It was now seven in the evening but everyone in the office was still working with fervour. Maybe it was the shock of losing almost every high-ranking board member, or the threat of the new acting CEO being in the building but there seemed to be no sign of winding down. 

Vahni had relayed this information to her team in the meeting that she had called immediately after meeting Mr Dev Raghuvanshi. There was, expectedly, concern and outrage at this sudden turn of events. She tried her best to calm the situation. 

Part of being a good leader was to pretend to be level-headed even under duress. She assured the team that she was on top of everything and she would make sure that everything they had worked for, would not go under. 

It was close to nine when she finally shut her laptop and gathered her hair up in a bun. Staying this late in the office was a rare occurrence for her. She could count on her fingers how many times she'd done it in the past. This situation beat out all those other situations though. 

She walked out to the bullpen and noted that everyone left in the office seemed to be on edge. Tensions were at an all-time high even so late in the evening. 

She decided to grab a little energy bar from the office pantry before wrapping up for the day. Her footsteps faltered when she came upon Dev Raghuvanshi in the middle of a heated speech. The recipient was Brijesh ji of all people. 

She had heard tales of his temper in the board meeting where he had fired half the people there but witnessing it was another ballgame altogether. He was a formidable man. His height and stature were imposing by themselves but his deep voice and slow manner of talking made him seem more intimidating. 

Despite everything, Vahni found her indignation flaring. Speaking to Brijesh ji in that tone was unacceptable. She did not have any context for what could have prompted this exchange but she was sure it was no fault of the endearing office admin. 

"Mr Raghuvanshi, may I please speak with you for a moment?" she said loudly. 

Dev stopped mid-sentence and Brijesh ji looked taken aback by Vahni's blatant interruption. 

"It's Dev," he said, almost immediately, "What is this in reference to, Ms Bhasin?" 

"It's Vahni," she corrected him. 

His expression was ice cold. Steely eyes flashed at her but she refused to back down. A part of her was screaming at her to apologise and leave right away, but she could not just let him trod on every person in the building without so much as a meek protest.

"My office," he said before stalking in its direction. 

"Wait here," Vahni shushed Brijesh ji as he started to protest. She took quick steps to make up for his quick pace. 

"What was it that could not wait?" he all but snapped as soon as Vahni shut the door. 

"Mr Ra- Dev, I understand that this is not the best of circumstances for the company. We spoke at length about the importance of keeping the merger afloat and doing all the damage control we can but," she paused here and took a breath, "You can be a little more pleasant about it."

Vahni waited for a rebuke but Dev stayed silent. 

"You need to understand that every employee left in the building at this hour has been working hard for this deal and this scandal is not their fault, You have, rightfully, punished the ones that deserved it but I would ask you to be a little more considerate of the remaining population. They are anxious about the future of this company and their own position in it. Your going off at people will create a hostile environment that you as the new CEO do not want. You want acceptance, trust and loyalty from these people." 

Her speech surprised even herself. Where was this bravado coming from?

A long pause followed this. It seemed like Dev was deliberating what she had said. His expression was unreadable and Vahni could not decide whether she should jump out of the window behind him or yell "I quit!" at his face before he could fire her. 

But the first words out of his mouth shocked her. 

"While I do not appreciate that interruption, I am a fair man. What you've said to me so far is correct and I apologise for my conduct."

It was all she could do to keep from letting her jaw fall open. The last thing she had expected from this hot shot was... humility. An apology too!? 

Vahni could have sworn she saw his demeanour slipping at that moment. His shoulders sagged ever so slightly. He sat down on his chair and gestured for Vahni to have a seat as well. His tone seemed softer too when he spoke next. 

"Vahni, I value your candour. I know it is hard to take a stance in front of your seniors. It takes guts. I like that. Allow me to put you at ease and return the favour. This new position is... not exactly my forte. I have been sent to take stead at the worst moment this company has seen. I do have faith in my ability to do my best. I may be the newest person at this company but I have the best interests at heart. This will take some getting used to."

"I understand that, Dev. Rest assured that everyone here is right there with you. We all want the same thing."

Dev just nodded in acknowledgement. 

"It's late," he glanced at his watch and stood up, "Please make sure that everybody has left the premises and is prepared for a long day tomorrow." 

"Absolutely," she said and stood up herself. 

"And Vahni, I meant what I said. I do look forward to your input and insights. You might know this company best after your faultless track record in the many years you have spent here. I hate sycophants and you have just proved to me that you're the exact opposite. I will be expecting closer collaboration with you over the rest of your colleagues." 

Vahni felt giddy after this barrage of compliments. She knew she was a hard worker but she never received her due. Finally getting recognised was some consolation, even if her company was falling apart and her promotion had crashed and burned. 

"Thank you, Dev. Just let me know what you need."

"Breakfast."

"I am sorry?" she asked, unsure if she had heard him right. 

"I need a debriefing on the merger tomorrow before I head into a meeting with some representatives. I also need a good breakfast place recommendation since I am new to the city. I am hoping to kill two birds with one stone. I would appreciate it if you could join me for breakfast and brief me."

Vahni gave him her winning smile.

"Of course, nothing would delight me more. What time should I meet you?" 

"8 AM sharp, right here in the building." 

"Alright, it was wonderful meeting you today, Dev. I will see you at breakfast." 

Dev nodded slightly and busied himself with his belongings which was Vahni's cue to exit his office. 

As she pulled out of the parking lot in her car, she could not help but think what a roller coaster this day had been. She could not wait to tell Akaash about the events of the day. With a rumbling stomach, she drove home.