THE OLD BOSS

"Boss? Hi, nice seeing you here," said Jai.

"Jai, I am no longer your boss. I got transferred to Rajasthan, remember," said Mr. Malhotra.

"That might be true, but you will always be my first boss. Do you mind if I join you?" asked Jai.

Mr. Malhotra looked around. He was sitting all alone in the corner at one of the tables. He nodded.

"So, what brings you here, boss?" asked Jai.

"I was in town and got the invite for the employee meeting. I thought it would be a good way to catch up with old friends and colleagues," said Mr. Malhotra.

"Did you meet the guys, Suyog, Pranayji, Saniya Ma'am? I remember how close you guys were," said Jai.

"I did meet them, but they seemed busy. They are in that corner with some guy".

"Oh! That guy is Mr. Sanjeevani. He is the new GM after your preceder quit".

"Raul, quit?"

"You didn't know? You should talk to him then".

"Do you know the reason?"

"I do. But it will be better if you heard it from him".

"I will. So... how is your job going on?" asked Mr. Malhotra.

I got a promotion and a transfer a year ago, in another division. Awaiting something better this year, but I have my doubts," said Jai.

"Doubts about what?" asked Mr. Malhotra.

"My reputation for being too straight forward and then there are a few people who don't want me in their league," confessed Jai.

The evening slowly moved on and the guys continued talking without any interruptions. As the evening was coming to a close, Mr. Malhotra said, "I need to tell you something".

"Is everything OK, boss?"

"Yes. I gave you shit for the longest time under the influence of some wrong people. I was blind. And I know that now. Forgive me," confessed Mr. Malhotra.

"I took it as my learning curve, boss. It was frustrating in the beginning, but I am a stronger individual today. And yes, you were not just blind, but a fool as well," Jai laughed.

"Hey! No, it's OK. I totally deserve it," said Mr. Malhotra and punched Jai on his arm.

They walked out of the building
While awaiting their cars, Mr. Malhotra said, "I have something more to tell you. In reality, I came here to tell everyone that I just signed my papers as VP of the group. The official announcement will happen in a week."

"Wow, boss that's a big thing".

"Yes. Rajasthan has been doing the best. I came here because I was building a new team in the corporate office and thought they could join me. Anyways, their loss".

"Take it as a learning curve boss".

"I am glad this happened. Now I can offer the job to some straight forward people, who are more real than many".

As Mr. Malhotra sat in his car, he yelled excitedly, "You will be hearing from me soon. I would really appreciate having you by my side at the corporate".