Chapter 2 Her Kindness

Myra's P.O.V

“I’m sorry, sir.” I murmured, my voice hardly heard as I lowered my gaze to the floor.

“Your apology will not change the fact that you caused us a loss, Myra.” The manager of the hotel, where I worked in the housekeeping department, growled through gritted teeth. His voice echoed through the room, causing me to tremble in fear.

My heart raced, and I trembled in fear as memories of past traumas flashed through my mind.

“Just because you have been one of our punctual employees, we forgive you. However, you must repay the amount.” He continued in a serious tone.

His every word sent shivers down my spine, returning me to a time when voices like his had struck me with terror.

I nodded, trembling, unable to find the words to respond. I stood there, paralyzed by fear as he glared at me.

“Now clean up the mess you made, and the rest of you, is there a movie playing? Get lost.” He barked, and I jumped, hearing the loud voice, which made others laugh at me.

I bit my lip, fighting back tears, and forced myself to remain composed.

“Please clean the floor, princess.” The manager just gave me a look of disbelief before mocking me, while I just looked down, embarrassed at my behaviour. After giving me one last look, he marched out.

As I bent down to pick up the shattered plate from the floor, my hand shook uncontrollably. Unfortunately, one sharp piece pierced my skin, and I clenched my teeth in pain.

Blood, though a mere trickle, drove me crazy. I panicked because images of bloodstained memories flashed before my closed eyes.

I frantically rubbed the crimson stain onto my dark black skirt with my eyes squeezed shut, trying to escape the sight of my blood. Blood had always made me feel uneasy since I was a child.

“Myra, are you alright?” My eyes flickered open at the sound of Rudra’s concerned voice. He looked at me, genuine worry etched on his face.

“Yes, Rudra, I’m fine.” I assured him, blinking back tears that threatened to overflow. I couldn’t share the true reason of my distress with him because I had to carry it alone.

“I’m so sorry, Myra. It’s because of me you have to bear this.” As Rudra apologized, I could see the guilt in his eyes.

I admired him as he worked in the hotel as a part-time job. At just 18, he balanced his studies and work to support his family financially.

My heart felt heavy with my past trauma, but I reassured him, “It’s alright.”

“No, it’s not alright, Myra. I acted like a coward in front of the manager. It was my clumsiness that caused the plates to break, and instead of speaking up, I froze. Seeing my fear, you took the blame upon yourself. And now, they will deduct money from your salary because of me. I’m truly sorry, Myra,” Rudra confessed, his eyes filled with remorse.

I exhaled deeply and tried my best to lessen his guilt.

“Rudra, please calm down. I knew the consequences I would face would only result in a deduction from my salary, which is perfectly fine. I live alone and have no one depending on me, so the money I earn here is more than enough. But you have a whole family relying on you, so it’s completely understandable. I take the blame myself. You didn’t force me to do it. So please, stop blaming yourself.” I patted his head, giving him a reassuring smile.

“You’re a sweetheart, Myra. Thank you so much.” Rudra murmured, a genuine smile spreading across his lips.

“No problem at all. Now, go on and attend to your duties.” I encouraged him.

He insisted, “No! Let me help you first.”

“It’s alright. My shift is over, and after cleaning this mess, I’ll head to the servant quarters. I’ll manage.” I assured him.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, Rudra. Now, stop feeling guilty and go.” I insisted, smiling and nodding my head.

“Okay. Thanks again, Myra.” He expressed.

“It’s alright, Rudra.”

***

After tidying up the floor, I returned all the cleaning supplies to the housekeeping room before going to the back of the hotel, where permanent staff members had small servant quarters.

As I entered my room, I immediately kicked off my heels and let out a sigh of relief.

My feet were sore after the eight-hour shift spent cleaning and walking in those heels.

“Damn, it feels so good,” I murmured under my breath, massaging my foot to ease the pain after sitting on the sofa.

The fears that haunted me gradually subsided, leaving behind a hope that someday I would find the strength to overcome them.

“You were such a fool!” I opened my eyes, startled, listening to Roshini’ words. She stood at the door, arms crossed, glaring at me. Roshini, my roommate and only friend in this city.

It had been a year since I met Roshini. I had come to Delhi to Mumbai to escape the haunted memories of my past and live life on my rules. Initially, I had planned to attend college, but because of financial conditions, I ended up working as a staff member in a large hotel’s housekeeping department.

When I first learned that Roshini would be my roommate, I was terrified. She seemed intimidating at first, but I quickly learned not to judge a book by its cover, because she turned out to be a sweetheart, showing me immense love and care, even though she knew nothing about my past. She always lifted my mood when I was feeling down. I was grateful to meet her.

“Huh?” I asked, confused by her accusation.

“What you did out there was incredibly stupid, and you know it!” She continued to glare at me, and I looked up to the heavens, silently wishing I wasn’t in this situation.

“Rosh, what are you talking about? I don’t understand.” I tried to play innocent, but my voice quiver as I met her piercing gaze. “Let’s drop this conversation, please.” I pleaded, pouting and looking at her. She only glared at me.

“Shut up, Myra. Your sweetness and kindness will only bring trouble to you someday.” She replied, growing annoyed, and I smiled at her frustration.

“Now stop smiling, you fool.” She chided, her glare intensifying, and my smile broadened.

“You know what? You’re the definition of a best friend.” I hugged her, and she reluctantly embraced me, exhaling a long breath.

“Just because I hugged you back doesn’t mean I’m not angry at you for the stunt you pulled. Stop being so good, Myra. This world won’t leave you at peace if you don’t change.” She spoke, concerned, pulling away from the hug.

“Rosh-”

She cut me off.

“I’m afraid for you, babes. I’m afraid that your kindness will destroy you one day.” She sighed, and I stood there silently, trying to understand her words.

“Rosh, whatever I do, I don’t do it to appear like a good girl or anything. It’s just that I’m being practical, and I can’t change who I am, right? My heart told me to help him, and we both knew that punishment meant nothing to me. I’ve already been through so much in my life that these little things don’t affect me.”

“Myra—“

“Throughout my life, all I saw was my mother crying or filled with worry for my safety. I never once saw that expression of love and happiness on her face because of me. And now that she’s gone, all I do is regret and curse myself for being like this. But I wonder what I did so wrong to deserve all this. So, I try to do what I’ve always craved, Rosh. Trust me. The thing I did out there was something I truly enjoyed.” Tears streamed down my face as memories of my mother flooded my mind.

“Babe, please don’t cry. I’m sorry. Please,” Rosh said, guilt washing over her, causing me to smile faintly.

“You see? I made you sad. This is what I always do. I can’t stop making the people who care for me sad.” As the words left my lips, she gave me a sorrowful expression. Despite her skill in concealing emotions, my tears always made her feel down.

“No, babes, it’s not like that. You actually made me happy. Look.” She smiled widely, making me chuckle amidst my teary eyes.

“Shut up!” I wiped away my tears. “By the way, I’m thinking of making some muffins for you today.” Listening to my words, Roshini squealed in happiness.

“Muffins made by you are magic, Myra. I can’t wait to have them. You are the best...” She sang the word best and danced with joy, her giggles filling the room.

I loved it. Witnessing the joy on people’s faces brought me immense contentment.

It was what brought me peace.

I watched her, but she pulled me asking me to join in her madness, to which I immediately agreed and joined Roshini in her dance. Together, we laughed and twirled around the room, letting go of all the worries of our lives.

As I prepared the ingredients for the muffins, Rosh asked to help. We worked side by side, our laughter filling the kitchen as we chitchatted.

As we sat down at the small dining table, enjoying the warm muffins and a cup of coffee, I felt grateful for her friendship and support. In her presence, I felt safe and understood, knowing that she accepted me for who I was, flaws and all.

We cleaned up the kitchen, and then I bid Roshini goodnight.

As I fell into a slumber, a smile graced my lips, knowing that somewhere, it had pleased my mom to see me spreading happiness to others. The joy I couldn’t give her. I promised to share with everyone I could.