Note: This chapter contains a scene from a Board of Directors meeting. I have tried and researched the topic as much as I can and proceeded to write. The rules and terms differ based on country to country, whether public or private company etc. If there are any factual errors please do pinpoint them and shall make the corrections. 

warning: by far the lengthiest chapter!

Text in Italics: Padmini's POV

'I'm exhausted! I feel my resolve weakening, small cracks appearing on the surface of my determination. This place, the warmth it renders, the safety it promises, the cherished memories and dreams, all wrap its loving arms around me like a cocoon, comfortable like a warm fuzzy blanket. These aren't just lifeless bricks, they hold within them numerous stories, stories of people who have passed on and who are living, story of my family!

They are the silent spectators to all the hushed-up secrets and forgotten dreams, the muted cries and muffled threats. They bore witness to the wails of my newborn, giggles and gurgles, from their unsure first steps to the stomping of their adolescence, the emotional roller coaster of their teens, their wide-eyed ambitions, sweet little crushes, lovelorn dreams to stable family lives.

These people who are my family, this place I call my home! It promises me the safety net of my loved ones, who wouldn't let me go. But, do I want to stay? The more I contemplate the more difficult it's getting.'

~~~

The golden rays of dawn seeped through the ornately carved marble window of the temple inside Kanth Manor. Padmini was seated on the floor before the Murti of Lord Krishna, at the altar in a meditative state.

Drenched in the warmth of the morning rays filtering through the early morning mist, she seemed calm and serene. Life had bought her at a crossroad, a very crucial one, and there was no going back ever, once the deed was done. She was ready for it, albeit a little nervous and anxious, but ready. 

She spotted Parul seated across from her and Kabeer leaning on the door frame when she opened her eyes. Padmini scrunched her eyebrows at them in question, Kabeer just shrugged while a visibly grumpy Parul glared back at her. She knew there had to be something important. Nothing else explained their arrival at this early hour. They waited patiently for her to finish her morning prayers, which she hastened.

"My twin devils! To what do I owe this divine sighting?" Both of them seemed unfazed by her feeble attempt at humour.

"That's the worst attempt at buttering up someone..."
Parul grumbled as Padmini handed them both the Prasad.

Padmini observed her sister in law, rather amusedly. The corners of Parul's mouth constantly twitched when she restrained her anger, she also got nervous and fidgety.

Her steady gaze remained on Parul who was trying hard to hold back her tongue, but to Kabeer, it seemed like they were in a staring contest. A gentle smile broke out on Padmini's face and Parul's resolve broke.

"Not fair Minu Di! I'm still angry with you" she embraced Padmini and mumbled something incoherently before she broke the hug.

"Why would you do such a stupid thing? You want that b***h to roll in all this family wealth?"

"Parul.." Padmini reprimanded her reminding her that they were still at the temple.

"Sorry Kanhaji" Parul apologetically bent low towards the shrine and touched her forehead to the ground, got up, turned around and dragged Padmini down the steps and sat there.

"No Di, let me speak, don't you dare interfere!" She warned. "My brother doesn't deserve a single penny on his name. I heard that you have given up your right to alimony. What's wrong with you? How can you do this? I was expecting you to sue him for the illicit affairs. He and that b.." Padmini raised her eyebrows and sent a warning look.

"ok! I want both those devils to rot in jail. You have given up your rights? Just like that? I thought you are a changed person. You had become bold. After all that they both have done... How could you?" Then she turned around to Kabeer and huffed accusingly, "And you, Kabeer I thought at least you would have succeeded in changing her attitude, being the tough cop reforming the criminals and all."  

"She isn't a criminal Ms Rajvansh. And trust me, she has changed." He nodded his head in affirmation. "It's her wish and decision. I won't interfere in that because I trust she is capable of making the right decisions. I'm sure she has a valid reason and has thought it all out. I think we all need to give her that space and freedom. Isn't that what you wanted for her?" he had been observing them both since they arrived back in Delhi, he understood why Padmini chose to call Parul to inform them about her situation and help them work a safe way back home. 

Parul's face fell when she understood that it was true.  Padmini gently held Parul's hand diverting her attention back.

"Parul, from day one I never received from him what I truly desired for, what every woman yearns for - love and acceptance. Yes, we seemed like a great couple to the outside world, but our relationship was just a bejewelled cloak of deception. What would I do with his wealth?" She paused with a dry chuckle and a grim smile.

"Wait! let me finish. I used to cry and keep hopelessly expecting that he would change someday. Not anymore. I have accepted the reality." She sighed shutting her eyes briefly for a few seconds, "I think the past few months away from here and from everybody; gave me time to think. Now that I have had a taste of that freedom, I am not inclined in getting back into that toxicity. In a way, Kayla has done me well without realising it. Now, this relationship feels like the iron ball and chains that are weighing me down and drowning me."

Over the years Parul had repeatedly advised her to stop letting Chandrakanth take advantage of her fear and submissive nature, but Padmini never changed. Parul believed that her brother had stopped physically abusing Padmini after Aparna's birth. Chandrakanth had threatened her against disclosing the truth. Padmini had not uttered a word to a soul, except for Gauri who had been by her side to help treat the physical wounds, and the maid's mouth was sealed too.

She did sense that change in Padmini after all these years but was unable to understand what was going on in her mind when she heard from Paarth about the court proceedings. Parul wanted her to have her revenge on Chandrakanth and punish him and Kayla for making her life miserable. 

Padmini smiled, "someone told me that courage doesn't essentially mean to pick a fight or punish the wrongdoers."
Kabeer was pleasantly surprised when she quoted him. Parul raised her eyebrows quizzically. Padmini patted her arms comfortingly and continued.

"Trust me, dear. I have made this informed decision for a good reason."

Parul's anger deflated, "Di I don't know... I'm really worried. If she comes into this house... I don't want that filth to set foot inside this home where my mother lived and nurtured dreams about our family, where we all grew up, the home that rightfully belongs to you, to us, to our family."

Parul lowered her head to contain her sniffles. Padmini fondly hugged her.

"This home was built by Jagannath and Ambika Malhotra and only their legal heirs shall live here. I promised your father this before he died and shall not give up on it at any cost. Trust me!" She wiped Parul's tears, "And now, I'm not highly educated and we have a mission to accomplish. Are you going to help me or keep crying like your sister-in-law?"

"Anything for you!" Parul smiled amidst her sniffles.

~~~

"Padmini" 

She turned towards the gruff voice that called out to her. Chandrakanth's uncle had arrived from Mumbai that morning, and they all were seated at home in a heated discussion. 

 "When is Chandra arriving from his trip?" 

"Uncle none of us want to keep track of his activities, most importantly not Bhabi" Parul made a sour face. "I heard him say that he's away until the day after tomorrow. so we need to hurry up and finish all paperwork before that". 

When Paarth's phone rang he beamed, "Great! it's the lawyer and the auditor". 

They were shown in by the house help. And following them Aparna walked in along with her husband, pleasantries and greetings were exchanged as they settled down, before the discussion began. 

"I'm nervous, all said and done it feels like we are doing something wrong." Padmini shuddered involuntarily closing her eyes "I... I don't think I will be able to speak so boldly in front of everyone" she looked around at all their faces. 

"Mumma, we all are there by your side don't worry. This is the only opportunity you have to speak up before the divorce verdict comes out remember" Aparna held her hand in assurance. 

~~~

"Why a board meeting all of a sudden? That too on such a short notice?"

Chandrakanth was perplexed, he did not need another trouble right now. He had just returned from a trip after settling some dispute regarding the land acquisition of their new factory in Telangana, which involved dealing with the local politicians flexing their muscles. It was about to turn ugly when his new assistant roughed up the party member and finally Chandrakanth had to settle them down paying a hefty sum than anticipated. Das was very deft at handling these kinds of people, never before Chandrakanth had to get involved with these local goons directly. His absence was reflected in so many areas of work. He was grievously injured during the scuffle at the factory, he was out of ICU but doctors had said he suffered nerve damage to his left hip and leg, reducing his mobility. 

'just because Kayla had gone to the factory that one day, there's so much collateral damage that I'm paying for.'

Chandrakanth cursed out in frustration. 

~~~~

The main office building of Jagannath Group of Industries was abuzz with some unusual anticipation, there was a sense of foreboding among some senior staff. Gradually, as the meeting approached, the important shareholders and investors began settling inside the Board Room. 

"So, What is this all about Mr Bhatia? We just had a meeting before the strike was called off, and the agenda of the meet hasn't been specified." Chandrakanth's unease was telling. 

"I'm as clueless as you are Chandrakanth" Bhatia answered him as he kept reading the quarterly reports of his own company. 

Paarth walked in followed by Aparna, they both settled down near Bhatia, avoiding eye contact with their father. When Parul entered the Board Room along with their uncle and sat near them, a shocked Chandrakanth turned around to question Paarth. After all, it was not a daily happening that their family who were the major shareholders and also on the Board of Directors attended the Board meetings. 

"You will know in a short while" Paarth silenced him even before he spilt the question.

With the noise of feet shuffling Chandrakanth turned around to spot Kabeer entering the Board Room closely followed by Padmini. 

'What is she doing here? The illiterate bitch! Does she know anything about a company functioning?  How can she attend the Board meeting after filing for divorce?' Chandrakanth was boiling with anger.

The meeting began. Several shareholders and investors began speaking in unison. Paarth stood up and calmed them down and requested one of them to speak as their representative. One of the shareholders who had threatened to withdraw his investment during the labour strike spoke up. He voiced his displeasure at the way things unfolded at the factory and how the strike was handled.

"Mr Kamal, we had this sorted out during the last meeting. Why raise this issue again now? The strike was called off and production is on full swing." Chandrakant had a very unsettling feeling, but he knew he could always sway them away with his experience and facts. He went on to elaborate on how their existing client had promised more future orders.
"The Telangana factory construction will also start..." Chandrakanth was cut short by another investor.

"Mr Malhotra please focus on this unit first and retain the existing clients. What is the rush to start another unit when you are not fit enough to manage this?" 

"Mr Jason, what do you mean by that?" the man had touched his ego now. 

Mr Bhatia stood up and hushed everyone. "Let us behave like civilised people. This is a very unfortunate event. Jagannath group is the dream and ambition of my dear friend" he glanced towards Chandrakanth "his son also cherished the dream of running this company the multinational contracts that the company holds are the result of his hard work. He has worked hard like his father day and night to take the company where it is today. The number of awards and the global market presence is the result of his hard work." 

Chandrakanth was thrilled, if Mr Bhatia stood in his favour then all the other investors and shareholders were in his fist; it would be easy to convince them. He smirked internally. 

"The recent events, however, have left us on the back foot. We lost one of the multinational contracts due to the labour strike. Many of the shareholders and investors are displeased with Chandrakanth, that is the truth. The way the strike could have ended much earlier...Well, it shouldn't have happened in the first place." 

Chandrakanth was shaken when Bhatia finished. 

Chandrakanth's uncle stood up, "I, Anand Nath Malhotra, brother of Jagannath, being the co-founder of the Jagannath Group hereby declare that I withdraw my trust in Chandrakanth Malhotra as the CEO of this company. I have submitted my letter to the Board of Directors. I have also transferred my shares to Paarth Malhotra." 

There were loud gasps and murmurs around the Board Room.

Chandrakanth paled and was stunned beyond belief. He glanced at his uncle in disbelief. "Why uncle?" 

"Okay, Chandrakanth if I need to retract my decision, please enlighten the Board as to what transpired at the factory? Who is this friend of yours? What rights did she have to visit the factory without any authorisation? Why did she hurl abuse and slap our company staff? As the CEO you should have sued her for assaulting your employee who was at his duty, without any provocation. Not to forget Ranjan Das your close aide was very grievously injured while protecting your friend and is incapacitated for life."

"She stated that Xavier attempted to molest her" Chandrakanth knew he sounded absurd, but had to maintain the lie and put up a strong front.

"And you believe her claims? Have you checked the CCTV footage? Did you have an enquiry bench set as per this company's rule? Any staff or any outsider claims that one of the employees of this company has assaulted them physically or sexually an individual bench has to be set up comprising of the company lawyers and labour union representatives. Was the enquiry done?" Anandnath looked over at Paarth, "Paarth Malhotra you are the COO and the Labour Department is under your portfolio. Did you address this issue as per the protocols?"

Paarth stood up, "Yes, Mr Malhotra I did" he passed on a file, "these are the official letters addressed to the CEO, regarding the incident and my request to set up the enquiry bench is also filed in there. Well, the CEO's reply was verbal hence it is not filed. He said he would handle it personally and asked me not to interfere."

The hushed whispers grew a little louder.

"So, Chandrakanth what is your reply now? Why was none of the legal steps taken to ensure justice was served, whoever was the victim? Okay, my next question. What were the demands of the staff when they went on strike Paarth?"

"They wanted an unconditional apology from Ms Kayla Kothari." He handed a letter with the demands of the Labour Union. "Ms Kayla to apologise to Mr Xavier and the labourers, and that Xavier is reinstated back in the factory."

"Why wasn't that done?" Anandnath addressed Chandrakanth.

"She refused. Ms Kayla refused to apologise." Chandrakanth's discomfort was clear.

Paarth spoke when Anandnath prompted him to proceed. "Ms Kayla claimed she was the victim and threatened she would take it to the media. In which case they demanded that Dad, I mean the CEO apologise."

"Alright! Chandrakanth what were the steps you took to end the Labour strike? Paarth had discussions with them which failed. Did you apologise to your staff on behalf of your friend?"

Chandrakanth's fuming face spoke volumes. "Why would I? That too to the labourers?" his ego and anger got the best of him. "I'm their employer, their boss. They are beneath me. These cheap daily wagers... what audacity? They want me to apologise?" he barked. The fear of being ripped off all the power got to Chandrakanth's head and the constant threats from Kayla were also nagging him.

"Mr Chandrakanth Malhotra calm down the Board is present here, anything you say will be taken into account," Bhatia warned him.

Padmini sat back and calmly watched him getting unnerved, she was glad it was moving in the right direction.

"Looks like your ego is more important than the company revenues! Are you aware of the loss that the company has incurred due to your erroneous judgment and inaction at the time of crisis?" 

Anandnath continued after a pause "Mrs Padmini Malhotra was missing for a few months. Where was she?" 

Chandrakanth grew red in the face.

"Uncle... What does this have to do with the current enquiry? It's personal!" Chandrakanth always prided in maintaining his composure and decorum in official scenarios and this slip up clearly showed he was getting nervous.

"Chandrakanth we are having an official enquiry. I would like to remind you that Mrs Padmini Malhotra is one of the Board of Directors and holds the shares of Mrs Ambica Malhotra another co-founder of this company, which makes her a very important person on the Board; and her welfare is the responsibility of the Board. Now..."

"Good morning to all Board members!" Padmini stood up gracefully, "apologies for interrupting the senior member, but since the question is about me, I would like to personally clarify." She glanced around the room, "I had been to meet my parents. It was a sudden decision. There's nothing to worry about. Thank you for all your concern, I'm humbled!" she spoke in spotless English and sat back in her seat with her head held high. Chandrakanth was dumbfounded.

"Fine, the Board accepts your statement, Mrs Padmini." He turned his attention to Chandrakanth, "What were the measures taken by you to end the Labour strike Chandrakanth?" He had no answer. "How did the strike come to end? Care to explain?"

"Paarth Malhotra had a meeting with the union..."

His uncle scoffed, "you mean to say you don't know how the strike ended?" he turned around to activate the AV projector.

The video recording played out. Padmini, Kayla and Paarth walk into the factory premises, Kayla apologising, Padmini's speech amidst the staff and them agreeing to her terms and conditions and getting back to work immediately. The video paused.

"What Mrs Padmini achieved in a day you dragged on for a month Chandrakanth Malhotra. How she got your friend to apologise is not our concern, the demands were met, and production resumed. This is what a true leader should have done, being the head of a company, you put the welfare of your staff first Chandrakanth. The company comes first. The staff of the Jagannath group are family - this was your father's principle he never thought of them as cheap daily wagers. It is sad that you do not support the prime principle of the visionary - your father anymore! What reasons do you have? What prevented you from putting the company first?"

The murmurs had grown into audible objections now. Chandrakanth was dazed, he felt the rug slipping from under his feet. Kayla had framed him cleverly and he was tumbling downhill. He had to do something, and he grew anxious, his breathing became strained and his pulse rose, the thought of all the power and control slipping from his hold confused him and disarmed him. 

'I thought I handled the Board last time the meeting was conducted. What changed now? I had their trust. They all agreed with me last time when I covered up Padmini's absence. My strength, my image, and my identity are all in question now. How can they? I have worked tirelessly for the company – my company. I even sacrificed my love life and married according to my father's wishes for the sake of this designation. I can't let it go.'

"I. I'm sorry, I render my unconditional apologies to the Board... ermm... mm... the... my services to the company in these twenty years..." Chandrakanth broke out in a sweat and swallowed hard. He looked like he had lost the capacity to form coherent speech, the man who had spearheaded the company for the past twenty years and addressed so many meetings with enviable confidence and charisma was breaking a sweat to answer a few simple questions.

"Mr Malhotra, we respect your contribution but we doubt if you are able-bodied and in good mental abilities to make sound decisions keeping the future and growth of the company in mind" one of the investors spoke.

Another seconded him, "I voice the same concern. If the company continues to function under leadership that makes such precarious decisions, sorry to say we are headed to a downfall. I would like to withdraw as an investor".

Silence prevailed in the room. Padmini watched calmly as Chandrakanth was coming undone.

"I, Parul Rajvansh, the daughter of Jagannath Malhotra, move a vote of no confidence against Chandrakanth Malhotra. I also hereby transfer my shares to my nephew Paarth Malhotra" she handed two different letters to the Board.

"I, Aparna Khurana, daughter of Chandrakanth Malhotra agree to the Vote of no confidence proposed by Mrs Parul Rajvansh. 

The Board members discussed this for a while. Mr Bhatia stood up. "We have arrived at a juncture where there is a vote of no confidence moved against the current CEO by his family members. I now propose to take a vote count. Those in favour of Chandrakanth please raise your hand". 

Chandrakanth's eyes burnt in rage and embarrassment when he saw only two people raise their hands.

"The COO, Paarth Malhotra will be raised to the post of CEO by default being the second in command and as a major shareholder. Those in an agreement may vote now." Except for the two members, the rest present in the room had their hands up in support of Paarth.

"The decision is final then. Paarth Malhotra is the new CEO of Jagannath Group of Companies." Bhatia turned around to the Office Manager who was present there, "get the Memorandum ready. But the word doesn't slip out to the media yet. Am I clear? Any gossip mongers will be fired without warning, including you!"

"As a co-founder and Board member, by the power vested in me, I relieve you, Chandrakanth Malhotra, of the duties of the CEO of this organisation, but you shall remain on the basic employee payroll. This is up to you if you want to discharge the duties that may be assigned to you or resign!"

Anandnath Malhotra sealed his nephew's verdict, stripping him of the power he was drunk upon.

'This is the maximum punishment I could give you Chandra. This position and the wealth gave you so much power and turned you into a monster, you thought you were invincible! Wish my brother had the heart to do this long back!'

Date Published: 22 May 2022                                                                                               word count: 3974