Tanmoy picked up the teacup that Mr Bakshi ordered and leaned against the sofa. He lifted one leg over the over and stared at the distance deep in thought. Mr Chauhan and Mr Bakshi already had their cups when they were waiting for Tanmoy's arrival so they only quietly waited for Tanmoy to think. Later Mr Bakshi ordered another cup for Tanmoy. He asked Anulekha but she refused. So now in the quiet room only the soft sipping sound, the whirring sound of the air conditioner and the ticking of the wall clock could be heard.
After a while Tanmoy placed the cup down. With the clinking of the glass, the other three looked at him. "Mr Chauhan... I'm glad you chose me as your substitute. I'm glad you deem my worth so valuable as being able to work in your place. But... I'm sorry. I don't think I'll be able to do it." Tanmoy rejected the request as respectfully and politely as he could. "Why do you think so Mr Chakraborty? I don't think you're someone who doesn't know their worth. And I believe you're not saying this to be humble either. Moreover, I think if you work for Jet they might even think about recruiting you as permanent legal department head. I should be the one afraid of losing my job." Mr Chauhan said. The last part was obviously a joke and everybody including him laughed.
"No Sir I wouldn't make you lose your job while acting as your substitute but yes, you're right about that. I can replace you permanently if I want to. I'm saying this because of a different reason. You said you'll be away for some time. And it's not a short period either. But you didn't say the exact period. This means you're not sure either when this emergency will end. You just know that it'll take some time to solve." Tanmoy said leaning on his knees with his elbows. Mr Chauhan nodded. A flicker of surprise could be seen in his dark grey eyes. He only heard of Tanmoy before and never interacted with him in person. So he still had a little doubt about his perception, sharpness and intelligence. But now everything was dispelled.
He never said these explicitly but he already knew. Tanmoy could have asked directly to confirm if there was any certain duration for the job but he did not need it. And he also liked how Tanmoy knew his own worth and was proud of saying that he could replace him. A mere nobody could not have the courage to do so in front of the person. And it was true. Tanmoy was no less talented than him. Maybe in turns of experience, he is ahead of him but the experience is nothing in front of the presence of the mind. A person with decades of experience could lose a simple case if he/she is in front of a newbie if their presence of mind lacks. No one can tell how a case will end. Maybe in the beginning it might seem like party A had a 99% chance of winning but party B can still turn the table even at the last moment with only a 1% chance. Experience only helps understand the situation better but turning the tide also requires perception, sharpness and intelligence.
Tanmoy continued "Even though you came here for me I have to refuse you. I'm sorry." Tanmoy said with joined palms. "What makes you think I came here for you?" Mr Chauhan asked. Tanmoy smiled politely and said "I believe that an esteemed person like you won't roam around without a goal. You must have had someone in your mind before venturing into your journey. Since you came here and Mr Bakshi called for me I believe it's because asked for me and not just the ace lawyer of the firm which could have been any other top lawyer. When you were telling me the purpose of your arrival there was expectation, doubt and confidence in your tone. Expectation because you have heard of me and felt I was the best choice to be your substitute. Doubt because we've never met and you weren't certain about my full capabilities and confidence because you felt that I wouldn't refuse to accept the proposal because working for Jet is a lifetime opportunity. Not only the salary but also the benefits and fame I'll gain." After finishing his speech Tanmoy straightened up and looked Mr Chauhan in the eye.
Mr Chauhan remained silent for a while and laughed out loud. "Good job. Now I'm certain you're worthy of your title of the number one advocate of the country. And you didn't the typical 'correct me if I'm wrong' at the end. This means you're confident in what you said and believe it's true. And it is true. I came here for you only. Everything you said was also true. And you also said you know what you'll get if you join Jet. There are also many other things but those are primary. Then what is the reason for your refusal?" He said.