MIRA

31. Rise back up🕊️

Maybe it was the effect of Vikranth's words, or the need to prove to him and moreover to herself, Mira spent the entire evening on researching and compiling information on her proposed idea. She was still worried and unconfident, but one thing she knew she was good at was research. By the time she was done ordering all the files, it was past 10 p.m. Mira had some leftovers for dinner and decided to call it a night as she had a big day ahead.

That night, Mira couldn't sleep. Her thoughts about what would happen after she would tell Richard the truth and confront Ananth circulated in her head. 'What if Ananth proved to everyone that Mira was lying and still convinced Richard that the idea was his? What if she wasn't convincing enough and would be punished for her acts? The office was already gossiping about the New York incident...this would give them more to talk about! What if she was repatriated?! What would she tell her parents?!

Mira tried to brush these thoughts aside as she thought about some facts, like how all her team members knew that the idea was hers. Then she thought about what Vikranth had said, ''Confidence Mira! Confidence!'', she could not let her lack of confidence stand in her way this time. With great effort, Mira managed to fall asleep for the remaining few hours.

***

The following day, things went as usual at work until that afternoon. Richard had called for a consultation session with each of the campaign groups. Mira, Jyoti, Ananth and the rest of the team were sitting around a oval-shaped table waiting for Richard. As soon as he walked in, they all stood up,

''Sit down guys, don't be so formal.'' Richard said as he walked in unbuttoning his coat.

''Sorry guys, I'm flying to New York later tonight, so I had some things to sort out. Unfortunately, we only have about thirty minutes, so if you can quickly run-through the market research and the main idea, we can be done.''

''Sure Ritchie.'' Ananth said and stood up.

Just then, Mira turned to Ritchie and asked,

''Actually Ritchie, is it alright if I present the idea?'' Mira asked. Ananth scowled and Mira and whispered,

''Mira! What are you doing? I've already prepared the slides!''

''Oh don't worry, it's the same slides, I've just added some extra research, that's all.'' Mira assured him.

''Mira! Of course!- doesn't matter who does the talking, it's the idea that I want. Go for it!'' Richard said.

''Thanks Ritchie.'' Mira said as Ananth sat back down. Mira went on to present the campaign as she thoroughly covered everything. As she glanced at her team members while talking, she noticed that Jyoti was smiling at her, while Richard seemed intently focused in getting all the information in. Mira also couldn't ignore the shock on Ananth's face as she revealed some extra information that strengthened the success rate of their campaign. Finally when she was done, Richard said,

''Brilliant! This will be the best campaign we've done! And Ananth my man, you and Mira both have a clear picture of this campaign, it's almost like you guys have the same mind! I don't know why you didn't allow her to present in the first place!''

''But I do sir, it's because this campaign doesn't belong to him- I mean it wasn't his idea.'' Mira blurted out. She knew that this would be her chance to speak up but she was feeling nervous again as her heartbeat rose.

''Mira, it doesn't matter, I'm sure Ritchie knows that marketing is all about teamwork.'' Ananth said and scoffed.

''Yea, except it wasn't this time....'' Mira said loudly.