The next morning, I reached the office with a heart full of fear and restlessness.
Ever since I received Abir's call last night, I hadn't been able to sleep even for a moment.
My mother is sick, and here I am, trapped in a cursed web created by Nil Chowdhury.
As soon as I arrived at the office, I started frantically looking for my friend Andre.
When I finally found him alone in a corner, I couldn't hold myself together anymore.
I told him everything—the horrifying incident from last night and my mother's illness.
My voice was choking as I spoke.
Holding Andre's hands, I pleaded desperately, "Andre, please do something.
I don't know how you'll do it, but please try to convince Nil Chowdhury to give me at least a few days off.
My mother is very sick, I have to go to the village.
In this situation, I can't work here.
If you're someone close to him, please talk to him on my behalf."
Andre was stunned after hearing me.
Shock and disgust toward Nil Chowdhury were clearly visible on his face.
After a moment of silence, he placed his hand on my head and said, "Sahana, calm down.
Just thinking about what you're going through gives me chills.
I never imagined that man could stoop so low.
Don't worry, I'll try to figure out a way to talk to him.
But remember, he's very cunning.
If we directly ask for leave, he might attach some new condition."
I lowered my head and wiped my tears.
Andre was now my last hope.
If Nil Chowdhury didn't grant me leave, I might lose my sanity.
My mother's face kept appearing before my eyes, along with Nil Chowdhury's cruel smile.
I kept wondering if there was any way out of this darkness.
While talking to Andre, I suddenly saw Nil Chowdhury storm into the office.
Rage was burning across his face—his forehead wrinkled, his jaw clenched.
His bodyguards and office staff rushed behind him.
It was obvious from his walk that he was furious.
As soon as he entered his cabin and slammed the door shut, I stopped a passing ward boy and whispered, "Brother, what happened? Why is the boss so angry today? Is everything alright?"
The ward boy looked around and lowered his voice.
"It's serious, madam. He has suffered a massive business loss.
A big project slipped out of his hands.
The loss is so huge that he's lost his senses.
His temper is at its peak right now—no one should go near him.
Otherwise, in anger, he might fire someone or cause serious harm."
Hearing this, my hands and feet turned cold.
On one side, my mother is sick; on the other, Nil Chowdhury is furious due to such a loss.
Asking for leave now would be like jumping into fire.
But my luck was so bad that I didn't even get time to think. Suddenly, Nil Chowdhury's deep, harsh voice echoed through the office speaker—he was calling me to his cabin.
Trembling, I stood in front of his door.
My heart was pounding. Somehow I knocked and said, "May I come in, sir?"
From inside came a roar, "Yes, come in! Quickly!"
As soon as I entered, I saw him pacing restlessly.
His hair was messy, sleeves rolled up.
The moment he saw me, he shouted, "Sit here, Sahana! I said sit!"
I shrank in fear and sat on the chair. His eyes were blazing with anger.
He slammed his hand on the table and said, "Do you even know how much I've lost?
I've suffered a massive loss! Adam—my longtime friend, whom I considered the biggest businessman in the city—betrayed me today.
He refused to sign the deal! I lost a huge project!"
Seeing his intense rage, I didn't have the courage to speak.
He continued, "Everyone is conspiring against me.
Everyone! Now tell me—how do I recover this loss?"
I kept my head down. I thought, if he could go this mad after being betrayed by a friend, what could he do to a helpless girl like me?
All courage to ask for leave vanished. But the thought of my mother made my heart ache.
Watching his madness, I somehow hid my fear.
I knew that if I couldn't calm him down now, I'd never be able to bring up my leave.
Gathering some courage, I said softly, "Boss, please calm down.
Getting angry won't solve anything.
Can you tell me why Adam canceled the deal? Where did things go wrong? Is there any way I can help you?"
He suddenly stopped pacing and stared at me.
That look sent a chill down my spine.
Leaning on the table, he said through clenched teeth, "Help? You'll help me, Sahana?
Adam is very cunning. He knows the weak point of this project.
He demanded something that risks my image.
He's trying to blackmail me.
He wants some confidential files or a guarantee I can't easily give."
After a pause, his voice dropped lower—more terrifying.
"Instead of just investing, he wants some 'special entertainment.'
His taste is disgusting.
He wants someone he can use as he pleases."
My heart skipped a beat.
Was he hinting at pushing me into another danger?
I stammered, "But boss, such conditions aren't normal in business deals.
Can't you convince him in another way?"
He didn't answer.
He just stared at me with a crooked look, as if plotting something.
It was clear—he was thinking of using me again like a pawn.
After a moment of silence, his anger turned into a curious smirk.
Playing with a paperweight, he looked at me as if trying to read my mind.
Leaning back, he sighed.
"You'll help me? You'll succeed in two days where I failed? You're quite bold, Sahana."
I gathered courage and said, "Yes, boss.
I want to try. But I have one condition—if I can make this deal successful, you must give me seven days' leave.
My mother is very sick.
You must promise you won't stop me."
Hearing this, he stood up abruptly.
Surprise and doubt filled his eyes.
Coming closer, he said, "You have no idea what you're getting into.
Adam isn't asking for money—he wants confidential documents that could connect him with underworld mafias."
He paused, sweat forming on his forehead.
"You don't know how dangerous they are.
If those papers reach them, they'll destroy me.
I can't sign my own death warrant knowingly."
Looking straight into his eyes, I said calmly but firmly, "I understand, boss.
I know how complicated this is.
But you've already tried and failed—give me one chance.
I don't know if I'll succeed, but I'll give my best. Just trust me."
He seemed slightly shaken by my confidence.
I added, "I'll need one thing—please create a copy or a dummy version of those important documents and email them to me.
I want to study them and understand what exactly those mafias are after.
I promise, your original files will remain safe."