FF: Forever and Always........Updated link to Thread 2 - Page 47

PART 13

Geet was really getting too much tensed to be standing in front of Maan as he was looking through the report prepared by her and Vickram. Maan's face did not show any emotion or even a slight indication whether he liked it or not. Geet wondered how this same man can be so sensitive to other's emotion around him.

Maan:" I know this had been your first assignment but you both have to work really hard. This is not up to mark. I will expect that next time when you submit a report you both are thorough on the topics. And also you have missed out on many important aspects which should have been there in this report. Now have a seat and explain to me how you had worked on making this report. Miss Geet, why don't you tell me about it?"

Geet was unsure how to start. She was pretty nervous about it. Clearing her throat she said," We divided the files among us and read though them and then we did the report for our parts and compiled them both together to make the final part."

Maan:" And I am sure you did not find time to read through all the files right?"

Vicky:" Actually MK it is really difficult to read through all the files so we kind of crunched and shortlisted the important files."

Maan:" Hmm. But Mr. Vickram, how do you know there is nothing important in the files if you didn't even glance through them?"

Vicky really did not have an answer to that question. Geet was equally mortified and couldn't even meet Maan's eyes. Maan took a deep breath and calmed his nerves. He was already tensed regarding some difficult deal so he did not want to lash out in his frustration. Maan said in a soft but firm voice," Actually the technique you had chosen was wrong. Even I know it is impossible to read in details about everything in those files. So you should have worked together to glance through the files and noted down the important pointers. Then all you had to do was check your pointers to make the final report. See I did not give this report just to learn about Khurana Enterprise but to learn how to work as a team. If my intention was for you to work individually I would have myself given you separate files. Now go back and take this whole week. I want the report on Monday and this time I want you to put your best in the report."

They both nodded and were out of his cabin. Once out Vicky said," Oh My God!!! Entire time I was feeling like I am totally screwed..."

Geet:" He is right you know? We should not have assumed things. We could always have asked him for a little guidance regarding our approach. I think that is what he was trying to say."

Vicky:"You are right Geet, we will just work harder. I mean we were the best among our batch so we got a chance to be mentored by MK himself. We will not let him down Geet. We will give our bloody best."

Geet and Vicky high-fived. Then Vicky said," Geet, do you think you want to grab something from the canteen. I think all this scolding has had me starving. Let's grab a bite and then we can start working on the files."

As soon as Geet and Vicky left his cabin Maan felt bad for yelling at them. Geet and Vicky had worked hard but he wanted to correct them from beginning. In long run it will be helpful to them. His phone rang and he saw that it was from Dev

Maan:" Hello Dev."

Dev:" Bro, did you get the news about the Gurgaon project? I think one of us have to get there to get to the root of the events happening."

Maan:" Yes Dev. In fact I would have called you myself because I think you have to go there. I would have gone but we are here in a crucial stage of signing of deal for the government quarters and I also have some meeting regarding our chemical factory. Do you think you will be able to go?"

Dev:" Bro!!! Of course I will go. Bro it is about time you let me go out of station. It wasn't your fault bro. How many years will you take to get yourself out of this guilt? Last time was not your fault bro."

Maan:" No matter what you tell Dev, I will never be able to forgive myself. Please be careful Dev. I don't think I can bear if anything happens again."

Dev:" Okay Bro. Please calm down. Nothing is going to be wrong this time around."

Maan:" Hmmm. So I am asking your secretary to book your tickets and I will send across someone to your office with all the details of the Gurgaon Project. And please teach Naina properly, don't just flirt around."

Dev:" Bro, you make me sound like a naughty child, not the co-MD of your company."

Maan smiled heartily as he kept off the phone.

Dev cut the call with a grave expression on his face. Naina who happened to be in his cabin knew this expression pretty well. Naina had heard Dev's part of conversation so she asked softly,

Naina:" Veerji had still not been over that right Dev?"

Dev:" I don't understand Tara. Veerji as if have stopped listening to any voice of reason in that matter. At home Dadi with her fragile health makes it even tougher to talk about this with Veerji."

Naina:" Hmm, Dadi is still not well?"

Dev:" She is recovering. In fact this year she went to some college fest as judge. Bro took her there. I don't know why bro agreed because he had acted quite paranoid with Daadi's health. But she has been much better ever since. It is bro I am more worried about. He has bottled up his emotions only working like a machine. He needs to open up Tara. I feel like everything is just slipping."

Naina who had been just listening till now came around and hugged Dev. Sometimes a hug can say more than what million words can say.

Naina said softly," Do you think a trip might help Maan veerji? He needs a time off from work."

Dev: "It is not that easy Tara. Bro will never agree for an outing. Any way things are difficult here. I will be leaving for Gurgaon tonight. Meanwhile you and Pari can work on the file I have asked you guys to. Any issues give me a call. "

Naina:" Dev, I think even a short outing would help. Let me plan out something. Maan veerji needs to loosen up. And you know that as well. Don't worry; I will plan in a way that it won't be an issue."

Dev smiled lightly and said endearingly," Have I ever own an argument with you Tara?"

Naina:" But you will never stop trying will you?"

Dev:" That's because I love watching your expression when you get all worked up and try winning the argument!! I love you Tara, I soo love you."

Naina:" I love you too, And now let me get back to my place before I take any more advantage of being the fianc of the boss."

Dev held her hand and said softly," I won't be in town Tara. It might be for a week. Will you be all right?"

Naina smiled and replied," Don't worry so much Dev. We all need a break. Think about it, you know how much I win a argument I won't do anything if I don't feel you are approving whole heartedly."

Dev smiled and said," Ok Tara, I promise I will think about it."

*****

Geet and Vicky were working together working on the file. This technique was helping them. They could help each other understanding the file and also know more about each other's point of view. Their work was faster and most importantly the report was in sync which was missing in the last time owing to two different way of approach.

After working hard for hours it was time for lunch break. Vicky was quite hungry but Geet was not so she urged Vicky to get going for lunch. Once Vicky was gone Geet closed her eyes for a bit. It was a lot to adjust to the new work schedule. Geet had spent best part of past three years being silent and non-communicative. But now that she was to regularly communicate with people, strangers she was thriving to cope up.

A firm sounds of footsteps made Geet snap open her eyes. It was Maan walking towards the entrance. The office was empty owing to the lunch hours and Maan was surprised to find Geet alone sitting there. He came near her as Geet stood up.

Maan:" Geet what are you doing here alone. Don't you want to go and grab a lunch?"

Geet:" Actually MK I am not feeling like eating. "

Maan smiled softly and said," Geet, nobody is here right now. You can call me Maan. And may I ask why you are not feeling like having lunch?"

Geet:" Arey this MK and Maan thing is confusing me big time. "

Maan:" You can call me Maan in office as well if you want.I am sure you will be able to keep it professional."

Geet smiled and said softly," But won't it be weird if suddenly start calling you by your name when nobody else does so?"

Maan did not respond to that but smiled a little.

Geet:"I can manage this Maan. But I am sure you did not come here to ask me about my lunch, right?"

Maan blinked and said softly," Actually I was on my way for a meeting when I saw you here sitting alone. Anyway I must go right now."

Geet smiled as he saw MK hurrying away.

****

Meera was trying to reach her office as soon as possible. She had been late. Much late. Her new job can be at risk because of this. She had taken the metro to avoid road traffic. As she came out of the station she almost bumped into another person due to the rush hour.

Meera was too busy worrying about her being late that she did not give much look to her surroundings. She raised her head and said softly," I am sorry."

Meera had just taken a step ahead when a voice said softly, "Meera."

Meera had heard this voice too many times; she had known this person for years and had loved him for the better part of it.

Meera slowly turned back only to come face to face with Yash. A set of long lost memories hit her like a punch in the gut. His smile, his seriousness, his matured ways, his proposal, his love, his care...Meera had fallen for every bit that was Yash. But that hadn't been enough for Yash.

Yash did not know what to say. He was guilty for hurting her but staying with her would have hurt her more in the long run. Finally he cleared his throat and asked awkwardly," How are you Meer?"

Meera watched every emotion on Yash's face. But how do you answer your ex the question about your well being? Do you just give the lie that you are fine or do you actually tell the truth?

Meera:" I... I am doing fine Yash. How are you?"

Yash:" I am fine too."

An awkward silence sets in. Meera thought ruefully that once there was a time when she could never stop chattering with Yash and now she did not even know what to say.

Yash:" Umm I did not know that you are in Delhi?"

Meera:" I am lucky to be posted here though I would not have minded Mumbai or Bangalore either. Geet is in Mumbai and Sid is in Bangalore. So I would have been fine with any of it."

Yash:" Wow!! You and Sid are actually friends? Back in school we used to wonder if you guys can even be civil with each other."

Meera also smiled softly being reminded of the old school days. Those were blissful days. She answered softly," Even I never thought that Sidhdharth and I would be friends. But past three years, you know after Armaan's... We took care of Geet together and that kind of made us understand each other better."

They both were silent for a while. Armaan was a dear friend to both of them and both of them missed Armaan in their own way. They looked into each other's eyes and an understanding passed.

Meera:" Umm, I should get going. I am already kind of late. Bye Yash. Have a nice day!"

Yash:" A moment Meer..."

Meera: " Huh?"

Yash:" Can we meet somewhere?"

Meera: "Why do you want to meet Yash? What we had was finished years ago and you have moved on. Let's leave it at that."

Yash took a deep breath. He knew he had hurt her a lot. But this was needed; more for her than for him.

Yash:" Meer, we never got to talk. And am sure you have questions unanswered. Nothing is going to change, but maybe we deserve a better ending. What we had was beautiful Meer, so why remember it as a painful past? I want you to have your closure Meer. You deserve it and it is the least I can do for you. One meeting is all I ask. I want us to have a proper goodbye."

Meera did not know what to say. But Yash was right somewhere. They needed a closure. She can't move on if her unanswered questions bug her for life.

Meera:" Fine Yash. One time for all those past years we will meet. I will be at CP mall at 5 this Saturday. Wait near the MacD there. I have to go now. Bye Yash."

Yash:" Bye Meer. See you on Saturday."

Meera walked towards her office building thinking hard about her impending Saturday meeting with Yash.