I Want You

CHAPTER 5

Aliya’s POV

A general meeting for all staff is going on. While the others listened, I was running around, craning my neck and praying I don’t get caught.

When Alex was called out to speak, I began to sweat profusely.

My heart pounded furiously. I was scared that everyone in the room could hear how loud it was. I took in mouthfuls of air as I noticed Anna throw me a worried glance. I felt dead but somehow I was breathing. If I kept it at this pace I might even hyperventilate or have a panic attack. I looked up to find Alex standing and I ducked. When I noticed the weird stares, I pretended to get something out of my bag.

Then he began to speak. His deep baritone was like PTSD to my ears. I regretted my actions.

A million and one thoughts ran through my mind as the meeting went on. What if he fires me? Then I won’t be able to afford my mother’s medicines. And we would be thrown to the streets. No! I can’t leave this job now. I just can’t. I’ll do whatever it takes, even if it means me groveling. I’ll do it.

Call it luck or something else, Alex didn’t speak for long.

The moment the meeting ended, I ran for the door but Anna called me.

“Aliya!” I turned.

“Hi Anna” I grinned.

“Emm is everything alright” she raised an eyebrow.

“Yes I’m fine” I smiled but there wasn’t any single trace of a smile on her face.

“I want answers Aliya” she demanded.

“Okay I will tell you but that would be after the meeting” I assured her. I looked around and was relieved to find no Alex in sight. Just as I turned, I bumped into someone.

“Oh I’m very sorry” I began to say.

“Watch where you are going” the voice said. That voice was familiar. The moment I looked up, my fears were confirmed.

I gasped. Alex look went from glaring at me to narrowing his eyes at me. I was too stunned to speak.

“In my office, Now” he said staring me in the eye. When he walked off, I badly wanted to cry.

*********************************************

“Come on in” he said in a bored voice. He didn’t look happy to see me. Well who would after what I had done. I went in and stood. He walked straight to his window and stood too. Gazing at God knows what. I wanted nothing but for the ground to open and I would disappear. Into thin air.

“Sit” he said.

I did, rubbing my hands on my skirt. I hung my head like a dying plant as I awaited my verdict but it never came. I squeezed my eyes shut, praying that God got me out of this situation. Raising my head, I saw that he had not left that particular spot. What was taking him, so long I wondered. Suddenly I flinched when he turned to face me. He still hadn’t said a word. Now the silence was now agonizing. I lifted my head to find him looking at me thoughtfully. I felt it had to speak. To say something that would appease him.

“Sir I am so sorry for what had just happened that day” I said. All the words tumbling out of my mouth as I bowed my head. He still did not reply. Was he planning to kill me with silence? I needed him to say something. Anything. A silent Alex was far worse than an angry one. I learnt that from my colleagues. He was the mean and cold boss.

“Sir huh” he said as he poured himself a glass of vodka. I didn’t miss the smugness in his voice and on his face. It hurt so much when I understood what he was saying. His voice interrupted my thoughts.

“Boot the laptop sitting right in front of you, and begin to type as I speak” he ordered.

“Yes sir” I said. I lifted the laptop immediately and it almost fell but I caught it on time. I waited for him to scold me but none of that came. I punched the power button and waited. It didn’t show any sign of coming to life. I did again but the result was same. Then I rubbed my palms on skirt many times and punched the power button again. This time with all the strength I could muster. Only then did it come to life. I glanced up to find him, just staring at me. I looked away. He didn’t say anything just yet. I didn’t know which was killing me. Was it the suspense of knowing whether or not I was fired or his in between pauses? Then I decided to muster up courage. The worst he could do was just to fire me. I thought to myself.

“The heading would be— he paused a bit— Termination letter” he said. I froze at the spot. I couldn’t believe it. He was making me type my own termination letter. My eyes stung with tears that was threatening to spill. “Go on, type it” he said as he noticed my reluctance. I dragged my hands over the keys.

“With the—“he began.

“Sir please I beg you, please don’t fire me. Please I beg you. Please forgive me. I will do anything to make it up to you” I went on my knees as I fought back my tears. My voice was suddenly foreign to my ears. In that moment I hated my life and why I was born poor and in debt. I wish I wasn’t born at all.

“Sit” he simply said. I didn’t obey. “Sit, the letter is not for you” he said. This time his voice was softer. That was when I quietly sat back. He didn’t say a word and for once I was grateful for his silence.

“So... you would do anything, to have this job.” he said.

I looked up and swallowed. “Yes.”

“Anything you say” he stared at me, as if to let that sink in.

I took in a deep breath “yes”

“Hmmm” he said rubbing a finger over his lips. “I wonder what I will do with you”

And just then his phone began to ring, he peered into the phone and shot me a look. Looking me straight in the eye.

“This would be fun” he smirked.