Chapter 6: The One with The First Day of Work.
All rights reserved
San 2045
2019
The lights were still on, everywhere. Though everyone had left the party the lighting were not switched off.
Sanyukta frowned looking after empty lawn. There was no single body around but instead of being afraid she was in peace. The party was proved to be successful she remembered every CEO, managers speak greatly and fondly about Oliver.
After that Oliver himself addressed to each and every member, that had been a funny speech but when he spoke about her she was emotional, she had tears in her eyes. She always knew that Oliver wanted a daughter and a family to call as his but she never heard it from him and today hearing about that made her emotional. He had called her as his daughter, as his own blood.
He called all the sweet memories with her and also told everyone the reason he had hired her, it was not because she was his only family or a her to take the business upon but because he saw her as a person who was capable in every sense of handling a big responsibility and having courage to overcome any difficulty.
"Cara what are you doing here all alone?" She heard the concerned voice from behind her. She turns her head towards her uncle and patted a seat next to her. He sat beside her enjoying the feel of grass against his legs though he had worn shoes the were tickling his ankles.
"Did you enjoy today uncle?" Sanyukta asked him inspecting his tired face. It was dark night, she believed that it was already midnight as most of the staff had retired back to home. The party lasted longer than intended.
"I had lots of fun. I am so happy to retire and spend some more time with Riona." Oliver said smiling. He had waited for this day not that he didn't liked his job or anything but he missed spending time with Riona. In her intials years it was easy as she was a toddler and she was obliged to stay home but now she was a school going student. She would be napping by the time Oliver came home. He missed playing with her.
"Yeah and she will love to spend more time with you" Sanyukta whispered staring at the dark sky. She already was feeling drowsy, the party had tired her out and also her feet were killing due to the stilettos. She rubbed her sire feet against the wet grass, she whimpered at the pain for a second and then relaxed.
"Kishore called today. He congratulated me on my retirement. I think you should call him, he seems not very well." Oliver said resting his hand in her shoulder. He pitied his cousin for letting go such a witty daughter and a mischevious grandchild. Oliver received his call this afternoon congratulating him. He seemed sick as his voice was groggy and not very clear.
Sanyukta's heart clenched at hearing her uncle's words but she didn't show out her emotions. She learned very well to hide her emotions, it made her strong, it made her feel in control. She had tried to call her father, still is trying from past eight years but he neither lifts her call nor answers her back so she always left him voice mails. She had never once visited her father and mother as they would not entertain her visit.
"I hope he gets well soon." Sanyukta said giving Oliver one of her fake smiles. Oliver could understand the pain she was going through, his cousin was stubborn and short tempered the very qualities Sanyukta had in her. His cousin was not willing to accept his daughter back even after eight years, that was very sad indeed.
"Sanyukta I want you to answer this question honestly. Do you know Randhir Shekawat?" Oliver asked her raising his eyebrows at her, the question itching him from the very moment he introduced them. He heard her gasp, she looked at him surprised at his question. She then straightened her back and looked at him.
"Do you promise that after I answer this, then you would not ask any more questions regarding him?" Sanyukta asked. Oliver chuckled at that and nodded his head at her.
He knew that there was something she didn't tell, some part of the past she had buried deep inside her and not shared with anyone. Even after all the eight years he never asked her about her pregnancy or about the father of her child, he never wanted to hurt her but seeing her with Randhir brought him a hope that this was her chance. A chance for her to be happy.
"Yes I know him very well. In fact he's the face I cannot forget"
***
"Best of luck mumma" Riona kissed her mother's cheeks and hugged her tightly making Sanyukta chuckle at her.
Riona was going to be at home today as doctor had said but then from tomorrow she was free to attend her school. She was happy after hearing that her mother got a very top post, she was now head though she didn't exactly know what she had to do but she heard Oliver say that it was her big step and she had a bigger responsibility now.
"Thanks sweetheart. Don't get up from your bed too much and eat your medicines. Take care. Love you." Sanyukta said kissing her daughter's forehead and walking up to her wardrobe.
Riona had slept in her room today, last night when Sanyukta came home she was suprise to find Riona snuggled in her bed. She loved to have someone by side to cuddle with but Riona wanted a room to herself, a big room with all her stuff.
"What are you thinking?" Riona asked.
"Nothing. Just random stuff. Not that important. Bye love" Sanyukta said hurriedly picking up her stuff and rushing out of the room.
She faintly heard her daughter respond back at her. It was her first day as the Chairman today and she was nervous, she had zero experience. Her first big step. Inhaling deeply she remembered her mother's face and curling her lips in a smile she walked out of her house. Oliver was not here he had left already as he had a doctor appointment bug he had early wished her and gifted her a beautiful pen.
She was happy that her secretary was same. Marilyn was her favourite person not because she was her secretary and she followed everything and kept her meetings upto date but because she was also a nice friend.
***
Sanyukta sighed leaning against her chair, today was the most hectic morning she ever experienced. She had a meeting with all the staff and the board members. They had so many issues and so many suggestions that lead them bickering against each other. That very much reminded her of Riona's school where the students bicker against each other. She could really use some coffees for the headache that was developing. As she was about to ring for Marilyn the phone rang.
"Hello Marilyn" Sanyukta answered picking up the phone and holding if against her right ear while busy searching for her mobile phone. She was not very much attentive while listening to the phone.
".......so should I send him in?" She heard the last of her words and frowned, she should start to listen to other people while they are talking. She groaned while propping herself on her elbows and massaging her temple. He needed some caffeine to release the tension.
"Yes. Also send me a cup of coffee. No sugar" Sanyukta said and hung up the phone. Just then she heard the footsteps from her door. She whipped her head towards the door focusing on the footsteps. Just then her cabin door was opened and he entered inside.
"Good morning Ms Sanyukta" She inhaled sharply at his soft velvety voice, it felt as if he was caressing her and whispering lovely words in her ears. He had a husky voice, one that would make your knees go weak. She squared her shoulders not even bothering to stand up for him, she was too tired and his arrival meant more headache for her. Why was he even here at this time?
"What? No greetings. I say you treat your guests very poorly" Randhir mocked her but as she looked at him he felt guilty at his words. Her face was resigned and she looked ready to bang her head against the wall. He should have shut up, it was her first day and he was sure that it was very hectic as he very well experienced his first day.
"I am on no mood to argue with you Randhir. Now will you please take a seat and discuss whatever you're here for." Sanyukta said gesturing towards the seat in front of her. He looked very fresh in his business suit, she had already seem him in his tux yesterday but today he looked more handsome. The light stubble at his jaw made her want to lick his jaw. His hair was messy like he had been just out of bed. The idea of him in someone's bed made her blood boil. You're not supposed to have such thoughts! She scolded herself and glanced at him.
Hearing his name from her mouth made him feel. Feelings he should have shut down, he was playing a dangerous game here being around her. Eight years ago she she already drove him crazy and had got him hooked to her but he was not willing to trap himself again. He settled down in front of her observing her more closely, only the huge desk being the barrier between their bodies.
"I am here for the deal, remember? I actually wanted to have a discussion with you before I pass on the information to my company in New York. I believe that we should first see the location before starting the project. What do you think?" Randhir asked her running his fingers around his messy hair, his hair were perfectly gelled in the morning but one call from he office had it ruined. He was required at the if ice for the meetings he had postponed for today and it drove him crazy.
"Yes I think we should first see the location and then have the contract prepared but I'm afraid I have a busy schedule planned for two weeks. I have to show up in all the Morello Holdings." Sanyukta said amazed that they were having a decent conversation at once. He was acting professionally which was good for her. She didn't wanted to start a fight with him at this moment.
Randhir let out a sigh, they both had busy schedules ahead but they were to start working on the project by this month so they could finish it by the end of the year. He had other projects lined up but he was very keen on working on this one.
"I think then we should visit Goa next to next Saturday. I will be back from New York by then." Randhir said to her observing her face. She was not nervous around him, he was not at all intimadating her.
"That will do. Would you like to have some tea or coffee?" Sanyukta asked him. She wanted to pull him closer and kiss him while tugging at his messy strands. She stifled a groan at her wild thoughts.
"No thank you. I have a flight to catch." Randhir stood up from his seat. He was disappointed that the meet was cut short but then he would not express it, the offer sounded tempting but he couldn't stay longer as he was sure that he would r****h her on this very desk. His thoughts after seeing her in that deep cut silk blouse and black skirt had deepened.
"Okay. It was nice meeting you." Sanyukta stood as well and walked towards him forwarding her hand for a shake but was surprised when he shook her hand brought it closer to his mouth.
Her breath hitched as his warm breath caressed her back of the hand. He raised the hands to his lips and kissed it, just like a gentleman though the kiss lingered longer than usual.
Randhir wanted to pull her the moment he inhaled her hand while kissing it, she smelled nice. The smell of fresh jasmine making him go crazy for her. Her perfume was taunting him, challenging him in every manner and though he wanted to succumb to the desire he had to keep his will power as he cannot tumble in bed with bussiness partner.
"It was nice meeting you too. Until next time."
***