Tied Till Eternity

Chapter 1

The last day of August, the lush monsoon growth reached it's peak. These changes were a sign that rains are coming to an end. My apartment gives me a view of the natural beauty.

Gardening used to be my hobby unfortunately, I neither have enough time nor I have place to plant flowers in this apartment.

Leaning from the balcony I was admiring nature whilst sipping lemonade and discussing random things with Chris when I saw that a new message was received.

Mr. Anderson: Meeting at my place, tomorrow by 10 am.

His message disturbed my thoughts and peaceful weekend evening. Even my Sunday was going to be ruined. My livelihood was dependent on the dollar bills he gave me so I was left with no choice. Against my will I had to prepare myself mentally for tomorrow.

"Hey Ethan, suddenly what happened to your mood?" Chris enquired with concern written all over his face.

"Boss ordered to show up at his house...tomorrow." To be honest I wasn't interested at all.

"Privileges you get when you are an assistant." Chris was starting it again. He would always taunt me about my designation because he was jealous. I never bothered it. I have learned to ignore his bad habits.

"He did not invite me for lunch, it's definitely related to work, Chris." I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

Chris always tried his best to calm me down whenever I was stressed, so I decided to let out all my negative thoughts. Maybe he will be of some help.

"If you get stuck up with the task he assigns, I'll be there for your help. Relax Ethan; don't worry I don't think he will spoil his holiday. He enjoys holiday's like normal humans. It might be something else."

Chris was being reasonable. Mr. Anderson won't call me on Sunday for office work. It's surely something else.

"By the way, it's not your choice to help me Chris...," smirking mischievously I added,"it's your duty. If it's paperwork we will divide it."

After that serious talk we went back to our normal behaviour.

For the night, I forcibly pushed tomorrow's tension at the back of my mind to sleep soundly.

If someone has a job vacancy that includes sleeping, take my resume into consideration and hire me.

Only in my sleep I get the chance to shut the world out. I'm a deep sleeper. That is why, whatever I dream at night is blury once I wake up. After waking up I feel like my body was temporarily immobilised.

The sound of alarm ringing brought me back to reality at 7:15 am. Generally, I start my routine immediately once I'm awake. Today I did not want to leave this bed. It was as if I wished this day never began.

Groaning I got up from the soft, comfy bed in the state of a zombie. In less than 15 minutes I got dressed up for morning workout.

An hour later, I returned back home. I was panting hard and sweat was making my body sticky. I sprinted to the bathroom. When I glanced towards the kitchen I saw that Chris had aldready prepared breakfast leaving behind a note that said he went to visit his mother.

It's 9:45 am. I'm dressed up in casual clothes getting nervous standing at the front porch of Mr. Anderson's house. House was an understatement, it was worthy to be compared to a bungalow.

The garden was beautifully maintained. Ground orchids, mauve body's slipper and the white butterfly orchids put on a fashion display which caught my eye.

I had never been to his house before. This was the very first time I saw it peerly. It must be very important otherwise he wouldn't invite me.

Innumerable thoughts crossed my mind. I was getting tensed. Taking a deep breath I mustered up the courage to press the doorbell.

Very soon a maid opened the door flashing a fake bright smile; wearing a white apron.

"Good morning. Sir, would see you in a while. You are required to proceed in the library," it seemed that she had been rehearsing this sentence before I showed up. She was confident in her actions and did not display any hint of nervousness.

I held my head high and walked past her following her directions. The walls of this house were huge and broad. The library had various sections all filled with different categories of books. A coffee table was placed in the center surrounded by a l-shaped couch and two more leather couches beside it.

A clear view of backyard was visible from the sliding glass frame. The backyard did not contain plenty of trees, it consisted of perfectly trimmed grass suitable for a walk. The view was simply perfect.

Anyone would be inspired to read a book in this environment. I plopped my body on the couch. I was able to see beyond the glass frame. The tension that I was having disappeared. This place eased my mind. One day I will also make a library better than this one, containing uncountable books.

I was deep in thought when I heard the library entrance door creaked open. It made me flinch, then I maintained my body posture after glaring at Mr. Anderson. He was having some files placed on the left hand. The other hand was occupied by a coffee mug.

Usually he wears suits or shirts unlike today. He wore a loose t-shirt and yoga pants. Wearing a casual smile, he placed the files on the coffee table.

I was starting to get nervous again. I even tried to peep and take a look at the file. Hope it's not some contract that I'll have to analyse tonight. I was praying it shouldn't be related to work. I need a stress free day; I don't want to bore myself at least not on Sunday.

Sir comfortably sat on the l-shaped couch with his legs crossed.

"Sorry for disturbing your plans for Sunday, Ethan," Mr. Anderson broke the awkward silence for me.

"None of my plans were disturbed, sir." Just tell me aldready the purpose of giving me so much tension.

"Kate is arriving on Monday," he had a blank expression on his face. He was finding words to say. I had no time to waste so I sincerely said," I'll pick her up from the airport tomorrow." He chuckled and shook his head in disapproval. I felt like a complete fool. Obviously he would not tell me to pick up Kate in person, if that was the case he would have informed me over the phone.

"No son, it's not about picking her up. Um, she's 25 and a nubile girl...."

Without letting him finish I quickly added,"I'll check wealthy eligible bachelor's list to choose the best for her."

This time he laughed. Stop acting so dumb, Ethan.

"You can't find the perfect boy for Kate. Your choice won't top mine, Ethan." He stated smiling proudly.

Does he want me to become a wedding planner? Has he lost his mind?

I did not utter a single word because I know I'll only embarrass myself. Only thing I could do was nod him to continue.

"Kate has a bad reputation of being a flirt. It's all because of her career, you know? There are many fake rumours about her. She shouldn't have persuaded modelling in the first place but it's not possible to change her decision. I want her to get married as soon as possible," his eyes were starting to get teary.

He never really wanted Kate to become a model. He knew about rumours all too well. When Mr. Anderson was a successful business tycoon in his mid-twenties. He had to undergo this stage as well. Along with fame; he went through many such rumours.

Kate shouldn't experience them, so he tried convincing her; she protested to fulfil her dreams. Rumours not necessarily are always true. People believe them and have a wrong impression about others.

"How may I help you with that, sir?" I did not want to see him crying. He was facing the floor, so I couldn't check whether he was crying or not.

He lifted his face; his eyes were twinkling with a trace of hope.

He answered my question with honesty;
"Marry her, Ethan."

END OF CHAPTER 1!