Chapter 4 : NEED FOR A TRANQUIL BALANCE
Mt Abu , the Oasis of Rajasthan is famous for its tourism , for Sameer it was his dad's native place. His dad was a hotelier. After dad's demise, his parents sold every thing off to Saxena group of hotels and left to US , where his father's sister stayed. After his mother's marriage to Mr. Somani, her ties with them were cut off. Other than this he didn't know anything about his dad. He had once asked his Nanu , why they had decided to sell and not allow mom to take care of it. The answer he got was Mom and dad had a love marriage. They didn't like mom and she didn't get any property which was on dad's name as dad had not changed the nomination of his properties after their marriage. So, after his death, they refused to share any of it with mom and Nanu didn't want to waste his money and time in court as mom was completely shattered.
This was one another thing that made him hate the concept of love. If a person loved their spouse so dearly , how can he or she welcome another person into their life as nothing had happened. She married Mr. Somani saying her son could have a father and now she acts both her son and his father never had mattered to her. This made him dislike his mom even more. He was gripping the railings on the deck. For a moment he had forgotten that he had come here to see the moon. The thought of his mom and her attitude towards him and his father always boiled his blood. He took a deep breath and discarded his thoughts by looking at the horizon.
The mountains and valleys together created a beautiful skyline against the dark grey sky. The moon, his only close friend was doing the job of pouring its silver light across the terrain making each and every entity on the earth to shine and rejoice at night. He lied down on the deck and looked at the moon, thinking that his friend would shower peace to his restless heart but to his surprise what he saw was her eyes . The very same eyes that he saw at the collage corridor. Her face slowly emerged on the moon and his heart skipped a beat. He closed his eyes and nothing changed. She was still there occupying his mind. She stood right there , adamant not to leave him. Every thought around that face was shaking his whole well-being. He had never thought he would remember someone while looking at his moon.
"Why am I not able to forget her face?? I don't even know who she is or what she wanted or why she was there...but her face is not leaving my thoughts" he whispered to his friend.
He thought he should have helped her and not walked away from there. If he had done that , he wouldn't be so restless thinking she had needed help. There was something about her eyes that was so captivating. He didn't know how long he was lying on the deck wrapped in a thick blanket. He didn't want the night to end but looking at the change of colours reflected in sky , signaled him the arrival of sun. He slowly got up carrying the blanket and sat at the window sill of his bedroom , looking at the far away valley.
"Good Morning Sameer"
"Munna!! Good morning ..how come so early ?? And that too with tea and News paper. When did you take up Ramu kaka's role and where is Pandith?"
"Will answer all your questions but first go quickly freshen up so that we can have this tea. Its been sometime that we sat on the deck and sipped hot black tea."
"OK. Now don't give those typical girly emotional talks just to have a cup of tea together", saying so he rushed to the bathroom.
Munna wanted to talk to Sameer. He wanted to know what was bothering him. It definitely was not Vishaka Mausi because if it was, he would have told him. This was beyond that .
"Chalo , lets drink our tea. I don't want my poor brother to be waiting for me to have tea."
"Brother?? Really Sameer??"
"Haan ..ok... I know you are my cousin but I have always thought of you as my own brother Munna."
"No you haven't."
"What do you mean?? When I have treated you differently?"
"Yesterday!! You were upset, I kept asking you the reason and you were quiet. Brothers discuss their problems."
"Munna, there is nothing like that ..its just that I had a fight with Tara. She spoke something about Nanu's decision of hiring a new secretary and I didn't like it. I shouted at her and walked away from there in a fit of anger . Then I came directly to Pandith's house."
"So , what is the problem ?? This is not the first time you are fighting with her. I doubt if it would matter. She would happily go to Raghav's house and the two would go to some famous hotel and party. Why are you getting stressed about it??"
"Well..."
"Or is there more??"
"Nah...you are right !! no point in crying over spilt milk."He knew that was not the case. He was not worried for Tara but for the owner of those pain filled eyes. He didn't want Munna to know about it else he would keep asking more about her and then forgetting that face would become difficult for him.
"Sameer, if its hurting you so much why don't you call her and speak to her? I forgot, that you graduated from college and now she will be going back to her parents place at Mevad."
"No , not need. She knows me and besides she should know what to speak and to whom."
"Yes!! ideally, a princess will be taught all that, sadly this lady doesn't seem anywhere close to a princess other than the looks. Lets forget her. Tell me something , how come you were not on the deck?? Yesterday was full moon."
"Oh , I was there on the deck with my lady looking at me. But what to do, sun pulled her away from me."
"Don't worry brother. Some one soon will walk into your life. Then you won't need this moon because her face will be the moon for you and Sun wouldn't bother you anymore as she will be there by you side always."
"What do you mean ,her face will be my moon??"
"In simple terms, moon will remind you of her face."
The moment he said this , my mind wandered into the college corridor and stopped in front of her. To think that I looked at the moon and thought about her was scaring me.
"Why do you look so shocked Sameer?? Did you see someone's face ??"
"NO WAY!! Pleasee...Listen Munna , I don't believe in all this and I don't think anyone will take the place of my dear lady Moon. Though he said this with a lot of conviction, at least for Munna to believe him. Deep down in his heart, he knew he was lying to himself and the world . He wondered why he never saw or thought about Tara while looking at the moon. He didn't know, if he would ever meet this girl again in his life but one thing was sure those eyes did , manage to captured him for life.
Miles away from Mt. Abu , the subject of his interest, was getting ready for her first day at office. Every one in the house, ran around the place to get things ready for her. According to Tauji it was a proud moment for the Agarwal family as she was the first woman professional in the family. He came early in the morning to see that everything went on time. He felt that, people had to be punctual and reach office at least 15 mins before the start of office. Hence, he hurried Chachi to get the tiffin ready. In the meantime, Preethi helped her in wearing the new light pink Cotton Saree that her Tauji gifted her. He also gifted her a gold chain with matching bracelet and earrings. She thought the chain was pretty. It had a gold pendant on which sat a beautiful round white pearl at the center.
Chacha Chachi , gave her a Titan watch and a handbag. Along with all this, both Tauji and Chacha ji gave her a lot of do's and don'ts.
By 7:45 am she was ready and but her dad , Tayi ji and her brother hadn't come. She had wanted to take their blessings too. Since she was getting late Tauji asked chachi to give Dhehi Shakar and not waste time. It was decided that Tauji would drop her at the office since it was her first day and from the next day chacha ji would drop and pick her back.
They reached the office sharp at 8.45 am . They were 45 mins early as the office timings were from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. They were asked to wait at the lounge. Tauji decided to wait with her and said its always better to be early and wait than be late. They sat at the lounge. She noticed that the building was just two floors.
"Tauji it's a small office rt?"
"Beta the office where your Boss sits. They have multiple offices . Jayaprakash ji visits those offices as when needed. He works out of this building. Its closer to his house and also all his finance, legal, sales and marketing team sits here with him. His office is in the top floor ,it has board rooms and meeting rooms. Ground floor has all those admin divisions , canteen and restrooms."
"Oh , so you have been here before??"
"Yes, some years back, there was one HR related case that I worked for him. He had asked my help for an out of court settlement. At that point in time I had come here couple of times. One thing I have understood is that he is very good with his employees and he considers his employees like his family. "
"So you know Sir ??"
"Every one in Ahmedabad knows Jayaprakash ji. But I don't think he will remember me Naina. The case was an old one and it was some years back."
"Oh Ok."
"You work hard and see to that you get a permanent job. So , that later when that his grandson Sameer will join the business, they will think of retaining you. I heard he has completed his studies and will be joining soon. I hope his grandson is as good as his grandfather . Else all the effort that his grandfather has put in will be wasted."
The moment she heard about Sameer , she felt sad because she knew Sameer never cared about people . He only socialized with rich and famous people unlike his grandfather who talked politely to everyone and respected all irrespective of what their looks, community or status was in the society. Her thoughts wandered if she would think of working as Sameer's secretary once his grandfather decided to stepdown as the head of this organization. She noticed that employees were walking into the office. They were mostly men. She only saw two women, one at the reception and the other who walked towards the accounts section. Sharp at 9:15 am Sir walked in and noticed Tauji.
"Jagdish ji !! how come you are here?? "
"Namaste Jayaprakash Ji. I came to drop my Niece Naina . Its her first day at office."
That's when Sir , notice her standing just next to her Tauji ji.
"Oh my god. You look so different in Saree. I have seen her in skirts and Salwar. Nice you look very professional. I am impressed." Hearing this Naina gave a thanking look at Tauji and he looked absolutely proud.
" I didn't know she was your niece . Naina your Tauji have known each other for some time. He has helped me to solve a problem with out much public out cry. He is a smart lawyer.
Jagdhish Ji ,I hope you are not very busy this morning??"
"Today, I don't have any appointments in the morning. I have told my staff that I be available only from afternoon."
"Good, let's have a cup of coffee together ."
"Sure."
Tauji talked with Sir for some time and left after half an hour or so. Mrs Rodrigues introduced me to rest of the staff. There were around 30 people in the office. Only the senior managing and administrative staff sat in their headquarters building. Rest of them were all working in the office building adjoining their factories.
The first part of the day was spent learning the day to day activities. After lunch, she was giving a lot of reading material. Sir wanted her to know about the business that they were handling and also about their clients. She learnt how to schedule a meeting, book travel tickets which included air and rail. She also took some reading material home to read and understand. The day went very quickly and was thrilled to learn all new things. Mrs. Rodrigues told her that on some occasion she would have to travel with sir. That added to the excitement which means, she will get to see places too. Since it was with Jayaprakash Sir , none of her family members will stop her to travel.
As decided Chacha ji was there at office to pick her up . She was so excited about the day that the entire journey from the office to home she was talking to him.
"Mummy !! Naina is back from office. "
"Preethi , let her come in. The whole day she was working. As she got in she realized the entire family was there at home. This also included people who didn't make their appearance in the morning. Her excitement was so much that she didn't bother to freshen up , she sat down on the Sofa and started narrating what happened the entire day. For chacha ji it was like listening to the radio show for the second time but even then he was eagerly listening to her. Tauji as usual was sitting on the Swing and enjoying the whole drama with pride.
"Chachi there is good news for you."
"For me Naina??"
"You don't need to pack tiffin for me. There is a canteen which provides food for the employees that work out of that building. They will give the coupon in the beginning of the month and the best part is we don't have to pay for it. It's a part of our remuneration package."
"Are you sure it's the same for you ?? I mean you are not even given Salary."Asked Tayiji with a very visible resentment in her tone.
Naina felt irritated and just didn't like the attitude at all. Now that Tauji also had started supporting her, she felt its high time she stood strong. Besides she felt she cant get scared and hide things from her always.
"Tayi ji , it's the same for all employees who works there. And I will be given a Salary of Rs 3000 per month . So , its not that he is making me work for free."
Everyone was shocked to hear this. If some were happy , Tayi ji , her father and Arjun bhaya looked absolutely devastated.
"Good , When you get the salary , you can give it to Tauji. After all there should be some benefit of bringing you up."Said Tayi ji
"No that is not required. When did we bring her up Beena??"
"I know , but I am telling for her own good. Such large sum of money at a young age is not good. She will miss use it and get into wrong habits."
"Beena, if she has earned it , then she has the right to use it as well. As far as miss using it or getting into wrong company or habits , I am sure of my girls . They won't because I am confident of their upbringing.
Anand , tomorrow itself, open a bank account for her."
"Tauji , I have filled up the form for that. When an employee joins there , they help us fill some form related to retirals , banking etc. So , I have done all that today . They said the salary will be credited to our account."
"Ah, that's good. See, this is the plus point of working with such organizations. There is a systematic way of doing things.
Naina, I have brought admission form for your MA Literature correspondence course. So , fill it today itself and tomorrow Anand , take a draft for the admission fees and post it. Lets not delay it."
"Ok Bhaiya "
"I think it's time for her to get married. How much more she should learn? She is already going to be 20 years." Said her father.
"Rakesh, god has blessed you with a boy. You concentrate on him. You didn't want to bring her up . So, why are you showing interest now. When you had to , you didn't . Now you have lost the right to it. And this holds good for Beena too. Anand and Bela will decide what is good for Naina. None of you need to interfere." Said Tauji authoritatively.
After this statement no one had the courage to question Tauji.
Time flew and one month just passed by . It was the moment she dreaded the most, the day when she had to be alone with out Mrs Rodrigues help. Some how Jayaprakash Sir and the rest of the members had sensed it. She was very nervous.
"Naina!!"
"Yes Sir."
"Are you tensed?"
"A little.."
"I would say you don't need to be. It's not your boss who retired. I am still here and so is the rest of the team. In case you have any doubts or issues let us know and we will help.
Beta, one day everyone has to stop holding hands and learn to walk by themselves. You just need to continue what you were doing. Nothing to worry. "
"OK??"
"One more thing , Parth Yadav from our Pune office will be joining us for few months. He is a Civil Engineer , and has a master's degree in construction management. He has been working in our Puna office for the past three years. He is a very nice man. I asked him to join us so that he could help us with our new construction projects and also give us hand to get this office computerized.
In future there won't be any need for these ledgers , it will be an era of computers. So best to start getting our offices digitalized.
You can also get trained on those new version of office software."
"Sir , I did a course on MS Office. I have used MS word and Power point for my final years projects. And during weekend I help Chacha ji with his office work, so am used to working on computers."
"WOW!! Then it's good. Can you train all these employees of this office after we get office installed with desktops for them??"
"Yes I can ."
"Thanks Naina. That will be good, then these people can trained by our people than from training institutes. "
For a week , all the employees of the office had worked at different locations as the office was getting redesigned. The seating arrangement was just the same only thing is they all had computers on their desks and all the partitions were removed to have an open office system. Parth Yadav seemed to be a very sensible, matured and calm person. He happily interacted with people in the office . Soon Naina and Parth became good friends. She came to know that Parth had a girlfriend and that their parents were against their marriage , since both of them were from different communities. For Parth Naina was more like a lil sister and sometimes when she did a good job, she would earn a "Good one Chotti Naina appreciation from him.
Soon , people in the office were used to their friendly banters and the office had become second home for her. She also took care that Sir did not overindulge in sweets or oily food as he had high BP .
One Sunday evening she sat on the terrace and wondered if life would remain the same once Sameer took over Jayaprakash Sir's role. For past two and half months there was no news about him. She was sure that Sir hadn't even got a single call from him, at least not during the office hours. She wondered what kind of relationship he shared with his Nanaji. She had trained herself not to think of him or not to get affected by him but all the resolution would go for a toss every time she saw his photo on sir's table. There were times when she would gaze at his photo. His face had innocence written on it sadly it didn't match the behaviour he had portrayed.
"Naina !!"
"Aree Chachi , I would have come down for tea. Why did you bring it here?? Where is Preethi?"
"Beta Preethi is yet to back from tuitions, Chacha ji has gone to meet his friend and I thought we can talk for a while. Why do you look sad ??"
"Nothing in particular. My friend has set for the day. Now I have to wait for him till he rises tomorrow morning." She said playfully looking at the sky.
"Don't worry god will bless you with a man who will have eyes only for you and he will see to that you will have no time for this friend of yours. He will become your sun, who will protect you, provide for you and stand by you always."
"Aha!! Chachi and when is this person going to come into my life??"
"Who knows, If god wishes , you might meet him tomorrow itself."
"Very Funny!! No one is going to come Chachi. Not everyone is as lucky as you."
"Its not like that Beta. You just wait and watch, my heart tells me that the man who will marry you, will love you deeply."
"Hmmm...lets see. Chalo let us go and I need to iron my saree for tomorrow . "
"Tomorrow you wear my silk Saree. There is pooja in the neighbours house . A lot of people will be there . I don't want them to see you in those light coloured cotton Saree."
"Chachi , I cant wear all those to office."
"Don't worry I will give you a simple one. At night, I will adjust the blouse so that it wont be loose for you."
"I still don't think its right."
"Don't be stupid. Now come lets go.
Next day morning she reached the office and the first thing she did was run to the restroom to check if her Saree was in place as she was not used to wearing Silk Saree. Fortunately, her Chachi had draped it well for her. She felt Silk Saree accentuated her figure than cotton Saree. Satisfied with her looks she walked back to desk. It was only 9:00 AM and there was enough time for others come in. She placed her hand back on her desk and walked towards Sir's Cabin.
She opened couple of windows and pulled up all the Venetian curtains. Then she looked at the photo of Sameer and wondered when he would be joining the office. It had become a habit to remove the dust from the photo frame. There were two peons in the office who did all the cleaning work, even then if no one was around she would remove the dust from the photo with her Saree's Pallu.
Unknow to her thought , Sameer and his grandfather had entered the office.
"Sameer, looks like my lil girl is here as usual."
"Your lil girl?? Now who is that?? Did you hire someone for your secretary's job??" He asked his grandfather with a surprised tone. Most occasions his grandfather would tell him everything . But from the time he went Mt. Abu, their conversation was always related to the renovation work. His grandfather had very conveniently avoided the Ahmedabad talks and he didn't probe thinking that his grandfather would talk to him about his mom.
"Well she must be lighting the lamp in the cabin now. You come and see for yourself. One thing boy, be nice to her and I don't want to see a single drop of tears from her eyes because of you.
I have said the same thing to Parth when he joined. One more thing Sameer , don't forget, you are an employee here who will work along with Parth . I am still the BOSS. You are here to learn the job and you need to work your way high up the hierarchy, only then you will learn to value what you earn.
Got It??!!"
"When did I say you are not the Boss?? I understand Nanu. I will work hard promise !! And regarding your lil girl , you don't need to worry about me. I am not interested in her."
" Hmm...regarding the girl , I hope you will be proved wrong." Saying so they climbed the stairs . As he reached his cabin she was lighting the lamp and so asked Sameer to wait till she finished her prayer. When Naina turned, she didn't see Sameer as he was standing behind his Nanu , away from her line of vision .
"Good Morning Sir!!"
"Morning Dear. Today we have someone joining us. "
"Sameer meet Ms. Naina Agarwal , she has been working here for nearly three months now as my secretary. Naina , this is my grandson Sameer, he will working Parth on our new Construction Projects."
Both Sameer and Naina looked at each other absolutely shocked , though Naina was quick enough to recover from her shock and said "Good Morning.
"H..hello Naina !!"
PS : Hi All ,here comes the 4th chapter. Hope you all will like it. Please do let me know your thoughts on this update. As usual eagerly waiting for your comments and thoughts.
Edited by WeRockTheWorld - 6 years ago
Cricket
Anupamaa
