When Our Paths crossed..

Welcome the Next CEO..

Coimbatore, Friday Morning 10:00 AM

The board meeting was scheduled at their office in Coimbatore this time. Mr. Maran had offered to drop her and she accepted after a moment of hesitation. Everyone were sitting in the conference hall. She seemed to be the youngest of the group. A vacant chair reminded her of Rakshan. This was the first meeting she was going to attend without her guardian angels. She surveyed the crowd around.

Primary members Mr. Maran, Mr. Krishnan, Karthick, and a few well wishers and old members of AK Groups were present. Other board members with sufficient shares to participate were also there. AK groups had collaborated recently with many technology driven organizations to support the upcoming modern education era.

She could see a few familiar faces, Ms. Shakila CEO of ZEN solutions gave her a friendly smile. Shivani had recently met her for a collaboration in the girl child wellness program. Ms.Shakila was very much happy to collaborate and support. Except for her, most of the elderly faces threw judgmental looks at her. All credits to the scandal with Ashwin. When her gaze fell on Karthick, he gave her a friendly nod and she returned the gesture, though she wanted to punch him right on his face. When she turned to Mr. Maran, she noticed that his eyes were also fixed on her.

Reality struck her hard. He had never wanted her here. He felt, Shivani stole the place that Rakshan deserved. Suddenly her chest felt heavy and she didn't know why. But she couldn't hate him. Whenever she needed a father figure to address her in the society, it was Mr. Maran without any question. From signing her report cards, to her engagement invitation 6 years back, everywhere by default it was Mr. Maran. That is why a part of her doesn't want to admit that he would have a hand in the scandal. But still, she knew that he wasn't on her side either.

The meeting began with usual formalities. Mr. Maran explained the reason for the adhoc meeting and also gave a formal declaration about Mr. Arunachalam's current health condition. And then he declared, that Mr. Arunachalam had given his power to authority to Shivani until he returns from his treatment. Members studied in the copy on their table.

Shivani could easily make out that they weren't happy about the decision. She went to the dais waiting for the response.

"Miss Shivani! We understand, Mr. Arunachalam has given you the power to take decisions in his place. At the same time, it also states, any decision that you take will pass only after Director Rakshan passes his approval. But Mr. Rakshan's resignations has been processed after the power transfer date. Now who will approve your decisions?" Mr. Krishnan asked.

And genuinely Shivani didn't have an answer for that. Mr. Maran stood up and replied that, the clause will be corrected soon. But the board members didn't seem convinced. Shivani tried her best, but it was evident that the decision was already taken. At situations like this, in the absence of AK heirs, the primary members with good shares would nominate themselves and the next CEO will be chosen on voting basis. Since Rakshan had already transferred his shares to Shivani, she was eligible for the election. It was decided that Mr. Maran, Mr.Krishnan and Shivani would contest in the election.

~

Chennai, Friday Morning 11:00 AM,

"Hello Sir!" Ashwin entered the meeting room at the production house and director GVM gave him a warm welcome. The leads, senior artists in prominent roles, producer and technicians had already arrived for the meeting

Ashwin passed his greeting and they settled for the discussion of their upcoming project. After almost half a day, the meeting was dispersed and GVM and Ashwin settled down for lunch.

"Ashwin, unga music album launch eppo??"

"2 days la sir"

"Okay...neenga stay inga thane? Or you need any accommodation??"