I parked my car in the parking lot and looked at my watch. I was running late today! The face of my not-so-cool boss flashed in front of me and I ran a mini-marathon into my branch office.
My entire team had arrived, and so had our customers. Our branch might have been the newly opened bank in this tier-three city, but it was mostly crowded due to its location. It was just at the main Chowk, the busiest commercial hub of the town. I squeezed my way towards my seat and quickly tried to switch on the computer. One slight glance at my manager’s face and I made sure not to look at those big scary eyes throughout the day unless urgently required. Seema, my teammate who has her seat just beside me, rolled her eyes indicating something I could not decipher. She can be a menace sometimes, so I actively ignored her and typed my password to log into my home screen, People had started poking their passbooks towards me as if they were eager to puncture my face as a punishment to keep them waiting. I mean … I prayed to God and gave them a cute little smile. As they say sometimes when a sword can not help, a smile can do wonders!
A good night’s sleep can fix a lot of issues and a lack of it can bring in a tsunami of problems. That fellow ruined my sleep. I kept thinking about him the whole night. See now what has happened now. I wish just like his ignored DM, I would never see him again and get a shock.
I mean who says ” Maam … your mandalas have the power to alter the universe! They are epic. I have been a big fan and have followed you for long. I wanted to interact online but failed every time. I just could not resist my temptation to meet you in person …. you have been an inspiration !” Was it not above the top? In fact way above the top? I had just nodded and smiled.
” Please I want to withdraw Rs 2000 cash. Everyone is doing Gpay and Phone pay …. all my money going to your bank. I want some cash in my hand to feel a little happiness after selling Golgappas in the hot sun the whole day?” the customer almost yelled and I came back to my senses.
” Yes, Yes. Just fill out this form and put it in that corner counter. He will give you money. And, you can update the passbook outside the branch. We have a machine. Just put the book into it. Bhola Bhaiya will help you complete it.
One by one, I solved queries, logged in entries, checked balances, gave out cash memos, and cleared cheques. Work seemed never ending and I could feel my back breaking. Seema quietly hinted and Bhola Bhaiya quickly brought in a few biscuits & my favourite cup of tea on my desk. I smiled at the elixir of life and said a little prayer for such little silent presents that the Almighty keeps bestowing upon me to keep me going.
The crowd had reduced by now. I pulled out my to-do list for the day and noted that I still had a lot to do. Just when I raised my head…. he was there … standing in front of me. Dressed in a black shirt and beige-colored chinos, he kind of oozed professionalism. He smelt of something between a mix of musk & a woody smell infused into it. After dealing with a lot of sweaty customers, I could not help but indulge in this very unique fragrance. But my heart felt restless!
He had a sharp jawline and an infectious smile. He had charm …no doubt about it. But he seemed mysterious too and that made me a little uncomfortable.
” Hello Maam, remember me. I came yesterday.”
Yes. I do. By the way, what was your name?” I asked pretending to forget his name as his social media profile clearly flashed in front of my eyes.
He kind of smiled raising his specs and slid a folded paper towards me.
I opened it.
Suryansh Tripathi
99 34567810
Call me if you think about what I proposed yesterday Maam. You are truly gifted. And just left!
To be continued …
Part 1 of the story – Click Here
Part 2 of the story – Click Here
Love,
Chinmayee
Chinmayee's Creations 