"Ok, the meeting is over," Arjun announced.
"Ananya has resigned?" Avinash asked stopping Arjun with a confused face.
"Yes," Arjun replied in short.
"That's strange. What's the reason? Is she alright? That day she had a panic attack. Poor girl!" Avinash exclaimed with concern.
Arjun looked at Avinash with a shocked face.
"What? When? Why didn't you tell me?" Arjun asked feeling restless.
"She said she will and I had to go out." He informed.
"Why did she gets a panic attack?" Arjun asked frowning.
"I don't know," Avinash continued shrugging, "I found her with Mr Arora in the canteen but saw her leave in a hurry and when I went to her office for work, she was really in bad condition. Apart from that, I don't remember anything. You two are quite close. I thought you would know." Avinash said the last part narrowing his eyes at Arjun.
"Close?" Arjun coughed feeling a little awkward suddenly.
"Just because I don't say anything that doesn't mean I don't see anything. I just love to mind my own business." Avinash said twerking his lips.
"You said Mr Arora, as in Dibakar Arora?" Arjun asked avoiding his interrogative talks.
"Yup. Ok, see you later." Avinash turned to leave.
"By the way, she's joining again from Monday," Arjun informed looking in a space.
"Oh, that's good."
Arjun fell back on his swirling chair. His mind contemplating and tensed,
Why was Dibakar's uncle here? He didn't come to meet me. Was he here for Ananya? She had a panic attack? Could it be because of him or me?
His head fell on the table as he felt the storm rising within him.
In the evening Arjun was seated beside the pool of his Dad's house, a glass of wine in his hand. As he swirled the glass, his mind was consumed by one thing only, a girl with long hair, little anger issues, a girl, who had a connection with Arora's.
His trance broke as he felt a person seating beside him, Vishal.
Vishal took the bottle and started to drink from it directly.
"Does it make it better?" Arjun asked looking at the water of the pool.
"What?"
"Drinking? Does it work for you? Will it reduce the pain?"
"Nah! It just turns you more alcoholic and makes you do stupid things. And when you finally come out of the numbness the pain just hurts more intensely." Vishal said taking a huge gulp.
"Yet, here you are, drinking your way."
"Same to you," Vishal said, a little aggressively.
"You are sounding bitter. You would be happy to know she's joining the office again." Vishal looked up hearing the words.
His eyes narrowed. "You are talking like you did it for my happiness."
"Well, I did to some point. I behaved unprofessionally. You made me realise." Arjun said nonchalantly.
"Who are you kidding?" Vishal chuckled.
"No baby, you did it for you. As much as you behave like the jerkiest homo sapiens of the year, you miss her. Her absence bothers you." Vishal said turning towards his friend, to get a reaction.
"Bullshit," He said a little irritated, at his best friend.
"No buddy, you are dumb. And believe me, I know how it feels. Neha left me and isn't even ready to talk to me while I spent my whole day wishing to see her one glance, to hear her voice. It's like everything is a mess around you. Having dreams of her in my arms and then woke up to the reality, feeling none of them exists anymore. It's just you and your void..."
"Shut up, just shut up. You know nothing." Arjun stood up shouting. His palm went tight around the glass. His whole body was trembling with rage, eyes red. A flame burst out in his heart.
"Nothing is the same. She...she betrayed me. I trusted her more than anything. She played me. I thought I am building a house of love, when all along it had a base of deception. It just takes a blow and everything will turn into dust." Tears filled his eyes, his voice, croaked.
"I was so sure, that we were madly in love with each other but how she played me CONTINUOUSLY. I have started doubting myself, AGAIN. Do I even able to recognise people?" He raked his fingers through his hair aggressively, tugging on them. He walked back and forth like a madman and finally sat down.
"For the last 20 years I am asking myself only one question, what was my fault, why she left me when I couldn't even understand properly what was happening? And see once again I am asking the question, where did I go wrong? When at night I sleep alone, and all these thoughts chase me, but no matter how much I cry, I shout, no one answers, no one. I feel numb. I feel all my life I will chase these same questions till my last breath and will die one day." His head fell back, as he looked up in the sky. Tears rolled down sideways, getting lost in the blackness of his hair.
"I know I behaved like a jerk. Trust me I know, but...I just lose control around her. She makes me puzzled. It's like no matter how much I try I wouldn't be able to understand this puzzles she leaves for me." His eyes closed feeling the heaviness of emotions.
"I wanted her to be mine, only mine, wholeheartedly, with mind, soul and body." He whispered as her tear-stricken face hovered in his mind. Her lovely eyes, her mesmerizing smile, her little nose, her looking at him teasingly, her seductive voice, oh what a seductress she is, the way she looked at him in the washroom that day, the way her moans resonated in the air and then, that same eyes looking at him with guilt, shame and lies. He hated it, he hated that look of her. The woman he loved was confident, a fighter, and savage. She doesn't take shits and neither she gives. He loved the woman who take care of him when he was alone, sick.
Acha! Had she loved him when she made him soup and sat beside him in his sick bed? Did she do that out of guilt but not out of love or out of pity? No, he hates being pitied. Until when did she deceive him? Was it before their beach date or after? Did she say 'yes' after seeing his arrangements?
He threw the glass on the floor and the bottle followed. Vishal was stunned at his friend's outburst. He couldn't remember if he had ever seen him like this, so broken with such an amount of sorrow. He was always so controlled and knew how to hide his emotions.
"Do you think I am going crazy?" Arjun asked with a cracked voice. There was a certain helplessness, a tinge of loneliness in his voice which made Vishal feel so sad.
"No, Arjun. You are fine. Everything will be fine. Trust me." He said assuredly, softly hoping for his friend to calm down.
"Yes, everything will be fine. I will make everything fine. From now I will avoid her. She doesn't have to bear my tantrums. And everything will be fine." He ended up whispering the words. The wine and all the overwhelming emotions took a toll on him as he slept.
Vishal sighed feeling the storm subsided finally around him as calmness took over. After some moments of silence, he took out his phone and sent a text as he knew she wouldn't pick up his call.
I have a plan. We have to try, for our best friends' sake. After all, we don't want them to end up like us.
*****
Finally, it was Monday when Ananya Roy found herself in front of the same building once again. But today she felt calmer, better. It's like there was a certain lightness in the air. She took a deep breath and entered.
But she got the surprise of her life when Avinash sir congratulated her for not just returning to the office but for the promotion. She couldn't believe her eyes and ears at first.
Arjun was the in their meeting room but apart from saying congrats to her, he said nothing. The promotion letter was given by Avinash. For a moment she forgot everything and felt the need to celebrate. It's been a long time since she celebrated. Along with new and more responsibilities, she got a new office.
She wanted a new beginning and this was it. She decorated her cabin to her liking. And smiled with herself after seeing the end result. But finally, during lunch break, Arjun asked for her presence.
Feeling herself getting tensed she knocked on his door. There was anticipation, excitement danced within her at the aspect of seeing him alone. She entered after knocking. He was standing near the glass door looking outside. His back was facing her.
Her heart skipped a bit as those piercing eyes turned towards her. His face was neutral without a trace of emotion.
"You had a panic attack." His deep serious voice resonated in the room. It was intimidating but also relaxed and dare she say, comforting.
Her eyes widened as she realised his statement.
"Why?" He asked again.
But Ananya felt a little bit annoyed at him. He had no right to ask her this.
"Why do you ask? You don't want to know about someone's health condition you claim to hate." Ananya replied keeping her voice as much normal as she can.
Arjun narrowed his eyes at her as he took a seat on the side of his table.
"This is a boss asking his employee. Don't mistake it as something else." He replied folding his hands in front of his chest.
"I dare not," Ananya muttered softly. There was a certain change in her looks he noticed. Had she cut her hair? Had she applied makeup on her face? Or is it her dress? Was she looking a little extra gorgeous?
"Yes, I had one but nothing serious," Ananya spoke up again, this time lowering her eyes a little.
"What triggered it?" He asked curtly.
"Nothing I can't handle, just some life crisis problem."
"Why did Dibakar's uncle come to see you?" He asked again.
This time Ananya felt her body going to freeze mode. Her heart pounded faster at the name.
"He came to meet you I think, not me."
"No, he wasn't. I was in the company when he came but we didn't meet." He said with confirmation lacing his voice.
"I don't know. Why don't you ask your uncle directly." Ananya said feeling a little annoyed this time with his interrogation.
"See your tone, Ms Roy," he warned her subtly and got a subtle glaring in return.
"Ok, you can go." He dismissed her as he took a seat in his chair and looked at his laptop.
"I had something of you." With that, she placed a small box. Arjun recognised it was the bracelet he gifted her.
"I am not worthy of such gifts. I don't deserve them. Though it's not my business or rights I hope you find someone deserving one day and gift it to her." With that, she left.
Arjun fisted his palm as he looked at the box. What's wrong with her? Till two days back she was begging, crying for his forgiveness and here, she's returning his gift with attitude. He punched his table in anger. His mind got filled with annoyance and irrigation, and something burnt in the left side of his chest.
He was right. No one messes with his brain more than her. But she messes with his brain, heart, kidney, liver, arms, legs...his little member everything. She would be the absolute death of him.
"What's his problem? Ugh!" Ananya murmured while entering Avinash's cabin. After entering she realised her mistake as Avinash stared at her raising his brow.
She forgot to knock while cursing Arjun.
She smiled feeling embarrassed and mumbled a "sorry" while biting her tongue. She went out and knocked.
Avinash chuckled finally.
"Please, come in and it's ok," Avinash said giving a warm smile.
"Thanks"
"Please seat"
"I needed some input of yours on this project but I also wanted to thank you," Ananya said while taking her seat.
Avinash looked at her questioningly.
"For that day, I was so...umm...Thanks a lot. You helped me." Ananya said with gratitude.
"No worries. Hope you are fine now. I was just surprised you didn't tell Arjun. Did you two fight?"
Ananya looked at him confusingly.
"Really? Both of you thought you guys are secretive enough, well, maybe but I am not that dumb." Avinash said with a smirk.
Ananya seemed like she was about to make a big 'o' with her lips.
"Anyways, let's get back to work, should we? By the way, you are going to present in the upcoming meeting with Ahuja's."
Ananya just nodded her head feeling embarrassed a little.
As the week went on, Ananya didn't have any direct interaction with Arjun except for their meetings. Even when he had any work with her he just sent Ayesha. It's like he was deliberately avoiding her. Though sometimes she felt his staring when all of them worked together as she looked up she got disappointed. Arjun really wanted nothing with her anymore. She didn't bother him either anymore. only in the darkness of night, she couldn't help letting one or two teardrops slide down her pillow sometimes.
Arjun entered Avinash's office while Ananya was working in his cabin. She was assisting him in a recent project so she spent so much time here, nowadays. Avinash was not present there.
Arjun glared at Ananya from behind. Ananya heard the door open but then everything went silent. And then a deep voice came.
"Why don't you move your office here? We just wasted a cabin for you." He said mockingly.
"Come on Arjun, not everyone has an allergy with people like you. We are not perfectionists like you. We do love to work together sometimes, aren't we, Ms Roy?" Avinash's chirpy voice came as he entered.
Ananya coughed a little. She had no idea, Avinash had such a witty side within him except for his all-time seriousness.
As she looked up sideways, her eyes stuck with a pair of eyes, that seemed to send daggers towards her.
God! What material he was made of?
"May I see the progress on Ahuja's?" He said turning to Avinash. Ananya tried to look at him sideways. Was he gritting his teeth?
The next day they had the presentation in the morning. Ananya reached the conference room. She was tensed and nervous. Please God, please save me from embarrassment. Please don't make me stutter. It was her first time presenting. Arjun entered after some time.
As Ananya went to show him the final PPT, a smell inhaled her nose. Arjun noticed her sniffing him. She had again worn that white shirt.
"What are you sniffing at?" He snapped very lowly.
"Are you drunk this early in the morning?" Ananya whispered with a shocked face.
"No, I just had one glass. You should concentrate on your work." He glared at her.
Avinash entered along with Ahuja.
"Sorry, my Dad couldn't make it. I will be attending on his behalf. He sent his apology." The young man greeted.
After greeting Arjun, Avinash introduced him to Ananya.
"Ah, Ms Roy what a pretty lady you are!" He said smiling at him, his tone a little flirty.
"Thanks, Mr Ahuja" Ananya replied a little shyly as they do a handshake.
"Oh, it's Mihir, please, my Dad is Mr Ahuja."
"Ok, Mihir, it is then," Ananya replied.
"Shall we start the meeting?" Arjun's stiff voice interrupted their interaction.
"Hmm, sure." All of them took their seats except for Ananya. Avinash mumbled, "All the best".
They switched off some of the lights and the focus was on Ananya and the projector screen. But Arjun's focus was far from the presentation.
In the dim light, the woman in white was a temptress, and on top of that, that idiot Milind or Mike whatever his name, was an absolute idiot. Mr Ahuja had sent an idiot.
God! What's happening with him?
Maybe he shouldn't have a drink. He didn't want. But his mind was so restless. To calm himself he just took one glass.
Ananya's soft voice resounded in the whole room. He imagined in the darkness the throbbing pulse gently beneath the surface near her delicate throat while she talked in her enchanted voice with confidence. Her slender, graceful and delicate column of the throat led to the treasure of her neck where a small pendant was lying. He remembered their encounter that night when her soft neck was in his palm. It ignited a hunger within him that only she could satiate. He imagined inhaling her intoxicated fragrance. He yearned to leave a trail of kisses on her sensitive skin marking her as his and showing that Ahuja's pet was his place or Avinash. All of them are idiots.
Fuck! What's wrong with him? It had to be that white shirt, a trap in the mask of purity clung to her curves like a whisper, hinting at the beauty that lay beneath. It illuminated her presence in the darkness, those buttons beckoned to be undone and to explore all the possible whisper of ecstasy. His body felt hard reminding him of the dark truth between a man and a woman, a tale of two tangled bodies.
Nah! Not them. It's him, who is a idiot. Wait is that idiot also having such thoughts like him? He will burn his soul.
Suddenly he felt so hot despite the air-conditioned room. Hot and uncomfortable. Everyone turned towards him as he banged his hand on the table out of frustration. He noticed everyone staring at him in confusion. Ananya had also stopped talking.
"Sorry, please continue," he muttered clearing his throat.
The presentation ended after some time. The lights were on.
"So impressive, dear Ananya." Mihir praised while clapping.
"And yeah you had such a sweet voice also, Do you sing? Let's say the deal is done already. After all who wouldn't want to work with such dedicated people like you, right Mr Singhania?" Mihir exclaimed while turning towards Arjun.
"Of course," Arjun said showing his teeth.
Ananya thought he was looking like a monkey. She let out a small laugh attracting both of their attention.
"You are too kind Mr. Ah-I mean Mihir." She said smiling sweetly.
"Well, then we should discuss the other prospect further and congratulations Ananya," Avinash spoke up finally.
"Thank you, sir, it wouldn't be possible without you," she turned to Arjun," and Arjun sir," who was currently busy checking out Mihir. Weirdo!
Everyone got busy in talks. Mihir was continuously smiling while talking to Ananya and vice versa. After some time a staff entered with coffee for everyone. Arjun called him.
He whispered something in his ears. The man widened his eyes a little but said nothing. He went on passing coffee to everyone. As he neared Mihir, his hand slipped and hot coffee fell on his lap, burning his skin through his pant.
He cried out while standing up from his seat, "What the fuck! You low life, what did you do?" The poor man shivered at his cursing.
"You bloody idiot, can't you do a simple work?"
"Oh, I'm so...so... sooo sorry, Mr Ahuja. I am apologizing on his behalf. Binod, go and arrange for cleaning the mess. Mr Ahuja, please I suggest you go to the washroom and apply water otherwise it could get a burning spot. Maybe we could arrange a new shirt for you." Arjun said with an extra honey-sweet voice making Ananya look at him frowning. She was a little disturbed at Mihir's cursing the waiter. Everyone makes mistakes but they don't deserve such cursing for such trivial mistakes.
"Mondal, bring my shirt from the car," Mihir ordered his secretary and rushed to the washroom in irritation.
Arjun smirked inwardly. Why would only he feel hot, let's share it.
After Mihir changed and they were done with further discussion, he left with his secretary.
Arjun called Avinash in his cabin.
"Ananya won't be working on this project. Take someone else, Akash probably." Arjun commanded.
"She has been working on it for this whole week. It won't be good for her to replace her and Akash is already working on other projects under you."
"So what? It has just started. Ananya will replace him."
"But..."
"Avinash, just do it. Don't question me." Arjun applied his authoritative no-nonsense tone.
"Ok"
Ananya listened to their words from outside. She felt anger rising within her. After Avinash left, she knocked hard on his door.
"Come in."
"Why are you kicking me out of this project?" She threw the words at him without any hesitation. Arjun creased his brow at her.
"Are you always this innocent or just pretend to be innocent?" He snapped at him.
Ananya's eyes widened at his question. What was he implying?
"What do you mean? I liked working on this project. You can't..."
"I'm sure you liked it but I'm not here to fulfil your liking. I'm the boss and you will do as I say." Arjun ordered looking at his laptop.
Another knock was heard then, and Vishal entered with a smiling face.
But his smile vanished after seeing two irked faces.
What in God's name going on?
"You can leave Ms Roy." Arjun dismissed her still not looking up.
Vishal noticed Ananya leaving making a sour face.
"Hey, Ananya how are you?" Vishal asked, a little hesitant.
"Not so good, your friend is making sure of it." With that, she left without saying anything further.
Vishal turned to Arjun and took a seat on the sofa. Arjun felt him staring at him silently.
"What?" He asked irritably.
"You ok?"
"Yeah, as ok as a human can," Arjun replied robotically.
"Umm, you remember you saying for us to go on a trip?"
"Hmm"
"So, you had a public holiday next Monday, right? So we could use this. Saturday, Sunday Monday, enough for a two days trip."
This time Arjun looked at his friend. He seemed better to him.
"You look happy," Arjun stated.
"Yeah, I guess, finally. So what do you think of my proposal?"
"You are out of your Neha-zone?"
"Oh, no, no, I am more within her." He replied as a small smile touched his lips.
"You two are together again?" Arjun asked furrowing his brows.
"Yeah, not everyone is slow like you?"
"What do you mean by slow like me?" Arjun asked gritting his teeth.
"Forget it. Now, tell me. Is it fine? I have already informed Rahul and Shriya. They don't have any problem."
"Then I don't have any problem either."
"Ah, great. Now, I have to leave. I just stopped by to inform you. I will tell you about the place, later. Bye."
Is she going too?
"Wait, Vishal"
"Yes?"
But he couldn't bring out the words.
"Nothing, bye."
After Vishal left Arjun went near the glass wall. What an eventful day it was!