Where there is wind, the trees sway.

The Beginning

Prologue:

I saw her run around the house, screaming in excitement. She got the job. She looked so happy. The happiest I had seen her in months. She'd studied so hard in college. True, hard work does payoff. She'd been so nervous about the interview, but she'd landed the job like I knew she would. I was so proud of her. She was a hard worker, I am certain that she would move up the ranks real fast. Now, I just had to wait for her to get married. I looked across to Bala. Her father was sitting on his chair, reading his newspaper as though nothing had happened, but from the years I'd known him, I knew he was smiling.

***

My boy had somehow managed to get into a university. After completing his B.Sc., he had suddenly told me that he wanted to get a diploma in marketing. He wasn't getting any younger, I wanted him to get married and settle but he wouldn't listen. I wasn't getting any younger either. I wish his father were still alive to guide him. He had lost his life even before Abi had gone to college. I pray everyday hoping that God would lead him in the right direction.

***

Akansha

I reclined on my chair from exhaustion, my office hours were over, but my work was barely done. An unfinished project was on my table. Who would have known that working as a VP would be so tiring. I decided to get myself a cup of coffee and sat facing the glass walls of my office, sipping slowly. I heard a knock on the door and Ms.Geeta, let herself in. She was the senior VP of Finance and I'd just been promoted to VP.

"Why are you still here? You should be heading home, Akansha.", she said.

Ms.Geeta was one of the few people who actually bothered to talk to me in New Delhi, and that does not include my subordinates. They respect the chair more than they respect the person, and I never did feel at home there anyway.

"I was just wrapping up for the day, Ma'am. Just a few chores left.", I replied.

"You always work so hard. You should loosen up and spend time with your family instead."

I smiled in response and returning a smile, she left the room.

As I made my way out, I caught a taxi. I pondered about what Ms.Geeta had said. I had left my family back in my hometown as soon as I was offered a job at the company. It's not like my parents couldn't afford to make it to Delhi, but I had decided that I was better off on my own. I wanted to be independent. I still do.

I was jerked back into reality as the taxi came to a halt near the gate of my house in Shanthi Bagh. I paid my fare, unlocked the house and went straight to the bathroom.

I looked at the mirror. An exhausted girl with a wheatish-complexion stared right back. I really needed a new moisturizer, I thought as I splashed cold water on my skin. After the shower, I made my way to the kitchen to make myself a cup of noodles. My phone rang. It was my mother.

"Did you find a boyfriend yet?", was her first question.

"Seriously mom?", I retorted.

"Ay, you are already 28 years old for god's sake."

My feminist feathers fluttering I started, "Why is it so hard for you to imagine any woman without a man. Maybe she just wants to be self-reliant..."

"Alright, alright, don't give me one of your speeches now. How is my darling daughter?"

"I'm fine. Thanks." I huffed.

"When will you be coming back?"

"Soon, mom."

"Don't forget your boyfri..."

"Mom!"

"Fine. Go to sleep now. Good night darling."

" Bye, Mom. Love you."I said as I cut the call.

I slurped my noodles slowly as I grabbed my laptop, entered my Netflix password and watched the first show on the screen. Soon, I was ready for bed and fell asleep the moment my head hit the pillow.

Author's note:

Since you guys will often encounter a work environment. I just wanted to make sure the office hierarchy in my story clear.

The top position is that of the CEO or the President. Next, the board of directors and then, the Senior Vice presidents and the Vice Presidents (VP) for various departments such as Legal, Finance, Marketing and others. The middle management consists of a General Manager (there is also a regional manager, but I have omitted that designation; the GM acts as both here) who has the hire and fire authority among various others. In the lower management under the GM are the supervisors, Team leaders and the other employees. That's it. Hope you enjoy the story.