Stellar Affair Part 5

I might have finally started to agree with Naina. I had never fancied this case anyway but this journey was proving to be nastier than imagined. The flight was pathetic, my so called First Class ticket was nothing but more leg space and free water. The flight attendant was an ugly old fat lady. Not that she interested me but it was so unpleasant to the eyes. Her saggy face and that painfully tight uniform, poor lady. Those two hours in air were even more hellish than my boss's face. The Bombay airport felt like heaven on earth. It was drizzling outside in the open.

***

I waited at the exit but nobody had come to receive me, I was dialling the manager's number when a man dressed in white uniform stood in front of me. 'Miss Sharma?' he asked. I nodded. 'Mr Kishore has sent the car for you'. By the get up he looked like a chauffeur but by speech he sounded just like a professional. 

He took my luggage and escorted me to the vehicle. 'Nothing fancy but with his highest regards' the driver said modestly. When I saw the car, boy now we are talking! It was a black shiny Mercedes-Benz. Finally, I felt like someone with respect and value. After the cattle class treatment in the aircraft, I was expecting nothing fruitful. We drove out of the airport and went straight to the hotel where I was staying. It was all in my itinerary. The driver before leaving gave me his card and number. He asked me to call him whenever I needed to go anywhere. The hotel room was big and lavish. It also had complementary hamper from the team of my employer. At last my spirits were high. I texted my boss about my arrival, though I am sure he will pretty much ignore it like the rest of the things. After having a sumptuous meal, I buried myself into the cosy bed and fell asleep almost in an instant. 

***

It was 5:30 in the evening when my phone first rang. I checked the screen and it was from an unknown number. The same number called again, this time I had to pick up.

'Hello?'

'Miss Sharma?' said a man, the voice sounded familiar.

'Yes, this is she'

'Its Ayan Kishore'. As soon as I heard the caller say who he was, my apparent position changed and I sat right straight.

'Oh! Good evening Sir'

'Please, call me Ayan' he said in the most flirtatious tone. 

'Yes, how may I help you?'

'I am actually calling you to remind that we have a meeting scheduled at 7:30 at my place'

'But I have no meeting planned' I said, checking at my itinerary.

'Yeah we will have to reschedule it because I have other commitments to follow'

'I will be there Sir'

'Good' and he cut the phone.  

In my work experience, I had never been personally summoned by my employer. And considering the priority of Mr Kishore, he seemed interested for the session. For once, I even thought about what Naina said earlier.
Why would an actor be so interested? I saw her point more clearly. My mind was battling between two things now. Whether this case was serious or just another public gimmick? We at PR agencies did follow some gimmicks but not when it comes to therapy treatment, its discussion and understanding. But at the back of my mind, I was looking forward to see the actor at his own house. I got ready for our meeting.
Dressed again in my best suit. The chauffeur picked me up by 6:45 and I reached his place by 7: 35. It was an apartment in the posh locality of Bandra. The driver escorted me till the elevator. From there I managed to reach the front door. I rung the bell, after few seconds the manager who I had met earlier was again there to receive me. This time he looked more pleased to see me. 'Welcome, Sir has been looking forward to meet you' he said.

He seemed happy, means the boss was happy. I entered the house. The house was extravagant. It was decorated with the most exquisite furniture and paintings. Just by the arrangement one could tell it was an interior designer's job. The hall showcased numerous awards won by the actor. The steps near the rooms had a life size poster of Ayan. From one of the room's emerged the actor, this time dressed casually in a graphic print tee and knee length pants. He still looked amazing. His eyes were captivating. One could stare him back for hours, I understood the reason why girls found him so irresistible. 

'Ah! Shireen so nice to see you' he said smiling. We shook hands, 'Pleasure is all mine' I replied politely. He sat on his couch. 'Oh please sit down, no formalities' he said. The moment I sat down Ayan went on his knees as if he was proposing.
 But he wasn't proposing, he was clicking a selfie for his Twitter. 

'I always put up a photo after my work out. Straight routine, you know these fans get really happy' he spoke. I had been eagerly waiting to see his true colours. The car and lavish treatment were too good to be true, now was reality. See this man's best and his worst. 'Now that you're my PA' he said, I didn't realise he was talking to me. 'I am sorry what?' I asked puzzled. 'Well I talked to your boss and he said he wouldn't mind if I hired you as my secretary' he said casually.

 'Excuse me?' his words caused a bitterness in me. 

'My people had it all discussed' 

'With whom?' I argued 'I think I didn't sign for anything like this' 

'Relax babe, you will earn thrice as much as you get'

'Its not about the money. Its about my decision, I am supposed to be here in Bombay for image rebuilding purpose' 

'Yeah, but I can't go and tell people that I am consulting someone for my image. The change has to come naturally' he said. The lack of enthusiasm in his tone clearly said that he was in no mood to hear no. But I wasn't that easy. 

'With all respect Sir this has to be something discussed with me before hand. Sahu is my boss but he doesn't owns me. I would need to see the terms and conditions'

'Babe'. The way he said this word, it sounded as if he was addressing his local hooker, it annoyed me even further 'Its just a name. Your job remains the same and if you want I could send you the exact document tomorrow. But for now lets go ahead with today's schedule. I am running by the clock you see'

As if I am running by the moon you asshole! I so wished I could say this to him. But I decided to act like the professional and do what I am supposed to. 

'Lets begin'

   

To be continued...