Chapter 10 | Her
It has already been twelve days since my leave application, and I’m still waiting for a lead to take over and approve it. The leave has already been granted by the manager, but it still needs my team lead’s approval.
The energy level in our team’s office has drastically gone down since the demise of our ex-boss. As for me, I have been recovering from the trauma this entire thing has had on me.
Thankfully, I still have Jess by my side. She has been my constant support and comfort. Best part about her is that I can trust her with my worst secrets. In fact, we’ve grown so close in the past days, I sometimes wonder if she’s becoming Apeksha 2.0.
When office resumed after Veer’s death, Aniket almost succeeded in creating a huge scene about me being responsible for it, and my intrusive thoughts kind of agreed to the notion. The entire office staff was staring at the commotion he created. All I wanted was to vanish right at the moment when it got out of control. Who would have known our terms would rot in hell because of one deceased asshole.
He even stooped to the point of insulting my character like I was the one approaching his dead beloved inappropriately. And I wished I could confess what went down that night, but I preferred to keep my lips shut tight.
You should only speak when you know people want to hear you speak. Not when they are either unwilling to understand or even consider your side of the story; or are solely interested to catch an office gossip.
But Jess went on to defend me by making up a story where I was sick and had to be rushed home early. Honestly, I couldn’t believe my eyes the way she lied effortlessly. I’m learning so many new things about her these days. Wouldn’t be wrong if I said I am actively trying to change myself and be more carefree like her.
But then I don’t know why guilt seems to be an underlying feeling with almost everything I say or do.
I found the courage to somewhat describe my current ongoings to her. The forbidden ongoings to be specific. She did not approve of my plan of jumping into an engagement for an arranged marriage, and in fact went on to explain how I should date the guy from my society; P.S. she seems genuinely attracted to my description of Nakul.
“Babe, can you stop daydreaming right here in this fucking cubicle.” Jess appears from nowhere, startling me.
I suck in sharply before stabilizing my breath and turning to answer her, “Goodness! I’ll literally die of a heart attack if you keep appearing out of nowhere, Jess.”
She chortles, speaking between her laughs, “Sorry. Did not know you’re such a pussy.”
I nudge at her as she continues, “Hey, would it be wrong if I say it reminded me of the guy you were talking about... Did you ask him for a social network id? We could look him up online.”
I pull out my knowing smile, “Will you stop asking me that question? I told you; he wouldn’t tell me. I’ve tried so many times.” Typing back on my computer, I continue acting as nonchalant as possible, “Plus, I haven’t seen him in a while.”
“Did you try texting him or not?”
I don’t know what spiked her interest in Nakul, but sometimes I feel like she could date him if she wasn’t shipping us.
She shakes her head before getting a hold of my hand and giving it soft squeeze, “Don’t act ignorant if you’re anywhere close to taking an interest in him.”
“I did, he’s not returning my texts or calls. And just so as to remind you I intend to wear an engagement ring when I return back here, so guess what? I can’t and won’t take interest in anybody for a long time now.” Even if I want to.
She seems to have stirred something in me and I can’t lie to myself but Nakul has been quite an interesting guy; suitable even. But I can’t screw up my plan now. Everything is streamlined.
“He may not be in town, who knows.” She shrugs, “Don’t deny that you like him. At least do that favor to yourself. Take charge... Self-admission over destiny, sweetie.”
My only response is an open-mouthed self-introspection. Expressionless with a heaving chest, ready to give in to the feelings that I have tried enough to suppress.
“Anyways I have news, our new team lead is supposed to join today. Might have joined already. I saw a newbie walk in the front office.”
She’s interrupted by a sweet but unfamiliar voice from across the hall. On the doorway of our team’s office stands a woman; her eyes scanning the surroundings sharply, judging everybody present.
About everyone freezes at her gaze, “Attention! Everyone.” The strong Slavic accent unmistakably evident.
There’s something extremely odd about her. Cold and strong, but not in a dark way. Completely in contradiction with her appearance, which is gentle and calming in a mysterious way.
“Do I have our attention?” She calls out again, pulling in the last of the busy bees, “Good, thank you!”
She scans every face nonchalantly, but something sparks n her eyes the moment she sees me. But then she shakes it off and continues. What was that about?
“Good morning, everyone. I’m Anya – your new manager.” Raising one single hand to silence the stir, she continues. “I’m here to inform you all about the management changes. I’ve sent a copy of the new management and a few interventions that we are incorporating in our department. Please check your mailboxes and get back to me in case of doubts.”
But what about our new team lead or whenever are they going to be recruited... And what about my leave application?
I rush behind her when she finishes and starts on her way out. “Excuse me, ma’am.”
“Don’t call me that,” Her voice maybe sweet but her eyes are another story, “Call me Anya.”
“Hello – umm – Anya... Actually, I wanted to –”
“Have we met before? I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere.” Her brows furrow ever so lightly at the last of words.
She’s trying to remember nothing. We haven’t met, I’m certainly meeting her for the first time.
“I don’t think we’ve met ma’am... I mean Anya.” I revert politely. She’s still studying my face trying her memory.
“Actually, I wanted to know about my leave status after the changes. The previous manager had already approved and...”
“Nothing will change regarding those. Let your team lead join, he’ll guide you through.” She speaks before I can finish. There’s something about female bosses that feels so insulting.
“Okay, Thank you!” But then, she’s studying my face again.
“Are you sure we haven’t met before?”
I don’t know how to answer that without sounding rude but then she cuts in before I could think of something.
“Anyways, it was nice meeting you – Disha? If I am not mistaken.”
“Yeah. How do you know –”
She retorts again, cutting in my question, “Uh-umm don’t worry about your leave. It’s in process.” After a few skeptical glances while exiting, she disappears from the work floor completely.
When I return to my cubicle to read over the mail, I find one new unread mail waiting for me.
Your leave has been approved.
My leave has been granted. So quick. Great going, Disha!