Life till date has given surprises and shockers. I have never taken life that seriously. Surprises are welcome, always! but over the years I have learnt to accept the shocks also with equanimity. Since the acceptance of a particular situation comes soon, it doesnt create any havoc. So the moral of the story, is everything is in our hands.To make or break.. I choose to make rather than break anything. So I live by....
Just finished re-reading the Fountain Head. I held the book in awe 25 years back when I read it the first time. This time around since I knew what was coming, I concentrated on the details.
I am in awe of the author, Ayn Rand, who, in 1935 wrote something which is relevant even to this day, and will be so in the future too. I will need to read this book more times to understand exactly the philosophy of objectivism.
Roark in his last speech at the Corlandt trial, talks about an egotist and an altruist, individualism and collectivsm, and a creator and a second hander, comparing them in detail. This prompts the reader to find out about himself or herself, to try to put one's character in the above given slots.I think it is not easy to be a Roark.
Bank exam, CAIIB beckons and I bow humbly to the books which are going to be my companions for the next three months.
Not an easy task it is going to be, but needs to be done.
It helps, not to think of the future but to remain in the present moment.
Friday, March 02, 2012
Thursday, February 09, 2012
A slice of my day....
I finished my hectic work schedule today and boarded the bus, when my mobile beeped alerting me of an sms.. It was from,Jo my niece who had sent the sms to remind me to write in my blog, she said she misses talking to me, and through the blog,she gets to know what goes on in my head...Its quite funny, that today my blog has become my expression.
I share a beautiful relationship with her. I find lot of strength in her, now that she is the mother of two wonderful kids. I find her enjoying her motherhood just as I did. The kids are going to grow and before long will have their life to lead. It is only these moments when they are so dependent on you that you need to be with them and thrive in sharing the togetherness.
Being a mother, was my only identity. I enjoyed every bit of it, when nimi and simi were small ,when mohan was alive, and even after he left us, playing the roles of both dad and mom. It was tough sometimes, but inspiring all the same.
I think children are very observant of their parents. They imbibe values from them and live. If you have lived your life well, be rest assured your children will too. So, as the saying goes, Life is simple if you let it be....
I enjoy watching Jo's children, Mythri and Vivaan as they are growing. It is nice to see acceptance in Mythri of her brother. We find sibling rivalry in most homes, where the elder child gets jealous of the younger sibling, seeing all the attention they get. But I am happy to see that Mythri acts like a parent herself.
I am waiting to see, nimi and simi as mothers, wondering how they will tackle their life with children. But deep inside I know that they will be wonderful parents ,when they choose to have their own kids.
Thinking about all this, I didnt realise my bus had already reached my stop and I jumped outside....
Such is life....
I share a beautiful relationship with her. I find lot of strength in her, now that she is the mother of two wonderful kids. I find her enjoying her motherhood just as I did. The kids are going to grow and before long will have their life to lead. It is only these moments when they are so dependent on you that you need to be with them and thrive in sharing the togetherness.
Being a mother, was my only identity. I enjoyed every bit of it, when nimi and simi were small ,when mohan was alive, and even after he left us, playing the roles of both dad and mom. It was tough sometimes, but inspiring all the same.
I think children are very observant of their parents. They imbibe values from them and live. If you have lived your life well, be rest assured your children will too. So, as the saying goes, Life is simple if you let it be....
I enjoy watching Jo's children, Mythri and Vivaan as they are growing. It is nice to see acceptance in Mythri of her brother. We find sibling rivalry in most homes, where the elder child gets jealous of the younger sibling, seeing all the attention they get. But I am happy to see that Mythri acts like a parent herself.
I am waiting to see, nimi and simi as mothers, wondering how they will tackle their life with children. But deep inside I know that they will be wonderful parents ,when they choose to have their own kids.
Thinking about all this, I didnt realise my bus had already reached my stop and I jumped outside....
Such is life....
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Quotes that touched me....
Ayn Rand in her introduction to the 25th edition of the Great book,THE FOUNTAINHEAD said " Only Romanticism is the conceptual school of art. It deals not with the random trivia of the day, but with the timeless,fundamental, universal - problems and values of human existence. It does not record or photograph, it creates and projects. It is concerned in the words of Aristotle not with things as they are, but with things as they might be and ought to be.
she goes on to add..
"Exaltation" is usally taken to mean an emotional state evoked by contemplating the supernatural.
"Worship" means an emotional experience of loyalty and dedication to something higher than man.
"Reverence" means the emotion of a sacred respect, to be experienced on one's knees.
"Sacred" means superior to and not to be touched by any concerns of man or of this earth etc.
It is not in the nature of man- nor of any living entity- to start by giving up, by spitting in one's own face and damning existence:that requires a process of corruption whose rapidity differs from man to man. Some give up at the first touch of pressure,some sell out, some run down by imperceptible degrees and lose their fire, never knowing when or how they lost it. Then all of these vanish in the vast swamp of their elders who tell them persistently that
'maturity' consists of abandoning one's mind,
'Security' of abandoning one's values,
'Pracitality' of losing one's self esteem.
Yet a few hold on and move on knowing that , that fire is not to be betrayed.
I copied these lines on to the blog for the likes of my daughter NIMI to read and comprehend. We are students of life and such profound thoughts help us hold on to our life as it is, and give us courage to move on without giving up.
she goes on to add..
"Exaltation" is usally taken to mean an emotional state evoked by contemplating the supernatural.
"Worship" means an emotional experience of loyalty and dedication to something higher than man.
"Reverence" means the emotion of a sacred respect, to be experienced on one's knees.
"Sacred" means superior to and not to be touched by any concerns of man or of this earth etc.
It is not in the nature of man- nor of any living entity- to start by giving up, by spitting in one's own face and damning existence:that requires a process of corruption whose rapidity differs from man to man. Some give up at the first touch of pressure,some sell out, some run down by imperceptible degrees and lose their fire, never knowing when or how they lost it. Then all of these vanish in the vast swamp of their elders who tell them persistently that
'maturity' consists of abandoning one's mind,
'Security' of abandoning one's values,
'Pracitality' of losing one's self esteem.
Yet a few hold on and move on knowing that , that fire is not to be betrayed.
I copied these lines on to the blog for the likes of my daughter NIMI to read and comprehend. We are students of life and such profound thoughts help us hold on to our life as it is, and give us courage to move on without giving up.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
A True life story
They were in love. I would call them eternal lovers, George and Elsy. More than two scores of years of togetherness later,they set themselves as an example for the new generation,as to how two people can live, love and at the same time be happy. It is not a mean achievement. Happiness comes to those who choose to go after it. The price is acceptance, adjustment, and unconditional love.
Today as I write this,Elsy is alone. George has left her to a happier place called heaven. God chose to separate them one day. But then even this was accepted by Elsy, gracefully and I remained a mute witness. George was taken to the ICU that day as his condition worsened, and like a true soldier, Elsy sent him off, with her good bye. I think she knew that it was the last time she was going to see him alive. But sadly she could not hear his response as he was in a partial coma.
Elsy waited patiently in the room for news from ICU. I stayed with her holding her hand. By afternoon she heard that he was put in the ventilator when she held my hand more tightly, fully accepting the situation.The end came at 6.25pm and she put her head down amd silently wept. She didnt even want to meet him then for she said she would wait till her daughters arrived.
George was like RAJESH KHANNA, the eternal lover of the seventies and early eighties. He had a style of his own, and always used to hum the popular romantic hindi songs of that era with expressions.Elsy was his better-half in every sense of the word.The Chundadan house was always full of guests. One would find Elsy cooking the most delicious food effortlessly feeding the loved ones with much fervor.George and Elsy were much loved by their relatives and friends and they in turn did the same.
George was paralysed on his right side, and needed help from his wife for everything, even for being heard.His speech was affected when he was first struck with paralysis. I always used to wonder how Elsy alone understood his speech. The love and life that they shared helped her understand his mind too well. Even till the day he was hospitalised before the end came he was conducting his business of manufacturing foundry chemicals with the help of his wife, Elsy.
He was unable to sit or stand without help,but his mind was always very active. I used to see him looking for new avenues of business. I even told him that one day I would write his story of successful living and he beamed at me.
He was an enigma and I used to wonder where he was getting this enthusiasm for life from. Everytime he was hospitalised,we would find all his loved ones around him for days on end, giving him the much needed impetus to keep breathing.
We see all around us people vexed with the way life treated them, and here was a man who had everything going against him, but he wanted to live for ever. LOVE was fuelling his drive for life. He invested in love all his life and that alone proved to be the elixir of his life.
The day of the funeral, saw multitudes of friends and relatives thronging the house and church to bid goodbye to their old friend. The tearful farewell, was captured by the photographer to be stored as memories for Elsy to see when she was shedding a silent tear, alone, grieving in the Chundadan House.
I am sure they will meet around the bend and will continue their journey together in their coming lives.
Today as I write this,Elsy is alone. George has left her to a happier place called heaven. God chose to separate them one day. But then even this was accepted by Elsy, gracefully and I remained a mute witness. George was taken to the ICU that day as his condition worsened, and like a true soldier, Elsy sent him off, with her good bye. I think she knew that it was the last time she was going to see him alive. But sadly she could not hear his response as he was in a partial coma.
Elsy waited patiently in the room for news from ICU. I stayed with her holding her hand. By afternoon she heard that he was put in the ventilator when she held my hand more tightly, fully accepting the situation.The end came at 6.25pm and she put her head down amd silently wept. She didnt even want to meet him then for she said she would wait till her daughters arrived.
George was like RAJESH KHANNA, the eternal lover of the seventies and early eighties. He had a style of his own, and always used to hum the popular romantic hindi songs of that era with expressions.Elsy was his better-half in every sense of the word.The Chundadan house was always full of guests. One would find Elsy cooking the most delicious food effortlessly feeding the loved ones with much fervor.George and Elsy were much loved by their relatives and friends and they in turn did the same.
George was paralysed on his right side, and needed help from his wife for everything, even for being heard.His speech was affected when he was first struck with paralysis. I always used to wonder how Elsy alone understood his speech. The love and life that they shared helped her understand his mind too well. Even till the day he was hospitalised before the end came he was conducting his business of manufacturing foundry chemicals with the help of his wife, Elsy.
He was unable to sit or stand without help,but his mind was always very active. I used to see him looking for new avenues of business. I even told him that one day I would write his story of successful living and he beamed at me.
He was an enigma and I used to wonder where he was getting this enthusiasm for life from. Everytime he was hospitalised,we would find all his loved ones around him for days on end, giving him the much needed impetus to keep breathing.
We see all around us people vexed with the way life treated them, and here was a man who had everything going against him, but he wanted to live for ever. LOVE was fuelling his drive for life. He invested in love all his life and that alone proved to be the elixir of his life.
The day of the funeral, saw multitudes of friends and relatives thronging the house and church to bid goodbye to their old friend. The tearful farewell, was captured by the photographer to be stored as memories for Elsy to see when she was shedding a silent tear, alone, grieving in the Chundadan House.
I am sure they will meet around the bend and will continue their journey together in their coming lives.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Life in crisis mode-happens sometime.
My researcher daughter called me at an odd hour. Usually such calls come only in times of crisis. I saw the name of the caller, and immediatly became alert.Sure enough the crisis this time, was a review her students had given her.
She was a first time teacher, very passionate about the subject she was handling.The students were an interesting lot. There were some who were there in the class just to get the credit and some who were there for the love of science.
In the review,there were a few students who rated her as good but there were some who rated her not so good. It broke her heart and that was today's crisis.
I made her understand, the need to maintain equanimity in our dealings with people. The good and the bad need to be taken in the same detached manner. I told her to look at the negatives first and see if there was any scope for self improvement. The positives needed to be looked into, to assertain if she was worthy of that.
Maintaining an equal distance from both helps one to look at life, on the whole fairly.
My policy in life has been, to go with the other person initially, gain their confidence, and then give my point of view, rather than putting forth my point of view to be rejected outright.
She heard me, and I heard her sigh of relief.
Thankgod!!!!
She was a first time teacher, very passionate about the subject she was handling.The students were an interesting lot. There were some who were there in the class just to get the credit and some who were there for the love of science.
In the review,there were a few students who rated her as good but there were some who rated her not so good. It broke her heart and that was today's crisis.
I made her understand, the need to maintain equanimity in our dealings with people. The good and the bad need to be taken in the same detached manner. I told her to look at the negatives first and see if there was any scope for self improvement. The positives needed to be looked into, to assertain if she was worthy of that.
Maintaining an equal distance from both helps one to look at life, on the whole fairly.
My policy in life has been, to go with the other person initially, gain their confidence, and then give my point of view, rather than putting forth my point of view to be rejected outright.
She heard me, and I heard her sigh of relief.
Thankgod!!!!
Necessity of speaking lies.
The topic is a controversial one.
I think there won't be any one in this world who would never have lied to anyone.All the same, it is slightly irritating if someone blatently lies to you all the time.
I have a friend who does this. It becomes clear to me even when the lie is being told that it is so. But I remain a mute spectator. Its a strange feeling. The lies are harmless, but it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. But the so called smart person, is such a fool that, he doesnt credit any intelligence to me.
I feel quite bad, at the same time feel sorry that it is a compulsion for my poor friend.
We meet such people all the time. It is not possible to change them. So the best way is to ignore them.
I think there won't be any one in this world who would never have lied to anyone.All the same, it is slightly irritating if someone blatently lies to you all the time.
I have a friend who does this. It becomes clear to me even when the lie is being told that it is so. But I remain a mute spectator. Its a strange feeling. The lies are harmless, but it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. But the so called smart person, is such a fool that, he doesnt credit any intelligence to me.
I feel quite bad, at the same time feel sorry that it is a compulsion for my poor friend.
We meet such people all the time. It is not possible to change them. So the best way is to ignore them.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Importance of living
Today I learnt a lesson of living from my old mother. I always felt, I had enough of living in my 50years.Having finished the responsibilities of educating, marrying the girls etc, I am ready to leave the world,when my call comes as I have no desires left.
I see my mother (82 years), thinking about the next meal, planning and helping in execution of the same. She waits longingly for the meal times and eats moderately and that ofcourse shows in her health also.
Unlike her daughters', she has no ailments and even her teeth at this age are intact. She loves life to this day and that shows in her being.
I think I must take a lesson or two from her life's pages.
The other day I read the book, Secret letters from the Monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma. One of the letters had a teaching about" Leaving behind a legacy"
What the author wanted to say was that, one has to leave one's foot print on this world when one leaves for the future generations.I found this to be a profound thought for the likes of me who are so ready to leave this earth.
We think of going away from this world, when there is so much to be dealt with. Even if we can reach out and do some thing or touch one life, that is a step towards the goal of leaving footprints.
I am going to take this seriously as I want to leave my foot print.
I see my mother (82 years), thinking about the next meal, planning and helping in execution of the same. She waits longingly for the meal times and eats moderately and that ofcourse shows in her health also.
Unlike her daughters', she has no ailments and even her teeth at this age are intact. She loves life to this day and that shows in her being.
I think I must take a lesson or two from her life's pages.
The other day I read the book, Secret letters from the Monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma. One of the letters had a teaching about" Leaving behind a legacy"
What the author wanted to say was that, one has to leave one's foot print on this world when one leaves for the future generations.I found this to be a profound thought for the likes of me who are so ready to leave this earth.
We think of going away from this world, when there is so much to be dealt with. Even if we can reach out and do some thing or touch one life, that is a step towards the goal of leaving footprints.
I am going to take this seriously as I want to leave my foot print.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Romance amidst serious banking (short story)
Manish was upset with the weather. What a nuisense he thought.The rains were creating havoc outside,but that did not deter his enthusiasm for work.He was a banker by profession,30years old and single.He was recently transferred from his home town where he had a very happy home with loving parents and a house full of relatives. He was much loved but here in the city he felt quite lonely.
It was love at first sight for Manish. He was the manager of the bank where the pretty 25 year old Divya joined recently. She was very bubbly and smart, and soon became the apple of everyone's eye, with her zeal for work and helping tendency.Naturally her popularity with customers and staff reached the ears of the manager also.
The staff of the branch, about 9 in numbers were an interesting lot.
The senior supervisor Mr.Wadhwa was a bald and short fellow who was interested more in chewing pan parag than his own work. As a result whenever he opened his mouth to speak he would shower the listener with pan parag lazed saliva.Every one preferred to talk to him over the intercom,although he was not aware of the reason. Wadhwa also had a weakness for women. He would approach the computer operators, Latha and Sudha for giving them the work sheet every morning. The girls were so smart they used to open the drawers of their table open so that he couldn't get close. They shared the secret with the new recruit Divya and thus saved her from the hunter Wadhwa.
The other interesting character in the branch was the peon Sharma. He was a quiet person glued to the despatch table where his job was to write addresses on the covers before despatch. On the last day of the month when the salary was credited to the account there was a rush near his table. First the staff were not aware of the reason for the rush. Later through the grapewine they heard that the quiet Sharma had two wives and the crowd around his table on the salary day,were none other than his wives and their respective children. The staff nick named him Stud Sharma.
Since the recruitment started in banks, there were two more new recruits who joined the Bank, along with Divya. They were Nikhil and Pravin. Both were financial executives who had done their MBA recently and got placed through the campus placement. The boys were handling lot of customers, but were in trouble most of the time as they didnt know the work and were not trained. Sudha and Latha used to help them. Thus the new recruits and the old staff became good friends in no time.
The cashier of the branch was Mr Prasanna. He was a senior clerk, but a jolly good fellow and used to enjoy the jokes and pranks the others played on him. Mr Prasanna was a bachelor and had a secret crush on Sudha who was a happily married lady. She was friendly and helpful and used to bring lunch for Prasanna most of the days. This kindness made her special for Prasanna who used to enjoy the lip smacking dishes that Sudha shared with him.He also had the pictures of the picnic that the staff went to, on his PC and used to secretly watch them in his spare time. This was known to all the staff and all of them used to tease him about his hobby.
The customers of the branch were quite demanding. They refused to stand in the queue for getting cash and demanded immediate attention. However much the staff tried, they would always have some complaint from customers. This was going on till the arrival of Divya. She had a way with the customers. She would smile and welcome the customers, everytime she saw one in front of her. Her smile would warm the angry customer in no time. Also she was very attentive to their banking needs.
It was in the midst of all this, that a new love story would emerge in the coming days.
Manish pressed the bell for calling the peon. He wanted to see the new recruit Ms Divya. Divya entered the cabin very happily as was her disposition at all times. Manish couldnt help but smile looking at her.
He asked her to sit. As soon as she sat, Manish didnt waste any time in praising her about her work. She was quite taken aback at the direct praise from the big boss.
Divya came out of the cabin blushing and happy. Sudha and Latha exchanged glances with Nikhil and Pravin. All four of them saw red seeing her radiant face. They teased her about Manish all the afternoon. Divya tried to escape but couldn't do anything about it.
Manish on the other hand was not aware of what was going on, and felt let down by himself as he couldn't do much to tell Divya about his feelings for her. He thought he would play the waiting game for some time. Mean while he would try and send some other signals to her.
The branch office had a music system, which played instrumental music at all times during the banking hours. Manish suddenly had an idea. He got some romantic hindi songs cd from home and kept it with him for use later.
It was saturday, a half day for the staff of the bank.The ladies of the branch,used to leave a bit earlier than the men. Divya finished the work for the day and locked her things in the drawer and was just leaving, when suddenly she heard the song...Abhi na jao chodke, ke dil abhi bhara nahi, Abhi abhi tho aayi ho, Bahar banke chaayi ho...she was startled for it was the first time the music system in the office played hindi song. She knew that the controls were at the manager's cabin, and her eyes went to the cabin and met Manish's waiting eyes. He smiled then, and she blushed.Sudha and Latha who were following her couldnt help but notice the exchange, and couldnt wait to tell the rest of the gang.
Meanwhile Divya was angry with herself for blushing in front of everyone. But she couldn't help it. She left the branch hurridly, but she didnt miss the laughter that followed her exit from the other collegues.
Monday, saw Divya entering the branch cautiously. She was quite nervous, for she felt the aftermath of saturday's foolish episode. She quietly sat at her table and started her work.Today she was not her usual smiling self. She was quite nervous, lest everyone teased her. She was quite shy to look at her collegues faces.Manish on the other hand had reached the branch earlier than usual and was waiting for Divya. He saw Divya entering the branch reluctantly and instantly knew that his ploy had worked. He was quite excited. The day went by pretty soon and the work load kept the staff on their toes. Divya didnt leave her seat, even during lunch time, and was not seen by many that day. Manish missed seeing her flying form, which was a usual treat which he waited to see.
Mr. Wadhwa was wondering about the quiet branch and decided to enquire with Divya the reason for her silence. As soon as he reached Divya immediatly opened the drawers and stood up. Divya quitely explained that she had a head ache. Mr Wadhwa left, but the fearsome foursome wouldnt take her excuse seriously. They started teasing her about the previous evening's meaningful song.Even Mr. Sharma had a word of praise for the choice of song that Manish played. All of them were waiting secretly for the song of the day,but wouldnt open their mouth lest the entertainment stopped.
At 5 PM the banking hours were over and the staff were more relaxed,when suddenly the music system started playing ''Thoo chupi hai kahan...Main tadapta yehan. There bin feeka feeka hai mera jaahan..Thoo chupi hai kahan main tadapta yahan....."There was a roar of laughter at some counters.The staff were happy today as Manish had chosen an apt song for the mood of the day, which was "melancholy".Divya was shocked to hear the song.but quietly put her head down.She finished her work for the day and left the branch. She had just reached the bus stop, when she heard the sound of a horn and looked back. It was Manish. She immediatly stood back and was quite afraid and tensed. Manish got out of the car and headed towards Divya. He asked her if he could give her a lift. She declined. He quitely went back and drove away. She was happy that he didnt insist.
Divya actually liked Manish for various reasons. First of all, she felt he was a good manager, an upwardly mobile officer of the Bank who had the best interest of the Bank in his heart. He was good with the staff and respected each one of them, young and old, without bothering at what level they were working. He was liked by one and all and Divya almost everyday used to hear the staff complimenting that by far he was the best manager of the branch.
She was secretly enjoying the attention, she was getting from Manish. and also liked the songs that he was playing.
Next day saw Divya and the other staff of the branch waiting for 5 PM to know what song Manish would play that day.
Any guesses???
Well! it was..Mere Dil mein aaj kya hai...tu kahe to main bata doo..Tere zulf phir sawaroo, Theri maang phir sajadoo..Upon hearing the song, the staff decided that things were more serious than they thought. So they let DIvya go scot free, and decided to wait and see the reaction quietly.Divya blushed at that instant. She secretly looked at the cabin while leaving the office, and saw Manish looking at her intently. She left the branch hurridly.At the bus stop, today she was not waiting for the bus, but for the one person, whom she wanted to meet.Before long, she heard the sound of the horn and at once saw Manish walking towards her. She looked at him and smiled. This time, when Manish offered to drop her, she didnt decline. She went with him and he opened the passenger door for her. She got in and he closed the door for her. Only then did he go to his seat and started the car.Divya was at a loss for words and kept quiet. Manish also was tongue tied. Atlast he broke the silence and asked her where she lived. She gave him the directions. Shyly Manish asked if she liked the songs that he played for her. She answered in the affirmative.He was overjoyed to hear her answer.
In two weeks time, Manish's parents approached Divya's parents and put forth the proposal of marriage of their son with Divya. There was no resistance, as Manish was considered a good catch by Divya's parents. As both were working in the same bank, and would be transferred together wherever they went. More than anything, Manish was very handsome and a successful banker.
Divya was very scared to enter the branch that day as she was supposed to disclose the news about her wedding to the staff. Manish and Divya both had managed to keep the progress in their relation ship a secret till date. Although the staff were suspicious of their friendliness, they didn't think things would develop so fast. They didnt know what a smooth operator Manish was. He didnt want to waste anytime in hooking the best looking girl, lest the other guys had any idea.
There was a thunderous applause as the news reached the ears of the staff like wildfire. The staff and customers both were happy for the lovely couple. Manish heard the sound of clapping and came out of the cabin to enquire the reason for the celebration. Just then, Mr Wadhwa went to him and congratulated him for the wedding announcement,followed by the foursome,Mr Prasad and Sharma.Divya was quietly enjoying all the attention and praise.
Manish and Divya were married in a few days. All the members of the staff and most of the customers graced the occasion and shared in their happiness. They even danced in the barat as they felt they belonged to both the bride and groom's side.After the last guest left,Manish and Divya heaved a sigh of relief. Atlast they were one and alone.
The newly weds soon left for their honeymoon.
Mr. Wadhwa the acting manager of the branch, was eating pan parag and sloppily doing his job. The excitement was over, and the foursome and the rest of the staff, quitely went about doing their work.
Nikhil and Pravin were day dreaming that, soon they would also meet the girl of their dreams.Prasanna was as usual dreaming about his Madam Sudha.
There was a melancholic turn in this story.
Alas! as per the bank rules, both husband and wife cannot work in the same branch. So one of them, either Divya or Manish was sure to be transferred out of the branch. Either way, the branch staff are at a loss, as they cannot hear the romantic songs of yester years in the branch after work.
It was love at first sight for Manish. He was the manager of the bank where the pretty 25 year old Divya joined recently. She was very bubbly and smart, and soon became the apple of everyone's eye, with her zeal for work and helping tendency.Naturally her popularity with customers and staff reached the ears of the manager also.
The staff of the branch, about 9 in numbers were an interesting lot.
The senior supervisor Mr.Wadhwa was a bald and short fellow who was interested more in chewing pan parag than his own work. As a result whenever he opened his mouth to speak he would shower the listener with pan parag lazed saliva.Every one preferred to talk to him over the intercom,although he was not aware of the reason. Wadhwa also had a weakness for women. He would approach the computer operators, Latha and Sudha for giving them the work sheet every morning. The girls were so smart they used to open the drawers of their table open so that he couldn't get close. They shared the secret with the new recruit Divya and thus saved her from the hunter Wadhwa.
The other interesting character in the branch was the peon Sharma. He was a quiet person glued to the despatch table where his job was to write addresses on the covers before despatch. On the last day of the month when the salary was credited to the account there was a rush near his table. First the staff were not aware of the reason for the rush. Later through the grapewine they heard that the quiet Sharma had two wives and the crowd around his table on the salary day,were none other than his wives and their respective children. The staff nick named him Stud Sharma.
Since the recruitment started in banks, there were two more new recruits who joined the Bank, along with Divya. They were Nikhil and Pravin. Both were financial executives who had done their MBA recently and got placed through the campus placement. The boys were handling lot of customers, but were in trouble most of the time as they didnt know the work and were not trained. Sudha and Latha used to help them. Thus the new recruits and the old staff became good friends in no time.
The cashier of the branch was Mr Prasanna. He was a senior clerk, but a jolly good fellow and used to enjoy the jokes and pranks the others played on him. Mr Prasanna was a bachelor and had a secret crush on Sudha who was a happily married lady. She was friendly and helpful and used to bring lunch for Prasanna most of the days. This kindness made her special for Prasanna who used to enjoy the lip smacking dishes that Sudha shared with him.He also had the pictures of the picnic that the staff went to, on his PC and used to secretly watch them in his spare time. This was known to all the staff and all of them used to tease him about his hobby.
The customers of the branch were quite demanding. They refused to stand in the queue for getting cash and demanded immediate attention. However much the staff tried, they would always have some complaint from customers. This was going on till the arrival of Divya. She had a way with the customers. She would smile and welcome the customers, everytime she saw one in front of her. Her smile would warm the angry customer in no time. Also she was very attentive to their banking needs.
It was in the midst of all this, that a new love story would emerge in the coming days.
Manish pressed the bell for calling the peon. He wanted to see the new recruit Ms Divya. Divya entered the cabin very happily as was her disposition at all times. Manish couldnt help but smile looking at her.
He asked her to sit. As soon as she sat, Manish didnt waste any time in praising her about her work. She was quite taken aback at the direct praise from the big boss.
Divya came out of the cabin blushing and happy. Sudha and Latha exchanged glances with Nikhil and Pravin. All four of them saw red seeing her radiant face. They teased her about Manish all the afternoon. Divya tried to escape but couldn't do anything about it.
Manish on the other hand was not aware of what was going on, and felt let down by himself as he couldn't do much to tell Divya about his feelings for her. He thought he would play the waiting game for some time. Mean while he would try and send some other signals to her.
The branch office had a music system, which played instrumental music at all times during the banking hours. Manish suddenly had an idea. He got some romantic hindi songs cd from home and kept it with him for use later.
It was saturday, a half day for the staff of the bank.The ladies of the branch,used to leave a bit earlier than the men. Divya finished the work for the day and locked her things in the drawer and was just leaving, when suddenly she heard the song...Abhi na jao chodke, ke dil abhi bhara nahi, Abhi abhi tho aayi ho, Bahar banke chaayi ho...she was startled for it was the first time the music system in the office played hindi song. She knew that the controls were at the manager's cabin, and her eyes went to the cabin and met Manish's waiting eyes. He smiled then, and she blushed.Sudha and Latha who were following her couldnt help but notice the exchange, and couldnt wait to tell the rest of the gang.
Meanwhile Divya was angry with herself for blushing in front of everyone. But she couldn't help it. She left the branch hurridly, but she didnt miss the laughter that followed her exit from the other collegues.
Monday, saw Divya entering the branch cautiously. She was quite nervous, for she felt the aftermath of saturday's foolish episode. She quietly sat at her table and started her work.Today she was not her usual smiling self. She was quite nervous, lest everyone teased her. She was quite shy to look at her collegues faces.Manish on the other hand had reached the branch earlier than usual and was waiting for Divya. He saw Divya entering the branch reluctantly and instantly knew that his ploy had worked. He was quite excited. The day went by pretty soon and the work load kept the staff on their toes. Divya didnt leave her seat, even during lunch time, and was not seen by many that day. Manish missed seeing her flying form, which was a usual treat which he waited to see.
Mr. Wadhwa was wondering about the quiet branch and decided to enquire with Divya the reason for her silence. As soon as he reached Divya immediatly opened the drawers and stood up. Divya quitely explained that she had a head ache. Mr Wadhwa left, but the fearsome foursome wouldnt take her excuse seriously. They started teasing her about the previous evening's meaningful song.Even Mr. Sharma had a word of praise for the choice of song that Manish played. All of them were waiting secretly for the song of the day,but wouldnt open their mouth lest the entertainment stopped.
At 5 PM the banking hours were over and the staff were more relaxed,when suddenly the music system started playing ''Thoo chupi hai kahan...Main tadapta yehan. There bin feeka feeka hai mera jaahan..Thoo chupi hai kahan main tadapta yahan....."There was a roar of laughter at some counters.The staff were happy today as Manish had chosen an apt song for the mood of the day, which was "melancholy".Divya was shocked to hear the song.but quietly put her head down.She finished her work for the day and left the branch. She had just reached the bus stop, when she heard the sound of a horn and looked back. It was Manish. She immediatly stood back and was quite afraid and tensed. Manish got out of the car and headed towards Divya. He asked her if he could give her a lift. She declined. He quitely went back and drove away. She was happy that he didnt insist.
Divya actually liked Manish for various reasons. First of all, she felt he was a good manager, an upwardly mobile officer of the Bank who had the best interest of the Bank in his heart. He was good with the staff and respected each one of them, young and old, without bothering at what level they were working. He was liked by one and all and Divya almost everyday used to hear the staff complimenting that by far he was the best manager of the branch.
She was secretly enjoying the attention, she was getting from Manish. and also liked the songs that he was playing.
Next day saw Divya and the other staff of the branch waiting for 5 PM to know what song Manish would play that day.
Any guesses???
Well! it was..Mere Dil mein aaj kya hai...tu kahe to main bata doo..Tere zulf phir sawaroo, Theri maang phir sajadoo..Upon hearing the song, the staff decided that things were more serious than they thought. So they let DIvya go scot free, and decided to wait and see the reaction quietly.Divya blushed at that instant. She secretly looked at the cabin while leaving the office, and saw Manish looking at her intently. She left the branch hurridly.At the bus stop, today she was not waiting for the bus, but for the one person, whom she wanted to meet.Before long, she heard the sound of the horn and at once saw Manish walking towards her. She looked at him and smiled. This time, when Manish offered to drop her, she didnt decline. She went with him and he opened the passenger door for her. She got in and he closed the door for her. Only then did he go to his seat and started the car.Divya was at a loss for words and kept quiet. Manish also was tongue tied. Atlast he broke the silence and asked her where she lived. She gave him the directions. Shyly Manish asked if she liked the songs that he played for her. She answered in the affirmative.He was overjoyed to hear her answer.
In two weeks time, Manish's parents approached Divya's parents and put forth the proposal of marriage of their son with Divya. There was no resistance, as Manish was considered a good catch by Divya's parents. As both were working in the same bank, and would be transferred together wherever they went. More than anything, Manish was very handsome and a successful banker.
Divya was very scared to enter the branch that day as she was supposed to disclose the news about her wedding to the staff. Manish and Divya both had managed to keep the progress in their relation ship a secret till date. Although the staff were suspicious of their friendliness, they didn't think things would develop so fast. They didnt know what a smooth operator Manish was. He didnt want to waste anytime in hooking the best looking girl, lest the other guys had any idea.
There was a thunderous applause as the news reached the ears of the staff like wildfire. The staff and customers both were happy for the lovely couple. Manish heard the sound of clapping and came out of the cabin to enquire the reason for the celebration. Just then, Mr Wadhwa went to him and congratulated him for the wedding announcement,followed by the foursome,Mr Prasad and Sharma.Divya was quietly enjoying all the attention and praise.
Manish and Divya were married in a few days. All the members of the staff and most of the customers graced the occasion and shared in their happiness. They even danced in the barat as they felt they belonged to both the bride and groom's side.After the last guest left,Manish and Divya heaved a sigh of relief. Atlast they were one and alone.
The newly weds soon left for their honeymoon.
Mr. Wadhwa the acting manager of the branch, was eating pan parag and sloppily doing his job. The excitement was over, and the foursome and the rest of the staff, quitely went about doing their work.
Nikhil and Pravin were day dreaming that, soon they would also meet the girl of their dreams.Prasanna was as usual dreaming about his Madam Sudha.
There was a melancholic turn in this story.
Alas! as per the bank rules, both husband and wife cannot work in the same branch. So one of them, either Divya or Manish was sure to be transferred out of the branch. Either way, the branch staff are at a loss, as they cannot hear the romantic songs of yester years in the branch after work.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)