7 Boss, to be or not to be? Part 3

Radha's POV:

I closed my eyes and waited for the impact of my fall.  But instead of hitting the floor, I felt a pair of strong hands grabbing my hands, pulling me up and steading me.

No more touch.

No more fuss.

Not a single word.

I was sure it was Madhav, the impersonal yet, the intimate man.

But guess is not always the best weapon.

I opened my eyes to see a face I never thought I would ever meet in this life.

Those eyes.

That sharp nose.

That perennial frown.

HIM!!! MADHAV REFERRED ME TO HIM!!!

I instantly felt heat rising my ears.

I could hear my own heartbeat racing like a horse and I could feel my own fear rising.Of all people this was the one Madhav found for giving me a better job !!!

I was paralyzed by the realization that I am royally fucked up.

And then the fear was replaced but annoyance and anger. Who the hell gave Madhav the right to recommend me for a job!!

True I am underpaid. True I am struggling to make ends meet. True I am afraid to call back home fearing I will fail to send the money they need. True I work like crazy and I need those tips and overtime extra bucks.

BUT HOW DARE MADHAV RECOMMEND MY NAME TO THIS MAN!!! AT LEAST HE COULD HAVE ASKED ME IF I NEEDED A NEW JOB...

SHIT.... SHIT.....

What will I do now?

I FELT ANGER. HUMILIATION. FRUSTRATION.

AND THEN ALL WAS GONE AS REALIZATION DAWNED.

I MAY NOT BE COMFORTABLE WITH THIS MAN  BUT MADHAV'S RECOMMENDATION IS IMPORTANT. I DO NEED A HIKE. BADLY.

HE WAS TRYING TO HELP AND I SHOULD BE GRATEFUL, AND STOP THINKING LIKE A STUBBORN MORON.

I looked down and started counting hundred to one. Someone once told me that helps to ease anger.I kept my eyes fixed on the ground while the eyes of my rescuer kept boring into me.

I wanted to say so many things to him but I also knew he won't be too happy to reappoint me if he remembers under what circumstances his Manager fired me the last time.

Suddenly Madhav stepped from behind and smiled...

Guys , I see....u have already met.

Wonderful.

This is Basu Sen, the owner of the Star Cafe chain and Basu this is the PR Manager you were searching for training and motivating your stupid recruits. Radha.

I saw shock but obedience in the eyes of Basu.

I knew he understood business and if Madhav was indeed that influential as Rajomma said, my appointment was already a done deal.

I smiled and stretched my hand, brushing aside old memories. He shook my hand reluctantly, nodded and turned to walk away towards Madhav's side of the Apartment.

Somewhere it was a relief that he didn't recognize me. It would have been ugly if he did.

I felt relieved.

I was really in need of a hike and a better job. Madhav seemed God sent.

But Basu was the last person I was looking forward to work with.

A mixed feeling started forming in my stomach.....

What if he says no to Madhav now?

What if he calls me and ask to explain what happened years back?

I looked at the departing figure of Basu as my memories came clouding. I wanted to talk to him and clear my stand. But fear left me rooted to the spot.

I could feel a lump in my throat and my heart felt heavy with the scars from the past.

A deep sigh escaped my lips, making Rajomma give me concerned look.

And just then, before he disappeared behind the L at the end of the hall, Basu leaned back,

KUMARI RADHARAMANMATI.

I felt blood draining from my face.

Nobody called me that anymore.

NOBODY.

I guess Madhav is right. You will be good for the post. I asked you  to change your name. And you did listen. I never knew you liked my given name so much!!!

Good choice Radha, welcome back.

And he disappeared around the corner, giving me .... Wait what!!!

A wink!!!

I sighed, again.

New beginning, new hope but I sensed trouble.

If he means what he said, he remembers a lot more than just my old fashioned name.

And I am in deep shit.

I gathered myself up and headed towards the guest room.

I needed  sleep.

I need to clear my mind.

And I need to talk to that damned guy.

MADHAV.