Toxic ~ Even if we can't be together in the end - Chapter 23 Up ! - Page 12

Thanks buddy 😊

Thanks 😊

We can't have Adi and Zoya in every update. It won't be fun, will it ? 😉

Love the cliffhanger ...hope u update sooner!!!

I am almost done with the next Chapter. Should be up in a day or two.

Thank you for your patience. 😊

Oh, the upcoming chapter is going to be quite dramatic. You can count on it. 😉

"Are you okay, Arjun?" I ask tentatively as he wipes his lips with the back of his hand and approaches me. I am a little skeptical about Arjun's intentions. What was even going on ? He isn't the one to take a bottle in face of pressure. More like, hit the drawing board to fix the mess.

He took both my hands in his "There is no easy way around this..." he whispered and took a deep painful breath "I love you Zoya"

To say I was shocked would be a dramatic understatement. I had an inkling of his feelings for me but I had not expected him to be so blunt and straightforward. Arjun was a slow burn, not a raging tornado. Dammit !

"I... Arjun I..." I fumbled. I treasured our friendship and camaraderie but I didn't love him back. Never had and never will. I am not ashamed to admit that I wasn't brave enough to pull off the Band-Aid. There had to be a compassionate way to explain my side of the story.

His expectant eyes made voicing my denial even more difficult.

"You don't need to answer me right now" he released my hands and took a step back. His face was burning with mortification. "I know I shocked the hell out of ..." the shrill ring of his phone interrupted him.

His vulnerability was replaced by an impenetrable professional mask when he saw the caller's name. "I have to take this" he said in all seriousness. "Hello, Mr. Patnaik. I was meaning to call you with an update about today's hearing" he answered his phone and walked towards the kitchen for privacy.

Arjun loves me. My friend loves me. My boss loves me. Okay ! Allz well. Allz well.

I hear tidbits of Arjun's conversation. Interesting. I wasn't aware that Kishor Patnaik was himself keeping tabs on this contract. He was the big cheese at Wave Designs. One who graced our presence only a few times a year during important conferences.But, why was he personally calling Arjun to announce my fate? That was weird.

Whatever ! I couldn't care less right now.

I flop down on the couch, tired and exhausted from today's events. First, the disastrous hearing, then the lovely conversation with Aditya and now Arjun's proposal.

What next ? An alien attack.

And all this, in less than twelve hours !

Will this day end, already.

I pour myself a glass of water from the jug on the table, to get over the remnants of my tipsy state. Not that Arjun didn't do a good job of yanking me back to Mother Reality. Full marks to him.

"Got my marching orders ?" I ask Arjun as he returned after almost half -hour. Apparently, Wave Designs didn't wait around to fire employees. Swift and brutal was the way to go.

He picks up his wine glass and chuckles before replying "Quite the opposite. Congratulations are in order. You got yourself a promotion" he raises a toast and takes a deep gulp from his glass.

I arch a brow at the sheer insanity of his declaration."What do you mean?"

He smiles, disdainful and amused "Brace yourself Zoya Siddiqui. Your life just flipped upside down. Meridian Corp. has hired Wave Designs for their next assignment" he pauses before continuing "but here's the rub you will be the Chief Architect"

"What ?" my eyes pop out.

Meridian Corp had given their next assignment to Wave Designs.

Meridian Corp. wanted me to be the Chief Architect for the project.

And Harshvardhan Hooda owned Meridian Corp.

"There's more, Aditya Hooda especially requested, or should I say ordered in contractual terms, your presence in Aloha for the next three months during the course of the project. We will be setting up a temporary office in Aloha and you get to cherry pick your two assistants" he continued dryly.

Aditya's promise rang loud and clear in my head.

"Sweetheart, I didn't spend the entire week planning to let anyone ruin your career"

"What are you planning now? I don't need any favors"

"And I am not doing any. I have my best interests in mind"

"That son of a ..." I stop myself mid-sentence and take a deep breath to calm down.

"Guess you did leave an impression on Mr. Hooda after all" he laughs, unaffected and uncaring about my whirling emotions.

"I should resign. I can't stay in Aloha" I whisper. My stomach plummeted and I felt completely cornered and helpless.

Why Aditya, why? Why are you so stubborn? Why can't you just let me go? I had been so darn stupid in coming to Aloha. I cursed myself for the millionth time.

I sigh and try not to think about the implications of Aditya's reference. The rumor mill would have a field day with dissecting my reputation. I was the opportunistic assistant who slept her way to promotion. I had played the masterstroke by seducing a powerful client who had demanded my presence as his main stipulation. I close my eyes as my brain imagined all the dirty conversations and accusing laughter.

" You know the fun fact ..."

"Can you drop me at Hooda mansion right now?" I interrupt Arjun midsentence. He stared at me like I had lost it. I couldn't blame him. Could I ? I was barely holding on to sanity at this point.

"You want to see that Aditya Hooda right now ? The very guy who tore you up in front of the whole town and jeopardized your career?" Arjun spat. He laughed mockingly "You Zoya are one hell of an amazing woman"

" I just..." I started self-consciously.

But, the next instant it hit me - I didn't owe Arjun any explanation.

It wasn't my fault that he fell in love with me. I hadn't dropped any dubious hints or tried to lead him on in any way. I had always accorded him respect and I damn well deserved it in return. My equation with Aditya was twisted, to say the least, but Arjun had no right to comment.

"Can you please take me to Hooda mansion, Arjun?" I put steel into my voice and didn't flinch under his icy stare. Arjun took the hint and ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "If that is what you want" he replied with resignation.

Smart move !

"Thank you" I replied formally and grabbed my keys. I locked the lodge behind me and we walked towards Arjun's car. The silence during the short ride was deafening. I hadn't been so uncomfortable with Arjun before.He braked harshly in front of an imposing white mansion. His one hand was fixed on the shift stick as he glared straight ahead. I clicked open my side of the door and was about to get out but halted mid-stride.

I among all should understand Arjun's reaction. I didn't condone Arjun's judgemental attitude but between all that he had done for me and his unanswered love proposal, the guy deserved a free pass.

I settled back into my seat and took his hand off the stick.

"Look at me" I implored, breaking the loaded silence. Arjun had been my rock all these years. The least he deserved was my honesty. Even if it would break his heart. It was cruel to leave him hanging on without a definite answer. He turned towards me. His face was still unreadable but his shoulders relaxed as the tension slowly ebbed out of him.

I intertwined our hands which got me a small smile. I tried to put my feelings into words. "I feel a connection to you. It's not love, it's not attraction, and I won't kill myself for you, but if you needed me, I'd come. I would stand by you, Arjun" I felt a sort of kinship with him. This was the best I could give him.

He smiled self-deprecatingly and hugged me tightly. "Laters. I will wait for you in Delhi" he whispered in my ear and kissed my cheek. "Now off you go before I say something stupid" he smiled and turned away. I heaved a sigh of relief and opened the side door.

As I walked out, my mind whirled with emotions until I wasn't aware of my own feelings. I was angry with Aditya for swooping in, saving the day and gifting me the label 'tramp'. Would I resign from Wave Designs ? As much I was indignant, I knew I was accepting the offer. I didn't have the energy to start from zero. Again. More than angry, I felt helpless and forced. Needless to say, I had worked myself into a panic by the time I reached the formidable gates of Hooda mansion. The guard asked for my name. I was surprised when he checked his list and waved me him.

I was on the guest list. Interesting.

Slow music filled the air as I walked through the short driveway and into the living room. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, after all. I hastened my steps before I changed my mind.

Abstract paintings and art pieces adorned all the walls, the floor was some kind of expensive-looking marble, and antiques were tastefully placed everywhere the eye could see. The room wasn't crowded but it also wasn't a small get-together.

I scanned the crowd but failed to spot him. I decided to hang out at the bar with a gratuitous drink instead of sticking out like a sore thumb. And that is when I saw him. He looked suave in a white shirt unbuttoned at the chest, sleeves rolled up and creased black pants. I took a moment to appreciate his frigging gorgeous features. Evil wasn't synonymous with ugly after all. I cut through the crowd and approached him.

"Can I talk to you for a second?" I tapped his shoulder. I plastered my best f**k you smile as he turned around to face me. It is then I noticed that he was talking to a girl. A very beautiful girl, who was wearing a short black sheath dress with sky-high heels. Her eyes shone with poise and intelligence.

He arched an eyebrow in question and waited for me to elaborate. I narrowed my eyes at his feigned ignorance.

He damn well knew why I was here!

"I just want to touch base about the project" I replied sweetly.

"Always full of surprises, aren't you?" he smiled devilishly. He was clearly referring to my red gown and stilettos.

Frigging hell, he thought that I had dolled up for him!

Why the heck did I not change before gatecrashing this debauchery. I had completely forgotten about my I-will-look-good-for-myself mission. I stomped down my uneasiness and gave him an icy look."I was rather enjoying my date before you decided to be the killjoy"

His eyes narrowed and he took a sip of whiskey from his glass. I didn't back down and stared right back. My uneasiness from before was replaced by sheer defiance.

"I just saw my friend. I should go and introduce myself" The girl broke our staring contest and tried to weasel out.

"Ramona, this is Zoya Siddiqui. She will be our Chief Architect for the golf course" Aditya replied instead. He deliberately added the last part but I refused to fall for the bait.

While I would cheerfully douse him in flames, I didn't want to feed the gossip mills of Aloha by creating a scene. I was quite satisfied with the impending character assassination in Delhi office. Thank you very much.

"Nice to meet you Zoya. I work for Meridian Corp. in the Supply Chain department. I heard that you are going to be in Aloha for some time" Ramona gave me a genuine smile and extended her hand.

I kept my grip light even though I wanted to squeeze and break some bones." I am still in two minds about the offer"

If this small talk didn't end soon, there were going to be some dead bodies in this party. My patience was wearing thin.

"Allow me to convince you then" Aditya took a long gulp from his glass and turned towards Ramona. "I'll be right back" he kissed her cheek. She smiled, reassured by his promise and slithered away. But, not without giving the parting lustful look like he was some bowl of candy. She was in her late thirties but was still strikingly beautiful. I could imagine why Aditya was interested in her.

Wonderful ! Just the impetus I needed to stay in Aloha.

Aditya must have noticed my more than appropriate interest in Ramona. "Jealous?"

"You wish" I shot back "More like pity" I shrugged my shoulders in indifference.

"Touche" he held his hand over his heart as if I had wounded him.

"If you are done here, can we talk in private? " I asked impatiently. My frustration and anger had reached the brim.

"In a minute" he said with an undercurrent of amusement and motioned the bartender for a refill. A slew of curses went through my mind, but I took a deep breath and reminded myself to stay calm.

After a century, he motioned towards the room on the far end of the hall. "Anything to assist the designer for our golf course. Lead the way"

My heels clicked on the marble floor as I passed by a bunch of people to reach the room. I pushed open the heavy doors and entered inside. It was dark except for the moonlight seeping through the large windows. He closed the door behind him and turned around. He leaned back on the door, staring at me and wordlessly swirled his glass. My mind was rioting with questions and accusations but my lips were firmly sealed.

It was not just his unnecessary referral. I and he had unfinished business. It was always like our interactions ended with an 'Until next time' parting shot. We shared a history which would blur the necessary professional and personal lines. I had to get a few things straight with him otherwise the whole project would swan dive right off the cliff. We needed to sort out our personal equation to establish a successful professional one.

He walked over to me with slow, leashed grace and stopped when he was only inches away from me. Moonlight glinted off his tanned, taut skin and his dark hair appeared highlighted under those alabaster rays.

Yep, he was pretty.

"Snatching me from my date. That's just rude Zoya" he said flippantly and took a sip of his drink. Whiskey neat. It was always whiskey neat for him.

"Why?" I didn't feel the need to use unnecessary words. He damn well knew what I was talking about.

"You are welcome" he replied smugly. He gave me a look that said how ungrateful I was.

Yes, I would accept the job but my pride and reputation just went down the hole.

"Do you even care about the damage you have done to my reputation? Everyone will think I am a s**t who manipulated you into referring me for this role" My voice rose with each word until I practically screamed in the end.

"Better be a s**t than jobless"

I slapped him. Hard.

His face turned from impact and the glass shattered ominously on the floor.

Even if the protagonists seem lunatic to you right now, just hang on tight. There is a reason for what they do and why they do it. I want to unravel their character traits one update at a time.

You know the drill - please press the like button and leave a comment. I look forward to your feedback. 😊

Please send me a Buddy Request if you want to receive PMs.

Chapter 9: This type of love isn't rational, it's physical

Anyway update it as soon as possible please request

Yes, it is I, slowly progressing from a silent reader to one who gives credit where it is due. So here goes, my first(second??) attempt at leaving a comment.

First of all, I'm loving all the characters. Lunatics or not, they seem REAL(I guess that does question my sanity, but meh.. Who cares?). Be it the protagonists Aditya and Zoya, or Arjun, even Ramona screamed 'real'!! Let's face it, even if our lives are nowhere near entertaining as Adi and Zo, it definitely is NOT candyfloss and cupcakes. Moreover, few writers dare to paint their leads in grey, so kudos for doing that, and excelling in it.

Secondly, I like the pace of this story. Like a horse galloping through the racing track, Toxic is smoothly transitioning from one stage to the other. Great job with that.

Cliffhangers keep things interesting, don't they. 😆

The next part will be all Aditya-Zoya. I don't want to mess that up but I will try my best to be quick 😊

Hello there, so glad to see your comment and witness your transition from a silent reader to an active one.😊

I wanted to write Ramona as a flimsy eye candy but then I was like Harsha grow up. 😆

Real life sucks but that is what stories are for. An escape from reality.

I aim to give something new with each update and keep things pacy. Thank you for reading Toxic.I hope hear from you in future as well 😊