chapter 18

After reaching home, Fiza feels so tired that she doesn't call anyone. She messages everyone that she has reached home safely.Fiza opens all the doors and windows, and a gust of cold air enters the room. Fiza takes the water bottle from her bag and goes to the balcony. As the sky is clear many stars are visible to the naked eye. Fiza drags the bean bag to the balcony and sits there to watch the stars. Star-gazing is her favorite pastime. She feels stars to be her best friends with whom she loves to share her secrets.'Aren't you tired?' Aman comes and sits beside her.'See that brightest star. It looks like it's calling me.' Fiza says, pointing to the brightest star in the sky.'It's Sirius.''It's beautiful.''All around are only tall buildings. Only a small piece of sky is visible from your balcony. How many stars can you see from here?''No matter how many there are, they are my friends.''You have seen so many stars in Goa. Still, you are gazing at stars from here.''Wherever I live, the stars are always with me. So how can I leave them?' Fiza says and looks at Aman.A cold wind starts to blow and play with Fiza's loose hair. Aman removes the hair from Fiza's face and tucks it behind her ears. Fiza closes her eyes and enjoys his touch.'Fiza, freshen up, have dinner and sleep. You have your office tomorrow. It's already late, and you are tired too.''It's been a long time since you have cuddled me. Can you cuddle me today?''Have your dinner first.'Fiza has bought food on her way back from the airport. After getting freshened up, she had her dinner.Today Fiza is in the mood for romance.'Aman, which song should I play?''Whatever you like. You are too tired today.''So, won't you cuddle me?''I will hold you tight even when you fall asleep.'Fiza hugs her side pillow and closes her eyes. Aman starts titillating Fiza's hair.Fiza falls asleep soon.The next day a rumor starts in the office about Fiza and Sameer as they had a vacation together. Everyone came to know about their trip from Sameer's social media posts. Sameer posted all the pictures with witty captions, which grabbed more attention from the people. No one is talking about the other ten people who went with them. To fuel rumors, Sameer exaggerates the real story by telling fake stories to everyone.'Fiza has been with me since I picked her up from her home. She did not leave my company even for a moment. Not only Fiza but her parents also trust me a lot. She used to rest her head on my shoulder whenever she felt sleepy.'Fiza's team members get annoyed with Sameer for his insensitivity. They plan to give a befitting reply to Sameer. Vinay and others who were with Fiza and Sameer on the trip posted all the group photos on social media with captions mentioning the quality time they spent with Fiza. They wrote about the other Fiza they discovered during the trip. As soon as Fiza comes to the office, HR informs her about the rumor. She listens to HR calmly but does not respond. She remains busy with her work as if the gossip doesn't bother her. When she overhears her team member's plan to tackle Sameer, she scolds everyone in her team.'Thank you for thinking of me, but the company doesn't pay you to become my PRO. Stop doing my PR work.'Everyone is shocked when Fiza scolds them for interfering in her matter. Is she interested in Sameer? Fiza's team members discuss. Sameer invites Fiza for lunch, and Fiza accepts his invitation. Sameer wanted to go to a restaurant, but Fiza refused to go outside the office. So they go to the office canteen to have their lunch. Some members of Fiza's team saw them in the canteen. They get shocked and confused on seeing them together.'I have heard you posted our picture on social media?' Fiza asks Sameer.'Yes, they are superhit. They got an unbelievable number of likes, see.' Sameer shows the post on his mobile.Fiza takes the mobile and sees the photos.'But you haven't taken my permission before posting my pictures on your profile. On the trip, you also took my picture without my consent. You should have taken my permission.''Okay, what's a big deal? Give permission now.''No, delete my photos from your profile.''Why?''Because I want.''If I don't delete, what will you do?''You are a gentleman, and I don't want to spoil your reputation.' Fiza smiles mischievously.Sameer understands that Fiza won't fall for him readily. To avoid any dispute with Fiza and maintain his reputation in the office, he deletes all photos of Fiza from his profile.'Happy?' Sameer asks with a smile. Though he feels insulted, he hides his feelings.'Thank you.' Fiza replies with a smile.Fiza and Sameer continue with regular chitchat till they finish their lunch.'Sameer, mail me my pictures that you have clicked in Goa.' Fiza says to Sameer.'You are not on social media. What do you do with the pictures?''I will send it to my family and friends, and when I get old, I'll look at those pictures and remember you.''Okay, I will mail you.'After returning from lunch, Fiza gets busy with her work again. Not only outside her team, but now the gossip has also started about Fiza and Sameer within her team. 'She must be interested in Sameer. We unnecessarily tried to keep Sameer away from Fiza throughout the trip.' Vinay thought.Fiza continues to work, ignoring all the rumors spread about her in the office.Suddenly, one of the team members sees that Sameer has deleted all Fiza's photos from his social media profile. He almost shouts,' Friends, Sameer has deleted all pictures of Fiza ma'am from his profile.''What?' Everyone keeping their job aside looks into Sameer's social media post.'I think it was not a lunch date. Ma'am must have rebuked Sameer for his social media post.''Oh, that's why he ignored me in the loo.''We must admit that Fiza ma'am is very smart. She handled everything without any fuss. The rumor will also end in a few days.'But Sameer couldn't accept this insult. He decides to take revenge.(Continued ....)