Everything in the room was neatly arranged. The big round clock on the wall displayed time as clearly and efficiently as any clock could, the new air conditioner was almost silent and one really had to focus to hear it running, the cup of the tea had gone cold and a tea film had formed on its surface. Everything was clean, no dust on the table, although on the right corner the table was a bit chipped.
Deepak was noticing all this, while his manager Mr Saluja stayed focussed on the computer screen, somewhat a bit tensed and frustrated. While Deepak tried to keep up a hint of a smile for when Mr Saluja would finally look at him standing and he finally did for less than a second and went back to the computer screen. Deepak’s longer version of the smile was interrupted in the process of forming.
“Yes, Deepak, why are you here?” asked Mr Saluja, not looking at Deepak and without any ease on his own expressions.
“Sir, I had sent an e-mail, requesting leave. The HR representative said you rejected it,” said Deepak, in the most, humble tone possible
“Yes, we have a lot on our hands right now, we cannot let anyone go on leave,” replied Mr Saluja, no change in his stance
“It is after two months, sir,” said Deepak, smiling to ease the reaction
Mr Saluja stayed silent, Deepak understood Mr Saluja had overlooked the date.
“Well..” said Mr Saluje this time turning to look at Deepak, “… we don’t know what will be the status after two months, do we?”
Deepak’s smile died a little “It’s for a wedding..”
“For a wedding? You think I am not invited to weddings? I didn’t go to my nephew’s wedding to sort out all this work. Skipping a wedding or two doesn’t matter, your family must understand you are a busy man,” said Mr Saluja in a loud a little bit rushed tone, genuinely proud of himself on sacrificing the opportunity to attend his nephew’s wedding even though the nephew or nephew’s parents had completely broken off connection with Mr Saluja since then. But who includes those parts when making an example of himself/herself.
Deepak was completely sure now that Mr Saluja hadn’t read the mail at all and had rejected by just hearing that Deepak needed leave.
“It’s my wedding… sir,” said Deepak, the humbleness had begun to evaporate, the shoulders had risen taller, it was time to wear the uniform and head into battle
“But couple of months back you took leave for taking your son to doctor,” said a confused Mr Sanuja
“It was my grandmother,” said Deepak, at this point no longer surprised
Mr Sanuja thought for a few seconds and said, “Look Deepak, I am not saying you shouldn’t marry, but it’s a lot of trouble. Why not take your time and think about it, meanwhile focus on your work. After that if you still want to, we can think of the right date for you to get married so that it does not hamper work.”
Mr Sanuja almost instantly went back to work and Deepak quietly walked out visibly quite bothered by what the world was coming to
Written by Anuran Chatterji
Early Morning Memories 
One response to “Time for Leave”
What a compelling and painfully realistic piece of writing. I was immediately drawn into the scene through the small details—the silent air conditioner, the cold tea with its thin film, the chipped corner of the table. These ordinary observations beautifully reflected Deepak’s anxiety and the uncomfortable stillness of the moment.
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