Chapter 21

WARNING: MATURE CONTENT

“Sameer…”

What the hell is he doing here?

Is he part of Symphony?

That would mean…

No I can’t do this, not now.

Seeing him brings back memories that I have put behind me. Memories that I want permanently erased from my life.

As I look over at him talking to Aman, I can’t breathe, and begin to feel lightheaded.  

What is happening to me?

I quickly turn around, and head back towards my office, losing all semblance of control.

“Khushi, what’s the matter? Are you alright?”

Almost colliding with Lavanya, I shut my eyes.

“Woh… um… I’m fine. I just remembered I needed to take care of something. Can you do me a favor?”

“Of course, but first tell me what happened? You don’t look so good.” She feels my forehead, and looks me over for an answer.

But there is none. Not one that I can say at the moment. Taking a deep breath, I gather myself, and step back.

“Can you please tell Aakash something important came up, and I will join as soon as I can? Also, call him outside the room to let him know, I rather the others not know. Got it?” My tone comes rather sternly, which is unlike me. Not to mention rude, but at this point I don’t know what to do. I need time to myself to figure things out.

“What is wrong with you?  Please tell me, so I can help you.”

“Nothing, just do as I say right now.” I bite out, then walk away, without looking back.  There is no way I can face her, if I did, I might fall apart. And I refuse to shed any more tears for that man.

Once I get to my office, I slam the door shut, then begin to pace around with an array of thoughts running through my mind.

“This fucking can’t be happening right now!” I scream out in frustration, before falling to the ground on my knees, my body trembling uncontrollably.

“What should I do?” I chant, rocking myself back and forth to calm down. “Arnav… I need to call him. Yes! That’s it, he will know what to do.”  

I get up taking quick strides to my desk, and then dial his number from my office phone.

But it goes straight to his voicemail. I hang up without leaving a message and the same thing happens the next five times I call him.

“What is wrong with his stupid phone right now? Arnav, I need you…”  

I quickly pick up my cell phone from the table hearing a message alert, but disappointment takes over seeing it’s from Aakash.

“I hope everything is okay. Take your time, we will wait for you to get started, since Bhai wants you to lead the meeting. In the meantime, Aman and I will take care of some miscellaneous items.”

Damn he is right, I need to be there since this is my responsibility.

Why am I acting like a coward hiding in my office?

Haven’t I learned in the past six months to keep my personal life separated from my professional life?

Arnav has entrusted me with this position, and AR in his absence. Me not being there would mean disappointing him and being a failure at my job.

I can’t, won’t do that to him or to myself. But a part of me wonders…

Does Arnav realize who he has brought back into my life?

No. He can’t possibly know. My Arnav would not purposely bring my past to me. My heart tells me he has no clue what is happening here, and I trust him.

I take a few deep breaths to calm down, and think of what to do next. First thing would be for me to go back to the meeting, and take care of business.  It’s time to put myself into work mode putting my differences aside.

And after that I need to figure out what Sameer Mehta is up to.

“It’s time to face that bastard, and show him that I have moved on. I refuse to be weak in front of him, because that is not Khushi Kumari Gupta… not anymore.” I straighten myself up before heading to the conference room.  As I approach the room, everyone’s attention is on Aakash who has a presentation up on the screen.  

Seems like he is about to share AR’s organizational structure, which actually should be interesting.

“Perfect timing. Everyone this is Khushi Kumari Gupta, the Chief Operating Officer for AR’s US Division.” Aakash introduces me, looking relieved when I enter the room.

“Hi everyone, welcome to AR!”  Fixing a smile on my face, I scan the room, and lock my eyes on Sameer who undoubtedly looks like he has seen a ghost.

Exactly the reaction I was expecting. Time for me to take over, and do what I do best.

“Aakash, I am sorry for holding the meeting up but something important came that needed my immediate attention.” I take the empty seat in between Aman and Aakash, while Sameer is seated at the farthest end of the table.

From the corner of my eye, I can see his serious gaze fixed on me. But hearing Aakash, I turn my attention towards him.

“Sure I understand. Aman was just giving them an overview of his group. I assume you want to take over, now that you here?”

“Yes, I can take over. Thanks for filling in for me.” I pause briefly, then look at the group of about ten people from Symphony’s Executive Management team. “You might have done this already, but before I kick-off the meeting and dive into the work session, can everyone please introduce themselves? Also if you can let me know your role with Symphony prior to the acquisition that would be helpful as we start the discussions. Why don’t we go around the room starting with you…”

I turn to my right at the man who seems to be in his late 30’s seated next to Aakash to begin.

“Hello Ms. Gupta. My name is Michael Schorr, I was the President and Co-owner with Symphony. I will be here for the next six months seeing this transition through per ASR’s request. He has asked me to work closely with you during this time. Harry Burns, the other Co-owner and CEO, my partner, has moved on with another company.”

“Nice to meet you Michael, I look forward to working with you during this transition.”

As everyone goes around the room, I meet the heads of the different departments from HR, Marketing, Operations, and Sales. And, finally the person whose role I am intrigued to know is up next.

“My name is Sam Mehta, and I head up the Product Development team.”

I smirk at the arrogance that still emanates from him. It’s apparent nothing has changed but his name… Sam.

“Sam… it  looks like we will also be working closely together, since you are managing the products that AR has acquired.”

“I look forward to seeing what you’re going to contribute towards my group.”  He retorts back with a smug expression.

“Interesting choice of words, Sam. And perhaps I should remind you, it’s no longer your group… you are part of AR now. And here we work as a team. Keep that in mind for the future.”

He nods nonchalantly, and then I look at the woman seated next to him to continue.

The nerve of this man trying to act superior, and bringing his ego in this room. He is about to get a rude awakening if he thinks I will put up with his crap.

I sigh, and brace myself for the challenge that awaits me handling this jerk.

Once the introductions are complete, I give the group an overview of AR’s company portfolio, objectives, goals, and the organizational structure. Sameer’s eye widen when he sees Aakash and my name below Arnav’s on the org chart.

“So where do we fit into this org chart?” He questions looking at Michael, then at me.

“For now you all will report under me. Once we get through these working sessions in the next few weeks, I will finalize the structure with ASR upon his return. Then the team will fall under the respective groups that are already established here. First I need to get a better understanding how the business operates. I rather not disrupt the clients and employees until we get through this exercise…”

“But I can’t report into you…”  He interrupts me.

“And why not?” Aakash speaks up annoyed at the tone he uses towards me.

“I was under the impression that I would be under ASR.”

Aakash looks over at me shaking his head, I signal him to let me handle this.

“Well then you were mistaken. Did you really think you would report under the CEO for a company of this magnitude? I would think you would know the workings within a Corporation of this size…  but regardless, the fact remains you report under me. Is that clear? If it’s not, we can meet separately instead of wasting anymore time here.”  

After that he barely says a word throughout the meeting, but his eyes are fixed on me the entire time, which I try to avoid.  

As we get further in the meeting, I shake my head constantly at the incompetent leadership team that is currently in place, along with the inner workings of the business. I watch Aman, and Aakash smirking at my annoyance towards a few of them throughout the meeting.

No wonder Arnav got a deal acquiring this company, and lucky for me I get to deal with these minions.  

Oh, I can’t wait to give him a piece of my mind for throwing this at me. I know he and Aakash warned me about the team, but this is just ridiculous.

“We will resume tomorrow, and follow the agenda I laid out for this week. If there are no further questions we can conclude the meeting today.”

Sameer grabs his things, and barges out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Aakash looks over at me raising his eyebrow.

“Ms. Gupta, Aakash, can I have a word with both of you?”

I turn around to see Michael approach us, as others leave the room.  Once everyone has left, he speaks up.

“Please don’t mind Sam, he just needs time for this to sink in. I have worked alongside him since he joined our company over a year ago. And he has been behind pushing the tracking software to ensure it’s ready to deliver to our clients. Not to mention he’s been working on obtaining all the patents needed to make this an exclusive product. He’s quite bitter, since Harry made him promises about taking over. But then all of us were in the dark when he decided to sell his share and the company to avoid Bankruptcy. Based on what I am seeing, Symphony will be in good hands merging with AR. I hope you understand the morale on the team is at an all time low with job uncertainty.”

“Please call me Khushi. I understand where you and the team are coming from, but this is a place of business where we are professionals. Based on what I have seen today, I am not sure if they will survive at AR. That’s my honest opinion.  However, I will be open minded, and fair the next few weeks making my assessment for ASR.”  

“Understood, and I appreciate that, Khushi.   have heard some great things about you from ASR. He called me on Friday to give me the heads up prior to leaving for his trip. I will see you both tomorrow. Thank you.”

Aakash and I both sigh, once Michael leaves the conference room.

“Khushi, you were absolutely fantastic today handling them, I swear I saw a glimpse of Bhai in you. And, Sam, what the hell is his problem? He was so accommodating when Bhai and I met him last month. I thought he was going to be helpful with the product implementation, but I guess if what Michael has said is true then he is bound to feel blindsided. But that doesn’t give him the right to speak rudely to you. He is so lucky Bhai wasn’t here.” He shakes his head, and opens up his laptop.

How I wish Arnav was here to handle this with me.

I have to ask the burning questions that have been running through my mind all afternoon.

“Has Arnav met everyone from the team?”

“Almost all of the key people in the room today, he has met. We have been mostly dealing with Michael and Harry, along with their legal team. Last month when we went to their office to survey the property, we were introduced to most of the staff since they are a small company. And, it was Sam who worked with us that day, though Bhai was only there for the first hour before leaving Aman and I to deal with the details. By the way, Harry is the obnoxious partner that Bhai kept referring to, which is the main reason he is no longer here.  That’s the deal we made prior to closing the acquisition with all the back and forth the last few months.”

“By any chance did we run any types of checks on the employees where Arnav would have seen details about the employees?”

“We always run a background check, but HR handles that and brings up any gaps. Unless we specifically ask for a copy of the report for an individual. In Symphony’s case there were no issues with the staff. I was working closely with them based on Bhai’s instructions. And, legal looks at the details about the company itself and the owners of which Bhai gets a detailed report. I think everything came out clean…  is there something specific that you needed?”

“Can you send me those files, if you have still have them? I would like to take a look at them, now that I am involved. They should come in handy in making the assessments on who stays or goes. Also, do you have a copy of the reports Arnav received? If not I can get them from him.”

“Sure, I have copies of everything, most of it is soft copies on my computer. I will put them on a flash drive so you can easily access them. Should we plan on leaving around six o’clock today?”

“Sounds good to me, it gives me a couple of hours to get some work done. I know once I walk in the house, I will get distracted. But, the sad truth is I will have to log back on later. It’s never ending…”

“Tell me about it! Though I can’t seem to get any work done at home. There is always so much commotion.”

I can’t help but laugh at the truth of that statement since it is Grand Central Station at the Jha Residence.  

Once I get to my office, Aakash hands over the files which I dive into immediately. I glance at what Arnav has received, which mostly consists of details on the company’s financials, their offerings and the owners. Like I suspected there is nothing about the staff that he was privy to. Especially since Aakash was dealing with it.

Damn, I wish I was involved with this acquisition from the beginning, but what’s done is done.

I take a look at Sameer’s background check, which is a standard professional and criminal background check. One that AR conducts for every employee.  And there is nothing glaring that would call him out to Aakash or HR as a risk.  

But, as I look at his full name, it screams out at me… Sameer Mehta.

What am I going to do now?

Can I truly leave my personal feelings at the door working with him?

Will Sameer cooperate knowing I will be his boss for the next few weeks, in all likelihood reporting to someone a couple notches lower than me if we decide to retain him?

These are questions that go through my mind, as I try to get some work completed prior to leaving for the day.

“Excuse me, you can’t just go in there like that.” My assistant’s voice echoes outside my door.

I know exactly what the commotion is about, and I take a deep breath before walking to my door.

“Well, I need to meet with her, now.”

“Monica, it’s fine. Can you please hold my calls while I deal with Mr. Mehta?  Come in.” I move to the side at the entrance of my door, and he walks in, stopping to stare at the space then faces the window.

Closing the door, I smile inwardly, knowing what thoughts are running in his head. Making my way inside, I stand besides him, as we both look out at the view.

“What can I do for you, Sam?”

“Darling, there is a lot you can do for me…”  

“First of all, I am not your darling anymore. You lost that right the minute you betrayed me. So let’s cut this crap, and talk about work.”

“When did Khushi Kumari Gupta become feisty? It’s very different to the girl I dated, you were always so accommodating… well except with one area in our relationship.”

He’s taken aback, furrowing his eyebrow, when I break into laughter.

“Thanks for the good laugh. You’re correct about one thing, I am no longer the Khushi you dated. Nor will I ever be. Now, if you’re here to dwell on the past, which I have long forgotten, I am not interested. So let’s discuss what you came here for.”

“What if I said I was still interested in you, will…”

“I suggest you stop right there. We are done. The only thing left between us now, is on a professional front. And, I am guessing you are not thrilled about having your ex as your boss. Isn’t that the real reason you barged in here?” I turn around to make my way to my desk, then take a seat. And he follows my lead, taking a seat in the chair opposite me.

“Khushi, will you be able to work with me knowing what I did to you?”

“Like I said, I have moved on.”

“So you have…”  He gestures around my office, and at me before he continues.  “You even look different, by the way nice dress. It looks expensive, designer maybe?” He leans forward staring at me, but I don’t respond. “Tell me, have you forgiven me? If you haven’t, how can I be sure you will be fair?”

“I am more then capable of separating my professional and personal feelings.  If that wasn’t the case then my reaction when I saw you in the conference room would have been very different.”

“So I presume we will play a fair game?”

“You presume correctly, unless you give me a reason not to.”

“Fair enough, let the games begin. I am looking forward to working with you.  But more interested in your assessment of me. Should we shake on our new professional relationship?” He extends his hand towards me, and I hesitate.  

But I know this is needed.

“Sure, let’s see if we can successfully make this professional relationship work.”  

I put my hand forward to shake his hand, before letting go quickly, which seems to have amused him as he grins.

“Well I will see you tomorrow… Boss!”

I watch as he walks out of my office, and sigh.

Why do I feel like I shook hands with the devil?

But surely I can handle this devil… right?

Later that night, Aakash and I play with Aditya who is wide awake with no signs of sleeping at ten o’clock. The best way to unwind after a whirlwind kind of day.

“Khushi, don’t you think he looks a little like Bhai when he frowns. Mini ASR, look at him. I am going to teach him to say “What the…” He laughs, while I glare at him.

“Arrey, why are you bothering the poor girl?  He does resemble Chote quite a bit when he was a baby.” Nani says coming over to sit next to me, and places her hand on top of my head.

“And, don’t you dare teach my son those things?”  Anjali hits Aakash on his arm.

“Khushi Bitiya, you look tired today. You should try to sleep soon.”

“Oh no Nani, she is not going to sleep.  Just like Bhai, she will be working when she goes upstairs.”

“What is it, pick on Khushi day?” I ask Aakash while frowning at him.

“Right, like you got picked on at work by…”

“Let’s not talk about work, I don’t want to think about it. I rather enjoy my time with shweet bacchu… hain na?”  

I quickly interrupt before he says anything further for Anjali to question, and pick up Aditya in my arms. I walk around snuggling him close to me.

Before I say anything to Anjali, I need to figure out how to tell Arnav. I can only imagine what he is going to do when he finds out.

“Bacchu, I miss your mamu so much.”  I whisper in his ear, which brings a smile to his cute chubby face. I kiss his hand that he raises up towards me.

“You are so cute, you know that? Yes you are…” I glance over to the sofa hearing my cell phone.  

“It’s Chote…”  Anjali says before picking up the phone.

“This is not your Sweetheart, so you can stop blowing kisses in my ear. Waise, you used to never call us when you traveled… but lucky Khushi to receive phone calls from you. So how many times do you call her in a day?” She looks at me as I walk over and laughs.

“Yes, we are all fine, your nephew is with his girlfriend. You better watch out there is competition waiting for you here.  Khushi has fallen for someone else.”

My heart beats faster hearing her say that out loud.  

Why is everything so complicated?

I gaze at Anjali when she puts her hand on my shoulder.

“Here give me Adi, so you can talk to Arnav. Why don’t you go in the kitchen so you can have some privacy?”  

I smile at her, mouthing a ‘Thank you’.

After she gently takes the baby from my arms, I walk towards the kitchen.

“Good morning. Did you just wake up?”   I ask softly, anxious to hear his voice.

“Hi Sweetheart! No I woke up at five o’clock. I couldn’t sleep properly with the time difference and not having you next to me. So, I had your kind of morning… went for a long run, now I am driving to the office. I didn’t call earlier thinking you would be sitting with everyone but it looks like you are still downstairs.”

“Yes we were sitting together since Aditya is still awake. I was spending some time with him right now. I tried calling you earlier…”

“You did? When? I didn’t see your call come through.”

“It was shortly after we hung up in the afternoon, but it went straight to your voicemail. Your phone hates me, when I needed you… you didn’t pick up.” I whisper, holding back the tears that threaten to fall talking to him. All I want to do is pour my heart out, but can’t. Not over the phone.

“I am so sorry, Khushi. My battery had died so the phone was off while I put it to charge. After I got busy with work for a couple of hours so didn’t even look at it. Why didn’t you leave a message?”

“I needed to talk to you then not later.  But I figured it out. How does your day look today?”

“Khushi, what are you upset about? Did something happen?”

“Nothing happened, but great work acquiring Symphony. I was blown away at the meeting with the exceptional team in place.”

He laughs, and the sound of his laughter makes me smile.

“Oh, so you are upset with the problem children, and the fact I left you there to deal with them alone. I told you they were a handful, but that should be easy for you to take care of. Don’t wait for me to come back to make any changes. If you need to let anyone go, just fire them. Besides that, how is my girl doing?

Only if it was that easy, I think to myself.

“Your girl misses you and wishes you were here.”

“How I wish we were home together with you in my arms in bed.”

“Me too baby, but hopefully soon . Are things as bad as you thought they were?”

I decide to change the topic knowing I will become an emotional mess if we continue.

“Bad is an understatement, things are out of control! I can’t believe my absence has made such a fucking mess. Now I will be spending all my time bringing things back to normal. I really need to get Aakash back here. So I hope nothing needs my attention in New York. I know you can handle it.  However I need to make time to go visit your parents a few times while I am here.”

I know he is stressed, though he hasn’t filled me in on the specifics but Aakash gave the details on our ride home today.  

“Baby, please take care of yourself, and don’t overdo it. You can visit my parents when you have time, they will understand.”

“I know they will, but I want to see them. Listen, I am here at the office, so I need to go now.”

“Before you go, I want my kiss that you gave to Anjali…”

“Muahhh… I love you Sweetheart. Now give me mine.”

“Muahhh!  Have a good day baby, love you!  I will talk to you tomorrow.”

I hang up placing the phone against my rapidly beating heart.  

This separation is turning out a lot harder than I imagined, and it’s only been three days.

The next few days I get involved in the sessions trying to make sense of the workings with Symphony. And it is a disaster! I get so frustrated with their business model, that I make the decision on day three to rebuild the model myself taking the key components necessary.  

The only person I have mentioned this to is Aakash, who is in agreement.

It’s better to rebuild and incorporate them with AR then modify what is there.   

The part which the both of us are struggling with is which employees to retain and at what capacity.  

Surprisingly Sam has been cooperating and has provided much insights during the sessions. Though his arrogance is still there, not to mention sarcastic comments about the changes. I know the right thing to do is keep him on board for now, despite his attitude. He is needed for the product knowledge.

I have also come to a decision to not mention anything about Sameer to Arnav till he comes back. He has been under tremendous pressure trying to resolve the issues working long hours in Delhi, and does not need to know about this right now.

It isn’t easy keeping this from him since every time we speak, I find myself not engaged during our limited phone calls- which is something he keeps questioning.  

This has also affected me at home with Anjali, where I avoid any AR related conversations.

I feel guilty not telling Arnav and Anjali but at this point I have no option.  

In order to keep this off my mind, I throw myself into work in the office and at home.    

“Are you ready to leave yet? It’s almost seven o’clock.”

I look up to see at Aakash at my door.  

“Actually I have quite a bit of work to take care of tonight. And since we have been in all day meetings, it has piled up this week. I can’t put it off any longer.  Why don’t you go home now?  I will have Mohan bring me or if it gets too late I will spend the night in the city.”

He walks into my office and stands in front of  my desk.  

“Khushi, I am not going to leave you alone here. I will wait it’s not a problem.  Just let me know when you are ready.”

“You do realize I have been alone here many times before. Plus, I really need to take care of a few important things which I don’t know how long it will take me. There is nothing to worry about.  You know Payal won’t eat until you get home, so go. I will be fine.”

“Are you sure?”

I know he is concerned, but I don’t want to hold him back for Payal’s sake.

“Yes, very sure! I will call Anjali to let her know so they don’t say anything to you.”

“That is not going to stop those three women from biting my head off leaving you here. But I understand. I will see you later.”

Once he leaves, I call Anjali, who is not pleased with me working late but I reassure her that I will be fine. I also promise to keep her posted on my progress but knowing her she will keep texting or calling.  

With that I spend the next couple of hours getting a lot accomplished. It looks like I am almost all caught up, and at a good stopping point.  

Since it’s almost nine o’clock, I decide to stay in the city in my cozy apartment that I have missed terribly the last few months. Luckily Anjali agrees with me to stay here since it’s late.  

After closing my door, out of habit my eyes go to Arnav’s office. I find myself walking slowly towards it, and stopping in front of it.  

My hands caress the door, and I feel the urge to go inside to feel close to him. I sigh taking my key that he has given me while opening the door.

The room is dark, and I switch the lights on as I stand at the doorway. I smile looking around as if he were there. Like the many times, always waiting for me at the end of the day. But not today.  

After closing the door behind me, I make my way inside and stand in the middle of the room glancing around.

How can one miss another so much to feel this lost not having them close by?

I have never felt this way. It’s as if a part of me is missing without him after only six days.  

If I am lost without him, is he feeling the same?

There is something about his office that reflects Arnav as I look around the spacious modern room. I close my eyes feeling closer to him by being here. His desk invites me over, and I trace it with my hands.

I think about the different countenance I have seen on him sitting in that chair. The powerful business man, an employer, and my lover.  

My cheeks warm up thinking about an intimate moment a couple of months ago putting this table and chair to very good use…

“Baby, are you still working? You always accuse me of holding you up, and look I am ready to go with my things packed.” I raise my bag, and he smiles while continuing to type away. Well aware, we are not leaving anytime soon, I take a seat in front of him.

“Come on, wrap it up it’s eight o’clock! You know everyone at home will be waiting for us. And Anjali texted me, she should be home after nine o’clock from the hospital seeing Aditya. I can’t believe he’s almost two weeks, I just hope he comes home soon.”

I realize it’s no use talking to him since he seems to be buried in his work.  I shake my head, and take a look at some pending emails on my phone.

“I am not ignoring you, just need a few more minutes…”

How did he know what I was thinking?

A few moments later, as I am typing an email, I look up hearing his husky voice laced with desire.

 

“If you keep puckering up those lips; I won’t be responsible for my actions and what happens in this office…”

He stares at me, with heat in his gaze.

“But… I… was just work… Arnav, what are you doing?”

I jerk up as he walks to the door, then closes and locks it. With his gaze fixed on me, he slowly walks over stopping a couple of inches away.

“Do you know when you are in deep thought you either pout or pucker up your lips?

He brushes my lips lightly with his fingers, and I shake my head as my heart thuds against my chest.  

“Ever since my staff meeting this afternoon, I have wanted to place my lips on yours and thoroughly kiss you…” He whispers, and tilts his head close to mine.  

“Um… we are going to…”

Without any warning, he wraps his arm around my waist pulling me close to him.

“So what, if we are late going home? Right now, all I know is… I want you.”

Knowing what he has in mind based on his darkened eyes, I push him away, and he stumbles back.

“Now and here? You can’t be serious, Arnav!”

“Sweetheart, do I ever joke when it comes to what I want?” He raises his eyebrow at me, crossing his arms around his chest.

“But what if someone sees us…”  I say point towards the floor to ceiling windows where the city glimmers before us.

“Do I need to remind you what floor we are on? No one can see us up here. But if it bothers you, I have an easy fix.” He walks over to his desk, then takes out the remote from the drawer.

And with a push of a button, the blinds instantly come down covering the windows.   

“Problem fixed. Any others? I have a solution to anything you come up with. So, the sooner you agree, the sooner we both can get what we want. I know you want this as much as I do. It’s been five days you know,  and I saw the way you were looking at me earlier when you came to call me for breakfast when I was getting dressed.”

I bite my lips feeling my mouth dry up, as he strides over to me and wraps his arms around my neck.  

“How are we going to…” My words are locked as he places his fingers on my lips.

“Do you trust me?” He whispers. I nod, unable to speak as his penetrating gaze pulls me into a spell. He bends down, and places a gentle kiss on my lips.  

“That’s my girl! Do you know I have fantasized about taking you in my office? Right there…” He turns me around to face his desk, and points.  

“And what was it that you fantasized?” I whisper looking up at him, my breathing becoming unsteady, curious to know as the heat in my body rises.

“How about I show you?” He smirks wickedly, taking my hand in his and then he walks around to his desk to the side where he sits.  

“I have pictured you sitting here on my desk….” He raises me to sit where he normally works in the middle of his desk. He pulls his chair closer to the table and sits down.

The fire in his eyes, as he looks up at me with his hands folded, is enough to bring out the burning sensations making me feel hot down to my core.

And he knows exactly what he’s doing to me with a lopsided smirk. As his eyes make their way down to my legs, I cross them sitting up straight knowing where his gaze has stilled at.  

“This is exactly how I pictured you on my desk.  Though I think you should uncross those legs, and let me see what you have on underneath.”

He slides his chair closer to me, and then places both of his hands on my legs, which I quickly uncross making him smile. I close my eyes, as his hands caress my legs and slowly slide inside my dress up to my waist.

“It looks like you are wearing my favorite thong. I had a feeling you were wearing one today, when I saw you walking away from me earlier.”

Does he really look at me that way in the office?  

“What happened to keeping it professional in the office, Mr. Raizada?” I smile at him, ready to play his game.

“During the day I am allowed to look at my hot girlfriend, keeping my thoughts to myself, right? Especially when you are wearing a fitted dress which fits you like a glove in all the right places. Right now Sweetheart, it’s after hours and you are mine.” He gets up from the chair, separating my legs as he slides his hands further up.

I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer feeling the warmth from his body, as he stands between my legs.

He leans down wrapping his hand behind my head and pulling me down as he places his lips against mine possessively capturing them. Both of us lose ourselves in the kiss, and my hands caress his back while he strokes my legs, pushing my dress up.  

I let out a moan, opening my mouth slightly as he bites my lower lip, which he takes advantage sliding his tongue inside meeting mine. The kiss turns passionate with every touch, caress, as we lose ourselves in each other’s arms.

“Khushi…”

He whispers, caressing my face, and tilts down placing sensual kisses on my neck. Feeling his hand on my back as he slides down the zipper of my dress, I arch up. All I can is watch as he takes a step back, and his heated gaze caresses my body. Even without touching me, there’s an urge to surrender myself in his arms.

“Arnav…”  I whisper, ready to do just that, putting my arms out, needing him to come close.

He shakes his head, and lazily starts to loosen his tie throwing it on the floor, then proceeds to do the same with his shirt.

My mouth dries as he takes off his belt, and slides off his shoes, socks and trousers adding them in the pile with the rest of his clothing.

There is something about watching him undress in front of me that leaves me breathless.

“Surprised, that we are actually doing this in my office?”

As words have failed me, I nod feeling my cheeks burn, since I never imagined us this way in his office. He now stands in front of me in his boxer briefs, my heart goes erratic taken in the sight before me.   

“It’s time to get rid of what you are wearing… may I?”

Again I nod, and he skillfully slides off my shoes rubbing my feet for a brief moment, then takes off my dress leaving me in my lacy undergarments.

‘Do you know how sexy you look right now?”

His husky tone comes through, as he takes a long moment drinking in my appearance.

“I am guessing as sexy as you look…  is there more to your fantasy or was this it?”

“Oh there is more, which I am plan on showing you right now… you ready?”

I smile widely at him, which is all he needs to come over and kiss me deeply as he cups my face in his hands.

I gasp, moving myself closer to the edge of the table, feeling him bite my neck then he soothes it quickly with his tongue. I run my fingers in his hair as he continues kissing his way down to my chest, then molding and pinching a swollen peak through the sheer fabric of my bra.

His hand slides inside the cup of my bra freeing one of my breast from its confines, I look down as he does the same with the other.

My legs go around his waist, hearing him groan as his lips cover my breast, as he suckles hard.  He continues with this torture on both mounds, the combination of pleasure and pain making me dizzy.

“Sweetheart, hold my shoulders…”  

His words are my command, and I do as he says, as he lifts me up slightly, sliding off my thong. As I feel his fingers inside of me, I arch up and close my eyes feeling myself throbbing to have him inside of me.

“Baby… please…”  

I plead opening my drugged eyes filled with desire, and watch as he opens the bottom drawer taking out a foil packet.  Then it hits, and I grab the packet away from his hand as he tries to open it.

“We won’t be needing this anymore…”  I whisper holding it up.

He smiles.

“I finally get to feel the real you…”  He says taking the condom from my hand and tossing it away before kissing me feverishly, laying me down on the table.

He leans down, kissing me softly. As he stands up, he lifts my legs and places them on his shoulders placing soft kisses on my ankles.

I watch as his slides off his briefs, and positions himself before entering inside of me. Both of us let out a moan at the same time, feeling a new pleasure that surrounds us as we finally feel our skin touching against the other for the first time.

He leans down to my ears, blowing softly then bites my ears and whispers.

“Oh this feels so…”

I pull him tight, and whisper with a passion filled husky tone.

“I know…”

I pull him for a kiss as my core surrounds him feeling one. We continue to move our bodies with each thrust, following the flow he sets. He stands up taking me up with him as he stays lodged inside, then sits down on his chair, locking it in place to avoid it from rolling.

He lifts me slightly up to position me on his lap, and I adjust myself around him before taking him over and over hard as my body spirals out of control finding its release. I scream out feeling myself fall apart, but he is not done with me.  

I cry out as he continues to fondle my breast, and continues to push up inside me deeper and harder before he falls back into the chair taking me with him again as he groans out loud finding his own climax.

He holds onto me tightly, as we relax in each other’s arms whispering.

“Now that was mind blowing.”  

How I crave for his touch right now…

Shutting my eyes, I sit in his chair for a few minutes, before the shrill ringtone on my phone comes through breaking me out of my reverie.

And, I know exactly who it is, which makes me smile as I take the phone out from my bag.

“Guess what I am doing right now?” I say softly before he can say anything.

“Hello my love. Let me see… getting ready to go to sleep? Maybe wearing something sexy.”

“Nope. And why would I wear something sexy when you are not here to see it. I am actually in your office, sitting in your chair… reminiscing about the first time we made love, no wait… had sex in your office. Remember that? It was also the first time we went au naturale…”

“How can I forget? That was when I got to feel the real you, which I say is the best way to experience it. If I was there right now, I would take you again on that desk. And, now I need a cold shower, but guess I will stick with ice cold water since I am in the office.”

We both laugh.

“Khushi, I was thinking, it’s time to teach you something new… that is if you are upto the challenge.”

“Have I ever backed down from a challenge? But I want to hear it first before I commit…”

“I know a way to fulfill the craving we both are desperately seeking. Do you want to hear it?”

I unknowingly blush, and mumble a yes to hear what he has to say.

“Phone sex… what do you think. Should we?”

“What?! Are you out of mind? Yes, you are… the lack of sex has done that to you.  Oh my God, how can you even…” I blurt out, and stand up to pace his office.

“I knew that would be your reaction. It looks like you are backing down.”

“That’s not me backing down, Mr. Raizada, since I technically didn’t agree.”

“How about we make a deal? If you change your mind, you just say the word and I will make you feel pleasure without being there. Deal?”

“No deal, because that is not happening… now let’s talk about something else.”

He bursts into laughter, while I shake my head feeling my face turn red at his suggestion.

“By the way, what are you still doing in the office? It should be almost ten o’clock. I hope you are not there by yourself.”

I don’t say anything, knowing he is not going to like my answer.

“Khushi! What the heck are you doing there alone? Where is Aakash?  Say something…”

I put the phone away from my ear as yells out his last statement.

“If you stop screaming, then I can speak? I had work that needed to be completed so I stayed back. It’s not a big deal, I have worked late here before.”

“Yes but I was there with you, or did you forget that part…”

“Please don’t make this into a big deal. I am leaving now, and will be staying at the apartment tonight. So relax.”

“I can’t relax, knowing you are there alone. Why don’t you just go to the penthouse?”

I sigh.

“Because you are not there, that’s why. If I go there it will only remind me of you, making me upset. I can’t, please understand.”

There is silence, and he takes a deep breath.

“Fine, please go home now, and make sure to call me as soon as you get inside the apartment.  Okay?”

“Promise, I will.”

After talking to him for a couple of more minutes, I gather my things and make my way to the door. I step out of his office, and take a quick glance back before closing the door.

As I am walking towards the lobby, I glance at my phone hearing a text alert.

“I love you, Sweetheart! And, please go straight home.”

I smile, holding the phone to my chest and reply back.

“I love you, more! Your wish is my command, I am leaving now… XOXO!”

“The more is up for debate, but I will take it now. XOXO… right back at you.”

As I am about to type a response, I get startled hearing my name being called, and drop my phone.

“What the hell is wrong with you?”

I yell bending down to pick up my phone, but I see him taking my phone, which I quickly snatch from him.

“I am surprised to see you here so late, Khushi.”

“I can say the same about you, Sam.”

As I look up at him, there is something about his gaze that makes me uncomfortable so I start walking towards the elevator. I can feel him right behind me as he takes slow steps.

He comes and stands behind me, as I push the elevator button. I see his reflection on the elevator doors, and step away knowing he is very close to me.

I feel his hand on my shoulders which makes me cringe, but what he says next leaves me horrified.

This man is out of his senses right now.

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