Chapter 2

The next week was very interesting for Tarika as she was not only selected by a reputed IT Company as data analytics head but also because she was recommended by her boss to represent their next presentation which was a major deal for her new company. Her boss Avinash Sharma was an Oxford Graduate and was managing his father's company quite well. Tarika really liked his excellent skills, working style and the fact that he was trusting Tarika with this major deal.

After her first week, she left the parking at half past seven. It was raining again, she observed annoyed. She liked raining otherwise but she didn't want to spoil her only formal white shirt. It was also very difficult to get a cab in this weather. After trying to book a cab for over 30 minutes she signed and started walking towards the metro station.

As she was walking on the busy road, two things happened simultaneously. A guy came running from her behind, trying to catch his bus and in the process pushed Tarika by mistake. As Tarika was walking on the edge of footpath, she lost her balance and was about to be hit by a crossing car. The driver hit the break at the last moment. The driver came out. He was an elder man and was about to scold her when someone else also came out of car and silenced the driver by placing his hand on his shoulder.

To her amazement, Tarika realized it was Abhijeet.

"Are you okay?" he asked with concern.

"Uhh… yes, I am ok." Tarika replied trying to control her heart rate.

"You sure? You look a little pale."

"No, I am fine. Just a little shocked."

Abhijeet was still unsatisfied with her response.

"I think you should sit down for a moment." He said as he held Tarika by her arm to support her and started to walk towards a café right behind them.

Tarika was way too amazed and pleased to stop him. They sat on a table near the window and Abhijeet asked the server to bring water and then a cappuccino for him.

"You like cappuccino? It will help you calm down." Abhijeet asked her as the waiter waited.

"But…" before she could answer, his phone rang and she ended up nodding her head to the server.

Tarika sat silently while Abhijeet continued his call while mentioning he will be late.

"Abhijeet, I am really fine. You should not bother yourself." Tarika started again as Abhijeet ended his call and handed her over the glass of water brought by the waiter.

"Trust me, I am not bothered." He said with such an emotion that Tarika couldn't understand if it was concern or flirt.

"Umm, I am not sure if I understand your meaning." She tried to say with a straight face but couldn't help her blushing.

"I mean that I don't mind your company. In fact, I would like to spend some time with you." He said looking in her eyes and continued "But of course only if you don't mind."

"I don't understand. We hardly know each other. Do you even know my name?" Tarika asked.

"Yes, Tarika. I do." He said and continued to explain further when he saw her confused expression "The hotel manager informed us when we were coming to your room."

"Ok, fine. But do you know if I am single or not?"

"Are you single?" He asked cutting her.

"And if I am interested or not?" she continued ignoring his question.

"Are you interested?" He again asked pretending to be innocent.

This time Tarika couldn't help but smile.

"See Tarika, I am a businessman but I do believe in signs. Since last week, we have met twice. There are many hotels in Mumbai but you came to the very hotel where I was with my clients. There were many rooms in the hotel but still only your room was right below my room. Thousands of cars cross that road everyday but still we managed to meet again." He spoke.

"Don't you think that fate is trying to send us a message?" He continued.

"I don't know Abhijeet, I never looked at it this way." She said as she finished her coffee. She was confused. She liked the fact that Abhijeet was being so straight forward with her but still she knew nothing about him. Was it really fate that wanted them to meet?

"I think I should leave. It is getting late." She finally said as she got up.

"Ok." Abhijeet said a little disappointed. "I will drop you." Abhijeet offered as they reached near his car.

"That's ok. I can manage. I was just going to the metro station."

"Oh come on. I am going in that direction only. At least let me drop you at the station." He said insisting.

"Ok." Tarika couldn't say no. It gave her some more time with Abhijeet.

In the car, Abhijeet tried to initiate a conversation but was stopped by the ringing of her phone.

"Hi Avinash.

Yes, I am on the way.

Don't worry the presentation is ready.

Yes, on Monday, I will directly go to the main branch of Shaan Enterprises." Tarika ended her call.

"Shaan Enterprises? You work in IT sector too" Abhijeet asked curiously as Tarika ended her phone call.

"Yes. I work for AK Ltd. I just joined this week. On Monday, I have my first presentation with Shaan Enterprises. I hope everything goes well there as it's a very important deal for my company." Tarika told excitedly. She liked to talk about her new job.

"Oh, that's great! I am sure you will do great." Abhijeet said genuinely happy for her. But his smile turned down as the driver pulled the car at the gate of metro station.

"You sure you don't want a lift to your house." He said hopingly as Tarika turned around to get out of the car.

"Its okay Abhijeet. I will manage. You have already helped a lot." Tarika said.

"But you haven't answered my questions." He said hopefully.

"Well, I will. if fate makes us meet again once more, then I will answer all your questions." Tarika winked and left the car before he could say anything.

When Tarika lay down on her bed that night, she started searching about Abhijeet online. She knew he was in IT sector. His company was famous and thanks to one hour's searching and google images, she finally found a news article in which Abhijeet's picture was published.

So, his full name was Abhijeet Kumar and his company's name was Kumar Technologies. Tarika knew he was a successful businessman but didn't know his company was this big. For some stupid reason she felt proud of him.

But within few minutes, she realized how stupidly she was acting. Abhijeet was still an unknown to her. How could she get attached to him like this? And that too when she was not sure if they were even going to meet again? The thought filled her eyes with tears. She was not sure if by trusting her fate she had acted like a fool today.

After few more tears and a lot of hopes to meet him again, she finally slept after midnight.

Author's Note:

Hello everyone! Thanks for your reviews.

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