No longer was he a delinquent boy at work, for he had an excellent future to look forward to. And so, it stood to reason that he threw himself into rigorous toil daily. He was quite impressive in his work and left everyone amazed. Every morning when he sat between the squaring walls of his cubicle under the brilliance of white tubes lighting up the rows, his association with the business was strongly established. And as days passed and he became proficient in his work and familiar with the people around him, this association strengthened further. He was now a part of the repetitive mechanics of a community that typed from morning to evening, with little time to look around. Like one big family of like-minded people, they kept abreast of each other's positions and partook in each other's toils and glories, saving the time when keenly observant of the little highs of their neighbors' compensatory benefits, they detested the meager raises of their own.
This was the accounting department at Felix Couriers, which David had newly become a part of. Every morning, people arrived in perfect loftiness established by their colorful garments and pride in possessing great expertise. And when they left the office in the evening, they returned home tired and taxed, worn out and spent, yet preserving the shine of their clothes and exhausted expertise. But this expertise was employed more in leisure than duty, more in fun than work. Everyone had much to say at coffee corners, snack joints, and recreational centers, but little when the subjects of debit or credit, policies or procedures, equity or inventory, counting or accounting were touched upon. Not a hand shivered or lip quivered when what cameth in was never debited and what wenteth out never credited. Not a hand shivered or lip quivered when the receiver was credited and the giver debited. Not a hand shivered or lip quivered when dust seemed to settle upon these golden accounting rules and twisted them erroneously.
But no matter how common such tragedies were, David could scarcely depart from his trance. His interest in work multiplied daily, and the pleasure of hard toil increasingly wounded him like a drug that one would pray never wears off. And there he was, from morning to evening, learning hard and working harder, skipping lunch and tea breaks in the hope of rising to a better life. Two weeks into the occupation and getting better, he was finer than anyone else. Two weeks into the occupation and getting better, he was near topping the charts. Two weeks into the occupation and getting better, it was time for his first encounter with his superior.
And this was the day. After acknowledging the email, David left his desk and was near his cabin. And after giving a few gentle knocks on the glass door, he was summoned inside and ordered to take his seat.
'Three months already, then,' said Mahesh as David sat down. 'How did you find this town? Good enough for a lifetime? Oh, sorry. A lifetime is long, and we do not endorse such accomplishments here. Let me correct myself. A good enough place to begin your career?'
As the operations leader, Mahesh managed the line of business. All appreciation went through him. All expulsions were signed by him. All news was conveyed through him. But because of his heedless chuckle and cold face as the only means to convey anything, no one could discern whether what was offered to them was for their benefit or peril. And here was David, bearing the same sentiment as many others had had on this day in the cabin.
'I should think so, Sir.' He answered hesitantly.
'Aren't you delighted?' Mahesh lounged back on his chair. 'I haven't seen you express yourself too much these last few days.'
'Quite delighted, Sir,' said David. 'But I'm more nervous. Did I do anything wrong that you call me here at this time?'
'Don't be cautioned,' said the manager. 'It's a normal feedback session. You have no reason to be alarmed.'
The confirmation put David to rest.
'So, tell me, then. Do your seniors attend to you well? Do they listen to you when you seek help and assist you?
'I have no reason to say they don't, Sir. They listen to my queries. Though often busy, they help and guide me when needed. They go out of their way to help my weak mind. I have no complaints, Sir.'
'You cannot have any.' Mahesh asserted proudly. 'You have no reason to do so, for I never go wrong in my judgement about people. I quite know who belongs to which department. It was I who assigned you to this team. You seemed like a silent, thinking boy, and we assumed you would take a long time to open up. For this very purpose, I put you with these savage fellows. It's a gang of excited men and women always joking at work. I knew they would ensure you were not silent for long. Ha ha. And there you are, speaking confidently now—though I still see some hesitance.'
'I'm grateful, Sir.' David smiled at him. 'The bargain paid off.'
'Certainly. But I also knew they could sometimes overdo it and disturb others. And this is where you come in, to contain them. They now content themselves with being a little quiet, don't they? I don't hear a lot of noise from them these days.'
'Yes, Sir. They are careful with their silly remarks in front of me. We've brought down many errors as a result.'
'That indeed was the purpose.' Mahesh continued. 'All for the team.'
'You did well in judging them, Sir. They're lucky to be in your team. I see the great leverage you give them.'
'I have to,' sighed Mahesh, 'for I need them for many things. They train people like you and are our ears and eyes. I'd be lost if I did not know what they wanted. That's why I'm sometimes compelled to give them enough leverage. That's my headache. But this is the way business functions. Give and take. I hope you get this. Besides, an old and intelligent employee makes a strong rebel when restrained. I cannot take chances.' He leaned forward on the table to whisper to him. 'But let this be a secret. Do not let people know about these designs of mine. They're completely managerial. I trust you.'
'I promise, Sir.' David returned.
'One more thing. What are their opinions about me? Do they have any complaints?'
'They do, Sir.' David replied in his unusual innocence. 'They say you hardly smile or return a greeting. I've heard them discuss how you rudely ignored them at the conference. Some find you intimidating, while others find you too impetuous. They say your judgements are not well-thought-of.'
'What do you say?'
'I quite think the same, Sir.'
At this, Mahesh burst into laughter.
'I'm not surprised,' he remarked. 'That's the trend I've set here. They make it a point to label me heartless, mindless, and many other things. But I don't mind that. That's my way of working. Work is what I'm here for. Work is all you are here for. And this is the takeaway. All leisure passes away. And I do not set my mind on them. That's the harsh truth. You must do the same. Have fun but return to work soon, for our institution rests on the pillars of work and toil. Any deviation, therefore, must not be acknowledged. And in so doing, if you are despised, be not discouraged. I do not mind being misunderstood for a cruel lieutenant. In fact, I quite like the title. I can now command obedience freely without expecting to be liked by them. But what they say is not fully true. They're wrong in saying I do not make merry and have fun. I do have fun. But only in my cabin here. The privilege of seeing me laugh is preserved for those who see me here. It is your turn now. And now you see me laughing and joking. Ha ha. Tell me then. Do I look any different now?'
'I take the lesson, Sir.' David replied. 'And no, you don't look any different.'
'Well, well, what else do they say?'
'Nothing more, Sir.'
'In that case, I have something vital to tell you. It is what others feel and think about you. Would you be interested in knowing?'
'By your leave, Sir. I know how to take feedback. I'd be very keen.'
'Is it true that you sometimes mind corrections and rebel often?'
'Yes, it is true, Sir.' David mumbled. 'But it was only once. I have since made a promise not to repeat that. I'm on my way to improvement. I shall have it fully attended to.'
'You know you must do that,' said Mahesh.
'I know, Sir. And I'm thankful to you for bringing this up. I beg your pardon if you were offended by that behavior. I promise it shall soon be taken care of. Anything else that bothers them, Sir? I'll be eager to work on it.'
'You should take it easy,' said Mahesh, seeing David getting too concerned. 'Don't be in a hurry to correct yourself. It does not happen in a day. You're new and acceptable and have much time to spend. Everyone goes through this. I know one error gives you shivers. And if it happens to be a loss, you almost tremble to death. But do not be anxious. It's a phase and shall pass soon. Be patient and work hard. You know the rules, don't you? All work and little play.'
'Thank you, Sir. I was deeply worried.'
'You must not,' replied Mahesh, 'I have something to cheer you up. Would you be keen?'
'How could I do otherwise, Sir?'
'Very well. My secret ears have heard many good things being said about you. They say you're a hard-working and smart fellow. You finish your tasks on time and are keen on learning. And I think they are right, for I've seen it myself. I was quite impressed by your presence of mind the other day when you corrected a wrong entry by referring to the manual during validation. Seeing a verifier open a manual is so unlikely, for they think too highly of themselves. Ha ha. I was one such. I also recall how you overrode the commands and saved a loss last week. Such elevations of senses are not expected from a newcomer. Your sensibility is much appreciated. And I think you must be given due credit.'
'I'm much obliged, Sir,' returned David with an unrestrained delight. 'That gives me a lot of relief. But I owe this to my seniors. They taught me well. I must go and thank them. But I must thank you more, Sir, for giving me a chance to work here. I had always dreamed of being a part of one such institution. All because of your help, Sir. You're kind and capable. And therefore, you always have my support and favor. I'd be there to help you in any little way I can. Thank you for the honor. As for the errors, I promise to be careful and avoid them.'
'Oh, you do well, David,' said Mahesh, with no real change in countenance. 'We all have those errors in us. You have them too, but not so big to subordinate your achievements. And since you promise to work on your rebellious ways—which I feel aren't too great to block your success—you are sure to course down the right path.'
'I will make it a point, Sir. I will not leave you disappointed.'
At this point, convinced that his pretense had tricked David into agreeing to anything he may care to put forth as a request or order, Mahesh opened the drawer, pulled out an envelope, and gently pushed it toward him, saying,
'Such assurances are expected of you, David, here and wherever you go from here. You're an asset to us and must remain thus for a long time. And to repay you for your efforts, I'm glad to extend the realms of my gratitude beyond the boundaries of our city to a little village called Bargi. The letter inside the cover explains it all. You may read this later.'
Threatened by the proposed change, David looked at Mahesh confusedly and hinted at interrupting him. But his hesitation was a hurdle.
Mahesh continued, 'You are to report at our Felix Couriers office in two weeks. We've observed that many of our consignments are sent to that village. And so, we've decided to set up an office there. We have already set up a new team there and need some accountants. You're a part of this team. Remember, you're going to be a vital stakeholder. We look forward to your contribution. I'm sure you'll do well there, for I trust you completely.'
'What are the terms of this arrangement, Sir, if I may ask?' David said nervously.
'This is a testing phase, and we expect the project to last two years. That's all I know as of now. But as I learn more, I'll inform you. I wish you luck. May you prosper and bring us honor.'
No matter how much Mahesh tried to convey that it was the best he could do to repay him for his obedience, David was frozen as if he were posted to a place where the sun never shone. After a short pause, he managed to put his nervous case forward.
'Would you be kind enough to give me an option to choose, Sir? I've just arrived here. And now I have to relocate. I don't know what to do. Only after much trouble have I set up my house here. I fear I may not like it there. I implore your kindness, Sir. Please deal with me favorably. You can demote me or put me on a less-important post. I shall not mind that. But please allow me to turn the offer down. I beg your assistance in this matter. Any little help will go a long way.'
'Don't be a child, David,' replied Mahesh. 'Behave like a man. You're soon to find yourself in such positions often. And why do you fret as though you've been put in a dungeon of the dead? You will see people there. Don't be anxious. Have you never heard of the town?'
'I haven't, Sir.'
'Well, you worry for no reason, my friend. It's a calm and peaceful place, admired and sought out by people. Indeed, it's not as advanced as some of the other towns. But that is to your advantage. There will be little chaos there, and you can live peacefully. Besides, you've been allotted a big apartment. I'm sure it's bigger than what you could afford anywhere. You can live like a king at our expense. Don't worry now, for you only have two weeks to report. You must start preparing.'
'May I please disagree, Sir?' replied David, persistent in his pleadings.
This angered Mahesh. Immediately departing from his managerial flattery, he returned to his usual coldness.
'I've said this before and shall not repeat it. The date is fixed, the team finalized, and sessions scheduled. There's nothing I can do now. But so that you may come to terms with it, I grant you leave for tomorrow. When you arrive the next day, I must only hear your consent. If you express any disagreement, I will not tolerate that. You must either oblige or leave.'
'I do not wish to leave, Sir,' answered David nervously.
'Then obey. You still have two weeks. Remember, successful completion of work is desired of you. Please do not disappoint us there. Work hard and stay healthy.'
Saying this, Mahesh arose and extended his hands contemptuously for a shake.
'May all the luck follow you. And if you have any other concerns, you can write to me.'
With these instructions, David was ordered to leave the cabin and return to his mechanics.
The following few days at work were absorbing for David. He came in early, left late, and spent most of his time attending discussions and keeping up with his priorities. And in the little spare time at recess, he thought about his life in Bargi and wondered how he must live there.
His mother soon learnt about his position and endured it in her usual manner of shedding tears of great fright as though David were a child again. She rebuked him for not turning the offer down and commanded him to return home. And when David rubbished that sentiment as silly, she replied,
"A mother's heart knows no bounds in joys and fears alike. I don't see this as your progress. I rather see it as a tragedy. Come back now."
Anxious about his life in an unknown town and pressed by his mother, David thought of speaking to Mahesh again to convince him to reconsider his appointment. But knowing fully well that the effect of that feat could be grave, his immediate expulsion being the most certain, he kept the inquiry within his breast. But to comfort his fearful mother, he assured her he would take care of himself and not be as silly as he had been in the town.
For days and nights, at home or work, in leisure or toil, in wakefulness or sleepiness, till he left for Bargi, his reflection remained sour at night and perhaps more arduous than any solemn reflection undertaken on any of the previous nights; for not even a sketch of a warm and pleasant town, forcibly imagined and thoughtfully air-built, could draw away from him the great grief the very contrasting picture of his fancy had evoked in him.