LOVE SOAKED

Chapter 3: The Client with Kind Eyes and naughty hands

TRISHA

My stomach churned like a runaway dosa batter as Mr. Vidhyuth, my tyrant of a boss, steered me into Asher Brown's swanky office building. This was the high-profile client I'd been promised – a chance to prove myself. Except Mr. Vidhyuth was determined to turn it into his own ego-stroking performance.

"Don't even think about opening your mouth unless I tell you to," he hissed, his cologne a sickly mix of aftershave and desperation. "This is a big fish, Trisha. Don't mess this up."

I gritted my teeth. My boss treated me like a decorative plant – pretty but silent. My dream of starting my own interior design firm, "Desi Dreamscapes," seemed further away than ever. Maybe, a ridiculously unrealistic thought flickered in my mind, marrying the client wouldn't be such a bad idea. A handsome, rich client who'd let me unleash my creativity on his office... and maybe open that cute little cafe I'd always dreamt of down the street.

The receptionist, a woman with a smile as sharp as her bob, announced our arrival. A moment later, a tall figure emerged from a glass-walled office, his casual shirt straining against broad shoulders. My breath hitched. Forget the cafe, I wanted to redecorate my entire life with this view.

Asher Brown, in person, was even more captivating than his photos. His smile was genuinely warm, the kind that crinkled the corners of his hazel eyes. He exuded a quiet confidence that made Mr. Vidhytuth's bluster seem even more childish.

"Mr. Vidhytuth," Asher greeted, his voice a smooth baritone. "And this must be Trisha, your... associate?"

Mr. Vidhyuth puffed out his chest. "Junior architect, actually. One of my most talented designer."

Asher's gaze flicked to me, a silent question in his eyes. I forced a smile. "Thanks for having us, Mr. Brown. It's a pleasure to be here."

"The pleasure is mine, and please, call me Asher" he replied, gesturing towards his office. "Shall we discuss your vision for the renovations?"

Mr. Vidhyuth launched into a monologue, peppered with jargon and demands that made me want to crawl under the nearest rug. Asher, however, kept glancing my way, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. Once, during a particularly long-winded speech about marble countertops, he raised an eyebrow and mouthed "Really?" to me. A silent giggle bubbled up from my chest, a welcome release from the tension.

Finally, my boss paused for breath. "So, Trisha, any brilliant ideas you want to share?" There was a snarky undertone to his question that I despised.

Before I could formulate a response, Asher spoke. "Actually, Mr. Vidhyuth, I've noticed Trisha hasn't had much of a chance to contribute. Perhaps we could hear her thoughts on the project?"

The way he said it, a gentle yet firm request, disarmed my asshole boss. He sputtered for a moment before grudgingly agreeing.

Taking a deep breath, I launched into my vision for the space – a contemporary design with clean lines, pops of vibrant colors reflecting Bangalore's energy, and natural elements to create a calming atmosphere. As I spoke, I felt a thrill I hadn't experienced in ages. My passion for design shone through, and Asher listened intently, nodding in appreciation.

When I finished, my boss cleared his throat. "Interesting ideas, Trisha," he conceded. "But perhaps a bit... unconventional for a corporate setting?"

Asher chuckled. "Mr. Vidhyuth, my office doesn't have to be a stereotypical box. Trisha's vision sounds refreshing. Let's explore it further, shall we?"

He spent the rest of the meeting asking me detailed questions about my design, his genuine interest a balm to my soul. He even complimented me on my use of "kitsch" elements (a subtle dig at Mr. Vidhyuth's outdated tastes, I was sure).

As we wrapped up, a new feeling blossomed in my chest – a flutter that might have been hope, or maybe… well, definitely a crush on a very handsome, green-flag-waving client. And who knew, maybe "Desi Dreamscapes" wasn't such a distant dream after all.

Leaving Asher's office, I couldn't help but grin. Maybe this high-maintenance client wouldn't be so bad after all. Especially if it meant working with him – and maybe, just maybe, getting a little closer. "Sahi hai na?" I whispered to myself, a mischievous glint in my eyes. (It'll be alright, won't it? )

I couldn't help but ask myself, was I developing a crush on my client? Was I that starved for attention and recognition that a client defending me gave me a bunch of butterflies?or was it because of the way he looked right into my soul with those eyes, or the way he intentionally let his hands linger on my back as he led me out of his office? Fuck!! I'm going crazy.... Thinking there is atleast gossip for my two gossip monger besties I chuckled to myself and walked back to my office.