Girl Friday

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 21

Anjali

I was walking back to my cubicle from pantry after making myself hot coffee. While passing the conference room I noticed, through glass doors, Arav sitting there looking out of the cabin lost in his own thoughts. I didn’t halt there much, lest anyone might notice me and I might get into trouble. I know Arav hates these meetings. Spending prolonged time inside four walls suffocates him. So, the minute everyone walked out of the conference room I sprinted to Arav’s side on the first chance I got.

“How was the meeting?” I asked

He shrugged, “I don’t know. Rohan was smiling at the end so I guess it went well.”

Of course, trust him to not to have paid attention during the meeting.

“Why does all this irritate you so much?”

“Maybe because I really don’t care.” He said walking towards the pantry to make himself coffee. I took the paper cup from him as I began making coffee for him.

“Umm..” he said taking a sip of it.”Did I miss your coffee?”

“Did you?” I asked with a smile.

It took me a month, but eventually I perfected to make coffee just like how Arav likes it. He never voiced before now how much he likes it, but I know everything, don’t I? I was about to ask him details of the forthcoming art exhibition when we were interrupted.

“Hello, Mr.Malhotra.” greeted Sandeep with a smile he exclusively reserved for bosses

Arav nodded while taking a sip from the cup.

“Hope I didn’t disturb any important discussion.” Sandeep said in extra sweet voice. Totally trying to impress Arav. After all isn’t he trying for promotion now? Rumours has it that it was he who spoiled Adira’s presentation. If only he knew Arav never interferes in office matters.

“You sure did.” Said Arav in a rather rude voice that I have never seen him use on anyone. I looked at him bemused.

Sandeep laughed awkwardly totally uncertain of what to reply. “Mr.Malhotra...” he smiled.” I am sure it is about merger with Khannas you guys are discussing.” He said

“Merger with Khannas?” asked Arav raising his eyebrows. He turned to look at me questioningly.

“Yeah, that was discussed in the board meeting today, right?”

“Oh.” Said Arav nonchalantly.

I chuckled making both the men look at me. Arav has no clue about what happened inside, has he?

“Mr.Malhotra, I have made a complete report on how we can benefit from the merger. You should let me present it to you sometime.”

“Mr...” Arav clanked his head slightly to read Sandeep’s ID card. “Mr.Chauhan, do you smoke?”

“Excuse me!” Sandeep looked confused with the question and looked at me as if asking me if he has heard it right. I shrugged not understanding why Arav was different today. He is usually very polite with everyone then why this sudden change with Sandeep. Arav seemed annoyed with him for some reason.

“Well, if you smoke Mr.Chauhan then it is the right time to take a smoke break, because soon you will not find enough time after you start working in Ms.Chawla’s team.” 

“I am in Mr.Vashisht’s team. Why will I work for Ms.Chawla?” asked Sandeep panicking suddenly

“Because I say so.”  He said in a determined tone.

I looked at Arav surprised. What is he doing? Sandeep didn’t utter another word as he literally ran from there probably to talk to Mr.Vashisht.

“What was that?” I asked

“What?”

“You just changed my boss’ department. Why?”

Arav shrugged and I narrowed my eyebrows.

“You will be directly reporting to Mr.Vashisht now onwards. He will be your boss. He has been working with us for twenty five years and very experienced. You will learn a lot from him.”

“But why the sudden change? And when did you start taking business decisions?”

“I didn’t, it was Rohan’s decision. I am just news barer.”

“Why don’t I believe you?” I asked folding my hand over my chest.

“Believe your boss.” He said tapping the tip of my nose with his finger

“But, you are not my boss anymore.”

“Well, okay, your half boss.” He said smiling and before I can question further he received a call and he excused himself.

*_*_*_*

I was done for the day and was packing my stuff to leave, when the atmosphere around me silenced. This happens only when Rohan walks in or....

“Come to my cabin, Anjali.” I heard Varun Malhotra say.

I froze as I heard his strong voice order me. I stood meekly staring at the floor as he walked back to his cabin. Pity glances were thrown at me as I made my way to his cabin for all know what a terror he could be. All these days he ignored my presence thankfully. Why does he want to talk to me now?

“Excuse me, Sir?’” I knocked and heard his gruff voice mumble ‘come in’.

I stood in front of him nervously trying hard not to fidget my fingers as he was checking some file.

“Ms.Sharma.” he called still looking at the file.

“Yes, sir.”

“Who interviewed you?” he asked

“Me, Sir? HR Nadiya.” I replied

“Where?”

“Here, sir, at the office.”

Why is he asking such strange questions? Doesn’t he know all interviews happen at office in third floor only?

“Certain, Ms.Sharma?”

“Sir? Absolutely.”

“Are you sure it was conducted by Nadiya and happened here at office and not by Arav in whichever place you both deemed fit?”

My hands fisted and my teeth gritted at his shameless innuendo. How dare he?

“Just wanted to get clarity considering Arav has put in a word for you to get the job.  With your lack of experience in the field I was just wondering why Malhotra industries have to hire you. But, I know...

“You don’t know anything.” I tried to keep my voice low at the same time letting my displeasure reach him.

“Oh.” He said with an amused smirk. “I am sure then you have a better reason for why you are here after a bad interview or why not even a month old employee gets to work under an ace like Mahesh Vashisht.”

I felt extremely humiliated that moment because I didn’t have answer for those questions. I did perform average in the interview. I was convinced that I got the job because others were worse. How gullible of me to assume something like that? Arav has intervened. But, why would he do that? And what reason he has for transferring a person to another department and make me assist probably the senior most in my department. That doesn’t have a solid reason. It was so unlike Arav to interfere in business decisions. Why am I put in this situation with someone accusing me cheaply for no mistake of mine? Why did you do this to me, Arav?

*_*_*_*

BONUS

Text Message between Arav and Rohan

-Can you sign Sandeep Chauhan’s transfer papers? I have asked Sara to give it to you

-Why?

-I have spoken with Mr.Vashisht and even he agrees they can do better without Sandeep.

-Okay, but why? It is not like you to involve in all this.

-Rohan, Anjali will be assisting Mr.Vashisht directly.

-Oh! Okay. Now I understood.

-If anyone asks, then it is your decision. Are we clear?

-Sure. *smirking*

-Bye *totally ignoring*