The 7th Floor

"7th floor" he murmured to himself. He loved this city - Bombay. He never liked to call it Mumbai. He lived here for 23 years if his life before he moved to Bengaluru for his MBA and then job. He knew she had packed her bags and had come to Bombay. She had left a message on the fridge when she had come in his absence to pick up the last box of  her stuff. The sound of the lift broke his thoughts. The doorman respectfully cued; he had to enter the lift. He wanted this lift to turn into a rocket ship and he reached the 7th floor in seconds. he couldn't take this suspense that was building up. After 4 years he was finally going to get answers. Answers that no one, except her, could give. The wait had been too long... This journey to the seventh floor was killing him now!

Ananya was called by her company CEO. He was once again proud of her. Three consecutive years Ananya was awarded for her excellence in the industry which in turn put a spotlight on the agency each year. Hatrick! And that was a sure rarity and every person working at the firm was super proud of her. Ananya knew she worked for herself; not for her team, not for the company and not for the man sitting on the other side of the table.

At 10 A.M. when she entered her office, it had a bouquet of 52 long stemmed red roses with a card that read ‘Like Always made me proud! Here are 52 roses for the 52 weeks you slogged your ass off. Once you read this meet me in my office. – Love Kushagra’. Ananya dropped her bag on the chair and picked up the card and read. She thought, ‘He doesn’t leave one chance! He knows everything and I am not looking for any sort of commitment now. But he… just doesn’t stop trying! He is really sweet, humble, smart, and intelligent and have practically had all sorts of conversation with him. Agency has seen the youngest CEO. I don’t give a fuck to these rumours. Enticing him to jump the corporate ladder… huh… People talk. I have lived with that. But my concern is how do I get this message across to him I am not interested!’
She was standing near the window flipping the card in her hand. She had the best office in the firm. It overlooked a huge hoarding which always showcased the ad that their agency designed. It faced the vast sea face and the Mumbai skyline – ‘Nah! This is my Bombay! Arjun hated when someone called Mumba…” she stopped her thoughts. Tears welled up in her eyes. And she zapped herself out of it. 4 years not a day had passed when she didn’t think about him. She composed herself and wiped the kajal that had smudged, with a tissue. She put on her best smile and moved towards Kushagra’s office.
He was smiled and jumped off his chair to greet her and gave her a hug.

“Congratulations!”

“Thanks!” she kept it short; she didn’t want any conversation to start.

“You remember Chief’s parting words. He was right! She’ll make it big in a flash and everyone would stop to stare at this spark of white light. He had called last night to ask if you were happy. And if you weren’t then I should take “special” care.” he emphasised by making double quotes with his fingers and continued “Sadly she doesn’t want me to take care of her but she wants to take care of herself!” he winked.

R.Subramanium, fondly called as Chief, was the ex-CEO of the agency; Ananya and Kushagra are working for. Ananya had worked with him for 6 years and had won her first award under his constant support and guidance. He had retired 8 months back. He was her father figure. For two years in Begaluru, she was in constant e-mail correspondence with him. It was only because of him she had the courage to come back.

Ananya smiled and rolled her eyes. She was never prepared to answer or tackle this situation. Almost a month from today Kushagra had proposed. And she said a blunt ‘no’ without explaining why. He didn’t give up and still tried every single day to woo her. She was scared that some day if she gets vulnerable she might just succumb. She fought with herself every single day.

“Okay, talking business. Barista dude had called. Wants to meet. Needed some help with that.” She cut the mush and got straight to the point. They discussed about and she wished to wrap it up soon and exit. She picked up the papers which was her scratch pad for now. When she was near the door he called, “Ananya, please think about it” he said with a hopeful voice. She hated that she looked back and said “I’m sorry, Kushagra. Can’t happen!” And she tried to smile and walked out. She closed the door behind her, let out a sigh and looked up.

She couldn’t believe her eyes. At the reception desk, standing with a trophy leaning on the desk with his left hand in his pocket, he smiled and winked at her, “Sssup?”

Ananya's Diary Entry

That night I cannot forget! One moment... that very moment. I was too drunk to realize when I made that remark... You always miss the mark! Hahaha I still let out a silly laugh when I think about it. I do feel awesomely stupid about it. But I am happy I said it. I don't regret one bit it happened. Just a kiss! Nah it felt more than 'Just-a-kiss'. One kiss changed our lives. I could hear his heart beat the whole night. He held me close. I could sense his possessiveness! My heart skipped million beats when he said "I Love You". I know he meant it atleast I want to believe he meant it. The hug was tighter than usual, the closeness was comfortable. I am sure he too had multiple contemplations like me before he actually kissed. Shorter pecks to longer ones. I played with him the whole night till I got tired and slept close to his heart. I used to move away and he would pull me close I would let a laugh out and he would come closer to my face and would smile... That one smile I can't even begin to explain what it was like.

He had completely taken over me. This dominance, possessiveness and closeness... Every bit of it I enjoyed. He came softly and subtly each time and always held me by my waist. He restricted his hands there. I hated when he left, in the morning, but I knew he would come back. I was scared what if he says it was just a moment and nothing more. That would have crushed me! Thank God none of it happened. He came with my favourite cup of coffee and chocolate chip cookies on a tray neatly arranged. The flower vase on my table had carnations. "For you" he hinted with his eyes. Never did anyone do all this for me. Make me feel so special.

It was a Sunday and as usual we decided to spend it at home. I was hopeful we might talk about it or maybe more closeness. My mind imagined so many things. Too much to write. While I was in the kitchen, he suddenly came from behind and held me close. I can still feel his breath on my neck. I can still sense him around even when he isn't there. He whispered, "Did I tell you ever before? Wet hair makes you look  really sexy!" It was just a statement he made casually. He makes some 10 statements like these everyday. But today it meant different to me. I smiled... Unusually... A dirt look or maybe a elbow-nudge was my normal reaction. But none of these I did today. Something within me was changing and he mustn't have realised as there was no change in his behaviour. I still am  a little puzzled about it. I suggested a movie and we watched it. Nothing changed! The way we sat, irritated each other, held each other and as usual he slept on thigh. It was just any other Sunday evening that passed. I bent to kiss him on his cheek. Suddenly his hand come around my neck and we kissed again. This time it was stronger. He got up and held me close. I wanted him to talk about it, I didn't know if I should... His hand moved from my shoulder to my waist. He looked into my eyes and I couldn't look into them for more than 5 seconds. "Let's go to sleep have a long day tomorrow!" That's what he said.

Maybe even he didn't know how to approach... Maybe  even he needs time. Now I'm a little impatient. But holding myself for that day shall arrive.We got intimate in the bed as well. His warm hands felt my cold back. It tingled every nerve in my body. We cuddled and dozed off. Two nights straight I slept in his arms. It feels awesome. I feel at peace when I am with him. He has gone for a shower now. I love the way he smells when he comes out from the shower. The shampoo and his bodywash with a tinge of aftershave... My my my... Its so so sexy *wink*. Need to get ready! Time to leave for work. Laters!

Dated: 5th March 2011 (A day after one of the most memorable day of my life)

The Next Day

Everything changed the next day! He opened his eyes to find her in his arms. How beautiful she looked. She was still smiling. "What could she be dreaming?" he wondered. His hands were lost in her hair and he slowly and smoothly tried to free them without disturbing her sleep. He had to pick up Noel and Ira from the hotel and drop them to the airport. He knew exactly how Noel had planned his first night and his honeymoon. So he knew he couldn't screw the time plan. He hated to leave her. He got up and she got stirred. She opened her eyes and he patted her forehead to put her back to sleep. She loved every miniscule of his warmth, his tenderness, his love. She curled up in her blanket, hand tucked in her pillow and dozed off again. He kissed her forehead not knowing if could kiss her.. 'Nah.. Not now time to go!' his mind spoke.
He quickly brushed, didn't have time to shower. Threw water on his face changed into a fresh pair of clothes took his car keys and scrammed out of the house in flat 15 minutes. After really long he was happy. He knew what he wanted, everything was falling in place. He was in love how awesome was that. He could still feel her lips.
He wanted to listen to soft music instead of the trance he heard everyday. He pulled down the car windows to feel the breeze, smell the fragrance of the flowers that lingered in the air and heard the sound of silence. He enjoyed his drive everyday but today he felt everything was perfect. He remembered how as a kid he loved playing jigsaw puzzles. When the final piece was placed he would clap happily. It would be a complete picture. He would then run his fingers through every piece and feel proud that he did it. Today he felt the same.
Two minutes from the hotel he gave Noel a call to be ready to leave. He saw Noel stand with the baggages at the hotel entrance. He parked, clicked to open the boot and jumped out to help him with the bags.
"So how was it??" He asked nudging Noel.
"I can't believe I am saying this.. I know now how it feels to love someone.. Slow subtle we were lost.. Time flew and alarm rang.. Crap that alarm!! She's beautiful man.. I have married the most beautiful girl.. I mean it"
Arjun looked at his friend with a surprise, "Man! Love sure has the power to tame the beast, yeah!" He smirked, "anyways wanted to tell ya something last night.."
"You kissed her!" Noel completed in a matter-of-factly manner.
Arjun was shocked, "How the hell..?" He almost screamed.
"You guys were drunk.. She was falling all over you.. I saw you take care of her the whole evening.. Was a silent spectator!! *wink* And mister like you knew what I felt for Ira before I realised.. Same principle applies here!"
Arjun underestimated Noel's intelligence at times.. Time to change the topic, "Where is Ira?"
"Donno man, she was going to be here in 10 minutes..." Saying so he dialled her number and turned to find her standing there, "There she is!
Arjun couldn't help notice the glint in her eyes and the warm smile on her face. She had always been his favourite person. She walked upto them and hugged Arjun.
"How you doing princess?"
"Perfect! Nothing could have been more perfect than this."
He held her tighter and smiled, "Let's go else will get late!"
They sat in the car and Arjun dropped them to the airport. "Have fun! And don't worry about work will handle it all!" Arjun reassured.
"Never worry when we on the same assignment. And right now work is the last thing on my mind." Noel winked and continued "And as an serious advice don't miss any oppourtunity. And please don't run away from what you feel." Arjun nodded and made his move waving a bye.
On his way back, he stopped at Costa to pick up her favourite coffee and a pack of cookies. Opposite to the coffee shop he saw a man selling flowers. He picked up a bunch of red and yellow carnations for her. He wanted to see her open her eyes to see them. Those eyes... His thoughts trailed.
Little did he know all this wouldn't last long.. A month after a day came when every thing came crashing down...