Chapter 4: Evolving Or Devolving?

Chapter 4: Evolving or Devolving?

Khushi hummed happily as she settled into the plush leather chair. She had dropped Shyam off to the airport in the morning before heading off to work. The weekend had cheered her up and nothing, not even the prospect of spending the next week with Raizada closing the paperwork could spoil her mood. She put on her earphones and put on a cheeky Bollywood number as she opened all the files before everyone else arrived. The music must have been loud because she felt his presence right behind her and jumped out of her chair.

“Why am I not surprised at your taste of music.” She could hear the glee as he straightened up, having caught a glance of her screen.

“Why am I not surprised at your lack of basic courtesy and concept of personal space.” She snapped as she turned around to look at his classic amused expression with one eyebrow cocked up.

“Chamkeeli! Come here give me a hug girl! Its been so long!”A mass of colored hair and strong perfume knocked her out in a tight embrace. At least Lavanya would be here. Lavanya worked for a law firm and belonged more toArnav’s circle than hers, but over the years they had developed a sweet bond. She was always amazed by her sharp dresses and heels, but she had to agree that it had an effect on people in the room. When Lavanya spoke, people listened.

“So – have you two finally decided to bone to kill the “unresolved sexual tension” or are we still peacocking?” She said as she dropped her handbag and looked at Arnav and Khushi quizzically.

“As I’ve stated on the record before, I’d rather die a virgin.”Arnav shrugged and went back to arranging his laptop and files on the huge conference table.

“In all probability, you will. Unless you find somebody with an obsession for scorpions or something.” Khushi retorted without looking up. Great, she had become a natural at responding to Raizada’s comments without even thinking. Was she evolving or devolving? Maybe this is what they meant by the survival of the fittest.

Mr. Khandelwal made an entrance with his team at that moment, cutting her train of thought.

“It's great that we’ve managed to land both of you as investors! My legal team will discuss the deal terms and hopefully, we should reach an agreement easily.” He beamed at Lavanya and his team, who gave him a thumbs up. “I believe you would be making a joint offer within the discussed range?” He turned to Arnav and Khushi.

“Yes, that’s the plan. We’re happy that this worked out.”Khushi responded and Arnav nodded in agreement. Khandelwal left them and Arnavslid a file across the table to Khushi.

“I went through your offer. The document had four spelling mistakes, which I’ve corrected in my version. We can start discussing the numbers once you’ve had a look at our reports.” He shook his head disdainfully.

Khushi looked down to see paper tabs sticking out of the document. She closed her eyes as anger rose like a wave. She’d had enough. Raizada may be a prince in his own right but she was not one of his crooning subjects. She stood up and threw down the file on his keyboard, startling him.

“I have no idea what kind of sadistic entertainment this is to you, but for me, it's my work. You can stay up all night looking for f*****g typos or you can close this deal as fast as possible and get out of here. Don't dare insult my work ethic ever again, Raizada. What makes you think I came unprepared for this meeting? Or that you’re better than me because you caught a stupid typo?” She kept herself from screaming as she stared down at him.