Chapter 1: A Day at the Park
Chapter 1: A Day at the Park
The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the park. I sat on a weathered wooden bench, lost in the pages of a novel that had once been the centerpiece of my college years. It was a romantic tale, celebrated for its tender portrayal of love and its capacity to linger in one's heart long after the last page. One line from the book had always stayed with me: "A person will forget what you said, a person will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel."
As I closed the book and rested it on my lap, I found myself absorbed in those words, letting their weight sink in. My surroundings blurred the rustling of leaves and chirping of birds fading into the background. It felt as though time had paused, allowing me to dive deeper into my thoughts.
A sudden, sharp voice pierced through my reverie.
"Hey, big brother! Pass the ball!"
Startled, I snapped back to reality and glanced around. A football had rolled to a stop near my feet. A group of children stood a few yards away, their eager faces turned toward me. Smiling, I stood up, albeit a little unsteady from sitting too long, and kicked the ball in their direction—not without a small wobble in my step.
"Sure thing, buddy! Here it comes!" I called out, chuckling at my less-than-graceful attempt.
The children laughed as they ran off with the ball, their joyful chatter echoing through the park. I took a moment to observe the changing atmosphere around me. The sky had transitioned from a brilliant blue to a soft palette of oranges and pinks, while birds began their journey home. The streetlights flickered to life, illuminating the paths with a warm, golden hue.
Glancing at my watch, a rare 24-hour model that I cherished, I noticed the time—18:35. A soft sigh escaped my lips.
"It's already this late," I murmured, gathering my things. "Time to head home."
Though I didn't visit this park often, it held a special place in my heart. As I walked toward the exit, I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing. The sight of the birds reminded me of someone who had once flown far away—someone I wished would return, though deep down, I knew it was an impossible hope.
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Chapter 2: Morning at the Office
The next morning, the office buzzed with its usual rhythm. In the cafeteria, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as I sat with my colleagues, indulging in a light-hearted conversation over steaming mugs and snacks.
"Sai, you got a second?"
A familiar voice cut through the din, and I looked up to see my boss, Keshav Jadhav, approaching. He was impeccably dressed as always, with neatly combed black hair and an air of effortless confidence. But what set him apart was his kindness—a trait not often found in people of his position.
"Take a seat, boss," I said, gesturing to the empty chair beside me. "The coffee's great, and these snacks are even better. You should try some."
He smiled and took the offered seat. "Thanks. So, here's the thing—we're bringing on a new employee."
I raised an eyebrow. "Now? Isn't it an odd time for hiring?"
"She's been studying abroad," Keshav explained, taking a sip of his coffee. "Somewhere in London, I think. She came highly recommended, and after reviewing her resume, I couldn't pass her up. She's quite talented. Oh, and she's—" He hesitated, his lips curving into a slight smile. "She's a woman, by the way."
"Got it the moment you said 'she,'" I teased, earning a laugh from Keshav.
Before he could respond, Harshvardhan, my colleague and self-proclaimed office comedian, joined in. "Look at Sai—sharp as ever!" he quipped, grinning widely.
"Thanks buddy," I said dryly before turning back to Keshav. "So, what's the plan, boss?"
"I'd like you to mentor her," Keshav replied. "The desk next to yours is open. Do you mind if she takes it?"
"Of course not," I said, shrugging. "That's fine by me."
"Great," Keshav said, visibly relieved. "I'll introduce you to her during the morning briefing."
"Sounds good," I said, leaning back in my chair. "Until then, let's enjoy this coffee, shall we?"
"Yeah, before Harsh starts blaming me for ruining his break," Keshav said, chuckling.
"Hey, I only nag you because I'm cute and hot," Harsh chimed in with a mock pout, earning a round of laughter from everyone at the table.
The camaraderie was light and infectious, a stark contrast to the structured chaos of our workdays. Yet, as we laughed and chatted, I couldn't shake the feeling that today was the beginning of something new—something that might just change my life forever.