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I'm back with the next chapter...

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With Lots of Love,

DIKU...❤

AN INEVITABLE INTRUDER

CHAPTER FOUR

NAINA

When Sameer opened the door, I stood rooted to the spot. There were three people on the interview panel in front of me. I took a deep breath & looked at Sameer for the last time. He wished me luck & I took a step inside his cabin. "May I come in?" One of the interviewers spoke, "Yes... Come in please..." I wished all of them a very good morning & one of them gestured me to take a seat.

"Good morning Miss Naina Agarwal... Let's start with the introductions first... I'm Rohan Kapoor, the Chief Operating Officer..." He pointed towards the other person who was sitting next to him on his left side, "He is Siddharth Sinha, the Chief Marketing Officer..." The two chairs next to his right side were vacant & he pointed towards the person who was sitting next to the vacant chairs, "And he is Rudra Sehgal, the Chief Technology Officer. And as you can see the other two chairs are vacant. They will be joining us in a while..."

He was just about to speak something, when the door opened again & two people walked in. I didn't turn around to see as I felt HIS presence in the cabin. I closed my eyes & took a deep breath again to face the person who made my heart beat at the fastest speed since my arrival in India...

I heard the sound of the chair being pulled & my eyes opened & met the one whom I wanted to see in here. My eyes moved to the other person & I almost wanted to dance in delight. Nanu was sitting in front of me. Rohan again started the introductions, "Yeh hai Mr Jayprakash Maheshwari, the President... And he is Mr Sameer Maheshwari, the Chief Executive Officer of Maheshwari Industries..."

I wished Nanu & Sameer good morning... They didn't greet me & just gave slight nods... Rohan spoke, "So, let's start the interview now." Most of the questions were asked by Rohan, Siddharth & Rudra... Nanu was just silently observing me while Sameer was making some notes...

I had already answered some questions from Siddharth, Rudra & Rohan. They asked me questions like, 'Tell me about yourself?', 'Why should we hire you?', 'What is your greatest strength & weakness?', 'Why you want to be a financial accountant?' & so on... Half an hour passed but I didn't hear anything from Nanu & Sameer...

After few more questions, I heard Nanu's voice, "Are you willing to fail Naina?" That was a tricky question... I thought for a while & replied confidently looking at Nanu, "While I don't enjoy failure, sometimes it happens – particularly when you're not sure which approach would be best for a project and you choose the wrong one. Not everything you try is going to work, and you just have to accept this and know when to change course. One should always have a "Plan B... There is no success without failure. Failure should be our teacher; we should use it as a stepping stone... There is a saying by Joseph Kennedy that do not ignore your failures, acknowledge them & use them as to motivate you. So, yes I will fail sometimes in my decisions & would like to learn from them..."

Nanu didn't react & the next question came from Rohan, "How would you handle it if your boss was wrong?" I thought about it & only one face appeared as my boss right now... SAMEER... Ahhhh... I shouldn't think about him at this moment... I replied calmly, "I won't correct my boss in front of other people as I respect him & the position, he's in. I would speak to my boss about the error in private, but only when I think that the error would negatively impact the company." He nodded...

"What makes you unique Naina?", finally, I heard HIS voice... I looked at his expressionless face & replied, "I am unusually well organized and adept at devising systems, which helps me to stay on top of projects. My supervisors in the previous company have consistently recognized my and looked upon me to help the team remain on schedule. I have an unusually keen interest in current events and policy. Something that distinguishes me from many other people is my ability to connect with clients on a human level from the outset, making them feel comfortable... And the most important is that I keep learning & growing with the help of others around me..."

"Okk... Now the last question for the interview... So, tell me Miss Naina Agarwal, will you ever cheat our company?" I knew where this question came from & I looked deeply in his eyes this time & replied confidently, "Never... My parents have taught me to be honest & loyal with everything I do... Work is worship for me & I will never ever think of cheating my work... What will I get by cheating??? Just some more money which won't last long enough... If I cheat, it means I lose the trust & faith of my employer... And I would never want that to happen. I will neither cheat our company nor anyone in particular..." I said all this with my heart & my eyes were fixated on Sameer trying to gauge his reaction, but he remained unreadable.

I & Sameer kept staring at each other. Our eye lock broke when Nanu coughed a little... I instantly lowered my eyes; my heartbeats were beating rapidly... I don't know what the result would be. I just needed to calm down my speeding heartbeats... "Naina... You can go now. We will call & inform you about our decision soon.", Rudra said with a smile.

I left the cabin after greeting them to have a great day ahead... When I came out, I saw Preeti & Swati waiting for me. They took me in a hug & Swati led me to Munna's cabin which was also on the same floor but a little away from Sameer's cabin. We entered Munna's cabin & I was greeted by him & Pandit. Munna's cabin wasn't large enough as Sameer's.

It was already lunch time & they asked me if I wanted to have anything... But I denied... I was waiting for Sameer. "Naina... Interview kaisa tha?" Preeti asked curiously. "Interview toh accha tha Preeti... Par pata nahi kyun darr lag raha hai..." "Naina... Tujhe Sameer ne daraaya toh nahi na interview ke waqt, tedhe medhe questions poochkar...", Munna asked... I nodded in a noo. "Yeh Sameer bhi ek alag hi item hai... Pehle kehta hai ki interview nahi lega aur baad mein khud hi andar chala gaya Nanu ke saath...", Pandit said chuckling... "Sach yaar... Sameer toh mujhe samaj hi nahi aata... bolta kuch hai aur karta kuch aur hi hai...", Swati said laughing.

"Kon bolta kuch hai aur karta kuch aur hai Swati?" I heard HIS voice behind me... I didn't turn this time again & his smoky fragrance filled my nostrils completely. He was standing right behind me... "Teri hi baat kar rahe the... Pehle bola ki Naina ka interview tu nahi lega, fir Nanu ke aane ke baad tu andar kyun gaya?" Sameer didn't reply... I slowly turned towards him taking a deep breath...

Our eyes clashed again... How could I tell these people here that I myself wanted him to be there for my interview? I wanted him to hear all my answers & based on that, I wanted the position on merit. I was so relieved & happy when I felt his presence there. His appearance calmed me & made me comfortable amongst the unknown people.

"Tum dono aise hi ek dusre ko dekhte rahoge yaa kuch bologe bhi?" Pandit's comment broke our trance & we looked away instantly... "Ummm... Tum logon ka mujhe pata nahi, par mujhe bohot bhuk lagi hai." Preeti said looking at us. "Bhukkad kahin ki. Thodi der pehle hi toh samosa khaaya tha na tune." Swati questioned. "Haannn... Khaaya tha, par wapis bhuk lag gayi hai abhi. Toh kuch mangaa le yaa canteen chale khaane?"

"Main order deta hun canteen se abhi... Sab yahin baitho, main abhi aaya..." Sameer left us & went to order lunch for us. I, Preeti & Swati settled on the couch while Munna dragged three chairs for them. Sameer was back in few minutes. Food arrived in the next five minutes & we all dug in it as everyone seemed to be too much hungry. Sameer was sitting opposite me & was observing me while I didn't raise my eyes to look at him. I felt his gaze on me continuously but I couldn't look at him now or else he would captivate me with his deep black eyes again.

Munna & Pandit continued with their nonstop banters which was enjoyed by all. Once we were done with our lunch, Pandit asked hesitantly, "Sameer... Ummm... Naina ka interview kaisa tha?" I too was curious to hear what he thought about it... about me particularly... His face was blank at the mention of that. He looked at me, "Naina ka interview ka result jald hi mil jaayega. Tab tak no talks on that. Naina... Chalo... Nanu tumhare liye ruke hai... Tumhare saath hi ghar jaayenge..."

I bid goodbye to the rest & joined Nanu to go home... I was surprised myself that I referred to Sameer's house as my home in just two days... I & Nanu kept talking throughout our ride but none of us spoke about the interview. I didn't want to make the situation awkward... Nanu asked the driver to stop the car near an icecream parlor & we collected some chocolate chip ice-creams for home. We reached home in the next five minutes.

Vishakha Maa wasn't home, so we gave the ice-creams to the housemaid, Shanta kaki, to keep it safely in the freezer & then we went to our rooms to freshen up. When I came back, there was no one in the living room. Shanta kaki informed me that Maa hasn't come home yet & Nanu must have slept. There was still a lot of time for Sameer to arrive home.

I made a call to my mother as I hadn't called her since yesterday night. Mummy picked up the call in few rings, "Helloo... Mummy... Aap kaise ho? Main bilkul thik hun yahaan. Aap bilkul fikar mat karo. Vishakha Maa mera bohot acche se khayal rakhti hai, ekdum aapki tarah. Aap apni aur papa ki tabiyat ka dhyaan rakhna..." I told her everything that happened since yesterday & also about the interview. She was very happy that I was comfortable here. We talked for some more time & then we ended the call.

When I turned, I saw Vishakha Maa entering the house. I handed her a glass of water once she sat on the couch. "Thank You Beta... Baitho yahaan..." She gestured me to sit next to her. "Naina... Batao... Kaisa tha aaj ka din? Interview kaisa raha?" I happily told her, "Maa... Accha tha... Bas ab result ka intezaar hai..." She kept her palm on my cheek lovingly, "Tum chinta mat karo beta... Result accha hi hoga..." I blinked & we hugged each other. She patted me lovingly, "Jao thodi der aaram karlo beta... Subah jaldi uthi thi na? Main bhi change kar leti hun. Baad mein milte hai..."

I wanted to ask her that when will Sameer come home. I somehow controlled my urge to ask her & instead nodded in a yesss & went to my room quietly, hoping for the night to arrive soon... Sameer to arrive soon... I laid back on the bed & thought about the day. When I closed my eyes, I saw HIS smiling face. I let my mind wander a little. How handsome he looked in the dark blue suit today? How his silky long hair fell on his forehead all the time? How I've resisted him since yesterday? His eyes captivated & enthralled me whenever I looked into them. His body was so alluring, I'm sure that he must be working out every day to maintain that body...

I opened my eyes in frustration... God... Please help me... I need to control my feelings towards him. What if I get the job? Then we would be together most of the time... Then how would I hold onto my feelings without letting him know... He isn't blind that he won't understand anything. Neither I'm blind to see that he is just attracted to me. I can't even share this with anyone...

I don't know when I slept with HIS thoughts in my mind. I got up when I heard someone knocking on the door. I opened to see Shanta kaki standing there, "Naina beta... Sab neeche aapka dinner ke liye intezaar kar rahe hai. Aap fresh hokar aa jaaiye..." I asked her a little hesitantly, "Ummm... Kya Sameer bhi aa gaye hain?" She nodded, "Ji... Sameer bhi aa gaye hai... Aap bhi jaldi aa jaaiyega?" I freshened up hurriedly & went downstairs to join them for dinner.

When I reached, I was in for a mega surprise....

SAMEER

Seeing Naina nervous was making me nervous too... I'd called up Nanu specifically so that he would lead the interview & he was happy about it. I asked Rohan, Siddharth & Rudra to start with Naina's interview till Nanu joined them.

When Nanu arrived, he was surprised to know that I won't be a part of the panel. "Barkhurdaar... Tum iss company ke CEO ho aur main President... Naina ko interview dene ki bilkul zarurat nahi hai, yeh tu jaanta hai... She is over qualified for the position. Aur main tumhe bohot acche se jaanta hun... Toh bataa mujhe, kya baat hai? Tune aajtak kuch nahi chupaaya mujhse. Toh aaj bhi main sab sach sunna chaahta hun. Toh bol..."

Nanu was indeed correct. He knew me more than anyone, even more than Munna-Pandit... It was time to open my heart to Nanu so, I took him in his cabin. We sat on the couch, "Nanu... Main ab jo bataunga, woh sirf hamare hi beech mein hi rahega" "Haannn... haannn... Thik hai... Ab bataa..."

I told Nanu everything since Naina had come to our place, everything that I felt for her. He listened quietly... He didn't react at all... "Nanu... Naina mere saamne comfortable nahi rahegi... Usne bhale hi mujhe maaf kar diya ho, par shayad mere saamne rehne se woh thik se interview naa de paaye. Isliye main Naina ka interview nahi lenewala. Waise bhi maine Rohan, Siddharth aur Rudra se baat kar li hai. Woh teeno aapke saath honge. Aap interview lead kar lena mere absence mein."

He got up from his seat & started looking here & there as if searching for something. I asked curiously, "Kya dhoondh rahe hai Nanu? Main bhi help karta hun dhoondhne mein." "Arey main na mere khadoos Naati ko dhoondh raha hun... Kahin dikh nahi raha mujhe..." "Acchaa... Main abhi dhoondh deta hun... Woh... Main..." I stood there stunned after realizing what Nanu had said. I smiled to myself, "Kya Nanu... Aap bhi..."

Nanu started laughing & took me in a tight hug. "Mujhe mera pehle walaa Sameer mil gaya iss se jyada mujhe kuch nahi chahiye. Aur iski wajah Naina hai, yeh jaankar main aur bhi khush hun." I blushed hearing her name & I was glad that Nanu hadn't caught me blushing or else he would tease me continuously. "Barkhurdaar... Ab meri baat dhyaan se sunn... Tujhe aisa kyun lagta hai ki Naina tere saamne uncomfortable ho jaayegi, yeh bhi ho sakta hai ki woh sirf tumhare saath hi comfortable ho... Woh teeno ladke anjaan hai uske liye... Toh unke beech Naina uncomfortable nahi hogi???"

I thought about it & Nanu was indeed right. All the three were unknown to her. Yesss... She will feel out of place... But then I thought it was an interview... The interviewers were always unknown to the candidates... Now, I wasn't thinking straight... Nanu's next words cut my thoughts, "Aisa bhi ho sakta hai ki teeno mein se koi Naina ko pasand kar le yaa fir Naina hi kisi ko pasand kar le. Kyun Sameer... Ho sakta hai na aisa???"

I got up suddenly imagining what Nanu said now... All the three were very handsome & dashing with their personalities in their own ways. "Chaliye Nanu... Main bhi aapke saath interview lunga... Aap fresh ho jaiye tab tak main sab ready karvaake aata hun..." Saying that, I disappeared from his cabin... I heard Nanu's loud laughing sound behind me & I started to blush again...

When I reached my cabin, I saw only Munna, Pandit & Preeti. "Naina kahaan hai???" I asked keeping my voice normal or else my besties would make me spill everything right now... right here & I didn't want that for now. "Naina fresh hone gayi hai Swati ke cabin mein. Aa jayegi thodi der mein..." I calmed down just a little... I told them to vacate the cabin so the arrangements could be made for the interview.

They went outside & I asked Kamya to add extra chairs for the panel members. Rohan, Siddharth & Rudra arrived & took their places. Nanu's words started ringing in my head again, ""Aisa bhi ho sakta hai ki teeno mein se koi Naina ko pasand kar le yaa fir Naina hi kisi ko pasand kar le."

No... I can't let that happen. When I came out, I saw Naina had joined the group & was waiting... I asked her, "Naina... Ready for the interview?" I could see that her nervousness was back... She took a deep breath, "Yesss... I'm ready..." I wished her luck & opened the door for her & she entered. I looked at our friends outside, "Main abhi aata hun..." I came back with Nanu & all were surprised to see him. "Sameer... Nanu bhi Naina ka interview lenge?", Preeti asked.

Before I could say anything, Nanu beat me to it, "Haannn... Hum bhi Naina ka interview lenge..." All were looking at us confused... "Hum matlab?", Pandit asked me raising his eyebrows as if he knew what was about to happen... "Hum matlab... Main aur Sameer..." Everyone was surprised with the news but before they could ask me anything, I spoke, "Andar chalein Nanu... Late ho raha hai..." He nodded & I opened the door for Nanu... I followed him inside my cabin to interview the lady who was affecting my senses every now & then.

Nanu sat first & before I could take my seat, I looked at Naina who had just opened her eyes & our eyes met... I could see the relief on her face after seeing me & then her eyes shifted to Nanu & she looked happy. Nanu was indeed right about her. She was comfortable with my presence & now I could see that on her face clearly. I felt delighted seeing her changing expressions. Rohan introduced us to her but I & Nanu just nodded slightly...

I was making notes about her qualities while the others kept her asking questions. Nanu didn't ask her anything but was just observing her... I noticed the others who were keenly looking at Naina & again my mind was filled with Nanu's words. I need to keep them away from her if she joins our company.

I was impressed with the way Naina was answering... I let myself the freedom to look at her openly today. I noticed each & every feature of her face... She was so beautiful... her fair skin was glowing today... I was stumped the moment I'd seen her in the morning in an Indian attire... Pink looked good on her... She hadn't applied make up at all. I could just see a hint of kohl in her beautiful doe shaped brown eyes. My eyes glued to her pink rosy lips. I definitely wanted to taste them...

I instantly closed my eyes, "What am I thinking? Sameer... Focus on the interview..." I heard Nanu questioning her & then her answer. I was really impressed with her answers. I knew she was over qualified for the position & I was ready with another position for her. I just needed to ask Nanu & the other people on the panel about it later once the interview ends.

I asked her the first question, ""What makes you unique Naina?" Her reply was spectacular & to the point... I asked her the last question which caught me by surprise too as I hadn't thought of asking such a question, "So, tell me Miss Naina Agarwal, will you ever cheat our company?" She looked surprised at first but answered me nonetheless & I was awestruck with the way she ended the interview with her honest reply... I'm sure others too will agree to it... We were gazing into each other's eyes when Nanu coughed intentionally which broke the moment.

Rudra said that we will call & inform her about the result soon. I could see that she was breathing unevenly as if her heart was beating too rapidly. She greeted us & left the cabin. Once she was gone, I asked others about their opinion... Everyone voted in her favour which I knew beforehand. I proposed the position that was going in my mind which Nanu had brought to my notice earlier. They all were amazed & stunned for a while.

Nanu was the one to react first, "Waahhh... Barkhurdaar... Tu toh mujhse bhi aage nikla... Accha chalo voting karte hai... Agar sabki voting Naina ke favour mein hui toh usse woh position ke liye appoint kar lenge. Sab ko Manzoor hai na yeh..." We agreed & to my surprise, everyone voted for Naina which made me more ecstatic. I told everyone that we would directly hand over the appointment letter to her tomorrow morning so that she could start with her work from tomorrow itself...

After Rohan, Siddharth & Rudra left my cabin, Nanu spoke, "Sameer... Aaj main bohot khush hun... Maine bhi yahi socha tha Naina ke liye. Aur tere muh se sunkar toh aur bhi accha lagaa... Chal main zara mere doston ko milkar aat hun, lunch bhi unke saath hi kar lunga. Naina ko bolna hum saath hi ghar jaayenge... Thik hai..." I nodded & hugged him. "Hamesha khush raho beta..."

When Nanu left, I came out of cabin in search of HER. I asked Kamya about Naina's whereabouts. She informed me that she was in Munna's cabin. I went to his cabin & found my entire gang there... I was standing right behind Naina... The gang was talking about me, that was obvious as I'd changed my plan at the last moment. Pandit asked about Naina's interview & I cut him saying that we don't need to talk about it now.

I ordered lunch for us from the canteen. I was actually staring at Naina the whole while... I somewhere had a feeling that she knew I was staring at her & she didn't dare to look at me. I informed her that Nanu would take her home. She left after finishing the lunch. I was back in my cabin making some preparations for her joining.

Naina would be around me all the time once she took over the job. Was I ready for the distraction? Ahhh... I was... Was I jealous with Nanu's words regarding the other guys??? Yesss... I was... My feelings were changing me & I don't know what to feel about it. Should I be happy to become the old happy Sameer or should I be afraid of the change??? Only time would tell now...

My intercom rang breaking my thoughts, "Yesss... Kamya... I told you don't disturb me for today... Then what's so urgent?" "Ummm... Sorry Sameer sir... Actually... Manoj Sir & Pandit Sir wants to meet you urgently. I told them that you had specifically asked me not to disturb you. But they aren't listening..." My besties... How can I forget about them? "Alright... Let them in... And order coffees for us..."

My best friends strode in & sat in front of me... I looked at them & they were glaring at me... "Kya hua??? Aise kyun ghoor rahe ho?" "Tu humse pooch raha hai? Tujhe pataa hai hum yahaan kyun aaye hain toh ab bol please... Kitna suspense create karega???" I laughed at his choice of words... Yesss... I agreed that I created enough suspense regarding Naina's interview today...

I was about to speak when I heard a knock & Kamya walked in with the coffees... She placed them in front of us & left without a word. Once she was out, I spoke, "Naina ka interview accha gaya tha... I'm really impressed with her... Infact, the whole interview panel was amazed with her..."

"Woh sab hume pataa hai. Tu yeh bataa Naina ko woh position milegi na?", Munna asked a little impatiently... "Nahi... Naina ko woh position nahi milegi... Aur yeh hum sabka final decision hai..." I wanted to tease my friends a little... They both were shocked with my announcement... "Arey par tune hi kahaa na ki sabko Naina pasand aayi toh fir job dene mein kya problem hai?" Pandit came out of his shock first.

"Haann yaar... Mujhe kuch samaj nahi aa raha... Sameer thik se bataa... Kya baat hai???" Before I could say, my intercom rang again, "Yesss Kamya..." "Sir... Preeti & Swati are here for you." "Okk... Send them in..." Both the girls came in with the papers that I'd asked them to make.

"Arey tum dono bhi yahin ho?" Preeti said handing me the papers... "Preeti... Yeh Sameer naa paagal ho gaya hai subah se. Pehle bola ki woh Naina ka interview nahi lega, par fir Nanu ke saath chala gaya andar... Ab kehta hai ki Naina ka interview accha hua, par usse woh position par job nahi dega..." Preeti & Swati looked at me & I smiled... And they understood my plan of teasing them...

"Haannn... Toh thik hi toh keh raha hai Sameer... Kyun Swati?" "Bilkul sahi kahaa tune Preeti..." Munna & Pandit got more confused & we burst out laughing... Both of them glared at us & I handed the appointment letter of Naina that was prepared by Preeti & Swati to them. They read it with complete concentration & we saw the expressions changing on their faces...

After finishing the document, they were the happiest. They got up from the seats & pulled me up in a tight hug. "Yaar... Kya khushkhabri di hai... Sameer... Tune toh aaj ka din banaa diya..." Pandit said happily. Munna was looking at me intently & I looked away, "Sameer... Itna bada parivartan kaise ho gaya..." "Kya Parivartan Munna. Maine wohi kiya jo mujhe thik lagaa... Naina deserves this..."

"Chal Naina ko call karke yeh khushkhabri dete hai... Kitni tension mein thi jab yahan se gayi thi tab...", Preeti was talking with Swati... "Nahin..." I said loudly surprising everyone. "Woh main yeh keh raha tha ki usse ghar jaakar personally yeh khushkhabri dete hai aur yeh appointment letter bhi de denge..."

All of them agreed & we went back to our respective work... I'd asked Nanu to arrange a special dinner for us so that we could celebrate the good news with our family... I just hope that Naina will be happy after I break this great news to her. I was desperately waiting for the day to end so that I could go home & meet Naina...

All of us left from the office around seven & headed towards my home. When we reached home, we came to know that Naina hasn't come downstairs since evening. I freshened up & joined the rest of the people at the dining table. Shanta kaki informed us that Naina had been sleeping & will join us after freshening up.

When she came downstairs, I was again lost in her as she had worn a simple white cotton salwar kurta & her hair was tied in a messy bun. I so wanted to see her open hair. She stopped midway at the staircase, when she noticed all the dinner preparations... I just hope she likes the surprise...

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Ignore the mistakes...

With Lots of Love,

DIKU...❤