Part 4 (first half) – A Weighty Secret
Sounds of thunder and heavy rain splashing against the windows started the day. She looked up to see darkness outside, dark clouds in the sky and hear the noises of the heavy winds besides the thunder and the rain. The atmosphere was gloomy and for a moment she was tempted to turn back and go home, but didn't.
It felt like hours had passed by since she had left the house to go for work. Finally, jumping through puddles of water and spoiling her dress, she at last reached the doorsteps of her boss's cabin.
"you are late"
"Uh"
"I don't need any explanations. You will have to stay back after office hours for an hour" remarked Angad sitting on a high rise comfortable chair.
Kripa merely nodded.
"Get me a cup of coffee"
At first Kripa was unsure whether she had heard him right, then when she noticed him waiting, she quickly hurried out of sight.
Once she was back with the cup, she carefully placed the cup on his desk, except when he made no effort to reach out for it, she realized she had to hand it to him.
Standing by his side putting the cup in front near his face she noticed him pull another hand out. Trying to be careful that their fingers wouldn't brush she slipped her hands from the handle to reach out for the base of the cup, except before she could do that she felt Angad's thumb touch hers, which caused her to slip her hand to the base. When she felt the burning cup on her fingers she winced and dropped the cup making it fall on Angad's chest, which in turn made him wince.
The next instant a furious Angad jumped out from his seat swearing at her, while she grabbed a Kleenex from the side to wipe the coffee from his shirt – only to cause more discomfort, while Angad barked "GET OUT!"
In tears she walked out of the room.
****
"Are you alright Miss?"
"Yes, yes, I am fine," said Kripa wiping her tears with the Kleenex, and blew her nose after pulling out another Kleenex.
"You do realize that a pretty girl like you doesn't look good, when she is crying" the guy replied
She laughed a bit trying to show she was fine, except she choked again and more tears fell on her cheeks, as she remembered Angad's words.
"What happened?" the guy said placing his hand on her shoulder.
"nothing" she said
"Are you sure?"
"Yes"
"From what I have heard you spilled coffee on the Boss. Is it true?"
She remained silent, as if she was in deep thoughts.
"I think (choking) I should resign"
"What?"
"Yes, I am not fit for this job"
"And, who says that?"
She looked up at him.
For once he noticed her big chocolate brown eyes - the window to her heart looking at him innocently. If Angad didn't take her, then he surely would have asked her out. She was beautiful, extremely beautiful, except Angad hadn't noticed that or he had noticed it yet, but refused to speak about it. She looked like an angel a very innocent one, who had lost on its way on Earth.
If only he could be the one to guide her way...
Sighing, he thought at least not as a lover he could guide her, as a brother.
"Did you say something?" she asked innocently
"No" he smiled looking at her, "listen, you really shouldn't resign that too for such a silly thing. Don't you need this job?"
"Yes" she replied looking at the floor.
"Then? What's the problem?" he looked at her "Make an effort to convince the boss that he has been right in hiring you"
"But ---"
"Oh come on Kripa, I am sure you can handle this. You are just a beginner right now. And, mistakes happen, they are bound to happen, no one is perfect right? So, why give up the opportunity to work along with Angad Khanna? You can't just give up so easily. Aren't you the fighter type?"
She looked up surprised by his last words.
He immediately covered by saying, "well, you look like a fighter! Not a loser, so go on fight for the job"
"I don't know Sir. I understand what you are saying, but if I keep making such mistakes, then it's not right. How long can I keep covering up my mistakes?" she said getting up from the chair and walking around the cabin.
"Now, why on earth would you think you will make mistakes? Be positive Kripa!" he said holding her shoulder, "Just Chill Girl"
That's when the cabin door burst open to reveal Angad Khanna.
"I will leave!" said Josh, giving Angad a look, as he walked out of the room.
Whether Angad was furious, pleased – which could not be the case, or sad Kripa could not make out. The guy was either too good with masking his feelings or he wasn't the type to express things on his face.
Looking down she stared at the floor. Things were changed now.
Till yesterday this guy was nothing he meant nothing. But, now they shared a relationship of a boss and an employee.
And, if truth were told it was a very awkward relationship, at least from Kripa's side.
She hated the man, Angad Khanna, except since he was her boss she couldn't exactly hate him, so she was in the process of being neutral, which caused problems. Since, his sight made her blood boil, and thinking about his touch, made her shy & nervous, which was nothing new she felt that for every other man.
She handed him the paper, which she had written a few minutes ago. It was ready to be handed in, except Josh had barged in her cabin, and tried to change her mind, which of course was a bad attempt.
She was in desperate need for a job, but she was also aware that she couldn't along beside this man. Especially, after witnessing the incident from yesterday morning filled her mind with disgust over this man.
"What is this?"
She noticed Angad stare at the envelope, and wave it across, as he asked her. She cleared her dry throat and replied clearly, "My resignation letter"
"My foot" he said throwing the envelope back on the floor.
She looked at him confused unable to understand his reaction.
"Do you want me to remind you our little "talk" from yesterday?" he said finally
It was quite clear that he was not willing to part from her.
"I don't deserve this job"
"Bull"
"Someone better deserves this job"
"Listen" he said holding her arms roughly, "Why do you love to be so nice? Huh?" she could feel his breath as he said, "Yesterday also you were standing up for a complete stranger"
He voiced out his thoughts. The one thing that he disliked about her was her blind trust in a stranger. She believed that girl over him. And, he hated people, who did that. People, who refused to hear both sides out, and she was one of them.
She remained silent at his words.
"And, now you want to give up this job for someone, who deserves it... You will manage to fill a unemployed person, but what about you? Won't you be unemployed?"
She snapped back, "And, why do you care? Why do you want me to stick to this job? Yesterday, also I failed to understand you. I insult you, yet you hire me. You claim to hate me, yet you hire me. Why? What's the reasoning behind my hiring? I don't understand your intention A-.... Sir"
He had no idea what to respond to her words. But, he was aware that he had to gain her trust.
After several moments he finally broke the silence, "I think my words from yesterday should have made it clear that I do not have the wrong intentions". Her eyes met his briefly for a few seconds; "I think you are qualified – actually, on second thoughts you are more than qualified to this job. I get the feeling that you are the person, who is completely fit for the job"
"Are you telling all the magazines that write about you as a shrewd and arrogant individual are all wrong? Are you telling me that every article about you is wrong? Are you telling me that despite my insults you don't place your self-respect, but your company first? And, I am simply filling in the position of a PA, what good can a PA do the company? Why are you being so nice?"
"You don't want me to be nice" he said raising his eyebrow "And, you are underestimating your position Kripa, you can do a lot, you have the power to handle all my meetings, seminars, speeches, personal calls, professional calls, deals everything is relies on you, Kripa. Besides, if I place my self-respect and personal views over everything do you think I would be a successful businessman that I am today. As far as the articles are concerned, since when did you develop a interest in me?"
She failed to notice that very smartly he had turned the question on her now.
Since, all she could notice were his words, yes, she had followed up everything on him, but simply because he was quite fascinating. At the mere age of 26 he had built his own business empire, which was a big achievement – it was really something to admire upon, not all men at the age of 26 would be able to achieve what Angad Khanna had done today. He had always been a role model to her, in times of her misery she would look at his young face – from a years back, which told her that she could do it. Life was a struggle. Money never grew on trees.Except, when she had seen him yesterday at the traffic, and unknowingly spoken to him only to later realize that he was Angad Khanna. He was the one. She had broken down. Her life had shattered. The person, who was her source of inspiration, but was of such a cheap character, broke her heart. She had shared her every little secret with him (his picture) – whether it was happiness, sadness or anything for that matter it was always told to his picture.
He boasted in his interviews that he was always honest, and made the right decisions. Then, what about yesterday when he humiliated that girl in public? The man, who was honest, respected others, made right decisions was replaced with someone, who used women for their bodies. He did not even accept his own kid, and like a cheap guy threw money on the lady's place. He was disgusting. The man disgusted her.
"I don't have all the time to stand here and listen to your response. I know you are a bright young lady, who is perfectly capable of handling the job of PA, so get back to work right away." Walking to the door he stopped and looked back, "I want the report of the Alibagh project on my desk by 6-00 p.m. today." saying this he walked out the door leaving her behind in his thoughts.
****
Afternoon
Lunch that day was a very fruitful affair. Kripa met various people, who all were very polite and kind to her. She was now sitting with a bunch of ladies older to her than three to four years; some were even older. She was chewing on her sandwich lost in thoughts of her chachaji, whose health had completely deteriorated
, however at the mention of her boss she immediately looked up."Haye, the boss looks so sexy & hot in his angry mode." Said Anu staring dreamily into space
"He looks ready to bite" responded Anjali, which broke several ladies into laughter.
"I know... waise have you heard about his recent stop at Horizon?" commented one of the senior ladies
"nahin toh/No" replied Anu, who was ready to be filled in this crucial piece of information
"aree toh phir tera title change karna padeka... chal, ab tu Angad Khanna ki chalti phirti encyclopedia nahin rahin/ Then, we will have to change your title... you are no longer a walking talking encyclopedia on the man" replied Sayali from the corner, as she clapped someone's hand smiling.
"Someone please fill me in on what I have missed. Who was with him?" said Anu looking restless
"That actress, what's her name?" said Anjali trying hard to remember
"Aree who is it? Which movie was she in?" said Anu looking eager sitting up on her chair now
"Ah Shilpa Shetty" replied Anjali
"What?" screamed Anu, "Shilpa Shetty, no, no, bad choice, she is not good for Angad Khanna."
"Aha... Then, who is good?" replied Sayali, "you?"
This broke several giggles again.
Kripa left her seat on the pretense of getting a cup of coffee. It was just disgusting to see ladies of all ages have a crush on the great Angad Khanna.
****
It took forever to get through the first day. A few minutes felt like a few hours. Plus, the workload Angad Khanna kept piling on her was insane. She could not do whatever she felt like, he would call her at any time, and dropping everything she would be rushing to his cabin.
Kripa walked in Angad's cabin once office hours were over. She was supposed to serve her hours in this cabin.
"Sir, is there something I can do?"
Angad Khanna raised his eyebrows. Then, he stared back at his paper, and continued writing.
"Miss Sharma, you are aware that the office hours are over right?"
"Yes"
"And, you won't get paid, for the next two hours"
"Yes"
"If you work now you will be working for free, and I will give you more work tomorrow. Are you still willing to do work?"
"Yes"
He was definitely taken aback by her answer now. Every employee refused to stay a minute more after office hours, since they wouldn't get paid, but here was this girl ready to work for no cash.
"Are you trying to impress me?"
"No"
And, that finally broke the series of 'yes's' she had muttered.
"Pick up the Paradox Industries project file from the drawer to the side, and start working on it."
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Kripa open his filing cabinet, except in her nervousness to make sure she opened it carefully the entire drawer snapped open, the screws from the side loosened, and the next second it had fallen on her fragile body crushing her body. While, she helplessly tried to hold trying her best to protect it.
"Women" he barked finally catching the drawer, it was too heavy for even him to hold, "you almost got yourself killed" he snapped placing the drawer on the floor, "What were you thinking?"
He was really concerned that tomorrow if the media got aware of his PA being crushed by a drawer it would make tomorrow's front page cover.
"I didn't mean to damage your property. I read the contract and it states clearly, "that i am not supposed to damage any property or I will be fired"".
Yes, she was right. But, that was entirely for a different scenario.
"But, you were getting yourself killed in the process of saving my property"
"No, I wasn't"
"Oh don't start again" he snapped, as he dropped his hand in mid air, and sat back on his chair, "I saw you... you were struggling quite a bit, and really I don't mean to sound harsh or anything, but you were about to loose your balance. The drawer would fall on you and......."
"And, I would be dead right? What's the big deal? Its better if I die, as it is I am burden to the society." She said the last bit sounding emotional.
He pretended he hadn't heard her words, and continued with his work, while she sat on the couch silently flipping through the file. She didn't look like the tigress she was yesterday nor the emotional person she was a second ago.
He had to admit the girl was good at handling herself.
****
A week later
Slowly, and steadily Kripa managed to fit into her job. Angad Khanna was a horrible boss, he made sure she was on her toes all the time, there was not even a minute to sit back and relax, even her lunch hours were spent in finishing her work. She barely ate or drank anything. Most of the days she stayed until late working.
She really wanted to prove that Angad Khanna did the right decision by hiring her, so she spent every single minute working hard on her work making sure that she gave him no reason to complain.
Once or twice she again made a few mistakes, for instance, one day, as she was entering his cabin she threw the door open so badly that it hit right on his face. Apparently, he was about to walk out of his cabin. Again, she was forced to endure him swearing, and his curses, but thanks to Josh, who advised her to listen from ear, and throw it out of the other helped her a lot. This strategy always worked.
She was beginning to get used to his foul temper, his insults, and even his swearing. One night Kripa had to stay till late, since that morning she had been late yet again, so she was forced to stay back after office for a few hours.
She had not eaten anything the whole day. And, since last night she had barely slept, as she had to work around the house doing the house chores such as washing clothes, utensils, cooking food, sweeping and cleaning the house. She finally retired to bed at around 2-00 am only to wake at 4-00 am with barely two hours of sleep, and exhaustion from the day took its toll on her that she was now feeling sleepy.
She could have told him that she would no longer do any work. Yet, for some reason, something held her back, and she continued to work until slowly sleep overcame her, and she could do nothing to prevent it.
Angad had finally finished fixing the touch ups on the financial report to be presented at the yearly summit meeting when he put his hands on his neck trying to massage it. He was really stressed out. This time of the year they would be loaded with lots and lots of work, and since he was managing a huge company, not only this one, but others world wide – it was virtually impossible to even take a few minutes out.
He was surprised that Kripa had not broken down yet he constantly gave her work. Once she was done with something he would assign her yet another task, but she handled all the work quite well, unlike his past PA's, who would demand only a limited amount of work for a certain day. They would use up all the time given to them to finish tasks, but Kripa was different, if a task could be completed in two hours, but he had given her three hours. She would finish the task in two hours, and would utilize the third hour on the next task he assigned. He noticed she even spent her lunch doing work.
Who was he kidding?
He didn't even have time to notice. Josh, who was impressed by Kripa's dedication to work, brought it to his attention.
Looking to the side he was expecting her to be engrossed in some file, only to be pleasantly surprised, as he noticed her sleeping on the couch. She looked really peaceful while sleeping.
He looked at the clock to notice it was past 9-00 now. She had stayed till very late today. Walking near the couch he took his time looking at her, if she had been awake, then she would have fought with him like a wild cat, then pulling out his cell he timed the alarm, and placed it near her ears.
The next second he heard the alarm, and a frightened Kripa screaming, as she jumped off the couch.
It took her a few to take in the surroundings, once she realized she had fallen asleep, she angrily started yelling, "What's your problem man? That was so not funny"
"Miss Sharma, on more than one occasion I have been forced to remind you that I am the boss here"
She really had to stop that. Just because she addressed his photo in her cabin that way did not mean she could do it to him in person. He was her boss. The situation with the photo was different.
"And, you know what would have been more funnier? If I had left you sleeping on the couch, and not bothered to wake you up. So, next time make sure that you do not make the mistake of falling asleep here, unless you really fancy spending the night here" saying these words he walked out of the cabin, unaware that she stuck her tongue out and made several faces behind him.
****
Second half coming up tomorrow... I think it might be shorter!
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