Shades of Life

Her First Day

“What the hell is happening over here?” came a loud voice from the entrance.

I turned around to see a super handsome guy wearing a perfect fitted black suit. I know who he is, he is Varun Mehta.

Guy on whom all my friends drool on.

Wow, I never thought he would look so hot in real life too. I always thought the pictures on his social media handle were edited but hot damn, I was so wrong.

I soon realized I was staring at him and he was glaring at me and Aarav.

So, let me explain how I got in this situation. I met Arav and surprisingly he was a chill guy. I remember how he greeted me.

“Heya, girlie”

I didn’t take offence from that.

He looked troubled when he entered his cabin which later I got know he was carrying an injured puppy, who was mixed breed of Pomeranian and husky, all plastered up in his bag. I have no idea how he got that cute little creature inside without security knowing. He took it out of the bag and before he could explain, it jumped out of his arms and ran out. Both of us ran after it and caught in the middle of the floor.

Now back to the scene.

“Huh, hey Varun” Aarav said giving him a small wave and a toothy grin.

“Who are you?” Varun Mehta ignored Aarav and turned his attention to me. I’m sure the coldness in his eyes could freeze half the city.

“I’m Akshara Vashisht sir, this is my first day here” I said gulping making sure not to stutter in front of him. It won’t be a best first impression.

“And what were you doing with this rabbit here, Miss Vashisht?” came his cold voice and trust me I literally got goosebumps.

“I’m-sir-I’m” damn, you stutter. I’m sure I look like a fool.

“It’s mine, cousin” came Aarav’s voice making my eyes go wide.

Cousin?

Cousin?

They are cousins?

Oh, why do I feel like I’ll be one taking the fall for this?

Great first day Akshu! Good job.

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I sighed cleaning back into my chair, it’s not even been 2 hours and it’s already stressful. No, not from work. I haven’t even started yet but from the drama.

After what Aarav said, boss turned his glare to him and ordered him to take that puppy out of the building. I got sad because that puppy was super cute and I always wanted a puppy. Surprisingly, Arav agreed and went out with puppy. I did get to say goodbye I mean I did know him for 5 whole minutes.

Varun sir got a call and he cancelled the meeting and went away but not before throwing me another glare.

Oh, how my friends would love to know that I made their favorite guy, my enemy.

So, now I’m in my assigned cabin which is very clean by the way and told me that he would send a link, which would contain KT(Knowledge transfer) sessions about the basic things that they work on. He said the new project work would start from next week and Rahul would brief us about it on Friday. Since, everyone was in their cabin working I came here to start my work.

I removed all the files and sheets present on the table and neatly arranged them in the cupboard given. I opened my bag and placed all my things around the table. Thank god, the table and everything around here is white so now my pink aesthetic stuffs would look great with those.

I was never this into materials but watching too much i********: and Pinterest as made me change my ways. This loves way prettier and encourage me for work too.

I always loved black, dark blue or grey because my dad loves them don’t get me wrong I still prefer some dark color materials like shoes or clothes but for décor I prefer nude pink or pink aesthetic.

Who knew I was a pink lover?

Not me.

I started going through the share point documents about the work that I would be doing. It was interesting and soon I got involved into it. My concentration was broken when I heard a knock on my door. I looked to my right to see Aarav at the door. I smiled and muttered ‘come in’.

“Hey, sorry couldn’t talk much last time” he said running his fingers through his disheveled hairs. He was wearing blue jeans and marron hoodie.

“It’s cool, you did have a life to save. By the way, was it your puppy?” I asked motioning him to take a seat in front of mine.

“Nope, just found it near the forest today morning when I went there to jog. I took it to a vet and couldn’t leave it alone at my home as it was injured” He said with a shrug.

“Then where is it now?” I asked in curiosity.

“Who made me take it away from here?” He questioned me back with a mischievous glint.

“Uh, Varun sir” I said narrowing my eyes.

“Bingo” He exclaimed with a chuckled.

I looked at him for a second and my eyes widened at the realization.

“You left him at Varun sir’s house?” I asked gaping at him.

“Yes. Don’t worry he is not alone; my cousins house worker is with him” He said waving his hand as if it wasn’t a big deal.

“By the looks of it I don’t think he will be happy about it” I said taking a swing. I actually don’t know much about the boss.

“Oh, he would hate it but that’s the fun” He said winking and I chuckled.

“So, cousins haa?” I asked with a guilty smile. I didn’t want to ask it but kill me, I’m curious.

“Yep, my dad and his dad are brother” He said it like it wasn’t a big deal so I kept it that way and moved on.

“So, I heard that you are computer genius so I was hoping you would help set my PC up” I asked with a cheeky smile. I know no one could resist that smile. I was born that way.

Okay, Akshu get back from your high horse.

“Sure, but I have a document in which there is a detailed explanation and steps to do follow that and if you get stuck Morse code me” He said grinning. I looked at him like he is an alien.

“Morse code? I don’t know that, I mean except some that I have seen in Big bang theory but it is not that clear too and all I could focus on was Sheldon and how funny he is or the fact that it would be so weird and frustrating to date. Poor Amy, I feel bad for that girl and I can’t even begin with Leonard. He’s been through so much and even he doesn’t know Morse code and I- “

“Hey girlie” He called out raising his voice breaking my nervous rant. Oh, I do that when I don’t know something. Not my brightest moment.

“Chill, you could just wave or yell. I’m just right beside yah” He said grinning widely as if I’m some kind of source of entertainment for him.

Cheeky bastard.

He looks cute though, like young boy-ish kind a look.

“Okay” I said gulping gaining my breath after that rant.

“Cool, see yah” He said in his cheery self and went to his cabin.

I’m really good with the things that I know, I have good memory but I get nervous especially in work when my senior asks me about something and I don’t know about it.

Yeah, I’m weird but hey, I’m work in progress.

It was soon lunch time and I had no idea where food court. I did google this place and there was some news about this place having a heavenly food court with continental food. Any cuisine, you name it and they have it.

I turned my pc off and came out to see everyone coming out of their cabins. I acted like I was busy in my phone standing outside my cabin waiting for them come and talk to me.

Yeah, I’m – you know what I guess you have gotten a drift of how weird I am.

Thankfully, Richa came hopping like a happy bird and instantly my lips turned into a smile.

“Hey, you must be the new girl” she chirped with a wide smile.

“Yeah, hey I’m Akshara” I said smiling back. Her smile is contagious.

“Richa, sorry I couldn’t talk to you during the puppy incident. From next week we will be working on new project and we had to finish old projects work so was busy” she said apologetically.

“Hey it’s cool, I get it” I said waving my hand like it wasn’t a big deal and it wasn’t.

“Do you want to join us for lunch?” she asked moving his finger around the room as everyone came out of their cabin one by one.

“Sure, would love too” I said smiling getting excited.

“Come let’s go, I’ll introduce you to them at the food court. By the way epic first meet with the boss haa” she said with amusement swirling in her eyes as we started walking out ahead of others.

“God, I was so scared. I had no idea he would be here” I said remembering that nerve wreaking moment. I was so damn scared.

She laughed out loud at my expression.

“You’ll live, don’t worry” she said with a wink and I relaxed.

Talking to her was easy. She was pretty straight forward and no nonsense kind of girl. And she was so positive and lively. I got a good feeling talking to her and that’s the kind of people I like to keep close.

We went to the food court few floors below us and it was amazing. It was colorful and the booths were so big and clean. Sitting area was unique, there was fake big trees in the middle and table around it giving us forest-y kind of vibe. I was in awe with the look of it.

“How does the food taste around here?” I asked her while I followed her.

“It’s the best. Employees health is given main importance around here and only hygienic food is served. Taste is also good” she said pointing towards the sofa’s at the corner where we would be sitting.

“This is kind of place reserved for our team, we sometimes work long hours and do a lot more around here so we get better treatment here” she said proudly and placed her handbag at the corner. I’m not a big fan of handbag’s. I like my hands to be free and not to be weighed down by anything so I carry only my phone. It’s Samsung Galaxy Note 9, too heavy so it’s enough weight as it is.

I do want to upgrade to iPhone series but not sure. Let’s see.

We went to get the coupons and I chose Indian cuisine. I’m boring that way, the only cuisine I like is Indian. I don’t experiment with my food. I’m a creature of habit. I don’t try new stuff when it comes to food.

I got my food before her and went to our seat. There I saw Keith sitting already having his food. He looked up and gave me a smile.

“Hey” he greeted.

“Hi” I said smiling and placed my tray opposite to him.

“I’m Keith” He said nodding his head.

“Akshara” I said friendly.

“So, how’s your first been so far?” He asked very interestedly.

“Um, let me see. I had a weird encounter with Vani the first thing as I entered our floor. I met Rahul who was nice and welcome-y. Then I met Aarav who brought a stray puppy to this building and I helped him catch it and got caught by our company CEO who glared at me like he was throwing fire from his eyes. So, so far so good” I said with a sarcastic smile.

He chuckled at my words.

“That’s way more interesting than my first day. It was so boring but one thing we have similar is weird encounter with Vani” He said chuckling making me chuckle too.

“Does she join us?” I asked looking around not wanting to be found bitching about her on my first day.

“Yeah, she will. She must be talking to her husband, then she will join us” He said shrugging his shoulder. That’s an odd piece of information but Rahul did say this guy loves to gossip. Akshu be careful.

“So, where are you from?” He asked the same question Richa asked.

“Mumbai and you?” I asked him.

“Hey that’s close, I’m from Pune” He said smiling.

“Yep, so since how long have you been working here?” I asked eating my food. Hmm, yum.

“It’s been three years; this is my first job” He said proudly. Everyone is proud to be in this team.

“Wow, you got into this team without any prior experience?” I asked wide eyed.

“Nah, I started working here under other sector but last year I got bumped to this team” He said.

I don’t think this team was formed ages ago. I think Varun sir formed it after taking over and it’s been few years that’s it.

“Hey, I see you guys have met” Richa came and sat beside me.

“What took you so long?” Keith asked looking at her.

“There was a long line and I met Carla there so you know what happened” Richa said rolling her eyes.

“Oh, god. Sucks to be you” He said patronizing her.

“I know” She said pouting and I looked at their interaction in confusion.

Who is Carla?

And what happened?

Tell me people. I want to know.

Nation wants to kno- yeah, I’m being dramatic.

“Um, guys who is Carla?” I asked them raising my eyebrows.

“A pain in the ass”

“A b***h”

Later one was Richa’s.

Oh, boy. I want to know more about this Carla. This is bringing back college memories. Only the good ones.