Outside in the world, the setting sun with its orange and blush pink hues collectively was giving the insides of SRK Conglomerates a light reddish glow due to the light filtering in through the windows.   This reflected light trick provided a great background for the atmosphere brewing in a certain room that was already crackling with tension and ire.

The stage was in the process of being set as the two opponents stood facing each other motionless.   They were strategizing about their next set of attacks but their expressions showed that they rather not reveal even an ounce of their process to the other.   Divulging such significant information would lead to a certain disadvantage; therefore the two combatants had further hardened their gazes to keep their secrets safe.

One warrior appeared incensed with his fists tightly clenched behind the desk and was huffing as if he were a bull ready to charge the red cape of his matador.   The other gladiator stood on the opposite side with a look of pure indignation and his arms tightly crossed on his chest as if looking down from atop a mountain upset at his subjects in reprimand.

Finally, the warrior decided to make his stance known by moving forward into the centre of the room.   While the gladiator only had to shift his position and did so quietly.   So finally, the background was lit, the stage had been set and the opponents were in their positions.   The only mystery remaining was which one of them would strike first to get this battle underway.

The gauntlet had been thrown when Nikhil through gritted teeth announced in a gravelly harsh voice:   "How DARE You?   Not only did you insult a professional who is a guest here at our offices but also someone who is trying to assist US in providing a BETTER work environment for OUR valued employees.   On top of that, she is a woman and an innocent bystander who had uttered no more than two sentences to you.   She had not given you even one reason for you to be upset.   And in turn you go off on her?   What is WRONG with you?"

Maan took a deep breath to prevent himself from shouting back at his partner but could not disguise the sense of displeasure that he felt at Nikhil's questioning his motives.   He answered back with suppressed rage in a jarring tone:   "There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with me! And how DARE you decide on your own to hold this so-called mental-health seminar with the executive team?   I should be made aware of all decisions that affect my time and work. And you boldly bring her into my office, when I had told you explicitly to handle this matter.   What are YOU playing at?"

Nikhil's outrage was clearly visible on his face.   He was unable to hold back and the gravelly voice had turned slightly louder in wrath:   "Maan, I DID tell you about the executive team group session.   If YOU decide to ignore me and not listen to me, that is not my problem.   I thought we had an informal relationship and that you trusted me to run this company alongside you.   If that is not the case anymore, that's fine.   And let's be honest, you were MAD at me!   But you took it out on Geet; I am still not able to fathom that one."

For a second, Maan appeared contrite and hurt but screened those sentiments and focused in on his fury and annoyance.   His irritation could be heard in his growl:   "Why do you always go there?   Of course, I trust you even though you drive me crazy!   And yes, I was angry at you because you KNOW how I feel about all of this.   But you are so gung ho about this apparently life altering initiative as though it has the power to solve the world's problems.   Bloody hell, Nikhil, I thought you were smarter than this.   Don't you think that you got chummy with her a little too quickly?"   At this point, Maan had sardonically raised a brow questioning Nikhil.

Nikhil was appalled and shocked by Maan's unwarranted accusation.   Before he had time to think, he yelled:   "WHAT ARE YOU IMPLYING?   And Maan, make no mistake, you better be clear about what you mean.   Or God help me..."   Nikhil ended his tirade by running his shaky hand through his hair.

Maan snidely laughed and remarked:   "Well, let's see what the evidence tells us.   You both refer to each other by your first names.   Just the other day, you were exalting in your praises about her intelligence and looks.   Then you bring her into my office for your meet and greet.   And knowing you, I am sure you spent the entire day catering to her needs.   I wonder what Ahalya's take would be about all of this.   How about we guess?"

Nikhil remained affronted and hurt for a few minutes before a look of pure glee and smugness took over.   He observed Maan closely, then started to smirk which turned into a grin that developed into laughter.   His entire body shaking with it, he replied in mirth:   "I don't believe this. I can't wait to tell Ahalya!   She is going to die.   You, my friend, are JEALOUS!   I don't believe it!   You were paying this close attention to ME with HER!   WOW..."

Watching Nikhil's transformation from rage to laughter stunned Maan into silence.   However, hearing Nikhil's explanation and analysis, left him grappling for words.   Maan recovered quickly: "What rubbish!   I barely know the woman.   And why would I be jealous?   That makes no sense."

Nikhil's laughing had stopped but his observation of Maan continued with a smile.   After a few moments, the look of being so pleased with his thought process made its presence known.   Nikhil could not hide his absolute joy and widened eyes:   "Hold on just one darn minute! Didn't Geet say something about meeting you a couple of times?   AHH, I am right, aren't I?   You know her!   Oh my God!   And that's why you were so weird with her this morning and then rude with her this afternoon.   Oh, it is so clear now."

Maan avoided eye contact and hedged his response not wanting to tell Nikhil any details:   "I don't know her.   I am concerned about you and the appearance of it all in front of our staff.   It was my duty as a friend to tell you, so I did."

Nikhil had walked over to one of the couches and sat in a relaxed manner with his legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles in front of him and both of his hands extended over the back of the sofa.   He grinningly replied with narrowed eyes:   "Of course, your concern is noted and much appreciated from both Ahalya and I.   However, I know when you are trying to hide something.   There sure is a story behind this, so spill!   And don't you dare lie to me..."

Making note of Nikhil's unwinding, smug appearance and determined glint, Maan sighed heavily.    He had been cornered with no way out.   Maan posed comfortably by bracing his arms on the edge and leaning backwards against his desk and then started his story.   He filled Nikhil in on all the details of the daycare incident involving Sam, Rohan and Maya.   He did not leave anything out including his behaviour with Geet.

Nikhil listened intently and as Maan finished, he added in conclusion:   "As you can decipher, Nikhil, Mrs. Raichand is married with kids.   So all your theories are pretty much null and void.   The main issue is that I don't like someone peering into my mind to psychoanalyze me and then tell me how to live my life or what is wrong with me.   I don't need this right now."

Nikhil remained quiet and contemplative.   He had successfully defused the turbulent situation. He was in no mood to go into the fighting zone again with Maan.   So he wisely decided not to broach Maan's last statements.   I am glad buddy that you at least shared with me what is bothering you.   Even though you are unaware of how this is all taking a toll on you.

For his own amusement though, Nikhil could not help but stir the pot as he had his own thoughts about the entire situation.   He decided to play his card to see what might come out of it.   With a smile, Nikhil stated:   "Just to reassure you Maan, only today did Geet give me permission to address her by her first name and I did the same in return.   Otherwise, we always speak to each other very formally.   But you know it's strange?   She does not act as if she is married.   Plus, I did not see a ring on her finger."

Maan looked at Nikhil and shrugged as if the conversation was boring:   "Nikhil, she has twins. Of course, she is married.   If not married, then maybe she is in a relationship.   Who cares? Let's drop this.   I have a conference call with Aman in a few minutes.   We will talk fresh tomorrow.   I still don't like any of this but I will go along with it.   Just for you, understand?

Nikhil dutifully nodded and made his way to leave the office.   Nikhil was still analyzing all that had occurred in the past hour.   He was not able to figure out everything yet but one thing was glaringly obvious to his devious mind.   I don't know if you realize it, Maan, but this is the first time in five years, that a woman has made an impression on you.   They usually fall at your feet but you hardly notice.   If Geet is married, that is just too bad.   But at least she was able to illicit a response from you!

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

Her house was in chaos with the children talking over each other trying to get Nausheen's attention for something that Geet had not been able to comprehend yet.   Even her entry into her home was being ignored by her family, which was not all what Geet had imagined or desired.

She deftly went about her tasks of unwinding and shedding her work persona before she rounded up on her family.   I wanted to be greeted with smiles and hugs but at least I have this noise as a needed distraction.   It is not going to help my headache, but I guess, you can't have everything...

Upon noticing Geet standing at the kitchen entrance, Rohan and Maya ran to her and held on to her legs for dear life while excitedly relaying their news to her.   Without listening to them, in relief Geet thought:   "This is what I am talking about and what I want most of all!"   She returned their hugs possessively and just kept reveling in the happiness surrounding her.

Nausheen looked up from her task of cutting vegetables to lovingly scold the kids and smile welcomingly at Geet:   "Enough you two!   First of all, could we greet your Mama with a "hello" or "how was your day?"   And then, one at a time, you are calmly going to tell Geet all about your exciting news and then she will tell you what she thinks.   By that time, dinner will be ready and Geet will have had time to freshen up as well.   Sound good to all?"

The kids nodded enthusiastically and followed Nausheen's advice.

Maya holding on to Geet's leg, looked up and said:   "Hi Mama!"

Rohan moved to the side and held Geet's hand while tugging at it and asked:   "Mama, how are you?"

Geet endearingly smiled at both of them and replied:   "Hello my darlings!   I am good, thank you for asking.   How was your day?   Sounds like something big happened at school.   Can't wait to hear all about it!"

However, silence echoed in the room leaving Geet and Nausheen perplexed as they saw the kids silently communicating and possibly arguing with each other using their eyes and gestures.   Then both of their voices rang high with:   "Let's play Rock-Paper-Scissors!"

Geet responded in confusion:   "Huh?   What does that mean?"

Maya was the first one to pipe up explaining the most simplest of things to her mother:   "Oh Mama! Listen, if Bhai (brother) wins Rock-Paper-Scissors then he will tell you his news first.    But I know I am going to win!"

Geet shook her head in marvel and replied sagely:   "Ohhhh!   I understand now!   So go ahead, is this best two out of three or just one shot?"

Rohan and Maya looked at each other and came to a decision together:   "One shot only!"

Geet waited for the game to commence.   First, the twins dually reiterated the name of the game, accompanied each time by a raised hand in the formation of a fist that had swung down.   Finally the game ended with the results being shown by a throw of their hands towards each other.   Rohan had come out triumphant with his simple fist symbolizing the rock that had beaten Maya's fist with a V-formation in the shape of scissors.

Rohan had shrieked at his win while Maya pouted silently.   Again, Rohan tugged at Geet's hand and informed her laughingly:   "Guess what Mama?   I am going to be the little pig that lives in a brick house!   And Andrew and Kyle are the two other pigs.   It is going to be so much fun!"

Geet was still a little lost by the declaration but then she recalled her conversation in the morning about the children's fairy tale play selections.   She lovingly ruffled Rohan's hair:   "So you are happy, sweetie?"

The vigorous nod was back and Rohan eagerly continued:   "The story has a big bad wolf too! And I am the smart pig who knows what to do.   And I have to say things!   So you will help me, right Mama?"

Geet was happy to oblige her little one:   "Yes, baby!   I will help you.   Maybe we can work on your costume too."

Rohan clapped his hands in response and then smiled at Maya since she had politely listened and remained quiet.   Figuring it was her turn, she animatedly twirled and said:   "Mama, I am going to be little red riding hood!   I get to go to grandma's house.   My story has a wolf too. And I can wear something red.   Yeaaahhh!"

Geet laughed as she lowered herself to hold on to Maya kissing her cheek lovingly:   "So my cutie is happy now too, right?"

Maya mirrored her brother's actions by nodding her head but then tilted her head to the side and frowned rather readily.   Having noticed the change in expressions, Geet questioned:  "What's wrong Maya?   I thought you were excited just like Bhai (brother)."

Maya replied hesitatingly with the frown still in place:   "Sam is going to be the wolf.   I don't want him to tease me."

Rohan interjected protectively before Geet even had a chance:   "Don't worry Maya!   He won't do anything.   Miss Lacey will be there.   So if he teases you, you can tell him to stop and then tell Miss Lacey, right Mama?"

Geet agreed with Rohan's quick analysis and reassured Maya with a hug.   However, her thoughts made their way to the incidents of the day.   Why does the oppressive and opinionated Mr. Khurana worm his way into my thoughts when I am trying to control them and remain unaffected.   My headache had just started fading and now it is back.   Ugh!   Maybe Sam's manners have improved compared to the ogre!   Regardless, I am going to stand by the promise I made to myself and not think about that inflexible man anymore!

The relaxing evening was filled with fun, loud chatter, good food and Geet abided by her promise and enjoyed this time with her family.   At the end of the night, her headache had receded and she was able to slip into oblivion with a smile on her face thus lessening the effects of the day's bad occurrences while boosting the memories of the happy incidents just a tad bit more.

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

Author's Note:

Welcome to the weekly update!   Thank you to all the READERS who commented, voted, messaged, and/or silently viewed this story.   I am greatly touched by your appreciation.

So how was it?

Did you enjoy the battle of the two titans, namely Maan and Nikhil?

Do you agree with Nikhil that Maan is affected by Geet?

Or do you side with Maan that he does not care either way?

Do you think Geet is equally impacted or more annoyed with Maan?

Are you looking forward to the kids' fairy tale plays?

What are your predictions for the next chapter?

My contest has had its first winner last week!   More details can be found in Chapter 10.

Since this book deals with mental health, all 12 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 remaining 11 chapters, will get a read and comment on the first chapter of their book of choice.   You will also receive a winning shout out on my conversation board!   So go ahead and guess!

This week was a major milestone, as this story has now surpassed 500 views!   I am ecstatic and pleased to the bone!   For the upcoming week, I am hoping for 570 views and 110 votes. If the goal is achieved, double updates will be served!   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...