Keeping A Secret

When a person confides in us, isn't it our duty to keep what they said confidential?

- Padma V

"Good morning, everyone. Hope all are present for the meeting. Where is Pallavi?" the HOD asked, as he threw a quick glance at his staff. "As always, the literary events will be conducted by Pallavi for the upcoming Annual Function." He continued at length, about her all-round activities, highlighting her dedication and creativity and concluded that she was a huge asset to the college.

Sitting in the last row, Ankita found it difficult to digest the HOD showering praises on her friend. She had attempted several exams for a better job but was unsuccessful. However, Pallavi had cracked it at the first go. Their previous day's conversation kept ringing in her mind, "Ankita, I got a job in a government college, so I will be resigning this job. Please don't tell anyone right now. I will observe the HOD's moods, and tell him within a day or two. You very well know that he is a good man, but my leaving in the middle of the semester may anger him, because at the end of the day he has to manage. I am helpless; the Government College in which I will be joining has already given me a joining date. No one will forego a secure job. Moreover, the woes of middle class people like us are never ending. I am aware of that being one of the breadwinners of my family. Of course, you are my friend and know everything. I trust you.”