Chapter 4
Aarti smashed the snooze button of her alarm clock, wishing she didn't have to go to work that day. She groaned and buried her head in her pillow not ready to wake up. A smile crossed her face as she remembered Saturday night. Her body instantly started to awake with desire at the memory. She didn't know that a woman too could become addicted to a man. It was a good thing he was so far away because Aarti was already on her way to becoming a junkie on the pleasure he gave her in just one night.
She closed her eyes and remembered all she could about the man and what he made her feel, but her alarm clock rudely brought her back to earth. She glared at the little black device with irritation. "Fine, I am going," She snapped feeling frustrated. Getting up from the bed, Aarti thought the woman that got to have that grade A man every day could call herself a very lucky woman. How she'd love to be that woman!
A pang of longing and loneliness hit her as she realized she'd probably never get someone like him to be her boyfriend let alone her husband. Hell, she doubted that she'd ever sleep with another man, either him or no one at all. Her smile dimmed at the thought as she walked into the bathroom. Mansi was probably right; Aarti would end up being one of those old ladies with a hundred cats. Aarti shuddered at the thought and got into the shower.
She preferred to focus her thoughts on other things like the new employee that was arriving at the office today. He was supposed to be a big deal in the accounting world and her father was lucky to have gotten him to agree to work for his company but she was sure he was some cocky jerk that expected everyone to treat him with some kind of royal treatment. Well if he expects me to give him special treatment and kiss his ass he has another thing coming, she thought darkly as she stepped under the hot water.
Aarti was determined to treat him just like she treated everyone else, no matter how important he was to her father or the company. Getting out of the shower and drying herself off, she wished she could call in sick or something but she knew her father wouldn't allow it. With a sigh, she wrapped a towel around her and left the bathroom, passing a glance at the clock on her nightstand. "Crap, I am running late, Dad's going to kill me!" Aarti yelled and dashed to the dresser, thanking god she always prepared her clothes the day before.
She threw the towel on the bed and dressed in record time only to rush back into the bathroom. She pulled her silky black hair into a tight organized bun. She debated on eating something or just heading to work for a moment, then decided against breakfast grabbing her keys that sat in a little china bowl on a table near the door.
Aarti parked the car in the parking lot and ran to the office. She quickly glanced at her wrist watch and noticed she was right on time. Phew, that was a close one! She thought smiling with victory but it was a bitter sweet victory as she remembered that her father wanted her to come in early. Oh well, he'll forgive me one day Aarti decided as she walked into the office. She gave Mrs. Maya a quick good morning and started to dash to her desk when she noticed her father was stomping in her direction.
Okay, he is very pissed that I didn't arrive early; she realized then wondered how to get herself out of this one. He stopped just before her and raised one stern eye brow at her and hard frown crossed his face as he awaited her explanation. "I am sorry Mr. Dubey. My alarm clock went all funky on me," she lied smoothing out the little wrinkles upon her clothes caused by her rush. That seemed to calm him slightly and Aarti allowed herself a small quiet sigh of relief.
"Well Yash has already arrived and met everyone except you," he stated bitterly. She was just about to apologize when Mansi came up to them. Aarti shot her friend a bright smile and a good morning. Mansi was like an accountant wizard and she didn't understand why her father made such a big deal about this Yash guy when he had her.
"Good Morning Mr. Dubey, Aarti may I have a word with you please," Mansi said giving Aarti a look she didn't quite understand.
"Does it have to be now Mansi?" Her father asked with an air of impatience.
"Yes!" Mansi said almost with a sense of urgency. "I mean yes sir, it's important," she added more calmly. Aarti eyed her friend suspiciously as her father sighed, and nodded."Hurry up, we have work to do and you still need to meet Yash," he told her harshly then turned around and walked back to his office.
"So where is the fire Mansi?" Aarti asked as soon as her father was out of ear shot. Mansi looked around frantically then pushed Aarti into the bathroom. "What the hell?" She cried in surprise looking at her friend accusingly.
"Yash Schindia…you know the new guy," Mansi started, nearly bouncing in place from excitement. "Yeah what about him, is he a real ass?" She asked hesitantly assuming the answer would be yes but Mansi shook her head no.
"No it's not that, it's him," she replied her voice rising to a squeal and Aarti looked at her friend confused not understanding at all what her friend was trying to say.
"Him who?" She asked with a little irritation and wondering darkly why in the world Mansi was being so cryptic. Her friend got a wicked glint in her eye and a sly smile slipped across her full lips that convinced Aarti whatever Mansi was going to say now she wasn't going to like it one bit.
"Yash Schindia is…." Mansi started pausing for dramatics and Aarti sighed loudly letting her know that she was getting tired of her games. "Your hotty from Las Vegas," Mansi squealed excitedly and it took a moment for Aarti to fully understand what Mansi just said but when it finally clicked she could literally feel the blood drain from her face.
"What?" Aarti managed to squeak. She must have heard wrong! Mansi nodded at her with a wide grin. "I don't think he recognized me though," Mansi stated with a small pout and Aarti's stomach turned nastily on her.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Aarti exclaimed feeling light headed. "Are you sure?" Aarti asked, grabbing on the sink as her the world was starting to tilt on her. "Of course I'm sure Aarti," Mansi told her with a sly smile. Aarti glared at her friend. Mansi seriously couldn't find this all amusing could she?
"I think I'm going to get sick," Aarti declared holding her stomach, then ran into a bathroom stall. She heaved a couple of times as her stomach clenched painfully. "Oh my God, it's not that big of a deal Aarti," Mansi despaired and Aarti left the stall, glaring at her friend.
"Not a big deal? I got drunk and threw myself all over him when I didn't even know his name," she shrieked. "But I didn't stop there, Oh no! I acted like some cheap wh**e and slept with him only to top of it all off by leaving before he woke up," she continued waving her arms frantically. Memories of Saturday night flashed through her mind but they no longer inspired desire but extreme embarrassment.
The way she moved, the way she itched for him to keep touching her, and the way she cried out when she had reached her climax, all were like a noose tightening around her throat ready to condemn her. Aarti rinsed her mouth out from the faucet of the sink but the bitter taste in her mouth still remained. She paced the women's bathroom nervously thinking about what the hell she was going to do.
She stopped with a suddenly. "Oh my GOD, he is my father's new star employee! He'll kill me when he finds out!" she shouted feeling on the verge of hysterics.
"Relax Aarti; there is no reason your dad has to know about it." Mansi said trying to calm her down with rubbing soothing circles on her back. Aarti glared at her friend feeling rage filling up inside her. "This is all your fault! If I didn't go on that stupid trip and sleep with that stupid guy I wouldn't be here in this stupid situation," she barked harshly and Mansi flinched at her words.
"I think you're overreacting just a bit Aarti, I mean didn't he say you were incredible, maybe he will be glad to see you," Mansi said with a hopeful face but Aarti just gave her a death glare. "He was drunk Mansi! He probably didn't even realize he said it! I swear to GOD, I must be one of those people who can never do anything outside of the rules! If we speed we always get a ticket," Aarti snapped then hung her head to her chest. She tried to calm herself down so she could figure out what to do since it was obvious she couldn't stay in the woman's bathroom all day…or could she? She shook her head, knowing that she was being silly.
"Maybe he won't remember me; we did drink a lot that night. Maybe it ended up as a blacked out blur to him and he can't even remember my face," she said at last with hope lined in her face and Mansi thought for a moment and brightened.
"Yeah maybe, as I said he didn't recognize me so maybe that is it! You're freaking out over nothing," Mansi told her eagerly.
"Seriously, the only reason you are upset is because he doesn't remember you?" Aarti asked her friend in amazement. "Hey, it hurts my self-esteem," she replied with a shrug. Aarti shook her head with a tiny smile, feeling a little better and really doubting anything could hurt Mansi's self-esteem.
"Well I can't stay here forever so," she started taking a moment to prepare then walked over to the sink turning on the faucet. She splashed her face with water to help calm herself some more. "He won't recognize me; he will have no idea who I am," she told herself almost believing it as she dried her face with a paper towel. She checked her appearance in the mirror and nervously smoothed her black pencil skirt.
Aarti left the bathroom with her head up high, hoping to look as if nothing had happened and it was business as usual. She started her daily routine but as soon as her father saw her he called her into his office. Nervously she straightened and smoothed her skirt again taking a deep breath gathering the papers and documents that needed her father's attention. "He won't recognize me; he will have no idea who I am," she whispered to herself once more then entered her father's office but she swore that any moment she'd have to go to the bathroom to dry heave some more.
Her father sat at his large wooden desk and another man, who she assumed was Yash Schindia, sat in one of the two chairs in front of it. Thankfully he didn't turn when she entered. "Good Morning Mr. Dubey. I have the morning's duties here for you as well as some documents that you need to look over," she said as she did every morning as she ran through the papers she held in her arms. She circled around the desk trying her best to stay away from Yash Schindia's direct sight.
Aarti took a side long glance at him and her breath caught in her throat, it was without a doubt the guy from Las Vegas. He was so much more attractive than she remembered. He's wearing a suit and looking extremely handsome and tempting, ready to be eaten up. Aarti felt her cheeks flare with embarrassment at the thoughts and images that suddenly forced their way into her mind. She quickly looked down to the papers again and gave a hard swallow as she plastered a smile on her face.
"Yes but before that I would like you to finally meet Yash Schindia," her father told her and Aarti gave him a weak nod. "Yash this is my secretary and daughter Aarti Dubey," he told the man and she tried not to cringe as the man turned his attention to her for the first time. Her stomach dropped to her feet as she saw the look of shock and recognition cross his face. Crap, crap, crap! This cannot be happening to me, she cried silently. What he must be thinking of her?
With all her might she tried to keep the polite smile on her face and held out her hand. "I-it's nice to meet you Mr. Schindia. We are excited to have you here," she stated trying to keep her voice steady.
"Thank you, I am glad to be here," he replied as he took her extended hand and shook it. Aarti felt tingles of pleasure shoot up her arm and directly pooled her abdomen in a heated puddle. She swore that at any moment her legs would give out on her. She ripped her hand from his and tried to gain control over her body. She let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding and noticed a small smile appear on his lips that made her body throb with desire. This cannot be happening to me, she complained silently as she forced all her attention on to her father so that she wouldn't die from the embarrassment.
She handed the papers to her father robotically listing off all the business that needed his attention. Aarti refused to turn her attention back to Yash. If she didn't look at him she could almost convince herself that it was someone else sitting there and everything was still right in her little corner of the world. "Thank you Aarti that will be all," her father told her once she was finished. She turned and before she could stop herself she looked toward Yash.
"Nice to meet you Aarti, I look forward to working with you," he said with a wink when her father wasn't looking. Aarti's breath caught in her throat so badly, she was afraid, that she was about to faint. The mischievous look on his face told her that he was laughing at her and she could feel her cheeks start to heat for the crushing embarrassment that flailed at her again. She gave him a polite nod and rushed out of the office towards her desk where Mansi was waiting eagerly.
"So," Mansi asked drawing out the "o" for several seconds as soon as Sam sat down at her desk. "This is horrible! I don't see how this could get any worse," Aarti groaned and let her head fall to her desk with a loud thud.
"I can't believe he didn't recognize me," Mansi pouted and Aarti tilted her head towards her friend so she could glare at her. "Seriously, you've ruined my life and reputation and all you care about is how he didn't recognize you?" She whispered angrily and Mansi just laughed as if Aarti had said something incredibly funny.
"Damn girl, you sure are going drama queen on this one. Honestly I think this will actually be good for you Aarti." Mansi explained with a matter of fact tone. "I cannot see how this could possibly be good for me!" Aarti snapped back and could not believe her awful luck. Mansi shrugged and got up from the corner of Aarti's desk.
"Only time will tell," she chirped and walked to her own desk and Aarti glared at her with feelings of anger, embarrassment and horror.
"Only time will tell," Aarti mocked her friend angrily. She lifted her head up from the desk rubbing her forehead where she was sure there would be a red spot. She leaned back into the chair thinking about what had just happened. How is it possible out all the thousands of people in Las Vegas and out of all the damn men that were in that club that night did she end up sleeping with her father's new prized employee?
It was almost funny. Just a few hours ago she was thinking of how she'd love the chance to be with the man from Las Vegas again. Aarti thought about his reaction at seeing her, it didn't exactly look like rejection. Could he possibly be happy to see her again? She doubted it but if he was, what could've motivated it? Did he think she'd be his ticket to a promotion and winning her father's favor? Aarti snorted with a shake of her head, causing her co-worker Ram Dulare to shoot her an odd look before returning to his work.
Aarti bit her lip feeling her cheeks heat up slightly but with the determined decision that Yash Schindia probably saw her as skank and a means to get good with her father. It was definitely in her best interest to avoid him at all costs. There was only one sure way to do that, she had to dedicate herself totally and completely to her work. Maybe then she could survive the day and the humiliation.
The day passed quickly and it appeared her plan was working to perfection. She hadn't had to speak to or see Yash Schindia again. She glanced at her wrist watch and saw it was time for lunch. "Thank GOD the first part is over," Aarti mumbled as she got up from her chair and grabbed her purse. She made a mad dash for the door to only run into a large wall of muscle half way there. She started to lose her balance and someone held on to her waist preventing her from falling.
"Whoa, easy there Jalebi," she heard an unfortunately familiar voice say with an obvious hint of gloating and she grimaced with the even more confirmation that he remembered all too well that night. The smell of his aftershave wafted to her and Aarti had the sudden urge to lean up against him as much as possible. She only just barely stopped herself from doing so and pushed herself away from him with the hope of not making a fool of herself. She looked up to him and her heart skipped a couple of beats when she saw his breathtaking smile.
"Excuse me," she said, her voice a little rough which surprised her. Feeling utterly embarrassed she moved to the side to walk past him but he moved in front of her and blocked her path. Her breath hitched from the surprise.
"Now where are you running off to so quickly…again?" He asked then grinned wickedly. Aarti's throat tightened, her jaw dropped and her face turn a bright red; she couldn't believe he had just said that!
"I…I…am not running off! I am just leaving for lunch," she replied her voice still rough. Oh GOD can this day get any worse, she pleaded silently.
"Really, what a coincidence so was I," Yash replied with an even bigger smile on his face now. Aarti looked at him in surprise. What the hell was he doing?
"Good for you, now will you please excuse me," Aarti shot back nervously as she moved to the side again but he moved with her blocking her escape route again. She looked up at him confused. What did he want from her?
"You know it would be great if someone showed me a good place to eat," he told her; amusement filled his voice and Aarti's jaw dropped open again. He couldn't be seriously asking to eat lunch with her?
"I'm sure anyone else in the office would love to help you," she replied with a little harshness in her voice, hoping he'd get the point that she was not going to play games with him. She moved for a third time only to be blocked by him again and Aarti felt a sinking feeling flood through her.
"Yeah I suppose they could but since none of them are leaving now, that leaves just you," he replied with a mischievous look on his face. She pressed her lips tightly together feeling herself starting to get really angry. Did this guy seriously not get it?
"I really don't think that is a good idea," Aarti snapped with a glare trying to make it clear she had no intention of eating lunch with him or anything else for that matter
"Well I do Jalebi," he teased and she flinched involuntarily as he used that nickname again. He leaned slightly towards her then added in a whisper, "after all you kind of owe it to me since you left without giving me so much a kiss good-bye." Aarti felt a horrible deep blush take over her face. She opened and closed her mouth as a fish out of water, feeling more embarrassed than she had ever felt her entire life
Her gaze fell to her feet having no idea how respond him. "All I am asking is lunch" he said and she looked up to him with determination to say no way but he had the silliest sad expression on his face that caused a traitorous smile to spread across her face.
"Alright," Aarti relented before she even realized what she had said. Why the hell did she smile back and why the hell did she agree? He had a stupid but still really sexy grin on his face as he held his arm out for her to take but she just walked pass him to her car. There was no way she would touch him any time soon. It was clear every time she touched him; she lost control and couldn't think. Aarti needed to think and keep herself logical, logic is good and lust very bad.
The drive to the small diner where she always ate her lunch had never felt this long in her life. It didn't help at all that she could literally feel him looking at her the whole time. She tried hard to keep her attention on the road as she kept expecting him to say something but he was completely silent which she didn't know if that was a good thing or not. Either way she felt as if she was on the brink of going insane when they finally arrived.
Aarti thanked GOD once more as she got out of the car. "Dottie's Diner?" Yash asked looking up at the little diner.
"It may not have a menu like you have in Las Vegas but Dottie is the best cook in town," she replied with a flat tone walking towards the diner trying to put as much distance between them as possible.
"Well that's good enough for me," he stated closing the distance between them till he stood by her side. She cursed mentally as he opened the door for her, the simple gesture made her stomach twist and her pulse quicken. What was wrong with her?
"Good afternoon, Aarti dear, what can I get you and your friend today?" the middle age waitress asked with a large grin on her aged face as she looked Yash over. He had the audacity to follow Aarti like some lost puppy and sit across from her. Aarti blushed and she pretended to look at the menu.
"He's the new guy at my father's company, you know the one my dad has been excited about and I'm just showing him around being his first day and all," Aarti explained, hoping Dottie and Yash would get the point. "Dottie this is Yash Schindia. Mr. Schindia this is Dottie De'Souza," she added, looking at the menu as if it was the most interesting thing in the world.
"Please call me Yash, and it's nice to meet you. I hear your cooking is the best in the whole town," he told her and Dottie beamed with pride before turning to face Aarti.
"Oh this one is a keeper," she said with a wink in Aarti's direction, clearly missing the point. Aarti's face burned as it reached a brighter shade of red. Even though it was futile she buried her face further into the menu, wishing she'd just disappear.
"I'll take the salad," Aarti grumbled still hiding behind the menu. She didn't think she'd be able to eat anything despite the fact she didn't eat anything that morning. Her stomach was nothing but a mass of knots now and Yash just laughed seemingly oblivious of her suffering as he gave Dottie his order. Why did she ever let Mansi talk her in to that stupid weekend, she pouted.
Once she felt her face return to normal she lowered the menu from her face. "So I am a keeper huh?" Yash asked with his bright sexy smile and amusement written all over his face. She covered her face with her hands trying to hide the awful blush that tinted her face a bright red.
"This is not funny," she demanded between her fingers which only got him to laughing again and he leaned over the table. "I actually think it's hilarious! I guess you're not much of a Jalebi after all," he mused and she glared at him. He was obviously not going to let what happened in Las Vegas stay in Las Vegas. It was only a matter of time before the whole town found out. She was ruined; her life was totally over from now on.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
