Conundrum 》ICT AU

-51-

Simran trudged back home, weary of school. The way other people looked at her just made her sigh and wonder how cruel the world was. She had no interest in talking to her group, knowing it was Anushka's carelessness that had caused this. She couldn't see her without having the urge to punch her face and so she had kept away from her the entire day, just hoping that the anger would settle.

As she reached the door, she got a call.

"Simran, how are you doing?" Nupur's voice was immediately heard as she picked up, making her sigh.

"However you expect me to be doing, that's how I'm doing." She said, unlocking her door. She didn't have any fear of her parents ever being at home - her father had abandoned them a long time ago and her mother was busy funding the lavish lifestyle that she lived, only coming home for a month before going away to wherever her heart would take her. Last she had known, her mother was in Trinidad, doing something.

As long as she didn't have to worry about rent or food, Simran thought. She had grown accustomed to living along since she was 15. At first there were different ladies that used to stay with her as she was too young but as she grew older, she had herself told her mother that she didn't require any supervision. Her mother didn't care, just left her to her own devices.

What a sad and lonely world indeed.

"I was saying, we've come up with a plan to get revenge. Are you in?" Nupur's voice was heard, breaking her out of her own self pity. She plopped down on the couch after keeping her bag at the door, stretching her legs.

"Oh, absolutely. 100%." Simran angrily replied. Meera had to pay for all the things she had done, to everyone involved. "Someone just leaked a couple of her nudes and she went on such a revenge arc. Just imagine if Virat had done something more. Anyways, what have you done so far?"

"Her dad's out of a job." Nupur laughed. "They aren't too well off in terms of finance, so Meera should be begging us for some respite sometime soon. Her mom's still at work though. We were hoping you could help us with that."

"Tell me." Simran hummed.

"Her mother works at one of your subsidiaries. Maybe there could be a pay cut? Or maybe there could be a mass firing?" Nupur remarked. "I'll message you the details of her employment. You decide what to do, it's your choice. It'll just help bring Meera to her natural begging state a lot sooner."

"Okay. I'll do that. Anything else?"

"Listen, if you need a friend I'm here. I hope you know that. Ritika, Gia and I are just waiting for a call back, okay? I know you wouldn't want to talk to Anu but she's extremely sorry as well. She's dying to talk to you but only if and when you feel okay enough to talk. Until then, we're always waiting." Nupur said in all seriousness. "You understand?"

"Yes." Simran hummed. "Thank you, I'll call you later when I do feel better."

"Bye, Simi."

"Bye bye."

Simran cut the call and immediately called up Shreyas. She honestly needed a break from all this and she couldn't wait to be buried with him and in him. She needed someone to listen to her and not give their point of view, which Shreyas would be perfect for, since he's not involved.

As Shreyas picked up, she immediately heard his sleepy voice.

"Hey, babe. What's up?"