Chapter 14: Interlude
The next day was too hectic for me in the office to even exchange messages. My phone too did not beep at regular intervals. When I came back from office I found almost everybody had reached. Seeing me, they all started moving for lunch.
"Shouldn't we wait for Mallu sir and Chow sir? I asked Athlete.
"Oh no, they have gone out on detachment. They will be back only after two days."
I quietly followed with mixed feelings. One part of me felt hurt as to why I was not informed of his going. The other part reasoned it out saying that I was nobody but a junior in his life. Hence, there was no need for him to have
told me.
I reached my room, changed and was about to settle for an afternoon siesta when my phone beeped. Message from Mallu.
"Hi, sorry I could not tell you before I left. It all happened in a hurry."
I cannot tell you how happy I was to have seen that message. I typed.
"It is ok. Was a bit worried. Nice that you messaged."
"Worried!!!! why????"
I realized my blunder and quickly covered it up.
"With whom will I take coffee breaks now?"
"You have company there."
"Yes I do, but a company good for me is not here."
"Wait for two days then for company to become good for you."
"OK, sure. Am looking forward to resume coffee breaks."
"Bye for now. Have to get back to work."
"Bye. Take care."
Two days flew away like a cuckoo bird returning home. Exchange of messages continued and they always left a feel good factor behind. On the day he was supposed to come, I literally rushed back from work. My boss had thought I was going bonkers and the work pressure was getting on to my nerves...but then...I had a different story!!!!
I was expecting to see him amongst the others. He was not there.
"Where are Chow and Mallu?" asked Senorita.
"They will be returning tomorrow. Weather is bad over there," replied Brat.
I was disappointed, yet controlling my disappointment I had lunch and retired to my room. My phone beeped.
"Hi. Weather turned spoilsport. Save my coffee for tomorrow."
"Yes I will."
"I am really sorry to have disappointed you so."
"How do you know I am disappointed???"
I was amazed. Was this telepathy at work???
"I know you well. Anyways, I have a very good news to share."
"What is it?"
"I got promoted to the next level today. Now I need to work harder for my exam."
"That is really great!!! Congratulations. We will celebrate when you come."
"Thanks. I am looking forward to celebrating with you over a cup of coffee."
I felt so good.
The next day I reached late for lunch (I blamed my luck for it!!!). I saw his room unlocked. I badly wanted to rush in and say hello, but I refrained myself and went for lunch instead. When I came back and had changed, I heard a soft knock on my door. I opened the door and saw him standing there with a smile.
"Hi hope I did not disturb you?"
"No, not at all. Please come in. Coffee?"
"Sure."
I got down to making coffee while he took a look at my display board.
"You have not updated anything???"
"I did not feel like."
"Why?"
"I was not in a mood to do so."
Before he could question me any further or put me in a spot, I handed over a cup of hot coffee.
"Congratulations for your promotion."
"Thanks. How was your day, hectic as usual???"
"Yes, it was busy. Your tick off that day has worked wonders. I am able to cope up really well now."
He smiled.
"Do you have any plans for the evening."
I shook my head in response. I really had no plans.
"I am planning to go to the temple. Will you come along?"
"Yes of course."
"Get ready, we will set course straightaway."
"What about the others?"
"They are all busy enjoying their afternoon nap. I wanted to go on a drive with good company. Will you come?"
"Yes I will."
I did not know whether to take it as a sign that he too had started liking me. All I knew was that I was getting weaker at my knees day by day.
