It was 8:30 PM when Lavanya Dixit finally stepped into her apartment. After shedding her shoes and changing into comfortable clothes, she collapsed onto her bed, the weight of loneliness wrapping around her like a familiar shroud. She lay there on her stomach, staring into the void, her mind drifting back to memories of the past. Grabbing her phone, she scrolled through her photo gallery until she paused on a particular image-a man's face. Gently, she traced his features with her finger, the touch igniting a wave of bittersweet nostalgia. Before long, exhaustion overcame her, and she slipped into a deep, dreamless sleep.
At 28, Lavanya was a single woman navigating the bustling life of Bengaluru, working diligently at her job and living alone.
The next morning, she followed her usual routine: yoga, a refreshing shower, and a simple breakfast. As she made her way to the office, the auto-rickshaw paused at a red light, allowing her thoughts to wander once more-reflecting on her past and pondering her uncertain future. The sound of the traffic light turning green jolted her back to reality.
Upon arriving at the office, Lavanya was greeted by an unusual sight: her colleagues were huddled together, animatedly discussing something....completely neglecting their work. Confused, she soon heard her name called out.
"Lavanya, are you really going to leave?" Neha's voice pierced through the chatter, and as if on cue, all eyes turned to Lavanya. Understanding dawned on her; her recent resignation had become the talk of the office.
Neha rushed over, concern etched on her face. "What's going on? Did someone say something to you? Why are you leaving?" A wave of warmth washed over Lavanya at the caring reactions of her colleagues, but she knew she couldn't reveal the personal reasons behind her decision.
Just then, Sakshi, the Director's assistant, appeared at her side. "Lavanya, Sinha ma'am wants to see you in her office."
Taking a deep breath, Lavanya knocked on the door to the Director's office. "Come in," came the response. She entered quietly, finding Deepti wrapped up in a phone call. After a brief moment, Deepti ended her conversation and focused her attention on Lavanya.
"Lavi, are you really going to leave me?" Deepti asked, her expression a mix of sadness and desperation.
Lavanya managed a small smile. "Deepu, you know my reasons. Please don't try to make me feel guilty."
Deepti sighed dramatically. "Promise me you'll come back once you've accomplished your purpose."
"Of course," Lavanya replied, her heart warmed by Deepti's support.
Deepti then began typing an email. "Alright, I'm officially accepting your resignation. You won't need to serve your notice period... just go fulfill your purpose and come back to me. I've already arranged a job for you at Mumbai branch of MB Group of Industries...as you know." She winked playfully.
"The head of HR there is my fiancé's friend, so it was easy. I've also arranged out a fully furnished apartment for you in Mumbai with all daily necessities. You really don't need to worry about a thing."
Lavanya felt a mix of gratitude and reluctance. "You didn't have to do all that; I could have managed," she protested.
"Shut. Up. Ok?"
Lavanya smiled a little. Deepti continued, "Actually, I didn't do anything, the apartment is in my dad's name. He bought it few years ago. And, don't you dare to offer me paying rent. Just promise me..." She said standing, "that you won't forget me. Otherwise... I'll come after you!" Deepti laughed, pulling Lavanya into a tight embrace.
After the hug, Deepti suggested, "Let's have a team lunch. Everyone's concerned about you, and Arnav will join us too. After that, he and I will help you in packing."
Though she felt a twinge of anxiety about her upcoming transition, Lavanya couldn't say no. She was unable to think about anything else at that moment. She was too overwhelmed with the feeling of going back to Mumbai after so many years. She was excited, nervous and guilty all together.