Encounter - A RaYa Journey

Chapter - 11

Next morning, Priya managed to get to work with minimum fuss from her employees but it wasn't the same for Ram. He knew about the consequences and so he had stepped up last night but now that the people were staring and talking behind his back, he didn't like it. He still managed to pass smiles at everyone and got to his seat.

"Here comes the lucky man" he heard one of his team mate saying from his cubicle. Others turned to stare at him, but he ignored them and started with his work.

Yogesh sat on the chair beside Ram "Ram" he came closer to his face "what's your relationship with the CEO?" he asked. This made Ram lose his temper, he didn't expect this from his team mate, especially someone he considered his friend.

"Listen up guys!" he stood up from his chair and held himself up high "As a manager I request you to keep all personal matters aside and focus on your work. I know I have been a friend to all of us but there is a limit for everything. If the work doesn't get done in time, I will not hesitate to act like a real manager. Is that understood?" he asked with a stern voice. He looked at Anita who was giving him a smirk. He ignored her and looked at the rest "Also, I don't think I have to explain to anyone else for what happened yesterday, but looking at your curious face I'll just tell you this --- I met our CEO elsewhere and only later realized that she was going to be my boss. She is a friend and I helped her when she needed me" he didn't hesitate telling the truth and if it meant they were going to stop talking about Priya or him then he was going to say it. "Now please stop gossiping and get back to work" saying this he sat back in his chair and adjusted his sleeves. He turned to his side "Is that all Yogesh?" he asked. Yogesh looked embarrassed. He nodded at Ram and left to sit on his chair.

While waiting for his system to boot up, he wondered how Priya was doing.

Neha stood in front of Priya, her heels were not able to take her weight, she felt heavy and bloated and her head was pounding with hangover.

"You seem like you have a hangover?"

Neha sighed and closed her eyes "Yes. I have"

"You don't look fine. How much did you drink?" Priya asked

"Enough to have left my purse at the bar. I have never been that clumsy before" she said almost dropping dead right then and there. Priya stared at her trying to control her laughter. "Tell me this, are there any famous art galleries in Borivali?" Priya asked.

Neha signed and almost cried "Don't talk about that area, I was there late night, drinking. And thinking about it makes me want to puke. And yesterday I got to know that you and Ram have decided to call yourselves "WE", as in in first person basis"

"Did you meet Ram?" Priya asked with a shock expression.

"God... Ram!! Don't take that name at this time. My stomach burns" Neha said clutching her stomach tightly and making a painful face.

Priya laughed "Take care of that hangover"

"I'll have some black coffee" saying this she turned to move out of the room.

"I'd like a cup, please" Priya requested laughing at Neha.

"No. Get it yourself. "Neha shouted and left the room without looking back. Priya couldn't stop laughing at her friend. Neha was her only friend and she knew she cared about her wellbeing that is why she asked her to stop talking to Ram; but Priya also knew that Neha would be the first one to come rescue her if ever she was in trouble. She felt blessed for having her by her side.

Vikram was single and he wanted to start dating soon but he had a business that ran 12-15 hours a day and he had no time to go out.
So, Rajat helped him. Rajat made Vikram download a dating app. He made Vikram pose for a profile picture with his hand covering his half face.