Page 5 of Love Locked
“Not just finances. We must ensure that the funds allocated for the projects are used wisely. And we must review all of the strategies.” Prithvi added.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll check it soon,” Kabir added.
“But that’s not your job, Kabir. We need to get approval from our strategy officer before we can move forward with the execution.” Prithvi explained.
“Dad’s correct, my design is fantastic, but it doesn’t fit in with our client’s budget. They asked me to calculate costs for the basic design with the projected market costs. And you all know, a cost-effective design cannot exist without a strategy.” Adil snorted.
“You and your extravagant designs.” Kabir fully supported Adil’s plans, but in their last project, where they partnered with an outside firm, their management seemed to oppose them as it increased their project cost.
The new resort was reportedly expected to be both award-winning and financially and environmentally sound. The Shimla City Corporation, their client, had several issues but still had high expectations for the project. Adil’s innovative concepts were difficult to implement on a shoestring budget, yet the client demanded just that. Vaayu had already spent a trillion hours convincing the authorities that the project’s budget couldn’t be reduced any time soon.
The award-winning, brand-new resort that would adorn the picturesque, snow-covered village of Roopganj would propel Oberoi Orbit to new heights, just where he had always pictured it would be.Always onthe top.
He’d make sure they were successful in their endeavours. He nodded to Adil and Vaayu, ignoring the emptiness gnawing at the pit of his stomach over the prospect of sharing his future success all alone, with no one special. Damn, he had become such a sap.
“We’ll see you later,” Vaayu announced with a smile.
Vaayu and his father left and called the elevator while Adil stood with Kabir at the door.
“You’re quiet.” Adil turned to face Kabir.
Kabir never understood why people pointed out the obvious. He wasn’t speaking a thing, which implied he was quiet. There were so many things about which people could be incredibly dumb. Not that Adil was dumb. But still.
“Just mulling over ideas. Do you think the Shimla City Corporation will accept to our latest proposal?”
“Possibly. But I think their management is again going to create some issues, though.” Adil paused, throwing Kabir a quick look that instantly put him on high alert. “So you know we hired Kyra.”
Kabir shot Adil a dubious look. He had never heard a statement that was equally provocative and positive.
“Yes. I think we’ve established that when you staged a lame-ass gathering for me,” he replied, easing some stress that had been building in his stance by shrugging one shoulder.
“You haven’t spoken to Kyra lately? I thought you were in touch with her. I saw you guys speaking in the gazebo at Alibaug.”
“We spoke once,” Kabir emphasised, showing his index finger. “We are cordial, Adil. We don’t chat. So, no. We haven’t spoken since then.” Kabir huffed, noticing the annoyance in his own voice as he trailed off, “It’s been more than a year...”
“But you two get along just fine, right?” Adil persisted.
Sure. They got on well.
Although he didn’t understand where Adil was going with this, the fact that he was talking about the one topic he had hoped to avoid made him frustrated. He didn’t want visions of her charming smiles or seductive eyes to cross his mind.
Dammit, why did his mind wander there yet again?
He paused and rubbed his chin as he said, “I haven’t met her since Alibaug, Adi. Why are you asking me this?”
“Do you think you’d be able to work with her?” Adil stalled in answering his question.
Kabir hesitated and scowled as he turned to face Adil. “Why would I need to work with Kyra?”
Kabir was baffled, his voice filled with dread and suspicion as Adil moved back briefly before smacking him in the chest lightly.
“Because the city corporation has demanded that we collaborate on this project with their executives for a seamless operation. I can’t always be there because of my design deadlines, and Vaayu is working on the Iwasaki project. If my job conflicted with their scheduled dates of visit, you and Kyra would have to collaborate with their team. We will, of course, meet once a week to review the status of the project.”
With that, Adil entered the elevator as Vaayu called his name, waving him off without realising how much this tiny detail was going to rock Kabir’s world.
Taking a deep breath, he tried to convince himself that he wasn’t the slightest bit excited at the thought of working in close proximity to Kyra.
Nope. Not one bit.
