ARE YOU MINE?

CHAPTER 6. DECIDED FOR DEVIL'S DEN

“No, this is not the beginning of a new chapter in my life; this is the beginning of a new book!"

As for Aradhya, she had not forgotten about the incident. Though she found it hard to find the right words to express gratitude, she tried.

"I am really grateful for what you did today. In times such as these, nobody caters for the other person, " Ardahya divulged.

The man smiled gently and confessed, "Actually, I would have done that for anybody. But, I am glad that you are safe now."

While the man was strictly fixated on driving her off to her apartment, she felt comforted in his company in a manner she had never before. She glared out of the window and observed happy couples ambling the streets entangled in each other's caress. 

She observed the happy girls being protected and cared for by their paramours.

‘The soft torments, the bitter sweets, the pleasing pains, and the agreeable distress' of those girls who had been asked out and won was sort of distressing to witness.  The only question that dwelled in her mind was if she herself was capable of that?' Aaradhya pondered while sitting quietly.  

"So, What are you going to do next?" The man enquired. 

She looked right back inside the car, at his face. Accordingly, she observed his calm stance, beautiful green eyes and a gorgeous frame. She was immediately captivated, but her mind tried reasoning with her. 'That's why you get into trouble, because of the romantic tendencies of your mind.'

Since she was engulfed in her thoughts, she didn't answer him. He, on the other hand, got the impression that she must not want to talk about it, so he decided to not bother her with the same question anymore.

"Hey, we're almost there, " the man reminded her, and her focus was convulsed. 

She shifted her glasses and responded, "Sorry, I was just…. "

"It's okay. Don't sweat it! Take care of yourself, " the man said with a tender smile..

She looked down at her feet and said, "I will and thanks once again… for 'today'. I mean, for accompanying me to the station as well." The man tittered and asserted teasingly, "I hope the next time we meet, you're the one saving me." 

"Yes, I will. Anything for the 'damsel in distress", Aradhya chuckled. 

The man smiled and said charmingly, "Oh! The lady sure knows how to exercise humour."

The tension that had been surrounding Aradhya for days seemed to dwindle while she herself experienced genuine happiness for the first time during this tough week. 

She responded with a smile and said, "Okay, now I should get going as well."

Edward handed over his business card to her and said, "If there's stuff you wish to talk about, then ping me. I'll be there."

Aradhya nodded and began moving in the opposite direction to get to her apartment. She smiled constantly while recollecting all that had transpired in those few moments and stated, "He thought I was funny? Nobody thinks I'm funny. That's really nice of him, I guess."

She unlocked the door and then headed straight to the bathroom. 

The warm shower eased up the tension and washed away all the regrets. While bathing, she looked at herself in the mirror and said, "You are not weak. You are as capable as all those other women you aspire to be." 

After, giving herself the lecture that she required from a mother (who was away in her homeland), she got out of the shower. 

"Never have I ever felt so alone in my life. I should probably call my mother before making arrangements for the new job.”  Aradhya accordingly moved towards her room to grab her phone. She dialled the number and waited for her mother to pick up. Soon, she answered, "Hello Aradhya? I am glad you called. I was planning on calling you myself as well, but I was worried that you might be working."

"That's really sweet, ma. I hope you all are doing well. I called you guys today… as I wanted to talk about something. I lost my job today because of a baseless accusation and it has really been a hard day for me. Though I will find a job soon, it is just disheartening that I would have to leave this city behind, " Aradhya informed the lady and hoped for some  consoling. On the contrary, she didn't receive any response from her. 

Aradhya called out in a soft voice, "Hello? Mamman?"

Her mother put on a deprecating look, and spoke finally, "Sorry, dear. Your sister just came back home after spending a long day at work. Therefore, I was helping her with food and stuff … You were saying?"

Aradhya paused to breathe out and said, "Nothing, I am done. I just wanted to hear your voice. I should get going now "

"That's okay, dear, but please remember to send a small sum of money. The three of us are really in need, " the mother requested. 

'Need? I have seen their profiles on social media. You guys are living the life while I work my ass off even on weekends, ' Aradhya thought but couldn't gather the strength to explain it to her.  She had initially decided to explain the situation she was in, but the idea alone wearied her somehow. 

She didn't say anything but disconnected the call. She then went to lie down on her bed and opened up her laptop. She received several emails. After an hour so, she glanced at her phone’s  screen and realised she had a lot of notification that she needed to take care of. The most prominent ones were the calls from her best friend, Mandy Tevers. She texted the woman, asking about the reason for her messages that stated, 'Call ASAP'. Hence, she thought of calling the woman as she thought Mandy might need her help.

"Hey, where have you been?' Mandy enquired with excitement apparent in her voice.

"Nothing, just trying to sleep, " Aradhya replied. "What about you? Is something the matter?"

"Nothing, I just thought of checking up on you to see if you were doing fine. Is everything alright?" Mandy inferred.

Aradhya’s voice sunken low as she spoke, "Actually, I haven't been doing well. I recently lost my job, and the guy I was dating turned out to be a jerk." 

"That could never happen. You guys looked so good together, " Mandy argued.

Aradhya sighed and explained, "I caught the guy cheating on me. So, I broke up with him. Thats why, he avenged his wounded pride by publishing a rude article on the company's head by using my name and system. Although the company doesn't blame me at the moment, I am still not allowed to work there."

Mandy grinned and said, "This is perfect, hehe."

Aradhya's eyes widened in astonishment as she spoke, "Here I am trying to tell you about my misery, and you are smiling?"

"Could you please realx, dear? I understand you’re in pain, but what I am about to tell you might end up making you smile as well, " Mandy admitted. 

Aradhya furrowed her brows and asked, "What is it?"

"I have vacancies in my company. Come to Sicily. You can work and live with me. We will even have parties on the weekends, " Mandy offered. Aradhya ‘s frown turned into a smiper as she spoke, "Are you sure? I.. I mean I don't wish to burden you or anyone."

"How can that be, silly? Just come here, I will help you settle and work towards a new and better life, " Mandy assured. 

Aradhya said with a sheepish smile, "Since you are my best friend, I might have to apologise as I will be bothering you to receive me from the airport."

Mandy assured her that she will be there to pick her up on time. Thereafter, she cheered Aradhya and both of them got excited over the new life that awaited her in Sicily.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE

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Thank you.