"But Sir, it would be cheating to him if we say that we take one-fourth of fees from the poor students and give them free of cost tuitions if required. In reality, all students pay the same fees though some teachers including me have been requesting you regarding this for the last 6 months. We want to help those poor students who are good in studies but due to poverty and family pressure have to quit their studies in between. If this persists then, unfortunately, the percentage of the pass will reduce in this year."

Nandana says confidently while placing the file of statistics in front of the Head Master.

"Nandana, for how long are you doing your job in this school?"

The Head Master Narayan Prasad asks without even glancing at the file. His round chubby face is gleaming with a sarcastic smile.

"For 7 months Sir."

Nandana answers. She knows the HM is all prepared to insult her again. But she can't help to say the truth.

"And how many times have I told you to mind your own business?

The HM spurts scornfully.

"I am minding my business Sir. I work in this place so it is my responsibility to think about its progress and benefits."

Nandana replies confidently. HM smirks and reclines on his chair.

"Look Nandana, I know only one thing. Progress depends only on money that this man Mr Oberoi is giving us and that would be the only benefit for our small school. Your morals, virtues and righteous talks can't help us to restore this dilapidated building. Neither will they help us to buy new books for the library. I gave you this job because your father is a good friend of mine and I couldn't disregard his words but that doesn't mean you always tell me what should I do and what I shouldn't. If you are not happy with this job then you can leave anytime. I won't stop you. But if you want to continue that I think would be a wise decision for you if we consider your family's financial condition, please prepare your students for Mr Aditya Oberoi's hospitality. Impress him at any cost. I want this donation amount. Now pick this file up and be ready to welcome him."

.......................

"That means my merit my, capabilities don't matter anything. I got this job because of Appa's recommendation. And I was basking in my glory that I am a good teacher and was a good student. I bend down my head, place it on my hands rested on the table. The staff room is empty. All are busy in the preparation of the reception of that politician Mr Oberoi.”

"Nandana..why are you sitting here alone? HM Prasad told you that you are the one who will welcome Mr Aditya with the garland...right? Of course, it is understood...whom can he choose instead of you? You are beautiful, attractive and hot. And the rumour is Mr Oberoi likes all these qualities. We are nowhere in the queue."

Ms Kapoor can’t hide her envious tone.

"I wish this so-called educational place appreciates something else in a teacher like me. And don't worry you can happily replace me. I don't want to even stand in the queue."

Nandana's unusual blunt tone startles Ms Kapoor. She purses her lips in frustration.

"Well, will see how long this attitude of yours will last. You must be heard that money and time change our attitude."

She immediately cut her,

"Sorry, this is not my attitude rather my character which doesn't change with time or by the temptation of money. Now can you excuse me? Because unfortunately, I am leading the queue and I have to welcome him with the GARLAND."

She intentionally stresses the word and bolts out from the room.

......................

"I don't know why but these kinds of obsequious people especially the girls who throw themselves on a wealthy and powerful man like me irritate me like hell. Just like the average looking female faculties who are ogling me in such a way that they will swallow me like their desired sweet.

I look at the entrance when stepping out from my BMW. The school building needs a lot of care and restoration. Some children and over-enthusiastic teachers are gathered in front of the gate. A fatso bald person comes forward stretching his hand for a greeting.

"He...he..Mr Oberoi..Welcome..welcome to our school. We are honoured that you spared your precious time for us. I am Narayan Prasad. The Head Master of this school."

Aditya gives a formal smile and steps forward to enter the premises.

"Wait, Mr Oberoi. Let us welcome you properly. NANDANA!"

"And next some minutes pass like a dream. I see her for the first time. I don't remember which dress she is wearing. Because I can't take my eyes off her seraphic face. Her kohl eyes have the mystery which completely drowns me. Her waist touching black braid is swaying like a snake making her beauty wilder. I forget to blink my eyes when she put a garland in my neck with a heart-melting smile. Her fragrance and warmth ignite my desire. I WANT HER. My inner demon yells.”

"She is Nandana, one of our junior teachers. Come, Sir, this way.... I will show you our school building, our library and after that, we can sit in my room for further discussion."

Mr Prasad rubs his palm like a stereotypical servile. Aditya again glances at Nandana who is now busy with the kids. She is trying to stand them in a proper line. He smiles and nods to approach the entrance.

.....................

"What was that in his eyes? It shivered me to the core. Was it a perversion? No..not exactly. My inner goddess disagrees. But when my hands touched his chest why I felt weak on my knees. I have never felt like this in past. He is very handsome...maybe you fell for him. Shut up...I frown at my inner voice."

Her train of thoughts gets broken by a voice,

"Nandana...Mr Aditya wants you to show him our library and I think it would be better because you know...your knowledge about books is better than mine...he he.."

Nandana turns just to see the annoying HM Prasad and of course, Mr handsome Oberoi. He is looking at her with a smirk. His intense brown orbs meet Nandana's eyes for a second as she shifts them immediately.

"Sure Sir, I will."

Unwillingly she leaves her chair and comes to the door.

"Thank you, Nandana. You know dear...like this school building my body is also ageing rapidly. Continuous walking makes me fatigued nowadays. You both are young and fit. Which appears a challenge to me might be an enjoyable time pass for you both."

Aditya checks out Mr fatso Prasad and tries to grok that from which angle he is looking fatigued? In the next moment, a honey-coated voice calls him.

"Shall we go, Mr Oberoi?"

....................

"These are our collections. Actually, we have a very limited source of financial help. We hardly can spend money on buying new books for our children. Sometimes NGOs donate books. Last year a publishing company sent some books to our library just to promote their name. But these are not sufficient. I personally believe we should inculcate the habit of reading books in our future generation. Reading books helps the children to grow their imagination power. What do you say?"

Nandana turns to ask Aditya who was following her silently till now.

"Hmmm....yeah, you are..right."

Aditya's reaction clears Nandana's doubt that till now, he didn't listen to her at all instead was staring at her. She was feeling his gaze at her while showing the library. She feels a bit awkward yet chooses to ignore it.

"If you help us with this donation, we can change its entire look. New shelves, new books, new tables and chairs...Our children will be so happy."

Nandana looks around and spurts out with excitement. Her eyes are dreamy with hope. On the other hand, Aditya's eyes are checking her out continuously.

"I will sanction this donation if you agree."

Aditya's words bring her back from her dreamland.

"If I agree?...Mr Oberoi, I didn't get your point."

Her tone and expression are equally perplexed.

"If you agree to spend a night with me I will sanction a large amount for the welfare of this school."

Aditya's tone is casual yet inquisitive. For a second, Nandana becomes blank. She can't believe that this man is actually offering her to have sex with him in return for his favour and that is so bluntly. But the next moment, her eyes blaze with disgust.

"I think you forgot that you are not standing in any brothel where you can buy a body with your money. Neither am I any prostitute. I guessed you as a casanova but you proved me wrong. You are a pervert, filthy man who can even curse a holy place like a school. I will tell Mr Prasad about your dirty mind and he will take the action."

By saying this Nandana turns on her heel but immediately is yanked by Aditya and bangs to his hard manly chest.

"He knows everything and for your kind information, happily agreed. Now, it's your turn. Tell me..how much money you want? Don't worry... I won't disappoint you...Neither in your bank account nor in my bed."

Aditya says in a husky voice while grabbing Nandana's both hands on his chest pressing himself to her. In a blink of an eye, Nandana jerks to free herself and THUD......Her palm contacts Aditya's cheek with a loud sound. She doesn't look back and bails out the library room leaving behind a fuming Aditya.