Ceasefire

1.

Arjun

"Good morning, team", I address walking into the conference room designated for a particularly special meeting today.

Several pairs of eyes avert towards me as I hear chants of morning greetings. Undoing the buttons on my grey blazer, I take a seat and glance across the room. Most people have their laptops ready to note down every point discussed in the meeting, and the idea of a well-prepared and determined team pleases me. 

I am not the easiest man to work for. I am also well-aware of the effect I have on people, let alone my employees. The nervous sweat breaking out, the ever-so slight tremble and the stutters. Don't get me wrong, I am a romantic for perfectionism, often coming across as cold and ruthless because of that, but if I have learned anything over the last four years as the CEO of Malhotra industries, it is to value people over everything else.  

"Looking sharp, Mr. Ahuja", I call to the man in his mid-40s seated towards the far end of the table. He lets out a hearty laughter, "Well, I try".

"Alright, I am sure you are all aware of the agenda for this meeting. As discussed last month, we have shortlisted the company that we must acquire to maximize our market share in the healthcare industry. We will be working with the Mergers and Acquisitions team from a leading firm to get the process started.", I announce as everyone nods their heads attentively.

We spend the rest of the day straightening out the details and plan of action for the next few months.

By the time I get back home to the Malhotra Mansion, it is almost midnight. Maa and Dad seem to be watching a Bollywood flick with so much focus that I am almost surprised when they take a note of my presence and pause the movie. 

"You're home so late, had dinner?"

"Yes Maa, don't worry. What are you guys doing up so late?"

"Your Maa lost a bet to me, so we're watching this action movie I've been wanting to catch for the longest time", Dad grins, offering me some popcorn. Maa passes him a bored smile.

Smiling at their antics, I decide to call it a night, before Dad turns to me again. 

"Oh and Arjun, good call on the firm you've selected for the upcoming acquisition. I actually have some interesting information for you", he beams.

"Interesting?"

"Do you remember Mihika?"

"Ranawat?"

He nods, "Mhmm. She's leading the team."

I stare at him for a long minute, "I don't understand?"

"Well, I ran into Mr. and Mrs. Ranawat the other day. We got talking and they told me that she was back in Mumbai. Guess she took a transfer here or something."

"Oh." 

Well, shit.