.Her imperfect partner.?

3. First day.

Kiara's POV

I headed back to my apartment with teary eyes after bidding my parents farewell at the airport. They both had work back in India, and my sister was at our aunt's home for two weeks, so they couldn't stay with me in America. They were going back to India, leaving me feeling really empty. Back in India, there wasn't a single day without my family.

At least they could have waited until my first day on the job. Today is Saturday, and tomorrow is Sunday; they'll land in India by Sunday evening. I start my new job on Monday. The online training was really convenient, and I learned everything quite well.

As I reached my apartment, I cried for almost an hour. Then, my mood shifted suddenly, and I started dancing. I was sad a moment before because my parents had left me, but now I felt free—free from all restrictions. Mom and Dad didn't have to worry about me since I was in a safe neighborhood. Here, many women live alone, unlike in India. If it were India, either my name would be in the condolence column of a newspaper, or I would be a rape victim or categorized among whores. My neighbor here is a nice old lady, slightly above 60, living alone since her husband passed last year. Her 10-year-old grandson lives with her occasionally since his parents work far away, but he often stays with his mother or cousins nearby. The old lady's name is Catherine. I always call her Mrs. Catherine since Indians always address elders with respect, but she always tells me to call her Catherine.

She was really nice to us when we arrived here, and my parents liked her a lot. She is quite fun to be with and likes Indian food a lot. So, we both are foodies. Feeling bored, I waved at her house because I saw her doing something in the courtyard. She came over and talked with me for a while, making me feel really relieved.

Finally, it was Sunday evening, and I roamed around my room, confused. What will happen tomorrow? What am I going to wear? Which department am I working in? Will it be the same as hers, meaning she will be my boss? Trust me, I can tolerate anyone other than her. (But poor me, I didn't even know I was hired for Miss Bitchy's department since she fired the last Indian.)I brought a lot of dresses from India. My two suitcases are mostly filled with clothes, and my parents' suitcases were almost filled with my dresses too, since the cost of clothes is far less in India. They may not be branded, but they are quality products. I don't know how to do makeup; I only know how to apply eyeliner and lipstick.

 I ironed my shirt and trousers so that even if I wake up late, I won't have to iron them. I set my alarm for 5:30 AM, even though it's too early. I need to reach the office by 9:00, and considering the distance, it's only a 30-minute cab ride. I went to bed early, twisting and turning a little since I am a night owl and sleep doesn't come easily. Anyway, I slowly drifted off to sleep. At 5:30, my alarm started ringing. I immediately rose up, shut the alarm, set it for 6:00 AM, and went back to sleep. That's why I set the alarm at 5:30; it's my habit to sleep a little more after the alarm.

I woke up at six, called my parents, and asked for their blessings. I like Indian food very much, but I also like American food. Since I am here, I have to try American breakfasts. I must say I am quite good at cooking, but this is not a good time for experimenting, and I don't have anyone to taste my food. Cooking only gets interesting when someone is there to taste it. For a moment, I felt weird knowing this was the first time I was all alone in a house. But it kind of feels good. I'm the type of person who loves solitude. So, I chirped some songs as I prepared a French toast. I have tried a few American dishes in India. I took a quick bath without washing my hair. I got ready by 8:00 and took a cab, feeling both excited and nervous."Ah, hello, ma'am. I am new here. Can you show me my department?" A girl, who I assumed to be about 25, gave me an odd look, probably because I called her ma'am. I am used to that; it needs to change anyway. But calling someone older by their name feels disrespectful, at least to us. "Can you say your name, ma'am?" she said with a smirk. I told her my name and position. I mean, I know my position, but I don't know the correct department. She gave me a pale smile and said, "Floor no. 17, madam." With a deep sigh, I walked towards the lift, wondering why her smile was so pale. Shortly, I found the real reason. As I headed towards the department, there was a big C-suite on the door, and there was her name:

MISS ELIANA ROBERTS

CEO, NEXUS CORPORATION

ELECTRONICS DEPARTMENT

A woman about 30 approached me. "Hi, you might be the new project manager, developer. I'm Rachel, the CEO's assistant. Well, welcome," she said with a warm smile, which I returned. But that's when I realized my smile was not bright; it was pale. She scoffed, "Don't look at me like that. I know she's a little bitch, but she is my best friend."

"Oh, I am so sorry. I didn't mean it like that," I stood there embarrassed with an idiotic grin."Never mind. Come on, let me show you your cabin." I followed her as she showed me my cabin. "Oh, this system is under repair. You can use the first cabin," and she pointed towards the first cabin, which was directly in front of the lioness's den. Wow, wonderful. I mean, her office was made of glass, so I think she can view what's outside through the glass. Anyway, I can't see what's inside. "I will be right back," she said and left into the lioness's den, maybe to inform the lioness that her new prey had arrived or whatever. I glanced around. There were many people, most of them youngsters. With a smile, I waved at a group of women sitting near my cabin, laughing. I was sure they saw me wave. One of the girls even glanced at me with a disgusted look. Suddenly, I felt something bad. I never had this type of experience back in India. Well, I am very tolerant and patient, so this is the least of my troubles. At least she's not like the aunties who say you're a slut if you don't reach home by 6 PM.

With a deep breath I sat into my chair it was really comfortable. The desk was quite large there was a lot off shelves drawers etc there was seperate partition wall s for each cabin. but the problem is mine is the first one it has a left partition wall, the right part was completely open and well you know the rest.

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