The backup Bride

EPISODE 52

30/12/2019 - At Chennai

( 11 days after Aparna left the office)

Shiva's P. O. V :

The office was a mess. I was going insane. Works were piling up and I couldn't do anything.

I haven't talked with Anjali since the last week. I was busy working and I didn't have time to even eat.

My office was lifeless. It was painful to look at the place being empty. I was all alone. I was losing my confidence and I didn't have a friend to help me up.

All the front line projects were being lost due to the delay in design. Some clients complained about the price I quoted for the materials, some started complaining about the quality of the design.

I had to do everything with the small help I got from the interns.

I can't handle site works and design simultaneously. I decided to appoint two new people as soon as I can.

Four applicants entered the office around 10 in the morning. Three boys and one girl applied for the job. All of them didn't have the capacity to do the quantity of work here. They either lacked drawing skills or design skills.

After the interview, I mindlessly told them that they will get a reply through mail.

By around noon, Anjali's father walked into my office.

" Uncle, welcome. Please have a seat! " I told him and made him sit inside the conference room.

He was silently looking around the office.

" I came here to give invitations to some of my relatives in this area. I also thought that it would be better for me to visit your office here. Shiva, why the office is so empty? " He asked me.

" Some people have taken a vacation. That's why uncle " I told him.

" Oh, Thank god. By the way, is your office stable now? The income? " He asked me.

" Yes, it is! " I said and looked down.

" Your parents were telling that you wouldn't hold out for long. But suddenly, they started being so prideful of your office. I hope their pride is not futile " He said staring at me.

" Why does it matter to you? " I snapped at him.

" I am marrying my daughter to you. As a parent I need the confirmation from you. Because of your unstable business I don't want my daughter to suffer. In fact, Anjali also feels the same. I know that your office is facing a downfall. My daughter told me. I hope you take a quick decision and come to your father's shop. " He said.

I didn't know if I should believe his words. Why would Anjali tell about the issues here to her father?, she was the only one supportive of me, why would she not trust me!

" So, you are saying that, to marry your daughter I should leave this office? " I asked him.

" Yes, I don't have any intentions to change my conditions. If you are still going to play this risky game, I can't do the same by risking my daughter's life in the hands of an careless idiot" He said and walked out.

I came out of the conference room and instantly called Anjali.

" Hello, Shiva! " She said.

" I shared all the issues here with you, but why did you tell that to your father?, My parents started trusting my office after years and I don't want to break that trust. How can you carelessly go and tell your father? " I asked her.