Secret Romance with Shy Boss [Published]

Chapter 1

"I have packed your things Antara, just check once and let me know if you need anything else." I heard my best friend's voice from the room while I was making breakfast in a hurry.

I have been living in this apartment in Paris since the last 3 years. I didn't want to be a burden on my maternal uncle and aunt so I moved here after my parents’ death. But since my sister was apprehensive about me living alone in an unknown country, I began looking for a roommate and was lucky enough to find a colleague in my office itself. We share the rent and Sharon and I are best friends now. She hails from London and is an orphan. Fortunately, we both dreamt of working in the Singhania and Luthra Group of Companies and here we are! It is their sixth international branch while the head office is in India. Sharon works as a project manager and being the chief designer of the company, it's normal for me to travel with my boss. We have been to 11 different places together in the last 3 years I have worked with him. This time, we are going to Greece and I am keen on exploring the place.

As if boss is going to be your guide there! Boss! Oh damn! He can be here anytime now.

I quickly put the omelettes in two plates and called out to Sharon.

"I know you must have done your best with my stuff, but come on now, breakfast is ready."

I sat on the table as I saw Sharon brin9ging out my luggage. We ate in a hurry, actually I did, because boss is very particular about punctuality. And just then, I heard my phone ring.

"Is he here?” Sharon asked.

"No." I replied as I saw the caller ID.

"His driver, maybe."

Waving a goodbye to her, I ran downstairs. He always sends the car that takes me directly to his private jet. I opened the door of the car and I could feel my jaws drop seeing Boss sitting inside. He was busy with his cell phone and I slipped beside him while the driver took care of my
luggage.

"Good Morning, Boss." I greeted as I sat beside him making sure I maintained a distance of at least an inch between us.

He just nodded.

My boss is shy to respond to a greeting also. I sighed.

As we boarded the plane I took a window seat opposite to his and looked out of the window. I still remember the first time I saw him. I didn't realise when my eyes felt heavy as I lamented in the memory.

*3 years ago*

I was already late for office and the traffic made me crazier. The new CEO was arriving today and I needed to reach the premises before he did. All fed up, I decided to take the shortcut. I switched to the reverse gear and drove as fast as I could on the empty road. But all of a sudden my speed was hampered with a jerk. I realised something hit my car. Eyes peeping through a mirror, a black BMW tailing me was trying to match up with my speed but stopped as it hit me. I hit the brakes and stepped out towards the vehicle and banged on the glass window. He rolled down the glass and handed me a blank cheque. I couldn't see the face as he was wearing a black hoodie. I was already frustrated and it stirred me that instead of apologising he tried to bribe me. I ordered him to come out but heard the ignition and before I could confront him, he drive off the next moment. I too sat in mine and followed him. I forgot everything, my office, my new boss and the consequences. How dare he try to show me his power of money? He needed to apologize. I continued following him. I was bummed after a few minutes realizing that I lost him, but as I looked up, I was shocked to see the Singhania's banner. I had reached my office? I drove towards the parking and was shocked to see the same car parked.

"Anu!" I heard Sharon scream as I entered the office. "You are late."

"Mood?" I asked as I didn't want to make a bad impression on my new boss.

"Uncertain!"

I frowned. I decided to tell him the truth about what happened on my way before he would ask me. I reached the door and paused for a second. No need to be nervous, I said to myself. I am going to be the best chief designer he has ever worked with. I knocked the door after a deep breath.

"Yes?"

I heard a strong voice and opened the door slowly. As I entered, I saw him standing near the table. I tried not to gawk at the insanely attractive features that could make any girl with a cold heart melt away. He could easily sign up for modelling! The lush hair he groomed so carefully had a rippling quality. His mariner-blue orbs darted constantly, as they shone brightly. He wore nifty clothes and his spicy aroma was appealing. I tried to look everywhere but his body. I like to keep things professional at work, or at least I used to. Nevertheless, I didn't want my boss to have a wrong impression of me.

"Hello Boss, Antara Sharma. Your chief designer." I extended my hand excitedly.

To my dismay, he continued staring at me silently.

"Aalap. Aalap Singhania" he replied with a firm handshake.

I explained why was I late and all the mess I faced on my way and he just nodded. Like really, just nodded! After a small discussion on our new project, Mr. Singhania decided to leave. I
decided to help him to the parking lot and my eyes widened as he sat in his car. It was the same black BMW which had troubled me in the morning. Or should I say, I messed with him? I gave him an awkward smile as he looked at me rolling down the window. He suppressed his smile, I guess and drove off.

*Present*

"Miss Sharma?" A faint voice kept falling on my ears and I gradually opened my eyes to find
boss' hand on my shoulder.

God knows for how long has he been trying to wake me up!

"We have reached." He said.

"Sorry boss." I replied rubbing my eyes and he nodded, as usual.

I sincerely hope this trip brings in something new and exciting for me.