The Lost Thread

A New Begenning

Maya was going to start today. She had done some shopping, two smart kurtas, a smart sweater and a matching legging. As she was going to be paid everyday, Maya took a risk to buy a small purse. After a few days, she would buy some cute little jeans and t-shirt for Kedar. and maybe a small toy car. 

These thoughts added a new spring to her steps. She had reached long before the scheduled 9:00, but as she approached the gates of the hotel, a cold sweat seemed to pass through her body. What if she cannot do the work? What if people are really strict? Anush seemed nice enough though. 

While she was standing at the gates, debating where to go, her phone starts ringing. It was Anush.

'Hi Maya. Hope you are not going to be late? The boss does not like tardiness.'

'Oh no. I am at the gates'

'Fantastic, just tell the guards you are Maya, and they will guide you to the conference room. We will be working there'

'Ok. See you then'

Maya was rushed to the tiny conference room, which has been turned into a mini office. She noticed only another table, where Anush was already seated. With the jacket discarded and sleeves rolled up, he looked more approachable today. 

Anush greeted Maya with a big smile and beckoned her to her desk and began explaining the work to her. The big boss was already in his room, so Anush wasted no time to get her settled before the fireworks started. Dhruv had looked more agitated than usual today, with the first temper-tantrum happening over a cup of coffee. 

Luckily Maya was a smart girl and it took very little time for her to understand the tasks. Both worked harmoniously for a while before the Anush's phone started beeping. 

Anush hurriedly went inside the office and Maya wondered how an usually affable Anush looked so strained at the prospect of visiting his boss. Nevertheless, Maya concentrated on her work and wondered, for the hundredth time, if she was making any mistakes. 

Dhruv's POV

Dhruv knew Maya was starting work today, and was itching to meet her. But with the characteristic patience, that made him such a successful businessman, he waited for the right moment. But the voices floating in from the other room did little to soothe him. The fact that Anush is there instead of him, did not sit well with him. But a boss cannot do an employees job. So, he waited for the right moment. 

Soon it was lunch-time. He debated ordering lunch, but suddenly had an idea. Wouldn't it be a nice gesture if they all had lunch together. After all, there were just the three of them. 

He typed a quick message to Anush, asking him to bring Maya in his cabin. 

Maya's POV

Another beep and Anush sits up straight. Seriously, his boss must be a real terror. Maya's thoughts suddenly got interrupted as Anush turns a very troubled gaze at her. 

Maya raised her brow in response, which went further up as Anush came to her table urgently. 

'Common, the boss wants to meet you'

Maya took a quick gulp and composed herself. Of course, the guy would at least wish to meet the new employee. She followed Anush into the room and tried to find the man. 

Before her gaze found him, she felt the pull. The old pull that was so familiar. Before her mind connected the pull with the memories, Maya's eyes clashed with the cool eyes of the man she thought looked familiar...too familiar. As Dhruv face swam into view, the voices faded to leave a buzzing noise in her ears. Then everything became black. 

Dhruv's POV

As Maya came in, Dhruv donned the face of a professional and turned to greet her. He was already aware of her beauty, but he was not prepared for the sudden punch of attraction that he would felt as soon as she walked in. With his blood buzzing in his veins, his waited with abated breath for those beautiful eyes to find his. But as soon as their gaze met, Maya's eyes widened in surprise, which was quickly followed by shock and then she collapsed. Luckily, Anush was right beside her and was quick to catch her. 

Although Dhruv was relieved the girl did not hit the ground, what ever concern he felt quickly evaporated at the sight of Anush's hands around the prone body. He closed his eyes for a moment to step the tide of anger and swiftly crossed the room to unceremoniously snatch her out of his hands. Anush's bewildered mutterings were soon cut off by the feeling of intense warmth that Dhruv felt from Maya's body. He lowered her body on the sofa and checked her temperature. She was unusually cold, then why did he feel warm. 

Dhruv wipped around to bark swift instructions to Anush. As Anush scrambled out to get a doctor, Dhruv swiftly put some distance between himself and the girl. His emotions were intact, but his body seemed to be experiencing a curious rush of excitement that had nothing to do with lust. It was a baffling blend of exhilaration and relief, which is quite contrary to the current situation. She might be a stranger, but he is still responsible for the well-being of his employee. Where the hell did that stupid Anush go?

Anush's POV

He was not at all prepared for the sudden turn of events. In his entire career, he has never had to deal with fainting employees. Although he has dealt with countless crying staff, hysterical girl-friends, hopeful mistresses, but fainting is a first. 

As he waited for the doctor, he for once was happy to have a problem taken off his hands. Although it was quite hard to explain the savagery with which Dhruv snatched Maya from his arms, he still was glad to leave the room. His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of the doctor, who looked like someone who is a guest in the hotel. 

As they reached the cabin, Dhruv moved to the other side of the room and waited patiently while the doctor checked her pulse. As his hands moved to take the sweater aside, Dhruv swiftly took a glass of water and liberally sprinkled Maya with it, without bothering how much of the water ended up on the doctor. The doctor's irritation was cut short with the soft signs coming from Maya. Dhruv slammed the glass on the table and went out of the room in search of the dinning hall. Anush and the doctor moved their collective, astonished glance from the slammed door back to that of the girl who was now waking up. 

Maya sprang up suddenly to see the two men peering down at her. The doctor hastily assured her to keep calm while Anush explained that she had fainted. Maya scrambled her brain to look for a reason, and came up with a blank. The word Dhruv came back in her mind, but she pushed it back. Now was not the time for her pity party. She had fainted on her first day of work. What a way to make an impression. 

'I am so sorry Anush. I don't know what happened'

'Oh don't worry about that. It's fine. It must be the stress of a new job.'

The doctor announced that there is nothing wrong with Maya, except perhaps overwork and stress. The last bit was added as an accusation with a caustic look at Anush, which made him instantly uncomfortable. He thanked the doctor as he took his leave and rushed to return to Maya's side. 

'Am I fired?'

Anush looked startled but was hesitant to offer an consolation. People have been fired for much less, but Dhruv was not unreasonable. Hopefully, the girl will not lose her job. 

His phone beeped. There was a message from Dhruv.

'Grab some lunch. Get some food into the girl and let her off for the day.'

followed by another, almost as an afterthought. 

'Ask her to report early tomorrow to finish her pending tasks'.

Anush heaved a sign and turned a smiling face towards Maya. 

'You are not fired, not at least today.'