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Three dealers huddle around a TV screen joking. Two others sit talking as the computer screen before them flashes red, blue and green-coloured highlights, indicators of the stock price movement.
Another guy lazily leans back in his chair listening while his colleague talks animatedly.
3:30 pm and finally there is cheering around. Desks are banged, hugs are passed around and suddenly the room seems to come alive as people spill in from everywhere to congratulate each other.
The day for the dealers has ended much the same way it started.
The atmosphere at the trading terminals when the markets opened at 9:15 am was one of excitement as early trends were already hinting at a Bharatiya Janata Party win.
Within the first hour, the Sensex touched its life-time high of 25000 points while the Nifty crossed the 7,500 points. Dealers jumped out of their seats, pumped their fist in the air and high-fived and hugged their colleagues.
But, as the day progressed and markets began to descend from its highs and the focus shifted from punching orders to the election mandate. Arguments erupted as the names of the winners and losers were announced.
"It seems as though we are watching an India-Pakistan match with couple of drinks instead of a working day," said one dealer.
But harmony was restored once Narendra Modi was announced the winner in Varanasi. The proclamation brought more cheers from the dealers than the moves of the Sensex and the Nifty.
The Sensex which had risen as much as 1500 points in early trading, had settled for a 216 points gain at closing time.
Is this not disappointing? "Well, a bit. But we are still celebrating because we believe this is the beginning of a four-year bull market. Today there was only profit-booking in the market which is what was expected," said a beaming dealer who was somewhat distracted by a colleague punching him in the arm and following it up with a hug.
According to him, new positions by investors will only be taken in the next week once things "have settled down."
More people pour into the room and this time there is a cake. Soon, the air is filled with off-key singing of "Happy Modi to you". There is laughter and cheer and even some smearing of cake.
"It really feels like the rebirth of our nation. We never got to witness 1947, but we have 2014 to talk about to our children," says one excited employee moved to hyperbole.
For many, the crowning of Narendra Modi as the prime minister is a promise of a better tomorrow. But not all seem to be in agreement.
"That he will bring about change is just a notion for now. Markets have rallied with all this in mind and have factored in a lot of the optimism. No doubt there is further upside but one needs to be careful," said a dealer not too upbeat about the Modi victory.
"Markets are going to keenly watch what he does in terms of policies framed and how he helps revive the investment cycle. What worked in Gujarat may not work for the rest of the country," he said as a colleague pretended to attack him with a plastic water bottle.
"Is Congresswaale ko nikaal do baahar," yelled another one as a few others behind him wolfed down the celebratory snacks and sweets, oblivious to the commotion.
"Achhe din aane waale hai," called out another dealer as people shuffled out of the room, cake in hand.
