It was her first day in the Corporate World. She had so far led a very sheltered life with her parents in a small sleepy town with a few close friends. Suddenly her world was expanding and at a furious pace.
She entered the office, a small white room with just one desktop in the name of equipments. The room was cold or so she felt. The color of walls did nothing to warm her up. Her Boss sat next door. That did not loosen her up either. The only induction she received was the way to the mess and timings. She had her first meeting with her Boss in the next 10 minutes.
Grey hair and warm eyes were the first things she noticed in him. He talked to her about the job profile, expectations of the company and candidly enough the troubles she should anticipate in the corporate corridors. It lasted for around 30 minutes where she thought it wise to just use her ears well. Later during the day, she decided to introduce herself to everyone around. Sure enough, she could already feel the chill in the hot month of June. Within minutes she realized she was the youngest on board with a portfolio as wide as any of the seasoned players around. Wherever she went she was welcomed with cold shoulders, smoldering eyes and open sneers.
"There begins my ordeal", she thought to herself, "they will not be able to break me". And then on it became a daily ritual, silly allegations, petty conflicts and deriding remarks, till one fine day she could take it no more. She barged into her Boss's office. "I am surprised, you stood tall for longer than I thought". Tears welled up in her eyes and she could not control them. He got up from his seat, enveloped her in one Big Bear Hug which lasted long enough for her worries to drift apart. "I wanted you to learn walking first, now that you are already sprinting I shall run with you". And true to his words, since then he was always there to defend her. She was strong, all she needed was a pillar to fall back on. She came out with flying colors. For the first time people actually started noticing her, praising her.
And from there on, they developed a special bond. Sharing, discussing... a very platonic thing. Both found solace with each other in the corrupt power equations. They would often discuss people, tactics, strategies over endless cups of tea within or outside the confines of white walls. People talked, but who cared. They were floating closer in oblivion or probably it was a conscious disregard of the mortal ties. She enjoyed when he discussed work with her and asked her out for continuing the lengthy conversations. He was a man who wielded power at the right moment and that endeared him to her. The fact that he was concerned about her personal life, her relationships, her career placed him in high regards. She liked to believe there was more to what was going on. She yearned for those bear hugs. And so time moved with her growing stronger and confident in the role and in person. Suddenly it was time for her to move to the next assignment. How she was torn between him and career progression. He urged her to choose the latter. Move, she made, with them staying in close touch for months to come. From regular to rare, their meetings turned sporadic and so did the calls. Before either of them realized it had stopped all together.
Today while sitting in front of him after a span of 15 long years, she realized nothing has changed. It was the same grey hair, warm eyes and above all the same bear hug. She was still in awe of him and it brought back a rush of memories. He, however, had moved on.
What was it.....a fatherly comfort that she needed the most then or something more intimate which she still longed for.
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