Karan
I need to inform Amyra immediately. I’m thrilled that I could finally arrange the partnership, negotiating with eco-NGOs, sapling suppliers, and waste collection partners just like we planned.
Amyra has been brilliant with her branding concept for the CSR Tree-Planting and Beach Cleanup Event, part of the Employee Engagement Campaign scheduled for next week. Her ideas for team-building and engagement activities deserve a round of applause, and I can’t wait to see them come alive on the event day. Amyra and I have been working together almost every afternoon, once we finish our respective division tasks. We’re thankfully assigned a small cabin for smooth interactions and joint planning, a detail I appreciate, as it also gives me precious private time with her.
I push the door open, a bright smile on my lips, unable to contain the happiness of completing the major part of the campaign. I’m sure Amyra will mirror my excitement.
But my eyes land on the chairs in front of the long desk completely empty. My eyebrows furrow before my gaze drifts sideways, and my mouth parts in shock. She’s lying on the small couch, curled up, eyes tightly closed.
My heartbeat quickens as I quietly drag a nearby tripod stool closer with my gaze fixed on her serene face. I take a moment to admire her angelic features, the way her almond-shaped eyes can pull out the most graceful expressions, how her pillow lips can stretch into an eye-blinding full-lipped smile, the few loose strands of hair framing her face, which I gently tuck back into place.
Memories of our University days flood me. I’d had a crush on her the first time I saw her laugh heartily, a crush that deepened into love as I followed her quietly, captivated by her down-to-earth attitude, kind heart, and queen-like aura. I had finally mustered the courage to confess after a year of silent admiration.
I remember entering our second year of post-grad, greedy for her comforting company, and asking her out. I noticed the closeness between Amyra and her best friend Reyansh; the whole University seemed convinced they were secretly dating. Despite my doubts, I trusted my feelings and expressed my love genuinely.
Her response was a melancholic, hesitant shake of the head, followed by rejection that left my heart in pieces. When I asked if there might be a chance in the future, she shook her head again and disappeared from sight. I feel awkward recalling my stubborn persistence back then, chasing her for a single date.
Then came the familiar rivalry with Reyansh. I resented his overprotective nature and how he often threatened to remove her from my presence, which fueled our clashes. I even wondered if the rumors about them were true, seeing them together constantly, arriving and leaving side by side, inseparable. Their indifference to gossip only pushed me further to win her heart.
My life paused when my father suffered a mild heart attack. I chose to care for him alone, as my mother had left us during my childhood. I continued my studies from home, only to show up for the examinations, with the University management’s support. The break kept me from seeing Amyra, and we only met again during convocation. She seemed pleased to see me, and even began to respond when I started a conversation with her, but Reyansh intervened and whisked her away before we could talk properly.
Truth be told, I haven’t moved on from Amyra. When Dad suggested I undergo a few months of training before joining our company and handed me a shortlist of potential firms, I wasted no time choosing B&T Corp just for one last chance to be around her and see if we could make things work.
I was overjoyed when we were teamed up for the upcoming campaign. The last two weeks have been the most satisfying ever, watching her grow comfortable in my presence, even considering me a good friend. A relief, too, that Reyansh hasn’t barged in like usual, though I couldn’t miss the occasional long glares he shot my way. Still, I’m grateful for every moment spent with Amyra, even if it’s just work-related. My gaze drifts back to her as her face slowly twists into a frown while she wakes up.
She opens her eyes, blinking through confusion, and sits upright on the couch.
“When did I fall asleep? And why didn’t you wake me, Karan?” she asks, her pouty, annoyed expression making my chest tighten with affection.
“It’s alright to take breaks. I just entered the cabin,” I lie casually. She nods, stretching and yawning.
“By the way, what happened to the partnership meet-up you left for?” she asks, curiosity bright in her tone.
“It’s done. We sealed the deal and finalized the essential set-up. Now we just need to confirm the date for them to join us,” I reply cheerfully.
“You did it, Karan! Congratulations to us. We’re only a few steps away from our goal,” she beams, and we bump fists in celebration.
“Alright, Karan, let’s get back to work. I need to show you the dress code design I came up with for the event.” She grabs her laptop and gestures for me to sit beside her, which I do gladly.
A year ago, if someone had told me I’d have Amyra beside me almost every day, I would’ve laughed. Yet now, not only is she here, she trusts me as her friend, a progression smoother than I ever dared to dream.
Now, all that remains is to find out if she’s single, so I can finally act on my feelings for her.
*****
“Hey, Karan! Hand over the hard copy of the event schedule to her!” Amyra called, pointing to the employee who volunteered to host the event. I nodded, pulling out the document and handing it over to the host.
Once I adjust a few things on the dais, I go down to alert our partners and ambassadors that the event will begin shortly. Then I walk toward Amyra, who is busy coordinating with the cameramen for full coverage.
“Hey, Amyra!” I greet her.
“Hey, Karan! Do you think this setup is enough for CSR documentation?” she asks, her tone tense.
“Definitely. Just a few photos will suffice, don’t worry,” I reassure her. Submitting the media for Corporate Social Responsibility documentation will be my job after the event.
“What about the live streaming?” I remind her. She pulls a smug face.
“It will go live once the event starts. I’ve assigned people to it. Oh, and remind me to send newsletters tomorrow with the photos we captured today.”
