Tortuous Love

Chapter 5

After calling up Tanya and informing her about my promotion and about the apartment clause , I entered the building . As I was waiting for the lift to come down , Jake stood besides me and gave me his typical boyish grin .

"So how was lunch ?", he asked .

"It was good as usual" . I answered politely . Mr. Anand's warning ringing bells in my mind .

"Nice ! I was wondering if you would like to join me tomorrow ?"he said as we entered the lift . "There is a small gathering , Jackson is being transferred , so we are throwing him a farewell party . It's down the corner , in the small restaurant . "

"Oh yeah , why not ?What time is it ?" I asked .

"I'm not sure . It will be after office hours though ! I will come fetch you . We can walk it down ?" he asked hopefully .

"Yeah ! sure . " I said as the lift stopped at our floor . Jake gave me a smile and grabbed my hand to give a peck to the back of my palm .

At that very moment the lift doors opened and there stood Mr. Anand staring , moreover glaring at Jakes hand . Noticing his presence Jake quickly dropped my hand and after greeting him , he exited the lift.

I too exited the lift and gave Mr. Anand an akward smile . He just nodded and entered the lift . Before the doors closed he said "Meet me in my cabin at the end of the day ".

I nodded my head and quickly walked away . God  this man had big time mood swings .

I went to Jacksons desk to talk about the details of the contract . He told me that I had to collect my contract from the HR department and give it back to them by tomorrow . He further explained to me all the duties , showed me the how to manage stuff . He also warned me that Mr. Aanand had quite a temper but all in all he was a nice boss . He told me to keep an overnight bag ready at the office as I would need to fly with Mr. Anand whenever needed .

He wished me good luck before he rushed out the office . He had to get his personal belongings in order before leaving for London .I wished his luck and left .

I collected my contract and decided to go over it at home . When I returned to my desk , Anne was already at the desk . Even before I could take my seat she started bombarding me with questions .

"Spill it !! How was it ? Did he have a stick up his ass as usual ?What did you eat ? Where did you go ?I so totally know he likes you ?"she blabbered on .

"Okay .Hold it there . It was a business lunch . He so doesn't like me . And he gave me Jacksons job "I said with a little squeal .

"Oh my God! See I told you were overqualified for this position . I am so glad you got it !!! " she hugged me .

"We need to celebrate. I want a party . "she added .

"I will give you a treat this weekend . "I said . "Oh there's a farewell party tomorrow  for Jackson . Jake asked me to accompany him . And before you start trash talking about Jake , I know so just chuck it . He asked and I didn't feel right to refuse and you will be there . So I will just stick to you . "I said .

"Well you better stick to me . I am telling you that guy just so annoying "Anne said .

 We suddenly heard a throat clearing and I turned in my seat to look at Mr. Aanand's cold gaze . "May I have a word with you in my office " he said .

He stormed away before hearing my answer . Anne looked shocked as much as I did .

"I guess I should go see him . See you in a bit . " I said to her .

"All the best girl !" she said giving me a thumbs up .

I nodded and made my way towards his office . Jackson was not at his desk so I knocked at the door . "Come in " came a booming voice from inside .

"Mr. Anand you wanted to see me ?"I asked as I walked inside . He was going through a file , as I approached he flicked his gaze towards me .

God ! He seemed in a bad mood ! I gave him a meek smile . He motioned for me to take a seat opposite him .

"I assume you have collected your contract . Please hand it in by tomorrow . I also wanted to inform you that your apartment is ready , you can move at the earliest . " he said .

"Yes sir."I said .

He got up from his chair and walked towards me . "I would like a quality in my assistant  Ananya . That is obedience . "he said as he bent down to look at me . He sure as hell was intimidating .

"I apologize sir if I wronged you "I said daringly .

"Wronged me ?" he said as he quickly moved away from me and started pacing . "I told you stay away from him . Why can't you listen ?" he bellowed .

"With all due respect sir , this is personal . Jake is just a friend and colleague "I said .

"Bullshit . It became personal the day I saved you from that asshole . I can't see you falling for another one !" he said .

"You weren't my boss then , sir " I said .

"I don't care if I was your boss or not . But now I am and I expect you to listen to me . "He said .

"I thank you for your concern sir , but I think I can handle myself now "I said as I stood up from my chair .

"Just like you did the other day " he said with a cold and calm oice.

"Will you stop hanging it over my  head . It was a mistake and I have learnt  from it . " I said .

"You are stubborn aren't you ?" he said as he let go of me .

"I can say the same thing about you sir, "I retaliated .

"Rohit ..... I guess you are going to call me sir" ,he said .

" I prefer calling my boss sir !" I stated .

"Okay ! I prefer calling you Ananya "he told me " You can leave now !"

"Yes sir !" I said taking my leave .

"Collect you apartment keys from HR department tomorrow . "he added .

"Okay . Good evening "I said . I heard him chuckle before I closed the door , God knows what is his problem .

The day time was almost done , and everyone was ready to go home . Anne was waiting for me at my desk . She just raised an eyebrow questioning me silently .

"He wanted to discuss about the contract . "I said as I grabbed my purse .

"Girl , you sure are audacious to take up that position . God knows how Jackson did it for so long !"she mumbled as we entered the lift .

"We should gift something to Jackson . His farewell present "I said .

"Oh don't worry about that I will buy him something "She said .

"Can we split , so we can gift it together ?"I asked .

"Sure !I will text you later !"Anne said .

We bid goodbyes to each other . As I left the building a black SUV pulled up . I knew who it was ! The owner of this very car had saved me that day .

The door opened and Mr. Anand peeped outside .

"Get in Ananya ! I will drop you "he said. "Don't argue !"

I just sighed and quickly got in as the cars behind were honking . As soon as I got in , he quickly strapped me in ! He had to quit treating me like a kid !

" This will be your car from now on ! John will be with you throughout the day !All his details will be provided to you tomorrow !"he said in a business like manner .

"Yes sir !"I said obediently .

"I apologize for earlier "he said in a tight tone "I was out of line."

"No sir , it's alright . You were worried."I said .

We reached my apartment in half an hour . "Thank you for the ride.

"Take care Ananya!I look forward to working with you !Good night !" , he said .

"Good night , sir "I said . "I look forward to it too ," giving him a warm smile . I hope I had taken the right decision to take up this position .