Priya was waiting anxiously, along with her colleagues, for their new boss's arrival. There were excited whispers around her about the new management. Meanwhile Priya was lost in her own world thinking about a particular father and daughter duo. She sighed as she glanced at the red roses in her hands. It was a novel feeling for her to think about someone who was nothing to her. It has been a week since that night, and still, thoughts of them lingered in her mind.

She still remembered the moment, at the end of that night, how she'd clutched to Aisha not leaving her. The little girl had been asleep, and it was hard for Priya. Why? She didn't know.

She sighed and turned like she wanted to walk away but stopped when she felt a hand on hers.

"Where are you going? He's here," Madhu said. "Huh," Priya looked around, noticing her colleagues crowding at the entrance and looking eager.

Was he here already? Priya wondered as her heart picked up speed.

"Forgot what Mr. Sharma told?"

"What difference does it make?" Priya snapped, keeping the flowers in Madhu's hands. "You do the welcoming. Anyway, Vijay sir will be the one bringing him up."

"Me?" Madhu frowned. "How can I? I am a small worker down in the factory. I am here because you insisted."

"What's the big deal? You work for this company only, right."

Madhu raised an eyebrow, watching her friend keenly. "Something is eating you up."

"Nothing. I am just..." Priya trailed off and closed her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she smiled. "I am fine." She took the flowers back and said, "Let's welcome our new boss."

It's now or later... She has to cross paths with him at some point.

They both reached their colleagues just as the elevator opened. She watched as two bulky men walked out, followed by Vijay Sharma, and then... she froze.

"Isn't he..." Madhu asked, shocked, nudging her shoulder.

Priya didn't respond. She was busy staring.

"Abhay..." his name was a soft whisper.

Abhay Sinha, the one who has been haunting her dreams for the past week, was here. Her brown eyes followed his tall figure and his chiseled profile, making her body awaken just like the many times whenever thoughts of him filled her mind.

She had been expecting him. She connected the dots since the time she realized who he was. He wasn't just Aisha's father. He was going to be her new boss. The Chairman of AS Organization. But her reaction to him wasn't what she was expecting.

Her body stiffened when he looked in her direction for a brief moment, and then, again he glanced a second time. His dark brown eyes met hers, and she felt warmth spread through her. Obviously, he was surprised. She didn't know how much time passed, as they both continued to stare at each other.

Suddenly, she was startled when someone nudged her side and found Madhu signaling with her eyes. When Priya turned her attention to her new boss, she saw Vijay and others looking at her expectantly. With trembling hands and slow steps, she reached Abhay and forwarded the roses.

"Welcome, Mr. Sinha."

His fingers brushed hers, and she looked up at him. "Thank you," he said. The surprise was long gone, and now his face was void of any expression.

"Come on, Mr. Sinha," Vijay extended his hand forward, and Abhay nodded, taking his eyes off from her. He walked past her, and she stood there, reeling in confusion.

Did he forget her? Priya wondered.

"Priya," Madhu whispered. Priya looked at her. "Is he our..." Madhu left the question incomplete as Priya nodded.

"Yes," Priya said, fidgeting with her fingers. She frowned when she heard the murmurs from the staff.

"Wow! How handsome is he?"

"Hot boss..."

"I would die to have a single touch of his..."

"Oh! I'd just die from his single glance."

Priya fisted her hands, hearing their words. Seriously? She thought furiously. She marched towards them and slammed a hand on their desk. They all looked at her, stunned.

"He's not single. Don't get your hopes up. He also has a five-year-old kid," Priya said through clenched teeth, glaring at each one of them.

Instantly their faces fell with disappointment, and after giving Priya a dirty look, they resumed to their own places.

"How dare they?" Priya muttered as she glared at them.

"Why do you care?"

Priya turned around, startled, seeing Madhu. "I don't," she snapped and started walking towards her cubicle. Ignoring Madhu calling her, she came to her seat and slumped down.

"Why did he behave like he doesn't know me?" Priya voiced out.

Just then, her intercom buzzed. "Priya. Come inside," Vijay's voice echoed.

"Yes, sir."

She knocked on the door and heard 'come in.' Slowly, she opened the door and saw Abhay and Vijay talking. They stopped when she entered, and her eyes sought Abhay, who was already watching.

"Let me introduce Mr. Sinha," Vijay said, grabbing Priya's attention. "Priya Malhotra. The most efficient and talented person I know."

Priya smiled at Vijay for his words.

"Your assistant," Abhay said.

"That's right."

"Mr. Iyer mentioned it," Abhay smirked, making Priya wonder. "I guess now... she's mine."

Priya looked gobsmacked. "What?" she almost shouted.

"Of course," Vijay agreed, unaware of the exchange between them, and told Abhay, "Now this is your company." Priya looked at Vijay, who was smiling. She observed that Vijay's smile didn't reach his eyes.

Without any thought, Priya asked Vijay, "What about you, sir?"

Vijay looked at her, surprised, "Me?"

She nodded. Vijay laughed humorlessly. "I am thinking of voluntary retirement," he said. She looked at him sadly. She knew how much he loved his company. He was a self-made man and had built this company from scratch.

She walked towards Vijay and hugged him. For a second, Vijay was surprised, but then he returned her hug. "You are the best boss, sir. We will miss you," she whispered.

Vijay caressed her head warmly. "And... you are the best person I have ever met in my life, beta," he said emotionally.

Priya pulled back, stealthily wiping the lone tear that escaped her eyes, and smiled. As she looked at Abhay, he was staring at her with an unexplainable expression, and she looked away, embarrassed slightly.

"Now come on," Vijay cheered, "We have introductions to make." He looked at Abhay and smiled when he nodded. With Abhay on the lead, Priya followed the men outside, and there was a sudden hushed silence on the floor. They walked to the midpoint of the open work area.

"Good morning, everyone," Vijay said, stepping forward, "Thank you all for your dedication and hard work to keep up the reputation of Sharma textiles, now known as AS Textiles. Mr. Abhay Sinha, with great generosity, promised not to change the structure of the company, and everyone could work in their own places. I am glad Mr. Sinha has come forward to take the lead," he smiled; looking at the relieved faces of his employees and then back at Priya.

Priya could see the turmoil behind his eyes for having to leave his company. Not only him, but Priya too was feeling sad. He had treated everyone of his company as his own child and helped anyone in need. He nodded at her and then turned back again to everyone, making up his mind to announce about his decision to step down from his role, "Now I..."

"Mr. Sharma, one minute," Abhay held his hand up, stopping Vijay, and everyone looked curious. "Thank you for your kind words," he stepped forward, looking at everyone. Priya watched as Abhay glanced at the employees and said, "Excuse us for a minute." He pulled Vijay slightly back and then spoke only audible to Vijay. But she heard him as she was standing just behind them, "If you don't have any objections, I would like you to join me and merge our companies. Though, it will be re-branded as AS Textiles."

"Mr. Sinha... I... What..." Vijay wasn't able to get the right words out.

"Sir, I think we can run this company in partnership. Your experience and fame will be a good asset, and I don't want to lose a gem like you. You don't even have to sell your company. The only condition I have is..." he stopped as he looked at the excited employees. "It will be AS brand."

He was engulfed in a big bear hug by Mr. Sharma. "Thank you, son. You have given me an unforgettable gift," Vijay said, patting his back.

An almost sob escaped from Priya and she muffled it instantly. With tears in her eyes, she was smiling staring at Vijay's childlike excitement and couldn't help but to feel happy for him. Then, her eyes turned to Abhay and, to her surprise, she actually wanted to give him a big kiss. She was so lost staring at his chiseled features that she didn't realize he was staring at her. She quickly averted her gaze.

"This is an occasion to celebrate," Vijay said as he pulled back.

"Sure," Abhay said as he swiftly turned to Priya, "Ms. Malhotra."

Priya jumped, startled.

"I believe you'll take charge of the event."

"Definitely, Mr. Sinha," Priya bobbed her head. Abhay nodded and then turned back to the staff. "Okay. Ladies and gentlemen, you'll soon be notified of new terms and policies. If you have any queries, reach Mr. Sharma or my assistant Tina," saying he turned in the direction of Sharma's —no his—office while Priya stood rooted in her place.

Tina?

She walked to Abhay's office as various thoughts about putting her job at stake engulfed her mind. She knocked on his door and heard a faint 'come in.' She opened the door and saw Abhay on his mobile while Vijay was nowhere in sight.

Abhay looked at her and lifted his hand to wait. She stood sulking as she looked at the sinfully forbidden man in front of her. There was a rugged structure in him that attracted her towards him sinfully. She was distracted by his stance and the way his muscles stretched as he moved.

Were they as muscled and toned as they look covered? She wondered and forgot that she was openly gawking at him, and he was done with his call.

"If you are done checking me out, can you tell what are you here for?" His voice snapped her out of her daydreams, and she blushed furiously. She mentally slapped herself. Why does she always embarrass herself in front of him?

"Woh..." she stammered.

"Yes..."

"I..."

He raised an eyebrow.

Why did she come here? She thought, forgetting her main issue.

"How is Aisha?" Priya asked, dreading to know about the little girl who stole her heart.

"Good."

She waited for him to say more. "Is she eating well?"

He nodded, and his face a perfect blank. Priya bit her lips awkwardly. She nodded and was about to walk away when he said. "She's been asking for you."

"Really," she asked with big eyes as she moved closer unknowingly.

Abhay smiled as he, too, took a step closer. "Yes."

"What is she doing?"

"Hell angry!" he chuckled. "I am on the verge of coming to your home."

"Then why didn't you?" she didn't even realize she was a step away from his proximity.

He shrugged. "I am not sure how you'll react. I didn't want to burden you," he said, looking straight into Priya's warm eyes.

"Never think like that. Aisha will never be a burden," she whispered angrily.

She was surprised when he lifted his hand to her face, and her lips parted as he tucked a hair tendril behind her ear. "Sorry," he cupped her face and put a hand on her waist, bringing her closer.

"You did know I am your boss when I met you on that night, right," Abhay stated.

Priya nodded as her eyes glanced at his lips.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Abhay whispered.

She bit her lip, gaining his attention to them.

"I don't know," she breathed and caught a whiff of his cologne, just like rain and earth.

No one uttered a word again. Priya's heart thumped against her chest as she saw his eyes hood, and he started to lean forward. Her eyes widened, and she was confused.

She abruptly put a hand on Abhay's Armani-clad chest to push him away, giving all wrong notions to the person who just barged in the office, witnessing the oh-so-romantic scene.

"Have some shame, Bhaiya. There is a kid here..."

∞∞∞