What? Now, PIC shall decide if we deserve the salary we are drawing?
What is this employee training program? Training for what?
What is this revaluation? Should we prove our capabilities again?
Will PIC favour us or their employees?
Employees of Synnotech who are currently serving probation period will have
to restart their probation tenure after the acquisition.
What is this?
Should I serve probation after spending eight months of it already?
This is not fair.
I thought in the wildfire of this acquisition, I'll act as a firewall
-standing between the management and my team. -Piyush.
Yeah.
(telephone ringing)
Guys. This handbook has not been sent officially by the company.
Of course, but the official mail won't be any different.
If that is the case, how is PIC employee-friendly?
No. I think it has come to a fend for yourself scene now.
In fact, I think we should look for new jobs.
But the truth is that I made the mistake of underestimating this wildfire
and overestimating myself.
(tense music)
Vinayak, you need to serve the notice period.
-What do you mean you won't come to work from Monday? -Don't I have leaves?
-It will be adjusted. -And your project?
I talked to Kalpesh about it. It won't be an issue.
But employees moving to other companies is not much of an issue at all, Eric.
Our primary resource leaving the project midway is an issue for us.
I understand but we have equal or, in fact,
even more qualified resources to take your project ahead.
So, don't worry about it.
Are you sure we can get a senior resource on Edmund Brothers?
Oh absolutely. In fact, I will ensure that
I personally evaluate and assign the best resource ASAP.
Okay. Let's do this. Thanks, Vikram.
All right. Thanks, Eric. Speak to you soon. Bye there.
I think we should go ahead with the plan that we were discussing about, Vikram.
(chair creaks)
-Hi, Vikram. You called. -Come, sit down.
(door creaks)
Yes.
-So, how's it going with Jeffersons? -Oh. Smooth.
Quite smooth sailing and we are on auto-pilot now, so no stress at all.
And the team?
Well. They were tense after seeing that leaked handbook.
There was some confusion but we cleared it all. So, all is under control.
-Good. -Yeah.
So, Piyush, I have called you in to discuss the further
course of action with regards to Edmund Brothers.
-Okay. -You know that Kalpesh's team handles Edmund.
But, unfortunately, his primary resource, Vinayak, has quit.
-So now? -So, I have decided to reshuffle a few things.
Umm. Shetty will now be assigned to Kalpesh's team.
-What? -Yes. Because he's the best resource for Edmund
-and also Eric will be at peace. -No, Vikram.
Shetty is also a primary resource on Jeffersons. I can't let him go.
A while ago, you said Jeffersons is on auto-pilot.
Yeah, but there are ongoing tasks, Vikram.
And I want him on board for that. I can't let him go. Sorry.
Sunaina is there. She can manage the workload. What do you think, Vikram?
This. There is Michelle. What do we tell her?
-I think. -I'll handle Michelle.
Don't worry about it.
Piyush, I understand your restlessness.
But at this stage, we cannot afford
any of our top-end clients to have any doubt about our performance.
You understand that, right?
Sorry. Sorry, Vikram. I...
I am not okay with this. I am not comfortable.
(clock ticking)
Piyush, do you know when growth happens?
When we step outside our comfort zones.
And if there was ever a time that we needed to do that, that is now.
We need to think of Synnotech first and our teams later.
So, I want this done.
Urgently.
-Yeah. -Okay.
(sighs)
Kalpesh, update me about this. Yeah. And get back to work.
(coughs)
(exhales)
(door creaks & opens)
Was this your idea?
It's not a big deal, bro. Don't get stressed.
Inform Shetty. I need him ASAP.
My friend backstabbed me.
The management wants me to work like a firewall for them.
But if I turn over to the management, what will become of my team?
Author Beau Taplin once quoted.
'Whoever said the small things don't matter'
'has never seen a match start a wildfire.'
-Okay. -Bye, Piyush.
Bye, pal.
How can I possibly be a firewall for my team
when my friend has used me as a matchstick that starts a fire?
(footsteps)
(message notification beeps)
(telephone ringing)
(keyboard clatter)
(cell phone buzzes)
Hello. Hi, Aarushi.
-Hi, Sunaina. How are you? -I am good. How are you?
Neha. What's the status of today's tasks?
Well. Two are done, and one is in progress. So, today,
after discussing with the DB team, that will also be done.
Here's what you can do.
Let us discuss the splits about the tasks ahead.
Actually, Piyush, I wanted to talk to you.
Next month, I am planning to take a sabbatical.
I am planning to visit my friend in Shimla.
Sabbatical?
-Yeah. -How can you even think of a sabbatical in such a situation?
(telephone ringing)
Yes, but the situation will remain the same for me.
I am under probation and will remain in it after the acquisition as well.
If any need arises, I'll go for WFM.
-What was that? -Work From Mountains.
-Are you sure about switching? -Why do you ask?
Because PIC is acquiring Synnotech.
So, why do you want to join Mac-Code Ventures?
Honestly, given the circumstances, I just want to keep my options open.
Plus, I think that the work culture at
Mac-Code Ventures is absolutely fantastic.
I think I'll fit right in.
Sorry, guys. There was veneration at home early in the morning.
God is pleased but my in-laws are not.
-You got the sacrament? -I'll give it right away.
Just give me a couple of days.
I just want to finish up my projects here and then we can connect.
-Shetty. -Yes, pal.
I will allocate your tasks for the day to Sunaina and Neha.
Great.
One second.
-Have I been fired? -No.
Pal, I have a baby at home.
-Of course, Shetty. -Who's getting fired?
Guys, nobody is getting fired. Please.
A senior team resource was needed on the project of Edmund Brothers.
So, Vikram has assigned you to Kalpesh's team.
And you agreed to it?
Shetty, it was not my decision. It is Vikram's decision.
What are you the team leader for if Vikram makes all the decisions?
Am I a piece of furniture to be pushed around from one cubicle to another?
-Why wasn't I asked for my opinion? -No one asked for mine either.
I thought of you as a friend, pal. But you are only management's puppet.
Now, I understand everything clearly.
They are going by seniority. First, it was Gautam, then Shetty.
Later, it'll be me and then, you.
(exhales)
Only Piyush will remain.
(message notification)
(keypad clanking)
'Most probably, the Shimla plan is on. I have talked about taking a sabbatical.'
It is said that our worst moments reveal who we actually are.
I was supposed to be a good team lead to my team.
But when everything is destroyed, who should I be a firewall for?
When there is no team left, who do I lead?
(elevator beeps)
Pal, I told Supriya that it is my last week.
-Did she say anything? -What will she say?
I am well within my rights. Here's an insider information.
-You know Tushar from my team? -Yes.
-He is also putting his papers down. -What are you saying?
What plans for the weekend?
Seems to be a plot right out of a masala potboiler.
Really. Shetty and Sunaina bring in an element of drama.
Neha adds some rebelliousness.
Vikram brings in politics.
And Kalpesh brings in bitter betrayal.
Kalpesh is responsible for all this.
Pal, how is he at fault in this?
When all are resigning from jobs, resources are bound to get shuffled.
Yes, resources are bound to get shuffled.
Cheers, baby. Come on, smile now.
Firstly, take this bench away. You got it but never used it.
You kept it here. I don't use it. It'll get spoiled outdoors.
You are right. Dispose the bench, oust me.
-You are right. No. You are right. -What are you saying?
I'll take it away. Don't get stressed.
Listen. If you wish to drown in guilt after getting drunk, please don't.
I have benefited immensely after leaving Synnotech.
I think I was born for this freelancing lifestyle.
Tell me.
Do you also think I am a puppet in the hands of management?
It's only you who can answer that.
Thanks. Thank you.
Pal. No. You are not a puppet.
You know, I feel like I am unable to protect my team.
Isn't this happening because of that handbook?
I know someone in PIC. Let me find out from him what this is all about.
It's too late, bro. Employees are already resigning from their jobs.
And Sunaina. She is through to the interview round of her next job.
Employees are quitting but that doesn't mean they have already left.
Don't think about things that are not in your control.
Here's what you need to do. Retain Shetty somehow.
Then mark my words. Nobody will call you a puppet in the management's hands.
Gautam was right.
I can be a firewall for my team
when they believe I can protect them.
(vehicle honking)
Amidst anxiety and restlessness,
words of wisdom from an inebriated Gautam
have now made it clear as to who needs me the most.
I can be a firewall for my team
only when I get my own credentials authenticated.
A computer gives three attempts for authentication.
But, today, I need just one for my authentication.
Kalpesh, can you come to Vikram's cabin for five minutes? It's important.
Vikram was right.
Progress happens only outside the comfort zone.
(door creaks)
Hi, Vikram. Vikram, can I just get two minutes of your time?
Now?
Yeah, just quick two minutes. That's all.
And now, I am prepared to act out of my comfort zone.
Coffee and tea.
So, how was the interview?
Piyush, are you playing or asking genuinely?
I mean.
A friend is progressing in their career. I am happy. I ask genuinely. How was it?
Right. Umm.
In that case, it was good. Actually, very good.
Only the final round of salary negotiation remains.
Oh wow.
-That's great. -Yeah. Thanks.
And?
What's the update on WFM?
It's good. I mean the plan is on.
We just have to book tickets.
That's amazing.
Guys, I was thinking now that we are moving on in life,
shall we have one last team dinner?
Together? As a team?
Well. Piyush.
Are you doing this out of guilt or do you have some agenda or what?
Yes, I have an agenda.
-But I carry no guilt. -And Shetty?
As I know, he is not talking to you. So.
-Yes. Since it is a team dinner, Shetty will join us. -Shetty will join us.
-Yeah. -Okay.
-Thanks. -Yeah. Thanks.
-Check if the sugar is right. Just... -Okay.
Nobody was there. Not a soul. Just me.
This has to be done. This is what happens.
-You need to get a grip on yourself. -Thank you.
Pal, right after I lost the job, it was quite weird.
It became muscle memory. I would wake up early in the morning, get ready.
One day, I got into the elevator.
The guard there reminded me that I had lost my job.
Oh.
(laughs)
-One second. Did this really happen? -Sorry.
-I exaggerate it sometimes. -I have told you
whenever you feel like that,
don't stop at the elevator, take a cab and come
-to office. We will be there. It won't make any difference. -Correct.
No. Gautam Batra won't enter Synnotech wearing a visitor ID card.
-Is there any... -No.
-With that card. -Ready to order, sir?
-Yes. Sorry. -Ready to order, sir?
Actually, we are waiting for a friend.
-We'll place the order soon after he comes. Thank you. -Sure.
I told you Shetty won't come.
What did you tell Shetty?
The same you told me to. It's Piyush's party. Come over, we'll drink all night.
What? What did I say to tell him?
I said tell Shetty it is team dinner.
The team is partying. We'll have dinner together.
-What did you say? Piyush. -That is what I said.
-Aren't you sponsoring it? -Yes, I am. How does it matter?
He's here. Shetty.
Saw that?
-I came only because Gautam called. -Pal.
So sweet, Shetty.
Well, listen. I need to go early.
I have a lot of work in the morning. Can we wind it up soon?
-Let's drink at ease. -You came just now.
Shetty, it's a matter of just one day. Relax.
-Just enjoy yourself. Don't worry. -Right, pal.
You own Edmund Brothers. Don't you?
-Hey. So what if I don't own it? We can take it easy. -Yes.
-Let's order. -Guys, before we order,
I need just two minutes for two quick announcements.
Firstly.
Welcome back to the team, Shetty.
The second announcement is
now onwards, Edmund Brothers is the new client of our team.
Pal, if this is a joke, it's not at all funny.
Guys, I am dead serious.
Edmund Brothers is the new client of our team.
But what about Kalpesh and his team?
And then how did you do it?
Well.
Here's an insider information. You know Tushar from my team?
-He is also putting his papers down. -What are you saying?
-Pal, Kalpesh is screwed. -Hi, Vikram.
Can I just get two minutes of your time?
Well, Vikram, we all know Tushar from Kalpesh's team has also resigned.
-I... -So?
Payal is there. Shetty has already started working for us.
I'll borrow one resource from the bench and another from some other team.
I'll talk to Eric. We don't have an option.
We have an option, Vikram.
I mean although it is a bit radical but...
Piyush, I appreciate your concern
-but this is not the time for radical solutions. -It's okay, Kalpesh.
Let's hear him out. Go ahead, Piyush.
Thank you. Vikram, I was saying that Kalpesh's team is
full of newcomers. They've never really worked with each other before.
So, it would be very unfair on us to expect some sort of bonding and
expecting chemistry is just too far-fetched. That'll be unfair.
One minute. I mean, what do we do now?
Should we tell Eric we can't work as there is no chemistry in the team?
-One second. Can I please finish? -Yeah.
So, what was I saying? Vikram, so, I was thinking,
why don't you assign Edmund Brothers to my team
along with Shetty? Because we have
handled bigger clients before. We have that kind of
experience and you know what I mean. We are well aware
of each other's skill level and bandwidth.
-We know everything. -Piyush, are you serious right now?
Yeah. I think that's a decent solution, Vikram.
So, will you handle the Jeffersons and Edmund Brothers together?
-Have you even thought about it? -Well, now, I think
that's a fair point. I completely agree with him.
It will be an over-commitment if we are also looking at Jeffersons.
So, what I feel is,
why don't Kalpesh and his team look after Jeffersons from here on?
Anyway, it is on an auto-pilot mode.
It'll be running smoothly. No problems. We're always here to help them out.
No. Nobody in your team knows a thing about Edmund Brothers.
Kalpesh, you've given Shetty the download and he's already working.
Perfect. That way, Shetty can give us the download also.
Vikram, at this stage,
giving my client to another team is just not fair on my team.
One second. Kalpesh, remind me. Not fair to the team that has already left?
Kalpesh, instead of giving you more resources from other teams,
doesn't it make sense to give the client to a team that can actually deliver?
Kalpesh, I am reassigning Edmund Brothers
and Shetty back to Piyush's team.
(exhales)
-Piyush, make sure to give Kalpesh and Payal the download on Jeffersons. -Sure.
-Yeah. -Keep Michelle in the loop. Mark me on CC and...
-Yes, I think we should do it. -Yes. Together as a team.
Have this done.
(door creaks & opens)
And I won't let you down. Thank you.
You did this on purpose, right?
It's no big deal, bro. Don't get stressed.
Listen. Tell Shetty that I need him ASAP.
Now, this is called a masterstroke.
-Wow. -Guys. (clap)
(sighs) Thank you for getting me back, pal.
I had already started job hunting.
Anytime, Shetty.
Welcome back.
Well, Piyush, the credit for motivating you should go only to me, right?
-Yes, give it to him. -Yes.
-Cheers to Gautam. -And everyone.
Also, guys. With this, we have added another feather to our caps.
The Edmund Brothers.
Go ahead and update your CVs. After Jeffersons, we added another client.
-Congrats. -Cheers.
Not bad.
So, what plans for WFM?
I...
So, I think now I am excited for WFO.
-Work From... -Office I believe.
(all laugh)
Yes. Work From Office.
-Man. -Good.
(chuckles)
Sunaina, what about you?
Umm. I have cleared the interview. So.
-Nice, pal. -Right.
Thanks.
Guys, all the chaos was started by the leaked handbook.
So, I feel it's only fair if we get an idea about its truth.
What say, Gautam?
Why not, Piyush?
-Gautam. -One second, guys.
(keypad clanking)
(line ringing)
Yes. Pratik, hello.
Yes, I want to ask whatever I texted you about.
PIC handbook.
One second.
Pal, that handbook is rubbish.
Nobody takes it seriously.
Last time, they acquired Genesis
and the same thing happened.
The handbook spread such insecurity
that the employees of Genesis quit the company.
It ensured cost-cutting without spoiling the reputation of the company.
Really? What are you saying?
I am just giving you the management's POV.
MNCs like PIC are smart but not strict.
Mark my words. They'll release a new handbook soon.
Tell your friends not to panic over it and resign.
We are not resigning, pal.
(chuckles)
Thanks, pal.
This is such a relief.
-Catch up with you later. -This is unbelievable.
He is right. The area in which Synnotech works
is something PIC wants to enter.
That explains the billion-dollar acquisition.
Exactly. There will be a flood of opportunities
especially for you, Sunaina.
It's going to be huge after this acquisition.
It's PIC, guys.
-Yes, pal. -By the way, Sunaina, you won't
find such a team anywhere.
Sir, last order.
-The kitchen will close. -Oh man.
-Shit. -Sunaina, why don't you choose?
You know what?
Today, I choose my team.
-Oh man. Cheers to that. -That was amazing.
-Hey. -Yes.
(cheering)
It's all about your perspective.
On one hand, a wildfire is disastrous
but on the other, it also enhances a jungle's fertility.
After this chaos, my bonding with my team
has become all the more strong.
The employees whose increment is due will get it next month. What a relief.
The training period is optional, pal. We were getting stressed unnecessarily.
Pal, the official handbook speaks nothing about revaluation.
Do you see their work culture? It's wonderful.
Thankfully, they removed the point about probation.
However, they are not giving clarity if probation will be restarted or not.
Neha, this is good news.
-Besides, so much is happening. Even this will happen. Don't worry. -Relax.
In the language of Computer Science, firewall is a network security device
that monitors incoming traffic network.
-A little. -Sunaina, will you drop me?
-Where do you want to go? Yes. -Will you drop me home?
-Sunaina, are you coming? -Yes, I am coming.
Until the acquisition is complete,
it is my responsibility
to stand as a firewall between the incoming problems and my team.