For you Dadu, we love you Always!

You are the artist of your life. Don't give the paintbrush to anyone else.

The darkest hours are passed, now the new dawn has arrived,

The new canvas had been set, plain and blank awaiting in light,

The strokes of brush are yet to put, bring life through the colors.

I stood on the threshold, behind me whatever was there I left long ago.

Now the life has changed path, so I must follow,

The past must stay hidden in my heart, my eyes must look ahead.

The blank canvas is waiting for me, to bring life in my painting!

*~*

New start: just like a blank canvas.

Blank and empty awaits the painter to fill it with the strokes of his desires.

One can paint the brighter shades of life, or can bring the gloom through the dark strokes of brush. It's the decision of the painter, how he wants to paint his canvas.

In the same way, the beginning of a new journey also depicts a blank plain canvas. Awaiting the person to take steps and bring the shades of life.

His steps define the beauty or disaster the painting called life becomes.

We are our own creators!

The canvas of new start is here awaiting, for me to initiate the new painting of my life.

The sun setting up to the horizons allowing the sky to elope in the embrace of Darkness, the birds until now roaming in the wide sky now in hurry to return back to their home. I adjusted my gaze back at the path in front of me partly crowded with people returning back to their home after a long day of work.

I sighed wrapping my arms around my torso as the cold wind kissed my skin raising goose bumps.

One more try! This will be fine! I chanted in my mind taking another step toward my journey.

'Claire and Co.'

The company that has invited me for the interview.

My third attempt to find employment in this new place.

'GloomTown'- A place I came across looking to find a home.

A small town lost from the sight of Google; away from what people call the hustle of life.

Being alone is bliss as a curse it is!

I averted my gaze from the exhausted people to my wrist watch.

5:26PM

It's almost time!

I rushed to the direction of the building as the old man indicated when I asked him.

Searching something in a new place has its own disadvantages.

I fastened my speed to save time as I didn't want to come out as a delinquent late comer.

In my last job, I have learned this lesson efficiently.

Two jobs in two weeks I had to leave for two different reasons, the first, I left willingly because of the environment that was suffocating for a newbie to work under.

The second I lose because of my delinquency to underestimate the importance of time; even when I did what humanity asked me follow.

Though I liked it very much there but had to loss it.

I shook my head feeling the burden of guilt overwhelming my senses before the honk of the truck pushed my back to reality. I raised my startled eyes to the truck, finding the driver giving me pissed looks as he drove off.

I quickly shifted my gaze back at road, speeding up my pace.

I bit my lip as I glanced at my surroundings not being able to find the correct address as the time was running out.

I was invited for interview at 6:00, a strange timing to call an aspirant. I shrugged as I quickened my pace.

Don't wanna be late!

I chanted as I asked a cyclist about the correct directions of the building. He gave me a quick scan before finally telling me the directions.

With quick nod of gratitude I rushed to the aforesaid directions.

Reaching there, my steps halted as I stood raising my gaze to the place I was called for interview. The building was embellished in grey glasses with the title, Claire and Co. glowing on the crown. I gave one quick glance admiring the infrastructure before rushing inside.

I reached before time, taking guidance from the receptionist; I made my way to the office of HR, with whom my interview was fixed.

I took deep breaths as I sat for my turn, but it went all futile when name was called. Blood which I felt was pumping through my veins suddenly felt cold and frozen in my bloodstream with nervousness.

With measured steps, I made my way inside. The cabin was furnished in elegance, just like the building. The silver metal was adorning the entire room as I stepped in. The floor to ceiling window gave a brief view of city in evening since the cabin was situated on twenty's floor. The cabin was fairly illuminated; lights were dim yet sufficient to work under.

A man around fifty years of age was sitting behind the desk as I perceived him the HR Manager with a blank yet calculative expression marring his face.

"Good evening." I smiled as I pushed my voice out of my vocal cords.

He merely nodded before speaking.

"Take a seat Miss—"

"Amaira Flair." I provided when he paused.

"My name is Enrique Banner, I'm the HR manager." He introduced himself as I took his offered hand for a firm shake.

I gave him the documents as took a seat against the desk.

He studied my documents, while I sat fidgeting with my foot.

"Calm down Miss. Amaira. You might disturb the arrangements of my desk." He muttered looking deep in the documents.

I blinked as his words processed before realization met me in the dawn of day.

I stopped the fidgeting movements of my foot and tried to sit quietly and still.

"So tell how much experience you have in finance department?" He threw his first question seizing the file of my documents, and resting it on his desk.

I took a deep breath before answering, "I have been working with Tanaya Co. as their assistant Finance Advisory for eleven month before I came here." I answered confidently.

"Any reasons to relocating in a different country?" he asked, I can easily perceive he was monitoring my every move as I spoke.

I sighed before I went with practical truth, "I wanted exposure. An opportunity that could bring me to progress. Tanaya co. was a great experience but the chances to progress were far less or rather zero."

"Do you know success is something that comes with time and patience, and progress is also a part of it? Learning seems tough but it's necessary." He leaned back as he spoke with his experience.

Indeed!

"I agree sir. Learning indeed is important to reach the ladder of success. But it must be fair and equal for all who are working hard. Not for few who have got a soft corner in the eyes of management." I stated firmly, the bitterness of my bitter past left a sour taste in my mouth.

"I see." He nodded; tracking in the pointers of my behavior.

I mentally bit my lip as I felt the sourness in his eye expression.

"So before applying here you worked in two other companies, as the name I recall, the job was quite promising and progressive, why you left them both." He asked leaning back on his chair comfortably monitoring the changes of my face as he threw the question.

Here was the tricky part which I was dreading the most.

"Actually, I resigned only from one." I chose the truth to put foundation of my honesty.

He raised his brow as I speak.

"May I ask the reason, why?" he probed further; genuine curiosity was clearly visible in his astute gaze.

"Yes, of course. I resigned because one of the coworker tried to harass me. When I tried to complain I was told to be quiet as I was new and he was a reputed employee. I'm sorry to say but I chose my self-respect over a job and progress and I'm not sorry to choose it." My palms went sweaty recalling the incident; the piled up anger and frustration I felt when I was told to be shut to save the reputation to be stained.

"You shouldn't be." He said softly as he leaned a little further.

"What about the other one?" He asked; curiosity sparking his features.

"The other one, I lose because of my delinquency. Since this place is new and—" I stole my gaze from his shrewd face before continuing.

"I was late." I preferred to shut the excuses.

Since when it comes to money; there is no place for excuses and sorry faces. No one wants to hear sorry excuses but see the work done.

"Impressive." I raised my eyes to his hearing him mutter.

"Don't you think; you're too honest to work in a corporate world?" he announced after a moment of silence. A glint of amazement was dangling his eyes but it was well concealed when I tried to peep.

I smiled before I spoke, "Quite frankly. I have heard people say the same to me a lot of times. But being honest in this cunning world is itself a benchmark and trend setter, I am trying to create." I answered; he couldn't help but chuckle hearing me.

"You're a sweet charmer." He said shaking his head softly, a shadow of soft smile stayed on his lips.

"Just like Edward."

Edward?

"Edward?" I repeated the name as a question.

"Oh! Yeah! Edward, Edward Morgan." He murmured with a smile, seems like he has got a liking for him.

"The CEO of west division." He provided further going through his laptop screen.

I waited for his response, with what he asked and I answered I felt my heart sink in the dreadful negative thoughts of not getting this job.

It'll be a problem if I have to search another one; also this one is offering a good position with handsome salary.

"Oh!" That's all I could say with a smile.

"So Miss. Amaira, I guess we have already explained the terms of requirements we need for this position." I nodded at his words.

"From tomorrow you can join." I sat flabbergasted at his announcement before very carefully I digested his words.

"So I'm getting this Job?" I asked with suspicion of doubt.

"No. You have got this job." He corrected me only to bring a smile of glee on my face.

"Oh. Thank you so much Sir. Thanks a lot." I thanked him with a grin of gratitude plastered on my face.

"You're welcome. But you have got this job because of your qualification and qualities. Make sure to retain them throughout your stay here." He stated with a decent smile.

"Yes, sir. I'll." I answered confidently.

I'll prove myself as an avant-garde. I thought in determination.

"I'll be a trend setter here creating examples for everyone."

"That won't be easy." He sprinkled table salt on my ambitious statement.

"Since we already have Edward," He continued with pride shimmering in his eyes.

I chewed my inner cheek as I considered his words. From what his eyes and demeanor spoke, Mr. CEO Edward holds a high place in his heart.

Charming fact!

Mr. HR is very fond of Mr. CEO! How lovely!

"I'm known to change trends sir." I countered.

"We shall see, Miss. Amaira." He retorted with a smug smile which poked the pride residing in me unintentionally.

I smiled diverting my mind to the fact to finally grab this job.

"Any further queries Miss. Flair?" he too went back to his professional demeanor.

"No sir. I wish to join as soon as I can."

"Tomorrow is your Day Miss. Amaira." He answered with a genuine smile; I mirrored his expression.

"But remember Delinquency has no place in this office. See you at sharp 8:00 tomorrow morning." He very efficient advised as we shook hands. I nodded listening to his words attentively.

"Thank you Sir." I said as my last note: my last glance was his nod as I came out of the cabin.

The grin on my face had no bounds as there was no witness to catch my elation.

Going back in elation, my gaze went toward the cabins situated in directions; this floor mainly had sets of cabins which were mainly, as I surmise were closed or locked.

One specific caught my attention, far at the end, one specific different and away from others. Wooden walls concealing the entire area only a tinted yet translucent glass allowing me to peep inside, I read the name engrained in golden plate with black initials, "Edward Morgan"

Oh! Edward!

Seems like the cabin of the CEO.

With curiosity wheeling me and instincts guiding me, I went toward the translucent glass wall before at five steps distance, my sanity settled back on control.

Shaking my head, I changed the direction and went toward the lift but not before stealing a glance at the golden plate of cabin.

'You have been a trend setter here. Let's see for whom the future hauls for, it'll be me people will praise for.'

With a glint of smile, I walked back, the one thing I was thankful for was this job, and I was determinant to prove my words to the HR.

*^*

The night seems lonely to me as I walked inside my almost empty room. I tilted my head before sighing heavily. Nothing much to decorate it; I left it simple as per my taste.

My gaze roamed around my room again; the reality was I had nothing to be called mine to come and keep with me.

New place, new house, nothing mine and a new start

That's how I would define today for me.

I sighed as the excitement of new job and anxiety of new place creating knots in my stomach.

Well it's just the start; it'll be fine when I'll get acquaintance with the place and people. Then I won't feel awkward like a missing piece of picture.

That's how I tried to console myself as I made my way to the stool settled beside the wide open window.

Placing my chin in my palms and elbow on the window panel; I shifted my attention toward the dark night outside.

Lost and alone; darkness had nothing but still it stood strong against the world.

Why the night is so dark?

Because it fears no one.

Why it fears no one?

Because it's all alone.

I used to ask mom when I was little. Her words never made sense to the little girl but the girl I'm today, her words are crystal clear to me.

Since now, there is no difference between me and the night.

Lost and alone!

Strong and fearless!

In life, man never fears for himself but the fear which is greatest to mankind is losing something that he holds precious to his heart.

People or things that he understands are special to him.

He fears to lose them, and that fear makes them timid, incompetent to face the danger, but when he freed from this fears, he becomes fearless.

That's how life is.

That's how it made me!

Strong, fearless and alone!

I sighed again as I witnessed the starless night. The moon was there but not the stars, night looks incomplete in their absence. I closed my eyes to relive the laughter dangling in the eyes of my parents.

 Their absence left hollowness deep inside my heart which whatever I try cannot be filled, but the memories I hold close to my heart makes me realize how close they are to me.

I smiled in their smile, as if I made them proud in that moment.

I got the job! Now I'll take care of myself! I told them with an excited grin and they patted my cheeks. I found my heaven there,

They are happy!

They must be proud!

A cascading tear broke our moment of elation as I opened my eyes to the darkness.

Again it was night and me, only us!

I wiped away the traitor tear, before giving a last glance at the sky and moon, I headed inside.

No more tears! Tomorrow is new beginning and there tears aren't allowed. I comforted myself as I sat on the bed; the lampshade had the room illuminated in dim light. My shadow dancing at my every move in that light.

My excitement and anxiety rushed back to force as I looked at the documents provided to me. I went through the basic rules that I was asked to read once before joining before my eyes went toward the details and messages of higher authorities. While coming back I spared a glance at them.

The brochures compiled rules!

Interesting!

I went through it too before my eyes caught one name and message with it.

Edward!

I flipped through the pages, with a hope to catch the glimpse of pictures but luck wasn't in my favor.

I huffed in resignation before reading the message there on.

The words gave the brisk glimpse of an experienced person who holds the positive outlook toward his work.

Or perhaps it's just a delusional message. I shrugged before sparing a glance at the quietness of my own room.

The name seems to make a place in my mind. The praise and confidence Mr. HR Banner had for him was remarkable, since he wasn't looking like a person who could fall for charm.

Edward! I glanced again at the name on the paper.

What he'll be like?

I kept thinking such preposterous thoughts about him before mind snapped my back to reality.

Gritting my teeth in frustration, I slumped on the bed before my gaze went to the night clock resting on the side desk.

12:56AM

Oh dear God!

With the fear of waking up late for the first I forced myself to sleep but it was a difficult task as one unknown unclear face kept distracting me to fall in slumber and one name ruling my mind.

Edward!

*^*

Darkness of night peeping through shadows, seeking my fears to come back,

But I wish to look ahead, walk in the bright light offered in the embrace of new start.

I'm not afraid, new start awaits, my blank canvas awaits!

***

    Amaira Flair    

June 30, 2018

Don't forget to Vote, comment and Share.