I’m realizing no matter how much I prepare myself, the reminder still stings. It brings forth the flashbacks of an empty altar, ashamed ex-in-laws, and unsympathetic parents. If it weren’t for my friends, I wouldn’t have made it out without more emotional scars than I already have.
I haven’t seen them since their last visit, but it was the kick I needed to get my life back on track. I need to focus on the other important aspects of my life that bring me peace.
My work is at the top of the list.
Heartbreak by Aryan will not sidetrack me from my ambitions. I’m ready to give it my all like I never have.
Except it all depends on whether or not I still have a job.
“Thank you. I’m holding up as well as I can under the circumstances,” I reply honestly.
“You will get through this.”
So everybody says. “Coming back to work will help me accomplish it sooner.”
“You disappeared for months, Arya,” she comments, leaning back. “People’s careers make or break in such a long period of time.”
“I know.” My spine straightens to look more confident.
Radha is easy and friendly on the surface, but she’s as shark like as they come. I’ve watched her handle the worst type of clients like a pro. Once I learned about her reputation after joining the PR firm she cofounded with her husband, I made sure I got under her wing, so I could learn from her and become as successful.
Have I bungled all my hard work? I pray I haven’t because I can’t handle another loss. I haven’t even gotten over the last.
My job is my lifeline.
A ray of sunlight in the midst of darkness.
“As much as I sympathize with your situation, I couldn’t put you above my clients. So, unfortunately, I’ve had to reassign them to someone else. At the end of the day, I’m running a business and my firm will always be my priority.”
I hide my trembling hands underneath the table. “But I still have a job?”
“Yes, you do. I’ve come to care for you because I love your passion. And how you go above and beyond for the clients.” Sharpening her voice, she warns, “This is your first and last strike. I won’t save your position a second time. I expect you to be back at the office tomorrow. It’s not going to be easy and it’ll be a while before we assign you a client. You’ll work with Chetna until then.”
Chetna is a senior publicist, so being under her wing won’t be bad.
“I understand. You won’t regret this decision,” I promise, relieved beyond words that I haven’t lost my job.
“You have so much potential, Arya. But you need to learn to separate your professional and personal life. As much as everyone loves to preach about work-life balance, the cold, hard fact is that it comes later once you’ve established yourself. Even then, it’s extremely tough.”
They’re one and the same for me now. “I’m glad to be back and can’t wait for tomorrow.”
“Good.” She grins, back to being friendly. “Now, I have to run. Stay and have lunch. It’s on me.”
I decide to take up on the offer and celebrate the small win alone. My goal was to earn my job back and I did it. It won’t be long before I have my own client. There’s always someone influential needing a publicist. My firm is the first choice.
While I wait for my food and drink, I stand up to find the restroom.
Inside, I walk into one of the stalls, do my business, and walk to the shiny marble vanity. My shoulder-length hair has lost its shine, the dark brown streaks looking dull. My brown eyes are lifeless. I tilt my lips in a smile.
It makes me appear sadder, if possible.
Like I’m faking it.
“Ugh,” I sigh, ripping my gaze away before tears can burn my eyes. Taking a deep breath, I remind myself, “I will get through this.”
Everyone has been repeating it to me. There better be some goddamn truth to it.
Drying my hands with the tissue paper, I throw it in the bin and smooth a hand down my loose silk pants that I paired with a strappy blouse. A casual yet formal outfit.
