This is not so much about my training and exposure visits to Stockholm and Reykjavik. This is more about Rajeev Singh. My colleague. The man never ceased to amaze me. But that was in the past. Now whatever he does substantiates my changed opinion of him. Sheeba was deeply immersed in her thoughts.
I cannot let him walk all over me again. The words kept ringing in her head throughout the day till she forced herself to ignore the negative thoughts and instead focused on completing the day’s assignment. She finally switched off her PC around 6:00 p.m.
The immaculate office she worked in looked dull and cold. The reception appeared messy with bits of paper strewn all over the place and the displaced chairs further adding to the disorganised picture. Most of her other colleagues from operations had left for the day. And why shouldn't they? She thought. After all, I am the one affected. Not them. They neither gain nor lose anything from the situation, I’m in. She reasoned while waiting for Kunal Sharma, the HR director of the company.
He generally left office a little later. Sheeba had decided to confront him after office-hours. During lunch break, she’d called up home and informed her mother that there was an important meeting which she needed to attend and so would be late. Of course, her mom, like always, had sounded worried. She’d wanted to know why the meeting was planned so late. Who all were staying back, etc.? Endless questions! Indian parents are always a worried lot especially in the case of girls. Even in this age, we’ve to give explanations for being late at work. Sheeba thought to remember her afternoon chat with her mother over the phone. Everyone knows it is normal here for the working hours to stretch longer than the stipulated nine to five. Especially when your work often involves tactful handling of unreasonable passengers who want the world on their feet once they’ve booked their flight tickets. It’s a timetaking and thankless extra work. But still, I love it so much. She allowed herself a little smile. I would choose an airline job all over again over any other career because it’s one of the few jobs which allow one to travel the world. And that has been one of my life’s top-most wishes. Meeting different people, knowing about their cultures and traditions – all so fascinating! Of course, it has not been easy. I had to prove my worth every step of the way to reach the position I’m at today. It has indeed been a tedious journey but all the hard work and long hours put in the last five years has paid off. How glad I’d been that day when they informed me that I’d been promoted to the post of Operations Supervisor. The pay is good. Moreover, I get to travel more often now.
I still remember how dad had refused to sign the application form. Thankfully, mom had relented. To become the first member of the family — on both sides — to step outside the country, be able to see different parts of the world is no mean feat. They are finally proud of me! So is the extended family – even those who were initially opposing my joining an airline. Of course, now they want to see me happily married. Her thoughts changed track. Don’t they have any other work? God save people from their overbearing – extended family members. Sheeba smirked.
Anyway, let me cross the bridge when I come to it. She looked at her watch. It was past seven, she noticed. Why is Kunal taking so much of time? She mused. I’ll miss the next bus also. It’s been a week since I met Sahil last. How I wish I was with him listening to his warm and cheerful voice trying to phrase quirky one–liners to make me laugh instead of waiting here and preparing myself to play mind-games with the nasty Rajeev behind his back just like he does, she mused.
I hope my well–prepared thoughts don’t ditch me at the last moment. As it is the head is weighing like a rock. I guess, the cold air inside the office is the reason for my splitting headache. Even though I’m wearing my warm uniform jacket I’m shivering like a wet mouse. Tired of waiting, she got up from her seat and went to take a look at herself on the floor–to-wall mirror located behind the front desk. I seem passable. She reflected. Hair is a mess like always. But I can hardly do much about them. They are naturally so frizzy. The only saving grace is my red lipstick. It’s giving some colour to my otherwise pale face, she thought scrutinising herself in the mirror. Anyway, eyes are what usually matters in such situations. Fiery eyes. I’m sure I won’t have much problem with that considering how I’m feeling right now. I’ll do. I think. For now. She gave her reflection a last glance and moved towards another chair which was strategically located at a corner that gave a good view of Kunal’s room.
I wish I could openly blame Mr Gustafson, our ever-smiling GM, for my current physical state. Sheeba thought hugging herself tightly as she sank into in her chair further. It is for him that the temperature (of the centrally-controlled AC), is maintained at an almost freezing point. He’s a true Hollander. However, sometimes I suspect that such low temperatures are maintained just to ensure that all of us remember, at all times, that we are working for a European carrier and not Air of India.
IIn fact how many times I’ve raised the issue during our monthly meetings. It’s strange that no one else has shown their dissent even mildly. Although, everybody rattles their teeth just as much as I in the office but none have ever voiced their discomfort openly. And the HR never gave much significance to a single person’s complaints. We, Indians, are taught to be accommodative and tolerant towards everything. And we take pride in practising it. So much so that now we accept an unreasonably demanding situation without even taking up the issue once. I wonder who would be our redeemer! I for one, for my own sake, had tried to be different but it has only put me in bad books of the management. Nagger. They whisper behind my back. As if I’m unaware. Cowards and Fools! She swore under her breath.
Obviously, they are willing to be more than accommodative towards the top boss. They’ve a tradition to keep. So they’ve ‘adjusted’ themselves according to Mr Gustafson’s likes. Now, even I have learnt to adjust... The boss’s wish is my wish. In fact, come to think of it, on several occasions, I’ve even surpassed my other colleagues. My attitude has undergone such a tremendous change: displaying my sweetest smile to Mr Gustafson, making light remarks about the cool — weather inside the office and so on. I’m no better. She thought to reproach herself silently.
Mr Gustafson, in fact, has not the slightest inkling that we all suffer the cold because of him. Or probably he likes to pretend he does not. How he loves to stroll into the operations area unannounced and casually remark: ‘it’s so cool in here, reminds me of white Christmas!’ Silly Man! I How I had wanted to clear his misgivings once! But of course, I did not have the guts to actually do that. Nor did anyone else. His irritating remarks, made so often, remind me of hospital beds with white sheets. Oh yes! We have learned to tolerate the cold and his insensitivity towards us. Sheeba sighed.
Busy with her thoughts, she did not realise that Kunal, was already out of his room and was laughing out loud at something Rajeev, who was a few paces behind, had shared with him.
Rajeev was facing Kunal and looked mighty pleased with himself. Sheeba noted. Oh! How I hate that smug look on his face. Sheeba thought as she quickly got up from the chair and prepared herself to face the two men. He is handsome, no doubt. Tall and fair with a fake smile on his face. Typical Delhi chap: admired by the seniors and equally loathed by his juniors. I would side with the latter without a doubt. She announced to her heart. ‘
‘Hey, Sheeba! What are you doing here so late?’ Kunal broke into her thoughts. He appeared relaxed although a little surprised to see her.
‘Er…. Kunal, I just wanted to know if my participation in the Fares’ Training program has been confirmed.’ Sheeba came directly to the point. She was nervous. I hoped I don’t give myself away, she thought.
Rajeev always has that effect on me. Damn him. I won’t look his way. But that did not deter him from giving her one of his lopsided grins, she noticed from the corner of her eye.
She looked into his eyes directly and acknowledged him with a small nod.
Before Kunal could respond to her, Rajiv said, ‘seems like Ms Mathews is in a big hurry to go for this fares’ training. And why not? After all, Stockholm would be beautiful this time of the year.’
Kunal smiled at his colleague and nodded completely unaware of the sudden tension in the air.
Sheeba smiled at Rajeev. The same sweet smile which she reserved for Mr Gustafson and seldom used with others.
‘You are so right Rajeev,’ she said.
‘There is no denying that the Stockholm air will do me well,’ she continued, ‘besides, it is also important that I upgrade my skills to ensure better deliverables.’ She could make out he was taken aback by her direct and unexpected response. After all, she was playing his game.
‘Moreover,' she continued, ‘now that the Frequent Flyers programme will be handled by the operations team, I must doubly ensure that I understand the point system and its working. Come to think of it, I can be extremely helpful to you… don’t you think?’ She threw the ball in his court.
‘How?’ He was glaring at her. Sheeba did not respond immediately. She took pleasure in noting that he had been caught off-guard. Firstly, he was not expecting her today. Then he didn’t know that she could challenge him. Play his game. And on top of it, he hated to be reminded that there was a great possibility that his tiny but vital department would directly come under hers. This meant, technically, she would become his superior, a fact he’d been unable to digest.
It all depended on Sheeba’s completing the advanced fares training. And Rajeev was aware of this. In the last several weeks, she had seen him make hundreds of trips to Kunal’s chamber. But by now she had become aware of his hideous intentions.
‘You keep grumbling,' she said presently, ‘how burdened you feel and that no one else understands your work.’ She let the words sink in.
‘This is a perfect opportunity,' she let the words linger before continuing, ‘for me to learn and then I can help you with your work… but it seems you don’t want to take that advantage!’
She looked at him in the eye while making her case strong in front of Kunal. At the same time, she challenged him to take the bait.
Rajeev kept quiet.
Instead, it was Kunal who replied, ‘Yes Sheeba, what you say makes absolute sense. It is just that the senior management was a bit concerned that if you leave for a couple of weeks there’s no one to take care of the operations…,’ he left his words unfinished.
Sheeba did not respond to him. She wants him to finish his part before disclosing her cards.
‘…you know,’ Kunal continued on getting no help either from Rajiv or her, ‘May and June are our peak seasons and we can always do with an extra hand. You’re leaving at such a crucial period won’t be considered er, well, a good move. You know, how these guys goof up at such times, and invariably troubleshooting is required,’ he reasoned trying to hide his embarrassment. He knew he was not being fair.
The nonsense was fed to him by Rajeev, Sheeba knew.
‘I stay busy with my own work and God knows I can do with an extra hand around this time. Besides, we just can’t afford to annoy our frequent flyers. If you leave for the training now, it will be a huge burden on me as well and you know…,’ Rajeev was in full form now adding his bit to the conversation, clearly wanting to wash off his hands from the whole thing even before Sheeba could suggest his name to Kunal to temporarily handle her duties.
She marvelled at how easily he has forgotten the innumerable favours she’d extended him when he had to go for his training and official tours. He had shown such gratitude on those occasions. Of course, she had hardly known his intentions then. She always thought of him as a colleague. A team member. But soon Rajiv had proved it otherwise. He was not only ambitious but also greedy and selfish.
How unfair it is God? We both hold the same positions and are equally good in our respective work; and yet he was always preferred for all the important training and conferences. On many occasions, he’d even represented the operations though he was hardly aware of the issues and challenges faced by us. The naive I ended up slogging extra hours for him to make sure his presentations were prepared well. She mused. But soon I realised he never acknowledged my efforts. On the other hand, he always managed to cunningly push his name for every programme meant for my department and me.
I kept blaming the management, blind to his motives. Not only that, several times, I had openly dissented and fought with the management with regard to issues which were not even directly related to my department but was for the welfare of all. It did not help my case instead further showed me in poor light. On top of that, Rajeev would deliberately tease me in front of others to highlight my misery. I’d always thought he was trying to make light of the situation in order to cheer me up.
I had been so shocked when I learnt about his real intentions. He was jealous of me! Me – who’d guided and had selflessly, encouraged him. Of course, by then I had learnt that the only way I could defeat him at his game was by playing by his rules.
Universe sent me a perfect opportunity in the form of the advance fares training programme. If I attend the training program, it would make it possible for me to take over the all-important, frequent flyers desk. The management had been deliberating and discussing it for some time now. They felt that the FF desk should be under operations for smoother operation and greater effectiveness. This was the big opportunity for Sheeba and this time she was determined to make the best of it.
‘Sheeba, are you okay?’ It was Kunal. Sheeba realised that Rajiv had finished his arguments and both Kunal and he was waiting for her to respond.
‘Oh! Sorry! I had something in my mind,’ she apologised before continuing, but really Rajeev! You can handle things better than me.’ She said. ‘In fact, you must pitch in for me and back me up,’ she continued, ‘tell the management that you can take care of things. Ruchika can help you with the routine operational issues if any. And I know you are a genius when it comes to multi-tasking. ’
Rajeev was silent. He was thinking. Sheeba knew. Thinking how to get out of her trap. Sheeba smiled to herself. There was no getting away now.
She turned to Kunal. ‘I have always stood by him and bailed him out. He should do the same for me now. Don’t you think so Kunal?’ With that, she knew she’d nailed Rajeev. Kunal was aware that she had pitched in several times for him while he had been away attending training or other workshops. In fact, she had even handled critical scenarios in his absence along with her own duties. Kunal’s firm nod delighted her to no end. However, the usual smug look on Rajeev’s face was once replaced with an extremely helpless expression. He had no clue how to bail himself out of this awkward situation without giving himself away.
She had caught him by surprise. He tried to mumble something politely to Kunal in order to make his point but it was clear that it fell flat.
‘So that’s settled; Sheeba will go for this training. I will mail them our confirmation first thing in the morning tomorrow,’ Kunal replied jovially.
‘Happy now, Sheeba?’ Kunal asked her.
‘Of course!’ She maintained her smile. This time, however, it was a wide one.