Girl in a million by Anitha Padanattil

Author:Anitha Padanattil [Padanattil, Anitha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: ArtoonsInn Room9 Publications
Published: 2021-02-27T22:00:00+00:00

*

A curt information in the form of a mail had been sent requesting for an extra day off clubbed with the weekend. Knowing the management, I’m sure that they would agree to whatever I asked for. I was tired of watching their hangdog expression and tell myself, ‘Just this one year. There won’t be a next’.

Expertly packing formal shirts and a suit for the interview, I included a shirt and veshti8 ensemble should an informal visit to the home be included. Packing was a non-strenuous affair as I had been doing this for most of my working life anyway. I could pack and unpack stuff from a suitcase with my eyes closed. Travel time was three hours along with a few more of those stuck in the choking traffic. I was waiting to fly away from the smog.

Touchdown followed by customs check was a breeze. I followed the taxi driver bearing my name on the placard to his ambassador car. The ride was a silent affair as I was immersed in my thoughts. Nervousness coupled with trepidation was something that I was unaccustomed to for a long time now. I felt hesitant and unsure. Taking out a cigarette, I rolled down the window and proceeded to calm myself.

The structure that loomed before me was not a grandiose one. It was a cement and brick plastered double storied building. The yard in front teemed with lush greenery. Young fruit bearing trees stood discreetly among the larger shrubs close to the compound wall. I paid the fare and observed the view from within the enclosure after walking in through the open gates. A khaki clad native, presumably the watchman, came running to close the gate, offer his apologies and carry my suitcase. I watched him mutter non-stop without a clue as to what was being conveyed but at my indication that I had come to see the Big Man here, he barked out a laugh and motioned that here; a ‘respected woman’ ran the show. ‘Periyamma’16 he repeated twice encouraging me to repeat the word. I nodded to show that I had understood and followed him into the cool interior. Ceiling fans whirred at high speed all along the long corridor. There were men, women and children of all ages and sizes, sitting on the plastic chairs touching the walls as well as a few others hunched over and sitting on the floor with outstretched legs. All glances swiveled upon my entry and the entire group rose with palms folded with some bowing low and muttering, ‘Doctor aiyya’.

Taken aback at this response, I espied the board that said, ‘Murthy-Managing Director’ and walked in through the door. Inside the room was uncle, head bowed and writing furiously on a notepad. Hearing my tap on the door, he looked up confused. A tall man in a suit was a rarity in this part of the world. As his gaze took me in and rested on my face, comprehension dawned. ‘Manu,’ he said. Uncle got up from his position and came to enfold me in a hug.

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