All The Little Lights

Chapter 41

Aarvin

“..No. Move it to twenty fifth. And retrieve the complete account of their assets and liabilities of the last two years and email it to me today itself.”

After hearing acceptance of my orders from Mr. King- my assistant, I disconnected the call and returned my focus back to the laptop.

All the laughter and screaming of the kids and parents in the park didn't bother me a bit. In fact, it was refreshing to hear their joy and untainted happiness, reminiscent of the beauty of childhood.

Adulthood is really a tiresome phase. All the harsh realisations and realities crashing down, making one forget what living is like, constantly wounded up in the struggle to survive.

I heaved a sigh when the final draft of the project blueprint for Mr. Johan was completed. Finally.

Running a hand through my hair, I checked my phone the fourth time that day in hopes of a message from him.

The day was still early, the chirping of birds yet to be drowned out in the upcoming morning hustle and bustle of the city.

As usual, the chat was empty.

I knew I am holding onto wistful hope.

But I have to. It is the only thing that keeps me going. I’ve to clung on to that thinning string of hope to keep myself alive.

Turning the phone off, I placed it near me on the bench with my laptop.

I closed my eyes.

“Wow, you are a really good actress. I am impressed.”

My eyes snapped open at the voice. It was from my left. I turned my head to that direction to see the owner of the voice crouching down on her knees infront of a little girl.

“What is she doing here?” I mumbled to myself seeing Coffee with a young girl at this hour of morning.

Her face was scrunched up in a weird expression earning a laugh from the kid.

I shook my head at her weirdness.

It has been a couple of days since the elevator incident and I was surprised to say the least on experiencing another side of her that day.

She can be funny when she wants to be, but more than that she is really feisty. I have seen many girls like her throughout my carrier. There are many business women in the corporate world who possess the boldness to challenge men like me.

But what makes Coffee stand out the most was… me.

I’m not even boasting.

Dare I say she is the only one who talks back to me, retort and retaliate at me like I am her worst enemy.

Others had always took extra care in maintaining a respectful and somewhat scared boundary between me and them. And I am more than okay with that because it was earned through my hardwork.

I gained their respect and I deserve it.

I focused my attention back on her.

I don't know if I will ever gain such respect- no respect is a strong word- atleast a bit of courtesy from her.

Standing up from the bench which has been my seat for the past few hours, I ambled towards them with crossed arms.

“Good morning.” I greeted, once I reached them.

“Morni- Ugh you again?” She cut her greeting short when she realized it was me.

“What? Am I not allowed to be here?” I asked lifting an eyebrow challengingly.