Chapter 7
Back to present
The prolonged silence in the room was broken by intercom buzzing, and PA saying Mann, Adi, Sasha and Tasha are here as well. Shall I tell them to come in now?
Mann out of his riverie say…HMM!
Enter Adi, Sasha and Tasha. Abs and Mann look at each other and rise to greet the rest of the VPs. Mann clears his throat and introduces all of them. Adi was last and he said I have known Abs from a long time Mann. Mann somehow does not like that answer shrugs and they get into the business of discussing various project on PHP, Java and DotNet.
Sasha was surprised that the atmosphere in the room when they entered was so thick that she could have cut it with a knife. She seemed to be getting vibes about Mann (the steel Man), the hard drive without heart drive was the popular phrase in the office canteen and this new sophisticated and chic new boss (not hers, if only) and decided she will have to find something out about this from Adi.
She grudgingly had to admit that this lady was smart and knew her craft. No wonder Vicky had picked.
Adi shared easy camaraderie with both Abs and Mann and they were all deeply engrossed in the projects that all of them were handling. Mann also briefed them about the new project and Adi was for the first time found Mann deferring to Abs's point of view on the project. Strange. Mann would never let this go by without an argument. This was his baby. He had nurtured this and he was not tolerant of anyone else ideas on this project. Hmm interesting Adi wondered, Abs ka jadoo chal raha hai. He remembered the days in college where this beautiful girl was like a fiery battler who would stare down any guy wishing to get to know her intimately. It was not easy earning her trust and friendship and he held that more precious than the passing that sometimes made him think about her as a "girl". She was his buddy, partner in crime and comrade who beat up other guys well she was not really a girl then, without raising voice or hand. This girl had deathly look mastered to an art form. Lesser men have died and been buried long long time ago. A small laugh escaped him at the thought and everyone looked up at him and he said…I am sorry..its just Abs has this effect on me. Abs just gave a half smile of understanding but Mann who looked at this exchange was livid.
Adi if Abolee 's presence is disturbing, you can probably leave said Mann.
Adi was shocked into silence. Abolee..Mann knows her name..she has been Abs for as long as he remembered… and he uttered…Abolee…you know her name?
Mann said yes, do you have a problem? Then he said I think we have done enough for today. Shall we meet at 6pm again for client conference on the Java project Adi?
Adi nodded and all rose to leave.
Mann said Abolee, a minute pls!
Abs who was ready to escape with others sighed and stayed back.
Mann started once everyone left. About what happened..in Paris, I just want to say I am
Mann, Abs interrupted, its okay, all water under the bridge. We are colleagues now and I would rather I didn't remember that day.
Mann – do you always interrupt? Is that a characteristic Abolee? Let me finish. I was saying sorry. That day and today. Raises his hand as she starts to say something again. This project is too dear to me for anything to come in the way. I hope we will be able to work around our differences and get this project off to a good start.
Abs sighs and says…ok truce. Apology not necessary but I understand. And pls call me Abs, I have not been called Abolee since when I cant even remember.
Mann does not say anything just nods.
Abs leaves and goes to her cabin and wonders what was all that..that just happened.
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