By virtue of my position behind the potted plant, I was almost the last to leave. Just as I was about to exit, Dominic asked me to stay back.

My blood froze in my veins and my lungs began to collapse.

After everyone else had left, he closed the door and then asked me how I came to know about the Exposer Wax Molester scandal. I told him I had my sources within the British media system but it would be wrong for me to name names. He asked me how I had managed to achieve this in just the one and a half months I had been in London.

I told him that to ‘Deeply understand the local media and instantly work your way into the labyrinthine corridors and networks of the nation’s print, TV, radio (if relevant) and electronic media so as to leverage these relationships for future personal and professional benefit, and for up-to-date news, analysis and information’ is one of my life-long mottoes.

He seemed impressed and told me that this will be useful to Lederman and Dufresne. I told him, enigmatically, that my contacts came at a price. He laughed loudly and then I went back to my seat.

Diary do you want greater proof of the fact that god exists? How else could I get out of this mess? When Dominic sent me that email, I was convinced that my career had come falling down in pieces around me. I didn’t even remember dropping that visiting card. What if it had been my driving license? Or PAN card? Or Marks and Spencer loyalty card?

A disaster was averted. That too by chance. I don’t think I was lucky. I think I was blessed. By a higher power. Praise the lord.

I think I will go to church every Sunday from now onwards. It is the least I can do to show my gratitude.

6.23 p.m.

Interesting! Very interesting!

Lederman HR has just sent an email. The bank is looking for people to contribute time to the Lederman Learning Through Laughing Foundation. Anyone willing to work with young people is welcome. A taste for, or experience with, stand-up comedy is an added bonus.

I think I will volunteer.

Working with under-asseted children has always been one of my unfulfilled passions. I think I could really change people’s lives through something like the LLTLF.

But most of all I can really help the foundation with my passion and ability for high-quality stand-up comedy.

Replying right away.

7.23 p.m.

Spectacular success!

Somebody called Emily Cunningham from Lederman corporate communications immediately responded to my offer to help with LLTLF. My passionate email seems to have had instant impact.

She has written back saying that she is very surprised, and very impressed. Apparently Emily had sent out the email expecting to get no response whatsoever. And now she has replies from two Lederman employees with extensive comedy experience!