R - REMINISCENCE

REMINISCENCE

It was a special occasion at the office of "Sriman &; Co" and
elaborate arrangements had been made in the office hall. This was a
very special occasion for the staff members of this office for they
were bidding farewell to one of their most efficient 'Director'.

She was Sangita Deb, retiring from a very prestigious post after a very
bright and successful career of thirty-two years. The company had given
her everything _____ name, fame, position and prestige. In return she
had showered all her time for the sake of this company, which was 'a
temple' to her ____ a place for total devotion, submission and
dedication ____ all this for the sake of what?

All the staff members had gathered at the hall for the farewell
meeting. The central figure was Sangita. Draped in a cream coloured
sari with a special embroidered border, her hair tied up in a modern
but simple style, some strands at the temple posed out prominent in
grey ____ was a style of her own. She looked very graceful but not very
pretty, and she poised herself in a very dignified manner in the
chair.
Although she was seated comfortably, her mind was jaunting around. Her
inner self told her that she would no longer be a member of this office
family. "Today is my last working day", she told herself.

Framing a recollection of those yesteryears, her eyes grew moist
_________

"Hi darling, I'm getting late, come soon".

"Sangita wait a bit, let me put on my shoes", said Sumit.

Sumit was Sangita's husband. Both of them worked as executives at
different offices. Theirs had been a love marriage. So much had been
thought of to get ____ a plus; so much they had not achieved _____ a
minus.

At first, after marriage, both had been busy in building up their
careers that they never knew how three years of their married life had
slid past. On their third marriage anniversary, they went for dinner to
one of the prestigious hotels of the city. They preferred an exclusive
quiet celebration. Holding Sangita's hands in his own Sumit said,
"Sangita don't you think we need to add someone to our family?"

"What!" said Sangita very meekly.

"I thought you understood my mind".

"But of course I can't read your thought at this moment. Just tell me,"
said Sangita.

"O dear I want you to gift me a new member to our family before our
next marriage anniversary," said Sumit by looking straight into her
eyes.

Sangita drew away her hands and remained quiet. Then she said,
"Darling, I don't think I can go in for such a deal at present. I want
to pursue with my career and rise high. We shall think about it later
on. Come on, let us enjoy this lovely dinner and not spoil our
moods."

Sumit spoke no further on that topic. He showed no sign of resentment
but remained in a gay spirit. After a wonderful dinner they were back
home.

For some days Sumit did not bring forth the topic of having a child
before Sangita. But he was very much interested in having one but
singly what could he do. Very soon this topic began to reappear in
their talks. Difference of opinions began to spring up and gradually
the intimacy, the love they had for each other showed signs of crack
and began to break down.

Sangita was very adamant and did not want to bear a child. She was a
career-oriented lady. At this juncture, only her career, gaining a high
position, prestige and power was her first priority and aim in
life.
A time came when Sangita and Sumit's love life began to crumble down
and it took the shape in divorce.

Sangita had spent all these long years of her life fully occupied in
her office work. All these years had busied her giving no room to think
of what remained for her after retirement

On the other hand Sumit had married again ______ not a working lady of
course. He was a proud father of two children, a son and a daughter.
His daughter was married off and was in U.S.A. His son had his higher
education in U.S.A. and was in a job there. But soon he would be
returning to India to settle down permanently.

All this time Sangita was in a reverie while sitting on her chair. She
was back to her present when she was called upon to say a few words.
She spoke ______ "In life I have achieved a lot from this office. But
there are certain things which I have missed out and lost in life where
this age cannot give it back to me". So saying she wiped the tears with
her milk white hanky and just stood looking beyond as though there was
only empty space far beyond and nothing else.