“I cannot give reasons Thyagarajan. But, I want to inform you way before I submit my resignation.”

“Is this something to do with dropping the plans to setup a team in Hyderabad? If so then tell me, we can discuss on that. Now the clients are very much impressed with our demo. This is definitely going to be a very long deal and will also help you a lot in your career growth.”

“Not exactly Thyagarajan. I told you right, I cannot explain in detail. I am looking for an opportunity. They may get back to me any time next week and once I get that, I will submit my resignation. Please don’t ask me anything more. Sorry.”

Thyagarajan, who is trying to understand the actual reason behind Quadhar’s decision, asked him many questions. When Quadhar is not ready to open up the actual reason, Thyagarajan understood that it is because of dropping the plans of setting up a team in Hyderabad. As he knew that he cannot re-think on that, Thyagarajan decided to hold Quadhar by offering some perks.

“Quadhar, if this project goes well, I will be initiating Visa for you so that you can work from on-site location for the same project.”

“No Thyagarajan. Sorry, I am not interested in flying anywhere. I know I am making it touch, but please try to understand me” replied Quadhar.

“It’s okay Quadhar. You are very firm on your decision. And so I cannot stop you. Anyway think well before you get hold of any decision. Not even 7 days back Uthrani submitted her resignation and tomorrow is her last day. And now you are saying that you will also move out. I am worried what’s going on in the team”

Quadhar dint drag the discussion much. He just made sure that he informed Thyagarajan before he submits his resignation so that Thyagarajan can plan for the alternatives. He raised the topic during the end hours so that he can cut it short as he needs to leave early to catch the train back to Bengaluru.

Quadhar boarded the train and started his journey back to Bengaluru. It is a long 20 hour journey from Pune to Bengaluru.

(11:00 AM, Next Day, Bengaluru)

The next day, Ishanth made all the arrangements to bid farewell to Uthrani. He also called Uthrani’s friends and other nearby teams and made it a grand farewell to Uthrani. It was followed by lunch by Uthrani to all her friends at a nearby eatery.

Everyone started sharing the memories they had with her and also they were expressing how much they will be missing her. When Uthrani’s turn came to speak out, “Hey all, I never imagined this day would come so soon. I never expected that I had to go through a tough time like this. Everyone had to face this situation one or the other day as mostly no one will stay permanent here. But then, it still hurts a lot when you have to give your dear ones. People, with whom you learnt, worked, ate, played and had fun. Hope you all will remain in touch through any means. I always thought when someone is moving out, they leave everything and run. No, that’s not true at all. They actually take everything and go. They had to read each and every minute of memory with them. They have to take all this in their heart. I am actually not leaving; I am taking every memory with me in various ways.” Uthrani expressed her innermost feelings and at the end, tears started rolling down from her eyes.

Uthrani had to leave for Gurgaon by the evening train which is scheduled at 07:30 PM. Before going for lunch, Uthrani completed all her formalities by the admin department and also submitted her identity card.

She had a fantastic last minute memories with all her friends and colleagues during the luncheon. It was followed by a group, individual and pair photography session. She made sure that she gathered as many memories she can before she leaves the city.

After the lunch, Uthrani went to her flat and checked all her baggage. Ishanth, who assured her that he will come with her and drop her at the station, reached her flat by 05:30 PM. Both of them, along with two of her flat mates, started to station by booking a cab.

(06:30 PM, Bangalore City Rly Station)

They reached station almost an hour earlier. Ishanth observed that Uthrani is very dull. Everyone else thought that she is dumb because she is leaving all her friends, her job and all and so there is no happiness in her face. But, some more questions arose in Ishanth’s mind. He went and sat near to her and “Hey Uthrani. Are you alright?” asked Ishanth to Uthrani looking at her.

“Ya I am fine Ishanth. It’s just that I am feeling really bad leaving this place and all of you. That’s it.” Replied Uthrani trying hard to make out some smile on her face.

“I understand that Uthrani. I knew that. But then I don’t know why, from the last few days I have a strong belief in my mind that everything is happening so quickly and likewise there is no proper connection. Your mom got here, then you went home and then before you even stepped back in office, you submitted your resignation. I somehow feel all this is not properly justified.”

“What are you talking Ishanth? I dint understand your question.”

“All right. Let me ask you very straight. Is there any problem at home?”

“Why are you asking like that Ishanth?”

“No Uthrani. Answer my question. Did something happen in your house? Your mom and dad said something to you regarding your job?”

“No Ishanth. There is nothing like that. I told you right my marriage got fixed and that is the reason I resigned.”

“No Uthrani. I don’t think that’s the real reason. I strongly believe there is some story behind your decision of moving out.”

Uthrani remained silent; she began to understand that Ishanth will not leave until she tells him the truth. She believed that even Ishanth believed her that she resigned because of her marriage. But then when he started asking various questions, she realized that she cannot hide it any more from Ishanth. But then she is still considering whether to tell him or not.

Ishanth, who is looking at Uthrani and waiting for her to respond to his questions, “Hey Uthrani. What happened? Speak out. Are you hiding anything from me?” asked Ishanth to Uthrani.

Uthrani understood that she cannot hide the truth anymore from Ishanth and so she decided to reveal him the actual reason. “Ishanth. I am really very sorry for hiding this even from you. I don’t want to disturb you and so dint share this with you.” Said Uthrani looking at Ishanth.

“What is that Uthrani? What happened?”

“Ishanth. Marriage is not the main reason behind my resignation.” Said Uthrani. Before Ishanth replied, tears started rolling out from her eyes.

@Leaving

Guess the story: What is the actual story behind Uthrani’s resignation?

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