lost in paradise

Working Hard or Hardly Working

I slammed my hand down hard to mute the buzzing of the small alarm clock on the bedside table, pausing momentarily before glancing over at the red numbers that illuminated the darkness. 5:30 a.m. I got out of bed, dropping my heavy feet onto the wooden floor. I approached my closet to find the perfect suit for my Monday morning meeting. The black suit slid off the hanger and into my hands smoothly after only a slight pull of the fabric. After it was put on, I smoothed the soft fabric with my rough fingers, applied my deep red tie, and then proceeded down the hallway. With every step, I drew closer to the bathroom. The gold knob on the white door liked to stick, but I forced it open with my body instead of fiddling with the useless object. I grabbed my toothbrush, which sat on the corner of the sink where it always does; it looked small in comparison to my hand. I squeezed the toothpaste too forcefully and ended with a heap of blue goop on the bristles. Sighing, I ignored it as I began to brush my teeth with both speed and precision. I spat into the sink and rinsed my mouth quickly, ridding all evidence of the toothpaste, before exiting and slamming the door behind me. I descended the stairs rapidly, allowing the noise of my feet coming in contact with the stair case to echo through the house. I grabbed the keys and exited hastily, not wanting to be late for the meeting. I sat inside my vehicle with my keys in hand and placed them into the ignition, starting the car. The clock on the dash read: 6:00 a.m. The darkness of the morning verified the time and I took off down the road to the office.
The office was bright, as the sun had come up and reflected off the glass on the exterior. I slammed the door of the car and walked swiftly to the main entrance, unlocking the gate. It always made me content knowing I was the only one in the office. It was the only time I got to be alone, other than staying late at night. I walked heavily up the stairs and reached my small office. I sat down at the large black chair and waited for the employees to file into their cubicles. Tina was the first to arrive, knocking on my door with her small hands.
“Coffee, sir?” She asked as she entered the office with a mug of steaming black coffee. I nodded and she placed it down, leaving promptly. I examined the mug before taking a sip of the scalding beverage, ignoring the pain it caused as it travelled down my throat. I sat for only a few minutes when I glanced at the clock that appeared on my computer screen with a message from Tina. 7:08 a.m. The gentlemen have arrived and are in the board room. I slammed my fists on the desk before getting up. I rubbed my hands over my short white hair. As I readjusted my tie, I noticed my shoes were scuffed. I bent down and rubbed them, trying to return the shine they once had. I stroked my face once more, making sure everything was proper before blinking and advancing to the meeting.
I took my place at the end of the table and set up my presentation. “Thank you all for being prompt. If you don’t mind, I’ll begin.” Tina turned off the lights and I looked at my screen. “As you know, our business has begun to flourish in the past few months resulting in a higher demand which means more employees required. I have tried my best to grow with the times; however, not everyone has. I’d like to start with saying that the more employees, the worse my job. I have decided to higher a manager, under myself, to help with making sure everything is running smoothly.” I tapped the screen and a picture of an employee came up. “I am going to hire David as co-office manager. He will be in charge of half the employees and will report progress back to me. Congratulations. To assist you will be Tina,” I said as I glanced over to see her surprise. She was not upset, which was unfortunate, but understandable. “To replace Tina, I have hired Marissa, 
I

took my place at the end of the table and set up my presentation. “Thank you all for being prompt. If you don’t mind, I’ll begin.” Tina turned off the lights and I looked at my screen. “As you know, our business has begun to flourish in the past few months resulting in a higher demand which means more employees required. I have tried my best to grow with the times; however, not everyone has. I’d like to start with saying that the more employees, the worse my job. I have decided to higher a manager, under myself, to help with making sure everything is running smoothly.” I tapped the screen and a picture of an employee came up. “I am going to hire David as co-office manager. He will be in charge of half the employees and will report progress back to me. Congratulations. To assist you will be Tina,” I said as I glanced over to see her surprise. She was not upset, which was unfortunate, but understandable. “To replace Tina, I have hired Marissa, who is starting next week. Thank you all for your attendance.” I shut off the computer and quickly left, so no one could approach me. I returned to my office and sat down. I looked at my reflection in the window. I looked proper except for the tie that would not stay straight. I took it off and threw it to the ground. I opened my drawer and pulled out a similar one except in a deep blue. I placed it tightly around my neck before turning on my laptop. Before my computer could even start, I heard the distinct clicking of heels coming down the hall. The woman knocked twice before entering my work space. Her tight skirt contrasted the loose blouse. I looked up briefly before returning my tired eyes to the computer screen.
“Mr. Gupta, I just had a few questions about today’s meeting.” I stared at the screen while she continued. “I was wondering why I was not hired as your secretary or David’s. It’s not really anything important; I was just curious since I’ve been working her for…”
“If it is not important why are you here harassing me about it?” I growled. “I have more important things to worry about than the job you currently aren’t doing. You want to know why you didn’t get the job? It’s because you are lazy. I don’t think you could even bring me a cup of coffee if I put it in your hand! Get out of my office!”
“But, sir…”
“Get out before I fire you!”
She swiftly left the office, and I listened to her footsteps moving down the hallway. I smiled to myself and resumed the task at hand. I worked for hours, waiting for everyone to leave. The office slowly became abandoned. After the employees had all went home, I stayed and worked for a few more hours, before returning home myself.
“Where have you been all this time? It’s three in the morning,” my wife asked, meeting me at the door.
I walked past her arms and into the living room. “I was working late. Why are you still awake?” I retorted, not thrilled by the question.
“I was worried,” she responded.
“Don’t worry about me. Worry for the people who are going to get fired tomorrow if they don’t get their work done on time.”
“I think you should come to bed.”
“Go ahead. I have a few more things to do.”
“You need a break. You work so much.”
“That is why I am the boss. I do my share. Go to bed. I need to concentrate,” I replied sternly.
“I am worried about you”
“Go to bed before I make you! I need peace!”
“Goodnight, Raj. I love you,” she whispered and went to bed without a response.
I plugged my computer into the socket and looked at the plan I had prearranged for tomorrow. I finished up a few loose ends and went upstairs to bed; preparing to fulfill the same routine tomorrow.