Ishwarya

“I quiT” – Episode @35

/ Mr. Venky Bond / 3 Comments

(12:22 PM)

Ishwarya took a deep breath when she heard those lines from Meher. After few seconds, “Look Meher, here, you should not be sticking to one single technology or process. You should be ready to work on any technology and process.”

Before Meher replied to that question, “Then, why each one of us were trained in specific technology Ishwarya?” asked Indu very aggressively.

For just one moment, Ishwarya had no answer. After few seconds, “That is to gain specialization in that particular area or technology. It doesn’t mean that you have to stick with that.You have to keep learning other technologies and should explore things as well” replied Ishwarya.

She noticed that Meher and Indu are silent when she said those lines. “See Indu and Meher, you are still juniors; you don’t know the bigger picture. Things are changing day by day rapidly. Technology keeps changing and the market requirement keeps changing. We have to mould ourselves and adapt those changes. Or else you cannot survive in this highly competitive world. That is why you have to keep learning other technologies and processes also. Hope you understand what I am trying to explain.” said Ishwarya trying to make them understand the need to adapt to things and keep ourselves ready in this rapidly changing world.

These particular lines injected little thought in both of them. They started thinking on those lines and also set about understanding the need to change and accept things.

“Thank you Ishwarya for making us understand the need of multi-tasking.” Indu replied raising her head above and showing her confidence.

“Yes Ishwarya, Indu is right. What you said is true. We will start putting more efforts in this and will bring out the best of us” said Meher.

“Good. Try to learn as many techniques as you can. It can be technology or process or domain. Whatever it may be, learn and improve your knowledge. There is nothing wrong in gaining knowledge on cross domains and process. Got it?”

“Yes Ishwarya. Sure, we will do that” replied Indu and Meher with a great confidence in their articulation.

Three of them discussed about the next steps and various other things.In between, Ishwarya gave them little tips and motivated them to bring out better productivity and to encourage their performance.

Indu and Meher became close with each other and used to collectively complete all the tasks assigned by Ishwarya. Indu now became part of Ishanth and Meher gang. Slowly she started taking Uthrani’s place in the pack.As Indu and Meher used to work combine at office, the same thing carried out of office. She used to be very friendly with both Ishanth and Meher. But, with Meher, she used to be little closer and more friendly. Sometimes, Ishanth used to tease Meher with her name.

As days went on, work performance of Indu and Meher raised above the level. It also created a few of competitiveness between them. But, they never took it personally. They used to serve each other whenever someone gets struck in their workplace.

Whenever Ishwarya used to notice that they are getting de-motivated or their performance is going down, she used to motivate them through her talks.

(02:18 PM – 3 weeks later)

One day, Ishwarya called Indu and Meher to her cabin.

“Hey guys, I feel so proud to tell you that you guys are doing extremely well. In the last two weeks, there is no single process which failed the QA phase. Keep it going!Keep up your spirit and motivation levels. If at all you need anything, just come to me and I will be ready to help you out.Okay” said Ishwarya appreciating both of them for the splendid work they were doing for the last two weeks.

Indu and Meher felt extremely happy for that and they decided to celebrate that little success during the coming weekend. They communicated this to each other by simply exchanging their looks.

“One more thing guys, you can improve your project completion period by setting up targets at hourly level and putting your complete efforts to achieve that.This way, you can easily separate your tasks and also you can know what time of the day your efficiency is more.”

“Sure Ishwarya” said both of them.

“Indu and Meher, I want to say you one thing, this is a highly competitive world, if you relax for just one day, then you will go back ages old. Be alert, be confident and adapt changes.”

Indu and Meher nodded their head saying “Yes.”

“Okay guys; get back to your work. I have a meeting scheduled at 02:30.I will get back to you sometime next week. Thank you” said Ishwarya.

“Okay Ishwarya. Thank you” said Indu and Meher and left the cabin.

(02:30 PM)

Ishwarya and Quadhar got assembled in a video conference room and are waiting for Mr. Thyagarajan to get connected through video.

After a few minutes, Thyagarajan got connected and wished both of them “Good afternoon.”

“Good afternoon Thyagarajan” said Ishwarya and then Quadhar followed her.

When the welcoming greetings are over, “Thanks for joining Ishwarya and Quadhar. I called you both to discuss about the changes that we are trying to incorporate in the structure and process. I already gave you an insight on these two weeks back. I hope you remember.”

“Yes Thyagarajan” replied Ishwarya and Quadhar.

“Good. As I told you, our Senior Vice President Mr. Andrew asked us to form a team who will work on process and productivity improvement. He is mainly concentrating on productivity. During our last quarterly meet, he raised concerns on the productivity of each individual employee which will jointly determine the productivity of the team and so on.He decided to organize a team called the Productivity Indexing (PI) team.This exceptional team will examine and interpret the works done by each single employee for a period of 4 weeks and will submit a report. Andrew and other leadership team will drill down through that report to come up with a higher level doc.When that is done, we may get a bunch of changes in the structure and process.”Said Mr. Thyagarajan. He gave a complete picture of what the PI team will be doing.

He took approximately 15 minutes to explain in detail about the program and how they will be enforcing it. After all that is done, “Ishwarya, from our team you will be part of this PI team. In 2 to 3 days we will get further updates on the plan.”

“Sure Thyagarajan” replied Ishwarya.

Even though Quadhar sat in the discussion, he dint open out much. It was more like a discussion between Thyagarajan and Ishwarya.

(03:10 PM)

When that discussion was over, “Quadhar.Did you complete all the procedures?”

“Yes Thyagarajan, I completed all these formalities.”

“Good” said Thyagarajan and then “Ishwarya, please schedule a meeting sometime next week with the whole squad.”

@Send-Off

Guess the story: What may be those changes?

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“I quiT” – Episode @33

/ Mr. Venky Bond / 6 Comments

(12:22 PM)

Quadhar paused for a few seconds, he want to tell the truth to Ishanth which is the main reason he invited him to lunch. But, he is confused whether or not to explain him and also how to explain him. He then took a deep breath and said “Ishanth, I have to tell you one thing.”

“What is that Quadhar?”

“Ishanth, sit down. I will explain you.”

Ishanth and Quadhar sat on a bench under a tree shade at the garden park which is located in the boundary of Quadhar’s apartments.

After relaxing for few seconds, “Quadhar, please tell me Quadhar. I could not understand anything” asked Ishanth to Quadhar. He is very eager to know in detail about what Quadhar is trying to impart to him.

“Ishanth, I am moving out of the company.”

“What?”

“Yes Ishanth. I have submitted my resignation 10 days back and in another 3to4 weeks I will be moving out.”

Ishanth got completely shocked when he heard that from Quadhar.He immediately rose from the bench and stood on his legs.“Quadhar, is it true?”asked Ishanth. Even after seeing the luggage packed in Quadhar’s flat, Ishanth is still not able to believe in what Quadhar told him.

“Ishanth, sit down and listen. I know it’s hard to believe.”

Ishanth sat on the bench. For two minutes, he dint speak out anything.After that, “Quadhar, why did you decide to move out? What happened?” asked Ishanth.

“Ishanth.I received an offer in Hyderabad and so I have submitted my resignation.”

“Why you dint tell me all these days Quadhar?”

“Thyagarajan told me to not to tell anyone until the last day as he doesn’t want to disturb the team. Uthrani moved out recently, and now I am also moving out.This may create a little panic situation in the team and then he told me to not to tell anyone until the last day. But, you and Uthrani are my first team members and then Meher joined after that. And also I dint invite you to my house in the last two years. That’s why I decided to invite you and Meher. As the academic year started, my wife and daughter will go first. After filling out my notice period and other formalities, I will leave.”

Ishanth is not able to understand how to react to what Quadhar said. “Okay Quadhar. It is your home town. One or the other day you have to go back and that time came today. That’s all I can say.”

“Yes Ishanth. My mom and dad are staying alone there. They are becoming old day by day. I cannot leave them and stick around here anymore. That’s why I decided to move back.”

“Where did you work before moving to this company?”

“I worked in a media company at Hyderabad.”

“Then, why did you come here Quadhar?”

“Ishanth, that’s a big story. I will explain you, listen. I worked in Hyderabad for a media company. Considering the expenditure and other matters, I decided to seek a job in a large organization so that I can earn more. Two years back when I got this offer, I was told that they will transfer me to the Hyderabad locationafter a year. But, they dint do that. I waited for one more year and still there is no action taken. That’s why I looked for a job in Hyderabad and now moving back to my home town so that I can stay with my mom and dad.”

“Why they dint transfer you Quadhar?”

“They said they will prepare a team in Hyderabad and that I will lead them.But, recently I came to recognize that those plans are dropped out and so I took this decision Ishanth.”

Ishanth just replied “Okay Quadhar.”

As they both were discussing about Quadhar’s resignation and other things, Quadhar received a call to his mobile. He took it out from the pocket and answered the call.

“Hello.”

“Hello Quadhar, this is Meher. I reached main gate – A.”

“Okay. Just wait there Meher. I and Ishanth are just nearby. We will come to that entrance main gate – A.”

“Okay Quadhar. I will wait here” said Meher and disconnected the call.

(12:52 PM)

Quadhar and Ishanth walked till the gate to receive Meher. After reaching there, Quadhar welcomed Meher and then three of them walked to Quadhar’s flat. Ishanth and Meher had lunch along with Quadhar’s family.

After the lunch, Ishanth spent some time with Parveen. Quadhar, Ishanth, Meher and Shamina spent the time knowing about each other.

(11:00 AM – Monday)

Meher is working at his desk on the maintenance project assigned to him. He got a ping from Quadhar asking him to go and meet Ishwarya in the next 5 minutes.

Meher, who is basically tensed for everything, started getting tensed when Quadhar said that Ishwarya is calling him. He got up from the seat and walked slowly towards Ishwarya’s cabin.

After arriving at the cabin, “May I come in?” asked Meher to Ishwarya.

“Yes Meher, come in” replied Ishwarya.

Ishwarya is in a discussion with a young lady who is sitting in her cabin.After Meher stepped inside, she called for him to take a seat and be seated.

“So Meher, how is your work going on?” asked Ishwarya.

“Ya fine Ishwarya.”

“Meher, you know Indu right. She is presently working on the AIO project and now she will also work on the maintenance project along with you.Is that ok for you?” asked Ishwarya typing something on her laptop.

Meher thought for a few moments and then replied saying “Yes Ishwarya.”

“Ok. Good. Now listen both of you.There are many changes that we are bringing in the team and the projects. As part of those changes, as a first thing, in a very short period we will extend this support 24/5 which means 24 hours, 5 days. So, you may need to work in shifts. I will also on-board one more resource so that three of you can share the time working in three different shifts. Remember, this is a support program and we should not fail at any cost. If we fail to support for one minute, that may lead to a heavy loss. So, I want you to take this process efficiently so that the support will run smooth. Okay.”

Both Meher and Indu remained silent. They do not know how to react to what Ishwarya said.

@Lunch

Guess the story: Is Meher the next guy to resign?

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“I quiT” – Episode @31

/ Mr. Venky Bond / 4 Comments

(01:07 PM)

“May be because she is manager right and so he wants her to take decisions and give directions.”

“Not just that Meher. He is not being interactive as like before. He is just coming and going. Half of the day he will be in meeting with Ishwarya or Thyagarajan. He is not even asking the status of the tasks.”

“Yes even I am noticing it from few days. I dint speak to him from last few days. Let me talk to him.”

“Okay Ishanth.”

After that discussion, they both discussed for few minutes regarding some other things and then left for lunch.

(04:30 PM)

That day evening, Ishanth pinged Quadhar and said that he want to talk to him.Quadhar replied him saying that he can come to his cabin after 05:00 PM.

(05:02 PM)

Ishanth saw that the time crossed 05:00 PM, he walked towards Quadhar’s cabin. After reaching there, he noticed that Quadhar is not in his cabin. He waited for him at his cabin.

After few minutes, Quadhar and Ishwarya stepped out of the meeting room. Ishwarya walked away to her cabin and Quadhar slowly moved towards his cabin. As he is walking, he got a phone call from Thyagarajan.

“Hi Thyagarajan. Good evening.”

“Good evening Quadhar. How did the meeting go on?”

“It went on fine Thyagarajan. I officially transferred everything to Ishwarya. May be we can start the reverse transfer process from Monday.”

“That’s very good. So, Quadhar..” said Thyagarajan who is trying to ask Quadhar something.

“Yes Thyagarajan.”

“There is no change in your decision?”

“No Thyagarajan. Sorry for that. I cannot be here anymore.”

“Okay thanks for the time Quadhar.” said Thyagarajan and disconnected the call.

After disconnecting the call, Quadhar stepped in to his cabin. As he is stepping in, he saw Ishanth sitting in the chair. He just stopped for few seconds as he is afraid whether Ishanth heard the conversation happened between Quadhar and Thyagarajan.

“Hello Ishanth. I am sorry for keeping you waiting. Meeting got extended by a few minutes.”

“That’s okay Quadhar.Is it Thyagarajan on the call?”

“Yes, it’s Thyagarajan.”

“You were telling something like you will not change your decision. What is that Quadhar?”

The moment Ishanth asked that question, Quadhar’s face expressions turned different.“That is regarding the new project Ishanth. He actually asked me to take over that. But, I said I cannot handle so many projects and so rejected that”replied Quadhar to make sure that he doesn’t leave any clue to Ishanth.

“Okay” said Ishanth and then immediately “Quadhar. Can I ask you something?”

“Yes Ishanth.”

“From last week onwards, there are regular meetings happening between you and Ishwarya. And also you are directing everyone to go and talk to Ishwarya if they need any information or if they have any kind of concerns.”

“She is new to our company and team right. That’s why Thyagarajan gave me the responsibility to help her during the initial days until she gets tuned completely. That’s it Ishanth.”

Ishanth is actually not convinced with Quadhar’s answer. “You are also not assigning tasks to us and also not asking us updates on any of the project” asked Ishanth.

“Hey Ishanth, it’s now Ishwarya’s responsibility to take care of all those things and so I am not involving much.”

“I don’t know Quadhar. I somehow feel that something is going wrong. After Uthrani resigned, it all became silent. There is no one who talks well in the team. And now even you are not involving much with us.”

“Ishanth.Don’t worry, you are missing Uthrani and so you are feeling like that. Once the new project starts, you will become very busy with that and then everything will be fine.”

Ishanth is still not convinced. He still feels that there is something going unusual in the project. When Quadhar noticed that Ishanth is still in confused state, he thought of doing something to make him come out of that.

“Hey Ishanth, what are your plans this weekend?”

“No plans as of now Quadhar. When Uthrani was there, me, Uthrani and Meher used to hangout for a lunch or a movie. After she left, I dint go out anywhere.”

“Meher is still here right. Why can’t you both go out?”

“Who?Meher? If we call him for lunch, he will come by dinner time. When Uthrani is there, he used to listen to her and come on time.”

Quadhar smiled when Ishanth said like that. “Okay. Then why don’t you come to my home this weekend?”

“Your home?” asked Ishanth with a question mark on his face.

“Yes Ishanth. My home.This Sunday, you and Meher, for lunch.”

“Really?”

“Yes. We are working in this team from almost 14 months and I never invited you to my home. So, please do come along with Meher.”

Ishanth slowly came out that confused mood and gave a little smile on his face. “Okay Quadhar. Sure, thank you so much” replied Ishanth.

“You know my house right?”

“I know the address. But, I don’t know the flat number.”

“It is 14F, second block. I will talk to Meher and will invite him officially.”

“Quadhar. Invite him for breakfast. Then he will come by lunch time.” Said Ishanth, with a smile.

When Quadhar heard that, even he started laughing out loud.

(12:11 PM – Quadhar’s Flat)

Quadhar and Shamina were busy in the kitchen making preparations for the lunch. Meanwhile, Quadhar’s phone started ringing in the living room. Parveen is busy playing games in that mobile. When she saw the call, she immediately swiped the green button and answered the call.

“Hello”

“Hello Quadhar” said Ishanth without even listening to the person who answered the call. When he noticed that a small girl is talking, he gave a look at the mobile screen to make sure whether he dialed the correct number. After getting confirmed that it is Quadhar’s number, “Can I speak to Quadhar?” asked Ishanth.

“What is your name?” asked Parveen with her cute little voice.

“My name is Ishanth.”

Parveen went running into the kitchen room and handed over the phone to Quadhar saying “Dad, your phone.”

Quadhar took the phone from her and saw the screen. When he noticed that it is Ishanth, “Hey Ishanth. Where are you? Did you reach the place?”

“Yes Quadhar. I am waiting down.”

“Okay. Just come up taking the lift. Flat no is 14F. If the security guard asks you, tell him the flat number.”

@Flat

Guess the story: Why did Quadhar invite Ishanth and Meher for lunch?

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