The taxi slows to a stop in front of the towering glass building that I have walked past countless times before—always with frustration, never with admiration. Now, standing before it, I let out a slow breath, my fingers tightening around Vino's wrist as if grounding myself. The air-conditioned breeze from the revolving doors brushes against my skin as I pull her inside.
The lobby is as grand as I remember, with high ceilings and a sleek, polished floor that gleams under the artificial lights. The scent of freshly brewed coffee from a nearby café mingles with the faint hint of expensive cologne lingering in the air. My eyes land on the receptionist's desk, and as I approach, a familiar face greets me.
Elsa is no stranger anymore. Her short, sleek hair framed her face perfectly, falling just above her shoulders with a smooth shine, and she wears a crisp white blouse that makes her look even more professional. She lifts her gaze and smiles as soon as she sees me.
"Hey, Elsa," I say, motioning toward Vino. "This is my friend, Vino."
Elsa leans forward slightly and extends a hand. "Nice to meet you, Vino."
They exchange a firm handshake, and I get straight to the point. "Actually, Elsa, I'm here to meet Mr. Kathir Rathore. Can you make a call?"
Elsa nods and picks up the receiver, her manicured fingers moving effortlessly across the dial pad. "One moment." She speaks into the phone, her voice formal and polite. After a brief exchange, she hangs up and turns to me with an apologetic smile.
"He's in a meeting right now. You can see him once he's done."
I nod in understanding. "Alright. I'll wait."
For a second, Elsa hesitates as if she wants to say something, but then she just smiles and nods instead. I don't press further. Instead, I guide Vino toward the plush leather sofas in the waiting area.
Vino looks around, taking in the grandeur of the place. Her wide eyes scan the modern decor, the giant chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and the walls adorned with sophisticated artwork. She lets out a low whistle.
"Wow. No wonder he's arrogant—his office is as huge as his ego," she mutters, folding her arms.
I chuckle at her words, shaking my head. "You're impossible."
Minutes pass, and I zone out for a moment, staring at the glass panels that reflect the busy world outside. Then, Elsa's voice cuts through my thoughts.
"Vidya, Mr. Kathir Rathore has called for you."
I exhale sharply and stand up, my legs suddenly feeling heavier. Vino follows me to the elevator, and as we ride to the third floor, she places a hand on my shoulder.
"Don't worry. If he threatens you, just scream my name, and I'll come running with my handbag to attack him." Her tone is confident, her brown eyes glinting with mischief.
I can't help but smile at her antics. "I'll be waiting for your heroic rescue."
The elevator doors slide open with a ding, and my nerves tighten as I step out. The hallway is eerily quiet, the soft hum of air conditioning the only sound filling the space. I reach his office door and take a deep breath before knocking.
"Come in."
His voice is deep, authoritative, and laced with boredom. I push the door open and step inside.
The room is dimly lit, with floor-to-ceiling windows behind him casting long shadows across the space. Kathir Rathore sits at his desk, completely absorbed in the documents in front of him. His sharp jawline is clenched in concentration, his fingers elegantly holding a pen as he signs papers with practiced ease.
With every step I take toward him, my heart pounds harder. I place the resignation letter on his desk, my fingers brushing against the cool surface. The faint sound makes him pause. He lifts his head, his dark eyes flickering to the envelope before leaning back in his chair, arching a brow.
"What's the matter?" His voice is smooth, but the authority in it makes my fingers instinctively twiddle.
I swallow and force my voice to stay steady. "Resignation letter."
He tilts his head slightly, as if weighing my words, before picking up the letter. He flips it open, his eyes scanning the contents. "This isn't the job you wanted," he states flatly, glancing up at me. His gaze is unreadable. "Then what job do you want?"
My throat feels dry. "I want to become a nutritionist… th-that's what I studied for."
There's a flicker of something in his eyes, but it disappears too quickly for me to decipher. His expression remains unreadable, making my stomach churn with uncertainty. I hate how he always has this effect on me.
His eyes drop to my fingers, still twiddling out of nervous habit. A smirk tugs at his lips, but he says nothing. Instead, he picks up his pen and, without hesitation, signs the resignation letter.
"Your resignation is accepted," he says, his tone casual. "Your last month's salary will be deposited into your account."
My eyes widen. Just like that?
For a moment, I can't believe it. Relief washes over me, but at the same time, something about his easy approval unsettles me. Like he knows something I don't.
Kathir resumes signing his papers as if this conversation never happened. Before he can say anything else, I force a polite smile.
"Thank you."
Then, without waiting for a response, I turn on my heel and walk out, closing the door behind me. The moment I step outside, I let out a deep, relieved sigh.
Vino is waiting, her face full of questions. "Well?"
"He approved it." I smile, still trying to process everything.
A grin spreads across her face. "Good. Now let me see how he looks in real life."
Before I can react, she reaches for the door handle.
My heart leaps in panic. "Are you mad?!" I grab her wrist, yanking her back. "Don't do something stupid! Let's get out of here before he turns into a monster."
I don't wait for her response—I just drag her toward the elevator, determined to leave this place behind.
But as we step into the lobby, something stops me in my tracks.
I forgot to say goodbye… to someone.
"Hey, wait… I think I forgot someone important here," I mutter, pausing mid-step as a thought strikes me.
Vino, walking beside me, furrows her eyebrows and scoffs. "Who else can be more important than me?" Her voice is laced with jealousy and curiosity, making me chuckle.
Instead of answering, I grab her wrist and pull her toward my office room. The once-familiar space now feels strangely empty. The desk that used to be cluttered with files and my coffee cup is wiped clean, as if erasing every trace of my existence here. And beside that desk, sitting with her hands folded in her lap, is Emma.
Emma—my rock in this place. The one who stood by me through my lowest days.
I take a deep breath, pushing back the lump forming in my throat, and wave at her. "Hey, Emma."
Her eyes light up the moment she sees me, a genuine warmth in them. "Hey, Vidya!"
I don't hesitate. Stepping forward, I wrap my arms around her in a tight hug, exhaling deeply as if trying to absorb this moment.
Pulling back slightly, I murmur, "I already resigned from the job."
Emma's eyes widen in surprise. "What? When?!"
I offer a small smile and pat her shoulder reassuringly. "I know it's shocking… a sudden departure and all. But I told you, remember? I want to be a nutritionist. I need to chase that dream now."
Emma nods slowly, understanding evident on her face, but there's still a heaviness in her eyes—a sadness she can't quite hide. I swallow hard, pushing through my own emotions.
"You're the greatest of mine," I say, my voice softer now. "Our friendship won't stop here. We'll meet outside of work, whenever we have time."
Emma nods, finally smiling, but I can tell she's still processing my departure. Her gaze flicks toward Vino, who is eyeing her with open curiosity—and maybe just a hint of judgment.
I glance between them and decide to bridge the gap. "Oh yes! Emma, meet my best friend, Vino. And Vino, this is my greatest friend from work, Emma."
Emma smiles politely and extends a friendly nod. Vino hesitates for a second, then offers a small smile in return.
"Alright, Emma! See you next Saturday at the coffee shop?" I say, trying to lift the mood.
Emma's smile grows. "Sure, girl!"
With that, I bid her goodbye and step out of the office room with Vino—only to come face to face with him.
Kathir Rathore.
My breath catches in my throat as he walks past us, his tall frame moving with that effortless confidence he always carries. My instinct tells me to keep moving, to slip away unnoticed. But before I can, his sharp gaze lands on me.
My fingers immediately grip Vino's arm, stopping her from walking further. Unfortunately, it's too late.
Kathir halts mid-step and raises both eyebrows, his dark eyes scanning me with mild surprise. Then, shoving both hands into his pockets, he asks in that annoyingly casual yet authoritative tone, "What are you doing here? Forgot that you resigned?"
I inhale deeply, schooling my expression into something neutral. "I just came to say goodbye to my friends," I reply, keeping my voice as steady as possible.
From the corner of my eye, I notice Vino looking at him—really looking at him. But instead of the furious glare I expected, her eyes are filled with… admiration?
Kathir cocks his head slightly, his lips twitching. "Friends?" He repeats, as if the very idea of me having friends is a foreign concept.
I roll my eyes. What kind of question is that? Of course, I have friends!
Before I can snap back at him, his gaze shifts toward Vino, and his brows furrow slightly in curiosity.
And that's when Vino, in true Vino fashion, gives me a mini heart attack.
With a bright, almost mischievous smile, she extends her hand toward him. "Hi, I'm Vino. Vidya's childhood best friend."
I swear, my soul leaves my body for a second. My eyes widen in sheer horror, and before Kathir can even react, I slap my palm over Vino's mouth and blurt out, "Excuse me!" in a rushed tone.
Then, without sparing Kathir another glance, I grab Vino's wrist and drag her out of the office like our lives depend on it.
Once we're outside, Vino yanks her arm free and glares at me. "What the hell was that for?"
I place both hands on my knees, still recovering from the near-disaster. "Are you crazy? You know how he is, and you still tried talking to him?!"
Vino rolls her eyes, brushing imaginary dust off her dress before casually leaning against my shoulder. "I do," she admits, then grins. "But he looks sooo handsome."
I groan, rubbing my temples. "Vino…"
Her face suddenly turns serious. "But arrogant," she adds, nodding in confirmation, as if that balances out the compliment.
I let out an exasperated laugh, shaking my head. "Fine. Let's get a taxi."
Vino nods, slipping back into her usual childish mood. "Okay, but next time, let me shake his hand properly."
"Over my dead body," I mutter, pulling her toward the street.
She just giggles.