Winter Blossoms - Pt 13, Epilogue pg. 44

Absence, hear thou my protestation

Against thy strength,

Distance, and length;

Do what thou canst for alteration :

For hearts of truest mettle

Absence doth join, and Time doth settle.

Who loves a mistress of such quality,

He soon hath found

Affection's ground

Beyond time, place, and all mortality.

To hearts that cannot vary

Absence is Present, Time doth tarry.

By absence this good means I gain,

That I can catch her,

Where none can watch her,

In some close corner of my brain :

There I embrace and kiss her:

And so I both enjoy and miss her.

- Anon

Part I

12 December 2006

9.00 a.m.

Central Business District, Pune

Institute for Monitoring Indian Economy

The extension phone line in Ms. Bani Dixit's cabin rang incessantly for quite some time and finally stopped exasperatedly. Ms. Dixit was not in the cabin that she shared with another co-worker, Anjali. Anjali as usual was late and it didn't help matters that she was also the boss's daughter. Carrying a stack of paper in her hand, Bani struggled down the corridor when the peon hurried up to her, stating that the Boss was asking for her at once. Bani deposited the data sheets on her desk and hurried off to meet the boss, only after throwing an annoyed glance at Anjali's desk, hoping against hope that she would not have to explain Anjali's absence from the office, as usual. Thinking about another cock-and-bull story, she exited the elevator to the Boss's floor, the topmost floor, in their 14-storey office building. Her office was on the 8^th floor and the Institute occupied the topmost 5 floors of the building – the Sunrise Crescent. She has always liked the name of the building, it always brought a sunny feeling to her early in the morning.

The cubicles in the boss's floor were still half-empty and she made her way cautiously to the room at the far end of the office space. Mrs. Jacob, the P. S. of Mr. S. M. Mathur, her boss, was already behind her desk, talking animatedly over the phone. She signaled Bani to wait for a second, picked up the extension line to the Boss's cabin and after a while, gestured Bani towards Mr. Mathur's cabin. Clutching her work diary tightly in her hand, Bani knocked cautiously on the door, to be met with the bellowing voice of Mr. Mathur, asking her to enter.

Bani entered the room to be met with the site of Mr. Mathur, the Director of the Institute, poring meticulously over a Brochure and other papers strewn all over his desk.

'Sit down Bani', Mr. Mathur said, 'Have you completed that Report on the International Crude Oil scenario?'

'Yes Sir, it's more or less finished. I am just re-checking some figures. I am sure I will be able to submit the Report after lunch', Bani replied.

'Good, very good. Now, I have something very important to tell you and Anjali', said Mr. Mathur.

At the mention of Anjali's name, Bani tensed slightly and her mind once again went on an overdrive, trying to formulate a reason for Anjali's absence from work. Looking at her face, Mr. Mathur smiled indolently and then bent forward on his desk, stating 'Bani, you don't have to make up another excuse for Anjali. I know very well that she has not reached Office as yet. Sometimes, I think I have blown the corporate governance norms by recruiting her in this Office', his eyes twinkled warmly. Bani couldn't suppress a smile herself.

'Actually, as you may be aware, the Indian Industries' Confederation is planning to organise a week-long Economic Conclave in Pune starting from 15 December', he said further. 'The President of India will inaugurate the Conclave and various Central and State Ministers will attend this Meeting. Our Institute is the Platinum Sponsor of this event and as such, I have been asked to preside over a particular session, dedicated to the Resurgence of the Indian Economy. In addition, I have been requested to depute 2/ 3 representatives from our Institute to attend this week-long Conclave. I have decided that Mukesh, you and Anjali will attend the Conclave which will cover all aspects of the Indian Economy. You guys sit down and decide upon the areas that each of you will handle', Mr. Mathur handed over a Brochure to Bani.

'Please pass this onto Anjali, since I will be busy today. Another thing, although this Conclave is for a week, the representatives and delegates will only attend the different Sessions for five days, the remaining two days are exclusively kept reserved for the top corporate and economic honchos who will interact with the Governments, both at the Central and State levels. So you three will have two extra days to finish your Reports and even enjoy some off time. I expect you all to submit your reports by 23 December sharp, early morning', Mr. Mathur continued

'And Bani, I will let Mukesh know myself. You just handle Anjali. And the report on the International Crude Oil Scenario should be on my desk after lunch. No excuses', with a dismissive nod, Mr. Mathur once again immersed himself in the sea of papers.

………

9.20 a.m.

Bani was back in her seat with the two sets of Brochures. On entering her cabin, she found that Anjali had still not reached Office. She thought of calling her up but then decided against it, rather she decided to finish her Report first.

For the next one hour, Bani poured over her Report, checking and re-checking figures and facts. She has been working in this Office for around two months and is already being considered as a serious worker, with lots of potential. In fact, Mr. Mathur himself guided her through her work and she was very happy to have such a wonderful Boss. Also, Anjali has unquestionably accepted her as a good friend and colleague, and Mr. Mathur had been more than happy to pair his frivolous-natured daughter with Bani, her sincerity, perseverance and honesty a perfect foil for Anjali's over-the-top exuberance. Bani thanked her stars for this kind mercy and shuddered to think of the path her life had taken not so long ago … No, she did not want to think of her past. Only if she could actually forget everything.

11.00 a.m.

Anjali wheezed into the room balancing a large paperbox carton precariosuly in her left hand. The smell emanating from the bos screamed 'Pizza', but Bani waited for Anjali to settle down.

'Bani, would you love to have a piece?', Anjali asked.

Shaking her head, Bani replied 'Anjali, I have already had my breakfast and I don't believe that pizza is a healthy breakfast option. Now, tell me, why are you so late?'

Laughing uncontrollably, Anjali threw her head back and the focused her rather sharp, black eyes on a pair of war, chocolate brown eyes

'Vishal, he just reached Pune a little while ago. I went to the Airport to welcome him back. Papa doesn't know as yet that his future son-in-law had landed from heaven on earth and I think I am going to do the honours'.

Hurriedly Bani said, 'No, no wait Anjali. I met Sir about two hours back, he is very busy today and I am sure he won't have much time to meet anyone now. In fact, I have been asked to submit my report right after Lunch. I am already done with it and I think I will turn it in earlier'.

The printer wheezed out pages and pages of Bani's Report who watched Anjali gobble up an interesting chunk of the pizza in a record time. Wonder how she doesn't put on any weight, Bani mused. She collected the pages and rearranged her Report carefully, putting it inside a Clip Binder. On her way out, she tuend around towards Anjali who was now booting her computer and said 'Oh, by the way, I have an important news to share, so please stay in your seat till I come back. Ok?'

Anjali just shook her lustrous locks absent-mindedly, confirming her decision.

………

1.00 p.m.

Mukesh, Anjali and Bani sat huddled together over Lunch going through their respective Conclave Brochures and deciding upon their areas of interest. Mukesh decided that he would attend the Sessions on Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Law and Legislation, coupled with labour issues while Anjali selected Information Technology, BPO and Finance as her domain. Bani chose to cover Indian Economy, International Trade and Corporate Affairs during the Conclave. The three of them chatted animatedly about the forthcoming event, which was a rare treat for most professionals working in this segment. The talks naturally veered towards dresses and stuffs with the two girls deciding that they needed to go shopping. Mukesh left them in a huff, good naturedly, muttering "You girls! Why do you have to think about shopping all the time? By the way, don't forget, the Boss expects us in his Cabin tomorrow sharp at 12 noon."

--------------

15 December 2006

12.oo noon

Mr. Mathur's Cabin

Anjali, Bani and Mukesh were seated in front of Mr. Mathur exactly at 12. Mr. Mathur was reviewing their Forms and Applications and after being satisfied, he told them that for the week starting 15 December they would be put up in the Le Meridian Hotel by the organisers, for being representatives from the Platinum Sponsor Institute. Anjali whooped in joy and she and Bani mentally high-fived while Mukehs rolled his eyes, looking at the two girls. He thought 'Oh my God, there they go again visiting their shopping dreamland'.

Mr. Mathur looked inquisitively at his three young deputies and said "The Reports should be on my desk on 23 December, even before I reach Office. And Anjali, I think you can forget about Vishal for a few days", laughing inwardly when Anjali started pouting and fretting at the new decree.

…………………

Part II

15 December 2006

Taj Blue Diamond, Pune

9.00 a.m.

Anjali, Mukesh and Bani made their way through the thick throng of people who have gathered at the reception lobby of the Taj Blue Diamond, the official venue for the Conclave. While the Ministers and the important Dignitaries were put in the same Hotel, now boasting of Z plus category security, the top executives, Guests and celebrated visionaries were put up at the Le Meridian Pune. The three representatives from the Institute of Monitoring Indian Economy were also allotted rooms at the Le Meridian while Mr. Mathur was booked up at the Blue Diamond.

The Blue Diamond was located in lush green surroundings in the scenic residential areas of Koregaon Park and the choice of the venue mightily impressed the Guests, Speakers and Delegates. Also, its nearness to the city's CBD, provided easy access to the local businessmen and executives to attend the meeting easily. The eight halls in the Hotel were each assorted into different discussion zones for easy participation. Bani, Mukesh and Anjali checked their respective itineraries and moved towards the designated halls, promising each other that they would meet at the open banquet area for lunch at 1.30 p.m.

For Bani, the Session of the day covered the recent happenings in the Indian Economy, which was chaired by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India. The Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission was the Keynote Sepaker who elucidated the various features of India's Draft Eleventh Five Year Plan. Bani was so engrossed in listening to the different views of the speakers, along with the various arguments and counter-arguments, that she found herself oblivious to everything else, jotting down relevant points, facts and figures now and then. She was so into it that after the Session was over, she sat comparing notes with another fellow-delegate and nearly missed her Lunch. Only her growling stomach forbade her to do so.

The three of them had lunch together chattering away animatedly all the while about the various proceedings. They decided to sit down together after the afternoon session was over so that they could compare notes and prepare a comprehensive report for the day. Mr. Mathur located them in the melee and hurried towards his deputies. He told them that he had accidentally left his papers for the next day's Session, which he was going to chair, on recent WTO proceedings at his Chamber and requested Bani to get them for him early the next morning, since he was too busy then to go to the Office to collrct the papers. Bani replied that it was not a problem since their Office was also in the CBD and that she would personally deliver the papers to Mr. Mathur before 8.00 a.m. the next morning. And yes, she didn't expect to drag Anjali along with her, since it was a far-fetched idea. All of them started laughing mirthfully much to everybody else's surprise.

The second Session of the day also ended peacefully, without any incident of any sort anywhere. Anjali and Bani were sharing a room in the Le Meridian while Mukesh had got a single room for himself in the same Hotel. It felt strange for Bani to be able to share her space with someone after such a long time and she felt somewhat glad. Also, the room they shared was the most expensive one in the Hotel, the organizers of the Conclave were anything but misers, Bani mused.

16 December 2006

Taj Blue Diamond, Pune

7.20 a.m.

Bani made her way through the corridor of the Deluxe Suites Section of the Hotel. She had previously informed Mr. Mathur that she was on her way up to his room with the relevant papers. Boarding the elevator, she had checked her appearance instinctively in the large mirror mounted on the back portion of the elevator and noticed that she was looking pretty fresh in the pale baby green attire with her hair pulled up in a horsetail. She stood in front of Mr. Mathur's room and took a deep breath before knocking on the door. Mr. Mathur immediately opened the door to admit her in the living area of the Suite. Bani seated herself in an ergonomic chair and waited patiently for Mr. Mathur to go through the papers. She had arisen early, showered, had a very light breakfast consisting of two toasts and a cup of liquor tea before leaving for Office to collect the papers. The Le Meridan Hotel maintained a flight of limousine services for the Guests and so transport was not a constraint. Last time she checked, Anjali was still asleep.

Satisfied, Mr. Mathur thanked Bani and enquired whether she had her eaten breakfast or not. Bani replied in the positive and excused herself from being in Mr. Mathur's presence, stating that she would like to go and find out the location of the Hall for the present-day Session on Corporate Affairs. Walking down the aisle, she noticed that the sky outside was quite sunny, flooding the passageway with sunlight, the temperature was quite moderate, with an early morning chill. She liked being in Pune, she thought, the 'Oxford of the East', with a bustling, cosmopolitan attitude and a rare vibrancy which was generally missing in Mumbai, she thought. Bani felt comfortable here, in the city which has extended its open arms to her, when she needed it the most and made her one of its own.

She waited for the elevator to arrive and studied the distant scenery from one of the nearby alcove. The elevator opened with a ding in front of her and she noticed that already there were 4/ 5 persons inside it. She stepped inside when she was met with a deep baritone calling out for the Lift. She turned around reflexively to meet the commanding stature of her handsome and charismatic ex-husband striding down the corridor towards the elevator. Panic seized her heart but she couldn't tear her eyes away from his approaching figure, dressed in a deep, bottle green full-sleeved shirt, tucked unceremoniously into his off-white Dockers, his Ray Ban gleaming in the perforated sunlight streaming through the windows and his cellphone casually hanging between his fingers. He had also seen her and she could sense a change in his countenance as well, matched with quickening footsteps. But at that moment the elevator door decided to play its own trick and closed in between them. The descent then began.

……………….

Part III

7.23 a.m.

Taj Blue Diamond

Bani stepped out of the lift in a daze into the morning air feeling completely numbed. 'What is he doing here?' she thought as she casually looked at the humdrum activities surrounding her. Workmen and electricians were busy all around making necessary arrangements for the Day II of the Conclave and everyone was as busy as a bee. She knew that he would be down in a jiffy so she signaled the gateman to announce her car, the steady morning air already playing havoc with her senses.

Jai stood in front of the closed elevator door, at a little distance, numbed as if in a shock. He just couldn't believe that he has indeed seen Bani inside the lift. But, what was she doing here? he thought. He remembered seeing the delegate card pinned at the front of her dress. 'So, it means that she's connected to the Event one way or other', he mused, 'But she can't have access to this Suite just like that. That means that she must have come here to meet someone really very important. But who can it be?'.

Coming back to his senses, he hurriedly reached the elevator and punched impatiently at the button panel. The elevator retuned to his floor within a minute or so. There was nobody inside it and he hurriedly pressed the G button. Alighting from the lift, he rushed to the front porch of the Hotel, to be met with the retracing back of a white coloured limo exiting the Hotel premises, carrying his ex-wife out of the precincts. He snatched his glares off his eyes and tried to think incoherently. What the hell! How could she still ignite the same feelings within me, he thought.

He approached the gateman cautiously so as not to give anything away and asked casually 'Where did Madam go?'

The gateman recognizing him as one of the star attractions of the Conclave replied reverentially that that limo belonged to the Le Meridian Hotel and that it had returned there. Sensing the gateman looking inquisitively at him, Jai replied quickly 'Actually, she has left some of her papers behind. I think she will need them for her meeting. Anyway, I will try to call her cell and let her know. Thanks'.

He dialed her number from his cell. A polite voice in a recorded telephone message informed him that the number was no longer available. Jai muttered a curse under his breath and walked back to the Hall.

7.45 a.m.

Le Meridian Hotel

Bani entered her room using a slot key to find Anjali still asleep. She was thankful for this since she was more or less shaking with emotions. Girl, get a grip on yourself, she mentally chided herself. She decided to take another bath before Anjali woke up to soothe her frayed nerve edges. After about 20 minutes in the bathroom, she stepped out wearing a fluffy, baby blue terry bathing robe, which nearly engulfed her entire being. She found Anjali sitting groggily on the bed, rubbing her eyes, as if she has just returned from a journey from Alice's Wonderland. Anjali looked at her strangely and said 'My, my Bani, two washes within a single hour. My dear, you are too touchy and finicky today. What's the matter?'

'Shut up Anjai and get ready please. We have to leave for the our Sessions within 45 minutes. You go and freshen up, I will call for breakfast', Bani replied, she was in no way telling Anjali now that her ex-husband is in the same Conclave. Anjali would then drive her mad. Anjali hopped off from the bed and headed towards the washroom, muttering inaudibly all the way.

'By the way Bani, please order some breakfast for yourself too, a pair of toasts and a cup of tea isn't gonna help you in any way. And yes, after today's Session is over, you can then tell me all about the handsome man who has caused my friend's heart go aflutter so early in the morning', shouted Anjali on her way to the bathroom, only narrowly missing being hit with a pillow thrown in her direction.

Bani quickly took out all the brochure papers and checked for Jai Walia's name in the Programme List. On reaching a specific group, she groaned inwardly, she should have guessed. The Walia Group of Hotels is the Chief Sponsor of the entire Discussion and Business Sessions on 'Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Industry in India'. No wonder he's up in that Suite, Bani thought. Re-arranging her papers, she quickly called Room Service for breakfast for both of them, yes, since her stomach is already in a pit, and to see her through the day, she needed to have something substantial inside her stomach. If only she knew earlier …

Anjali emerged from the bathroom after about 15 minutes and by the time they had finished dressing, breakfast had arrived. Dressed in classic black D&G business suites, they represented corporate power dressing at its best, when they stepped onto the lounge of Blue Diamond.

1.30 p.m.

Mukesh met Anjali and Bani at the lunch area, complaining that his Session on Labour issues was so boring, that he had nearly dozed off from his chair. Laughing merrily, the three of them made their way towards the buffet table. This buffet room was exclusively for the delegates, guests and participants while the top invitees, ministers and corporate bigwigs were served lunch in a completely cordoned off area. So much for corporate equality, Anjali cursed softly, eliciting sharp reprimands from both her colleagues, on account of the venue. They had, otherwise, their own colourful repertoire to include along with her own vibgyor expression.

After lunch, Anjali rushed off to the next Session, while Bani and Mukesh lounged around the area and the different Halls, checking out different events – both of them had the afternoon off. In front of sub-venue 6, there was a flurry of activities suddenly; they noticed only to be met with the arrival of the Union Minister of Tourism fro inauguration of the Event. Bani and Mukesh tried to extract themselves out of the frenzy, with people thronging around them from every angle whatsoever, when a sudden push caused Bani to land directly on Mukesh's chest. With flaming cheeks, she pulled herself away from Mukesh, thoroughly embarrassed, and looked at the other direction only to be met with a deep, penetrating gaze that she knew so well – Jai Walia was not at all amused. Dressed to kill in a deep charcoal Armani suit, matching trousers, starched white shirt, gleaming cuff buttons, matching moccasins, he looked the quintessential, ever-in-control businessman – only his eyes gave away his inner turmoil. His eyes, which were now on a guilty leisure trip, checking out his ex-wife, in a black D&G pant suit, a 4 inch heel, showing off her delicate toe fingers, slightly kohled eyes, inviting chocolate lips, open hair and a pair of diamond studs on her ears. Too good to be true, but for now being, he had to shift the party to someplace else. He has business to attend.

Bani tuned away towards the exit point, followed closely by Mukesh, and the spell was broken. Fate was the magician and the circumstances were the spells emanating out of the magic wand.

19 December 2006

Taj Blue Diamond, Pune

8.50 a.m.

Jai Walia espied the slight figure of his ex-wide in deep conversation with an old man in the Hotel lobby, who was handing out papers to her every now and then, pointing at the papers now and then. Dressed in a simple yet elegant pale yellow chiffon short salwar suit, with matching ear rings, and looking as fresh as a dewdrop-stained early morning flower, Bani lent the only colour in an otherwise dreary sea of all shades of whites, blacks, blues, greys and other mundane colours. Jai realized that the men all around were observing her every now and then but Bani was completely unaware of the effects that she was having on most of the men around her. Jai felt fiercely possessive, coupled with a tinge of jealousy – if only she was his, he thought.

He broke out of his reverie to notice that Bani had already taken leave of the old man and was proceeding towards the Second Hall in the Venue. Jai checked with one of his friends and found out that Bani was speaking to Mr. S. M. Mathur, Director of the Institute of Monitoring Indian Economy, which was the Platinum Sponsor for the entire Event and had a large clout in the Ministerial Corridors.

'So, she works in that Institute. Good for her', he thought. He approached Mr. Mathur who was now leafing through a file and held out his hand 'Mr. Mathur. I am Jai Walia. Nice meeting you'.

Mr. Mathur looked up from his file and looked sharply at the man in front of him, after a split few seconds he clasped Jai's hand firmly and warmly and said 'Nice meeting you too Mr. Walia. Have heard a lot about you. I have to speak to you about something important. Could you please come over to my Suite today evening?'

Jai shook his hand warmly and replied in the affirmative. Later he thought, this was the only way to reach Bani and that he would use all his options.

.......