Page 46 of Every Move You Make
Akash shrugged. “I did what I had to do. They agreed to come on live TV and present their stance, so it ended well.”
Janak grimaced. “Apparently not so well.”
“What do you mean?”
“Yesterday, I was called for a meeting with some of the board members of Sehgal Media.”
Akash frowned. “Why wasn’t I called for it?”
“Because they specifically didn’t want you there.”
Unease crept up his spine. “I’m not sure I follow.”
Janak folded his hands. “The board is uneasy, especially after the near disaster last week involving the minister’s office.”
“I handled that. So, what exactly are they uneasy about?”
“I know you handled it, and I am proud of you. But the board is questioning your leadership. According to them, that situation would never have arisen if someone more senior had been in charge.”
The words landed like a blow. His spine stiffened. “That was a hiccup. We moved past it. I’m sure you must have faced similar situations when you were in charge. But point noted. Next time, I will ensure the team does better.”
“I know you will, my boy,” Janak replied. “But this isn’t about what I think. They’re using that incident as an excuse to question your leadership. They believe you are too young and inexperienced.”
Akash let out a short breath, half laugh, half disbelief. “And who is leading this crusade?”
“Suveer Malhotra,” Janak replied without hesitation.
Akash’s brows shot up. “Why? He’s known me since I was a kid. I’m friends with his grandkids. Why would he try to undermine me?”
“It’s because he’s known you since you were a kid that he’s expressing his doubts. Suveer, as you know, can be difficult and traditional. What I hadn’t anticipated was how quickly he would rush to poison the minds of the other board members. As of now, the board is divided. Many of them are on your side. But a few of them, the important ones, are now, thanks to him, second guessing your rise to the top position of Sehgal Media.”
“This is bullshit,” Akash said. “They haven’t even given me a chance.”
Janak held his gaze. “Despite my belief in you, they don’t believe you can manage Sehgal Media without me standing behind you.”
“I do have you behind me,” Akash said sharply. “You're still here and supporting me.”
“They don’t believe my interest will last,” Janak said. “Especially now that everyone knows Sehgal Media doesn’t belong to me. That it never did.”
Silence stretched between them. Akash’s mind churned. Anger warred with concern. He needed the board to be on his side. He didn’t need the added headache of battling with the board, even the few who didn’t believe in him.
Janak’s voice was calm when he continued. “Suveer Malhotra has been very vocal. He’s reminding the others that you’re not a Sehgal, that I won’t be as involved because of that. He’s stirring unrest, furthering the divide amongst the board.”
“I’ve built my life around this company. It is mine, and I’ve worked hard to earn my place here,” Akash said forcefully. “That is the absolute truth.”
Janak nodded once. “I know, my dear boy. I know. But legacy businesses don’t run on truth alone. They run on names. On optics. On bloodlines people can understand.”
Akash stood abruptly, unable to sit still. “So, what am I expected to do?”
Janak clucked his tongue. “Don’t get agitated. Be smart about this.”
Akash turned, his anger sparking. “The only way to shut them up is to continue doing what I am doing. Let them watch me. Let them judge. I’ll deliver results, and they’ll have no choice but to fall in line.”
“That won’t be enough.” Janak rose from his chair slowly, as if he were choosing his next words with care. “The board is uneasy and so they’re considering putting in safeguards, setting up committees and restrictions.”
Akash’s stomach tightened. “They want to clip my wings?”
“They want to protect the company,” Janak said, his tone weary. “But yes. They want control.”
