"So the main aim of this project is to create a sustainable supply of water for the betterment of the people.Any company that would like to take over this government project will have to submit their tender before the 14th of June and -"

The door suddenly slams open, revealing a slightly dishevelled Vaishu who quickly ran inside and hugged me.Dropping a pile of shopping bags along the way.Her perfect tangles of brown hair(bleached on the ends with green dye) were tied in a messy bun and she wore a baby blue skirt that reached her knees, her blue bangles clanging against each other as she walks around.

In complete annoyance, I disentangle her lanky arms from my shoulders and stare back her with a questioning look.What now?

"I know what you said, I know you are busy but, the latest Chanel bag just launched and you know we only go shopping together...You know I love you" she says cheekily. I can't help but roll my eyes.

If I said Vaishu was a shopping freak I would be lying, she is the definition of a shopping monster.She never misses the chance to grab the latest Gucci bag instead of spending her time working- or doing anything productive.It always makes me wonder how she gets hands on money so quickly, she is a world class designer so, maybe she has her ways...

"Vaishu! Did you just barge into my office, during office hours to ask me to join you for a shopping spree?" I ask her incredulously, she has got to be kidding me.

"But Medha, this is not any normal shopping spree, its the LATEST Chanel one, besides, its not like you are the only one in the office, I am sure you can find someone to substitute..." she cries, pouting and showing me her baby dog eyes.

"You can't just find anyone to substitute for the MD of a company Vaishu!" I say with a slightly annoyed expression.I couldn't help but roll my eyes for the nth time.

"But-" 

"Ms.Acharya, we have a letter addressed to you and don't worry, the company has been notified- you are allowed to take the leave- for a week, but you can take more time depending on your mental condition." the tall messenger man stated before handing the letter over and giving me a look of sympathy.What?         

Vaishu on the other hand jumps around the room in excitement.

"You have a whole week off!" she exclaims, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't know either..." I mumble in suspicion. This catches her attention.

"But that means..." she says with a shaky breath.

"The only time we get the chance to apply for such lengthy holidays is when someone dies.." I say bitterly, my insides churn. Mom...It can't be!

I reach out for the letter, the yellow envelope wasn't to big.It's crispy edge marked with my name and the address. It was from my lawyer...

"Hey Medha, what ever happens, stay calm," Vaishu says in a soothing voice, trying to ease the fear that was building up. The silence of the room didn't help, the sound of my own thumping heart made me feel uneasy with fear. The adrenaline already started pumping through my body, making every little detail come to my attention, the open window, the low buzz of the AC and the stack of papers that silently flapped up and down with the company of an invisible breeze.

Vaishu stayed beside me , she was like a sister to me and so she knew very well, how much I loved my mom.

I tear open the yellow covering, revealing a white sheet of paper:

Dear Sree Medha Acharya,

We are sorry to inform you that your father, Mr.Ramesh Acharya has passed away. According to his last word, you are to visit him for the incrimination ceremony as a final escort to the other world. Further details regarding his financial status will be discussed later on.

For more information, please feel free to contact me, your father is not only a client but also the brother of my dear friend.

Warm regards and heartfelt condolences,

V Bhadra Reddy

Lawyer

I sigh in relief, my heart becoming lighter and my smile growing by the second.My mom is ok.

Vaishu on the other hand takes my sigh as a sign to peek into the paper. As she skims through it, her eyes widen to the size of saucers.

Tears brimming her cheeks and she stares back at me.

"I am so sorry Medha!" she wails, tears continuing to flow.

"Relax, its not my mom," I say nonchalantly, strolling back to my seat and busying myself once more.

"Medha, are you hearing yourself, your FATHER is dead!" she says in shock.

"So?" I question.Even Vaishu didn't know about my father, if she did, she would have asked for a celebratory party- good riddance!

"Medha...he's your father!" she says in disbelief, "Fine, I can't make you cry but at- at least inform your mother, tell her that her about her husband..."

I stare back at her, mom didn't have to be informed, there is a reason we cut ties with that jerk.

But, before I could answer, Vaishu snatches the phone off my desk and dials in her number, the phone started ringing.

"Give it back!" I yell in frustration.She continues to twirl around with the phone until I hear an all too familiar voice.

"Medha, hello? It's been so long darling!" a sweet voice answers.Mom.

"Aunty!" Vaishu exclaims, "Aunty, there is something very important that you should know, Medh's father, he-he died!"

The line goes silent.

"Darling Vaishu, can you give the phone to Medha sweet?" My mom replies after a minute.

"Hello?Mom..."

"Medha, is she telling the t-t-truth?"

The emotion inside of me presses on my chest and just the sound of my mom's voice makes me break down- telling her the content of the letter.I expected her to tell me to ignore it but she shocks me with her answer.

"Come home darling, he might be a demon in disguise but everyone deserves their will to be fulfilled..." she says calmly.Why was she such an angel, anyone else would have celebrated after what he had done to her...

"Fine mom..."

"Bye sweetie, see you soon!"

The phone call ends.

"What happened?" Vaish asks.

"I am going to Waranjai," I mutter.

"No, we are!" she says in defiance, staring back at me with confidence.

I am coming home mom.

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OK, so that was the first chap- this story will have faster updates as I ma planning to finish it off as fast as I can.

Hope you all enjoyed!

~Harmony