Contract Marriage Ch-5

CHAPTER FIVE : NEW BEGINNINGS AT K-GROUP

 

Priya’s mind raced with a flood of thoughts, but her outward expression remained calm, even though the situation unnerved her. She thought to herself, Ahh, this arrogant guy… This was the only place where I could get a job, but now it seems I lost it too. Her stomach churned as she considered the implications of her situation. She had done everything she could to keep her true identity hidden, but now, standing face to face with Aryan, it felt as though the ground was slipping away beneath her.

On the other side, Aryan’s thoughts mirrored her frustration. He stared at her with a mixture of surprise and disdain, his jaw tightening as he took in her presence. What’s this shameless girl doing here? he thought, his mind momentarily clouded by irritation. She doesn’t even know how to talk to people. People like her can never work in my office… But then, just as quickly, a voice in his head tried to calm his growing frustration. No, Aryan. You can’t judge a book by its cover. He reminded himself, taking a steadying breath. That’s why, in a single meeting, you can’t judge someone’s work based on the way they speak. And remember, you have to keep your personal and professional life separate. Just speak with her properly.

Shaking off his moment of frustration, he straightened himself, both mentally and physically. With an attempt at a controlled smile, he introduced himself in a firm but neutral tone. “Hello, I’m the chairperson of this company.”

Priya looked at him, still trying to process the awkwardness of the moment, but she quickly masked it with politeness. “Good morning, sir. And firstly, I apologize for my behavior,” she said, her voice composed, though the discomfort from their earlier exchange lingered.

Aryan nodded slightly but didn’t dwell on it. “Let’s talk about it later… Now I’m just your interviewer. Okay?” he said, his tone now shifting to one of business, like seriousness. He gestured to the chair across from him. “Please, sit.”

Priya hesitated for a moment, before walking over to the chair and sitting down, placing her handbag carefully on her lap. She nodded with a soft, almost appreciative smile. “Thank you.”

Aryan took a quick glance at her, taking in her composed demeanor despite the earlier tension. “Now, can I see your resume and other documents?” he asked, his voice crisp and professional.

Priya’s heart skipped a beat at the question. She had been preparing for this, yet the question felt like a hurdle she couldn’t quite jump. She felt a pang of anxiety surge inside her, but she masked it quickly. “Sorry, sir, but I don’t have it,” she replied calmly.

The words hung in the air, and Aryan’s eyes narrowed slightly as his initial opinion of her soured. His judgment was harsh, and in his mind, this was just another sign of her unpreparedness. This is not good, he thought, but he had no choice but to follow protocol. Company policy dictated that he continue the interview, regardless of the lack of documents. I have to ask, he thought, steeling himself. “And why?” he asked, the question sharp, his tone tinged with curiosity but still holding the professional distance of someone in authority.

“Just because of some personal reasons,” Priya answered, her voice steady but firm, giving nothing away. She held his gaze, hoping her vague response wouldn’t backfire.

Aryan stared at her for a long moment, trying to read her, but all he got was an unreadable expression. Alright then, he thought, pushing aside his growing frustration. If I have to deal with this, I’ll just get through it. He leaned forward slightly, shifting his posture. “Okay, then tell me something about yourself,” he said, his voice now steady, though his mind was racing with thoughts of how to wrap this up quickly.

“My name is Riya,” she began, her voice calm yet carrying a faint edge of resolve. “And I’m from India… I’ve come here to fulfill my dreams.”

Aryan’s expression faltered for a fraction of a second as his mind tried to absorb the weight of her words. “What kind of dreams?” he asked, his voice almost disinterested, though a sliver of curiosity was beginning to thread through.

Priya hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts before responding with a clear sense of purpose. “Actually, I want to become an actor and a model,” she said, her words casual but filled with conviction.

As soon as Aryan heard her response, his patience began to fray. The irritation that had been simmering inside him finally started to boil over. He asked, his tone growing colder, “What are you doing here, if you want to be a model?”

Priya’s face remained calm, but inwardly, she could feel the sting of his judgment. “Because I need a job for money,” she said quietly, her voice never wavering.

At that point, Aryan’s patience was on the verge of snapping. He wanted to dismiss her outright, but he took a deep breath to maintain some semblance of professionalism. How could someone so clueless possibly want a job here? The frustration was palpable in his mind. He leaned back in his chair, his voice dripping with skepticism as he replied, “So, you want to say that to fulfill your needs, I will give you this job like this?”

Priya’s expression changed slightly, and the soft smile that had been present throughout the conversation quickly disappeared. Her eyes hardened, and she crossed her arms in front of her chest, her tone shifting. “What do you think I am? Do you think I have no experience with all this?” she asked, her voice now sharp, but still controlled. “I have 5 years of experience as a chairperson.”

Her words struck Aryan like a slap in the face. He blinked, stunned for a moment, and then he let out a soft laugh. He couldn’t help it. It seemed too ridiculous. She’s talking nonsense, he thought, but then something in her demeanor, something in her confidence, caught his attention. He suddenly felt a flicker of uncertainty. Was she lying? Or was she telling the truth?

His mood shifted. No longer was he dismissing her as just another hopeless candidate. The realization that she might actually have something valuable to offer him began to pique his interest. “Oh really… If that was the case, then why did you leave that job?” he asked, the amusement in his tone barely concealed as he controlled a smile that threatened to break free.

Priya’s lips curled into a smirk as she met his gaze, the glimmer of defiance never leaving her eyes. “That was not my job,” she said, the words dripping with a hint of pride. “That was my father’s company.”

Aryan was taken aback. This was not what he had expected. “Miss Riya, your words are so complicated. Can you explain them properly?” he asked, genuinely curious now. The shift in his demeanor was evident. He was no longer annoyed. He was intrigued.

Priya raised an eyebrow at him, as if daring him to ask her more. “Is it compulsory?” she asked, her voice almost challenging.

Aryan’s patience snapped. “If you don’t want to tell me this, then it’s okay, and just forget about this job,” he said, his tone more serious now, as the weight of the moment settled around them. He could feel the tension rising again, but it was different now. He was no longer dismissing her; he was waiting for her to reveal something deeper.

Priya, maybe you have to tell him everything, then you will get this job. I have to take a bit of risk, she thought, chewing the inside of her cheek nervously. Her hands tightened around her handbag, and after a deep breath, she forced herself to speak.
“Okay… I’ll tell you properly.” Her voice carried a quiet resolve, though her eyes stayed downcast.

“Hm.” Aryan only gave a short sound, tilting his head slightly, signaling her to continue.

“So, I live in India. My dad is the biggest businessman there, and after completing my studies, I joined his office. But my interest was in modeling, so I wanted to do the same. But my dad was not in my support, so I ran away from there and came to Paris.” Her words tumbled out, but her gaze stayed fixed on her handbag, too afraid to meet his sharp eyes. She didn’t want to see the judgment written on his face.

Aryan’s brows furrowed, his lips curling with mockery. “Run away… Really? Why do I think you Indian girls love to run?” His tone was laced with annoyance, yet there was also a teasing glint in his eyes.

“Huh?” Priya looked up sharply, confusion flashing across her face.

“Hm…” Aryan leaned forward, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips. “Someone ran away from her wedding, some ran away from your house, and some took my bike and ran away.” He finished with a broad grin, deliberately provoking her.

Her jaw tightened. “How do I explain to you, I didn’t run, I just needed your bike to chase that thief,” she tried to explain, her voice defensive, almost pleading.

“Bike?” Aryan’s smile widened into a sly smirk. “As far as I remember, someone said my useless bike.” His taunting tone filled the room.

Priya’s eyes blazed. She clenched her fists on her lap, her patience snapping. Ahh this man… Now it’s enough. I can’t handle my anger anymore, she thought, heat rushing to her cheeks. Her voice rose, sharp and trembling with fury.
“Look, Mr. If you don’t want to give me a job, then it doesn’t matter. But stop blaming me for the work I didn’t do. And yes, before going, let me tell you one thing, you will not find an assistant like me.”

With that, she pushed her chair back and stood up, her pride and anger guiding her towards the door.

Aryan’s eyes followed her, something unexpected stirring inside him. I like this confidence, he admitted silently. Beneath her anger, he recognized truth in her words. With her experience, she was a rare find, one he couldn’t let slip away.

Just as her hand reached the doorknob, his voice broke the silence. “Hey, wait…”

She froze, shoulders stiff, before turning back slowly. “Why?” she asked, her voice still edged with irritation.

“Firstly sit.” He pointed toward the chair, his tone calm but commanding.

Priya narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously but returned to the chair. She sat down with deliberate firmness, placing her bag back on her lap. “Hm, say,” she replied, her tone clipped.

Aryan leaned forward, his gaze steady now, less mocking. “I know you’re right. I will not find an assistant like you anywhere. Because you have experience as chairperson, and the most important thing that impresses me is your confidence.” His words carried a rare honesty, softening the sharp edges of the conversation.

Priya raised her eyebrows, curiosity replacing her anger. “So?” she asked, her voice cool but intrigued.

“So, I want to give you this job. But…” He paused, eyes narrowing again, testing her resolve. “If you can leave your parents for your dreams, then you will leave this job after your needs are met.”

“Obviously,” she replied instantly, her honesty disarming.

Aryan’s lips curved slightly. “If you want to do this job, then you have to sign a contract with me. According to which, you cannot leave this job within two years. And if you leave, then you will have to pay five million dollars. Fine?” His voice was steady, calculated, like a businessman sealing a deal.

Priya’s eyes widened slightly. “And what if I got a good shoot during that time… then?” she asked carefully, searching his expression.

“If this happens, then I will give you leave myself for that.” His tone softened, almost reassuring. Deep inside, he already knew that he couldn’t let her slip away, no matter what.

“And how can I trust you?” she asked, narrowing her eyes again, her mistrust rising.

“If you want, I can mention all this in the contract.” His reply came without hesitation, his confidence unshakable.

Her lips curved into a small smile for the first time since the interview started. “If so, then I am ready for this job.”

“Good.” Aryan gave a small nod, hiding the satisfaction that glimmered in his eyes.

He is not as worse as I think, Priya thought, sneaking a glance at him.

She is not shameless… she is just straightforward. Aryan admitted inwardly, watching her with renewed interest.

“So, are you ready to join us today, or else?” His question carried a playful challenge.

“It’s better to join today.” Priya’s reply was quick, steady, her determination clear.

“Okay.”

He picked up his phone and dialed.

“Yes, leader,” Karan answered immediately.

“Come into my cabin with your assistant,” Aryan ordered, his tone crisp.

“Okay.”

After some time, Karan entered with his assistant. Aryan didn’t waste a second. “Firstly do one thing. Call the receptionist and tell her to send back those who are left for the interview.” His voice was sharp, decisive.

“Why?” Karan asked, frowning.

“Because she’s my new assistant,” Aryan replied, pointing at Priya.

“Congrats, bro,” Karan said cheerfully to Priya.

“Bro?” Aryan repeated, his face confused, his brows raised.

Karan only smirked. “Go and call her,” he told his own assistant.

“And you have to create two year contract papers,” Aryan said firmly.

“I already made it,” Karan replied quickly.

“I don’t want ordinary paper. you have to add some conditions in it. And yaa, call someone who will make Riya visit the whole office,” Aryan instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“What’s the need of anyone else when I’m here?” Karan said, winking playfully at Priya.

“And who will make the contract?” Aryan shot back dryly.

Karan turned to his assistant. “Sit here and make a contract the way leader says.” She nodded and took a seat. Then, with a grin, he looked at Priya. “You, please come with me.”

They stepped out of the cabin together. Karan stretched his arms and exhaled dramatically. “So finally, now someone has come here, due to which my workload will be a little less.” His relief was genuine, his smile easy.

Priya just gave a small smile in return, her mind still buzzing from everything that had just happened.

❁𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑❁

❀𝕴𝖋 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖑𝖎𝖐𝖊 𝖎𝖙!❀

♡ 𝙳𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝙻𝚒𝚔𝚎, 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚎 ♡

.