MR. CEO- The elevator Moment..

Chapter-5

9:10 AM I stood near the elevator to open, next moment I saw Aravindh walking towards me, both going to share some elevator moments I thought, we both stepped inside, and he wished me, and I wished him back, today he is in his formal wear, a yellow shirt, and an olive green trouser, he missed his shave, and he is so manly. I wore a baby pink cotton salwar with a tie and dye silk dupatta, and a pair of diamond studs that match my half-baguette diamond bracelet. The elevator started, and our eyes met, indeed we are communicating, and I was startled by his sudden approach.  I stepped back but he managed to grab my shoulder and it was intimidating. I can feel his breath; he is literally so close that I neither Push him nor Pull him.

“Why did you abscond and how dare you come again.” He asked?

I tried to touch his face, but he refused I saw his eyes filled with Pain & Anger.  His voice is loud and clear.

I asked, “Aravindh why don`t you hate me?”

Yes! “I hate you.” He claims.

 I smiled, and pulled my arm, I heard the elevator stop, we stepped out, he went away to his cabin and I settled in my place.  I started cross-checking the project file and heard Preethi wishing me.

“Good Morning Preethi,” I replied back. 

She asked, “Madam, please let me cross-check the file before you submit it.”

“Don’t worry Preethi, work is done thank you.”

But she doesn`t know me well, that I never allow anyone to intrude into my work and I prefer to keep it low if it is confidential. I wrote my first official Mail to the CEO Today.

E-Mail: 11:45AM.

To:  Theceo@raygroup.com

Sub: Required Meeting.

Dear Mr. CEO.

The project bidding is almost done; please arrange a meeting possibly by today 3:00. 

There are points to discuss. Waiting for approval and acknowledgment.

Thank you.

Assistant to CEO. Ray group.

Reply

E-mail: 12.05PM.

To: Assistanttoceo@raygroup.com

Sub: Meeting Approved.

Dear Ms. Lekha

I have another meeting at 3:00 PM; kindly revise your meeting time to 4:30 PM. And inform the same to the rest of the team.

Thank you

Mr. CEO. Ray Group.

12:10 PM, "Preethi please mail Mr. Yash & Mr. Rahul, informing them about today`s meeting by sharp 4:30 PM in the CEO`s Office. Ask them to acknowledge the same immediately.” I instructed her.

She did as told.

4:00PM I prepared a rough copy of the Tender Documents, estimation, costing, and finally bidding figure.

4:30 PM meeting started, I said that the information received is almost correct. But there is a very good chance of winning the tender and I have submitted the rough copies to all of them.

“Yash! Checked the file” and asked doubtfully “What’s our bidding price?”

I have written that on a small piece of paper and displayed them.

312531655.

“This is our Bidding amount,” I said.

CEO turned my side and asked, "How are you so confidently assuming the figure?”

Yash told, “It`s not just an assumption Aravindh, It`s a TIP.” He said looking at me suspiciously.

“Whatever you call Mr. Yash. But that is the Bidding amount.”  I confirmed.

I noticed all of them, they were looking fixed. But I continued, asking for approval for bidding.

Rahul asked, “Where did you get the tip it must be so confidential and how did it leak?”

 I turned to CEO, took a deep breath, and gestured to him ‘please handle your boys’. Of course a quiet One.

The next Moment CEO impedes and said, "Friends, get to the point are we going with it or not?"

Rahul said, "of course, we will bid if she`s so confident, I am In.”

Yash looked at the CEO surprisingly, and said, “Me too.”

Mr. CEO had approved the price for bidding, and I started explaining the time and date of bidding.

“The last day and the last hour of closing day,” I said.

5:30 PM, the Meeting came to an end; I gathered the rest of the information and took minutes of the Meeting (MOM). Rahul took the time to wish me luck; Yash came to me in person.

“May I know how you managed to get the information,” He asked.

“It`s not a TIP, It`s my experience,” I said folding my hands.

“Are you a Secret Keeper?” He asked.

“Nope”

“Don’t worry; I will unfold all your secrets one day.” He warned.

“You can`t because I don’t have any.”

He left me wishing “Good Luck.”

I noticed Mr. CEO watching the conversation between us. And I went to him close and said "Thank you for saving me now."

He shook his head with an exasperating look. I sincerely enjoyed watching it.

“Aravindh, Why do you not hate me?” Again I questioned him.

“I already answered it.” He said.

“Not True Aravindh, I can read your eyes.”  I see no hate.  

“But I can see betrayal in yours,” He said and walked away from me.

A deep Silence in my head and heart.  

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MR. CEO - Met a Typical Woman.

Chapter-4

Day: 2.

9:00 AM I stepped out of the car and walked towards the lobby, a weird feeling that I am under surveillance, must someone be watching? Thinking of that, I slipped and dropped my tote, as soon as I turned to pick it up, I saw a woman coming so close to me and helping to get my bag.

She said, “Are you alright? Watch your steps as this is just your second day, long many days to go.” It sounded odd!

“Excuse me?” I said.

“Hello! Ms. Lekha, I am Taniya Sharma, Chief Accountant of Ray Group.” She said.

I shook her hand and said, “Nice meeting you Mrs. Taniya Sharma, do you know me before?”

“Yes of course! You were pretty special to Mr. Aravindh. Which is why? He chose you, over me.” She said.

 Then I understood the whole point and the previous dialogue on me. Wow! Now it’s going to be more fun than I thought.  Mrs.Tanya Sharma is in her early forties, a slim woman in a cotton sari with bob hair, she must be a Bengali by her accent and seems a significant woman, her arrogance and her envious looks told me something is fishy about her.

I smiled and said, “Of course, Mrs. Taniya, I am special, you bet. If you are much more interested, you can find out from Mr. Aravindh.”

She sulks! “I am Interested to know ‘how? Not why’.” 

   I playfully said, “All the best.”

The second day - I encountered a typical woman, and my instinct says I will hear from her soon.

I am the early bird to the office; I took my seat and started working on the FCI project. I heard the elevator opening and I expected it to be Preethi and said “Good Morning Preethi, you have enough work to do, so don’t mind if I bother you.” 

Someone stood in front of me, and without answering, I choked at once, ‘it`s him.’

I stood and said, “I am sorry, didn’t notice you coming.”

“It’s okay! Good Morning. By the way, you look tired, didn’t sleep well?” he asked.

“I did. But you looked tired too.”  I asked.

He said nothing, and walked away; he wore a Lenin white shirt and denim, he looks so perfect, one of my favorites. He is a charmer. I dug my nose into the details of the tender. Preethi came in, and I assigned some key work. I saw, Yash and Rahul going into the CEO`s office. 

And I am waiting for the intercom to buzz. After ten minutes I was called inside, we three in his office again and greeted each other.

Mr. CEO told me that they both have some information that I have to look into, the information says the tender is just a formality and it’s already allotted to one of the construction companies. And the so-called company has huge investments in a local MLA.

I checked the information again and, borrowed two days to find out the facts of the information.

Rahul asked, “how can you do that.”

I smiled and said, “I have my own source.”

CEO is watching me doubtfully; I took the files and walked out of the room. New task - find out about the fake news.

I took my mobile and login to my ID and took the photocopies of the report and sent it.

Typed…

Classified….

Preethi ordered lunch for the CEO.  I asked her to order the same for me.  She gave me a surprised look and asked whether I am sure of it.

“Of course, I love continental, but no coke in it, any issues? I asked.

“No! Sir`s favorite is Continental so?’ She whispered.

I said “Oh! What a coincidence.”

Lunch came within thirty minutes, and the boy who always delivers the lunch gave the packets to the CEO, he even delivered my food to him as we both (me and Preethi) were not in our places.  So lunch directly went to his table. I and Preethi were back to our places and are waiting for the delivery boy to take my share.

Later, the Intercom buzzes…   

Preethi was called inside; she came back with my lunch and explained to me the whole situation.

I asked “Okay! What did the Boss say?”       

                          

“He asked me who ordered the extra food and I pointed towards you.”

“And?” I asked.

He said nothing, “But, he gave me this coke bottle to you, though you didn’t order.”

I took lunch from her. ‘Mr. CEO, you are not new, you are my old Aravindh, and I knew it.’  I thought.

“Preethi, did you know anything about Mrs. Taniya Sharma?” I asked.

“Not much, but a rumor is, that she lobbied a lot to get into your position, and the CEO rejected her and chose you at the last moment. She is senior and damn good at the job, very commanding. Somehow, I heard People talk, that she is a little close to Yash Sir.

“That’s it?” I asked. (But it’s more than enough for me to take her out.)

“Yup! And how you knew her name?” she asked.

“I just heard from the conversations.” I lied.

It's 6:00 PM, and Preethi is hurried to pack her work.  But I am not, I said I want to stay and work.

“May I leave? “ She asked.

“Of course yes!”

6:30 PM I heard the CEO walking the steps. Straight away he came to me and asked why I stayed?

I replied, “Some work is still pending to finish.”

He shrugged and said, “it is okay, you can leave if you wish.”

I said, “Soon, and thank you for the coke Aravindh, and you know?  You are pretending that you changed but no you didn’t?”

He came to me close and said, “Don’t jump to the conclusion, you are going to see a lot worse?”

I said, “I am waiting, Mr.CEO.” 

He walked away.

I received a text…

Source: Unknown…

Classified is always classified….

CAFECAFEE…..

MR.CEO - The Briefing...

Chapter-3

Mid-day…

                        After ten minutes, I heard the metal door open and two young men entered the room, walking from my behind to beside me; I notice one of them was already gawking at me. MR.CEO introduced, the two men as, one of the board directors for two different sectors, one is ‘Mr. Yash, the Director in charge of technical & R&D, The other one is Mr. Rahul, the Director in charge of Marketing and internal affairs. Aravindh introduced me, to them as his new assistant Ms. Lekha. And told me they were his best friends too, and the three were called, he paused!! Watching them and I quickly added, “Three Musketeers?”

 He agreed, and he cleared his throat to divert his musketeers from gawking. Then, they introduced themselves and we three formally shook our hands, indeed a professional meet-up. They sat so informally and looks pretty much close to Mr. CEO than I thought. Yash occupied the couch & Rahul sat on the office table.

Well!! Both were a bit younger than CEO, seems my age, Yash is wearing glasses, with a sharp nose and long face, and calm and subtle behavior. Perhaps, an introvert, with a perfect gym body, observing me & analyzing me in his head. Rahul is a funny and playful guy, an extrovert, full of joy and energy. And above average in height, with flawless skin and chubby cheeks, started his playful words at me saying how lucky he is? To be introduced.

I smiled at him and asked, "are you?"

Rahul said, “Certainly madam.”

I said, “Same here.”

 Mr.CEO gave my profile copies to both of them, saying she is the most wanted Assistance in the town to, many CEOs. With high profile contacts, smart plans, and big hands of experience in closing deals. Finally, I caught her, taking no eyes off me, he said. And they both lost by watching my profile.

Indeed yes! I am one of the most successful women in the business industry, carrying a tag line “asset” worked with top-notch companies, MNCs, and handled Government projects, High bidding tenders, everything is money in terms of the corporate world, money flows only when hard things happen to like big deals, agreements, being nice, quid-pro-quo, compromises, betraying, strategies, competition, buying, selling, forcing, threatening, scams, scandals, Money laundering. Sometimes much worse, contracts push the companies to the next level, that’s how the corporate works.  I have heard & seen all those stories, but my style of dealing is a little different and complicated which makes me want.

Everything I did is out of high, the more complicated the more curious I am. I lived my dreams & deals on my terms so far. I strongly reflect the saying ‘Everything is fair in Love & War.’ Low emotions & commitment, which lead to high productivity, are always the mantra to survive in this cut-throat world of business. At a young age, I mastered certain skills to handle people & situations at work, except for a few.  

1:00pm, intercom buzz!! “Sir, lunch is ready to serve,” Preethi said

“Thank you, will be in short.”  The CEO said.

 The CEO announced! “Meeting after lunch - sharp at 3:00 pm.”

 We entered the banquet for lunch, as Preethi accompanies us, and it`s smelling delicious. A quiet Indian lunch with some desserts & drinks, as Mr.CEO, cheered us by opening a champagne bottle as a welcome drink. It’s indeed a nice welcome; I enjoyed eating, talking, and watching him so Close.

2:10pm I walked to my table and relaxed for a moment and started accessing desktop and opened my mail and found a mail with an attachment.

Source Unknown

Sub: message in the bottle

 I found an attachment; started downloading it…….

Detailed knowledge about Ray Group's net worth, current position in the industry, and new developments in the group. About allies, competitors, friends, key advisers, and finally threats.  I downloaded them one by one and started my homework for the next meeting. I took printouts, for the next presentation. Preethi is watching me carefully to know what I am working at.

3:00Pm The meeting started, and once again we gathered at his office. Yash questioned my knowledge of the company? And how can I accept the challenges in & out? I stood and laid all the printed copies on the table saying this is what I know as far as the Ray Group Concerns.    

Ray Group has established in the year XXXX. By Three Musketeers.

Ray Group Net worth 15 Million $. Over 600 employees.

Ray Solutions net worth xxxxxx

Ray Exports & Imports net worth xxxxx

Ray Infra is ready to wind up.

Trying to enter into Tourism & hospitality industry.

Desperate to Invest in Startups.

Planning to get registered in BSE.

Establishing branches in Singapore & Dubai.

Goodwill in the market, but struggling,

Right now facing low competency, with high competition. And a few more…

“So this is the briefing of Ray Group,” I said.

I saw a surprised expression on Rahul`s face.

He said, “Aravindh good choice!!”

Mr. CEO, gave me the latest iPhone, as companies prop and insisted I do all the operations through the gadget. I am not much used to it.

 Yash pointed me to the Ray infra and asked me “How can we fix this?”

 “I have given them a copy of each, consisting of details about a government project, from FCI (Food Corporation of India) planned to build warehouses worth 40 crores across the state, and the details were updated on the website last month, and next week is the last date,” I said.

“So, what?” Yash asked.

“We are bidding,” I said.

.

“See Ms.Lekha, we are not in upfront now, so how confident we may crack that?” Mr. CEO asked.

“We should give it a try, and I am sure of what I do, after my first deal, let`s do it,” I said so confidently.

“Within four days I will come up with all the calculations. Mr.CEO, we are winning” I said.

“Okay, friends! We are working on this project” He said.

He instructed his boys to cooperate with me and provide the necessary information for bidding.

4:00pm. “Thanks for all, we are ending the meeting.” He said.

I have copied all the meeting minutes. (MOM)

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MR. CEO - The contract...

Chapter-2

Next Hour….

At once the metal door slither, and I entered a large lavish half lighted office room, the glass walls are closed with auto blinders, except for one, I walked on a gray carpet which is all over the floor, I see a curved long cushion couch on the sidewall, and a huge glass table matching the office chair, exactly placed in the center of the room, it’s a pack of modern arrangement to work, with no clutter, no-nonsense. I walked in, towards the table, I found my profile and a set of documents on the table, but none in the room, I stood still a minute and started exploring the walls which were filled with abstract modern art paintings, and down I see a signature by Aravindh… in calligraphy.

Is he still painting? And Is he the same? I will know that soon... 

 I heard a base voice from behind, it was sharp.

“Welcome back! Ms.Sreelekha Chowdary”.

‘That`s him, Yes! It`s my complete name. But I prefer Lekha and he knows.

 It`s time to see him. 

I turned confidently and stick to his eyes, for thirty seconds, with no emotions displayed.

“I am glad to see you again,” he said.

He raised his hand to shake, and I responded.

“Hello Mr. Aravindh Meheera, CEO of the Ray Group,” I said.

 This is the firm handshake I ever had. But the touch, I felt it many times in the past and will never forget it.

I said aloud, “It`s been eight years Aravindh since we met” FYI, yes, we shared a beautiful history together.

He added, “Eight years, two months, and fourteen days, and always a pleasure to see you."

Quite a math isn’t it? That’s what he is good at. 

 

Aravindh  Meheera, (A six-foot-tall and approximately one seventy-five pounds,  a masculine figure, in his mid-thirties, fair, light brown eyes, mid-length well-groomed hair, with a left piercing earlobe and a quill tattoo under it, wearing a dark blue blazer, stylish and stunning. He is all the same, except for an 18 KT solitaire diamond ring on his finger. And he is always a great charmer, that’s why I certainly consider him as one of the best old-fashioned classic cocktails to relish.)

“Of course,  Pleasure is all mine Aravindh, and I am here to work for you as your assistant,” I told.

“Yes indeed, Ms. Srilekha Chowdary.” He said, offering a seat.

“Oh please! I am fine with Lekha, and you always knew that.”

He is watching me so intently like I am before a camera that every moment of mine is captured. So do I.

“How shall I address you - Aravindh?” I asked.   

  

 He tricked me with my own question by saying, “It’s always been a choice for you then & now.”

Not so surprised, but quietly assessing him.

 “Then am I allowed to call you Mr.CEO?” I asked.

“Mr.CEO?” He whispered.

“Yes”. I said.

 He smirked! And nods his head, “Alright it`s your call always.”

 “Apart from the career, am I allowed to know you more?” He asked.

“Sure! A perfect single woman, with an elevating career and freshly anticipating for relationships.”

“WOW! Nice knowing you.”

“So you are ambitious about your career right now?” He asked.

“The top-most priority!” I smiled gently.

Neither I nor he is leaving eye contact. As if we are running out of time on the earth. Or someone is stealing our time. 11.50 AM, time is slipping away from us so quickly. He tried to ask something, which I don`t want to be asked. So I cut his conversation and asked him about the papers on the table.

“Yeah! Before I come to that, I want to hear something” he asked.

Yes of course! I said.

“Where the hell are you these years? And why did you leave me with no clue? And why are you here now?” Asked me in a deep tone holding his tears back.

A chill ran down my spine, and I was silenced by the questions.

 I answered. “For Good!  Aravindh, please let go of some questions unanswered, forever.”

He snapped at me, “For who’s good, damn it!”

I choked! My mouth went dry.

“Okay! Just let me know? Did you care to remember me at least that I exist?” He asked.

Bluntly I lied “Nope and honestly I don’t regret things I do. You know that.”

“Yes! I knew you well.”

He took a long Breath! “And now come to the business, I have an offer for you, Ms.Lekha.”

I am listening.

“These papers are work contracts, and I want you to sign this, that you stay with the company for two years from the date of joining. And any breach will legitimately put your entire career down. That means I will screw you to the bottom” He warned.

“I was not aware of this contract, not  even mentioned by Mrs. Vani Varma?”

“Of course not! Because she doesn`t even know, this is between you and me, a silent one.” He added.

“And why the hell in the world! I would do that.”I asked.

Because, you have no choice, Do you? He asked.

I am Trapped? Yes, he is right, I don’t have a choice. ‘Plan B’, think Lekha, I told myself.

 “Why are you doing this to me, Aravindh?” I insist.

“Because, I don’t trust you anymore, and I won’t let you run away this time. And I want you to feel the pain; I suffered all these years after you left me with no fu***ing reason. Now, do you get that?” He shouted.

“So, be a good girl and sign the contract, that`s what I all need.” He said.

Well! “If that`s the case, let`s have a deal, Mr. CEO,” I said relaxing in my chair.

“And you knew that I am good at deals,” I said.

“Attitude! Go on” He said.

“I need freedom.”

“Explain?”

“Freedom to work, with no questions asked, freedom from your rules, freedom to close the deals on my terms.

“Over?” he said.

“No! Not Yet!” I yelled.

“And after closing on every deal, you must owe me a favor, whatever I ask for.” I negotiated

“And why the hell in the world! I would do that.” He said.

“Because, you have no choice, Do you?” I said.

He’s trapped. I can see it on his face.

 “Okay! On one condition, if I caught you with one mistake and if it is proven, I will pull all your plugs and consider your negation burnt, and from then, you will be on my terms. How about this?”  He yelled coming closer to me.

“DEAL!!” I said.

“Deal Then, I will prepare the new document, and you sign on it,” He told me.

“Not required a new one, I am signing these,” I said.

“Why?” He asked.

“Because I trust you,” I said.

And I signed those documents right away. I saw his expression; it was so straight and blank.

“Anything else?” He added.

“Yes”.

“What?”

“May I know about your fiancée?” I asked.

“How did you know that?” He asked.

“I knew it.” I said.

“So, that is why you showed up? Isn’t it.”

“You have no idea what I am dealing with, Aravindh. Your personal life is not my concern anymore?” I replied.

“Then what is your concern?” he asked.

“Right now, THE JOB.” I sigh.

“Then you better stick to that,” He said.

He suddenly looked away and made a call from his intercom and invited some men to his chamber. He kept all those documents in the safe.

“When shall I work on schedule?”

“Right away.” He replied.