Shades of Life

Worst Than Square One

Next day in office, Varun had a stand up meeting for us. He actually came to our floor and conducted the meeting. We all gathered near the sofa sets on our floor. We all briefed him about our work and what all we have planned for this project. He gave us some useful insights that he thought would help us before we deep dive into the project, which did help.

I made a note of everything he and Rahul said. It could come in handy in the future.

“Ah, Varun the Mehta jewelry brand is opening up soon. Do you want any help from us for the inaugural?” Rahul asked him.

“Nah, I got it covered. I organized some event managers and gave them the job. Carla will send the invitations; you all are formally invited” Varun said looking at everyone.

“Congratulations sir, I’m sure we all will have an amazing time there” Keith said with a genuine smile. Mehta’s have indulged themselves in many areas and in each and every one of them, they have excelled. The quality of their work is exceptional.

“Kiss-ass” Aarav said coughing at the same time and I snickered at his remark.

Varun rolled his eyes at his cousin’s action and raised his left eyebrow looking at me. I gave him a sweet smile which I was sure would irritate him. He shook his head.

“Thank you Keith” he said acknowledging Keith.

“When is the inaugural sir?” Richa asked curiously.

“Next week, on Wednesday” He said looking at her.

If I’m going to this event, then I should go shopping for the dress.

Richa’s eyes met mine and silent messages were past and we smiled at each other. Our weekend time is set.

We are going shopping.

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After the meeting, we started working again. Aarav and I started accessing all the software that we might need. Once they are set up, from Monday we will start writing the basic code and we will be assigned a group of developers whom we will lead to complete the code and we will be assigned few testers to test our code too.

In the evening while going back to home, Richa and I started planning on going to shopping this Saturday. We asked Vani too but she blatantly said no, we looked at each other and shrugged. By now, we are used to her quirks. No one can know when she is in a happy mood or god damn crazy.

When I reached home, I took a long relaxing bath. After the bath, I came out and changed into my cozy pajama’s. My cousin brought few skims pajamas for me from US and they are perfect for a cozy night in.

I got a call from Mona, she always video calls.

“Hey Mona-darling” I said picking the call.

“Hey b***h, what are you doing?” she asked casually. I rolled my eyes at her.

“I’m preparing snacks for myself. Don’t you have work?” I asked her looking at the time, it was 6pm her usual work starting time.

“I told them that current is not there so I’ll login after an hour” She said smirking. She works from home. Her company provides an option for work from home for few people and this lucky hoe bagged it.

“Lucky hoe” I voiced my thoughts loud.

She laughed at my words.

See, weird.

“Please tell me you are not eating that god awful chips” She said rolling her eyes.

“Hey, watch it. If you badmouth my baby again, you know the consequence” I warned her grabbing Maggie packet from the cupboard.

“Yeah, yeah whatever” She said shaking her head.

“Now tell me how your hot boss is” She asked getting curious.

“That’s why you called me, you b***h” I exclaimed getting offended.

“Oh come on, don’t be a sour wuss. I asked about him thinking that I could we a match maker and get you guys together. You know like a cupid” She said getting excited, I rolled my eyes at her imagination.

“You are crazy, that would never happen in a million years” I said boiling the water. She doesn’t know the kind of embarrassment I have faced in front of him. I want to tell her but oh boy, she will tease me to death.

“Wanna bet” She asked looking confident.

I laughed at the topic we are talking about. That guy probably hates my guts and falling in love with me is like an impossible thing.

“Yes” I said smirking knowing that I would win.

“Fine, if I win I want an apple watch” she said raising her eyebrows. She recently switched from Android to IPhone so now she wants a watch.

“Done and if I win, I want the latest IPhone” I said smirking.

I saw her confidence waver but she put on a brave face and nodded.

“Now, tell me all the interaction you had with him” She demanded. I was going to tell her anyway but the only thing I’m scared about is her teasing. But now if I tell her all our embarrassing and disastrous encounters she will realize how badly she will lose the bet and I can’t wait to see her face.

I told her all the interactions that I had with him while making Maggie. I poured it into a bowl and grabbed a pair of chopsticks. Yes, chopsticks. Mona and I are K-drama fans, we both are crazy fanatics and we also learned how to use chopsticks. We like to imagine ourselves as Koreans and use it. We did try to learn the language but at that time campus recruitment started and we got busy in that.

“Wow, so much as happened. Now I’m 100 percent sure that you guys will fall in love with each other” She exclaimed after listening to all my story.

“Did you even listen to what I said? Or are your ears not working?” I asked looking at her incredulously.

“Oh you wait and watch missy” She said laughing.

She’s nuts.

“Now, did you watch the new series of Song Joong-ki?” She asked me.

“Shut up, he did a new series after the divorce?” I asked looking at her wide eyed.

“Yes, already 10 episodes are up. It’s called Vincenzo. He is a hot Italian Mafia’s lawyer” She explained about it eating her snacks.

“I don’t know, I don’t think I will be able to like it after what went down with him and Song hye-kyo” I said slurping my Maggie.

“It’s nice, give it a try” She said shrugging.

“Fine, by the way how is your work?” I asked her.

“It’s hectic, every damn day I get 2 to 3 cases and now my count is 16” she said sighing.

“Hey, but you got it down to 12 last week, right” I asked looking at her in concern. Her work is support work, it is lot more work than mine. I don’t want to interact with the customers and give them template answers.

“I did but as I said everyday 2 to 3 new cases add up” she said pouting.

“Awe, you poor baby” I cooed at her.

“What about your work? How are your colleagues?” I did tell her the names of my colleagues last week but not in depth.

I gave her a brief introduction about all the members of the group including Rahul. I explained how they are and how much fun we have during the lunch time.

“Ah, I’m jealous. I don’t have that much nice interaction with my colleagues” She said sadly.

“You were the one who wanted work from home” I said shaking my head.

“That’s the sacrifice I had to make” I rolled my eyes at her drama.

“Hey you remember Misha, my cousin” I suddenly remembered her.

“Yeah, the one you meet only during functions” I nodded at her.

“She is getting married” I dropped the bomb.

“What! Isn’t she even 18 yet?” she exclaimed. Both Mona and I are feminists so seeing a girl getting married at such young age doesn’t sit well with us.

“She’s 18 and it is her choice” I said shrugged.

“That sucks” I said slurping my Maggie, emptying it.

Ah, the satisfaction after eating it completely is out of this world.

I hummed as a response.

“How are uncle and aunty?” She asked leaning on the pillow.

“They ar-“ My words died down when I heard a knock on my door.

Who can it be at this time?

“There is someone at the door, wait for a second” she hummed in response.

Shrugging, I went to the door and opened it.

I saw Rose standing there looking distressed with a puppy in her hand.

“Hey Rose, what happened?” I asked opening the door wider to let her in.

“Hi Akshara, I’m sorry to disturb you dear. Archie here isn’t feeling well and my mobile died down. I couldn’t contact anyone. Building manager is also not home” She said looking distressed looking at the puppy she’s cradling in her arms.

“Oh on, Rose come in and sit for few minutes. I’ll change and we will take him to the vet” I inviting her in.

She nodded. I don’t know Varun’s number by heart so I couldn’t call him either.

“Don’t worry, I’ll ask Aarav and get Varun’s number” I said nodding towards the sofa.

“Mona, I’ll call you back later bye” I hung up in a hurry and rushed to my room to change.

I hurriedly put on a plain white tee-shirt and black jeans, those were the things that I put my hands on first. I took my black sweater and wrapped it around myself. I took my hang bag and grabbed my small purse with cash and cards in it. I grabbed my phone and stuffed all of it in my hand bag.

I rushed out to see Rose cooing at the puppy who was whimpering. I heart sored at his pain. Poor thing.

“Rose, let’s go” I said nodding at the door.

“Did you call Varun?” She asked me in worry.

“No, I’ll get his number and call him” I said grabbing my car keys and apartment keys.

I locked my apartment and led her to the elevator. We got in and I texted Aarav to send me Varun’s number.

We got out in the parking lot and I led her to my car. I made sure she sat comfortably with the puppy in her arms. I got into the driver seat and started driving to the nearest vet, that I googled.

There was one in 5 kilometers and I set my map to it.

“Is Archie okay?” I asked Rose as we sat there in the traffic.

“He is in pain, I don’t know what happened. Thank you so much dear, you are really sweet” Rose said giving me an appreciative smile.

“It’s nothing Rose, how can anyone say no to that cutest thing” I said nodding towards the puppy.

“That’s true, I remember how much Varun was irritated when Aarav first dropped him at the penthouse and now he can’t go a day without playing with him. He even comes home every day now to play with Archie” Rose said with the fond memory.

“Does Varun work a lot?” I asked her in curiosity.

“Yeah, he is a workaholic. He worked so hard day and night and even now he does. He used to stay at his office for 2-3 days straight working. Now, I’m thankful Aarav brought Archie over. At least because of him Varun comes home every day” Rose said with a beautiful smile.

“There are like best friends now, huh?” I asked chuckling.

“Yeah but don’t tell Aakash that, he will throw a fit” Rose said laughing.

Oh, so Aakash is Varun’s best friend.

Got it.

“We are here” I said as I parked in the parking lot of the hospital.

“Rose, let’s go in and I’ll call Varun” I said getting out of the car and helped her get out making sure not to hurt Archie.

“Okay” She nodded and held Archie closely.

We got in the hospital and thankfully there were not a lot of people in here. I told Rose to sit on the waiting chairs and I went to the receptionist to book an appointment.

She told me that there were not many patients and we could take Archie in, that doctor was available. I told Rose to go in with Archie and I completed all the payment stuff. It’s nothing I can’t handle and it is the least I could do to that cutie.

I checked my phone to see Aarav had sent Varun’s number so I called him quickly, he picked up at the last ring.

“Hello” He is either sleepy or drunk. Since, he was not at home, I’m going to side with drunk or tipsy.

“Hi Varun, this is Akshara” I said politely.

“What! You again? Why are you everywhere? Are you a supernatural or a psychic?” He said dragging the words. Yep, he is tipsy.

“Varun, listen carefully. Archie is not well so Rose and I brought him here to the vet. I just thought you should know” I said rolling my eyes at his statement.

“What?” He exclaimed.

Huh, calm down. Oww, my ears.

“You heard me” I said not in the mood to elaborate.

“Send me the address I’ll be there in few minutes” He said in urgency.

“Where are you going?” I heard someone’s voice. I’m guessing his friend’s maybe Aakash.

“Listen, it looks like you are tipsy. So don’t drive. I’m here and I’ll take care of everything” I said trying to calm him.

“NO! I want to be there. Just f*****g send me the address” He yelled and hung up.

Huh. Rude.

I texted him the address and saved him number as Mr. Arrogant.

Yeah, I did that. I don’t care if he is my boss.

I sat there in the waiting area for Rose and hoping that Archie is fine.

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“Akshara” I heard Rose’s voice and I looked up from my phone.

“Hey, is he alright?” I asked her looking at Archie who was in her arms.

Now I regret not asking her to bring his bag where he could be carried in.

“Yeah, they gave him an injection and after two days we have to give him his vaccine” She said petting his head.

“Hey” I heard someone yell and I turned around to see Varun rushing towards us with Aakash right behind him.

“Is he okay? What happened?” He asked touching Archie’s head.

“He’s fine, they gave him the medication. He had a stomach ache” Rose said sadly.

“Who is this cutie?” Aakash cooed looking at Archie and patting him.

“Aarav brought him” Rose said giving him a smile.

“And you let him?” He asked Varun in surprise.

He just nodded in return.

“Rose, you should have brought his bag at least. Let me carry him, your arms must be sore” I said holding my arms out.

“Um, we haven’t brought any of his necessities dear” Rose said apologetically at me and looked at Varun who stood there with a frown.

“Let me carry, you have to drive anyways” She said smiling at me.

“Hey, I’ll drive you guys. This guy is too drunk to drive anyway” Aakash said giving me a sweet smile. I returned the smile awkwardly.

“It’s fine. I’m headed the same way. I’ll drop them” I said waving my hand dismissively.

“You okay with that?” Aakash asked Varun, who stood there silently.

He just nodded back in return.

“Okay, then take care you guys. Rose I’ll be back to visit this cutie really soon” He said giving everyone a smile and a pat on the back for Varun and walked out.

“Are you sure he is okay?” Varun silently asked Rose.

“Yes Varun, he is fine. Don’t feel guilty. It’s not your fault” She said giving him a smile to calm his nerves.

“Um, I’ll go get the car and meet you guys at the front” I said and walked off to the elevator.

I felt like they needed some time for themselves. It looked like a he’s attached to Archie way more than I thought. When Aarav told me he let the puppy in Varun’s house, I thought someone else would take care of it after I saw his behavior but now that I see how affected he was makes me sad.

I get it though, I always wanted a dog but my parents never let me. I threw all kinds of tantrum but it never worked.

I brought the car out of the parking lot and made way towards the front. I saw them standing there, I waved my arm for them to get in.

I hope Varun feels comfortable in my car. It is a white Skoda sedan. I have maintained it very well and dad gave me this car last year on my birthday.

Yep, a birthday present.

Varun helped Rose sit properly in the back seat making sure Archie was comfortable. Once she was settled, he closed the door and sat in the passenger seat.

“Rose, there is a stole over there. You can cover Archie if he is feeling cold” I said pointing towards the stole on the seat beside her.

“Thank you dear” She said smiling and took the stole and wrapped it around Archie.

I turned back to see Varun who was looking forward with his hands clenched. Biting my lip, I looked in front and started the car. For a while, the car was silent.

“Hey Rose, I met your daughter yesterday” I said smiling at her from the front mirror.

“Oh yeah, my daughter told me. I forgot to ask you” she exclaimed.

“I loved the café especially the library. It is a perfect place to read and relax” I said smiling remembering the time I had there. It was so peaceful and relaxing.

“Oh, do you read a lot of books?” she asked me.

“Tons, I mostly read in my phone on an app. Now I can read actual book thanks to you” I said winking at her, she chuckled at my answer.

“I’m glad you liked it dear, it was Varun who brought that place for me” She said giving Varun a soft look.

“That’s nice” I said politely giving Varun a glance who sat like he did since he got inside the car.

“What genre do you like?” She asked me and I got excited.

“Oo, I like romance and new adult books. Not to forget, werewolf stories are my guilty pleasure” I said happily.

“My favorite is Romance too” She agreed smiling.

“But Rose there is new book called Silent Patient, it’s thriller book my friend gave me as a birthday present. It’s amazing. If you have time, do read it” I said getting excited to talk to someone about the books after so long.

Mona is my reading partner but since she started working night shift, she doesn’t have much time to take a bath more or less read.

“I’ll check it out for sure dear” She said happily.

“Varun, I think we should get some things for Archie. Like a carrier, food items and other things” Rose told Varun who just nodded back.

“Rose, I’m free on Sunday. If you are fine with it, I can take you” I suggested innocently not wanting step on their boundaries.

“That is so sweet dear, thank you” Rose graciously accepted my request while Varun didn’t move a muscle. But I did see him clench his jaw.

Did I say something wrong?

Was I out of line?

Shrugging, I continued to drive. I parked my car in the parking lot. Varun and Rose got out. I helped out Rose by taking Archie in the hand for the first time.

Awe, he is so cute.

“Hey little fella” I said stroking his head as he mewled and cuddled closer to me.

Awe, I’m going to cry.

“He likes you” Rose said looking at Archie smiling.

“He is so cute” I cooed as we stood in front of the elevator waiting for it.

“You can come by and play with him anytime. Right Varun?” She said and looked at Varun was his approval.

He simply nodded.

I’ll take that as a yes and smiled back at Rose.

We got inside the elevator, I kept stroking Archie’s head until my floor came.

I handed him over to Rose.

“Thank you so much for your help today dear” She said looking at me gratefully.

“No need to thank me Rose, if you need anything I’ll be happy to help” I said placing my hand on her arm.

“Bye” I said looking at her and Varun before walking out to my apartment.

I took my keys out of the bag and started to open when I heard someone.

“Akshara, can we talk?” I heard Varun’s voice and turned around.

“Sure” I said shrugging.

“Um, can we meet after few minutes on the terrace?” He asked hesitantly.

“Okay” I accepted nodding. He nodded and walked back into the elevator.

I got inside the apartment and kept my things in my room. I grabbed a water bottle from the fridge and sat on the sofa sipping it.

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I went to the terrace early and stood there for a while enjoying the night light and the silence except light breeze. I wonder why he wanted to meet here. I guess he wants to talk to me about something but why here?

Maybe he didn’t feel comfortable coming to my place or inviting me to his place. In that sense I can understand that this is a safe space. We could have met at the pool or garden area but there is a possibility of people seeing us and assuming the worst.

I don’t want to become a gossip. I have seen reporters follow him like a celebrity and they nit-pick each and every aspect of his life. That’s how I know his family history.

I walked from one end to another looking at the night sky, it’s too bad that I couldn’t see much stars though, got to blame the pollution that we make. I visited my relatives once in the village and the night sky there was filled with stars and the view was beautiful. Though I’m not a big fan of village life, that scenery was amazing.

I heard someone clear their throat, I turned back in shock. I saw Varun standing there in his sweats. He doesn’t look that drunk as he looked before, maybe he took a shower.

When did he get here? I didn’t even hear his footsteps this time. Maybe I was too involved in my thoughts.

“Hi” I said meekly trying to make this less awkward.

“Thank you for what you did, Archie is not in pain anymore” He said scratching his neck. I smiled when I saw him do that, he looks so cute.

Hot guys being cute is everything.

“I’m glad he is fine” I said with the smile.

“About the bill payment, if you tell me how much he costs I’ll pay you back” He asked like a true businessman.

I sighed and smiled at him.

“You don’t need to pay anything Varun, Archie was in pain and I’m happy to help him out” I said shrugging.

“No, I insist. He is mine and you spent your money. I know it costs a lot in that hospital” He said assertively.

“I know but as I said no need to pay. I didn’t pay just to get it back from you. I did because I wanted to” I said firmly.

He sighed and ran his fingers through his hairs.

Gosh, why does he look so damn good doing that. I swear my ovaries flipped.

Hot guys are my weakness.

“Then what do you want?” He asked me looking clueless.

I let out a laugh.

“What makes you think I want something?” I asked looking at him incredulously.

“They want something or another” He said shrugging and my anger spiked up.

“Do you think I’m some kind of floozy who did this to gain your attention?” I asked gritting my teeth.

“Well, you are everywhere I go and you volunteered to shop for Archie. What is that all about?” I can feel even he is getting angry.

Are you kidding me right now?

“Well genius, try thinking that I might be good person who wants to help. And mind you, I wanted to help Rose not you. And for your information, I am everywhere you go because I live in the same building and work in the same office. If you think for even a second that whatever is happening is because I want to gain your attention, then you can take that money you offered and shove it up your butt. I don’t care if you are my boss, if anyone questions my character I won’t spare them” I finished my monologue in one breathe and gave him a disgusting look and walked out of that terrace.

How f*****g dare, he compared me to one of those bimbos who fall for his feet?

You know what I take back what I said.

He is not hot or cute. He is so f*****g ugly.

Arghhh! Stupid, i***t!

I got back to my apartment and banged the door shut.

What does he think about himself, huh? Just because he is a billionaire doesn’t give him the right to talk like that to me like I’m some kind of prostitute.

I know I’m over reacting but I loathe when someone questions my character. That’s how I’ve always been that way. When I was in 12th grade, my dad’s cousins who are my uncles came to our house one day and told my dad that I’m getting out of hand and I’m posting pictures on f******k and w******p when I posted one picture of me that too in Kurti.

Fucking idiots! Doesn’t even know how to use that app but came to question my character.

I started making dinner trying to ignore what just happened. I ate my dinner watching Big Bang theory and slept off.

Even I stay awake, I’ll over think and over react.

It’s best I sleep on it.