waves

chapter 22

Stella was very nervous. With each step, her heart beat was raising. She didn’t wanted to face him again. She don’t feel comfortable in his presence. She is afraid of him. She put her hand on the handle. As she turned it, took a step inside, “may I come in?” she asked with anxiety. “yes!” He replied. Clearly she was looking like a scared kitten. She moved forward and stood there, maintaining a good distance from his desk. “can you come closer?” he asked without lifting his eyes from his laptop. She took little steps and moved closer to his desk. “so miss Stella, why do you want a leave suddenly, even you just joined a while ago?” He asked professionally. “umm, it’s a wedding of someone close that I have to attend” she replied, looking at her hands. “is it that important?” he asked. She lifted her eyes up to see him. She was shocked that even after telling him he’s asking if it’s important? He was trying to humiliate her. He stood up from his chair and looked out of the window. Busy city. He turned and walked towards her. “I asked you a question that day, do you mind giving me an answer now?”
“Which question?” she asked nervously, begging in her mind that he could not bring it again.
“why are u afraid, scared around me and why do u avoid me?” he raised an eyebrow after explaining his question, like he wanted to know that if she remember now.
Her breath was caught in her throat, how she could answer him? She remained silent. He moved closer, his warm breath brushing on her face. She tried to step back but he caught her waist with his right hand, pulling her on place. She turned her face, trying not to look at him. “give me an answer, and I’ll let you go” he whispered in her ear which was hidden under her scarf.
“I just don’t like the way you treat me, I feel uncomfortable with your stares, your presence, your touch, everything!” she exclaimed suddenly with sobs. Tears rolling down her cheeks. She said while looking in his eyes. “but you know what I loved the night you spend with me, and making me your most special man” he said while acting like that her words did not affect him. “it was a mistake! And I regret but I’m not like that anymore so please stop torturing me! Your presence disgusts me!” she exclaimed with all her energy and disgust for him in her eyes. He clearly saw it. He let go of her waist at once. “get out!” he shouted in such a loud voice that her body shivered. She immediately turned around and left with hurried steps. Her words raged him so much that he kicked his table hard at once. And then punched his hand in the wall. It started bleeding.
“miss Stella, your leave application has been approved” his assistant handed her the application while she just woke up from her thoughts. She took it in surprise. She couldn’t believe her eyes that he approved her application after this much hustle. She put the application in her drawer and got busy with her work. Wedding was still a one day after.
As she got home, she excitedly told Fatima that she’ll be attending the  wedding. In evening they both got out for shopping.
The next day, she woke up early. After eating breakfast she looked at her watch. There was still time. She thought that today she should walk herself to office, so she can spend her time on her way. She got ready and head out. It was a beautiful and refreshing morning. She inhaled the fresh air deeply inside. Although she was stressed with the last day’s incident but was trying to let go of bad memories. She smiled to herself and went to her office.
As she reached before timing, many people were not arrived yet. She put her bag on the table and relaxed herself on the chair. Hardly half of her colleagues were present. She looked at the CEO’s assistant’s desk. She was not even there. With time passing her department started to fill up and everyone arrived. Suddenly the CEO arrived and everyone stood up to greet him. He passed through their department. Stella was standing at the corner desk. He didn’t even passed a glance to anyone and looked straight. His assistant came rushing and walked behind him. Stella lowered her gaze while he was passing her but her eyes caught something unusual on his hand. There was a bandage on his right hand and it was even stained with blood. She tried to avert her eyes but couldn’t. She could not help thinking that why there was a wound on his hand.