Chapter 2: Years Later
Shruti's career took off and she rose quickly in the company. Having joined as a trainee, she grew to the position of a Manager in just four years, the fastest rise of anyone in the history of the company.
That was her, Sukriti, the ambitious, driven, and dedicated marketing manager with a charming personality and a sharp intellect. Along with her career, her department also was growing. What started as a new product launch was now one of the three fastest selling products of the company. The team under Sukriti was being celebrated in the company’s annual awards ceremony. They had been working hard for the last six months and deserve this. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, anticipation, and a little bit of rivalry.
"Well done Sukriti, as usual," The CEO said walking over to the table where she and her team were sitting, "well done all of you," he added.
"Thank you sir," they said in a chorus.
"You should start thinking about expansion now Sukriti. I expect a growth proposal on my desk in a week. We go into annual planning next month and I want to make sure your team is adequately staffed and funded for next year." Sukriti smiled, "Thank you, sir. I'll have the proposal ready for you."
"Great," he said, patting her on the back. "Now, go enjoy yourselves. You've earned it."
The CEO moved on to congratulate another team, leaving Sukriti and her team to celebrate their win. The party was already in full swing, the dance floor packed, the bar busy.
---
The start of the new year came with the good news that her budget proposal had been approved and now, she had to hire fast to make sure the team was adequately staffed.
This was always the hardest part of the job. She enjoyed interviewing people, finding the right candidate and taking them under her wings. What she hated was going through CVs and shortlisting interview candidates. She was a better judge of a person face to face and a CV never told the whole story. She was always scared of rejecting a good candidate with a weak CV and trusted the HR team to do the pre-selections. She would show up for the interviews, often not even knowing who she was about to interview.
She had been interviewing since morning and had already rejected five candidates. She was starting to lose hope when the next candidate knocked on the door of the conference room.
"Come in," she said and froze as Aryan walked into the room.
"Aryan?" she gasped, her eyes widening in shock. He smiled at her, a slow, predatory smile that sent shivers down her spine.
"Hello, Sukriti," he said, his voice deep and husky. "Long time no see."
"What the fuck are you doing here?" she asked, genuinely surprised.
"I saw the job posting online and thought I'd give it a shot," he said.
"But this is a trainee's position." she said picking up his resume and scanning through it. As she read, she realized he had done post-graduation. He was studying while she had started her career. This would be his first job. That explained it.
"Education.I like to torture myself like that." He said as she scanned his CV. "I had no idea you worked her, honest." He added, crossing his heart.
"I don't believe this," Sukriti muttered, shaking her head in disbelief. "What are the odds right?" She said putting his CV down, "genuinely happy to see him after so many years... the way you are happy to meet an old friend, not in a romantic sense.
"I know right! It's good to see you again Su, you seem to have done well for yourself."
"Tell me about yourself. How's Neha? You guys got married? Still dating? Tell me everything." She said, genuinely eager to get caught up.
"Not quite how it panned out. She went abroad after graduating and we broke it off. Long distance wasn't my thing, and knowing her, she would find someone wherever she went."
"Sorry to hear that," she said.
"Truth be told, it wasn't the same thing between us after you. She wasn't a scratch on you and I thought we had a good thing -- you and I. When you left, I missed you for a long time. Burying myself in studies was what helped me get over you."
"All for the best, Aryan," she said. "I would never have been able to share you. If I hadn't moved, I wouldn't have got this job. Everything happens for the best, after all."
"Can't argue with that. So anyway, about this job..." Aryan said, his voice trailing off as he looked into Sukriti's eyes, worried that their history would go against him.
Sukriti nodded. As they had talked, she had begun to realize that he had changed in a good way. He had a more rugged, mature look about him, but he seemed to have mellowed from within. Gone was the pompous arrogant boy she remembered. He had a certain quiet confidence now. She decided to give him a chance, for old times' sake.
"You know, Aryan," she said, leaning back in her chair, "I think you've got potential. I'm gonna hire you, but remember, no bullshit. You work under me, and I'm not going to tolerate any of that old drama."
Aryan nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "You won't regret it, Sukriti."
---
A month after he started working, she was glad she had gone with her gut. He was easily the best intern and his work was immaculate. He never made mistakes and never had to be given an instruction twice. He was a quick study and a fast learner. He was a team player, always ready to help out others even if it meant staying back late. He was professional and respectful around her and her entire team had noting but good things to say about him.
They had become good friends. The old chemistry was still there, and somewhere deep within her, she knew she missed what was the best sex of her life. None of her other boyfriends had ever come even close. Not even close to the intensity, the passion, the raw, animalistic need that she and Aryan had shared.
She knew he was interested in her. She had noticed the lingering glances, the wistful look of nostalgia, of remembered experiences. But they had both grown up, had become professionals. They kept their relationship professional and friendly, but the proximity day after day was making hard to keep things professional... at least for her.