Deep In Desires

Chapter 3: Rup

It's been a week since that whole  incident went down, and I've just been lying through my teeth to my family about it. I told them I lent my beloved scooty to a friend, but my mom totally saw right through that one. She knows I don't really have any close friends, Priya. And Priya doesn't have many good reason to be borrowing Pushpa. But i managed her as well.

Anyway, there was this big event at my college today - the CEO of  the jewelry company Chandī & Hīrā was coming to give a talk. I was actually pretty excited for it because I love looking at new jewelry designs, and I even doodle some of my own ideas, though they're just gathering dust in my drawer.

But with Pushpa out of commission, I had to take the bus to get to the college. Ugh.

I actually don't understand how i got up the nerve to confront the dude! I don't know what came over me, but I was feeling super confident that day.

The dude was admittedly good-looking, but the second he opened his mouth, I just wanted to punch that handsome face of his. What an arrogant jerk!

I really don't understand why I found him attractive in the first place. Though I gave him my number just for pushpa but I haven't received any text or call from his end since that day. I just want pushpa back! Because Pushpa ke liye, I'd do just about anything.

I just hope I never have to see that obnoxious man again. All I want is my scooty back, and then i hope to never see that jerk again!

I was seated in the seminar hall in the front row, eagerly awaiting the start of the event. Suddenly, my phone started ringing. I quickly stepped to the side to take the call, not wanting to disturb the others.

"Hello Mumma, what happened? I told you I'd pick up the dhaniya on my way back!" I said, trying to sound casual.

"Forget the dhaniya, some man in suit-pant came and dropped off your scooty. You said you lent it to your friend Priya, so who was this?" my mother questioned, sounding perplexed.

"Oh, that must have been Priya's brother. He must be returning it on her behalf," I replied, quickly thinking of an excuse.

I was shocked to hear that my scooty had been delivered directly to my home, without me even being contacted.

How did he know where I lived?

As I was talking to my mother, everyone suddenly stood up and started clapping. I was in the far corner of the hall, so I couldn't see who was coming. And suddenly, a deep, resonant voice rang out.

"Good morning, everyone," the voice said, commanding the attention of the entire room.

I wonder why the voice sounded so familiar. I turned around to see who was on the stage and there he was.

The man from the other day, the one who had been so rude to me. Just my luck!

I internally screamed at my luck and went to sit in my place as he started. Should I just go back home? Ugh!

He continued his speech, his deep voice catching the attention of the room.
"Gentlemen, if you want to succeed in the business world, it's crucial that you project an image of class and sophistication. Even if you're not a millionaire yet, you need to carry yourself with an air of elegance. That's the kind of presence that will earn you respect and open doors for you."

He paused, surveying the audience.
"After all, perception is reality in the corporate realm. So remember, how you present yourself - your attire, your mannerisms, your overall demeanor can make all the difference between being overlooked and being recognized as a true leader in your field."

I listened, feeling the irony of his words. This was the same man who had been so rude and dismissive towards me. How could he stand there preaching about etiquette and elegance when he himself seemed to lack those very qualities? I couldn't hold back any longer.

"Excuse me, sir!" I said and raised my hand.

I stood up, clearing my throat to catch the CEO's attention. "Excuse me, sir, if I may ask you a question?" I said, my voice dripping with polite sarcasm.

He turned towards me, his expression changing from neutral to amused as a smirk made its way to his face. "Of course, please go ahead," he said, his tone laced with a hint of condescension.

I paused for a moment, choosing my words carefully.
"Well, I couldn't help but notice the, shall we say, interesting way you seem to put your principles into practice." I tilted my head slightly, my gaze unwavering.
"I'm simply curious to know if that's the standard you hold all aspiring business leaders to."

His brow furrowed, and I could see the slightest hint of amusement in his features. "I'm afraid I don't quite follow what you're implying, Miss..." He paused, pretending to forget my name.

"Oh, I think you do," I said smoothly, cutting him off. "After all, actions speak louder than words, don't they?" I allowed a small, almost imperceptible smile to play on my lips.

"I'm just wondering if you extend that same... consideration to everyone you interact with, or if it's reserved for a select few." I raised an eyebrow, challenging him to respond.

The audience watched in rapt silence as the tension built between us. I could see the CEO struggling to maintain his composure, his jaw tightening ever so slightly. I felt a surge of satisfaction at having ruffled his feathers.

"I assure you, miss, that I hold myself and all those I work with to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity," he said, his voice measured but with a hint of irritation.

I arched an eyebrow slightly. "Is that so?" I asked, my tone dripping with skepticism.

The CEO's lips twitched, just for a moment. "One would hope that even the most discerning eye could recognize such qualities," he said, his words laced with a subtle challenge.

"Hmm, I see." I tilted my head, maintaining eye contact. "And I suppose the occasional... lapse, is simply the price of doing business?" I asked, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

A flicker of something passed across his features, gone almost as quickly as it appeared.

"Darling, I can assure you that I am always fully aware of the consequences of my actions," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Or maybe you would like a personal demonstration?" His voice awfully deep.

I felt the corners of my mouth turn up ever so slightly. "I neither have a doubt of your awareness nor am I interested ina personal demonstration sir." I replied, my voice equally smooth. "Though I must say, I'm rather curious to see how aware you truly are."

The CEO regarded me for a moment, the barest trace of a smile playing on his lips. "Well then, I do hope I'll have the pleasure of enlightening you further," he said, his voice a low and velvety.

The audience sat in rapt silence, the unspoken tension between us palpable. I held the CEO's gaze, refusing to back down. This was a battle of wits, and I had no intention of being the first to blink.