‘We don’t have time for speeches Sinha, we have a paper to sell—what’s your point?’ Ed says coldly.

There are sniggers in the room—it’s like the kettle calling the pot black.

‘We make it a Youth versus System story—how can these politicians represent the youth when both sides think so differently?’ Sinha says.

‘All right, whatever—too far-fetched if you ask me. It’s still not strong enough for a lead—we need something else. Features?’ Ed barks.

‘We are working on a special that could make all the difference,’ Comma says. ‘There is a huge rumour, almost confirmed really, that Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan might tie the knot soon. We’re thinking of a big splash with everything about the wedding. From their wedding and sangeet outfits to the possible menu and the venue, the guest list, what the guests might wear—the works!’

‘Now that’s what I call a cracker of an idea! Sinha, take note—if your team keeps suggesting the kind of stories you’ve been coming up with, I’ll have to make Leena the bureau chief,’ Ed says, beaming at Comma.

Comma looks alarmed at the sudden praise.

‘Splash it across two weeks Leena—build up to the wedding. I want a list of who’s coming and who’s not been invited; what’s the bride wearing, who’s the designer and who’re the designers pissed off they’re not designing the trousseau. Is there a trousseau? Where are they getting married? Where’s the honeymoon? What happens to the movies they are working on? How much money is being spent on the affair? I want all the details,’ Ed says gleefully.

‘We can call it the Great Indian Wedding,’ Comma adds enthusiastically.

‘Yes, yes, that sounds good. What else?’ Ed asks.

‘We also have the sex blogger story this week—we’re doing it as a debate—Does Sex Make a Marriage? Neelima is writing the ‘for’ angle while Polly will do the ‘against’ article. We plan to invite readers for their feedback. Hopefully we should get responses as Neelima’s piece is quite provocative,’ Comma says, smiling at Neelima.

It’s so not fair—I suggested the debate idea but Neelima gets the praise!

‘One wedding and sex, brilliant! The Features team has done very well this week. Do we have anything else or is that it?’ Ed asks.

At that moment the conference room door opens and Ragini barges in, she smells of cigarettes and is panting.

‘Sorry I’m late—was at a press conference—I might have this week’s lead story,’ Ragini says.

‘Why, thank you for deciding the paper for us Ragini. However, the lead has already been decided,’ Ed says.

‘Why don’t we hear her out, Ed? Perhaps not the lead but she might have a story,’ Sinha suggests.