In the end, despite a bad start to the day, an event that did not help with enlivening Geet's mood and with the two mental health presentations, collectively it all helped in the shaping of a rather involved, exhaustive and productive work day.   If she could use words and terms to denote the effects of her seminars on the employees of SRK, she would employ "success" and "drummed up interest" to name a few.   Nikhil had also been wonderful with introducing her to other staff members, supporting the program and extending his camaraderie during lunch.

Geet's headache was her constant companion all through the morning and into lunch.   This phenomenon really had her perplexed until she registered an obvious fact that the last time she had any food in her system was at dinner the night before.   She had just been too worked up and anxious all throughout the morning. However, at lunch time, in SRK's large and well-stocked cafeteria along with Nikhil's amiable manner, her appetite had returned and was sated.

Geet was learning more about SRK's arena of research in oncology, neurology and infectious diseases. Most of the employees were highly educated, analytical and research minded.   Such a workforce was a requirement in order to progress SRK's discoveries and inventions through the process of attaining approval for the treatment of many diseases.

Geet was astonished to learn that most drugs and devices could take approximately 15 years of research in animals and humans, many clinical trials and various federal health agency approvals before the drug was available in the market for use by the common man.   She was glad that Nikhil had provided the necessary insight in their preliminary meetings in regards to the topics that Geet's group should focus upon and share with the staff.   That is the reason why the reception to the mental health initiative was warmly received and Geet was extremely pleased with the results to say the least.

She was delighted to end her tiring day in good spirits physically and mentally as it was time to head home and be with her family.   After answering questions from the last remaining employee, Geet started to collect her belongings and decided to make her way back to Nikhil's office to provide him with a summary of the day and bid her goodbyes.

She had learned her lesson from this morning and cautiously approached Nikhil's office.   However, she need not have worried as Nikhil's office door this time was wide open but Geet kept up with her polite manners and gave it a brief knock.   As always, the affable Nikhil welcomed her with a smile.

Nikhil had given Geet the needed time to discuss her thoughts and concerns and in the end was satisfied with her brief overview and updates.   As the meeting came to a close, Nikhil inquired:  "Dr. Raichand, I was wondering if you would have a few more minutes to spare before you call it a day?   I would really like you to meet SRK's CEO Mr. Maan Khurana.   I know that right now he has some availability, if you are game?"

Geet was part curious and part touched by Nikhil's request.   Curious because she wanted to know a little more about the person who was supporting her team on the mental health initiative for the well-being of the employees and part touched because Nikhil was being considerate and thoughtful in regards to her schedule.

Geet decided to not only spare the time but to possibly forge an acquaintance with a male counterpart after a long time.   Having made up her mind, she replied:   "Mr. Sawant, after all that you have done to make my team and I feel welcomed and esteemed by being accommodating and helpful, I think you should address me as Geet.   I am still getting used to being called Dr. Raichand since I achieved my Ph.D. rather recently.   It would also be a pleasure to meet SRK's CEO. Thank you for facilitating this."

Nikhil's response accompanied a chortle as he started leading Geet in the proposed direction towards the CEO's cabin:   "Well Geet, I will take you up on your offer, only if you will call me Nikhil.   I did not want to be rude but whenever you said Mr. Sawant I was really looking for my father, thinking that he was standing behind me!   And the pleasure is truly mine for making the introductions with our CEO.   Actually, I am excited!"

Geet was walking side by side with Nikhil and had missed the twinkle in his eyes along with the devious smirk that made its presence on his face since she was too busy keeping up with Nikhil's larger stride.   As they approached the dark wooden door, Nikhil had given it the perfunctory knock as if it was not essential for him.   Receiving permission to enter the room, Nikhil opened the door and ushered Geet inside in front of him.

Maan stood towering over his desk near his seat while reviewing a stack of papers and kept speaking towards a computer screen but motioned the visitors to enter into his office.   Geet was taking in the surroundings while Nikhil was casually leaning against the opposite wall admiring his nails.   Both waited for the CEO's conversation to end so that they could move closer towards him.

Maan's discussion appeared to be quite detailed and a level of frustration was visible as he kept moving his hand through his hair.   All these actions and the distance had obscured Geet's view. Also, she wanted to provide a modicum of privacy to his conversation even though only snippets of it could be deciphered across the large space.   Moreover, Geet was entranced at the amount of late afternoon light that was filtering into the office through the large windows that was softening the modernized room.

Finally, Maan removed his blue tooth set and straightened looking straight ahead as if to take note of the guests that had entered his abode.   Since Nikhil was in his direct line of vision, he addressed him without paying much heed to the nearby space and with a raised eyebrow questioned:   "Yes, Nikhil?"

That tone of voice definitely brought Nikhil out of his careless posture and he shifted to where Geet was still admiring the view and motioned her towards Maan who now had looked in the direction of Nikhil's movements.   Disbelief flickered in the dark brown eyes but it was quickly replaced by impartiality.   However, the bombshell had been recorded in the form of Geet's shock, which was clearly written on her thunderstruck face as she stood a polite distance away from the same barrier and "ogre" that she had encountered this morning and at the twins' day care many weeks ago.

Nikhil's features were schooled but for those who knew him well the sparkling eyes were hard to miss as he went about his task of initiating the meet and greet:   "Geet, I would like introduce you to Mr. Maan Khurana, CEO of SRK Conglomerates and Maan, this is Dr. Geet Raichand who is heading the workplace mental-health directive from Surrey Memorial Hospital.   She was on-site all day for the two employee seminars.   I thought it would be great for you two to touch base."

Geet and Maan seemed to be in their own worlds as they sized each other up without offering a greeting or a hand shake which is the normal and expected behaviour of well-mannered society.     Nikhil kept glancing back and forth between the two for a few minutes but they seemed oblivious to his keen observations until he cleared his throat a little loudly.

The sound seemed to have awakened the two contenders but Geet had not moved her gaze away from Maan while Maan had looked at Nikhil as the source of the disturbance.   Geet displayed her courtesy but still stated in a clipped tone:   "Mr. Khurana, it is nice to meet you.   The couple of times that we have bumped into each other in the past, introductions have always been lacking.   So thank you Nikhil for finally completing this exercise."

In her mind, Geet was still staggering from this appalling discovery:   "HE is the CEO of SRK?   He is the one that I never want to set my eyes upon!   Yet, here I am again standing in front of him! Ugh...   Alright, I can get through this.   It is only going to take a few minutes and then I can leave.   As an award, I get to scream and pull out my hair in the privacy of my car."

An inquisitive Nikhil and an indifferent Maan looked at Geet but she had arranged her outward features using all her available training to ensure that none of her thoughts and emotions were exposed.   Maan acknowledged her greeting with a slight nod.

In a derisive voice, Maan responded to Geet's statement:   "Oh, so it's doctor now, Mrs. Raichand?   I did not realize that before when we had met.   Nevertheless, I hope your trip to SRK and your day was not a waste.   Our employees are exceedingly busy and we have some important deadlines coming up.   Your seminars while not hindering our operations; definitely did not help in the execution of certain time-sensitive pertinent matters.   We appreciate your time and efforts today.   Nonetheless, I can state with certainty that the workforce at SRK is well rounded and self-sufficient.   So much so, that your services will no longer be required.   Did I cover everything Nikhil?"

Geet stood flabbergasted and speechless.   While Nikhil was well-versed in all the ways of Maan Khurana and knew the game that he was playing.   Maan would always get peeved when he did not get his own way so he would resort to other methods to guarantee that his will was followed.   Nikhil mentally simpered and smugly thought:   "Bring on the guns, Maan!   I know just how to handle you.   In the end, you will do exactly what I want this time.   No holds bar, buddy!"

Nikhil quickly but emphatically replied while taking notice of the quiet and dismayed Geet on his side:   "No Maan!   I was just informing Geet about how HELPFUL her presentations were and actually quite a number of our employees have signed up for subsequent follow-ups.   To be honest, it has been quite enlightening from the report that Geet has provided.   Moreover, she has graciously agreed to teach one her seminars to our executive team and board members.   Oh, that reminds me! Geet, have we agreed on a date and time yet?"

Now the roles were reversed with Maan appearing horrified and stunned while Geet had gained control of her emotions yet again without giving much away but appeared relieved with Nikhil's endorsement.   She quietly relayed:   "Kathy had conveyed to me yesterday that she would work with your secretary today and confirm all the details ready for tomorrow.   Knowing Kathy, I am sure that it will all be waiting..."

Geet's voice had brought Maan out of his stupor and he abruptly interrupted with enough harshness:   "Nikhil, what do you mean that she will be teaching her seminar to the executive team and board members?   I don't remember this discussion or giving you permission to do this.   I have better things to do with my time as you well know."   With this Maan lifted the papers off his desk and slammed them down hard on the surface.   He took a deep breath and ran his hand through his hair in a repeated motion.

Nikhil was quite unfazed by his show of frustration and continued calmly with a slight edge in his voice:   "Maan, as you well know too, that I am in charge of anything pertaining to our employees and executive teams.   You handle the operations of the company but I handle its organization and staffing needs that allows you to do your job properly.   Since this is my jurisdiction and we had board approval already in place for this initiative, I truly do not need your permission.   As for your participation in this presentation, it is REQUIRED.   On that note, Maan, I would like you to apologize to Geet.   My goal was to introduce you to her but you thought it was better to be brusque with her.   So please Maan..."

Maan was used to Nikhil's heavy handedness and did not seem to be affected.   There were no signs of him backing down or giving into Nikhil's request.   Geet was feeling suffocated in the room where the tension was getting thicker by the minute.   Geet was unsure as to what actions of hers would help squelch this disagreement between the two obstinate men.

Her quick thinking paid off and again the professional stepped forward:   "Please Nikhil, that is not necessary.   By no means, am I offended.   A little taken aback by the unexpected reaction but not affronted.   I appreciate that Mr. Khurana was honest in his own way about his feelings.   I have listened to what he has said as my profession entails.   As for the other points of contention, it is really not my place to offer an opinion about your company's decision making process."

Seeing that her words had no impact on the two mortal men who were ready to launch in combat if the staring match that had ensued was any indication, Geet had started moving backwards from her position in preparation to leave the battleground.   Geet faced Nikhil and offered a tentative smile and hesitatingly continued:   "Uh... Anyways, today has been great Nikhil.   Th-Thank you so much for your time.   I-I can see that you are um...b-busy?   I sh-should go and we will discuss the details of the upcoming seminar v-very soon.   Have a good night!"

Without waiting for a response, Geet almost sprinted out of the room leaving the two men in their angry stances.   She did not want to be a part of any other discussions and just wanted to make it home in one piece.   As she walked towards her car, she knew three things for sure.   First, for today, she was not going to dwell on or analyze Mr. Maan Khurana's ideas, behaviour or the man himself.   Second, she was tired and the headache was making its comeback.   Third, she needed to get home as quickly as possible because there were many hugs awaiting her.   And boy do I need them desperately!

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Author's Note:

Welcome to the weekly update or the second part of the double update week!   Thank you to all the READERS who commented, voted, messaged, and/or silently viewed this story.   Your appreciation helps me write.

So how was it?   Did you like that Geet and Maan finally met properly?   Did Geet handle the situation well?   What did you make of Maan's reaction?   What do you think Nikhil will do next?   Are you enjoying the unexpected aspects of the story?   What is your prediction for the next chapter?

My contest will remain on-going until the guesses stop!   Since this book deals with mental health, all 11 chapters have a theme that depicts a certain emotion, feeling or incidence.   The reader who is first to figure out that emotion for any of the 11 chapters, will get a read and comment on the first chapter of their book of choice.   You will also receive a shout out for the correct guess on my conversation board.   So start guessing!

For the upcoming week, I am hoping for 490 views and 100 votes.   I have been so ecstatic with the response received so far!   If this goal is surpassed, double updates will be available!   Otherwise, we will meet next week!

Please share your views and comments because they mean the most.   And if you enjoyed or liked the chapter, feel free to show your affection by clicking on the little star!   Until next time...