Life of a stepping stone - as a villain

In India there are many rich people and famous families spread around every corner - some known for their resources, some for richness, while some for heritage. And among this long list, one such newly rising name was Arya family.

Famous for their vast connections and long standing business in the real estate and entertainment world.

And I am the one and only heir to such a family, Ali Arya. A 25 year old handsome man with lots to look forward for in his life.

I can do nothing and follow my fate to be the next head of Arya Enterprises and group of industries - getting myself a life which millions may feel jealous of.

But that's not me.

At Least not for now.

For now, there's only been one goal in my mind, and that is to _.

"Ali, stop staring and focus on the project. If you miss something again, I'm going to kick you so hard, you'll walk limping your whole life."

A sharp shout from a very cute and calm looking girl with a violent temper broke him out of his fantasies, as Ali lowered his head with a smile and focused on his work.

Taking some sneaky glances at her from time to time.

Aarvi Andrews, the CEO of Sky Ultima, a government headed multinational business venture. His childhood friend and now, the love of his life.

He's been 'with' her since they first went to the same school probably a decade ago. Then the same college, university and now the same office.

If you were wondering why a rich young master like him was working his ass off in some government company, now you know.

"I need all of these things finished before the launch event next month. No mistakes will be tolerable, not on any level." Aarvi sternly said and ended the meeting.

One by one, everyone left the office and only he and her were left behind.

"What?" Aarvi said as she saw Ali staring at her.

"You should try meditation, you're getting grumpy these days." Ali said and prepared a cup of coffee for her.

"I have to work hard cause you all are being sloppy." Aarvi said as she massaged her head.

"You shouldn't worry so much, you've done enough. And we'll win it this time." Ali said, handing her the coffee.

They kept sitting there, talking about their new project and life. As well as anything just to pass time.

Though he liked her, and she knew it - their relationship wasn't awkward or that pestering licking dog thingy that's been famous all over the internet. But simple friendship for now.

As for when he could finally get her heart, well he didn't even know.

But maybe soon.

They were talking when someone knocked at the door, and entered inside.

A girl dressed in a long black skirt and some dark style makeup, which kinda made her look like those gothic witches in tv shows, who'll do black magic to get their wishes. She was Meredith - Aarvi's personal secretary.

She handed Aarvi some files and stood behind her as her eyes kept looking at Ali with a lost and loving expression.

Feeling someone's gaze, Ali too looked away from Aarvi and noticed Meredith, who looked away nervously and tried to act normal.

'She's even worse at hiding her thoughts than me huh.' Ali said in his heart as he understood her thoughts and smiled at her.

-Ding

He was about to say something to tease her, when a message interrupted him. Taking out his phone, his eyes glanced at the content and lost the previous playfulness.

[He had another attack. It looked worse than the other times too.]

Walking to the side, he dialed the number and asked about the details. "Handle his work for a day or two, I'll talk to him." He said and cut the call.

When he came back, his face was serious and a little worried too.

"I'll go back to work too. Take care and don't stress over anything." Ali said to Aarvi before directly turning around and leaving.

Aarvi and Meredith both looked at him and frowned, as this guy rarely acted serious, and was always in the mood to joke or tease others.

But the heavy workload and constant calls for appointments, interviews or meetings didn't give them enough time to think more about it.

Ali, who was outside, tried calling someone several times, but the response was always the same.

[The dialed number is either switched off or outside the network coverage area. Please check and try again later. Tut tut.]

Ignoring it, he called the previous guy who sent him the message and asked. "Where is he? Did he come back to office!"

[No, he's not here. Maybe he went to the roof for a smoke. Want me to check it out.]

Hearing this Ali glanced out the glass frames and looked at the evening sky. After thinking something he just cut the call and went down through the lift.

Walking out of the 37 floor building, he glanced around for some time and then started walking towards the nearby stall.

Looking at the familiar back of someone sitting there smoking silently, he breathed a sigh of relief and walked towards him.

Shiva, that was the name of the person he was looking for. One of his best friends in this company. And someone with whom he could share anything and all his troubles without any worry.

Yet this guy himself never shared anything back with him. And that's what worried him the most.

"So you were here. Chilling outside after ratting me out to Aarvi huh." Ali said as he sat near him and pulled the packet of cigarettes away from him.

"Not right now, Ali." Shiva said.

"What do you mean not now, do you know Aarvi directly stormed into my office and she was looking so pretty_(Umghh) I mean pretty angry." Ali started saying with a fake cough to hide his embarrassment.

"She was shouting and looking so angry at me. And you know what, she was even wearing that dress that I _ "

"Not in the mood, Ali." Shiva said, staring at Ali. Interrupting his efforts of trying to change his mood or stopping whatever thoughts he was having.

"Another attack." Ali said, as he let go of trying to change the topic. Shiva just nodded his head in response as he took a big puff of cigarette and watched the smoke disappear in the air. "How many times does that make it?" Ali asked, about how many panic attacks had he gotten in just this past month now.

"8, if you count the one where you helped me yesterday." Shiva said in a serious tone.

Hearing the number Ali felt helpless to help his friend and said -"What're you planning to do, if you want I can arrange for you to go and talk to your family or Shweta."

"I told you not to talk about them in front of me.'' Shiva said glaring at him, as a sudden anger and pain appeared in his eyes.

"Then just come with me. Let's go back to my house." Ali said worriedly, seeing no other option.

From what he knew of Shiva's past, this friend of his probably had the word bad luck imprinted on his soul.

With nothing but sadness and half written stories filling his heart. And though he left his city and everything behind, his past still haunted him in those nightmares and panic attacks.

Yet since Shiva never mentioned his past or openly talked about it, Ali never did too.

He had many friends in his life, yet most of them were either just fakes or plastic friends, or those who just wanted to get close to him to use him or his family's name. Or those who'd act good in front of him but start badmouthing and laughing at him, calling him a dog licker behind him.

Yet Shiva was one of the few people around him, who didn't have any ulterior motives for him. Ali may have stayed in this office mainly for Aarvi, but he liked it here because he also got a good friend here too.

Seeing the worried look on Ali's face, Shiva patted his shoulder, smiled and said, "Just leave me alone for a while and I'll be fine."

"But _"

Ali was saying something, when Shiva interrupted him and stood up. "Don't worry about it too much. I still have to help you get your girl and a happy ending, remember. So just forget about it, chill."

Saying this Shiva patted his shoulder and turned around to leave.

Ali, who was sitting there alone kept looking at him going away, lost in his thoughts. He took out his mobile and opened the messenger app, looking at the single contact he had saved on that site.

Shweta - Call me, if he ever needs help.

Looking at the message he waited for a while, thinking if he should call her or not. If he should interfere in the life his friend had left behind.

But in the end, he ignored it and closed his phone again. "Maybe he's right and everything will be over soon enough."