EBONY PART 8

Anoop took a ride in metro while commuting he got a thought, if she did not like it? It might ruin everything. He also thought, if she liked it then he could think further, being the most romantic one. He boldly took decision and moved his hand to touch her hand. Her hand was on the side of the seat. He slightly put his hand on her hand. She did not react. Anoop felt very enlightened and felt the coolness of her hand. Her hand was soft and glowing even in darkness. Some second passed. Anoop imagined himself to become the one of the most romantic person.

Saifali without looking at his hand, she silently pulled her hand and put it on her thighs. Anoop hesitatingly pulled his hand. Everyone was quite. Anoop did not imagine about this. But Anoop thought, she didn’t say anything, should he try again? Saifali’s putting her hand on her thighs, made Anoop’s mind in suspicion. Is it a hint for Anoop?

Lights on, it was interval. They both stood up to move out of the cinema hall. In the stairs, while coming downwards, Anoop extend his hand to help her. Saifali didn’t push her hand to take help. Saifali did not say anything but moved towards washroom. Anoop also moved towards washroom. They both came out after sometime. 

Anoop asked, “What would you like to eat or drink?”

She replied, "Let’s see if anything is spicy available here."

She ordered burger and hot coffee for both. They both enjoyed burger and hot coffee. Anoop paid the bill and moved inside cinema hall. They both again started watching movie.

Anoop did not succeed to hold her hand. Movie ended and everyone came out. Anoop asked Saifali,“I want to buy something for you.” Saifali said,“I do not want anything but what?"

Anoop, to impress her, took her to Archies store. She started choosing the thing in the store, Finally she selected one big size teddy bear. Anoop paid the bill and picked the teddy bear. Saifali asked to book a taxi for her. Anoop booked a taxi. Saifali had seat and Anoop put her teddy bear in the taxi. Anoop wanted to hug her but he was already hugging her teddy bear. Saifali said bye. Anoop took metro and reached his house.

More than six months passed. His job was going well. Anoop sometime work and most of the time enjoy with friends. He reached office late most of the time.

Nisha was studying for her GATE exam. She decided to stayed in her home rather going to Delhi. Though most of the people asked her, “Why is she not going Delhi for study?” 

She embarrassingly reply everyone that she wanted to study in her home, her parents would take care of her when she had a disease.

She moreover decided not to take coaching classes. She started preparing herself with the book and with the information available on internet.

She did not talk much to her friends or relatives. She felt embarrassing when anyone asked about her going to Delhi or not taking coaching classes. She became independent. She started taking care of herself and study with her own.

Anoop was about to complete his one year of probation period. He was excited to get increment and some more facilities of the company. He also planned to propose Saifali after getting his confirmation letter.

Days passed and it was the exam day for Nisha. She was quite nervous to appear in the GATE exam. Her centre was in IET College. She went to the exam centre with her father. It was morning shift. After the exam she came out and told her father that exam was quite tough as it was prepared by IIT Bombay. After coming home, she didn’t alter her study but started again with more energy. Her next exam was Indian Engineering service.

In each and every occasion Anoop used to give expensive gifts to Saifali. He was always curious to know whether Saifali loves him or not. Saifali always said, "You are my best friend." With her best friend she always got the things she wanted, enjoyed meal in expensive restaurants and shop whenever she wanted.

These things were happening. And the time came when Anoop was excited to complete one year in the company. He was planning to organize a party for his colleagues in a good restaurant. He also planned to buy a ring for Saifali, when he would propose her.

It was the first of July when he joined the company one year ago. On this day he completed one year in the company. Most of his colleagues congratulated him and asked for party. 

“Join me after the lunch.” A message popped in his phone. It was from his assistant manager. Anoop felt excited to meet assistant manager. He finished his lunch and went to assistant manager’s cabin.

Assistant Manager: Congratulation, Anoop you have completed one year of your probation.

Anoop: Thank you Sir

Assistant manager: I called you here not only to congratulate you but also told you what I received in an email from headquarters.

Anoop: Please sir.

Assistant manager: I’m very sad to inform you that I didn’t find your performance much satisfying, you did not adhere to rules of company, you never completed assignment on time, you never came office on time. You did not have intention to learn anything. Your biometric attendance goes to Head Quarters.

Anoop: Sir, I always obeyed you. Did what you instructed me.

Assistant manager: Have this letter and you do not need to come to office.

Anoop was very angry on his assistant manager. But he also knew that more fighting would ruin the matter more. He was in shock for that day. He did not want to talk to anyone. He was not able to think what he should do, how would he earn what would he tell his parents? His colleagues were asking what happened? Did assistant manager Sir say anything?

Anoop was silent. He gave his letter to his colleagues to read. His colleagues consoled him by saying, "The assistant manager is very rude person, I am working here till I did not get another job!" Another one said, “I am working here due to my home is near to it." Another one said, “I’m old enough to look for another job so I am working here."