Page 8 of Love Locked
Past the CEO sign, she could make out numerous cabins and a sizable area that was completely deserted. Her foolish heart skipped a beat as she saw the sign with CFO inscribed on it. She freed herself from the reverie while heading for Adil’s cabin.
Even though she didn’t know them well, she had met most of the staff at Diwali and Christmas parties last year. Their assistant Disha was on maternity leave, and a new woman sat at her desk.
“Oh, Good morning, Miss. Kapoor. You can go inside. They are expecting you.” She was surprised when the cheerful woman greeted her all of a sudden.
“Sure, thanks,” she replied while wondering who the heck werethey.
THREE
“Let’s face it, Kabir. You don’t like to wait.” Vaayu teased Kabir as he gave Adil a sly smirk.
“No one likes to wait,” Kabir answered, his lips thinning.
“But technically, Kyra isn’t making anyone wait. It’s still early. Not quite nine o’clock yet.” Adil leaned back in his leather chair.
Kabir sat in Adil’s cabin while his brothers bantered as usual. It was Kyra’s first day, and Adil wanted to make sure everything was up to the mark, and she was comfortable.
Vaayu thought Adil would go overboard, making the poor girl feel awkward. Adil had decided that Kyra was his responsibility as she was Mira’s youngest sister and was overprotective about her.
Kabir was confused by Adil’s need to shield Kyra from anything untoward. It felt odd but good to see Adil’s soft side. Being a father to his three-year-old daughter, Amaya had turned him into a big softie.
Kabir sighed as he waited for the door to burst open at any moment. Waiting for someone was the most annoying job in the world. It felt like being thrown into a time machine where every minute felt like an hour, and every hour felt like a day.
He sighed again, looking out the window, contemplating what he was doing sitting idle here. He had tasks to complete. He could have come after Kyra arrived. That’s what he’d have done if it was some other person coming through that door, right?
Work was always his priority. He’d been working himself to the bone for the last ten years. He had this urge to study hard and build a career right out of high school and college, so he could help his family business grow multifold. He wanted to conquer the world, and with his continued efforts, that’s precisely what happened. Everything in his life was going as planned.
Except for one tiny detail.
He had pictured himself with a decent woman to start a family with when the time was right, along with pursuing his career. But given his recent breakup, maybe it wasn’t the best time.
But then, when would it be?
He was 32 years old and wasn’t getting any younger. He hadn’t met any woman who was smart, sensible yet kind with a flair for independence, and at the same time, who stimulated his wit as well as his libido.
Raina was not what he had in mind as his forever, but it was a mere compromise to avoid wasting time in the middle of his intended life plan. But he was old school like that. He wanted a relationship. His parents were a prime example of a successful marriage. He knew that if both partners were perceptive of their feelings and commitments, they could have a fulfilling career and a happy marriage.
He could have gone and fucked random women left and right. But it would have ruined his and his family’s reputation. That was not what he wanted. That was not how he operated. He had a strong sense of responsibility. He was a thorough planner. He didn’t like a mess, out of the bedroom at least.
Kabir’s line of thought was broken by a knock on the door. When he looked up, he heard Adil call for the person on the other side to enter. The door swung open as Kyra entered, and he forgot to breathe. He saw her enter with tentative steps and a huge smile on her face.
How, in such a short time, did Kyra become so beautiful?
He knew she was a looker. After all, she was Mira’s little sister. It felt like yesterday when he had met her for the first time at Adil’s engagement party, sneaking wine. He remembered Kyra coming over on weekends and always being there for business and social events. She had always looked nice, but the way she looked now was something different.
“Welcome, Ky. We’re so glad to have you on board.” Vaayu welcomed her.
“Thanks, V.” Kyra smiled at him.
“Are you ready for the first day at work, kid?” Adil asked her affectionately.
“Of course. And please... don’t call me a kid.” Kyra almost rolled her eyes.
Well, she most definitely wasn’t a kid.
Kabir could attest to that. In a state of utter fascination, he forgot how to respond as she greeted him.Shit! He needed a drink and a brain check.
“Hi, Kabir. How are you?” Kyra glanced at Kabir with a subdued smile.
