The Broken Vow

10

Author's note: Thank you for the love on the last chapter. Can we please get this chapter to 90 votes?

I quietly listened to the conversation between my father and Inder. They compared their children's tantrums and how they never listened to their parents like I wasn't there.

"Aahana," Inder called out my name.

I startled at the sound and immediately sat up in my chair. My heart thundered against my ribs as his attention fixed on me, pinning me in place. "Yes?" I managed to say, the words barely scraped past my parched throat.

"Why don't you listen to your father? He wants you to succeed in life, is it that bad?" he asked, in a gentle voice.

I wrung my hands in my lap, fingers twisting around each other. I jerkily shook my head.

"Do you know how many people would die to live your life? And you're just wasting it like this, is that right?"

I cleared my throat and shook my head again.

"See, that wasn't so hard now, was it?" Inder leaned forward in his chair, his voice dropping to the syrupy tone adults use with children. "Now tell uncle, do you want to make your papa sad?"

On cue, I shook my head.

"And you want to be successful, don't you, beta?" He tilted his head, eyes wide with exaggerated concern.

I nodded mechanically.

"Then why do you behave like this? Hmm?" He tapped his finger against the desk. "Good girls don't throw tantrums and good girls listen to their parents and elders. And, sweetie, aren't you a good girl?"

You are my good girl, aren't you?

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I nodded. "I'm a good girl."

"Good," Inder smiled and an involuntary shudder ran through me. Hurriedly, I looked away, unable to maintain eye contact with him. He slapped my father's back, jovially. "See, how easy that was? You need to understand the kids and speak to them in a language they understand.

Dad laughed. "I have never seen her being so agreeable," he agreed. "The next time she is being difficult, I'll have to call you."

"It'll be my pleasure," the other man said.

"Now go change into something that's more appropriate as the face of the company before restarting your day. This time do it properly," my father ordered.

"Yes, dad," I murmured.

"Bye, sweetheart," Inder said right before the call ended.

The moment the screen turned black, I fell back in the chair. Tears blurred the edges of my vision and they began free falling down my cheeks. I wasn't sure how long I sat there. Finally, I blew out a long puff of air, the sound echoed in Adarsh's empty office.

My movements were mechanical as I reached into my purse, fingers closing around my phone and a pack of tissues. The mirror on my phone reflected my mascara-stained cheeks and red-rimmed eyes. I dabbed underneath them, erasing all evidence of weakness.

After fixing my hair and reapplying my lipstick – I rose from the chair and exited Adarsh's office.

Vaani, Adarsh, and a few employees I didn't know stood in the lounge area, their discussion dying the moment they realized my presence. Their eyes landed on me. My skin prickled under their collective gaze. Did they see? Could they tell? Shame and embarrassment filled me as I brushed the front of my dress for any invisible creases and stains.

"Vaani, follow me." My voice cut through their silence. I turned sharply, not waiting to see if she compiled. The hurried click-clack of her shoes echoed behind me, struggling to match my stride. As we stood in the elevator, I turned to her. "Call the driver."