I can't believe I didn't catch it before. When I was being interviewed, I had heard Arnav's voice then. And then on Saturday I had also heard it again. And then when he just yelled.... No. Way.
"Khushi?"
I looked at Lavanya.
"How do you know ASR? I thought...?"
I looked at Arnav and then looked away. How do I tell Lavanya that he's the guy from the alliance?
Arnav looked away from me and looked at Lavanya. "Get this place cleaned up. Fast." He looked at Aman. "Aman, let's go."
Arnav just walked away and I turned and watched him leave. He disappeared before my eyes and I slumped.
Is this seriously happening?
"Khushi," Lavanya said as she placed her hand on my shoulder, "How do you...?"
"I don't wanna talk about it, actually." I looked at the papers. "Here, I'll help."
I quickly bent down and picked the papers up. I could notice some of the staff looking at me now and then, but I paid no attention. My brain was scattered all over the floor, and along with the papers, I was searching for brain parts.
I seriously can't believe it. The only thing that just kept going through my head was my alliance was with my boss?!
What does he even think of me?! But I didn't even know it was him! I hadn't even seen his face during the friggin' interview! So how...? Hey DM, now what?
I handed Lavanya the papers and left to my desk. All I did was work, trying hard not to think of what had happened. I was fine until break but thankfully, Lavanya could tell I was disturbed, so she didn't say anything.
And it's only Monday? Great. How do I last until the weekend? Or at least, how do I survive the rest of my time here? Maybe I should just quit :(
Thank goodness Arnav never came back that day. The next day, I hadn't seen Arnav once. I think it's my luck, but do I really not want to see him? Even on Wednesday and Thursday morning I didn't see him. That is, until lunchtime.
I had just finished my work and gotten up to head out and get something from the deli. I got a sandwich and Pepsi and came back up and headed for the lounge. Lavanya had already gotten her lunch from before, so now I was just going to join her. She still hasn't asked me any questions regarding Monday, and I prefer it like that.
As I came back in, I heard a voice.
"Yeah Di, I'll take my medication."
I followed the sound of the voice and looked up to see Arnav on the phone, in his room. His room being nothing but glass walls, you could always see him if he stood by them.
"Yes Di, I know it's past time for them," he said.
He must be talking to Anjali.
"I'll take them now. I'm having lunch, so I'll take them. ... you take care of yourself. ... bye."
Arnav hung up the phone and was about to turn away, when he noticed me. He looked right at me and the uncomfortable-ness (that's not even a word =D) was roaring through me. I looked away from him, still feeling very much confused. Looking side to side, I quickly walked off, more like sprinted, to the lounge to join Lavanya, feeling his gaze still bore on me.
Once I got into the lounge, I saw Lavanya talking to Pam. I sat beside Lavanya and went into deep thought.
I don't get it. Arnav must've known it was me all along. I mean, he saw my profile from the interview, and there was a picture of me. And even if there wasn't, he must've pieced everything together. Unless....
Did he know all along? Did he just give me the job because he knew I'd be coming to his place? But why? I mean.... Nothing is making sense to me!
"Khushi?"
I looked at Lavanya and Pam. "Huh?"
"Have you decided what you're going to wear," Pam asked.
I shook my head. "No."
"I've decided to wear my purple halter dress. What about you Lav?"
"I'm thinking my off-the shoulder navy blue," Lavanya said.
"I don't even know if I wanna go," I said.
Pam gasped. "Why not?! It'll be so much fun!"
"I dunno-"
"You should go," Lavanya said. "It'll be fun."
And by the tone of her voice, I knew she was trying to say don't let the whole Arnav thing bother you.
"Okay, I'll go," I said.
Pam clapped and Lavanya smiled at me. I mouthed 'thank you' to her and Lav mouthed 'you're welcome'.
