chapter : 01
new introductions

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n o o r
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"You think that some heavy metal pieces in his coffee would choke him to death?"

"You aren't considering that ridiculous idea, are you?"

On normal days my answer would have been an instant yes, but today my answer takes a millisecond as I let Sana holler over my suggestion and yet I reply with the utmost sincere face ever known to mankind.

"I am truly considering." My response not only has her laughing but also swatting away my glass of coffee and taking huge gulps from it.

I have been in this company for four whole bad years now, the boss is rude, the HR has a serious problem with my habitation and people look at me like I am that artificial fountain that often adorns the gates of a huge palace. The only reason I am still bearing the burden of this slavery is because the pay is good.

After I finished my MBA, I wanted to learn the ropes of a multinational company. A close look into the workings would have only given me a good head start for the business I have outlined for myself. In a year, I would have the needed funds and would hopefully run out of this hell hole like my ass is on fire.

Now only one more year till I have to face this machine, that calls himself my boss and just a year more for managing his schedule throughout the day.

He knows about my plan and no matter how much I dislike working here, even he has a calendar marking that counts until my day of departure. So feelings are mutual.

"It's already 8 AM, he will be gracing us with his presence soon." She reminds me, my gaze automatically searching the table clock I had kept on my table but I am awarded with just an austere view of scattered papers all over.

"The devils always arrive late, you can rest a little more before he sends down a pile of paperwork to the finance team. You are already overworked, babe." I yawn and rub my eyes hard.

I hate waking up early, but this job came with its gruesome conditions. The secretary has to be on time, and before the CEO arrives.

"But this devil wears Prada and is certainly on time. As. Always."

Speak of the demon and he arrives, I crane my neck to face my boss who looks the same way he does every other day. Disappointed.

"And that's my cue to leave. Will see you at lunch." Sana waves off. I stand gathering my iPad and some files before following him inside his cabin. I keep the files on his desk, before opening his today's schedule on my tab.

I might be very irresponsible with my things and love keeping my belongings a little messy than others but with work, I am as serious as one can be. I treat it with pure sincerity because it's the only ladder up to the life I have imagined for myself.

He takes his regular seat, a comfortable-looking chair, facing against the beautiful scenery of a pretty sky overlooked by the cabin's window.

"Why is this file covered in neon sticky notes with nothing written on them?" I love how cheerily disenchanted he sounds, every time. Most of the time I knowingly perform things that irk him and bring out his exaggerated responses.

"I wanted it to be distinctly visible."

"Yeah right. It's already so difficult to find a ship in the ocean of deep files and papers flooding your table."

His eyes shine with amusement, lips tilting in a smirk that I am too tempted to rip off. The navy blue shirt strains over his biceps, as he stretches his hands behind the neck of the chair.

He is what anyone would define a businessman with no dressing etiquette, in which company does a bossman skip a tie and wear just a shirt and trousers to the office? He should have been reported to HR long back. I dislike how he looks down at me, mocking me for my choices, acting prim and proper for the entirety of a day.

Usually, at the time of departure, I look like a wild bear with all my hair frizzy and dishevelled but he still appears to be as fresh, smelling of the cologne he had used in the morning.

We share a very broody relationship, he and I don't actually like each other but we are good at tolerating for the sake of our selfish needs.

I can hate the boss but love the salary.

He can hate the assistant but like how I work.

Kabir Sood, the CEO of this interior designing firm is extremely good at his job, he has good skills for the job and knows how to get his job done. He might be pensive but he always makes sure to treat his employees right, well except me.

He doesn't really do anything to irritate me, it's just his nature and his habits and well, he does treat me like a machine like him, so that's there too. But other than that he doesn't. My hatred for him stems from the way he acts.

That bothers me.

And we share a very comical relationship too. Anyone who just spends some minutes with us in the same room would get an idea regarding that.

As I stand in his cabin, before him, he busies himself reading those files I had bought. I observe him, like always.

How does this man never have a speck of shabbiness in him? His hair is perfectly combed, his chiselled jaw sports a perfectly managed stubble, and his facial structures look too symmetrical to be true.

Was I right all along?

Is he really a robot?

Then I think heavy metals wouldn't do any good to harm him, I should move to a better alternative.

"You can think of killing me later, we are getting late."

"Where are we going?" I had checked the schedule for today, there were only some video conferences. We had no assigned meetings or meet-ups.

"Somewhere you won't find heavy metal. Quick." The minute he says those words, he is already dashing out of the cabin. I pick up my iPad and my phone from his desk and follow behind.

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"You couldn't have given me a prior warning?" I try to keep my voice as hushed as I can but it still appears to echo in the palatial hotel lobby we are walking in.

"And what good would have it done? I don't think you would have made efforts to change your outfit now, would you?" He appears so snarky. The hotel we are entering has huge mirrors implanted on the large pillars.

The air conditioning is so strong that I feel my unruly hair messing up even further. Catching a glimpse of my appearance on those reflectors, I realise that even though I am in my normal attire, I look now seriously out of place.

My torn jeans peak out of my long kurti, which now I examine has some loose threads hanging from the lower end. My hair which I always, always, keep in a hair bun, has turned extremely messy and all the baby hair peeks out of that nest trying to personally say hello to everyone out there.

My face's bare, and a single swap of Vaseline on my lips that I had used, now sits on the coffee mug I had used in the morning, back in the office. So they look chapped too. Perfect.

My footwear?

Let's just say this highly sophisticated lobby has a thwap sound reverberating due to my Kolhapuri sandals.

If I hadn't been accompanying the CEO, the guards would have restricted me from even stepping foot on this property.

"I would have at least tried to look a little more presentable." I snide.

We walk further inside, heading for the elevator. There's a sweet citrus scent which I feel they have imprinted in the air itself. With every whiff, the flavour swirls around me.

Kabir doesn't pay any heed to my allegation and instead just rolls his eyes.

"Did you even see the strange looks I was receiving from the guests?"

"Did that bother you?"

"No."

"Then you have your answer."

"But—"

"Noor, you work this way. I really didn't see a point in forcing you to change for this meeting. Mr Shah has seen you multiple times in our office, he won't suddenly start judging you."

Mr Shah has been a very regular client of our firm, he is one of the most renowned hoteliers ever known in this country.

"Is he planning to open a new hotel?" We had just completed designing is latest one that was located near the Marine Drive.

"It appears so."

That's all he offers before we reach the top floor of the building which holds the rooms turned offices for the executive members.

Mr Shah handles the working of all his chains from this office. He is an older man, in his late sixties. He had started his business right from scratch and shambles. The reason why I admire him so
much.

We are guided by a housekeeper to his chamber. It's darker than the outside, all the blinds are drawn over the window panels. Amber lights shimmer and brighten it a little.

He is on his study desk, the table lamp providing some visibility over his files.

"Welcome." He greets us. "I was waiting for you both, please have a seat."

"Pleasure."

He stands up, as we take our seats. "How have you been Mr Sood? Noor, how are you doing? It feels so nice to see you again. I must say, Kabir, you have lucked out with this one." He welcomes us. He offers to get us our drinks personally.

"Lucky?" I can hear Kabir scoffing under his breath.

This man.

I only prefer my wine on very rare occasions, so I settle for a lime soda today. He goes back to his makeshift bar, when I turn to see my boss.

"Why did you make that face?"

"What face?"

"Lucky" I imitate his rough voice and the poker expression.

"I don't speak like that."

"Oh shit. I didn't know you were living your life in denial."

"This is what I meant with that face. I don't think I should let someone waste the credit of my luck on you."

"Oh well. Feelings are so mutual. One year. I have my timer already set."

"One year. I can't wait."

"I only heard about you two bickering but indeed it's a sight." Mr Shah comes with our glasses.

"Sorry?"

"You two. It's a market fact, if Kabir and Noor fight in your office that means the deal is going in a great direction. If one of them is silent, well, it's bad news. So now, I feel obliged."

"I didn't know that," I comment embarrassed. This is the first time I have heard something like this.

"It is." He laughs. "In fact, there was a very popular rumour about you both being married or in a relationship. You both argue like a married pair who is deeply in love."

Well, he couldn't be more wrong, now.

"The day that happens I am pretty sure either we would end up killing each other or —"

Mr Shah doesn't let Kabir complete his sentence, letting out a huge round of laughter. He chuckles, stirring his drink on the ice.

"Mr Sood, famous last words."

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thank you!

fun fact: Beri-Beri is a condition caused due to Vitamin B1 deficiency.

Kabir and Noor, had met you but that meet wasn't a long one (for those who know), this time they are here to stay.

this is the edited first chapter, do give this book a try, i ll try to not disappoint. :)

royally yours,
meethi.