Crossing The Devils Path

Chap 48- Whirlwind

They say Love is a journey.
I say love is a war.
It is but the battles of the heart that indeed transform us. Sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worst.
For until you fight with every fibre of your being, with your insecurities and vulnerabilities out in the open for your love to see, does Cupid reward you with love in return or contentment in your heart.

Even on my cosy bed, I didn't feel like sleeping anymore. The turn of events kept me awake. So I decided to make a cup of hot coffee to calm my mind. Swiftly moving out of bed I walked downstairs to the kitchen. Fishing out all the needed ingredients I kept the coffee on the stove and got lost in my thoughts again.
"Reena?" my mom called.
Turning my head towards her I realised she had switched off the gas and filled the coffee in the mug.
"I am home Mum, you can call me Richa you know?" I laughed a bit.
"Yes but with your new look and personality, Reena suits you more. What has kept you up so late?" she asked with concern.
"It's just. I met Richard at the business party but I didn't let him know it was me  I kept up my facade. While Ray said he liked me and would like to take us forward. I don't know Ma , I am stuck between my past and the coming future ." I huffed.
"It is called the present baby. You will get through. My daughter is strong; I know. But if you ask me I think it's time to move on. Give Ray a chance if you feel like it. Slowly one step at a time and you should be ok. If you and Richard are meant to be let time prove it to you ." Ma said
"I will think about it. But it is pretty late now, you should sleep." I replied.
"You too darling  Finish up and sleep fast." she smiled and went to her room.

An hour later I was back in bed thinking again but at some point in time I fell asleep. The next morning was a groggy affair. Sleepy head and unruly hair but work was waiting for me. I was late to work and had to trip and run to get into the lift. Fortunately, it was just me and Ray and for a few seconds silence fell upon us until Ray asked about his schedule which proved a reliving distraction for the both of us. I hurriedly opened my notebook and briefed him about the events of the day.  Once the lift dinged, we were walking towards his office, engrossed in a discussion about our upcoming project.
We reached his office and he opened the door for me to enter but I was so clumsy today that I bumped into the wall.
Wait, wall? There's no wall in front of the cabin door. Plus walls didn't smell so nice... a familiar scent hit my nostrils and it suddenly felt like home. In an instant, I took a step to see Richard's eyes staring into mine. We both were having a stare off till I heard someone clear their throat. Looking around I found Maya standing next to Richard with her lips shut as if holding back a laugh.

Oh no I can't deal with this woman early in the morning. What did she do to you, Richa? You are just being mean.
Scolding myself I stretched my hand to shake hers and wished her a good morning trying to sound professional.  Ray joined in and shook Richard's hand too and noticed I didn't.

"Oh I don't get a good morning from the beautiful lady," Richard said with a cocky smirk. I ignored it and asked everyone to be seated.
"I am sorry Mr. Ahuja, we came here to discuss the details of the merger Richard proposed to you yesterday.  Your office receptionist escorted us here and asked us to wait. I hope you don't mind." said Maya smiling a beautiful heartwarming smile. If I were a man I would fall for her, she's exceptionally beautiful. Seeing her made me self-conscious already.
"Not, it's a pleasure to have you here," Ray replied, returning her warmth. If I wasn't mistaken I could feel some sort of chemistry building between the two but I shrugged it off. My sleep-deprived brain was playing tricks on me.

"To have US here ...you mean Mr.Ahuja?" Richard joined in with clenched teeth, annoyed that everyone seemed to be missing him out.
I could barely hold in a chuckle and Ray gave me a pointed look to get it together.