Chapter 21: One-Night Stand

"May I come in?" she asked, nervousness evident in her voice.

"You already came in, Ms. Sheharzaad," he said with a smile, "What brings you here?" he asked and pointed towards the chair for her to sit.

A ghost of a smile was apparent on his lips.

Sheharzaad sat on the seat just in front of his table and fiddled with her fingers out of nervousness.

"Speak," he commanded.

She looked up and then down towards the table. She was feeling utterly anxious.

"I don't know how you will take it," she started.

"Don't beat about the bush," his tone was clipped.

She looked up at him and gathered the courage. After the last meeting she had with him, she was afraid of him. Often at night, his words that he had whispered near her ears would play in her mind like a tape, making her sleepless.

"Sir, I am in dire need of a loan. It's very important; my friend's life is at stake. I assure you I'll try my best to return the loan ASAP," she breathlessly said it all. Her eyes were filled with hope and expectations. He was her last hope.

Shehryaar kept on looking at her. His intense eyes peering directly into hers. His gaze was stern, making her feel dreadful. For a moment, she thought it was a wrong decision to come here, but she needed to do it. She had to take this step or she would regret it her whole life.

"How much?"

"Three... three million,"

"And since when have you been working here?" he cocked his brow at her.

"Three weeks, sir," she looked down. He was right. It's not even more than three weeks, and she was already demanding a loan, and that too three million at a time.

"You want the amount by when?" he asked, making the hope rekindle in her eyes.

"Within a week,"

He gave a pensive look to her as if contemplating his next step. He poked his tongue against his cheek while looking at her and inhaled, making his chest rise up. It gave him the look as if he were in control of everything, and she was at his mercy. That posture was giving a powerful aura, where he is the ruler.

"Miss Sheharzaad," he said, while standing up from his chair, causing her to instantly stand up.

"Yes, sir," she replied, her voice troublesome, yet it had that tinge of confidence, which she never lost no matter what. She tried to keep herself calm. Despite his intimidating voice and personality, she was determined to seek his help.

He walked towards the other side of the table and sat on the chair parallel to her.

"Keep sitting, please," he said, more like a gentleman, and she sat down. She tightly held her hands together. A life could be saved by his single yes.

"Sir, please," she pleaded.

"I agree. You can have the loan,"

"Really?" she asked, not able to believe him.

"Yes, really," he replied, slightly nodding his head.

"Thank you so much, sir. I will try my best to return—"

"But I have a condition," he cut in.

"I agree to your every condition, sir," she replied with a little smile of hope and relief on her face. For her friend's treatment, she could go to any length. Every length. She was ready to work overtime. She was ready to work extra hours in return for the amount he would give her for her friend’s treatment. After all, she was all that remained of what she would call her family.

"Think before you speak, Miss Sheharzaad," he stated, conveying the hidden message through his eyes, which she couldn't grasp. There was an evil glint in his eyes which she was definitely missing.

"I trust you with it,"

"I want a one-night stand with you," he dropped the bomb on her, making her stand up from her position out of disbelief. Her heart stopped beating. She froze, unable to breathe. Her hand flew to her chest. Goosebumps surfaced on her skin. Time stopped for her. Her face had lost all the colors of joy that were present just a few moments ago.

Her mouth hung open as her lashes moved up and saw him, who was leaning against the back of his chair. A void look on his face. He remained indifferent as if he didn't just make the most obnoxious demand from her ever. He was determined to tarnish her innocence, which he had witnessed long back. It was a way to follow his thoughts, which always said that women cannot be trusted. He wanted to silence his heart. If he could just buy her dignity, which he would, for all women are the same. His deadly eyes observed her with that lifeless but keen look, making her want to hide herself away from his peering eyes.

Did she hear him right?

One night stand? And me? she thought out of disbelief. It was unbelievable for her.

Was he talking to her?

Did he make such a demand to her?

A web of thoughts jammed her mind as she was unable to digest it and forgot to breathe.

"What are you saying?" her voice came out as a whisper. Her voice box had lost its strength to produce sound. Her brain had frozen, unable to process what he said and whether he actually meant what he said.

"You heard me right," he said and stood up.

Her legs became like jelly, unable to hold her weight, but she stepped backwards to stay away from him. But he came closer.

"No," she shook her head as if in a trance while looking towards him. "No!"

Sweat formed on her forehead as she witnessed him coming closer and closer. Fearfully, she gave him the hardest push that she could muster and ran out of his office while he smiled.

The deadliest of smiles. Not reaching his eyes.

"Oh, Sheharzaad. You shouldn't have caught my eyes," he uttered.