The Promotion - Chapter 4

The Promotion 

Chapter 4 

As I said ‘Hello Uncle’ the voice on the other side sounded excited and high pitched. ‘Lets go green’ laughing. ‘Stop it uncle’ I said blushing. You still hadn’t forgotten it no? it was just a small peek and you are making a big issue. you said you have some news ?’ He was not in any rush to get to the point as I asked him nervously. ‘You said you are living in your apartment by yourself?’ when he heard a yes, ‘then why not switch on the video call? Its better face to face, seriously’ without waiting for my confirmation, he sent an accept video request.

Cursing him silently, adjusting my T shirt quickly, I turned on the video and smiled at him with a plastic smile. He was having a glass of what looked like some expensive whiskey in his hand and as he saw me he raised the glass. ‘All good news only dear, be patient hahaa otherwise will I call you at this hour to disturb if it’s not important? tell me?’ As I nodded, ‘sorry uncle’ I felt cornered a bit and felt a bit like Krishna a few mins ago.

‘Ohh it’s all good news and arranged, but what do I get in return for sharing the details to you?’ he asked laughing. ‘Oh what do you want uncle?’ I asked back innocently, not liking the way this is heading one bit. ‘Oh I see you changed into something white from khaki. (pointing at my loose T shirt). Tell me, Is it still green inside?’ he asked chuckling. ‘UNCLE’ I shouted back getting annoyed. ‘Stop this kind of dirty talk please. I don’t like this one bit, if you cannot help me please tell me straight away!!’

‘Ohh don’t be so angry vandana. It was a simple question. Is it still green inside or not?’ (he persisted testing how far he can push me). I sighed deeply trying to compose myself and thought for a moment seriously to disconnect the call. Then gritting my teeth I said, ‘No uncle it’s light blue now’ ( i can feel my shoulders slump even as I admitted such intimate detail to him and can see him raise his glass to me one more time.) ‘AAAH this is nice!! just what I like, some cooperation is always good dear!!’

‘So can I have the details now uncle?’ ( i asked exasperated). ‘Almost dear. prove it to me. show me the proof and I hand it to you in the plate’ he said coolly without skipping a beat. ‘UNCLE, do you even remember you’re talking to police?’ I asked incredulously. ‘OH I know the dear. Fully know that and I also know your situation fully. so take it or leave it. this is my offer.

Weighing the options, clearly not wanting to go back to B2 station any longer than I had to and face that horrible inspector, I chose to put up with this nonsense, hoping it’s temporary. ‘Alright, Uncle.’ saying I quickly pulled the T shirt at the shoulder, showing the thin strap of my blue lacy bra, a comfort wear I chose to wear for that night, actually thanking my stars really. If it wasn’t for the events earlier today, I sleep most nights with just the T shirt and no bra. Thankfully it wasn’t today.’

His eyes went wide. ‘OHHH this one looks much nicer compared to what I saw in the morning. Anyway dear, what it holding up and covering, they are so lovely too vandana’ ( he said with a crude laughter) ‘IS IT OK uncle? satisfied? (forcing a smile as I let go of the T shirt and carried on). Can we get back to more important things?

Immediately switching gears he carried on, ‘Oh yes sure dear. I spoke with Paneer ( referring to his long time friend , the transport minister Paneer Selvam) Told him your situation and even showed your picture. He is keen to help you, you know how kind hearted he is. So, I have arranged for an appointment tomorrow evening after 8pm when his official schedule finishes. Can you meet him at his residence at around 8pm?’

‘Ohh sure Uncle, thanks a lot for arranging this. I will be there.’ (nodding enthusiastically). ‘Oh by the way, I took the liberty of pulling out your files and records and have sent it already to paneer. He should have it in his desk for review tomorrow. In any case, bring a copy on your side OK?’ As I nodded, ‘Oh I noticed there were 3 commendations mentioned but nothing became official, WHY IS IT?’

Feeling greatly relieved that the injustice done to me is being noticed I quickly recounted how Pandian is actively blocking my promotion and uses it as a leverage to get work done in the station for free while he sits around happily waiting for his retirement the next year or the year after but careful to omit his sexual advances, thinking I will reserve it to the minister directly.

‘Anyway, noted down dear, I will have another chat with Paneer tomorrow and mention about this as well. We should be easily able to help you. Don’t worry dear.’ and just as a joke he mentioned, ‘Dont forget, tomorrows colour is Yellow, the colour of Sun. I WILL CHECK.’ Seeing me blush he laughed aloud, ‘just kidding dear, wear whatever colour you have, but I will check still’ laughing yet again seeing me cringe. ‘Alright , ignore my naughty talks dear. you can trust me dear. Good night OK?’ Not waiting for my reply he disconnected.

I lay back on the bed and recalled the turn of events, all of it that happened in a single day and it was too much for me to make sense of them all at once and while deep in thought I slipped into sleep not even aware of it. The 6AM alarm rudely woke me up as I got ready to face another day at the B2 station, hoping that the evening brings better fortunes for my career.

At work it was a languishingly slow day to pass as I was already thinking all about whatI should be telling the minister etc. and my thought process was interrupted by ‘Tea madam’ and I checked the clock, it was 11AM already. Keep it on the table Krishna, I replied preoccupied. He placed the tea next to me and leaned closer to me quickly and whispered. ‘They look gorgeous madam even from this angle. I can’t just get it out of my head. please show me just once more no?’ and not even waiting for my reply as I turned around to look at him in utter shock, he already rushed to the Inspector’s cabin with the Tea for him suppressing a smile.

I sat there staring at the guts of this boy as he is for sure playing with fire. For some reason, I wasn’t able to feel the same rage and anger I felt the day before with him. I was wondering to myself, ‘Hey Vandana, Are you liking this crap or WHAT?’ seeing him step back out of the cabin as he walked past me he casually rubbed his hands on his chest running over his nipples and bringing it down to his tummy just as he walked past me knowing I am keenly watching him, he hummed the old hit song, ‘One...more...time... tadaaaaa’ and carried on humming as he stepped out of the station.

Part of me wanted to have a word with Saroja about his behaviour, while the other half of me, sneakily enjoyed his mischief as I watched him jump out of the station steps and disappear happily, sowing the seeds of doubt within my head about my own self.

Soon the rest of the day flew past and I left a bit early from work with my case files hiding along with it my own portfolio file, ignoring Pandian’s remark ‘HALF A DAY TODAY ? Do you have some modelling assignments?’ I stepped out of the station cursing him reaching home on time to get ready and compose myself and go there to the minister’s home calmly.

Had a quick shower, freshened up and dressed in a fresh set of uniform and despite he only meant as a joke, I actually scanned the wardrobe to find a beige/yellow sports bra and put it on with a smile, knowing Madhavan uncle will definitely ask about it. Part of me was confused as to why I am doing this at all? Listening to Madhavan uncle’s silly suggestions.

As I stepped out and hailed an Auto to Minister’s address, keeping up with the government codes to not use the government vehicle for private use, making sure I play by the book when I am out there to see the minister. I arrived 15 mins earlier than I was asked to come. I just sent off the auto and approached the main gate confronted by the security. He was weary to see police and enquired what this is about and I said personal and he checked inside and let me in happily. ‘Sorry madam, just doing my duty’ apologising politely. I dismissed him politely and stepped in the huge bungalow walking through the patio towards the main gate.