Sean's Cubicle was in another corner of the project bay.One would meet all annoying colleagues on the way.On top of that, Ray's Cubicle was next to Sean's Cubicle.You can't talk non sense when you are talking with Sean in his cubicle. Sean is a great supervisor who understands all of his subordinates very well. Sometimes, He feels helpless in front of Ray. Ray thinks of various ways to torture his team. Ray is a typical manager who takes credit for all good work and blames his team when he receives any escalations.
Luckily, Ray was not in his cubicle when Christine and Sandra went inside Sean's Cubicle.
"Sean, Christine and I want to know User story assignment for this iteration.Could you please let us know our stories?"Sandra asked Sean first.
"Sandra, you have got one UI enhancement story on which you have to co-ordinate with Lisa.Second one is about changing verbiage for Home page.This one should be very straight forward for you, work with Lucy to get final confirmation on the verbiage from Requirements team."
"Oh no, I have to work with Lisa. Sean, you know I can't tolerate her. She does not provide me appropriate flags from back end on time. I cannot proceed with my work until she completes her analysis.She takes initial week to complete analysis.This is an agile project.I can't wait for her forever.Don't blame me if I fail to deliver my user story to Quality assurance team on time."
Sandra was very upset.She wanted to complete her work efficiently, She won't take blame for the mistakes that she had not committed.Christine and Sandra have this quality in common.When it is related to work, they both are efficient and hardworking people.They won't take unnecessary breaks to avoid work or responsibilities.
"Sandra, don't be upset.You only need to tolerate her for month or so."
"Is our project giving her roll off or throwing her out of company by giving PIP ratings?"
Just thinking about these possibilities, Sandra's eyes brightened.
"You are thinking too much.Nothing like that is happening.Leadership may send you to work at On-shore office in 1-2 months." Sean gave her inside information.
" Are you sure that you are talking about me and not about Christine? Is not Christine going there in next week?" Sandra was puzzled.
Christine glared at her.She promised her that she won't talk about her on-site matter with anyone but this lady just can't keep anything secret.Sandra also realised that she has exposed a little secret between Christine and her.She lowered her head feeling guilty.Sean started laughing.
"Christine,Why are you glaring at her? It's not like I don't know you are travelling to Country N. Now is not the time to discuss over this topic.Let's meet in Cafeteria for Lunch at 12. We will talk about it in detail." Sean was worried that Ray would return to his cubicle any moment.
"Christine, Are you still thinking about how to refuse for that role? Keeping that aside, you are going to replace Cletan. He will handover his work to you. I don't have assignments for you here.Please check if Cletan is online on Skype.He will plan KT (Knowledge transfer)sessions for you starting today.Now, don't ask me anymore questions."
Christine and Sandra returned to their respective cubicles.There were lot of things weighing on their minds but they will wait for Sean to clarify their doubts in Lunch break.
————Cloud9 Headquarters———
City O, Country N 2:30 PM Local Time
Sam came out of the conference room. He had a meeting with Rick and Cloud9 Leadership Team.Cletan's resignation had shocked clients. Everyone was quite satisfied with his work. They wanted Sam to pursue him to reconsider his decision.
Sam informed them that it is not possible. Cletan and his wife were staying apart from last 2-3 years. His wife, an IT engineer was currently employed with One of the Top MNC in Country U.They were visiting each other whenever they could.However, both countries were in different continents and in different time zones.
Earlier, Cletan was looking for job opportunities in City O for his wife but there were no good opportunities available for her skill sets.He does not wish to force her or want her to make any compromises for his sake. On the Contrary, Country U has unlimited opportunities for both of them so he has decided to move to Country U.He has already found job that he will be joining soon after reaching Country U.
At last, Cloud9 team reluctantly agreed to let Cletan go but they thought of of giving him a big farewell party on this last day. Sam promised them that he will plan out all the events and inform them by mid next week.
He will ignore Ray's pings for next few days. He does not have time to deal with this annoying person.Next, Cletan replied to Sean's message."All
"Miss Sandra, That's at least 3 months away. We will grab all opportunities to get closer to Sam and will show off in our WhatsApp group.Also,did you thought of Sam as some casual guy who will go on date with just any girl? You are thinking too highly of yourself."Sean was trying to conceal his emotions quite well. When this silly girl would realise that he likes her."I did not meant
"Come and Sit down next to me, Christine. Child, you should have informed me earlier. I have only prepared three simple dishes for today's dinner.Tell me what do you want for supper tonight. I will prepare it for you.""Mumma, Don't tire yourself.You have also returned from office after long working hours. I am fine with these dishes.Look, you have already cooked Pomfret Fish fry and Prawns curry for me."
Half an hour later, Lisa found out from someone that Christine has arrived in the office.Yesterday, She had gone to Ray and Mark to tell them about her grievances.Ray said he is doing his best to convince Mark and Sam.Truth was that he was a coward. Does not he know what Mark and Sam are thinking ? They clearly do not want to give this chance to anyone else other than Christine.They did not even take his recommendation into consideration while finalised other names.He is not brave to fight them head on.He did asked Cletan but he also ignored him.
"I dare you to say that again." No one knew When Ray had arrived. Sandra quickly shut her small mouth and hide behind Sean."Christine, Lisa and you two follow me to Mark's office." Ray pointed to Sean and Sandra while saying this.
"Did she caused any trouble for you or for anyone in the team?" His sweetheart would never go overboard, She might be troubled over on site role and would have done or said something.Mark may want him to find solution to resolve the issue."Sam, Someone bullied Christine today and I have already punished them for you.I assure you that this won't happen again in this project."
It was 7:30 in the morning but Sam was nowhere in the apartment.Cletan could not think of the reason why was Sam still not back from his jogging?Usually they used to go for jogging together.However, last night Cletan slept really late.He was in good mood.His resignation letter was approved by clients and CreativeWorks leadership.He will meet his wife soon.He was talking to her over phone late into night.He knew that he would not be able to get up early so he had sent a message to Sam inform him that he won't come with him.At this time, he heard the unlocking and op
"Christine...Please don't cry anymore, Princess. You are so close to me at this moment but you are still crying. This is not good for your health. " Sam tried to wipe her tears with his thumb."Sam... Don't ever push me away from you. I have stopped thinking about myself. As long as you are in good shape then I would remain happy and in good health." Christine replied to him."Look at me, Christine!!! You were alright when I left for the office in the morning. What happened to you out of sudden? Did Anna told you something about me?"Christine did not dare to make the eye contact with him. However, Sam had noticed her action."What did Anna told you?" He had warned Anna to not share anything with this girl. How could be Chr
"Should I have announced my itinerary to all?Did you inform my brother?" He asked coldly."No Sir... He has gone to his office and won't be back until the evening." This minion took bags from his boss and loaded into the car boot. He opened the front passenger door for his boss to get into the car but his boss pulled open the back door and got in. The minion could only close the front door and take a driver seat."Good...Please stop near florist shop. I want to buy flowers for my dear wife." Rob's eyes softened. His baby would be super happy when he would surprise her with his sudden arrival. Rob's subordinate immediately started the car. After some time, he noticed that his boss is changing his appearance in the back seat. He immediately averted his eyes. Woah..So scary.
Tom massaged his temples. He regrets his decision of not telling his family at that time. He was scared of his father, he thought that his family would disown him. He would lose his wealth, power. If he get a chance to reverse his actions on that day, he would do it without hesitation. He is constantly fears that his family would found out his little secret and their happy family would be destroyed.On the other side, Tiffany was fuming with anger. Her Dad was still not willing to back her up for CEO position. Her father was no longer getting scared with her threats. She has to do something else she would be again sidelined."Hello Aunty, Long time No see." Tiffany called someone from her cellphone."Hello, Who are you ? Sorry but I do not have this number saved in my phone." A middle aged lady replied from other end.
Christine returned to her apartment first. She did not start packing immediately. She sprawled over the sofa in the living room. She opened the popular food delivery application on the phone and ordered some dishes for lunch. Certain someone would arrive at her home anytime soon.She heard doorbell after 10-15 minutes. She peeped through peephole, Sam had arrived at the doorstep. She opened the front door for him. Sam observed her appearance from top to bottom. After making sure that she looks fine, he narrowed his eyes dangerously and pulled her into his arms. He did not give her any chance for resistance. He put his burning lips on her lips, forcefully pried open her teeth and entered his tongue in her mouth. He was so angry that he bite her lips with his teeth again and again, he could taste her blood in his mouth.Christine did not expect him to be
"Anna, I won't come back for Lunch at home. I will go and look for Christine." Sam hanged up the phone. Anna burst into laughter.I knew that you would not sit idle after knowing that she has gone home, thought Anna. How she wish to see Christine succeeding in her plan with her own eyes. Never mind, she would ask them sneakily when they return home.Rick was surprised when he saw Sam coming to the office in the morning ."Sam, How could you come to office? Where is Christine? Did Hospital gave her a discharge to home?" Rick pulled him in the corner and asked in the low voice."She is at home. Hospital did not find any thing worrying about her body so doctor gave her discharge
"Big Sister Anna, I have never blamed you. It was me who misunderstood such a pure friendship. You should not apologise to me. You have opened my eyes. I was in internal turmoil. Sam loves me and cares for me. I saw how he was worried about me. When I saw the injury on my knees, I knew that I would not be able to walk till home from the scene. At that moment, when I wanted to contact someone for help, his name popped up in my mind. Earlier, I was trying to run away from him because I was afraid that my actions would hurt my parents feelings. I was also worried because I thought Once I get into relationship with him , I would never be able to come out of it. I was not ready to take that final step or make commitments to him.""Sam would never forget about me. He would never give up on me. Sooner or later, I would not be able to resist his charms. Why should I waste this time with the fear that this relationship might not work because we are worlds apart in social sta
"Christine, I am sorry if I have hurt you by hiding my relationship with him. It was never my intention to hurt you or your feelings. I wanted to disclose it from the very first time when I spoke with you.You found out about our relationship before we could tell you. He might have not clarified all of your questions. He has his reasons for withholding certain information. He was afraid that you would hate him.You just said that he cares about my health but I can tell you that he cares about you more than anyone else. I can imagine how much distressed he would have been when he saw you lying unconscious on the hospital bed. He has always tried to protect you from the day he has accepted his feelings for you. However, he might be blaming himself for failing to protect you when you both are in the same city. He might have been sad and hurt knowing that he could not protect you. He would have told you about how he fell for you but did he told you how much he has suffered in these seven
"Christine, You are injured today. If it was any other day then I would have pinned you down beneath me and would have made love to you. My little brother is familiar with you so I am not in hurry to take the next step. Why would I sleep with any other girl when I have my own wife at home?" Sam winked at her."You...when did I become your wife?" Christine blushed and asked him angrily."You will soon become my better half...After all , you have to take responsibility of my little brother. He is only familiar with you and no one else." Sam argues with her."You forced me to help you. Why would I take responsibility for that incident ? " Christine did not want to spend a night at his house. Sam did not listen to her protests and took her to his apartment.He keyed in password and entered the apartment. Anna was waiting for him in the living room. She was surprised when she saw him coming
Did she had any choice other than calling Sam? Ryan's house was in the different direction. It would take some time for him to arrive for her aid. She took out her phone and called Sam.Sam had just returned from office and was talking to Anna on her health. He was astonished by Christine's sudden phone call. They both had ignored each other in the office. His heart stopped when he heard Christine's crying voice on the call."Sam, I am sitting on the bench near Cosmos apartment. Could you please come and fetch me? " Christine was never been embarrassed like this. Yesterday , She fought with him and refused to move with him. Today, She was requesting him to pick her up. Sam sensed her embarrassment , nervousness in her shaking voice. He agreed to her request without any hesitation. He informed Anna that he is going out and would be back home soon.