There You Are

Chapter 4

Areeba's POV:

The day had started like any other day, but little did I know, it was about to take a turn for the worse.

My heart pounded in my chest, I couldn't help but wonder how many times had he seen me glued to my phone huh?

As I walked into my department, I was hit with the realization that I was a full 90 minutes late. Of all days, today was the one my luck decided to desert me.

I tried to blend in with other interns, hopng to sneak past her eagle-like gaze, but it was as if she had a sixth sense, she spotted me immediately and called me out.

My heart sank as I approached her, praying she wouldn't yell in front of everyone.

"Y-yes ma'am?" I stuttered, trying to play innocent as if I hadn't just attempted to sneak in unnoticed.

Her voice was stern serious as she questioned me. "What's the time now?"

"Ten-10:50," I stammered, the anxiety making it hard to speak clearly.

"And what's the reporting time madam?" She shot back.

"N-nine," I managed to reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Sit in the OP now. Your posting is canceled for today." With a stern look, she declared.

I was at a loss for words. Should I apologize? Should I say okay?

I chose silence, staring at the floor as if it held the answers.

"Write an assignment on this topic now, and I want it on my table in 30 minutes. Leave." She said, her voice like a whip in the quiet room.

I exited her cabin immediately, not uttering a single word.

Tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill over. Anytime someone yelled at me, this was my reaction. I tried to control them but couldn't.

Just then a girl approached me, "Oh no, are you crying?"

I wanted to scream at her, wasn't it obvious that I was upset?

But I remained silent, my sniffles the only sound.

"Don't take her words to heart. She can be worse than a headache sometimes, but she's cool. You'll adjust.

"Excuse me", I whispered, slipping out of the room and heading towards the washroom.

It took me a solid five minutes to find it.

Sure, I could've asked someone, but...

I took a moment to breathe, to compose myself. I dabbed at my eyes, applied a light touch-up to my face, and steeled myself for the task ahead.

I was so absorbed in my work that I didn't even notice two and a half hours slip by.

Glancing at the clock, it read 1:40. Almost everyone had left for lunch, leaving only a few behind.

I grabbed my bag and started towards the cafeteria, but then I remembered - the doctor's handerkerchief was still with me. I had to return it.

A wave of nervousness washed over me as I rerouted towards his cabin. It was just a handkerchief, just a piece of cloth, but it felt like so much more.

I knocked on his door, my heart pounding in my chest.

One knock...

Two knocks....

Three knocks. Finally, he responded.

The room smelled familiar as I entered, and I couldn't help but wonder if I'd overdone it with my perfume. Thinking about our previous encounter, his gaze met mine, and I could feel the intensity of his stare.