After few days
Arushi
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"Amma I got the call letter, but I have to go to Mumbai for the job" I told her sadly. If I go to Mumbai, this means I have to live without my mom, which is so difficult for me.
When my father was murdered, none of our family members supported us. Hence, my mom cut all the ties with my family members, and she started working as a teacher at a school to support us. She still works there.
"Chinnu you have to go to new places, and you should come out of your comfort zone." she smiled, holding my hand; no warmth can match a mother's touch.
"Ille amma(no mom), I don't want to go there leaving you here alone!!" I told her keeping my head on her lap, voice full of sadness.
"You have to go Chinnu, then you will only know about our surrounding. My Chinnu is a brave girl. She can live in any place, right na," she said caressing my head, and I nodded my head closing my eyes feeling my mom's warmth.
"Ok I will go," I told her, and she kissed my forehead. She kept caressing my hair, and I slept in her lap.
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Staring at the azure sky, with tears brimming in my heart, I felt my heart sinking. Leaving amma was the hardest task I have done in my entire life, but if I stayed I would disappoint her. She wants me to fall in mistakes and learn and become stronger. This is the will of every mother to see their own child a successful one.
Some passengers were getting down while others were getting in. Everyone was in a rush as if they were racing with the wind. In this great rush, children clung to their parents. Through the hustle and bustle, coolies were carrying a bundle of luggage on their heads.
Luckily, I settled down near by a window. I couldn't resist the tears that have been flowing on my cheeks. Heart drumming as fast as a lightning, it was time for the train to depart. Waving the green flag, the engine whistled, the train began to move. "That was it" I thought. My journey has started. Mumbai, here I come.
I don't want to leave my amma there alone. I can't live without her, but I have to accept this job. This is a great opportunity. This is so important for me, and after few months, I will tell my mom to shift to Mumbai, so that we can live happily there. This is the plan!!
We can't afford a plane ticket, so I have to go through train.
After 30 hours which seemed like 30 days, I finally reached my destination. Preethi's uncle lives in Mumbai, and he has helped me in finding a small house for rent.
Stepping down the train, I spot my name written on a white card with big letters.
"Hi, Uncle!" I smiled warmly at him. He had a father figure. This seemed a strange feeling since I never had a father figure in my life. My mom played both roles. She is an iron lady for that!
He has grey hair and his eyes showed nothing but sincerity. "Welcome to Mumbai," he shook my arm. "It is indeed a long journey. Let me take you to your new house." He guided me outside the railway station. There was a bit of traffic, but I never noticed the time since Preethi's uncle was a good storyteller. He made me laugh a couple of times which helped me quite a bit.
"So this is the house," he said, giving me the keys.
"Thanks uncle," I told him.
"You'll get use to the place in no time. Don't hesitate to contact me at any time. Take care dear child." He assured.
I nodded my head.
I open the door while uncle left. Walking inside, I didn't have a peculiar feeling. This is a good sign. It's a small cozy house, and I love it. There are some necessary furniture like a bed, a TV stand, and some kitchen grocery.
Instanly, I dialed mom's number.
"Hello!!" Amma's voice sounded unsteady.
"Hey, amma I just arrived to Mumbai. Are you alright?" I asked her.
"Hi, honey. Everything is fine. I was just eagerly waiting for your call. I ran to grab the phone." She giggled.
"Hahha.. You were never the athletic type. You know mom. You should go to the gym, consider it." I joked.
"Yeah right!! Mocking your amma now, are we? Hahah!! You must be exhausted. Rest now and stay safe. It is a new beginning. All will be good." I can tell that she was smiling while saying these soothing words.
"Okay amma, I love you so much!! Stay safe too"
"I love you too!" She hung up the phone first. I bet she was busy correcting. She is a workaholic.
With wobbly legs, I walked to the bedroom. Immediately, I collapsed on bed. It was hell of a long nap. I didn't wake up until the next day.
**************************
I was full of stamina after waking up early in the morning. I wore some comfortable clothes. I was ready for the day.
I reached my destination without becoming lost.
"Hi I am the new PA, so can you please tell me where I should report," I asked the receptionist lady who was staring at me as if I am her worse enemy. Glaring at me, she looked me from head to toe. Wassup with her?! Weird much!!
Finally, she opened her mouth while chewing a bubble gum, she mumbled, "Go right and take a left then straight."
I thanked her, but she didn't bother to reply and continued doing her work.
I walked in the wide corridors, following bubble gum's instructions.
I was about to knock the door, but I heard some sounds from inside. I knocked again and again, but no one answered me. I was running out of patience. So unprofessional, is this an office or what?!
I burst into the room. It wasn't the best move, but I discover this later.
"Excu-" I didn't have the ability to continue my sentence. I was busy picking up my jaw.
To my embarrassment, horror of the scene, I turned my back to what I poisoned my eyes at viewing. Closing my eyes shut with my hands, I was cursing myself for not waiting as any normal employee.
A man and a woman were literally eating their faces. Don't let me tell you about the position of their hands! It will poison my blood.
"Who the hell are you?" The girl yelled.
"Baby, you go, I will handle her!" His deep husky voice was enough to scare the devils in hell. I peeped through my fingers. I saw long legs retreating figure while her red high heels click-clack down the corridor, tormenting what was left from this chaotic situation.
"You, turn this side," He barked. I gulped.
Willingly, I turned. I had a dry throat and staring at him, my eyes became wide in shock. Standing in front of me was the same disgusting person whom I saved from that accident.
"What are you doing here?" He frowned, ready to murder me.
"Huh?! No, why are you here?"
He smirked.
"I am asking the questions. What are you doing in this office? What the hell are you doing here" I shouted, remembering his arrogant behavior from the past.
"This is my company darling!" he said coming towards me. A bullet has just entered into my life. God, I am ready, take me!
Ayyoo kaduvale (oh God), why are you doing this to me. I asked you not to make me meet him ever again, but you didn't listen to me.
"What are you deep thinking about, darling?" I never noticed when he was standing close to me with an evil grin on his face.
"I....I came here to w-work ... as a PA," I stuttered, stepping back.
"Oh, what a pleasant surprise! I didn't know that you were my PA." He folded his arms. He bends near my ear, making me shiver, "As I said, we met again darling!" I step a couple of steps backward, but was forced to stop; I was leaning on the wall. I could see his dark eyes that were enjoying my current situation.
"So darling, what's your name?" he asked me caging me.
"A.... arushi," I stammer.
"Nice name darling. As you are my PA now, you will have some duties," he said, and I nodded.
"First, you will make coffee for me, and then you will tell me my schedule. You should remind me of meetings, and you should be with me wherever I go. Am I clear?" he said in a commanding tone and I nodded my head.
"Words?" he said dangerously.
"Y... yes," I utter fast.
"Your office will be next to mine," he said and walked away. I took a deep breath.
"This is your office," he said, showing me a black desk next to him, no not a separate room, but it's inside his enormous office only separated by a glass door. That means I have to see him daily.
Ayyooo kaduvale (oh God).
I walked into my zone and looked at it. It's all black in color, which I hate the most. Come on, there are so many colors, and he choose this one. He is a person with a black heart.
"Darling," I jolted in my place, listening to him.
"You check the work that the previous PA left here" he pointed at the apple mac laptop.
"Ok sir," I told him.
"Darling," he called me again.
This made a vein pop in my head.
"Sir my name is Arushi, not darling. I think I already told you my name," I snapped.
"Ohoooo feisty much I like it," he said with a smirk and left me all alone sulking in despair wondering what was the wrong deed I had committed in my life to deserve such a severe trial.
If this is the first day, then what will happen in the future? Kaduvale (God), don't let me see this...this...arrogant man any more.
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Finally, Arushi has met the person she most hates....Now what will happen...??