Short Story -Falling in Love -Maan & Abs! upd 9/23 - Page 3

Chapter 5

Abs gets a shock when she sees the same guy go up on the podium and sit at the head table. She could not see his place card from the distance so decided to read up in the program. Turns out he own a company in Paris which is developing software based on Digital Pen. Alright..a hotshot..hmmm figures..those'.kinds' he is, she thinks.

MSK gives his speech on what they have developed and show a presentation and opens up the forum for question and answer and one of the question was raised from that Indian lady he had seen earlier..

And wonders what was her name again'? He had missed it'shrugs his shoulders and thinks who cares?

And answers her question and then another and then another which angers him and he say if you want to talk about the technical details pls have the organizing team set up a meeting and I will be happy to help. I do believe others have to speak and others have some questions too'

Abs feeling as if she was just insulted politely stems her enthusiasm for technology and decides never to speak to the guy. He is so arrogant.

During lunch, he comes towards her even though she had been trying hard to avoid him and he takes up the conversation from the question she had posed to him which was very technical. Thinking he mustn't know the answer, gives a smart retort to his and that turns into an ugly clash of technical knowledge. They were having such a heated argument over the syntax and codes that the others were starting to stare. Blessedly the time for lunch is over with announcement that the next session was ready to begin and they disperse like angry bulls leaving the coliseum.

Abs could feel his stare throughout the rest of the session and decides to leave the place as soon as it is over.

Just as she was about to leave out of the door, MSK comes to her takes her arm and walks towards the business center she had spotted him earlier. Not wanting to create a scene, she seeths and hisses leave my arm in an undertone full of anger and he say not till we finish what we started. She say huh!

They reach the room, he opens it and slams the door shut, almost thrust her into the room with a whirl and stands with feet apart, hands on hips, glaring at this woman who had the audacity to question him and his techniques of development.

He growls how dare you do that?

Abs say what? What is wrong with you? I have valid questions and I asked them. You have done the development and I am interested to know why you used the techniques you used when it is obvious to a third grader that will lead to a disaster for you as you develop further.

MSK not used to being question on anything let alone his architecture or techniques is not happy to have someone like this woman, especially a woman do it. And Damn it she had a point..that rankled the most.

Who are you, he says? What do you know about developing with this technology?

Abs says ' I am a developer as well and I know this that even if I have not worked with the technology, I know the foundation you are basing your technique on so well that I can see where it will take you if you continue on the path he have told in the convention.

It is good to be an innovator but be a realist, you are building a structure on foundation that is flaky. You will face problems. Mark my words.

With that she moved towards the door to walk out. MSK enraged that she dares to walk out on him pulls her arm hard and she not expecting this comes crashing into his hard muscled chest..

Ouch'Abs says.., MSK says no one walks away from me'least of all a woman'especially a woman and glares at her who is looking wild eyed at this guy who is out of his mind.

MSK holds her close to him, and something happens'an electric current of awareness passes between them'like lightning'which makes them gasp in surprise.

MSK lets go of her as if he has been scorched by her touch'. And Abs stumbles back'almost falling.

He again pulls her as she was about to fall and they look into each other's eyes'intensely anger and desire warring with each other.

Originally posted by: AKANargis

Nice.....very nice...first meeting and Maan and Abs are already physical.......hmmmmmmm....
i like it!!! What a chip on Maan's shoulder....and Abs bhi kuch kum nahi....loved the third grader comment!!!! Lets see how he reacts to her ideas...now that she works for him.....great dynamics in this relationship so far.....Vrushali...I like it a lot!!!
keep it up babes!!!👏

Originally posted by: averma4583

Main bhi kisi bhi ladke kam nahin. I worked just as hard as any guy in engg. 😊 So why would I put up with the haughty attitude of Mr. High n Mighty?😲😉 And no one raises their voice on me. I'm not used to that, and I refuse to be addressed like that.😊 And if a guy ever had the audacity to grab my arm/wrist/hand, oh it will def get ugly!!!

Originally posted by: AKANargis

You go girl...I'm with you.....MSK hoga hero apne ghar che.....mennu ki farak penda....right Abs???😉

He looks away and mutters something in French to himself and is flabbergasted to hear her answer in French to his..oh this woman?…with so what about this woman? He looks at her again and lets her go slowly this time. Righting her on her feet. She pulls her arm out of his hold and stalks out of the room…with a thud of door closing behind her.

Outside she mutters, this will show him to never underestimate anyone..especially a woman, the ba…! And cuts off the expletive that she was about to say out loud and walks to the restaurant to try out the French cuisine she had been longing to now that she was finally in France. Her French of course because she grew up in Quebec. These men, she thot once again of that stranger…hah! He must have thot I am Indian so how will know French…the…again…another expletive and then was wondering why am I getting so angry…it is fine…he was..well not worth thinking about so much…and gets back to her French menu and orders her fav dish and sits back to relish the fare.

The restaurant was quite full and there was a babble going around and some familiar faces from the convention raised their hands as they passed by.

She could feel her spine go rigid the minute he entered the restaurant…Dayum but the Man was good looking even if he is insolent she thot and went back to her aperitif. Mann as if by some radar signal knew exactly where that woman was sitting and his eyes darted towards her. He turns back to look at the Chief Liaison officer from Sweden who catches him looking at her and say Abolee is a nice looking woman isn't she? And mann says Abolee? And Frank says yep the one who for once put YOU in a spot! And laughs. Come let me introduce you to her properly. Takes Mann towards Abolee's table and says Abolee let me introduce you to the hot shot developer MK and MK meet Abolee, the smartest DotNet developer you will ever meet. She is the one whose structure and architecture you had appreciated not so long ago in Sweden. They both nod at each other and say at the same time and Mann stares at Abolee and says so now I know why you were adamant on the question earlier. Abolee says guilty as charged, happy to finally hear this arrogant man bow down to her knowledge albeit in a back handed fashion but that is round one to me…she says to herself, gives a saccharine sweet smile and asks Frank why don't you join me the other tables do look kinda occupied. And then to passing waiter in French she says do bring some wine (one which she knew Frank likes) and sits down.

She did have a cause to celebrate didn't she..Mann looks at her gives a half smile in sarcasm as if to say…yep round one to you..but I will get back…

And the War begins…

During dinner they both chat easily with Frank and periodically dart glances at eachother…

They almost didn't realized until Frank said…Guys…so is it a yes I presume that they were staring at each other. They had agreed to a trip to Eifel tower with some other participants as a show of comradeship. Mann when realizing this thinks..what go to Eifel tower that is so..touristy..and Abs thinks..wow…I would love to go there but this MK going there as well? I hope he says no…and hears Mann say…ok…fine…what time? And Frank say we all meet for breakfast here and go at 10am. I will organize the cars. Mann says he has transports as he keeps one here and Frank agrees to arrange for others. You two come in your car MK and I will get the other two in mine.

Originally posted by: rushtrip

You know..abs..this story had gotten me equally gripped...i donno...if i should rest now...or may be write on more chapter...
this one is on Eifel Tower...

Chapter 6

Eifel Tower, Paris, France

9am in the restaurant in the hotel, Mann hitting himself mentally what was wrong with me? Why did I agree to the stupid trip.. I should have refused'oh well..might as well face the day'with full stomach..

Abs daydreaming of her trip to Eifel Tower. One of the wish list in Paris was to go there. She was not a romantic but the engineer in her sure wanted to marvel at this structure. The sheer size. Awe inspiring.

Finishing her breakfast at 9:30 she went back to her room to freshen up. She wore smart trousers in cream with light brown blouse and multi colored scarf on the otherwise semi formal outfit as it was an outing with colleagues rather than friends'the only concession was her hair.. she had left them in lose long curls to dance around her shoulders. Pink gloss, some kohl and mascara did the trick..chic and elegance..is what she always strived for.. some sensible pumps completed the picture with a Coach Bag (one of her indulgences).

She went up to the lobby to wait for Frank and others..(no she will not spoil her day by thinking about that rude man) and found the object of her thoughts lounging near the reception desk talking to the girl at the desk in French and it was something flattering'Player'she thinks and coughs as she goes and stands next to him

Oh MK says..you are on time..didnt think women had it in them! Abs goes not qualify with a reply and simply raises her eyebrows and gives a look'that could cut a lesser man in half. But MK of course has rhino skin.

Frank just then joins them says..shall we? And the group all move outside to wait for the valet to fetch the car.

MK of course has a sporty Porsche to show off! A silver low slung car'Abs thot'huh!...thot so'!

As she walks towards the car, MK opens the door which she was surprised to see. Didn't think he had such manners'OH WELL!

Mann thot'round two to me! And gives a smile

He drives efficiently to Eifel Tower and they had decided to meet on the first level and so they take the elevator up the Tower. MK is looking nonchalantly around while Abs is wide eyed and curious about the structure, its height, its width and could not stop gaping at the sheer impact the structure made on her. While looking up waiting for the elevator..she had held MK arm unconsciously for support. MK had found that bewildering.

Once inside the elevator the whoosh effect kept her spell bound and wobble as she went nearer to MK and was surprised to find his arm around her shoulder to steady her. The shock of his touch kept her staring at him instead of taking in the sights around her. She had a heady feeling of her stomach being left back on the ground and her flying with only MK to hold on to.

Strange she was not afraid of heights or had vertigo.. why this feeling..MK was mesmerized by the innocent brown eyes staring back at him questioning the feeling that seemed to be between them.

Just as he was about to reach for her with other hand..the elevator came to a stop and he came back on earth.

He led Abs out on the first deck and was surprised at her child like enthusiasm to rush out and see over the railings the scene below' the river Seine, the Palais Chaillot, the vast green esplanade that is the Parc du Champs-de-Mars.. wow..the whole of Paris from up top was breathtaking. It was surreal. She was so lost in the views below that she hardly notices MK looking at her with hunger in his eyes unknown to himself and moving right behind her near the rail. She was so fascinated with the view..that she put her hand on his arm and said..LOOK! and turned to find him looking at her and not the view..and she became conscious of her hand on his arm and tried to move away only to find..the binocular stand behind her and MK in front of her blocking her movement. As if in slow motion she could see him leaning towards her and he almost brushed his lips to hers when they heard someone say'

MK, so you guys are here'and he moved back to greet Frank and other colleagues who were to join them. Abs was fuming with rage standing next to him but good manners stopped her from clawing his eyes out at that little indiscretion he was about to do in public'Who did he think he was? Did he think he was god's gift to women that he could 'he could'ki'.and stopped her thoughts right there'.

The rest of the day went in a blur for Abs she was so mad at MK! MK was in a battle of his own..the past and present had merged. He was having to control his emotions. He should not have come to Eifel Tower. He knew it…He had not after breaking up with Chloe…this girl somehow…reminded him sometimes of Chloe… He killed his thoughts there and went on for the rest of the day with the other with a stern face and sulky mood. Monosyllables and one word answers were all he was capable of.

As the evening came to an end, he was to take Abs back to the hotel. He had a flight tomorrow back to Delhi and he could to wait for tomorrow to come. The faster he dropped her the faster he could get back to his life of order and semblance. This woman had a way of disturbing him like no one had…not even Chloe…again he shut his thoughts…

After the goodbyes and refusal to go out to a well known French restaurant for dinner, Abs and MK walked in silence to the car park. Each fuming in repressed anger. As he sat her in the passenger seat he could feel her anger and decided to have his say as well.

As soon as he got into the car he turned to her and said Look Abolee! About earlier, on level 1..I

Before he could finish, Abolee lashed out at him….You! You despicable man! How dare you? What did you think? Do you think I am one of those women who you think will swoon all over you just cos you decided to kiss her…how could you? How… MK…. All this in a between the teeth, low voice which held anger, frustration and some other emotion even Abolee was at a loss to understand…

MK forgetting what he was going to say….simply said…this is how…pulled her head..and kissed her…hard and strong holding her face, forcing her to open her lips as a punishment for making him feel this, making him want her, questioning him…oh….this woman was driving him crazy….

Abolee…shocked at this…tried to pull away from him…gave him blows on his chest trying to fight the kiss he was giving her…and then…whack….she pulled herself back with one almighty pull and slapped his face…

MK you are disgusting…how dare you?

And gets out of the car and runs away from him

MK rushes out of the car to call out Abolee Listen!...Wait!...I am ..Sor….but she had left by then

And he thought to himself why did I do that…I was going to apologize for what happened earlier. Shucks! This woman had him tied up in knots…he didn't know for once..what he was doing..he banged his hand in frustration on the roof and got into his car..and skidded out of parking lot to drive at mach speed to reach hotel, pack his bags and take the next flight out of Paris to Delhi and forget everything about that woman…called Abolee!