Secretary to Mrs. Campbell

The Hilltop

Anika was unable to understand her emotions after whatever happened in the morning. Kate was over the board after Daniel kissed her and she couldn’t stop talking about it. Anika took Kate with her to her apartment as she was tipsy and couldn’t walk properly. She gave Kate her spare clothes and directed her to the guest room. Anika twisted and turned almost the whole night and fell asleep quite late.

Nate went inside the club and sat in his lounge looking angry at himself. He didn’t want himself to act impulsively whenever Anika was near. He is not ready for this. He left Daniel a message then found a lady to keep himself busy tonight at his hotel and not his house.

The weekend for Anika was great. She got to know Kate better and vice versa. She is happy that now she had a friend and she learned that Kate has a huge liking for Daniel. She decided to do something for her in this matter if she ever got a chance.

Kate and Anika went to movies, restaurants and Kate gossiped about their colleagues, giving information to Anika. Anika after a long period had a great time. She was thankful to Kate for that. She wasn’t keen on going to work on Monday as she is still confused about the whole ordeal. She didn’t know why she felt hurt, why did a tear escape her eyes without her permission. She wanted some time to figure it out, but at the moment she had quite a few things on her plate already. She had to think of a way to get in touch with Nathaniel's private investigator Mr. Brown.

Nate spent all his weekend working during the day and spending some time with Danny, hearing him babble about his day at the shoot. Whenever Daniel would ask anything about Anika, he would change the topic. In fact, he was ready to throw Daniel out of his home, when he asked for Anika’s number. Nate in his heart knew he had grown to like Anika more than a boss should like a secretary, which he wasn’t ready to accept. He was afraid of his feelings and history being repeated. He had to first bring himself and his siblings out from the marsh they had put themselves in. He has to protect Anika for now until everything is sorted out.

From Monday to Wednesday the three days were monotonous. Anika would try to avoid Nathaniel and only contacted him whenever necessary. Every afternoon a new woman would walk in and out of his cabin. Anika tried to ignore the feeling but failed miserably. Anika’s friendship with Kate immensely grew and thus here they are on a Wednesday night out to dine together. Anika had secretly invited Daniel and he is already 5 minutes late. Anika excused herself, stepped a few steps away from the table and dialed Daniel, “Hello Danny? Where are you? When will you reach? I'm at the table already.” “Well, Hello to you Anika. I’m reaching in two. I’ll come directly to the table then. Good thing I secretly took your number from Nate’s phone. Wait for me and don’t order and eat alone. Bye!” Daniel said hurriedly and cut the call. Anika went back to her seat and said to Kate, “Sorry. Do you mind if a friend of mine joins us? You’ll surely enjoy his presence.” Kate is happy to know that her friend is joining them, she did enjoy Anika’s company. Kate nodded to her and replied, “Oh wow! That's great! Who's this friend of yours? A guy or a girl? She wiggled her eyebrows teasingly at her. Anika just waved her off and said, “You’ll see.”

In the next 5 minutes, ran Daniel towards Anika and said, “Hey girl, missed me?” then turned towards Kate and said, “Oh so we are having company, well good thing I brought someone with me as well. I’ll enjoy myself with her and you can with him.” Anika was just about to ask, whom Daniel was talking about but, before that came the view of the man himself. Both the women had their mouths hung open - Kate was shocked to see Daniel and Anika see Nate.

Nate was amused to see Anika’s shocked reaction. He went close to her, shut her mouth, and said, “You’ll eat up all the flies.” “Sir!” said a doubly shocked Kate. “I.. I…” she didn’t know how to react. Nate understandingly smiled and said, “It’s okay Kate. Please don’t mind and let’s order something. Okay? We are outside the office so here you can call me Nathaniel.” As soon as they sat Anika’s first question to Nate was, “What are you doing here.” Nate chuckled, “Like everyone else I like to dine as well, even though someone forgot to invite me.” Anika looked around as if someone would shoot her if they heard her talking. She signaled Nate to come closer then said, “Well, I’m trying to help them.” pointing in Daniel and Kate’s direction, who seem to be busy in their own world as well. “What are you helping them with?” “Shh… They’ll hear you. Kate likes your brother. So…” Anika cutely said, tugging her hair behind her ear. Nate squished Anika’s lips and replied, “Aww… you’re playing a cupid’s role huh? I can help you out if you want.” Anika nodded, being suspicious of Nate’s idea. He got up from his seat and said, “Anika, we are leaving. You both enjoy your time. Daniel, drop Kate home.” and pulled Anika out of the restaurant with his hand wrapped around hers.

“What was that? Are you out of your mind? Hay Krishnaji!” Anika yelled as soon as they were out of the restaurant. “Well, I helped you. Now they are alone together. Get it.” Nate said slowly. Anika grumpily said, “Now what’s the plan?” Nate thought for a while before stating, “Only if you agree, I’ll take you somewhere cozy. But that’s a bit far from here. So we will go to your place, take tomorrow’s luggage then go to mine, pick my luggage then we’ll proceed further.” Anika was thinking about what to reply to, she wasn’t sure then said, “Then, after dinner will we directly go to the airport?” “Yes, the place I’m talking to is a bit far from here. So are you in for it?” Nate really wanted her to agree to his plan. He has never taken anyone there. “Hmm… Okay. Let’s go.” Anika replied after some time.

Nate and Anika, as decided, reached Anika’s home to pick up her luggage. This time again Nate asked her, “Who is your friend again? I mean where is she and her fiancé?” “Why do you ask? Her have water and I’ll get my luggage.” Anika replied, giving him some water. As she got her luggage out of the room, Nate spat some water from his mouth in shock and sarcastically said, “Isn’t this too much? Can’t you reduce some of your clothes?” Anika innocently replied looking at her small-sized luggage, “Hay Krishnaji! This is too much? Wait I’ll have to check what all stuff I can remove from my suitcase.” Amused Nate, enjoys her reaction. He smiles and says, “Are you stupid or something? Fool. Why did I choose you to be my secretary again? I’m saying sarcastically. Do you understand sarcasm? This is too small a suitcase to carry for traveling. Did you carry all your stuff or don’t you want to buy some sovereigns from there?” Anika glared at him pushing him out of her way, went outside, and said, “I don’t need anything else. This is more than enough for me. Now let’s go before I cancel all the plans with you.” Nate raised his eyebrow and followed Anika out and towards his home.

Nate was dumbstruck to learn that Anika is just carrying a small suitcase to Rome. The women he had traveled with, usually carried big suitcases and would still complain about not having anything to wear or their makeup still missing. This is the first time a woman told him she’s satisfied with her luggage. Anika is indeed surprising. She is unique in her own way, shy, chatty, natural beauty - this is the best thing he likes about her. He has until now never seen Anika apply any makeup except kajal and lipstick. He is in aww with her.

Nate reached his house and said, “Wait, Don’t move.” He walked out of his car and opened Anika’s door, offered his hand to her, and helped her out of the car. Anika smiled, thanking him. They both went upstairs and Nate made Anika sit on the sofa while he went and got his own suitcase and laptop bag. Nate kept the bags at the door and offered water to Anika, “Have this, we have a bit of a long journey ahead.” Anika accepted it and asked, “Can’t we carry a bottle along with us?” Nate nodded, took the bottle, and both left for their dinner destination.

They were in comfortable silence in the car, Anika hesitantly looked at Nate and pointed at the radio. Signaling if turning on the radio was okay. Nate immediately nodded. Both of them touched the radio together, shyly Anika took back her hand, blushing as she looked away - towards the window. By chance, the song being played was Nate’s favorite: ‘All of me by John Legend’ thus, Nate turned the volume up and started singing as well. Anika is enjoying this carefree behavior of Nate.

“Can I ask you something?” Nate asked Anika. In reply she just hummed, enjoying the beauty of the roads Nate was taking her from. Trees on both sides of the roads, winds blowing and street lights illuminating giving a pleasant atmosphere. But, before Nate could ask, Anika questioned, “Can I open the windows please?” Nate switched off the Ac in the car and pressed down, opening the windows. Anika hair flew due to winds, Nate is yet again mesmerized by her. She is smiling and enjoying the feel of the breeze, giggling as it tickles her face. Nate laughed quietly upon seeing her. He moved his attention back onto the roads and asked, “I’m sorry Anika. This is…” Anika interrupted Nate and replied, “Why!? Wait! Did you say sorry? Oh wow, Nathaniel Campbell just said sorry. This is probably the first time I’m hearing you say it.” Nate glared at her. “Sorry, sorry please continue.” Nate cleared his throat and started talking again, “As I was saying, I’m sorry. This past week I have been a complete nuisance, towards you and the company. By any chance were you being jealous all these days?” Anika didn’t reply immediately. She replied choosing her words carefully, not wanting to offend Nate, “Hmm… I feel, getting your personal life here was disrespectful towards me… I mean we - the company employees. Why would I be jealous? Am I your girlfriend? No. Then, why this question suddenly? Did you do all this to make me jealous? Oh… Hmmm Hmmm,” Nate put his hand on Anika’s lips to shut her up. “God! How much do you speak?” Anika annoyedly smacked Nate’s hand away. “Huh, Hay Krishnaji! I don’t want to talk with you. Way to ruin the mood. I don’t…” Nate looked her away and she realized, she is blabbering again. She did an action of zipping her mouth and this made Nate laugh out loud. “You can’t keep your mouth shut for more than ten minutes. Wanna bet?” and winked at her. Anika made a face and showed her tongue to him, then turned to face the window. “Real mature Anika. Real mature.” “You…Ahhh” Anika reacted.

“Here, we are,” Nate stated as they reached the restaurant. Anika excitedly got down from the car and ran from the pathway towards the hotel. “Anika! Anika! Wait. Don’t run.” Nate ran after Anika.

As Anika was about to spin to face Nate, her leg twisted, and just when she was about to fall Nate caught her. “Ahh… It hurts… Oww....” Nate picked her bridal style and reacted displeased, “What the fcuk is wrong with you? Didn’t I warn you? You’re indeed a spoiled one.” “I... I am sor…” but before Anika could complete her sentence, Nate ignored her and replied to the manager at the front desk, “Campbell” The manager bowed and asked them to follow him towards their booked seating. The waiter pulled out a chair so Nate could make Anika sit. Nate took a seat opposite hers. Nate told the waiter, “Get me a medical kit first. Water and Cold drink for both of us. The vegan menu along with that.” As soon as the waiter left Anika muttered, “Can’t you speak nicely with the waiter? He has done nothing wro…” “Don’t keep your leg down. It will hurt more.” Nate interrupted Anika again.

Nate got up from his chair, pulled it towards Anika, and sat back down again. He slowly lifted her leg and kept it on his leg. “What are you doing? Oow… It’s paining.” Anika reacted while trying to put her leg down as Nate clicked a picture of her leg. She is feeling awkward. She looked around and realized they both are the only ones present at this side of the open area. “Shut up and stop moving around.” “Why are we the only ones here?” Anika asked curiously. Nate said, holding his phone to his ear, waiting for Noah to pick up, “I’ve booked privately. Now shhh… I’ve sent a photo to you, check and call me back. It’s urgent.” “Sir, first aid kit and water. The other waiter is getting soft drinks and a menu.” Nate nodded and said, “Get me a soft cushion if possible.” Anika thanked the waiter and as she was about to talk, Nate’s cell phone rang. “Noah, guide me on the treatment.” “Is the patient diabetic or any vascular disease?” Nate wasn’t sure of the answer thus he put the call on speaker mode and said, “Wait. Anika answer the questions he’s asking you. Noah asks the health-related question to her directly.” Noah repeated the question. Hesitant Anika first looked up towards Nate and when he nodded she replied taking a deep breath, “I have migraine and asthma” Anika quickly looked away feeling slightly uncomfortable. Nate looked up at Anika, astonished. “Nate, I won’t be able to prescribe medicine but as of now give her ankle ice treatment and if possible bandage it. Get her here as soon as you can.” “What do you mean by that? Is there something bad that you’re not telling?” Nate asked worriedly, “No. But, seeing you’re at the restaurant you won't have a bandage and I’ll have to check her before prescribing any medicine. Keep giving her ice treatment for fifteen minutes after each hour until you get here.” With that Noah cut the call.

Nate slowly caressed Anika’s face and turned her face to make her look at him. “Anika, look up,” Nate spoke ever so gently. Anika shook her head, not willing to meet Nate’s eyes. “Anika please.” This time Anika looked up, her eyes wet as if she would cry anytime. Nate’s face softened, “Shhh…. Why are you crying baby? Is your ankle paining?” Anika shook her head. “Then, what’s wrong? If you won’t answer, how will I know?” Anika guiltily replied, “I’m sorry. I spoiled everything. You got me here for dinner and I…” “Shhh… baby. It’s okay. We can come here again.” Nate carefully pulled Anika towards him and hugged her.

The waiter came in, seeing the couple cozy he coughed and said, “Sir, your drinks as requested and the menu card.” Nate pulled out of the hug and asked the waiter to get ice cubes and chilled water immediately. Anika is touched to see such a caring side of Nate towards her. “You relax and order what you want. But if the pain is too much, we can eat at the hospital.” “No. I’m fine.” Nate ordered food for both of them. He removed his blazer, kept it on Anika’s knees - securing it, so she doesn't feel cold and then started to do the cold compress, as instructed by Noah. Post dinner Nate lifted Anika again in bridal style and left in the car towards the hospital. Back again Nate kept asking Anika, “How’s it now? Few more minutes and we will be there. I shouldn't have listened to you and should have got you at the hospital first. Press the ice properly Anika.” Anika is annoyed yet pleased and giggles stating, “Nate take a deep breath and concentrate on roads. I'm fine, just a bit tired and sleepy.” Nate in a concerned lace voice said, “Try relaxing but don’t sleep. I’m not sure if that's okay.”

The whole ride Nate kept blabbering which kept Anika awake somewhat but not for enough time though. Nate speeded up and called Noah, “I’m reaching in two.” without waiting for a reply he cut the call. Noah treated Anika, he applied ice, he wrapped a bandage around her ankle and after talking with her about asthma, he prescribed the medicine for pain. After half an hour, Anika is deep in sleep due to exhaustion and the drugs. Noah and Nate are on the seating next to her bed. Noah patted Nate’s back and said, “She’s fine. Because of her disease, I couldn't risk giving any medication. She needs to rest her legs and as the swelling decreases, massage her ankles, I’ll show you before you leave. Later on, we’ll have her checked for Anemia.” Nate nodded and thanked him. “By when can we leave and why anemia?” Noah answered, “Anytime and nothing serious, I just want to make sure she is alright.” Nate said, “I’ll leave in an hour. I’ll call my driver, we are traveling to Rome. Thanks, bud.” Noah left, Nate got up and walked towards Anika - caressed her forehead, and kissed her.