Code versus chorus

I settled into the backseat of ananya's car as usual ,slipping down my hard-earned earpieces after a common fight with mumma for the-, well?

Fine. I lost count in the actual sense due to the ridiculosly long cycle of conflicts with mumma.

Ananya exhales from the driver's seat softly ( or well? , audible enough for me to hear)

" Deepu" . She breathes calmly . " I don't get why you're this complicated deepika"

" Oh please" l rasp . " Don't blame me if ' miss too good to be true ' always has something to say ananya! . Don't get started with something new again . I don't have your perfect logic or your meticulous patience to have or share a conversation now"

" Deepika , don't talk to me like that . Am the only person in our family or perhaps your entire social circle , who actually understands you

And l also know the , very fact , that you sneak out every night for the underground singing performances of yours . But still , l haven't said a single thing to mumma. I love you deepika , and l highly doubt you dislike me like you pretend to" . she chuckles , making my vocal chords do the same

" Okay , okay . You know the underground shows because l clearly told you " . I smile , my almond brown eyes noticing the way she's smiling

But the fact that the only person who is not my enemy , infront of whom l don't have to maintain the

'perfect RDN' facade - is ananya

Ananya and l were inseperable from the start . Soo much that it is safe to say that she's kinda like my second mother

We both have a three year age gap . While am now twenty five ; she's twenty eight

But it always feels like she's my fairy god mother

" Deepika" . She says a little more urgent now

" Yes?"

" Deepu remember to make a good impression today , Arjun sharma is terrifyingly observant . So don't for a second think that your acting skills will work with him"

( I sigh through my nose frustratingly) " Ananya didi , please . Am going to be one of his RDN employees not his girlfriend or something . And why will l act? , my job , there , is to be a professional RDN who can articulate diet charts , track meals , prescribe rest etc in a proper , ' RDN certified way' . And if your ' soo called Mr terrifingly observant CEO has a likely liability in doing his job by focusing solely on my emotions instead , then l would advice you to throw him a job at your psychology clinic to work on his ' precious observation skills'

Now didi , if you will excuse me . I will close my eyes for a bit" . I say calmly , glancing at my golden wristwatch which is displaying 7:30 AM , before closing my eyes finally ; hearing ananya mutter something about my attitude .

What likely could she say? . Maybe it's another ' she got steel in her spine' dialogue

" Deepika" . I shift sightly in the backseat , eyebrows furrowing because of ananya's voice gently uttering my name.

But before answering her , my mind swims to a thousand possible directions if that's even humanely possible

" Yes , didi? . And for bhagwan sake don't tell me we arrived this early! " I begin in my usual chirpy tone , the tone which l, most use , when having a conversation with ananya.

Ananya giggles " oh , please deepu . Put your chirpy tone on hold mode, Because who knows? " . She smiles , her eyes bright with amusement.

" Arjun sharma , or may l say ' Mr terrifingly observant ' might be far gone if you keep up with your cuteness , deepu!" . She laughs wholeheartedly

" Oh please " . I breathe , playfully shooting her a glare, trying hard not to giggle at my big sister's comments but still miserably failing at the mere attempt itself. " What do you mean ' far gone' didi? . Oh come on , l seriously think you're just ' far gone' in your obsession with reading rom com novels in a row sitting in your clinic ." I say giggling

" Oh come on deepu . l , even heard that he's a massive admirer of people with good voices . But l highly doubt your voice is lying on the average mark gurl . Because oh godd , your voice is to die for" . She says , voice full of genuine admiration and warmth . Definitely

' Ananya-coded '

I can't help but blush , voice turning all shy due to her infuriating flattery

" Oh bhagwan! . Thank you didi" . I say smiling , body slightly swaying because of her sudden U-turn from the highway to the normal roads of delhi

" Don't thank me deepu". She says affectionately. " Am just stating the facts, which in this context is your voice. Okay then we can chat nicely later but remember deepika , this is going to be your interview , make a good impression . All the best".

I nod softly, feeling a weird sense of tightness in my belly area.

Why am l feeling like this?

Isn't it normal to feel like this pre-interview?

Or

Just maybe

Is life taking the charge now and leading me in a different direction which somehow leads to my true destiny?

"Deepika". I mutter to myself . " Get a grip for yourself".

Just as l see the large , cream colour building approaching, l immediately adjust my pink saree's pallu , press my silver jhumkas, set my bangles right and swipe the perfect amount of tinted lip balm on my lips.

I reach for my phone from the headboard , open the camera

And in it: l see a beautiful , ridiculously ethereal woman staring back at me.

I looked breathtaking

As usual, BUT

There's this one unfamiliar feeling inside me that seem to say

' you've got this '

' believe in yourself'

' you can '

Maybe l really can , but for now what matters isn't the outcome but following what's right . And something in me says : this company is something else

In a good way.

" Deepika " . I snap out of my thoughts as soon as l hear ananya's voice.

" Yes didi? ."

" We've arrived dear . All the best , l will be waiting . Right here. You see that cafe over there?" She says gesturing towards a nicely built mini cafe at the bottom floor of Guilt free.

" Yes didi , l see it" . I say , already making my way out as she stops and parks the car.

And as soon as l do. In a matter of some 0.2 milliseconds , the morning sun light falls right on my face.

The perfect amount of warmth I need to get through this uncertainity.

I look around to see , employees . Women and men all dressed up and making their way through the fancy blue-lit entrance of guilt free.

I turn around one last time to see ananya , who offers me a nod and a genuine smile of support and reassurance

I wave at her smiling. Making my way to the entrance , a crowd of busy people sitting near the reception area.

Interviewing candidates? . I assumed

I stood near the receptionist: who, is a young , good looking and polite young woman dressed in a black blazer , hair in a tight sleek bun , fingers precisely moving as she types in the computer.

" How may l help you ma'am?" . She says in a respectful yet warm tone , smiling politely.

" Hello , so l'm interviewing as an RDN today ma'am . I have already applied, Am Deepika Khanna. Bachelor's and Master's in Nutrition. I would like to meet Arjun Sharma".

She checks in her computer system , nodding out of recognition.

" Yes ma'am . Miss Deepika Khanna, Arjun Sharma sir is at the top floor. Please take a seat there , you're next". She says politely , gesturing towards the insufferable line of candidates sitting there with different expressions on their faces: some anxious , some eager and some? .. let's say, waiting.

" Yes ma'am . Thank you" . I say walking towards the waiting line and taking a seat.

Just as l adjust my sitting position, l catch a young man smiling at me. Who's quite handsome l must say , dressed in a light blue tuxedo , brown eyes , brown skinned , sharp jawline and a quite athletic frame.

" Hello , nice to meet you . I'm Sanjay Singh ." He says warmly , offering his hand. " Your name? . You look really gorgeous".

I smile politely , lending mine and shaking it with his calloused ones.

" I'm Deepika Khanna. And thank you".

" Oh khanna?". He says , his tone a little amused then before.

" Why , soo surprised?. Never heard of a Khanna before?". I say chuckling softly.

" No , actually . I've heard of a dozen khanna's before but l never saw someone this breathtaking, soft spoken, polite yet highly intellectual". He says winking at me once , oh godd that makes him look more handsome.

" Woah , woah Mr Singh. That's too many compliments in one single row . But l must say you're not very bad yourself , you know? . Infact , l think you're charming". I say smiling

" Fine , fine . Miss gorgeous. Guilty as charged! . But can you blame me?" . He chuckles . " But thank you for the compliment , though . I feel honoured".

" Maybe you can save that precious honour and charm of yours on work instead Singh". Says an unfamiliar voice from in front of us. Just as l follow that voice, my heart, l swear on my entire existence itself ,skips a beat or perhaps .... Entirely stops?.

There he is, the one and only Mr terrifyingly observant . Only heir of Guilt free : Arjun sharma .

And damn as terrifingly observant he is.

He's dangerously handsome . Or atleast to the extent to sweep you off your feet and take your sanity away

Who's , now , staring down at us. Dressed in a crisp dark green tailored shirt , complimenting his fair skin tone , his hair slightly disheveled: not enough to make him look childish but oh narayana! , it's enough to make him look handsomely approachable.

" Oh Arjun!" . Says Sanjay excitedly , hugging him in a friendly embrace.

He looks back at me after hugging Arjun. " Deepika , meet Arjun my best-est buddy"

" Oh , uhm . Hello sir" . I say smiling awkwardly , completely caught off guard because : never have l ever expected the CEO himself to come and moreover l never expected Singh to introduce him like this.

" Don't mind my friend miss Khanna , he can be infuriating sometimes" . He chuckles to my even bigger shock. " Now Mr Singh , if you'll show some mercy and excuse us. I have a candidate to interview . AND she's gorgeous".

My breath hitches at the ' And she's gorgeous' term. Of course , beauty-related compliments were not new for me , infact l got them since the very beginning and l still do.

But a compliment by Mr terrifyingly observant and ' sanity-takingly' handsome.

That .... Is something really new.

I gently get up from the seat , offer Singh a friendly smile ; who's now grinning ridiculously like we kissed or something , and follow Mr terrifyingly observant's lead like my whole sanity depended on it.

Or did it?.

We both walked toward the stair-case area and the elite elevator just nearby it.

I was really shy to talk to him but l can't remain like a sculpture forever right? .

" Uhm , sir?" . I begin , trying hard to sound calm but oh godd am shy. "Will you mind if we take the stairs? , because who knows? . The elevators these days might have glitches and might stop abruptly".

He turns his head to me chuckling warmly. And oh godd that makes him look more handsome!

" Glitches? , oh please miss Khanna. Just like the healthy food we provide in Guilt free. The quality of the elevators is no less , and what could be more dangerous than you? . I mean , don't take it any other way miss khanna but one look from you is enough to set this whole building on fire" . He chuckles while crimson rises to my cheeks

" You're blushing miss Khanna" . He says smiling , more like an observation rather than a question

Very ' Mr terrifingly observant coded'.

Not being able to face him , l run inside the elevator ( okay l know! . This is peak level of unprofessionalism , but can you blame me? . He , himself despite holding the noble title of a CEO , is flirting with me).

He comes inside following my clumsy steps but Oh godd l must admit! . He's got poise , while l took an eternity to run into the elevator for dear life , he was already there in just 2-3 elegant strides.

He presses on the top 50th floor with his veiny calloused fingers and oh damn they're handsome like the rest of him.

" Will you stop staring like this miss Khanna or .... Shall l get used to those gorgeous almond brown eyes checking me out?" . He smirks , but not the cruel , harsh smirk. But a ... Playful one?.

My eyes widen slightly at his sheer audacity to flirt with his own employee again and again. But if l'm soo irritated by him.. then, why is my heart skipping a beat everytime he looks at me?

Why am l having butterflies in my stomach?.

Urgh , deepika. Get a hold of yourself darling!

" Sir" . I begin firmly yet politely. " I don't know what you're talking about and l request you to speak in an appropri-"

Before l even finish my sentence or give Mr terrrifingly observant a piece of my mind.

BOOM!

A weird sound arises from the bottom of the elevator and before none of us could react and before l could even start panicking , the elevator abruptly starts going down in such a manner that my overthinking brain starts freaking out! .

" Ahhhhh!!! . Mummmy!!!" . I shriek totally petrified and freaking out.

But when l check for HIS reaction : he's also equally freaking out but thank goodness ,not screeching like me but he was really worried.

Before l could even process he hovers over me within 2 strides!

" Shh " . He says , his voice calm and full of genuine reassurance. " Miss Khanna if you scream like this , my employees will surely have heart-attacks and-"

Before HE could even process what the hell was going on l wrap my arms around his torso in a bone-crushing grip burying my whole face in his shirt: l could feel his entire muscular frame stiffen and freeze due to my sudden gesture.

I expected a lot of things at the moment.

Number 1 : for him to pull away

Number 2 : for him to yell at my lack of professionalism

Number 3 : for him to push me away

But instead , l feel his calloused hands wrapping around my small , slim frame; though hesitant and 'trying to maintain boundaries' at first but seeing me tremble and turn into a sweaty mess , they turn reassuringly supportive.

" Sh , miss Khanna . I got you , and am right here but ... Though l must say" he pauses smirking. " If l knew that elevator glitches would make my gorgeous candidate hug me like this then ... I swear on this entire corporate wellness empire miss Khanna l would've done it intentionally" . He chuckles , making my heart flutter

AGAIN!.

The elevator which was dropping down terribly earlier; abruptly seems to stop

I slowly unwrap my fingers which are currently clutching his torso desperately , keeping my head down due to embarrassment

Like, how can l hug my own boss like l would've done with my sister or a friend?!

Ohh deepika! . You clumsy fool! . I scream internally.

" I... I'm sorry sir , l truly don't know what provoked me to act in such a way" . I say apologetically , keeping my eyes glued to the floor because godd l can't meet his eyes!

Atleast not after what l did.

I feel his hand on my chin firmly yet gently guiding my face , forcing my mortified gaze to meet his terrifyingly calm one.

" Sh" . He says softly . " Miss Khanna , please stop apologising to me. In fact l'm the one who should truly apologise because l couldn't provide my interviewing candidate a basic facility like a perfectly working elevator".

My eyes widen because clearly

Who, on earth , of a CEO says that??

Oh narayana , this man is pure gold!. I think to myself.

" Thank you sir , it means a lot . Genuinely . But please don't take the blame for a coincidental elevator glitch" . I manage to say softly , my naturally pink lips curving into a smile.

" But , l should have listened to you miss Khanna when you suggested to take the stairs instead. You have incredible intuition in you" . He says smiling , a warm one which reaches his dangerously expressive brown eyes.

I just smile softly yet carrying a hint of shyness in me.

I can't even believe myself because a while ago l was a screaming , panicking ' clutching my own boss's shirt ' mess.

But now?

Let's just say, one look , even a small , faint smile from him and his overall presence makes me feel like I'm the safest , most protected damn woman in the entire universe!

But isn't it a little absurd to feel in such a way?

At the moment l don't know if l had done the right thing by choosing this company over a dozen corporate wellness empires in Delhi , but all l know is this: destiny is surely taking me somewhere.

So for now , l'll just ... Wait.

" Miss khanna?". He says softly , standing near me.

As soon as l hear him uttering my name ( or surname perhaps) l snap out of my thoughts just like l quickly hide my earpieces when mumma comes.

" Oh , uhm. Yes sir" . I say awkwardly attentive.

" So , we can't stay stuck in this elevator forever right? . It's 9 o'clock". He says , showing me his expensive golden wristwatch ( which, l bet costs more than my entire month's salary) which , now exactly displays 9 AM.

Some 2 hours have passed , godd . I think to myself

" So , l will call Singh now . Ask him how long it will take for repair and if it truly takes long . Time is highly inaffordable yet genuinely precious for me . I don't want to waste mine or yours ... So , l'm thinking of taking your interview here . Although this is the first time am doing this , you're an exception miss Khanna .. a uniquely special one". He says , his voice carrying such profound emotion that my heart and l , nearly stop breathing.

Because obviously?.

Who on earth of a multi-billionaire CEO says that?!

And that too someone as dangerously handsome , warm, charming , character-rich, gentle-manly as HIM?.

Okay stop it Deepika Khanna! . You're giving him too many compliments in one row ( though internally and he deserves it ... But still!)

" Yes , sir" . I manage to say ... Politely.

As soon as l give him that approval , he nods , then.... SMILES! ( Though softly but enough to make my heart stop for a hundred lives!)

The dial rings as he puts it on speaker with the saved number written as ' sanju ' on his phone.

" Hello , Arjun?" . Says Singh with his usual infectiousness when conversing with Arjun Sharma.

" Hello , Sanjay? . We took the elevator in order to reach my cabin but it faced terrifying dropping , then all of a sudden it abruptly stopped . Can you check and tell me how much tim-" . Before he can even finish his sentence , Singh starts laughing like he's possessed or something.

" Oh please , Arjun!" . Singh says laughing. " You rarely get friendly with men , forget about women . And when you finally do , that too with such a gorgeous woman like Deepika . Do you think l would just be the ' eat five star , do nothing' type?" . He giggles. " I was the one who planned it, you silly Sharma!. As soon as you both made your way to the elevator. I made sure it will stop in order for something to happen. So you both ENJOY my hard earned elevator failure strategy Arjun" . And before we can even open our mouths , he hangs up.

Giving a 'beep' sound at the end.

I freeze , a weird feeling of awkwardness arising in my chest. My heart starts to hammer violently against my ribs. And coming to my face?

Ha, l bet even tomatoes are comparatively less redder than the burning crimson sitting on my face ( yet increasing every second by second).

But even though soo much is happening inside me

My subconcious state of mind : unaffected!

So , when l slightly glance in his direction: he has hung up the call and is now standing near me , staring at the ground , eyes twitching slightly but visibly.

He looked mortified as ever!

Even though l badly wanted to comfort him, l .... I just can't!

Because l myself l'm stunned to silence .

Of course l knew Singh was a playful guy ( okay a bit too much).

But l never thought he would do such a deed!

" Am sorry Miss khanna" . He blurts out in a sudden. " I .. l have no idea what to say to you or how to apologise because this is genuinely unprofessional. I sincerely apologise on behalf of that .. fool" ( he says , the last word with such profound anger directed towards Singh that his jaw literally clenches .)

Poor Singh , l can't even imagine his situation at the moment.

" Ayyo , uhm . No sir it's fine . We all have such friends" . I say in a warm , understanding tone.

He turns his head toward me , looking at me with such immense shock as if l spoke in some unknown language or sprouted wings through my head.

Panic starts to wash over me.

And my overthinking combined anxiety at the moment? : TOP NOTCH!

What is he thinking?

Is he misunderstanding my words?

Did l say something inappropriate?

Ayyo narayana!

" Ayyo no no " . I blurt out in a rush . " What l actually meant was that , sir we all have such friends in our social circle who have a tendency to be playful in the worst times possible. And you, please don't apologise for that . I swear l did not mean it in any other wrong way sir".

Out of the responses l expected from him , instead of any of those

He throws his head back and starts laughing clutching his abdomen.

My eyebrows furrow slightly in confusion.

Why the hell is he laughing?!

Am l hallucinating things because l lost my mind due to this chaos , or is he hyperventilating due to stress?

" Wrong way?!" . He clutches his abdomen tighter , his breath coming out in a ragged manner due to extreme laughter . " God , Miss khanna . I don't know what to say to a woman like you . Most women , if , in your place would've filed a complaint against me and this company by now . But you? .. you're apologising for unintentionally speaking in a ' wrong manner'?" . He pauses shaking his head in disbelief . " You truly are something else ,Miss khanna . Though l must be grateful about the fact that l got someone as wonderful as you". He smiles.

I look at him shocked though a wave of relief surrounds me internally.

Ohh , so he's not offended? . I think.

Thank godd!

" Thank you sir , it means a lot" . I smile. " But what about the interview sir? . It's getting late na?". I say expecting some standard CEO version of an answer .

" Actually Miss khanna ... You're hired" . He says in a calm expression.

My eyes go wide as dinner plates as soon as the words leave his mouth.

Excuse me?!

What have l even done for me to be hired as such a top wellness company?.

Wait , this can't be true . Can it?

Maybe am just hallicinating things. But his expression looks like he already decided and there's no going back.

" Pardon sir?" . I say trying hard to sound all composed and polite while l'm literally having a ridiculously chaotic turmoil inside. " I think l might have misheard you Mr Sharma".

He chuckles and damn l can't help but wonder how can someone be this handsome by doing such a simple deed like chuckling?

Or must l say it's very ' Arjun sharma' coded.

" There is no such thing as 'mishearing' Miss khanna" . He chuckles . " I , with utmost honesty , have said ... You're hired in ' Guilt free' as my RDN Miss khanna". He smiles , his eyes crinkling.

As HIS RDN? . I think to myself , my eyebrows furrowing softly in genuine confusion.

What does he mean by it?

Urghh , this handsome ' too good to be true' man!.

He can't speak properly ,can he?.

" Uhm , ' your RDN' in the sense sir?". I say calmly though l wanted to scream at whoever is concerned for putting me inside such a turmoil!.

" Well , when l say .... MY RDN, Miss khanna" . He pauses his tone , of course warm and calm as always but now ... Carrying a hint of undeniable possessiveness. " I mean .. that you will not be one among a thousand .. but , the ONLY one". He completes.

I stare at him , my mouth slightly agape , eyebrows furrowed . And my heart? ... GONE.

What the hell is this man speaking?!

Has he lost it?

Arrey bhagwan , does he , himself even understand what he's speaking?!

" Don't stare at me , like that Miss Khanna" . He smirks playfully. " To lay out my intention bare at your feet , here it is . While ' Guilt free ' is filled with RDN's , l never had a 'personal' RDN for myself ; therefore you're hired for that job" . He smiles

While ... My .. heart ... Completely ... Stops..

What the , whatt now?!!

Am l hearing everything right?!

His eyes immediately soften by seeing me freeze with shock.

" I know this is a lot in less than a day Miss Khanna , but l will not force you to respond right now . Take your time ; and as soon as your heart says yes" . He pauses smiling, before taking out sticky notes and a pen from his pocket; scribbling something on it and right after finishing , he gently takes my hand in his calloused one , handing me over the paper. " This is my personal number Miss khanna , so .. whenever you feel it's a yes . You can reach out to me ... And there's no official time for you to do so" . He smiles.

I just smile . Because l know no man in his position would hand over their personal number to an absolute stranger they just met.

But Mr ' infuriatingly observant' ? : absolutely will.

" Thank you , sir" . I say smiling. " It means the world to me ; l won't let you regret it."

The elevator opens.

" Had a nice time , Miss Khanna". He smiles . " Hope l will have the blessing of a re-meet".

And just like that.

' Mr infuriatingly observant leaves; with me and my thoughts rushing through a thousand directions.

But on top of all those?

There's a profound clarity settling over me .

This is right.