Mirage

Shirley's austerity almost dissolved and melted down ever since she met Alex. Though her subordinate, she could not stop being fascinated by his beguiling appearance. His sanguine approach to life, his calmness under chaotic conditions at work, his respect towards her despite her vicious temper and spiteful words at times made her fall capitulated at his feet. Though Shirley was known for her skeptical attitude towards everything, her attraction towards Alex was thoroughly unshaken.

Shirley happened to be a victim of a tragic family life like most of the career-oriented women face. Her chauvinistic husband betrayed her because of Shirley's excessive inclination towards her career. The shackles of the wed lock were released within 1 1/2 years and ever since then Shirley has been living alone dedicating her time towards her profession. Reprimand, rebuke, scoff, mockery passed her ears quite often by which she only gathered courage. She realized her prolific abilities, rolled over several obstacles, jumped several hurdles, and finally reached to the position of CEO of Manning Bank.At the age of 42, why has this handsome young man knocked at her heart? She often wondered what is drawing her closer to him. The love that she believed had been buried long back seemed to manifest in the form of this young man.

Is this called as mere temporary attraction which will fade with the passage of time?

Is this called Motherly love which Shirley had hardly experienced?

Or is this a boss's view towards an efficient subordinate? OR

Is this an obsession?

Is this called infatuation?

Is this love?

Whatever it may be, the passion that she developed for this guy who is nearly 10 years younger to her seemed to be growing day by day. On the other hand, Shirley developed the quest to learn about Alex's feelings towards her. Being young, robust and handsome, he could easily win the hearts of many girls. The curiosity to learn more about Alex's personal life was vehemently building in Shirley's mind.With great bewilderment, she unveiled an invitation to Alex on the eve of New Year in Ritz Carlton Hotel. This offer let the others in the office baffled but Alex accepted the invitation with a plausible smile.

Contrary to the haphazard selection of dress, Shirley turned out to be quite fastidious in picking up the right attire for the first ever date with Alex. Shirley was opposed to ostentation at parties and hence she stuck on to the minimal wear of jewels.She reached the rendezvous much ahead of time and was found waiting with her fingers crossed. It was quite obvious that she was almost unprepared for this supposedly exhilarating episode that was about to take place but she was no longer prepared to bulwark this feeling towards Alex in the deepest layer of her heart that prompted her to invite Alex for a personal meet.In a short while, Alex took his boisterous footsteps and made his elegant appearance in front of her and gladly accepted the seat besides her. On glancing him from head to toe, she remarked with an uncanny smile, "Alex, have you come to attend a meeting between the Vice President of Sales and the CEO?"Alex smiled back and asked her, "Can you relieve me of this enigma?"Shirley said, "Well…." and paused.Just then the drinks arrived and both held their glasses in their hands.Shirley continued, "Alex, I would like to have some knowledge about your personal life."Without much forethought he said, "I am single, unmarried and had not been able to have a relationship with any woman so far because of my professional life, if that is what you wanted to know Ma'am."This answer of Alex was indeed shocking to Shirley. It seemed as though he anticipated this question from her. Moments of silence passed. Alex fixed his eyes on her not letting it get diverted elsewhere.Alex broke the silence. He asked her, "Madam, are you in love with me?"This was absolutely an unexpected question from Alex but indeed the truth."What made you ask this question Alex?" she whispered."I saw truth in your eyes. Not only that, out of my serendipity, I also made out that you are not as bad tempered as you seem to others. Inwardly, you are tranquil. You experience bliss. Am I right?" Alex exclaimed."I have heard people remarking my nature to be obscure. How could you….? Shirley's eyes watered as she became speechless."You eyes were credulous ma'am", Alex remarked and went closer to her and said, "Shall we make a move?"Shirley asked, "Where to?"Alex held her hands with care and said, "Let us rest for a while and talk privately. Not here. Not at all here" said Alex and led her to the car park.

After some time, Shirley opened the door of her house and welcomed Alex to her huge house. Alex rolled over his big eyes and glanced at her house. They both casually relaxed at the couch. Alex listened patiently to all that Shirley had to say about her and the tragedies she encountered in her life. Alex comforted her and led her to her room, wished her a Happy New Year and promised that he will make this New Year the most memorable one that Shirley will ever cherish.

Shirley and Alex met quite often in the next few months and they both enjoyed each other's company. Shirley assumed herself to be 20 years younger whenever she was besides Alex. Shirley having a precarious notion over her current state, requested Alex to legalize their relationship which has been clamorously been spoken about in the air. Alex wouldn't yield to that until they both could spend time to know each other. That paved the necessity for Shirley to organize a short tour. After months of planning, both agreed to go to Cyprus for a week.Shirley was clouded with euphoria as she packed her stuff to go to Cyprus. The excitement was mainly because in a few days' time, she can proudly announce her engagement with Alex for which she has been waiting for a long time. As she was about to leave, she received a phone call in her mobile whose identity was not clear. On answering, she heard a voice warning her not to have any dealings with Alex. Shirley was the last person to react to such obscure messages and hence decided to give the least attention to it. Shirley was thoroughly obstinate over her decision to go ahead with Alex.Shirley and Alex met at the airport. Shirley noticed something strange with Alex that day. Shirley was growing paranoid over his behavior. She tried to co-relate the phone call and Alex's paradoxical actions. All throughout their journey, Alex had only a formal talk with Shirley. He demanded an exclusive time and place for better understanding but he seemed to remain detached. Though Shirley was thoroughly exasperated over his attitude, she preferred to spend the rest of the time in anguish since Alex did not break open.At the hotel, Alex complained of severe head ache and chose to lie down. Shirley sat besides him and touched Alex's forehead with love and massaged her sleeping man. Tears rolled down her fair cheek after several years. Alex seemed to give fruit to the barren garden of her heart, meaning to her meaningless life that she had led so far. She was thankful to the bounty of love that Alex had showered in the past few months. She feared that she might lose it considering Alex's temperament that day.

Shirley soon recovered from the set back and went for a shower.As she came out from her shower, she noticed that Alex was awake. She came closer to Alex, held his hands with love and asked him, "How are you now sweet heart?""I am fine Ma'am", said Alex"Alex", Shirley exclaimed, "When will you stop calling me Madam?"Alex paused and spoke in a lower tone, "That has only been troubling me Shirley. I have a request.""Come on…Tell me Alex. Speak up", said Shirley."Can you….Can you give up your job after our wedding?" Alex asked with great hesitation.Shirley smiled and went much closer to Alex and said," You have the right to demand me to quit my job Alex. I was planning to give it up myself because I lost my first man because of my interest in my job and I am prepared to give up anything to save this relationship.""Anything for me?" remarked Alex"Anything for you" said Shirley.Alex drew her much closer to him and both lay on the bed sharing passion, love and care.

Their trip to Cyprus soon came to an end and Shirley was happy that she would soon get herself involved in familial commitments which she was craving to handle for the past few months. Alex announced their wedding to be held in about 2 weeks' time. Shirley announced her resignation in the mean time. Both Shirley and Alex had to catch up with their respective work which proved to be very demanding. Alex was busy traveling. By the time Shirley reached home, it was too late that she could hardly talk to Alex. Shirley may fail to talk to Alex but the obnoxious caller taunted Shirley. Everyday the caller warned her of Alex and it caused her indignation towards the unknown caller.Alex was supposed to return from his business trip just 2 days before their supposed wedding. Shirley planned to set Alex's house before he arrived and hence requested the security to open the house for her. Shirley, with the help of cleaners cleaned up his house and made some renovation as per Shirley's taste. Shirley developed the anxiety to unlock the room near Alex's bedroom which was never shown to her by Alex. Shirley opened it up and to her surprise she saw photos of many nude women around. Shirley smiled at Alex's mischievousness and cleaned up that room as well. She also noticed a diary and a pistol in a draw. She kept the pistol back after glancing at them but secured the diary back to her home where she thought she will read it at peace. She took the diary home to read it in the night. Shirley could not observe any coherent sentence in the diary. It was puzzling. He had mentioned some numbers, some abbreviations which were quite confusing to her. But the date of their wedding was marked. The one sentence which was understandable was only this, "from now on, I am rich. All is mine." This was marked one week after their supposed wedding. As always, the unknown caller called her again and warned her that she will be killed soon after their wedding. Unlike other days Shirley did not hang him down. She asked, "Who are you?"The caller said, "Ma'am I am the husband of the lady deceived by Alex."This shocked Shirley."My wife is still with Alex. She is now in Europe. His intention is not to marry you and make you happy. He wants money and nothing else. He has killed 2 people just for money. Will you believe this? My intention is to kill Alex since he snatched my wife from me. Can you co-operate with me in finishing his episode?"Shirley banged the phone down and cried heavily. She was uncertain whether to trust this unknown man's words. She assimilated several incidents between Alex and her and came to a conclusion that this man may be correct. She went to Alex's house, picked up that pistol and shot herself to death leaving behind this note:"Alex, you were too good to me. You acted as a bolster in shouldering my grievances. You had been very decent with me and never even forced me into bed with you. You were so caring. I wish I could stay with you for the whole of my life. I have the satisfaction of spending my life at least for one week with the man I really love.Sorry for this decision of mine. The man whom I have not seen in my life has made me take this decision of ruining my own life. He told me words about you which I do not want to believe, yet fear is the truth. I do not want to take chance and wait to see if his words are true. If it is untrue my soul would rest in peace and even if it is true, I am still happy because I would be leaving behind things that you would love to possess. Beware of that man who claims that you have snatched his wife. He wants to see you dead.Do not worry about my death. Announce to the world that I was mentally weak. People may believe that 'coz I have been venomous with many who had branded me crazy. I have submitted another letter to the police which would save you from being responsible for my death. You may take all my wealth Alex. I have transferred them to your name. Anything for you Alex, anything…"