Beggar with butterflies

Hi! I am Niharika, I am 27 years girl. I have peculiar background. I have begged for food, stole it when I was 7, I was an Orphan. Went to school the day I turned 9.I love trains because they were my house till I Got Adopted by a rich women name Jyanti Mehra. Jyanti means a person who is blessed with success and indeed she was a blessing for me. A perfect mother. She gave me more than I ever wish for. As Nobody knew when I was born so the day I got adopted was celebrated as my birthday. At school I was called a Rich beggar, lottery, etc. I have some amazing and caring friends also.

As I have joined Office and to save time I am travelling in this super crowded train. This isn’t like, I remember when I was a child, it has changed. Here I meet many similar faces but with different emotions. An hour journey with known strangers. While siting I saw a man standing well-dressed wearing a beautiful tie. Both of us went down on the same station, Aroma of his perfume was amazing. He seemed a new user. So, I waited to help. He was visiting the same building where I work. While talking he told me he has joined my company as a Senior Manager and it gave me butterflies.

From the beginning our connection was strong. But as time passed, he became more work oriented. Most of the time he mentioned a day spent well only if work is done. He motivates us by telling his struggle stories. A gentleman with amazing stories. He quotes his words, “My dears we all are born to work so please work”. Sometime, totally arrogant. Most of the time he ends discussion with his silver line someone else will be happy to take your place.

Now, all my butterfly was turning into moth. In train, I tried ignoring him and hide myself in the crowd. My dreams were turning pale, I don’t even want to think about him even not in my dreams. 

In festive season, many went on leaves. So, it’s me, him and some more in the office, so we all are working for long hours. I use to call my mother’s driver to pick me. While leaving, I heard him laughing. He was on a video call. Out of curiosity, I peeked in to say bye. So, he called me and introduced me to a pretty lady and an old woman.

Boss: Meet my official family.

Giving me goosebumps.

Boss: Stopped me and ask can I drop you as it is late and train must be deserted. 

Me: Oh, my mother’s driver is here. 

Boss with a smile See you tomorrow.

Me: Can I drop you?

Boss: Sure, Cancelled his taxi.

In the car, I was texting my friends about the women I saw on phone and my introduction as an official family. When I looked at him, he was looking at me.

Boss: The old women on the phone is my mother and the girl is my sister. And are you going to spend next hour on texting?

Me (pointing outside): These building is here from ages. So, nothing else to do. 

Boss (With a smile): Correct your approach, enjoy what you see. These buildings might look same everyday but notice the lights. Make some space in your brain, notice the moon, it changes every day. Some time it will be sitting over a roof and times looking at you, from behind a building and some time when you will be looking for it and it will jump and say caught you. Notice passengers in the car like the way you notice them in the train and sometimes you smile with them and sometimes on them. Pointing at the delivery boy - guess which pizza he is delivering. Everything will be different tomorrow. So, enjoy the moment don’t take it as a work. You know why most people think work as a burden because they don’t enjoy it and are working to get paid. And always looking for free time to enjoy between work and forgetting that they can enjoy after it is done.

Me (nodding): I understand (I understood the thought but not the bearer of the thought and starting texting again).

He cleared his throat to get my attention. Looking as I am the dumbest person around, I behaved like the same. So, I smiled and kept phone in the bag. When he got down. He pointed out towards a fountain which changes colours and children standing near clap when it changes it colours. 

Boss: Thank you for the ride. Enjoy the view.

Next morning, I received his text message saying - will pick you from station. I was excited, adjusted my butterfly and got ready quickly and on the way to the station I told mom about our conversation. 

Mom: With an affectionate smile good I hope you can implement his observations.

He was already waiting outside his hard-earned black car. He waved and mom acknowledged it.

While moving towards office I didn’t touch my phone. 

Boss: Is your presentation ready?

Me: I will do it when I’ll reach office and started reading my book.

Boss: Utilize your time, you are not in the train and you can read your book later. So, make it now.

Me :(Thinking I looked at him. I wanted him to remember what he mentioned yesterday” Enjoy the view”. He must be drunk yesterday and now he is in his senses. His perspectives have changed totally. What he must have eaten in the morning. I think he didn’t had breakfast. So, I took out the book and started reading.

Boss: You can go home on time.

Me (being irritated and overburdened with work): I will make it in office. As it doesn't not matter, because it is impossible to leave early as I have to do others work also.

And the silence prevails. I thought I have said too much. And he looked at me as if only I am working and staying late. For a week, he did not talk. I use to drop him sometimes but no conversation in the car. When everyone was back, I left early and he called a meeting. Knowing I have left. He called me and said in his sugar-coated words

Boss: Oh, you left early must be something important. Oh, I forgot to call you personally. 

Me: I am sorry Boss but I have just touched home. I have informed you and your secretary also.

Boss: Okay, will manage.

And disconnected the phone.

Next morning, as it was a special day, I was happy. I didn’t want to see him, so I went office with mom and reached 15 minutes late.

Some of my colleagues came to my cabin and my phone ranged, I picked up and Annoyed Boss: Meet me in the office.

Boss (Lovingly): Oh, wow looking good today, is there something special.

Changing his tone said: Are you getting married?

Doesn’t matter I have a meeting today. So will be coming late. Inform everyone to wait, have discuss some things.

Me: But I have to go early today.

Boss: Oh, My Lady you have reached office late and you want to leave early. Must be a reason. But I want you to wait. Please postpone your engagements for tomorrow. You can leave early tomorrow.

Me (Laughingly): My Lord, but I am on holidays for 15 days starting tomorrow. They are already approved by you and HR.

Boss (in a shock and worried): 15 days what are you getting married?

Me: I wish but my sister is getting married. She lives in London.

Boss: Oh London, I will take you there, don’t go now.

Changing his tone again - I was not aware. And London isn’t that far. Travelling and wedding included will not take more than 7 days get your ticket adjusted.

Me: I have other plans also and so much to discuss.

Boss: Oh! you can discuss over the phone, what a big deal. And if you can’t deal with it, better think your place taken.

Me: What do you mean? You will through me out. Me(amusingly)

He left the office.

Secretary: You get special treatment. Anyways Enjoy your day. He will be fine.

Usually, we get lunch ordered from outside if it is someone’s birthday, but today no one was interested in having lunch. I ordered some snacks. As we were waiting, the king entered office happily. Telling everyone we got the deal. We all went to his office. To discuss. Before we could start our meeting. 

Our reception phone ranged. He picked it up from his cabin.

Boss: Good evening! How may I assist you!

Caller: Hi, I want to surprise my daughter as it is her birthday and she had a rough day. I am waiting in the parking lot. Please note my number and call me when she leaves the office. Before she could talk further, he invited the caller upstairs and told her be seated in waiting room. And told HR to arrange a cake as soon as possible. Reacting weirdly. He asked his virtual assistant to play songs.

Boss: Whose birthday today?

I raised my hand. He tried to cheer us up with his peep talks. Which usually boost us but today, his tricks did not work on me. Soon cake arrived with message “Smile it will cost you less”. He told his virtual assistance to play a birthday song. He wrote an apology card - I didn’t want to ruin your special day. 

We all had cake. I was feeling better after seeing his efforts, he postponed the meeting.

Boss: Don’t worry about work we will try to manage. Have a safe journey and do share pictures.

Me (with butterfly in my stomach): Sure! See you soon.

While leaving I saw mom.

Boss (to my mother): I am sorry! I didn’t want to ruin her day. I have very less understanding staff and when they behave carelessly. I get upset but she is nice and hard-working girl.

We all left together. And in the parking lot my childhood friends were waiting. I was so happy to see them.

MY Friends -Olaf total naïve, Potato total sarcastic, Tinkerbell cute but true

Olaf: Let’s turn your buggy day to a happy day. We are already late because of your amazingly hard-working Boss.

Boss: Hi. I am Yash Vardhan. Her boss.

Olaf (to hide his mistake): Oh, Nice to meet you. Are you doing something tonight? Come join us.

Boss: Not sure but you guys carry on. Will try to make it, Just text me the place.

I felt weird and sorry for him as my friends will take his happiness.

At the restaurant, He didn’t turn up. So, I thought he isn’t coming. Felt relaxed and the moment I turned back. He was standing there with beautiful bouquet. 

Boss (hugging me): Happy Birthday! 

I couldn’t feel myself for a moment. Tried to control my butterfly. Said Thank You!

We all ordered the food, I cut a beautiful cake with a quote Once I was a beggar. 

Potato: I choose the quote.

Me: You are meanest guy I have ever met.

Tinkerbell: Second meanest Today.

Boss: Once a beggar?

Me: It is a long story.

Potato’s Father: What about your Daba Plans? 

(Background – From my childhood days I wanted to open a place where variety of Khichadi are sold because only thing, I remember of my childhood was Khichadi)

Boss: Daba Plans?

Me: Long story.

Tinkerbell: Where are you going with your office friends tomorrow?

Me: Will see if they all get free on time.

Boss: I didn’t know you have plans. Who all are invited?

Olaf: All of them are invited except us. It’s like a staff party?

Boss: What about staff party?

Me: Long story.

I looked at my friend trying to stop them further.

Me: It is my official matter. I will handle.

Friend: Okay (with a lot of sarcasm)

Boss: NO worries. They will reach on time for the staff party.

I text my boss please inform HR about the same. No confusions for tomorrow.

Boss: Hey why are you texting me? I am here only.

Potato: For the proof, so next morning you didn’t change your mind.

Boss: How much you guys will slam me. Stop it.

Mom: He is our guest. Please be respectful. I am sorry for their behaviour.

Boss: Looking at me, I didn’t know you hate me so much. I am your life’s villain.

Me: No, they are just messing up with you. They call me rich bagger, khichadi girl, cribber and so many. Don’t take them seriously. 

I told my friend don’t spoil the evening.

Olaf: No problems enjoy your night while packing and don’t call us crying - I couldn’t pack please come and pack for me. “Cribber”. 

Moving towards my boss: She is a total cribber -Train was so full. I didn’t get seat, I am tired of train, can’t drive, please drop me, pick me, it is so dark at night.

His act of copying me made everyone rumble.

While going back I texted my him- Thank you for coming and flowers are beautiful. He didn’t reply but I received a text from HR – Lunch confirmed for tomorrow all arrangements done by boss. Invites are sent. Please reach with your friends at 1:30pm.

It was a nicely planed lunch, gifts with hand written note for everyone. He didn’t turn up. He sent a message to his secretary saying- he is stuck. Please enjoy. After seeing his efforts, everyone sends him appreciation message. Some wrote personal text of appreciation too.

After the lunch, I texted him “can we talk?”

He replied sure. I was in the office only.

Me(text): Meet me in Godsland which is on 19th floor.

Boss: Totally an amazing place, great choice. Couldn’t believe city is so beautiful.

Me (Blushingly): Indeed. I can’t hear any noise – No traffic, train, people and phone ringing.

Me (I didn’t want to leave with heavy heart): I am sorry for all what happened yesterday. You are a good boss but sometimes it is difficult to understand you. I am telling you the truth many here were waiting for promotions but with your entry many hearts broke. So, they didn’t like you much but your efficiency and working style was promising but the moment you started getting angry, cancelling leaves we all felt you are also a mean boss. 

His phone ranged; he had a meeting to attend. So, he left.

Yash (text): See you in the evening, text me the place will pick you up at 7:45pm. 

Oh, Butterflies are singing now.

He was already standing outside my house before time.

When we reach the restaurant. I ordered my favourite dish and without thinking he ordered the same. I ordered something else because I knew he might not be looking forward for that dish. We start talking, he put his point first. While discussing I called him boss.

Boss: You can call me Yash.

(Which was little difficult because I have given him so many other names) 

Boss: I am new to this place. I don’t understand native language and why do people start crying and behave strained when they don’t have a solution. But after the staff lunch most of them have changed, sending me personal notes of appreciation.

He seemed really happy.

Our food was served and looking at the kichadi he was about to fall off. I smiled and changed the plate. 

Yash: Khichadi

Me: Try it.

Boss /Yash: No, I am happy with mine.

While talking further. He was becoming more nicer even nicer than he looks.

As we left the restaurant.

In the car

Me: Do you want something from London.

Boss: Yes, something which will stay forever.

Before I could control my Butterfly. I saw my friends waiting to say Good Bye!

They invited him in.

Yash: No, I already had enough yesterday.

My friends pull him out and said, sorry we are friends now.

Boss (turned around and asked me):  Are we??

Butterfly dancing.

So finally, it was time to go. As we have reached the airport. 

Yash: Bye call me when you land.

Olaf: Call me first.

I called all of them together. 

London, Sandford and wedding. I enjoyed everything. But now I was worried as I have to tell him the long story. I knew it is time to say God bye. I knew it will be heart break and really bad one. Because many people have left after knowing I an Orphan. I called him to Godsland day before joining the office, to tell him the long story. My friends and mom were there. To console and cheer me up. Yash entered looking absolutely amazing.

Yash (hugged me) (After seeing everyone): I think it is really a long story.

Oh! Seems a suspense story

While I was telling him my poor to rich girl story. From, being nowhere, of being an orphan, a bagger and food stealer. He didn’t react much.

Me (thinking: Is he in shock?)

Yash: I understand you didn’t like your past but enjoy your future. Don’t worry I will not kick you out of my life just because you are an Orphan or a thief.?

Me (being uneasy): You can’t kick me out because you work for my mother. She is the owner of the company.

I was ready for the heart break.

Yash: I know

Me (Didn’t understand and started crying like a baby whose favourite toy is about to be torn down)

He hugged me and said Marry me. I know your long story long time back.

The moment where everything stopped except my butterfly.

When I looked around, Godsland became more beautiful. Just like the 

Vista. Beautiful than anything in the world.