Running from Him by YH Yohi

Chapter 8: The Lot

It really wasn't her day. After her 3-day 'sick leave' neither could Pari find her favourite earring nor keep up with the piling work. Internally curse the man behind it, Arin, she resumed editing the file Mr. Namer had sent. The minutes seemed stretched and tiresome, as she yearned for her lunch break. 

"This is an announcement by the CEO" The speaker burst through the speakers, shaking awake the drooping eyes. 

"Today, a fair lot will be drawn from which a chosen employee or intern will get to work closely with the CEO to maintain a cordial relations and improve communications amongst all levels of the company. This is a pilot program, thus, please be patient and cooperate. The chosen will be announced by the CEO himself. Good Luck!'

The unexpected announcement was followed by silence, as everyone stared wide-eyed trying to comprehend the situation. Apart from a few giggles by excited, clearly oblivious female employees, the rest gulped. Working with a demanding workaholic like Arin was an epitome of a nightmare. As everyone prayed to be spared, Pari grew pale. This day couldn't get any worse.

"Who do you think will get it Riona?" Mr. Namer leaned on his desk, as Pari furiously massaged her palms under her small desk adjoining Mr.Namer's. 

With a wary laugh "Not sure, 5000 employees is no small number"

"True, the chance of it being us is too small" Mr.Namer didn't release the effect of his words, as it unintentionally calmed Pari. Yes, its too small a possibility. She softly patted her chest, calming her beating heart. Recently, she has always been on the edge, too worried. She ought to stay composed.

"Attention, this is the CEO" the speaker filled the room again. Soon, a deep voice, with a slight British accent vibrated the flimsy glass windows.

"I thank all the members of AISC in advance for your co-operation and understanding. Cutting to the chase, the chosen person is...." Everyone held their breath, as Pari slightly smiled seeing their nervous reactions, it is too small a chance- she kept repeating.

"OMG, hurry" Katy squealed only to be hushed by the team leader.

"Congratulations, Ms. Riona from the marketing team" 

All the heads snapped to Pari, as she froze. Bile was rising in her stomach, she had to get out. Out of this suffocating atmosphere that engulfed her whole.

"Riona" Katy called at Pari, half-excited for her colleague, but sad at her own lack of luck.

"Ai, she must be excited" The team leader commented as everyone watched the retreating figure sprinting out the corridor.

"Yea, lucky her. Right Mr.Namer" Ms. Renny commented

Mr. Namer only stared at his desk, his eyebrows crunched "Well...it is a good opportunity for her"

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"Do you think this was the right thing to do?" Tarin asked as Arin sat, chuckling.

"What?"

"Was it necessary to go this far?"

"What else do you suggest I do?"

"Talk to her"

"And I just created an opportunity to talk to her"

"No sir, the proper way"

" I don't see anything wrong with this"

"Sir, what I mean is that, there must have been an important reason for Ms.Pari to leave her good job and work here as disguise. Won't this harm her?"

"Well, if she thought she was going to reject me, then lie her way into my company and still stay unscathed, you're wrong Tarin" Arin scoffed recounting those events

"But sir her disguise might be blown"

"She should have done a better job keeping her secret then"

Tarin signed, praying this ends.

"By the way Tarin, why are you so concerned about my future wife?"

"With all due respect, you shouldn't let your personal grudges cloud your decisions"

"Watch your words" Arin commanded. Betting on their relationship and respect they held for each other, Tarin continued.

"Ms. Pari is a good person sir, and it wasn't right for you to force marriage on her so bluntly. Besides, taking a rejection gracefully is more mature" Tarin quiet literally blurted his opinion quickly in a single breath as he nervously waited for Arin's outburst. If there was anything, the great excellent Arin hated, it was to be told what to do.

But nothing happened. For a moment, Tarin thought he had got through that stone-headed Arin, who severely lacks the social skills and empathy he pretends to possess. But he was wrong, Arin respected Tarin for his loyalty and ability, he was barely holding in his anger. He gritted his teeth as he spat.

"I won't tolerate this insolence next time. Leave!" Tarin knew better than to push Arin to the brink of his tolerance. He nodded and left the office room.

Arin leaned back in his chair...

"Funny, you even got the loyal, indifferent Tarin on your side Pari, what other tricks are you hiding under your sleeve? This little game of ours is getting interesting" Arin snickered.