Nandini's POV
It was a new morning, and I was feeling different. Different, yet ferocious. I'd these vibes, and I couldn't differentiate whether they were good or bad. I was confused, yet excited. After yesterday's incident, I was really thoughtful. I wanted to meet Manik Sir. I wanted to embrace, only if I could. I wanted to feel his touch all over again. I still have those reminiscences of his touch. His cologne, his warmth and his concern still lingered all over.
My mind was occupied already. I didn't care anything else. Somehow, I got ready, thinking all good about the day. I wore my formals and was ready to leave.
"Navya, I'm leaving", I shouted, as she was in the kitchen. I went outside slamming door.
I took a cab and was soon heading towards my destination. All the way, I was feeling some vibes. Something was wrong, very wrong. Apparently adrenaline was activating my sympathetic nervous system, making my heart beat faster, diverting blood to my muscles and away from my gut.
"Aiyappa, sab theek karna", I prayed, all the way, by closing my eyes.
I couldn't count the time and before I'd even realized, I'd reached office. I took my purse and handed him a 100 Rupee Note and he left.
I took a deep breath and entered inside, hobbling with my heels. I came near the lift, when I felt the memories coming back.
Shhh.. I've got you
You're fine.
You're strong enough to come out of this.
Suddenly, I felt courage rushing in, as his words came back. I'd always felt darkness caving inside, when I went in small compact lifts, but today I felt good, because of Manik.
"Ma'am, you're here", the liftman said and I smiled, going out.
As soon as I entered, I felt tension in the atmosphere and the aura of office. There was something wrong. The employees were unusually silent. I couldn't know it. I went to the receptionist, asking for my schedule.
"Good Morning Shriya", I greeted her. She was a soft-spoken Tamilian, who was a kind of my only friend in the office.
"Good Morning", Her voice was not on her usual cheerful sense. "Here's your schedule", she handed me.
I was checking it, when my eyes bulged out.
What just happened?
"Shriya, this isn't my schedule", I said.
"Umm.. Nandini it's final. Manik Sir just made the changes and you're shifted under admin department, as you've been posted under the departmental head", she said.
I was stunned. I was changed?
Why. Without any notice?
Just a day back, I was his PA. He had consoled me, in the lift and saved me against Ronnie. What suddenly happened? Was he angry over me? Did I do something wrong? Is he... Embarrassed?
Hundreds of questions were swarming in my head, and I felt a sharp pain tricking my head, considering how difficult would be to stay away from him. Working under admin department would simply mean I can never meet Manik.
"But why?", I asked her.
"Don't you know Manik Sir has changed overnight, after that unfortunate incident?", she replied and my mind reeled with shock.
My heart started thudding faster. I knew it, something was wrong.
"What happened Shriya?", I asked, almost with my fingers crossed.
