After a quick visit to the washroom,Shriya put on her earphones and started her most frequented Youtube playlist,that is the only way Shriya can put herself back to sleep.She has tried counting sheeps and repeating number series many times,nothing really worked for her.Shriya needs to be exhausted in order to fall asleep.In the silence of the night her mind travels a thousand miles an hour.A journey of what-ifs and what-could-have-beens.A journey that she has no wish to onboard.
Office next day has been uneventful.Almost ready to wrap up for the day,Shriya was called at Boss's cabin.Vikram had quite a few delegates at his room,Shriya hesitated for a moment before entering."May I come in?"Shriya knocked at the door and entered. "Yes Shriya,we have been waiting for you only.Mr.Banerjee,this is the person I was telling you about.Meet Shriya Ganguly,she is the perfect addition to our team of due diligence.She is best at negotiation and client handling.We can really use her for this deal." A delegate turned to welcome Shriya,for a moment;time froze.Standing in front of Shriya was Abir.Abir Banerjee..the love of her life;Or used to be.
Abir quickly composed himself. "Hello Shriya,pleased to welcome you to our team."
"Thank you" Shriya managed to gain her composure as well."We really do not have time Shriya,next week,we are reaching Brussels on Monday;the workshop wil commence from Tuesday and we will have only 3 days to impress them.We have got to get this deal Shriya,Banerjee will explain their initial learnings and KYC of client.Just get going from there."
Shriya was not really listening.In her mind,she was the Shriya of year 2007,hopelessly in love with Abir Banerjee,the final year college topper.
Shriya and Abir's was a match made in heaven.The tomboy Shriya became a lady when she met Abir,felt so many emotions for the first time.Abir was her first love and first many things.Shriya never knew someone could want her so passionately.Shriya never felt so desirable ever before.
Abir's parents did not like Shriya.His father,an ex-scientist found that Shriya's kundali has dosh.Abir told Shriya that she will achieve nothing in her life.Shriya will be an absolute failure,will never travel abroad,has no future and will end up having extra-marital affair post marriage. A heart-broken Shriya pleaded Abir to fight for her..fight for their love.Abir said,he cannot.Then Abir got a job and left for Mumbai,Shriya had no way of connecting with him ever again.He did not call her a single time.
Shriya cried for days,month and years.Contemplated giving up on her life but moved on eventually.In the process of rising from the ashes,Shriya became Miss Shriya Ganguly.A hardcore professional who also manages her personal life with elan.
Shriya loved again,against her parents choices.Fought with them then convinced them for Adil,thus the first inter religion marriage in Ganguly-Poribar.
Shriya and Adil were best friends.Adil stood by Shriya during their first job through thick and thin as a colleague,which is rare in corporate world.Friendship turned to mutual admiration and love,followed by a court marriage with blessings from elderly.They are a happy couple living a decent life together.
Though a good guy,Adil came with his share of baggages,he confided in Shriya about one of his Ex-girlfriends once,Pallavi.
Pallavi was Adil's first love.Adil could not pursue that relationship as it happened while he was a fresher in college.Still clueless about his future and not strong enough to stand against his parents wish,he gave up.He regretted it for years,but have come to terms with it.
Though Shriya judged Adil,she could not help but fall in love with him.Whom we love and whom we end up with,are rarely in sync.However,Shriya loved the man Adil became,the fact that he accepted and regretted his misdeeds.After all we all are flawed in some way or the other.
The week next was over as soon as it was started.They have won the deal.Shriya was relaxed throughout as she had told Adil about Abir's dramatic entry in her life.Adil had full faith on her which boosted Shriya's faith on herself.Shriya was part of a team led by Abir and did her part perfectly,good networking was achieved. The day before the return flight,Shriya was sitting alone in the conferrence room for sometime doing some paper-work.Rest of the team had gone for a coffe break.A knock on the door,Shriya turned back to see Abir standing at the door. "May I come in"Abir spoke in a shaky voice. "Yes,please"Shriya responded. Abir entered and sat down.
"I have been meaning to talk to you,how have you been ?"Abir was looking less than confident,he could not look into Shriya's eyes and was visibily uncomfortable.
"Exactly how you are seeing me.How have you been"Shriya was poised in her response.
"I am doing OK.Shriya,I have been meaning to apologise..just could not find the right words.It was long time back and we were so young."Abir seemed to be fumbling as he tried to speak.
"What are you sorry about Mr.Banerjee?I am not the girl you knew once.Your words have no meaning to me.I would appreciate if you keep this strictly professional."
"But Shriya!"Abir continued in a choked voice.
"You see Mr.Banerjee,I need to leave right now.Have some personal calls to make.Please excuse me."
Shriya got up,gathered her papers and left the room.Not looking back for a second
Nowadays,Shriya sleeps peacefully.She has stopped waking up at odd hours.She is a calmer version of herself.On a random Sunday,while sipping a cup of tea in her balcony,Adil asked Shriya,"I thought you let the guy go pretty easily.Frankly speaking I was agitated throughout the time you were in Brussels.I would not have let you go in the first place had it not been absolutely necessary.I am pretty proud of how you handled it."
Shriya reflected,"All these years,I never imagined I will ever be able to hold myself together if I ever see him again.I was afraid of what my action would be.I had even contemplated punching and breaking his nose if I ever encounter him."
Shriya seemed genuine.Adil was laughing."And why didn't you".Adil asked somehow controlling his laughter.
Looking deep into Adil's eyes,Shriya said only one thing;"Because you too are Abir in Pallavi's story,and hopefully,Abir is Adil in someone else's story."
