The unpardonable

The express delivery of the teacup, the hushed words of wisdom and Chai-La (the mystical Chinese canteen tea boy) had disappeared amongst the pages of the unfinished book that Ram Shankar had been carrying.

"My team," he began in a tone that was decidedly harsh on the eardrums and sensitive minds, "we are gathered here to welcome Mr. Interrupto, our new partner from across the seas, let us begin by hearing from him about his life journey and then…"

Mr. Bose, however, knew he had to be courteous as these investors were bringing in money by the truckload. Mustering his politest expression he amicably addressed Mr. Interrupto
"What did you have in mind?" asked Mr. Bose, sporting a ‘smile‘ that would have made Mona Lisa‘s expression far more discernable.

"And we can start with you; who seems to be the captain of the team." Vikas stepped forward, puffing his chest to such an extent that it began to develop autonomous horizontal ambitions

"Beg pardon Bose Sir" interjected Mr. Interrupto, just as Vikas was going to hit the higher octaves, "In my country only inefficient businesses need a client servicing function, it‘s just a waste of manpower."

Mr. Bose quickly motioned Vikas to stand down, and the next person to step forward. PP couldn‘t help indulging a smirk.

"Beg pardon Bose sir", quipped in Mr. Interrupto, "In our culture, people use their full names when introducing themselves, those who cant take pride in their own names, can never do anything on our business. Also where I come from twirling one‘s moustache so aggressively is considered as a signal used by men of ill repute to solicit commercial fornication."

"Why you?" boomed PP, but a widely grinning Vikas quickly spirited him outside the room, after the inevitable explosion of expletives; they were both in, in the amazingly efficient time of only two minutes - A new agency record for these interventions.

His evaluation of Ram quickly reached him to the conclusion that he would fall in his own eyes if he directly addressed him. Turning to Mr. Bose he began in terse sentences set to the tune of the incessant banging of the table.