Nainika's POV:

I am not understanding how this can happen. I know I didn't do any background checkup of Mr Shahi but I never knew that the world is too small. Never in my wild dreams I thought this could happen. And now it is happening so I should just accept it without any choice.
" Umm.. we can talk about everything later. You may leave now " I said to Seema and she left after making sure that she updated me with everything.
I was anxious suddenly and didn't know how to take this. I took the invitation in my hand and re read it and to my surprise there was also a photo of the bride and groom and I couldn't help but stare for a longest time to make sure its the same person.
The bride is Tara Shahi daughter of Vinod Shahi and Sreeja Shahi.
I know Tara but I never acknowledged her surname before. And same goes with Mr Shahi coz I never knew about his family. It completely took me a while to come to a conclusion that I am going to meet Sunayn's best friend and there is also a lot of chance that he may come to the wedding. I heard that he never came back home even once in these four years but I doubt whether he comes now.
But the real problem is Tara here. She obviously was my senior and she may recognise me. I didn't want anyone to know particularly Sunayn's friends to know about me.
I could not make an excuse to skip the wedding too coz Mr Shahi made sure that there are no particular meetings on the day of wedding so that everyone could attend without fail. If I want I can make an excuse of my ill health but it will be suspicious coz he knows well about my health.
I was completely stuck in this situation and didn't understand what to do. I sat there and started thinking about every possible situation that can take place but I was sure that nothing will happen in my favour.
When Tara can be Mr Shahi's daughter then anything could happen to surprise me even if I assume things.
Everything turned out to be against me these days. I cannot blame anyone as I am responsible for my misery.
First it was Bhanu's engagement I skipped and now this. I can't keep avoiding everyone just to make myself comfortable. I should come out of my zone and start taking these seriously.
" Sorry to interrupt you ma'am but the HR department has informed me that the guys they had selected are here and ready to meet you. Should I tell them to wait for you or will you talk to them? Let me know so that I can give an update to them " Seema interrupted my chain of thoughts and I nodded my head.
" Inform them that I will meet them in a bit " I said and she nodded her head and went off from there.
I looked at my laptop which was wide open with an email which I didn't bother to read and realised that it was an important one from the dealers. I immediately started doing my work and got involved in it.
By the time I finished it was more than half an hour and I scolded myself for being so ill mannered. I called Seema and she said that they are already waiting for me in the conference room. I made my way to the room and found that the four members stood up and greeted me with a smile.
I smiled back and continued to talk " Good morning to you all and first of all I am really sorry for holding you up for a long time. I was caught up with some work and forgot to see time. I hope you didn't mind to wait for this long " I said to them. They shook their heads and said it's alright and they understand that I didn't do it intentionally.
There are three young women and a man and all looked at me with a genuine smile and I was glad that they are not upset with me being late. Meanwhile I started talking again.
" I am Nainika Gupta, CEO of this company and a hearty welcome to Neetha Group of Constructions(NGC). I believe you will help our company to grow wide with your hardwork and talent. It was nice meeting you all guys and I hope already our HR department has informed you that we are looking for immediate joiners unless you are not ready for it " I asked to which they all nodded saying they are ready to join immediately. I was relieved knowing that I don't have to take stress about designing everytime I get a deal and not depend on other interior designers.
" That is really nice and if you have any problem or doubt regarding anything related to work and job you can talk to the team leader and if it is not resolved you can directly tell me. We have the best people to take care of you and guide you. I hope you enjoy working in NGC. So that's it for now. I just wanted to meet you all guys and I am really delighted to meet you. Thank you for waiting and also all the best " I said with a smile.
They all thanked me and said that it was nice meeting me as well. I left from there after bidding them bye.
I came to my cabin after that and I saw the invitation still lying in same position and it exhausted me. I sighed and got up to have lunch coz it was past lunch time but I skipped it due to various reasons and now I feel hungry.
I reached home late in the evening and sat on sofa scrolling through my phone. I am not sure what I was looking for but my attention was definitely not in my phone but the invitation. I sighed not able to find a reason for my exhaustion.
My phone started ringing and I smiled lightly before picking it up.
" I know you are not happy for not calling you but trust me I was very busy and was planning to call you tomorrow " I said even before i heard anything on other side.
" Good you realised it. But don't give excuses now on " he said and I know he was a bit worried about me.
" Sure bhayya but tell me how are you and how's everything there? " I asked and instantly I forgot the fear I had earlier.
" I am good Naina but I think I am home sick. I need a break I guess " he said. I can make out that he is pouting right now and I suppressed my smile.
" Hmm I understand. Why don't you take a leave then? Come over here we can plan together. What say huh? " I said to which he sighed.
" I know I could do that but you know there is a wedding coming up. Ms. Bhanu is getting married and if I miss that she will murder me without a second thought " he said sarcastically and I laughed. Bhanu and bhayya are like best friends since childhood. I can assume how much she must be waiting for him in her wedding.
" Yeah I totally understand your concern dear " I said and laughed loudly.
He shushed me later and talked about various things. He was taking a week leave for the wedding and also planned to do so many things during his leave. I was not sure how long I will be taking a leave. I know Tara's wedding and Bhanu's wedding are nearly same dates so I have to plan accordingly. As soon as Tara's reception is completed I should start off to Mumbai to attend Bhanu's wedding. It will be a hectic week for me. But the positive aspect of this is I can get to meet Vinay. Yes, I am very excited to have lot of fun with him.
" Okay I will meet you in the wedding then. Take care and call me whenever you get time Naina " bhayya said.
" I will surely make time bhayya and I can't wait to meet you. Take care. Bye " I said and disconnected the call.
" Naina ma'am your dinner is ready. Shall I serve it or you will eat later? " Yashoda aunty asked me.
" Please serve it. I am hungry. And you too join me " I said and sat on the dining table. Me and aunty had our dinner with a little chit chat. She is really a great person. She talks about her grand children whenever we eat and I really enjoy this time with her. It's like having dinner with family.
Later that night I did some project related work and made notes regarding it. After completing I closed my eyes and only one word left my mouth 'Sunayn'. No matter how much work I have or how busy I am it's like I already live with him but in my mind and life. Yes, it happens very often.
I shrugged it off and slept after watching TV for sometime.
Next day in office I asked Seema to know everyone's opinion about buying a gift to Tara Shahi and as expected they wanted to gift a jewellery set. I know it is her wedding and a jewellery set would be perfect.
Me and Seema went to jewellery shopping after office. She was very excited coz she loves jewellery alot.
We saw many designs and picked three sets among all. I told Seema to send the pics to the staff members so that they will choose one.
While she was busy doing that I slowly started roaming around observing everyone.
I made a rule in office that if anyone is on leave or late their salary will be deducted and saved up. That saved amount will be used during emergencies or any familial occassions. So whenever there is any special occasion the saved up amount and also 5% of profit (in projects) will be used. This way there will be no issues regarding the salary deductions.
As Mr Shahi is a very respectful person in office everyone agreed to buy a jewellery set.
I do not want anyone to feel left out so I asked the employees to choose one set among them. In this way they will be satisfied and happy as well.
When Seema was done she called me and said.
" So it's decided then? " I asked to which she nodded and showed me the set.
" Alright. Pack this one sir. We will make the payment " I said and the person did the needed and gave us the packet.
After the payment we exited the shop and it started raining slowly.
" Seema I think the rain will not stop now. We will go and eat in the restaurant. I will drop you off at home after dinner " I said. She was hesitant a little bit but later accepted coz the rain was not stopping. We both left from there and entered into the small yet fancy restaurant and placed our orders.
Seema excitedly opened the packet and saw the jewellery sat and smiled fondly.
" You really love them. Don't you? " I said to which she giggled and and nodded.
As soon as the order arrived we both started eating while occassionally talking about the meeting tomorrow and left. I dropped her at her apartment and went to mine. I carefully placed the gift in the locker and sat on the chair.
Thankfully Yashoda aunty did not cook dinner. Maybe she understood that I will be late today and will eat something out.
I was very tired after the whole shopping so I just freshed up and changed. When I went to bed it was already half past eleven.
One more day spent without you Sunayn. I do not know when will the day come when I will start and end my day with your smile.

I know it is almost a month since I last updated. Uff... I was ill and was busy with personal stuff.
Hope you like this chapter.
I know this is just a filler chapter but there will be few twists and turns in coming chapters.
Let me know ur opinions guys. I am losing motivation.
Okay bye ...