ᴇx-ʙᴏʏʀꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ, ɴᴇxᴛ ʜᴜꜱʙᴀɴᴅ

Chapter 6

Nishtha

Today, I was celebrating. I had landed a great job in one of my dream companies and I was on cloud 9. Literally.

I came home chirping and told Aai Baba, who, of course, were very happy. They insisted we have a party but I wasn't against it. It had been only 2 days since I came back and I wasn't in the mood.
Especially not today.

Instead, I chose to come home and sleep. So when Aai went out with her friends and Baba was still at work, I dozed off and slept till all my jet lag went away.
I'm here indefinitely now.

Finally, I woke up at 7pm. Wow, I slept 7 hours.
No one was home still. I got to making a good dinner for Aai Baba and then I called my friends.
"Hello! Where?" I asked.
"At the airport! Taking off soon!"
"Are you two coming together?"
"Yes! We are!"
"Amazing! Come home tomorrow!"
"Do Uncle Aunty know?"
"About?"
"Us coming?"
"They don't yet but they don't mind anyway!"
"Done. We'll keep my stuff at home, sleep and then come."
"Done done!" I exclaimed.

At the same time, Aai came back home.
"Oh Aai! Adi and Pri are here." I handed her the phone.
"Hi Aunty!"
"Hello beta! When are you landing?"
"Tomorrow morning!"
"It's a 12 hour flight right."
"Yes! That's why, tomorrow 7am!"
"Excellent."
"I might have to go to work."
"Oh yeah you got the job."
"Hey why don't you apply in IBM too?"
"Actually..." Pri's voice dropped.
"What happened Pri?" I saw Adi become silent too, "Adi?"
"What happened bete?" Aai asked.
"Nish, actually I... my field has an opening..."
"That's great, right." I asked.
"It's in YUVA."

My face fell.
Why does everything keep going there?

I composed myself, "Pri, if it's for your work, you should apply and go there."
"But.... Behen code."
"She's right Priya." Aai added, "Whatever it may be, YUVA is a great place and you should apply there."
"Thanks."
"Now hurry up and come here!" I said, changing the topic and lightening the mood.

Once I cut the call, Aai held my hand.
"What happened?" I asked her.
"How long are you going to stay sulking?"
"I'm not sulking Aai. I'm fine."
"You're 25, you refuse to let me even look for a boy for you. Does that mean you're still in lov—"
"Aai. Don't. I'm not ready to get married, it has nothing to do with... the past."
"Hmm." Aai hummed, "I hope so."
"Now go freshen up. Baba is on his way back too. Let's eat dinner together." I said walked away.

I ran to my room and then locked the door.
I felt fresh tears roll down my face.
Why God, why today?
First meeting Aaji, now this.
Why on the one day where I don't like to think about him? For him.

Why do you keep reminding me that I hate him. I have to hate him.
I want him miles away from me.
I know he wants the same.
Wherever he is.

Next Day.

Dressed in a white shirt with tight black ankle length pants and simple heels, my hair left open, I made my way to the office.
I was given an email yesterday saying that they'd like to discuss the package and other details in person, so here I was.

"Hi. Can I meet Mr Rupert?"
"Sure Ma'am, come."

She guided me upstairs to the same office where I was yesterday. I settled down and waited and then he came after 5 minutes.
"Ms Nishtha. Hello!"
"Sir, please, just Nishtha."
"How sweet. Well, let's get straight to it."
I nodded.
"So, you're already our data engineer, but we have the consulting deal going on, which came through yesterday."
"Wow congratulations!"
"Thank you! We want you to lead the consulting team due to your experience. You'll be on a paid probation for 2 months, where you can prove yourself, if you've succeeded, it's yours. If not then, you can stick to leading the engineering team. How does that sound?"
"Very fair."
"The consulting is a joint venture with another firm. So you'd be earning with both of us."
"I see."
"Your package is 1.5cr, with free healthcare and education bonus, whenever you need it, you can redeem the education bonus as other forms for now if you'd like, along with basic fuel coverage and all."
"Amazing. Thank you!"
"Also, I need you to sign this NDA since the firm and we have decided to keep the consulting part project as a secret for now."
"No worries. I get it." I took the pen and signed it, "I look forward to working with you."
"We do too! So today is 25th June, your contract can start on 1st July, so take the week off."
"Sure! Thanks!"
"Your welcome bonus will be transferred to you. We already have your bank details."
"Of course. What timings?"
"We're flexible but we'd want you to come for at least 4 hours everyday. You can decide when. Of course you can have 2 days of work from home."
"Sure, thank you!"
"One last thing, you're hired from us but the other firm wants you to deliver this presentation on the topic we're giving you. It is just to assess your abilities and your skills. I hope that's okay."
"Of course I completely understand."
"I'm not allowed to help you but I'm sure you'll do a good job."
"What's the topic?"
"I'll email it to you. It's about how we can add consultancy into our firms, in which sectors and its overall impact on the growth and money."
"Yep. Got it! I'll start as soon as possible."
"Sure. I'll see you on 28th then."
"Of course."

I stepped out. Ready to work on my project. Pri and Adi had also landed in Mumbai and had reached their homes. It was now 2pm so I was hoping they're awake! I called them but no reply. So, I decided to go for a walk around the office complex and explore the other offices. I stepped into it and I stopped in my tracks when I saw the one office I didn't want to.
YUVA.

I turned my head around and walked away.
I'll just go home.

It was 9pm when I finally finished my first draft of the presentation. As soon as I got home, I put my life into making it the best presentation I can. I wanted it to be perfect. Finally, it was. I quickly sent the draft to Mr Rupert, who indirectly let me know that I can email him for help. So, I sent it to him for advice.

After that, I called my two friends and asked them if they're fine. They were too tired to meet and they had job interviews the next day, so we decided to meet after my presentation on 28th.

I sighed and looked out the window. I looked out to see a small puppy playing in the grass.
I felt my eyes water remembering a past incident with a dog.

God, are you trying to tell me something?

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