Coerced

Chapter 7

Mara's POV

I was devastated after I heard the news about the death of my mother from the doctor. Sucking in my tears I moved to my father's bed. Holding his feeble hands in mine I spoke solemnly. "Dad, I lost my mom but I am not letting you go. Things may go up and down at times, because you were taking care of us till yesterday and I newly came to your position. But I promise I will stay the course and get you back from the clutches of death." 

Bringing his hand to my lips I kissed his fingers and softly cried. “I know you're listening to me and will always be there for me, boosting my morale whenever I go weak.”

The next morning I woke up with sun rays beaming from the window. My eyes were red and puffy with excessive crying and my feet wouldn't allow me to stand as my body was cramped everywhere sitting motionless beside the bed of my father. But with the willpower of a soldier and a determination in my mind to win my battle by any means I rose to the occasion to meet the doctor who treats my dad. 

I asked him the details of the treatment and the cost of surgery for my father. The police came and asked for my statement. They registered an FIR for imposition of charges on drunk and drive treaty after taking my signatures.

A couple of hours later I got a call from Dr Travis. The man who was responsible for my parent's accident seems to be from an influential family. Dr Travis told me, the family was ready to offer support to my brother and me. Also they would help us with any amount of finances my dad would require for his treatment if I would take back my case.

Going home I told my brother everything about the accident that our parents suffered because of a negligent youth. “Mom is no more Vance.” I hugged him tightly and allowed him to cry till his tears dried out but did not let a drop of water fall from my orbs. I need to be brave for my family and for my brother. I will become the pillar that they badly require to hold on. Going to my room I drop myself to a corner with my legs held up to my chest and weep out irresistibly closing my eyes. 

After some time I dried my tears and evaluated the pros and cons of my actions.

Was I going to set free the family who is responsible for my family's breakdown and all the turmoil in my life for the sake of money?

Or

I fight for the justice of my family, the person because of whom I lost my mom and my father who is fighting the battle of his life?

An hour later I was clear on my decision. I went to the police station and informed the officer, “I'm not going to take back my case. A man's action is the caesium of his parent's upheaval. What kind of parents are they who cannot teach their son the basic principles of life? I lost my mom and my father is in a life and death situation because of his recklessness. I wish his family would suffer the same way as I do for nurturing an unscrupulous person into this world.” I spoke firmly and the officer only nodded accepting my decision.

After filing the FIR, I went to the bank to have a detailed statement about the amount of liquid funds, assets our family holds and how far they will be able to reach for my dad's medical and surgical procedures. After analyzing our financial position, I could comprehend, all our fixed and liquid funds would be written off complying with my dad's treatment including the house we own. 

Dad was supposed to take an insurance policy but suddenly my brother’s outstation basketball tour happened. All of us went with him to encourage him. In the process the insurance policy took a back seat. Neither our parents nor the vehicle dad was driving had insurance. As a result the entire treatment’s expenditure should come from our pockets. If so, how was I going to feed myself and my brother? The only way to keep our heads out of water is to work my butt off telling goodbye to my studies.

The situation was hell frightening but I was resolute to explore light from shallows of darkness. I opened the daily newspaper which held vacancy positions available in the city. One of which caught my attention was the post of an accountant in Clandevis group of Industries. It is a top class firm in the United States. One would consider it lucky to get employed there. I have read about their CEO in a few magazines and daily. He is very cold, arrogant and extremely money minded. But who cares about his personality? If I grab a job there, as long as I am efficient and sincere towards my work, nobody is going to remove me from the job. They are the leaders in cotton textile and consumer products. Now with the profits accumulated they have also diversified their resources to pubs and the hotel industry too.

With positivity I dressed myself in a bright blue long sleeved blouse and black skirt which reached my ankles. I applied a little bit of mascara, eyeshadow to highlight my gray eyes and proceeded to my first step of the challenging adventure. Throughout the journey I thought of my chances to grab the job. Not many... I wasn’t even qualified for the post. The firm requires a post graduate with a minimum of ten years experience and I wouldn't fulfill either of the requirements. My chances of achieving success are grim but if I am lucky the CEO is a liberal pay master. With no doubt I would be able to pull off our family expenses and also be able to complete my graduation.

Half an hour later, I was in front of a stylish looking skyscraper with a big board on top hung in pride, The Clandevis group of Industries. Pushing away all my anxiousness I moved towards the receptionist to tell her the reason why I was there.

She asked me to take a lift and go to the 17th floor and meet Ms Rita. Very soon I came face to face with the CEO of the company Mr Shannon Clandevis. He is charismatic, smart and handsome. An Adonis dressed to kill, his aura radiated dominance, might and power. "You are not even qualified for an interview here." His impolite and ridiculing strong voice penetrated my soul like shards of glass. He was successful in making me pensive in a matter of seconds but I wasn't there to accept defeat.

I revitalize my courage and face the asshole boldly. "Sir, you can ask me any number of questions and I am confident, I will be able to answer them well." I finished the task given to me by the company within no time and reached the hospital to take a note of my dad's health.

Going home I prepare dinner for me and my brother and keep my fingers crossed praying to God to help me with the job. Next afternoon at around 2:00pm, I get a call from an unknown number. "Am I speaking to Ms Mara Benjamin?" 

Fiddling with the pen in my hands where I was working on my dad's medical bills, I gave a feeble affirmative. "Madam, you have been selected for the post of accountant in Clandevis group of Industries. Please be in the head office reception tomorrow morning by 8:30 sharp."

"Yippee!" I hug my brother tight doing a happy dance and finally breathe an air of happiness.