I Wish... (Inspired From A True Story)

Between Black And White - Part 1

I was at my desk, lost in my memory lane with Ohm when suddenly somebody tapped on my shoulder. "Hey..." I turned to look at who is behind me. "You look lost. What are you smiling for?" It was Ple, my teammate.

"Oh hi! I was thinking about... going home and giving my family a surprise this weekend." I saw the website open on my screen and it clicked to me. I turned to Ple. "Since I had nothing left for tomorrow's deadline, I was browsing ticket booking websites." I blabbered just as it came to my mind. Ple was simple, non-interfering colleague. A quality that made me like her more.

"Nice. Family is what we need when we are low."

"What happened?" I asked curious. I had never seen her so low before.

"Nothing. I am not feeling well today. Umm... Is it ok if I leave early?" she asked.

Strangely I didn't know why she was asking for permission from me. "Of course. But what happened? Do you want to see a doctor?" I asked my concern raising.

"Ple? You are here! And I am searching you there in the mess. Why did you leave so abruptly? We were talking, right? At least let me explain." Fort came talking so fast and loud, it almost felt like shouting. Though I could sense with concern for her. I looked around and noticed everyone from the other cubes turned to look at him. A few people even got up from their seats. Well, it was awkward.

Fort and Ple never disclosed anything but every time I looked at them, I felt they belong together. They don't need a tag to get along. I instantly got up from my desk, and started to walk out of the cubicle, giving them some privacy, and obviously getting myself out of the curious eyes of the other colleagues staring in our direction.

"Nanon please wait." Ple stopped me and gestured me to come back, and have a seat with her. Fort did not seem to be pleased with her decision to talk having me included in the discussion, but I had no choice than to stand there by her side. "Fort has got something to tell you."

"To me? What is it?" I asked blankly. I had no idea where did I come into the picture.

"Nanon, I don't think it's the right place to talk." Fort commanded. Why is he talking to me like that? I knew I had a disgusted frown on my face. Unable to respond, I stared back at both one by one. What on earth is going on here? Fort wants to talk to me about something which is upsetting Ple? I got confused. Seeing me not responding, Fort asked "Can we go to the cafeteria and talk?" He was a bit polite this time. "Please?" he asked again more pleadingly.

"Ok. Ple, let's go." I held her hand while getting up.

She forcefully loosened her hand from my grip and coldly said "I don't think I am invited. Besides it's about you Nanon."

Ple's friend wants to talk to me and that too alone. And she is being indifferent with me. Few minutes back, I was in some other state of mind thinking about going home, meeting Ohm, sorting our issues and here I am in the middle of something new. Ohm always used to say that I am a trouble magnet. And I think he was right.

Fort gestured me to walkout of the cube with a pleading look still on his face. I had to stop the drama in the office so I started walking. I did not look up but I knew that people were staring at us. I could hear a lot of whispers around while walking out of the wing. Maybe they got a new gossip for the evening. Embarrassed, I started walking fast. I was totally confused as well as blank, so we walked quietly, till we reached the cafeteria. Fort pulled out a seat for me. I saw his face was having no expressions at all. It was an awkward moment for both of us.

"Look Nanon, I am sorry about what happened up there. I don't know how Ple got to know about you and me. I was not sure..."

"Wait! What? What about you and me?" I cut him in between.