Chapter 1

“Please, come in and make yourself comfortable. Can I get you anything to drink?”

He shuts the door behind us, before we make our way into his office.

“No, thank you. I am fine.” I try to gather my composure, taking a few deep breaths with my back to him.

 

Is this really an office?

It is massive, probably larger than my apartment. The room is very spacious, not to mention, masculine. The conference table is set in the middle. There is a seating area at one end, containing a leather couch and chairs along with a coffee table, with a workspace at the other end, consisting of an oversized dark wood desk with a black leather top. Clean lines defining all the furniture. The floor-to-ceiling windows that comprise two walls offer a bird’s eye view over Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. It’s simply breathtaking. I have yet to see such a remarkable office space across the clients I have worked with.

“Beautiful…” Hearing him speak, I jerk around to face him.  “The view. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”  His voice is warm. There is something about what he has said that leads me to believe it wasn’t the view he was referring to.

 

What else could it be?

“Extraordinary. I am simply in love with the view.” I whisper. Now both he and the view have me preoccupied.  He cocks one of his eyebrows, regarding me intently.

“I would definitely have to agree with you on that point, Ms. Gupta. Please have a seat.”  He waves towards the couch.

We both take a seat, I can’t help notice the ease in his demeanor, as he sits back with his arm resting along the back of the couch.

 

Why is this man affecting me so much?

 

This cannot be good. At all.

Shaking my head at the direction my thoughts are headed, I open my bag to take out my leather bound portfolio.  To my eternal embarrassment, it has decided to get stuck. Plastering a smile on my face, I tug it out of the bag. Just what I needed, it lands directly on the floor. I lean down and quickly gather it, placing it securely on my lap. It’s a surprise that the extra copies of resume have not flown out.

He says nothing, but I know his gaze has been steadily fixed on me the entire time. No doubt, watching my every move. Hoping he hasn’t lost his patience, I venture to glance at him. It seems my little mishap has amused him, seeing the corner of his lip curved.

 

Why is this happening to me?

Pulling myself together, I take out a copy of my resume and hand it to him.

He immediately scans it, nodding his head in approval. At least that’s how it comes across. Though a doubt plagues at me, making me wonder if he’s even interested anymore after my clumsy performance ever since I walked in.

After a few minutes, he clears his throat and his facial expressions change.

Looks like he is ready to get down to business, and I embrace the change in the atmosphere. It gives me confidence as well, and I straighten, crossing my legs. This is what we are here to discuss. Time to get the ball rolling.

“Impressive, graduated from Wharton top of your class with a 4.0 GPA. And then there’s your accomplishments with Ogilvy, which happens to be one of the top PR firms out there. And you left Delhi to come here without a firm commitment from us. Have to commend you for taking that risk. I can see why my team highly recommends you for this position.  The question is, why do you want this job when you can go anywhere, Ms. Gupta?”

“Thank you, Mr. Raizada. And please call me Khushi.” Oddly I find myself blushing at the compliment. At the same time it gives me the courage to do what I have come here for. A career in corporate America. “To be honest, I am looking for a challenge where I can drive change with room for career growth. Which AR Corporation seems to be offering with your upcoming expansion in New York. There’s significant potential with the strategy you envision and it would be a privilege to be part of it. Sure, I can most likely go work at any firm with my credentials, but why would I?  There’s an opportunity right here that has caught my interest.”

“Well said, Khushi.”  He pauses as my name comes out of his mouth and it has never sounded better. I mentally chide myself, focusing on what he is saying. “I am looking for someone who is going to be my right hand as we go to market in New York for Marketing and Public Relations. This role is critical for the company, one that I will highly be dependent on. This is not going to be a simple task by any means and I expect all my employees to work extremely hard without any distractions. Is that going to be a problem?”  He replies firmly, with absolutely no expression on his face.

The man is all about business, though I wonder what he meant by distraction.

“My moving to another country should tell you I am entirely dedicated. Not knowing anyone here means no distractions.”

How is that for a reply, Mr. Raizada? I give myself a mental high five.

He nods but I can’t tell whether I have answered it to his satisfaction. For some unknown reason I want to make sure he is also pleased with my answers.  This opportunity is something I have aspired for at this juncture of my life.

For the next hour we fall into an easy conversation about the position and how I can contribute to the organization. I am surprised how well our discussion goes compared to the disastrous start. It certainly attributes to the fact we have a similar outlook and approach with our way of dealing with work.

“So, what is Ms. Khushi Kumari Gupta passionate about?”

Oh this seems like a personal question, and I can’t help but stare at him.  His brows furrow waiting for my response.

“I’m passionate about making a difference. When I’m involved with a project at work I want to do my best to achieve success. I feel the same way about what I do in my personal life. If one isn’t passionate, the end results might not be as satisfying or rewarding.”  He gives me a nod and it seems like I may have given him the response he was looking for.

In fact, I might have impressed him. On that note, I decide to inquire about something that has been on my mind.

“I also have a question Mr. Raizada.” Seeing a loose tendril from the corner of my eye, I push it behind my ear, catching his gaze fixed on my hair. Though he quickly reverts back to the expressionless look he has maintained throughout the interview.

“Sure, what is it?”  He shifts in his seat, then waves his hand, urging me to continue.

“For someone so young, you have made your empire to what it is today in a short period of time. What has been the key to your success in the business world?” I glance up at him and he gives me a self-conscious smile.

“Well, it has to be my team. If I didn’t have the right support, then AR would not be where we are today. I only employ the best in this line of work, the ones who will contribute to my company’s success.”   He pauses, resting his ankle on his knee and fixes his eyes on me.  “To achieve success, you have to excel in your field of business. Be an expert, know the details inside out. I have worked hard, very hard to do just that and make decisions based on logic and facts. There is no room to wear your emotions, I keep mine at the door when I walk into the office. Overall, having the right skilled people and your own business sense in your field, will bring success, I firmly believe that.”

“And where do I fit into that equation?”  I blurt out, shocking myself and perhaps him as well. I bite down on my lip, and shake my head, horrified with my outrageous, blunt question.

“The verdict is still out but I think you would fit in just perfectly. Of course, if that is what you want.”  The corner of his mouth quirks up with his response.

“Excuse me?”

“Are you ready to join my team and lead the Marketing and PR department?”  There is a curious glint in his eyes as he awaits my response. And I take my sweet time to answer him, completely distracted by the shape of his lips when he smiles.

“Yes. My answer is yes. It will be an honor to join AR Corp and work side by side with you.”  There goes the calm composure as I say that a bit louder than expected.

But the excitement I am feeling holds no bounds with me getting this position.

 

Finally things are beginning to look up for me. It’s time I move forward.

“Excellent, welcome aboard. I bet we will make one good team.”   He tilts his head to one side and extends his hand out for a shake, which I clasp without any hesitation.  But this time he holds my hand in a firm grasp, sending a shiver through me. There it is again…

I feel the temperature in the room go up a few degrees and am ready for this to be over.  Time to seal this deal, then make my escape out of his office. Away from him. Far away.

 

How the hell am I going to work for this man?

“What are the next steps, Mr. Raizada?  I really don’t want to hold you up from anything important. I have already taken up a lot of your time.”

Looking at the wall clock, I notice we have been talking for almost two hours. How is that possible?

“Nothing’s more important than this at the moment.” He pauses for a few seconds. “I will have HR reach out to you this afternoon to finalize your contract and start date. I believe you were already in discussions with them prior to relocating. It was just a matter of my approval which is now complete. Is that correct?”

“Yes everything has been finalized. We had also decided on my tentative start date which is this coming Monday.”

“That’s just five days from now.  Don’t you need time to get situated to set-up in the city?” He sounds surprised about me starting so soon.

“I am actually all set, corporate housing helped me locate a furnished apartment by Central Park East which is great. I didn’t bring much of my belongings from Delhi so there wasn’t much to unpack. Plus I arrived to New York over a week ago, which has been more than plenty of time to get myself settled.”

“Seems like you are all set. But if you need extra time, please don’t hesitate to take it. Also, if there is anything you need, feel free to reach out to Lavanya.  She can assist you.” I sense the sincerity in his voice, which is heartwarming to hear in this city where I don’t know anyone. I was under the assumption this man was tough but that is not at all what I have experienced so far.

“I really appreciate the offer, and will definitely reach out to Lavanya if I need anything. Thank you so much for your time.”

“Would you like to see the office? If Jessica in Human Resources is free you can complete the formalities now.”  He asks.

“I would actually love to, if it’s not a bother.” I give him one of my big smiles in excitement.

“I will have Lavanya show you around, she can also take you to Jessica.  Shall we?”

I feel a bit disappointed that he won’t be showing me around for some strange reason.

 

Get over it Khushi, he is a busy man, the CEO of this company.

 

Did you really think he would show you around?

We both get up from our seats, and make our way out of his office. As soon as he opens the door, Lavanya swiftly walks over.

“ASR, sorry to interrupt but your sister called a few minutes ago. She needs to speak with you urgently.”

He exchanges an acknowledging glance, before he speaks to her.

“Lavanya, can you show Ms. Gupta around the office then take her to Jessica to finalize her paperwork? She will be joining us effective Monday.”

“Wow that’s great news. Congratulations Khushi!” Lavanya pipes up at me, and then looks over to Mr. Raizada.  “Not a problem, I will take care of her.”  Arnav nods at Lavanya, before addressing me.

“Well Ms. Gupta, I will see you soon.”

“Thank you for everything, Mr. Raizada.”  He gives me a half smile and turns away to walk back into his office. I watch him close the door and feel a sudden void.

 

What the hell is happening to me?

“Khushi, shall we have a look around? Lavanya brings me out of my thoughts.  “Why don’t you leave your stuff at my desk?”

“Sure, thank you.” I hand my bag to Lavanya and she drops it at her desk.

“Would you like to see your office first?  It’s only couple of doors down from ASR’s office.”

“That would be nice.”

“This is actually considered the Executive Wing, where ASR and his team reside along with the Executive Conference Room which is at the end over there.”  She points to a conference room surrounded by a glass wall. “All the assistants and Finance are in the cubicle area on the other side of the wall. Here we are, Ta Da!  This is your office.”  She says excitedly while opening the door.

As I walk inside, I am left in awe of the space. It has the same view as Mr. Raizada’s office. Of course it’s not identical look wise, but very spacious. The furniture is again modern with clean lines, where it doesn’t overpower the room. Very classy and sleek. There is a large desk, and a bookcase along with a small leather couch and coffee table.

“Wow, this is an amazing office. I absolutely love it.” My feet move on their own accord to the floor to ceiling window, pulling me towards the astonishing view outside.

“It is very New Yorkish. Glad you like it, after all this will be your work home. If there is anything you would like to add or change in your office, don’t hesitate to let me know. We can customize it to your preference and order whatever you need.”

“Nope, everything is perfect.”  Grateful for her offer, I smile widely.

We spend a few minutes in the office, then decide to continue with the tour of the floor.  Before walking out, I can’t help but turn back to glance one more time at what is now my office. Yes, this will be now be my work home effective Monday.

Lavanya walks me around the floor showing me the different areas allocated to the different groups that comprise of AR Corp. Since it’s the beginning of lunchtime, not many people are around including Jessica in HR. With that we decide to make our way back towards her desk.

Guess it’s time I head back home to my empty apartment. But I can’t help the excitement rushing through me to come back here and start my career with this company.

It’s astounding what has been established so far in the limited time since AR Corporation opened their doors in New York over 4 months ago. The staff already consists of a hundred people and will be growing significantly with the upcoming expansion taking up several floors in this building.

“Aakash mentioned that you moved here from Delhi. He was looking forward to seeing you again. But he is traveling along with some of the new VPs to a conference in Chicago. How do you like New York so far?  Do you know anyone here?”

“Oh yes, I forgot Aakash is here temporarily. We had met back in Delhi during my initial interviews. New York is definitely very different from Delhi, but I am loving it so far. There is so much to do here which I am slowly discovering but once I start working there will be little time for the city itself. Actually I don’t know anyone here but guess I do now.” I wink, as my lips curve up, bringing out a chuckle from both of us.

“Yes! This is exciting, I can be your first friend here. There are many people that I can introduce you to. Something tells me we are going to get along well.  You seem very nice, Khushi. Opposite from my, oh wait our, arrogant boss who rarely smiles and doesn’t leave this office. He even lives in the second tower, right next door in the residence section. Can you believe that?”  She shakes her head disapprovingly.

Interesting… Arnav Singh Raizada is arrogant, rarely smiles and lives nearby.

“Lavanya, we are so going to get along. And very well, I can feel it.”  And this time, our laughter is even louder, bouncing off the walls down the hall.

“All done with the tour?” We both turn to see Arnav looking straight at us or rather, me.

“We’re done, but Jessica is out at a lunch meeting for recruitment. When she gets back, I will make sure she calls Khushi later this afternoon.” She says as we walk towards him. “Khushi, give me a minute to get your bag from my desk.”

“Lavanya, it’s okay. I’ll get it. I have already taken up so much of your time. Even holding you back from lunch.”

“Please, it’s no trouble at all. I will be right back.” She starts walking away before I can say anything.

A part of me wishes she would have let me get my bag, feeling his gaze on me. And as I look up at him there’s an intensity in his eyes. Almost as if he was contemplating something.

 

Why is he looking at me like that?

“How did you like the space, Khushi?” His husky tone stressing my name, almost on purpose. Though I can’t complain, as it sounds just right coming from him.

“Guess it’s my turn to be impressed. You’ve accomplished a lot in four months, since opening the door here. It’s an extraordinary office, sir.”  He narrows his eyes speculatively.

 

Did I just call him sir? What is he, my professor?

Well better than addressing him, Mr. Raizada. Plus he keeps switching from Khushi to Ms. Gupta.

However, I wonder what would be his reaction if I called him Arnav?

Such a lovely name versus what everyone refers him by. ASR. Very formal, almost as if he was the head of the military.

“Thanks, I guess. But the credit goes to the team here who have worked night and day to get us up and running. Any plans for the next few days you are free?” He switches the topic quickly, spotting Lavanya walking around her desk.

“Nothing as of yet. Perhaps discover the city a bit more.”

Lavanya’s timing is perfect, as she stops in front of us and extends my bag towards me.

“Here you go, Khushi.”

As I am about to step forward to reach out for the bag, Arnav takes it from her hand. Surprising me, and Lavanya, as she narrows her gaze from the bag to Arnav.

“Lavanya, I will walk Ms. Gupta out, since I am headed down to meet my sister for lunch. I should be back in a couple of hours in time for my meeting with finance.”

She nods, then turns to me.

“It was a pleasure meeting you, Khushi. Please don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything. Here is my card with my cell phone number.” She hands me her business card and gives me a side hug while he looks on.

Once again I thank her, before she walks back to her desk leaving me alone. Again, with him.

He comes up close. In fact very close to me, causing my reflexes to take an involuntary step back. The amusement not hidden from his face, as he shakes his head.

“Here, your bag. Unless you want me to carry it downstairs for you?  Though, not sure that it suits my image.”

I immediately gasp, my mouth involuntarily widening like never before.

“Why would I want you to do that?” Of course, he chuckles, as I grab the handbag away from him.

“Are you ready?”  I refuse to utter a word, and simply nod, before we begin walking side by side.

When we stop in front of the elevator, he presses the button. We wait for what seems like forever and there is an awkwardness that has me tightening my fist. My French manicured nails dig inside my hand, causing me to slightly flinch. But it seems that it’s only me that is feeling that way. He could care less with his hands in his pocket, relaxed as if this was normal. And it is.

The doors open, and I can’t stop myself from rushing in. That’s it, I really need to get out of here. When I turn to look at him, he calmly makes his way in, then leans up against the wall in the corner.

This man is very, very attractive, which is troubling. Especially since he is my boss. And he is making it even more distracting with his burning gaze directly on me. And he says nothing. Absolutely nothing as the elevator takes us to the ground level.

My heart is racing, making me wonder if I am experiencing a heart attack. It sure as hell, feels like one. When the doors open, once again I make the first move stepping out before him. Though he isn’t far behind, taking quick strides, catching up to me.

As much as I want to run far away, my manners get a hold of me. I am aware it’s not possible to leave without saying a proper good-bye to my new boss. Otherwise he might think I am rude or crazy. Though he probably already does so, after my weird behavior since meeting the man. Who could blame him?

“Well, thank you once again for the opportunity at AR Corporation. I will see you on Monday.”

Nice Khushi, you actually pulled off a coherent sentence.

“Yes…” He begins but stops, looking over my shoulder at someone behind me.

“Chote?”  I hear a female voice.

“Di, its Arnav!  How many times do I have to tell you to not call me that in here?”

I turn around, astonished at the woman before me.

“Oh my God, Khushi Kumari Gupta!!!”

“Anjali Manohar Jha, is that you?!”

“What the Fuck!!!  You two know each other?!”

Aankhon Mein Teri

Ajab Si Ajab Si Adayein Hai

Hoo Aankhon Mein Teri

Ajab Si Ajab Si Adayein Hai

Dil Ko Banade Jo Patang Saa Se

Yeh Teri Woh Haawaien Hai

---