CHAPTER 4

David had completely moved out of the flat, and from my life, we were in the same department and didn't speak to each other, not even by a formal gesture.

He completely avoided me. I would always question myself about why I didn't convince David and make him stay. Was it that I didn't love him that much, or if I tried to convince him there was zero chance he would agree to my request, or for many months he kept me in the dark, played behind my back, and hit me so hard that maybe I don't want to be fooled once again? Whatever the reason, I don't want to dwell; rather, I want to deal my own way, indulging more in my work, and I am not able to see any other option other than that.

For a few days, I saw hell at my workplace, and this incident dragged months together. Rachel was not showing any mercy on me; not even the manager was sucking my blood by making me work overtime, and all my hard work credit was eventually taken by him. For sake, at least, he did not bother to take my name or praise me once.

One fine day while I was working, the manager called me to his cabin and informed me that we had received a new project. As we are from the financial and accounting departments, we needed to prepare a budget plus an advertisement. He further told me what I needed to do. I said OK; I received the file and was about to leave. He spoke again: "I am sorry about David. Rachel is one of my closet friends. I only shared my insecurities regarding you. I guess she presumed wrongly and spread the rumor. I am sorry once again, but please stay away from David. I love him, and if you both stay in the same space, he may change his mind. I know you both completely broke up, but I can't help my insecurities. My friendly advice: I am not telling you to quit your job; you are very good at it, but please do search for a job at some other company. I don't know when, what could happen. In the coming days, there are lots of changes going to take place, and yeah, within a week, prepare all the reports that I have asked for. You can go now.".

I didn't respond to him and exited his cabin at last. I least expected he was the root of spreading rumors. Now he was threatening me. What the heck what the hell should I do now? I am both a victim and a loser. Should I start hunting for a job? But what the hell did I do wrong over here? I am so done with these fucking selfish bastards. I am bloody, so not quitting.

It was the anniversary of Mathew Company, so a party had been organized in one of the 5-star hotels. The higher-ups personally invited top-level managers via mail, and the manager's responsibility was to do the same. I had gotten an invite via mail. The manager and Ms. Rachel personally invited everyone, of course, excluding me. I was not at all a party person, so I didn't bother to go if I went or not; no one would care, so as it was the weekend, I thought of taking a good rest.