Flash bulbs popped as they came out of the meeting hall where they had been closetted for the past six hours. They quickly put the few sheets of paper and their calculators in to their spotless white kurta pockets. Then they hugged--- more flashes; then one hand of each went across the other's waist, and the other free hands went up with the index and middle fingers quickly forming a V. The hug was apparently very intimate, their smiles couldn't have been broader and the raised 'V' emphatically declared a great triumph. They waited for the photographers to have at least a few exclusive photographs, till they brought their Vs down and let go off the arms across each other's backs.
"Is the crisis over?" shouted three from the front row together.
The two gentlemen in the white kurtas smiled. "What crisis?"
"Have the parties arrived at any conclusive agreement?"
"It was a very fruitful meeting .Let us clarify that there was no crisis; the media has just blown it out of proportion. Yes there were some differences among the partners, but then 'difference of opinion' is always healthy-it is proof, if any was needed, that we are democratic to the core," said the more vocal of the two.
"But what is the outcome of the meeting?"
"He continues to be the chief and I the deputy."
"What about the others?"
"We have agreed that some restructuring is required… now, please don't put words into our mouths and term it downsizing. We agree that some quick austerity measures are absolutely necessary and towards this end we have decided to cut down administrative costs. You will appreciate our seriousness if you realize that we are reducing the size of our team by almost 10 percent !" The chief and the deputy look at each other, smile and nod their heads, reaffirming that what had just been said was exactly what they had decided during the six hours. In the mean time, a smart alec calculated: 10 percent would mean about six, and then fired the next and a reasonably potent salvo.
"Who are the six whose resignations will be magnanimously accepted and given the golden handshake?"
The chief is a little annoyed. "See, such vital issues don't get decided in one meeting. Anyway, I am leaving for Delhi to meet with my chief-- the high command-and the decision will be taken after I get back."

The chief and his deputy didn't hear the next question-or at least they didn't seem to-as they said thank you and got into their waiting cars and sped off. "Who's bearing the expense for your visit sir?" a young and obviously inexperienced scribe had put the question rather impetuously.
The chief's visit in Delhi had to be extended by a couple of days-the seriousness of the matter apart, getting an appointment with the 'highest command' was perhaps not really factored in. Finally, he managed to and came out of the meeting, beaming as always. A horde of press people was waiting for him there as well, but this time he took the initiative.
"I am glad that the high command has ratified our decision, and we are going ahead with the 10 percent cut in our administrative costs," he declared.
"Have the names been decided sir?"
"No, not yet. I will be meeting with our allies and the entire team in Mumbai tomorrow; and I think the list should be out by the day after."
True to his word, the meeting took place and lasted the whole day. In keeping with the latest custom, the chief and the deputy came out together, an action replay of their public display of emotion.
"The list, sir..?"
The chief announced the names of the six whose resignations had been accepted. Fifty-five hands joined in applause, six sulked in a corner. There were some more questions for the chief and his deputy.
"Don't you think this will create a rift among your allies and create unstability?"
"Not at all; the decision has been taken as a matter of principle and in the larger interests of the state as a whole. Then you see, it's only a matter of time before everybody gets an opportunity. One-third of our total supporters have been given positions in the first lot, the others will gradually get their chance during the monthly reshuffles. That way, every one will be kept on their toes and compelled to perform well."
"Now that the crisis had tided over, what will be your major priorities?"
"I have identified three major priorities that I will be focusing on: creating portfolios, allotting portfolios, and most importantly, maintaining a perfect balance, lest destabilizing forces topple us."
"Any long term plans sir?" The chief was preparing to leave.
"Most definitely…. We are contemplating a bill to enable all members of the group in power to be called ministers and may be, all those in the opposition to be called deputy ministers… why have MLAs and MPs, when everybody can be a minister?"