Kajol, a recently divorced woman was surveying the room. She was free from the all the marital constraints, she was ready to get back to work. Her ambition was fueled by her inability to sustain her shattered marriage, she was looking forward to get a win any win just to distract her from her inner turmoil. To her this dinner wasn't just a business dinner event, she was looking forward to networking and getting more business traffic for her company Khushi Oil and Gas Enterprises. At least business is the only thing she believed she was good at.
As she was walking around the room, she couldn't help but notice the whispers and the eyes that were trained on her. She politely smiled at them, due to her recent divorce some of them had underestimated her. Some labelled her incapable of running her own company. All they saw was a weakened woman, vulnerable and emotionally unstable to handle her business. They thought the divorce had destroyed her but in hindsight it had actually made her stronger than ever. It had stripped away pretense and the need to play a dutiful and doting wife in a marriage that was clearly not working and in her own opinion unsalvageable.
She made conversation and when dinner had been served and speeches had, she was approached by the CEO of a prominent Gas company for a collaboration on a project they had in the works. They exchanged their business contacts and while she was talking to the man she couldn't help but shake the feeling that someone was staring at her. She finally made eye contact with the guy but quickly averted her eyes.
*************
The weight of his wedding band was proving heavier than usual this evening as Shah Rukh sat sipping his whisky. He had been in and and out of meetings the entire day and he came to the dinner as a way to relax and network but he was in no mood to do the latter. His eyes scanned the room until they landed on a beautiful woman who was in active conversation with a very tall gentleman whom Shah Rukh immediately recognized, he was Imran. His college buddy from way back. He got intrigued by the woman's striking beauty which was captivating. She had confidence and an aura of power around her which drew him in. She spoke animatedly with her hands up in the air making signals. Her words were short and precise, yet her eyes had a spark of mischief and vulnerability or maybe it was mischief he couldn't quite tell.
She looked familiar, then it clicked in his head. She is the lady that had not to long ago been divorced by her actor husband . The divorce had caused a media frenzy because the ex husband was a well known Actor and a national treasure. Maybe because of the attention the divorce received people in the business world would be quick to underestimate her but he wouldn't make that mistake. He saw determination in her eyes, someone who wouldn't back down without a challenge.
Shah Rukh was a master of control. He controlled his business empire with ease, He controlled boardrooms and also his carefully constructed image which the public adored. There was something about Kajol that drew him in, it made him want to loose himself and his control. Was it her disarming smile that made his heart skip a bit?
Shah Rukh was a married man an image he had maintained forever. He was bound by duty and responsibility to his wife and children. He tried to look away but his eyes kept on drifting back to Kajol. The presence of this woman threatened the very foundation of his being. He knew this unexpected pull towards the woman was very dangerous yet he couldn't help himself.
He thought about his wife, she was a woman with impeccable taste the only woman that was and still is for him. She was the best partner one could wish for in this world but still he couldn't stop the stirring in his heart for this woman who managed to capture his whole attention this evening. Kajol felt like a challenge or mystery for him that he couldn't wait to unravel. He knew he was playing with fire and was ready to get burnt. He knew that if he decided to pursue his feelings that it would be highly inappropriate or reckless.
The dessert plates had been cleared from the table. Shah Rukh, his internal struggle a tempest beneath a surface of practiced calm finally found his opportunity to approach the woman. Kajol sat across from him but he stood up and motioned for the man seated next to Kajol to excuse him respectfully the man obliged.
He sat next to her studying her side profile which was poised and elegant against the room's light twinkling backdrop. She was engaged in conversation with the gentleman seated on her other side her responses quite intelligent and concise that he found both intriguing and daunting. He'd observed her the entire evening a silent observer charting her expressions, subtle nuances and interactions too. He had already built an image of her in his mind a formidable rival a woman of ice and fire. He knew approaching her was risky yet it was a risk he was willing to take.
He finally spoke "Ms. Devgan or is it Ms. Mukherjee"? He asked.
She murmured excuse to the other gentleman before turning towards Shah Rukh, "It is Devgan"." My sincere apologies Ms. Devgan. I have been meaning to speak with you all evening". His voice low and carrying a hint he hoped she wouldn't detect.
"Mr Khan, I knew you would your staring the entire evening was quite palpable" her voice cool and measured, betraying nothing. "Did you now?"
He asked with a smile on his face.
"The attention was rather....overwhelming" she answered.
He spoke softly "I admire your work Ms. Devgan that's all your recent acquisition of Jaipur oil Idustries was.... bold"."Calculated" she corrected her gaze unwavering.
"Calculated" he echoed "But boldness is required. A lesser executive would have faltered coz the stakes were high".
A hint of amusement touched her lips. "And you appreciate Boldness, Mr. Khan?" "I appreciate results, and you Ms. Devgan have been consistent in delivering them".
A beat of silence followed until she spoke "Perhaps we might speak about results in more details at a later date in a more .....private setting?" She spoke while slightly tilting her head to the side. He knew it was dangerous mixing business with something far more personal. But he couldn't help himself. "I would welcome that Ms. Devgan. I have a feeling that our discussion would be most productive " he replied his voice in a low octave.
"Maybe we could have lunch tomorrow?" "Lunch sounds....interesting, but am rather particular about my lunch companions" she replied her voice neutral. He chuckled "Am sure I can reach your standards unless you might find me .... distracting". "Distracting?" She asked with a raised eyebrow "Mr. Khan I assure I can manage distractions my business acumen speaks for itself".
" I have no doubt about it but some distractions are....more welcome than others.
She laughed a throaty laugh that sent shivers down his spine. She replied " we'll see about that Mr. Khan" as she turned to leave "We'll see". He watched her walk away from him to the exit of the room his eyes lingering on her behind a little bit longer satisfied with what he saw.