Part 15
The next day, everyone at AAA, wrestled to the regular humdrum. An impossible task though! Google, yahoo and just every search engine had been tapped into and every internet screen minimized or brazenly open was about raman, his family and companies. Profound and trivial tid-bits floated all round, falling into blabbering mouths and snoopy ears.
Dude! Raman attended the Oscars and that too with that Victoria's secret chick.'
Damn it, he is really rich... a stinking billionaire!'
Check out his beach house in Monaco!'
Color me red he has ten balls!' the skidding mouths skidded to a halt.
Just kidding! The look on all your faces was priceless,' Tine chuckled.
Not to forget the few media vans, jostling in the agency's parking, throwing their questions, mikes, and camera at anyone and everyone who came in or went out of the building. The mail carrier, chaiwala getting tea or a lost bystander - all got their fifteen seconds of fame.
Shagun, her expression worried, entered their shared office.
Just hope no one gets a whiff of you two,' she said, setting the warmed food on Ishita's desk.
A mouth full of sandwich stalled Ishita's reply. It was speedily chewed and gulped.
How would anyone find out?'
Digging dirt on the Bhallas is all that everyone is doing. They and your folks were and are very close. It is just a matter of time, before some piece of archived crap surfaces.'
The phone buzzed. Ishita glared at it - HR Department. She picked up the receiver. Hi?'
Ishita, can we talk right now?' a female voice, on the other end, requested.
Sure Simi, shoot what's up?'
Mr Raman Bhalla has decided to make Rochak Chowdhary oversee the Design Department; you and Shagun will be reporting to him.' Simi's tone was sympathetic. Rochak and his deeds were infamous.
Can I resign?' Ishita ventured playing out her part. Shagun curious, put her fork down.
You are under contract for another few months. In the part we have never gone after anyone who resigned before the contract ended. But with Mr Bhalla here, it might be different or not, I Cant say.' Simi laid the neutral card.
"Even if I think of resigning, Raman will come after me spewing fire and guns blazing. Then I shall have no coice but to involve my folks, Ishita speculated. How many months?' she inquired.
"Almost three months for two years period to complete.' Simi replied.
"Hell! Three months of suffering that jerk as my boss.' Ishita loudly exhaled, cursing to agency contract with its department heads, binding them their current portfolio for a minimum for two years.
Simi then causally dropped the bombshell. Listen, you and the Bhallas are family friends. You can appeal to Raman on a personal level.'
Ishita fumbled taken back, Ughh... where did you get to hear that?'
Somewhere, I don't remember the details.' Simi did the clichd, No one in HR dare give a straight answer.'
Our parents are close, but we aren't. I barely know Raman.' Ishita lied, ignoring Shagun's sarcastic and soft, Yenna Rascala!'
Oh well! But you could still talk to him,' Simi persisted.
Maybe... I don't know . D,' Ishita, quickly, corrected herself. Raman doesn't mix his personal relationships or lack of them with his work.' She tried to feign crabbiness.
Okay! You do what you deem best. I just wanted to give you the heads up.' She replied.
Thanks! Totally appreciate it. Whatever I do or don't, you shall be the first to know Ms HR,' Ishita spoke more lightly than she felt.
Don't worry Ishita. As far as creep Roach is concerned, we all have your back,' simi vouched before hanging up,
I barely know raman.' Shagun mimicked her. Lying old maid,' she accused, resuming her lunch.
Whatever! It is official. The slime ball is our new boss,' Ishita muttered, tossing her lunch in the trash bin.
At least finish your food,' Shagun rebuked, unfazed.
Lost my appetite!' Ishita opened the bottom-most drawer of her table, and found the largest chocolate bar in her secret stash-kept for emergencies only. Taking big bites she asked, When do we tell our troops?'
Shagun pointedly looking at the chocolate, Ishita was literally swallowing, said, Hopefully never! Raman will awaken from the delirium and revoke that order!'
Sure, and India will have a single party government! Let's be real,' Ishita mocked.
Before they have for the day... I guess! And emotional eating is not healthy,' Shagun suggested.
Yes and cancer sticks are,' Ishita rejoined. By the way, you had kicked the habit a long time back. Why the sudden charasi paana?
A married woman needs something!' Shagun drawled. Let's get some work done here before something else threatens our sanity.'
Sometime later, Shagun's phone buzzed. Kelly Clarkson's song Breakaway, resounded in the cabin. Ishita poured over her work, labeled Shagun, Fraud!' to her face.
The other girl snickered and answered her cell, Hi Ash! What's going on?'
After listening to Ashok, Shagun quizzed, Can you baby sit Advey tonight? Ash has some plans for us.'
Of course woman!' Ishita agreed, immediately. Time spent with Advey was precious... way better than any food.
Yup Ishu is in.' Shagun resumed, conversing.
Soon, it was close to five. Let's do it now,' Ishita said, stiffly.
Not interested, get lost!' Shagun shot.
You wish! My standards are a little high,' Ishita rejoined.
We all know how exactly high your standards are?' Shagun gave her a slow, wicked smile.
If you say another word, I will have no choice but to kill you,' Ishita threatened.
Okie dokie. Lets get them in. If you want ill handle it, you can jump in whenever you want,' Shagun offered.
Ishita herded the three musketeers in their cabin, You're firing us,' Riya said, cheekily.
Worse! Effective from Monday, Rochak Chowdhary is the new head of the design department. Over and above us!' Shagun gestured at herself and Ishita. There was a shocked silence for a few seconds.
No way! I wont work for that pervert.' Riya was the first to react.
Neither will i! I quit man,' Tina quipped, frowning.
Same here, I wont work for that lecher!' Roy added.
What did he do to you Roy?' Ishita teased to lighten the situation.
What is this... mutiny of 2014?' Shagun hummed.
Look its not bad as it sounds. Everything shall remain the same. You all still report and work directly for Shagun and me. Your contact with Rochak will be minimal and never done.' The last part Ishita voiced gazing at Riya, who had a few acrimonious run-ins with the man.
We'll deal with Rochak Chowdhary, and you'll deal with us,' Shagun asserted.
The faces still did not perk up. Ishita, how could you of all people agree to something like this?' Riya demanded.
I don't have a choice. I am legally bound for the next few months.'
Rochak's probably manipulated this. Raman Bhalla is obviously clueless to that man's true character,' Tina said.
Maybe,' Ishita agreed.
Anyway, whats done is done. Do not lose any sleep over this. As Ishita said, nothing much will really change!' Shagun assured.
After much convincing, Tina, Riya and Roy agreed to remain with the agency. The three went out, unhappy.
I hope Raman isn't playing us?' Shagun voiced a thinking crease between her eyes.
What do you mean?' Ishita quizzed.
Just hope Raman isn't in cahoots with Rochak? Giving roach free hand, to do his own dirty works.'
No Shags. Raman has no clue what a creep Chowdhary is. He will figure out soon enough.'
Shagun logged off. We'll see! I'm calling it a day. Are you coming?'
I still have some work, maybe another fifteen or twenty minutes. What time do you want me to come tonight?' Ishita asked, attempting to organize the strewn papers on her desk.
I think eight, should be fine!'
Sounds good. Adios Chiquita and tell my friend we shall have fun!'Ishita called out.
Finally, when Ishita stepped out of her cabin, the floor was completely empty.
Crap, what time is it?' she muttered peeping at her watch. Close to 6:30!'
I better rush!' she breathed, sprinting towards the elevator. Ishita turned the corner and rammed headlong into someone. The body was familiar!
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here you go today's promise to abha and janani..
i have updated...
Hollywood
Naagin 7
Health and Fitness
Cricket
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