8 years ago...
It was past midnight and Ann woke up panicked. Tomorrow her new boss was taking over. Ann was working for one of the most dangerous crime families—The Oberois. She has been in this underworld all her life. Her father was a hitman, and a trusted right hand man of Tej Singh Oberoi who eventually sacrificed his life to protect the big boss.
Being close to the big boss, she was privy to a lot more than other employees were. She had access inside the highly secured mansion to anywhere she wanted. She was pretty much raised here. Everyone in the mansion knew she was no less of a daughter to Tej. She was just eleven,when she was brought here. She was always grateful to Tej, who saved her from being dragged into a life of a courtesan in the streets after her fathers demise. Her greedy aunt, the only living relative Ann had,was about to sell her off to the devil, when Tej offered her refuge at the Oberoi mansion. She completed school, during the day and though she was never asked to she was eager to train along with the young recruits in the evening. Even then she was a pretty good shot. She had inherited her dads gift—An aim that never missed.
At first she was the weakling. Slow, weak and timid, than the boys. As she grew up, she noticed how the boys underestimated her skills and often got distracted by her womanly features. If looks could kill, she did have it all. The long thick raven locks of hair, the sharp gaze of her brown doe eyes, and luscious pink lips. She eventually mastered the art of seduction, to get the upper hand, in battle. She learnt how to command any room, with her sheer confidence. Calm the storms, with her flirtatious giggles, and to create diversions if needed to escape. So to say—Ann knew when to drop the pencil, and to pick it up in slow motion in the middle of a crime lords meeting, and walk out without a scratch.
"She fight smart!"Tej always use to say with a chuckle, when the others complained how she always hid something under her sleeve —literally. So it was inevitable that once she was of age, for Tej to appoint her as his P.A./ security detail.
The bosses personal assistant had the most important job of all—Be the safeguarding shadow of the boss.
She would schedule his meetings, at the right time at the right location. If any red flags, she would be the first to notice. She would never leave his side even if it meant she had to become a human shield to protect him. Ann had learned the ropes from the best. Jaanvi, Tej's beloved wife—Who protected her king to her last breath.
But living in this world for so long as a young woman of twenty two, did take a toll on her. Many a times, Ann's stomach rolled, when she walked down the blood splattered hallways in the secret underground headquarters. Many a times, she had to wear her heart on her sleeve, amidst the occasional gang fight that sprung out of nowhere at a business lunch. This was a tough world for her to grow up in. Thankfully, she still didn't have to pull the trigger at anyone to survive. At least Tej had made it clear to her, that he would always have his security detail take care of things. He always had appointed a guard for her safety as well. It made her feel a bit like an ordinary P.A. To a CEO of a conglomerate. Though in reality non of the business dealing they did were legal.
Once regal crime lord Tej was now a weak old man. The word had spread across the underworld, the throne will be up for grabs anytime soon. A game of thrones was inevitable, as the leader weakened. The balance of the underworld was maintained impeccably during Tej's time and he hoped his son Shivaay would fill in his shoes. That's how this world worked. The throne was passed down to the next in line. If he's strong enough, the little sacrificial lamb will transform into a lion in no time. That's how he started. That's how his son will start too.
"Ann, Shivaay is now your responsibility...promise me you will look after him, show him how everything works?"
Little did Tej know that his son who was studying to be a hot shot lawyer in England, already had a reputation. He had been living up to the family name, and already built an empire of his own in south of London. They called him the dark prince, and he was finally taking over the family business.
Tej wanted Ann to continue to be his sons P.A, and to protect him as the young heir took up his new role in a land that was now foreign to him. He trusted her. Trust—Something that in this world was hard to get. Ann was loyal to the family. He knew that.
"Yes Tej Papa, I will! Don't worry now! Please take your medicine!" She helped the old man to take his daily dose of medication, and passed him a glass of water.
She could never repay Tej for looking after her all these years. Treating her as part of his family. Giving her the luxuries that she would otherwise never be privy to.
"Ann, I know you wanted to leave this job, and go to university, get married to Vikram one day, have a family. You are a smart kid and you should always follow your heart...But I am also a selfish old man! I have to ask this favour from you! Please give me your commitment for at least until Shivaay gets hold of the business! I need you till then?"
"I promise...Now old man go to sleep!" She joked, and Tej pat her hand chuckling. Her sassyness always made him laugh.
Though she was contemplating of leaving this world soon after her college degree, in search of a life of her own, she made a one last promise to the old man.
It's alright Ann, max one more year...or even less. I hear he's a smart guy! I am sure he will get hold of it pretty quick! If my research is accurate, He's already one step ahead of what Tej Papa is expecting him to be.Anns intentions were simple. She would get the young Oberoi up to speed with everything in no time, find a suitable replacement, and leave.
She walked across the hall to a room that was left open ajar. The room had been set up pretty neat, with everything the young boss needed. Ann looked in to every little detail by herself. If one thing she was good at, that was research. Another master skill of a personal assistant.
She had a printed sheet inside her matte pink, clip board file, paying attention to his personal attributes. She had spent more time looking up on him than her last marketing research project.
Shivaay Singh Oberoi
Long Ass name I'll just call him S.S.O
-Age: 26
- Allergies: Pollen, Shellfish , Tabasco sauce, Copper, Cranberry, Dogs and cats
Who is allergic to dogs and cats?- Favourite Song: Unknown
-Favourite hobby:Unknown
Must be golf. Golf course booked for a private round of tee. Can use as an opportunity to meet the Kapoors.- Favourite Restaurant: Cafe Beluga
A permanent reservation made for every night at 7.30 P.M for dinner in case.- Favourite Cologne: Unknown
I am sure it's some musky scent, Will ask the family perfumery to bring a selection in.-Favourite Clothing: Custom made 3 piece sleek suites by designer Miyagi.
Walk in closet already designed, and will have the designer come over on Monday- Associates describes him as a sophisticated, educated man, who loves a good glass of red wine, and grilled vegetable ratatouille, with pesto sauce.
Something that will sit well during the lunches with their European clients...Place the order in advance with the head chef.-Occasionally enjoys a glass of Hennessy Paradise, especially after a hectic day.
Will stock up the cabinet with this, for the first month. He's going to need it! We have meetings with the families every other day.