I looked at the man but did not say anything.
He put his hand in his pockets as he said. "Does she always behave like that with you?"
I refused to answer that. It was yet again a tricky question, but not giving a reply was rude too. After all, we did have a good conversation prior.
"It's all in the past anyway." I murmured as I nodded at him before saying, "I will be on my way."
The man did not stop me and I did not ask anything else. The only thing on my mind was that Jane would call me if I did not reach my seat.
—--
I had walked to my desk as I sat there.
Jane might have seen the look on my face as she came a little closer to me, asking in a whisper. "What happened?"
"I met Ella," I murmured as I looked at Jane. I could see her eyes looking at my now empty hands. I did not have to say anything as Jane understood the meaning of it.
She raised her eyebrows as if asking where the file was and I simply shrugged my shoulders. I knew that Jane would understand me as we both share the same view.
I shook my head as I opened my computer to work. The things that I had to do were more but the time was less. I started off by writing all the things I had done since the start.
"Rose, are you going to add the strategy that you suggested for the sports complex inauguration?" Jane said in a whisper. When I looked at her I could see the worry and other questions squealing in her mind.
"I will write it but I am sure Ella will reject it right away."
JAne showed a pitiful expression as she said in a low tone, "You should claim what is rightfully yours."
I laughed as I could see the anger in Jane's eyes. "Trust me, I will. But first I need to have a permanent position."
Jane could not say anything. I too wanted to claim my right but in a workplace where people's behavior changes according to situations and people, I was in a good position. Although I knew that Ella was using my ideas as her, I was able to keep all the notes to prove who the actual creator was.
I pushed back all the thoughts as I focused on writing.
I did not know when the silent office turned chaotic. I looked at the time as I realized that I was writing for the last two hours. I rubbed my eyes as I stretched my body. I looked at Jane who was about to close her eyes.
A laugh left my mouth as I asked her, "Do you want coffee?"
"Are you going to have one?"
"I am getting one myself," I said as I got up from the chair. Although it is recommended that I get up from the chair every hour, in actuality it is quite difficult. When one is engrossed too deeply in work, time is just a factor.
As I walked towards the break room, I could hear the voices inside. The break room was never empty. There was always someone or the other person there. It was a very natural thing, and when there is more than one person, they usually talk.
Although I know that the company had a no gossip policy, I have come to a realization that it is a policy just on paper. When people meet on any casual occasion they talk. It might not be gossip per se, but a discussion in their mind, but for someone, they were discussing it becomes gossip.
I could hear the sound from inside and yet I did not take it to heart. I have heard and seen a lot of such things during so many months.b As I was about to enter, the words made me halt.
"Was the President really here?"
"Yes, no one knew it but I heard he was in the department, before going into Ella's cabin."
"He visited Ella? She would have been feeling lucky."
"I am not sure about it."
"Why? Ella likes the President and everyone knows it. She considers herself as the future owner of the Kennington Corporate."
"To be honest, almost everything here is like the President and see himself beside him, and yet the reality is different."
"Yes, I just wish there was a way we would know what happened there."
I listened to the conversation before I took a step back. I could only take a deep breath as I pushed open the door. I smiled as I walked towards the coffee making. The conversation that was in full spring stopped as soon as I entered.
I did not want to be a part of it, so I filled the cups fast and left the room. My lips were hurting with all the smiling I have done. My thoughts were all messed up. I knew that I needed a break. My head was hurting and so were my eyes.
I put Jane's cup on her table as I asked her. "I am going to a resting place. Do you want to come?"
Jane nodded as she closed her computer and took her cup. The resting place was a relaxation place created where one can sit and loosen up for a few minutes. There was a garden and a place to take a small walk. The view extended as the skyscrapers could be seen. The place even had couches and chairs.
"Let's sit here," Jane said.
I followed as Jane kept her cup on the table. Her eyes looked at the indoor plant as she smiled. "This is the only place that I love." Jane took a sip of the coffee as she relaxed. "Feels like heaven in hell."
I could not help but laugh. "I should be the one saying that. Your situation is comparatively easier than mine."
I took a sip. The strong bitter taste of coffee on my tongue acted like an activator as my sleep vanished. The tempting aroma made my heart relax as I could instantly feel refreshed.
"You make it complicated. I told you, if you do not dress so beautifully and be a little lazy then Ella will not pick on you." Jane looked at me.
I could not help but look down. There was nothing inappropriate. I wore a beige blouse with a black pencil skirt. And as per the makeup, I hated the look of a heavy makeup face so I had just put on moisturizer and sunscreen, eyeliner, and lipstick.
"Do you think this is too much?" I asked with concern. This was not the first time Jane had said something like this. I was considering my dress options if I really needed to change.
"Yes, Yes. For beauties like you, it is never too much. Even if you wear a plain dress, you will look like a fairy. Stop making me envious." Jane laughed as she played with the words.
I could not help but smile at her words. Jane was like this, always talking and smiling when she thought things were getting serious.
"I am not …" I tried telling Jane but she shook her head.
"I have told you this a thousand times. You are beautiful and maybe, just maybe Ella is jealous of it. Anyways, when you walk in the office in your skirt, showing off your legs and the high heels, uff... And that beautiful feature of yours. Red lips and beautiful black cat eyes. Your skin glows even though you don't wear makeup and those long wavy hairs.."
My eyes widened as I listened to Jane's words. I knew I was shy. My whole face would have gone pink as I looked down to avoid embarrassment. "Jane, stop."
Jane laughed playfully as she continued. "Anyway. I think Ella is a little afraid to lose in comparison with you."
"But there is nothing to lose." I tried to explain but Jane ignored me like always. I could see her taking her phone as she checked the mail.
She had a bad habit of doing that but I knew that I could not tell her anything. After all, she was someone with a boyfriend and it was very natural.
"Rose, Did you meet the President when you visited Ella?" Jane asked curiously. I could not help but shake my hand. I did not know why Jane was asking me such questions. It was very unlikely of her.
"Why?" I asked but Jane did not respond. I could only take out my phone as the news started overflowing. There were tons of messages as I scrolled up just to see what was happening.
[How can she do it.]
[She really deserved it.]
[I wonder since when was she doing it.]
[Will she still be in the position?]
There were so many such comments that filled my gaze as I moved.
[Who took the video?]
[They are truly brave]
[At Least it gave us some access.]
I was a little confused as I looked at Jane who was reading the same thing. "Something happened."
Jane nodded as she took her hair a little near her. She placed her phone in between them as she passed on one of the earpieces to me. I took a headphone bud and put it in my ear. The video was on a blank screen.
"I will start now," Jane said in a whisper as if we were doing something illegal and were afraid to be caught. But I did not have time to think about her cute side. I nodded as Jane played the video.