Running from Him by YH Yohi

Chapter 3 - San

Pari dazed swirled her mocktail as she watched the couples on the dance floor. They looked so happy...so intimate...just so in love. She wondered if she will ever experience that, at least once.

"Oo, is my darling dreaming about her to-be-husband?" San, her bestfriend, nudged Pari 

"He is not my future husband...yet" Pari rolled her eyes as she pouted 

"What's the matter love? Not excited?" 

"I just don't think...I want to marry him"

"Wah? But he's the total package, did you see Tania turn red when she heard you're seeing Arin Kare?" Pari looked over her shoulder to see the annoying hot mess, they both sniggered at the thought

"Plus you said all your 6 dates were fun"

"Yea...they were nice, really nice. But it was no different from just hanging out with a friend or something. To be honest, I don't think he even likes me."

"What no, you're a beauty with brains babe, he's an idiot if he can't see that."

"Thank you, thank you" Pari mockingly bowed "But he just shows up 7pm sharp on Saturdays like it's his obligation, and never even contacts me the rest of the week. And when I took the initiative, he doesn't even bother keeping the conversation alive, it's like I'm interrogating him."

"Gosh, what a jerk. I would never treat a beautiful lady like that" San extended his hand, winking at her, which she gladly accepted.

"Haha you're so sweet, remind me again why I'm not dating you?"

"Eww, we are practically siblings. Incest is not my cup of tea"

"Oh god, get your mouth a filter" Pari laughed 

" Anyway screw him, let's go dance" He pulled Pari off the chair as the got on the dance floor. After a long, tiring session of dancing like maniacs, they settled in the corner near the window that looked over the city. "Pretty" San smiled looking at Pari lost in the sight, after all he treasured her. 

"Pari, how's your research going?"

"The company one?"

"Yea, Did you figure it out?"

"No!" Pari whined "How am I supposed to help frame policies on office workers if I have no idea on how things work there?"

"Can't you ask anyone?"

"No, everyone fears losing their job, so even if they do say anything about working in a office it's always good. From the little that I do know, it's nothing like a government job"

"Of course it isn't."

"I just wish I could get a little closer to see how things work there"

San pondered for a while, before meeting Pari's expecting eyes.

"um....I think I can help you with that"

"What really?" Pari jumped from her seat like a little girl

"Calm down, yea. I know the HR at this really big company, may be you could sneak in for a bit"

"What no, I'll get in trouble"

"It's not like you are getting a confidential info, I'm sure your senior will agree. And it's a huge company, no one will even have time to look at you"

"Well...Not a bad idea...."

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Pari straightened her pencil skirt as she combed her hair back to a low pony. She was to work as an intern, so she could get around easily without needing to do much. It did take a lot of convincing, but she was determined to learn more. Truth be told, Pari knew very little of how the world actually runs, she was just 24 yrs of age, living in the comfort of her home and a secure job. That was one of the things she was the most grateful and ashamed of, she needed to know more.

She finally reached the tech park, and fond San waiting for her at the gate. "Where did you come from, Alaska?" 

"Funny..btw which company am I working for?" ...San laughed unsure

"A good company"

"Yea but which one?"

"First let me tell you a little history about this place" He dodged her question...again. Pari felt something suspicious. San continued, "Well, this is a very good software company, which...I didn't know this until like yesterday (he added quickly in one breath)...was acquired by another company recently"

"Okaaayy" 

They stopped walking as they reached the tall glass building, Pari's insides tickled, she was excited but nervous, but her smile dropped as she read the name board next to the entrance in golden letters....AISC.

Arin's company.