’re meant to work together, Rajeev and I…well, it’s impossible.We’re two opposites, unable to stand each other for more than five minutes.Working together? It’s out of the question.We just can’t work together!"To be continued....© ®️ Meghna_Yadav 2021Special Thanks to friend Gayatri and my loving daughter, my buddy.Hello Readers,Illuminate the five stars of ratings with your gentle touch. Do let me know your thoughts via comments..Thanks and Regards,Meghana Yadav...