Holding my cheek, I looked at Neel Chowdhury in disbelief.
My whole body trembled with humiliation and pain.
Ignoring all sense of social shame, I shouted, "Why did you slap me? Who are you? What right do you have to raise your hand on me?"
At my outburst, the murmur in the hall fell silent for a moment.
But Neel Chowdhury didn't seem disturbed at all.
He stepped closer and said in a stern, cold voice, "Watch your words, Sahana. Don't forget I'm your boss.
Do you have any idea what the consequences of talking to me like this could be? I can fire you right now.
Remember, your mother and brother depend on this job."
The word "fire" froze the blood in my veins. Instantly, the faces of my sick mother and my younger brother Abir flashed before my eyes.
Losing this job would mean my entire family ending up on the streets.
All my strength melted away in an instant.
Trembling with fear and helplessness, I lowered my head and said, "Sorry… sorry, sir! I made a mistake.
I wasn't in my right mind. Please forgive me.
I made a huge mistake—please don't take away my job."
Seeing my helpless surrender, a cruel smile appeared on Neel Chowdhury's face.
Straightening himself, he addressed the guests loudly, "Ladies and gentlemen, please don't be confused.
There was a small misunderstanding, and it has now been resolved.
Please enjoy the party—we'll handle the rest privately."
After his words, the crowd began to disperse again.
The music resumed loudly, and everyone went back to laughing and chatting.
But I stood there, humiliated. From a distance, I saw Rushda whispering something into his fiancée's ear, laughing, and glancing at me.
It felt like this glittering party was nothing but a living hell for me.
Neel Chowdhury shot me a cold, disdainful look and said, "For now, stop this drama.
Stay quiet for a few hours and then leave.
And yes, come to the office tomorrow morning on time and meet me."
Suppressing unbearable humiliation and tears, I somehow got through the remaining hours.
Every laugh in the hall and every crooked glance from Rushda pierced my heart like arrows.
As soon as the event ended, I rushed out of the hall like a mad person.
By the time I reached home in a taxi, my whole body was trembling.
Locking my room, I went straight into the bathroom.
Standing under the shower, I broke down and cried uncontrollably.
It felt like I needed to wash away the stench of expensive perfume and Neel's touch from my body.
After a long time, when I finally calmed down a little, I realized the night ahead would be a terrifying sleepless one.
As I stepped out, still wet, about to change clothes, my phone rang loudly on the table.
The screen showed "Neel Chowdhury." My body was barely covered with a towel, but I hurriedly picked up the call.
His authoritative voice came from the other side, "When you come to the office tomorrow, make sure to bring the certificate and application you submitted when you joined this job.
Don't forget."
After the call ended, I stood there frozen.
The silence of the room felt suffocating.
One thought kept echoing in my mind—if I lose this job, how will my family survive?
My sick mother, my brother Abir's education—everything depends on my salary from this company. I'm alone… who will I turn to?
Overwhelmed with despair, I collapsed onto the bed, still drenched.
Tears flowed endlessly, soaking the towel.
To lighten the unbearable weight in my chest, I called my only friend, Andre.
As soon as he answered, I broke down completely.
I told him everything—the slap, Rushda's lies, and Neel's terrifying call. Andre listened quietly.
His silence showed how deeply he felt my pain.
In a calm voice, he comforted me, "Don't worry, Sahana. Don't break down like this.
The darker the night, the closer the dawn.
You did nothing wrong—you're just a victim of circumstances.
Everything will be okay. Be strong before going to the office tomorrow. I'm with you."
His words eased my trembling heart a little, but the fear of what awaited me in Neel's cabin the next morning hung over me like a sword.
The night dragged on, and I sat on the bed with wet hair, shivering at the thought of an uncertain future.
I couldn't sleep the entire night.
Every moment, the memory of that slap and Rushda's poisonous smile tore me apart.
In the morning, filled with fear and exhaustion, I headed to the office.
It felt like every step was dragging me toward an unknown abyss.
As I entered the office, it felt like everyone was staring at me.
Did they all know about last night? Keeping my head down, I hurried to my desk and sat down.
My hands and feet felt cold.
Just then, Andre rushed to my desk. Placing a hand on my shoulder, he said softly, "Listen, don't be afraid.
Turn your anger into strength.
Harden your heart. If you stand strong, he won't be able to defeat you like this.
I'm with you."
His words gave me a bit of courage, but the moment I looked at Neel Chowdhury's cabin door, my heart pounded again.
The certificate and application in my bag felt like they were burning.
Andre handed me a glass of water and said, "Drink this. The boss will call you any moment."
I took a sip, trying to steady my trembling hands.
Just then, the intercom rang.
Neel's cold voice came through—"Sahana, come to my cabin immediately.
Don't forget the documents you brought."
Andre nodded at me reassuringly.
Taking a deep breath, I pulled the file from my bag.
Today might be the biggest battle of my life.
Standing at the door of Neel Chowdhury's cabin, my heart was racing.
In a low voice, I said, "May I come in?"
He stood facing the window and replied without turning, "Come in.
Put the documents on the table and sit."
With trembling hands, I placed the papers on the table.
My face looked pale and drained. Looking at him helplessly, I said softly, "Sir, I'm truly sorry for yesterday.
I made a big mistake. Please forgive me.
Don't take away my job.
My sick mother and younger brother depend on me. I'm helpless."
Neel turned around, wearing that familiar mysterious smile.
He stepped closer and leaned over the table.
"Sahana, there is only one way I can avoid firing you."
A spark of hope lit up inside me. Eagerly, I said, "What is it, sir? I'm ready to do anything you say.
I'll accept all your conditions."
Looking deep into my eyes, he said in a steady voice, "You don't have to accept everything—just one condition.
If you truly want to keep this job, you must agree to a special contract I offer right now.
Think carefully—it may be far more difficult than anything before."
Without hesitation, I replied, "I agree, sir. Please tell me what I have to do."