On my way home that night, I started to question myself if I made the right decision to apply for PTH instead of accepting Hrithik's offer. It seems like everything is not falling into place. Who would have thought that the person I vomited to in the bar will be my new boss?
I can't blame him for treating me like that earlier. What I don't understand is why is there a need to discuss what happened in front of Vivek and Ranbir. I really do think he wanted to humiliate me in front of them. On a positive note, I think that's better than announcing it in the group chat like what Niyon told me. And I dread for that day to happen.
I suddenly feel regretful of my decision to work in that company. Is my dream too big to become a reality? When PTH called to inform me that I'm hired, I am so grateful.
First, the company is the leading and one of the biggest companies in Golden Bird.
Second, I need a better job opportunity and salary to help Mamma.
Third, my body is already tired from working until midnight and then waking up early to deliver Mamma's rice cakes. Delivering rice cakes is fine but sleeping late drains me mentally and physically.
But then, even if I wanted to back out now, I already signed a contract and I don't want to disappoint Mamma. I can still remember her smile when I left this morning. She was very excited and proud.
Mamma is already packing away her materials when I arrived. Peeking from the door, thinking about my plans to back out gave me a sudden feeling of sadness and guilt. I'm sad that my Mamma never experiences an easy life. Guilt that she still needs to work hard for us to get by. I really need this job. No more backing out. Besides, Parth sir did not kick me out. His mocking of me will not kill me.
"Hey, Roop! Why don't you come inside? I've prepared dinner for you." Mamma called.
"Good evening mother. How's the shop?" I asked as I kissed her on her forehead while I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and guide her to our dining table.
"You won't believe this but I have 2 new customers who want to resell my rice cakes." Mamma's voice sounds very excited.
"Wow! That's so good to hear. I can't blame them. Your rice cakes are the best." Of course, I am so happy for her.
"Aww, my Roop. Sit down honey and I will prepare your food. How's your first day? How're your officemates?" Mamma asked while preparing the food for me.
"It's fun!" It's not. "My officemate's are really nice and welcoming."
"Nice to hear that. At least you won't have a hard time adjusting. How about your boss?"
Okay, so here it is. "They were also very nice Mamma." They were evil. One is a lunatic and the other one is horribly dangerous. Spilling his cold words like stabbing me from the front, wait that's too much I guess of my feelings.
I tried to fake a smile. I don't want her to worry.
"That's so nice to hear. At least I am sure that my Roop is being treated right." Mamma, I'm sorry I need to lie just to make you happy.
"Let's eat Mamma," I said while giving her a bite of Apple
The next day came, I woke up early today as my Mamma asked me to get a paycheck from one of her customers. I hesitate at first because that customer is always late and I don't want to be late for the office. But being lucky is not on my side today as her customer is late once again. Before I knew it, I know that I won't be able to make it to the office on time.
I am catching my breath when I reached the 30th Floor. I really think I can win a marathon now. It's already 8:20 am and I'm 20 minutes late. I'm running late two days in a row. I immediately push the red button and barged in after the click. But before I reached the end of the hallway, I saw someone sitting on my chair. Niyon on the other hand is sitting in his place looking very stiff.
"Here he comes," Ranbir smirked when I finally enter the office. He is sitting beside Vivek who looks really uncomfortable.
"Good morning Sir. I'm really sorry I...."
"You're late." Parth sir cut me out as he turned the swivel chair to face me. He still carries that same facial expression. His eyes glared.
I bowed, "I'm really sorry sir. I promise this will be the last."
I bowed down. Parth sir looked at me. His eyes filled with anger.
"You better stick this in your small brain. I don't need ineffective people in my team." Parth sir pushed my forehead with his index finger making me step backward almost losing my balance.
Niyon stood up to catch me as I almost fell on the floor but Parth sir glared at him and pointed to the chair. "Sit!"
Niyon moved backward and sat down looking horrified.
I'm still clinging to the edge of the table. Parth sir moved closer. I wanted to move back but my senses told me not to. I'm scared that I will trigger him more and I will receive a punch instead of the finger push he did seconds ago. I froze. His face is just an inch from mine. He stared at me.
"This will be the last time or else I will throw you out that door. Or maybe that window if you keep on being a stupid employee."
He then turned his back on me and dashed back to his office. The funny thing, he did not even ask if I understood. He is very stern, authoritative and just a plain monster.
I hear Ranbir laughing, "It's just your second day, poor boy. Expect more of that. I wish you're late again tomorrow." He snickered at me before he went back to his office.
As soon as the door closed, Niyon and Vivek came running to comfort me. I can't even look at them. I felt ashamed of what happened.
"Are you okay?" Vivek asked.
"Of course, he's not. Come on, sit down first. Relax." Niyon guide me to my chair. My heart is thumping hard from embarrassment and anger.
"Is that how he treats his employees? He is so rude. That's illegal!" I finally found the courage to talk, and I almost choke.
Vivek sighed, "That's his normal self."
"Nobody treated me like that. Even my mother never laid her hands on me." I said, tears starting to form in my eyes out of anger. How is such a terrible man alive in the new world?
"Roop, please don't cry. There were lots of more horrible things that he did to other employees before. Yours was milder." Niyon said. I know he just wanted me to feel better. I know he's lying.
I swallowed my anger. I never really lay my knuckles to anyone and by the progress of my stay here, I can confirm the possibility that there are two people who will lose a tooth or two.
I never really hear what Niyon and Vivek said. I am lost. I'm just late. I've never done anything serious. I did not steal money, I did not hurt anyone. I'm just late. Just late.
"Roop! Roop!"
I finally came back to my senses. Niyon has been calling me and I didn't notice.
"Sorry. I'm just ashamed of what happened." I said, still, I can't look at them.
"We're the only ones who witnessed what happened and it's no big deal. Big boss had been doing that so many times I cannot remember how often. So don't fret. We're your friends." Vivek's words were very reassuring. He made me feel I belong on this team.
"Just be early tomorrow. Nothing to be ashamed of." Niyon smiled.
But still, my heart was getting apprehensive remembering Parth sir, after all, how can he do this to someone?