chapter 16

Chapter 16The expert ego masseurThey waited outside for Chintan to finish paying. He stepped out, stuffing his wallet into his pocket, and the group started walking towards the office. Anu heard the cynic addressing her, “We all know what a hard worker you are… I intended that comment as a joke, but it came out sounding bad. I am sorry.”She was surprised but nodded graciously.“We all know that,” she heard Chintan say as he came up to them. He put an arm around the cynic and said, “We all have bad days…today seems to be yours. Is something bothering you?”The three fell back as the others split into twos and threes, walking at their own pace, chatting animatedly. The cynic shrugged. “Not any worse than other days.”Anu laughed and said, “Stop taking life so seriously!”“You are right. Having your old man call you good for nothing is hardly a serious matter,” he said, unable to control his cynical tongue. Then he glanced at Chintan and thanking him for the lunch, walked away.They gazed at the form walking quickly away from them, then looked at each other. “Troubled soul,” Chintan muttered and shrugged. “You were transported to some place back there?”She nodded. “To Sikkim.”“You went there recently?”She shook her head. “Our last holiday as a family some 12-13 years back. I have very fond memories of the place.” She glanced at him and said, “My father passed away soon after that, and life hasn’t been the same since then.”“I am sorry,” Chintan said quietly. She felt a tremor in her heart, the kindness and concern in his tone touching her deep inside. She lifted her chin, trying defiantly to fight being drawn to him. They had reached the office, but he paused outside. “Is that what you meant – why you need to work?”She nodded, and embarrassed at having revealed so much without intending to, walked in silently. Chintan followed her in and they were about to resume the discussion with the design and marketing teams, when Anu was called away by Mr. Arya.Apprehensively, she glanced at Chintan, and seeing him nod reassuringly at her, continued on her way.Mr. Arya never smiled, never greeted, and today was no exception. He never offered a seat, and today was no exception to that either. But he always looked at you straight, and today, he didn’t.“The role you are taking up is one of great responsibility,” he said. “In addition to content for the microsites, you will also have to look at other services we can offer the clients.” He glanced up to see if he had her attention. “For that, I am going to give you a promotion and a hike. I have spoken to the HR department. From this month, I will give you a hike of 15%.” He smiled at her, to accept the look of gratitude he expected she would have on her face.However, she disappointed him. She felt horrified, and it was with great difficulty that she kept her face neutral. She didn’t know how to reject the offer, for she realised she had not been given a choice. With a bland, “Thank you,” she stood straight, hoping she could leave the place soon.Cut up by her lukewarm response, he said, “Hope you have got your act ready,”  and with a wave of his hand, dismissed her.Anu left the room, her head hung low, and her spirits lower still.When she rejoined the discussion, Chintan looked at her expectantly. With a sinking feeling, she realised it was Chintan’s doing. And she felt miserable that she couldn’t share his enthusiasm. Her eyes met his eager ones, and then she looked away, fearing she would disappoint him.