Riya's head spun, and a sharp headache bubbled around her temples. She scrolled through the flashy screen and read the entire article. Disbelief registered on her features when she saw the medical report on display like an exhibition to the wide public, with 'mental disorder' written all over the article in sophisticated fancy business language.
More than the shame of being publicly ostracized, she feared about her job. If the shareholders already knew, then she was almost as good as fired unless she could prove this news as fake. But calling it bluff was impossible because every word written there were goddamn right.
Waves of nausea washed over her with a turbulent sea of thoughts. She couldn't think, let alone think straight. Mind went blank like a straight line on an ECG machine, her heart and brain came to an understanding that she was already dead.
The phone in her hand started vibrating, but Riya not much as flinched. Kamu noticed it and slowly pulled the phone away giving her an apologetic nod, "Mam! This…. I'm very sorry…. This is a disaster, Mam! I'm already getting calls from reporters… Someone might tell them you are here… So, I think you should leave… I've arranged a car for you, it's waiting outside….", he said nervously.
She didn't react and was caught in a dazed state staring abruptly into the blank space. Kamu had to call her multiple times to get her attention this time. He repeated his sentences which was partially understood by her deaf ears as she shakily got up on her feet.
Immediately four guards from the security team rushed over to escort her out to the car. Vision was getting diminished each second and words spun across her eyes. Words like 'mental disorder', 'CEO', 'phobia' and others.
As the procession passed, she could feel the burden of many gazes on her and whispers and murmurs prickling her soft skin like a thorn. 'News does travel like wildfire', Kamu felt bitterly. He had seen Riya face various situations and challenges like a pro but never once seen her quiet with a bowed head like now. He never expected a day like this would come to his boss. He was aware that she was sensitive and weird about touching but he thought it was just a tendency which could be observed commonly in narcissistic and rude CEOs, never once doubted she would be suffering from a disorder.
As soon as they reached the main gate, bunch of reporters swarmed in like bees around them and were on Kamu's pale face. Although Riya was well hidden behind him and the other guards formed a human wall around her, there was pushing and pulling among the reporters creating chaos.
'Is the news true?'
'What is your reply to your shareholders, Ms. Riya?'
'Do you accept to these claims, Ms. Riya?'
'Was this already discussed in your annual meet? Will you continue as CEO?'
'They say your decisions cannot be trusted. Is it true you have a mental condition?'
Questions were fired like bullets, jabbing her heart with a sharp pain which she had not experienced before. But she didn't and couldn't answer to any of those questions as she wasn't aware of the answers herself. Her body felt numb. 'It's over' was the only thought which prevailed at the end of the day.
She stared down at her feet, face as white as a sheet, while Kamu and others tried to wade gradually through the mob. The crowd tailed them behind like greedy vultures ready to eat her alive provided a chance.
In the midst of all confusions, she heard a familiar voice calling out her name.
"RIYA!", it was Dhruv, who was now jogging breathlessly to reach her.
Upon his arrival, the group quickly parted to make way, so that they could pound on the husband now.
Riya lifted her head only partially and noticed Dhruv at her side. He embraced her shoulder protectively and covered the length of his car taking long strides.
Kamu and Dhruv exchanged some words which Riya failed to notice. She wasn't fully aware of the environment around her.
Once they were inside the car, Dhruv strapped her in and drove from there in complete silence.
He was on his way to pick up Riya when he heard the news from his secretary. He blamed himself for not warning her in advance as he knew something was up. But even if he had told her in the morning, she would've brushed him off saying it was no big deal. Hell, even he didn't think it would be a big deal.
She wasn't talking, crying or doing anything. Her gaze was distant and lost, head rested on the car window, sitting there like a mannequin. This was his first time seeing her like this. Helpless! In all their meetings and gatherings where they faced each other, she had always radiated power. But now, she looked like a broken doll stripped off of that same power she was once cloaked with.
Riya didn't know they reached home until Dhruv pulled open the passenger door and removed her seat belt.
"Riya…. Can you walk?", concerned, he asked her.
She didn't react but he noticed the slight movement of her throat when she gulped and came out of the car silently.
She dropped on the couch absentmindedly just staring at her feet, still not speaking a word. Dhruv was scared. Even when she faced a kidnapper or while ripping him apart, she was bold like it was just another thing off her plate. Her past didn't ruffle her either.
If she was upset because of the information leak or the danger of losing her job, he couldn't say.
Dhruv received a phone call from her father as soon as entering their home.
"Have you reached home?", Riya's father asked nervously.
"Yes, uncle"
"How is she?"
"She's not talking, uncle"
He heard Riya's father sigh on the other side.
"It's my mistake, Dhruv"
"What do you mean?"
"The medical certificate was in my locker. I had it in office. I really have no idea who might've stolen it. I should've been more careful. I'm sorry…. I'm really sorry…. I'm going back to office for checking the CCTV cameras now", he said sternly.
Dhruv's mind was fuzzy, and he didn't know what to reply. He wished he could also join Riya's father on his way to uncover the truth, but she was a broken mess here. He understood that his first priority was her over anything else now.
"Please don't feel bad uncle…. I'll first talk with Riya. She's not fine… Call me if you find anything….", he hesitated.
"Yes… Yes…. Please take care of my daughter, Dhruv….", he said in between quick pants and the line went dead.
He slowly walked over to the couch and stood tall with his shadow towering over Riya. She didn't raise her head or looked as he thought she would.
He squatted down in front of her, trying to peek through her face.
"Riya…..", he dared to call her out as her behavior was really freaking him out.
No reaction.
"Riya….", he said again slightly resting his palm over her knees but still no reaction.
He breathed deeply unaware of how to tackle this situation.
On the slightest warm sensation of a water droplet landing on his hand, he glanced up and shocked to see the tear that had escaped from her eyes.
She never cried or that was what he thought. Even during the most difficult times when he was with her, she had not once cried.
"Riya…?", he panicked now and saw her gulp a sob pushing it deep inside.
"It's over", she whispered hoarsely still facing down with a sullen expression and tearful eyes.