Flipped apart

7. New Journey Ahead

Neha's POV:

New York - Manhattan

"I have shortlisted few places and you can finalize it, after you come here. Meanwhile, for the temporary setup, I have talked with Naresh Ji, secretary of the apartment beside Asif's house, there is an empty flat on the 5th floor; he will check with the flat owner about the rent." Papa was informing me about my fashion studio setup in a call, to which I nodded as if he could see me.

A quick life update: It's been 2 months since I resigned from Luxurious Chic, and currently I am serving a notice period of 3 months, which will be completed in 15 days, and I am returning back to India after 5 days of my last day. Parallelly, Jennifer is mentoring me privately about management, marketing, sales, etc. She has been working as an assistant with Monica for 20 years, so she kind of has a brief idea of all these things, and she advised me to take private mentorship from her. After signing off for the day, we either stay at mine or at her flat.

In these 2 months, I got to know a lot about her. She is a single mother for a 15-year-old girl, Sarah, and she has managed everything without depending on others. I am really impressed by her. She has seen everything from scratch and has never shown her state to anyone.

"I am sharing the pictures of the flat. Do have a check, If it is fine, you can set up as a temporary studio" Papa's voice brought me back to the present.

"Ok, Papa, I will check and let you know about it. Thanks, Papa, for everything, and Allahafiz will talk to you later." getting overwhelmed, I disconnected the call. 

Thanks is a very small word I can presume for my parents. When I told them about my return and building my own fashion brand, they didn't ask anything about my sudden decision, but instead they were very supportive and helped me make a hassle-free transition. Papa and Asif uncle started looking out for places to open my studio, while Mamma and Anjum aunty have spread the word to their circle about my fashion brand and how I have worked in Amerikaaa.

I don't know why, but since childhood I have observed that we Indians get highly enthusiastic about things from America, as if America is like heaven, but only the one who comes and stays here knows how lucky we are to be Indians.

Apart from all this fuss, one part of me is happy that I am going back to my home, my country, and my people. No more struggle in this unknown place except Jenny and her cute, naughty daughter Sarah, who kind of became close to me in these 2 months; I will not be missing anyone, and I even know no one will be remembering me as well, this is how I have managed since day one. I don't want to have any kind of string attached to anyone.

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After a month:

India - Hyderabad

It's been a week since I arrived in India, and I am sure I have gained almost 10 kg of weight till now, and I still have no regrets. The comfort you get from the presence of your parents and their warmth is worth billions.

After having my breakfast, I quickly wore a cotton linen dress and grabbed a brown cotton hijab along with a pair of white sneakers. I have a very long day ahead, so a soothing, comfortable outfit can help me go with it.