Imperfectly Perfect - An Ishqbaaaz Tale

13. A Little Less of a Stranger

Isn't it wonderful how someone who was once a stranger suddenly becomes more meaningful to you?

~*~

Annika rushed towards Shivaay's cabin angrily, knocking loudly which shocked him. He was perplexed when he saw her glare at him as soon as she entered the room after receiving his permission.

"Annika? This time? What's wrong?" He inquired, concerned. Instead of responding, she surprised him by slamming a white folded paper on his desk. "What's this?" He asked.

"Like you don't know. Open it and see again." He was taken aback by the rage in her response. He took his time opening the paper and read the contents carefully. He exhaled and gazed at her after finishing.

"And you think I'm the one who did it?" He stood up to face her and inquired quietly.

"Who else would do it if not you? You're in charge of this department. And it has your signatures."

"To begin with, I had no idea it had your name on it. Papa requested that I sign, which I did. Second, if I did, what exactly is the problem? You've earned it."

"This is clearly favouritism, Mr. Oberoi," Annika grumbled, "I only received this offer because I personally know your family."

"There was no favouritism, Annika," he said as he moved up to her and took her hand in his. He led her towards the sofa and made her sit in front of him before continuing, "It was always our intention to recruit the best chemist for this project, which you undoubtedly are."

"But —"

"No buts. Look, the offer stays valid for 6 months. You can accept or reject within this window. It's completely your decision. I know Bade Papa or Papa would never make such a decision just because it's you. They saw results and did so. So, please don't think we're favouring you in any way."

Annika sighed looking elsewhere after hearing him. "I need time to think," she spoke finally looking at him. He smiled nodding at her.

"Now, since you're already here. Let's go? Everyone's waiting for you at home," Shivaay spoke standing up and extending his hand. Annika nodded and took his hand in hers as she stood up, then followed him to the door.

Annika let go of his hand as they were about to leave his cabin, leaving him bewildered, "What happened?"

"Nothing. You're the scary boss. I don't wanna give any wrong impression by holding your hand," she replied rolling her eyes and looking anywhere but him.

"Oh really? Or is it that you don't want your friends here to know that you know me personally? After all, if they learn about it, they'll be scared of you too and if they're scared, how'd you all curse me together?" He narrowed his eyes at her making her shocked. Shivaay knew how well she gelled with most people in his office owing to the times she'd come here for reports or presentations.

"Don't give yourself so much importance. Now let's go," she snapped at him and pushed him, leaving the cabin at once. Shivaay shook his head and sighed at her actions before following her.

Annika stood on the driver's side of his car as they approached the exclusive parking area, making him shake his head.

"Hey, it's my last few days here. And it's my day, don't deny. Or I'll complain to Dadi," she warned him, making him frown. The whole world shivers at his name and this lady, does not fear him one bit. The only one who can make him do anything after his family.