chapter 49

SerendipityEpisode-49Thoughts spun in Megha’s mind like the wheels of her car. Why did you do this, Rajiv? I told you clearly that day… I can’t find the time. Who decided Megha Joshi would lead on behalf of SWC?The SWC team, you hadn’t even wanted to assign this project to us earlier. And if we accepted it now, you planned to set conditions. Did you do it deliberately, because I argued? No… probably not. But still… who knows what was going on in his mind?What must Gupta sir have thought? This was Purab’s project, and suddenly he sees my name on the contract.But he didn’t seem too disturbed… or did he? No matter, I’ll ask Rajiv for an explanation. He cannot make decisions about my professional life.Just then, a message from Baba popped up on WhatsApp:“All OK with the Supreme Project?”‘Ohhh, Baba… you always sense what’s going on in my mind.’“Yes, Baba, all is well,” she replied, recalling his words: ‘If you feel you’ve made a mistake, apologize and approach things calmly.’“Right,” she thought. Today, I’ll speak with Mr. Mehra calmly.*@*@*@*@*The car stopped in front of Supreme House. As Megha stepped into the lobby, memories of Monday flooded back.She hadn’t thought she’d have a chance to return here so soon. Yet, despite holding the project now, something felt amiss. The opportunity I fought for is here, but the attached conditions don’t sit right with me. What should I do?With these thoughts swirling, she stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the 27th floor—Rajiv’s floor.The scent of sandalwood, lingering from that day, filled her senses as she reached the top. This same corridor leads to the conference room where I argued with Rajiv.She paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and turned left. After passing a few meeting rooms, she found herself in a grand lobby that resembled the living room of a luxury home.In front of her was the receptionist’s desk, with a beautiful landscape painting behind it, a sofa on the right, and a few business magazines on a small table.A tall Areca palm stood in the corner, surrounded by ornamental plants. From the large glass window behind the sofa, she could see Marine Drive’s iconic Queen’s Necklace.To her left was a large teak door with a nameplate: Rajiv Mehra, CFO. The golden letters glistened, befitting his high rank in Supreme. For a moment, she felt breathless.“Yes, ma’am, may I help you?” Rajiv Mehra’s assistant, Geeta, asked.“Um…” Megha was momentarily taken aback. “Yes, I’m here to meet Mr. Mehra.”“Your name, ma’am?”“Megha Joshi… SWC & CO.” Geeta checked Rajiv’s appointment calendar on her computer.“Sorry, ma’am, do you have an appointment?” Geeta looked at Megha, her expression questioning.“No, I don’t,” Megha said with a sigh. “But please tell Mr. Mehra that Ms. Joshi is here to see him about an urgent matter.”“I’m sorry, ma’am, but Mr. Mehra doesn’t meet anyone without an appointment.”Geeta’s polite yet firm response irked Megha for a moment.I should have called first… how careless of me. If he weren’t in the office, what would I have done? Calm down, Megha. Think things through.“Could you at least call him and check? If he’s busy, I’ll schedule an appointment and return later,” Megha said, trying to keep her frustration in check.If Rajiv says he can’t see me… Well, he is the CFO, after all. He might be in a meeting. Perhaps I should wait and see.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... Â