This long update for my dear readers who're waiting for me & this chapter...

Happy reading!

*****

Finally, The D-Day

The clock strikes 9 am and two men; Manik & Rajesh Uncle suited in formals are waiting downstairs for the 'lady of the day' to come down getting dressed n prepared. It's time for them to leave towards the office 'A & N Limited' for the share-board meeting.

More five minutes passed, they are still sitting on the sofa, waiting for her to come out of her room... and finally, they heard the door click. They snapped their head at her revealing door... and there she is! In full glory!

Manik slowly stood up on the floor, continuously looking at her, checking her out; the black heels beautifully holding her creamy feet, the light blue knee-length one shoulder-off one piece: simple yet perfectly fitting, long ear-rings as only garment decorating on her, her black lightly wavy hair open falling on the side, minimal make-up with light pink lipstick...
She looks no lesser than a model, even in formals.

As she approaches near me, I could clearly notice her naked neckline along with her bare side-front and left collarbone and a heat rushed in me making me possessive.

"It's showing bit more of your skin for an official meeting" the words just came out of my mouth without my control as the first thing.

"Is it? Really? Oh! Then I should change. But... what should I wear? How to?" She suddenly sounds like all her confidence for the show went to the gutter and she fell nervous and uncertain.

"You look just fine, beta" Rajesh Uncle said looking at her stressed face. Manik sighed.

"No need to change, Nandini. Let's go. Okay?" Manik said grabbing her shoulders in comfort and she nodded TRYING to put a confident face, but from inside she is hell nervous; What am I going to do? How will I represent Dad in front of all businessmen when I, myself is just a newcomer? What if I make a fool of myself and also my Dad n his reputation in front of all? What will I do, if they ask me something I don't know or don't remember? And many more thoughts running in her mind.

------------------

While passing on the corridor and in the lift, then along the path to the conference hall where all the shareholders have already waiting for the clock to strike 10 and the meeting to start; But there are still 15minutes to go. All the way along, when the employees who have known Nandini would greet her, she would just pass them a nervous smile, which didn't go unnoticed by Manik who's walking side-by-side to her just to support her, but of course, he won't go to the meeting.

As they reach the top floor where there is the conference hall and Mr. Murty's cabin along with cabins of other head officials, Rajesh Uncle walked ahead to check the last minute preparation and files n documents that Nandini would need during her presentation while Nandini & Manik walked in Mr. Murty's cabin till the time being.

Manik walked ahead to take the seat on the couch but Nandini stood there, near the door staring at her Dad's chair with her anxious mind. Not finding Nandini near him, Manik turned to look at her and sighed knowing her mind and walked back to her.

"Nandini" he spoke softly gaining her attention.

"Come, let's sit!" he gently pulled her with him and they both got settled on the couch side by side.

"You can do it!" he muttered positively, facing her and looking at her face while she first shook her head then bobbed in nod then shook, then nod... in uncertainty.

"Okay! Forget everything... Just do as I say.
Close your eyes and take a deep breath in" He himself demonstrated and Nandini followed him without question.

"Breath in...
Breath out...

Breath in...
Breath out..."

"Just calm yourself down." He added after they opened their eyes looking at each other "When you give the presentation, just think that it's u & me and you're putting forwards ur points. Don't think about the consequences, just be yourself."

Manik waited for her reaction, She processed everything in her head and feel somewhat better, so nodded with a smile.

"Good" Manik complimented like a father.

"But, don't you think, ur neck is being a bit more naked than required?" Manik pointed to which Nandini looked down at her skin.

"Why? I think it looks good this way. Perfect!" She voiced out.

"old jerks will get a feast for their eyes" Manik muttered under his breath.

"Hun?" She asked what he's saying.

"Nothing!
Now, let me give u so last-minute tips" Manik gets into serious mode n Nandini nodded like an obedient student.

"When we give a presentation, our body language is equally important as our knowledge as it gives a good impression:
First, always look into the eyes of the person while giving a presentation. It shows ur confidence.
Second, move ur hands freely n not stand like a rigid statue. Be free.
Third, stress on the important points and benefits. Be clear and to the point.
Reply everything confidently and stand to ur point. Don't get influenced by others' opinions and get confused. They'll try to confuse or divert u from the topic, but you have to be focused and confident about yourself. It's the most important."

"Understood?" he asked.

Nandini nodded with a confident smile "Yes! Eye-contact, Be free, Be clear n to the point, Be confident n focussed."

"It's time, Go ahead then" Manik said checking his wristwatch and stood up along with Nandini.

"Nandini" She turned back hearing her name when she's about to pull open the door.

Manik walked to her and stood in front to her cupping her cheeks and looking directly at her eyes

"All the best"

"I'll be waiting right here... for you." he whispered as he pecks her forehead lightly and she smiled finding him close... always.

With this, Nandini walked out and found Rajesh Uncle waiting for her near the conference hall door. He smiled assuring n opened the door for her as the clock ticked exact 10.

As soon as Nandini made her entry with full attitude and glory, chip up, face glowing... all eyes in the hall went to her... She steps ahead and takes the only seat available straight at the front.

The conference hall is full, with around 80-90 peoples; shareholders and their assistants or PAs seated around the long round arrangement.

Rajesh Uncle being Mr. Murty's Personal Assistant and right hand walked to the lectern-stand and adjusted the mike before addressing the meeting

"Good morning ladies n gentlemen.
As we all know the purpose of this board-meet; to choose the perfect one to run this company until complete recovery for our CEO Mr. Murty.

Mr. Murty's current condition shows that he needs complete rest for at least one and a half months and till then..." he paused "...he would like his daughter to take his place.

Miss. Nandini Murty. Please come on the stage" he gestured and Nandini stood up from her seat with a smile.

Nandini's POV

I walked to the stage and stood near Rajesh Uncle facing the audience, out of which some are looking with hope n happiness, some are neutral, and a few don't look happy but angry.

But I put a confident smile on my lips and stood there as Rajesh Uncle continued

"As you've already known, Mr. Murty has two beautiful daughters who got engaged together a few months back. Both of them are legal heirs of Mr. Murty and thus, hold the right to take over his position in his absence."

"Why didn't we have seen them around, running a business or even learning it?" questioned a middle-aged lady with specs, Mrs. Diwedi. As per the information booklet I've gone through to check the shareholders, she's running clothing business with our stocks and she's neutral in this meet.

"That's because both the daughters of Mr. Murty has been pursuing their dreams."

"Exactly the point. If they've no idea of business, how is she going to take its responsibility for the whole 2 months?" objected the partner of the main opposition, Mr. Mehra who holds 11% shares and is wanting to get the power.

"Mr. Meh--" Rajesh Uncle is going to answer when I interject.

"May I?" I asked him to which he gladly backed out and let me get to the lectern mike.

"My apologies to the gentlemen, but I'd like to introduce myself first. Myself, Nandini Murty, a jewelry designer by profession n I choose it despite my Dad's wish to take care of his business after him, only because it is what I enjoy doing. It's my dream and I'm living my dream." I was about to continue further but stopped looking at a hand that raised lightly to speak.

It was the main opposition, Mr. Shriggal, who wanted Dad's company's power. He's a cruel businessman and got his own company closed few months before due to some fraud but since his 18% shares in our company have good values and he has not done any cheat here yet, Dad has not taken any steps on him.

"Like you said, lady! You are a jewelry designer. How can even a young dreamy girl, playing with jewelry handle intellectual business authority? This is not the same as playing house." he spoke and Rajesh Uncle is glaring at him in anger for his words.

But I smiled with something in my mind and looked at him "Mr. Shriggal. I heard that you've prepared yourself to take over Dad's power during his absence if I'm not wrong?"

"Yes! I believe that I'm the suitable person to take care of Mr. Murty's company of the time-being." He said straightening on his seat and looking around at other shareholders as if telling them he's the one.

"Great. Is there anyone else who thinks he/she is the most suitable one?" I looked around at everyone but none raise their hands. And I know no one will because Rajesh Uncle has contacted everyone and those who're left are supporting Mr. Shriggal.

"Okay then. So, Mr. Shriggal & I, both believe that we both claim to be the right person, but since anyone of us could have this authority. Let's have a small presentation or speech. Then we'll have voting and the one who'll get the majority will get the temporary powers.
This would also test how a dreamy girl knows business?

Mr. Shriggal, please..." I gestured him to come on the stage.

Soon, Mr. Shriggal started his 5minutes speech in which he points out our company's decreasing share-price values, rivals share-price values and his strategies to enhance it as he's himself an old businessman and also points out that a newcomer should not be trusted in such money-business, indirectly telling them to reject me.

After that, he took his seat and I walked on the stage.

"I... won't repeat the company's share-prices, losses, rivals strategies, and our counter-strategies... We all know that before we sit over here. One thing I second with Mr. Shriggal that running this business is not the same as playing house. And I'm fully aware of this as I'm sure my Dad is not playing house here all these years. He has his sweat n blood for this company.
I agree that I'm a dreamy girl, like other youngsters, I too have my own wishes of doing all those crazy things any girl in her 20s would like to. And pursuing my dream as a jewelry designer, I've hurt Dad too as he wanted me to work in his company and for this he even made me learn business under his own supervision when I was in +2. But being a stubborn head and wanting to be free, get wings to fly n do something I love, I left for designing studies abroad. But Dad, he didn't stop me even though he's mad at me. He supported me and that time I was sure that he's my superhero.

You must be thinking, why am I telling u this, when I should be presenting my business strategy. Yes! I will present you with my business strategies n plans because I wanna prove to Dad that the time n hard work he has invested in his this daughter to become a businesswoman, didn't go waste.
So here is my strategies... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..."

Then I went on easily explaining my plan my presentation with many simple points yet important points, stressing the point bits at first and then explaining it. It was not just business oriented but also held my emotions and love for Dad and his hard-earned company. Also, I ask them if they have any queries for me and some of them asked too which I replied with full confidence. Overall, it took me about 15minutes to wrap up my presentation and I went back to my seat.

"Now, let us have the voting. Everyone has a sheet of blue paper on their dest in front in which they have to write either Miss. Nandini's or Mr. Shrigga's name as to whom do you choose and after that, we'll collect it and check it in front of you all here and declare the temporary power-holders." Rajesh Uncle announced and immediately all scribbled on the blue sheet.

.

.

.

" And the person who got the temporary power of attorney of A & N Limited company is..." Rajesh Uncle paused and glanced at his side at Mr. Shrigga's assistance who's also been involved in counting votes to make it fair.

"... is Miss. Nandini Murty" his assistance completes his words. I closed my eyes thanking Ayyiappa for my success.

But soon a sound of clapping hand forced me to open my eyes and look at the source only to find Mrs. Diwedi initiating the applause and no sooner everyone in the hall joined her giving me a big round of applause. I stood up and smiled at everyone muttering a 'thank you' and... likewise the board-meeting ended with me signing some documents to get the legal temporary power of attorney.

As the people walked out the hall Rajesh Uncle spoke

"Congratulations, Nandini beti. Mr. Murty will be very proud of you and very happy today." I gave him a million-dollar smile which is actually not leaving my face.

"Come out soon, media must be waiting out to get news about the Murty's heir." he walked out while I squealed and jumped on my place before somehow controlling myself and walking out directly to Manik.

As I was about to push the door to the cabin, something mischievous strikes me and I smirked. slapping my cheeks to omit the eye-to-eye grin, I tried to put on a sad, gloomy face before entering.

"Nandini" Manik whispered as soon as he saw me entering and stood up from his place. But I ignored him and walked to the couch maintaining the gloomy face and looking down as I know if I'll look into his face I won't be able to stop the grin from coming back on my face.

I tried my best to act like I failed and I'm sad. I sat on the couch keeping my stare on my lap.

Let's see Manik's reaction to this! It will be fun.  My mischievous mind thought.

I could sense Manik standing in front as I could see his shoes and blue jeans. "What's wrong, Nandu?" he voiced concerned.

I pressed my lips restraining myself from jumping on him and shouting in happiness. But, I just shook my head lightly continuing my act of failure.

After a minute, neither I said anything nor did he asked anything nor console me. I wonder why? But I felt that he is not anymore in front, so I slowly looked up.

Where is Manik?

I was wondering when suddenly I jerked on my place with the cold sensation of fingers brushing my back neck.

"It's me"

I heard a voice from my back and I know who is he. He slides my hair to my left shoulder slowly brushing his rough fingers on my skin sending shivers down my spine. I just hope he's not felt me shivering so badly due to the mere touch. What's happening?

He puts forward a thin metal chain around my neck and hooks the clasp of the chain. I stretched my neck down to see a beautiful tiny pendant around my neck. I touched it to feel it.

"Congratulations Nandu. It's a small gift from me for your success." He whispered near my right ear and I felt as if my breath hitched when his warm breath tickled my skin. I'm speechless and statued.

"You liked it?" his question brought me to earth and I found him standing in front of me looking at me.

I smiled touching the pendant standing near him "It's so beautiful... stars!" I whispered feeling it.

"But how do u know I'm successful, when I acted like not?" I narrowed my eyebrows at him to which he chuckled.

"You're a bad actor" I pout listening to him & he laughed.

My smile grew up watching him laugh and I'm so grateful to him... for everything... that I just jumped on him taking him in a tight hug, encircling my arms around his neck.

And trust me, if I had not worn this tight knee-length one-piece, I would have clung to him around his waist like a chimpanzee.

At first, he was taken aback with my sudden hug but the next second he wrapped his arms around my back pulling me closer and picking me up in the air. We both are laughing.

------------------

"God bless you, Princess. You made me so proud. Rajesh was telling me about your presentation. I'm so happy." Dad hugged me while I bend to hug him back. Dad is getting emotional now.

We just arrived at the hospital after having a small talk with the media in our office. Now, Mom, Dad, me & Manik are present in his room and T.V is on with my news going on.

"My Nandu" Mom came and squeezed me in a hug too while kissing my cheek and patting my shoulder.

"Aur yeh kya phate kapde pahna hai? (What is torn dress are you wearing?)" she smacked me on my bare shoulder. I mentally bit my tongue. Shit!

"Mom, this is fashion!" I said in dun! But I know she won't understand as she scrunched her brow in displeasure.

"Daddd" I cried pouting at my Dad and I saw in my peripheral vision, Manik sitting on the other side of Dad, silently laughing at my condition.

Monster!

"Shanoo... Leave it na. All wear this type of dress in Business meetings." Dad said in favor of me And I flashed him my 32 white straight teeth happily. And Mom made a whatever face.

"But Nandu, What about ur job? I mean, are you taking long leave or...? I might take more than a month to get completely better. But still, I can work from home after I get back home, that's not the problem though-" I cut Dad off.

"-No Dad. No working from home. Nothing till you become completely fit n fine. And I know it'll take almost 2 months for that and I can handle it, Dad. Moreover, Manik will be there to help me." I looked briefly at Manik and he nodded. "Rajesh Uncle will guide me and after the fashion show, even Dhruv could help me out. Even you'll be there na if I land into some big trouble. So no problem. You just get better soon.

And for now, I'm on leave for the next few days till our company gets back to stability. I'll see afterward about taking more leave or continuing my job side-by-side.
Manik is my boss, so there is no tension anyways." I laughed and all joined.

-----------------

"This place is so peaceful, na?" I voiced when I with Manik, sitting on the pavement side of Marine beach. Manik drove here after lunch saying I should enjoy some peaceful time as I've been caged with the books n files for the last 5 stressful days.

"Yes! Except for the continuous phone-calls you're getting" he replied looking ahead at the waves hitting the shore and sometimes water sprinkling at us too.

He's right!
Ever since my news of taking over Dad's business came out, many are calling me. Some are happy n congratulating, and some like my colleague friends are surprised and called to ask if I've left my designing n decided to join business permanently. They sound really shocked. Haha!

...Ring...Ring...

"Here comes another one. Why don't you switch it off?" Manik said sounding irritated.

"You know, I can't." He sighed knowingly looking ahead at the sea and starless night.
I can't just switch off my contacts after I get my work done. They are showing their happiness, their attachment, their concern towards me through this phone-call and I can't just tag them as 'disturbance'. This will be wrong.

"Hello, Arvind" And that's it. Manik jerked his neck to face me.

I gave him a confused-'what' look and continued listening to the other side of the phone.

"Ohh! Thank you so much... ...Hehehe...I remember your pending treat. Tonight?" I gave a brief glance at Manik's side and found him already looking at me with those hawk's eyes and wolf's ears. "Okay! No prob. Tonight dinner my treat. I'll message you the time n place. Bye. See you."

I eyed Manik for a minute after ending the call, but he didn't open his mouth rather keep staring with those eyes of his so, at last, I have to initiate

"What?"

Still no reply... but only staring and the emotions in his eyes are kinda making me nervous and strangely uncomfortable comfort it has in it.

"Why are you staring at me like this?" I whispered this time but he didn't budge and now, I feel like falling weak with his eyes on me and we both sitting close side by side.

"Fine!" I divert my eyes to my phone "You keep on staring, I've to check n book seats in some good restaurant"

A hand grabbed mine restricting me from doing the bookings. I turned at her quizically.

"All excited for a dinner date with Arvind, Hun?!" He sounds all tauntingly angered and irritated and even his expressions are like... like...

An obsessive possessive jealous lover boy!

"What? Are u crazy?" I yelled. "this is not a date, okay! It's my treat. And moreover, why will I go on a date with him when I've my fiance?" now I replyed angrily as a matter of fact.

He closed his eyes and turned ahead looking down at his lap while I sat glancing at him for behaving all... all... *You know yar!*

"Why don't you invite all your friends and throw a celebration for your new identity a businesswoman. You're going to give them party anyway, then why not tonight? And Arvind's treat will get better this way... with lots of fun and enjoyment." he suggested.

It's not a bad idea though! Actually it's benefiting idea.

"Okay!" I still gave him a doubtful look as some minute he's behaving one and the other minute another. He's getting mysterious to me and I love solving mysteries. That's what I'm fearing now.

"So, there will be coming: My colleague friends i.e. Sneha, Anubhav, Karishma n Karan. then, Maddy and Arvind and me. Alya was saying that tonight she will be supervising the arrangements and will call it a night at work itself. So, She n Dhruv not coming... Umm-7 seats then?... Oh wait! I'll call Navya, Mukti too and their husbands are always welcome. So, 12 seats. confirm." I mutter and scrolled for choosing a restaurant.

"It's 11 as per your list. Poor maths!" he commented with a bit offended tone.

I craned my neck to his side "Aren't you coming? Your second treat!" I asked and his face lit up instantly.

"out of 50" he added smiling and that time, shooking my head, only one thing crossed my mind...

He's impossible!

******

How was the update? Which part do you like the most?

Any words for The businesswoman, Nandini?

        And her powerful pillar, Manik Malhotra?

And don't forget the person whom Manik's meet outside KFC. We'll get to him/her in the next update.

Also, Don't forget to vote n comment, show ur love, and also wait patiently my dear lovely readers. I'll get back as soon as possible and mostly start writing as soon as the target votes reached.

                        Targeted votes-115+

Stay safe n stay healthy, till then!