The telephone was ringing like the bell of the church. Santosh reached for it reluctantly. He does not want to pick it up. But he does not want to face the aftermath. It is sharp 10 on the wall-clock and he is sure it must be his boss. He wanted him to do a job, he had told him, not to whine. for that he has his dog he said. Santosh felt like throwing in his papers. But, he also do not want to look at the prospect of facing unemployment in middle age in a market where jobs are few and people running for them are many. He did not respond and feigned as if he has not heard him. The Boss will have none of it. "Did you hear what i said ? You better listen to it. I can't dismiss you because of these god-damn rules, but i will make it hot enough for stay." he said without any remorse.
Santosh was told to increase the business and double it in no time. He does not mind a challenge. In fact he is one of the best in his line for the company. But his Boss feels he can do better and he is not doing enough because he is lazy. He is running a twelve hour day for last three months. He remembered he has not talked to his wife privately during this period and he has talked more with his Boss than with his son. They no longer consider him part of the family. His son received best prize in debate in a prestigious competition and he came to know it from the calls of his friends. His son went with his mother to receive the award and did not want to disturb him. He did not know if he should be happy or sad. He thought he will take his son in embrace when he will come to home. He never had it that way. His son was in deep slumber when he found time to return home. But all this has not helped. The times are not good. The economy is taking a down turn and opportunities are far and few. He doggedly worked hoping for a break. The company has laid down people to see through the period and he has seen his team shrink to half its size.
He has tried to talk to his Boss about some replenishment of staff. "It is not in my hand. what can i do? I am not in board of directors who decide on recruitment. I am not taking it for non-performance. You better give result." He does not know how to respond and timidly shook his head in conformity.
The telephone gave another sharp ring. He picked up the receiver. It is his wife's tone. He felt let down after the hype of his thoughts. He almost felt disappointed. The shriek of his wife brought him back from reverie. " Son has met with an accident on his way to school. I don't know anything. His teacher rang up to say that he has been taken to hospital. I would not have disturbed you otherwise." There is shock, fear and apprehension in her sobbing voice. He had told her a week back that he can not get a day's leave to visit her ailing father as his Boss did not allow him.
She was waiting on the other side of the receiver apprehending a sharp rebuke but still waiting with half a hope that he will come to accompany her to the hospital. His Boss is coming to attend a meeting on performance review in an hour. He is supposed to receive him.
" Get something on. I am coming." He said and is surprised to hear his own voice. He took a glass of water. He rang up his Boss and told him he is going on leave to take care of his son. " Why don't you ask your wife to manage it. " He hung up, he no longer want any permission. He went off taking his vehicle. A new boldness has pervaded his being.
He was smiling at his son in the hospital. His wife was running her hand on the body of his son in fondness as tears were rolling down her cheek. The boy was smiling in spite of pain in his broken and plastered hand. He has got a prize. He was hoping against hope that his father will come. He looked around in pride to show this prized possession to his friends - his papa.
He was returning home with his son and wife. The timidity is again rising in him. He does not know what awaits him the next day. He thought of calling office. But some thing in him prevented. Tomorrow is another Day. He will face it tomorrow. For the time being he is happy, once in a long time. He wants to savor every moment of it. He does not know when will he get it again. He does not want any interruption any dilution. He looked into his rear view mirror to find his wife watching him.
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