Shrouded Motifs

The Turning Point

Dedicated to Meem_1495

FLASHBACK – OFFICE (CONTD)

Days passed quickly towards the year end. Lavanya didn't change her behavior even though some rumors' had started bubbling below the surface. I had acquired the talent to subtly play the ignorant fool in all discussions about her or Vishal.

But that's what it was, just an act. Deep down I was fuming under the betrayal displayed by her actions. The wheels in my brain continued turning with a lot more ferocity and zeal as we approached New Year's Eve. The Human resource team was also working quite hard to make our holiday's worthwhile. We received some Gift Hampers, and a party was planed before Diwali (an Indian Festival).

I considered this party as a hidden opportunity. I had worked my ass off in this quarter and needed some returns in the upcoming appraisal cycle. The party could be a perfect place for cozying up to the boss. Though in front of Lavanya's shimmying ass, I couldn't offer anything substantial to Vishal but I was still gonna give it a shot.

On the day of the party everyone was excited. Boys had arrived in their special T-Shirts. Girls of course put in a lot more efforts by carrying killer dresses and decking up in the evening. The club was located near to the office, so we left our laptops and bags in office itself. As we entered the club, the atmosphere changed, and everyone started loosening up including Vishal. I started searching for my window of opportunity. Unfortunately, it came after two long hours of excruciating wait.

Vishal was standing in a corner, sipping a drink. He was staring intently at something across the dance floor. I followed his gaze to find Lavanya dancing with another girl from our office. It felt like a perfectly synchronized act, like she was dancing solely for his benefit.

Suppressing the urge to punch Vishal in his guts, I approached him. "It's hell of a party man! This office surely knows how to keep their employees happy."

Vishal initially seemed startled at being drawn from his pervert act, but then recovered quickly to respond. "Yes, happy employees lead to an efficient and profitable organs," he delivered his well-rehearsed line. He did seem a bit drunk as his last words slurred into something else. I stifled a chuckle and said," Yes, but such small carrots do not last long I feel."

He seemed a bit taken aback by my off-hand remark. "What do you mean by that? See I don't believe in giving all those token awards and recognition. That's one bullshit practice which I am completely against."

"No, no even I feel such small tokens and awards are just another form of small carrots. I meant now that the appraisals are coming, hard work of all employees should be rewarded right?"

"Oh, okay. You can relax then, the process of appraisals is standard, and you don't have to worry about it. You will get what you have worked for. Enjoy the party," he left with that awful parting line.

That went I don't know, of course who am I kidding? It went downhill, but at least I tried. After this incident, my mood went sour and I decided to return to office to collect my bag. As I was nearing my desk, I heard the office guy whistling.

Why is he still here? I decided to check it out. He was sitting in the pantry preparing two cups of coffee.

"Krishna ji? What are you doing waiting back?"

"Nothing, just serving some coffee to the boss when he asks for it," he gave me an enigmatic smile as he exited the pantry. I was confused, the boss, here? I had just left him at the party. I was still buried deep in my thoughts when he returned.

"Well, now that my job is done, I will take your leave," saying this he picked up his bag and left.

I decided to check in on Vishal's condition. I approached his cabin and heard some struggle going on, which was followed by a shot and a small scream. I ran the remaining way to burst into his cabin.

He stared at me in a daze. In his hand, there was a pocket revolver. He was looking aghast at something lying on the floor. As I heard a low whimper, I looked down to find a woman sprawled on the floor spluttering blood. With a last gasp, she stopped moving.

The last thought to cross my mind before everything changed was, to what extent was I ready to go for a promotion?