The fire outbreak

Viaan’s POV:-

*Flashback continued*

“You?” I asked, skeptical.

I hadn’t expected to come across someone like the person, standing on the threshold, while I was thinking of taking the help. I didn’t realize I was staring without blinking.

“Yes,”

My stupor broke hearing a meek voice in response.

“I—”

*Flashback ends*

“Sir,”

My thoughts were interrupted by Neil’s extremely alarmed voice. He was my personal assistant and I had allowed him to enter my cabin without knocking if there’s an emergency.

“Sir, there’s a fire outbreak in the London branch fifteen minutes ago!” He breathed fast as he informed me. The sweat beads on his forehead made it evident that the accident was a fatal one.

“Casualties?” I jerked up on my chair, trying to process the news.

“Alarming, Sir. I’m afraid you have to visit there personally!” He trailed off, gulping some air. His tone cleared the air for me that I had to take immediate action.

“Get my jet ready. And in the meantime connect me with Max.” I ordered Neil who exited the cabin in a flash, obeying me.

Max was the head of my London branch. I had personally tested his skills and talents while appointing him for the post as that branch is one of my major branches. Thus, this fire outbreak holds him accountable for my questions.

The intercom on my desk rang, which I expected was the transfer call from Neil.

“Hello!” I picked up the receiver,

“Good morning, Sir!” As expected Max’s voice reverberated from the other end.

“How did it happen, Max?” Ignoring all greetings, I asked directly.

“Sir, my apologies, but, I too have no clear information as everyone present inside the factory is severely injured. All I could have gathered till now is that some workers saw a spark in the machinery but before they could fix it, it blasted within seconds. However, I don’t know the exact reason, Sir.” He rambled breathlessly, somewhere apologetic for not having much information.

“How many workers were there in total?” My nerves throbbed near my temples. The more I was troubled, the more troubles were coming my way.

“Around 55-60, Sir! I’m looking after their quick medical help, Sir, I didn’t get time to check the attendances.” His tone was apologetic as he mumbled.

I could hear people crying, whimpering in pain, and a few noises of people probably from paramedics.

“Look after their treatment, Max, they must get the best and quick facilities at hospitals. I’m leaving in an hour and will be there by midnight. Till then keep me updated with every minor and major thing.” I exhaled deeply, imagining the scene there.

“Sure, sir!”

I disconnected the call and Neil entered at the same time, “Sir, the jet is ready to leave. Also, I have rescheduled all your urgent meetings stating the emergency till further notice.”

This is what I like most in Neil. He was intelligent enough to know how to act in an uncertain condition, that too, quickly.

I nodded and picked up the necessary things and my phone before heading out.

“Keep me updated about here! If my number is unreachable, call Mark or Leo.” I walked out with him and we entered my private elevator.

He nodded his head in affirmation and by the time we reached the parking area, Leo and Mark were already present there, waiting for me to join.

“Have a safe flight, Sir!” Neil wished me which I replied with a curt nod and got inside the car.

We hit the road within a minute and my mind diverted to the London branch. However, in the back of my mind, that girl was still roaming.

“Leo,” I called him and he already knew what I was calling him for.

He cleared his throat before looking at me through the center mirror as he drove the car swiftly. His shoulders slumped in defeat and I knew what was coming next.

“With what we come to know, Sir, no one has seen the girl after that night. No one knows where she went, but we have instructed our men to keep searching for her and inform me if they get any information about her.” His dejected tone was something that made me believe how much of a troublesome time I am going to have for the next few days.

Time to tackle this newest problem for now.

❁❁

Writer’s POV:-

The night that followed Viaan’s entry into London seemed tougher than expected. He had planned to reach the hospital directly to see the workers, but the flight got delayed by three hours due to bad weather conditions and he reached London by four in the morning.

He already was getting stressed from the delay in reaching and on top of that the heavy snowstorm didn’t help his condition. He had to check into a hotel near the airport as all the transportation was blocked for the night.

“Sir, much to our relief, the workers have gained their consciousness.” Max escorted Viaan towards their ward.

“I need the cause of the accident, Max. Make sure you are up with that by the time I come to the office after meeting them.” He said sternly to Max who nodded frantically, gulping down his fear. Everyone was well aware of his short-tempered nature and his anger was something they never wanted to see.

The next morning had brought some good hopes for him as he visited the workers in hospitals and was greeted by the good news of their recovery. Though they were severely injured, none of them died much to his relief.

Meeting the medical team in their care, he announced that the whole expense of their treatment will be borne by the company and all the injured workers were given a paid leave of two months.

The whole paperwork with the police and answering the media took much more than required. A lot of things were messed up because of the accident and he had to extend his stay for two weeks until he brought things back on track.

Two weeks later:-

“Stop right there. Don’t you dare step inside, Viaan!” A lady’s angry words reverberated in the grand living hall of the mansion, stopping him right on the threshold of the main door. Viaan haltered his speed, muttering something under his breath.

One look at her and he knew how pissed off she was at him. Her anger was the last thing he wished to see right now. Though he was at fault, he can’t afford to get her mad at him for long. Her love filled eyes and warm smile were the only things he wanted to see after coming back home.

He grinned sheepishly and dropped his bag on the floor before holding his ears dramatically. An innocent look pulled on his face as he showed her puppy eyes, “I’m really sorry, please forgive me!” Tone rich in sweetness, he tried to pacify her.

Looking at his cute expressions, her anger was melting and a smile wanted to come out on her lips, but she got a grip on her emotions and looked at him furiously.

“Who am I to forgive you? You are on your own, no?” She taunted with a tight-lipped smile. Annoyance swimming in her eyes.

He shook his head negatively and despite the warning, he walked inside, for he knew she couldn’t get mad at him for a long time. He was her life after all.

“You are my everything, my whole world. How could you even say so?”