Dawn of Spring

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Ahana clamped onto Vivaan's arm like a human vice, her sneakers squeaking against the floor as she hauled him down the hallway. He, of course, was doing his best impression of a petulant mule - leaning back, digging his heels in, and generally making her life harder.

"Would you. Stop. Resisting?!" she grunted, cheeks puffing like an overworked steam engine.

"No." He planted his feet harder. "I'm protesting. It's a peaceful demonstration."

"You're peacefully giving me a hernia." She wheezed between tugs, her grip slipping. "Why. Are. Men. Like. This?"

How did that happen, you wonder? Here is the flashback.

Earlier that morning, Miss Smith had delivered the news with the solemnity of a judge passing a death sentence. "Your mother, Mrs. Sahani, has concerns," she said, folding her hands. "Your absenteeism is... noticeable."

Vivaan blinked. "Define 'noticeable.'"

"She threatened to revoke your GraphiX offer unless you take this seriously."

Silence.

"SHE WHAT?!" Vivaan's voice was heard in the entire corridoor.

"Mrs. Sahani expressed concerns about your work ethic, Vivaan. Your absenteeism hasn't gone unnoticed." The woman folded her hands. "If this continues, the board may revoke your appointment at 'GraphiX.'"

Vivaan's jaw clenched. "She wouldn't."

"She did." Miss Smith sighed. "Take your volunteering seriously, or face the consequences."

Ahana barely caught him before he could storm out, possibly to set something on fire.

The moment they stepped out, his calm shattered. "She's risking my career over some kids?" His voice rose, drawing glances from nearby staff. "I swear, I'll—"

Ahana lunged, clamping a hand over his mouth. "Shut up before you get yourself fired!" she hissed, dragging him away as he thrashed.

Not a single swooning coworker stepped in to help.

So much for their dramatic sighs and batting eyelashes, she thought, rolling her eyes as she wrestled him forward. This is what I get for being the responsible one.

"Snap out of it, Vivaan," Ahana raised her voice as they reached an abandoned corridor.

"How can she do this to me?" he shouted, not caring about people eavesdropping on their conversation. "Not only is she threatening my career at GraphiX, but also she doubled my shift here. Here of all places?"

Ahana wisely chose not to mention that the kids adored him. Or that he secretly smiled when they called him "Vivaan Bhaiya."

"I have been dreaming to work at GraphiX since I was little. I worked hard to get a chance to be interviewed, and I nailed it. Do you understand how big this is? And now she wants to give it all away simply because I won't accept the 'volunteering' here."

She was at a loss for words, unable to comprehend why his mother would push him to do something he did not want.

Vivaan heaved out a frustrating sigh. "Gah! She's so stubborn, but even I am her son. I can be stubborn too."

"You already have your appointment letter with you?" Ahana asked curiously.

He nodded before proceeding to grumble. "I chased it for a very long time."

"Then your mom can't do anything." She reasoned.

Vivaan rested his back against the wall, his shoulders still tense, crossing his arms closer to his chest. Ahana felt his anger had been subsidized after continuous ranting.