Johnathan was in fact impressive in the matter of making me comfortable. Even cracked a couple of jokes which were... well, somewhat cringy. But I didn't mind it either. I had something else on my mind. I wasn't sure why Father Andrew referred me exactly to Rudras, but it definitely wasn't what I had expected while coming here.

John (he insisted me to call him by that) left after accompanying me all the way to the huge entryway of the four storeyed building. I eyed around the place but didn't notice many staff.

The marble floor of the reception area was clean enough to see one's face on it. The receptionist was a girl, perhaps in her early twenties. When I went to her and asked to meet Mr. Rudra, her sharp gaze flew to my face and studied me from under her long eyelashes. She was gorgeous, unlike me. Lean, tall and athletic.

I sighed.

Comparing her with myself, I felt kind of inferior and insecure.

For a split second her nostrils flared before she asked my name. I gave her my details as well told Father Andrew had sent me there. She nodded understandingly, but didn't say much, only asked me to wait for a few minutes.

I set down my bag at one side and sat nervously in one corner glancing around the area. The reception area was neat and tidy enough to create awe but there weren't many workers I saw, which was definitely odd. Considering how renowned these Rudras were according to Father Andrew.

I sat there fidgeting with my shirt's button and pondering on the possibility of getting caught for the crime I committed. Sure, the police must be looking for me. What if they would track me down? I would end up in jail, and obviously I didn't want that.

After almost half an hour, I was summoned to meet Mr. Rudra. I took a deep breath when a polished looking man came to guide me to Mr. Rudra's cabin.

"Come with me, Ms. Urvi," were his first words to me with an amicable smile.

I smiled back politely, "Thank you."

"My name is Abhay."

I nodded, "Thank you, Abhay."

He delivered the same smile as we started walking, him leading the way. We reached the elevator and he pressed the third floor's button once entering inside it.

"So, you are from Kolkata?" He asked me.

"Yes," I replied, quietly. I didn't know what else I should say. Would it have been feasible if I had changed my name? Not that Khannas had any photographs of me for which it would be easier for police to track me down. But my name was still Urvi. I didn't know how many Urvis there are.

"Why have you come here?" He asked again, his voice was slightly doubtful this time, which he quickly masked by explaining his question, "No, I mean, Kolkata is a big city compared to here. Employment is much bigger there. It made me curious. I cannot be blamed for that. Right?"

I bit the inside of my cheeks, pondering on my next believable answer. "I have personal issues," I muttered, cautiously.

"Ah," he nodded, "understandable."

My eyes darted to his way. Understandable? How come it was understandable? If I were in his place, it would have been the foremost suspicious answer on my list. People were definitely strange here. He didn't press the talk and I was glad he didn't. As we reached the third floor, we went out of the elevator and met with a spacious and almost empty floor.

He gestured to me to follow him as we crossed the corridor and reached Mr. Rudra's room. In fact, there were two rooms adjacent to each other and both the doors had a nameplate with V. Rudra engraved on them in golden lettering. My eyebrows raised awkwardly at that before Abhay knocked on the right side door and opened it slightly.

"Ved?" He peeped inside then turned towards me and told me to follow him inside.

The first thing that caught my eye was the dark and unique color of the interior. Everything in the room was of color black, copper and taupe.

My heart beat rose a little as I focused on the gentleman sitting behind the desk. He was engrossed typing on his laptop, but when he heard us entering he looked up from the computer screen. My world spun for a quick second as he cast a glance directly at me. The green of his eyes was the deepest I had ever seen. I had no idea that green eyes could be this deep. I suspected them to be lenses for a split moment then dismissed the thought when I realized it was indeed his true eye-color. I was completely awed in his presence and tumbled back to my senses after gaping at him for I didn't know how long.

However, he averted his gaze as quickly as he had laid it on me and addressed Abhay, "Abhay, inform Veer about the meeting tonight."

Abhay gave a single nod in compliance before giving me a half smile and left.

I watched him leaving then looked ahead and waited for Mr Rudra to acknowledge my presence in the cabin. In the time being I regarded him cautiously with the fear that I might not after all get the job. Mr. Rudra must be in his late twenties. His black hair was neatly back brushed and two streaks of red highlights had given him an unusual and intimidating look. He definitely had broad shoulders and strong arms. I could be wrong about his strength if I overlook the clear sight in front of me. He had to be a regular gym-goer.

"Sit down, Urvi," he abruptly broke the silence without looking away from the screen, making me slightly flinch.

I carefully crossed the room then sat down on one of the opposite chairs, leaving my bag at my feet, not wanting to cause any noise to trouble him.

It felt awkward to sit here like this. The silence inside the cabin was too quiet for my liking. I glanced around the cabin nervously until my eyes fell on him. He was frowning looking at the screen for god knew what and then his nose flared ever so subtly as one of his brows arched. The act was definitely weird because it seemed like he was sniffing something awful or of great interest which was strange. Because I only smelt the faint smell of clove and peppermint.

His eyes narrowed to slits as he reached for his intercom, dialed a number and connected it to his ear. After a small pause he commanded, "Arrange the meeting at 8 sharp!" before putting down the receiver and focusing his unwavering gaze on me.

I wouldn't say I didn't feel uncomfortable with that look. In fact, it was kind of intimidating. But I tried not to show it on my face even though I was feeling a little jittery inside. Even more anxious because in the back of my head the nagging voice was shouting over and over that I had to find a hotel room if I wanted to spend the night under a roof. I knew not any of the natives. So, until I got out of here, I couldn't go hunting for a dwelling. And the thought alone gave me wrecks when I remembered the digits of my bank account balance. I had no idea how the hell would I survive with such a small amount which definitely would be finished in a week. If I didn't get this job, I'd be out on the roads with no food and shelter.

Under his intense gaze my eyes flickered as I gazed down avoiding meeting his eyes. He leaned in front and put his elbows on the table.

"Urvi,"

"Yes, Sir," I glanced up at him, hoping he wouldn't ask me something in my interview which I didn't know the answers to. Then also, no one really informed me about the job profile. Heck, I didn't even know what the hell was I doing there and what the hell should I expect. I groaned inwardly but somehow held his gaze.

He calmly said, "We've hired you as my secretary with accommodation. Father Andrew had called me a few minutes ago and he earnestly requested on your behalf to give you a job. So, congratulations. You have the job now."

As he said that my jaw dropped in disbelief. I stared at him, dumbfounded. I was hired? Just like that? No interviews or tests? I was skeptical of my luck. But why would he hire me considering Father Andrew's request? Why was even Father so willing to help me in the first place? I had no minimum clue of this fortunate opportunity landing on my lap out of the blue.

Oblivious of my inner conflicts, Mr. Rudra continued while I was busy questioning all my presumptions. "It's almost lunch hour. So, I want you to have your lunch in the office cafeteria now. Then meet me back in my office after an hour. I will arrange the agreement papers by then. We'll leave the office around 6 in the evening for the pack..." he paused abruptly, then cleared his throat, "to my residence. We have an important and extremely crucial meeting tonight. Some elder members of the board of directors will be present. You'll accompany me there. Oh, and your accommodation will also be arranged there. Okay?"

I'd be staying in his house? Before I could stop my thoughts, they slipped out of my little mouth as I gazed at him stupefied, "I'll be staying with you?"

The corner of his mouth tilted up slightly as he leaned back looking amused. Then said, "You'll not be the only employee staying there. There are others."

"Oh," I breathed.

He said again, "Another point to remember. We don't necessarily work only in the daytime. The office remains open at night also. As most of our work is done here at night. So, you'll have to be prepared for that."

"Are you comfortable working at night, Urvi?" He asked, after a small pause.

I shook my head, "I have no problem, Sir."

"Good. Then go, get something to eat first," he paused momentarily before adding, "I wish you all the luck for your new job, Urvi."

I nodded, "Thank you."

He arose and I copied him immediately. As he was putting on his suit, he looked down at me intently. "You're alright?"

I suddenly felt the heat on my cheeks. I didn't know why he chose that exact moment to ask about my wellbeing, but it made me uncomfortable.

"Yes," I said, dejected, "It's just... I mean... these all are very overwhelming. So, I-I just..."

"I understand," he cut me in between. "Don't worry. You'll do just fine."

I nodded again, while he rounded the desk coming at my side and stood a feet away from me. "I'll see you in an hour, Urvi."

His words gave me the indication to leave his room now. I curtly nodded then quietly left his office.

I was relieved to finally have a job, but I didn't know then, it would be the biggest mistake I should have refrained myself from doing. It was even bigger than the crime I committed before.