24| Red Is For The Deal

Started on 3rd September 2020.

Completed on 5th September 2020.

Word count : 4504 words

____________________________

– A Y A A N –

What's wrong with her? Here I am concerned about her, asking for her whereabouts and this lady wants me be quiet. Bad girl!

As it was already seven thirty and I was already ready and free, I switched on the music system and started dancing and enjoying. There was no sign of Divya, so I increased the volume to piss her off. Now she would come and start barking on a poor soul like me! She would say– 'Don't you have any manners? Is this a way to increase the bass and volume?'

And then coolly I would say– 'Don't worry senorita! You're manner freak, I'm a rule-breaking freak. We'll suit each other perfectly. What say?'

"Excuse me. Would you slow down the volume please?" I heard Divya saying, standing outside the room. She wasn't actually saying, she was shouting to make her voice reach my ears through this loud music. Did she say 'excuse me'? When did she start talking to me so politely?

"Loudness." She said and I realised I was standing on the same spot. I ran and quickly switched off the system. She turned back and went away. Why isn't she irritated by this? Everytime I do something she would be pissed off but now it's like she's not interested.

Why didn't she enter my room? As per what I know she had never came to this room. Is my room a haunted place or is it a sin to enter this place? What if it is? Who knows?

Oh shit! How could I forget about the new era party. Today is the result day of New Era Contest as well as the joint party. And Mr Park would be coming there too. If we could sign a deal with the Park's, it would be a dream come true.

But he's too low profiled and strict. He always deals with a company whose ideas are productive and interesting but at the same time he's a family man who would want his partners to be the same too. He's such a man who would run only on his ethics.

As he would sign the deal only with a man who loves his family, I could only take my wife with me. But the question is, would she agree?

I came down and saw her preparing food. Taking it as a good chance to ask I walked towards her and snaked my arms around her waist. She was shocked by this sudden movement.

Why?

Were we ever in a romantic relationship?

No!

Then it was obvious for her to be shocked. "What... are you doing?" She asked and tried to move away.

"Shh. Listen to me first. And then you can say what you want." I said and she stood still. "I want a favor from you. Please don't deny."

"What favor?"

"Can you accompany me in a party tonight?" I asked.

"Take someone else." She turned and moved to make the dough.

"Then can you suggest someone?"

"Ask Adarsh. He's your assistant." She said.

"Do you think I would take a man as my partner?"

"There's no rule. Or you can ask any of the female worker."

"I can't. There are two reasons. First– an important client will come there and he wants to deal with a person who is a family man. So I could only be accompanied by my wife. Second– the New Era Contest's results would be declared today in the party. So what's your decision?"

"What would I get from this?" She asked. Oh God! Blood of a businessman is running in her veins. What could I expect from her?

"What do you want?"

"I don't have anything particular in mind. You can give some suggestions. Then I'll think about it."

"Extra bonus?" I said but she was reluctant.

"Plus five days paid leave whenever you want." I tried to bribe her but no response.

"Ten days?"

"Sorry." She denied.

"Fifteen days?" Now she was ignoring me. "See you can't use this trick. You know that I need your help and you're using the situation for your own profit. If you want to be this reluctant then sorry, but I can't fulfill your wishes."

"Are you sure? I mean you want the deal, right? If you don't want to persuade him them it's alright."

"Thirty days of paid leave and extra bonus. Nothing more than that." I said after thinking a lot.

"Alright." She smiled. Greedy!

××

"Sir, it's done. The news is now taken back and situation is under control." Adarsh informed when I was reading a file.

"What news?" I asked as I didn't new what news he was talking about.

"About your pregnancy." Oh God! Why did they have to take back the news? It was such a funny scene going on.

"Alright." I said and he was still standing there. "You can go." I said and then he moved out. There was no need to erase and deny the news. The scene should have been going on. I mean how could these netizens and media make a mountain out of mole? They really have an interesting mind.

I stood up to get ready as it was about the time to go. After changing into a black tux I came out and saw Divya coming out, changing into a burgundy gown. What is she even trying to do? We are going in a business party, but she's dressed up as if she's going to tempt someone. I mean who wears red? I don't want all the eyes on her.

"It's about the time. We should go." She said trailing me back from my thoughts.

"Why are you wearing red?"

"What do you mean why? Is there a colour code?"

"Do you want to catch all the attention towards yourself?"

"It's good right? In this way we could make Mr Park notice us." She suggested.

"Alright. As you say. Let's go." I said and we moved towards our car and travelled all the way to the venue. The venue was decorated with dim lights for perfect display of designs. Hope our designers would win it!

My whole attention was towards Divya. Who told her to wear red? Now all the eyes were over her. Are they all bulls, attracted to red colour?

"That's Mr Park." I informed her.

"I know." She said. "He's twenty five percent Korean, twenty five percent French, twenty five percent Japanese, twelve and a half percent Taiwanese and the rest twelve and a half percent Spanish." What was that?

"He has so roots from so many countries. He's a human right?"

"Yeah. His mother had Japanese-Taiwanese and Japanese-Spanish parents while his dad had Korean and French parents. As his grandfather was Korean he opted for the Korean surname."

"How do you know this much? He had always remained low profiled."

"I have my ways." She said and turned her eyes towards the stage as the results were going to be announced. All the designs were good. I wonder if we would win.

"Divya." I patted her arms, "Do you think we would win?"

"Don't you think so. Can't you see our designs? They're far way better than other's. Our designs are new, refreshing and most important, has used fine fabrics."

"How do you know this much? You work in department's financing area."

"If you don't know, financing has everything to do with where the money is invested, and also I'm present in meetings. So it's easy to know." She said. Impressive! She really has a large spaced mind?

"So let's move on to the most awaited part– the results. It's been a great journey for the judges to choose the most perfect designs........." Our whole attention went towards the stage. "So now we have the most awaited result. The first position. Let's get into the result please." Lights fell off and the pictures showcased on the background was from our company.

"Hurray! We won. Our designers won." I said to Divya.

"Alright. I know. Why are you behaving as if you haven't won anything earlier?" She complained. "Just focus on future client."

I walked on the stage with Divya to recieve the prize on account of our designers. It was a big trophy. But the most awaited thing was guaranteed deal of textiles in the international market.

After the results, everyone was enjoying the party. We were talking with the clients and international parties when suddenly Ms Smith (Janine) came towards us. What is she doing here? Isn't her family business related to hotels?

"May I ask you for a dance?" She asked. I looked towards Divya and she gave the 'what' expression. 'Should I go or not?' I asked through my eyes.

"Why are you asking me?" She whispered.

"Divya would be alone here. I'm sorry but I won't be able to." I politely denied as I really didn't want to leave Divya.

"Why do you think that? I've attended numerous business parties. And I know what to do." She said and I nodded.

"So can I borrow your husband?" Ms Janine asked.

"Yeah sure." Is Divya selling me? Am I made for trading? That Janine took me to the dance place and kept her hand over my waist while dancing. It's the man who would place his hand over the waist, not woman! Why does it look like she doesn't have good intentions? Is she trying to take advantage of me?

I took her hand and placed it over my shoulders, as she was being a bit too flirt. The music was slow paced. Various couples were dancing in the moonlight. Where is Divya? Why has she pushed me into a ditch? She's a traitor.

While the dance I saw Divya dancing with a man. What's this now? Why is Divya dancing with other man and pushed me to dance with her?

Whole situation was boring for me. I like to dance but this slow paced dancing is not my type. After around five minutes of boring dancing, the partners were switched and now Divya was my partner.

"Why did you sell me?" I asked.

"When did I sell you?" She asked and I turned her around.

"To that Janine."

"That's not called selling. In selling we exchange things for something valuable we want. But here I wasn't in profit in anyway." She said. What language is she using? "Do you know Tango?" She asked.

"What's that?"

"You don't even know Tango? Yet you called yourself a dancing champion in school." She kept her hands around my neck. I know I was a dancing champion in school and now too I am one but what's this Tango? Haven't heard of it.

"So what to do with your Tango?"

"Mr Park is a fan of Tango and was a professional in his young days. Maybe it would help." She whispered coming near me.

"But I don't know Tango."

"It's alright. Just follow me." She snapped her fingers high in air and the music system changed from the calm music to an interesting clicky music. Attention of the crowd turned towards us and the area got cleared from rest of the couples. We were dancing. Just Two Of Us.

Grooving on the unknown music for God knows how much time I felt being lost in Divya's eyes. Her eyes always have an unknown shine. Something that's very rare. And the thing which made me attracted to her in the beginning.

Twenty two years ago ~

When Ayaan and Divya were four years old.

I was a handsome child from the beginning. My dad is hot and my mom is beautiful. I'm a handsome mixture of both of them.

But the thing I don't understand is why all the ladies call me cute. I am hot right? I think cute means handsome.

Today was my first day in new school. All the girls there were crybabies. Some were crying for being away from their parents.

"We come to school for enjoying, not to cry." I shouted and all the girls turned towards me.

"He's so cute." All the girls stopped crying and looked towards me. I know I am cute.

"Stupid! We come to school for studying, not to enjoy." Said a girl and moved away from there. Who was she? How can she call me stupid?

I went inside the class but tripped on my legs. Suddenly a girl came in front of me and helped me to stand up. She was the same girl who called me stupid but seemed sweet.

"Thanks." I smiled. She's so good.

"Stop smiling, you're injured." She dragged me out of the class to the medical room and made me sit. "Mam he's injured." She said to the doctor.

"Is it paining?" School doctor asked me.

"No." I smiled and nodded.

"You're such a cute young man." She said and pulled my cheeks while that girl made a disgusted face. "Divya, you're a really good monitor. You helped him."

"It's my duty." She said and went out. Her name was Divya. Why does she not like me? Everyone says I'm cute and handsome.

Next day I came into class and sat down on an empty seat. "That's my seat. Stand up." She, Divya said.

"I won't. I sat here first. You can sit next to me." I said and patted the area beside me.

"Stupid." She held my collar and dragged me out of my seat.

"My leg is paining!" I started fake crying and directed towards my knee. She looked there for a minute.

"There is no blood on your leg, you liar." She threw my bag and I caught it by my hand. Maniac! Moody girl! You'll pay for it.

"I'll sit on the same seat and complain to teacher. You're misusing your power." I shouted and in response she showed her tongue. She's so irritating.

"Amazing." Mr Park applauded.

"Hello. Mr Park." We both said.

"I must say, you both know the moves very well."

"Thanks Mr Park. I'm Ayaan Chauhan and she's my wife, Mrs Divya Ayaan Chauhan."

"I know." He really knows? "Your company won the prize, right?" I nodded.

"Let's get into partnership. What say Mr and Mrs Chauhan?" He initiated. Of course! Why would I disagree?

"Of course." Divya said as I was busy in my own thoughts. After talking a lot to him we excused ourselves. But one thing that was strange was his eagerness towards the upcoming project. "You would be wondering about why is he so interested in the Indian market? Right?"

"How do you know?"

"A pinch of psychology!" She said, "His wife is Indian. So him entering the Indian market is obvious."

Oh! So that's the reason he readily introduced the deal. And here I was worrying if he would accept our partnership. Half of the credit goes to Divya too. She did an amazing work. But where is she?

There she was, hovering over all the cakes, donuts and macarons! When will she love me as much she loves her food?

×× ××

– D I V Y A –

I woke up at seven thirty, not because I wanted to. The reason was Ayaan. And his music. It was not even music, it was pure noise.

"Excuse me. Would you slow down the volume please?" I shouted politely as I was not in a mood to talk. But he being adamant kept standing there without moving an inch. "Loudness." I shouted and he ran back to close the music system.

Without wasting a second I came down and started preparing breakfast. I can't be ruined by Ayaan's breakfast. He tries to make the food daily and I'm losing my habits. What if I don't remember how to cook food? I can't let this happen. So I decided to make the food today.

When I was closing the lid of cooker, I felt a pair of hands snaking around my waist. Who was it? Who the hell could it be? Of course Ayaan! "What... are you doing?" I asked and tried to move away.

"Shh. Listen to me first. And then you can say what you want." I stood still as I didn't knew what to do. There's no fun in fighting. "I want a favor from you. Please don't deny." Now what favor does he want?

Then he asked me to accompany him to a business party tonight. But why would I go for free? After a lot of bargain he stopped on extra bonus and thirty days of paid leave. It's thirty days of paid leave! One twelfth of an year!

In noon, Natasha left for States and I went to bid her a goodbye.

"Bye Divya!" She cried and hugged me.

"Why are you crying as if you're leaving for ever? It's just three months." I consoled her as she was being too irritating.

"Still. It's one fourth year." She cried more.

"Alright. Natasha I want to ask you something?"

"Yeah." She wiped her tears and freed my body from her hug.

"Are you leaving because of Dhruv? I mean cause you don't want to see him, so in impulse you took the decision." I asked.

"Maybe. I don't know. It's time. I should leave. Bye." She shooed the topic away and left to board the flight. Is she really disturbed by Dhruv and the sight she saw in the hospital? Should I ask Dhruv? Of course not? I don't even know what she saw that day.

In evening, I changed into a wine red coloured gown. It looked mesmerizing. There were two reasons to wear the gown. First– red colour of known for attracting the attention. As per what Ayaan said, he wants to sign the textiles deal with Mr Park. Red colour and something personal related to him would surely be enough to pull his emotions out into signing a deal.

After checking a lot about him, I came to know that he has mixed nationalities. He belongs to whole northern Earth. From Japan to Spain, everywhere he has his hometown. What a family he would be having!

In his early days, he loved Tango and that's what I'm gonna use today.

Also, he's a middle aged man who married his wife three years ago. His wife is Indian. He loves her a lot and that's the reason he's entering the Indian market too.

We reached the venue, which was held in an open ground. Thank God! These open air parties are the one needed the most. "That's Mr Park." Ayaan informed me.

"I know." I said. "He's twenty five percent Korean, twenty five percent French, twenty five percent Japanese, twelve and a half percent Taiwanese and the rest twelve and a half percent Spanish." I know I'm too talented. I know everything.

"He has so roots from so many countries. He's a human right?" He asked. Of course! All the people from these countries are human just like us. It's not that they're aliens or vampires!

"Yeah. His mother had Japanese-Taiwanese and Japanese-Spanish parents while his dad had Korean and French parents. As his grandfather was Korean he opted for the Korean surname."

"How do you know this much? He had always remained low profiled."

"I have my ways." I turned towards the stage as the results were going to be announced. I'm sure we would win the contest.

"Divya." Ayaan patted my arms, "Do you think we would win?" Is he mad or what? Even his dad had also never thought of anything other than winning and, here he is thinking of losing!

"Don't you think so. Can't you see our designs? They're far way better than other's. Our designs are new, refreshing and most important, has used fine fabrics."

"How do you know this much? You work in department's financing area."

"If you don't know, financing has everything to do with where the money is invested, and also I'm present in meetings. So it's easy to know."

"So now we have the most awaited result. The first position. Let's get into the result please." Lights fell off and the pictures showcased on the background was from our company.

"Hurray! We won. Our designers won." He started behaving like a child who won candies. Of course! How could I forget he had never won any prizes in class too? It would be new for him!

"Alright. I know. Why are you behaving as if you haven't won anything earlier? Just focus on future client." I said.

We both walked on the stage to recieve the prize on account of our designers. After the results, everyone was enjoying the party. We were talking with the clients and international parties when suddenly that same foreigner lady, who was laughing with Ayaan yesterday came towards us.

"May I ask you for a dance?" She asked. Ayaan looked towards me and I gave him the 'what' expression. 'Should I go or not?' He asked with his facial expressions.

"Why are you asking me?" I whispered.

"Divya would be alone here. I'm sorry but I won't be able to." He denied her. But why?

"Why do you think that? I've attended numerous business parties. And I know what to do." I said and he nodded.

"So can I borrow your husband?" The lady asked.

"Yeah sure." I said and that lady took him to the dance floor. Let's see what they're going to do. I sipped the juice when I noticed a man coming near me. He didn't even looked Indian.

As circus is famous for its jokers, business parties are famous for its pervert attendees!

"Namaste!" He said coming in front of me. Trying to use my native language to get near me! I know how to handle these maniacs.

"Shèn me!" I said. (What! in Mandarin)

"You're Chinese?"

"bialtabe la!" (Of course not! in Arabic)

"You belong to Arabian countries?"

"Nani! Okotte imasu ka?" (What! Are you mad? in Japanese)

"Japanese?"

"Quel stupide je dois faire face!" (What a stupid I have to face! in French)

"Miss, can you tell me what's your native language? It would be easier for us to communicate." He asked.

"Excuse me but she's not miss, she's Mrs." A man came to my rescue. He looked as I've seen him somewhere. But where? He stared at him angrily and the man ran away.

"May I have pleasure to dance with you?" He asked.

"That man was here for the same thing. Why do you think I would agree you?"

"Cause I don't have any bad intentions. And if you stand here alone then there are possibilities of other men asking your hand."

"You are..?" Is he the same man whom I'm assuming him to be.

"Yeah you're right. I'm Anubhav. Nice to meet you." He said and took me to the dance area. "We had a fight!" He said while dancing, "And it was my fault. Do you have any idea what should I do?" He asked.

"Why do I always have to do the job of cupid?"

"I'm asking you for the first time."

"But your other half has crossed all his limits of taking my advice." I said but I had to agree because of his pitiful face, "A big fight or a small one?" I asked.

"Moderate. And now he's angry with me."

"If your other half loves you, then a fight is nothing for you both." I said. Music changed and the couples got exchanged.

"Why did you sell me?" Ayaan asked, as he was my partner now.

"When did I sell you?" I asked and turned around. What is he trying to say? Human trafficking is a crime.

"To that Janine." Oh! So her name is Janine.

"That's not called selling. In selling we exchange things for something valuable we want. But here I wasn't in profit in anyway." I said. "Do you know Tango?" I asked.

"What's that?"

"You don't even know Tango? Yet you called yourself a dancing champion in school." I kept my hands around his neck.

"So what to do with your Tango?"

"Mr Park is a fan of Tango and was a professional in his young days. Maybe it would help." I whispered near his ears. Thank God I was wearing heels! Otherwise it was almost impossible for me to even reach his ears. In school days he was a little shorter than me. I wonder what he ate in last nine years to become this tall!

"But I don't know Tango."

"It's alright. Just follow me." I snapped my fingers high in air and the music changed. Attention of the crowd turned towards us and the area got cleared from rest of the couples. Only we both were dancing there as everyone got aside.

"Amazing." Mr Park applauded. That's what I wanted.

"Hello. Mr Park." We both said.

"I must say, you both know the moves very well." Of course! But it's me. Not him.

"Thanks Mr Park. I'm Ayaan Chauhan and she's my wife, Mrs Divya Ayaan Chauhan." Ayaan said.

"I know. Your company won the prize, right?" Mr Park said.

"Let's get into partnership. What say Mr and Mrs Chauhan?" He initiated.

"Of course." I said as Ayaan was busy in his own world. After talking a lot to him we excused ourselves.  "You would be wondering about why is he so interested in the Indian market? Right?" I asked.

"How do you know?" He was surprised.

"A pinch of psychology!" I said, "His wife is Indian. So him entering the Indian market is obvious." I was really hungry and Ayaan was busy in his own thoughts. So I went to eat alone.

The table was filled with cakes, ice-creams, macarons, gulab jamun and many things I couldn't even name. That's it! I devoured over all the desserts. Delicious food is the second reason why I came to this party.

First reason is ofcourse my bonus and paid leave.

After eating a lot my stomach seemed full.

I wish my dress doesn't explode!

I went to use the washroom and saw that same foreigner lady, Janine touching up her makeup. "You're Divya right?"

"Yeah."

Hair colour : Blonde

Dressing sense : Alright. Not a follower of trends

Height : Shorter than me. Around 5 feet 3 inches without heels

"Excuse me. Do you have some foundation? I left mine in the hotel."

"Yeah. Take it." I gave her my foundation.

"Actually this shade doesn't suit me. I'm two shades lighter." She said and slided my foundation back to me.

What should I do if you look like a boiled egg?

"Should I bring chalk powder?" I murmured, not loud enough for her to hear.

"What?" She asked.

"Nothing!" I said and moved out of the restroom. After the party got over, we drove back on our way. We both were sitting on the back seat. And that's the last thing I remember before giving in to sleep.

*****

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