“No.” He cut the shot.
“Why? It is lunchtime already.” I asked again. Somehow, I was enjoying it. I know these questionnaires must be annoying him.
“Hmm, I will in a bit.” And asked, “Did you?”
“Nope, but I will in some time.” I smiled and said,
Again, he said, Hmmm,” and I rolled my eyes.
I was thinking about how to ask him, but then I heard his voice say, “Tell me what is bothering you.”
Hearing him, I smiled, cleared my throat, and said, Hmm, sir, do you remember I asked you about my dream of working?”
Which he again said, “Hmmm.”
“So, I wanted to ask, should I apply for leave or should I mail my resignation and serve my notice period?” I said, Close my eyes tightly.
He did not say anything for some time, and my heart was running crazy, and he spoke, “My Queen, first it’s your life, so you will be deciding what you want to do, not otherwise. However, just because you asked, my answer is, apply for leave for a month.”
Hearing this, tears started flowing from my eyes, and I could not form any words. Though my father has given me the freedom to do as I please, taking permission was always a clause. Today’s one statement made me think about how progressive his thoughts are.
“My Queen, are you there?”
I “hmm.”
I stayed quiet for some time, and then I slowly spoke. “Thank you.”
“For me, your happiness is more important, so next time, do not hesitate to ask me anything. Understand?” He spoke, and his derisive tone did not go unnoticed by me.
Which I again said, “Hmmm.”
“Ok, now I have a meeting. I’ll speak to you later. Take care.” and hang up on me again.
But this time I did not feel bad.
Somehow, this one phone call has changed a few things between us. A satisfactory feeling blooms in my heart as I smile from ear to ear.
Again, I heard a knock on my door and noticed Vi peeking inside. I rolled my eyes. God, this girl is not less than glue.
She came with a bag of sandwiches, kept it on the table, and ordered like a boss, “Spill the beans, princess.” God, she is too bossy sometimes.
I told her some bits and pieces. No way will I tell my private stuff to anyone. And she was grinning like a kid.
I also told her about me and my work after marriage.
“I am so happy for you, Ara Azar seems like an understanding guy, and he will keep you thrilled.” I could see how genuinely happy she was for me.
“I hope I do the same.” Hearing her, I nodded in agreement and told her.
“I doubt about that.” She gives me a fake smile, and I hit her with a pencil. But she catches it, and I huff.
She is annoying as hell.
After finishing my lunch, I wrote a letter to HR and a CC to my branch head.
Seeing my mail, my branch head, Mr. Srinivasan, called me and asked me to come to his cabin. Knocking on the door, I stepped in, hearing his permission. I wished him good afternoon, sir; he looked up, smiled, and said, “Sit Ara.” I take my seat and look at him as he speaks.
Sir: How are you, Ara?
Me: I am good, sir. How are you?
Sir: Good, so I will notice your mail and your leave application.
Me: Yes, sir, I am getting married; hence, I will be needing these leaves.
Sir: Oh, congratulations! Who is the lucky boy?
Me: Before I replied, I heard a knock on his door, and our manager came to inform us about the meeting, and he said he would be there in ten minutes.
Sir: Ara, you know our spring collection is on the way, and still, lots of designers have not submitted their designs. A lot of work is still pending. How will you be able to manage everything? I am just worried.
Me: Sir, don’t worry; I have already made the backup designs and will finish all the work before I go on leave. After I join, I will recheck everything. Moreover, I am available over the phone, and I will keep my eyes on progress, so don’t worry; I will manage everything.
Sir: Ok, then I leave everything on you. But keep me updated about everything.
Me: I nodded in agreement and said, “Sure sir,” and left for my cabin.
Once I reached my cabin, suddenly a thought came into my mind. ‘How will I manage my work? My sire is in estate, and my work is in Stockholm. He said yes to my work, but I did not think about this. Now what to do? I don’t want to stay away from him, but at the same time, I don’t want to leave my dreams as well. God, please help me.’ I look up, and I close my eyes.
I have to talk to him about this soon. I decided that I would again immerse myself in my work.
It is already evening, and work is done for today. I decide to pay a visit to Grandfather and ask for some ideas to get rid of this bodyguard. Gosh, it is so annoying.
I bid goodbye to my colleague and went out, and again, Aiden started following me. And I rolled my eyes and sat in the car. I asked them to take me to my grandfather’s mansion.
In three minutes, we reach there, and I run inside to see Grandfather and Aunt Nina.
The moment I entered, I started shouting, “Aunt Nina, Aunt Nina, where are you?”
Hearing my voice, she came to me and said, “I am here, my queen.”
I gave her a look and said, “My Queen? Aunt Nina, nothing will change between you and me, so please call me Ara only.”
She nodded and said, “Okay, dear, now come let us have tea together, your grandfather is also sitting in the garden. Let’s join him there.”