I was in the headlines for the wrong reasons. I had predicted this, but I am not getting how the boardroom thing has reached the media so soon. My dad had strictly ordered directors and other reputed employees not to leak anything to the press. As the CEO, he would address the media at the right time, and everyone agreed. But yesterday evening itself, things started circulating about me not attaining the seat of CEO, and memes about me were everywhere. I don't know who dared to go against my dad, and deep down, I know it would be one of the directors or maybe more than one. I don't think employees dare to go against my dad, but directors could. They were plotting to cut the line of Desmond's, but I know my dad would not budge that easily to their sincere request, threat or any pressure. So, they have started to use sick means.
The news about me was nonstop as I scrolled through my phone, which was filled with memes, and my mood was off. It's hard to be the son of a successful CEO in the world; the pressure will always be there, and we can't ignore or overcome it, no matter what. As we reach an age, we experience the real hostile world. They will keep you at the top when you are successful, and if you fall, they make sure to press you on the ground and keep pushing you harder until you give up. I sighed, and this is just the beginning.
Isabella called when she heard the news and consoled me, but a little resentful tone slipped from her. Maybe I am overthinking, but I know somehow it slipped from her voice. She had high hopes and was excited for the past week, so I can take the little bitterness from her. I need to start working on everything with more dedication, and I need to prove myself to everyone. Such matters can't be taken so lightly; some hands that are working behind our backs may turn threatening in the coming days. They won't stop or give up, and it falls on my shoulders to ensure I give them no reasons in the future.
After taking a bath, I went downstairs to have breakfast; hunger was killing me. From yesterday, I haven't had a proper meal. As I approached, everyone was seated at the designated seats and was waiting for me. I sat silently without making any eye contact with anyone. I am not getting why I felt this way all of a sudden; it's not the end of the world, as my dad quoted. But being in the middle of all successful people will make you feel even more like a loser. My sisters were stars at the age of 15. Of course, my parents had a major contribution to their careers, but also my sisters were more dedicated and didn't take things lightly because of our background. My dad had managed to keep his dad management intact till today; my mum always wanted to have a family and children. As she was in her teenage years, it had become her goal, and both of them fell in love when they were in college, and the rest is history. She is also successful in fulfilling her dream.
I silently filled my plate without looking at anyone and started consuming the same. "We should go on a vacation." My sister Ameria spoke, or rather, declared. "It's been a long time," Amelia whined, which earned a chuckle from my parents. "We should definitely do it before he wallows in his own misery." Audria pointed me out by using the fork. The table erupted at that, and I elbowed her harshly. "Seriously, we should." Ameria prompted by watching me, and all eyes were on me. I sighed. "I don't know...." I dragged the words; I am not in the mood for anything. "You can continue your wallow after returning. Everyone needs a break, right?" I swear, I hate Audria so much sometimes. She knows how to pinch and poke at the same damn time. "Rowan", Ameria called me softly, and I sighed at that. I watched my second mother, who wore a pleading eye, and I couldn't say no to her, not in any case.
Irrespective of having a tight schedule, everyone managed to take a break for the weekend. I immediately called Isabella and invited her, as it would be a good time to get to know my family better, and we could spend some quality time together. But she couldn't because of her exams, which totally slipped my mind. I informed Davis about our little trip, and he backed out, saying it should be pure family time, and I need it. I agreed to that; I needed this. Strong bonding with family motivates me even more.
I didn't ask for any details and packed the bag as instructed by my elder sister. It was only a weekend trip, but it turned into four days at the last moment.
My family and I were in our private plane. As we settled down, I started to chit-chat with my elder sister and started talking about her career as well as her family. My other sisters also joined, and the conversations went on. I was involved as much as I could, gathering information about them, and my eyelids started to get heavy. I didn't have a good night's sleep yesterday, and I couldn't control myself anymore. By informing them, I moved to a private cabin to sleep.
Someone patted my cheeks, saying, "Wakee, wakee", thinking it was a dream. I brushed it off, but the slap turned harder. I immediately got up panting, and my eyes fell on Audria, who was sticking her tongue out. "We landed, baby brother. " I glared at her.
I shouted; she ran from the cabin laughing. By grumbling a few curses, I dragged my legs out of bed. Near the sink, I splashed water on my face, and after wiping, I walked out.
Everyone has already exited the plane except the air hostess. I started walking, and as I stepped down, the cold wind hit me harder. I closed my eyes, inhaling the air, and everything in me went still for a moment. The calmness was replaced by the things I was dealing with. "It's called Bliss Island," Audria whispered beside me. "It's damn beautiful, isn't it?" I don't know, but one step into this island and it sucked me in. The warmth started running in me, and déjà vu started to engulf me. It's rare to find both at the same time and in the same place.
I opened my eyes and scanned the area; we were still in the airport. The cars were being filled with our luggage, and I couldn't wait to explore this damn island. "Who selected this island?" I questioned her. "Duh! It's me. Ameria gave me this huge responsibility to select a place where everyone can enjoy. While googling, this island popped up, and guess what? I stopped browsing and booked everything. I don't know why, but I feel like you will enjoy this place, and you need this." I hummed at that; this place is a perfect distraction for me.
We were in the car, and my eyes were glued to the outside, watching everything keenly. The ocean is calm, collected and most welcoming; the trees are waving at me as we pass, and everything is so green in here. I sighed, chewing my lips for no reason. This is too welcoming without doing much to be in place, but still, I feel like they are happy with my visit. 'Am I making any sense?' God knows, but the feeling is getting stronger as the car moves.
We were stopped in front of a most beautiful home. "This is the best one on this island." Once again, Audria giggled beside me and ran inside to explore. I stood in front of the house, which was a two-storey building, and it was also welcoming. Most welcoming one. The house was covered in glass to view the ocean and covered with deep brown woods wherever required. It's newly constructed or else well-maintained, as the building looks exquisite. There is no dull place to spot on the outside; everything is shining, so it's definitely recently built. I sighed. Something is either not right with me or with this place. It's eerie for my liking. I huffed. Maybe I am overthinking.
I walked inside; the hall was big with an old-fashioned couch in the center. An open kitchen, an alcohol cabinet and too many doors. "Hey, upstairs master bedroom, we left it for you; enjoy the damn view; you are going to love it." Audria sang the last part, and I chuckled in return. "We have a private beach area." She once again squealed in happiness. It feels like she is getting the best of everything.
I started taking the steps, and I pushed the door of the master bedroom. A cold breeze hit my face; that girl left the window open, and it's a large one. I shivered a little at that and walked inside. The room was big with a king-size bed. A study table, couch, mini library, wardrobes and balcony with two chairs and a small table. This room looks familiar to Dante's, including the paintings and the curtains. There were two doors, one leading to the bathroom and another just a room for storage. I don't know why anyone needs a storage room in a room.
My luggage was in my room, but I didn't bother to open it; I slowly sat on the bed. My mini-vacation has officially begun, and my mind has clouded unnecessarily. This eerie feeling is getting stronger with everything I am getting in contact with, and the island is dangerously welcoming. Devjavu's feeling is getting stronger. I leaned back on the bed; it's a new bed, and yet the smell feels too familiar. I am not liking anything a bit; by mumbling, I drifted.
"Lunch," Audria shouted in my ears and ran outside. I swear, one of these days she will kill me with her antics. She is the busiest person, always working on something or another project, but when she is spending time with family, she will use it to the fullest, especially around me.
After getting freshened up, I walked downstairs. My family was at the family, and I joined them. They were conversing about the island, how they had fallen in love even before exploring and making plans. My mind was clouded; I could breathe here; there was a warm feeling, and also the eerie, familiar feeling made me restless. I love beaches; maybe that's the reason, but this is too much for one to take in at once. "Rowan." My mother called me softly; while chewing, I faced her. "After having lunch, we are going outside to explore." I smiled and nodded at her, continued chewing, and drowned in thoughts.
Audria was beside me as we came outside. We didn't take a car and thought of walking, covering only nearby places. Once we get the idea, from tomorrow we can roam in the car. Amelia joined my other side, followed by Ameria. Audria held my hand as we walked and closed like a little child and smiled at me. I chuckled at seeing her. My parents were walking in front, enjoying the view.
The cold breeze is a blessing; the waves were calling me to feel and to join them, and the sun was perfectly mild and giving unique beauty to the ocean. "Thank me," Audria whispered in my ear. "For what?" In a mocking tone, I rebuked her, and she hit me hard on my shoulder. "You should be grateful, at least a little, to me. This whole idea is my plan, and it's the best one. I can feel it." I was perplexed at that. "How can you feel it?" I air-quoted that. "Because you look different, calm, and warm." She spoke with confidence. "And also, something else, I don't know exactly what it is." I knitted my brow at that. "What do you mean?" She was silent, thinking. "I don't know how to explain through words because while browsing, when this island popped up, I was immediately hooked for no reason, and I just knew you would like this place." She explained. "Because I like beaches so obviously, right?" I give. Duh, look at her. "We have visited so many beaches and islands before, but I know this island is different for you. Like, I felt when I saw the name." Well, she was right, and I shut my mouth. I never felt this way before, hooking up to every detail on this island. Strange.
While playing with the sand, we were walking, and Audria was still rambling about something, but my eyes were on the footprints. So many footprints; the visitors are more to this island, I guess, and for no reason, these footprints feel familiar too. I wanted to groan at that, but held back in time. How can the footprint feel familiar, like seriously?
My sisters started going to random small shops, and my parents were near the shore, enjoying the waves. I wanted to join them, but couldn't leave my sisters behind.
I stood in the middle, patiently waiting till they finished their purchases. Once they were done, we joined our parents. I watched the ocean silently. It was beautiful and shining. It's a mesmerising view, and I couldn't take my eyes off it for a second. Audria nudges me, and everyone starts walking further. Reluctantly, I took my eyes from the ocean, and I joined them.
By the time we returned, it was already 10 pm, and we were exhausted. We bid each other good night and walked to our respective rooms. As my head hit the pillow, sleep overtook me. I sighed in satisfaction.
The next day, while having breakfast, my parents, along with my sisters, were discussing the plan for the day. In the evening, we will be riding on the yacht, then exploring the local area. I want alone time with my thoughts, and I crave it at the moment. I cleared my throat to get their attention and spoke. "I am exploring alone," I told them slowly. I love my family to the core, but at the moment, I want to be alone. I just want my own company. My family went silent at the request, so I continued. "You girls spend most of the time shopping, please let me have this time to explore the Island." They hummed at that, clearly not liking the idea, but it doesn't matter.
I placed the small bag on my back, filled with water bottles and snacks, just in case I don't get anything outside, just to be safer. By bidding goodbye to them, I started walking. First and foremost, the stop was in front of the ocean; I stood in front of the ocean, watching it keenly. It waved at me, seeking attention and grabbing it too. Ridiculous if you ask me, but while I am in front of the ocean, it grabs my undivided attention. My gaze is not distracted; the unknowing feeling is so overwhelming. I stood there for hours, and my legs gave up. Instead of sitting on the sand, I walked toward the nearby restaurant. Things are too eerie, too scary, and too welcoming; it never happened before, and I don't know the reason. I am feeling too much at once and not able to handle everything at once.
I started walking on the shore, feeling the water on my legs. That's why I separated from my family, to immerse myself in thoughts, to dwell, and to try to find the meaning behind everything. I don't know why my eyes flicker on the footprints, like it's trying to remind me of something or someone. I sighed.
The walk dragged to an unknown destination; whenever I felt like déjà vu, I would stop my steps and beat my mind so I could recall any of it. I needed this vacation. I am relaxed; these feelings are too much to handle, but I bathe in them. I bathed in every familiar feeling; it satisfied me somehow.
It was lunchtime, and I was in a restaurant. By ordering the food, I faced the beach, which was doing the same magic on me. As the food arrived, I started having the same. A few girls waved at me; I smiled and waved back, nothing more than that. How can I, when my mind was too clouded, plus Isabella?
I started walking back to the house, and as I entered, everyone was getting ready to experience the yacht. It's not the first time, but with family, the vibe feels different every time.
When we entered the yacht, it was almost full. I thought only my family would be on this yacht, but I never expected the crowd. On the other hand, what's the use of having no crowd in this big yacht? It doesn't make sense. My sister Audria was on the stage, snatching the mike and cheering on it. Music was on a loud beat, and the area soon turned into a party mode. She has planned everything damn well for distraction. I joined the crowd, along with my sisters and my parents. The drinks were passed on by an unknown person, and without much thinking, we were gulping. Until my legs gave out, I danced to the beat. I love to dance and to get lost in the beat. It will make me neutral to everything, and I will be in a different world as long as I am on the dance floor.
I started walking from the crowd to get a break. I had too much, and my stomach churned a little. I approached the food area and grabbed whatever possible. My parents were happily chit-chatting with some group, so I made my way outside to get a night view of the ocean.
By inhaling the cold breeze, I started having the food. The gaze is stuck on the ocean, like I am on a terrace. The food was delicious, especially the chicken. I wanted to go inside to get some more, but I don't want to move from here. I had had enough chaos for the night, and my legs were shaking from the continuous dance moves.
I closed my eyes for a while, and a scent hit me, and I chuckled at that. "You always know where I am. I always wonder how it is even possible." My mom chuckled and joined me. "Because you are my son, and I might look busy, but my eyes are glued to every move of you guys, especially yours." I chuckled at that. "Enjoying?" I nodded at that. "Very much." She hummed at that. "It feels like we have some kind of connection to the sea. Do you also feel it?" I was stunned by those words. She felt the same? My eyes went wide at that. "You too? I thought I was going crazy from the moment we landed here." Her gaze was on the ocean, thinking. "Yeah, it feels more connected. I feel you; in some way, everything reminds me of you." A nervous chuckle left me. "Does it make sense?" She once again probed, and I don't have any answer for that. "And guess what, it doesn't make me feel creepy, or bad, or odd in any way. I feel so good and lost. It's a good combination, and I am loving every second over here." I chuckled at that, my nervousness completely replaced with warmth. Exactly, that's how I felt. I feel so good, and I know I am missing something too, but for now, I want to drench myself in this warmth.
"You know, we love you, right?" Suddenly, she spoke, and I was confused by the reminder because I knew she always loved me, no matter what. "And nothing matters to us more than your happiness. Your father may be a stubborn person, but he loves you dearly, and let me not talk about your sister." We both chuckled at that. "We are going to stick with you in the future too, irrespective of anything." I nodded at that, too overwhelmed by the emotions. "Ups and downs are part of life, Rowan. You can overcome and outrun anything when your family is with you, right? Instead of answering, I hugged her tightly.
I feel so blessed to have such a loving family, always sticking by my side. Till now, they never made me feel like a loser and spoiled me irrespective of what I was before and at present. Their love and care only increase as I get older, not the way around.
What can I ask more than this?