Two weeks flew by in record time for Geet.   During that time, she and her team had finished the remaining meetings with the representatives of other companies and were busy creating presentations and preparing essential materials for the numerous seminars.   Each presentation needed to be relevant and specific as the team considered the individual company needs, their concerns, employee demographics, relevant health insurance data and other well-being aspects.   

Geet had ensured that every team member including herself was given the task of covering at least two mental health topics of interest structured per each company's requirements.   This way the HR staff had a choice regarding which presentation out of the two they would like the team to pursue in the group symposium.   The end goal was to encourage employees to feel secure enough so that they would sign up for any of the group or individual sessions with hospital counselors.   Dr. Trevor had noticed Geet and her colleagues' dedication to the new initiative and had provided administrative staff to help the team further in their endeavours.

Kathy Seville had a reputation for being adept and proficient around the hospital.   She was a vibrant and sweet woman in her late fifties who knew the ins and outs of the hospital system and how to get things done.   She was always polite and helpful; however, if you were to get on the wrong side of her, there were definite repercussions.   Kathy was part of the floating secretarial pool and had worked for many departments with psychiatry always being one of her faves.   She enjoyed working with these youngsters who seemed to always provide some form of amusing entertainment and treated her like a colleague rather than the hired help.   

Today, Kathy was dressed in black pants and a floral navy blue and red tunic with her ever comfortable studded flat shoes.   Her brunette longish pixie cut mixed in with a few grays and her demure make up always exuded professionalism.   She was well known for her ever changing and outfit matching chains that were attached to her eye glasses.   Somehow in a flurry of activities, these glasses always found themselves in different positions either hanging around her neck, on top of her head or on the bridge of her nose.   She was busy ensuring that the team's schedules were in good order.   Her other responsibilities included preparing the emails that were to be sent to the HR representatives enclosing the prepared material for the employees to peruse and review before the symposiums.

Kathy was in the process of completing one of these emails and wanted to finish it before any distractions stopped her mid-task, when her office line buzzed.   Slightly irritated as her wish was unfulfilled, she answered the phone.

Kathy:   "Hello, Surrey Memorial Hospital.   How may I help you?"

Surprised caller:   "Good morning, have I reached Dr. Raichand's office in the psychiatric department, by any chance?"

A little distracted, Kathy continued:   "Yes, you have reached Dr. Raichand's office, how may I help you?"

Caller:   "I was wondering if I may speak to her.   Please tell Dr. Raichand that it is Nikhil Sawant from SRK Conglomerate calling.   I just need a few minutes of her time."

Kathy in attention inquired:   "Well Mr. Sawant, Dr. Raichand has a meeting in about 30 minutes but currently she is in her office.   If your conversation is going to take less than 20 minutes, I will check to see if Dr. Raichand is free."

Nikhil impressed and taken back at the same time replied:   "I promise, I won't take more than 15 minutes to convey my concerns.   By the way, who am I speaking with?"

Kathy in a polite tone:   "Mr. Sawant since time is of the essence for both of the parties let me just quickly check on Dr. Raichand's availability.   Please hold."

Kathy quickly got up from her desk and walked a few paces to Geet's open door and knocked.   Geet looked up from her laptop and smilingly inquired:   "Yes, Kathy?"

Returning the smile, Kathy asked:   "Geet, there is a Mr. Nikhil Sawant on the line for you.   He would like approximately 15 minutes of your time.   Are you available?   Don't forget you have the staff meeting with John in about 30 minutes."

With a quick shake of her head marking her assent, Geet replied:   "Kathy, transfer him through. I will speak to him."

Kathy nodded and walked back to her desk.   She picked up the receiver and relayed Geet's message while wishing Nikhil a warm goodbye.   Kathy transferred the call to Geet's office and ensured that Geet had picked up the call and then returned back to her work.

Geet:   "Hi, Mr. Sawant.   How may I help you?"

Nikhil:   "Just tell me, where may I get one of those?   Man, talk about efficiency.   I feel reprimanded but respected at the same time.   I know you only have 17 minutes, so I will make this quick."

Geet laughed heartily that made an impression down the line and even across the office to Kathy who looked up from her computer.   Geet laughingly replied:   "Kathy is one of a kind and a new addition to the team.   I am sorry Mr. Sawant but Kathy is irreplaceable and I don't want her efforts to go to waste so let's continue.   I have a good 15 minutes, so no worries."

Nikhil continued with a smile that could be heard:   "I know that your team has been working diligently with my secretary to set up times, places and dates for the employee group seminars.   I understand that three presentation times have been arranged to accommodate all of our employees.   We, at SRK, really appreciate this."

Geet:   "Not at all, Mr. Sawant.   With a large company like yours, it is hard to find a time and place that is convenient to all.   Your secretary has also been helpful in setting up a video conference for your off-site and at home workers.   That was a great idea!"

Nikhil, a little hesitatingly queried:   "Well, that is the reason for my call and I hope that you will consider my next request.   I was wondering; if you and your team could be troubled one more time to present in front our board members and executives.   By any means, is this feasible?"

Geet thoughtfully pondered, and then she began checking her and other team members' schedules:   "Mr. Sawant, we can definitely do that but it will have to be the week after the scheduled presentations.   Would that be convenient for you?   Also, let me give you two more dates so that you have some choices."   Geet provided the necessary information.

Excitedly Nikhil exclaimed:   "This is wonderful Dr. Raichand!   Thank you so much for agreeing.   Let me confer with the executive team and I will get back to you as soon as possible.   I will also meet you a week from today at SRK.   Take care.   Also, please give my regards to Kathy."

Unknown to Nikhil, a twinkling Geet answered:   "Thank you Mr. Sawant.   I look forward to hearing from you.   Have a good day!"

As the conversation ended, Geet was again impressed with the strides that SRK was making to ensure the health and well being of its employees.   SRK was a huge company with its headquarters in Surrey and other regional offices in Vancouver, Toronto and Winnipeg.   There were about 1200 employees in total.   With the out of province workers, Geet's group had even vetted and contracted other smaller hospitals whose counselors would work closely with her team.   This was just one example where Geet's team had thought of innovative solutions to many of the unique aspects associated with SRK Conglomerates.

But now as Geet took a breath and reflected on her conversation with Nikhil, she figured that her presentation on depression would have to be reformatted and tailored to fit the busy executive who was a constant traveler, managed an entire department and had end of the year goal achievement pressures.   Geet quickly jotted down her thoughts and as she continued to analyze she realized that this topic might not be of interest or of any help to these executives.

Geet was sitting back in her chair staring into space while twirling a pencil in her hands with her elbows propped on the chair, when she heard a knock on her open door.   Geet turned her head and away from her reverie, she noticed Kathy standing in the doorway pointing at her watch.   Geet eyes widened slightly as she started to gather her belongings for the meeting.

As Kathy turned her back moving to her desk, she stopped mid distance and did a quick u-turn returning back to Geet's open office door and stated:   "You have such a charming and innocent laugh, Geet.   You should do it more often."

Geet abruptly stopped her actions and turned around looking at Kathy.   Startled for a few seconds, she quickly composed herself and smiled, although it did not reflect in her eyes:   "I do laugh, Kathy especially when the twins do something sweet and funny."

Unfazed Kathy continued:   'Well, you should laugh like that all the time.   Anyways, get a move on!   I see Sarah, Rob and Laura coming your way to join you."

Geet nodded and resumed completing her task from before.   The counselors had arrived and were waiting at Geet's door, having a boisterous conversation.   Laura and Sarah were teasing Rob about a situation where a particular "crush" as deemed by the ladies, could not take her eyes off of him during patient group orientation.   Unsuccessfully, Rob was trying to deny the playful accusations and defend his actions which the women had termed as encouraging.   In the short amount of time, Kathy had already noticed Rob's admiring glance when it took in Sarah but the latter was quite unaware of her associate's overtures.   Kathy's analysis came with a serene smile:   "Ah, young love!   I hope they soon realize its effects..."

Geet was not paying them any attention as she was still wrapped up in her thoughts brought about by Nikhil's call.   As she made her way towards the door, she came to a sudden halt and looked at her co-workers with a frown on her face and then with awe.   Sarah straightened herself, peered closely and asked in concern:   "What Geet?   Is everything okay?"

Hearing Sarah's question, Laura and Rob stopped mid conversation and along with Kathy gauged Geet as well.   Geet quickly shook her head and announced:   "I got it!   We can do a presentation on ways to find a balance between one's personal and professional life.   I think this would be exceedingly useful to them."

Saying this, Geet quickly ran over to her desk and jotted something down on her notepad as her co-workers collectively replied:   "Huh?"   Sarah elaborated:   "Geet, what are you talking about?" Geet quickly held up a finger signifying one minute and finished her thoughts on paper.   She quickly readjusted and walked towards the team and exclaimed in realization:   "Oh right!   You guys don't know yet.   I will fill you in after the meeting."

Everyone including Kathy cajolingly smiled or shook their heads at Geet.   They were slowly getting used to Geet's tangents and abrupt actions.   They knew that she would share her ideas later on with them.   In the mean time, Geet had a slight spring in her step unaware of the staff's reactions as she walked hurriedly in the direction of the conference room leaving the remaining three colleagues to trail behind.

********************

A curved glass solarium housed a few dewy Boston ferns and lovely spider plants that added greenery to the room that also contained cocoa-coloured furnishings including two sofas and a couple of reclining chairs.   A vibrant assortment of gorgeous hibiscuses, wondrous orchids, stunning African violets and forgiving peace lilies adorned the many table surfaces and sun lounge areas in an array of embossed and jeweled tone earthenware planters.

A regal and distinctive matronly woman stood watering and pruning her prized possessions.   The bright sun revealed a head of snowy white hair that was styled in a short boy cut.   Her average height but lean frame was swathed in black wide legged pants and a matching scoop neck tank top.   Her arms were covered in a long silver grey sweater that was more of an accessory piece rather than a protective garment with the ability to ward off against any potential chill.   Her jewelry included a large chunky silver necklace and small diamond encrusted silver half hoops.   Her comfortable black fuzzy slippers though, were incongruent to the well put together ensemble.

A gush of cold air was felt from the outside as a door opened and a child with tousled black hair and curious coffee coloured eyes stood in the entry way in autumn khaki pants and a red checkered long sleeve shirt.   The little bundle looked left and then right, upon completing the search, the little one's adorable smile became a grin.

The cute person propelled themselves towards their search and hugged the woman's leg firmly saying:   "Hi Badi Dadi!"

(Note:   Badi Dadi means great grandmother in Hindi)

The older woman was caught a little off-guard by the tight embrace around her leg but she controlled her stance and caressed the disheveled hair into neatness while enthusing:   "Hello, my Sammy!   Did grandma's prince have a good day?"

An affirmative nod from Sam was followed with a set of questions:   "When is Papa coming home?   I have to ask him something.   It is about the play.   Tell me when, BD?"

Sadness flickered in the light brown depths but the solacing strokes and warm embrace continued from the elderly woman for Sam.   After a few moments of debate, the caregiver settled on distraction and answered:   "How about we go and freshen up?   I will ask Maria to prepare your favourite snack of cheese and crackers, kiddo.   Maybe your BD can help and answer your questions."

Disappointment was visible on Sameer Khurana's face as he looked up at his guardian with soulful eyes and softly said:   "Papa is never around!   He doesn't love me.   I just know it.   He is going to miss my play too."

One of the many things that the matriarch of the Khurana family, Shanti Devi could not stand was tears in her great grandson's eyes.   Her anger, aggravation and anguish bubbled within her but her smiling façade did not slip as she gently scolded her charge:   "My raja beta, that is not true and your BD will make sure that your papa attends your play.   How about we call Maan in a little while and tell him to come home early?   You can be my little helper along with your Papa for when we make dinner tonight.   Doesn't that sound like fun?"

(Note:   Raja literally means king in Hindi but here along with beta it is an endearment meaning prince)

Sameer's slumped shoulders had lifted slightly and he wiped his tears with the back of his hands and gave a wobbly smile.   Shanti Devi grasped one of Sameer's hands and beamed at him as she guided them towards the other entrance that led into the house.

While walking up the stairs and lovingly touching the back of Sameer's hand with her thumb, Shanti Devi Khurana's thoughts were purposeful:   "This can't go on!   I can't see my Sammy dejected.   When will Maan understand that all the incidences that happened five years ago and since are not his fault?   I am done simply praying for my family's welfare!   It is time for action as well!"

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Welcome to the weekly update!   Thank you to all the readers that commented, voted, messaged, and/or silently viewed this story.   Your patronage means the world and helps me as a writer!

The entire supportive cast has now been introduced to you.   

Besides the protagonists, do you have any other favourite characters?   

What do you think Nikhil has brewing?   

Geet teaches others about mental wellness, do you think she practices what she preaches? 

What are your thoughts about Shanti Devi Khurana?

Since this book deals with mental health, I want to try something new.   Every chapter so far has a theme that depicts a certain emotion.   The reader who is first to figure out that emotion for any chapter, will get a read and comment on the first chapter of their book of choice.   You will also receive a winning shout out on my conversation board.   So start guessing!

As for the goal from last week, the views were close (293 vs. goal of 315) and the votes astounded me (63 vs. the goal of 70).   I am so pleased!   This week let's aim for more than or equal to 360 views and 80 votes, and you will receive a double update for the coming week.   Otherwise, we will meet next week!

Please share your views and comments because they mean the most.   And if you enjoyed or liked the chapter, feel free to show your affection by clicking on the little star!   Until next time...