Encounter - A RaYa Journey

Chapter - 4

When their fantasy world ended, they had to resume to the real world. The reality that they had a real-life to deal with was far more upsetting then daydreaming about the magical glow of the sunset of Cuba with a stranger.

A month ago, when Ram had applied for the interview at a Consultancy, he had not known where his life would be leading to. He had never forgotten his father's words that "hard work stays with you longer" and he had continued to strive. He had discussed his previous jobs with the interviewer, who was quite impressed with Ram's confidence and his experience in management. He was a very practical person, he graduated from college with a major in hotel management but his interest lied in humanitarian work. But he also believed that hotel business could prosper if it was based more on humanities and so he continued to work for various top named hotels.

Back to the present, Ram was continuously thinking about Priya and the fact that she was the CEO of IVY hotel. When he got back home, he directly went to his father's jewellery shop. He knew his mother would be there, forcibly feeding lunch to his father,  Amarnath Kapoor.His parents were very simple, they owned a small jewellery store. They weren'twell off and the business wasn't a very famous one but it was more than enough to feed afamily of 4. His relationship with his parents was warm and loving. Ram also had a brother, Rajat, who was in his final year of college.

Ram informed his parents that he got a job at the IVY hotel as their Public Relations (PR) Manager and that he had to join in a week's time. YES!! Ram had accepted the offer. They couldn't contain their happiness and they were very proud of their eldest. Ram also promised them that he would send them on a trip to Cuba with his savings, someday. 

*****

Vikram Shergill, Ram's best friend had invited him to his restaurant for dinner the same night.

"So, where is my gift from Cuba?" said Vikram keeping the tray of food on the table.

"Yes Ram, where are our gifts?" Anita added sitting on the adjacent seat. Anita was one of their closest friends.

"There isn't any. Sorry" Ram replied sheepishly.

"Seriously? You didn't get us anything" Anita asked making faces, while Vikram mixed the drinks for the three.

"Actually, I planned to buy you one but I had to use it on someone," he said, flashes of his evening from Cuba came to his thoughts.

Looking at his friend's smile, Vikram asked "You spent it on a woman, didn't you?" a smirk forming on his face.

Ram chocked on his drink "Stop it Vikram. I didn't spend it on any woman"

"So you have a girl now?" Anita asked, a little annoyed than surprised.

"No guys. Stop!" he laughed "and by the way, I have got good news" he added to change the topic.

"I GOT A JOB. And guess where Anita?" he said directing directly to the girl.

"No way!" she exclaimed, excitement all over her face. Vikram was confused "What?"

"You got the job at IVY?" she asked again. When Ram nodded, she jumped from her seat to hug him.

"OMG. We will be working together. Tell me you got into the PR?" she asked more like exclaimed.

"Actually. You are going to be under me" he saw the slow grin forming on her face "Yes, I am the PR Manager"

The three friends cheered for Ram's new job and continued with their talks.

Later that same night, Ram and Anita, sitting at the Marine, discussed the office, their work but Ram was curious about Priya Sharma, and who better to ask than his best friend.