“Good Morning”, I said in a sleepy voice. It is the middle of the week and as any office goer, I am having mixed feelings about going to office today. Adding to this was the fact that today is my wedding anniversary. It was 5 years ago when I married my Romi (against my parents wishes) and brought her to this house. Its been a long journey and there is still more to go!!! Today is her day. Today is her special day. Her sacrifice on this day 5 years ago was nothing as compared to anything I have done in my life. She left everything for me and trusted me. So, based on only this fact, I can credit this day to her and her only. Now Rohan, my 3 and half year old son is the current apple of her eye but today I might just get that place from him….on lease :)
“You are up early today”, she said in her soft humming voice. Yes, 7 am is a bit early for me.
“Yes dear, today is our day! I wanted to spend as much time as I could with you!”
“Yea, I know, I know, that’s why you are planning to goto office na?” she said in a sarcastic tone!
“You know the situation na. Things are getting bit difficult around here and I as manager, need to ensure that my neck is safe! I would have taken a leave today but…” I said in a slightly apologetic tone. It is true that today I should have taken a leave. But the world is such right now that I cannot afford one. Else they would just ask me to sit at home!!
“Here is something for you. Nothing to make amends for me not taking leave but something which we can look forward to soon” I gave her a nicely wrapped envelope. This is something which I was planning for….A weekend getaway to Kerala. “This can be our second honeymoon!!!!”
“Come on now, don’t butter me, you still aren’t forgiven for your office today. Try to come home early.” She said in a very magnetic voice, something which often pulls me to her.
“I would not promise anything but would try my best. Tell you what, tonight, we would go out for a drive around Carter Road and Bandstand, a nice romantic drive post Rohan’s bed time. Mom can watch over while we are out!” I said with a hint of smile.
“It’s a deal Sammy dear!”
Breakfast was awesome as usual and I enjoyed every piece of it. Romi has that special touch for special occasion. Her daily stuff tastes just that good on a day like today. Kissing her and Rohan, I said bye to my mom. Today I have an important meeting.
“Hmm, 9:15 am, I think I can catch the 9:25 am local to CST” I said to myself in a bid to motivate. I got moving and finally reached on time on platform 3. I met my friend Sunil there. Both of us managed to get into the local and reached our office.
“Its lunch time!!” I exclaimed! The presentation which we just had was impeccable. Boss loved it and gave us the approval for the necessary funds to pull it out!!
“This calls for a celebration. Lets all go to Pizzera. I know it is a bit far, but what the hell, my anniversary party along with the funding approval one, lets club it”. I said to Sunil and a few of the people who really made it happen today. I am feeling a part of a team today, so much so that I can see their happiness and club it with mine. Everyone has and have been working hard on this and it has finally beared the fruits of success!
Once the lunch was done, I told Sunil “Dude, I have to slip out, need to buy Romi some sari or something. Just to cover up for today”
“You do feel a hell lot guilty. Don’t worry, she is a smart girl. She will understand”
“I know, but she also deserves a piece of this success. After all she tolerated my absence!!”
Its been an hour and finally I have found the most perfect salwar suit for her. She is going to look fabulous today! It is bit expensive but no worries, she would really enjoy it! I am dead sure!
Day’s over now. Its late. Almost 9 now. Romi would most certainly kill me now. Since lunch, it just has been a rollar coaster of a day. Approvals and approvals and more approvals!!! I never knew a simple funding request needed to be routed to so many people once it has been authorised! However, no complains as it is a learning experience non-the-less.
“Hey, Sam, do you want me to drop you? I know its late. I will get you to CST station, will speed up your home reaching!” Adi said while he saw me hurriedly packing my stuff.
“Yaar, I could really use that lift. Thanks mate” I said. Gathering all my stuff, I started walking alongside Adi. All my energy is focussed now on meeting my Romi!
“Thanks again dude, helping me get to station so quickly is really a bonus. I can now manage to catch an earlier train” I said to Adi.
“Aare, no probs mate. I know you would also have done the same” Adi said. He is a nice chap and is shaping his career as almost how I have. Nice to see someone so motivated by me :)
Well now all I have to do is reach home, go to Romi, beg for forgiveness and hope that she is just as kind to me as she is to Rohan when he makes a mistake. Hope she likes the suit I got for her, he wont be surprised but still a surprise gift is a gem!! I can almost see – Hey, what is that noise? Heard like some gun shots, is it some encounter?
It was then I saw them. 3-4 guys firing mercilessly at will on others. I can see a guy stuck and wanting to escape. I should help him.
“Dost, tum yahase likhlo” I told him pointing towards the narrow road which linked to the other side. I will follow him out and run as far away from this place.
Oh no!! The shooter in the navy blue t shirt and cargo pant just saw me. I have to run. I have to reach ho-----------------------------------------------------------------.
Writer note: This is dedicated to all those people who lost their lives in the attacks on Mumbai. My heart goes out to everyone’s family and friends who lost their love ones and lost their supports in sickness and in health. May god help all of them and take special care.
