Page 24 of Made in Mumbai

“Oh, hi,” she shook his hand. “I am so sorry I didn’t recognise you. Actually, we were expecting a woman from your side. We thought it was an ‘Aryaa.’”

“You’ll have to make do with me,” he held his arms out. And he was a mighty fine specimen to make do with.

“Not bad for make-do,” Maya quipped. “You know Bollywood numbers.”

“I can dance on them too,” he winked.

“Chikni Chameli party is at 4 during these people’s smoke break.”

“You’re on, baby!”

“Excuse me?” Came Gautam’s bored drone from the door. They turned. And there stood the boss, as put together as ever. He was like a complete antithesis to Aarya — grey slacks, matching waistcoat, burgundy tie. Very uptight and ready for some big meeting. His uniform of choice was dress shirt and slacks otherwise.

“Yes?” Aarya frowned.

“Umm… Aarya, this is our founder — Gautam Kumar. G… Gautam, this is Aarya, he has come from Amber Raisingh.”

“Hello,” Aarya held his hand out.

“We were expecting a woman from your studio,” her grump of a boss clipped.

“Some misunderstanding. It’s just me. I look forward to working with you, Mr. Kumar.”

“You will be working with my designers. Maya, come up to my office.”

“Yes, I’ll just settle Aarya and be right ther…”

“Leo?”

As if summoned to materialise, Leo came running in, his backpack and umbrella still hanging off his body. “Yes, sir?”

“Please show Aarya his place. He will be working with Rustom and reporting to Maya for final selections. Maya, follow me.”

She pursed her lips and began her walk behind the sour piece of stone.

“Coffee in 10?” Aarya stage-whispered behind her. She snorted, then raised her thumbs over her head.

As soon as they reached his office, Gautam switched on the ventilation systems and closed the door.

“Sit.”

“I’ll stand. I need to start my day.”

“Sit, I said.”

She glowered, then perched at the very edge of the chair. For the first time, she noticed a flash of annoyance on his face before it was gone. He rounded his desk, settled his phone and keys, then sat back.

“Your job is to oversee Amber Raisingh’s requirements. Rustom will be the point of contact…”

“But you hired me for this project…”

“Among other things.”

“You asked me to make them comfortable!”

“In work.”

“And?”

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