"Hmm... Your skin feels like silk, I could just-"
"-seph?"
Xavier's line of lewd thoughts was interrupted when he noticed one of the board members was looking at him expectantly as if asking his opinions on the matter being discussed.
He glanced over the presentation, "I think having this new enhancement to our combustion chamber would benefit our clients. Our research has proved that customers can save fuel by nine percent." he twirled a pen around his fingers, "Customer satisfaction is a priority right now."
Satisfaction it is...
A lofty woman sitting across the table made a face, "But Mr. Joseph, I think you are underestimating the cost here. You are passionate about the product and this project but... but that doesn't account for your decision to splurge money on such things.", she flexed her fingers over the table and glanced across the room, expecting others to nod with her accusation, "I don't think we should take risks especially when profits will be significantly low."
"Probably taking risks has made the Xhasis what it is.", Xavier bit back, his face holding no emotion.
Someone cleared their throat, "What Mr. Joseph means is, that this is rather a profitable risk even if it is low. And we should consider it as a betterment to our new model of engines.", Satya shot a sharp glare at him, "Isn't it, Mr. Joseph?"
After half an hour of discussion, everyone finally agreed to their proposal. It was tough to have meetings with his investors, especially those who had no knowledge of what his work was and only focused on business.
Well, it is about the business in the end.
He retired to his office cabin, his only haven. If there was one place in this world where Xavier felt complete, it was this place. Multiple whiteboards with his jumbled drawings, brainstorming ideas, computer filled with thousands of engine models, and desks full of files. He loved his work; he loved the way his dream had turned into a reality.
He shrugged off his coat and closed his eyes, feeling content for achieving things for which he was left heartbroken. At least all the pain he went through wasn't in vain.
A steady click of heels made him aware of Satya's presence but he made no move to acknowledge her. It was funny how she reminded him of Subhadra, the same strong-headed, independent, and stubborn kind. The only difference was, Satya never left him alone.
He knew that she cared about him, more than what people accept in a friendship. But she didn't give two cents about the judgment from her friends or colleagues and continued to be his pillar. He had never thanked Alisha for making him meet Satya, the only woman in his life who believed in him.
"You should take lessons on communication skills, especially after what you did with Mrs. Mehta!", she slapped his arm, "Don't fucking pretend to ignore my presence."
He opened his eyes and saw her furiously walking across his cabin. She had switched the invisibility of his cabin.
"You have all the right to punch me if you want.", he pointed her towards the crumbled coat sitting on the floor, "Why take it on my expensive Armani?"
Her hands bundled into fists and for a second, he thought she was planning on taking his advice. But she stood still, anger seeping out of her, "It would cost us to lose investors, you should think before you speak.", she punctuated every word.
"In that case, she needs to do some research before spewing garbage.", standing straight he offered her his seat.
Declining his offer she shook his head in frustration, "Xavier, not everyone is a graduate from the University of Michigan to understand things from your perspective.", she sighed, "This is 'business', one which we both have worked hard for.", her fingers raked through her hair, "I don't like it when you try to shit on it. I have noticed that for the past few days...you look distraught."
His jaws clenched tight. It had been almost three weeks since a very curvy woman had bewitched his thoughts. He couldn't shake off the feel of her skin against his fingers, her lips against his. Whoever the tiny witch was, she had worked her black magic on him.
Those lips were--
"Is something bothering you?", he snapped out of his daydream when he heard Satya's question, "Is it about your last meeting with Subhadra?", her eyes held concern in them.
He couldn't believe how his life had ended up to this very moment, his first love breaking him inside out, a dear friend shielding him from the world, and a stranger- a sexy seductress- conquering his lust.
Smiling, he raised his brows, "You need to stop protecting me, I am a grown man."
"Says the one who cries like a baby...", her voice was gentle.
She walked towards him and took his hand in hers, "You know, you deserve everything.", she caressed his fingers, "I don't know about your past in its entirety, but I know for sure that your future holds all the love one can imagine."
Her black eyes were shining with love and he couldn't stop himself from hugging her. She patted his back slowly while he rejoiced to be a kid in front of her.
"Are you sure that you aren't the person who loves me?", he looked at her, his eyes filled with suppressed mirth. Swatting his arms she wrinkled her nose in disgust. He couldn't hold back himself and laughed aloud.
Satya Devi was the one, the only maternal figure in his life at that moment. She was like his mother, the one whom he had lost during his childhood.
--
A/N
I might add more of Manoj Kumar's covers in the coming chapters. My YouTube homepage always has at least two of his videos in recommendation XD
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