Diminutives

Desperado - Part 1

"What going on with you?', Siya slammed the files on Ridhima's desk, "This is the third time today. How could you make such blunders again and again?". Ridhima groaned and looked up from her laptop, giving Siya now a change to notice her visage, "Hangover? What's the reason today?". "Kabir broke up with me", Ridhima replied, "over a text". Kabir was another good-for-nothing boyfriend who was leeching on Ridhima. If Siya was in her place, she would have been happy with the breakup. Siya was relieved but understood her friend's predicament. It is disappointing to get dumped over a text. Siya forcefully took her to coffee corner, to lift her mood.

"Chill Ridhsi", Siya consoled, "If I may say, then it is good riddance". Ridhima smiled at her. "Next time get a decent guy. Be a bit more selective", Siya rebuked her, "I wonder how you always end up with such douchebags. You deserve better". Ridhima smirked, "Better? Easy for a girl like you who is a pampered princess of her family. Any man will prefer you over an orphan like me. If by chance you don't find a man, then your father will find a good match for you. But what will I do?". Her voice quivered with sadness. Siya became compassionate, "It's okay, Buddy. You will find Mr.Right soon". "When??", she spread her hands in the air, "I am already passed my prime age. Most of my friends of my age are all married and settled with kids. While I am still in search for a steady boyfriend".

Siya knew her friend too well. Even though Ridhima was senior to her and they knew eachother recently, they have quickly stuck friendship in no time. Despite her modern outlook, Ridhima is a simple girl. She craved to have a family, relish in love and safety of a home. Her younger days were spend in studies and then to earn a stable job. Afterwards when she started to look out for a partner, she realised the world is full of hypocrites. Many were attracted to her but she was not their typical marriage material. Those who pursued a relationship, sadly were opportunists. "Hey, relax", Siya comforted her, "you will find the one made for you soon". "When? Once I hit the bucket", she sighed, "I am not getting any younger". "So? It doesn't mean you will settle with a bad guy like Kabir", Siya reasoned with her.

Both ladies stood rigid as they sensed presence of their boss, Mr Vihaan Singhania. Being a gentleman, he gave them a curt nod of acknowledgement when they greeted him. As usual, he made small talks with them and others before taking his coffee. "Humility is a virtue", Siya praised him, "Our boss is so down to earth to mingle with us. He could have easily asked his secretary to prepare coffee for him". "Yeah, he has a nice personality", Ridhima agreed. 

Siya looked at her critically, "Learn from him. He is older than you and lost his family. But he is living his life joyfully rather than complaining being single or hitting on wrong women". Ridhima rolled her eyes, "It's different for guys. Besides, he is not a nobody like me but heir of a rich family". Siya had to agree. Mr Singhania was a wrong example. Their boss was single by choice, else there were many women drooling over him just to get a glance of him. But he was never involved in any scandal and lived his life peacefully. 

"Why don't you date Vihaan Sir ?", Siya wiggled her eyebrows naughtily. Ridhima glared and sipped her coffee. She could only blame Siya's immaturity and romantic nature for such a preposterous suggestion. When Siya nudged her again, she replied firmly, "I told you many times Siya, he is way out of my league. No way he will be interested in a woman like me. Rather than making a fool out of myself, I will gain nothing". "Then what if, he proposes to you?", Siya asked curiously. Ridhima got furious, "Then he will definitely fall out of grace in my eyes. Because he will be added to list of those bosses who harasses poor women employees for their own pleasure". "But Vihaan Sir is not like that", Siya got defensive. "Thankfully", Ridhima agreed, "so let it remain the same". On realising that Ridhima needs a diversion, Siya came up with a plan "Let's call it a movie night", Siya try to cheer friend, "Pizza on me. Venue your home".

"Is everything okay, Ms Ridhima?", Vihaan asked her when she entered his cabin. She was stunned but she knew him too well to know that her boss never miss anything. His attention to detail was appreciated among his admirers although his rivals termed it as craziness. "I am sorry for the errors in my reports, Mr. Singhania?", she knew he disliked tardiness. "How many times did I tell you to call me as Vihaan?", he talked casually to her, "Hierarchies are for outside world. I don't want my team to treat me formally". Ridhima nodded as she knew he always treated his employees well. "So will you tell me why my best performer is off beat today?", he asked again "Some personal issue?", he asked but didn't probe again. Ridhima couldn't cease to admire her boss who never crossed borders. He knew when to act friendly but at the same time be in his limits.

"Why don't you take remaining day off?", Vihaan offered Ridhima. She wanted to refuse but he insisted. "Ridhima", he sounded serious, "Clearly you need a break. Go home and take care of yourself". She nodded and smiled at him. "But I need you back tomorrow fully recharged", he acted like a tough boss. "Aye Aye Captain", she humoured and they both laughed. Vihaan looked at her intently while she was laughing. When she caught him admiring her, he added, "Laughter is the best medicine. Don't let world get the best of you". "Thanks Vihaan", she kept files on his desk, "Bye for the day". Before she exited, he told her, "Take your shadow Siya also with you. Else I am sure, she will come and ask for leave as soon as you leave". Ridhima tried her best not to act too thankful for his sweet gesture but it was difficult. Before she could speak, Siya rushed into his cabin, "Vihaan, can I and Ridhima take remaining day off?". While Siya waited for reply, both Vihaan & Ridhima looked at one another and laughed out loud. "Get out of my cabin both of you", he mocked them with false toughness. "You are the best boss", Siya praised him before pulling out Ridhima.

Ridhima was happy to have a friend like Siya. As they walked towards her flat, they saw Kabir coming out. He had a box with him and shrugged his shoulders awkwardly at them. "Just my stuffs. You can check", he told Ridhima. No Sorry or Any explanation. Not even an ounce of guilt on his face. Siya had a tough time to control her anger and decided to leave them alone. "I will be inside", she spoke firmly and moved grabbing keys from Riddhima. 

"Look,I didn't know you will be coming earlier. It was never my intention to come face to face and disturb you" Kabir started to explain, "I have left my spare key on the kitchen counter". Ridhima nodded and let him pass her. "Why?...", she asked unable to control herself, "I thought we were doing fine". Kabir shrugged his shoulders again, a visible sign when he got tongue tied, "I don't know. May be I need a woman who has a fair background. One with a family or atleast a surname". She blinked her tears when he hurt her deeply. "I am sorry, Baby. But I don't think you handle a husband and children. You are bit crude for a family". "But you needed me when you were homeless and had no job", she sneered at him. "Yeah, true", he got angry as she cried out the truth, "so you should know by now that none will stay with you unless they have a desperate need. Now I am on my own so Good Bye"

Ridhima was shaken by Kabir's rudeness but she had been hurt badly before. Those experiences made her strong and bold. She wanted to show the world that she will deserve better. She acted to be unaffected infront of those who tried to put her down. "One day, I will prove you all wrong", she challenged him and walked away with her head held high."All the best", she heard his mockery but didn't look back. 

"Play the movie", Ridhima marched to Siya confidently. Both knew the truth of the break up yet ignored the topic. Siya had carefully selected good movies that showcased success stories of strong female leads. Few of them had good male characters too. While they were watching a movie on surrogacy, Ridhima yelled, "This is it!". "What ?", Siya was clueless. "This is exactly what I need", she pointed at the screen, " A child. Sans complication of having a spouse". "What???", Siya was still baffled. "I will seek medical science rather than an assh*le".