02 - Time and Treatment Changes Many
" We should proceed into the matters then" Astha said moving towards her seat after asking Shlok and Suresh if they wanted any refreshment. When they denied she motioned them towards the seats in front of her table. Turning towards Neena she smiled "Let's start"
" Mr. Shlok we are interested in taking over your event management company " Neena spoke to Shlok "We know that earlier plans were in motion for this and now we would like to complete the same"
Shlok had a hard time concentrating on Neena's words. He was busy fighting with his instincts to keep looking at Astha. He was annoyed that she could remain so cool and collected. She barely even acknowledged his existence in the same room. Where had the flustered , blubbering Astha who was very much affected by his presence gone to?
" Earlier Aakruti was owned by well known people. I am sorry I cannotsay the same now" Shlok replied keeping his face expressionless.
Astha felt irritation rise in her. She had to struggle a bit to get into her professional self and now she wondered why she let him affect her in the first place. He was still the same misogynyst.
" Let me put your worries to rest Mr. Agnihotri. Aakruti Event Managers is still the leading company in the field and I can give you proof for that if you want " Astha addressed Shlok her gaze steely.
Shlok wasn't new to this look in her eyes and yet it disturbed. Unlike earlier time this look had the force of past behind it , a past he was guilty for. He wondered if the reply he was about to give would even matter to her.
" I care about what happens to the employees. I don't want this change in power to affect them adversely" Shlok replied meeting Astha's gaze steadily.
He cares? What a charitable notion Astha scoffed mentally. The day Shlok Agnihotri started to care would be the day hell froze over and even that she believed would happen before the infuriating man in front of her began caring.
" Mr. Shlok we can assure you that they are being transferred into capable hands" Neena spoke up gazing between Shlok and Astha.
Suresh sympathised with his boss at the moment. The man truly did care about the company he was about to give up. After all many things had changed about Shlok Agnihotri since the day Astha walked out of his life for good even though he rarely displayed it.
" Miss . Neena I have a new proposition for you. How about we go in for a merger" Shlok shifted his gaze to Astha as he completed his sentence.
For a fraction of a second Astha's eyes widened but then she got back to her business like manner. She understood very well why he wanted a merger. He still wanted to interfere in her life. He was in for a different ride if he thought so. Astha motioned with her eyes to Neena.
" We need time to think on that Mr. Agnihotri" Neena replied tactfully.
" Well then I will wait for your answer" Shlok said his gaze fixed on Astha who was watching him equally intently.
" That will be all for today then" Astha stood up from her chair " Thank you for coming Mr. Agnihotri" she extended her hand towards him.
As he enclosed his larger hand over hers he felt warmth seep into his cold core. Years before she had freely given him the warmth of her touch and he had reacted back brutally. Right now he realised how much he had missed the warmth.
" So back in Mumbai with a hostile takeover. Impressive Astha" Shlok commented
" Miss Kirloskar , Mr. Agnihotri and I am back in Mumbai to be with my family.Hostile takeover is just a part of business" Astha replied coolly
" But the company you used to work for. I was thinking you were close to Mangla and Mangesh" Shlok asked suppressing his disappointment at her brusque manner.
" In business relationships doesn't matter. I learned that from the best Mr. Agnihotri" Astha replied and Shlok felt as if someone had landed a stinging slap on his face.
Suresh couldn't help the admiration he felt for Astha. His boss had broken down an innocent girl and in her place today stood a strong woman . One who was a force to be reckoned with.
Later
Neena's office
" I can see why you fell for him" Neena winked as she handed the cup of steaming coffee to her best friend and business partner Astha.
" Miss Neena Deshmukh , I didn't know you considered me that shallow" Astha scowled at her causing Neena to laugh.
" Come on Astha admit it that you find Shlok Agnihotri devilishly handsome and charming" Neena said perching herself on her table.
" Off course I do. I find him as charming as a rattle snake" Astha replied grinning mockingly. Neena laughed again and this time Astha joined her. Placing her mug on the table she took Astha's hands in hers
" Jokes apart are you okay? " concern was evident in Neena's steel grey eyes.
" Honestly a bit ruffled. It's been four years and in some ways he still affects me" Astha had a thoughtful look on her face. She closed her eyes and sighed. Opening them she smiled at Neena.
" But don't worry I won't let that affect our business"
" We don't have to do this deal you know. We are stable as of now. I don't think Kaka and Kaki has to worry about anything now. We don't have to pretend this is a hostile takeover for long" Neena said trying to comfort her friend.
" Seriously Neena am fine. Don't worry your pretty face too much or you may get horrendous worry lines" Astha teased her friend.
" Excuse Miss Kirloskar I am going to remain pretty till I die" Neena joked back.
As they got into a friendly banter Neena silently wondered if the earlier meeting between Shlok and Astha was perhaps just a beginning.
Edited by NA_pms - 11 years ago
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