Niharika's POV

I woke up after a relaxed sleep and saw the clock. It was 9 in the morning and I was late for the office. Finishing my daily chores, I got ready for the office. I wore the brown colored business suit today, the most elegant one in my wardrobe. I finished off my look with a chocolate brown lipstick and little eye-makeup. I made a bun of my bouncy hair locks. I welcomed my day with new charm because it was new beginning. I was starting to work over my mother's dream. It was indeed, a great moment for me.

Having a bowl of cereals in my breakfast, I rushed for my office. I wondered when would Sapna be back. I was missing the relishing meals she prepared for me. 

Upon reaching my office, Mr. Bose informed me regarding the meeting in the conference hall today. Arpit was presenting his proposal to the board of executives and his research team. I will be announcing this project in the party today evening. I had invited all the dignitaries along with my employees for this small get-together. 

I called upon Raima, the event manager of the company to know if she had prepared everything before rushing for the meeting in conference hall. 

*****

In the conference hall, I sat with my board of executives and laboratory staff. We waited for the Senior Scientist, who must have come before us but he was indeed, an idiot to be late today. I was visibly annoyed waiting for him since last five minutes. 

I stood up to announce that we won't be waiting further to find him entering the conference room. He was panting. His unkempt appearance made everyone giggle in the room. I pressed my lips hard to prevent the laughter. 

"Ah! Dr. Khandelwal, thanks for keeping us waiting", I said sarcastically making him a piece of mockery again.

"Madam, meeting was at 10:30. I tried entering the lift at 10:28. The lift broke down and I had to use stairs to reach the tenth floor from the sixth floor where my cabin stands. Apologies for being late. Should I begin?" He spoke professionally. "Just two minutes", I said and went out of the hall to inform the guard about the lift. 

Addressing everyone I said, "Good morning, everyone. Dr. Arpit Khandelwal, Senior Scientist, The Exquisite, will be presenting the research proposal for our new project to prepare anti-aging product-lines. Let's begin."

The lights were switched off and he began with his presentation.

After a while, Arpit concluded the meeting saying, "The key takeaways of this meeting are that we will be using the phytochemicals of aloe vera and fox nuts in desired proportions to prepare a decoction which could be used as the base in the cosmetic products. It is quite cost-effective and would render efficient results. I believe this project won't take much time. That's all. Thank you."

I was amazed at the simplicity of his presentation as most of the executives from non-science background seemed to be convinced with him. There was an air of satisfaction after the questionnaire session as one of the board members said, "I will be glad to see this happening. Great!"

Finally the meeting ended on a good note. 

When everyone left, I planned to personally appreciate Arpit for his idea and approach. I asked Mr. Bose to call him in my office. 

The issue with the lift was corrected. I left for my cabin. 

*****

I rushed to the attached washroom of my cabin and opened my hair bun and left my hair locks bouncing on my shoulders. I checked if my make-up looked alluring enough to persuade him to leer upon me. I was amazed at his reaction the other day when he kept staring at my legs. I wanted that reaction again. 

As soon as I came out from the washroom, I heard a knock on the door. 

I asked to come in and sat on my office chair. 

"Niharika, you called me", he said as he entered in my office. In his grey business suit with a black shirt, he looked marvellous. His eyes looked enticing and his ruffled hair were attractive enough for me. I avoided the eye contact remembering that we aren't teenagers.

"Yeah, Arpit. Please sit." As he sat on the chair in front of me, I continued, "Your presentation was really appreciable. I wonder if it will be bring results, I see, you are aware of the importance of this project." I said maintaining a professional composure as he stared upon my lips while I spoke. 

"Don't you worry, Niharika. We will begin the work from today only." He chuckled and said taunting, "Just ask Mr. Bose to show the labs." He knew that his taunt would effect on me and he wanted to see the labs with me. 

"I see, you will have to wait then. Mr. Bose just left for the construction site of one of our projects. I will inform him once he is back." I said pressing my lips and biting them to avoid my giggles and combat my nervousness. I was really nervous when I looked into his mesmerizing eyes as it was hard to control myself. I was urging to kiss on the spot. 

"Well! Then I would like to see the labs with you in case you are free. Please." He said making a puppy face. 

Now he had made his intentions clear, I was satisfied and hence, I said looking into his eyesight , "Okay, just give me a minute. Let's have a look at the labs. I hadn't gone there for a while." 

Opening the drawer, I took out a ruffle and made a sleek ponytail of my bounces. I stood up to leave. 

While getting up, he said winking, "By the way, you look beautiful with open hair especially today".

"Is it acceptable in lab?" I questioned and he bit his lower lip embarrassed at his remark at wrong time. We both got up to leave.

*****

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