' The river of time never stops flowing. Some learn to swim while others drown as is their fate.'

           ~Stupid rammbling of a sleep derived author in an online blog which is started by Manya

10 years later

Manya finished presenting the idea for marketing of their new product and sat down. The response was positive from the manager. As the team leader, she felt happy at the appreciation.

After the other teams presented their ideas the meeting was finished. Manya felt that her team idea was best but it was upto the senior management to decide. After all working for this company over past eight years, she had learned that it wasn't always the talent or content which won but the connections and favourtism. And it wasn't just this company, it was same everywhere. So, she tried really hard to maintain a friendly relationship with everyone and most of the time it paid.

' Its already seven. Let us all go for dinner together.' Someone from another team said loudly. The idea quickly became popular and she could see enthusiasm in her own team. She nodded slightly and her team immediately started to sort out the details with other teams.

Manya didn't say much. She wasn't choosy about her food. Once a place was decided, everyone started to get into cars and left for the resturant.

The city at night had become alive as people stopped working and started to relax. There were people everywhere in streets, the roads were jam packed with cars and yet more people could be seen going into shops, bars and other places. It should be hard to be lonely in such busy place but surrounded by laughter of her colleagues with an answering smile on her own lips, in a classy resturant, Manya felt the loneliness or rather the emptiness.

Her hand unintentionally touched her lower belly and as always came empty. It became a little difficult to sit and eat with others.

'I'll be back.' She said to one of her colleague and left for washroom. Once inside she stood in front of the marble basin and at her own reflection in mirror. The young face of the girl had matured. The broken heart had taught how to put a mask of expressions and make it look happy. The lips had become coated with lipstick instead of lip balms. The eyes lashes were coated with mascara, the liner making the eyes bigger. The lost look in the eyes didn't go well with the image of a successful career woman.

'Just five minutes.' She whispered to herself. She needed those minutes for herself. This day of the year was always hard because it was her birthday. Memories were strong on this day.

She closed her eyes and stood letting herself feel the pain and then letting it go. She opened her eyes and put a fake smile on her lips. She was ready to face people again. She turned and opened the door and walked outside. Her long legs highlighted by the high heels. The knee length blue skirt in a prim style with a white office shirt failed to cover the curves of her body. The shoulder length hairs were straight and properly styled. They accenturated her face. Her father didn't approve but she no longer looked for his approval in anything.

Many males who saw the woman couldn't stop a second gaze from landing on her again. One man was sitting with group of other men. The jacket of his business suit was off. As he chatted unlike others he didn't oogled the passing women. His english had a calm and lazish accent. Manya stopped hearing the voice for a second and then, moved on.

She reached her table and sat down. Her hand lightly shivered as she held the cutlery but then, she smiled at her colleague and started eating.