Estranged lovers

Chapter 23

ANNIKA

She leads me into one of the most comfortable office I've ever seen. There are beanbags and sofas all around. When we enter the actual workplace, she leads me to the corner cubicle overlooking the city.

"This is where you will be working." she tells me

"Thank you." I tell her

She gives me a curt nod before turning around to face the entire team.

"I'm excited to introduce Annika, who will be joining us as our new concept designer. Annika comes to us from an already well known architecture company and will be working on our new Theme park project. Annika, meet Abhinav he is the team leader, Mihir is the product designer, Veer the illustrator and Shivani is the technical director of the team. Everyone on the team has a unique role, and I'm sure you'll find opportunities to collaborate as we move forward." She barely glances at me

"I'll leave you to it then." she says as she leaves

 I look up to the group with a smile.

 "Hi, my name is Annika. I'm excited to join the team as a concept designer. I'm really excited to be here and looking forward to working with all of you!" I say

"Welcome Annika" Abhinav says standing up and walking toward me extending his hand

I shake his hand.

"Welcome Annika" Mihir and Veer say at the same time.

I smile at them.

Shivani hugs me tightly. I'm a little taken aback. 

"Finally a woman!" she says sighing dramatically

"I was tired of working with these losers" she says looping her arms in mine

"I'm sorry, I got a little taken away. I'm Shivani and I am so exited to have you on our team. I can't wait to see your designs." she says excitedly

"And I can't wait to work with all of you" I say smiling genuinely

I feel like working here won't be as bad if I ignore a few people around. And I really am exited about starting to work here with all these people.

I was asked to create a design for the structural aspects of the rides. Its been 4 hours since I started and I'm not even half way there.

There is a soft knock on my cubicle. I look up to see Shivani standing there with a huge grin on her face.

"Yes?" I say

"I was thinking of grabbing lunch. Would you like to join me??" she says

"Yes...sure." I say standing up

She links her hand in mine as we walk to the cafeteria.

I notice a few people staring at me as we take our lunch. A group of women even point at me while giggling and speaking. I start to get very uncomfortable just then Shivani holds my hands glaring at the group of women that were staring.

"Don't you realise that you are being disrespectful?" she says pulling me away from there

When we enter a private area, I finally feel like I can breathe.

"I don't know why people are so disrespectful." she says taking her seat

"It's okay. I get it." I say

She looks at me questioningly.

"I started working here right after I got married to the ceo...It does feel weird doesn't it?"I say looking down at my plate