Chapter 7: Coincidence

"You know I was thinking, I have this vacancy in my office. You are fit for that job!" Shivaay suddenly blurted.

Annika smirked "Ofcourse I am fit. But I prefer to be hired because I am qualified enough to be, not because I am fit" she looked down at her body. Shivaay took the chance to follow her gaze and quickly checked her out, "Well, I would be the biggest lier to deny that you're fit, if not something more. But come on, you know what I mean. You're perfect for the position!"

"I didn't have the money to get proper education, I know none of the big companies have vacancies for caterers. What could possibly be the job that I am qualified for?"

Shivaay sighted hidden self-esteem issues when it came to being less educated. "Secretary. Personal Assistant you know."

Annika could read Shivaay now with total transparency. She bit her lips to hide her smile "Oh, PA for whom exactly?"

"Huh? That's a question?" Shivaay raised an eyebrow and pouted.

"Haww, Shivaay I didn't expect that from you. I thought at least we have developed a sense of respect, bonding, friendship..."

"Friendship huh? Really?" He smirked stopping the car and focusing his attention on her. Flashbacks of the duo's night they spent together came alive in front of her eyes. She could feel his kisses all over and of course, the hickey he left, even he was not aware of, was more than proof enough.

Her hand suddenly covered the spot on her neck. She flushed with embarrassment. He smiled and resumed driving. "And how exactly have I failed to meet your expectations?"

"Of course, you think I am perfect for the position of your personal help? Not that I don't respect the job, but all you want me to be is a showpiece that brings you coffee and types out your letters wearing skimpy clothes and thick-rimmed glasses? I know what kind of things secretaries do." Annika rolled her eyes.

Shivaay stopped the car again because he just had to burst out laughing. Focus shift. Evil smirk on.

"Oh so you know what exactly secretaries do? What kind of stuff have you been watching lately?" He leaned towards her, staring at her eyes, then lips, eyes, lips. Not even a cm between their lips left. She gulped hard and shut her eyes. He opened the door, pulled in the part of her dupatta stuck, and closed-door again. He nonchalantly resumed driving, leaving Annika baffled.

"I like my job as a catering manager." she admitted. He stayed quiet. If she knew him, he knew her too.

She couldn't continue this. She knew happiness wasn't for her. This man brought happiness to her. If what happened last night meant anything, staying so close to him every day could make things worse. After a brief silence, "Well... But if you insist, you can ask around you know... I am pretty well known for arranging events for Aayushmaan." Shivaay's face paled and his lips set in a grim line just by hearing his name. "Uhm... I mean... Mr. Scumbag." Annika knew how to bring back that sexy smirk. "So, you know, if in case, you have any events lined up, or need management for some functions, maybe...."

He nodded. He knew this was coming. "I have a very important felicitation event coming up in two days. Will you be able to handle?"

She dramatically pushed her hair back, "Huh? That's a question?" she mimicked Shivaay.

He just smiled. At least he had a reason to keep her around for the next two days.

They reached Shivaay's office and needless to say, Annika was stunned. She had worked in gigantic offices like Mittal's but Oberoi head office screamed Shivaay Singh Oberoi. It looked like his mighty personality reflected through the building. She looked out of the window. The fast-paced Mumbai beneath. No one had time to breathe. She took a deep breath. If this person made her happy, at least she could allow herself to be around him if not so close? The last deal she wanted to make. If she signed the contract, she'll be arranging all the events pertaining to Oberois. But this wasn't a deal with the Oberoi. It was a deal she was doing with life. Taking her last risk at trying to keep that smile with her for as long as she could.

"Look Annika, a secretary may have a different picture in your mind, but the reality is not what they show on TV or elsewhere. If you are assigned as my PA, you would have all rights to advise me on matters you feel to intervene. You will have to take special care about my legal and public relations issues, coordinating with the respective teams. Deepak Dada brings in coffee for me and Shefali arranges my meetings. You can think over it. I have this contract ready for you. In case you change your mind, this place will be vacant!"

"Hmm.." was all she said. He wished he knew her more than that. He could tell she was hesitant in letting herself move forward in life, but why, he had no clue. As he was leaving the cabin, "One more thing, it's our company policy, there is another file kept beside. Keep it with you. If within 1 month you find this company inappropriate, any clause of that contract won't stop you from leaving. That is like a no contract resignation. Good Day, Spicy" he winked and left for the meeting.

Impressive. This company was so employee friendly. She would really like to be associated there. Khanna entered and informed her that she along with a team would be leaving for the resort anytime. She picked up her contract and left.

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The entire venue was a mess. He hadn't seen her skills and appointed her. This was again a first time for Shivaay. But somewhere he felt she would be a finesse in her work. "Let's see how this venue turns into best out of waste in 2 days".

"Sir, technically we just have 1 day left. The resort owner just said that the venue preparations need to shut down by 8 pm for wiring work to begin."

"Well that's not an issue, Khanna. Whenever she'll prepare the venue, I'll arrange for a function. Not that I actually had anything coming up" Shivaay smirked. And then reflexively smiled as he realized how naive Annika must be to believe in a coincidence like this. Just when she needed work, he ended up having an opportunity? Doesn't really happen in real life, but for Annika, he would make it happen.

Khanna laughed hard "Sir, you're a genius".

Shivaay chuckled too, not because he was a genius, but because he was a fool. He realized that miraculous coincidence do happen in life. Because what was Annika if not a miracle? Who bumped into him to save him from an apocalypse, only to take his life by storm -- a storm he thoroughly enjoyed. What was Annika, if not a beautiful coincidence that was potentially going to change his life?