Amour à Paris- a rekindled Romance

Chapter 6

She still sleeps like a puppy in the morning! Zain knew a morning interview was not Shirin's favourite but looking at her, sleeping on the keyboard of her MacBook, something inside him twitched. Alex wanted to wake her up immediately, Zain stopped him. He had to check some emails, so he decided to do that before the interview started, that is if Shirin was ready to do it after knowing his identity. However, knowing her professionalism, she would probably mask her feelings well and continue with the interview. Shirin Roy only knew how to be a journalist and based on what he read on the internet she really became a bloody good journalist. Good for her!

Zain was good at suppressing his anger, as his work didn't allow him to lose it easily. He has learned to use his anger to get things done. However, it was not just anger, he was feeling a lot of things by just looking at Shirin who was still asleep, without knowing that hell was waiting to be unleashed upon her.

He was still curious about her becoming a Financial Journalist. He checked on her works and other details, it was impressive! That's no surprise though. He saw her fingers, no ring. Hmm. Is she still married to her work or maybe now there's someone? In the next moment, he blew that thought off. It doesn't matter anymore if she is single or not. Shirin Roy is a virus for his peace of mind, and he must stay away from her. He worked like a monster to make what Dreamscape Innovation today is. He knows if he didn't work like a monster he couldn't have survived his heartbreak. He was slipping into a dark pit, and it was his work that helped him survive.

His chain of thought suddenly broke as two things happened simultaneously. His phone vibrated and Shirin finally woke up from her slumber with a zolt. She looked kinda cute. Oh Hold your thoughts Zain, he scolded himself silently.

He kept his eyes on the iPad while Shirin woke up and saw him. He clenched his left fist under the table so that his face could stay calm and poised. He would not give Shirin Roy the satisfaction of knowing how her presence could affect him. Alex greeted Shirin and started with the introduction, "Ms. Roy, let me introduce you to our CEO..... Zain Khurrana??!!!

Zain was a little amused when his name came out of Shirin's mouth first instead of Alex's. Obviously, Alex was a surprised too, but he knew better than to show it. Alex has been working with Zain from the beginning and apart from Nikhil, he is the one Zain trusted the most. Alex excused himself, and Zain thought it was time for him to take the stage. He coughed lightly while Shirin found her composure.

S:- Hi Zain, long time! (Shirin extended her hand)

Z:- Mr. Khurrana (Keeping his hand in the pocket)

S:- huh!

Z:- I don't like to be addressed by my first name during work or interviews.

S:- Huh!

Z:- Shall we start? I cannot give you more than 90 minutes, Ms. Roy.

S:- huhh!!!!

Z:- well, if you keep doing huhh then I don't think I have the time for that. So...

Zain was ready to leave the table when Shirin suddenly got back to her senses. Her professionalism kicked in and she composed herself fast before saying, then according to my watch we have around 85 minutes left. That is enough for me. I am grateful that you have managed to give me the time today, Mr. Khurrana. I am Shirin Roy from Bloomsbury Chronicles. Let's start.

After 80 minutes....

Shirin:- The interview is complete. Thank you again for such a detailed interview. Dreamscape Innovation has made such an impact in the industry, Bloomsbury Chronicles would love to explore more in future. One last question, as I still have 4 minutes left. May I, Mr. Khurrana?

Zain:- Go ahead.

Shirin:- Are you single?

Zain:- And how is that important or relevant?

Shirin:- You are like an enigma. Maybe a little bit of personal touch would be good for our readers.

Zain:- Your time is up. Please see yourself out as I have another meeting.

Without shaking hands Zain just left the table and started calling someone. Shirin didn't leave immediately. She needs to work on the interview and send a copy to the editor so that she can publish it ASAP. She didn't notice it was already almost midday when a plate of chicken salad, a glass of orange juice and 2 fried eggs were delivered to her table. Before she could ask about those, she saw Alex coming over to her table. "You have been working and I saw you didn't eat so I've ordered these. Hopefully these are to your liking, Ms. Roy". Shirin didn't realize how hungry she was till she saw all that food. Alex excused himself just when Shirin remembered something and called him back.

S:- Alex! One more thing....

A:- Yes, Ms. Roy.

S:- Please, just call me Shirin. I really don't like being called so formally always.

A:- Absolutely, Shirin. So what can I help you with?

S:- I was wondering if there's any way one can get a ticket to the Moulin Rouge at last minute. Can you tell me if that is possible? I actually didn't think about it when I booked this trip, but last night I was in that neighborhood and I realized how much I wanted to enter".

A:- It is really difficult to get the tickets like that. It might also cost you a lot. I'll see what I can do. How long will you be staying here, Shirin?

S:- 10 days. Today is my 3rd day here. From here I'll be visiting the Alsace region. After that, I'll visit Germany.

A:- Oh, Alsace region is gorgeous. And may I ask how long you will be staying in Europe?

S- Oh, don't be so formal, Alex! I have 24 days of vacation but I have only planned the first 15 days. I want to keep the rest a bit flexible. I have some accommodations booked but that part I'll figure out on the go. It is Paris that I am most excited about, to tell you honestly.

A:- Yes, the city of Love. I wish you a pleasant stay here. Also, as you are so excited, you should actually see the town, instead of working during holidays, don't you think? We French do not work during holidays.

S:- I know, right? I'll wrap it up and start exploring again. Any suggestion?

A:- Do the midnight Bateaux-Mouches cruise. You won't regret it. Paris looks absolutely magical from the Boat.

 

At this moment his phone rang and he excused himself. Wishing Shirin a good trip once again.