Chapter 12 : Trouble in Paradise

Chapter 12 : Trouble in Paradise

Ram never thought he will be missing Priya that badly. Just after the day Neha gifted him an important thing on the wrong time wrapped in a beautiful eye catchy gift wrap, Ram had to leave for Mumbai urgently to review manpower of a particular department which company called to shut down the operations in India. Lay offs, allocating the eligible staffs to the departments with suitable vacancies, meeting with the HR head, everything was bestowed on him by Joe, VP of the company. Ram got only half an hour to pack, though he keeps his bags ready for such sudden trips. With Priya on meeting he could only leave a message for her.

“Leaving for Mumbai! Will call you once I reach there. Hopefully I will be back by Saturday. See you on Sunday.”

After hitting the send button, he switched off his mobile phone as the air hostess announced to do so.

~~

On Lunch time, Priya took up the phone and saw no notifications on the screen. That was pretty common with her. Her phone only rings with official calls, messages and with society people if they had to warn her or register a complaint and if Neha has to inform her anything in particular. In recent it was her aunty, who keeps a track of her, Priya is also enjoying her aunt's friendly company pretty much. Thinking of her, Priya called her Aunt. STD calls, not so cheap but thanks to the service provider and its cheap rate plans which comes handy and useful after draining few hundred bucks from the pocket. She is one of thee many who can afford to spend few extra bucks keeping aside the budget.

“Hi Kakima (Aunt)” Priya smiled.

“Hello beta, I guess it's your lunch time, right?” Mala prompted from the other end.

“Yes.” Priya climbed into the elevator. “And the marathon on Sunday is keeping me busy like hell.” She averted her eyes outside through the elevator door as it opened on the floor where Ram has his cabin. But no one from that particular floor entered the elevator and the its operator pressed the close button.

“Priya did you speak to Ram?” Mala asked.

“He spoke to me, not me.”

“And did he clear about the same that bothered you that day?” Mala asked under her smile.

“Yes he did. Partially. He said me about Nisha and his past.” Priya emptied the lift on the desired floor and walked to the cafeteria. “But not about the reason behind hiding it from me.” She said looking around the cafeteria for Ram. But she failed to spot him. “I am still waiting for him to justify that.” Priya took coffee from the vending machine.

“I can understand but you need to initiate when he had done his part. Dragging is the worst part in a relationship and if needed you need to take the next step towards him especially when he took the first step to you.” Mala said lovingly to Priya.

“I know...” Priya looked up and found her super boss Amar standing with a smile in front. “Kakima.. I call you later. Little urgent.” She disconnected the call and stood up. “Hello Sir.” Greeting Amar she smiled faintly.

“I guess you are not happy to see me here?” Amar smiled and took his seat. “Please sit.”

“No Sir. It is not like that, I just got surprised. I didn't expect you here.” Priya took her seat opposite to Amar.

“I prefer to have my lunch here, among you people which allows me to know you people better.” He smiled. “And when you joined us, I was not here. I hope people over here extended their co-operation to you?”

“Every one is very friendly here Sir.”

“Yes! We work like a family here and had your coupon? Lunch?” Amar asked, whistling to the staffer who was busy putting the serving plates for the employees. “Bring my lunch and Madam's too.”

“Sir. I don't have a coupon today. I am not having lunch today.” Priya said under her faint smile.

“Okay that is not an issue; this is right time to extend my friendship to you.” He smiled. The staffer came with Amar's lunch and before he could speak out what Priya informed, Amar instructed him to provide an empty plate. He nodded and left.

“Sir, this will be unfair. I can't..” Priya stood up.

“Arey! Sit down. There is nothing wrong in it. Please be my guest today.” He stood up and blocked Priya's view. “Sit Priya, Ram is not here so there is no worry about sharing less space and time with him. So sit have your lunch and I have an important project to discuss with you.”

“Sir, it is not like that; I am busy with the Marathon scheduled on this Sunday.” Priya dodged Ram's name completely.

“Okay. But don't try to deny that you and Ram share a special bond or friendship.” He smirked. “He is out of the town, didn't he informed you?”

“Sir, I think I must leave.” Priya stood affirm.

“There is no wrong having lunch with me, your friend will not mind.” He maintained a grin. The staffer came with the empty plate and kept on the table. “See the plate is here too. Come sit.” He pointed to the chair by her.

“Sir, I really need to leave.” Priya took few steps away from the chair. “See you later.” She walked fast away from him and soon she found herself panting, out of breathe in front of Ram's cabin. She peeped inside the room. Her eyes scrutinized every corner of the desolated room. There was no sign of him.

“Priya!” Malhotra called out her name. “What are you doing here?” he asked after Priya looked back out of panic. “Didn't Ram inform you? He has to left for Mumbai.”

“Was it pre planned?” Priya asked gulping a lump in her throat.

“Priya you are the head of HR department, if it was pre planned you would have been the first person to know it. After your scrutinized approval we can get fund approvals. Isn't it?” Malhotra mocked out a laugh. “Only sudden trips are approved by Joe and we have to pay from our pockets initially.” He looked at Priya's displeased reaction. “Okay! I think he has not informed you. Don't get hyper, he must be in hurry and right now..” He looked down to his wrist watch, “He must be in flight. He will surely call you after he reaches Mumbai. Don't worry.” He placed a hand in her arm. “Take care.” Smiling Malhotra strode towards his cabin.

Heartbroken Priya walked to her cabin, little did she noticed that Amar was having an eye on her and Malhotra's conversation.

~~

Same day Evening.

Priya walked to the bus stand and sat there hanging her head looking to the carelessly maintained bus stand floor. A voice made her look up.

“Look who is here?” Supriya said. “Our HR head!” She laughed at her. “Where is your prey Ma'am?”

“Shut Up Supriya!” Priya failed to keep herself composed. “Please stop your non sense.” She started walking away.

“I will make sure a woman like you get exposed. You bloody bitch, attention seeker. I will not allow you to snatch what I deserve.” Supriya shouted to her. Priya ignored her and walked away. She stopped only when she reached an auto stand and realised that she was walking for almost quarter an hour. Checking the time she decided to take an auto to home. After bargaining with an auto driver she managed to book a drive back to home with that nagging person.

~~

Mumbai.

Once Ram came out of the air craft Ram switched on his phone and got a shock of his life. The message he send to Priya was not delivered to her. Network error made the blunder. He dialled Priya's number while he took his leaps towards the exit.

“Hello handsome!” Neha spoke from the other end. “And where you have been? Tell me one thing, utilised my gift or not?”

“Neha, who hell in the earth gifts such things?” Ram smiled. “Now can I speak to Priya? Please.”

“No. First answer me. Because Priya is least interested to ...” Neha felt a push and the phone slide away from her hand into Priya's hand.

“Who are you talking with?” Priya asked pressing the phone on her ear. “Ram?”

“Hi.” Ram spoke. “Priya I am sorry. I was in such hurry that I failed to inform you even the message I sent you was not delivered to you due to network issues. I am sorry. Really really sorry.”

“It's okay. When you are coming back?” Her voice didn't pleased Ram. He knew that she is in anxiety.

“Did Supriya again barged in?”

“I don't care for such nonsense. But..” She paused. “But Amar is troubling me!”

“Why? Did he say anything unwanted?”

“I can't say that in particular. But always you don't have to be vocal to speak unwanted. He is trying to be over friendly and knows about us our friendship.” She briefed.

“Priya listen to me carefully. I know you can take care of yourself. But you have to be careful. Very careful. Amar is not a person who can be taken lightly specially with people like Supriya around. I am sure she has demeaned you to that low that Amar kept his eyes on you. Priya now listen to me carefully keep away from him as much as possible. Keep yourself busy. Let me come back, then he will get his peace of mind.” Ram sounded very possessive.

“Ram. I can take care of myself.” Priya tried to defy.

“I know, you are an independent woman and can take care of yourself. You handled everything alone. But madam who were not linked with any male counterpart earlier, were you?” Ram asked curtly.

“No.”

“That's the reason I am giving you instructions. You don't know Amar and Supriya have seen us together a lot of time and she blames you be a attention seeker and ....” He paused. “Please try to understand what she thinks about you.”

“But I never used your influence till now. Neither have I used your name for my professional betterment.” Priya replied innocently.

Ram laughed on the other end. “Priya you look tough and rough. But inside at heart you are a baby. People don't think about short term benefits when it comes to professional relationship. They eye to a long term benefits. I know neither you asked for one nor you ever will ask for one. But these people will never take your success as a hard earned result but will always take it as a benefit out of the bedroom, my bedroom.” Ram sighed deep. “You made me say what I never wanted to think even. But they think you with me in my bed every time they notice us together and check Amar's records he has faced inquiry in past for sexual harassment. I don't know how he came out clear but he was guilty.” Ram let out a deep sigh of anguish. “Priya speak something.”

“Ram what should I say after all these? I have never thought to use you as a ladder in my professional career.” She tried to compose herself. “I only love you. I love you. You. Not your career, neither your status nor your success.”

“Priya I love you too. What I said you, don't take it otherwise. I tried to show you what is going inside their head. You have to fight it. You have to give it back to them. You have to fight this alone till I will be back.”

“I will. I will try to. I will try to avoid Amar as much as possible. But...” Priya let out a deep breath. “Come back soon. Please.”

“I will. I will try to be back by Saturday and till then, promise me you will handle the situations cleverly and bravely. Don't react till it is not necessary.” Ram instructed.

“Hmm...”

“Chalo, I have to find out the driver, he must have panicked not finding me.” He laughed.

“Take care and come back soon.” Priya said before disconnecting the call.

“I have never seen you behaving so weird. You have fallen for him badly.” Neha said after the call ended. “Don't worry baba. Everything will be fine. He loves you too.” She hugged Priya, whose eyes failed to retain the composer and water that bulged trailed down her cheeks.  “Priya stop this. Tears don't fit you.”

~~

“Hmm...” Mala said after listening to Priya carefully. The whole matter got briefed to her.

“Priya  I think you must listen to him. He is more experienced than you. Don't try to be a rowdy till you don't have a complete idea about that man.” Mala suggested.

“I know. But I mean to say why I failed to show my frustrations to him for not informing me about the trip?” Priya asked innocently.

“Beta, that doesn't matter to you. We complain about trivial matters. They are the variables in a relationship. But, some feelings are so strong that at the end, it, strikes off those variables without even letting you know. We call it Love, True Love.” Mala replied sweetly under a smile. “And I am very happy that, a man like him came into your life that can make you understand what love is. Treasure him. He is the biggest treasure of your life.”

Priya smiled over the phone. “I will.”

“Now go and sleep. You have a long day ahead and if you want, carry on with a plan to take revenge from him.” Both the ladies burst into laughter. After exchanging good night wishes the ladies disconnected the call.

~~

“Priya.” The voice is not so familiar to her but she knew it was heard earlier. Turning back she found Amar heading to her. “Priya wait. I have a guest list from various industries and all over the city who will join our marathon on Sunday.” Intentionally he touched Priya. She felt discomfort when his hand brushed against her.

“Thank You Sir.” She stepped back with the paper.

“Can we share lunch today? I have already ordered it.” Amar said while Priya turned to leave.

“Sir, I have a plan. My friend is also having client meet nearby. I will catch up with her. Another day .” Priya lied.

“Hmm..” thoughtfully Amar replied and stood glued at his position. “Okay. Not an issue. See you soon.” He smiled and left the place leaving Priya confused.

~~

Marathon Day.

Priya was busy having a final check with the arrangements made. She had pre assigned duties to her sub ordinates and assigned booths to a team of three people each. Checking with every booth, and after getting satisfied , she walked to her booth she and Malhotra will be receiving the guests. Ram was also ought to join them but the chances of him to be there was very little. Knowing his importance in the organization, Priya didn't complain. When she was about to reach the booth, Priya felt a pull and before she could react a well built man pinned her behind the trunk of a huge tree.

“Who the ...” Priya looked up and smiled. It was Ram who donned the stunt. “When did you came?” She hugged Ram dearly. But she felt a pull. Ram clasped his hands against her waist and pulled her into himself. She never revolted. “Ram.. some one may catch us in this act.” She warned.

“The best part of it is not getting caught.” He placed a soft kiss on her cheek. “These little risks make relationships fun and adventurous; let me see how far I can explore without getting caught.” He made his grip stronger against her before digging his face in her nape. He started planting kisses on her neck cheek while Priya moved her head to give him better access. The tension built among them. Coming apart a little Ram cupped her face in his broad palms. “I am sorry that I left you alone darling. But work beckons.”

“I know and understand.” Priya smiled feebly wondering what he is upto next. His explorations has gone little far than earlier. He has kissed her, they have kissed each other but never did he touch her so cosily earlier. Today Priya felt his strong hands against her butt while he pulled her more into himself. She always felt that when it will come to physicality it will be her having upper hand as Ram was considered to be shy in nature but it turned to be a myth for her. Trains of her thought broke. After a moment of Silence and an intense eye lock, Priya felt a soft touch against her lips. Slowly the coaxing intensified. Ram pushed open her lips to explore her mouth. Her body reacted badly. She remembered something and pushed Ram off from her. The act was so sudden Ram found it to be made out of nervousness.

“Stop Ram.” Priya gestured. “This is not the right place. Amar is around.”

“You are worried about that Amar. That Son of a ....” Priya stopped him before he could finish. “Priya has he brain washed you?”

“No Ram..”

“Then, his words made you feel otherwise?”

“No.”

“Then why suddenly you are behaving otherwise? Is he has greater influence in you than me?” Ram was visibly unhappy.

“No. Never. But not here I think we need to speak in private. Only two of us.” She said looking around before coming out from the back of the tree. “Please come after a while.” She adjusted her dress and hair and walked towards the booth, where Malhotra could be seen, with a smile.

“Where you were?” Malhotra exclaimed on Priya's first view.

“Sorry. I was...” Priya stopped as Malhotra strode to welcome Ram. He hugged Ram patting his back.

“Look who is back. Ram she missed you the most.” Malhotra mocked a smile to Priya. “And Amar enjoyed a lot especially your absence. You should take care of him.” He whispered into Ram’s ears. “She tackled it but you need to intervene.”

“Hmm. I will give him a peace of mind if he dares again.” Ram pointed to Amar who was walking towards them that time.

“Hey Morning Ram.” Amar beamed out a smile. “Welcome back. So you made it at the right time.”

“Yay. Actually Joe called me back. He had something to announce. Officials from Illinois are here too. They have an order of promotions and reshuffle I think.” Ram intentionally broke the news to him. Amar looked surprised. “You didn't know?” Ram mocked making Amar more thoughtful.

“They must have a surprise for you.” Ram broke Amar's trance.  

“Haan.  Oh yes May be.” Amar's eyes meet Priya who walked past the two men.

“Let it be. I must complement you for you nice catch. She is a sexy chick. Waise how’s she on bed?” Amar winked to Ram.

Clenching his fist, Ram was about to answer. Only to be stopped by Malhotra. “Ram I need you here.” He wrapped his hand around Ram's shoulder. “Amar we see you later.” Smiling he took Ram aside.

“Why you stopped me?” Ram pushed Malhotra away.

“Ram everything has a time. Your biggest achievement is on its way. And you want to ruin it on the last moment. For this you worked hard? To ruin everything at the last moment? He is doing it intentionally because it's a matter of few hours and you will be the new boss. The youngest in 25 years.” Malhotra scolded. “Look I am senior to you in age and in position till today. Scenes will change from tomorrow I know.”

“Please don't embarrass me. You are and will always a friend and elder brother to me. But he can't demean Priya like that.” Ram howled.

“I know you have feelings for her and hormones don't have control over our feelings.” He smiled. “If I can notice you two at the back side of that tree.” Malhotra indicated. “Then any one can. You know very well I am bad in observation. The only drawback I have.”

It was a moment of embarrassment for Ram. He looked down to hide his frustration of getting caught.

“Listen Ram. Just few more hours. As much I studied Priya, she can tackle Amar.” Malhotra’s assurance comforted Ram. He at last smiled.

Both the men were unaware of the ill intentions that Amar had for Priya. Not always physically a woman can be hassled some times words are enough to degrade them and their dignity.

Until we meet

Love

NB