EPISODE 003
1176 Words
When Aaradhya heard his voice behind her, it caused a momentary stoppage of motion.
She allowed herself to hope for just an instant, if only for just one second.
But then his voice returned, sharp and cold as before.
"I don't want this baby. Please dispose of it."
She did not turn around. Instead, her hand tightened around the handle of her bag as her small piece of hope evaporated like nothing ever existed in the first place. Her chest ached as though someone had thrust a knife right through it.
How often had he caused her pain like this before? Shouldn't it have become routine by now? Why does it still sting so badly?
Boom.
His words echoed loud and clear through her head like an explosion, over and over.
She gripped her bag so tightly, her fingers turned pale from holding tighter. Her entire body stiffened. She did not want to shed a tear in front of him.
Why Does it Still Hurt? She could almost taste the bitterness rising up her throat. And then something unexpected happened—she laughed softly but softly with broken noises.
I know I'm being ridiculous by thinking he would care.
He had told her he liked children, which is why she hadn't taken any pills; perhaps that way he'd be happy after all? Unfortunately, now it seemed he liked kids, but not with her.
She parted her lips to ask him something, perhaps to yell at him or demand an answer. Her voice grew louder as her lips parted further, suggesting she was about to speak or demand an answer. She began speaking and hissed at him before she stopped abruptly and demanded an answer—she seemed ready for anything—but no reply came in return from him.
Why did you sleep with me if this wasn't what you wanted?
But nothing came out; her thoughts stayed within. She did not wish to face him or cry out loud.
She inhaled deeply.
"Don't worry, Mr. Siddharth Rana," she replied without turning around. "I have decided I don't want this child either; therefore, I will get an abortion.
Her voice was soothing—too soothing—an effect of having already experienced trauma.
He took one step, then another, until, just before reaching the exit, she stopped again and hesitated before continuing his walk.
"Let's not see each other again in this lifetime," she added softly.
She left Rana Estate without looking back. Not once.
She had initially intended to remain in Indrapur for an extended period, but now she could barely breathe here; the air felt thick and oppressive.
She continued walking forward, telling herself not to break apart here and now where he could see.
Behind her stood Siddharth, who stood motionless watching. His jaw clenched tightly while his unreadable eyes remained closed. He did not speak another word until her figure vanished completely from view.
Only then was he able to release the breath he'd been holding back.
Gone. Without even being noticed! "Sorry, I didn't see you!"
Aaradhya was startled out of her thoughts when someone accidentally collided with her in the hallway, sending papers scattering all across the floor.
"Oh! No! "I'm sorry," she quickly responded, quickly bending down to help gather them up.
She quickly handed off several files before racing towards the elevator, with its doors quickly opening as she neared.
"Oh! "Hello!" Said Jack with an exuberant greeting as they met one another outside. "I've been searching for you. How is your first day going?"
"No problem," Aaradhya answered with an amused nod. "Thanks for asking."
He led them into his office, inviting them in. "Come, let's have a chat in my office!" he encouraged, leading the way forward.
Jack led her into his cozy office space with large windows and neat shelves, asking her to sit before handing her a red folder.
"I'm so glad you came back!" he exclaimed, adding, "Things have been hectic around here!"
She opened up the file and began scanning its pages.
"So," Jack explained, "as you might have heard, our company will soon be sold off for sale to one or more firms, with the strongest offer coming from SR Enterprises."
Siddharth Rana had left Aaradhya frozen. Their company, SR Enterprises, is owned by Siddharth Rana.
Her fingers twitched against the paper.
"I included all the reports I created," Jack continued. "However, the offer they gave us is way too low and isn't fair for our investors or team."
She nodded again, still staring blankly at the numbers without really taking notice of them.
"That is why I called you back," he explained, "because only you are trustworthy enough to turn things around here. We need someone who understands how the place runs as well as being capable of standing up to those responsible for keeping the pace moving along smoothly.
Aaradhya took a deep breath, forcing herself to focus and remain on task.
"Leave it up to me," she replied calmly. "Let it all fall to me."
Jack grinned and relaxed back into his chair. Now with you working for him, he could finally sleep easy.
But Aaradhya wasn't smiling; her mind was racing as memories from her past began resurfacing, leading back to places she wanted nothing to do with.
Why does it always end up with his company in Mumbai? With all the options available to him... why him?
She didn't speak out loud; she just kept flicking through the file, pretending to read. Finally, her eyes rested upon the name printed in bold letters:
Siddharth Rana, CEO, has shaken her hand. You never meant for me to be left here alone?
At lunchtime, the office was abuzz. People mingled near the coffee machines, laughing and gossiping, while Aaradhya was alone in her corner of the breakroom, focusing on her phone screen.
Should I Do This? She knew what everyone would think if they learned of this project: that she was insane to take it on, that she should have run from it as soon as he mentioned his name—but no one knew her journey or saw the fire she'd gone through to reach this place.
Let them talk. She had work to do.
Someone spoke up from behind her: "Aaradhya?" They called out from behind her.
Meena from HR. She turned around, seeing Meena.
Are You Alright? Have You Seen a Ghost?"
"I'm fine," Aaradhya responded quickly. "Just tired."
"Had a long day already?" Meena laughed to herself as she continued.
"Well, that may be difficult."
But remember: the first week can often be the hardest.
Once Meena left, Aaradhya remained seated, lost in her thoughts.
Now it was personal.
Siddharth may have thought she'd surrender, letting him win again--but she had other ideas! He may be in for an unpleasant surprise!
This time, she wasn't going to cry or ask anyone for anything.
She will be leaving now.
He would be the one to observe.
Just as she had done all those years before.
- Writer
