Shades of Life

His Anger

Next day, I hid from Varun the whole morning. I stayed in my cabin with Aarav and concentrated on the project work. At times I would look at the elevator praying he won’t walk out of it. Once, Carla came in and I flipped. Aarav was shocked when he saw my reaction. I stared at her like a gawk from when she went to Rahul’s cabin and came out with some files. I heaved a sigh after she entered the elevator.

I smiled apologetically to Aarav and we started working again. He sure thinks I’m nuts but it’s way better than one of Varun’s awkward lecture. When there was still half an hour for lunch, mom called. Usually, she doesn’t call in the day time unless it is some kind of emergency. So when I got her call, I freaked. By that time, Aarav and I had worked more than necessary and we were facing some errors in configuration. So, Aarav told me to take an early break when he saw my face. He told us that we could continue after lunch.

I came out of my cabin and entered the elevator. There is a nice hang out place in the terrace with a café, so I went there. I could talk to her freely over there. I got of the elevator on the terrace and it was beautiful. I fell in love with this roof top café and the view.

I walked up to a bench that was at the end facing the view of the city and made myself comfortable.

Sighing and brazing myself, I called my mom back.

“Hey mumma” I said as soon as she picked.

“Hey Akshu, were you busy? Did I disturb you?” She asked with a concern. She’s the best mom anyone could have. She’s been through so much, still she is my number cheerleader.

“No mumma, I’m free. In few minutes, we will have lunch break” I said smiling listening to her voice. I miss home.

“Okay that’s good. The reason I called you is that Misha is getting married” She said and I got shocked.

“What the hell mumma?” I freaked out.

How the hell can she marry now?

“Even I saw shocked. Her aunty told me. The marriage is fixed after two months. Engagement will be after two weeks” I sat there in trance as I heard my mom’s voice.

“But mumma, she just turned 18. She is so younger then me” I said in just a mere whisper.

“I know dear but you know about her dad right” She said sadly.

I sighed. It’s true. Now I’m not surprised why she agreed to get married so early on. Her dad is I don’t know how to explain. He doesn’t work. He mainly relies on the money he gets from the people who he lent money to. He’s personality is a bit different. He just sits in the corner and just stares. That’s it. That’s what he does all day long. When Misha wanted to pay for her 12th grade, her father went to her college and created a scene in front of all her friends saying stuff like he can’t pay or he doesn’t have a job which embarrassed the hell out of her.

“The guys she is marrying is ready to pay for her further education. He seems like a good guy, at least that’s what deepu said” My mom said calmly. Deepu is one of my aunt and Misha’s closest aunt.

“When situation is like this, we can’t say anything na mumma. We just have to hope for the best and pray that his guy she is marrying treats her right” I said feeling sad and happy at the same time.

She is in her prime age. She still has so many things to discover but getting married is a big deal and a very huge responsibility. At the same time, if the guy is good then I’m happy that she found someone who would take care of her that her father couldn’t do.

“Yeah, I thought she must have told you since you guys are so close. That’s why I called now itself” mom explained herself.

“We are close mom but only when we meet in the functions. I rarely call her nor does she” I explained our equation.

“Okay, can you come to her engagement?” She asked me.

“I don’t think so mom, I just joined the company. I can’t just apply leave and it’s not like Mumbai is beside Bangalore” I said sighing.

“Okay then try and make it to the wedding. I’ll let you know once the date is fixed” She said.

“Okay, I’ll call you tomorrow” I said getting up.

“Fine, go have your lunch. Bye” She said and hung up once I said bye.

Looking at the amazing view of the city, I thought how our lives are so different. I have experienced college life, I have met tons of people and seen the world a lot more than she is and for some reason I feel guilt that she is deprived of these things. There is nothing more I could, let’s see where our life takes us.

I got inside the elevator and pressed food court floor. I leaned back to the wall looking around the elevator. It’s so posh and elegant. I guess I could my parents the place I work in.

I looked at the door as it stopped one floor down. Why is it stopping here? Doesn’t Varun and Carla use the private elevator most of the time. Sure there are 6 elevators on every floor. Must be someone who came here for some work.

The door opened and I stood there in shock as Varun got in.

Uh-hu, I dodged his way the whole morning only to get stuck in an empty elevator with him great.

He pressed parking lot button and stood in front of me to the left. I looked at him, he looked handsome as ever but something felt wrong.

Should I greet him or stay quite or act like I’m busy in my phone?

The last one is my go-to move whenever I’m in an awkward situation, well which is most of the time.

I saw his fist clenched tightly like he is controlling himself.

Is he angry?

No s**t! Sherlock.

My inner self mocked me.

She’s such a drama queen I tell you.

Suddenly his phone started ringing and when he saw the caller name. He started muttering profanities and threw the phone the floor making me gasp in shock.

I moved aside in scare and trying the avoid getting hit by the pieces that got scattered.

“Varun” I exclaimed in shock at his action and when he looked at me, his eyes were red.

All I could do was stare at him with my mouth slightly open.