Zara entered the washroom, splashed cold water on her face, and closed her eyes. The image of Ayaan seen up close after years sent shivers down her spine.
“You’re fine, Zara. He seemed normal, professional… everything is going to be fine,” she whispered to herself, trying to steady her racing heart. She returned to her cubicle, collected her things, and informed the Finance Lead before heading to Ayaan’s floor.
Rohan pulled out a chair for her and handed her a MacBook and iPad. Zara opened it and tried to focus on the numbers and charts on his screen, but her mind refused to cooperate. All she could see was Ayaan…….his subtle, well-trimmed beard, impeccably styled hair, the sharp cut of his suit, and the deep, controlled timbre of his voice that seemed to set her whole being on fire.
Her trance broke when she was gently shaken. Startled, she looked up at Rohan, who studied her with concern.
“Zara, is everything okay? You don’t seem fine.” Rohan said, his voiced laced with concern.
“No, it’s nothing serious. I… I’m fine. Sorry, I zoned out. Let’s start over,” she said, wiping the sweat from her forehead.
Rohan shook his head and stood. “You need to relax. Let’s head to the pantry, have a coffee, and I’ll show you how the boss prefers it. Then we can start fresh.” he said and before Zara could protest, Rohan strode ahead confidently. She hurried behind him, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor until they reached the only room on the floor apart from the washroom, a compact, neatly organized pantry that smelled faintly of roasted coffee beans and rich blends.
Rohan held the door open for her. “Welcome to the heart of Mr. Ayaan’s mornings,” he said lightly, gesturing toward the sleek espresso machine gleaming on the counter.
Zara managed a nervous smile.
Rohan rolled up his sleeves. He reached for two porcelain cups and began preparing an espresso for both of them. The rhythmic hum of the machine filled the small room, the aroma instantly soothing yet intimidating to Zara, who knew this simple act was part of her new responsibility.
Handing her one cup, Rohan leaned against the counter. “Here, taste this. That’s how he likes his espresso when he’s in a good mood. But most mornings, he prefers black coffee, one sugar, no milk, no nonsense. Slightly bitter just like his mornings.”
Zara took a sip and winced slightly at the strong taste, earning a small laugh from Rohan.
“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it. Now watch carefully. Temperature has to be just right. Not boiling, he hates that. The cup should be on his desk at exactly nine o’clock. Not a minute before, not after. It’s part of his routine, and he notices the smallest things.” Rohan said and Zara nodded attentively, taking mental notes of every word, her fingers twitching slightly as she mimicked his motions.
“You’ll prepare it tomorrow. If he finishes it without a word, you’ll know you did well. If he pauses…”
Zara looked at him with widened eyes. “Then?”
Rohan grinned. “Then you might want to start praying.”
Rohan moved around the pantry with practiced ease, humming softly under his breath. The earlier tension in Zara’s shoulders had started to ease a little as she watched him work, pouring fresh milk into the steamer, measuring coffee powder with precision.
“Black coffee is for him, but for us mere mortals, milk coffee feels a bit more human.” Rohan said with a faint smile, glancing at her. He handed her a cup, the steam curling gently between them. “You’ll need the energy to survive the day. Trust me, working under Mr. Ayaan isn’t exactly… peaceful.”
Zara accepted it with both hands, grateful for the warmth. “You make it sound like a battlefield.”
Rohan grinned. “Oh, it is. Except the enemy doesn’t shout. Boss just looks at you and that’s enough.” he said and they both laughed quietly, their voices echoing softly through the small pantry.
Ayaan eyes were fixed on the live CCTV feed displayed on the huge TV in his room.
The image showed Zara standing leaning on the counter, her hair falling over one shoulder as she smiled faintly while Rohan stirred milk into her coffee. Ayaan’s hand froze midair, his pen pressed too tightly between his fingers. His jaw tightened and he dropped the pen on the desk and leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable.
“Let your laughter echo today, I’ll collect your tears tomorrow” Ayaan said watching them return to their seat.
The next few hours slipped by in quiet concentration as Zara followed Rohan through every detail of his work. His desk was meticulously organized, files labelled, schedules color-coded, reminders set to the minute.
“This, is the core of your survival. Every meeting, every call, even his coffee, everything runs on time. He doesn’t tolerate delays or excuses.” Rohan said, pointing to Ayaan’s calendar.
Zara nodded, noting down each point in her small notepad. Her brows furrowed as she watched him coordinate with departments, approve reports, and respond to emails all with calm precision.
He showed her how to filter Ayaan’s calls, organize confidential files, and handle his daily reports. “He prefers silence when he’s thinking, never interrupt unless it’s urgent and I mean life threatening urgent.”
Zara smiled nervously. “Got it. Silence is survival.”
Rohan chuckled softly. “Exactly. But don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it. Just remember, he notices everything, even when he pretends not to.”
By lunchtime, the driver arrived at the floor carrying a bag with food for Ayaan.
“Follow me. Time to deliver his lunch.” Rohan said taking the bag from the driver.
Zara’s steps were careful as she trailed him to Ayaan’s room. She watched silently as Rohan placed the neatly packed lunch, a plate, and a glass of water on the tea table before the couch that was in the corner of his room. Every movement was precise, methodical.
Her eyes, almost involuntarily, flickered toward Ayaan. He was absorbed in his laptop, typing swiftly, his brow slightly furrowed, seemingly oblivious to her presence. Yet, in the quiet hum of the room, Ayaan knew she was watching him, he could feel the weight of her gaze on him.
” Rohan, how is things going on ? Do you think she could keep up with the work in your absence ? I don’t want things spiraling or Miss Ramkumar losing control unable to handle the pressure ” Ayaan said momentarily looking at Zara before averting his gaze to Rohan who had set the lunch ready.
” No Sir, everything is cool, Zara is amazing and she would do absolutely good in her job. You will be pleased ” Rohan said with a smile.
“I do believe you’ll please me well, Miss Ramkumar,” Ayaan said, leaning back in his chair, his elbow propped on the armrest. His eyes pinned her in place, and the low, deliberate drop in his voice sent a shiver down her spine.
Zara’s palms turned damp, and her lips felt suddenly dry.
“I will give my best, Sir,” she replied quickly, forcing herself to look away and shift her attention to Rohan, who had returned to her side.
“Alright. Let Miss Ramkumar be present at the meeting this evening. You both may leave now,” Ayaan said, dismissing them. Rohan and Zara nodded and walked out. Rohan ordered lunch from the cafeteria, and they discussed the details of the upcoming meeting as they ate.
By evening, Rohan and Zara followed Ayaan into the spacious meeting room. He took his place at the head of the table, radiating quiet authority, with Rohan seated efficiently beside him. Before Zara could sit next to Rohan, Ayaan instructed her to take the seat opposite him, on the far side of the large table that now separated them. She obeyed with a small nod, acutely aware of his penetrating gaze upon her.
The Finance Lead stepped forward, holding a neatly bound presentation. “Good evening, Mr. Ayaan. I’ll be presenting the quarterly projections and upcoming investment strategies for Rey’s Constructions.”
As the presentation unfolded, Zara watched intently, noting how each figure, chart, and recommendation aligned perfectly with Ayaan’s prior directives. She stole glances at him, meeting his sharp, unwavering gaze, and realized that precision and clarity were not just expected, they were demanded.
Once the presentation concluded, Ayaan’s eyes briefly flicked to Zara. ” Miss Zara, your views on the projections for Q3 “
Zara’s pulse quickened. She took a steadying breath and spoke clearly, recalling each figure and insight from the presentation. “The Q3 projections indicate a ten percent increase in revenue from our key clients. The operating costs have been optimized, which will result in a higher net profit margin than last quarter. The proposed investments focus on diversifying our portfolio, particularly in the renewable sector, which aligns with the company’s long-term strategic goals.”
Ayaan’s gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, a faint hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Impressive “.
After dismissing the meeting, Ayaan turned to Zara. “Prepare the minutes and email them to me by end of day. Accuracy matters. I hope you don’t need any special training or someone to back to prepare it “
Zara nodded, her nerves steadying slightly. She looked at Rohan, who gave her a reassuring nod.
Though Zara had been confident enough to prepare the MOM on her own, Rohan offered her a few tips on formatting and highlighting key points. By evening, she stayed back, carefully reviewing her notes, typing the minutes, and sending the finalized version to Ayaan.
Before leaving, Rohan reminded her, “Zara, make sure to inform your boss before you go. Let me remind you that you have written you days and nights to him for the next three months. I mean you need to be present 24×7 anytime he needs you “
Taking a deep breath, Zara approached his office and knocked on the door.
Ayaan’s voice was calm but firm. “Enter.” that echoed from the little speaker fixed above the door.
Zara stepped inside. Ayaan stood by the enormous glass wall, the city lights shimmering behind him. His blazer was removed, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing strong, veiny forearms. His hair was still perfectly styled, every strand in place, giving him that effortless, commanding presence.
He cleared his throat softly, and Zara felt a sudden flutter of embarrassment. She realized she had been subtly staring. Quickly, she looked down, fidgeting with her hands. “Sir… I have sent the MOM. May I leave now?”
Ayaan’s eyes flicked toward her, assessing. ” Get me a coffee and you are free to leave “
Zara quickly retreated from the room and entered the pantry. Taking deep breathes she placed his cup and made his coffee exactly the way he wanted. Picking up the tray she once again knocked the door before entering. Ayaan was now standing beside his table holding a file in his hand. His eyes were fixed on the report but they shut instantly the moment the fragrance of lavender with a very light blend of musk hit his nostrils.
“Zara baby, I love your lily fragrance. You’ve been wearing it for so long. Why don’t you try something different? Lavender, perhaps? I can get you one.”
“Ayaan, you know how much I love lily. Anything else gives me headaches… nausea. It’s better I stick to lily. I’m sorry, love and what’s with your recent craze for lavender?”
“I don’t know, baby… it’s like I had a dream so real, the fragrance just wouldn’t leave my senses.”
Ayaan gritted his teeth, his eyes fixed on the file, though Zara had carefully placed his coffee on the table and stepped back, watching to see if he liked it. But he couldn’t focus anymore……her fragrance filled the air, overpowering even his own cedar-woody musk.
“Leave,” he said finally, holding his breath.
Zara exhaled softly, part of her wanting to linger, to stay in the quiet presence of him. But she straightened, nodded, and walked out, heart racing despite the mundane task she had just completed.
Ayaan threw the file in frustration and dumped the coffee in the trash can.
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A/N:
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