She called me

I saw her number flash on my mobile screen as the ringing tone filled the empty dim lighted corridor of my office. I decided to ignore it.

After 9 rings:

"Hi Mandy, how're you? I just called to..."

"Please Shruti, this is not a good time. I'm kind of in the middle of something."

"I know you don't want to talk to me, but please listen to me. I just wanted to..."

"You've always been so persistent. God! I felt so stifled when we were together. Everything had to be about you! Last few months have been so liberating."

"But I can't help it Mandy, this is who I am. I can't change now."

"Oh sure, but I could, isn't it? Mandy don't do this, Mandy do that, Mandy this..."

After fifteen minutes:

At the other end of the corridor, I saw silhouette of Mr. Mehta waving at me. I looked at my watch.

"Listen Shruti, I don't have time to listen to you crying over the phone. Please could you not do this. I am seriously in the middle of something right now."

I disconnect the call.

"Gosh! I wish she was here. Why do I still miss her? Bitch!" I spoke to myself in low voice as I hurried to the grand hall in the office campus.

"Mandeep, where had you been? Everybody is waiting!"

"Yes Mehta ji, I'm really sorry. Was attending an important call."

As I entered the grand hall, I saw everyone dressed up and a banner that read "Happy Birthday Sirjee". I heard my mobile beep an incoming message signal which was drowned under the "Happy Birthday" song which everybody started singing.

The message was from Shruti.

"Happy Birthday Mandy."