Sacred Heart

3.

Mannat is introduced to the team. They regard her with questioning eyes but say nothing in Nalini's presence. For hours they sit there and discuss work, how much development has been done, what are the schemes chosen and different sectors they have ventured in. Under Nalini's guidance, the team is now working in more than eleven states where their party has a good hold and majority in the assembly. They are also planning for states where they have rule under coalition.

The team members make an exit after a lengthy discussion, leaving Mannat alone with Nalini.

"So I'll be working on those states where DSSP isn't in power?" Mannat looks at Nalini for affirmation, and Nalini does. "Yes, exactly," Nalini nods, "that's how a Mir will be introduced to the world Mannat."

Mannat understand what Nalini wants to say. The election will take place in two years and it will decide who sits on the throne of Prime Minister and form the cabinet. Since the last four terms, it's DSS party's candidates who win the majority in the parliament. A candidate on whom her grandfather has all the influence. Whom he can monitor and record. As her cousins were discussing business yesterday, they are behind their plans, time, and all these will directly influence the election.

"How much this project is a success from our point of interest?" Mannat asks. Surely these projects can't get you the desired number of seats, do they?

"You won't believe, but these projects has tremendously improved the public image for our party members. It shows better growth and development in various parts." Nalini briefly states.

Mannat nods. "So what do I have to do?" What is her role in this?

Nalini looks at the young girl. Her light eyes looks back at her, waiting for the answer, waiting for the confirmation. She knows what awaits her yet she asks. "You have studied business Mannat. You need to be the backbone of the business team. We surely have reached some goals, but it is not enough." Nalini hands over a manila folder, "take your time and go over them. These are the schemes chosen for." Nalini gets up from her seat. The lunch time is over, so is her working schedule at Mir Foundations for today. She needs to go back to her office, The Elora.  "I want your thoughts and input plans by tomorrow evening."

Tomorrow evening? Mannat's eyebrows rise at the hurried time, but voices out no questions.

"I'll see you then."

Mannat nods, "yes."

Nalini's face glows in delight. With a side hug, they bid each other bye. Mannat sit there with files. She eyes the folder and her confusion increases. No sane person would ask her to draft a plan by tomorrow. She cannot understand what really they want from her, what do they want her to do? She sighs.

Minutes goes by. The door opens and a girl in brown kurti enters with folders and a laptop in her hands. Mannat recognises her from the team she is introduced.

"Hello, I'm Kashi. The lunch break is over, so let's start. You need to attend a meeting." Kashi tells her. Mannat gives her a nod and puts the file inside her bag. Mannat turns towards her, "lead the way."

Kashi gives her a side glance before rolling her eyes and exits the cabin with Mannat following her. They enter the room on the left side. Seven people scattered around the table arranging for the meetings. A middle aged man seated at the head of the table. She frowns. The face looks familiar. Interrupting her thoughts, Kashi signs her to take the remaining chair at the last of the table and goes to the other side of the table. The mentioned man sitting on the head of the table clears his throat, gaining attention from others sitting there. "Today we have a new member joining us. Welcome on board. I'm Piyush Gopal, the legal advisor of the project."