The Ugly Beauty

Part-4

The next few days passed in a blur although I was ecstatic during those days. I hate to accept it though but I seemed more cheerful. Every night I slept with a smile rather than crying my heart out, it was peaceful but not temporary. He asked me to join him for a cup of coffee one day along with Mrs. Jhunjhunwala but I denied, knowing well about where it could lead.

Why do you look so familiar?

I could swear that I have seen your face before,

I think I like the way you seem sincere

I think I'd like to get

To know you a little bit more

Who knows by Avril Lavigne started playing. Without checking the caller id I answered, "Hello?"

"Hey, nerdy" Siddharth was way cheerful for my own liking.

"What?" I snapped.

"Don't snap at me. You asked once to let you know if I needed any help, right? I want you to be in my office within 20 minutes. I'll text you the address, ok?" His voice was stressed.

"Fine, I'll be there. Bye" I ended the call and left my appartment within 5 minutes after collecting my purse and car keys.

I reached precisely after 20 minutes to the address he texted me. It was a huge 4 storey building, the upper storey was a book store while the third storey was a gift shop. He told me to find him at the second floor, so I did. The receptionist told me to wait while she called Mr. Malik. Hahaha I was laughing remembering the way he used to itch his scalp, his cheek and everywhere when we were in high school, everyone used to avoid him. He was a geek. He was my science partner and a cute one I might add but even I found his endless discussion about how criminology is so fascinating, annoying. He used to share how his famous story of a cold blooded mastermind criminal who tortured 25 girls in a dungeon beneath his house, and believe me that was so creepy. And now that guy was sexy Mr.Malik huh and me; school's popular nerd chick is a nobody. Time does changes everything. I sighed and saw Siddharth heading straight towards me in an armani suit. I never knew he was that rich.

"This is not my suit I borrowed it from a friend as I was having a very important meeting with some foreign delegates today. I hope you don't mind me like this. " He knew how I think about the people who think that wearing expensive clothes will make you superior and everyone else inferior.

"Yes, it's completely fine."I frowned.

"So, stop frowning K. I would have changed if I could. I remember your distaste about people who are superficial.."

I was shocked that he still remembered that,maybe he is poor with faces but he's good at remembering other things. "You are quite observant then." I said looking straight into his eyes.

Suddenly he came really close to me, our eyes were locked, I remember closing my eyes for something else but he hugged the life out of me. "I remember everything about you K every single thing." His voice was full of unidentified emotions.

I could not move, my heartbeat was in overdrive, my throat went dry. His words were not making sense. Yes, we were close but we were never best of friends. He remembers you as a friend, just as a friend. And what were you expecting K? Stupid, dumb woman.

I removed myself from his embrace, avoiding eye contact "What can I do for you, master?" I said laughing trying to ease away the discomfort.

"I need you to arrange all the files according to their names, then I want you to type an affidavit and a PIL; after that you're free to go, slave" He smiled.

"Cool, but don't you have a secretary to do stuff like that?"

"I do have a secretary, but since she is on leave for 2 days you are the substitute."

"I don' t work for free if its not for a social cause, you know?"

"Don't worry I'll be paying you heavily even for 2 days."

"So where are the files?"

"In my office, follow me."

"Miss Tara, please don't disturb me for half an hour as I'll be showing Miss Kiara her work, tell dad about this if he asks for me."

The receptionist nodded while Siddharth started walking towards the ground floor.

"So your office is on the ground floor? Don't you think the place is too small for a rich guy like you?" I asked sarcastically.

He stopped walking and turned towards me with a hint of anger. " Yes my dad works on the second floor while I like working on the ground floor. Just because my dad is rich doesn't mean I am rich too, I am a nobody, establishing a career on my own. I am just following my dreams, like you." He answered.

I knew that was harsh, but I want him to hate me, to pity me just like everyone else.

I was done with all my work for today after 2 hours. I started picking my purse up and opened the door of Siddharth's office to let him know that I'm leaving.

He was reading a file when I entered, I was about to speak when he practically ordered, "You must be tired by now, I want you to have coffee with me."

"Is that an order?" I asked aggressively.

"It could be." He said still looking in that god damn file.

"Then I am not following your orders Mr. Malik." I told him and started leaving. Within seconds, he grabbed my wrist. That was so fast. "Let me remind you, you are my employee for 2 days and you cannot disrespect your boss. When I said I was paying heavily that meant I was giving 50% of my annual salary for Ananya and your treatment. I know you were raising funds for that. I wanted to help and I knew you'll never ask so I thought why not offer you a job as my assistant's substitute and help Ananya and you out."

I was seeing red now. How could he? He was manipulating me now to work for him? Not happening, jerk.

"You are not who I used to know and I don't know how but I am going to help Ananya and I on my own. I don't want to see you ever again." I said coldly and left.

Quote:

Every pain, every obstacle and everyone who hurt me made me realize how strong I am.