—Late—

It's been 3 months since I've been working in this company, can you believe that? 

My experience here has been good so far. I am quite content here. Salary is good and my co-workers are nice too.

There is nothing better I could've asked for.

However, today something unexpected happened, the news of our company being sold to some other businessman surfaced. Now, many of us are fearing for our jobs obviously. Especially me because I'm the latest employee and the chances of me getting laid off are more than those of others.

There is a lot of anxiety about the whole situation which has the whole office in its grasp.

Although there is no reason to be so anxious. Ownership changes don't always mean layoffs right? I'd like to believe so for I know if I keep thinking of something which can go wrong, it will probably just go wrong. It's just simple Murphy's Law.. with a bit of a variation.

Skylar, my sweet, blonde colleague thinks that with a new owner, there are going to be changes in policies and probably some people might lose their jobs.

This is irrelevant, I am sure that this is not the thing to worry about. The main thing to worry about is...Who is the new owner?

I can't keep my curiosity in check with this one. As much as I fear for my job, I can't help but be more curious about the new owner.

If I'm going to lose my job I might as well know who's going to be the reason behind it.

But the information is kept confidential, Axel sure knows who is the new owner but he won't spill the beans.

I won't say, I like the current owner of this company...I mean he is old, irritating and a certified pervert.

I am thankful that my job doesn't involve interacting with the C.E.O or else I surely would have left this job a long ago.. not because I have a low tolerance for bullshit but because I just wouldn't have lasted much with his kind of attitude.

"You know Mr. Jenkins is bankrupt."

"Yea, of course, or why else would he sell this company?"

"It is a wonder, how none of us knew about this downfall!"

"Who cares? At least we will get rid of Pervy-Jenky."

"Well, I hope, with the new owner we will not lose our jobs."

Well, this was an extract from the gossip that everyone seems to be indulging in since past few days.

None of us has the slightest idea of who is the owner...only that he is one of the youngest billionaires in the world today.

Well, in that case, the list should not be too long, but I am too lazy to search that out. I looked at the clock and realized that now is the time when I have to give Axel his coffee.

Well, don't ask me why giving him his coffee is now one of my regular dues. It just happened one day that I prepared his coffee and from that day, there has not been one working day without me giving him his coffee.

Although, today I am quite eager to meet him. Why? To get some information about the new owner from him.

Axel is not the easiest persons to grill but I am pretty sure constantly trying will get me somewhere someday...

If only you try this hard towards getting a promotion...

I brushed away the voice inside my head and started walking towards Axel's office to give him his coffee.

I knocked 4 times, my signature style.

"Come in." He said.

The moment I entered his office, I was surprised to see it more cluttered than ever. Files were all over his table and floor. Some carelessly lying around and others placed in a clean stack.

"Woah...When did the Earthquake happen?" I asked him teasingly. To have a friendly relation with your boss is truly a blessing. Axel and I are quite friendly and I love teasing him. But, today I realized that I had chosen the wrong time. There was this frown on his face which clearly said 'I am pissed off beyond my limit'.

"Just now, the moment you entered, my world collapsed." He said while still arranging some papers. I couldn't help but grin.

"Yeah..right. Now, why in the world your office is looking messier than your face?" I know, it was wrong to tease him but I couldn't help it. That face was a call for jokes.

"Excuse me, Ms. Shah? Is this the way to talk to your boss?" He asked and look at me for the first time. He had this small smile on his lips and it made him look so handsome especially with that messy hairstyle and little stubble. Busy days suit him.

"Well...anyway, what is all this mess really?" I asked while placing the cup of coffee on one and only clear spot on his table. I sat on the chair opposite to him and arranged some files in proper stacks.

"We are having a new boss and I have to give him certain reports and for that to happen, it is important to find the correct files." He said, again diverting his attention towards the files.

"Oh yeah, the new boss, I forgot. I  wonder who he..." and before I could finish my sentence Axel interrupted me "I am not going to tell you."

I thought I'd play cool and get some information out of him but he surely knew what was up and cooking in my mind. I decided to let go off my charade.

"Come on! Everyone is so anxious to know about this new-mystery owner! And you are the only one knowing who he is!" I exclaimed, inducing some extra fake enthusiasm so that he might tell me.

"Wait for 2 days, you will get to see him." He replied flatly. 

"Can't you tell me something about him? A little tiny hint will do too." Why can't he tell me already!

"Sorry lady, now get the hell out of my office, if you may. This information is confidential and you are not going it from me at, least. Go and try your tricks with the head of the Accounting Department. Your luck might work there." He looked between me and the door, as his silent way of asking me to get out. 

"You are not allowed to swear in the office!" I said while stomping my way towards the door to exit. I could hear him faintly laughing in the background but I continued on my way out without giving a glance back.

"Whatever." He muttered while laughing. I turned around and stuck my tongue out at him, to which he laughed some more. And I stomped louder towards the door. Okay, childish I know.

But I was very curious now and more than ever interested in knowing who was this new person who will torment all our lives after 2 days. Who's this guy whose signatures will grace our paychecks? 

The moment, I was out of Axel's office, everyone surrounded me to know if I got any information.

"Mission Failed," I announced with a sigh and with that everyone got back to their respective works.

I can't wait to meet the new owner. He must be a special person or else why would all this information about him would be kept so carefully confidential?

The next day in office was a total furore! Everyone was working like crazy to complete their incomplete assignments so that their record will be clean in front of the new owner cum C.E.O. Everyone was busy in preparing the best they could for the new boss.

I found it a little crazy though, but I didn't have any other choice but to go with the flow and help. Many of our seniors were even doing over-time to make everything perfect. My curiosity was seriously getting the better of me.

Who is this new C.E.O.?

~~***~~

Today, was the new day and the day of when new owner will finally arrive.

I am not exactly excited because of an internal fear of actually losing my job but all the excitement around me had its effect on me too.

I looked at my alarm clock and it was only 7. I had lots of time to ready. I took a long warm shower and dressed in a turquoise shirt and black fitted jeans and I completed the look with a black stylish blazer.

A classic outfit which can never do wrong.

I tied my hair in a high ponytail and applied my signature kohl and lip balm. No need for any makeup with that! I ate a hearty breakfast and then again had a look at my alarm clock while I started to put all my essentials in my bag...

..and it is still 7 ?!?!

How in the world...?? Damn it!

I looked at my phone and it was freaking 8:56 a.m! I am so screwed!

I practically ran towards the bus stop...Oh well, screw it! I am going to take a cab! I jumped into the first cab that stopped and asked him to take me to my destination as fast as possible!

It will take me at least 30 minutes to reach office, even if I fly my way through it. Why my alarm clock had to betray me today only!

I can't afford to be late today! Damn Damn Damn! What if the new C.E.O is some punctual monster? Will he fire me? Well..why would he? Be practical..he is new and he could be nice too.

But, what if he is not?

By the time, I reached office after fighting the cruel traffic, it was 9:37 am. Oh, wow..so I am only almost 40 minutes late..not a big deal right? Please don't be a big deal!

After paying the fare, I entered the building and was greeted by the receptionist who gave me a small and..sad smile. I just nodded and went straight towards the lift, for some unknown reasons I was breathing in the air of extreme tension.

I had this intuition that something bad going to happen, it can be my anxiety too but I strongly felt something was just not right. By the time I reached my floor, my palms were sweating. I walked towards my desk and there Skylar asked me to go to Axel's office. 

Great!

I am not afraid of him but something doesn't feel right today. I slowly made my way towards the door and I knocked only once and when I entered the door and he looked at me in surprise.

"So out of all the days, you chose this one to be late?" He asked me with seriousness, I've never seen on him before. There was a hint of tension on his face, I hope I was not the reason behind it.

"My alarm clock decided to shit on me. Didn't show me the right time, got stuck. Not my mistake!" I tried defending myself, for no use of course but at least one should try.

"Well...just to let you know, I tried defending you but the new C.E.O is quite a tyrant and very punctual." He said with a sigh, then continued "Go to the top floor, his office, he wants to see you."

"Why? I was only late today. I have never been late before! Why in the world....." Axel interrupted me and said, "Just go and meet him, I am sure he only wants a formal introduction, he had this session with everyone, even the security. It will not take more than 2 minutes."

"Gosh..okay. Tell me his name at least..." I trailed off, praying that he will not fire me before I could even introduce myself to him.

"He is Indian too. Hope this is enough boost for you, now go and save your job." Axel had a worried expression on his face, but there was now a very faint smile playing on his lips too.

"Well..yeah. Lots of boost.." I murmured sarcastically. What the hell his nationality has to do with anything? Indian bosses can be quite a monster too, like any other. I don't think businessmen care for the country connections. Who does anyway? Life is a race, not a charity.

"Just go and don't waste time, we don't want you to get fired now, do we?" Axel said suddenly and gave me a confident smile and it kind of gave some confidence to at least go present myself in front of the new boss. I smiled back a little at him and prepared myself to face the Indian billionaire tyrant.

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I tried making it longer.. And well nothing much to say but well... Please vote and comment on this story!

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And if you all don't mind please read my short story "I Killed Him.....for Good"

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