I arrived at AZ INDUSTRIES 20 minutes early, my mind racing. I sat in the car park trying to control myself. "Avni, please dont. Everything will be okay." I talked to myself in the car mirror. I could feel my heart pounding outside my chest, like it wanted to run away. It knew I was about to potentially wound the protective layer I subconsciously created around it; the protection from men.

It felt like there was no more oxygen left in the world to breathe, it's all been taken; consumed by my fears.
I was not planning on having a panic attack before a meeting but as I said, I never get satisfaction of things working in my favour so here I am sat in my car breathing like i've just ran away from a ghost or something. I closed my eyes and tried to focus on the pace of my breathing as I felt a small hand rest on top of mine. Still struggling to breathe, I turned to face the sense. Choti Avni was looking up at me with big, reassuring eyes.

"You will be okay, sab kuch theek ho jayga." She spoke to me, trying to motivate me. I smiled and closed my eyes again as my breathing steadied itself again. "It's okay, he's probably gonna be nice, remember he likes psychology too? It will all be fine." I confidentially spoke to myself as I opened my eyes and stepped out the car.

Floor 5, Meeting Room 1. I knocked on the door and was ushered to enter. There were 3 people already here: two girls and a guy, meaning there were two guys yet to come. Yusra was sat at the end of the round table, and there were designated seats with our name tags next to them. Yusra indicated at me to find my seat, i was on the left side next to the two girls, meaning the right side was for the boys.

"Avni, welcome! Just take a seat and we will introduce ourselves once the other two arrive." Yusra explained with a smile on her face.

Suddenly, a loud burst through the door arrived. "S-sorry we're late boss... traffic." A man stated with a scared tone in his voice. They both migrated away from the shield of the door that was blocking their faces.... oh fuck no.

HIM? CHOCOLATE LABRADOR? WHY THE HELL IS HE HERE? I sat with my mouth wide open as he scanned the room, then locked eyes with me. He smirked at me with a playful look in his eyes- he looked excited about something.

"as long as this guy isn't neil khanna i'll be fine." I whispered to myself in a strop, as I broke eye contact with him and faced in the opposite direction.

"Oh, it's okay boys it happens! Just find your seats." They both sat on the opposite side to us; that damn chocolate labrador was sat directly opposite me. "Okay, hello everyone! As you already know, I sent out all of your emails as to who you're working with and why, so let's introduce ourselves with our name, age and passion. We will go round the table, Avni we will start with you and work round."

Oh fuck sake i'm first. "Uhh Hi I'm Avni, i'm 23 and i enjoy psychology and writing." I stated, looking down at the table trying to avoid any eye contact.

"I'm Sunheri, i'm 22 and I enjoy Media."
"I'm Tara, I'm 20 and I enjoy maths."
"My names Ali, im 24 and i enjoy chemistry."

"HI! I'm DD, I'm 24 and I have a passion for food ahaha." We all chuckled whilst a realisation hit me. Where the hell is this Neil then?-

"Hey, my names Neil, i'm 25 and I love psychology."
He... He's fucking Mr Neil Khanna, I've been partnered with... HIM?