20- “Beauty is always tainted.”
VANSH
Be it school, college or job, you would always find difficult to get into the normal work routine after holidays. Especially the kind of holidays that involved reuniting with your family, old buddies and a lover (former lover in my case). Not everything went smooth but still, I'd like to think I had a valuable time with everyone.
It was like arranging books in a shelf of limited space. You'd had to arrange it without any book falling or lying out of place. Just when you thought you arranged it, some unexpected new books were added to the mix, turning a simple task into a daunting one.
It happened when I was called to Richard's office, one day. He presented a file that contained bio profiles of three people— two young men and one woman, all aged twenty one. Their profiles stated that they were still university students. Currently, they were in their third year. The more I looked, the more puzzled I became. As if sensing my burning curiosity, Richard took the file away from me and placed it on his desk. “Now I'm sure you have many questions running inside that curious head of yours, so let me start by this— You are to train these students for their two month training.”
“What the fu–” I clicked my tongue to stop cussing out loud. “You want me to train these students?”
“Yes,” Richie answered, “Ain't nothing big, son. You simply have to give the basics of how things work aroun' here. Then choosing one topic, ye have to assist them in their presentation, as well as show the practical applications of it. The training period is for two months but if you do it quicker, you end it before too.”
“Why me, Rich?” I couldn't help but ask.
“Because you're the best option available. Out of all the team members, yours and Natasha's workload is lesser. Doesn't mean you have it easy but since you two are the only junior architects in our team, you bore slightly lesser burden than the rest. Now I could have chosen Natasha too. She's more dedicated than ya but I think you got a better knack at explaining things. You seem to have more patience too. Don't tell her this,” he whispered the last part to me and we shared a quiet laugh. “Plus you are going to get monetary incentives out of this so be proud I chose ya.”
My eyes lit up, “Seriously?”
Richard chuckled at my enthusiasm, “Yes, my boy. In case the workload gets too much for you at some days, you can ask Natasha or any other team member to help you out.” He shot me a serious look. “Are you comfortable with it?”
Think about the incentives, the incentives, “Yes!”
“Great,” he patted my back. “Their training will start on Monday so you'll have enough time to go through some of their study material. Take these files with you. If you need anything else, I'm available. You may resume with your work.”
During lunch, I messaged Ahana— “Guess what, this idiot is going to become a teacher. 😂”
The following Monday, Richard introduced me to those three students— A Russian man and two Americans. The first thing that caught my eye were their faces. Funny, how I could detect their mood from their expressions alone. The Russian man seemed dejected, like he was rather forced in here while the American brunette girl looked nervous and stressed. The American blonde was the only one with mild curiosity in his eyes. Three different people with three different perspectives. Just what shit did I get myself into?
I cleared my throat, dissipating the odd tension in the room. “Hello, I'm Vansh Baweja, a junior architect and basically, I'm going to be your guide for your two month training.” I stifled back a laugh at my own use of formal tone. Atleast I managed to get their attention but there wasn't much change in their moods. Don't be so formal, idiot. This ain't a lecture. Fuck it, I'll just be my own self. “You know what, let's explore the canteen first, whatcha say? You can introduce yourselves on the way.”
Let's just say that the rest of the day turned out better. They seemed somewhat refreshed after they filled their stomachs. Various curious questions about the company and studies were thrown my way while I tried to answer them all, to the best of my ability. I guess they felt comfortable in the company of someone around their age (I was only four years older than them). I became self conscious as I didn't want them to think I was less than them. By the time, I was done with the first class, I was mentally exhausted.
“All hail, professor Vansh!” Irfan announced as I stepped into the my work office. The sight before me left me astonished. All heads were at me as if I was the star of the day. Some even appreciated by congratulating me on my first day. It was a simple, almost childlike gesture but somehow it uplifted me. I got back to my cubicle with a small smile.
-
With each passing day, I found myself easing up to my new side job. I was becoming less mentor like and more Vansh like. I felt more confident than before. It was nostalgic as well. Often I found seeing my past self in them. The time when I was still learning and adapting in the architectural world. It made me realize how naive and irresponsible I was. Those were the best years.
I'd like to believe that the three of them liked me too, especially the American girl, Sophie. She would often rant about how boring and serious her professors were and how she would have loved it, if I would teach in one of her classes. 'Seeing how easy going and cool you are, I could totally imagine some of my classmates digging you.' is what she would say. Sometimes it seemed like she admired me too but I could be imagining things. The other American boy, Connor, reminded me a lot of myself, except he was probably more intelligent and bolder than me. He often urged me to perform a prank with them after I recited some of my antics. I actually had to be wary of him at times. The Russian boy was a quiet and a shy one but he was the most hardworking of them all.
Richie was so happy with the overall feedback that he offered a treat to us folks over lunch. For some reason, he seemed to be in an extra 'rich' mood today.
“It's me and my wife's thirteenth marriage anniversary today,” Richie told us when I questioned. I think it was the first time I was having an exclusive lunch with my boss.
“Then that bouquet, greeting card and those candies on your table...” I pointed out.
“That was sent by my wife, yes,” He answered, smiling wide. “It's kind of a ritual between us. Every anniversary me and Allie, we surprise each other. Either at home, office or an unexpected order online. Then in the evening, we celebrate it together with our kids.”
“That's so sweet. I hope my future hubby plans the same for me,” Sophie said, dreamily. Then gave a pointed look to all of us, except Richard. “Take notes, boys.”
The lunch continued with me and the male trainees concentrating on the food kept on the table while Sophie was more interested in extracting juicy details about Richard's love life. Richard being Richie proudly shared the history of his relationship. As lunch time neared it's end, Sofie asked Richie about the success of his long term relationship and how he made his marriage last, amongst many other broken ones.
“That's a tough questions that atleast needs a book to answer,” he said. Connor excused himself to throw the used plate in the dustbin. He was probably glad that he didn't had to hear any more romantic crap. I was just about to leave when Rich spoke.
“Tell me, would'ya like to visit your hometown again?” when Sophie answered a yes, he continued, “Why? Because it's your birthplace that holds dear to you or a place where you lived? No. It's because you made countless of memories which attaches you to that place. You'd love that place no matter how it is. You won't mind paying a visit there again and again. If you find a love like that, then never let it go. Because that kind of love is rare— it's your home. The place where you always return to.”
His words directed my memories to the time of my reunion with Ahana. That was easily the best thing that happened in those holidays. The best moment we shared. And then my memories traveled further back.
“I'm home, dear husbando.”
“Welcome back, dear wifey.”
“What are you smiling at, Sir?” Sofie asked me, snapping me out of my happy lane. Ah, the feel of being called sir. Seems like I've grown, ha, ha, ha!
“Nothing, Sof. Was just basking myself in the taste of the food.” I then turned to Richie. Connor just missed out something good. “Those were some rich words, man.”
The whole day Richard was working and greeting everyone with a weird, sappy smile on his face. I was appalled. It was his thirteenth anniversary, yet he behaved as if it was his first. I think I understood what Ahana meant back then.
“Is something funny?” I voiced out after noticing how Ahana was observing an old couple with mild interest. They were just seated a few seats away from us in the restaurant. It was Valentines day. “What did you see?”
As soon as I said those words, I saw something reflected in her eyes. Just when I was about to delve further, my mobile vibrated within the palm of my hand. “Love. I saw love. That reminds me, do you love me?” she asked.
That something, I realized later, was longing in her sad eyes. But she wasn't alone on that. Funny how I was reminiscing so many things today. All thanks to this weird, candy loving boss. Feeling her absence more than ever, I messaged her wanting to call and just talk to her. Maybe talk about today. We haven't talked properly ever since I left India. It was weird, despite confessing that we missed each other. I hoped we could share a heart- to- heart today.
I waited an hour, two and more but received no reply. Perhaps it was night time there. I carried on with the rest of the day, feeling restless and disheartened. Later at night, when Ahana asked me what I wanted to talk about, I replied in a negative. The romantic mood in me was long gone, replaced by fatigue and a headache. I bid her goodnight and went to sleep.
Days got slightly better as they went. Although I had to juggle my time between mentoring and project work, I was still able to manage. The good thing was, I was able to maintain my distance with Natasha. The physical one that is. We still talked and teased but that was inevitable since we were friends. Communication with Ahana was almost null, due to our tight work schedules, varying timelines and weird mood swings, but atleast we weren't fighting. It was just the distance and perhaps, my guilt (for not telling her). We still messaged though. Life seemed to be going in a straight line somehow.
Until one day, trouble came knocking my door.
“Vansh,” A familiar voice called my name amongst all the chatter in the canteen. I took my order from the counter and turned to the source of the voice, smiling at me.
“Shreya.” My brows shot up in surprise. “Long time no see. How are you?”
“I know right! I think the last time we talked was around November. Yes, I'm doing good. What about you? How were your holidays?”
After going through the pleasantries, I noticed her demeanor change as she straightened herself. “I want to talk about something. Could you maybe, meet me after office or something?”
“Oh,” I blinked. “Uh, what do you want to talk about?” More like what's even there to talk about?
She bit her lip, “Nothing big. Just a bit of a helping hand. If you're free today then meet me after six. I'll be waiting for you at Starbucks.”
“Yes, I'm free. See you then.”
Just a bit of a helping hand. That was odd. What would she need from me anyway? Except for the fact that we studied in the same class, we barely knew each other. Guess I'll only know after I meet her.
.
As decided earlier, I met her at Starbucks after work. She was already there, sitting as poised as she could be, in her navy blue tee and black pencil skirt. “You're early,” I said as I reached her table and settled down.
She let out a sound breath. “We are busy people, Vansh. I didn't want to miss this meeting at any cost.”
That odd feeling crept up again but I ignored it. The quicker I dealt with this, the better. “Okay so, what do you want from me?” Fuck, that sounded kinky. I should have worded it differently.
She gave a clipped smile, “Actually, I need a favor...”
Out of nowhere, she started ranting about the cruelty of her job and her new boss that got employed four months ago. She had been working under the management department for more than a year, that too, with a moderate salary. She had been wanting to shift to the architectural department ever since the beginning but couldn't, since she wasn't qualified enough. But she managed to pass the interview for the management department. In order to shift to the architectural one, she will have to give a small written test followed by an interview. The one in charge of the interview was someone named Harris Maxfield. She had already given the interview two times before but failed. She couldn't afford to lose and waste her efforts, the third time.
The reason why she was telling me her sob story was still unknown. I kept checking the time on my phone while holding on to my patience that was waning.
“Let me cut to the chase,” she said and I let out a sigh of relief. Finally. “Mr Harris Maxfield is one of the board directors so his approval means a lot. I also heard that he is a good friend of Wilford Grint, who is also one of the board directors.”
Wilford Grint was the principal of the project. The one, my team and other teams were collectively working on for months. I raised a brow. “What are you suggesting? Are you...”
“Yes, Vansh, your guess is correct.” She rested her elbows on the table, her hands joining under her chin. “I want you to put a word to Wilford Grint for me. If you do just that, then my job is good as done. Grint will then persuade Harris which will make my interview a piece of cake to deal with. I know that we aren't quite acquainted with each other but as former college mates and classmates, please do this for me.”
I took a moment to answer, “Well, I must say that's a clever trick but it's not as easy as it sounds. Mr Wilford Grint takes his work very seriously, and he's strict with his employees. Plus, I don't think a man that holds the power to own such a huge project will listen to a junior architect who's not even properly affiliated to this company.”
She looked at me like I was dumb. “Who said you have to do this all by yourself? Your team manager, Richard is it? He must be acquainted with Wilford since he has to report to him. Convince Richard instead and he'll do the rest.”
This was just getting ridiculous by the minute. Did she really think that everybody would cater to her demands? Richard was himself intimidated by Wilford. He made sure to deliver the reports on time because he feared him. Such was the power of Wilford. And this woman requested me to make Richard manipulate him. She must be nuts. “Shreya, I really don't think—”
“Do you know how much it hurts when the thing you desperately want never comes within your grasp? Come on, Vansh,” She pleaded, sounding emotional and extended her arm across the table to reach mine, startling me. “You have no idea how much it will mean to me if you do this. I'll forever be indebted to you. I'll do anything you ask of me in return. An exotic cuisine, money, you name it. Once. Just risk this for once, honey.”
I internally shuddered at her honeyed coated words and the usage of the word itself. I withdrew my hand under hers and ran it through my hair, growing agitated. A few seconds passed in awkward silence until I willed myself to speak, “If Richie had been the one interviewing you, I swear I would have convinced him. He's friendly, kind and yes, he knows Wilford but it's strictly professional. Richie certainly doesn't have the balls to request Wilford, forget convincing him. And Wilford is not even the one taking your test. You know what? Forget about this and concentrate on what you have to do. I'm sure if you give your all, you'll make it to architectural department. They say that thirds the lucky ch—”
“So it's a 'no' then.”
“I- I'm afraid so, yes.”
“Tch,” I heard her click her tongue in frustration. Well, it wasn't like I cared if she gets mad at me. Her request was obnoxious to begin with and I didn't want to tarnish my reputation with Rich and his, too. I turned to her and noticed her glaring at the glass like she wanted to shatter it. I heard her taking a sharp breath. I prepared myself for her wrath.
“And here I was hoping you would help me for old times sake. Ugh, why did I even bother with a pussy like you?” She then turned to me, her eyes narrowing in slits. “You know, seeing you reminded me of my college and some of the fun times I had. I really didn't want to resort to this but you leave me no choice.”
“What the fuck do you mean?” My voice was no longer calm which was probably because of my heart, that was going by a mile now. I could sense it clear from her words. Sense something going terribly wrong.
And that's exactly when she smiled. The kind of smile that wasn't mischievous but sinister. It was as if she could pick up on my anxiety. Her sleek fingers began to tap on the touch screen of her mobile, “Just a minute baby, just a minute... where... where... here!” Her fingers stopped and I held my breath for a second before breathing again.
Seconds ticked by, until my mobile pinged, almost causing me to jump. I fished it out from my pocket, never leaving my eyes off her as she sat there, smiling. I unlocked it and indeed there was a message from the person sitting next to me. This just got into a new level of creepiness.
With hastened fingers, I opened the messenger tab and stilled.
It was a video.
“Go on, see it yourself,” she gestured towards my mobile.
Was it funny that I was remembering the time when Arora had barged into my apartment? For some funny reason, that moment seemed a lot better than what I was experiencing now. Or maybe I was just growing paranoid. Beads of sweat formed on my forehead as I pressed the play button. As the black screen displayed some colors, my mind alarmed me with dozens of scenarios: Having a bath at home, taking a piss, playing pranks on my colleagues, badmouthing someone, slacking off... I knew they weren't harmless but that was all my innocent mind could conjure up with.
The images were blurred at first. I squinted my eyes, hoping to get a clearer look. All I could see was two silhouettes walking on a wide indoor space. From the angle with which those two figures were viewed, it looked as if the camera was above. Which meant it wasn't recorded but taken from a security camera. How was that possible?
A few seconds played by and the video became clearer. When I finally recognized the whole thing, I was paralyzed. The place was an underground parking lot, and the two silhouettes were none other than Natasha and me.
“Did you ate dead rats this morning? That's a ladies washroom!”
“I don't care if it's a ladies washroom or any kind of washroom. People rarely show up here anyway... Your voice is echoing throughout the floor. It will grab attention.”
The words weren't loud as they were during the actual event but they were loud enough to be heard by anyone viewing this. I watched in absolute horror as the two of us disappeared behind the door of the washroom. The area captured by the security camera remained the same for quite a while except for a few cars passing by.
“A ladies washroom? Seriously? Tch, tch, tch,” Shreya clicked her tongue in disgust and I slowly lifted my eyes from the video that was still playing. “If you really had to shag her, you could have chosen a much better place... like your apartment, perhaps. Guess you couldn't hold it in your pants, huh? Such filthy despos you are.”
“Where the hell did you get this from? Did you hack the system?” I ignored her last comment.
“Does it even matter?” she scoffed. “I have my ways, one of being in the management department. Don't worry, your dirty little secret is safe with me.”
“It isn't what it looks like. I didn't invite her in for that!” I told her with gritted teeth. My hand was shaking— not from nervousness but from gripping my mobile. Didn't know whether I wanted to crush my mobile or crush her head with it.
“Fine, let's assume what you're saying is the truth. But tell me this, dear Vansh, will your boss or any of the higher ups from the office believe you as I'm believing you? No, right? Obviously they will believe what they see with their own eyes. Your stupid words even prove furthermore. Hm—” she trailed off thoughtfully, taking a keen interest in it. She dropped her voice as if she was revealing a classified information. “I wonder how your precious Ahana will react if she sees what her boyfriend is upto behind her back? For a moment, you totally made me believe in true love when you said you guys were still together. I thought how beautiful it was that a couple I knew from college were still in love. But that's the thing— Beauty is tainted. It doesn't exist in this world. A so called beautiful relationship will always bore some stains. Heck, even the water we drink is not completely distilled. How can we expect humans to be?”
My eyes were practically drilling onto hers, “Bitch!”
She held up her hands in surrender, “Hey, I'm not judging you. I have no right to point fingers on something I have done myself. I mean who would resist such a fine piece of meat? I would have totally fucked her if I were a guy. I understand, sweetie. You must have gotten bored penetrating into the same hole for, probably like, six- seven years. Besides she's not even that good looking. I bet she must look the same way without cloth—”
“SHREYAA!” I hollered, banging my fists to the table. The table rattled against it but I hardly cared. I was breathing heavily. I was beyond enraged now. How dare she berate Ahana? My head was boiling to the point where I was starting to have a headache. God, could people be this disgusting? Apparently, they can.
“Sir, Ma'am,” A waiter addressed us as she approached our table. “Please keep your voices down. You're grabbing attention from the onlookers.”
True to her word, almost the entire cafe was looking at us. Was I that loud? “I apologize on behalf of my immature friend. Seems like he forgot his manners.”
For the first time in my life, I had thoughts of hitting a woman. It wasn't because she was a woman but because of the kind of person she was behind it. The urge was so strong that instead of hitting, I simply got up and left, fuming. If only she wasn't a woman. If only she wasn't a she. “Such a low graded filth you are. Leech you are, leech!” I accused her quietly once we reached outside.
“Well, thank you but I've heard much worse...” Shreya said, her smile disappearing to a more businesses like one. “Look, I don't care how you do it, just fucking do it. Make my wish come true. I don't need to tell you what happens if you don't. Either you lose your love life or your possible professional life, the choice is mine. Be grateful I'm not choosing both because I'm kind. Laters, sweetie.”
Have I just been blackmailed? Oh my fucking God, I've just been blackmailed. Stop saying it like a blessing, you freak!
I tried throwing some profanities at her, asking her what I ever did, to have been threatened like this. I insisted her to stop this madness but who I was kidding to? She was cunning bitch through and through. I never got a good vibe from her but I never anticipated her to be the kind of manipulative motherf+cker I witnessed today. Ew, I couldn't believe I flirted with such a monster during college (though it was only for one time).
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A u t h o r s N o t e
Did you see this one coming? Huh, did you? Did you? *jumps excitedly* 😂
Shreya was like my secret weapon, just waiting to be shot at, ha, ha, ha! 😈 It's been a while since I wrote a sinister scene like this. Last time was when... (Destined Choice readers might know what I'm talking about 😏) My sadistic self is v happy.
Thoughts about the chapter. About Rich's intake of love, Vansh's becoming a mentor and the whole clash between Vansh and Shreya? What do u think of Shreya? 😜
Real question is, how will Vansh tackle this problem? Will he tell Ahana? I'm glad I divided the chapter so that you get the suspense of this. Tune in to the next chapter (it will be a short chapter) xD
Plz don't forget to Vote and Comment if u like it. Tc. ✌