8/12/2019 - At Shiva office, T nagar, Chennai.
Aparna's P. O. V :
Shiva was crying and I could feel his warm tears on my neck. My eyes welled up instantly and I gulped down the harsh truth.
After few seconds, he released me and helped me get up from the floor.
Hari and karthik were screaming and hugging Shiva.
I walked slowly to the restroom and Shwetha followed me.
As we came out of the work station, Shwetha caught my hand and stopped me.
" What's going on ? " She asked me. I faked a smile and looked back at her.
" Nothing! " I said.
" I saw you shouting in your phone yesterday night, is Michael torturing you again? " She asked concerned.
I decided to lie again.
" No , it's the usual brawling " I said.
" Okay, Let's go out to eat. " She said and walked back inside the office.
I trudged my way back to the restroom and closed the door.
All the pressure piled up inside came out as tears. I cried my heart out.
Michael's words echoed in the empty space in between my sobbing.
" You can go nowhere now. "
" This is your last chance "
" This year will be the end to your career. "
" Mark the date, let's meet on 31st "Michael had sent my work address to the architect's association and my old firm had send a request to restrict me to work as an Architect.
The Chennai architect's association had decided to have a hearing from my side. I had already lost my support in the Bangalore association. If I loose it here, I might really have to pack up, again.
I wiped out my tears and splashed the cold water on my face.
I walked back into the office to join the cheering team.
Shiva was busy calling up the client for a meeting. Hari and Karthik had already started practicing for the presentation.
I went out with Shwetha and came back in the noon.
" Do I look okay? " Shiva asked me adjusting his pale blue shirt. I was too tired to even notice anything.
I nodded back and went to my seat.
By around 5 in the evening, Latha walked into the office along with her husband.
Shwetha made them sit at the conference room and signalled us to come in.
Shiva was visibly shaking. I tapped his shoulders and he looked at me nervously.
" Shiva, You deserve this. We have did our best, be confident." I said to him.
" If I mess up, will you back me up? " He asking holding his hands tight.
" I will be there. " I said.
He nodded at me with a smile and walked into his first ever project presentation.
We started the meeting and the boys took turns speaking. I was helping them from the side by giving hints.
" Let me ask you one thing " Latha asked after they completed the presentation.
" Yes " Shiva said.
YOU ARE READING
The backup Bride
ChickLit" I would never be a second choice to anyone. If I need to compete with someone else for your love, I would gladly make it easier for you by taking myself out of the equation. But why am I here, ready to be your backup bride ? " ____________________...