5 The Bitter Truth

There was a different kind of silence in the room after David told the tragic story of Eva.

Finally, Mike broke the silence. "I can understand what you might be feeling."

David took his hands on his face and covered his face and said in a sad voice "I blame myself for it. Maybe If I would have confessed my feelings to Eva then we would have been together. Nothing would have happened."

"You don't have to blame yourself. She fell for a jerk. This is not your fault... But I don't understand that so much had happened and everyone was quiet. Didn't anyone complained?"

David laughed

"Do you think anyone will complain against the CEO's best friend and moreover Alan is in the UK now? You know even in Eva's autopsy report the cause of death is written as Overdosed with sleeping pills.

There is no mention of her pregnancy. In official statements, the detailed reason is written as she was not able to handle personal and professional life pressure and decided to take her life... All autopsy reports, official statements have tampered with.

There is no mention of Alan. Even Alan's official record from the company is deleted. If you will check in archives you will not find any traces for an employee named Alan."

Mike was quite shocked to hear this.

"That's like a conspiracy and hiding the reality. I have heard this kind of thing but never imagined that this could happen in real life."

"There are many things here Mike which are out of our imagination. Every person here wears a mask of kindness. Since you are new be careful of whom you trust. Anyway, I guess the upload is finished. Let's try playing the files and do the system testing." David said looking at my laptop.

"Yes."

They checked the files and then it was the end of the day. Mike packed his bag and he and David departed from the office. They decided to go to the cafeteria for evening snacks. so they went to the 7th floor. The 7th floor had an exclusive big cafeteria for all employees.

They enter the cafeteria which was beautifully decorated. The cafeteria is illuminated with LED and reflector lights in the shade of golden yellow and creamy white. The floor was sparkling silver with lovely sitting arrangements with chairs of different colors. The cafeteria was in a shade of rich white textured walls with quotes on it. It was divided into 2 sitting areas. The first area comprises of sitting arrangement with a table and chair. The second area was a bit more comfortable and cozy with couches where people were enjoying their coffees and juices.

There were the counters of various dishes on one side ranging from the burger, pizza to Chinese, and sushi.

David looked at the menu and then asked "So what would you like to have?"

"I will take milk tea. What about you?" Mike said looking at the beverages menu

"Expresso."

"I guess you are a coffee addict."

David whispered, "Trust me it's better than other addictions which these people have."

"Woah. What's that."

"Let's order the drinks. My body is demanding caffeine."

"Sure"

Mike went to the cash counter and ask for coupons for the tea and coffee. He went to the food counter and gave them coupons.

"2 hot chocolates please?" Mike heard a familiar voice. He turned around and looked. He saw Catherine standing beside him.

"Hey, Catherine." Mike greeted her.

"Hey, newbie... Mike right?" Catherine asked with a cute smile

"Yes."

"So how is it going. I guess today should be your first day."

"Yeah.. the office is quite cool but work is quite too much."

"Haha. Tell me about it. I was in back to back interviews for 5 hours. Can you imagine?"

" Wow, that's too much."

Catherine replied in a low tone "I know and then the celebs take too much time for the cover photos. Their makeups and hairstyle, accessories everything has to be perfect. It's quite irritating at times."

"So celebs come here for an interview?" mike asked in a surprised tone

"Haha... Usually, the new one agrees to come but the top one preferred to be interviewed at their home. So mostly we visit. The good thing is today's interviews were at the office so I am glad I didn't have to commute. It becomes hectic at the time."

"I can understand that considering NY traffic is a nightmare."

"Absolutely. tell me about it...So have you come alone to the cafeteria?" Catherine asked seeing me alone.

"No... I'm here with David."

"David who?" Catherine asked

"He works in IT along with me."

Mike pointed to David who was has taken a seat at the rear end of the cafeteria. Catherine looked at him.

"Oh, the coffee boy?" Catherine said looking at David

"what?"

"He drinks too much coffee... Lol"

"Ya, I got it. By the way, when are we going for our coffee date?" Mike asked winking at Catherine

"Mike first it's just a coffee, not a date, and second I am not going anywhere soon so we will figure out someday."

"Deal?"

"Deal"

"Ok. I will see you around."

Mike waved Catherine and till this time his order was ready. He took the tea and coffee and came to the table.

" Wasn't that was the girl from the PR team to whom you were talking?" David asked a bit suspiciously

"Yeah, that's Catherine. I met her yesterday on my way while coming here for an interview. She was tense and annoyed as her car broke down. So I offered her a lift and that's how we know each other." Mike replied casually

"Ok. But I hope you don't have feelings for her or something." David further dug a little deeper.

"Ummm... No... but why you are asking?"

"Trust me you do not want to fall for her. She is a manipulative mean plastic."

"Well we are friends. I haven't thought anything much more than that." Mike replied sipping his milk tea

" It will be better this way. You don't want shit in your life."

After coffee, Mike departed from my office. He booked a cab and was on the way to his apartment.

Suddenly his phone buzzed.

1 new message received

It was a message from Jeff

"Hey Bro... We are out of grocery stock. On your way please pick some bread, eggs. butter and bacon for dinner. I will be out for an audition. Thanks"

"No...not again..." After the long tiring day, I just wanted to crash on my bed and not go grocery shopping but seems like I don't have much choice now. Mike ginned

He asked the cab driver to drop him at the supermarket.