The Boss

They worked together. Anila Gupta and Lata Chauhan.

Both were good at their work. But then, Lata was much older, her boss, and Anila, just a new intern. Couldn’t say that they were not friendly, they got along well, too.

The only thing that irritated Lata was some of the ways of Anila’s working. Whenever any assignment was given to Anila, she would put all her efforts to successfully complete it. She would not expect help or guidance from anyone, not even Lata. It was obvious that Anila always got credit for the accomplished task. “Isn’t office work a teamwork ? “ Lata used to think grudgingly.

 It was hardly two months since Anila had joined the organization, but she was already popular among her colleagues and even the seniors. She was not very pretty, but her face always wore a smile of confidence, which was envied by many.

One of the people impressed by Anila was Chintan Sharma. He was working in the same office. He was, in fact, a senior executive, young, ambitious and good looking, too. He was very focused about his work, and wouldn’t allow any wrong step in life to ruin his much-coveted career. However, he was fascinated by Anila. But he was an introvert person and took every relationship seriously.

As a result, he had directly jumped to the idea of marrying Anila.

“Can I propose to her ?” For a month now, this question took charge of Chintan’s thoughts, all the time, twenty-four-seven as is said. And he could not confide his personal problems to any of his colleagues, much as he tried.

After a lot of thinking, Chintan found a solution. “ Why don’t I confide in Lata Ma’am and send message to Anila through her ? She is friendly with Anila, and I am certain she is nice enough to help me in this matter.”

Next week, Lata called Chintan for a meeting. Chintan was waiting for this opportunity. “ This is the perfect time to talk to Lata Ma’am, “ Chintan was happy and looking forward to this meeting.

The meeting with Lata Ma’am went on as usual for over an hour. Lata and Chintan being the core team of the organization, many of the current decisions were taken together. Today’s meeting was very successful as well, with the discussion centering around promotions and bonus to be announced by the company. As was obvious, Anila was to be given a good promotion, and Chintan was clearly favouring the final decision. Lata observed this but did not say anything.

“Let's keep Anila’s case for the end, Chintan” Lata remarked.

“Okay Lataji. But She deserves it, don’t you think ?” and looked questioningly at Lata.

Chintan’s one look made Lata paralysed usually and would agree to anything, except that this was about Anila. Instead of a softer feeling, Lata was feeling jealous.

When the meeting ended, Chintan hesitatingly told Lata, “ Ma’am, I would like to ask your favour for something. “ Lata was taken aback. What can it be?

 “Of course, Chintan. I do not see you as a junior, you are more of a friend to me.

Does he like me after all? Anything can happen when one is in love, she had heard. But now..the time had come! Yes, of course, Lata thought, I might not be vivacious, but look at my seniority! And an appealing way of talking! She recalled Mr. Agarwal, her immediate boss, who used to make passes at her, and she used to blush.

Sadly he retired last year. And what did he say at the time of retiring? “ Lata, I am retiring, but leaving my heart here. Will cherish all the memories of times I spent with you, dear.”

Her chain of thought was broken by Chintan’s words.

“Ma’am, I can confide only in you about my personal problem. Actually, I like Anila, and want to propose to her.”

A blank look appeared for a fraction of a second on Lata’s face. “ So this was the plan ! “

Without showing her disappointment or dislike for Anila, Lata replied softly, “ That is wonderful, Chintan. I can imagine your..er..feelings for her. “

Chintan gushed. “Can you please do it on my behalf ?”

She was not letting it happen, Lata had decided. She put her palm on Chintan’s and said, “ I am sorry to disappoint you, Chintan. I guess you don’t know that she is already engaged to be married to an NRI next month ?” 

Chintan was taken aback and took a deep breath. He was speechless for a few moments.

He could only mutter, “ Thank you, Ma’am “ and left Lata’s cabin.

Nothing further happened after that.

Lata never heard of any development between Chintan and Anila. However, Anila was given a good promotion.

Next month Chintan resigned from the organization. Perhaps he had decided to leave India for future prospects.

Lata was happy. Her trick had worked. She was not jealous of Anila anymore. She herself was considering marrying Mr. Adhikari, their old client, who was well established in life, and a widower.

After about four months, Anila came to Lata’s cabin. “Ma’am, I have to tell you something. “

Lata smiled warmly at her. “ Yes, Anila, please have a seat.”

“Ma’am, I have really enjoyed working with you, and in this office. But the time has come when I have to resign due to personal reasons.”

“I understand, dear! “

“Ma’am, I am getting married next month, and settling in Singapore. This is my wedding card. Please grace the occasion, we need your blessings.“ Lata was, in fact, happy for Anila.

“I will surely attend, Anila. All the best for your future! “

Anila smiled and left the room. Lata opened the invitation card with curiosity. The card read,

       “Anila weds Chintan.”

Lata couldn’t believe her eyes! She read it once, twice, and finally, as she realized the situation, it infuriated her to no end!

For the whole day then she sat in her cabin thinking about Chintan and Anila and their marriage.

In the evening, as she left for home, she picked up the wedding card finally and threw it in the wastepaper basket.