Greetings and waves from Laura’s good hand on the following Tuesday were clearly pretentious. Constant anxiety glint in her face when she is around Mike and irritation over Sarah was crystal clear.
She purposefully misfiled project details or ‘overlooked’ due date, that Sarah had to constantly run around for amendments. Staplers went faulty as a few pins flew across the desk. Paper pin accidentally fell on the ground, pricking through Sarah’s delicate fingers. Hot coffee slipped off the table and fell on her feet, flushing her ankles red.
The only explanation Laura could muster up for Mike’s rejection is that Sarah must be in a sexual relationship with him. What else could be the reason behind him calling her a whore? Or shove her out of the house half-naked, in the middle of the n
Bruised cheeks and drops of blood slipping down the corner of lips was enough to set Sarah into a panic mode. Her 100th discussion of ‘what’s wrong with Michelle Ricci’ on phone with Jessica came to a sudden stop. She rushes to kitchen to get some medical supplies. Mike, frankly, still vexed with her, ignored her gesture, and strode to his room. Reemerging with a white box in her hand, she stood puzzled at the empty hall. On the edge of balcony, his arms embraced the hand railing. Memories from his worst moments threatened each step she padded across the room. Mike’s current disconnection with her and the group is triggering uncertainty but still she came to his side. She had to, no way around it. Gently, she pushed him down to swing chair and started cleaning his wound. He hissed slightly, surging a tremble in the helping hand. “What happen?” Sarah said calmly, despite her internal tremor. “My dad hit me” “What did you do to
Juggling thoughts, portrayed in his flickering eyes. Give her time to digest the fact or go after her to make sure she is safe? ’ SAFETY FIRST!!!’ finalized, he ran to grab his car key and climbed downstairs via the staircase, and sped up to home. The 10 minutes delay in his decision-making handed enough space for Sarah to vent out her frustration. The living hall was a mess. Ornaments, books, and pillows are on the ground. Her favorite monstera deliciosa is uprooted from a broken pot. Sheer curtain lumped along the floor with curtain rods by their side. He went upstairs, partly hesitant of the possible damage. The wall of clocks did take a beat with a few antiques scattered into pieces along the floor. That is not the breathtaking shock. He
Doubt that she is dreaming played tricks on her mind but quickly regained herself. She stood up and walked in. Mike gushed towards her but it was too late. Turquoise basketball varsity jacket peeped through her bulk, black blanket. The one that she snatched from him, parading herself as his lucky charm and reason behind the team’s victory in the high-school final match. It has been a while since she had worn it, claiming it to be too stuffy for her. Heavy feet dragged across the closed shut door. Reluctant, Mike left the house to settle some important business issues. But before that, he called Jessica “Jess, are you free today?”“I have a meeting in the morning, then I’m free. What do you need?”“I need you to bring Sarah to the hospital. I think she is having a fever”“You ‘think’?” she asked in confusion
Widely grinning, Robert stormed to Mike and bear-hugged him, taking him by surprise. “Finally, congratulation Mike!!!” Sarah stood there, totally blanked out “You knew? Who else knew?” “Let me see! Mike’s father knew, Jessica and Laura” Robert brimmed with a mocking look “What??? How come I didn’t know?” “Anyone with eyes can see, Sarah. I had my doubts but just got confirmed “Jessica joined them. “By the way, I need to talk to you in private. Excuse us” Jessica clings to Sarah’s hand, intending to steal her away. But Mike grabbed her other arm and pulled her towards him. She crashed into his protective side hug. Pointing a finger at Jessica, he raised his eyebrows “YOU!!! Stay away from her” “Huh??? I’m offended!!! What are you so scared of Mike?” Jessica mocked him “What??? What’s going on” falling out of the track, Sarah flickered from one face to another. The glaring eyes and side smile they returned stirred awkward
A different vibe adorned this Saturday since the pack is doing something other than clubbing. The black convertible BMW flashed across the free road, heading towards the seaside mansion. According to Robert, the family owns a 50km radius of the house including the beach. Compound less mansion with a sprinkle of heritage stood tall as proof for his statement. Tasteful interior design interludes well with the vintage outer. Riverstone walls and solid frames with dark roofing outline the structure against the vast greenery backdrop. Too big for Mike’s father alone. Servants and bulky bodyguards lined up at the entry. Mike parked the car r
Two pairs of feet raced against each other up the stairs. Laughter and childish squeaks diffused into the vast space. Room by room, they made a brief stop accompanied by a brief definition. Then came the most anticipated part, Mike’s room. A wide and tall French window framed the blaring sun. Muted by the dark, medieval-themed room. Grey cobblestones layered the walls with dark hardwood flooring and ceiling. The addition of dimmed wall light at every corner spiked her claustrophobic. She would probably need Mike in here with her– all the time– which translates as a pro to Mike. Thankfully, the closet and bathroom weren’t similarly lit. “This would be our room whenever we come to visit” “Our room???” huffing, Sarah walked in casually, turned around to face Mike, and cocked her eyebrow.
A casual phone call drained the blood out of Santha’s face. It was Sarah. And she is still in the hospital. End of limb felt numb, almost nonexistent. Visions blurred. A distant buzz lingered in her ears. Breathing is still a task. But her cognitive is still spot on. She answered the call, she had to. “Mom...I need to tell you something” she tiptoed between words with tiny sighs here and there. Santha waited patiently. “I fell for a guy” As if injected with stimulant, her eyes woke wide, thrilled and surprised at the same time “Who is it, baby?” “You know him, Mike” “Oh my lord, he is hot…”“Mom!!! Behave please” Sarah exclaimed as she covers her face in embarrassment “Mom...he is not the reason I rejected your choice. Well, technically he is. He made me call off the meeting right after he expressed himself. So...” Santha exchanged the last bit of her energy for a chuckle. “Baby...I just wanted you to be happy...At that
Joseph is a cunning man. Instead of going to their place, he baited Anand Mehtra to his office. Not knowing what he is dipping his toe into, rather excited to meet Joseph Ricci for the first time, he arrived at Ricci with two bodyguards the next day itself. The 'invitation' is positive from a business spectrum. A slender, small build man with fair skin, a black and white suit with well-manicured nails, and a clean shaved face. It’s not rocket science to see his education level and professionalism. Leo bobbed his head with hands crossed in front of him and lead the way to Joseph’s office. The elevator door creaked to close when another 3 equally sized men, presumably also bodyguards stepped in. Towered by tall, WWF type of men with black glasses and black suits, Anand felt a little un