“Sure.” Ritwik stepped back.
“Right! So, as Ritwik already mentioned, I am stepping in, or rather, taking over, to accelerate the growth and tap the potential of Sigma. This does not mean we are looking at layoffs. As a matter of fact, we will be expanding and soon. Most of you will retain your positions, while some of you may move to a BU that is better suited for your skills or strengths.”
The room heaved a collective sigh of relief, although most of them tried to curb the fear of change from showing on their faces.
“I’d really appreciate if you keep all this information to yourself until the takeover is complete. At this point, we are only informing the execs, and that is the reason all of you are here today. As I speak to each one of you over the coming weeks, we will solidify the strategy and vision for this merger before going public. Until then, you are requested to adhere to the NDA that you’d be signing in this meeting. I trust you all will respect the need for privacy.”
All of them nodded, already eager to please the boss.
“So, any questions for me?”
Again, Vinay was the one who spoke. “While you told us there won’t be layoffs, will this mean better benefits now that we are likely to merge into a global brand?”
Neil’s lips curved slightly. “I hope to discuss the benefits with each one of you individually before rolling out a plan.” The questions on vision and strategy followed, which Neil fielded nonchalantly.
Tanya almost admired Neil for handling the room with panache.If only this company remained unchanged, she thought with an inward sigh. She absently noticed people moving towards the exit.
Neil shook hands with each one of them as they left, his interest piqued when his eyes fell on the curvy brunette he had encountered earlier. He noticed her slow gait as if she was reluctant to face him or shake hands with him.
Ritwik smiled when he introduced the last one remaining. “And, this is Tanya Kumar. The best executive assistant I could ask for. Not to mention, a great friend since my high school days.”
Neil’s eyes widened when he realized the woman standing before him was none other than his brother’s other best friend - Tanya, or Tanya Kumar - the little girl who used to tag along with Ritwik and his own younger brother. Although she was a couple of years younger than his brother, he remembered Tanya being a typical tomboy. His eyes immediately noticed her sinful curves that suggested she was far from boyish.
Tanya felt the heat rise in her face when she realized Neil recognized her.
“Good to see you after all these years, Tanya.”
Tanya nodded, as she placed her small hand into Neil’s much bigger ones. “You too.” She unconsciously shivered when she felt a brief, electric contact at the touch. Tanya immediately turned towards Ritwik, her face softening and her lips curving on their own.
Neil noticed the subtle change in Tanya, while an oblivious Ritwik continued to look at Neil.Interesting, Neil thought to himself.
“Tanya can work with you as your EA until we hire someone. Is that okay?” Ritwik interrupted his thoughts.
“Since Tanya has been around long enough, I’d prefer her to help us with the whole takeover. I can continue working with Tanya if I find her work satisfactory.” Ritwik smiled in relief at the same time Tanya almost cringed. Neil was amused at her reaction and the way she was trying her best and failing to maintain a poker face.
Chapter 2
Tanya stretched, her whole body literally aching after slouching over her laptop for hours together. Was it twelve hours today or thirteen? She could barely keep her eyes open even as she absently noticed it was Friday. Then, her eyes fell on the calendar. Was it two months already? Two months since the Brute came and took over the peace and charm of Sigma. Two months since her life went off track. Huh!
Tanya thought about the recent past that was filled with work and more work. Coordinating with the legal team, marketing, careful drafting of press releases for the future, while meeting the demands of several executives was no mean feat.
Tanya felt depressed when she realized she’d hardly spoken to Ritwik for the last two months. Now that she worked for the Brute, she hardly had time for Ritwik - her secret crush ever since she could remember. Ritwik was her Prince Charming and her Knight in Shining Armor. The only glitch in her happily ever after? He had friend-zoned her completely that she didn’t know how to get Ritwik to look at her as a woman.
“Are you done for the day?” Neil’s voice disrupted her daydream.
“Yes. Unless you have something else?” Tanya barely looked at Neil as she replied. She didn’t know whether it was her imagination, but every time Neil looked at her she felt he was secretly laughing at her. Especially when Ritwik joined the two of them.
Although he was annoying at times, Neil was a fair boss. Alternating between Mumbai, where Neo Systems was headquartered, and Bangalore, Neil worked harder than most of them. His sharp mind and the respect that he commanded was genuine. Be it technology or business, Neil was on top of his game. Tanya relented slightly as she remembered his genuine concern and the efforts he’d put in towards Sigma. He even ensured that she didn’t skip meals, however hectic the day was. Suppressing a sigh, she looked at her boss.
“That’ll be it for today, Tanya. Oh, and before I forget, Nitin is in town and we are having dinner with him. Why don’t you join us?” Nitin was Neil’s younger brother and her other best friend. Ritwik, Nitin and herself were thick as thieves ever since the guys were in high school. Being older than her by three years, the boys were always protective of her. Nitin was more like a brother she never had, while Ritwik was her heartthrob.
“Nitin is in town? When was he planning to tell me?” She quickly scrolled through her smartphone only to realize she had several missed calls and messages from her best friend. “I think he tried calling me. My mobile was on silent mode; I forgot to turn the ringer on.” Tanya grimaced, absently pushing her glasses back.
“So?” Neil waited for her answer.
“Well, I’m not too sure. I need to go home first.” Tanya bit her lip in indecision.
“What if I tell you Ritwik is also joining us?” Neil raised a brow and looked at her. He was amused to see her spirits and her expression immediately change for the better.
