Shrouded Motifs

The Boy

Dedicated to Nikshipth

FLASHBACK - OFFICE

Today is the happiest day of my existence. Not my entire existence of course, just it wins hands down amongst all the days of my life till now. I was lost staring at the sparkling sun reflected in my brand-new company's cup. So, I ended up drinking stone cold Ice-tea on the first day of my office. Everything felt so surreal. I was smiling and grinning at every tom dick and harry. I ran into Abhay when I went to fill my already full bottle at the pantry, the co-habitant in my cubicle.

"Sooo...wassup?" Stupid and overenthusiastic me had just entered the conversation. I cursed myself for making an over the top first impression.

"Nothing much, just bogged down with work and lots of it. I should better get back to it huh, see you later man." He left after patting my shoulder. Well that was just fabulous, I had managed to scare away everyone today with my overenthusiasm.

"Another dreamer," scoffed someone behind me. I turned to find a grey haired 40-year-old man moping the office floor. He continued, "You are not the first one trying to create your identity here. Soon, you will also be lost like the million others who have come and gone before you."

Huh! he was miles away from the truth, I was not a person to let anything come in my way. Disregarding the traditional wise old office boy, I went on with my happy day.

"Welcome, new joinee!, Sorry I am not so good with names." My boss gave me the warmest welcome of them all.

"Hello! Sir, I am at your service, let me know how I can assist you." I said smartly, it was a well-rehearsed line by me from my morning stint in front of the mirror.

"Stop sounding like a bloody tele-caller and call me Vishal. I have already emailed you some stuff which I want printed and filed today itself. It takes eons to get something done around here." I could feel his frustration reaching its limit and before I could become a victim to his wrath I slipped out.

Not a good start but possible to turn it around still. I concentrated all my energy into completing my work. Looking back, I can now see the futility of my efforts, but I was blissfully ignorant at that time.

I ended up leaving office late on the first day itself tying to complete my work. As I was hurrying to leave, I bumped into her.

"Sorry, sorry... I have so much to do and did not see you there. I am so sorry."

A flustered cute girl looked up at me apologetically, but I was too lost in her brown eyes to say anything.

"Hello? umm...Excuse me but could you help me a little bit, please?"

I snapped out of it then and bent down to help the poor girl gather her documents.

"First day?" Her voice felt like music to my ears.

"Yes, yes first day but still running a little late, some work so...," I trailed off trying to impress her.

"Gosh, me too, it feels so good you know to be given such an important project on the first day itself. I do feel a teensy bit scared under so much pressure".

What?!, here was printing and filing away like some first-year intern and she was assigned a brand-new project.

"By the way, Hi, I am Lavanya," she introduced herself with a wide smile oblivious to my angst.

"Hi, Vivek. It was pretty great running into you like that," I winked at her unable to stop myself.

"Ya...sure," she tittered in response to my wink and I kicked myself for overwhelming her. She still chose to give me a parting smile as she walked away.

I felt a weird but good warmth spreading within me with a picture forming in my mind. The perfect job just went on to be excellent with a probable girlfriend on my side.