Hopeful Streaks

Chapter 4

As usual, sun made a scene at my place. Only when i woke up I started to think back about what happened last night. Because, when i woke up i found myself sleeping nearby my laptop, hugging it. What the?

But then something clouted my grey matter. I had checked the guy's profile, for umpteenth time in last two days and all that came to my upper story, on seeing his picture and name was his waywardness. But then, his name Ajay seemed to be cloying and aesthetically pleasing when it sounds to be Jay and not Ajay. When i was pronouncing this Aesthetically pleasing sobriquet, all i detected was that never once in the upcoming years, i would be able to proclaim him by that name.

When i was rolling in and out, under my quilt with the rolling thoughts inside my cerebellum, my phone buzzed in its ever charismatic ringtone,"I am no beauty queen, i am just beautiful me... Nananananana nanananaaaaa..."

I swiped the call and put the phone to my ears.

"Hey, Bon-bon! You're popping up at the bistro in ummm... an hour,"

"What for...?", i started

"No talk backs!! I am hanging up.", these were the words uttered, by Deb this morning when i got out of the bed. She disconnected the call, as soon as she delivered the message and there was no time given, for me to analyze the state of affairs. I sighed and got up. I fit myself into a pair of faded blue jeans and slid into the cobalt blue, tunic. I let my hair free and didn't forget to pick up my tote!

I vituperated Deb thoughtfully as i locked my door, and stepped out of the small, flophouse.

I started to walk, towards the bistro, that was about two kilometers from my house. I had always loved walking alone, because that's when everything that bullies me, would die out. I had always felt some pleasure in walking alone.

After that tranquilizing parade, i reached the bistro. Master of course, Cassy rolled out red carpet with her heart melting smile.

"Hey, baby girl!", she chuckled.

"Cassy! Where's that lassie?! She wanted me here in an hour...", i shouted and Cassy interrupted,"Alex is here!", she whispered.

What! Math is here? This girl is going crazy!!

"Why is Math here?" I whispered to Cassy.

She twisted her mouth gesturing that he doesn't know. I made a poker face and Deb cracked in there and screamed,"Bon-bon!! Math is here!!come!!"

"Why did you ask me to butt in? To meet Math?",i asked holding her elbows arrestingly.

"Yes! He wanted to meet me. And he buzzed in, surprisedly. Just like that, it would be nice meet up ! That's the reason behind why i called you!!", she said shyly.

"But why?", i freaked out!

"What's wrong, now? Math and I wanted to meet you! Come on!", she held my arms and led me in.

On striding in, my eyes caught up with a man, who was well-built and manly. Each and every sign was clear cut and categorical that he was Alex Mathews. Deb, beamed at him on entering the lounge.

"Math, Bon-bon is here!!", she chuckled at him and looking my face and his face consecutively for at least ten times in dumbfoundment .

Immediately, Math's face tasseled out in good cheer. I smiled too, on seeing him. Cassy, had to make a pause at the reception, considering the number of customers. "Hi, Mitha!", He cackled.

"Math!!", i chuckled and extended my hand for a handshake.

I grabbed a chair, nearby Deb and she made her seat opposite to Math. "Hope you're okay now. ", Math dilated his eyes and smiled.

"Much better!!", i smiled back.

"Math, Bon-bon is gonna work for Ajay! You know?", Deb winked at us.

Deb, i am gonna X-out you!! For some reason, i felt too embarrassed whenever, whoever talked about my compact with Ajay.

"So, How was your interview with Ajay?", he chortled. Well, it was really a s**t!! Only, i knew what happened on that day and how laborious it was, to hold sway my screwed hormones from ritualizing his smartness and panache. It was problematic to draw a conclusion on what was happening to me. I, myself was not sure about what did i feel about the guy!

"It was good !", i lied clearly. I didn't know if my expressions shouted out that i lied, but the next moment Math said,"Seriously? Was it good?" and laughed. I turned to look at Deb, and i spoke ,"Ermm.. It was .. Uh . Good ! Kind of good !",i faked out a smile.

"The thing is your friend didn't bother to reveal any of the details about the chore other than that it is for his sister!", i said and tried to divert the subject.

"If that is an issue, you will be knowing everything by tomorrow!." He chortled.

"Hmmm!", i raised my brows.

"Also I don't really have any idea about why he wants me to sign in an agreement for this. I don't really know!!", i stressed out.

"The reason is that you shouldn't be leaving this

in half way. You will be facing issues from media.  Actually few of his personal assistants resigned their jobs because of this. He would kill me if he comes to know that i had revealed the reason to you. But that's the reason. I wonder how still I and Debbie, didn't face up with any of those issues when we are together ."he said and i wondered inwardly.

Great!! So, Woking to a big wig includes this too.

The space around me was filled with all unwanted emotions. I badly wanted to ask about Jay! Ok, cut the word! It's only Ajay, and not jay!!

And that's when, Deb came back with three cups of coffee, Whilst I and Math were distressingly discussing about Ajay.

"I can't deny the fact that he is kind of stubborn. But you know, life changes people. Pain and hurt and everything!!", he initiated emotionally. I have no idea about why did he explain about Ajay to me, as if i was going to marry him or something.

"Oh! What about Jay's.. Uhmm.. Ajay's parents ?", i bit my tongue and wanted to twinge myself for saying the sobriquet loudly.

"He is not with his parents currently !" He just one lined and I decided not to exasperate him on this matter, any more. Three of us had a neat, buddy-buddy chat for sometime. Mathews, was  indistinguishable from what Deb portrayed.

He then revealed few more bottom lines about Ajay like he had become a monk like person and more of a standoffish kind. Though, the dilemma was superfluous, the fact that the lecture about Ajay, induced my inner monster was much right. Soon after a cup of coffee, Math decided walk out.

"So!", i sighed to Deb.

"So?", she raised her brows .

"I am stepping out.", i said and smiled at her .

"And it was really nice to meet Math and you. I really had a great time, after days!", i said and Cassy barged in to the lounge.

"You're going back to home ?", Deb asked soothing my back.

"Yes. I have to go back and wash my clothes and i have stuff to do at home. I am supposed to go, sign in the documents tomorrow at The Éclat mansion, remember?", i asked , arching my brows.

"Yeah!",she chuckled .

"So, you're going to earn your first employment? Eh ?", Cassy chortled.

"Yes,Cassy! But you know what? This is going to be a little complicated!", i said twisting my lips.

"Complicated?" Deb, echoed as soon as i stopped talking,

"Yes! A fouled up one, while my life is already a f****d up one is an understatement here!", i said annoyedly,

"Oh, come on! What complication is up in here ?", Deb asked .

"Just think, Deb. The sick one there is in coma. She is in slumber that she could regain her conscious, at any time.. And then my job is done. I will be thrown out of the thing, and again i have to climb buildings to get an employment."i said shrugging my shoulders.

"No!", Cassy said in an unruffled manner.

"Huh?", i narrowed my eyes.

"Yes! Life is easy...", Cassy said.

"..And that's why we complicate it!", Deb ended it and smiled at me. I rolled my eyes, as it took few minutes to apprehend that even Deb, said that life was easy for her.

"I get that,Cassy! You know, i get pissed off easily, these days!", i sighed .

"Cheer up, Baby girl!! It's going to be your job!", she said patting my shoulders and i smiled lucidly.

"Even after pursuing my duty, i will be coming to

both of you whenever i feel low!", i smiled at them.

"You're always welcome!", Cassy said.

"Hmm-hmm!", Deb smiled too.

"Okay, ladies! I am leaving!! Bye! And thanks for the coffee, Cassy!", i shouted out and moved out of the bistro.

I walked back home and rest of the day was spent peacefully. The next day when the time was about thirty to five, I spruced up myself in a decent pair of jeans and cowl neck tunic. I locked my house and hired an auto rickshaw to Éclat mansion, that was some twenty minutes away from home. I paid off the auto, on reaching the mansion. I also didn't forget to text Deb that i had started from home. It took few minutes to get out of the admiration that the building gave me. It was a great, gigantic mansion. With my jaw dropped down to the floor, i neared the majestic gate that stood in front of the villa.

I wondered, why on the earth should this guy have a big villa for only two people living in it. I rolled my eyes and proceeded in. The doorman stopped me right there.

"I am here to meet Mr. Rish. I have my appointment fixed with him at five'O clock.", i smiled at him.

"But madam, He doesn't meet any of the office people at home. And he never comes home during this time."

"In case if i am wrong, you can check this with your boss or his secretary. But i have to meet him today at his mansion. This is Éclat mansion, right?", I narrowed my gaze.

"The details are right but still.. Hold on for a second." he said and dialed someone's number on his phone and enquired about my appointment with Ajay and his arrival. Finally, when he was satisfied with the listened replies, he let me in and insisted me to wait at the waiting hall. On my way in, my phone buzzed on getting a reply text from Deb.

"Okay! Don't vanish into slumber on seeing him ;) XX -D "

What? Vanish ! Into slumber ? This girl is mad.

The beauty of the villa, kept my intellect preoccupied, which made things easier for me. I was asked to wait, in his meeting room, all alone.

Soon when the time was about five to five, a tall man, in his formals came towards me with a charming smile.

"Ms. Mitha Krishnan?", he asked

"Yes. I am !", i smiled at him.

"Mr.Ajay is here, already. Please follow me.", he said and smiled. All of his activities were clearly shouting out that he was Ajay's PA. Also, I didn't bother to ask who he was.

I stood up from the magnificent black leather couch and followed this so-called PA.

He ushered me to the living room of the majestic villa, which was taking my breathe away. The whole of the villa was threatening me with its lavishness. Yes, i was admonished by all those. I felt like i was about to go dizzy. I gasped heavily and i felt a little giddy. All of me was just thinking if how could a man, own so much of money!!

All these calamities inside me, became much more when Ajay appeared in front of me. As usual, he was hot with his messy ruffled hair, undone tie, the coat that flung over the couch. His    pulled up cuff buttons brought out the tattoo that he had on his right hand. I could hardly see the tattoo, which read Dum spiro, spero. Oh, wow!!

Though, i knew that I shouldn't be checking him out shamelessly like this, I didn't care of being caught by him. I didn't really care.

Once, on finishing my espying session i went up to his eyes, that were on its dark shades. Something about those eyes wasn't perfect. His eyes weren't cheerful. I held back myself from being hypnotized by his gaze, however it was really very difficult.

"Hello Mr. Rish!!", i smiled on seeing him. Finally, i decided to break the awkward silence that was really awkward due to the check out session.

He cleared his throat and raised his brows and pointed out a seat opposite to him and said,"You may take your seat!". On pronouncing these words, he leaned back on the sofa and installed one of his legs on the other, whilst i crashed down on the couch. Being not able to withstand his gaze on me, I didn't know what was happening. Those eyes were different from every other thing that i have seen in this world. He had the most purest eyes, which was undeniably dark and shiny. Yet, he was not happy and contented which was clearly expressed by his eyes and the dark circles under them.

"So, you're here to sign in the documents! Right? ", his voice gave a s**t and my apprehension was brought back to the place.

"Yes. Also to give a brief look at the sick one!", i smiled.

"Let's see if you're given a chance to look at the sick one!", he said to me and turned back to his PA and ordered," Karthik, Please bring those written communication, on Divya's thing!"

"In a minute, Sir!", Karthik bowed !

After a pause for two minutes in everything amongst the three people there, Karthik came back with a few credentials and waived it to Ajay. Ajay, neatly seized those papers and held it in front of me asking me to go through the stuff. I got those papers and started to read the document throughly.

Those were more like an agreement stating that I shouldn't be leaving the work in half way, until the victim is perfectly okay. The agreement was really very genuine without flaws. In whatever way, something inside me, specifically called the instinct gave the high sign, on signing those papers. I paid no attention to that inner voice, that had been screaming and squealing inside my head. I took my pen and authorized the documents by subscribing them. I, Mitha Krishnan is now the personal doctor of Ajay, the everything of Éclat empire!

Pride surrounded me. I sensed that slightly felt self-admiration, self-confidence, self-love and all those self stuff.

"So, you can move in by tomorrow!", he voiced with his eyes on those papers. As i came back from all those stupid self-stuff, i looked at him sincerely and nodded my head.

"You may now go and see the sick one, if you wish, My driver Joy will be stopping at your home, tomorrow to pick you up!", he spoke heedlessly,

"I..", i started and he continued,"Is that all clear?", he raised his brows.

"I am clear but what's that tomorrow thing? I can come on my own. No need of conveyance!", i hesitated.

"If i ask if it is clear, it all means that it is over and we're not talking about it again! No negotiations at all!", he said looking at me firmly.

"Okay, Mr. Ajay!", i sighed .

What's he? A hellion? Strait-laced wise guy! Witty negotiator! And all the above a sorcerer! Hmpf!!

"Now, May I know where can I see the patient?", i asked in my lowest tone.

He nodded his head slightly and turned towards Karthik, and spoke,"Karthik! Take her to Divya's room and let her read the case history and observe her!", he insisted and Karthik replied immediately,"Sure sir!"

"Madam, please follow me.", he said and i excused myself from Ajay's gaze and crawled behind Karthik.

I cleared my throat, and he turned to me with a smile. "You don't have to madam me. I am a fellow staff! Just Mitha is fine!", i said to him.

His smile grew more and he spoke,"But i am not allowed to do that! You know? We're asked to madam you!", he said slyly.

What? Asked to address me by that name! Sounds cryptic!!

"Why so!", i raised my brows to him.

"God knows! And Ajay sir knows !"He twisted his lips. I let out a chuckle and followed him, through the corridors of the mansion.

"I guess, i will need a route map, to sort out things inside this house!", i said being in the adoration of the bungalow.

"You'll get used to this, madam!", he said.

For some reason, i felt really awkward when someone called me like this!

Finally, on reaching a room, The PA guy led me inside and the sight of a girl, lying in the bed with few medical equipments surrounding her, came into my sight.

"Feel free to be here!", he said on giving me few files and exited immediately. I neared the cot, where the girl was sleeping, deep in her slumber. She looked so cute, flawless and innocent. A genuine, dry smile got stuck to my face on espying her. Accidents, redesign lives! My dad died in an accident, whilst a girl here is tugging to get back her conscience. How villainous this fate is !!

I cursed my fate and her fate, and i restrained myself from being emotional. I sat beside her and examined her deeply. She had a scar, above her perfectly thick pair of eye brows. Her nose was a duplicate of Ajay's and her lips were so small. She must be probably, doing her second or third year in the college! I flipped her case book to know her age, as my eyes scratched the page i got to know that she was twenty years old. A kid!

I then grabbed a chair, behind her and examined and studied her reports. Reports read that she was a d**g addict, and she bumped against someone while driving after consuming drugs. Sounds, so abnormal! She doesn't appear like a d**g addict. I spent few more minutes, scrutinizing the case history and observing her. She looked so naive, with her eyes shut, in a tranced state. I neared her and ran my hands through her hair, that was really soft. "Hello, little girl! I am you doctor!!", my voice toned down.

On the dot, my lips twitched into a plain, weary smile. She looked so peaceful in her slumber. "I know you will not talk back now, but soon you'll", i talked again and patted her cheeks gently. "It's time for me to take a leave now. We have much more to talk.", i said and got down from my chair and placed the papers on the desk. I decided to walk out and reached the hall way, where I found Jay, sitting in the same position with his long fingers, expertly flipping through few papers of some official file, with his PA nearby. I neared them, and distracted him from his work, by my footsteps that was aural due to the sandals that i wore on that day. He chinned up, and the probity of his eyes were flying high.

"So, Mr. Rish, i am leaving now. I studied her file. Don't worry, she'll get back to normal soon. Also, as you said, i will be moving in by tomorrow. Is that the final decision? I mean, is it okay for you?", i asked narrowing my eyes in a soft way, not like him; in a graceless wont.

"As i said and you assured, that's the conclusive decision. Be ready with your things at eleven a.m tomorrow. Joy will come and pick you up!!", he said and handed over his file to Karthik.

"Okay, then!! I am leaving now!", i said squandering a dry smile.

"Okay!!", he said as the intensity in eyes became much more.

I simply nodded my head, in slow motion which actually means here that i lost myself to that guy's gestures and words. 'Okay!!', i murmured to myself acting like him, as i stepped out of the hall with a smile glued to my face.

I reached home and called my house owner and declared him that i will be returning the keys to him, by tomorrow inclusive of the rent amount, that's been in pending since three ~ four months. Fortunately, the money that i made through my father's account closure aided at that time. I handed over the money to him and informed that i will be moving out by next day noon. He nodded positively, and i came back home in sometime. I decided to inform Deb, about vacating my house. I called her and she picked up the phone, after sometime.

"Deb!!", i chortled.

"Hey, Bon bon!!"

"Deb, Are you busy?", i asked being doubtful because she sounded so.

"Bon bon...hmm.. Kind of busy ! I am out with Math!!", she said shyly.

"Ah huh? Enjoying eh? Okay okay! Call me back when you find time!!", i chuckled.

"Will definitely do Bon bon! Something important?"

"Uhmm... Nothing more important than Math!! Okay? Bye!!", i said.

"You're so understanding Bon bon!! Thank you!!"

"Enough! You duckling!! Go, spend some time with your love! Bye!!", i said and disconnected the call.

I decided to finish my dinner, with three bread slices and salted butter. I also gulped off a glass of plain milk. I dived into my small, yet comfortable bed that had two cushions, which soothed me to sleep everyday. As i started to ruminate, what had happened since Ajay came into my life, I couldn't help the thought that he had become my secret crush.

When i lost myself into his eyes, that morning all that came to my head were Math's words about Ajay, that he was a loner, he was hurt and his pain changed him. Though, I don't really know what was his pain and grief, his eyes were really transparent that i was clearly able to discover that he had something hidden, deep in his heart. Some mystery!! Anyhow, i knew that I wouldn't be able to help him, with his grief. With all these, thoughts surrounding me i drifted off to sleep.

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