Secretary to Mrs. Campbell

The Apology

Anika was disheartened as she reached her house. She was angry, disappointed, frustrated, sad, confused, and worried all at the same time. She was trying to control her emotions and failing miserably. She was close to having an asthma attack. She was trying to calm herself, “Anika calm down, it’s not the end of the world. Shh… Breathe… breathe…” Once she was calm, she started cursing Nathaniel. ‘Who does he thinks he is! Hay Krishnaji this was one of the bad days I ever had. If he didn’t like the coffee or my sweet, he could have just said so but no, he had to fire me. Wow. I so hate him right now. Krishnajii you only made him handsome, but forgot to give him brains and manners!! Now I don’t know what to do.. How will I find Roohi, now that I don’t have any source of income yet again? Please Krishnaji help me out.’

At Campbell Hotel

Mrs. Bridget knocked on Nathaniel’s cabin and stepped in, “Mr. Campbell I'm leaving.” Nate looked up and frowned, “Mrs. Bridget what’s wrong? You always call me Nate when no ones is around. Is it because I fired her?” Mrs. Bridget replied with a sad tone, “Yes. You didn’t hear what I had to say, I’m upset with you. Before leaving for the day all I’ll say is, she didn’t know I forgot to inform her. I am not saying to cover her up. Bye.”

Nate was feeling more guilty than before as he learned Anika was indeed unaware. Nate called his HR for Anika’s file; he decided to visit her home tomorrow morning and apologize. As he was reading Anika’s file, he realized she was an orphan from India, came here to study and learn the business. Nate studied her entire file – Anika was good at cooking; her grades were excellent in college. He was impressed by her, hell she has been working small jobs ever since she has stepped in San Francisco. Nathaniel with a heavy heart left the hotel with an Indian beauty in his mind.

The next morning, as Anika was having her morning coffee, she heard the main doorbell ring. Wondering who would be here so early, she gingerly opened the door and is surprised to see Mr. Campbell all formally dressed. ‘He is looking so handsome even at early hours of the morning, and look at me still in night suit. I wonder what he is doing here. Kal chillane mein kuch kami rahe gayi thi jo subh-subh muah uthake chale aye’ (Seems like yesterday’s yelling wasn’t enough that he came here early in the morning to continue) Anika frowned at that thought and asked tried to shut the door on his face. Key word tried. “What are you doing here now? I don’t have time for this, leave. I have to get ready for job hunting. Thanks to you.” Anika said sarcastically. Nathaniel just smirked and pushed his way inside the house. While sitting on the sofa and observing the apartment; raising an eyebrow he questioned, “If I am not wrong, isn’t this place way to above your pay scale.” Anika replied in an annoyed tone, “It’s my friend/sister’s place. Her fiancé gifted it to her. Why am I telling you this? And why are you even interested in whose house is this? State your work and please leave.” “Anika right? Don’t Indians treat their guest as god huh? This is how you treat your gods?” Anika was now frustrated, she replied, “Ahhh… yes it's Anika and Sorry. Now please tell me why are you here? Do you want to have coffee? Wait! Don’t reply. There’s the kitchen you can make your own coffee.”

At this Nate started to laugh, “Anika chill. I just came here to apologize for yesterday. It was wrong of me to behave like that with you. I just had an argument with my mom, she wanted me to visit her next weekend. I didn’t want to go and then when I had the dish and coffee made by you it had sugar. I’m a diabetic patient, I was under the impression Mrs. Bridget had informed you as it is her 1st statement to all the secretaries ever appointed. So here it is, I am sorry Ms. Nupta for my yesterday’s behavior.” Nate was shocked at himself when he mentioned his mother in front of Anika, he never mentions his family to any employees well except for Mrs. Bridget. Anika just nodded at this and mumbled, “It’s okay, and it's Gupta.” Nathaniel thought she would throw a fit at this. Now that she forgave him, Nate got up from his seat to leave – before closing the door he said, “For today I’ll allow you to be late – remember I hate tardiness.” He winked and left.

After few seconds of his leaving Anika understood the underlying meaning of his words. She started jumping in happiness and got hurriedly got ready for her dream job at Campbell Hotel.

Hello readers!

How are you all doing? Are you enjoying the book? If you have any suggestions or want to share your views on the story let me know in the comment sections. Your appreciation will motivate me a lot.

Thank you.

Enjoy and stay tuned!