Leap of Faith

A View from the top

As I walked to the third floor of the SpeedEx house, I was feeling edgy. Though both my partners gave me you-look-ready-to-kill look, I was a bit nervous and a lot excited. I could feel adrenaline pulsating through my body. I lived for challenging situations; it gave an opportunity to prove myself. I felt ready for the presentation.

There were three presentations shortlisted for this review. Other two groups sat beside us in the vast room with all grey walls, plush leather chairs, and a grey oval table, which appeared to be floating, as I could not see its legs. There was an array of white light bulbs above the table in a very abstract manner giving enough light for the table. A number of small flower vases with white lilies were placed very aesthetically on the table. The whole interiors screamed richness and elegance.

At sharp eleven, executives in suits arrived and seated on the table. The head of the table was still vacant. Most of the people were middle-aged except few. At last two more men entered, my heart skipped a beat as I saw him walking towards the head chair. My jaws dropped. How on earth! My mind started racing as I recalled our last encounter. How embarrassing and perfect!

"What happened?" Raghav asked gravely, sensing my paleness.

"I am not sure if I can talk, maybe you should start the presentation," I whispered in a hushed tone.

At that precise moment, Mrs. Shalini Mehra called out our group for the first presentation. Raghav gave me a push. Gingerly, I walked towards the small dais, feeling mystery man's eyes on me. I breathed deep and turned. Our eyes locked. The stare bore into me with penetrating intensity. It felt for a moment that nobody existed in that room but us. I looked down to regain my focus on the task, intertwined my fingers together.

Raghav standing on my right nudged my shoulder, signaling me to begin. I took a deep breath and began with the introduction, a short summary of the project, in a shaky manner. When I progressed through my slides, I felt my professionalism regaining. I explained the progress we had done so far with increasing engine efficiency with our valve positioning with genuine passion. When we finished after five minutes, there was applause from the executives. Other executives asked us questions about the costing of the material and feasibility for another five minutes, which we answered with the best of our knowledge. When it was over, I looked at him, with a strong urge to know his reaction.

He seemed surprised but in a good way. I could not deny the contentment I felt at that moment. As we sat down, Raghav pressed his hand against mine. I looked at the hand and then to Mr. Mysterious. I did not expect him to throw an icy glare at Raghu's direction. It was as if as if he was telling me to get rid of his hand. I stopped the urge to laugh by pressing my lips in a line.

Throughout the half an hour session of the presentation, he stole a few glances at me, smiling knowingly. However, I tried listening to the other presentations I could not. Finally, when he left the conference room with his flock, I could breathe normally again.

Though, the matter was not still over, as Ms. Mehra beckoned me towards her. She leaned in and whispered in my ear, "You are called for lunch by Mr. Kar. His office is on the top floor. You will need to carry your identity card."

"Why?" I asked loudly unable to contain my surprise and excitement.

"He seems to be impressed with your project, maybe wants to discuss with you." She beamed in a low voice. "Now move along. Don't ask any more questions. I have to wind up the things in here." She turned and left.

"What did she say, Trish?" Raghu inquired with brows furrowed.

Naturally, I did not want anybody to know. "She complimented me on my dress. Nothing special," I assured him.

"Hey, I wanted to make some calls. See you later guys." I waved my hand and went ahead.

***

I started to ascend up in the lift at 13:05. I had given myself a pep talk to resist him in front of the mirror. Such a foolishness. I was excited and my face was not doing a good job to disguise it. Warmth spread through my body as the lift was reaching the destination.

I took a sharp breath as the lift doors opened. He was standing, waiting for me, and looking deliciously annoyed. I stepped out still holding his gaze. He took my hand in his, leading me. I looked around to see if anybody witnessed the handholding. I was relieved, as I could not see anybody. That was strange.

He led me through a tall-carved wooden door. We stepped into a vast office with a great view of the Arabian Sea. It looked sophisticated as the man himself with expensive sofa, great paintings matching the interior, pictures of old classic cars decorated the wall tastefully. I turned to the source of a musky perfume. I did not realize that he locked the door when we entered. My breath quickened and my eyes widened. He walked slowly towards me with a sexy glare.

"Do you like teasing me?" He whispered.

I shrugged my shoulders. "I have no idea what you are referring to." I looked away, not wanting to be influenced by his obvious intimidation. In addition, he was talking to me as he knew from ages and I was his girlfriend. His eyes searched me, trying to make out something. His charcoal suit with no tie and the beautifully ruffled hair managed to distract me.

He closed the distance and stood before me. "Do you like him? You went on a date with him that day." I could feel my breath quicken as I inhaled his godly scent.

"No," I replied almost instantaneously, like a knee-jerk reaction. "I mean we are friends. Nothing more." I blurted looking up into his eyes, those mysteriously deep and beautiful eyes.

He positively relaxed. "You are five minutes late." He glanced at his watch as he spoke. "I don't like to wait for anybody. You must understand that from now on." He said in an authoritative tone. He walked away and sat on the edge of the desk. Did I feel a little disappointment there? I was definitely losing my edge!

"Who do you think you are? You can't boss me," I objected stomping my feet. Who is he? God! I cannot let him dictate me.

"Yes, I can Ms. Ray. I am your boss," he beamed; slowly a smile appeared on his gorgeous face. He beckoned me to sit next to him.

"No. I don't work for you. I work for KM auto." I protested crossing my arms on my breasts. I did not move a muscle. I could be as arrogant as he is and notices his reaction.

"You are going to be working for SpeedEx from tomorrow. Your reassignment letter is being prepared right now." He declared smiling with his perfectly aligned and advertise-worthy teeth.

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