Geet was on her second cup of Japanese Sencha Green Tea.   She needed the soothing effects of this oceanic tasting tea today as her nerves were standing on edge.   It had been four days since the kid's performances and the meeting with the Khuranas.   Finally, all the annoying inquiries and analysis from Nausheen and Sarah had stopped, giving Geet a required reprieve.

However, today was the day she had been dreading since the weekend.   On this Wednesday, Geet was presenting in front of the Board of Directors for SRK Conglomerates.   Her presentation covered the themes of stress management techniques and establishing a balance between professional and personal lives.   The latter was the new topic that her group of psychologists was introducing and SRK was to play the guinea pig.

Geet's nerves were frayed because she wasn't sure if this group of highly ambitious executives were the right subjects to showcase the new material.   If Maan Khurana was the epitome and representative of SRK Conglomerates, then the Board of Directors were possibly just as driven and arrogant as he was.   This assumption did not sit well with Geet's sensibilities.

Sarah and Laura had convinced her yesterday that this was the right plan of action when they approached other company's executives.   Since Geet was the team leader who came up with the brilliant concept - now egregious in her mind - she had to be the first one to implement it.   Geet had reluctantly agreed and saw their point of view.   Regardless of her concurrence, it did not mean she enjoyed it!

Plus, she would be facing 'the ogre' on his turf and he was definitely unpredictable.   He might be in control but these two hours were Geet's to rule with her expertise and understanding of the human psyche.   No way would she give him the upper hand and was determined to not let him bother her in any way.   She was there to do a job and not get into a verbal skirmish with him.

The kids had been sent off to school with Nausheen and she was dressed except for her feet that were still relaxing in her large panda faced furry slippers.   At least they matched her outfit somewhat.   Geet had chosen a sleeveless, slightly over the knee, black dress that cinched her at the waist with its side ruching and a thin metal belt.   The same metal reflected at the neckline with a small v-neck cut out.

She had straightened her hair and left it free flowing on her left side.   The war paint was applied flawlessly to protect her composure from any recriminatory remarks.   She had decided on minimal accessories except for the cushion stud diamond earrings and her DKNY two-tone stainless steel watch.   She would gain a few more inches in height when her feet were clad in the black lace Jimmy Choo's - the one splurge a year that she had allowed herself two years ago.

Two years ago...   Not something that Geet wanted to dwell on this morning.   She hated to think about those awful events that had transpired.   It had changed the course of her life, but now things were better.   Geet took a deep breath and was lost in her thoughts, when someone nearby cleared her throat.

Geet was startled out of her contemplations and looked up to find Nausheen evaluating Geet carefully.   Geet turned her back and started rinsing her tea cup while babbling:   "Hi Amma!   Did you just get back?   I did not hear you.   What are your plans for today?   I will be home late.   I am sorry that that I won't be able to pick up the kids.   Thank you Amma-"

Nausheen calmly moved ahead and turned the faucet off, interrupting the flow of words.   With a comforting hand on Geet's arm, she stopped the vigorous and unnecessary scrubbing.   Using her other hand, she gently freed the cup from the bondage that were Geet's hands and gently said:   "You can't hide from me and talk your way out of things, beta.   You had that same haunted look that I have seen many times before.   What brought that on?   Geet, we all have to move on."

(Note:   Beta means daughter or son in an endearing manner, and in this context, daughter.)

Geet moved away from the kitchen sink swiftly, to grab the discarded hand towel on the counter top and roughly wiped her hands dry.   In a frustrated tone, unable to meet Nausheen's searching glimpse, she replied:   "Amma, I can't help it.   I miss everyone so much.   Moving on is difficult. I am unsure if I will ever be able to do it.   I have done my best so far and that is good enough for now.   Let's drop it!   This is so upsetting and it is the last thing I want to remember."

Nausheen turned Geet around to face her.   Geet felt helpless when she saw the tears shimmering in her adopted mother's eyes.   She wiped the weathered cheeks softly and gave her a dimmed smile that showed a lot of inner strength.   Geet reassured Nausheen:   "You are my rock, Amma.   If you lose it, I won't be far behind.   For Kavita Di's sake, please don't cry.   I am not sure where I would be without you.   I love you, Amma."

(Note:   Di is the term used as sign of endearment and respect for an elder sister.)

Nausheen nodded her head repeatedly and sniffed loudly.   She changed the subject rapidly to save both of them further pain and spoke with forced happiness:   "You are right, Geet!   Now, my wise daughter should get a move on, otherwise she is going to be very late for her presentation."

Geet peeked at her wrist watch and murmured her agreement.   She hugged Amma tightly and kissed her on the cheek.   Putting on her shoes and collecting her belongings, Geet waved her final goodbye and made it outside toward the sunshine.   However, it took the long drive to SRK for the darkening storm clouds to leave her head and heart in peace.

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

The small conference room's interior decoration was inspirational and welcoming.   The space had seating for fourteen personnel in posh cream leather seats that surrounded a varnished rectangular light pine table.   A large flat screen TV with video conferencing and cloud computing capabilities was fixed high upon the wall painted in an uplifting shade of coffee.   The opposite wall housed a closed dry eraser board, where hand written notes could be made.

However, Geet's attention was held up by the two other enclosures.   Opposite to the entrance, was a rectangular window that showed a courtyard with a beautiful garden and evergreens that would appear refreshing when winter arrived.   Currently, the outside garden was landscaped with colourful flower beds that spelled out SRK on the grassy ground.   A cheerful sight to behold, when important decisions were being made in the confines of the drywall and brick.

The adjoining barrier to the door, had the written words painted in white and cream such as 'Innovation', 'Thoughtful', 'Be Curious', 'Details', 'Ideas', 'Be Prepared', 'Quality', 'Safety' and 'Risk' to name a few to fill the entire coffee wall.   The room's atmosphere encouraged success and attainment of goals.

Geet stood in awe as Nikhil was setting up her computer.   Geet inquired in wonder as she inspected everything closely:   "Who designed this conference room?   It is gorgeous.   What a great concept!"

Without halting his task, Nikhil answered distractedly:   "Maan did.   The furnishings and special touches ease the presenter's worries, especially when discussing important matters.   Plus, he believes that people need to be in a relaxed setting to listen and accept new ideas.   Hence, this conference room."

Geet's glance was drawn to the partition with the words and she kept on reading the long list.   Without awareness, she walked the length and mumbled out loud:   "Who would have thought that the ogre was this insightful?"

"Excuse me?"   The voice came from the back of her and she closed her eyes in embarrassment.   She stood immobile like a statue, so that she would go unnoticed.   However, Geet knew her luck was not that forgiving or forgetful.   After what felt like eternity, she gulped audibly and turned around.   A radiant beaming smile plastered on her face that was met with a deep frown and a glare in return.

The tall impediment had his arms folded on his chest and was cloaked in a form fitting dark navy suit with a pristine white shirt and a matching striped tie in dark blue and white.   Dark brown wing tip shoes finished the imposing figure's outfit.   Without moving any other muscles, the grim mouth formulated a sentence in a enquiring but snide voice:   "Would you like to repeat your assessment again, Dr. Raichand?"

"Mr. Khurana, I think you misunderstood me.   I was admiring the wonderful painted word choices and the room's decor.   It shows ingenuity.   Very impressive!"   Geet looked everywhere but at Maan and was saved by the arrival of new people.   This is the time that Geet chose carefully to make a quick exit from the uncomfortable situation:   "If you would excuse me, Mr. Khurana, I better introduce myself to your company's directors.   Please have a seat."

Geet left Maan in consternation and not trusting a word she uttered.   It had not escaped his observant perusal, that the doctor had turned a shade of pleasing crimson and was nervous as a scared sable cat with its fur all raised and frizzing.

She reminded him of the Touch-Me-Not plant, especially when she was around him.   She would blossom in her pleasant persona around others, but in his presence she would shy and shrivel into herself to become defensive.   He grinned to himself as he came up with the perfect nickname for the annoying doctor:   Chuuey Muee   (छुई मुई, Pronounced Chu - eee - Moo - eee).

(Note:   Touch-Me-Not Plants are a creeping annual or perennial herb often grown for its curiosity value: the compound leaves fold inwards and droop when touched or shaken, defending themselves from harm, and re-open a few minutes later.   In Hindi, Chhuee Muee is the name used for this type of plant but also means someone who is extremely delicate, shy and non-confrontational.)

https://youtu.be/azeNQQAhbnM

Surreptitiously, Maan examined Geet and was extremely pleased with his classification, as he thought:  "If 'Chhuee Muee' can name me 'The Ogre', it is only fair that this enigmatic doctor have an alternate name as well."

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

Geet's presentation moved along at an acceptable pace as she discussed the various stress management methods.   There were some queries that interrupted her flow but the answers pleased the crowd.   From the apt study, wide eyes, open postures and head nods, Geet deciphered that her presentation was being well received by the pack.

As she progressed towards the subject matter of finding balance between family and work life, the audience was very in tuned with her various tips and messages, some included:

'Decide that you want to find a balance between the two worlds and involve trusted people in the process.'

'Get organized on a day to day basis.'

'Build breaks into the work routine.'

'Take the time needed to be relaxed after arriving home.'

'Eat or do an activity with your children and loved ones.'

'Block time with family and friends.   Make one night a special night with your children and/or spouse.'

'Cut off time wasters such as television and phone time.'

'Incorporate relaxation and down time.'

'Accept that imbalances sometimes are unavoidable.   Make compromises.'

'Re-assess what it means to be in control.'

'Get professional help and explore your options.'

As she started her explanations, she heard a sound that registered to her as a scoffed laugh.   She ignored it the very first time, thinking that it was her imagination.   The second time the noise was very much a derisive snort.   Geet scanned the room but everyone returned her questioning expression.   With a shake of her head, she continued her clarifications but this time she had her ears and eyes peeled on her audience to perceive reactions.

When she approached her second to last point on the list, she definitely heard the whispered words:   "Yeah, right."   With that statement, Geet addressed the room in a calm voice and held the exasperation in tight chains:   "I suspect someone among us has something to share.   This is a forum that fosters open discussions and questions.   So please feel free to voice your opinion."

Maan raised his hand and Geet's eyes remained friendly, as she recognized the gentleman:   "Yes, Mr. Khurana?"

Maan stared at Geet with authority and stated:   "When you are responsible for the livelihood of over 5,000 people and are busy ensuring that your company remains profitable, it is hard to compromise and delegate responsibilities, as you suggest.   Moreover, SRK discovers and invents life saving drugs that can change people's lives.   We work within stringent timelines and in a highly regulated industry."

As he regarded the members of his executive team, Maan felt accordance with his viewpoints and continued:   "We have no time to stop and smell the flowers.   If we stay stagnant, then we die. Dr. Raichand, my experience suggests that your system sounds good in theory, but in practical terms it is not so easy to execute."

Geet heard the undertones of discontent, protest and disappointment.   In silent thought, her gaze remained unwavering and locked with Maan's, until the latter felt a little hot under the collar and turned his head away to make notes.

Composing herself with a polite smile intact, Geet paced the floor slowly around the table and stopped behind chairs to make emphatic points, as she responded:   "Mr. Khurana, thank you for sharing your very valid and eloquently expressed outlook.   However, have you ever stopped to consider, that the world was functional before you and will remain quite operative after you?   I understand that your contribution to SRK is highly valuable.   Nevertheless, God forbid, what happens to SRK if you suffer a breakdown or for some reason are unable to complete your duties?

Geet ignored the sets of collective gasps and horrified expressions that filled the room.   She persisted onward with her reasoning that left everyone in the small conference room flabbergasted at the courage or stupidity of this young woman:   "To avoid these types of issues, isn't it better that we take preventative measures?   This reminds me of a proverb:   'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.'   That is why I am here.   If you do attend my group or individual seminars, I promise you that I will turn this 'theory' into practical ways that will better your life.   Why not give it a try?"

Geet's smile was bright but her eyes reflected a challenge that Maan had no choice but to accept.

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

Author's Note:

The weekly update is here!   Thank you to all my readers for reading, commenting, suggesting and voting on this story!   I am surprised by all the positivity that this story is receiving!

To celebrate the over 2,000 views, the mini contest remains on-going!   Prizes include a shout out, a follow from me and a review of the first two chapter of your book of choice!   To enter, name three bonds that tie Geet and Maan together for which they are unaware.   Only one guess allowed per person.   Please PM me your replies so that you don't spoil it for others.   Hint:   Re-read Chapters 14 to 20 for the clues.   Contest ends:   September 30, 2017.

Lots going on in this chapter.   How was it?

Any guesses on what happened two years ago to Geet that even upsets Nausheen?

What did you think about Geet's opinion about Maan's taste and Maan overhearing Geet's musings?

Do you like Maan's nickname for Geet?   Any other suggestions?

And yes, the burning question, how was Geet's comeback to Maan's inquiry?   I would love to hear from you!   Please enlighten me.

So the book contest is still on with 19 chapters that need predictions on the emotions, feelings or incidences as they relate to mental health.   If correct, I will read the first chapter of your book of choice and provide comments.   In addition, the winner will receive a shout out on my conversation board!

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...