Lost Joy

 

Monday broke upon Tushar like hail. Tasks, directives and e-mails continued to burst upon his phone like the relentless wrath of a Biblical God. “Fuck” he groaned. Shouldn’t have had that last peg.  Rather that entire quarter. Fuck. I shouldn’t have gone at all. Which girl is impressed by ceaseless drinking? Moreover why was I trying to impress her of all the people. She’s already dating someone!

The number of unread messages on his team’s Whatsapp group kept on increasing. The notification sound oblivious to the fact that he could not remember if he was an ass towards the group, the host, or her. Uff. His head hurt. Fuck Party Smart. Should have had Pudin Hara. Who the hell is at the door right now? He almost shouted at himself before collapsing into a vertical position.

Nakoy ga. Kiti vela sangu sakali nako yet jau! Slamming the door on her face made him feel guilty every time. But he had to get ready. There was still time to reach the office before the client call. Fuck the bath.

Tushar quickly brushed his teeth and as he was wearing his half-ironed shirt his phone rang. Ata kon ahe? He checked his phone, buttoning the last one with one hand. He stopped just before tucking in his shirt.

“Aishwarya Jio Calling” his phone read.

Fuck fuck fuck. Kaal kay kela mi? Why is she calling. I think I was decent towards her. Barely talked to her. Au contraire, I actively ignored her. Didn’t I?

Tushar’s hand remained frozen on the screen, the phone still ringing.

Yes, she was looking hot as ever. I probably did stare more than I should. I mouthed “Hi!” when she looked back. But that’s all. And everybody knew I had asked her out. Oh wait. We did have a polite conversation. But that’s all.

Cut? Should I pick up? Ignore? Why didn’t she text. The phone stopped ringing. Thank God. Should I call her back? After sometime. After the client call, I’ll anyway talk to her. But would that be too late? The horn of the idliwala rang in his ears. Oh fuck. I need to leave. Belt. Socks. Shoes. Wallet. Phone. Kerchief. Keys. Thankfully his bike started immediately.

As he turned onto the main road, Tushar wondered. Why does Aishwarya still invade his mind. Why does she still force him to down a quarter of Riband neat? Wait. He’d done shots yesterday. With her! And Ganya. Yeah, he needs to call Ganesh. Signal ahe, karto lagech.

-Hello Ganya!
-Haan bol Tushar. Kaal ekdum full zingat hotas. Atta uthla ka?
-Kay? Mala kahich aathvat nahiye.
-Lol. Kahich nahi?
-Apan Aishu barobar shots kele ka?
-Ho! Ranjit ni magavlele. Veda zaalay engagement zalyapasun to.
-Pudhe kay zala? Kahi zol nahi na? Ek ek second. Signal sutlay. Mi karto parat.

Tushar crossed the signal. Prolly call him after reaching the office. As he got into the parking lot his phone vibrated. Ganesh he thought. That ass can’t wait. As he shut the ignition and kicked out his stand, his hand again froze on his phone. Aishwarya. Again.

Cut. Swipe. Phone. Recent. Ganya. Call.

-Hello.
-Pochlas? Kahitari vicharat hotas tu.
-Kaal Aishu ani mazyat kahi zala ka? Ti mala saarkha phone kartye. Kaamachach phone asel na?
-Mhanje tula kharach kahi aathvat nahiye? Fuck. Arre kal tu tichya…

“Tushar!”

Tushar wheeled around, instinctively cutting the call. He hadn’t noticed his boss’ car drive in.

-Boss!
-Finally! And you’re late today of all the dates? You need to rush. The client will be calling soon. Your team has been trying to get to you. Haven’t you checked your whatsapp?
-Yes, No. I mean sorry. Is that all?
-Come to my office later after the call with a report.

As Tushar rushed up to the lobby, he heard his name.

“Wait!” His boss approached him. Closer. “And don’t utter a word of what happened yesterday.”

Tushar blinked twice. “Yes Aishwarya.”