The D-Day
The days flew by in a blink, and D-Day finally arrived. Marcus called us the day before, instructing us to come to the company first thing in the morning to sign the contract and discuss the other details of the expedition. So, the next morning, we headed to the office. The company, with its towering 50-floor structure, felt oddly foreign after our five-day break. I wondered how it would feel upon our return.
Entering the lobby, a sleek expanse of marble floors and glass walls, we were greeted by the bustling activity of our colleagues. Some of them, curious about our absence, asked where we had been for the past few days. They cooed with envy and offered congratulations when they heard that the manager had told them we were going on a business trip, handpicked by the chairman.
We stepped into the elevator As the floors ticked by, employees exited one by one, each floor bustling with its own activity. The 10th floor housed the customer service department, a hive of phone calls and computer screens. The 15th floor was the realm of the marketing team, where creative minds brainstormed in open-plan offices adorned with vibrant posters. The 20th floor was dedicated to the finance team, their offices a contrast of quiet concentration and clicking keyboards.
We passed the 22nd floor, where we usually worked. Memories of our daily routines and the day the chairman called us to explain the mission flooded back. Finally, the elevator doors opened on the top floor. The 50th floor was a world apart – a serene, high-tech space with panoramic views of the city. The atmosphere was hushed, the air filled with a sense of gravitas and purpose. This floor housed the executive offices and the boardroom where major decisions were made.
Marcus emerged from his office, signaling us to come in. The sleek design of the 50th floor, with its state-of-the-art conference rooms and minimalistic décor, exuded an air of authority and importance. We followed him, feeling the weight of the moment as we prepared to embark on a journey that would change our lives.
Here's a polished and detailed version of your draft:
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The elevator chimed as it reached the 50th floor. Marcus was at his cubicle, as usual. As soon as he saw us, his lips curled into a flashy business smile. Damn, even my heart skipped a beat.
He ushered us to sit, mentioning that the chairman was occupied with another meeting.
"So, you guys decided to go for it?" Marcus asked.
"Yes... it's not like we have a choice here," my brother replied.
"That's true," Marcus said, and their conversation went on. I didn't even try to participate; my whole focus was on Marcus. The office crush and the gossip among the ladies... I did hear about him being flashy, but man, this guy is practically dazzling. Look at that suit. How perfectly it fits him, the polite smile, the way he speaks...
His cubicle was different from ours—more spacious, with sleek, modern furniture and a large window that offered a panoramic view of the city. A few neatly arranged files and a sophisticated desk lamp added to the elegance. A framed picture of his family sat on the corner of his desk, adding a personal touch to the otherwise professional setup.
As I stared at him, my only intrusive thought was, "Why am I like this?" While we were at it, the chairman's meeting must've ended. Marcus got up to talk to the chairman about our arrival. My brother came closer and whispered, "Wipe that off your mouth, you are practically drooling."
"No, I am not," I retaliated. "I was just merely observing!"
"Huh? You call that observing? You are practically eating him up with your eyes," he teased.
I scowled. "I just wondered, why am I like this? Looking at you, I feel reassured at least our parents have me."
"You little..." he started, but was cut off when Marcus came back, signaling us to come in.
As we entered the cabin, the nostalgic cold air blew against my face, causing my nose to itch. The chairman signaled us to sit down, his expression as stern as ever.
"Good to see you both again," the chairman began, his voice deep and authoritative. "How have you been these past few days?"
"We've been well, sir. Preparing ourselves for what's ahead," Karun replied, his tone respectful but determined.
"That's good to hear," the chairman said, nodding. "This mission is of utmost importance, not just to the company, but to the scientific community and beyond. It's critical that you both understand the gravity of what you're about to undertake."
"We do, sir," I chimed in, feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation.
Without further ado, he handed over the contract, the weight of the document heavy in my hands.
"Sign here," he instructed, pointing to the dotted lines. "This contract binds you to the mission and its terms, including the clause of absolute confidentiality.
The chairman leaned forward, his gaze intense. "You must swear to utmost secrecy. The information you gather, the experiences you have—none of it can be shared with anyone outside this room. Not your friends, not even your family. Understood?"
We both nodded solemnly.
"Excellent," the chairman continued. "The mission is set to begin this evening. Since it is a secret mission, most of your journey will take place at dawn or during the night, avoiding as much public attention as possible."
"So, We shall start our journey this evening," Karun confirmed, a hint of resolve in his voice.
The chairman nodded. "You will retain your real names, but for the duration of this mission, you are no longer corporate employees. Instead, you will be tourists visiting Avikaranya Forest. This cover story will help you blend in and avoid suspicion."
As we signed, the magnitude of our commitment settled in. This wasn't just another assignment; it was a journey into the unknown, with risks and rewards beyond our imagination.
"Good luck," the chairman said as we finished signing. "We'll be in touch with further instructions. Remember, the future of our research depends on you."
With that, the meeting concluded. We stood up, feeling a mixture of determination and anxiety. Marcus escorted us back to the elevator, his reassuring smile a small comfort amidst the uncertainty ahead.
We came home and had lunch with our parents. A very strong family vibe took over me, and the thought of what if we couldn't make it stung my heart. I tried to push away the feeling, not wanting to dampen the mood.
We bid farewell to our parents under the guise of a work trip. As we left for our adventurous expedition, the last thought of fooling our parents stung my heart again. Karun, noticing my sulking expression, smacked the back of my head gently. "Stop imagining things that are not going to happen," he said with a confident smile. "We are going to make it." I smiled back at him and nodded, feeling a bit more reassured by his unwavering confidence.
Once we got to the company, a sleek black car was already waiting for us. It was a luxurious sedan, the kind you'd expect for high-profile executives. The tinted windows gave it a mysterious aura, while the interior was outfitted with plush leather seats and state-of-the-art technology. The atmosphere in the car was a mix of tension and excitement, the weight of our mission hanging in the air.
The chairman himself was there to see us off, a rare gesture that underscored the importance of our mission. He accompanied us to the airport, providing final instructions along the way. He explained that our first step was to depart for 'Velandria' country, where a personnel chartered plane would then take us to the island where Avikaranya Forest is located.
The car ride to the airport felt surreal, a blend of anxiety and anticipation. Karun's presence beside me was a constant source of strength. As we approached the airport, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. We were on the brink of something monumental, and despite the fear, a part of me was eager for the challenge ahead.