Who Is Monk ?

"Get ready, He is in the elevator."
"He might be here anytime now.."
-Gate opens-
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to dear sir, happy birthday to you!"

“Ohh that’s so sweet of you all. Thanks for giving such a memorable start to my day." A forced smile appeared on his lips. “Now get back to work!” Madhav waved his hands at his subordinates and moved towards the glass walls of his office. It was 9th Feb. 2013, Madhav’s 27th birthday. It had been 4 years since he joined the organization. Owing to his prowess as a professional, he soon reached the position of a regional manager.

"Why do people celebrate birthdays? I mean, why don’t I feel anything special when its my birthday today? Everyone seems to be happy. Happy because its my birthday? Why should they be happy about it when I am not? Ahhh forget it! There is a lot of work to do.."
He pushed the glass door open and walked to his chair while admiring the huge painting behind it. Pressing the bell for the operator's desk, he settled into his official chair.
“You called for me?” said a mellow voice. It was Neha, she had been his secretary for 2 years since he was first positioned as a regional manager.
“Yeah, where is Choitram Hospital's project file? We have to finalize the design today.”
“The project has been put on hold by the headquarter due to some issues with the Choitram organization.
“Ohhh that was sudden. Hmmm anyways, what are the other things that need to be done today?”
“Madhav, take it easy sometimes in life. By the way, yeah! I forgot to wish you, Happy Birthday.”
“Haha! That wish sounded a bit sarcastic. Was it?”
“Well, I guess that’s the way it works with you. Seeing how you don’t understand emotions.”
“Ahhh stop it at least today.”
“Hmmm. Why? Does 'birthday' mean something special for you?”
“You know the answer to that already, don’t you?! Just stop for the sake of it. We will have a party tonight. I promise.”
“Do you actually think doing things that normal people do, will make you normal? Anyways there is no point in telling you anything! Working with you for all these years has at least taught me that. Forget it. There is a letter for you from the directors. And yes. I will come to the party.”
“I knew you would agree. And what is in that letter?”

“How would I know?” She searched for it in her briefcase.
“Here. Check it yourself. I will go now. And if not for anyone else, at least for yourself, have some rest today.”
“Thanks sweetheart. Don’t worry, I will have my share of respite.”

-Letter-

Hello Madhav,
The board is very happy with your commitment and dedication towards your work. We appreciate the efforts you have put into making the organization grow from a new entrant to a key market player in the zone. We would like to wish you a very rewarding future on this auspicious day in your life. The company MD will be visiting your region today and the company has arranged a party at the Grand Hyatt tonight to which you are coordially invited. Enjoy the day. Also, there might be some important announcements towards the end of the day. Pleasant ones.
Regards,
R.N. Ramaswamy
Chairman
W.L.G. ltd.
--------

"Hmmm! So the oldies have thought of something. What could it be? Considering the positive tone of this letter and specially the last words ‘Pleasant ones’, I believe it could be a promotion or a big contract or maybe an onsite position in some western country. Ahhh whatever! One thing’s for sure. I will have to spend the night in a boring party, tailing behind the MD.. Why do people waste their time in parties for the sake of enjoyment? A peaceful sleep seems to be a much better option."

-Phone Rings!-
“Hi! Madhav here.”
“Hi Madhav” said a very strange but familiar voice.
“Who is this??” asked Madhav feeling a churn in his stomach.
“Don’t remember me? Do you? Monk!” said the voice and disconnected.

"What? Who could that be? How in the world does she know Monk?! Nobody has called me by that name for 4 years now." A sense of anxiety and intrigue assimilated within Madhav. "Who could that be? And why did she call today? More importantly, Monk? How does she know about Monk!"

Mayank Rajput
9 feb 2011
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