Without knocking, Nikhil eagerly opened Maan's office door and barged inside.   Maan looked up from his desk where he was explaining project details to three employees that were seated around the table.

Crossing his arms on his chest, Maan irritatingly inquired:   "Yes Nikhil, may I help you?   Or can I finish what I am doing first?"

Nikhil raised and lowered himself on his heels while cheekily replying:   "It would be great if you could spare the time right now.   However, I am patient and will find a way to amuse myself."

Nikhil gave Maan a slight smile that was viewed with the utmost annoyance and an arch of the eyebrow.   Nikhil did not want an audience for the amount of wrath that awaited him and made the wise decision of saving himself by making his way towards the office seating area.   He took a seat on the leather couch in a relaxed manner with his leg propped up against his opposite knee while tapping his lowered foot on the marbled floor rhythmically.   While waiting, he chose to look over and answer some of his work emails on his phone.   He covertly looked over at Maan from time to time who notably ignored Nikhil as if he was an annoying gnat.   Maan was absolutely focused on the task involving his staff.

Maan finished relaying the last set of instructions to the team members as they prepared to take their leave.   As the door closed behind them, Maan stealthily approached Nikhil and folded his arms in front of his chest again in a subdued form as he questioned:   "What is so pressing that you had to enter my office without knocking or even asking first?    How many times Nikhil?   We are swamped with this project as you well know.   The board of directors ---"

A smiling Nikhil hastily dismissed Maan's next set of words with a wave of his hand and enthusiastically answered:   "Maan, I had my meeting with Dr. Raichand today.   She and her team are so knowledgeable, very helpful and such professionals.   I think this initiative is going to be a great thing for our employees.   I can't wait to see how she incorporates our notions with her ideas to come up with something innovative.   I am thrilled to pieces!   I only wish it had started yesterday..." 

Maan observed Nikhil closely and asked curiously:   "Wow, Nikhil, I haven't seen you this excited about anything in a while.   And your meeting with this Dr. Raichand was for an hour or so, right?   What could have been so impressive?"

Nikhil continued as if Maan had not interrupted him:   "Maan, Dr. Raichand has attained her Ph.D. and her research focused on efficiency rates of workers who underwent group therapy for depression or other behavioural issues.   I think with her team's guidance we can improve the productivity and wellness of our staff significantly.   I am so happy that SRK has taken on this directive."

Nikhil looked past Maan as he continued with a futuristic perspective:   "With the upcoming drug trial, we are going to be crazy busy because of the demanding timelines and patient safety concerns.   Our company and our investors are heavily vested in the success of this one drug.   Things will get stressful for all of us, as this one venture can either make us or break us!"

Maan shook his head disapprovingly as he moved back to his desk and took a seat:   "You already know how I feel about this Nikhil!   I was never in agreement with this proposal.   I just got outvoted by everyone on the board.   I still believe that this is all a waste of time."

To emphasize his point, Maan thumped his desk lightly that made the needed sound to get Nikhil's attention:   "Let me make this clear.   Our drug trial is going to be successful because of the expertise and experience of our teams and nothing else.   We should be focused on implementation plans and our regulatory filings.   Why should we care about the personal and mental health issues of our employees?   It is THEIR responsibility.   Our employees come here to work, not to reveal their problems to us."

Straightening his shoulders, Maan avoided Nikhil's questioning gaze as he leaned forward to review the computer screen in front of him.   He announced in a tone that marked the termination of any further discussions:   "Whatever Nikhil, just handle this!   I don't want to know anything more and don't want to be a part of this.   Do you understand me?"

In affront, Nikhil quickly stood up from the couch.   He looked on with a frown at Maan and thought:   Will my friend ever revert back to his original self?   When did he become so uncaring?   I miss that other person so much.

Such thoughts had Nikhil switching his tactics on how to deal with Maan.   Pleased with himself, Nikhil smirked as he regarded him and again continued with his habit of raising and lowering himself on his feet while standing beside Maan's desk:   "Actually Maan, after listening to Dr. Raichand, I think it might be advantageous for the executives to participate as well.   I really think that you should at least attend one of her group seminars, once they are scheduled to see what it is all about.   Who knows, you might even learn something?   Plus, she is quite attractive with those lovely hazel eyes and curly hair. A great figure too ---"

Maan quickly admonished Nikhil loudly:   "Nikhil, we have so many responsibilities and other important things that need our serious consideration.   And let me remind you, that they are all time sensitive.   SRK has a reputation of being a highly competent and proficient workplace.   Last time I checked, it does not provide potential match making services.    Where is your head at?   If Ahalya got wind of what you are spouting and noticing about people of the opposite sex, I am sure the repercussions will be dire.   Or am I mistaken?"

Nikhil shrugged his shoulders disinterestedly and relayed:   "Ahalya knows me inside and out so don't you fret!   She knows I only love her.   I was just saying that maybe we should consider this opportunity for the executive team.   That's all."

Maan again looked up from his desk and warned with a pronounced enunciation:   "Nikhil..."

Nikhil chuckled nervously and retorted:   "Okay, okay, I get it!    I am going.    Damn, now I cannot even make suggestions."   Nikhil raised his hands near his shoulders and dramatically dropped them for emphasis to show his sense of frustration and turned to leave Maan's office.    Nikhil sensed that his time was up and it would not be in his benefit to poke the bear additionally.    As the door closed, Nikhil simpered and looked back:   "You can object as much as you want and throw just as many tantrums, Mr. Maan Khurana!   But this time, I have come prepared and will get my own way!   Get ready to face some heavy duty opposition from yours truly!"

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

Geet arrived home and removed her tanned heels.   As she walked into the living room, she placed her laptop bag on the floor, gently threw her purse on the coffee table and plopped herself on the couch with a deep sigh.   Nausheen was giving a snack to the kids and they were all happily chatting.

Nausheen gently asked from the kitchen:   "Beta, I am so glad you are home.   Would you like some tea now or after you freshen up?"

Geet tiredly rubbed her eyes and replied:   "Amma, I am so tired.   I am just going to sit here for a little bit before I go and change."   With that she leaned her head back on the sofa cushions.

Nausheen quietly walked over from the kitchen to the back of the couch and caressed Geet's hair:   "Is everything okay?   How was your day?   Is this why you could not pick up the kids from day care today?"

Geet held on to Nausheen's hand and gently smiled looking up at her:   "Amma everything is fine.   It was a hectic day as there were many meetings with different company representatives for this new employee mental health initiative that I am spear heading.   I am now realizing how busy my team and I are going to be over the next few weeks.   Nothing for your pretty head to worry about, Amma."

Nausheen released a breath that she did not know she was holding:   "Oh, okay.   Well, why don't you relax then?"

Geet nodded her head in agreement.   Suddenly, Geet felt some extra weight on both of her legs that had been absent in the previous moment.   Lifting her head off the sofa cushions, Geet noticed Maya and Rohan occupying her lap and smiling back at her.   And in that very instant, all her weariness had magically disappeared.   They leaned into her and gave her a squeeze.

Rohan was holding on to her shoulders:   "Mama, I heard you were tired."

Maya held Geet from her waist and looked up:   'You always tell us that a hug will make us feel better.   Does this feel better, mama?"

Geet laughed as she hugged her two kids back and reassured them:   "Yes, I feel much better now.   Tell me what you did at day care today?"

The evening continued with playful conversation, dinner, cleaning up and putting the twins to bed.   After that, the adults' portion of the evening had commenced with Nausheen enjoying one of her Indian soap operas while Geet was on the carpet reviewing some articles for work.   Nausheen decided to ask Geet about further details regarding her project at work.   I just want to assure myself that my daughter is not stretching herself too thin.

Due to confidentiality issues, Geet could not discuss specifics and Nausheen understood this.   However, Geet's work was one of those safe topics that she would not shy away from and would at least discuss it without any bitterness or avoidance.   Upon Nausheen's questioning, Geet elaborated on her experiences of the day along with her team's reactions and opinions.   Finally she came to the topic of SRK Conglomerate group.

Geet with a thoughtful look gushed:   "My last meeting was definitely interesting.   I met with the president of this company instead of the HR head which was the case for all other companies.   This guy was so open that we both actively listened and considered each other's recommendations and insights.   During the meeting, I just got this feeling that maybe we can make a difference and this company would be that potential platform."

An impressed Geet was a little emotional as she relayed:   "It is so rewarding, Amma, when executives and owners of companies see the benefits and value of strategies that can improve mental health.   He wants us to be in direct contact with the executive team as well.   How wonderful is that, right Amma?"

Nausheen was pleased to see Geet so elated.   Patting Geet's cheek lovingly, she had replied:   "Well, I am happy that you are enjoying your work, Geet.   I believe that your efforts will be appreciated and admired by many.   Your dedication, caring nature and passion are highly visible.   I am so proud of you!"

Geet then reflected back with a slight tilt to her head and added:   "But Amma, it was weird, you know?   At the end of our meeting, that guy gave me this evaluating look as if he was trying to find an answer to something.   As he walked away, he glanced at me again and then shook his head as if he should not share his prized secret.   Just got a strange feeling and I wonder..."

Nausheen caressed Geet's head:   "Can't you give that head of yours a break sometimes?   You have a tendency to over analyze things.   You probably imagined all of it as you had a tiring day.   And tomorrow is one of those days again, correct?   It is time to go and rest while I lock up and check on everything."

Geet started to collect and arrange her reading materials from the carpet before she stood up.   As she walked up the stairs to her room, she mused:   "Amma is right.   I am analyzing things a little too much and I am exhausted.   I am being overly sensitive when Mr. Sawant was nothing but considerate, respectful and intelligent."   Having consoled herself that she was on fair ground and need not be concerned anymore, Geet was looking forward to her appointment with her warm bed so that she would be able to tackle any upcoming difficulties with the help of her team the following day.

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

Lengthy comments, increasing votes and numerous views have been so encouraging this past week.   Thank you so much!

What did you think about Maan and Geet's opposing views?   What is brewing in Nikhil's mind?   Was Geet correct in her analysis of Nikhil's parting look?

I have also written a small chapter amounting to exactly 2000 characters including spaces.   It relates to something that is either new, needs to change or requires a fresh start all inspired by Spring for a contest.   Please check out the "Short N Sweet Stories" book for the entry that was written in the comment section as a requirement called, "Reflect, Reform and Rejuvenate."   

As for the goal from last week, the views exceeded my expectations (254 vs. goal of 225) but fell short in the votes department (51 vs. the goal of 55).   However, the result still made me more than happy.   So this week, let's aim for more than or equal to 315 views and 70 votes, and I will dish out a double update for the coming week.

Who likes games?   Since this book deals with mental health, all eight 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 eight chapters, will get a read and comment on the first chapter of their book of choice.   You will get a shout out from me on my conversation board for being correct.   So start guessing!    

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...