It was a gloomy Saturday afternoon. Rahul was lying on the sofa staring at the ceiling. His roomie Sameer was sitting on the floor. In front of them was a small table. On it, two empty beer bottles and some snacks. Neither of them spoke. The sound coming from refrigerator could be heard. Rahul's thoughts went on a spin and landed him almost two years back.
*
"You are late again, Rahul, that’s two weeks in a row." Sameer said.
Rahul looked at Sameer, smiled and walked away.
"Mr.Desai wants to meet you. Better gear up, he's not in a good mood."
Rahul heard what Sameer said, but he did not turn around to acknowledge. He knew what Mr.Desai was going to say. Mr.Desai was a typical species of manager. Stout, sharp and short tempered. As Rahul opened the door he could see the heat wave emitting out of Mr.Desai. Mr.Desai saw Rahul enter the cabin and burst out in his British English accent.
"Have a sit sir!"
Rahul was bit taken back, but quietly sat on the chair to face the wrath of Mr.Desai.
"Rahul, My wife and I are going to this shop where they repair clocks. My grandpa had gifted me an antique clock which needs some adjustments. Will you come along with us?"
"I don't understand Mr.Desai"
"Let me make you understand. I guess your watch too needs some adjustments."
Rahul realized what Mr.Desai was saying about. So he blurt out.
"I'm sorry Mr.Desai, I understand. I have been coming late to office. This will not happen again. Lately I am bit confused and disturbed. I'm really sorry."
Mr.Desai knew Rahul was a hard worker. But recently, Rahul kept coming late to office, which was annoying. However Rahul was excused. Later they started to talk about training which Rahul was going to give to the new hires who were joining the next day.
*
Rahul showed up early to office the next day. The new hires were waiting in the conference room. Rahul marched right in and began the training. As in all training, it started with the introductions. One by one the new hires started introducing themselves. Rahul kept listening, but his mind was occupied somewhere. Suddenly his mind stopped thinking. It went blank. "I am Ananya", kept vibrating in his ears. He looked at the girl. "Its her", his mind shouted "that's right", his heart leaped.
Rahul and Ananya were in the same high school. Ananya was a shy girl in school. Rahul too was a shy boy back then. He knew he had something for Ananya, but never got to admit it. After high school, both Rahul and Ananya moved to different colleges in different cities. Now Ananya worked in the same office as Rahul. He was thrilled.
*
Couple of months passed.
One day, Mehek showed up at Sameer’s desk.
“Where is Rahul”, she asked in commanding tone.
Sameer was lost in work, but when he heard Mehek’s voice, he froze. Sameer’s brain went blank. Whenever Mehek talked with Sameer, he went blank and he could never speak. Sameer had a crush on Mehek. Sameer always hesitated to express his feelings to Mehek. But as it always happens, Mehek liked Rahul. Rahul was interested in Mehek in the beginning, but now the as days passed by, he had lost interest.
“I guess he went somewhere”
“Where?”
“I don’t know. He just left”
“I knew it. He again went out with Ananya.”
Mehek left Sameer’s desk cursing Ananya. Sameer was lost in Mehek’s thoughts so he couldn’t hear what she was cursing. Ananya and Rahul had become good friends by now.
*
“Guess what!!”, Ananya said beaming with happiness.
“What is it”, Rahul jumped from his chair.
“My marriage has been fixed, next month.”
“Oh that’s great. Ah, I have a meeting with Mr.Desai right now. I’ll meet you later.”
“Sure”
Rahul darted out of office. Ananya’s words were echoing in his mind as it went berserk. He called Sameer and said he’s not feeling well and is going home. But instead of going home, he went to a nearby park. He sat there till evening cursing his life. By evening he made his mind, He couldn’t change anything now. He accepted the reality and decided to move on.
*
Rahul’s train of thoughts came to a halt, when his mobile started ringing. He checked the screen with half open eyes. He answered the call. He didn’t talk much, he kept repeating “hmm”, “ok” back to back.
“Ok I’ll tell him also. Bye”
"Who was that", Sameer asked.
“Everyone is getting married these days.”
“Another invitation I guess”
“I hate going to marriages. Useless people, have no other work.”
“Who is getting married this time?”
“Mehek”, Rahul said still lost in thoughts.
Sameer closed his eyes for few seconds. Took few deep breaths and slowly got up.
“Rahul, let’s get more beer”
