Cross-border Merger

You're Going to London

"I was expecting that question, Sanyukta." Mr. Ahluwalia replied but instead of answering that question he continued talking to me about this case.

"Sanyukta I remember you telling me that you do not like to personally take on the cases of people who are economically privileged or are celebrities. I know you are not fond of seeing your face in the media in any way. But what I also know is that your heart lies in pro bono cases, working for people who can't afford the legal services they deserve. So, you might not see this matter as a pro bono case but I need you to take on Charles' son case."

As soon as heard those words, I guess I stopped breathing for a second. Whatever, Mr. Ahluwalia said was true. I work with the teams in this office for big companies only because I want to generate enough billable enough for me to take on pro bono cases. The moment I decided to study law was the moment I decided i need to do something for the society and law seemed the best way to do that, to reach out to people, to be financially independent to help them with their problems instead of relying on donations or grants from others.

Rich people have all the resources they need, its the underprivileged that need people like us to reach out to them. This is frankly what I've always believed in. Secondly, its the media that always surrounds these people and so, being associated with them generates unnecessary attention that I was happy without. 

So, what Mr. Ahluwalia is asking me to do isn't just something that I have't done previously, that is, taking on a case alone, but is also against what I believe in. With all these thoughts in my mind there was nothing but silence for good 20 seconds in this cabin. 

"Sir but me? I have never worked all alone without a team on such matters. Also, aren't there other people in this firm that are senior to me. I'm sure anyone would love to work on this."

"I know Sanyukta that no one will say no to this case but I trust you the most with this matter. You might not understand why now but I do know my people and you are perfect for this job. This is for Charles and I need someone I can trust to be on this matter. I trust you Sanyukta. I need you to go to London for this. Consider this as a short-term project of about 6 months subject to extension if required."

Great, so not only was I getting into a case that I was frankly not interested in but also leaving my family for this. 

"Now, everything I've told you till this point isn't supposed to go out of this room but whatever I say from this point on is strictly confidential. As your Boss and your senior, I order you to take up on this case." I saw this coming.

Mr. Ahluwalia continued, "I need you to go and apply for your Visa today itself. I'll ask my agent to help you out with the process and the Visa should ideally be in your hands in the next 15 days. By that time you will either wrap up your tasks here or allot them to the others in the office, depending upon the urgency and the subject matter of the cases. You cannot tell anyone, which includes your family, friends, anyone in this office and basically everyone. All you can say is that you're going to London for a diploma from QMUL which won't be lie since Charles would be sponsoring that. While you are there, you can keep yourself busy at Charles' office working on your case and attending lectures QMUL."

Bloody hell! I was going to QMUL! Holy Shit! I have lost the count of the number of times I have completely froze today. 

"I will give you some time to process all of this and I trust you enough to not get a NDA signed by you until later. So, you can go now, wrap your head around this discussion and start getting on the applications and work allotment. I will meet you after lunch to discuss other things and basically get on with the plan."

This was a lot to take in. I needed to breathe and so did my mind. My brain had lost its ability to ask any question or say anything at all which is why I simply nodded and started to walk towards the door. I was just about to pull the handles of the door when Mr. Ahluwalia suddenly said, "Oh and Sanyukta, to answer your question, "he" is Michael Daniels. Google about him if you don't know who he is."

That was the final limb of the remaining air getting knocked off me. 

A/N: I am so so so sorry for this extremely late update. I hate it too when authors do that. But I have the biggest justification - Assignments and Exams! I was so busy with the preparations and I would like to apologize in advance because I won't be able to update for almost another week but I swear on Sanyukta and Michael that I will be regular after that. 

Happy New Year in advance! I hope you spend your 31st celebrating unlike me studying (already crying)!!!