FOE TO FLAME

3. ENCOUNTER

In a flash moment I found myself standing in the COO's office. Nervousness gripped me tightly as the secretary introduced me to Reyan, who was engrossed in his phone his gaze fixed downward. The secretary explained

"She's familiar with the place but couldn't attend an interview due to some issue, so I'm considering her for another position."

Reyan without lifting his head from his phone casually remarked, "If you've reviewed her resume, I have no problem placing her in any position."

Though I couldn't see his face clearly his voice stirred butterflies in my stomach. How could someone possess such a lovely deep voice?  Afterall he is Reyan, the epitome of perfection. Sweep with joy, I couldn't muster a single word no "thank you" nor any  questions. Reyan's mere presence rendered me speechless.
Once more, the secretary glimpsed my elated expression and offered a grin that was absolutely cute.

"Wait outside and I'll join you" he instructed. Giggling to myself, I exited the room  unable to contain the excitement bubbling inside me, eagerly waiting to share the incredible news with Jani maa.

Soon after the secretary approached me, his face beaming with a wide grin. "See I told you that you'd get the job. So who's the best me or Reyan?" he teased.

"Of course, you are. It's because of you that I got this job. I'm truly thankful to both of you for hiring me without any issues and please convey my thanks to  Sir Reyan, too. I was too excited to say anything properly earlier Your treat is also pending. I promise I'll treat you properly in the future."

He stood with both of his hands in his pockets and by leaning towards me replied, "I'm looking forward to working with you and to receiving a treat from you Mannat." With a casual mention of my name he continued, "I like your name it suits you." I smiled, and curiously asked for his name. He said it is Aryan. "Your name suits you as well sir Aryan" I replied, beaming widely

REYAN

My day begins with fresh coffee. After enjoying a cup, I engage in some exercise for a solid 30 minutes. Upon returning, I take a quick cold bath. I then dial Aryan's phone number.

''Hey, love, you called me this early. Are you coming to the office? I don't want excuses anymore. I can't endure your dad's scolding for the third time in a row,'' he exclaimed in one breath.

''Are you out of your mind? First, don't call me love. I'm not your love You're a grown-up man, behave maturely.''

''Scolding your love? You're so rude your love is sad now'' Aryan said.

''Oh god, I want to break this man's back'' I muttered in a cold voice.

''Okay, love, cool down'' he responded.

''can't you be serious. Let's have breakfast together,'' I suggested.

''Oh, come on. Is this the reason you called your love early in the morning? How can I not listen to my love's ord--rr...,'' he started, but I cut the call.

This man can never be serious. I should accept that I love the way he teases me but I've never confessed to him, and I won't until my death. He is my family, childhood friend, and beyond that, I trust him a lot.

I drove to the office, accompanied by lofi songs. Aryan, as usual was late so I decided to do some paperwork and enjoyed another cup of coffee while checking emails to close a deal with a client. Aryan approached me with a smile and said

''Love, I want a favor from you'' I quickly interjected, ''Don't call me love I'll reject Aryan"

"you are so rude, and chill, Reyan I need a favor from you"

I glance at him and say "Approved." No matter the favor. I always trust him the most. Later he introduces a girl, asking to keep her in any position. Without looking up I replied

''If you have checked her resume, I have no problem keeping her at any position."

I avoid looking or talking to her trusting only  Aryan's decision I approved her, soon I want that lady to get out of my office because the woman wearing the fragrance is what I hate the most, and I don't want that woman in my office anymore it's unbearable. She exited my office without even saying a word, leaving a rude and bad impression on me

Though she leaves, her fragrance lingers. I took a freshener and sprayed the room. soon enough my whole mood was ruined because of her. Without a word, I step out for a breath of fresh air. My room is suffocating, so I called Aryan's, ordering him to cancel all my meetings for today. He doesn't question me and follows my directive "is he okay." With plenty of time I decide to go for a football shooting session.

Until afternoon, I was in a shooting session. Dad has called me four times by now, and I haven't picked up a single call. I know I'll get an earful from him later. After the shooting session, I went to the heritage club to finalize a deal, and that's where I bumped into Mahi Malhotra, the model and young chaebol of the Malhotra Group. She's so annoying I just don't like her at all. It feels like my day is so unfortunate. She spotted me and called my name.

"Mr. Reyan, what a coincidence. I was going to see you at your house. Fortunately, we met here. How lucky I am."

She approached for a hug. My unlucky day starts with that office lady. How unfortunate she is for me.

I stepped back and broke the hug without saying anything to her. I excused myself and made my way to the VIP room she followed me there. I tried my best not to make an entry of her in the room but lost, as she is a member of the club and no one can stop her from going anywhere, not even me. So, patiently, I was waiting for my client while using my phone. Hoping to avoid further interactions with her.

I sat on a couch, and sensed her standing before me. An uncomfortable silence hanging the air After the whole 30 seconds she broke the silence and said, "Sorry for my behavior, Mr. Reyan."

Caught off guard, I glanced up, meeting her gaze just as she leaned in to kiss my forehead. A jolt of heat surged through me, leaving me frozen and utterly stunned. Before I could process the peculiar gesture, she withdrew, offering a perplexing explanation.

"You looked so frustrated, so I thought to calm you. Please don't mind."

Still in shock, I struggled to respond when an abrupt knock on the door signaled the arrival of my clients.  she excused herself and left the room without even looking at me.

Hope you guys enjoyed the Encounter of Reyan, Mannat, Mahi, and especially the Yan's (reyanxaryan) teasing love conversation should I ship this Bromance 😜😂