The Package - Part 1

Disclaimer : I'm a huge KPop fan and you will come across names and photographs of KPop idols in most of my stories. They are my muse and inspiration in so many ways. The incidents and characters are fictional and have no resemblance to any K pop idol in any manner.

The clock struck 5 and I got up from my desk. Time to go. I had finished all my work well in time and prepared a few presentations in advance since I had time to spare. I believe in making full use of my time in the office. It's a typical 9-5 job- gruelling but pays well. I'm a fast worker and my 'In' and 'Pending' trays are always empty before I leave the office. Yes, I'm a diligent, efficient and smart worker who would be an asset to any employer! Okay, I'm bragging but then, I know I'm right because that's what my boss wrote in my last performance appraisal.😎 I walked to the subway station and waited for my train. It was bang on time, as always. This is what I love about this place! I'm a stickler for punctuality and the city's public transport, the subway specifically, is beyond comparison! I got off at my designated stop and walked towards my apartment which I shared with my childhood friend Ira. I rang the bell and she opened the door with a bright smile,"Hi! Welcome home! How was your day?" I returned her bright smile and hugged her," Great as usual! I'm so hungry! What did you make today? I can smell Biryani! My favourite! Thank you! " "Ugh, you need to shower, honey! Go! I'll lay the table. A glass of red wine? ," Ira asked. "Nope! Just food please 😬," I said as I ran to my room. Now, Ira and I are BFFs since we were 2! We went to school, college and university together. After that we applied for jobs together. I got into a good company job with a 6 figure salary which helps me pay for my brother's college fees and send money to my mom every month. My mother has been a single mom ever since I remember and neither I nor my brother Raj ever asked her about dad. Somehow we neither missed him nor felt any need for his presence in our lives. Mom worked as a government school teacher and retired last year, although her students still come to her for tuitions. Raj is studying to be a doctor, his childhood dream! I had no specific ambition. I just wanted to have a good job that paid well so my mom wouldn't have to suffer ever! Mom stays with Raj so I don't have to worry for either of them. Ira, my bestie, is a ball of sunshine and energy! She adds colour and spontaneity to my organised and dull life. She works as a kindergarten teacher which doesn't pay much, so she is a part timer at the Cafe next door. She is an amazing cook, draws and paints, sings and dances and smiles throughout the day! No matter what, Ira's smile never leaves her face! Her energy and smile is absolutely contagious and she has so many admirers that every weekend is booked. Ah, don't judge her already! Most of her weekends are spent with the Cafe owner's family or the family of one of her kindergarten kids! My innocent Ira never noticed or understood the attention she got from the young men! She is truly my happy pill! When I come back from work all tired and hungry, her smile infuses new life into my being! I paid the entire rent and she paid for the grocery and cooked for both of us. We had divided the rest of the chores, but she wouldn't let me do anything! The cleaning, laundry, dusting, ironing- Ira would do it all and indulge me with a warm welcome and yummy food every single day! The guy who marries her would be the luckiest!! I showered and changed into comfy pyjamas and we both dug into the flavourful, aromatic Biryani! Honestly I must have done something really great in my previous life, to be blessed with a friend like Ira💜 She is a mother, a sister, a soulmate, a shoulder to cry on.... She is a blessing in disguise in my life! "Oh, a package came for you! Did you order something and forgot to tell me? Or were you expecting something?" Ira said as she got up and picked up a beautifully wrapped package with my name and address on it. The red wrapping paper, the golden bow on top and a black card addressed to me- it looked expensive. Maybe some promotional gift from some company; it's common in the corporate world! I kept it on my lap and continued eating. After dinner, I insisted on doing the dishes and picked up the package on my way to my room. Ira had already gone to bed. I sat thinking who would send it, not my brother or mother for sure! I have no other friends except Ira because I have always been an introvert. I am not close to anyone at office nor do I know of any admirers! Maybe it's a 'secret admirer'- I smiled at the thought and said to myself, " Wishful thinking!" I took the package to my desk and unwrapped it carefully so I don't damage the wrapping paper or the bow or the card! I took the paper cutter and slit the box open. It was pretty light and as I put my hand in I found nothing. It's empty! I turned it over and shook it with all my strength. Nothing rattled or fell out of it! What the hell! Who would send me an empty box? Why spend money, time and effort just to send an empty box? Why to me? Who sent it? I looked through the wrapping paper, bow and the card for some clue, some hint! Oh, there was something written inside the card. I opened it and kept staring at the beautiful golden handwriting on it which said-

"Empty. Just like your life. Wait for the next one............"

Well, readers, wait for part 2!😎