Riley, Sophie, Suzie, etc. are all names of one woman who has multiple identities. She is a con woman, who makes emotional and simple people fall in love with her and then takes away all their money. Men, women fall madly in love with her and she br...
"I am going to be here for another couple of weeks and you should stay with me till you find a job and your own place." Said Saanvi. "And what should I do with a job, I have no one to take care for." I said. "You have yourself. You need to get over from her. I am saying this from my own experience. When Riley left, I was way more in a bad condition than yours. But as soon as I started going to work, I started to think less about her and that helped me a lot. I will not ask you to forget about her, because I haven't been able to forget her and it's been 2 years. I am still looking for her. So, stop all this shit and get over it." she said.
I thought on what Saanvi said and I decided to try it. She is the first one who took a little interest in me and asked me to get better for myself. She has gone through it and it has helped her a bit.
I have been living here at her studio from last two weeks. I worked on my CV, called few of my colleagues and asked for any references, but they didn't show any interest, so I have been visiting stores and looking for any kind of jobs available to stand on my feet. Now, Saanvi is taking care of my food and other things, but once she leaves Kansas, I will have to take care of myself. As I don't have much to do apart from looking for jobs, I do house chores, make food and everything. Although Saanvi had asked me not to, but it helps me in spending my time. And today is her last day at Banana Corporations, which means she will be leaving today or tomorrow. I don't know. I heard the door open; it was Saanvi.
"Hi!" we both said in unison and then chuckled at it. She kept her handbag aside and went to the bathroom. "You ok?" I asked. "Yeah. I needed to pee badly and then take a nice bath before I catch a flight." She answered. I heard the last part and got little upset realizing that she is going to leave. I have grown used to her company and I enjoyed it.
I heard the doorbell. I thought that who it must be and walked to open the door. I saw a delivery boy standing with a parcel box and a bouquet in his hands. "Good afternoon mam!" said the boy and I checked the clock. It was 3.35 pm, didn't believe it as Saanvi was already home than her usual 5 pm. "Good afternoon." I said.
Delivery boy: I had a parcel for Ms. Saanvi Goyal.
Olivia: She is in the bathroom, if you want, I can collect it.
Delivery boy: That will do, please take it. Can you please sign here?
Olivia: Sure!
I took the parcel from him, signed and then he left. I didn't open it and kept it on the table. She came back out with a towel wrapped around her body and I said, "There's a parcel for you." "What is it and who sent it?" she asked. "Oh! I forgot to ask him that, but I could see a bouquet of flowers." I said.
"What is it?" I asked. "It's a birthday cake from my family." She answered. "What! It's your birthday today and you didn't tell me." I said. "That is because I no longer celebrate it since she left. You can eat the cake." She said with no feelings on her face.
"Come on! You should, besides it's your last day here, so a kind of celebration we can have. You can do this much for me, please. Please! Please! Please!" I asked literally pleased her. "Okay. Fine." She said. "Now go and get ready like you Indians do on your birthdays!" I said. "Don't you think you are asking too much?" she said. "Come on! Please" I said. She said nothing and walked to the bedroom.
I thought of giving her a birthday gift and a farewell, but realized that I had no money with me and I couldn't ask her to lend me some to give her a gift, so I decided to do something sentimental.
I quickly got my mobile. I opened YouTube and searched; how do traditional people celebrate their birthdays in India? I opened the video and saw it. I removed the cake form the box and placed it in a plate and got a knife. I got a plate and put a candle in the center and quickly got dressed as well. I wore a blue jean with dark grey top and coat.
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A few minutes later she came dressed and all ready. She was wearing a saree with matching earrings and looked gorgeous.
"Someone is looking gorgeous!" I said and she had a small smile on her face. I walked towards her. I took some kajal from my eyes and applied behind her neck. "Something I saw to prevent from bad omen." I said. "That's so sweet of you Olivia! And you are looking beautiful too!" she said.
"Let me just take a few pictures of yours." I said to which she said no, but I insisted. I clicked multiple pictures in my phone of her. "Now go and sit on the sofa, I'll be back in minute and close your eyes." I said. "Now why do I need to close my eyes." She asked. "Will you just do as I say and not say anything." I said and walked to the kitchen counter.
Saanvi's POV
After I opened my eyes and saw Olivia with a plate in her hand. She performed the Indian rituals of Aarti (usually done by the Indians during festivals, birthdays) she then applied a small teeka on my forehead. It was all very surprising and nice. We then cut the cake and had a few drinks, took some selfies.
It was around 6 pm now and I had to leave for the airport to catch my flight for Chicago. My stuff was already packed. "Here's the agreement papers for your new apartment. I have paid the rent for the 3 months. I am sure that by that time you will be able to secure a job and will pay your rent by yourself. I asked my office for this studio, but it has been booked, so I had to look for different apartment. Here are the keys and the address. You can move in tomorrow." I said and handed her the papers and keys.
We kissed each other on the cheeks and I left for the airport. The time with Olivia was amazing. In that small time, we had become good friends and the main reason for it was our spouses leaving us. I felt connected to someone after a long time and I also realized that I have been wasting my life for thinking about Riley and not focusing on my myself. It also made me realize that I should leave all in the past, not stuck & move on and be happy with myself.
