Fragments of Feeling

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER TWO

The hall comprised Rory's marketing staff, Board of Directors, Board of influencers and some property Managers. The projector was situated some inches behind the entrance door. While the other bodies fixed themselves round the length of the well decorated rectangular table, Rory sat at the end width of the table. These sitting arrangements enabled all forms of distraction to be noticed with ease.

Shannon, a staff from the property management department had everyone but Rory's attention as he displayed their onuses explaining in detail the efficient performances of the property management department and property Managers at large. Rory was lost in thought, where was that girl? He wished her a broken foot as she was already late for the meeting. How long will she keep making him talk too much? That girl is a thorn, he just confirmed it.

Shannon went further to explain the marketing and financial areas of responsibility of property Managers in Real Estate Management companies.

"Real Estate Property management involves an understanding of expenses and budgeting operations. Through this information, appropriate rental rates are set balanced by the current market and what it'll put in the way of rents. The property manager may recommend marketing programs, advertising tactics and special promotions to the owners in order to maximise occupancy and rental rates.

A clear understanding of the financial statements, losses and profits, income taxes and budgeting are all very crucial property Managers." He ended his presentation with a bow and made for his seat. They all applauded him. Still Shikara was nowhere to be seen.

Silence ensued as they all waited in anticipation for the next presenter from the Real Estate department. The silence was deafening, Director Boaz couldn't help but ask Rory for his presenter as he's in charge of that part of the company. Just then, Shikara slowly pulled the door, entered and was greeted by God-knows-how many eyeballs. She saw a twitch of anger or relief in Rory's eyes but she wasn't gonna dwell on that because she has a damn presentation to make and she need not try to read his expression at the moment. Rory darted his eyes at her hands and the projector in search of a script but found none. What a disappointment! He scowled. Everyone looked forward to what the human girl was about to say because she had definitely nothing to display on the screen.

"Good morning to you all, I'm Shikara from the Real Estate department, I sincerely apologise for my lateness it wasn't intended." She bowed her head for a second, strengthened herself and got to work. She gave them the meaning, Scopes and responsibilities of a Real Estate Management.

She spoke with pure eloquence and in a dignified manner, she knew most people like Rory thought the worst of her even when they're wearing the truth as a necklace. She may not have read the entire book and journals of the company about Real Estate Management but she sure did have a diploma in that aspect.

She had no script but she had her power brain intact. She set her brain on fire and began her presentation. As she spoke she demonstrated and made gestures with her hands. Those were really mind blowing.

"REM is utilised for any type of rental property including residential rentals and commercial real estate. The management helps to manage the daily portfolio of properties on behalf of the landlord.

What to expect? The cost of real estate management may vary by location and the number of units one has. In general, the more the units the less they'll charge. Finding a quality real estate management company is key but RY real estate management is always up for hiring because as real estate investors, we balance our time and..." She went on and on about giving them the company's recent achievements and development. She also tabled the company's suggested improvement memos spotting the risk associated and the assurable profits from the implementation of the said memos. She smiled to the sky as she spoke.

Rory was dumbfounded. He wasn't even listening to her words, his eyes were more focused on her lips as it synchronised with her words. Those lips! He thought they were heavenly and luscious. "But where in the world is the incompetent Shikara from ten hours ago?'' He asked himself rhetorically. He looked at the faces around him and found them all grinning from teeth to teeth. He doubted they were still listening to her but he was sure of one thing “they were all enchanted by her charisma". A smile crept up to his face. He's impressed and he knew for the next six months there would be no email from the Board of Directors requesting for a Real Estate Management System Meeting. She wasn't worthless after all.

She looked at Rory as she ended her last statement. Rory swore he saw a look of "I'm not incompetent as you thought you old fool" in her lovely eyes. At that instant the smile froze on his face. He immediately swallowed all the compliments he thought she deserved. He'll never give her the satisfaction due to her. Never.! He knew he was acting like a complete fool and a confused being at that but his anger and arrogance got the best of him. She deserved no soft spot from him not anymore not after all she's done to him in the past. He won't forgive her so easily she needs to have a taste of pain.

Afterwards, Shikara got lots of praises and compliments from the Board of Directors, some property managers and her colleagues at large. She did make up for her lateness and forgetfulness through her presentation. She was caught up in a conversation with Ashley and Mark of the software department. "How's the implementation of the marketing plans going? What're your views on it? Mark asked side-hugging Shikara. " I'd say we're still trying to pull off some hitches" That was the least she could say as she wasn't ready or rather she wasn't the best person to give out more information on that particular project. There were more discussions and debates to be made on that.

The atmosphere outside the conference room was cool until Rory stepped out from the room, scanned for Shikara and saw her laughing so hard at what her colleague had said. She looked happy while he was sad. Was she the cause of his sadness or he's just been a sadist, that, he didn't want to know but he'll put an end to her happiness this very moment. What'll be her crime this time? He asked and gave an evil smile. I'm Rory. I always develop problems and find faults when it comes to Shikara, he said to himself. With that, he barked out her name, startling her in the process. His voice roared deafeningly across the hall. Shikara began to choke on her laughter, the commanding voice took her by surprise.

"In my office in two minutes" she hurriedly left the two in pursuit of Rory. She was lost in thought. She handled her presentation just fine there. What could be wrong? She didn't know Rory'd stopped walking and turned to see if she was on her heels after him. She only realised that after her head had hit a hard wall. She felt a slight pain as she brought her hand to examine the damage, all the while she'd her head bent low in worry. She was disappointed to find no fluid on her head or a lump, that made her look up, she saw the retreating body of her boss.

"Wait! what just happened?" She wanted to cry. "Can't today get any better" she was late to work, forgot her script, gave a top notch speech and was angrily summoned a few minutes after she had pulled off things. Was it two minutes he said? she was already a minute behind and now bumping into Rory Wow!!

Feeling entirely despondent, she knocked on the door thrice and pushed herself in slowly into the office with her eyes downcast.

"What 's that about?" He asked her standing akimbo and eyes fuming with self acclaimed anger. She wasn't sure what exactly he meant but being silent would be her greatest mistake. She knew Rory, since he employed her no day went by without him barking at her, she believed he just loves feeding off her energy deliberately that's all.

"What was what all about?"

"Don't play dumb with me you fool and answer me" he made to move closer to her but decided against it.

She staggered backwards suddenly becoming scared" I was...I mean. I overslept and my alarm didn't go off in time...I lost track of time and traffic was terrible and also I forgot the meeting was scheduled to hold this morning" She listed off fearfully fumbling with her hands then her hair and back to her hands. Rory laughed inwardly, what a silly cute girl. She's really scared, he noticed her movements. He needed to scare her the most..