Chapter 47

I am in a daze.

"The building is being sold," his voice sounded apologetic. "I did try to pre-warn you, that there are ongoing talks, but you did not come to meet me like I asked, and I never got the chance to tell you."

I try hard to pay attention to his words while my world is collapsing around me. "It is almost finalised. Everyone from our wing has handed over their property and we will start moving out soon. Only your landlady's paperwork is remaining. Her grandson is coming from London next week, to sign the deed."

"And what about the building? Is it going to be demolished? Such a shame to destroy such a beautiful structure."

"I don't know who bought this property and what they plan to do with the building. We only spoke to an estate officer- but this is prime real estate. A tall skyscraper would rake in the moolah for the builder. I am sorry child, but you will have to start looking for another place soon."

I plop on my bed as soon as I reach home, my mind still reeling with the information. Perhaps the universe is giving me the nudge I need to leave my comfort zone.

Whatever it is, I have to start planning my next course of action. No use moping about my bad luck, it won't change anything. I open my laptop, flex my fingers and get to work.

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"Tarana, you are being called in the HR office." Khushboo informs me. It is a busy Friday and also the last working day of the month. I have my hands full with month end reports and to top it, we are having the sangeet dance practice after work.

"About what?"

"They did not say, except to go to the HR meeting room at four thirty."

At four thirty, as instructed, I enter the HR meeting room where three others are already seated, waiting for me. There is the head of HR - Annie Serranio, the GM - Asif Kashazgi and another young lady, whom I have never seen before.

"Have a seat Ms. Dheer," Annie smiles kindly, indicating to the chair in front of her. Worry must be writ on my face as I seat myself in front of the panel of serious looking people. I give a nervous smile, while all sorts of negative thoughts cross my mind. Am I being fired? Did they find out about Jeet and me?

Annie starts with a few pleasantries to put me at ease. She introduces me to the lady seated next to her, Ishani Charik, a clinical psychologist and trauma counsellor.

Trauma?

Annie's face turns serious, "Ms. Dheer, remember whatever we discuss here, shall be kept in the strictest confidence, so you can be open and frank with us."

"Please call me Tarana. What is this about?"

All three look at each other before Annie speaks. "Deepak Ashay has been accused of molestation and sexual harassment by some victims and they have filed a police complaint."

Oh, this was unexpected but not surprising!!

"What has this got to do with me?" I ask.

"There is an ongoing investigation on this matter, and we have come to know that you also had a few interactions with him. We would like to know your experience," Asif replies.

I recount my unpleasant encounters with Deepak, which all three listen with a somber expression. Annie and Ishani make some notes on their notepads.

"Has he ever tried to make any unwanted advances or at any time touch you inappropriately?" Annie asks.

"It was all accidental," I sign air quotes, "there was no real proof that he did any of it intentionally, but as women we know the difference, and it definitely was not accidental."

They all nod in understanding when I finish. After a moment's silence Asif speaks up, "Ms. Dheer, were you aware that you were being stalked by Deepak for a while now?"

Excuse me.. What???

"Sorry, I don't understand!" I gulp down the bile rising in my throat. "What do you mean I was being stalked?"

"We cannot divulge much details as it is confidential, but Vicky had initiated a private investigation on all accusations against Deepak and in the course of these investigations we found out that Deepak has been stalking you and few other female staff for a while now."

My thoughts rush back to that night when I felt I was being followed and Jeet had come rushing to rescue me. Did he know? Is that why he came in such a hurry? Why didn't he say something to me?

Rage courses through me. At the thought of Deepak's sense of entitlement that he can have any woman he wants, without waiting for her consent. Anger that he could so easily follow me and compromise my safety. Anger at the system that allows men like Deepak to get away with harassing, bullying and molesting women. Anger at the patriarchy that continues to encourage such men calling it masculinity. And anger at Jeet for withholding this information from me.

"So, what do I have to do now?" I ask the three sitting in front of me.

"There is nothing for you to do. The police are on their way to arrest Deepak. We just wanted you to know," Asif replies gravely. "We are very sorry for what happened. Our company prides itself for being a safe space for its employees. In future if you ever face any kind of harassment from anyone in this firm, no matter their position, please report to HR immediately. We are doing everything to ensure such things never occur again in our organization. Ishani here is available for counselling if you ever need it."

She hands me her visiting card, "You can call me anytime you need to talk to someone," she speaks in a calm voice.

Rohit, Purvi, Junaid and Kavita are waiting for me when I reach back to my department. I described what happened in HR.

"What a jerk!" snaps Junaid. "I always knew he was a pervert, but I never guessed the extent," growls Rohit.

"He always gave me the creeps," Kavita shudders in disgust. All agree its good riddance that Deepak will be arrested any minute. Hopefully it will knock some sense into him.

"I have to talk to you," I pull Purvi aside, while the rest are leaving.

"What's up?"

"So, I have been working on our business idea and drafted a rough plan with budget," I tell her softly, so that no one else can hear us.

Her eyes light up with excitement and she gives a broad grin. "Really?"

"Yes! How about we meet up tomorrow and discuss my idea. If all goes according to plan, we can get our business running in two months' time."

"OMG! OMG!" Purvi squeals in delight, forgetting to whisper making the others ahead of us, turn to look at us in curiosity.

Purvi waves dismissively, motioning them to walk ahead, before whispering "Sounds exciting. We will discuss in detail tomorrow," she grins.

"Listen, why don't you go ahead with the others. I will finish up my work here and join you in one hour," I tell her.

It's a little over an hour by the time I finish. I have already messaged the group that I will be there in fifteen minutes. Dusk is giving way to night and people are hurrying back home, all lost in their own thoughts and worries.

The hall, Rohit has hired for the practice, is close to the office and I should be there in ten minutes if I walk fast.

Ouch.. I feel a pin prick on my upper arm. I look around me to see who did it, but I see no one around.

Must be some lady's safety pin or somebody's bag must have poked me. I dismiss continuing to walk.

Hardly a few steps later, I start feeling uneasy, my body feeling extremely heavy.

Oh no!!!! was I injected with something to make me unconscious or worse a poison?

The potion starts taking effect.

I am in a daze.