Her Dangerous Obsession

Chap 3 - The Clash

Author's POV

Adhrit stepped inside conference room confident... until his eyes landed on the woman seated at the center of the panel - the woman from the road - Anaisha Mehrotra.

His breath hitched. She also got surprised for a moment, watching him there, but then, smirked.

Her crossed legs, sharp gaze, and that smug smile - all screamed control.

The very same woman, whose car had nearly hit an old man, and who then had the audacity to call him a "Road Side Moral Values Lecturer".

Adhrit's hands clenched into fists at his sides.

"Mr. Adhrit Mishra, please have a seat", one of the board members spoke politely, completely unaware of the storm already brewing in the room.

He nodded, suppressing the thousand retorts itching on his tongue, and took his seat. But his gaze didn't leave her - neither did hers.

After a few formal questions from the other panelists, Anaisha finally spoke, her tone sharp, lips curled into a condescending smile.

"So... Mr. Mishra, it's impressive that you topped your college. But tell me, have you ever worked under pressure... or are you more of a 'stand-on-road-and-lecture-people' kind of person?"

Adhrit's brows furrowed, his jaw tightening.

"I believe I already demonstrated my presence of mind and moreover, asking this kind of question, you are being unprofessional, and-"

"Oh, don't flatter yourself...", she cut him off, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"A guy, who likes to unnecessarily interfere in other's matters, does not look good, when he talks about presence of mind and maturity. It is so reckless of a person to interfere in something, that doesn't concern that person. Isn't it the sign of being immature and idle?"

He clenched his fists tightly, so that he could somehow control himself.

"Look mam, this incident has nothing to do with this interview... You are being personal for no reason... You should keep your personal and professional life seperate...", He retorted.

This time - she clenched her fists.

She shot him a sharp glare, and lashed out, "So now, a so called middle class boy, who came in my company for a job, will tell me, how to be professional in my work? Stay in your limits... And apologize to me...!!"

He looked around - the other interviewers were exchanging confused glances, unsure how to respond to the palpable tension.

Adhrit took a deep breath, and murmured slowly to himself, "Don't lose it, Adhrit... not yet."

And then, looking at her, spoke, trying to stay calm, "I only did, what I thought was right. Then, and even now, I am not the one, who is wrong. And if standing up for a helpless man makes me 'unprofessional', 'reckless', and 'immature' in your eyes, then maybe, this company isn't where I belong. I am not teaching you anything, because I already know my limits, and yes, last, but not the least, if I am not wrong, why should I apologise to you?"

Upon hearing his words, her fists clenched even tighter, and anger flashed in her eyes.

All the other people gasped, hearing his bold reply - to Anaisha Mehrotra - the egoistic woman.

Anaisha inhaled a sharp breath, controlled herself, and leaned back.

Her voice casual, but cutting. "Exactly. It isn't. This company isn't , where reckless, and useless people like you belong..."