C11 SHE CALL ME
Next morning, as soon as I reached office, Tiwari ji welcomed me with a box of sweets (laddos). I thought maybe it was his or some office staff’s birthday. I took one laddoo and asked –
“What’s up Tiwari ji? Everybody looks very happy.”
“Yes, there is something special.”
“Is it somebody’s birthday?” I asked.
Everybody around started laughing. I couldn’t understand anything. Tiwari ji showed me the company’s magazine.
“Whose article is this, Aarav?” he asked.
When I saw the article, I thought they had all gone mad. It was my article – why were they showing it to me?
“This is my article, Tiwari ji, but why is laddoo being distributed?”
“It is because the boss has liked your article immensely. He has asked the staff to celebrate it. Because of this article, many sponsors are approaching us. And yes… take this… reward for your work.” He said, handing me five thousand rupees. I was really happy that people had liked my work and boss had also given me money. The first thought which came to my mind was that Rihana was lucky for me. I thought of giving her a gift from this money. I had got a job after meeting her and now my work was being appreciated.
Our office guard was standing in front of me. I could see happiness in the eyes of this sixty year old man wearing blue dress. His dress was ok, but his shoes were torn. I wanted to do something for him. I called him near and said –
“Uncle, I can see happiness in your eyes, which, if my father was alive, would have been in his eyes.”
“There is a reason for happiness. We are all happy. I am also happy.”
I gave him thousand rupees from my reward money.
“You are a father figure for me. Please accept this from my side, as your child. I would be very happy if you buy shoes from this.”
He hesitated a bit. But when Tiwari ji and others also encouraged him, he took the money. He had tears of happiness in his eyes as he hugged me.
“You have a huge heart, son. May God give you more success.”
The staff returned to their work, just me and Tiwari ji were left. He put his hands on my shoulder and said –
“Aarav, you are as good a human being, as you are a writer.”
“You are also a very good human being, Sir. All this is because of you. If you had not supported me, I would not have been in this company.” I said.
“You have proved that you are worthy of working here. The boss has never praised anyone so much, as he has praised you. Now you also go back to your work, I also have to go out somewhere.”
Tiwari ji left the office and I also returned to my work.
At night, as I was working on my Novel, I thought about my relationship with Rihana. I was really stupid. Rihana had given me so many opportunities to convey my feelings, but I had kept on avoiding it. I was too afraid of rejection. Suddenly my phone started ringing. It was Rihana.
“Hullo Aarav. I hope I have not disturbed you.”
“Oh no, nothing like that.” I said.
“What are you doing?”
“Working on the Novel. And you?”
“Watching a movie… just killing time.” She said.
“Oh… which movie?”
“Dil to paagal hai. I love this movie.”
I wished I could tell her that my heart was also crazy about her. But I just said, I also liked the movie.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you… are you free tomorrow?”
I was not free, but I lied.
“Yes, I am free. Is there any work?”
“Actually, tomorrow I am going to see Qutub Minar with my friends. If you are free and could come along with us, it would be really great.” She said.
I thought, God was also helping me. He had given me another chance to share my heart’s secret with her. Though I still thought that if I could not say those words to her when we were alone, how could I say it when she was with her friends…
“Ok, I will come.”
“Thanks Aarav. I will reach Green Park metro station at 2 pm tomorrow. Let’s meet there.”
“Ok. I will be there.”
“Great. Now you work, see you tomorrow. Bye.” She disconnected the call.
I folded my hands and thanked God.
“Please God. Give me courage to open my heart to Rihana. I will offer prasad of 101 rupees to you.”
I know it is wrong to bribe God, but it is fair in love.
