Dad's Princess

                                    

                                          
The Sood family had been in a frenzy since early morning, as if preparing for a grand festival. A grand festival would be an understatement, considering it was the biggest day in Sara's life. She was finally going back to college to complete her graduation. 
Priya had been trying to keep her mind at bay since morning. But in the first moment she got with solitude during her shower, she couldn't stop her mind from wondering. Despite her best effort, her eyes travelled towards the scar she bore on the side of her neck. She could remember that day as if it were yesterday. They had been thrown out of their apartment. Their fault? Apparently, they were a bad influence on the society. Their mother had been to jail, and the elder daughter was still unmarried at the age of thirty. Such a shame. Sara was in her third year of college. Amidst the chaos, she had left college mid-semester, her dreams had been put on hold. After that, despite Priya's numerous attempts to persuade her, she had refused to return to college.
Priya shook her head, there was no way she was letting any bad memories cloud her mind on this important day. Sara had agreed on her own to resume her studies. 
She stood in front of the mirror to dry her hair.
'You look exactly like your father.'
You must be your dad's princess.' Laughs echoed in her ear. 
She had always hated how much she resembled her dad.
She ran her hands over her stomach. She had gained a few pounds over the last few years. Something bitter flashed in her eyes.
'Aye kid, Stop devouring all the food. God, I haven't seen a greedy kid like her. Meera, learn to control her.' Echoes continued in her ear.
"Didiiiiii....." Sara screamed on top of her lungs as she entered her sister's room. "I have bought something for you," and continued in a sing-song voice.
Priya rolled her eyes at the childishness of her sister. Sara had always been mature for her age. She always took care not to have any impractical demands and always tried to make her mother's and sister's life easier. But she had a bit of childishness in her that came out when she has excited. Priya had forgotten the feeling of getting excited for something, but this excitement her sister was radiating, was worth protecting. All the sacrifices she will have to make for her happiness, it will be worth it.
"And I have bought something for you too" Priya replied matching her sister's voice and went to the cupboard to get her gift. Her mind had finally shifted from the bitter memories. 
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"Priya Sood. B.Com. Born in Nagpur. Her family consists of her mother and a younger sister. Her mother was in jail for seven years. Previously worked as an assistant finance manager at Mahalaya Constructions and was recently hired as an additional finance manager at Heritage Weaves. No current romantic interests." 
Ranjit, Aditya's assistant, delivered the details in a professional tone.
Ram's mother had sent him the photo and name of the girl he was going to meet, earlier this morning. 
Priya Sood.
A strange feeling had spread inside him, and hadn't left him since.
"Uh ohhhh..." Aditya, slouched on the sofa, raised his brows. "Seven years in jail? Why? Did she kill the father or something?" his voice pulled Ram out of his phone.
"That part isn't clear, sir," Ranjit replied, standing straight with his hands behind his back. "People say the father died in a house fire. Her mother was arrested for killing two other people."
"Seems like this employee has a criminal link," Aditya turned his gaze towards Ram, who stood by the window, staring at the traffic below. He was yet to receive the news of marriage proposal for Ram.
Ram remained silent for a moment.
'Such confidence in her eyes!'
After hearing the conversation in the finance section, Ram had requested for the previous year's financial statements to review the company's cash flow. The number of illegal withdrawals that came up was enough for Ram to question integrity of every employee at The Heritage. He had bought the shares after assessing the market potential and brand value of the Heritage. And he was not going let his investments go to waste.
He spoke slowly, "We can let her continue at Heritage. Technically, she isn't directly involved in any crime." His eyes didn't weaver from the traffic for even a second. 
"Of course, we can," Aditya raised his eyebrows and nodded slightly, offering a faint smile.
"Ranjit, schedule a meeting with Mr. Biswas. I need to fire some people."