The Promotion - Chapter 5

 The Promotion

Chapter 5

As I stood at the edge of the well lit patio, marvelling at the beautifully planted row of rose bushes with different coloured roses and a lawn that is manicured with great care, the main door made of best quality Teak wood opened with assured heaviness and a plump lady beckoned me in, ‘please come madam inside. Minister is expecting you. He will join you shortly. I nodded politely and stepped in, guessing she must be the house help here, guessing from her dress. As I sat in the big sofa waiting, I heard a booming voice, ‘Malathi? Is the Dinner ready?’ and I turned around to see a towering figure of Paneer slowly climbing down the stairs. He must be easily 6 ft 2 and heavy built, with a jovial ‘people-friendly’ face, helping him win elections with ease. He had oozing charm as I smiled at me genially, registering surprise in his face.

‘If Madhavan hadn’t showed me your picture, I never in a million years believed you are our Murugesan’s daughter. Wah!!’ coming closer to me as I stood up like a spring and greeted him with a poilte smile, nodding happily. Yes sir, it was a pleasant surprise meeting Madhavan uncle at the court house yesterday. Thanks for making time to see me.’ He immediately slapped my back over the shirt, ‘Don’t be silly. your father has taken care of me, worked hard day and night during our lean times. This is the least I could do as a pay back for him. Patting my back again and pressing my shoulders with both his hands.’ Take a seat, I will come now.

He slowly walked across the living room, towards the grandly decorated liquor cabinet and poured himself a large glass of whiskey and slowly walked back, dressed in his sleevless vests and lungi, obviously done with any pending work. As he sat right next to me he just remembered and shouted, ‘Maalathi, can you fetch the file that I placed on the office desk, the yellow one’ and turning around casually tapped my upper thigh, not minding one bit, in a manner of speaking, ‘Then tell me , how are things? I heard you are at the same posting for 5 years, giving my thigh a gentle squeeze, ignoring my squirm and shifting and slipped his hand off just as Malathy walked into the hall with the file. ‘Put it On the table and you can leave. Dinner is on the table right? I will serve myself. You can go.’ pointing to the teapot in front of him to put the file and dismissing her with a tone of authority which I had seldom seen even within the force with many high ranking officials so far. Made me think he is at this level not by fluke.

‘Sir yes sir. That’s what I came to talk about Sir, and as I started giving my version of the events, detailing every single point, he grabbed the file and scanning the pages again, reading carefully, while half-listening to me too. Finally putting the file away, taking a big swig of his scotch, turning to me, ‘I understand Vandana. So, is there any problems in the station too? There must be more than just laziness if some police officer is actively stopping you from having your promotion. tell me.’

I looked at him long and hard, shocked at how perceptive he is in picking up the subtle vibes. ‘Uhh yes, that as well sir. I wasn’t sure if it was appropriate to complain about a fellow police officer to you on his conduct. That’s why I chose not to bring it to you sir. He has always been passing dirty sex remarks and touching me here and there with wrong intentions sir.’

As I said it, Ironically he patted my thighs as a show of solidarity muttering, ‘some people can be real nasty. clearly he doesn’t want to let you go so he can carry on doing what he gets away with doing to you. You don’t even have to tell me the details. (squeezing my thigh gently. ) Leave it with me Vandana. I will take care of it. Are you OK getting promoted to anywhere in the state? or you prefer to be in the same city? ‘ he looked at me sharply as he asked with his fingers still lingering around my upper thigh as he spoke, while his face looking dead straight into my eyes locking eye contact properly , making it unsure for me to read his intentions. At the moment they seem well intentioned supportive touches so I chose to give the benefit of the doubt and carried on, shuffling around uncomfortably with his hand on my thigh over the trouser lingering , pressing and squeezing me as he spoke.

‘Oh thank you sir. thanks a lot. I prefer if it is in the city sir. I am already away from family, and my husband, I don’t want to move to another small town and lose any career opportunities as well too sir.’ Squeezing my thigh nicely now... ‘WHAT? are you married? and are you living alone? why can’t your husband come here?’ taking his hand away to fetch the glass leaving me for now.

‘OH he has his own grocery shop in the native town sir. that’s why. I go visit him once a month’ .Hmmm.. are you not missing him? missing all the action’ ? He asked seriously, coming straight to the point, not mucking about. Taken aback by the directness of the question I stayed silent for a while. Then seeing that he is waiting for an answer, ‘ Sir yes I do miss him, but what to do sir? Job and career are also important right’ , (tapping my upper back appreciatively as I sat at the edge of the sofa) ‘hmm.. it’s very difficult to see someone as motivated as you are, these days dear. I will do all I can to help. Come and See me tomorrow OK. same time. I may have something’

‘Ohh thank you very much sir.’ I stood up as he looked up at my figure appreciatively and commented, ‘No wonder Pandian does not want to let you go’ I immediately blushed but nodded curtly not knowing how to respond to that ‘matter of fact’ statement, as he turned around to his scotch indicating I am dismissed as his phone rang and he picked up waving me off.’ Just as I slowly retreated, I found Madhavan uncle just stepping inside the house. I nodded and smiled at him as Minister was busy on the phone. He signalled me to wait. I came along with him and waited for the minister to finish his phone call while Madhavan meanwhile, helped himself to a glass and sat in the far end of the big sofa, pointing the middle seat to me. I sat there and waited for the phone call about someone notifying the minister about the possible Bandh planned the following week and he was barking instructions and was done with it and took a big gulp of his drink frustrated , shouting ‘idiots’ and waved at Madhavan.

As he recomposed his thoughts he looked back at me, ‘sorry for driving you away abruptly’ then turning to Madhavan carried on, ‘Oh you didn’t seem to mention about Pandian in the station being inappropriate to her’ and went on to elaborate at that subject in a bit more detail while I sat there in the middle squirming, and as usual, as he spoke his hand planted on my thigh and gently rubbing it. I looked back at Madhavan who was not even looking at it and listened keenly paying full attention to minister when he spoke.

Then he turned to me and with a smile, ‘I may have an idea for this Paneer. BUT as always my solutions come with a price. ‘ with that naughty giggle he switched tack instantly, ‘tell me is it Yellow like I asked you to?’ making me blush and both of them laughed at that and minister asked him, ‘what is this yellow business going on? and why is she suddenly super shy?’ he asked eagerly, patting my thigh. Madhavan added with a chuckle, ‘its ok vandana, its only for general knowledge!’ making me roll my eyes and grin. But I nodded back at him eventually, ‘yes it is sir, luckily i had something in yellow’ ( i admitted realizing my cheeks are on fire literally).

‘OH then do show me? what’s the point of just saying it?’ , I turned to look at the minister with uncertainty. ‘Oh ignore Paneer. He has seen the full range of rainbow colours in his life time,’ chuckling along. Minister replied with open palms , ‘ I am still not following this subject, but seems something naughty’ he laughs as he carried on with his drink. Finally I sighed and turned to face Madhavan fully and pulled my shirt collar aside fully as much as I could and showed the shoulder strap of the bra. He came closer and squinted and pretended that he is unable to see it properly and quickly lowering his voice, ‘undo that first button and show it properly no? so I can see the colour’

Staring at him in utter disbelief for a while left with indecision on what to do, whether to storm out while I have a chance or getting dragged in deeper. Just then something happened that made me SQUEAL and jump from the sofa. Minister had bought both his hands to my hips as I sat facing away and poked with his fingers DEEP on both sides at the same time, making me squeal and jump out of the sofa as both men laughed at my overreaction. ‘OHH this I didn’t expect, minister said putting his hand up. sorry’ as he chuckled he carried on with his drink.

‘Sorry sir, I am ve..erry ticklish’ , I admitted standing in front of him, sheepishly as they both watched me Fascinated. ‘Wow your husband is missing a lot of things by not being with you’ he commented with an honest feedback, making me feel sad too in an instant. Madhavan cajoled me to sit back again grabbing my arm gently pointing at the seat and I came back and sat again turning to minister with a polite request, ‘but please sir don’t do that again’ with a shameful grin which made him laugh heartily.

‘Anyway, now time for some action Vandana, come one undo the top button and show me properly and I’ll describe the idea that just came to me. alright? Like I said dear, you can trust me and Paneer here dear, both of us will not cross our limits. More than me, paneer has his reputation to worry about, he can’t just go having a good time with a sexy police officer like you ok? so give us some credit OK?’ he sounded hurt, even as I looked at him dumb founded thinking, did he just openly called me sexy?

From behind Paneer patted my shoulder, ‘so are we going to wait endlessly or what?’ and chuckled. ‘with a barrage of verbal pressure from both sides, I relent and slowly undid the top button and pushed the shirt out wider showing a large portion of my yellow sports bra strap and he quickly came forward to take a peek in and he got what he wanted, a glimpse of the upper part of the bra cup as he sat back satisfied with a big smile. ‘OHH Just want to make sure the cups are of the same colour too. she is not lying paneer. I will share my plan, listen now both of you.’ Paneer stopped laughing and put the glass back on the teapot and folded his arms and listened studiously , while I quickly secured the button back, blushing furiously.

Madhavan carried on, not minding my reactions one bit. ‘So Paneer, if getting Vandana an urgent transfer is going to be difficult then we have your security detail right ? Inspector Baskar. I just found out that he has applied for transfer to his native place citing family reasons too. So, we can let him go woth immediate effect and bring our Vandana here ‘temporarily’. This will be an immediate promotion for her too, as one has to be at least an Inspector grade to handle the security detail. While she is here taking care of you, (laughing seeing me blush patting my thigh ) sorry I mean... taking care of your security for a few months, you can push for her transfer to a posting in a Key station of her choice within the city. This way everyone is happy. WHAT SAY? ‘

Minister seem uncharacteristically excited as he openly whistled and applauded, ‘Madhava, there is a good reason why you are my wing man’ then looking at me patting my back, ‘Are YOU OK with this idea dear? This is all assuming you like to work with us?’ he asked with a sincere and serious face. I felt on the one side, so relieved to be getting out of the dreadful B2 station and also the news of immediate promotion sounded heaven, as this meant salary increment, benefits etc too. Besides, Security detail work load is lighter too while I can focus on honing other skills for career progression while I waited out. Except that there is this big uncertainty of having to tread carefully with Minister and Madhavan uncle. I thought through and came to a quick decision and nodded a YES with a bright smile and immediately found myself jumping again from the sofa as Minister in his excitement poked my hips again making me squeal ‘ SIRRRRRRR STOP DOING THAT PLEASE’

Madhavan laughed and added, ‘OH I should tell you, If I like your (pausing for the right words then looking up) WHAT’s hidden behind your Badge, Paneer here is crazy about what all our south heroines show off when they dance in the songs’ It was diplomacy lingo at its best and yet it reeked naughtiness through and through as I stood facing them both cringing. ‘Good to know sir. but useless General Knowledge for me’ responded back with as much sting as I could muster, but it came through quite weak. ‘if there is nothing more, can I leave now sir pls?’

Madhavan persisted, ‘What’s the rush Vandana, have a glass with us and go. Lets celebrate the new DEAL. what say?’ Paneer pitched in, ‘Oh yes, where are my manners. I should have asked you a long ago. Have you tried Alcohol ever before?’ as always sensible questions are Paneer’s forte. I thought for a bit, pondered if I should tell the truth or just lie. Madhavan picked up on it, ‘OH you think so long. surely you must have then. when was it? during college or recently or when?’ I smiled and nodded, ‘I sometimes have a glass of wine to have that feel good factor sir when I am too stressed at work or had a particularly bad day at the station with Pandian sir. And yes, first exposure was here at the city college when I studied in the hostel.’ I admitted truthfully, but added quickly, ‘but I am fine sir . I must get going anyways. I should be here again tomorrow at the same time to get the confirmation of what you said sir? ( walking away already towards the door as I turned and asked)

Oh in that case you SHOULD have a round with us both to celebrate the ‘deal’ insisted Madhavan uncle and Minister stood up himself to fetch a glass from the cabinet, even as I vehemently protested, ‘SIR no no please don’t insist. I was just being truthful, but doesn’t mean I want to drink now’ I added desperately, but I was just plain ignored as he also walked up to the fridge and brought the ice cubes tray and poured it in lovely looking the flash for it on the teapot which I had failed to notice until then. Madhavan literally grabbed me by my forearm, gently though and ushered me to sit with them in the middle as before. ‘I will let you go Vandana if you say you have something more important to do than being with us?’ he posed that question and looked at me back seriously. I shifted uncomfortably, ‘Not like that sir. It’s just not proper.’

Minister bellowed pouring a good measure of the whiskey from the bottle handing it to me to hold, ‘OH hell with the formalities. Don’t suddenly become Police lady now, for us you are always that ever green Vandana. Look at what you are holding, thats a very expensive scotch. Have you seen it before? Time to enjoy some quality, Madhan was telling me you needed an upgrade of your Uniforms. Why not upgrade everything? I am sure whatever you secretly enjoyed with your friends in the past in your girls hostel is not even close to this.’ saying he patted my back and poured a measure for him too leaving Madhavan to help himself. As I heard him mention about the uniform upgrade and I turned back to stare at Madhavan, sending him daggers with my eyes. He put his hands up apologetically and smiled and in a low voice, ‘ Sorry Vandu, I was giving a thorough background about you to our dear minister. Hope you are not mad at me for more than 3 seconds’ he said smiling. After 3 seconds I smiled at him back seeing how hopelessly naughty he is. Patting my thighs he happily poured one for him too and they both raised their glasses. Reluctantly I picked it up too and clinked as Minister said, ‘To our new Security detail - INSPECTOR VANDANA’ and I nodded and smiled happily, even as using the moment, Madhavan rubbed my thigh quickly cooing along ‘Cheers’. Taking a sip, I spluttered and coughed and they both laughed heartily. I sensed that this is a slow slippery slope that I am walking myself into, but nevertheless something in me pulled me forward.