I was rolling from one side of the bed to the other. It was really silly and childish but I liked doing it. I was still a child inside and I loved being this way, carefree. I wish I could be a child again. I was giggling and rolling for the 10th time when my mobile rang.
I got up from my cozy bed and walked towards my study table. There was a number flashing. I picked up my mobile and answered the call.
" Hello." I said as a whisper.
" Priya Iyer?" came a strong and confident voice from the other end.
" Yes."
ten minutes later the line went dead and I stood there shocked. I couldn't believe what had just happened. I started shouting and walked downstairs.
" Mother..... Papa..... Grandma.....
Mother..... Papa..... Grandma....."
I kept calling them and I could see them all looking at me with questioning eyes.
" Why are you shouting Priya?" my Grandma asked. Her eyes glued to the television. She was busy watching her daily soap.
My Father was holding today's newspaper in his hand and waiting for my answer. My mother however was shooting daggers at me with her eyes. My behavior never pleased her. She always told me, "Women need to be cultured." I chuckled at the thought.
Taking a deep breath I announced proudly," I got a job."
My Mother stood up from the dinning table. My father dropped the newspaper and my grandma well, she gave the best reaction, she came and wrapped her arms around me. I was definitely like her.
Soon my parents followed trail and gave me hugs and kisses and blessings. I couldn't stop grinning. It is the best day of my life.
I explained to my parents about the job and that I was starting tomorrow. They were on cloud nine. My Grandma decided to make gulab-jamun, my favorite dessert. I decided to run back to my room and call my big sister to share the wonderful news.
Kavya Iyer , I mean, Mrs.KavyaMehra, my elder sister. But I never address her as "Akka", she is just two years elder to me and she is my best friend. We are the typical big south-indian family. I have two more sisters. They are younger to me - Mrunal and Shruti. Kavya got married last year to the CEO of Mehra Industries, Abhishek Mehra. Well, he is a Punjabi and their romantic affair was a war like any other love story. But it gave me a hope that love conquered all. Yes, behind the big books and my degree, there are novels hidden beneath. They speak boastly of love and romance.
The Mehra's are amazing people. They are rich, classy yet gentle and loving. They had accepted my sister wholeheartedly. Kavya had worked as his assistant for a year and then slowly, they fell in love. We weren't as affluent as the Mehras. We were just a middle-class family living in the dream city. Mother had her doubts about their relationship but they made it surpassing any perils.
I was waiting patiently for my sister to answer the call. Finally on the sixth ring, she did.
" Kavyaaaaaa.... " I exclaimed merrily.
" Wowwwww... Someone seems to be in a good mood today. What happened? " She asked intrigued.
" I got a job." I said and waited for her reaction.
" Whhhhaaat? You got a job.....That's great Priya....I am sooooooooo proud of you." Well, that was the reaction I had expected.
" I know.....I am happy too. You know, you were right. Psychology isn't bad, it can get you a job." I said with a wide grin on my face.
" Told ya. You like it baby sister. You are a good listener and you can calm any peril. I am glad I pushed you to pursue it."
" Yup" I said popping the 'p' as I said it.
" Where is it?"
" Well, I got the job as a counsellor in 'Lets Talk', the leading firm in Mumbai. I start tomorrow. "
" That's great. I can't wait to share this news with Abhishek. He will be happy for you."
" I am sure. But where is he?"
" He is in London. He will come back tonight."
I could hear her sigh. It wasn't that easy to be the better half of a billionaire. I am sure there was more to what meets the eye. May be that had an argument or a fight.
" That's okay. I will see you tomorrow in the evening. "
" See you. "
The line went dead and I was still smiling.
****
Next Day
I wasn't an early bird. But now that I have a job in hand. I didn't mind waking up early. I got up at 7 and by nine, I had left for work.
I met the Chief Counsellor, Mr.Sahai and he introduced me to his panel of experts and other employees. I found out that I won't be working everyday. The work was based on my field of psychology expertise and also my experience. I would have my clients whom I will have to help and there were many contracts which I had to sign. Mr.Sahai showed me my room, well it wasn't a cubicle or a cabin that is found in corporate. It was a proper room and in the middle of the room was an arrangement for the counselor with two huge chairs opposite each other and a table in between them.
There was a carpet from the door till the middle of the room. There were some paintings and art pieces hanging in the wall. The place was simple and calm. I liked it.
I had my first session at three in the afternoon. So, I decided to have a stomach filling lunch from the canteen. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous and I was feeling butterflies in my stomach. I for a moment felt like I need counseling myself, just kidding!
***
I sat there stunned. This was not what I had expected. I was waiting for my client, who would need my help. I was nervous and fidgeting with my fingers when the door swung open and walked in a man. I saw his face and I was shocked. I couldn't believe my eyes. I could see him perplexed too. He too had not expected to see me. How could this happen? I was gathering my thoughts when I heard his footsteps approaching near me. He sat on the vacant chair opposite to me and looked straight at me. He was dressed in a corporate attire. His hair was done perfectly to the right. His eyes, his face, his every feature was the same but it wasn't. His lips, they were not spread into a warm smile like they always used to. This wasn't the guy I have been meeting in parties for years. He wasn't the guy who always was warm and loving. The guy in front of me looked intimidating and I for one was shocked beyond words to utter anything.
The next hour that passed felt like years. We didn't exchange any words and when the clock struck four, He got up, turned on his heel and walked out of the room.
I let out a breath and felt like some weight has been lifted of me. But nothing made sense. I couldn't contemplate what had happened.
" Why was Reyansh Luthra here for counselling? " I found asking myself aloud.
****