Tina turned back to see two of her colleagues staring at her with wide eyes. One of them fled when they saw her approaching them. "We are sorry. We didn't say anything. It could be rumor spread by Meena.", her colleague blurted out. Tina wiped her eyes and glared at her. She knew Meena also envied Jasmine's work and would do anything to stay in Shweta's good books. Meena was unofficially Shweta's pet.
She proceeded to confront Meena who was busy trimming her nails and humming a popular Hindi song. "Meena darling, I heard you have some juicy news about Jasmine. Won't you share it with me ?", she asked sweetly. Meena stopped humming and looked up to find Tina towering over her. She was short and plump woman, filled with insecurity about her body. "Why do you want to know ? Wasn't your ex.. Oops ! Best Friend ?", she said sarcastically.
" Hmm ! I will tell you what caused her to become my ex friend if you spill beans about her.", Tina said with gleaming eyes. Meena smiled. "Ok ! Listen! Shweta hates Jasmine because you know right, her favorite client was impressed by Jasmine's work and Shweta hates when someone takes her spot. So she declared you as winner though Jasmine was better than everyone. She knows you won't outshine her in front of her clients and will always be under her. Anyway, who knew this would irk Jasmine so much that she would leave the job.", Meena said while rolling her eyes because she thinks she looks cool by rolling her eyes out.
"Tell me about how you and Jasmine turned from friends to foe.", she asked excitedly. Tina was shocked. She always thought Shweta was impressed with her work. "Well! Jasmine never became my foe. She is always my best friend. Now that you cleared the misunderstanding between us, it will become more stronger. Thank you, Meena.", Tina said. She hugged Meena tightly while Meena grumbled.
Zain wasn't focused at work. He was remembering the sweet memories he shared with Jasmine. He missed her innocence. He missed her sweet banter. He missed her smile. He missed everything about her. His phone rang. He immediately picked it up without seeing who was calling. He thought it was Jasmine. But it was Tina. "Hi ! I have something to tell you. It's about Jasmine. Can you meet me at 4 in the evening at the cafe next to my parlor ?", she asked. He agreed to meet her.
They met at the cafe. The cafe was empty with few youngsters having coffee and pastries. Zain and Tina stared at the rim of their coffee mugs. After few minutes of silence, Tina spoke, "I can't imagine Shweta could be so insecure. We all look up at her with great respect and admiration. Because of her, Jasmine left her job. Because of her, Jasmine broke her friendship with me." Zain stared at her with shock and confusion. He didn't know how to react. He felt even more guilty for not being there for Jasmine.
(To be continued)
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