‘And now,’ he roared excitedly, as if a Mallika Sherawat item number was about to follow, ‘the next electrifying presentation—the Bright Biscuits launch!’

The GF sales team, high on the sugar-loaded coffee of which they had an endless supply, erupted in applause. They would have cheered even if the MC had told them that the next item to watch was a herd of buffaloes grazing on the stage, and the Bright Biscuits film was one of the latest hits, after all.

The IT guy came barrelling towards me with a wireless presentation-pointer and barked out a few instructions. I took a deep breath and walked out confidently on to the stage. There was no looking back now. I knew that I was shitting bricks inside. But it was an art to project an air of supreme self-confidence even when you felt the exact opposite—and I had perfected this art over my three years in GF. I could do this in my sleep now.

‘Hi Guys!’ I smiled cheerfully at the audience and a few smart alecs let out loud wolf-whistles. I clicked the pointer and the title slide came on with one of Vij ay’s crackling explosions. ‘I’m going to take you guys through the Bright Biscuits journey, a journey we’ve traversed over the last few months and one that is now yielding very exciting results!’

I clicked the pointer to the first slide, Yudi’s words ringing in my ears. I had to communicate the passion and conviction I felt for Bright Biscuits to these guys. I had to show them what a fantastic launch it was—a great product with a great marketing mix that was just waiting to rock the market. This was what I had been working towards for the last couple of months.

I walked them confidently through the first couple of slides, detailing the project background and the product idea and what consumers expected from us. I sensed a buzz run through the audience as I began to talk about the communication, and I began to feel the excitement myself.

‘Before I show you the ad, I would first like to call on stage the team that has made this project happen—my creative partners from Blue Strawberry! Guys, could you join me on stage, please?’

The Blue Strawberry team seated near the stage cheered in approval as I scanned the crowd for Neil, Shubhra, Suketu and Yudi. I saw Neil and Shubhra making their way towards the stage, their faces glowing like hundred-watt bulbs, but there was no sign of Suketu.

Where on earth was he?

Suddenly I spotted him right near the stage with Shiv and Varun. He looked distinctly uncomfortable as Shiv said something to him. Shiv had his back to me but I could see Suketu. I stared at him, hoping to catch his eye, but he avoided looking at me. Vile Varun, on the other hand, was glowering at me, looking like an angry, fat little penguin in his black coat and bow tie.