Page 7 of One Hellish Passion

“Nothing is good about this morning, Maya. Did you reach Blitz?”

“No, not yet. Why? What's wrong?” She asked anxiously.

“Come soon; we need to talk.”

She hung up. Maya was confused. What was going on?

************

Malhotra Group Office

Ranveer Malhotra stroked his finger over Maya Bajaj's photo in the newspaper while sipping his coffee. Seeming real even on a dull paper like that, Maya was a treat to watch. By now, she must have seen this news everywhere on TV or in the paper. The show was indeed a success, and as Roshni had said, if Maya Bajaj hadn't walked the ramp in place of the other model, Ramona, it wouldn't have been as successful. He would have appreciated her if she had shown some respect to his proposition last night. Unfortunately, now, she would have to face the consequences.

Chapter 2

Aman entered Ranveer’s cabin.

“Maya Bajaj, does that name sound familiar to you?” Ranveer asked.

“Of course, Boss. How can we forget that name now? She was the star of yesterday's event,” Aman replied, pouring coffee for his boss.

Shaking his head, Ranveer set aside the newspaper featuring Maya Bajaj's photo on the front page with Roshni.

“I want you to think beyond this show, Aman. The moment I heard this name yesterday, it felt familiar to me.”

Aman thought carefully about his boss's words, trying to remember.

“Yes, you're right, Boss. I had the same feeling. But I can't recall anything right now. I'll try to find out. Give me some time.”

“I want her information before I meet her again.”

“Sure, Boss.”

Aman placed the coffee mug on the table for Ranveer and left his cabin. Ranveer was desperate to learn any little detail about Maya. She had gotten into his head now, and somehow, he didn't want to change that fact. He sipped his coffee, his eyes still fixed on her image in the newspaper, wondering how Maya might have reacted after reading this article. She was now a celebrity after all this publicity. A rising star. And he was the one who would control her brightness.

************

Blitz Office

As Maya stepped out of the elevator onto her work floor, she was greeted by applause from everyone. The staff congratulated her for the success of the event. Her manager, Vikram Sethi, approached Maya presenting her a bouquet of flowers.

“Congratulations. You did a great job out there,” Vikram exclaimed.

Accepting the bouquet, Maya was a little surprised because earlier that morning, when Roshni had called her and asked her to come to Blitz urgently, she thought something was wrong. But everything seemed fine here. Everyone was appreciating her work.

“Thanks, Vikram. I didn't have time to inform you about these changes. Everything happened so suddenly, and I had to walk the ramp myself. I hope you didn't mind.”

“No, not at all. In fact, I'm happy with the way you handled this challenge. By the way, Roshni wants to see you personally,” Vikram informed her.

“Yes, I already know that. But what is it about?”

“I don't know. She didn't tell me. You can ask her yourself. And please be available for the team lunch. We'll have a small celebration there. Okay?”

Maya nodded and headed to the conference room where their client, Roshni Kundra, was waiting for her.

“Hi Roshni,” Maya knocked on the door and entered.

“Hello, Maya. I'm glad you're here.”

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