Anirudh's POV
I keep on rambling all the important points to myself as I pace up and down across the little corridor just outside the conference room. Dabbing the sweat sliding down my neck I sort all the papers in the display file and finally knock on the door.
A hall full of sophisticated corporate folk sitting round the huge table greets my fake confidence.
This is my time and I will not let anything destroy it. I am well prepared- I have been preparing for this day for the last 25 days, nothing could go wrong.
My eyes fall on the elevator lady sitting on the MD's chair just beside the VP. I stare at her in confusion as the VP whispers something in her ears and she gives him a curt nod.
Rohan, my friend and colleague stood in a corner holding a thumbs up at me.
I stand confidently in front of everyone and start with the basic greetings and the introductory part. My lips move as they explain the project details while my eyes move to capture the inquisitive expression in everyone's eyes.
This is going well.
In the mid of the presentation, everyone starts chattering with each other paying little to no attention to me. My confidence starts to break, however I keep on going and they keep on chattering.
Finally, the presentation gets over and the elevator lady begins, "It's impressive, Mr Anirudh. I like your ideas and I have got to know a lot about you."
Confused, I nod my head and wait for her to continue.
"The meeting's dismissed. I would like to have a word with Mr Anirudh, in private."
What is wrong with this lady? There is still so much to discuss. Why is she dismissing everyone? What word?
The VP nears me and pats my back, pride glinting in his eyes. "You did an excellent job. I am proud of you." His shoulder sags as he adds, "I am sorry about what I said that day. I crossed my boundaries, but today in front of everyone you proved your credibility and made me proud. Keep it up." He says, and without giving me a chance to reply he leaves.
I feel satisfaction coursing through me as I recollect the genuineness dripping in his voice. He is my mentor, a mentor who has guided me since my very fast step in this industry. He might not be perfect, but he has always been genuine.
My eyes fall on Rohan, who gives me a quizzical look and stares between the lady and me. As he reaches the exit, he shakes his head disapprovingly.
What the heck!
"Please have a seat."
I nod at her, still confused.
"You are dating Adrita." She states.
"And how does that concern you?" I retort sick of everyone not being able to mind their business. Meeting and reputation be damned!
"It concerns me because I am the MD and cousin of Adrita."
Retrieving myself from my shocked state, I raise my eyebrows for her to continue.
How did I not know? Cousin part can be understood because I haven't met Adrita for 26 days, but not knowing our new MD?
"You are hardworking and seem talented but people are raising questions about your relationship with my cousin. Are you not worried about people downplaying your hard work because now you are dating the company's future face?"
"Do people downplay you? You too are the company's future face's cousin. Why are you concerned about my personal life and my reputation? If I am giving you the result, how does anything else matter?"
"Looks like dating the princess has given you too much confidence. You have forgotten how to talk to seniors."
"I refuse to talk about my personal life with you. If you have anything productive to discuss, work-related, I am here but, if not with all due respect, I am out."
Saying that I stand up from my chair and pick up all my files, ready to leave the conference hall.
"So who is the one adjusting? You or her? Who is moving into whose house? Who is going to adjust their lifestyle? Their clothing style? Who is the one giving up on their dreams? Her father can bring the whole world to her but what about you? What can you do for her?"
With a little scoff, she adds, "Trust me, she loves to tell others how perfect her life is so much so that she will never share if any day something actually makes her feel upset."
Inhaling a deep breath I step out of the hall slamming the door shut behind me, harshly.
****
"Are you actually seriously dating Adrita?" Rohan asks, sitting beside me.
"Why the heck has everyone suddenly got so interested in our relationship?" I snap.
"You are literally dating our future boss and sitting with us. You thought you won't be the centre of attention? By the way, what about the project thing?"
"Excuse me?"
"You remember you told me how she is fake and you are intrigued about her. Is it still so? If it is so, you are not doing the right thing. Don't play with her emotions, dude."
"Shut up! Shut up! I never said that. Shut up!" I whisper yell at him. "Don't you dare say that again and what is it to you? Huh? Go find some work and don't you dare utter those words again."
******
"Adrita!" I shout while running toward her. She stops walking and turns to face me. I felt a beautiful yet weird feeling seeping through me as her elegant smile greeted my eyes. My steps slow down on their own as she waves at me. Though as I neared her, her smile felt a little off not like the one I grew up to love.
"Hey." I greet. My hands skid inside my jean pockets as the nervousness of seeing her after so long seeps in.
"Hey." She greets back. Her smile dims down a little, reminding me of the engagement day frown.
"Are you alright?"
"Yup. Why wouldn't I be?"
Something was bothering her. It felt just like that day. Why would she pretend to be all happy if something worries her? What if her cousin was right?
"Sometimes I feel like you are not being real with me, Adrita. Like there is something you won't tell. I don't understand.." I try to put out my thoughts but the look of betrayal on Adrita's face makes me stop and take a step back. I have never seen such an intense look on her face. It is always the smiling Adrita.
Tightening her grasp on her bag, she looks up at me and bids "What do you want to understand? Do you think I am not who I pretend to be?"
"What do you mean?" I question, genuinely not being able to understand her hostile tone.
"Our lives are so different...but then why expect me to act how you act. How can I be like you?"
What is this all about? I have never seen this side of Adrita and I don't understand a thing. Did I do something to upset her? Is she talking about what her cousin said earlier?
"Adrita, I..you are in the right to worry about these things but right now I have no answers."
"So it was truly your concern? It was bound to be." Saying that she left me alone standing in the office corridors with thousands of thoughts swirling in my head.
****