A Wrong Move

Chapter 27

"Joshi Ma'am", Mehek addressed her mentor timidly. It's been almost a week since she has joined under Mrs. Bani Joshi. Still other than getting few general documents to study , she wasn't explained anything else. Unlike her previous assignment, she was a lone member from her company. "What is it, my dear?", Mrs Joshi attended her cheerfully. Her over friendliness made Mehek nervous. She was afraid that management will be unhappy if they find that she hasn't even started a bit even after a week. 

"Ma'am, I still don't know what is expected from me? ", Mehek enquired. "Don't worry, Dear. All in good time", Mrs. Joshi brushed her concern aside, "till then you finish initial formalities". "I did it on first day itself, Ma'am", she informed her again. "Then try to enjoy the day", Mrs. Joshi smiled and got back to her work. Mehek stood beside her for few more minutes, until she realised it is fruitless. She sighed and returned to her seat.

Mehek looked around her section which was mostly empty. They were accommodated in a posh building rented out by her client. Mehek wished she had few members of her parent company or atleast few colleagues around who can help her other than Mrs. Joshi. She stared at the blank screen in dismay. Perhaps a stroll outside may cheer her mood. So she lifted her crutche and decided to go out for a walk. She looked around carefully to escape Mrs. Joshi. She wanted to avoid her continuous rant to be careful or offering of company. Although she may mean it well, it made Mehek feel low. She didn't wanted to be treated specially due to her inability.

After a little while, Mehek arrived back. She felt fresh and determined to face her trouble. She decided to informed her company, if her client continues to give her vague requirements. It's better to discontinue and look out for new projects rather than sticking here. But as soon as she walked in, Mrs. Joshi stormed to her, "Mehek, I was so worried about you. Where were you?". When she explained about her short break, she mellowed down, "Oh! Dear. You should have told me. I would have come with you", then she soon shuffled some papers in the files she held. She checked them momemtarily before handing it to Mehek, "this is your first assignment. Go to this place and ensure that everything is in place for our guests". It was now Mehek's turn to be overwhelmed, "What am I supposed to arrange? Where is the venue? How many guests?". "It's all in the file. Your ride is already waiting in the basement. You can go through the details while commuting. Don't waste time and hurry up", Mrs. Joshi led her to the elevator.

The location was a bit distant from the workplace. Hence Mehek had enough time in the car to go through the file. The ask was to arrange a quite dinner for two. Menu was set. Chef and staff would have already started preparation. She just have to look over the arrangement. Her job appeared to be easy. But once she reached, she realised that it wasn't an easy task. The restaurant was incomplete. Only a small part looked viable for dining. Staff were inexperienced although Chef seemed to qualified. She quickly pulled up her socks and get on to the task.

8 O'clock. It was almost time for guests to arrive. Mehek took deep breaths to hold her beating heart. Although it was tedious, she was happy with the results. Staff were corporative and cordial while their food tasted delicious. They all waited anxiously for the couple to arrive and appreciate their effort. Head steward was already sent to the door by Mehek, to greet the guest and lead them to the table. Mehek chose to remain with waitress near the designated space. As soon as they heard the sound of a car arrive, positions were taken. Mehek plastered a sweet smile on her face to welcome their guests. "I'm impressed", those two words brought smile to all but her.

Mehek tried to pull herself behind curtain and let the waitress with head steward take charge. However there was no need to hide since Shaurya had already seen her. Apart from a curt greet both didn't spare one another more. While allowing others to serve food for the couple, Mehek looked out to know about the person, his date with whom Shaurya has come to dine. She was surprised to recognize familiar face of Mrs. Joshi. 

"I am sorry, Dear. It was all Mr.Khanna's idea to check how the team is faring", Mrs.Joshi explained, "Just like you, this restaurant and the entire staff is new. He wanted to know how you all will coordinate as a team and work it out". Mehek nodded as she wanted to avoid any disruptive scene. Mrs. Joshi may be in dark but she knew very well that Shaurya had manipulated his way into her career. 

"Please be seated", Mehek spoke politely keeping professional attitude. "Why don't you join us, Mehek?", Mrs. Joshi invited while Shaurya looked at  them inocently. "It's okay, Ma'am. We all worked a lot to bring a memorable dinner to you both. I would prefer to play the host". Not much words were shared further except about food and drinks. Mehek and staff got busy serving them dinner.

It was a successful event. Despite sour feelings, Mehek kept her personal side apart and cheered the team. Shaurya came in, appreciated them all for their effort and urged them to keep up the good work. Soon he left but not before offering to drop Mehek and Mrs. Joshi. But both ladies declined . He didn't insist further and left after bidding farewell to them. After spending some time with staff, Mrs. Joshi dropped Mehek in her car. "Your boring days are over, Mehek. We will be quite busy from tomorrow", she waved at her while Mehek managed to node passively.

Next day in office, few more people joined Mehek and Mrs. Joshi. They all met in conference room where Shaurya had arranged for their staff meeting. The restaurant need to open in a month. Timeline was clear but many things were still indecisive. The team was still not able to come with a proper theme and related menu. "Our theme should be Love", an eager  female team member suggested, "I mean Romance". "Good suggestion", another added to it, "We can cater to couples who wants to spend quality time with one another". 

Shaurya stole glances at Mehek and agreed, "We tried out a dry run last night. I too agree that the ambience resonates with Romance". The female whose name Mehek now knew as Kavya jumped on with joy since her suggestion was accepted, "We can provide curated menu that matches the occasion. Whether it is the first date, anniversary or proposal. Even serve customized cakes designed specifically for couple". "Not to forget about vintage wine", another member added his point. "What do you think, Ms. Sharma?", Shaurya directly shot his question to Mehek.

Mehek being most junior in the team was given the task to take notes. She had been doing it diligently to avoid uncomfortable gazes from Shaurya. When out of blue, he brough her under limelight, she was speechless. "I am impressed by the way you arranged last night's dinner. I think you are the romantic type", he coaxed a reply from her. While Mrs. Joshi smiled at her, others eagerly waited for her words. 

"I...I...I am...", Mehek stammered, unable to gather a suitable response. Kavya rolled her eyes while few others started to mock her with their smiles. She realised that she had to stand tall and give befitting response. "Sorry Sir, but I am a practical person. Far from anything romantic", she spoke confidently. Shaurya chuckled, "Then what is your practical suggestion, Ms. Sharma?". She clutched the pencil so tight that it could break while he seemed to be enjoying her anger. "I think we should furnish top floor of restaurant as bed chambers , offering night stay for couples", she spewed.

Now Shaurya was getting angry. Mehek had hit the target well. While other tried to make sense of her out of the box idea, Mrs. Joshi played referee. "Mehek meant that it will be convenient for guests to avoid long commute back to city after a leisure meal", she tried to diffuse the situation, "Isn't it Mehek?". "No, Ma'am", she replied, "I meant to provide a cozy space where couples can get intimate after their so called romantic date". 

Kavya scoffed at her crude remark so Mehek shot at her rudely, "Do you think romance works?", she didn't wait for the answer, " Nowadays it doesn't. Let's accept it. S*x Sells". The conference room became tensed when all were murmuring to one another. Mehek smirked at their reaction, "Let's be honest and clear.  Where does a typical romantic dinner end? Ofcourse in bed. I know many have already visioned it", she taunted their hypocrisy, " Whether it's a blind date, proposal or any other special occasion between a couple, the fulfilled conclusion is in bed".

Shaurya tried to keep to his visage normal. It was getting difficult to rein his anger but Mehek didnt seem to care. "So my suggestion is valid. Let's provide facility for our guests to spend the night together. Discretion will be the code. So that couples pursuing what do you call it...", she looked on to Shaurya pretending to be enquiringly but filled in herself, "An open relationship. I am sure it will be a hit amongst such people". 

Mehek turned to her colleagues as if seeking their opinion. Many were smiling timidly while others were still aghast by her suggestion. "Meeting is adjourned", Shauyra sprang on to his feet, "Mrs. Joshi meet me in my cabin", he then glared at Mehek and ordered, "Bring me the minutes in 10 minutes".