Games of Deception

Chapter 6 - Ambivalence

Friday, May 8th 2015

The falling sun beckons the glowing, white orb of the full moon with vibrant hues of grey, black and purple. The grounds beneath glistened with the fresh dew of raindrops. The light, fluffy, grey clouds interspersed in the dusky sky has throughout the day, formed into dark, ominous, near pitch black clouds and poured down their wrath. The scorching, bright sun was met with several mini showers only for the sun to win and shine again. The fickle weather is much like her, Madhu reflects broodingly as she stares out the large window, facing out on the busy, buzzing streets.

She shakes her head at her whimsical thoughts and faces away from the window. Madhu walks back to her small, dingy corner cubicle and stares at the dress hanging on the wall. Staring at the white, silk matte jersey, key-whole neckline dress that she bought on sale from Black and White last night, she reflects on her indecisiveness. Ever since Rishabh Kundra invited her for a late night date at Aer, Four Seasons Hotel, she has been debating the pros and cons of fraternizing with such a man. There is no denying it, she is utterly, devastatingly, attracted to him. It is already Friday evening, yet she still can't seem to make a firm decision. Her heart wants to go and explore the dangerous currents of sexual energy that emanated from his person. Yet her brain knows to act on her impulse and give in to a dangerously attractive man like Rishabh is to play with a lion.

Mentally exhausted, she slumps down on her revolving chair and leans her head against it. Squeezing her eyes shut, Madhu contemplates, she has enough complications in her life and Rishabh is a complication she cannot afford. Yet she also knows he is the key for her to carry on with her plan. By asking her out, he has presented her with the perfect opportunity and she would be foolish to ignore it. Swiveling side to side, she shakes her head in consternation. Madhu is frustrated with her nonsensical behavior; the way she is going about, one would think, her decision is of great national importance.

She smacks her forehead. It is nothing more than a couple of drinks at a ritzy lounge. Madhu convinces herself that it is not a date, she is just simply meeting him for drinks. Rishabh did not call it a date so why should she? She can handle it even though he is the most enigmatic man she has ever encountered. Madhu is determined; she is more than woman enough to handle him and rebuff his advances.

"Malik!" Mentally shaking off her thoughts, Madhu turns around and leans forward to find Mukherjee standing at the door to his office. With his ever perpetual frown marring his hardened, wrinkled face, he glowers ferociously, beckoning at her with the crook of his finger. She sighs and uncrosses her legs to stand up. As she follows him into his office, Madhu silently sends up a prayer that her boss has not gotten any ridiculous idea to saddle her with an unwanted project which will do nothing to advance her career.

Mukherjee gestures at Madhu to take a seat as he leans his reed thin frame against the wooden desk. "You know why I called you in here Malik?" He barks in a raspy voice. Madhu slightly elevates one brow and responds calmly, "No sir. I am afraid I did not consult my crystal ball today to know why you called me in sir." His face breaks out into a rare smile and he chuckles, "I like that humor of yours Malik. Don't ever lose it."

Madhu inclines her head graciously and states, "thank you sir." Sobering up and schooling his expression, Mukherjee states gruffly, "Well Malik, I should congratulate you but I won't. Instead you should thank me for being awesome and for always supporting your ass."

She blinks her eyes in confusion and inquires, "What do you mean Mukherjee? Is it on the piece I wrote on Rishabh Kundra? Even though I never completed the interview, I worked really hard on it. " She smiles excitedly, "Did I impress the senior editor that he wants me to write regularly for the editorial page?"