Chapter 36

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This was unexpected!!

I would have stayed clear of Jeet, if I knew he was Vicky.

When I go back to my seat, the starlet has finished her act and Jeet is up on stage, explaining the company's visions and future plans.

I must admit, he is an eloquent orator. He explains to the audience who seem to be listening in rapt attention, about the company's focus on technology and sustainability. The reason for re-branding the company and bringing its various sectors under one umbrella.

Hearing him speak, I recall that first day when he spoke with great fervour about the company, before he realised he was supposed to be incognito. He certainly is highly passionate about the company.

Speaking of passion, I recall our kiss and my face starts to heat up. 'Don't go there,' I chide myself.

I have to forget about Jee.. I mean Mr. Vicky Grewal, I tell myself with choking despair.

"Isn't he dreamy?" Kavita enthuses, standing behind me as we wait in line for lunch buffet after the end of the program. Most of the guests and journalists have finished their meal and left. Now it's the turn of the staff. I look in the direction of her gaze. Vicky is talking to a group of men along with his father.

"Dev Grewal? Yes, he's quite dashing, though I did not know you had a thing for older men." I deadpan, deliberately misunderstanding her.

"Oh gosh no!! Not Mr. Dev. I mean Vicky." She places her chin on my shoulder, giving a long, yearning sigh, "Isn't he just .. just.. a snack?" Kavita hangs her head, looking with puppy eyes at our new CEO.

Pangs of what could be termed jealously crawl all over me.

"He's all right I guess," I keep my voice neutral. "I mean, he's no Hrithik Roshan you know?"

"Oh come on!" Kavita lifts her chin off my shoulder in a huff. "Vicky is much hotter than Hrithik. I wish we could have seen it beneath his disguise."

I need to look away, but I can't take my eyes of that fine specimen of a man. He is hot!! 'And also my boss' inner voice reminds me. He's way out of my league.

Rohit announces that the PR team has been asked to stay back after lunch. The whole team is gathered in the dining room including Nivedita. Some of us are discussing the event, the rest are discussing Jeet/Vicky.

The chattering stops, the instant our CEO walks in.

Nivedita who all this time was mumbling of wanting to leave, exclaims brightly, "Jeet! how nice of you to join us," she coos.

Vicky smiles at her and turns his attention to the rest of us standing in a circle.

"Hello everyone," he greets us in that swoon-worthy voice. "This won't take long, as I know you've all had a long day." He gives a quick glance all around but averts looking at me, "I just wanted to say thank you for the tremendous job that you did for the program tonight. Everyone present was very impressed and I think this event was a great success."

"Nivedita, you were great on stage. Thank you for handling the event wonderfully." He looks warmly at Nivedita, who looks pleased at his comment.

"Most of you must be wondering why I did not inform who I was," he says seriously.

"Normally, management have no idea what happens at ground level. So, before I officially took over, I wanted to know firsthand what goes on a day-to-day basis in the departments. Now that I know, it will help me run the organisation more efficiently - with your support of course."

Rohit starts applauding and everyone joins in. I grudgingly clap out of politeness.

Vicky starts shaking hands with each team member. Everyone congratulates him as he smiles warmly at each one.

My hands turn cold as it nears my turn. "Tarana," he acknowledges with a nod, his face showing no other emotion. Our eyes remain locked for a few seconds, before I look away. Any longer and I may either start to cry or punch him.

"Congratulations.... Sir !" I wish him icily. His eyebrow lifts in surprise for a brief second before he composes himself and moves to the next person.

"Thank you all. See you in office on Monday." He turns to leave, ending our brief meeting.

"Jeet, may I have a word with you privately?" Nivedita places her hand on his upper arm, to stop him. "Sure!" he sweeps his hand towards the door.

"By the way, I prefer being called Vicky in office," he tells her with a smile, as they walk out together.

I watch them go with a heavy heart. Jeet holds the door for Nivedita to exit, before following her out.

Purvi's words replay in my mind. Nivedita is out to get Vicky. And it seems to be working. He seems quite enamoured with her.

"Hey guys, I have to go home now," I interrupt Purvi who is giving an animated description of her interaction with the megastar, to Junaid and Rohit. "See you next week."

"Do you want me to drop you?" Rohit asks.

"Nah! Its fine. I will take an auto."

"You sure? I have no problem dropping you home."

"Yes, I am sure," I insist.

The huge lobby is sparsely occupied and as I cross it. I am oblivious to the figure sitting in a rather large, high backed winged chair, that practically hides him from sight.

I am just about to walk through the huge revolving door when I hear my name being called.

"Tarana!"

My heart starts thudding at breakneck speed when I hear the voice. 'Calm down, he's your boss,' inner voice pacifies. I turn around slowly.

" Sir?" I sincerely hope my face is impassive.

Jeet open his mouth to say something but decides not to say it.

"I.. uh.. did you get the certificate?"

"Yes," I pat my bag. "Everything is settled now. Thank you for your help Sir. It really means a lot."

"There's something else I have to tell you."

I raise my brows in surprise. What does he want to tell me?

He turns his head left to right, and I mimic his actions. We detect the remaining staff exiting the banquet hall.

"Perhaps some other time," he says urgently. "But please make sure no one knows of our marriage or that we know each other outside the office. Okay?"

I nod in reply.

This is so awkward. I have kissed this man, spent nights with him. On paper, we are husband and wife, yet to everyone else we are strangers, nothing more than a boss and employee.

I was so convinced that after today, Jeet would acknowledge his interest in me and even though we could not tell anyone of our so-called marriage, at least we could be open of our feelings for each other.

Now I don't know what to think.

This was unexpected!!!

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