Encounter - A RaYa Journey

Chapter - 1

Priya stared out of the window of one of her meeting room. Behind her were two of her employees and her P.A Neha, telling her about the new hotel that is about to open in Pune in the next 2 months.

"Also all the rooms have been fully booked. We are doing great considering that its off-season" said one of the men in the room.

"The consumers must've liked the fact that our facility and furniture are of high quality," said the other man.

"The view is top class from here" Priya replied ignoring the praises the men were singing a moment ago. Her eyes were staring out of the window.

Her P.A. interrupted her thoughts "We should get going Ma'am, we are running late"

******

Priya went through the latest headlines in her iPad. "Hotel IVY to open soon in PUNE". Her life did not have any privacy. Whatever she did, however she dressed, whoever she met, everything was a headline the next day, a topic for the public to enjoy. This wasn't a life she had planned for herself. She was no less than a celebrity, not because of her achievement at such young age, but because she was linked to the infamous Khaneja's, her ex-in-laws and also because her dad happened to be one of the running politicians.

She saw Neha trying to control her yawn from the corner of her eyes. Trying to hide her smile she said "Why don't we take a break at the rest area. We have been in the car for more than 3 hours now"

"Would you like a cup of tea? If it is because of me then it is okay" asked her driver cum her dad's close friend Deepak.

Looking at her iPad Priya replied, "I don't want to see Neha trying not to yawn."

The stopped at the first rest area at the highway. "I'll get a bottle of cold water and be back. Do you want anything? "asked Neha.

"How about some chat," asked Priya hopeful.

"I remember how you use to drag your dad for the chats when you were little" Deepak laughed while getting out of the car.

Neha cleared her throat and turned back to look at Priya. "Chat? Here?" she said unsure.

"Why not? Is it inappropriate" asked Priya?

"Well. It could become a hassle if your picture gets taken like last time while you were enjoying your meal at the street" Neha said with hesitation in her voice "But if you really want, I will accompany you"

Priya was perplexed but she just nodded her head "It was a joke. Go get your water." As Neha got out of the vehicle, Priya could not stop thinking about how her life has turned out to be. With a huff, she just turned to look out of the window and at the rest area where people were out enjoying a meal with the family, friends, loved ones.

*****

She reached her hotel at Mumbai and headed straight to her office. All the staff greeted her on her way in. Everyone respected her at her workplace not only because she was the CEO but because she treated every employee with respect.

"Ma'am, kindly get changed. You don't want to be late at your mother in law's birthday party" Neha said with a roll of her eyes.

"EX IN-LAWS!" Priya exclaimed with irritation in her voice "and you can call me Priya when we are alone" she said. To which Neha replied "NO. I am not your friend while I am working. Not until my shift is over MA'AM"

Priya smiled at her and stared at the extra dress she had bought just for the party. She requested to lock the room while she changed her dress.

"How long do you think I'll have to keep doing this. Do you think I'll be like this even when I turn 60?" she asked Neha.