A Sew Through Time [Bandbudh And Budbak]

2: Principal Rathi strikes again!

H-he gave this to you?"

"Bilkul"

"The security man on the sofa raised a brow. The thin, elderly gentleman sat still near him, wearing a wrinkled white kurta and trousers. He had given out a suspicious card bearing the scientist's name. He carried an old umbrella in one hand and his strength of will in the other.

"I cannot let you" he handed it back, "Nobodybus allowed in headquarters like this"

"I travelled all the way here to meet him in person, now you're telling me to go back?"

"Haan! Ab jaiye!"

The old principal rose from the sofa, holding his grandfather's historic umbrella in the other hand, "You think I'll leave on your command? Principal hai hum!"

"Security hai hum! I'll take strict action!"

"Arre check that name!" Rathi sir pointed at it, "Why do you think a Plati scientist would give me that in the first place? Humko pagal dikhu su tanne?"

He called for more guards on his phone.

The curved umbrella handle tugged his finger and it fell down.

"Kya battameezi hai-!"

"Sunlijiye meri baat" Rathi sir pulled the guard with his umbrella end, "Call Mr. Vellama and show him the card! He will recognize it"

"B-But!"

"You love wasting other's time, I know that very well" he let him go, "But now that I know where cute little headquarters are present, would you let me go this easily?"

"Excuse me?" a shrill voice spoke.

The principal noticed an elegant-looking woman standing next to them. She was also a scientist- having sharp deducing eyes, delicate high cheekbones with the strict composure of a teacher.

"Are you Mr. Makkhan Singh Rathi?" She asked, keeping down a file.

"Yes!" he glanced at the man, "That's what I've been telling this idiot for the past one hour!"

"I'm Dr. Sailo" she shook hands with him.

"Do you know Mr. Vellama?"

"Come with me"

Dr. Sailo entered the gigantic elevator in the opposite wing and pressed a button. Rathi sir turned towards the clear glass wall, watching the enormity of the building turn smaller with its cryptic patterns. He felt airy and a little nauseous. Light travelled past their head down to their feet, he tried not to glance at the glass walls below, the earth three hundred floors beneath.

The journey took only eleven minutes. Sailo's heels clattered as she walked through the long corridors, sometimes greeting her fellow mates and other staff. They saw the old man, his attire declared he was an outsider, despite it being white from toe to top like their coats.

Reaching a bleak grey door, Sailo pressed her thumb.

The door rumbled open.

Sauntering around his office, Ajay was growing busy on the phone. He did not notice them till Sailo knocked his desk.

He turned and discovered the principal. The phone lowered from his ear,

"Mr. Rathi?"

Rathi sir settled on the old wooden chair next to the desk.

"Um, Mr. Rathi?"

He looked up at Sailo.

"That's Mr. Vellama's chair..."