chapter 11

Today Fiza has a presentation at the office, so Fiza reaches the office a little early. Fiza is not nervous about her presentation. She wants to give her best in it. Apart from the seniors, other team leaders will also be present there. So far, Fiza has been working on the incomplete project of her previous team leader. It is the first project she has worked on entirely by herself.Everyone present at the meeting praises Fiza's work. Fiza gives all the credit to her team, which makes her team happy. Fiza feels happy at her small achievement. Fiza wants to celebrate her happiness but can't think of anyone with whom she can share her joy. It is not such a big achievement that she can share it with Shabana, Shalini or Arif. It's just a small step towards her promise to herself.Fiza orders coffee at the canteen and sits at a corner table watching the traffic. Fiza remembers how afraid she used to be while crossing the road. As a child, Fiza would hold her father's hand tightly while crossing the roads. She was her father's darling till her relationship with Aman came to the fore. Not that she was Arif's fiance at the time. She had no clue that her father had fixed her marriage with Arif when she was born. Fiza learns this when her father finds out about the display of her portrait at Aman's exhibition, and chaos ensues at home.Fiza was lost in her thoughts when Sameer brought her back to the present.'Hi Ma'am! May I sit here?''Surely.''Are you thinking about something serious?''No, nothing as such.''I am Sameer, leading a team of motion graphics designers.''I know. I have seen your today's presentation.''How was it?''Good.''Just good.'Fiza smiles and says,' No, it was very good.'Fiza does not understand why Sameer suddenly came to meet her. They know each other but have not been formally introduced before. Fiza doesn't know what to say to Sameer. She feels uncomfortable but can't leave as Sameer may feel insulted.Sameer continued,' I have heard that you have relocated recently.''Yes, but why?''No, just out of curiosity.'Fiza didn't feel like listening to crap. She gets angry but politely says, ' I thought it's again an HR interview.' and smiles.Then a member of her team comes to call her, and she feels relieved.Sameer kept watching Fiza leaving.Fiza's team was impressed by the fact that she gave her team full credit for the work, which most team leaders don't. They decide to give a small party after office to welcome her officially. Fiza doesn't want to stay extra hours after the office, but she does not understand what to tell her team. Fiza has kept the time after office exclusively for herself. She doesn't want to compromise with it, but she can't say no to her team.'Actually, I have a little work. Can't you do this party at lunch tomorrow?'Hearing this, her team gets upset.Seeing team members' upset faces, she says,' If you can make it short, I'm in.''Thank you, Ma'am.'Usually, no one in corporate addresses anyone as sir or ma'am, but Fiza's team members address her as ma'am, and Fiza never objected.Fiza's team arranges a small party at the canteen. They gave Fiza a beautiful bouquet and a box of chocolates. Every team member says something about Fiza that makes her feel overwhelmed. She didn't expect this. The day became a memorable day for Fiza.Fiza's phone rings. "Aarav calling  ......" is displayed on the screen.Fiza gets surprised to see Aarav's name on the screen. Aarav generally doesn't call her. Is everything ok? She thought.'Hello!' Fiza picks up the call.'Hi! Have you left the office?''No, not yet.''That's good. Then I am coming to pick you up.''But why?''That Shalini knows. She has ordered me to pick you up, and I am just following her order.''No, Aarav, not today.''Then talk to Shalini.'Fiza knows Shalini is very stubborn. She will not listen to her. So, Fiza agrees to go with Aarav.Fiza is waiting for Aarav at the reception when Sameer passes.'Hey, why are you leaving so early?'Fiza gets irritated, but she controls her anger and says, ' I come in time, complete my work in time. So, I prefer leaving in time.'Before Sameer could say anything, Fiza gets Aarav's call that he has reached her office. 'Good night. I have to go.' Fiza says.'Boyfriend?' Once Fiza thought to tell him the truth. Then she changed her mind and smiled and left.Aarav takes Fiza to a restaurant where Shalini is already waiting.'Seeing that you are late, I ordered our dinner. Only an hour left for the movie to start. I want to watch the movie from the beginning.' Shalini says as Aarav and Fiza reach.'Movie? You should have asked me if I was interested in watching the movie or not.''You were alone here, so I thought you would enjoy it.''Stop deciding my life. Ask me before you plan anything for me.'Fiza's anger is clearly visible on her face. To calm Fiza, Aarav says, 'If Fiza doesn't want to go to the movie, we can cancel it.''I have already bought the ticket. How can we cancel it now? Moreover, I have thought about this outing since Fiza came to Mumbai.''Yes, it's always about you.' Fiza smiles sarcastically.Shalini was about to say something, but Aarav stopped her.Food is served, but Fiza does not eat anything. She orders a fresh lime soda for her. Aarav and Shalini had their dinner. After that, they went to the movie.Fiza fell asleep shortly after sitting in the hall. She was so tired that even the noise of the hall did not disturb her sleep. Seeing Fiza in a deep sleep, Shalini realizes her mistake.'Fiza looks to be very tired. Let's go.' Shalini whispers to Aarav.'Let her sleep. When she wakes up, ask her if she wants to go.'But Fiza doesn't wake up. She had to wake up after the movie was over. Shalini apologizes to Fiza for forcing her to come to the theatre. Fiza is still feeling drowsy, so she doesn't reply.Aarav drops Fiza home.As Fiza opens the door, she sees Aman sitting.'Sorry, Aman, I got late.'Aman goes inside without answering.(Continued .... )