'John, it has been three days and not a single CV has come to me? What are you doing?' Aashi scolded him. He shook his head, clearly, he isn't liking being scolded at by a female boss.

'We are trying.' He said exasperatedly

'Look, John if you don't get me the short-listed candidates by this Saturday I will complain to the Seniors and I am serious this time.' She warned him. John nodded though he didn't look threatened.

'And,' - Aashi walked around the table and sat on her chair, - 'don't take this warning lightly.' She pointed an index finger at him. John nodded again. She waved her finger gesturing him to leave. John left muttering something under his breath. Aashi knew he was cursing her. Aashi sighed and leaned in her chair. This is the sad part of being a Female boss, no one takes you seriously.

***********************************

Since Suchitra has just come today, Aashi left from work early. It is unlike her, but she can't have Suchitra alone in the house, it will be very rude.

As she walked out of the office, she heard someone call her name and reflexively she turned around and immediately regretted it as she saw Himanshu coming towards her. She turned and began to walk but this time Himanshu caught up with her.

'Aashi, please. It has been almost a week you are avoiding me...Listen, I am sorry. I will never bring that topic again. But please stop punishing me. Let us just pretend that nothing happened, Okay, please.' He pleaded her.

Aashi looked at him, he held her arms and took a step closer, - 'Sorry. I will never make you uncomfortable again. We return being friends, I will never let my feelings come in between our friendship. Please give me one more chance.' Himanshu said.

Aashi nodded looking away, she looked at him and forced a smile. Himanshu smiled, relieved.

'Thanks.' He said

'Okay, Himanshu I have to go now.' Aashi said.

'Shall I drop you?' Aashi was about to refuse but Himanshu insisted, - 'Please if you forgave me then-.'

Aashi stuck out her palm stopping him mid-sentence, - 'Himanshu just now you promised to not make me uncomfortable.' She said. Himanshu nodded taking a step back. Aashi turned around to walk when he said, - 'I will come to pick you up in the morning?' He sounded hopeful. Aashi wanted to refuse but dropped the idea, she smiled nodding and walked away.

'Bye.' He called but she didn't turn around nor replied.

********************************

Aashi returned home tired and frustrated, but she smiled as she rang the door-bell. Always, it is her and the lonely house but not anymore, now she has her friend Suchitra to give her company. Aashi's parents had suggested long back for her to take a flat partner, but she kept refusing because to Aashi her privacy mattered, and she wasn't comfortable sharing her flat with someone unknown. Luckily, Suchitra had come and now, she has no worries.

Soon, the door opened and Suchitra beamed from the other side.

'Woah, someone looks fresh as a daisy.' Aashi complimented. Suchitra smiled taking a small bow.

'I slept for just one hour, then went to arrange my things and then watched some TV and then did some work.' She explained pointing at her laptop and few papers and files that lay beside the laptop on the table.

'Oh!' Aashi exclaimed sitting on the sofa and removing her heels.

Suchitra sat beside her, - 'Shall I make you coffee?' She asked.

Aashi shook her head and looked at her, - 'I will freshen up and then take you to meet Vimala Tai.' She happily and Suchitra nodded excitedly.

Aashi sat for ten minutes before disappearing into her room. Suchitra did some office work on her laptop as Aashi took a bath.

Aashi dressed in a loose orange top and white Capri pants. She gestured her friend and the two girls walked out of the flat. Aashi locked the door while Suchitra stood beside her.

*****************************

They stay in flat number, 401 and Vimala Tai stays in flat no. 402, very close by. Their apartments adjacent.

Aashi could barely contain her excitement as she rang the doorbell. Minutes later, a middle-aged woman with a warm glowing face dressed in a cotton saree opened the door.

'Aashi.' Vimala Tai smiled warmly at her.

'Tai.' Aashi leaned forward and hugged the woman who hugged her back. Suchitra smiled watching them. So much has changed in these ten years but Aashi's warm and friendly nature hasn't changed. She still makes friends easily, and she knows how to cherish her friendships.

'Tai, this is Suchitra, my friend from College and my new flatmate.' Aashi introduced Suchitra and Tai.

Suchitra greeted her and Vimala Tai greeted back. She then asked them to come in. Suchitra looked at Aashi and gave her a she-is-nice look.

The three women talked happily, it didn't take much time for Suchitra to feel comfortable with Vimala Tai, such was her personality.

After a while, Tai was about to stand talking about making tea for them but Aashi insisted she would make Tea instead, - 'You relax, Tai.' Aashi said standing up.

'You will make tea? Are you sure it will be safe to drink?' Suchitra joked with a straight face.

'Ha, ha, ha, ha, so funny.' Aashi said rolling her eyes, Suchitra and Tai chuckled.

Aashi doesn't keep any formalities when it is her Vimala Tai's House, she behaves very chill here. She knew where things are kept in the kitchen and so she quickly made Tea for the three of them. She also got few snacks.

'How much Sugar did you put for Suchitra, dear?' Tai asked Aashi as she placed the tray on the coffee table.

'None.' Aashi said smiling. Suchitra looked aghast.

No sugar - she muttered.

'Tai, you have diabetes so no sugar anyway.' Aashi said handing her a cup of tea, Tai made a sad face, - 'and sugar isn't good for health so no sugar for us too.' Aashi forwarded a teacup to Suchitra.

'Too much sugar is not good,' Suchitra corrected her and then looking at her teacup she added, - 'and this is black tea.' She pouted.

'This is healthy.' Aashi said taking her seat beside Tai.

'Tai, letting Aashi make tea for us was a huge mistake.' Suchitra said. Aashi glared at her.

Tai nodded, - 'I agree.'

'Hawwww... Et tu Tai.' Aashi mocked over dramatism and the three ladies burst out laughing.

*******************************

After spending a brief time with Tai, Aashi and Suchitra returned home. They ordered dinner and chatted, this time about work, and had their food.

'I will be joining next week.' Suchitra said. The two of them stood on the small balcony. Aashi suggested she check the nearby places and get anything that she will be needing.

'Also, don't hesitate to ask me for help.' Aashi said.

Suchitra smiled, - 'Thanks, but I will manage. You have already done so much for me.' She said

'Are you mad? No formalities please.' Aashi pretended to sound offended. Suchitra nodded.

The two then stood in silence enjoying the stillness of the quiet night.

'This Sunday, Mr. Sachin Srivastav our landlord will be coming. Some formalities and then you are officially a tenant here.' Aashi informed her friend.

'But why Sunday? I mean I am at home, he can come any day.' Suchitra said.

'Yes,' - Aashi placed her palms on Suchitra's shoulder and smiled looking at her, - 'I want to be there when everything gets finalized.' She said

'You are so awesome, Aashi.' Suchitra hugged Aashi, she hugged her back.

'You are a true friend, Aashi. You never think twice before helping your friends, you can go any lengths to help them.' Suchitra said sincerely. Aashi's smile faded

And get hurt in return, Aashi thought sadly. Suchitra held her hand and shook her, when Aashi looked at her she raised her eyebrows.

'Nothing, it is getting late. I have office tomorrow.' Aashi said and turning around.

'Good night.' Suchitra said

'Good night.' Aashi replied.

Once again, before sleeping Aashi thought of him, she wondered if he was okay and what he must be doing now.