The clouds cleared after the long session of a massive thunderstorm that had created havoc last night. The sky was still covered in a greyish-blue blanket. The earth was still trying to breathe after the backlash it had received from the Rain Gods. The plants looked greener and the neighborhood cleaner. The roads had canals of rainwater flowing at full speed on both sides and children let their paper boats sail on the channel of water that danced while sailing along with the flow of the water. When one sees the whole scenario from the eyes of a child everything is beautiful. The innocence of childhood and the smile of stress-free faces made the scene resemble one of those from 80’s movies that depicted a simpler life and probably a happier one too!
Vineet, however, was not a child anymore, and the child within him had long been lost. Reasons for this get lost with time and its relevance as well loses significance. He too loved playing in the rains as a child but now he just hates it. No one knows what transformation takes place while we grow up.
He put on his white shirt and took out his tie. The tie had octagonal patterns with a dual shade of sea green and turquoise blue that blended seamlessly.Vineet had the best tie collection among his entire batch of colleagues that sat on the top floor of the building housing all major MNCs. He had gathered many compliments from his offshore and onshore colleagues especially for his tie collection. Whenever he visited any shopping center, he would make sure to buy ties of different pattern for himself despite having matching ties with each pair of his formal wear. His girlfriend Sushma, had fallen in love with Vineet,a simpleton three years back .Vineet had very average looks and was someone who would easily get lost among the crowd. Everything was average about him, but anything that stood out in him was his excellent mannerisms and the way he dealt with people. Probably, it was his upbringing that made him humble in any kind of tough situation. His mother was his ideal and he had vowed to his mother on her death bed that, no matter how difficult life gets, he will not change his founding principles.
Sushma, an electric fire band and seemingly a contrast to Vineet in characteristics could not help herself get drawn to his humility, very much to the shock of everyone. The couple had gone through many taunting remarks like Langoor ko Angoor Kahan se mil gaya? ( where did a monkey get such delicious grapes) and faced many such offending remarks while they continued to date each other. But all these years, the bond between the opposites had only become stronger. Sushma had accepted Vineet for his simplicity and Vineet adored Sushma for her charisma. Like magnets attract iron filings, these opposites attracted each other with an invisible force, much to the jealousy of their friends.
However, Sushma could never understand the obsession with the ties that Vineet had and honestly, had now accepted it in her life. She was now so much accustomed to the shopping of ties that if Vineet ever delayed buying them on their shopping spree, she would be the first one to make her way into the Ties Rack in the men’s section. It was as if the ties had made their ties stronger over some time.
The pitter-patter of raindrops had stopped and Vineet, with much reluctance to step out in the rain, started getting ready for the office. He took his car out of the shed and buckled up his seat belt sideways. The cool breeze after the spell of rains had brought the level of humidity down .Vineet was lost in his thoughts, calculating the market share that his team had been able to tap for the new product launched by his company. He had his appraisal today . He had worked very hard this quarter and had given it all. Unlike any other day, he looked forward to meeting his boss today! The beautiful weather, the mesmerizing shades in the sky had absolutely no effect on him. From appraisal to getting the desired raise in his salary, to having a better lifestyle, to be able to book his first house and finally be able to propose marriage to Sushma, played in front of his eyes. With an extra shot of enthusiasm, he stepped on the accelerator and his car sped past on the wet road defying all speed bumps.
He reached his office and took the stairs, again one of his peculiar behavior of not taking the lift because he felt suffocated within. Everyone mocked him, but he could just not help himself. The very thought of getting inside the lift and the doors closing in front of him, gave him a chill down his spine . It felt as if someone was choking him on his neck. He could easily imagine himself die due to breathlessness just by the vision of closing doors of that tiny space called Lift. He referred to it as a death chamber in his head. He reached his desk after crossing the long flight of stairs, had a last check on the excel sheet entries, and the pie charts depicting that he had achieved his targets, which seemed beyond reach when they were initially assigned to him.He also had customer reviews and feedbacks of how professionally everything was done. There was nothing that could go wrong today, he thought to himself.
With a bright smile on his face, that was probably his confidence in disguise, he went inside the Conference room where the directors of the company were already present . It felt similar to his campus placements during completion of his vocational studies, when he had to get his first job letter. The same tension and the same level of anxiety filled the room. Well, it had to be, this was about jumping a grade from middle management to senior management. He slowly walked in and sat in front of them after being signalled to. He kept his back straight and with a pleasant smile greeted everyone.
The face of everyone in front of him seemed similar, expressionless.He answered every expected question and to his disappointment, they did not seem impressed at all, a reason that could he never understand.
Rather, one of them with a grumpy face remarked on his shabby dressing sense without understanding the fact that it was difficult to not get slightly wet in a rainy season. And one of them, smirked while passing on a hilarious joke on his tie! Vineet, not only felt humiliated but also a feeling of strangulation hit him at that very moment. He could not breathe enough to be able to talk let alone countering them. He tried to grab his tie knot so as to loosen it,so that he could continue his breathing process, but failed. He closed his eyes in that moment of desperation . Alas, all he could see was the doors of the lift ,closing in front of him. He felt …. claustrophobic and like a spring he stood up from his chair, walked towards the exit with his back facing the board. He simply opened the door and continued walking away while ignoring every single call behind his back. He went and sat on his desk with the feeling of phobia still intact. He quickly drank a glass full of water and started typing an Email on his Microsoft outlook. And in a matter of minutes hit the send button of the mail marking all the concerned. He felt light, very light. He then, grabbed his tie knot and took it out of his collar, and threw it in the dustbin with a big sigh! He had truly never liked wearing a tie,he realised it at that point in time.
Two years have passed by now
Sushma called out, “Vineet, I am leaving for work! it’s getting late.””Ok, honey just take your lunch box, it’s ready”, pat came the reply from the kitchen. He quickly came and handed over the lunchbox to Sushma and she left in a hurry waving a goodbye kiss to Vineet.
Vineet now, a Teach India volunteer enjoys teaching school kids and yes he loves getting drenched in the rain with them just like he used to as a little child. No, the couple has still not been able to book their desired house but surely have been able to build their home together filled with love, laughter, and a lot of freedom … freedom to enjoy life! And yes, most importantly Vineet does not have a single tie in his wardrobe now nor does he plan to buy any in future.
Many silently deal with their own claustrophobia in order to fit in the rat race while forgetting to live life.
I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z -2021
Love,
Chinmayee
Chinmayee's Creations 
You created the claustrophobic ambient so dexterously.
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Very happy to hear from you and glad that I could deliver the message.
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Fiction is such a good way to delve into feelings. Here from AtoZ https://poojapriyamvada.blogspot.com/2021/04/chutzpah-newnormal-a2z.html
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Thank you Pooja. Glad that you connected with the story.
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You depicted a classic case of claustrophobia to perfection! Well done.
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Thank you Shalini . It was great hearing from you 🥰
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Very well narrated, Chinmayee..even I am claustrophobic, especially in crowds. It really feels as if I will choke to death.Your way of telling a story is very unique.
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Thanks for stopping by. I am an Aquarius and I can so well relate with you. I need space and freedom to breathe. And the one who gives me these will have all my loyalty. Sad people don’t understand this.
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What a wonderful delivery of the message!! Why try to fit in when we can stand out and enjoy life. The underlying issue has been addressed so deftly. Enjoyed reading the detailed description of emotions.
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Thank you so much for your kind words. I am happy that I could convey my message to you through my words.
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Loved the scene of the boardroom a lot. Takes a lot of courage to walk away. You wrote it so well.
Deepika Sharma
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Thank you so much Deepika, yes sometimes there is no other way than to walk away even if it may mean the most toughest task
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I loved the metaphor of the tie! simply superb!
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Thank you so much and glad you found the tie thing notice worthy. Feels great 🥰
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❤️
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Loved the story!
Claustrophobia is a serious problem, one must find ways to avoid the causes that trigger it.
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Yes, easier said than done but we have to take every possible care to avoid this
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This may be everyone’s story. We try to fit in the society standards that we get lost in the race.
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I totally agree, with a rise in aspirations among millennials, this is slowly becoming a norm.
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This is so relevant and soul stirring. So many lead their lives in the rat race just to achieve that next goal of a house, a better car, financial security or kids future.
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Absolutely Neha and in the race they forget to understand what life actually means
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Beautiful and skillful characterization. You talked about claustrophia with a lot of empathy. I am sure this story will help many.
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Thank you so much ❣️. I will be more than happy if even a single soul is benefitted from this.
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Claustrophobia, tie and leaving the rat race to get a life – the theme is unique and everything about it fit in nicely.
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Thank you so much for your kind words.
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The way you had crafted Vinit and Sushma’s character, it felt so real. the plot of story was so unique. you are an amazing story teller. explore more this art form, I am sure you will go far away.
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Thank you and I am truly honored by your words. Glad I could put across my point
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Your thoughts flows like water. I am in love with your writing style. Such a beautiful story..totally loved it.
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Thank you so much Swathi and its great to know that you liked the story.
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Wow chinmayee, what a claustrophobic to classic tale you weaved. Truly said many silently deal with it to be in the rat race. The tie kept me tied till the end, but glad it got released for happiness and hope.
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Thank you immensely Pragun for your comments and getting stuck in the rat race is the new and the most dangerous aspect of todays society
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The metaphor of the tie definitely stands out for me. Love how the entire feeling is interpreted.
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Thank you Sindhu and I am relieved that the tie did make its point as I had intended
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I think everyone needs to wake up from their own bubble and assess what they want and need from life. So well penned
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I completely agree with you. May be a jolt is what is required to wake us all up to break free from the rat race.
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You have written a story that I needed to read at this point of my life, Chinmayee. Different circumstances bring out different emotions from within us, and it is so easy to overlook and not want to handle anything that is choking us. Beautiful and wise story! Brilliant writing!
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Thank you so much Mayuri and I can not explain the solace that I receive knowing that my attempt to put across subtle emotions has made a slight impact in any one who reads it. You have surely made my day. I wish you all the best in everything that you undertake. and thanks again for all the support 🙂
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Loved your piece gal to the core because I know many dealing with silent claustrophobia many of whom dont even have the courage to do what he did. I loved the fluidity of your work love. keep itup
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Thank you for your kind words . Means a lot.
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So well tied!
From the lift to the knot to the happy ending, life does teach us lessons.
You have described so well! I could imagine the expressionless faces of the interviewers!
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Thank you so much Anita. Means a lot coming from you.
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Loved this story.. especially the connecting the past events with present, description of the surroundings.. as usually simple story yet touches the heart..
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Thank you so much for your kind words
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Wow what a brilliant way to deal with this topic. I totally Loved the scene of the boardroom a lot. Takes a lot of courage to walk away from this rat race
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Thank you so much for your kind words. I am honoured.
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You made me confuse Chinmayee, to which I praise first, your ultimate way to narrate the storyline and characters or the strong message you have given through Vineet. Lauds for both, dear. It takes huge courage to get back on the feet with equal pride and double happiness. I am glad the protagonist finds solace at his pace.
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Archana, immensely grateful for your words of encouragement and support 🙌 Thanks a ton ❤️. Glad I could convey my message.
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Claustrophobia- a feeling so choking and so described it beautifully in this fiction piece! Well done and great going! Your storytelling is impeccable!
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Thanks a bunch dear for your kind words and grateful for the appreciation
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It is wonderful how you connected claustrophobia with the wearing of a tie. A compelling story! Kudos!
https://deepties.blogspot.com/
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Thank you so much Deepti for your kind words and appreciation 🥰. Glad you liked the concept.
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Right now it sounds like Expression Engine is the preferred blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
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Wow that was odd. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say superb blog!
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