Storm clouds moved across the Mumbai skyline. Suresh looked at them and then at the man sitting beside him concentrating on his black eyes.
Those are definitely more stormy he confirmed mentally.
He wondered how she would fair against them. But then she had faced and fought against them in the past. Right now she should be past caring.
As the car came to a screeching halt Suresh looked at his boss again. In all these years of working with Shlok Agnihotri , tension was a rare commodity from his boss. This was one such rare moment. His boss was definitely tensed and Suresh knew the tension wasn't misplaced. If it was him he wouldn't even be here.
"Which floor is she on?" Shlok Agnihotri directed shortly at his secretary Suresh.
"First floor, I have confirmed the appointment with her secretary" Suresh replied.
Shlok just gave a brief nod before striding towards the entrance of the Aakruti Event Managers. He wondered for the umpteenth time why exactly he was here. The logical more egoistic side of his brain gave him the answer he wanted to believe in - he was here on business. The other part of his brain which he called illogical and stupid but which he knew was many times right told him he was here to see her. After four years his mind added.
As the lift door opened , the men were greeted by a commanding voice.
" Today means today! We want the report today Anya , no excuses, no late submission , got it"
"Yes maam" a girl answered in meek voice
"Good, now get to work" the woman ordering her said.
Shlok and Suresh watched the tall hour glass figured woman dressed in cream blouse with brown fitting pants . She looked every bit professional, had a commanding voice and slightly intimidating air. She turned her eyes on them and Shlok saw understanding in them.
"Hello Mr. Agnihotri, you are on time" she walked towards them. Holding her hand towards Shlok she said "I am Neena , partner of this firm"
"Hello" Shlok replied absentmindedly shaking her hand , his eyes wandering towards the door at the end of the corridor. He knew she was behind that.
" Shall we proceed then?" Neena asked watching Shlok's gaze.
She led them towards the door and knocked once.
"Enter" a soft yet strong voice said.
" Astha , we have guests" Neena said getting into the room and pointing towards the men walking in behind her.
Light brown eyes locked with stormy black ones and yet again time stood still. The spectators watched with interests as the eyes played a game of their own. As if bored the grey ones broke contact and the owner of the eyes stood up with a cordial smile.
Shlok fought hard to suppress his surprise. Gone was the Astha in colourful salwaar suits. The lady - that's the only word suitable enough he felt - before him was dressed in maroon shirt with black pencil skirt and her feet in black heels. She looked every inch as professional as the lady he met before. He wondered if she had changed inside as well.
"Hello Mr. Agnihotri" Astha addressed Shlok with professional cordiality. That she had decided long before was the only emotion she would give him. But then why did her treacherous heart flutter?
Comments , criticism , equally welcome.š