Next day, Eifad stepped out from her car. She is dressed in charcoal black crisp pantsuit, her Bob cut hair loose.

As she walked towards her cabin, an elderly man came to her.

'Mr. Richards?' Eifad is surprised to see one of the most senior board member. Mr. Richards has been working in his hospital since Eifad's father, Rafi, used to run the business. Eifad has the uttermost respect for this man. He is old and wise.

Usually, nowadays, he prefers to work silently and interacts very less with other members. Also, he is planning to retire soon.

Eifad is very surprised to have him come up to her and speak to her.

'May I speak to you for a minute.' He pointed towards her cabin

Eifad blinked for few seconds before nodding, 'Of course, of course.' She said and together walked with Mr. Richards.

*******************************************************************

'Water?' Eifad forwarded him a glass of water. They sat opposite each other in Eifad's cabin. Mr. Richards shook his head refusing. Respecting him Eifad didn't probe him further. She sat straight in her seat looking at him.

Mr. Richards looked seriously at her, 'Maam...'

'Eifad.' She interrupted him. Mr. Richards looked at her and she smiled at him. Mr. Richards nodded

'Look Eifad. I agree what happened between you and Mr. Kayshab was very sad indeed...'

Eifad stiffened, she got a hint of what he has planned to say and is confused also slightly hurt.

'But Mr. Kayshab is the senior member of our board. He has achieved a lot...'

'What you want to tell, get to the point.' Eifad interrupted rudely. Though she respects Mr. Richards she is annoyed as he is taking Gaurav's side.

He sighed and continued, 'I think you should take back the case.' He finished. Eifad clenched her fists tightly but doesn't break the eye-contact.

She stared boldly at Mr. Richards as she said, 'You have been around since Dad was here. He always looked up to you for better advice and judgement. I am disappointed in you, Mr. Richards. And my answer to your request is No.' She said simply.

Mr. Richards leaned forward, 'Eifad, please. Think about our reputation...the staffs are talking about Mr. Kayshab but it isn't just his reputation it is ours as well, the entire board members.' He tried explaining.

'And the girls? What about those girls, Mr. Richards, who were harassed by Mr. Kayshab.' Eifad said seriously.

Mr. Richards took a moment to compose an answer and said, 'Leave him off with a warning...'

'And what is the guarantee he won't repeat his mistake?'

There is silence after Eifad's statement.

'Will you take the responsibility that he won't repeat? Should I fire you if he repeats? Or any other board member is ready to get fired if he repeats?' Eifad leaned in her seat, her right palm clenching the paper weight tightly.

She noticed Mr. Richards shift in his place and knew Mr. Richards was thinking hard, thinking of an excuse. Strange, instead of rebuking Gaurav everyone is pressurizing Eifad to take back the case, she thought with a sarcastic smile.

There is a knock and Eifad asked Mr. Richards to leave, 'and before you go, my final answer is no. Tell that rascal Kayshab as well.'

Mr. Richards doesn't say anything but simply turned around and left. As he left, Mr. Saxena entered with Eifad's coffee.

'Maam, I had seen Mr. Kayshab after the meeting. He was fuming. I followed him to the terrace. He was cursing furiously, kicking and smoking. Maam, it was so much fun to see him that frustrated.' Mr. Saxena grinned wickedly.

Eifad smirked leaning back in her seat, she took a sip of the coffee.

'Maam, if he apologizes will you forgive him?' Mr. Saxena added as an afterthought.

'Forgiving isn't in my nature, Mr. Saxena and you know that.' She smirked at him. Mr. Saxena gulped nodding.

'Anyways,' Eifad sighed, 'That man has too much attitude and ego to come and apologize.' Eifad said.

Mr. Saxena nodded.

*******************************************************

What did you did think of the chapter? Is it fair to pressurize Eifad to take back the case? Will she give in? 

What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments....

And silent readers please vote if not comment, it will mean a lot to me and also motivate me (that means quicker updates ;))

Thanks guys for reading and voting *_* *_* Rank 209 wouldn't have been possible if not for you all *muah* *muah*