DANGEROUSLY

The Meeting

Beads of sweat dripped down his face. He was too stunned to speak and this man didn't look like the type  to set things in motion but he was the one commanding the motion. But here he was quivering. There was a new bidd in town and he needed to put his heart which he never did, in check. Sky called him to join him for the lunch turned almost dinner. They sat in there in silence and when the meal was done Sky took his leave. Pai breathed a sigh of relief unknown to him that outside, just behind the door stood Sky holding onto his chest. He later went to join the rest of his colleagues who were feeling really bad for him. He could hear their mocking tone loud and clear. Their show of concern was double sided as one lady made a slip by saying " hope you don't become his night piece." Sky wasn't smiling and she instantly knew she took the joke too far. She quickly apologized and went to her desk. Everyone continued working. Sky stood up, took his bag and left to the cafe across the street. He stayed there for some time before he went home. He had no intention of letting petty things get to him. Things like this didn't bother him before but for some reason he was pretty upset. Upset with the fact that Pai didn't speak to him after they ate also upset with the workers situation. He really wanted to take it with a grain of salt but he couldn't. It was night time. He stayed in the cafe for a long time to make sure he sees Pai's car go home.
Pai stayed on his phone awaiting a call. He tried watching a movie but couldn't. He took the phone everywhere, Still no call. He was angry now. Why won't his secretary call him? Pai thought of so many possibilities but kept it inside. As they ate together earlier and he really wanted to tell him... There was a connection and it was not possible that he was the only one feeling it. There was a brief moment he looked at Sky. That moment was short but there was truly something there. He had already a bad reputation and there was nothing he would say to Sky that would make him believe him. The frustration kicked in as he held his hair and scattered it. There was no coming back from this.
Sky called Gun on the phone
" How quick is quick to move on from someone?"
" You just started working with him and you're already falling? I don't blame you though he's really handsome."
" Hey, I don't mean Pai, I just need you to...."
" I didn't mention any name did I?"
" I'm hanging up!"
" Wait, before you go, I need you to be careful. You've never really been in love or liked someone apart from Payu. It's rough out there so just be safe."
"But I've slept with people, seduced them. I think it's the same thing."
" It's not. At all. Just be careful... I need to sleep. Good night."
Sky pondered about it all night. The next day, Pai started avoiding him. Letting him into his office was a big problem and his mood had completely changed.
Payu called Sky to talk about work. It had already been two weeks and Rain and Pai were supposed to meet today. On seeing Payu's call that early in the morning, Sky assumed the worst picked up " What happened? Are you okay? Is our cover blown."
"Good morning by the way, I can assure you that we are safe."
"So why did you call so early?" Sky sat up thinking the worst.
"Today, I and my boss will be in your office." Sky's eyes widened. This was not what he wanted at all. Pai was avoiding him, he was going to meet the man that gives him trauma and all of this happening at once. They spoke a bit about their plan for today and hung up. Sky was beginning to get desperate. He wanted to talk to Pai but he was going to do it after the meeting.
Pai didn't even bother to come out like the last time. He stayed in the meeting hall awaiting everyone. It was quite peaceful this time as Pai put his personal grudge aside. After the meeting, he left as usual without speaking to anyone. Sky followed behind. Rain sat down for a while then became determined. He stood up and followed Pai. He told everyone in the hall not to follow him except Payu. On getting to the office, Pai wanted to slam the door but Sky forced his way through.
" Can you stop being an asshole? It's been close to two weeks, get over it!"
"Sky, I'm not ready to talk I seriously am not in the mood."
"And I am? We've not spoken since then, you avoid me like a plague."

"Can we talk now?"  Rain interrupted Sky and Pai. There was a little fear in his eyes, both their eyes. Pai tried walking out but Rain stood in front of him. Sky and Payu took that as their cue to leave. But Rain told Payu to wait. Sky waited too. He needed all the encouragement he could get because the next thing he did stunned everyone. HE WENT DOWN ON BOTH KNEES!! This was something Payu could swear with his life that Rain would never do. But here he was kneeling before Pai " I know I messed you up really badly leaving you with irreparable scars. I can't turn back time, I can't fix what I broke but can you please allow me to at least talk it out." Pai looked down at him. Sky felt chills because he had never seen this look of Pai before, so menacing and intimidating " talk it out? Don't delude yourself because I am such a horrible person because of you. Will you take responsibility? I went to trauma because of you, will you take responsibility? I couldn't tell love and hate apart all because a person like you taught it wise to prank me. I EVEN PLANNED A WEDDING OUT BECAUSE OF YOU? Rain, there's nothing you will do that will make me forgive you."
This struck a nerve for both Sky and Payu as they nervously left the room. They stared at each other for a while before admitting that whatever bad blood this two had ran deep.