AADAT ~ Kshiteej Kabra

CHAPTER 3

"Is this the kind of work, you are supposed to be doing at Infosys?"

"This will not be tolerated. And yes, Ayesha - remember to keep your records correct!"

These words, which Shekhar sir yelled, were indeed disappointing and disheartening for a new employee, who has just completed 3 weeks of employment at his office.

"I am sorry Sir" I left.

Nevertheless, I was disheartened, as I opened the door of his cabin, kept the file on my seat and walked towards the washroom - preferably trying to ignore the sight of my other colleagues, who were actually staring at me.

At that point of time, for one instance - I glared at Abhi, but he was the only one, who was not looking at me.

Well, I accept that I had made a mistake in my records but the mistake wasn't huge enough that he would be scolding me, so loudly in front of everyone.

Just because, Shekhar Sir was previously angry at someone on the phone call, he vented out his frustration on my mistake, which was definitely incorrect.

Later in the day, while we had our evening break, there were 3 to 4 girls, around my table with Shreya sitting beside me.

Kabir, Anand and Rohit were also near us, with Kabir speaking and consoling me with the same words.

"Guys, but aaj kal - Shekhar sir, thode zyada hi bhadak rahe hain. But chill kar Ayesha, we will help you with the work" the last words of Kabir, while he was looking at Ayesha.

Just then, the MAN (Mr. Abhimanyu Mantri) of the office walked towards us - "Guys, I am going to the canteen so anybody up for tea/coffee?"

"Kabira - teri black coffee aaj available nahi hain"

"And Shreya - filter coffee?"

At one point of time, I actually thought that Shreya blushed at the fact, that Abhi asked her for coffee - because it was evident that Shreya liked Mr. Mantri - but Mr. Mantri did not pay any heed to it.

"NO, thank you Abhi" Shreya answered, although we were not expecting an answer from her, at this point of time.

"Yaar Abhi, tere sir aaj-kal bohat zyada hi kar rahe hain.

Plus work load bhi badh raha hain, kuch bol na unko" spoke Rohit.

"Kaun - Shekhar sir?" - Abhimanyu.

"Toh aur kaun, tune dekha nahi kya, aaj kaise bola tha Ayesha ko. Aur 4-5 din pehle, mujhpe bhi chilaaya tha, for no reason." Spoke Anand, adding his point against sir, as well.

"Look...4-5 din pehle kya reason tha, mujhe nahi pata. Haan, aur rahi baat aaj ki - toh I accept ki he got extra angry - but thike yaar - kaam ka pressure hain aur thodi galti apni bhi toh thi." He gave a justification to the girl sitting in front of him - ME.

"Hey Abhi...I mean Abhimanyu, I hope you don't mind, calling you ABHI" I got up from my chair, standing in front of him, in an attitude stance.

"Nope. I don't. Please continue." He spoke with a smirk on his face.

"Look Abhi. It's not about him scolding me or anyone - on the mistakes we committed. It's about how large he is scolding for a mistake which is small." I looked around, as my colleagues agreed to my point.

"2 things to add on, if you allow me, Ayesha" that "Ayesha" which he spoke, was indeed attractive. I simply gave a nod - with a little attitude, after all he was counter-attacking my points.