κεφάλαιο δέκατο έκτο

Chapter Sixteen: Reconciliation

Krisha's Point of View

“Ate Raffinah, mahal na mahal talaga ni Ate Blaire 'yang si Dhruv! Kaya nga pati ako gusto ko nang sugurin 'yang boss mo na mapagbintang, eh! Akalain mo, sabihing user si Ate!” Blaire's younger brother exaggerated. Blaire awkwardly smiled and slapped her brother.

Blaire invited me inside her unit or should I say his brother's unit. I'm happy for her, everything is going on her way. Gumaan na rin ang duties niya as a breadwinner since her brother is now also working to support their family.

“Nako, Raffinah na lang! Parang same age lang naman tayo. What's your name?” I asked her brother.

“Hi, good morning everyone, specially to the binibini lovely visitor inside my condo! I'm Benedict Pedraza, single and ready to mingle! Ano pong maipaglilingkod ko?” Mahabang litanya ng kapatid ni Blaire. We bursted out laughing because of his chaotic introduce yourself scene.

I tried my best not to laugh! Pero nang matawa si Blaire ay tumawa na rin ako. Sana hindi siya na-offend.

“Do you want me to find you a girlfriend?” I jokingly said, trying to change the topic. I was surprised when he said he's actually interested! He took it seriously.

He started blabbering about his dream girl, ideal type, and more. Blaire is making him stop but Benedict just keeps going. He's talkative in a way that the one he's talking to wouldn't be uncomfortable. Nakikinig lang ako sa kanya, siya ang nagbubuhat ng usapan.

“Stop Benedict, baka ma-late na si Raffinah,” saway ni Blaire sa kapatid niya.

“Uhh, gusto pa kitang kausap!” Parang bata na nagmamaktol si Benedict. I shooked my head while smiling and made him type his phone number to my hand phone.

I know the right match for this boy!

“Pasensya na sa kapatid ko, mahilig makipag-usap sa mga tao,” nahihiyang sabi ni Blaire. I just raised my thumbs up and smiled at her.

I don't know what to say. Nagkakahiyaan yata kami.

Blaire is the opposite of Benedict. Halatang-halata na introvert siya. . . just like me that's why I find it hard to talk with her. Specially ngayon na dalawa na lang kami.

Inaya na niya 'ko kasi baka raw nakaka-istorbo siya sa akin. I told her that it is completely fine but she just keeps on telling me that I'm going to be late for work.

Hindi ko lang masabi na tanggal na 'ko sa trabaho kasi baka magtaka pa siya. I mean I really don't know if I still have a job or what. Basta pakiramdam ko lang ayaw na 'ko makita ni Russlee.

“I'm really thankful, Raffinah. I still remember when you suggested me to become his partner, at first I was really against it.” She started a conversation while we're walking towards the elevator. “But now that I'm thinking about it, your innocent suggestion brought us together.”

“And now, you helped us again the second time around,” she said and even held my hands. I can feel that her hands are trembling maybe because of her shyness. Pero nawala ang nginig ng kamay niya nang pisilin ko ang mga 'yon.

“That's nothing, you deserve all the happiness that you feel right now.”

“I just can't believe that the hatred I used to feel towards Dhruv transformed into something I've never felt before,” she said in a very soft voice.

She sounds so in love. Something that a cupid like me won't ever feel.

We bid our goodbyes as soon as the elevator opened. I hopped in and we smiled at one-another while waving as the elevator door closes. I feel like this is not the last time we'll see each other.

Thinking about it while this elevator thing is moving. . . possible pala na maging love ang hate. I matched them that time but ever since nag-add up sila sa successful couples that I matched that season, nawalan na 'ko ng balita sa kanila.

Hindi ko naman inaakala na ma-e-encounter ko ulit ang isa sa kanila. Karamihan kasi sa mga napagma-match ko, hindi ko na nakikita uli. As expected, maraming tao sa buong mundo. . . kaya marami akong nakikilalang iba pang mortal.

While I'm walking in the building's lobby. I felt something sticky in between my legs. Please don't tell me that it's the time of the month! Naglakad ako palabas ng building at naghanap ng pinakamalapit na cafe o restaurant. To confirm what I need to confirm.

Bakit feeling ko may menstruation na 'ko! Oh no!

Looks like the Deities are on my side. Nakakita agad ako ng isang cafe. I went to the side counter to ask the staff on where is the bathroom. The staff smiled and responded politely.

“Sorry Ma'am, the restroom is exclusive for our customers only.”

“Ay gano'n ba Ate? Sige pabili na lang ako ng kape, kahit anong kape,” natatarantang sabi ko.

Buti na lang may dala akong human money!

Hindi pwedeng magkaroon ng stain ang pants ko. I'm wearing a white slacks and a beige top right now. Pagtitinginan ako ng mga mortal kapag nagkaroon ng red spot!

“Sorry Ma'am, proceed na lang po kayo sa main counter.”

I looked at the main counter only to find a long line of mortals. Bumagsak ang balikat ko, this is hopeless! Nakiusap pa 'ko sa staff para ituro ang bathroom pero ayaw talaga niya. She keeps on repeating what she said!

“Caramel Macchiato for Daisyree!” Ate shouted, calling another mortal.

“Ate, sige na po please. . . emergency lang talaga!” She was about to speak again but a voice of a man interrupted us.

“Sweetheart, do you want a coffee?” Pasigaw na tanong sa akin ng lalaking nasa main counter. What an unexpected encounter! Nakangiti pa siya sa 'kin na parang hindi kami nag-away.

What kind of sorcery is this?

“Y-Yes?” I uttered.

“The usual, Sweetheart?” I just nodded. . . he sounds so different right now. Hindi ako sanay na marinig siyang pa-sweet ang boses. I don't know what he's up to.

Just go with the flow, Krisha Raffinah.

“Okay, my wife will have an iced americano. And I'll have iced latte,” he said while talking to the man at the cashier.

“Siguro naman pwede na siyang gumamit ng banyo?” Seryosong sabi niya sa kausap kong babae. He said it like he's asking a question but it sounds like a statement to me. Kahit malayo siya sa amin ay rinig na rinig ang boses niya.

“Of course, Ma'am and Sir!” Matulin na sagot ni Ate at tinuro agad sa akin kung saan ang bathroom. Nasa likod 'yon ng main counter kaya madadaanan ko si Russlee. Gusto ko sana siyang iwasan pero kailangan ko na talaga gumamit ng bathroom.

Nakayuko ako habang naglalakad papunta sa bathroom. Napatigil ako dahil sa kamay na biglang humawak nang mahigpit sa braso ko. Napadaing ako at napaangat ang tingin ko.

“I'll meet you at the office,” he said before letting me go.

“Okay, t-thanks.”

I walked fast towards the bathroom. I patiently waited because it's still occupied. Pagbukas na pagbukas ng pinto ay may matandang babae na naki-usap sa 'kin kung pwedeng siya muna ang gumamit. I just let her go first. Kaya naghihintay pa rin ako hanggang ngayon.

When the old woman is done. . . another woman popped out of nowhere. Pumila siya sa likod ko pero mukhang hindi siya komportable. Parang ihing-ihi na siya, kaya naman pinauna ko na rin siyang gumamit ng bathroom.

“Thank you, anak!” Hindi ko alam pero parang may humaplos sa puso ko nang magpasalamat siya sa 'kin. Her face looks familiar, parang nakita ko na siya kung saan. It looks like she's in a hurry because she left right after thanking me. I just shrugged my shoulders and entered the bathroom.

➹ ➷ ➹ 𓆩♡𓆪➷ ➹ ➷

“Buti na lang talaga may extra napkin ako na nakatabi sa bag lagi,” bulong ko sa hangin habang naglalakad papuntang kumpanya.

“Ay mabuti naman bumalik ka na Raff!” Masayang bati sa akin ni Kuya Meaven. Nagkwentuhan pa kami sandali. Madaldal talaga si Kuya Meaven! Pero ayos lang sa akin, masaya naman siya kausap.

Binalita niya sa 'kin ang mga latest na nangyayari sa kumpanya. Wala namang masyadong nangyari, except the past two days daw laging mainit ang ulo ni Big Boss. Nang malaman ko 'yon ay nagpaalam ako agad kay Kuya Meaven kasi baka mamaya mapagalitan na naman ako.

Sana ngayon hindi mainit ulo niya!

Habang naglalakad ako papuntang elevator ay naiiling ako dahil naalala ko ang mga messages na natanggap ko mula kay Zylene. Kaya pala marami na naman siyang sinasabi kasi creepy pala si Big Boss the past two days.

Bakit kaya? Saan kaya siya galit?

I went straight to my table and sat on my chair. . . and to my surprise, natanaw ko siya na tutok na tutok sa laptop. He's now even wearing some eye glasses. . . bagay sa kanya.

Pero ang weird talaga, I went straight here to my table to completely avoid him. Tapos nandito naman siya! I mean yes, in front of my table is his second office. Pero bihira lang siya dito kasi karamihan sa paperworks niya ay nasa taas.

“Anteh, yelo ng iced americano mo ay baka malusaw! O baka naman si Boss Sungit ang malusaw dahil sa titig mo,” hagikgik ni Zylene na nasa tabi ko. Medyo nagulat pa 'ko dahil bigla-bigla na lang siyang sumusulpot.

Hindi ko man lang narinig ang pagbukas ng pinto!

“Bakit andito 'yan?” I asked her, pertaining to Big Boss who's working in front of us.

“Ay Raffinah ewan ko sa 'yo, malamang kumpanya niya 'to kaya andito 'yan.” Pabalang na sagot ni Zylene at umirap pa. Tinignan ko lang siya.

Galit ba siya? Bakit niya 'ko iniirapan?

“Tinitingin-tingin mo diyan? Tampo ako anteh! Hindi ka nagre-reply sa mga text ko! Bahala ka dyan!” Nag-sad face siya at nagmartsa palabas. Malakas niyang sinara ang pinto ng office ko.

Natahimik na naman ang paligid. Wala akong ibang nakikita kundi si Big Boss lang na trabaho nang trabaho. The glass wall and the wooden door divides our personal space. While concrete and wooden door ang divider ng secretary's office at ng other co-workers ko.

The nearest department to Big Boss' second office and my office is Zylene and Amber's team. They manage the thing that they call Social Media. I sipped on the coffee in front of me while still thinking about the thing that they are managing.

Ano kaya ang Social Media na 'yon?

“Ang pait! Ano ba 'to?” I suddenly exclaimed when I get to taste the cold coffee. Muntik ko pang maibuga.

Hindi masarap! Unlike what Quincent gave me.

“You hate it? I thought you like that coffee. That's the coffee you spilled to my suit. You ruined my clothes that day,” he said while smiling like a fool while staring up the ceiling. He's leaning at the door frame while his hands are on his pockets.

Him speaking to me casually now is quite unusual. . . the last time that we talk to each other was about Blaire's issue. We fought that time, pero ngayon. . . ngumingiti pa siya!

But wait, he still remember that day? He knows that I'm the one who spilled those cups of iced americano?

I stared at him weirdly. Nang bumaba ang tingin niya sa 'kin ay hindi ko pa rin tinatanggal ang tingin ko sa kanya. Napaayos siya ng tayo at tinanggal ang pagkakabulsa ng mga kamay niya.

I bursted out laughing! I can't help it, the transition from a foolish smile to a serious face is weirdly good! I haven't seen that kind of face before.

“Why? Do I look weird with these eye glasses?” He asked in a serious tone and removed the eye glasses.

“No, no. . . huwag mo tanggalin. Bagay sa 'yo,” I said and flashed a genuine smile.

“Oh,” he shortly said as he put back the glasses on.

“Do you want to have my iced coffee? Hindi ko pa nagagalaw.”

“Huwag na siguro, Big Boss. This is fine,” I said pertaining to the iced americano in front of me. He didn't listen to me, pumasok siya sa office niya at kinuha ang inumin niya. Nilapag niya 'yon sa table ko at kinuha ang iced americano na nainuman ko na.

“Pero n-nainuman ko na,” nahihiyang sabi ko.

“And so? You're not carrying a virus, it's fine,” he casually said and sipped to the straw that I just used.

Pwede namang i-switch straw na lang.

Napayuko na lang ako dahil sa hiya. Nag-init ang mukha ko nang may maalala sa mga napanood kong mga romcom films. A thing called indirect kiss. Pero for sure hindi niya alam 'yon. He's too busy for movies

“About what happened last time. . .” I raised my head as he brought up the topic. Parang nahihirapan siya, he's not even looking at me while talking. “Can we just forget about it?”

Why not? He already fixed the issue that he cause against Blaire and Dhruv's relationship.

I just nodded at him. He smiled and just instructed me to go back to work before he went back to his office. He even said that my workloads piled up.

I tried to start to work but my thoughts are distracting me. I don't know why I feel this way. Is it because I expected too much?

I'm anticipating for an apology from him. Instead, he said to just forget about it.

I watched him a bit while he works and sips on my iced americano. Mas mukhang naging energized siya ngayon unlike kaninang pagdating ko. I decided to really start working because I really have a lot of things to do.

➹ ➷ ➹ 𓆩♡𓆪➷ ➹ ➷

“Do you want to work during the holidays?” Naudlot ang pag-uunat ko dahil sa boses ni Big Boss. He is in his usual spot, leaning against the door frame while his arms are crossed.

I think he's referring to Christmas. I don't have anything to do during that day. I spent my Christmas days tucking myself in my bed while watching movies that are Christmas related. I'll just work this year.

“Uhm. . . okay lang naman Big Boss.”

“Sure? You won't spend it with your family? Boyfriend? Husband?” Sunod-sunod na tanong niya.

“Uhm, wala akong pamilya, wala rin akong boyfriend, tapos wala rin akong asawa,” I answered truthfully to his multiple questions.

A cupid doesn't have a family. Mas lalong imposibleng magkaroon ako ng boyfriend at husband.

We cupids doesn't even know how to fall in love.

He smiled at me, the most sweetest smile that I've ever received from him. I'm starting to get scared by his actions. . . he's acting so weird! Ever since earlier, parang gumagaan na ang aura niya.

I mean sure, nakakatakot pa rin ang prescense niya pero mas light na kumpara noon. He walked towards my table. What do I do? Should I run?

Nilapag niya ang hand phone niya sa table ko. “Give me your number and accounts.”

➹ ➷ ➹ 𓆩♡𓆪➷ ➹ ➷

“Anteh ngumiti siya sa 'yo???” Zylene overreacted. I just nodded at her. We're eating at a fast-food chain kasi nag-aya siya. She originally invited Amber and I. Nag-decline si Amber kasi makikipag-date daw.

I told him all the things that happened between Big Boss and I. Zylene forced me to spill it, I don't even have plans on telling her. Siya lang ang mapilit. Kaya sinabi ko lahat, except sa part na tinanong ni Big Boss and number ko at accounts.

If I'm going to tell her that, she might have other thoughts just like what happened earlier. Violent reaction ang natanggap ko kay Big Boss no'ng sinabi ko na wala akong account. Medyo napagalitan pa ako kasi nasa entertainment industry raw ako tas wala akong gano'n.

I mean. . . I don't even know what account he's talking about.

“O to the M to the G! Tapos ganyan lang reaction mo?” She exaggerated again. I just nodded while chewing. What's the big deal? It actually creeps me out, so should I react like I'm scared?

Oh no! Baka malaman niya na hindi ako mortal!

“Alam mo bang hindi ngumingiti basta-basta 'yang si Big Boss! At saka hindi ko nga alam kung bakit lagi siyang nakatambay sa second office niya. . . noon, si Vladimir lang talaga ang nag-o-office doon.”

Luminga-linga ako sa paligid at nang masiguradong walang nakatingin sa amin ay nilapit ko ang mukha ko sa kanya. “Z, ano bang dapat na maging reaction ko?” I innocently asked.

I really don't know!

“Raffinah, nakakatakot ka ha. Why will you ask me on how you should react? Express your feelings. . . express your emotions!”

But the thing is. . . I don't feel anything aside from the fact that it creeps me out.

“By the way, about the office. . . what do you mean by what you said na si Vladimir lang ang nag-o-office sa table ko.” I asked while eating just to change the topic.

“Well, Big Boss likes to date his self anteh! Rumors are spreading in our company that he's aromantic. Basta he treasures his time alone. Nag-o-office lang siya sa second office niya kapag may importante silang tinatrabaho ni Vlad. Kayo, ano bang tinatrabaho niyo?” Pakiramdam ko ay nang-aasar siya.

“By the way, you have extra napkin, Z?” I asked, changing the topic for the second time.

“Yes, meron ako for emergencies! You need some? Siguro meron ka na, are you extra emotional these days? Oh maybe that's why you reacted that way during that meeting about Dhruv's incident,” ang daldal. . . a girl mortal version of Quincent. I just nodded at what she said. Even though I don't know that being emotional is part of having a menstruation. . . .

Why am I being emotional when cupids doesn't know how to feel emotions anyways?

“Teka nga by the way ka nang by the way riyan! Why do you keep changing the top—,” I cut her off to avoid her questions.

“Z by the way, can you help me create an account?” I asked just to change the topic, AGAIN! I was a bit startled when she suddenly slapped her forehead.

“WALA KANG SOCMED? ARE YOU JOKENING ME RAFFINAH!?”

➹ ➷ ➹ 𓆩♡𓆪➷ ➹ ➷

I don't know what's the big deal in those Social Media Accounts. I don't know why mortals are obsessed with it. Even Big Boss was surprised when I just put my number and told him that I don't have any account.

Zylene is thinking that I'm a mortal from the past. I think that she's starting to become suspicious about me. Specially when I told her that I'm going to work during the holidays. I have to be extra careful around her.

Tinuturing ko na siyang kaibigan pero hindi mababago no'n ang katotohanan na mortal siya.

Someone entered my office. It's Dhruv, he looked at me expressionless. Kahit noong una ko siyang nakita gano'n lang talaga ang itsura niya. He looks cold. He walked towards my table. I was a bit intimidated by his looks, he's making me uncomfortable.

“Are you his sub-secretary? The temp for Kuya Vlad's position?” He asked in a baritone voice. I nodded because he looks really intimidating.

I was stunned when he smiled from ear to ear. He ambushed me and hugged me so tight. I'm confused, what's happening? Why is he hugging me? Kanina nakakatakot siya tas ngayon niyayakap niya 'ko. Ang bilis ng pangyayari!

Mortals are so unpredictable!

“Thank you, thank you! I owe you one!” He shouted while still hugging me. Tinayo niya pa 'ko mula sa upuan ko para mas mayakap nang maayos. Ang kaninang baritonong boses niya ay naging high pitch.

“HEY DHRUV, LET GO OF MY SECRETARY!” Dumadagundong na sigaw ni Big Boss. Natigilan naman kami ni Dhruv dahil do'n. Buti na lang soundproof itong magkadikit na office namin ni Big Boss.

Kung hindi baka pinag-uusapan na kami ngayon.

“Hey Kuya, chill out! I was just thanking her. I'm also here cause I wanna thank you!” Dhruv said cheerfully and ambushed Big Boss who's standing in front of the door of his office for a tight a hug.

Wait? Dhruv is his brother?

Hindi naman nakalaban si Big Boss dahil sa higpit ng yakap ni Dhruv. I didn't know that there's a bubbly person behind that cold and emotionless face that he showed earlier.

Magkapatid nga sila, cold pero may tinatago rin na warmth.

Nginitian ko na lang si Big Boss na nakatingin sa 'kin na parang nanghihingi ng tulong. Dhruv is still hugging him so tight to the point na pumaling pa ang salamin niya.

Dhruv is even trying to kiss Russlee. Habang si Big Boss naman ay pilit na nilalayo ang mukha niya kay Dhruv. My smile widen because of that.

I wish I also have a brother or sister as sweet as Dhruv.

yeojacosmos

_____

sorry for the late upload! medyo busy ako the past few days. . . busy mag-gym hehe! enjoy reading, Sage

I'm excited for the next chapter, the cupid is slowly showing her emotions! ( ╹▽╹ )

- alexcy