The party
Clara
It was suppose to be an evening for the friends only. Though we are roommates and co-workers in different capacities in the same company, we are hardly together in the house or in the company. We saw eachother in the passing or at breaks or at home just as coming in or going out.
Somehow, our little mix of friend from both gender as become the rebels of the society and the company most. We all work with the GE Worlds group of Hotels. We all moved in together in protest against the HR's decision to make dorms for staff accommodation with in and out regulations. We disagreed with the decision and rented out this apartment from the father of our dear Raghav. However, HR couldn't do much against us in this because we are talented in what we do and our rebellion is forgiven.
However on this evening our pax count kept increasing and became an after office new year party even though New year is a distant memory. I finished setting out converted Kitchen bar counter.
"I will not be responsible if the food and drinks runs out guys, you guys need to stop inviting people over. It was suppose to be our time together" I pouted as I finished up.
Jose out beloved sous chef pulled my pouted cheek saying "we could always order, there is food delivery!. "
" And who will go down to get it up here?" I asked back.
" You will" Anson said lounging on the sofa. Anson works for the Corporate Sales.
"No I won't you take your lazy ass down for it, what do you think I am your runner," I retorted
"No!! you are younger of us all" smiled Anson.
I threw the towel I was holding at Anson. But it didn't reach him, it fell on someone else.
I gasped as I watched the person holding the towel up. It was Kennath Jose Kunnel, GE Worlds Corporate GM, my boss's boss to put it simple.
My roomies who were in the living hall got up to greet him. I turned around to Raghav in the kitchen "You should have told me he is coming too" ,
"I didn't? I thought Ash or Vani might filled you in already, Raghav continued " the thing was Erin walked in on Ash, Vani and Anson planning this evening, since Erin loved coming here, he asked to join as his family is on holiday, then' he'walked in on us discussing and invited him just like that, he accepted saying he used to like spending time in our pod before"
Our flat which is named "Pod" by Raghav's brother who lived here previously. He was famous for his spirited and partying nature. Raghav and his brother grew up with the Kunnel so it was a hangout spot for everyone until his brother married.
I looked back at Mr.Kennath who was talking to others still holding the duster.
I blushed not just from eambarassment, also because I have a mammoth crush on him from the first time I saw him in the parking lot on the day I joined GE. Its not just me almost every girls in GE has a crush on him. But people closest to me knows I am head heels for him. It's just a crush on your boss and it should only be that. Unfortunately my crush for him only grew in comparison in the 2 years or something I have been in GE. Enough to interfere in my dating life. But lately I 've been avoiding him and thoughts of him due some absurd rumors. It's not that I have processed my undying crush for him or anything. I simply couldn't bring myself to look at him any more.
Raghav dragged me out of kitchen along with him to greet Mr. Kennath. This is the first time I will see him in a setting outside the company setting.
"I am sorry, I came too early, there was a sudden change of plans by family since I promised I thought I will come by and drop this off here" Mr. Kennath said extending a bottle of Jack Daniels towards no one in particular.
Everyone looked at me, I blinked and without thinking I took the bottle from him. "Thank you Mr. George for the kindness", turned on my heels back to kitchen. But Raghav stopped me from hiding again. It is getting too hot to be here I thought to myself as I steadied myself.
Kennath
I was surprised that she was the one to take the bottle out of my hand but I smiled at her. I wonder how she ended up with these hooligans. It wasn't a surprise, though how child like her face looked Clara was out spoken, bold and opinionated. Otherwise she wouldn't have stood up to Rtd Major Rathi over staff accommodation issues. She is a pint sized fireball.
As sun was setting, others filled in, Erin the GM of Carnival by GE, Parvathy Corporate HR, Elizabeth HK of Carnival, Subin F&B, JJ IT of GE, I couldn't help but marvel at these Kids audacity, they are the rebels as we say. The supposed trouble makers who is constantly challenging the norms. Yet all these people have a rapport with them that's beyond work and company. I felt inwardly proud that this is the brand I am helping to build.
Then Clara came into my view agian she seems to be silent and withdrawn into a corner unlike her usual self. She is beautiful in her own little ways. Raghav is mostly in the partying mood still seems to go over to her from time to time. Raghav is gay and she is his cover up girlfriend they joke amongst themselves. I have a liking for her capacities, and adaptability. But what I am most aware of is how my own heart feels towards her.
I looked at my watch and its about time I took leave for my family dinner. Raghav made me promise to come back if the dinner finishes early.
