Chapter 5
1655 Words
Ananya’s POV
After completing the hectic morning routine of our schedules, the lunch time announcement was made, and we all proceed towards the cafeteria to fill up our bellies with food. I talked to Sakshi on my way till there to get her out of her boring exhausted mood, because I like the chirpy, talkative, and energetic Sakshi more than this dull, exhausted, silent Sakshi
Arun and Varun were waiting for us in the cafeteria
“You weren’t home last night Arun?” I questioned Arun in a soft voice
“Yeah I had a meeting with Sir.” He answered in the same voice as mine his face void of any emotion
“Okay. Anything important he said?” Shaan questioned on hearing
“No nothing important just wanted to speak to Ani.” Arun said while giving me a nod
I returned his nod he passed me a small smile
“Can we talk about work later I’m feeling hungry.” Varun whined
“When are you not hungry Varun?” Sakshi mocked him
“OH, please I’m the brain of this team if you remember. If I wasn’t there…”
And I smacked the back of his head
“Shut up, or else you know what I’d do with you?” I threatened him in a cold voice
He visibly gulped and nodded his head in agreement
We ordered our food and it was delivered to us in 15 minutes and then we gathered around a table to sit
"Let me help you ladies." Shaan's voice appeared from behind
Sakshi quickly gave him a cute smile and so did I.
He pulled a chair out from table for Sakshi and Arun did the same for me.
Shaan crossed over Sakshi and took a seat for himself, while Arun sat beside me and Varun in front of me and next to Shaan.
We were discussing about work in an all serious mode till Mr. Singh, head of Delhi branch arrived. He is in his early fifties. As soon as I spotted him, I quickly signaled my partners to change the topic so that he shouldn’t hear anything.
After some formal greetings, main point came up.
Mr. Singh adjusted his tie and pulled out a paper from the folder he had brought.
"Before I announce the names, I acknowledge each one's efforts........ Blah blah blah.
I didn't pay any attention to his speech I was engrossed in my own thoughts
After this he started calling out the names in ascending order of scores from the tenth person.
Familiar names chanted over, and we congratulated each one of them.
Till sixth position, non out of our three names were called.
"Do you think I will be able to make up for top ten?" Sakshi asked her voice telling she is totally disheartened
"You will." I boosted her confidence
"No, you won't be able to." Shaan added playfully and I mentally facepalmed myself
Sakshi nailed her heels over his shinning boots in return. He faced trouble in concealing his pain towards others who didn't notice her act till she left his foot.
"Mad woman." he commented
"Want to try another round?" Sakshi asked while raising her eyebrows
His face's color drains away and Sakshi smirked.
"On number five is Mrs. Sakshi Sharma." Mr. Singh's voice echoed in the cafeteria
Sakshi literary started jumping up and down. She hugged me tightly in between and then again started her jumping session.
"Sakshi, don't jump like this. It's not good for our baby." Shaan voice was filled with worries
He made her sit on chair again.
Sakshi pulled her tongue out in teasing way and said
"See I told you that I’ll secure a seat."
Shaan smiled at her and nodded before hugging her.
"Stop it love birds." I commented slowly
They reluctantly pulled themselves apart and smiled awkwardly obviously feeling embarrassed
"On number four is Mr. Arun." Mr. Singh proceeds.
We all congratulated him.
"On number three is ..."
Please my name... my name.
“Mr. Varun Singhal."
Oh… no
Didn't I make up in top ten
"You have." Sakshi said as if she has read my mind. I smiled at her and nodded.
"On number two is Mr. Shantanu Sharma." Mr. Singh called out
Sakshi practically jumped over Shantanu's lap after hearing the statement of Shaan coming second. And all giggled at her.
Pregnancy had brought her worst side out!!
"Congratulations Shaan." I called out.
"Thank you Ananya." he replied and happiness clearly visible in his eyes.
I have lost all hope now.
I didn't make it out for top ten. I tried so much. Arg!! I want to hit someone so badly
Mr. Singh!! You are gone.
"And the number one position goes to..." his voice appeared.
I looked away.
"To Miss Ananya." he announced
And my eyes popped out in disbelief
I have topped the list!!! Oh My God.
Within seconds I was in bone breaking hug.
"Sakshi I can't breathe." I complained in a breathy voice
"I can't believe this." her voice came out in a muffled way as she was still hugging me tightly.
"Let her breath." Shaan is on my rescue. He dragged her out.
"Congratulations!! Buddy." he said, and side hugged me
"Thank you." was my reply before my eyes got moistened.
“Congrats Ananya.” Varun wished me
“Thanks V.” and side hugged him
“Congrats Ani.” Arun hugged me I hugged him back with a smile
"Aww...don't cry baby." Sakshi commented and side hugged me too, soon we had a group hug
"You all will choke me out someday." I complained and they detached themselves from me with small pouts on their faces
After session of people congratulating me and I was replying them with a smile on my face
Mr. Singh turned towards me.
"Good job Ananya." he said
"Thank you, Sir." I replied
"I can't believe you have secured all fifty on fifty in score board." and my eyes widened.
What? Fifty on fifty, he got to be kidding me
"Your works are fabulous in all projects and you are the least time consumer employee." he proudly announced.
Only if he knew how many sleepless nights I have spent, just to make it out in the list.
God! I can't believe this. Twenty percent increment in salary.
"Thank you, Sir." I answered him. He smiled and reached over head place again.
"Sorry for the rest who didn't make it up this time." he added.
Sakshi reached me and teased
"Topper, give me some tips."
"Sure, loser." I replied.
"Hey, I am not a loser." she pouts.
"Yeah I know." I added and hugged her, and she hugged me back.
"May I get the attention from you ladies?" Mr. Singh's voice echoed.
We broke our hug and noticed that his eyes were on us and a small smile across his lips.
"Sorry Sir." Sakshi said her cheeks all red with embarrassment
"It's completely okay, I know how pregnancy affects a woman." he added playfully. Sakshi gave him a small smile, so did I.
Then I noticed something, we the top ten are only left in the hall. Where are the rest of them?
"Mr. Singh had dismissed them when you both were busy with yourself." Shaan remarks, as if reading my thoughts.
We both gave him a forced smile and shifted our attention to Mr. Singh.
"I have another golden opportunity for all of you." he said, and my mind is fixed only on him now.
"The CEO of Building Dreams has got a project to deal with Cullen Incorporations of America. This company is one of the top trading companies all over the world. He has decided to choose a team with best of his employees to give an excellent work to them. He had already selected five members from his Mumbai's branch and now he is looking forward for next five members from Delhi's branch" he announced.
We five looked at each other and smirked. Turning our attention back to Mr. Singh we nodded.
"This internship will go for two months and those who will be selected will be awarded with extra Five Hundred Thousand handsome amount over your salary"
We all gasped.
I get Eighty Thousand per month, with increment it will be Ninety-Six. For two months it will be One Hundred Ninety-Two thousand. Addition of Five Hundred Thousand bonus...
Six Hundred Ninety-Two Thousand in just two months
Just two damnation months internship I will be awarded with nearly Seven Hundred Thousand.
God!!! It will help me a lot. To erase my home loans, I got for my apartment. Adding in medical depositions, all the bills.
Well most importantly... I will be able to bear money required for the surgery around five months before.
I need this internship at any cost.
"I hope you all prepare yourself. He is coming tomorrow, and I will be representing you all to him. He will choose his next five members out of you all." he declared.
"Yes, Sir." many replied at the same time including me.
"And Ananya, I will suggest your name personally." he added with smile.
I can't be happy anymore.
My next mission: Tomorrow's meeting.
Mr. Singh left us alone the other five left the room trailing behind him, only we five were left
“Half work done.” Varun said with a smirk, I nodded at him with a victory smirk on my face
“Yeah, but we need to make sure we are the ones who will end up in Mumbai or else we’ll have to go with plan B.” Sakshi added
“Don’t worry I’m sure, we’ll be the ones going to Mumbai.” Shaan said
“Ani don’t stress yourself we’ll surely make sufficient money for the surgery.” Arun said with a smile trying to encourage me
“We’ll.”
“Ananya I don’t want Sakshi to accompany us it may get risky for the baby and her health too.” Shaan expressed his concern
“Shaan I’m just three weeks now and we’d be back before my second trimester ends. Please.”
“Shaan we can’t leave her alone she is important and if she’s alone over here it can be riskier. She’ll be doing the easier tasks not the tedious ones.” I said
“But Ananya…” Sakshi started to speak but I cut her off immediately
“It’s an order Sakshi.” I commanded her
She nodded in defeat
- Writer
