SERENDIPITY

3. THE PARTY

MISHTI’S POINT OF VIEW

It was the very first time I made an attempt to go to social gatherings.

I was nervous - Yes.

I may not know anyone - Yes

But I was invited - Yes

I wore a long black frock with gold glittery work just for the blouse. The back was transparent but not backless. Also I wore the net full length hand attachment to not expose much skin. I usually don’t go to these types of clubs. So I was very careful. Even having a drink there might frighten me but again I know it’s sfe and I can’t avoid it in a social gathering though.

Taking a breath to calm myself down, I check my final outfit in front of the mirror and start to move out of my room. I usually carry a water bottle with me. So I grab it along with my purse and car key. I lock the house and then start the car to reach the venue.

On my drive to the party, I notice a call from Meera’s mom and I decline it knowing what she would force me on. No marriage with her so called nice guy.

I pressed the ignore button on my phone for the third time today. On the same person.

I reached the venue Abir invited me to. After today’s evening, I barely saw him. I would’ve sworn I had his attention if someone had asked me. I felt his eyes burrow into the side of my face during my little talk we had in the small rooms known as trial rooms.

After serving the main course, more than ten business executives approached me with their business cards. That’s what is known as enhancing the social network. I saw one of my old college mates there. I don’t know why the moment I came out of the college, she just disconnected with me.

“Sana…” 

“You look dull.” She made me want to become better than the life I was living in. She never respected me and treated me as her slave rather than a friend. Back then I was too innocent to know that but now I feel ashamed of who I was with her.

“WORK…” I replied.

Two years later, after determining I was done with that life and with my company in tow. I understood one thing, if you are successful people will love you but when you are a loser they will pull you down with more force.

“I thought you had more work than you knew what to do with,” Sana says, misunderstanding my comment.

“I do,” I tell her. “That’s part of the problem. Those clients take up so much of my time I haven’t been able to take on as many orders as each day the demand keeps on going up for my designs. I feel bad that I am not able to help all my clients and have to deny them sometimes too.”

Sana nods, a small smile creeping onto her face. “Hey, look on the bright side,” she says, using one of Miss. Pooja’s favorite lines. She was also my favorite business studies teacher. Who kept on pushing me with my business ideas and made sure my project was selected as the best project as well.  “It’s those big bucks you make with those clients that let you live this lavish life. Attending big-big parties now.”