A Moment is nothing but smallest of time,

It's all about a moment when you blink your eye:

It takes one moment to change life,

Past present and future, all depends upon your choice!

*~*

When work rules, not even a glimpse of peace comes to grace you. Sulking or smiling you just drag yourself to finish the task in hand!

"Excuse me Everyone, May I have your attention please." A gruff voice penetrated through the buzzing environment of hall. I along with others present there, raised their screen or paper engrossed eyes. There stood the chairman along with Mr. CEO Edward holding a thousand megawatt smile on their groomed faces.

The entire public rose from their respective seats in their honor with their curious faces in anticipation.

"I along with Edward," he stated looking at Mr. Edward, "Have a good news to share with all of you." He announced plastering a huge grin on his slight wrinkled face.

"As we all know, our company was working over a project from quite a long time. A project which could bring us a huge fortune, with the throat cutting competition from competitive companies." He made a sore face announcing the last part.

"But—" again the bulb glowed in his wrinkled face when he continued, "With the efficient team and their smart hard work, the project is finally ours." He almost screamed in joy announcing.

The round of applauds resonated in the hall with his announcement.

"Yes, people that contract is now ours. And the credit goes to the marvelous team of mine; Edward and his gems. A huge round of applauds for them." He again announced and I felt a strong urge to bow my head accepting their praises, a grin wider than my face glowed in my features.

"When there is success there is celebration." Edward announced taking the command; his command or the magic of his husky tone brought the atmosphere into another spell.

"Yes, Yes." The chairman nodded his head vigorously. I kept my gaze solely to Mr. Edward, not spare a glance at the interruption of Mr. Chairman, awaiting only our CEO to command us.

"Of course, my boy. The celebration is a must after a long day sweat and blood." Mr. Chairman continued, intertwining his fingers in front of his chest.

"So, it's time to take a break from the hectic environment of your office and have a quality time to recharge your witty mind." My eyes went smaller than the size of peas hearing his words.

Is this how the owner of an MNC talks? Probably not!

Perhaps it's the effect of his happiness having an effect on his tongue. I muse in amusement.

Some people had a huge grin plastered on their faces while some stood confused while some were biting their lips to hide their amusement, I had more or less confusion with hidden amusement.

"The company has organized a party for our success on acquiring the project. All of you along with your family are invited. Since this success is all ours. So, tomorrow, you all have to be present." Edward concluded; halting the opening mouth of Mr. Chairman.

We all took a sigh of relief as Edward saved all of us with his announcement before the chairman could twist the news in his gibberish statement.

The next moment, the entire hall howled with rounds of applauds and cheers of joys. Happiness and excitement was winning the environment defeating the stress we faced in the past few days.

People thanked Edward and Chairman; I stood near my cubicle with a grin plastered on my face.

With that no one was in the mood to go back to their work, it was almost 4:45 pm but no one intended to go back to work even in the presence of chairman. Surprisingly even he didn't show any signs of minding at our leaving work behind in celebration.

Perhaps his achieving the project has made him lose his strictness.

Well that serves as a good omen!

I smiled at the thought as I found Edward alone; group of employees surrounded him almost all the time, they made the announcement.

I made my way to him with a smile on my face while his eyes were taking brief look of the cheering employees around.

"Sir, Edward!" I called him to which he brought his gaze to my face; something gleamed in his dark orbs.

"Yes," he answered with a smile, turning complete at me, giving me his undivided attention.

"Congratulations!"

"Congrats to you too, Amaira. After all it the achievement of our team." He explained with a smile that brought a smile of my own.

"But it was your leadership; it was all so messy and complicated. If it wasn't for you, I—" I closed my eyes in exasperation recalling the moments of that stress and tension we faced.

"Hey, that's fine. It's the part of our job. And this stress paid off. We got what we desired to achieve." He eased off efficiently.

Amazing talent to deal with people!

"And thanks for the party." I thanked him; to which he raised his brow.

"You are grateful to the wrong person; you must thank the Chairman for this." He gestured toward the Chairman, who was busy with a few interns, his posture dancing while talking to the group of new recruits.

"Yes, but one must be thankful to the person who actually worked to make him agree for the party." I explained which brought some slight changes in his cool demeanor. His gaze went intense as he measured me in his smoldering iris.

"I know it was you, from what I have perceived in few days of my work, you have been always for the employees. And only you can convince the management, I wonder how?" I spoke tilted my head a little.

"You do a lot for people."

"Don't think so highly of me, Amaira. It isn't a big deal." Something flashed in his dark eyes which went as it came, I was left blinking twice.

Or was it just my imagination!

Perhaps!

"Enjoy your time, I must leave." He stated looking at his wrist watch; an expression of grim shadowed his smiles of moments ago.

I shifted my gaze to the clock adorned on the wall, 4:55!

Almost 5!

"You can stay, at least for today." I gave in a try to persist.

"Um! No Amaira. I'm afraid I can't. Enjoy and do come tomorrow." He concluded in a rush before taking his leave. He didn't even say his bidding to Chairman. Just a nod at my way and he is gone.

I kept staring at the direction of his departure.

5'O clock and he is gone!

The 5 PM Rule!

*~*

Party Night

The cab halted announcing the arrival of my destination. I heaved a breath before I peeped out of the window; sparing a glance at the premises of the party.

The night was falling; the twilight of moon was spreading the silver glow all around. The road barely had any traces of civilization yet the parking area gave a brief detail of the crowd I'll meet inside.

A lavishing ground was booked as per the research of the Google.

Of course! We have grabbed one of the best deals in the recent times; the party premises along with party should be grand.

As grand as the occasion!

I hoped out of the cab giving utter care to my dress. The maroon dress that I wore was comfortable also attaining the cadre of elegance.

The cab driver nodded with an offered gratitude of mine along with the tip for his service.

I gave a detailed glance around before heading toward the entrance gate.

I was been escorted gracefully by one of the employee who didn't gave a thought to the topic of manners as he continued to gawk at my figure.

"I'm looking sexy right?" I turned to face him asking with a smile.

He looked baffled before smirking he nodded, "Absolutely!"

"Such a Gentleman! How about I thank you with a sexy punch on your face?" I smirked; retorting back.

It took him a moment to grab the core of my words before he appraised my face for seriousness which apparently he found as he gulped before stealing his gaze away from me.

Cool!

We made to the lobby; the party grounds were on the other side.

The man left me directing the directions to which I felt thankful.

Google wasn't wrong entirely when it suggested that this place is named as one of the best place to organize the luxurious events. Exotic plants surrounding the entire path on which I walked; flowers weaved in soft threads were acting as the roof above my head. I smiled at the decorations; classy and ethnic.

I walked slowly taking my time before a door appeared in front of me; white and pale flowers were decorated along with artificial green all over it.

I tilted my head to adore the classic combination for once before pushing it.

The ground revealed a great number of people enjoying on the beats of joy and rhythm of enjoyment.

I roamed my gaze around to find familiar faces in the garden which I found after the struggle of few minutes.

"Uh! La la! Look at the flaunting beauty over there!" Veronica gushed as she saw me approaching. I concealed the blush that crawled on my face as I went to them.

"Here have a drink!" she offered as the waiter passed by.

"Nope! I'm fine." I shook my head.

She shrugged before Alaric along with our group members joined us. We had a nice time together.

My eyes once in a while couldn't stop but roam around before getting a steady glance at the entrance gate.

"Waiting for someone, Amaira." Kevin whistled grabbing the attention of others. I instantly felt regret not paying attention over the surroundings.

"I wonder who?" Alaric scratched his chin or his goatee to be precise.

"No one. Of course!" I spoke with confident but seems like my vocal cord forgot to bring the confidence along with words.

"This stuttering being caught in stealing tone; these hiding eyes; the flushed face, they can't lie. You better stop this drama and spill the beans." Josie pressed with an expectation to find some topic to gossip over the morning tea.

I wish I could! But being the newspaper of the office; spilling the words to you means spitting over my own reputation.

Josie is the junior assistant in marketing wing, her nature and actions are very much inspired by the reporters of those no sense nonsense news channels which after receiving a raisin of news make it mountain with their further spice up which eventually comes up as a big lie.

But until then, the reputation of the person is minced, rotted and ruined completely. Every firm has one or more person like them as the crucial ingredient of the dish but sealing mouth shut in front of them is what I have learnt from theories.

I heaved a sigh before taking the sip of my fruit beer. The taste until now was liked by me; suddenly went bitter to my throat.

"Come on Amaira." She persisted with an encouraging looks making me agitated more in process.

"It's absolutely nothing guys. I was just looking over the surroundings, that's it." I shrugged taking another sip which was bitter than the first one.

I wonder why?

Thanks heavens they didn't paid any head over it. Josie left immediately not receiving any juicy gossip and others along with me heaved a sigh of relief.

"The party is grand." I said looking at the entire scenario.

"Yup! It's grand, but so is the occasion." Kevin spoke aloud near my ear.

"No doubts on that." I smiled; my finger tips playing with the edge of my half empty glass.

"I see a lot of people, have they invited all the employees?" I murmured again biting my inner cheek out of habit.

"Yes, all the employees along with the special titles from southern region."

"Hmm!" I hummed sweeping my gaze around.

The ever familiar faces to the one I could spare a glance, the range of people I witnessed were the attestation factors of his aforesaid words.

But apart from one familiar face!

Where is he, isn't his presence necessary to an event like this? I wondered as we shifted the topics.

The beats of melody mixed in the air as the people gathered toward the centre to initiate the dance.

Clapping, hooting and cheers of people were all I could hear apart from melodious tones. Couples gathered around, some asked for the dance, most of them accepted willingly.

I left the glass on the counter before taking the corner where lilac and lilies were flaunting their beauty, since it was an open ground; we had the company of exotic vegetation and nature with us. The temperature was surprisingly warm even in the presence of such a crowd; or the credit must be given to the weather which was generous over us.

I crossed my arms in front of me enjoying the company of nature while others swirled in the beats of romance. Kevin and Veronica were lost in each other; I couldn't help but smile at my friends in adoration.

My gaze again lingered to the direction of entrance; few faces entered putting a smiling face but no signs of that particular face.

Where are you?

Will there be a chance for the people present here to see your face? I wondered before my subconscious glared at my choice of words and question my intentions. I flushed; the words of my friends and their catching gaze that caught my anticipating ones, my cheeks flamed further.

Oh god what is happening to me?

"It isn't fair for such a pretty girl to stand all alone in this romantic ambiance." A statement drawn gaining my attention; almost startling me.

I snapped my gaze to the direction of source.

"Daniel!" I recognized the face and my throat almost squeezed displeased to find him around.

Daniel has always been the second name of disgust for me. Since the first time I have found his eye raping gaze which he keeps for every girl in the office premises. He just finds the ways to lure girls to him just for his needs.

Being flirty is different which can be tolerated but Daniel takes the lust to different level which as a lady I can't tolerate.

I tried to keep my distance as much as I can from him; our being in different departments and floor proved to be great help. But here I'm again being an object of his lustful eye.

His gaze roam all over my body before it lingered over my chest for a moment longer, finally settling over my face; apparently lips.

Disgusting!

I always wonder why his presence is required in our company? Neither he is some perfectionist nor does he hold some extraordinary working traits in his field.

He took slow leisure steps toward me while my skin clawed my insides to take steps back but I stood my grounds not allowing him to witness that his presence affects me.

The liquid in his glass of wine danced in his hand as he approached me.

"Daniel at your service." He bowed and my face crumbled.

"Well, allow me to take you to the valley of romance." He stated dramatically with a creepy smirk offering his hand and waiting for me to take.

I shifted my gaze between his stretched offering hand to his face in an oscillating mode.

"Oh common, let's just dance with Me." he rolled his eyes before flinging forward with an intention to grab my hand.

I scowled before taking two steps back.

"Excuse me!" I raised my alarmed voice; my eyes hardened at his actions.

"What man? Just a dance; sensual, you and Me." he spoke in a raspy voice which only made my insides crunch in its lust.

"I do not want to but thanks for the offer." I answered straight.

When did he offered, he tried to grab like I'm his property.

People might call it over reacting but for me, it's not. A girl holds the right to whom she wants to be comfortable with.

And here I'm not.

"And may I ask why?" he dared to ask raising his brow on his filthy face.

"No, you can't." I firmly answered before averting my gaze to the crowd hoping people might see and come.

But whom I was fooling; people were too engrossed in their joy to even spare a glance at someone who needs support or company.

"Come on, Amaira, don't be such a mood spoiler." His persuasion traits and patience had no limit but mine was wearing thin along with my manners which were holding me back from punching him straight across his face. I averted my steel hard eyes back to him but there wasn't any shock when I found his eyes back lingering to the bust of my chest.

Disgusting!

Enough!

"Daniel, how about you leave and find someone else?" I suggested keeping a straight face.

"How about you give in and have a dance or perhaps, screw this dance step and jump straight to bed." His breath reached to me, alcohol was ruling there, his tone was planned to be husky sensual but it reached my ears as disgusting and creepy.

I have had enough, my blood was boiling in my veins but only the surroundings were controlling me. I was never of those who could neglect this kind of behavior from anyone nor did I have any worry of my job. I have kicked better to protect my self-respect and dignity.

An employee in me can compromise but a lady in me would never compromise when it comes to respect and honor.

Never should!

"Amaira, come baby!" he made a step toward me and his words received him the cold liquid of the fruit beer on his face, that I picked up from the nearby table which left him in bafflement for a moment.

My gaze flickered to the public, all of them were engrossed in their dance and zeal to witness what was happening here.

I wanted to shake my head at their attentiveness and long speech of awareness but then I had a matter to handle.

"What the—"

"I guess now you have got your answer. From now onwards think about this response before you try to play cheap with any other girl. And better stay away from me because next time, you'll clearly face my wrath. Leave!" I spoke sternly, blazing fire through my eyes.

He stood wiping off the drink from his face.

Long lost the absolute flirty man who was trying to lure me, now his eyes were blazing in fury, red was dominating him and his body shakes with frenzy rage, the effect of alcohol only increased the effect.

"You just not initiated this but called for your doom." He seethed gritting his teeth. If in sane position, I would be bothered by his words but the rage in me was far more intense to comprehend it.

"Leave before I call your doom today itself." I retorted deadpan, my hard eyes were enough.

"You'll come to me one day, pleading. Wait for it. Then this ego of yours I'll break. Remember that." He busted with furious eyes. His finger pointed toward my face.

Ego mine? In which delusional world he is living, when a girl says no why people can't take it.

And I'll come to him? He indeed is living in delusion!

He left casting a final glare at my way which strangely I felt full of promises. My heart was at unease but I tried to take deep breaths to calm down myself.

I averted my eyes to glare at the innocent shrubs before walking to the sitting area.

It was comparatively vacant since the crowd was lost in the beats of music and in the embrace of their partners. Looking at them, I sighed before my gaze lingered at the entrance again and only disappointment greeted me when the face I was searching didn't come into view.

It has become an annoying habit since I have stepped here.

I glanced at my wrist watch; the time was almost up, the chances for someone to arrive after this hour are very less. And as for Edward, the man is very much devoted to run with time and dedicated toward his job.

So the chances of him coming is—

Oh god Amaira! Why are you so restless and persistent on his presence! My sanity jerked me. I shook my head before focusing on my surroundings, the thrill of party.

My friends were still stuck there, on the dancing area with no intention to come soon.

My gaze at them disrupted when some was almost damaging their vocal cords by yelling at the mobile with a sore throat.

My gaze found the person and it was one of our associates and sales Executive Mr. Jhunjhunwala.

I watched him with amusement until he turned to my direction. His lips stretched into a smile before he killed the call in one annoyed click.

"Hello, Mr. Jhunjhunwala!" I greeted him with a smile.

"Hey, enjoying the party?" he asked coming closer.

"Guess so." I muttered looking at the crowd which seems unknown under the influence of joy and alcohol.

"Is everything all right?" I asked as his gaze was still focused on his phone.

"Ah! Yes, just my wife is on vacation and my kids are annoying me to no bounds." He heaved a deep breath; the tiredness in his tone was clear and so was visible in his aged face.

"Well it happens, home without mom is incomplete." I spoke in a small tone but regained composure before he could catch it.

"I couldn't agree more, dear." We shared a chuckle, the frown lines on his face I felt fading.

"Maybe a day with them will help," I put my suggestion into audible words, monitoring his facial expressions.

"You need a day break and family time Mr. Jhunjhunwala. Try it, it'll surely work." I spoke with sincere smile; he weighed my words before nodding.

"Perhaps you're right. I'll surely try this tomorrow." He said with a smile which I reciprocated. His phone rang and he was taking his leave to take it but it went into missed.

"Hey," I gained his attention as he was leaving.

"Yeah!"

"Where is Mr. Edward, wasn't he invited in the party?" I joked, but earned a pursed thin lip from him.

"He won't be here." He said with utmost confidence one could muster.

Does he live with him, I rummage through my mind recalling his position but he is in sales how can he know about his whereabouts so confidently.

I can't even say it even for me with this surety.

"Why?" I asked in scowl.

"Well to tell you, he is a day birdie. You'll found him in every meeting in day but never in a party." He winked adding humor in his statement.

"Why? Does he hate it, the parties?"

"Don't know." He shrugged. "But he never attends any party or any meeting after 5. It's like his limit." He answered thinking deep.

"Oh okay." I said but inside I was getting confused with each passing moment.

"Yeah, you enjoy the party. I'll see you soon." Hs gaze slipped into the crowd of people gathered to dance.

So this 5'O clock timing is applicable to parties as well. What are you hiding here Edward!

Now I'll have to find out.

"Anyways, I better call my devils and give them the news tomorrow we're going to amusement park." He announced with a smile, and left, I stood there nodding absently but taking Edward's this ritual into mind.

"Ma'am!" I turned on a server's call.

"Drinks?"

"No thanks." I smiled to dismiss him.

"It's alcohol free." He smiled thrusting the tray in front of my face.

I took the sole drink from his tray and he dispersed with a wide smile which looked weird on his small face.

Shaking off the thought, I took a sip but cringed in displeasure when kiwi went down my throat. I put the drink away with a crumbled face.

"So enjoyed, boring lady." Kevin came along with Veronica, asking with a grumbling teasing look.

I stretched a tight smile.

You have absolutely no idea Kevin!

"Yeah!"

"How about we leave?" I asked with the same smile.

"The party has just started." Veronica winced, leaning further on Kevin's shoulder but I found Kevin's eye squinted in suspicion.

"I can drop you—"

"No, I have my cab booked and it'll be here soon. You two birdies enjoy. I am not feeling very much energetic and resting seems the best solution." I spoke eyeing Kevin to buy my lie.

The enjoyment happens when you're interested and in mood, the incident has surely ruined my mood as well snatched my energy to take interest.

He nodded in understanding and I heave a sigh of relief.

"Amaira!" Veronica blushed with a glare I shook my head but laughter was far away I couldn't smile genuine.

The incident was busting my head like hammers striking continuously.

"I'll escort her out." Kevin suggested but I shook my head.

"No need gentleman, I'll be fine. Enjoy guys." I said and with that Veronica hugged me along with Kevin.

I waved at them before coming out of the ground. The same classy flower adorned gate greeted me I found myself lost to find my way out.

The cab was 10 minutes away and I had enough time away to play puzzle of path.

"Need help ma'am?" a voice from behind startled me, I shrieked before sprinting on my feet.

It was the same server who served me kiwi flavored drink.

"Am! Yes, the way out please!" I murmured placing a hand on my chest.

He gave that same creepy wide smile which wasn't looking very please to my inner senses.

"This way Ma'am." He guided the way.

I fall into steps with him but as I recalled the path was different from the one I came from.

"This is not the way, I came from." I pointed out.

I found him blinking; sweat was already there on the sides of his cheeks.

"Well that—"

"I'll find my way. You can go." I turned to move away as soon as I can before reaching the same gate. He didn't try to follow for which I was relieved. Before taking the help of a pair of guests I was on the same path from where I came.

It was relatively vacant since the guests were either in party or left for home.

I sighed as I reached the parking lot.

Good, now I have to walk to the main entrance!

Strolling alone, my steps halted when I heard faint but audible whispers.

"You were saying she'll be unconscious by now?"

"She might not have drunk that whole bloody thing." Someone groaned in annoyance. A surge of uneasiness washed over me as I quickened my pace to the parking lot area.

Suddenly I felt my stomach constricting before I felt small but many hammers were pouncing in process in my mind.

Taking the support of the pillar nearby, I blinked a little as the blind dots were hindering my vision. Weakness was overpowering me as I clawed onto the paint of pillar with one hand to steady myself and other fisting into my clutch in desperation but the haze was making it difficult to an impossible task.

My breathing went irregular to pants, whether it was my current state or the panic rising in me, I was unable to comprehend.

I kept blinking my eyes to remove the hindrance of view, roaming my gaze around seeking anyone for help but to my luck, the entire path was deserted.

Why I had to listen to that weird waiter!

Now things made sense, I am tricked!

His wide smile and persistence for taking the non alcoholic drink.

But it's too late now!

Now the biggest question arises, what will happen now?

My eyes were drooping as I felt the movements around me, a hand wrapped around my shoulder, next I felt alcohol invading my nostrils as the shrilling whisper blasted my eardrums.

"Your doom is coming, I forgot to clarify; it's today darling."

The words registered in my fuzzy mind and my drooping eyes widened in realization.

Help me god!

***

In smiles, life can make you cry.

In laughter, tears can fill your eyes,

Life is all about surprised,

Watch out, if it's not the worse!

***

Amaira Flair

August 11, 2018