New FF: Tere Meri kahani.(Radev) part 16 pg 11 1/11/14 - Page 7

The next day, everyone at AAA, wrestled to the regular humdrum. An impossible task though! Google, yahoo and just every search engine had been tapped into and every internet screen minimized or brazenly open was about dev, his family and companies. Profound and trivial tid-bits floated all round, falling into blabbering mouths and snoopy ears.

Dude! Dev attended the Oscars and that too with that Victoria's secret chick.'

Damn it, he is really rich... a stinking billionaire!'

Check out his beach house in Monaco!'

Color me red he has ten balls!' the skidding mouths skidded to a halt.

Just kidding! The look on all your faces was priceless,' Tine chuckled.

Not to forget the few media vans, jostling in the agency's parking, throwing their questions, mikes, and camera at anyone and everyone who came in or went out of the building. The mail carrier, chaiwala getting tea or a lost bystander - all got their fifteen seconds of fame.

Vishaka, her expression worried, entered their shared office. Just hope no one gets a whiff of you two,' she said, setting the warmed food on Radhika's desk.

A mouth full of sandwich stalled Radhika's reply. It was speedily chewed and gulped. How would anyone find out?'

Digging dirt on the Purohits is all that everyone is doing. They and your folks were and are very close. It is just a matter of time, before some piece of archived crap surfaces.'

The phone buzzed. Radhika glared at it - HR Department. She picked up the receiver. Hi?'

Radhika, can we talk right now?' a female voice, on the other end, requested.

Sure Simi, shoot what's up?'

Mr Dev Purohit has decided to make Rochak Chowdhary oversee the Design Department; you and Vishaka will be reporting to him.' Simi's tone was sympathetic. Rochak and his deeds were infamous.

Can I resign?' Radhika ventured playing out her part. Vishaka curious, put her fork down.

you are under contract for another few months. In the part we have never gone after anyone who resigned before the contract ended. But with Mr Purohit here, it might be different or not, I Cant say.' Simi laid the neutral card.

Even if I think of resigning, Dev will come after me spewing fire and guns blazing. Then I shall have no coice but to involve my folks, Radhika speculated. How many months?' she inquired.

Almost three months for two years period to complete.' Simi replied.

Hell! Three months of suffering that jerk as my boss.' Radhika loudly exhaled, cursing to agency contract with its department heads, binding them their current portfolio for a minimum for two years.

Simi then causally dropped the bombshell. Listen, you and the Purohits are family friends. You can appeal to Dev on a personal level.'

Radhika fumbled taken back, Ughh... where did you get to hear that?'

Somewhere, I don't remember the details.' Simi did the clichd, No one in HR dare give a straight answer.'

Our parents are close, but we aren't. I barely know Dev.' Radhika lied, ignoring Vishaka's sarcastic and soft, Yenna Rascala!'

Oh well! But you could still talk to him,' Simi persisted.

Maybe... I don't know . D,' Radhika, quickly, corrected herself. dev doesn't mix his personal relationships or lack of them with his work.' She tried to feign crabbiness.

Okay! You do what you deem best. I just wanted to give you the heads up.' She replied.

Thanks! Totally appreciate it. Whatever I do or don't, you shall be the first to know Ms HR,' Radhika spoke more lightly than she felt.

Don't worry Radhika. As far as creep Roach is concerned, we all have your back,' simi vouched before hanging up,

I barely know dev.' Vishaka mimicked her. Lying old maid,' she accused, resuming her lunch.

Whatever! It is official. The slime ball is our new boss,' Radhika muttered, tossing her lunch in the trash bin.

At least finish your food,' Vishaka rebuked, unfazed.

Lost my appetite!' Radhika opened the bottom-most drawer of her table, and found the largest chocolate bar in her secret stash-kept for emergencies only. Taking big bites she asked, When do we tell our troops?'

Vishaka pointedly looking at the chocolate, Radhika was literally swallowing, said, Hopefully never! Dev will awaken from the delirium and revoke that order!'

Sure, and India will have a single party government! Let's be real,' Radhika mocked.

Before they have for the day... I guess! And emotional eating is not healthy,' Vishaka suggested.

Yes and cancer sticks are,' Radhika rejoined. By the way, you had kicked the habit a long time back. Why the sudden charasi paana?

A married woman needs something!' Vishaka drawled. Let's get some work done here before something else threatens our sanity.'

Sometime later, Vishaka's phone buzzed. Kelly Clarkson's song Breakaway, resounded in the cabin. Radhika poured over her work, labeled Vishaka, Fraud!' to her face.

The other girl snickered and answered her cell, Hi Kit! What's going on?'

After listening to Ankit, Vishaka quizzed, Can you baby sit Advey tonight? Kit has some plans for us.'

Of course woman!' Radhika agreed, immediately. Time spent with Advey was precious... way better than any food.

Yup Radhu is in.' Vishaka resumed, conversing.

Soon, it was close to five. Let's do it now,' Radhika said, stiffly.

Not interested, get lost!' Vishaka shot.

You wish! My standards are a little high,' Radhika rejoined.

We all know how exactly high your standards are?' Vishaka gave her a slow, wicked smile.

If you say another word, I will have no choice but to kill you,' Radhika threatened.

Okie dokie. Lets get them in. If you want ill handle it, you can jump in whenever you want,' Vishaka offered.

Radhika herded the three musketeers in their cabin, You're firing us,' Riya said, cheekily.

Worse! Effective from Monday, Rochak Chowdhary is the new head of the design department. Over and above us!' Vishaka gestured at herself and Radhika. There was a shocked silence for a few seconds.

No way! I wont work for that pervert.' Riya was the first to react.

neither will i! I quit man,' Tina quipped, frowning.

Same here, I wont work for that lecher!' Roy added.

What did he do to you Roy?' Radhika teased to lighten the situation.

What is this... mutiny of 2014?' Vishaka hummed.

Look its not bad as it sounds. Everything shall remain the same. You all still report and work directly for Vishaka and me. Your contact with Rochak will be minimal and never done.' The last part Radhika voiced gazing at Riya, who had a few acrimonious run-ins with the man.

We'll deal with Rochak Chowdhary, and you'll deal with us,' Vishaka asserted.

The faces still did not perk up. Radhika, how could you of all people agree to something like this?' Riya demanded.

I don't have a choice. I am legally bound for the next few months.'

Rochak's probably manipulated this. Dev Purohit is obviously clueless to that man's true character,' Tina said.

Maybe,' Radhika agreed.

Anyway, whats done is done. Do not lose any sleep over this. As Radhika said, nothing much will really change!' Vishaka assured.

After much convincing, Tina, Riya and Roy agreed to remain with the agency. The three went out, unhappy.

I hope Dev isn't playing us?' Vishaka voiced a thinking crease between her eyes.

What do you mean?' Radhika quizzed.

Just hope Dev isn't in cahoots with Rochak? Giving roach free hand, to do his own dirty works.'

No vishu. Dev has no clue what a creep Chowdhary is. He will figure out soon enough.'

Vishaka logged off. we'll see! I'm calling it a day. Are you coming?'

I still have some work, maybe another fifteen or twenty minutes. What time do you want me to come tonight?' Radhika asked, attempting to organize the strewn papers on her desk.

I think eight, should be fine!'

Sounds good. Adios Chiquita and tell my friend we shall have fun!'Radhika called out.

Finally, when Radhika stepped out of her cabin, the floor was completely empty. Crap, what time is it?' she muttered peeping at her watch. Close to 6:30!'

I better rush!' she breathed, sprinting towards the elevator. Radhika turned the corner and rammed headlong into someone. The body was familiar!

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sry guyz was packed up with packing and stuffs as hav to go back to schl... will update once more before i go.. will miss u guyzzz

Enjoy

This is not your bloody house. Look where you are going!' Dev snapped, steadying them both, and the clutter in Radhika's hand.

Radhika quickly attempted to disentangle. Dev promptly pulled his hands away.

However, it wasn't soon enough. Radhika's body hummed with awareness from the fleeting touch. Focusing her eyes somewhere near his shoulder, Radhika sassily mumbled, Sorry! Hope I dint hurt you.'

Dev narrowed his eyes. This girl definitely has a death wish, he harshly reflected. Where are you going?' he barked.

Home!' Radhika chose to roll her eyes of the wall, rather than look at him.

I don't think so. Come with me!'

We're going for dinner?' asked Radhika, clamping her lips to thwart the grin. Getting her Dev's skin and irritating the life out of him was a natural to her as salt to a bloody Mary or kanda to pavbhaji.

Even worse!' Dev shot back, beckoning her to join him in the elevator.

Eye balling Dev, Radhika fidgeted where she was.

Hurry up!' Dev liked the wariness, belatedly evident in the petite face.

Fine!' Radhika's tone was defiant, as she got in. now what has taller version of Hitler planned for me, she wondered. Her head bent, she slouched away from him.

Dev kept his eyes on the elevator doors; disgruntled by his response to the soft pliant form, he had briefly held. Shortly, the heaving elevator doors opened to the lion's lair... 3^rd floor.

Relieved, Radhika sighed. Dev's PA and several workers milled about. The floor was a flurry of activity. Walls were being painted, furniture plants carried in and out. The place was getting spruced up to match the grandeur a Purohit head honcho deserved.

Wait for me in there!' Dev tersely ordered, motioning at the smaller conference room. Radhika did as bid, tentatively smiling at Simone who turned her face away. Budhiya is loyal to her Boss Radhika silently ridiculed, as she waited in the conference room.

A few minutes later, Dev reappeared carrying a folder and his laptop. Sit!' he snapped lowering his form in a chair facing her.

Radhika shrugged her shoulders and did so. I will die if I have to be so subservient to him, she meditated.

The performance of your department is crappy! Why?' Dev barked, unexpectedly putting Radhika on spot.

Well, because...umm...' Radhika was caught off guard.

In last two years, since you and Vishaka took over the department, you have made total of thirty-three presentations to perspective clients and were able to convert only seven. That is less than three percent. How do you justify that level of inefficiency and incompetence?' Dev further insulted.

With the sharpness of Chacha Chowdhery (the tiny old man, with a sari-clad Babooshka doll for a wife and a giant minion, whose brain functioned faster than a computer), Radhika answered, I think the conversion rate is so low primarily because of lack of adequate research and supporting infrastructure within the company. Identification and complete understanding of clients' needs was from bigger and better rivals.'

How easily you pass the buck on. I am sure your failures are always someone else's fault,' Dev spat at her.

Radhika opened her mouth to educate Dev of her persistent request for more resources, research and head count. However, she closed it; discussion with frothing saand was pointless. Radhika offered no-brainer solution, Fire me!'

Dev's scowl deepened. You would like that wouldn't you? You will stay here and earn every cent of your salary you take. I'll work you to the bine if I have to, but you will deliver. This degree of oafishness shall not be tolerated,' he thundered.

Radhika looked away. That accusation pricked. Mind-numbing and backbreaking work was all she had been doing for the last couple of years. Radhika strive to remain at the other end of the table and not lunge for Dev's collar and jugular. If only the grouch had seen the conversion rate before us, he would not be so upset; Radhika reasoned trying to calm down.

But Dev had! Comprehensive research and strong analytical skills were part of his work ethic. However, here his agenda was entirely different.

Tired and emotionally fatigued, all Radhika wanted were a relaxing bath and a cup of coffee. Fine! Just tell me what and how you want me to do it and ill do it.'

Radhika bit her lips in utter humiliation. Her interior monologue never ceased to desert her though. Dharti phat jaaye so that I can take cover! What double meaning crap am I saying to him?

Just for a fraction of a second, Dev seemed to have lost track of the constant scowl, struck on his face when he was around her. Clearing his throat, he said, to begin with, I want a complete list of all the companies they were made to, and the research done by the agency. Also, I want to know on what grounds were they accepted or rejected and the follow up, if any, done.'

Radhika nodded. Sure! You shall have that report on your desk by end of Monday.'

Smirking, Dev hooked his arms behind his head and leaned further back in the chair. Radhika averted her eyes from the rippling toned torso in the silk shirt.

I don't think I made myself clear. I want that report before you leave for the day... today!' Dev crooned.

You're kidding, it'll take hours!' dismayed, Radhika shot back.

So, the sooner you start the better,' Dev pointed out, caustically.

I have plans for tonight.'

Dev surging to his feet, bit out, Cancel them!' He turned around and walked out of the room into his office, beckoning Simone to follow.

Radhika open-mouthed stared after him. Will he come after me, if I run out of here?' she asked the silent table. This Dev probably will, and the chances of him indulging in kambal kutai minus the kambal are very high,' Radhika herself answered on behalf of the silent furniture. Peeved, she flopped on the nearby by chair.

Yes Dev!' Simone asked, watching Dev lower his frame in his chair.

I need two things done before you leave.' Dev loosened his tie and unbuttoned the topmost button of his shirt. A definite sign he was done for the day.

Sure.'

Firstly, make a good pot of coffee!'

Will you be staying back?' Simone inquired.

No, not for me, for Ms Sharma! She'll be here for some time. Secondly, with all these workers around, direct the security to station one guard on this floor and one on the second,' he finished.

I will be locking your office and the cabinets outside. Do you still want to station guards on each of the floors?'

Reluctantly, Dev explained, Ms Sharma will be working here all by herself. Tell the guards, after she is done, she should be escorted to her car. I don't need any lawsuits!'

Of course, is there anything else?' Simone asked, not buying the lawsuit part a bit.

Are the arrangements for my mother's arrival in place?'

Absolutely, the house and the gardens were in impeccable condition. The other arrangements have been executed as you requested.'

Thank you! You have a car full time at your service?' Dev probed. Simone nodded.

And, your accommodations are satisfactory?'

A deluxe room in five star hotel can be nothing but satisfactory. Thank you for that,' Simone replied, gratefully.

Simone, I promise once things get settled here, I'll have you back to your family.' Dev's face lost some of its stiffness.

Don't worry; my two teenage sons don't require a mother to baby sit them. Moreover, with my husband flying in every weekend, again thanks to you, I'll be fine here. But thank you for asking.'

Anytime!' Genuinely fond of his dependable assistant, Dev smiled.

Simone exited the room. She passed the conference room where she saw Radhika getting ready to call someone. Dev despised the girl yet he thinks of security and coffee for her. What is going on between these two?' she voiced to the file in her hand.

Radhika dialed a number on her cell. After few rings someone answered, Him its me. Listen, something has come up at work. I'll be late.' She glanced at her watch, around nice. Would that be too late?'

Nine is fine but won't you be tired? We can cancel our plans. Vishaka and I will go out some other night,' Ankit offered.

No, don't you dare cancel on me. I was really looking forward to it tonight!' Radhika asserted, craving to inhale Advey's baby smell, listen to his innocent sweet chatter as he curled up in her lap.

Radhu, what's going on?' demanded Vishaka, taking the receiver from her husband.

I'll fill you in later... gtg! The psycho's on my tail,' grinning wryly and still on the phone Radhika shifted. Instantly she froze.

Dev stood inside the room, holding the door open for his PA, who entered with a pot of coffee. I'll call you later,' Radhika hung up.

From dev's livid expression, Radhika knew he had heard the last part. Wrong! He had shamelessly eavesdropped on the entire conversation.

Dev waited for the older women to exit the room, which she did after a quick hurried, Good night.' He turned to face Radhika, who had retreated some distance further on the room.

If I ever find you lose mouthing me or anyone else working here, to your boyfriend, you will really regret it,' Dev threatened, darkly.

Radhika realized he had misunderstood. That was"

Dev rudely cut her off, Save it for someone who cares.' He sharply excited the conference room.

Radhika watched him gather his briefcase from simone's desk, began, enacting the famous DDLJ scene, as she whispered, Palat, palat!'

Dev slung his laptop bag on his shoulder; Abe palat!'

Dev got in the elevator. Pleaseee palat!

The elevator door shut and not once did Dev look at her.

Go to hell! As if I acre!' Radhika kicked the table. Wincing she sank in a chair, depressed and alone.

Coming out of the building, Dev curtly fobbed off a few reporters. Security guards made way for him. Angrily, he slammed the door of his Audi convertible, harshly. Even in the blaze of red he winced at his carelessness to the car.

Why are you so pissed that she is dating someone?' cursing that thought, Dev presses the accelerator hard. Screeching the car took off.

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I am so so so sorry guys i know i am uploading after very very long but i was really busy and am busy as my vacs are ending... hope you all are going forgive me...

do enjoy the part and do comment