‘Just a minute, Mr Hotshot!’ I heard my voice ring out indignantly. ‘Just because you were born and bred in some concrete, urban jungle doesn’t mean that the rest of us who come from other parts are lesser mortals! We may not have your fast-paced, slick lifestyle but we have stronger roots and we know how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life!’ There was a shocked silence as the little gathering turned around to look at me. Most of them were staring at me, openmouthed, including a dumbfounded Vijay. I spotted Priyanka of Sinful Swirls raising a sarcastic eyebrow and as I surveyed the group I realized with a sinking feeling that Shiv had been a part of it too. He was frowning slightly now, as he regarded me with a quizzical look. To my consternation, the person at whom the outburst had been directed looked completely unfazed.

‘I’m sorry if I offended you,’ he began now in an amused voice, looking anything but sorry. ‘But I think you misunderstood, Miss…?’

‘I… I… I’m sorry,’ I stuttered, the sinking feeling now having turned into a large lump that seemed to have firmly lodged itself in my throat. ‘I shouldn’t have burst out like that. I… I don’t know what came over me. I apologize.’ With that, I turned and hurtled towards the office terrace as fast as my feet would carry me. What a fool I was! Why, oh why could I not control that darned temper of mine? Not only had I interfered in something that was absolutely none of my business, I had also made a complete ass of myself in front of an audience that included, among other people, Shiv. What on earth must he be thinking of me?

With such cheerful thoughts still flitting around in my head I made my way into the meeting room a little later, and not glancing around, shoved myself into the first vacant chair available. Looking up shamefacedly I surveyed the little group present. Vile Varun was there, of course, looking as constipated as ever, along with Suketu, Suketu’s boss Rajan, a young and enthusiastic-looking pair—a guy and a girl— who just had to be the new creative team given their funky attire, and… Yudi! I stopped and gaped at Yudi who was seated bang opposite me, looking at me with the same amused expression he’d had earlier. His mouth began to curve into a sardonic smile and I could feel my cheeks begin to redden.

‘Right!’ Shiv’s voice rang out, startling me out of my wits. When had he walked in? ‘Shall we get started, guys? Varun, let’s get the agency team introduced to the basics of this project for starters.’

‘Sure, boss!’ squeaked Varun importantly, puffing himself up like a toad. ‘I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for being here today. Before I get into our strategy and the future course of action, I would like to invite Megha, our assistant brand manager who is also leading this project, to take us through the brief—in brief. Haha!… Megha, can you get started?’