Silly Dumb Heart

Chapter 9: Silly Dumb Heart

2012-01-17T22:37:00.000-08:00

Perfect!

The weather outside was warm and bright, just perfect for any kind of outdoor activity. Susan felt a thrill of excitement with each passing moment and her excitement increased exponentially with the thought of shopping in London for the first time. With the uplifted heart, she looked at the yellow sticky post-it, attached in front of her and tried to finish the to-do list before she left. After work, Susan greeted everyone weekend wishes and rushed out with Paul and June for the most awaited evening adventure – dress hunting.

“So, did you think of any good store?” Susan asked June as they walked toward the subway.

I know some promising stores at Oxford Street and, that’s where we are going.” June answered.

“Oxford Street! I heard about it.” Paul added.

In no time, the train for Oxford stationed at Canary Wharf and, they all got on the train. Along with the movement of the train, June turned her gossip on that looked like as though she was pacing with the train and, would stop only when the train halts at the destination. As the train was heading closer to the destination, Susan’s heart thumped with enthusiasm; she could feel the rush of emotion invigorating as she contemplated getting into the classy stores of the London city.

The station was crowded with the weekend rush and, before the train went past the station they were nowhere near the platform. Apparently, Susan’s footsteps wanted to accelerate with the mounting heart rate, but her stature couldn’t keep up with it. June took them to a department store which indeed looked promising to Susan. It was a breathtaking experience for Susan, to explore the stuff she was going to wear for the party. She had never worn something like that before, so she was a bit anxious about the whole thing. While going through the dress racks, she avoided the short length and strapless dresses which, she knew, would make her feel awkward. She made sure June did the same thing and, in order to make the dress selection process quick they decided to look into separate racks. In the meantime, Paul escaped to the men’s wear section until the girls had their mission accomplished.

“Hey June, I think it’s enough stuff we’ve picked out, now I should go try these on.”

“You are right, let’s see which one is going to be a perfect fit for you.” June consented.

It took some time for Susan to try out all the dresses, which she and June chose; and when she came out of the trail room, she wore a Burgundy color, tea length dress with satin lace work on it. She looked for June as she wanted to show it to June, then she heard a sharp, familiar voice from the distance.

“Perfect!”

Susan wondered and looked around.

“Paul! Where were you?” Susan asked bewildered when she saw Paul walking toward her.

"Well, I was upstairs, I thought I would buy something for myself...so…"

"Have you seen June?" Susan asked before he could finish the sentence.

“I am here. Wow! Look at you...you are absolutely stunning in this dress.” June came over and commented with her eyebrows raised.

“I was thinking I should go with this. What do you say?”

"Definitely….no second thoughts.” June encouraged.

"All right, I will go change and come back.”

Later they headed over to accessories, to find matching jewelry; Susan also tried on shoes that would go with the dress and, found a pair to match both the dress and her jewelry. And by the time they walked out of the store, they were starving; so they went to a nearby fast food center, KFC, and ordered for a fully loaded meal. When they were done, they took a taxi to their respective destinations.

Chapter 8: Silly Dumb Heart

2012-01-05T06:31:00.000-08:00

Weekend.

The rest of the week went quite well with no more distractions during the day and no haunting dreams at night. By Friday Susan could fully blend in with the team; and June, one of the interns there, became good friends with Susan. June was a very nice girl, with cheerful personality. She lost her mother at a very young age and was brought up by her father since then. They were originally from China, but after her mother’s expiry June's father took a job in London and, they got settled there. June had her boyfriend, Dave, working in the same organization, but in other team; and they both lived together. Susan met Dave only once, who seemed like a perfect fit for June with the same pleasing personality.

It was Friday evening and, there was excitement all around the place at work. Everyone, in the team, was chattering about their weekend plans; and few had already planned to leave early that day.

Chris came over and asked Susan in a casual tone, “Hey Susan what did you plan for the weekend. It is your first weekend holiday in London.”

Susan bit her lip and, after a moment of hesitation, she said. “Well, I haven’t planned anything so far..uh..”

June quickly picked up on the conversation. “Hey Chris, I was going to invite Paul and Susan to my place. I and Dave had already planned up something nice for the weekend and, I want them to be a part of it. It’s just going to be a small party, a get together of few friends.”

“That sounds like a great plan.” Chris commented and, left the place.

“What kind of party?” Susan asked, wondering.

“Like I said, a small get together. Few friends of mine and Dave are going to come over.” June said enthusiastically.

“But they are all strangers…” Susan paused for a second, “and I can’t come to a party where I know no one.” She continued with a grimace.

“You know me and Dave; and Paul would also be there. Besides they are all wonderful people and, it’s nice to be around such a good company. Trust me, you’d love it.” June urged in a voice so convincing and, then turned to Paul. “What do you say Paul?”

“Of course, but... if Susan’s having a.... problem with it, then I am not in either.” Paul couldn’t help but support Susan.

All of a sudden June sounded very firm. “She’d definitely make it because I am inviting her.” then she politely insisted in a soft tone of voice, “It’s going to be really fun Susan, so please say yes.”

“I am sure it is, but… I don’t feel comfortable with strangers.” Susan sounded wavering.

“I promise it won't look like that you are trapped in a room full of strangers. They are very lively people and, you’d feel great being there. ” June insisted again.

“Okay.”

“Wow…that’s like a good girl. Paul, it’s your duty to bring her to the party.” June sighed and demanded Paul.

“I am always at her service.” Paul smiled teasingly.

“Now, you shut up!” Susan simpered at Paul.

“But, what am I going to wear? I have no good dress for the party.” Susan frowned.

“Don’t you worry about it; We will go shopping as soon as we wrap up with the work and, I am going to help you buy a perfect outfit for tomorrow.” June spoke with a tone of assertion and, excitement.

Chapter 7 : Silly Dumb Heart

2011-12-23T12:47:00.000-08:00

Haunted

Susan spent most of the time, evening, over the Internet, chatting with her family and friends. Later, she and Paul decided to go out for a walk to enjoy the night breeze. They also had to buy merchandise and groceries as they didn’t want to have outside food anymore. They went to a big store that was little far from the hotel they were staying, so that they could get everything they wanted to buy. Besides they also wanted to watch the beautiful city in the night lights and have a pleasant walk. When they reached the store, Susan grabbed a bottle of skim milk, two boxes of corn flakes for breakfast and a large pack of noodles for dinner. Paul picked up a packet of rice and lentils and, dumped it in the groceries carrier. Susan looked at Paul in amazement when he did that.

“Why did you pick this?” She asked mystified.

“It’s because you are missing Indian food.” Paul snickered.

“When did I say so?” She was still dazed.

“In my dream.” He blurted out without thinking.

Now her eyes widened. “What?”

“I was just kidding. But, seriously, I miss Indian food. Don’t you?”

“I do, but…umm…I don’t know how to cook rice and lentils.” She admitted.

“Don’t worry, i am going to make it and, you can learn from me.” He smiled teasingly.

“No, that’s okay, I can survive on noodles.” She sounded hesitant.

“Come on, humor me.” He insisted.

“Alright, but I have one condition.”

“What’s that?” He rolled his eyes, bewildered.

“I’ll do it myself and, you will just give me instructions.” She grinned.

“Okay, done.” Paul sighed and, they both walked to the counter to get the stuff billed.

It was nice spending some time out which seemed to help her crabby mood; and she was off to bed as soon as she came back to her room. Susan could sleep well that night, but the same, last night’s, dream haunted her again; except this time she was very close to the strange person calling her. He was standing with his back to Susan and, as she was about to reach him, her eyes opened. She woke up from dream to daylight, fluttering her eyelids. She lay in bed for a while wondering what that strange dream could possibly mean.

Chapter 6 : Silly Dumb Heart

2011-12-20T13:21:00.000-08:00

The Speaker

Paul and Chris were already there and, also few other team members. The meeting was about the demonstration of a new software application and to discuss the project related issues. All of them were waiting for the speaker and the rest of the team members to come. Paul and Chris were discussing different possibilities to sort out few issues relating to the project; and Susan began doodling, with her eyes fixed, on the notepad.

Slowly the others started to come in and, the room whirred with conversation. While they all were still waiting, Susan heard someone pull the door open and walk past the row. Paul and Chris were sitting in the first row and, Susan was in the fourth row; as the other rows were already occupied. She couldn’t catch a glimpse of the person's face as their seats were facing the white screen opposite. When she looked up to see who it was, she saw a guy walking with his back to her. He was wearing a classic black suit, perfectly fitting; and was holding a notebook. He looked quite young. He walked straight toward Chris, who was sitting close to the screen. They both had some discussion and then he headed toward the screen. Before he could start the presentation, he turned to face the audience. Susan’s eyes narrowed with surprise when she looked at him. He was the same guy who she never wished to see again and, there he was right in front of her. She couldn’t believe that he was the speaker. Of course, he had not done anything wrong for her to feel so, but he became such an easy distraction that she just wanted to stay away from him. Susan had no way, but to look at him throughout the meeting; it was such an embarrassment for her.

“Hello All, I am Jonathan.” He addressed everyone in the room and started with his demonstration.

She tried to be wary in order to concentrate on the presentation and the demo; though there were instances when she couldn’t help staring at his glorious face. As soon as the meeting was over, she hurried out of the door and headed straight in the direction of Ladies room. She went in and stood in front of the mirror wondering what was wrong with her. She was annoyed at her that she couldn’t come up with any ideas and, was there like a dumb doll during the whole discussion. Then she resolved that, at any rate, she must focus on the project. She came out of the room composed and walked to the lunch room to join Paul for lunch. She tried to keep herself busy the rest of the day without giving in to any kind of thoughts.

Chapter 5 : Silly Dumb Heart

2011-12-13T13:21:00.000-08:00

Stupidity

Trains in London would always be crowded and getting a seat is quite difficult. Sometimes you have to be quick enough to judge which coach you would get on. Though it looks like a little tricky thing in the beginning, getting used to the crowd and rush is definitely not as hard as rocket science.

Luckily Susan got a seat in the train that day and Paul stood next to her seat, leaning against it. For a while, her thoughts flickered to last night’s awful dream. She wished the dream could have lasted little longer, so that she'd had a chance to glance the stranger’s face. While she was still musing about it, Paul interrupted her. She was so much engrossed in her thoughts that she barely could realise the train had almost made it to the station where she was supposed to get down. As soon as the train halted at the station, they both got down and rushed out of the subway toward the office building.

It was her second day at work and, Susan looked quite comfortable with the surroundings. The team members were all so welcoming and friendly which made it easy for Susan to settle down quickly, at the new work place; even the head of the team, Chris, was very supportive and encouraging. They had a nice custom in the team where in one of the team members would get coffee to rest of the team, every morning. They would take turns daily on this practice and, that day Susan volunteered herself to get the coffee. As she was about to make a move, Chris announced an unexpected team meeting all of a sudden and, he wanted all the team members to be present at the meeting in the conference room by eleven thirty morning. It was ten thirty, and she still had an hour for the meeting.

In the meantime, she wanted to go get coffee for all the team members, so she headed to the pantry. As she walked in the room, her eyes flashed on the guy who was at the vending machine trying to pick something. She soon figured that he was the same guy who was talking to Chris the other day. There was something about him that was very appealing and, Susan couldn’t help staring at him like an idiot. But before he noticed her, realising her idiocy, Susan dropped her head immediately. As soon as he left, she quickly grabbed the coffee mugs, filled them with coffee and walked out of the room. When she came back to her desk, she gave out the coffee mugs to everyone in the team. Then she sat down and cursed herself for acting so stupid in the pantry. She wished she would never see him again and, began to work.

While she was busy working, she heard a beep sound. A little window popped up at one corner of the screen; It was a reminder about the meeting that was going to be held in sometime. Chris had also sent an email about the meeting after he made the announcement. She held up the work, turned off the monitor and looked for a notepad and pen. There was a notepad at one corner of the desk which she picked up and grabbed a pen from the pen stand and then headed upstairs toward conference room.

Chapter 4 : Silly Dumb Heart

2011-12-12T03:17:00.000-08:00

Stranger in Dreams

After reaching the Hotel room, she took a shower and made herself fried eggs for dinner. As she was extremely exhausted, she quickly had it and went to bed early. But she was waking often in between unable to get a sound sleep and fell asleep only in the early hours of the morning.

“Susan….wait” a strange, magical, male voice calling out of nowhere and everything around was foggy and unclear. She could barely see the person calling her, but she knew someone was definitely there standing afar off. She squeezed her eyes closed to figure out a way to reach him.

“Open your eyes…Susan.” The voice was sharp and closer now.

Her eyes flew open anxiously and soon realized she was dreaming. Then she flashed a quick glare on the clock: it was six in the morning. It was time to get up and get ready for work. She got herself ready as soon as she could and rushed to the elevator. Paul was already waiting for her at the reception.

“Hey, Miss Williams.” Paul greeted cheerfully.

“How do you know my last name?” Susan asked befuddled with her eyebrows knit together.

“Where there is a will, there is a way.” Paul seemed amused.

“Oh…really?” Susan grinned playfully, walking out of the reception.

“Yes, really.” He smirked and handed Susan a rectangular shaped card.

“Aww….it is my ID card! How did you get it?” Susan wondered.

“Apparently, you dropped it at the reception yesterday while you were complaining about the dead phone, in your room; and the receptionist gave it to me this morning thinking that I am your...”

“Your…what?” She sounded wary.

“You know she thinks I am your…..colleague, and we work together at the same place.”

“She knows that already.” She snapped.

“Of course, and I am telling you the same.” He smiled wickedly and his voice amused.

Paul Stevenson is a very charming guy, who she came to know only after coming to London. He is quite handsome, cheerful, generous, and a little cryptic sometimes.

Chapter 3 : Silly Dumb Heart

2011-12-10T06:17:00.001-08:00

First Day

When she was up the next morning, she pulled open the curtains around the window wide and, tried to peek out, watching the London roads. After a moment of amusement, she looked at the clock on the wall. It was seven, and she had to be at work at nine. First things first, she turned the geyser on and took a shower. She then went into the kitchen, to make a bowl of cereal for her breakfast. As she was about to start, she heard the doorbell ring. It was Paul; he brought some sandwiches he made himself. She thanked him for his generous heart and, also for saving her time. When he left, she quickly ate it in big bites, got ready and walked out heading downstairs. Paul was already waiting for her down in the lobby.

It was summer there and, the weather was so pleasant with the sun not so hot and blazing. For a while, she could not believe she was walking through the roads of the great London city. Travelling by train is the most convenient option in London and they have underground stations called tube stations with long escalators to roll up and down. Susan was extremely amazed at the sight of such busy long escalators. It was definitely a dream come true for her to experience everything that was happening around. When they were about to reach the work place, she saw the place was completely surrounded by huge glass buildings. It took her breath away, and she was in absolute awe and wonder. Everything was so different and fascinating; and the experience was truly unimaginable and incredible for Susan.

“Susan?” a voice called loudly.

Susan turned around to see who it was; Paul was calling her from the distance.

“We are already late. Come on, we got to rush.” Paul insisted.

“Oh, I am sorry. Let’s move.” She muttered.

They headed to the office building in a hurry and when inside the reception they were taken to a room to have their photo taken for the ID Card. When done with it, they rushed to the elevator to reach the work place. On the floor, they met Chris, Head of the team, who introduced them to all of the team members. All went well on the first day; as the day was almost getting over and she was about to wrap up the work, Susan saw someone passing by her. The guy was heading towards Chris and, he looked quite dashing. For a while, Susan could not get her eyes off him.

"I am done, shall we go now." a low voice sounded like a whisper called from behind.

"Umm...Yes." She murmured.

Susan soon realized Paul was waiting for her. She quickly composed herself, grabbed her bag and headed toward elevator with Paul.

Chapter 2 : Silly Dumb Heart

2011-12-07T09:52:00.001-08:00

Farewell

Finally, the day arrived when Susan had to leave for UK, to make her dreams come true. All the family members were excited and at the same time bit worried about Susan, as she’d never been on a plane before and she was going alone. However, Susan looked calm and restful about everything that was happening. She was instead very anxious to get on the plane and wondered how it looks like when it is in the air.

“Susan…Be careful dear and take care of yourself very well.” Susan’s mom almost broke out in tears.

"Mom, just don’t worry about me…I am going to be alright.” Susan urged and gave a tight hug to her mom.

"Don’t forget to call us when you arrive at the place.” Her dad yelled.

"Sure dad, will call you.”

She bid farewell to everyone and, quickly walked to the checking and clearance. After that she headed toward the plane. When she finally got on the plane, she glanced around once to believe her eyes that she actually was on board. It was not too late before she realized that plane journey was quite boring, but she kept her spirits up.

When arrived at the destination she was escorted by her colleague, Paul, to the hotel, who already reached there a day before. Once she made it to the hotel, she called up her family to tell that she arrived there safely. Then she freshened up and had dinner that Paul got her. She soon made her bed as she was completely exhausted because of the tiresome plane journey. While she was in her bed, she wished if she could get a day off the next day. As it was not possible, she gave up on the idea and slowly sank into a deep sleep.

Chapter 1 : Silly Dumb Heart

2011-12-04T04:17:00.001-08:00

The Phone Call

It wasn't just another usual night. The streets were deadly dark and horrifying, and, one could barely see anything in such dark. The sky was so beautiful with full moon light and, the stars were in alignment, twinkling bright. The dazzling bright sky seemed to be dominating the horrific dark, somehow.

Susan was walking in the dark confused on how to find some light. She fumbled in the dark looking for a lighter and candle. When found she lit the candle and sat down musing; Susan seemed to be anxiously waiting for something. While she still pondered, her eyes flickered on a piece of news that said "Four hour power outage tonight in the city”. As she was going through the news, she heard the phone ring and, at once ran to get the call before anyone does.

“Hello…” Susan answered.

“Hello, Can I speak to Susan please?” The caller asked.

“Yes, this is Susan speaking." Her voice was careful.

“Hi Susan, Ronald here…How are you?”

“Hi Ronald…I am fine, thanks.” Susan sounded nervous.

“It’s regarding the interview you had with us today morning. Just wanted to tell you that you've been selected for the position and, we expect you to be at our office tomorrow 10:00 am to collect the letter of appointment. Also, we can have a final discussion. "

“Thanks so much, Ronald” She said enthusiastically.

Susan jumped up in joy and excitement. It looked like she wanted to hear that news so badly and, her countenance completely changed in a moment. All the family gathered together and congratulated Susan. Her family members were so happy for her new achievement. They were proud of their daughter, as Susan was going to travel overseas soon after her induction and training program and, she was the first in the family to make it happen. Within a week, she was done with the initial training and stuff and, was all set to fly to London.