That hug though

Vikram went to his room and called up Raymond.

Raymond was shocked to see Vikram calling on his personal number late in the evening. He sensed that it must be related to his special request for the project. He picked it up.

"Hello, Mr. Vikram."

"Hello, Mr. Raymond. Is it a good time to talk?", asked Vikram with an air of authority.

"Yes please", replied Raymond.

"The person about whom I had talked to you about would be sending you an application tomorrow. Make sure that she is interviewed and all the procedures are followed as usual."

"No problem. I will make sure its all easy for her. Don't worry we will have internship letter ready. All the protocols will be followed for namesake," Raymond said.

When Vikram heard Raymond speak he could sense that there was a sort of contempt and sarcasm in his tone which he didn't like.

"Let me make something clear Mr. Raymond. The person whom I am referring here is capable enough to clear all formalities herself. She doesn't need any namesake procedure. I wanted you to mentor her personally because I thought that would give her a good opportunity to learn and not because she needs spoonfeeding. I just want you to give her an opportunity to flourish. But if that's unclear in any then please let me know. I don't have any problems with making other arrangments."

Vikram's voice was so cold that Raymond felt like he was trying to strangle him with his voice. There was so much bitterness and anger reflecting from each word spoken by him that Raymond almost gasped for air. He understood that he had wronged him and there was no way of retracting.

"I am sorry Mr. Vikram. I didn't intend to doubt on the capabilities of the person that you have suggested. Just that I wanted to help her out. That's all," said Raymond while trying to hide how much he was resenting it all.

"That would be all then", Vikram said and disconnected the call.

For a moment he wanted to punch that air-headed Raymond for insinuating that Akira wasn't good enough. He knew her potential but probably the other party didn't. His head full with rage and anger. Not to spoil his mood any further, he decided to take a quick shower before Akira finished her dinner.

---

"That's all Aunty. If I eat even one morsel extra my tummy will explode", Akira said and made a baby face.

"Fine fine, I won't feed you anymore."

"Ok then, I will go and meet Vikram now. God knows if his mood is still sour Aunty", said Akira and started walking towards Vikram's room.

She gently knocked on the door and entered.

Vikram had just finished taking his shower. He looked all swell in his tracks and t-shirt. He had a towel on his shoulder but he hadn't dried his hair yet. With his well-chiseled body and toned abs, he looked nothing less than a Greek God.

"Ow so you were trying to cool your anger Mr. Angry Young Man," said Akira in a teasing tone.

Vikram looked at her and asked very calmly, "Did you eat well?".

"Can't you see my tummy? I look like I am four months pregnant."

Akira then forcefully swelled up her tummy and started caressing it. Vikram couldn't resist his laugh.

"Well since you are in a bad mood I forgive every single sin that you have done. And on top of it, I am going to give you Akira special healing touch", she said and climbed on top of the sofa nearby. She pulled Vikram closer with the towel on his shoulder and then started drying up his hair.

"Don't you know that if you let your hair all wet for so long you can catch a cold in such weather. How will you achieve what you want if you fall sick?" she said in a gingerly voice.

When he heard her, he felt like his heart was lighted by millions of lamps. He just told her simply about office trouble to avoid telling her the truth but she took it so seriously. His heart pained to see how seriously she took his each and every word.

He couldn't stand still anymore. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her even closer. He rested his head on her stomach and said silently, "I am sorry", which she couldn't hear. She could feel that he was certainly upset about something. She slightly started to pat on his head and said, "It's going to be ok Viku". Then the next moment he lifted her from the sofa. His hands still tightly embracing her around her waist. He leaned in and touched her forehead with his own. She hugged him back and placed her arms around his neck. He closed his eyes as his heart wanted to stay in this moment forever.