In terror, Eeshani answered, "Sir, today was to be my leave." But you came in suddenly, so I was forced to come in a hurry. This is why I... er... did not wear my uniform. It is my fault because I suddenly came to my own hotel, you are saying. Am I right?"

Vikrant came near and looked at her in an incisive manner. Eeshani chewed on her lip. "No sir, that is not what I meant," she stepped back and said. I just meant—"

She stopped, not knowing what to say. Her hands were all nervous, and she braced up yet again and said, "I am sorry, sir, but it is all my fault for not having forgotten my uniform." I will not repeat such a mistake in the future.

With a cold farewell, Vikrant crammed his hands into his pockets and asked, "How many minutes late are you?"

Eeshani had no clue of how to respond whatsoever.

She was on the point of pouting and asking something when Vyansh returned to Vikrant, observably irritated, and said, "Vikrant, since you will insist on answering these questions, I am going." Come when you're done. I'll wait for you in the car."

That said, he closed his mouth and awaited a reply from Vikrant. Ten seconds followed in utter silence. Her bowed head looked in—now at Vikrant, now at Vyansh—and Eeshani peeked figuratively and nervously.

Vikrant glanced at Vyansh with no expression whatsoever and said in a cold voice, "Do I have to summon up two gentlemen to get you out of here?

Vyansh was shocked. You will not check me, Vikrant? "No, not even to make breakfast?" he asked in disbelief.

"It was your decision," Vikrant replied. Now go. Wait for me in the car."

Pouting, Vyansh looked after Vikrant as he went, but before he went out, he added, "Stone-hearted, aren't you?" Not a friend, just a stone." With that, he walked out.

Eeshani felt a shiver of fear. Vikrant was oppressive and gloomy.

Vikrant then took his seat on the sofa and declared, "Serve."

Eeshani hastened down with the food trolley to the table, putting the dishes out with great attention, and stood back. Vikrant looked at the plates and saw how perfect and unusual the serving was, and then, in a glance, at Eeshani.

Eeshani said, Sir, may I go now?

Vikrant looked sternly at her, and she flinched. Then he said, "Stand here still, and I will be done with breakfast."

Eeshani responded promptly, "I am willing to wait out of the room, sir.

Vikrant looked at her furiously. "No trouble, sir..." she thought to herself and then lowered her head and whispered. I'll wait quietly right here." Her voice was nearly as quiet as possible.

Vikrant looked at her for a few seconds and began to eat breakfast. Eeshani was sulking, however, in her mind. And shall I continue staring at him as he dines? He is a stone... literally a monster. Why should the manager have to send me here? They might have simply told me to wait out till he was done. But no, they must demonstrate as they are eating. Or are they unaware that I am dying within?