Tortuous Love

Chapter 6

I had settled into my apartment  with  Tanya's help and she had even stayed the night. It was a good sized studio apartment a ten minute drive from work. I would miss Meera, she made me feel at home. 

The next morning I rushed into the office just in time before Mr. Anand arrived .I was petrified ,  as well as a little excited to start this day ! I went up to the top floor where my desk stood spic and span awaiting my arrival . Sitting  down on the chair and I powered up the computer , setting up my desk till it started up . I placed  the small family photo which I always kept with me on my new desk and thanked the lord as Mr. Anand walked in . I stood up as he passed my desk without even glancing at me . Jackson had instructed me that I would have to inform him about his events and meetings of the day when he asked me to come into his office . I was also told how he liked his coffee and the list of cafes and their addresses from where he liked to order were at the tip of my tongue . I was startled by the ringing   intercom. I was greeted by the  stoic and husky voice of Mr. Anand

"Come in Ananya " he said through the line . The way my  name rolled on his tongue with ease was making me nervous .

"Yes sir " I answered as he disconnected the line .

Quickly grabbing the tablet I knocked before entering . As he sat on his colossal chair looking me from head to toe , piercing my soul with his brooding stare I felt a pit in my stomach ."Good morning sir ",I said giving him my best smile .

"Good morning ! have a seat . Lets go over the day's event " he said as he started typing .

We discussed his meetings and events for some time . He just grunted or nodded throughout without speaking to me . I was surprised when he said "I hope  John was on time today ." 

"Yes sir ! He was " I quickly answered.

"Well that's good . I won't be receiving any calls today . "he said as he started typing again .

"Yes sir !"I said nodding .

"That's all ", he said dismissively .

I got up from the chair and turned to head out . "Wear trousers the next time Ananya " he said . I turned around to face him,  dumfounded at his words .

"Oh okay sir", I said  before quickly taking my leave . That infuriating man wanted to me to wear trousers . I sighed as I sat down and continued to organise the files on the computer .

The day was uneventful until lunch when Jake sauntered towards my desk .

Smiling he greeted me "Hey Ananya , how 's your day so far ?" he asked leaning against my desk .

"It was great ! Far better than I expected it to turn out . But I'm gonna keep my fingers crossed till the end . "I said giggling .

"So do you want to have lunch ?"he casually asked me .

"I was just heading down ; Anne is going to join me " I said hoping that he would catch my hint of turning down his offer .

"Oh no problem . Some other day perhaps "Jake said giving me an optimistic smile . "See you after work " he said before leaving .

"Yeah , see you later "I said giving him a smile .

I called up Anne and we decided to meet up at the café across the street . As soon as I entered , she bombarded me with questions about 'the lion' , as she liked to call Mr. Aanand !

"Oh he was okay . Though he told me to wear trousers instead of skirts . Do I look weird in them ?" I asked  her remembering his cold voice .

"Oh nonsense! You look fabulous in skirts . I bet he must be distracted by those long legs " she said winking at me .