"But think about this, what if.." Vir tried..
" Don't bother. A no is a no. No further discussion. Now, are you arranging the meeting or not?" Sophia asked. For god sake, last time this idiot barely survived, after drinking 'that' cappuccino and look at him, asking for another cup.
Mrs. Singhania will have Sophia's head on a silver platter, if she gets to know about this discussion. That woman is scary and loving as Maa Kali.
" Well, that no is no debate comes under a different discussion section, the section which talks and deals with the importance of consent.
Not for a cup of cappuccino. I promise, I won't tell anyone, not even my shadow about it." Vir tried one last time.
But only get greeted by silence in response.
"Fine, I will arrange a meeting with The Mathurs.
Huh, just because the world is cruel, doesn't mean I have to be, too." Vir grumbled, before closing his eyes.
Sophia pretended not to hear the second part, as she opened her ipad and started preparing for the meeting. Well, she had chosen ethics over profits. So, of course she had to see to it through the end.
~~
Sophia reached home, only to get greeted by Alex, who happened to be waiting for her.
What now ? She has reached on time, hasn't she?
"I am glad you came early today. Can we talk?" Alex asked Sophia, who could only nod.
She should have listened to Vir and eaten something, before leaving the office. Now, she is feeling hungry. But there's nothing that could be done about it. Not to mention, this man and his upcoming lecture.
Sigh!
"Please, have a seat. Do you drink tea? Or should I ask for a glass of milk!" Alex asked gently, as he stared at the tired girl in front of him.
She gave him the look of surprise as she wasn't expecting it.
"Milk." Sophia answered after regaining her senses, to which Alex nodded in acknowledgement.
" Please bring one green tea and one glass of milk, with some snacks." Alex ordered the staff working nearby, who nodded and then left.
"What do you want?" Sophia asked, not interested in dilly-dallying around.
"A lot of things actually. But at present information. From you." Alex responded with a straight-face, though his voice was gentle. He could tell she doesn't like the place or people here.
So, better be a poker face, then lose her presence.
"What is it?" Sophia asked, while staring at the plants that were glowing thanks to the light of the setting sun, through the window.
" What is your highest educational qualification?" Alex asked, his gaze fixed on the little girl, who now was smiling, for some reason. So, nature is her thing.
" Senior secondary education." Sophia, though confused, replied courteously.
"+2 !" Alex asked, just to reconfirm, to which Sophia nodded, though a little puzzled.
"What about graduation?" Alex asked.
" I wasn't allowed. I am a woman, after all." Sophia replied in a gloating tone.
" Well. That was before. Do you wish to pursue graduation, if given a chance now?" Alex asked, after a moment of pause. He doesn't need to know, the trauma runs deep.
Sophia, who was still staring at the window, every now and then, finally stared at Alex, properly. shocked. Now, what on the earth is going on here?
"Why would I not?" Sophia asked back, more in a question, more in shock, then answer. Like, she loves learning. She used to be the topper of her class. She was the only student to earn a merit scholarship, in her school, during the state boards exam. Why would she not want to connect with the stream of knowledge, once again?
"I see. Any field, any subject, you have in mind!" Alex nudged gently, the enthusiasm bubbling in him.
Sophia stares at him, her eyes blank, her face speechless. Field! Subject! Who would have thought that her struggle would shift from hiding from her parents to choosing a subject.
Oh my god. She will be choosing a subject. A subject! Knowledge.
Oh my god. Is this for real?
"I-I don't know." After what seems like an eternity, Sophia replied, to which Alex nodded.
"Give me a moment." Alex said, then left her, with her thoughts, alone.
Sophia's eyes followed him, until the building hid his silhouette.
Did she do something wrong? Did he get angry with her? Did he get fed up with her? Did her lack of response annoyed him? Oh no, what should she do? Should she apologize? Should she chase after him?
Shoul- Sophie, calm down, Sophie. You are not going after anyone. You are standing for yourself. Remember that. Breathe. The world may crumble, humans may vanish, you are not abandoning yourself, for anyone. Remember that.
Jai Maa Kaali.
~~
When Alex returned, he saw Sophia staring outside the window, occasionally sipping the milk from the glass. He was worried she might have left, but here she is, enjoying nature. The light of the setting sun, falling on the half of her silhouette, making it golden, a little smile resting on her face, making the view ethereal.
He slowed down his steps, wanting to savour 'the relaxed Sophia look' for a bit longer. But his steps caught her attention and the beautiful view was shattered just like that, that little smile, it was gone, the frown on her forehead was back.
"Thanks for waiting." Alex offered, then he placed his laptop on the table, opened it, typed a few things and turned it towards Sophia.
"So, these are the fields for graduation. Since I don't know your major. So, take your time. " Alex offered, then he picked his tea cup and took a sip of green tea. His eyes falling on the view outside the window, the one that has caught Sophia's attention before.
Sophia kept scrolling and reading, while Alex kept sipping his tea in silence.
~~
"Anything caught your attention!" Alex finally asked, while placing his tea cup on the table, as he watched her staring at him.
"Umm.. this one." Sophia showed, while turning the laptop screen to his side.
"Business!" Alex uttered, a small smile appearing on his lips. Sophia nodded.