The Genius

Losing My First Job

"Shes such a b****!!", she said, as I walked away. I smiled. I'm used to it. In fact, it sounds good. Like I'm doing my work. I have no place in my office for people who think about anything but their work, especially guys. There was a time when I would not talk to anyone who abused me. I still refuse to pollute my mouth and thoughts for those who I dont give a damn about. And KD, no way. 

With glowing skin and lovely brown hair, I still consider Kiara Downson(KD) to be one of the most beautiful persons I know. She always used this asset, accompanied with a "paavam"("poor girl") voice to escape work. But it never worked with me.

Nature has an amazing way of making things even. When I joined Fresco and Co, KD stole all my friends and demeaned me. What she could never get were my brains. I might be plump with pimples, but nobody can doubt my integrity, and total devotion to my work. Thats why she's forced to work with me as her boss. I am  not a Goddess, so I obviously enjoy throttling her by making her do late hours, giving her extra tasks etc. But I am not unjust, so I do give her a free hand at times. I wont waste my time by imagining how she uses it.

But I guess I overdid it. I should have known that the boss was harbouring a soft corner for her. So I was not really surprised when I was summoned for being "partial and unjust to a sincere employee". I still am in awe of her persuasion powers. I wont get into the details. I dont understand how you can exchange a pearl for a fake diamond. My credentials were way above hers - I had graduated from IIT with top scores and had a perfect school and college record. The only reason I joined them was because of my silly craving to work for a small company and be "independent" while I acquired my Masters in Mathematics and Computing from MIT. But I should have known - small people, small thinking.

With that thought, I left the office with my head held high. I refused to hear KDs sniggering and sly remarks. In half an hour, I was back in my apartment(rented - the owner was my uncle). As I entered, my central music system started playing Khuda Jaane, my favourite song. As soon as I heard it, I couldnt control myself. I burst into tears. Reality came crashing on me. What was my worth if I couldnt handle small talk and petty politics? My career was doomed. All that I had toiled for my whole life, not once giving a thought to having good looks or leading a normal life, seemed to vanish into the floor. 

After about an hour of sobbing relentlessly, I switched on the comp to speak to my parents on gmail. You see, we are Indians. They were in Mumbai, while I studied in USA. For a girl whose parents mean everything to her, the Internet is a big boon. Dont know how I would have survived without it.

Mom was home. She knew when she saw me. "Is it office or MIT?", she asked, concerned. "I lost my job", I said with a laugh that sounded more like a controlled sob. You see, I hate crying in front of anybody.

"Its ok baby, stop crying"

"I'm not crying. My eyes are watering."

She smiled.

"Ashu, stop it. I'm your mother."

"But I'm not ---"

A volley of tears.

"Ok cry as much as you want. Then go wash your face and come"

"But I-am-not crying!!"

Appa(my dad) enters.

"Idiot, see what I'm having. Brownie with ice.....what happened?"

"She lost her job..."

"Ah finally!! Congratulations!"

Appa had never liked the idea of me working. He thought it would distract me from my studies. He wanted me to complete my studies and help him in his business.

I shout: "Appa! They threw me out....and to top it all you're having ice cream without me!!"

"You know its vanilla and chocolate..."

My mom shouts: "Narayan stop it! Leave her alone. Dont worry baby, I'll leave some for you, ok?"

Silence.

We all burst out laughing.

Thats why they're my parents. They just cant see me unhappy, AND they know how to cure all my worries. I told them everything-KD and her antics. My mom swore, my dad cheered. We spoke for long. It was midnight when I was done. Too tired to cook and eat, I crashed into bed. 

The next morning didnt feel any better. The vacations had started and five days were already gone......"wait a sec! Five days over?? I had a flight to catch! I completely forgot!", I spoke out aloud. I had to fly to Mumbai today.....why didnt Mom remind me? "Of course she did! She did say she would save the ice cream for me!!"

I jumped out of bed, already feeling better. After all, home is home. The world might call us a third world country, but as we say, "Saare jahaan se acha, Hindustan hamara (Our India is better than the world)". The air itself feels different. The noise, the vendors on the roads, the aroma of foods kept at open stalls.....I could'nt wait to go to my favourite Pani Puri stall. And its just a day away, I chuckled as I stepped into the aircraft.  

Pani Puri reminded me of Rose, my best friend. We have known each other since second grade. People call us soul sisters. But apart from food, we have nothing in common. In fact, we are a perfect example of opposites attracting. She loves long hair; I cant bear hair below my shoulders. She hates Math; while Math is my life.  She is a social animal; I am more of an introvert. She always wanted to get married and have loads of children; I swore never to get married. She cant move without makeup(though she doesn't require it); I loathe any form of cosmetics. The only thing that bonds us is food - we live to eat. And our favourite haunts are dinghy places with a modest prospect, but the food is gorgeous. 

Moreover, Rose knows everything about me. She can look at me and tell me what I'm going to say next. She probably knows more about me than my parents. The adventures we had as kids - we never get tired of remembering them. If there is anybody who can cheer me up, it is Rose.

As kids, we used to go for dance classes every Saturday. But the interesting part was after classes. We would go for a round of snacks. Once, while returning, I was enjoying my kulfi(type of ice cream), when I saw my uncle approaching us. Due to a perennial cold, I wasn't really permitted to have cold stuff. We turned, took a full circle, and reached after I had savoured my ice cream. That night, my uncle told me, "Dont worry, I wont tell Mom"

The memory brought a smile to my face. And so by the time I reached Mumbai, I had walked down memory lane and had forgotten all about losing a job that didn't actually matter. Who would have known that it would become an integral part of my future life?

As of now, its good riddance to bad rubbish. Right now its Mumbai - my home. My very very sweet home.