Shots Pageant

Shot 14(iii)- Architect meets CEO

Knock Knock

"Come in", Annika answered the knock on her cabin's door. She was busy since past few days. It's been six days since her parents had left for Amsterdam and the whole responsibility of the work had landed on her. Afterall, she was going to be the new CEO. She is also the signing authority in place of her father meaning all the decisions about running Bareja Heights are hers.

These days, she was sleeping poorly. In the middle of the night, out of no where, she used to wake up and work on different ideas and projects for the company. She is taking over Bareja Heights after a month. A day after her birthday. The bombshell was being gifted to her by her parents. Bareja Heights was not less than handling a bomb.

But the most amazing thing that has happened in the past six days was Mr. Architect. They have became friends. They share their problems with each other. Before meeting him, she used to think that only her life has so many issues. But she was wrong.

Shivaay had suffered a lot in his life. He was an orphan. Did his schooling on scholarships. A bright mind which craves for love. He was a nice guy. She liked him. Not loved but yes, liked him.

As snapped out of her thoughts when Shivaay walked over, "Ma'am?"

She smiled and looked over to him, "It's Annika", she reminded him. She used to feel awkward when she was being called 'Ma'am' by him. Yes, every one in this office calls her the same but it felt strange with him.

"I want to get used to it. I don't want to mess with Mr. Bareja", he told.

"Have a seat", she eyed at the chairs across her table.

"No, infact, you get up. Grab some coffee", he said.

She sighed and glanced at the clock. Shoot it was four. She was sitting here on this desk for straight three hours, "I didn't realise it was so long", she got up and closed the lid of her laptop. She stretched her aching body.

"I have ordered tea for me and frappuccino for you", he told.

As they have started bonding, they usually have their meals together. And sometimes evening coffee too. He wasn't a man who liked coffee. He preferred tea more.

As their order came, they walked to the small garden attached to the cabin. It was light and good around.

"So? Are you getting good here?", she asked picking her cup.

"Hmm. Why wouldn't I? A starting package of seventy lakhs is way more than I ever thought. I would need to get comfortable even if I don't feel like", he laughed.

She laughed with him, "Yeah. How much was your salary in your previous firm?"

"Since I was mere an employee there and here I am a project head, it was just a package of twenty lakhs", he told.

She was surprised. Twenty lacks was something which she used to spend in just mere shopping on her birthdays or other special occasions. And he used to earn twenty lakhs an year, "I don't know how you used to manage"

He looked sadistically at her. She was joking right? "Are you kidding me?"

"What?", she was amused.

"It was more than enough for me. Like really more", he said.

"Oh", she realized her stupidness. Means she used to spend what other people earned in years, in just a single day. Oops.

"Krishit. He told me you made him get a job here", he asked.

"Yeah, he was my school friend. The only one", she told.

"Only one?"

"Yeah, everyone in school feared being my friend cause I was a Bareja child. You know upper class thing and all. It was worst", she laughed slightly.

"Worst", he smiled.

"You know, I really like being like this. You, me, talking, sharing life and experience, it means so much to me", she looked at him in his eyes.

"It means to me too", he smiled.

"It means much more to me. I mean finally I have someone to talk. Mom and Dad were always busy with office and clients and social gatherings that I never got any attention. I--leave it", she smiled and tried to not make it sound emotional. She cleaned her face where a drop of tear just landed.

He turned to her and kept his cup asked, "You aren't crying, aren't you?", he kept his hands on her arm.

She chucked, "No"

"Share it with me. What is there in your heart. I won't say this to anyone", he massaged his hand over.

"I--I just don't know. It's something bad which makes me sad", she tried to avoid the topic.

"Well, then I can share something. I was not always an orphan. I know my parents. I was five when they died. A train crash. It was tough. To suddenly shift to an orphanage from a home. Though a tiny home, but it was a home. We didn't had any supporting relatives. So rest is history", he smiled sadly.

She was shocked to know about his past. It was pathetic. And painful, "I am so sorry"

"Will you share it now?", he asked.

"Well, it was my brother. Annik Bareja. We used to be so close. So damn close. Sharing secrets, loving each other. But he died. A tumor in his brain", she cried. It was so tough for her. So tough, "My parents tried to erase every memory of him as I was slipping in depression. And hereby, we aren't even allowed to take his name in our home. Except for his birthday and death anniversary, with they celebrate and mourn on my insistence", she had herself in a poor condition.

"Hey", he took her in his embrace. He soothed her down. He tried to comfort her. They have experienced a common pain. Pain of loss of someone they loved.

She composed herself and moved away, "So, Shivaay, it really means a lot to me. You really mean a lot to me. You are the first person after Annik that I could talk to. He was my twin. We had connected thoughts but you make me feel alive again. It feels like I am that fifteen year old Annika, all smiles and no sadness. I love being with you", she confessed.

"I like being with you too Annika. You are the only one I open up to. I don't know how to say it but I wanted to be with you ever since we met in that garden. I felt a connection", he confessed.

"I have always learnt from my life is to confess before it's too late. Annik had so much to say to Mom and Dad when he was on his death bed. Our parents were never with us so that we could share our feelings. But Annik died even before tell them that he loved them", she yanked closed to Shivaay.

"I don't know this but I want to be with you Annika", a tear escaped his eye. 

"Me too", she moved forward and connected their lips.

Hit the vote button if you like it!

Okay so I have a major drift in between them as an idea ahead. Do you want that part. They will reconcile in the same.

Or should I just end this shot story here?