Prologue

Central Park 

New York

 

“Almost there… a few more minutes Khushi, you can do it…”

I keep chanting the mantra, pushing myself to finish my run around Central Park.  There’s nothing like a run early in the morning to get me energized for the day ahead of me.

Five miles in forty-five minutes.

 

Not bad.

The first thought that comes to my mind as I finish my run and glance at the reading on my pedometer.  I walk over to the street carts to purchase a bottle of water near one of the many fountains in the park. Quenching my thirst with a bigger than necessary gulp, I walk over to the bench to catch my breath.

I take a seat on the faded wood, stretching my feet inside my Nike trainers. With full force they are showcasing the pain, pricking at the sole of my feet from being slammed across the concrete.

Having moved to the city little over a week ago from Delhi, this is the place I have discovered to come to get away from the craziness that exists in the fast paced metropolitan. An oasis inside the concrete jungle of New York City. Nothing like what one would expect in the midst of all the tall skyscrapers that are outside the perimeter of the park.  Luckily, I was able to find a modest apartment a couple of blocks away to enjoy the park whenever I can carve out the time.

One of the best parts of being in a bustling city, far away from everyone you know is that you can truly be yourself. It wasn’t easy by any means, leaving my family and a well-established career behind. But more of a necessity. I needed this escape. The time for myself to figure out what I wanted from life.

 

What is next for me?

Just as I am commencing to reflect, the familiar chime from my phone distracts me.  A smile curves at the corner of my lip, knowing precisely who the caller is even before glancing at my lit screen.

“Hi Amma.”

“Khushi, where are you? Why aren’t you picking up the phone?”

At hearing the frantic tone ringing inside my ear, I resign, leaning back against the bench. Not at all fazed with my mother’s dramatics, since this has become the norm since moving to the city.

“Amma, please calm down. I am at the park for a run and had silenced my phone. I just finished, so switched the ringer back on.”

“How can I calm down when my daughter left to go to another country by herself where she doesn’t know anyone? And after what had happened…”

Not wanting to discuss the topic she is spitting out, I snap out of irritation.

“Fine! Now that you have me on the phone, what is it?”

“Sorry Bitiya. I didn’t mean to upset you by bring up the past. But you are our only daughter. It worries me when I can’t reach you. I know you’re twenty-five years old, however you will always be my baby.  All I want is to see you happy, bas. You deserve that, baccha.” She pauses, taking a deep breath, before diverting the topic. “Your Babuji and I were calling to wish you luck for your job interview.”

Even through the phone, I can sense my mother getting emotional. I close my eyes, as guilt takes over for speaking rudely to her. Something I rarely have done with my mother. Or my father.

“I love you Amma. I am happy, and very much looking forward to starting my new life here. There’s no need to worry about me. Your version of being happy consists of me being married with kids. And for that, I need time. Please give me that, okay?” I plead, well aware it’s something that I am not ready for at this stage in my life. And if I were being honest, probably will not be for quite some time.

“You will always have our support in whatever you decide to do in life, Bitiya.  Ok, tell me, are you all ready?”  She quickly changes the topic, and I immediately relax.

“Ready as can be, I guess. The interview is later this morning, so there’s some time. Anyway, this is the third round, let’s hope it’s the final one with the CEO. Fingers crossed, it will all work out today and your Khushi will no longer be jobless.”

“You will get the position, pakka. I know Devi Maiya will make everything okay for you. Do you know, I even went to the mandir earlier to pray for you.  Sab theek hoga, dekhna, after all you take after me. Here, your Babuji wants to speak with you. All the best, and… I love you bitiya.”

We both giggle, hearing my father grumbling in the background.

“I don’t think so, she takes after me. Give me the phone.”

My parents are my world, and all I can wish for them is happiness. They are an ideal married couple that have been together for twenty-nine years.  I admire their love for one another and the bond they share.

 

Will I ever be able to find what they have, to fulfill their wish?

“Titaliya, don’t listen to your Amma’s nonsense. You are your Babuji’s daughter.  The only thing you have of hers is your beautiful face.  Okay, tell me did you have a good run?”

“Oh I am not getting in the middle of this, but I agree about being a daddy’s girl. But it’s our secret, remember?” I can feel his grin through the phone, making my heart content. “My run was great, as always. It’s time for me to head back to the apartment and get ready.”

“Sure, I won’t keep you since your Amma has kept you on the phone long enough.  Best of luck and let us know how the interview goes.  I love you, Khushi and we miss you.”

“Thanks Babuji, I will call you later if it’s not late.  I love you both very much and miss you too. Bye.”

I shut my eyes trying to push away the tears that threaten to fall, as I place the phone against my constricting heart. It’s only been a week, but living with my parents again for the last few years makes me long for their presence. More than I had originally thought.

This isn’t my first time in the States living on my own. I had received my MBA from Wharton Business School at University of Pennsylvania while working for a top PR agency before transferring to their Delhi location.

But it was time for me to move on. Luckily a headhunter, based on my accomplishments at the agency, recruited me for Vice President of Marketing with AR Corporation.  Since the position was based in New York, I jumped at the opportunity.  Today is more of a formality with the owner who was unable to meet with me in the Delhi office, where I had originally begun the interview process.

The meeting alert on my iPhone goes on bringing me out of my reverie.  I shake my head, not realizing the time and dash back to the apartment.    

 

“9:00 o’clock, holy crap.  Hurry Khushi, you are running behind your schedule, the interview is in one hour!”

I hastily run past the doorman and get inside the elevator while getting peculiar looks from the comers and goers in the lobby.  After a quick shower, I get changed into a white silk blouse, with a gray pencil skirt and matching suit jacket. I quickly blow dry my hair and apply some light make-up. Finally, I put on my favorite black Jimmy Choos. They had been a treat to myself when I received my hefty bonus last year after sealing a deal with a top manufacturer.

A glance in the mirror tells me that I am all ready to take on AR Corporation. They won’t know what hit them.

 

Dress for success.

And that is exactly how I feel.

Grabbing my bag, I make my way downstairs and ask the doorman to fetch me a cab. There is no time for the fifteen minute walk to the office, as much as I am tempted to take the stroll.

“Ten, Columbus Circle, please.” I say, getting inside the yellow taxi. The driver is off in a flash, stopping in front of the building in less than five minutes.  I have learned in a short period of time that these drivers can be aggressive. It’s best to hold on until you arrive at your destination.

As I get out of the cab, I glance up at the soaring 2.8 million square foot buildings, which leave you in awe at the man-made structure. The spectacular glass view is quite chic, adding to the New York skyline.

The buildings are known as the Time Warner Center. Its vertical mixed-use property is home to an indoor mall, restaurants, and a huge food market.  The two joint buildings house lavish residences, the Mandarin Oriental Luxury Hotel and the corporate offices to many organizations.

It makes me wonder, how great it would be to live here. The views and proximity to Central Park make this an excellent location, not to mention having everything at your fingertips.  Maybe one day. For now, I will have to settle for my cozy two bedroom apartment.

Once I am inside the building, I check in at the security desk before I am cleared to head upstairs.  After getting my temporary badge, I make my way up to the seventieth floor.  I walk out of the elevator to see a modern open office with light neutral colors and hints of red.  It definitely screams sophistication and class.

Suddenly, I am feeling a bit anxious, which is unusual. When it comes to my work, my career, I have always been confident.

 

Why am I feeling this way?

I push the thought aside, making my way to the receptionist.

“Welcome to AR Corporation, how can I help you?”

“Hi, my name is Khushi Kumari Gupta.  I have a meeting with Arnav Singh Raizada at ten o’clock.”

“Yes, please sign in and take a seat, I will call his assistant.”  She smiles, pointing to the sitting area.

“Sure, thank you.”

As I wait, I decide to take a quick look at my resume and mentally prepare myself for some questions that he might ask. Not sure, why. But my nerves are getting the better of me.

Based on my research, along with the last two interviews with various team members I have learned a lot about AR Corporation. Arnav Singh Raizada took over the failing family business after graduating from Harvard with his MBA seven years ago.  In a short period of time he has turned it around and started expanding the company through mergers and acquisitions in various fields.  It has since continued to grow, making huge profits under his leadership.  The man has a brilliant business sense. One would be fortunate to work for this organization under his guidance. I, for one, can learn a lot from him.

“Hi, Miss. Gupta. I am Lavanya Kashyap, ASR’s assistant.” A beautiful, tall dusky woman with an endearing smile approaches me, extending her hand.

“Please call me Khushi.  It’s nice to meet you, Lavanya.” I gather my things ready to follow her inside the huge open office space.

“Sure Khushi, I can take you to ASR’s office. He is just wrapping up on a conference call. Hope you made it in okay…”  Lavanya inquires as we make our way through the long hall.

I can’t help but smile at her liveliness, it’s quite contagious. She certainly has a warm smile that makes me feel comfortable and at ease.

“It wasn’t a problem at all, plus the building is well known in the area which makes it easy to get to.”

After a few more pleasantries, Lavanya stops in front of closed solid dark wood double doors of the corner office in the back.

“Here we are, this is ASR’s office and I actually sit in the cubicle right there.”  She points at her desk and then taps lightly on the door.

“Come in” A muffled voice comes through the door. And suddenly my apprehension is back.

“All the best, Khushi.  You can go right in, he’s expecting you.”  She squeezes my shoulder and walks back to her desk.

But, I find myself reluctant, standing there for a moment to gather myself. Taking a deep breath, I place my hand on the doorknob. Before I can turn it, the door is yanked open, causing me to lose my balance.

Just what I need, to fall flat on my face. What a first impression with my future employer. That’s if I even get the job after this stupid clumsy stunt.

But to my surprise, strong, solid hands suddenly take a hold of my arms.

 

Wait, did I just feel an electric shock?

 

What on earth is happening?

My wide eyes glance up to find the most deep alluring eyes staring at me with flecks of gold glimmering within the deep swirls of caramel. He lets go a moment later, once I have balanced myself to stand straight up.

Oh my. He is gorgeous and much taller than I had imagined.  His dressing style is impeccable. A designer dark charcoal gray suit, white shirt and a navy tie with his hair perfectly trimmed and gelled back. I push away the forbidden thoughts that have me practically ogling him. What the hell is wrong with me? The man is going to be my boss, and I should not be thinking about him this way.

“Are you okay?” He asks, in a rather deep husky voice.

 

Did my heart just beat a little faster?

“I…um…actually I am fine. So sorry, this is just so embarrassing.”  I stutter out, unable to form a proper sentence.

 

Get a grip Khushi, and don’t make an ass of yourself.

“How about we start over?”

I nod feeling a bit relieved, as he gives me a small smile before continuing.

“Welcome to AR Corp, I am Arnav Singh Raizada.”

“Hi, I am Khushi Kumari Gupta.  It’s great to finally meet you.”

As he extends his out, I place my hand in his for a shake. And there it is. The current. Again.

This is going to be one long interview…

 

Pehli Nazar Mein

Kaise Jaado Kar Diya

Tera Ban Baita Hai

Mera Jiya

Jaane Kya Hoga

Kya Hoga Kya Pata

Is Pal Ko Milke

Aa Jee Le Zara

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