Lima sighed deeply, running a hand through her hair. "Look, I understand the urgency, but harassing me won't make this any easier. We all need to take a step back and breathe."

An awkward tension filled the air as the group realised how quickly their plans for a fun evening had derailed. Priyank caught Priya's eye from across the room, and she shot him a quizzical look, no doubt picking up on the strained atmosphere.

"Where are you looking, Maya? Tell me, why the hell did you ask me to be here? Just for this key topic? If that's the case, you could have discussed it over a call. You...