Life seems like a ocean waves— sometimes they are big, sometimes they are small. But it is hard to find out which one is going to be big and which one small.
Here I am sitting alone all by myself drinking and talking to this random guy whom I know for one day. At this moment I need someone to express my emotions but sadly I got none. I'm sure that I have the biggest waves coming at me.
I pulled out my phone from my pocket to check on the time. It had twenty four missed calls and a text message. They were all from Stella. 'Fuck' I was grinding my teeth in frustration.
Without any delay I opened the text and read it.
*Where are you? Are you okay? Call me when you get this text.*
It was sent ten minutes ago still not too late. I really wanted to call her and tell her that I'm fine but if she hears my voice she will know that I am drunk.
I don't want her to be worried so, I texted her back instead
*sorry I'm stuck with some work I'm at office I'll come home late so don't wait for me.*
I hope that it won't sound rude to her. I instantly got her reply
*okay take care*
After reading that text I felt relieved. I want to go home but at the same time I don't want her to see me like this— the wreck version of me. My pride and ego was creating a wall which I can feel clearly. A wall that is trying to separate me from getting close to her. Maybe I just want to maintain my alpha male image and want her to rely on me. She has always been a great mentor to encourage me and fill me up with positive vibes. I want to be her mental support also.
My mood was off. There's no need for me to drink any longer. The alcohol in my system still hasn't processed to work. I was sober enough to drive back home. After parking my car I went to the door. I had a spare key for my self. I used it and tried to go back to my room without making a single sound. As I locked my door I let out a deep sigh.
This whole thing made me feel like I was a thief— breaking into someone's house. Stella didn't came to my room so, I guess she's sleeping.
Next morning I got up and my head was aching. Looks like the alcohol had done his job after all. I went to the bathroom and took a cold shower. My body was calmed down by the chilling water. After getting ready I went downstairs and sat on the table.
Stella came to the dining table holding a plate " Good morning." She put the plate down in front of me " When did you came back?"
I lifted my head to answer her " Around 11.30 or something."
" I got worried when you didn't picked up the phone."
" It was in silent mode and I was busy checking out the files. Sorry for worrying you." I apologised to her and hope that she will except it.
" It's fine. Anyway my parents are having a party for their anniversary. Dad called me and asked us to be there tomorrow evening."
" Sure no problem. I'll be here in time." Stella looked excited for this. She sat down on her chair and began to eat.
" Oh, and dad might call you also to invite you personally."
" That's wasn't needed." There was no need for them to be this formal. Since it's their anniversary I should gift them both. Perhaps a watch for Mr. Carlton and a diamond necklace for Mrs. Carlton. But it would be better if I ask for suggestions from Stella. After all they are her parents. She will know better.
" What should we get for them?"
" Any thing is fine. You don't have to overthink about it." I noticed that Stella was being quite. She would be chatty most of the time but today she seems a little down.
Is it because of me?
I wonder to myself. What if she's sad that I didn't come home for dinner? No that can't be. I mean I can have extra work sometimes since I'm responsible for looking after the company. Should I ask her? No, that will look awkward.
How about I ask her to go on shopping with me for buying gifts for my in-laws?
Yes that would be perfect. I can spend some time with her and sort out thing.
" So, since their anniversary is tomorrow how about we go buy gifts for them today? I think it will be better if you choose the present."
" Sure. I can come with you,besides I don't have any important work to do. I will call at my office and inform my boss."
I was happy to hear her reply. Stella picked up her phone and called her boss. In the mean time my phone also rang up. I looked at the screen and it was my father-in-law.
" Hey there Mr. Carlton. How are you?"
" I'm fine son. I hope Stella told you about the party."
" Yes she did. I will be there on time with Stella."
" Great then. I'll be waiting for you guys. It's the first time you two will be visiting us after your marriage."
" Yeah, I'm sorry about that too. Actually I have lot of works to do so, didn't had any time." Well I'm not the only busy person here. Stella also started to work but her parents are not aware of that. Since we both are busy we don't usually have any free time or energy left. Besides there's another big problem. If we have to stay there at night we will have to share the same room. Because of this reason we have been avoiding going to our parents house.
" Well then take care." Mr. Carlton hung up the phone call. At the same time Stella came holding her phone on the hand.
" Who were you talking to?"
" Your dad."
" Oh I see. So, I will go get ready and wear something comfy. These heels are killing me! Ugh!" I let out a chuckle hearing her complaining about her heels. It's a common thing for work attire. She was dressed formally since she thought she will be going to office.
I waited for her while reading the newspaper. After few minutes she came down wearing a jeans and a pastel colour blouse . Her long black hair was open loose hanging on her back.
The first place we went to was a designer jewellery shop. Since I thought buying any jewellery for my mother-in-law would be a good option. As we entered the shop the shop representative came to us. She was showing us various options to choose from.
I was confused about which one to pick so, I left the decision to Stella.
" I'm out. You can pick what ever you feel suitable for your parents."
" Let's get the couple watches. I think it will be better and we don't have to look for something else for my dad." I honestly didn't thought that she will pick something less costly. But she did saved my money and time by choosing couple watches.
" Okay I'll go to counter you wait here."
As I was waiting for them to pack up the watches, my head moved to Stella. I looked at her closely with focus gaze. She had a necklace in her hand. She was looking at it with a smile and excitement. I was waiting for her to bring it here to pack it up but she kept it to its place.
I called the lady who was still packing the watches. " Get that necklace packed separately and add it to the bill."
The lady smiled almost giggled
" Sir you are really sincere about your wife's needs."
It was almost like an irony to me. Because in reality I never did anything good for Stella. Even buying a simple necklace seems so futile.
" Well I don't usually get many opportunities to show my sincerity so, I might use it now."
~ to be continued