Rebirth of the Departed soul

R K group of hotels is a prominent name in the business world. They have chains of hotels all over India. The CEO of the group Raj Kapoor is a kind-hearted bubbly and handsome young bachelor. His dashing looks and chiselled features make him the most eligible bachelor. Not only is he a successful businessman but he is also a good singer and guitarist, due to the early death of his father, he had to join his business.

He loves his family very much, which has a mother who is in her mid-fifties and a sister who is quite younger than him. His mother is after his life to find a suitable girl for him and get married. Although he is just twenty-five his mother wants him to settle his life before something happens to her.

"Simmi please pick up the phone. It has been ringing for a long time. Why don't you pick it up? " Shouted Rajini (Raj's mother) from the kitchen.

" Mom I was in the washroom that is why I couldn't pick. It must be bhai's call to wish me for my exams. "

Simmi picks up the call.

"Hi bhai, how are you?"

"I'm fine and how is my Barbie doll?"Simmi imagined the beautiful smile of her brother while talking to her.

Although Simmi was enjoying it, she faked irritation.

" Oh bhai, how many times have I told you not to call me Barbie doll? I'm a grown-up girl.

"Ok doll I won't. Today is your exam. I called to wish you luck, go and give your exams and make me proud. Call me once you are back, Bye for now. "

Raj wished his sister.

" Thank you bhai, love you bye." After ending her call, she shouted. "

Mom I am going won't you wish me luck? " She was nervous as hell. She was battling her lower lip and was fidgeting with her fingers when someone slapped her hands.

"How many times have I told you not to wriggle your fingers like this? Come have this sweet curd and then go all the best. " Rajini fed her a spoonful of curd and kissed her forehead.

‌" Ma at least don't scold me now anyway, thanks, ma love you bye. "She bowed and touched her mother's feet and went off.

She is an undergraduate and wants to do hotel management to help her brother. Quite popular in college she is very social, caring, beautiful, and a person who trusts easily.

"Ma I'm back. " Her voice echoed throughout the house.

"How was your exam, dear? " Rajini came out of her room and asked her.

"Excellent ma, today I'm a free bird. My exam is over. Today in the evening I will go with my friends to celebrate. "

Simmi was overwhelmed with joy as her exams ended.

"Ok but don't be late you know I feel depressed all alone in the house. At least, if Raj marries, I will have someone to give me company." Rajini sighed.

"Ma bhabhi would live with bhai and when bhai wants to take you to Kolkata you refuse. Now please, I'm famished and want to have food. " Simmi explained to her mother the harsh truth. With a heavy heart, Rajini moves from there.

At 5 PM sharp her friends Shreya and Kavita came to pick her up.

"Namaste (a form of greeting) aunty, where is Simmi"? They took blessings from Rajini.

"Coming" shouted Simmi.

She was looking quite stunning in her black knee-length dress with black boots. Not being a fan of doling up, she wore minimal makeup.

"Someone is looking ravishingly beautiful. " Shreya commented

"Please all of you be back on time, take care and stay safe ". Rajini warned them before they left.

"We will bye," said the three of them in unison.

Morning time at Kolkata

In Kolkata inside R k group, lots of hustle and bustle is going on as today Raj has to take an interview for his new secretary as his old secretary is on maternity leave

" Good morning, Ranjeet sent them in one by one. " Raj asked his secretary cum brother.

" Good morning, sir, my resume". An interviewee entered his room. She was wearing -low-cut white almost transparent blouse paired with a black pencil skirt that ended above her knees. Wearing too much makeup, she loomed like a butterfly from high society rather than an interviewee for the job.

After having a look at the resume Raj felt nauseated. She was good for nothing.

" I don't think you are fit for this job sorry to say but your qualifications don't meet our needs" Raj was feeling disgusted. He can't think of having someone like her in his office.

Raj pov

I have interviewed almost all the candidates and am not satisfied with anyone. I think only one candidate is left after that I will ask Ranjeet to find a more suitable candidate. I am so tired.

His trance was broken by a knock.

"May I come in sir," said a beautiful girl entering his cabin.

"Yes, you may come in," said Raj. When Raj looked at her he was awestruck by her beauty she was wearing a simple dress but looked so beautiful her skin was flawless her innocent brown eyes were like two magnets her soft pink lips were like two strawberries her long black hair was tied into a ponytail" oh god she is so beautiful"!

"Good afternoon, sir, "said the girl in a sweet tone. ‌She brought me back from my dreamland.

"Oh, sorry for zoning out ‌, good afternoon please have a seat. " Raj apologized and looked embarrassed on realizing that he was checking her like a pervert.

‌" Sir my name is Sujata Banerjee, and this is my resume". Sujata handed her file to Raj.

‌Raj taking a look at the resume ."So you are a gold medallist"

"Yes sir". She replied feeling proud of her achievement.

"I'm impressed with our resume, and you can work from tomorrow on". Raj finalized her job.

" Thank you, sir, and can I join from today," Sujata asked in a melodious voice that sounded like a song.

"As you wish." Replied Raj hiding his happiness. His heart was filled with unknown emotions.

Raj then asked Ranjeet to come in.

" Yes sir," Ranjeet entered his cabin.

"Ranjeet, how many times have I asked you not to call me sir you are my brother call me bhai ok".

"I know that, but it looks more professional, but if you want then ok I will call you bhai now why did you call me"? Ranjeet didn't want to take advantage of being his brother in the office.

" Oh! This is Miss Sujata. I have appointed her as my new secretary. Please guide her about her work and show her around. " Raj then told Ranjeet about Sujata's appointment.

"Ok, I will," Ranjit gestured for her to follow him.

She is such a mesmerizing beauty I hope she is as effective in her work as beautiful she is. Abruptly I heard the bell of my phone. It was getting dark. Haven't realized when evening has approached. The sudden ringing the of the phone abruptly broke my trance. My lips curled into a smile seeing the caller.

"Hello". He heard the voice of one person he loves most.

"Hello, bhai". Simmi spoke from the other side.

"Hi, Simmi, how was your paper? Did it go well"? Raj was happy to hear his sister's voice. It was like a melody to him.

"Yes, bhai I was missing you so thought of calling you. " Simmi sounded gloomy.

"I'm also missing you and I'm thinking of buying a flat here so both of you can come here and live with me ".Raj informed his sister about his concept.

"Will think about it, ok bye bhai my friends have come. We are going out to celebrate as our exams are over ." Simmi excitedly told her brother.

"Ok bye take care and stay safe ". Raj cautioned his sister and hung. He was worried about his sister.

Raj pov

‌ After talking to Simmi I thought of finalizing my deal with the broker, so I left my office. Moreover, it was time to leave. I went straight to the broker's house. The door opened and the broker was standing there

" Good evening, sir. Please come in." He left the side of the door for me to enter.

"Good evening Aakash I was passing by and thought of dropping in, to know about the apartment we had selected. Did you talk to the owner"

"Yes, I did, and they will let us know in a day or two." Currently, we were sitting in the living room and chatting.

" Ok but please make it fast as I want my family to come and stay with me. Let me know about their decision. I wish to finish the deal as soon as possible. I will take leave by then." I stood up to leave the place.

" Bye, sir." Aakash bids bye to Raj and starts thinking about how to persuade the owner and buy the apartment for Raj.

Sujata has proved herself as a great and efficient secretary. Not only is she beautiful but also smart. A perfect combination of beauty and brains, whenever I see her I feel very happy. I think I have started liking her. With these thoughts, I drifted to sleep.

The following morning in my office, I was reading some documents when a knock on the door attracted my attention.

"Come in." I looked expectedly towards the door. I was expecting my coffee.

"Good morning, sir". The sweet voice was like a melody in my ears. Instead of replying, I kept on staring at her.

" Sir, sir! What happened? " Sujata spoke a little loudly.

"Nothing; do you need something?" Raj asked looking here and there was an attempt to avert his gaze.

" Yes sir. I have brought your coffee and I forgot to give you these files that require your signature ." Sujata kept some files on my table. When she bent to keep the files, her shirt slipped down a little and a part of her cleavage was visible which was inviting. To divert myself from those perverted thoughts, I lifted my head and came face to face with Sujata. Our heads were only a few inches apart. Her parted full pink lips were so near that if I turned my head, I would kiss her. I mentally smacked myself for behaving like a pervert. A snap of fingers wafted me from my thoughts.

"I'm sorry for zoning. What were you saying?"

"Your coffee is getting cold. Should I make another cup?"

That would be so thoughtful of you. Keep those files and I will sign them." I gestured for her to leave, or else I would do something I would regret.

"Sir these are urgent so please sign them as I have to give them to the finance department," Sujata informed me of the urgency of bringing the files. After keeping them, she went to get my coffee. By the time she returned, I had signed the files.

"What took you so long?"

" Sir, the machine was not free." I thought of engaging her in a chat in an attempt to keep her in my office. Had I been my earlier self then I would have taken her then and there. An idea strikes me.

"Sujata, are you free tonight? Can you come for dinner with me? " I asked her casually.

"m.......me sir I am your secretary, and you are my boss" Sujata stuttered hearing his invitation.

" Only in this office after the office, I have a personal life." Not giving up, I tried to persuade her.

"Ok, sir." With a reluctant sigh, she gave her consent.

"Just text me your address. I will pick you up at 7:00 pm sharp." I did not want to leave any opportunity to spend time with her.

"I will be ready" Sujata left my office after picking up the files. My heart was doing some salt. Time was dragging. I wish evening would arrive a little early so that I could be with my sweetheart. I smiled at the endearment had given her. To spend alone time with her I give the driver off and go pick up Sujata.

The location was not so good, the streets are very narrow and full of garbage. Seeing the pathetic condition of the area I am feeling nauseated. Finally, her place came into view, I rang the bell, and the door was opened by Sujata.

"Good evening, are you ready? you are looking beautiful.''

I was awestruck by her beauty. She was dressed in a simple white top and jeans and wore minimal make-up, yet she was looking ravishingly beautiful.

" Good evening, sir thank you. You are not looking bad." Her cheeks tinted. To give a casual vibe I dressed in a blue button-down shirt paired with black denim. Deliberately I had left the top buttons open giving a view of the muscular chest. Sujata was unable to take her eyes off the delicious view in front of her.

"Please come." I broke the silence that prevailed. I kept his hand on the small of her back which she did not resist.

I opened the door of the passenger side and made her comfortable and then sat in the driver's seat. We drove to a fancy five-star restaurant. I went to the reception. The hostess took us to our reserved table. The server gave us the menu.

" Would you like to drink something?"

" I would like to have a virgin mojito. If you don't mind, please place my order too. I'm a vegetarian." With a hesitation Sujata told me. Everything is so costly. It is better if Raj sir decides the menu. I don't want to look like a person who is taking advantage of his generosity. A wave of hand brought me out of my trance.

" Were you saying something?" She asked me bewildered. I chuckled at her innocence. She glared at me and made a pout. She is testing my patience. I'm already on edge and if she would keep on behaving like this then it would not end well . To divert my mind, I started narrating the order.

" I will have a coke . Tandoori platter can accompany it . Then in the main course we can have hakka noodles , manchurian and fried rice. Hmm do you want to order anything else?"

" No sir. This is enough." I called the server and placed the order.

" If you keep on calling me sir then we can have this dinner in the office."

" Why sir . What happened?" She looked lost.

" Come on , this is not my office . Call me Raj. "

" I will try si oops Raj." Both of us laughed. Something caught my attention, in fact someone. She was the last person I wanted to meet, but I guess luck was not on my side and she spotted me, and she was coming towards me.

" Hello Raj. Long time no see. " She kept her hand on my shoulder and kissed me on my cheeks. I was hundred percent sure her lipstick would have stained my cheek.

" Oh, come on darling I know you miss me." She was reeking of alcohol and was tipsy.

" Can't you see I don't want to talk to you . Now would you mind leaving us." It was then she realized , I have a company.

" Hello. " She turned , facing me." Is she your new fling?" Before I could speak, she laughed."

" Darling, if you were missing me so much , you could have called me. Why entertain low class girls like her." Hearing her words, I was enraged but before I could say or do anything, there was a splash and everyone was stunned.

Raj Pov

The lady was drenched with water.

" What the hell? Raj, how can you let such a low-class girl behave like this to me? Won't you say anything?" She started shouting. Everyone was looking at us. The drama was getting on my nerves. I got up and dragged her to a secluded corner.

" Why are you here? What do you want from me after such a long time? I had made clear to you at that time it is just a one-night thing without any feeling.? Why are you trailing me like this and who are you to decide whom I should go out with? Get the hell out of here and never show me your face." I was holding her hand rather tightly and I knew there would be a bruise later, but I didn't care. I'm tired of her. My eyes darted toward Sujata and what I saw boiled my blood. Immediately I left her and ran to the entrance as Sujata was leaving. Just at the right moment, I was able to catch her wrist.

" Where are you going? Come, our dinner is being served." Pulling her hand, I made her sit on the chair. The dinner went in silence.

The next morning as soon as I entered my office, I asked Sujata to come to my office.

"May I come in sir?" Sujata stood near the door.

"Please come in." I was shamelessly staring at her. She was looking gorgeous in a simple Kurti and leggings.

"Good morning, sir, your coffee and you asked for me." Sujata kept the coffee mug on the table oblivious to my gaze on her.

" Good morning and thanks for the coffee. I think the place you live in is not safe and fit for living. If you don't mind, you can shift into the staff quarters which are provided by the company for those workers who don't have any place to live, especially females. This was the reason I called you. " I started explaining the company's policy. One reason was to keep her near me.

"Thank you, sir I would be happy, to accommodate you, as it will be easier for me." She was happy as now she will not have to find a mode of transport and she can save extra money.

"That's all you can go now." I waved her to go.

The day passed in a blur. I was thinking about yesterday. I was a playboy during my college days and had met Bindu at one of my friend's parties. She was good in bed. We had spent some nights but that was it. In the beginning, only I had made it clear that we are just friends with benefits and nothing else. We met one or two times after that. Afterward, as time passed I changed my ways and now I wish to date a girl with whom I can have some sort of commitment. Yesterday I met her after a long time. She was behaving as if I had some sort of commitment with her which I had broken.

Sujata is the type of girl whom you would want your parents to meet. I think I should call ma and take her opinion.

The ringing of the phone filled the mansion. A woman came and picked up the phone.

" Hello, who is it ?" The lady picked up the ringing mobile.

"Hello ma, it's me. "

"I picked it up without realizing who the caller ID is." Rajini chuckled at her clumsiness.

" My dear mother India, please don't feel bad. It is ok. I had called to talk about something serious." Raj didn't want her mother to feel embarrassed.

"I'm in love. She is a nice girl, but she is my secretary and an orphan. " Raj concluded with a sigh.

" Wow, my son is finally fulfilling my wish. I'm so happy today. It doesn't matter if she is an orphan, I'm there for her. If you both are fine, I have no problem." Rajini chuckled and they chatted for some more time and then hung up.

I thought of taking her out for a date . After thinking for a long time, I came up with an idea. I made some calls and finalized everything. Now it was time to call the person in concern . As I was about to place a call , I heard a knock at the door.

" Come in." I called . My heart skipped a beat on seeing the person.

" Good evening, sir."

" Good evening, Sujata . I was about to call you. " I got up and moved to the other side with my hands on the desk , I bent facing her.

" Did you need anything? I had finished my work for the day and was about to leave." She moved back a little." Our dinner yesterday was spoiled due to that stupid girl. I was thinking if you are free tomorrow than we can recreate it ." I moved a little towards her and she moved back . it kept on , till her back was touching the wall. I put my hand on either side of her. I tilted my head a little. Her eyes were closed in anticipation. To my utter dismay , there was a knock on the door. I punched the wall in frustration. I went and sat on my chair and Sujata straightened her dress.

" Come in."

" Sir, the board of directors have arrived." Ranjet reminded me of the important meeting I was supposed to have. It was a really important meeting.

" Show them the conference room and I will join in a minute."

" Who scheduled this meeting ? Is it left for a meeting? "

" I have scheduled this meeting as there was some emergency and moreover one of the directors has a late-night international flight. You are not needed in this meeting. Will you join me tomorrow.'' I looked at her in anticipation. She nodded and went away. I clenched my fist in the air. Now I need to meet the people in the boardroom and finalize everything. After thanking my stars that Sujata didn't doubt the meeting even for a second, I went to the boardroom.

It took some time to finalize everything for tomorrow. It would be the best day for my sweetheart.