"Manager Ari, may I come in?"
"Yes," Ari replied as he put on his coat. He finally had time to get lunch, having been immersed in work since morning. The atmosphere in the office had been good the past few days, something he'd craved after the recent mishaps and delayed deadlines.
"Are you heading out, Manager?" Ari's secretary inquired.
"Yes. I haven't gone for a proper lunch in weeks; therefore, today, I plan on savouring every last bite." Ari replied enthusiastically. "You should head out too once I return or have someone sit in for you but do not leave the desk unattended."
The secretary seemed to be hesitant. She was standing by the door while holding the handle, still unsure whether she should enter or leave, and Ari picked her indifference.
"Is there a problem?"
"Manager Ari, I'm afraid you seem to be having a last-minute appointment."
"Appointment? As I recall, my schedule for today afternoon has been clear since two days ago."
"I apologise, Manager, but... Well, there is an unexpected guest you might not want to turn down. Someone who has referred to them as your family relation."
The secretary went on to describe the urgency in a manner the guest explained why he had to see Ari. She missed Ari's body stiffening at the mention of his younger brother's name, and as she went on, her words were muffled up by Ari's thoughts, wondering how his brother discovered his location."
"Where is he right now?"
"By the lobby downstairs, Manager. He has been waiting there for the last ten minutes."
"Have the security send him off."
"M-Manager...?" Ari's secretary hesitated. "B-But he mentioned it was an urgent family matter..."
"Is the staff lift in operation?" Ari ignored, his expression showing no interest in meeting his brother.
"Y-Yes, Manager."
"Then have the other staff use the guest lift until I return."
"B-But Manager Ari... I-I promised he'd meet you..."
"With whose authority?" Ari snapped.
A long uncomfortable silence followed for a few seconds, which gave Ari time to gain his composure. "You have been incompetent before, allowing uninvited guests into my floor without my approval. This is your second strike after that stubborn girl and his brother bringing me lunch and whatnot. I warn you. There won't be another chance."
"I'm deeply sorry, Manager Ari. It won't happen again."
'Of course, it will. You are very naive, and that is why anyone can easily manipulate you. Perhaps Ned handed you over to me due to this very reason.' "Look, I do not doubt your diligence but do not push me to my limit."
"Yes, Manager." Ari's secretary replied. "I'll inform the security of your request."
Ari pondered over why his youngest brother would request to see him. It had been months since he'd last set eyes on them, let alone the years that had passed earlier without seeing them. They'd all grown up, each taking their lives even though still confined in that neighbourhood. 'There is no need to meet with any of them. And what was that thing about a letter? The secretary mentioned something, but I hardly paid attention." Ari sighed. "Just when I was about to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. In fact, I would have clocked out early and turned it down with a nice movie. Still, it bothers me how he found my exact location and his reason for coming.'
After enjoying a rather dull lunch, Ari contemplated returning back to the office but changed his mind.
"I won't be coming back to the office. You may leave early once you complete the daily tasks."
"Emm... Manager Ari, I must inform you that your guest left a message for you earlier."
"I'm aware, I'm looking at the envelope as we speak."
"Oh... The security team never informed me you'd taken it away, so... I-I was wondering..."
"I'll see you tomorrow morning." Ari's response was flat. Suddenly, his mood moved from sullen to melancholy. He stood up and was about to clear his bill when he spotted a familiar figure. There was no doubt that it was Rey, but the person he was with was what shocked him the most. Luckily, none of them had spotted him, for he'd been in another wing of that restaurant. 'Whatever are those two doing together at Yummyyum...'
"Sir, would you like to have a receipt?"
"No, thank you," Ari replied and used another route to exit the restaurant. He paced quickly towards the parking bay, but his attempt at fleeing swiftly must have been discovered.
"Brother Ari..." Ari almost turned reflexively but stopped midway.
'Darn.' "So, you did spot me," Ari replied, then turned fully to face his brother. "Have you been following me?"
"No." Ari's brother walked confidently, one hand inside his pocket, but Rey wasn't with him. "A friend informed me you might be here, and while I took my order, I caught a glimpse of your cologne and followed the scent to the parking."
'Liar. You must have known I'd be here... Or was it that darn secretary playing his cards again?' "Where is your friend?"
The man smirked. He then offered a handshake, to which Ari obliged half-heartedly but tried not to show his discomfort.
"Did you get my letter? I left it at your building."
"I haven't looked into it yet."
"That's a relief. I was hoping I could have the opportunity to express myself in person as opposed to a mere letter. I'm not in possession of your cellphone number as well. Your friend refused to give it to me. Your secretary as well, no matter how much I pleaded."
"Was he the one who informed you where to find me?"
"Actually, I've been in touch with him for some time. I've was begging him to arrange a meeting for us two. It was only recently that he budged." Ari's brother gave a warm smile. "It's clear he cares deeply for you."
"Look," Ari lifted his palm to stop his brother from speaking further. "I'm in a hurry. I'll be on my way."
"Big brother... Remember when we were toddlers, you always promised to help me out whenever I got in trouble.? That is why I'm here, but not for me. It is for you."
Ari turned to look back at his younger brother. He monitored his expression, unsure whether he wished to get involved or not; and whatever matter did he have that needed helping? Especially one that came from any member of his family.
"The purpose of my visit is in the letter, but I can brief you on the matter for now, seeing that you clearly do not wish to meet me and you haven't read it as yet."
"From my understanding, our ties were terminated."
"You still remain our elder brother, brother Ari. Mom and Dad were devastated upon your departure. It caused havoc, including the termination of our other brother's engagement."
"What you are telling me is of no concern of mine. And whatever were you doing with Mr. Rey?" Ari couldn't help exposing his curiosity. The fact that Rey had been meeting up with his brother behind his back was not something he'd expected, considering the spectacle he'd put up the last and only time he'd met them. "What are you people consorting with him against me?"
"I'm not against you, brother; as a matter of fact, I'm your only ally. If you recall, I didn't say much upon your last visit. It took me by surprise to have you visit us. I often wondered where you used to live, if you were fairing well... I used to look up to you as my elder brother, but you disappeared and left us. I missed you, big brother. We missed you... Mother missed you the most obviously." Ari's brother hesitated before adding, "Her ill health began when you had left, and she despised you for many years. Perhaps that is why she wished to see you again, and as you are already aware, not all of us have an open mind to your lifestyle."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Big brother, I'm not at war with you. I've been trying to convey this message to your workmate for months now, but he wouldn't budge. It was only recently that he allowed me information of your whereabouts."
"Tell whoever sent you that you did not find me," Ari replied, not believing a word his brother said. "You may have been a toddler when I left, but you've had a rough idea of the path I'd chosen to live. Besides, I'm not the same person you used to know. Therefore, you should stop with this nonsense."
"Big brother..."
"Listen, go back from whence you came."
"Then may I request to meet you in a more private set-up before my departure?"
"You may not. Goodbye."