Fragments of Feeling

CHAPTER FOUR

"I understand that but you'll feel better if you took a break even for just a while. Like you said he wouldn't want you to hurt your legs as he needs you to be intact for more of his hectic work " He sounded really concerned. The girl's refusal wasn't a good thing. She is been overworked, he thought.

"hmmmmm I appreciate your concern but thanks I'm good. I'll go down when I'm done with this.". She said as she clicked the send button on her keyboard and looked up to see who her angel was. She abruptly stood up when she saw it was Jones.

"I'm so sorry..I'm... I never.. Oh my! " She stammered and became speechless. She made a pleading face at him . He knew her battle at the moment. He crimsoned at her expression.

He needed not make her feel more miserable, as such, he smiled at her assuring her he would lock his lips and too he'll have some chocolate chip cookies and a punch brought up for her.

Shikara's spirit screamed at her” you’re doomed, Kara you're a chatterbox. Kara your cover is blown. Kara you'll be fired soon. Kara! kara!! " She slapped her face so hard to awaken herself making her flinch in pain. She started rubbing her cheeks to ease the pain. Slowly she sat back" what's her fate today? Did she just blurt out her attraction? Why did she utter such word seamlessly like that? Ohhh! She clenched her fist to knock herself, remembering the pain on her cheek she unclenched it and dusted an imaginary dirt off her skirt. She thought it was Jake the human resource manager. Jake got to be the manager through the recommendation of Jones' father. He made a name for himself at a young age just like her boss and his friend badging a first class degree in Human resource management at one of the prestigious institution on scholarship. He became friends with Shikara after he mistakenly spilled coffee on her bag just few days on resumption of duty while he was hurrying off to wherever. He made up for it by taking her out for lunch. As time went by they became good friends. Ever since the incident, he never fails to show up at Shikara's desk during lunch either to hoist her with him if need be like situations where she's immersed in lots of work or volunteer to bring up lunch for her seeing the desperate look on her face whenever she's to meet a deadline. He is fun to be with, a good listener and a nice guy. Little show of affections from him brought her lots of envy among her colleagues especially Rara. Rara was so short she imagined which part of her body the envy seeped from. He was another person Shikara feels comfortable with. He always showed up whenever Clare was caught up in work to keep her company while she drank to relieve her stress and pent-up emotions. He knew her plight with her boss. He would drive her back home when she's passed out while drinking. At some point, people began to rumor they might be having an affair.

Her thoughts once again bounced back to the situation on ground, she never expected Jones to show out of nowhere. Whatever he decides to do is his choice after all she can't take back what has been said already can she? She consoled herself with the fact that she isn't the first person to say a thing like that and she wouldn't be the last probably. If Jones' and Rory's friendship were like hers she scoffed, then it'll only be a matter of minutes before the other gets to hear it.

"What a day" She wished the feeling would be mutual.

Few minutes later, Jones brought the lunch for her and took theirs into Rory's office. She could hear whisperings and scuffling behind Jones signaling the end of lunch and the triumphant entry of her colleagues.

"Shikara, are those for you? From Jake or Jones? Which?" Mark from the software department unbelievably asked as he hung his arm over Brenda's shoulders looking from Shikara to Jones who had disappeared into his friend’s office. Something is up between those two, She thought. The same way Mark thought something was up between Jones and herself. She expected that question and a lot more anyway.

"Ahhh...you mean these? Yeah...mmm" she ran her finger over the lunch bag and started to unwrap it.

"Why'll Mr. Jones bring up lunch for you Shikara? Are you now suddenly interested in him too?" Matty stupidly asked. That was the first statement he has made since morning. His wife served him divorce papers last night and he has been bittered up till this morning. Why then is he interested in who brings lunch and who doesn't bring up lunch for her?.

"I think it's Jake you know, I saw him having a cup of coffee with Mr. Jones in the canteen. I believe they are good friends enough for Jake to ask for such little assistance from him. He may have begged Jones to deliver it for him... Moreover for all I believe She's clearly having an affair with him cause that explains that.. Do not include Mr. Jones in your triangle "Shelly added hers jealousy.

" Yesterday was Jake today is Jones or still Jake, whatever" Elle hissed

" Yeah that's true I saw them too. It's very possible Jake delivers lunch to you because he still feels guilty about the other time . He's not someone to be friends with a girl like you. Come on Kara we all know the feeling is pity. Not to talk of Jones, you can't entrap these guys. They're just too classy for a chick like you" She poked Shikara on the head. Shikara grabbed the finger she used in poking her and gave it a very tight squeeze. Ouch!! She writhed in agony and backed away in slow motion to her seat.

They all boggled at her attack. What is their problem? The jealousy from their expressions, attacks and words were just too overwhelming. Their words were so unpleasant and rude.

Without a second thought "At least I have someone who cares enough to bring up lunch for me whether out of pity or affection..." She turned to Shelly " Guess they're all scared of your large ass that's why you've never gotten a stare to talk of a white shining knight from all the guys in this company so far when I say all guys I mean guards on duty and drivers inclusive even the company's Rottweiler refuses to bark at you Shelly why? Because of the planet you're carrying as an asset" she munched on the chips as she carefully picked her words. She closed her eyes to savour the chocolate taste and feel its satisfaction. Jake secretly applauded her. He'd come up bearing lunch for her but Jones beat him to it. He then saw the scene before him and decided to observe.

"Shelly, being a good human I got a recommendation for you. I love you dearly, you know that right? So I put in good words for you to a great friend who's a surgeon majoring in that area and he has promised to set up a date . Be a good girl and don't miss such Godly appointment Ok,"

As if she expected Shelly to thank her, she held up her hand in a stop sign "hold your thanks for now and thank me later" she drank her juice and continued

" Rara darling, Jake can't see you because you're too brief and petite to be seen. How in the world did you see them in the canteen? Were you on high heels? Shikara bent down and looked under her desk to check for herself if Rara was on heels. "Or did you climb the table in the canteen? Hmmmmm! It must have been so tiring for you baby. ""You're relatively small, unbelievably small. Most times one may think you're crawling when actually you're walking. You're just inches away from the ground “She spat out that particular word and it hit Rara like a missile.

"Matty I'm so sorry your wife is filing for a divorce, I guess you're disoriented by that as well. She must have seen something no one else has seen in you. My utmost sincerity" Matty was rendered speechless at the news, he didn't remember sharing it with anyone. How did she know about his divorce? All eyes were on him, he shamefully hid his face with a book in an attempt to escape the embarrassment.

“ Boo I understand being ugly is never a thing a living being should ask for so I get that okay. It's okay for you to display such acts of jealousy and foolishness. I promise I won’t judge you. Not like there is anything good about admonishing you, moreover you never do anything right, so why do I have to bother my beautiful self. Take a chill pill and I promise all will be well” Obviously referring to Elle who fought so hard to hide her anger.