Fan Creations
Chapter 5:
Abhira woke up to the warm morning sunlight. She took a deep breath, shut off her alarm, and hurried to the washroom as she had a lot of work at the office. Her firm was fighting against gender inequality with India's largest manufacturing company. They had 15 cases across India, and Abhira was leading the team.
While in the shower, she remembered that she wasn't alone; Armaan was at home. Knowing his state of mind and how broken he was, especially coming from a joint family like hers, she quickly got dressed, opened Asha's door, and went to check on Armaan.
He was sleeping, but the frown on his face showed his inner turmoil. She woke him up with a shout, "Armaan utho, kitna soge." Armaan woke up startled. He said, "Kya hai Abhira, let me be." She insisted, "No, listen, I have to go to work, and you need to wake up." He replied, "I have nothing to do with my life." Abhira retorted, "Yes, you do. Dekho Armaan, my firm has filed a big case," and briefed him about it. Since the whole team was occupied, they were short-staffed. Armaan said, "So?"
"So, Mr. Armaan Poddar, you will do what you do best—help the needy and bring justice. It's not for me or you, it's for those women who have been denied their rights just because some male chauvinist pig couldn't accept a woman and didn't obey the law."
"Is samay mei koi staff nahi aayega, so with your experience and expertise, you can consult with us on the case. Ab time waste mat karo. I have a 9:00 AM meeting, and I'll be late because of you. Ab utho aur shower lo, and we are good to go." Armaan made a face, but he knew he didn't have any choice. Abhira said, "Ab kya chate ho? Ki main tumhe bathroom mein khud dhakalu aur shower karwa kar tyaar karu? Main woh bhi kar sakti hoon, sirf 5 minute hai tumhare paas."
Saying this, she went out and instructed Asha for his breakfast and coffee.
Armaan got ready and came out. He could see a girl in the kitchen, who seemed crisp but got a little hesitant seeing him. Abhira introduced Asha to him and told him that she takes care of the house and food. If he wants anything, he could ask her. Asha said, "Namaste Armaan bhaiya," and Armaan nodded with a small smile.
Armaan was made to eat breakfast while Abhira was bustling around, taking her handbag out, placing it on the sofa, then running to her room, coming out wearing earrings, then putting on her watch, and making multiple trips between her room and the living room, giving instructions to Asha about dinner, house cleaning, and pending household work. Armaan watched all of this and thought to himself, "Itne saal hogaye, fir bhi nahi badli ye madam."
Armaan also noticed the change in her dressing. She was wearing a bodycon dress, minimal studs and bracelet, and a watch. Her handbag, perfume was the same, and her slightly longer, curly hair, with a little makeup and nude lipstick.
Armaan finished his breakfast, watching all this. It was interesting how she managed Asha and the fun banter they shared. Asha ran behind Abhira to eat. Abhira packed her breakfast, requesting her to eat.
Abhira and Armaan were about to leave. She changed her slippers and put on stilettos. Armaan was surprised to see a girl who usually trips a lot wearing 4-6 inch pencil heels. He knew she might fall, but to his surprise, she was confidently acing it.
Armaan always knew Abhira was an independent, intelligent, and confident girl. But this Abhira was something else.
With these thoughts, they reached Cyber Hub. Abhira parked her car, and they both entered. They were crossing towards Theobroma and Big Chill when Abhira stopped for coffee at Starbucks. She got a grande espresso for herself. Armaan could see the staff smiling at her; they knew her. While Abhira was on a client call, she got an Americano for Armaan, which he didn't want. She told him, "It's going to be a long day, Armaan."
As they entered the office building, he saw security interacting with Abhira. They entered the office, and the receptionist greeted them both, hugging and cheek-kissing Abhira.
While Abhira took Armaan to her cabin and asked him to settle, she would be back in 10-15 minutes. Armaan looked at Abhira's cabin and could now see a beautiful view outside the glass of skyscrapers and Cyber Hub. Abhira's table was well-organized. He saw Abhira and Akshara's photo frame and said, "Ma'am, you must be so proud of your daughter as she fulfilled your dream."
Meanwhile, Abhira went to her boss, Jessica, and briefed him about Armaan. She told him that he was one of the youngest and best lawyers in Udaipur. He belonged to a family of lawyers, and since Poddars were a big name, Jessica could relate to it. She had heard about them and also checked Armaan's credentials on the All India Lawyers website, seeing his news article. Jessica asked Abhira if he was here to take over her firm. Abhira explained how selfless Armaan was, as he was here to take a break, and since they had a big case and were short of resources, Abhira thought they could use him as a senior consultant.
Jessica wanted to speak to Armaan before making a final decision. She trusted Abhira, but Jessica was Jessica.
Abhira came to her cabin and took Armaan to Jessica's cabin. As they were going, she told him about Jessica and her important cases. Armaan had heard of Jessica from a few of his colleagues in Delhi but never got a chance to meet her.
Armaan and Jessica exchanged a good handshake, and Jessica welcomed Armaan with a smile. Armaan addressed her as "Ma'am" as Jessica was very senior to him, and he could tell she had approximately the same experience as Akshara.
To his "Ma'am," Jessica replied, "Armaan, it's Jessica. I believe respect should come from within, and it takes time." As she spoke, it reminded Armaan of Abhira. They had a good one-hour conversation, and Jessica could see Armaan’s strengths and how good a lawyer he was, which confirmed what Abhira had said. Meanwhile, Armaan understood why Abhira looked up to Jessica so much, as she had spoken about Jessica with admiration.
Jessica called HR, Priyanka, introduced them, and told her to prepare Armaan's Senior Attorney Consultant papers, which also included a consultation fee. Armaan refused, saying he just wanted to help and bring justice to those who needed it. To this, Jessica replied, "There is nothing free in this world, Armaan. You are giving your time and intelligence, and this is what you deserve." She decided to give him a compensation of 1 lakh, and instructed Priyanka to prepare the paperwork. Jessica apologized for not giving Armaan a separate space and asked him to share Abhira’s office space, which Armaan was happy to do, as it was a familiar space.Due to office rennovation.
As Priyanka and Armaan walked out, she introduced him to the Accounts, HR, and other employees passing by. Armaan observed how professional and corporate the setup was.
When they reached Abhira’s cabin, Priyanka greeted Abhira warmly, calling her ABY and hugging her. Armaan noticed their warm interaction and realized they were friends as well. They chatted briefly before realizing Armaan was present. Abhira then mentioned to Priyanka that Armaan was her mother’s student and a friend who had been there for her after her mother’s death. As they conversed, another person, Sara, joined them, greeting Abhira with love. Armaan could sense the closeness between these girls and noticed how Abhira kept certain personal details about him private, maintaining a boundary between her personal and professional life.
As the girls left, Abhira and Armaan went to a conference room, where Abhira introduced Armaan as a senior attorney consultant for the case to everyone.
They returned to Abhira’s cabin, where she handed Armaan the files. The last file was brought by Mayur, Abhira's right hand. As the three discussed, Armaan suggested focusing on the strongest case, which involved a factory where a woman was promoted. If they could prove that she wasn't promoted based on merit but because of no personal obligations, it would set a precedent for the other cases. Mayur and Abhira agreed, smiling at each other as Abhira had the same strategy. Armaan realized Abhira's intelligence and sharpness.
The whole day was spent researching and preparing for the big case. Armaan noticed how Abhira attracted people like a magnet, with numerous staff members coming to greet her. The office office who was old enough uncle, James, brought her coffee and reminded her about lunch. She ordered lunch and then went for a meeting. Armaan observed the amount of black coffee she consumed without breakfast and lunch, and it was already 7:30 PM.
Abhira handled multiple client meetings effortlessly, without breaking a sweat. As the day ended, she apologized to Armaan for missing meetings.
James reminded Abhira that the office would close in an hour. Abhira realized she had lost track of time and apologized to Armaan.
They went home, where Abhira took a hot shower, while Armaan sat in the living room, waiting for dinner.
As Abhira emerged, she was on a call discussing a case. She was wearing shorts and a loose pullover, showing her collarbone. Armaan noticed her casual attire, which was a departure from her usual kurtis and salwars or pants. He wondered if she had always been like this, or if it was just him noticing now.
Armaan helped her set the dining table as Asha had left instructions on what to heat and a hot pot labeled "Roti." They discussed their day, with Armaan sharing about the structured setup of the firm and Abhira mentioning that if she wasn't around, he could ask Mayur, Pri, or Sara for help. They enjoyed their meal, discussing their plans for the next day and what Armaan could do in her absence.
After dinner, Abhira sat on the couch with her ice cream, watching Friends and laughing. Armaan, feeling sleepy, retired to bed, while Abhira followed suit shortly after.
Loved reading this chapter
So glad that armaan got to see how abhira is now
Excited to read more
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