59. Where's the President?

"Maa, where's the shampoo? I can't find it!" Ankita shouted from the bathroom.

Trina slapped her temple and shouted back, "It's inside the cabinet. I just put in the new bottle a few days ago. The old one was finished so I sent it to be refilled. I told you in the morning itself."

After a few minutes Ankita called for her mother again, whining, "I can't find it. It's not here."

Mrs Dey felt a vein pop in her head, "If I go and find it exactly where I said, you're done for."

Since they had to attend the wedding in the evening, Trina wanted to finish any pending work before then. However, it seemed like she would not be able to do it in peace due to her daughter.

Ankita felt a shiver run down her spine. She quickly rechecked the cabinet but no, the shampoo was not there. But the moment Mrs Dey stood near the cabinet it materialised out of the blue.

"Wha... it... it was not there. I swear." Ankita looked back and forth between the cabinet shelf and her mother gaping like a fish.

"Owwwww!"

"Next time use those things called eyes." Mrs Dey pulled Ankita's ear.

The latter nodded, rubbing her ear which was throbbing in pain.

Ankita was very excited about attending the wedding, especially after learning the buffet menu. So much so that she had set an alarm to get up early and go for a jog to boost her appetite. However, it turned ineffective as she got up even later than usual. As a result, everything got delayed. Everyone was already waiting downstairs when she started getting ready.

"There she is." Tanmoy said, looking up from his watch.

Ankita was confused.

When Tanmoy smiled and turned the screen towards her, she squealed in delight, "Didi!"

She hurried downstairs and grabbed his hand almost dislocating the wrist.

Tanmoy cried, "Easy there, tigress."

Ankita covered his mouth and started raining one questions without letting Bibhabori speak, "How are you? Are you that busy to visit me once? You won't be going to the wedding with us too. Do you love your job more than me?..."

Only after answering each question did Bibhabori finally manag to pacify her sister's anger. Then they chatted for a long time. Tanmoy's arm got sore from holding it out for so long. However, he decided it was worth it by how much better Ankita looked after that call.

Since the venue was a two hour driveway from their house, Ankita decided to watch a movie.

"Player on." She said to the little spherical device on the dashboard.

It lit up and a mechanical voice sounded – Player 164nj turned on. A few seconds later, a holographic screen appeared above it. Ankita adjusted the location and size of the screen, and put on her headphones.

"Play..."

She named a movie which then started playing on the screen.

By the time they reached their destination, Ankita had fallen asleep. Tanmoy turned off the Player and nudged her. She woke up with a start and her mouth hung open upon seeing the grandeur of the wedding venue. Even the security was impeccable — ID and invitation cards were scanned before entering. But inside, things were even more exquisite and mesmerising — the sculptures on the pillars, the chandelier, the decoration, everything. Especially all the guests dressed in colourful traditional clothes was a sight to behold.

Soon, Mr Bhadra, the colleague who invited them, came over, "Hello, Subhashish. I'm so glad you came. And you all must be his family. Welcome to my daughter's wedding."

After they greeted each other, Mr Bhadra introduced them to the others. Ankita was amazed by how most of the people they were introduced to was familiar with her father. She also recalled seeing some of their faces in the news.

It was because they had met Subhashish in several important events organised by Mr Bhadra. And the reason behind that was Subhashish and Mr Bhadra were friends from University who also worked together for several years. Subhashish, though being more talented, chose to remain an attending doctor in his clinic whereas Mr Bhadra became a renowned doctor in the state.

But the one thing both of them had in common was their humbleness. Inspite of being richer and more popular, Mr Bhadra never hesitated to publicly acknowledge that, had Subhashish also sought fame, he would have far surpassed him. However, when it came to their children, they could never be proud enough.

Tanmoy was a renowned advocate while Mr Bhadra's daughter was the state supervisor of Jet's marketing department. Everyone was aware of what a terrifying company it was. Simply being an ordinary employee was enough to garner respect.

While the elders were busy with the greetings and pleasantries, Ankita slipped into the bride's room. She worked her magic of words and soon enough befriended the bride, Bithi. The latter herself was a sweet woman and liked Ankita's bubbly personality. As they talked, Ankita realised that Bithi not only had a great personality but talent as well. She worked in the marketing department of Jet and was in charge of the production for the entire state. When the other guests heard about her job, they gasped in shock.

Soon they assembled in the main hall and the wedding ritual commenced.

After the ritual was over, the bride and groom were greeting everyone when someone suddenly asked "Didn't you invite the President?"

Several of Bithi's colleagues from Jet had come and many present were dying to make their acquaintance. But only a handful dared to approach them. They were like bigshots in most people's eyes. When that person asked the question, everyone turned their curious eyes on Bithi. The face of the new President of Jet was shrouded mystery, so they were eager to know if they would finally reveal themself.