The Day That Was Not To Be

THE MEET UP

FLASHBACK

A Corporate Office building. People (mainly office goers) are busy with their morning chores of impressing their bosses by running around. In contrast, Shrikar is walking calmly towards the lift lobby.

The lift lobby

The elevator is about to ascend when a shrill of “Stop!” by a lady is heard. Just in time Shrikar stops the lift-door from closing, by placing his hand between the sensory doors of the elevator.

The lady enters the lift catching her breath and in a suffocated tone says, “Thank you!”. Shrikar reciprocates with a smile. The lady is Anjana. Anjana is a bit embarrassed for creating such a scene. So, she sheepishly tries to shrink herself in to a corner.

Anjana and Shrikar gaze at each other one or two times before they reach their common destination, the ninth floor.

The lobby on ninth floor

Shrikar and Anjana get off on the ninth floor. Anjana hurriedly walks towards 906, THE VACCINERS. [It is a new start up medical research lab striving to develop an effective drug against all types of cancer.]

Shrikar is walking behind her to the same premises; and she looks at him rather suspiciously as they near the reception.

The Receptionist asks their names, purpose of the visit, etc., and makes notes. Then they are seated with other job applicants in the Waiting Room.

IN THE WAITING ROOM

Shrikar (probing): So, you are here for the interview.

Anjana (blandly): But of course! What else would I be doing here?

Shrikar: My apologies, but I thought you hopped in here in order to evade me.

Anjana stares at Shrikar for a moment and she couldn"t help her spontaneous laughter. It reflects on Shrikar’s face.

Shrikar (acting friendly): By the way, why did you freak out when the elevator was about to move. You can always take the next one.

Anjana (abashed): The thought of missing something from the brink of it always makes me paranoid.

Shrikar smiles wryly with a cunning edge as if he has zeroed upon something that he has been searching for.

Then, as if out of nowhere, the attendant yells out(shaking Shrikar out of his reverie):

"Anjana Kulekshetra, you are the next."

*******

Both Shrikar and Anjana are selected for the respective posts they had applied for.

*******

.... Back to the marriage arena for a split second....

Anjana (fondly): I was stunned when you first addressed me with my full name; because we were meeting for the first time, and how the hell could you know my full name?

They smile mischievously.

...BACK TO FLASHBACK...

Shrikar and Anjana meet again on the joining day.

1st of October 2015 and nobody knew what was to come between their undisputable love.

But fate was slowly but surely slithering and manoeuvring towards them.

Shrikar is introduced to Anjana as her team lead by the managing director. Shrikar takes the initiative to break the ice.

Shrikar (with his friendly smile): Good Morning Miss Anjana Kulekshetra, hope we’d make a very productive team, together.

Anjana is more shocked than surprised to hear her full name pronounced by one who has been a stranger.

Anjana (completely shocked): How in the world could you guess my name? I suppose we are being introduced for the very first time.

Shrikar (with a mischievous attitude): You were not agitated when the Attendant blurted out your full name the other day... By the way, I am Shrikar Prasad...

Both of them look at each other rather strangely, much to the amusement of the other newcomers who are chitchatting.

An Announcement about the company

The company "Vacciners" is introduced. A video is displayed where in the company"s objective of developing a medicine for cancer is showcased. Actually, the video pertains to a certain fruit named "Guyabano" mainly found in the south of India which has been proven to be miraculous in curing any kind of cancer and more effective than the dreadfully painful chemotherapy. The "Vacciners" are in the process of developing a drug from that very fruit.

After the video and introduction is complete, the Director of the Vacciners makes an announcement:

“Folks, you may please keep some socialising in balance for the party tonight. I take pleasure in welcoming you to Hotel Grand international today at 8 pm and thereafter to the Banquet Hall."