Girl Friday

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 23

Anjali

Throughout the cab ride from Arav’s studio to Malhotra Head Office I was lost in thoughts. I don’t know what affects me more Arav interfering in my interview making my skills questionable or his father accusing me of compromising with Arav for his favours. One thing that can greatly distress and disgrace a woman is when someone says she has got all what she has only because that she is a woman. Women fight as much as men to reach high heights in fact they fight more. Men like Varun have only one weapon to fight against all women, tarnishing their character. How cruel can he be? Today it is just him talking, what if the rumour spreads and the whole office starts to question my morality? That will be extremely heartbreaking. That is why I have decided to move on from a place and people with no respect for me, my talent and esteem. 

Nadiya was surprised reading the quick mail I forwarded regarding my resignation before confronting Arav. Only that could have explained series of messages she sent asking me to meet her personally. However, when I reached office, instead of Nadiya’s cabin I was led to Rohan Malhotra’s cabin.

Rohan, who was busy looking at a file, closed it immediately seeing me walk inside his cabin after a knock.

“Oh! I was waiting for you Anjali.” he said. “Come on, take your seat.”

I sat in the chair in front of him all the while not letting him meet my eyes, because I didn’t want him to know I have been crying.

“All good?” he asked

“Yeah, very good.” I said trying to sound casual

“Anjali, look at me.” He said. When I didn’t oblige, he used the tone of not the feared businessman Rohan Malhotra but an elder brother Rohan who I am used to seeing. “Anjali.” he called

I sniffed back the tear and looked at him.

“What happened, Anjali?” he asked

I didn’t know if I could tell him. Does he know already? If he didn’t, will he judge me like Varun Malhotra judged for being helped by Arav? But Rohan isn’t that bad, is he? Nevertheless, I confessed what has been eating me up.

“Did you know Arav put in a word for me to get the job?” I asked

From his voice or face I was not able to guess if he knew this already, so I continued speaking. As I ended with mention of my conversation with Arav in the morning, Rohan hasn’t spoken even a word nor did his face give away anything.

“Is it because dad said those hurtful words or because you think you don’t deserve this job?” he asked.

Two of my predicaments, put in simple words. He is best businessman for a reason. Just with my few words he understood what I was thinking.

“Both or neither.” I said shaking my head. “It is difficult. You won’t understand.” I said

“Make me.” He said.” Make me understand your perspective.”

“I...” I began. “I think I don’t deserve this. Neither the recommendation nor the humiliation. All this is complicating my simple life. All I wanted was to do a job that satisfies me and be happy.”

“Only happiness is not what life is about, Anjali.” he said.”Especially in a corporate world you tend to face even worse. You have to stay strong.”

“I know. I understand the repercussions involved. But, I guess I am not ready for all this yet.”

“You can never be ready, Anjali. You just grow with it.”

“I can’t work in a place where I have reached not because of my talent because someone has put in a word for me. What if everyone starts thinking about me the same way Mr.Malhotra thinks?”

“At the end of the day, what will really matter is your talent, your achievement.”

“What if they start saying my achievement is only because I am close to the boss?”

“Are you not willing to take the chance?” he asked

“I don’t think I want to.”

Rohan leaned back on his chair with a sigh. He pulled out his phone and asked, “Is it okay if I call my brother?”

I was about to protest. Arav being here will not change my decision in any way. However, he hasn’t done anything with wrong intention. He wanted only my good. For what all he has done for me and been for me, he deserves reasons from me for doing this. So, I nodded.

I was as surprised as Rohan to learn that Arav was in office. Within couple of minutes, the door opened and visibly annoyed Arav walked inside. Surely, his annoyance cannot be because of me, right?

A minute of silence passed without anyone of us speaking. I kept fidgeting the strap of my bag not looking at either of the Malhotra brothers.

“Okay.” Stated Rohan in an uncomfortable tone. “Arav, Anjali wants...”

“She can do whatever she wants.” Said Arav even before Rohan could complete his sentence.

I looked at him surprised. I wouldn’t have changed my decision even if Arav had requested. But, to see him give up easily confused me. Rohan was taken aback by it as well for he looked between me and his brother frowning.

“Okay.” said Rohan with a nod. “Will talk with Nadiya and tell her to proceed with your termination.” He said and I nodded. “Anyway, it was good working with you, Anjali. It is a shame we have to lose a talented employee like you.” He said in a very business like tone. I again nodded.

I stood up mumbling a thank you. When I was walking out of Rohan’s cabin, I looked at Arav through the corner of my eyes to catch his reaction. But, he was just sitting there with no movement or expression that could give away his thoughts. Why is it bothering me?

BONUS

Phone Conversation between Yash and Anjali

“Why did you quit Anji?”

“I have my reasons, Yash. Can we please not talk about it?”

“Okay, no problem. So, what are your plans now?”

“Well, I am going to make Paneer paratha and vegetable pulao for dinner.”

“I didn’t mean now as in this now. But, anyways good to know you are making my favourite.”

“Rishab is coming. You want to join?”

“Of course, anytime ready to taste your awesome cooking. Dessert on me, okay? ”

“Cool. Don’t forget...

“Chocolate brownie. I know, I know. It is your favourite.”

“Good. See ya then. Bye.”

“Bye.”

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