❝ Balance is Important. Work Life, Love Life, Family Life and the list goes on...

Yet, we manage, we live, we fight and we survive.

But are we happy now? ❞

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MEERA'S POV

Heather!

Nice fancy name. She's beautiful too. I could see both of them still chatting and giggling after I left. Well, my cabin on the west side was a large spacious rectangular room with unfortunately glass walls and absolutely no curtains. I made a mental note to ask the service to fix some makeshift curtains for me. I can't work like this, not with Kush around always snooping.

The right side had an oak wood shelf which had to be filed with files and other materials. Behind my chair laid a magnificent view of the whole of the Auckland and right in front of me were Kush and Heather, still giggling and laughing. A girl I had never heard of or Kush never mentioned if they happened to be childhood buddies or whatever.

Anyways how in the world does that matter to me. Well, it shouldn't and it isn't.

Aarrghhhh...

Meera... Gather yourself. You can't let that person just show up and ruin you.

My cell rang. It actually was too loud.

" Hey! Alan..." I knew he was gonna call and I must be expecting more of him now.

I watched Kush walk towards his cabin which wasn't next to me or opposite to mine, I was glad it wasn't. And also I don't know where it was. I didn't get a chance to explore my new workplace.

"Meera, are you doing good? Is Kush giving you a hard time?" He was concerned.

I expected that. Firstly, it's still a mystery that I ended up with him but now there's no looking back.

" Of course Not. I swear he's gonna have a hard time having me around." I wasn't sure of the later part.

" Meera. Anything, Anytime, you need me. Call me and I'll be there. Okay."

" Yes. Mr. Anderson. Now can I work?"

" Yeah... Bye. Love you." He laughed.

" Bye... " I hung up.

I could never revert his confession yet he's waiting for me. I hope one day I would be able to do that. It can't be that tough. I was actually gonna confess once in my life that too to a wrong person. I must be happy for myself.

New atmosphere and change of niche wasn't doing any good to me. I hate changes. My team was busy and so was I to lament on the same. The new contract had increased the work load on all of us. I swooped my head down and started with the blueprints giving my mind a rest from all the unnecessary thoughts.

At around 2 I was pissed off. I needed a coffee, desperately. Since I was like a rookie or perhaps I acted like one I preferred to get one myself.

OliveWines has to be a big firm, operating business I assume, apart from entertainment industry in more than 5 countries. So, the most premium location of Auckland that is Auckland CBD aka Auckland Central Business District that is along the Queen Street lies Kush's production house. Yes, Kush's production house. He's the MD. I still wonder why not name after their family name. Why trouble themselves with something fancy like OliveWines. Yet, it is what it is.

So, I had to travel 2 floors down to grab myself a coffee. I still happened to be on the 32nd floor. I could see the Sky Tower and the azure sky. Nevertheless, I'll have to travel from my condo that's in Herne Bay. It's not a long ride but it's surely gonna be a lonely one.

When I reached the 32nd floor it wasn't less impressive. Neither the exquisite interior nor the expensive glassware excit me coz what grabbed my attention was a laughing couple right in the middle of the court. Kush and Heather, again. Gosh! Can't these two work and not be anywhere near me.

She said 1 but it's almost 2:15 now, there lunch looks like it just touched the table and the fumes made it clearer. So, I was anyways gonna be ditched if I had showed up at 1.

Why? Why? Does it matter?

I went to the espresso machine. I grabbed my glass.
I don't think they noticed me. They were do damn busy.

" Heather..." I went towards them. The court was almost empty expect the janitors.

Both of them looked up.

" Didn't expect you here, Meera." It was Kush.

" Neither did I. Well, Heather one was my assistant wanted to look at some of the files. She couldn't find you." I looked at Heather.

" Meera, there's something called a  repository. And, Heather has her PA. Why bother? " He was irritating me.

" Okay! Thanks for the advice. Also, I thought the lunch was at 1." I was still talking to Heather.

" We thought you wouldn't show up." He answered again while Heather chuckled. I hate her more now.

" Do you always answer on her behalf?" I threw a stern look at Kush.

" Naah! Only at times when he's in love, isn't it? " Wow. Now she answers for him.

" Mm-Hmmm..."

" You share a good rap... bond. Happy Lunch." I left with my coffee. Rapport isn't a word for them Meera. Shut up and move.

I was glad that I didn't crush it underneath my palms.
Perhaps, Alan was right. This wasn't a good idea after all. Kush isn't an easy person and now this girl from HR. No doubt they are buddies. Perhaps more than buddies.

I know Kush is lying. I know he is.

But, it is as it is.
Work and life has to go hand in hand and I've to deal with it.

🌟🌟🌟

KUSH'S POV

" Oh! Man... That girl's rough."

" No, she isn't." I grinned as I watched the flushed Meera briskly walk away. I wasn't sure whether I was enjoying it or not but yeah it was fun to see her pissed off.

" Well, I can still see you on the winning side. She's definitely still in love with you for reasons unknown to me." She laughed.

Her jealousy was just spicing things but there's always two side of the story. In all these 5 years, a lot of things have happened, quite a lot oblivious to Meera and I just hope that she'll be able to handle them. Coz, once that door opens, there is no one who can close it.

I sighed as I finished my class of juice. My office which was the most spacious of all. Almost as spacious as the conference room at the far end of the corridor. Meera's office was at the left of the very beginning, which meant that we couldn't even bump into each other even if I wanted to.

I was responsible for that and I didn't regret it coz I don't want our complicated relationship messing our work. I don't doubt her but I can't stand up for me.

" Kush, Harry Elam is here." That was my PA Zoe on the intercom.

" Zoe, send him to the conference room B. Put Danny on Video Call."

" And Mr. Kapoor?"

" He's a busy man. I think we can handle men like Harry." I stood up taking the files and buttoning my coat. Well, there's a world out of movies too. The reality which isn't as pretty as they come.

Harry Elam happens to be the lead man in managing our accounts. He also happens to be the CEO of Harrison & Sons. They are the firm hired by us to make our job easier to manage the inflow of large sums of money that comes in and goes out of the company. We have been in business since long with the founding manager, Liam Harrison until this dumbass took over the office after his sudden death. Till then things weren't easy and now they have gone worst.

" Kush.... You wanted me here?"

" Harry. Yeah... Heather?" I shouted through the corridor. She walked in with Zoe.

" Where's Danny?" I looked at Zoe.

" Not available."

I moved a file towards Liam.

" What's this?"

" You better have a look yourself, you scoundrel. "

" Huh? " He looked at me.

" Harry, you don't show me this shitty face of yours after what you did. You have been embezzling money from our company since 8 months, a months after you took over. Did you really think we wouldn't know? "

" This is bullshit. "

" Tell that in the court because we have done our best. You know her, right? " I pointed to Heather. He didn't answer.

" Of course not. But you have heard her name. Heather Collin. " Then his colour faded.

She was one of the best corporate lawyers with a record. She worked independently and strategically with us. She had an MBA in HR. She's an asset we wouldn't lose.

" Mr. Elam, you thought you could screw us up and it would all be unnoticed. 4 months ago there was an transaction made by your firm which I think paid for your trip to France. Well, you charged us with the same amount categorised in different services that we didn't take. You really thought that you would go away like that. " Heather said.

" Kush... "

" You better settle with us or we take this to the court. We have evidence and you don't have defense. If it were not for Dad and his relation with Harrison you would gone a long way down the pit."

" What do you want? " He asked.

" You embezzled 5 million dollars. We want 20 million along with your resignation. Period. "

" What? You must be out of your mind."

" Harry, C'mon don't act like an ass. This is the best you can get. We know your assets. Be thankful that it's only 20 or else we could have you declare bankruptcy and once this goes public, remember you still have a family. "

" Is this a threat? "

" Take it as whatever you want but you know your firm isn't a small one and once the board of directors find, which they will soon but at least you'll have a chance to get clean. So, gather your shit together and sign this paper. Your registration should be emailed by 7 pm."

" You messed up for high, Kush... "He signed it.

" You messed up with the wrong person."

" But it really did take you 7 long months to find out, didn't it? Looking at the asset you have. " This person doesn't have a pinch of shame.

I laughed.

" You thought I'd be letting an opportunity to earn 15 million go in waste? " It was the truth after all.

But we did found about it one month ago and we needed solid proof. Well, he doesn't know that so as far as I'm concerned I've done quite a lot of work for the day.

There was no shaking of hand as Harry showed himself out.

" That was great. " Heather said.

" You were great. If he hadn't settled..."

" I think we would have made it a 50 or a 100..." Heather laughed as I said that.

" Also, I'm not so greedy after all. And I had the best. You did it, like always. And Danny chickens out like always. "

" He knew what you were up to. And Harry was his friend in some part of the century. I'll let him off the hook. C'mon... Kush..." I nodded.

" I think I get paid for that. Drinks at 8? " She asked.

I narrowed my eyes.

" What? He's resigning at 7?"

" He already did... " I showed her the text.

" So, I think Happy Hours start at 5, and it's already 4:30. " I had that smirk on.

" Yeah! With your corporate card. It's like a cherry on cake. " She said.

" Huh-Uh... " I turned around.

I couldn't sense her behind me. I don't know since when she was standing there but if she heard us it's not gonna sound good.

" Kush, You need to look at these designs. If they are alright then we can proceed with the manufacturing. " I looked at my watch.

" Meera... I think..."

" You have your Happy Hours starting in like..." She looked at hers now and yes she heard us.

".... 15 minutes. We can discuss this tomorrow. "

" Kush, It's Daniel... " Zoe came with my laptop.

" He still has the audacity to call." I took the laptop and by the time I turned both of the ladies were gonna.

Now I really think Danny has to be here. It's like I'm all stuck with them who wants there way.

" Brother mine..." I heard his hoarse voice. But I won't disagree that I missed him.

" Daniel, don't play that with me. I want you to get your ass here in Auckland ASAP." I walked in my office.

" Why? Is Heather not good to you or you want my expertise to court your girlfriend?" He can be an ass.

" Daniel..."

" I can't say I enjoy hearing my name from you. I had another meeting on, brother. I will be going to Mumbai next week. Dad is meeting me there. I'll come to Auckland after that." He explained.

" I don't understand one thing. What the hell is going on between you two? I always hear you meeting with him behind my back. "

" It's not behind your back. I always tell you. And also, we are looking for a bride for you. If your plan doesn't work. Dad needs to see his grandchildren soon. " He was laughing now and I wasn't.

" You are one piece of shit. Did you tell him about Miss. Collins. I know you didn't. "

" Brother... "

" Don't you dare mess with me. "

" I'm gonna tell him soon. "

" When? After your first child is born? " I was laughing this time.

"  It's not funny. I think we are too old for our shenanigans now. "

" You must be. I'm not. " I winked.

" I need your help."

" Did I ever decline? "

" I need you to be the first person to know what's going on with my mind and heart but I'll talk when we meet. " He was serious.

I nodded.

" Take care, brother mine. "

" You too... " I hung up.

He's one hell of a goddam brother.

When I looked at my watch it was already quarter to 6. I walked to Heather's cabin.

" Look, finally someone remembers their commitment. " She smiled.

" I'm sorry."

" You think Meera is having her doubts."

" Do you still wanna come?"

" I'm in..."

I thought it was the end of the day but it wasn't. When Heather and I were about to get in my car I saw Alan's car pull over.

" Hey! " He waved at me.

I waved back as I turned behind to see Meera walking out fishing something in her handbag. It was when she noticed us I knew that things would have gone worst.

She was surprised but then she did her best to hide it with a smile.

" Want to join us?" Heather asked.

" Not really. I have plans tonight." She didn't even look at me.

Got in with Alan and sped off.
I sighed.

" Is the plan still on?"

" You bet..."

Anyways I didn't have any plans for the night. Paul is busy with Tara. She's due in weeks and Heather is new to the town as well.

But my concern is Meera. Not only did I go out for drinks with Heather but I put up with the work. And then I show out almost 2 hr late. I'm screwing bad and this isn't helping.

" Kush, you don't need to do this. It's alright if your mood is fouled." She interrupted my thoughts.

" I need a drink and not one. I'll have to put up some good work."

" Can I ask you something?" I nodded.

" Is Danny having an affair?" I looked at her.

" What? No. Why? "

" I don't know, Kush. I don't know. " She was about to break down.

" You wanna talk? "

" No. I trust you. I want a drink. "

But, I believe it's Danny and I who need to talk.

Well, now we both had reasons to dig in for drinks. Good ones.

🌟🌟🌟

It's been 2 weeks of our work together, that technically means 2 weeks of me working with Heather and Meera. Daniel hasn't showed up yet which he was entitled to.

" Kush..." I looked up.

" Yes, Meera... What can I do for you?"

" These files... Needs your review." She handed them to me. Anytime of the day and in absolute anything she looked beautiful. Her honey eyes and sometimes tired eyes never fail to sway me. She's always in trousers and shirts, always formal and never fun. But, it will change. I know it. Either way I love her.

" If you wait for 10 minutes, I'll be done."

" They are goddman 260 pages..."

" I trust you..." I winked at her as I settled on my couch to read them. Actually I wanted Meera to stay with me, 10 minutes it is. We haven't been on good terms since that drinking episode. She's aloof and I hardly see her.

From the corner of my eyes I noticed her looking around my corner office. Well, I won't boast but it had the best view in the whole of Auckland.

Then I saw her going through the pictures I had kept on my desk. Before she reached the one she needed to see my phone rang. I dived back in that file.

It was next to my laptop on the desk.

" Kush... It's...."

" Put it on the speaker..." I said.

" Kush... The baby is coming..."

" On my way..." I put the file on centre table.

" Zoe..."

" Considered done..."

" Kush.. Wait..." I forgot about Meera.

" Was that Paul?" Man! She wasn't aware. I feel sorry for her and the situation we are in now.

" Oh! Yeah... He's... Or Tara and Paul are having a baby... "

Her jaw dropped.

_____________________________

Hey Guys!

I know it's been a while since the last update but life's been crazy busy.

Thank you for reading and keep up the Support!

I need it.

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Luv... ❤️
Vruksha.