Meher

“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 @32

/ Mr. Venky Bond / 4 Comments

“Yes Quadhar. I am waiting down.”

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

“Okay Quadhar. I am coming up. Meet you there” said Ishanth. He then parked the bike and took the elevator to reach Quadhar’s flat.

(12:17 PM)

By the time Ishanth reached 14th floor, Quadhar is standing at the doorway to welcome Ishanth. The moment Quadhar saw Ishanth, “Hello Ishanth. Welcome” said Quadhar shaking his hands with Ishanth and maintaining a welcoming grin on his face.

“Hi Quadhar” replied Ishanth. Ishanth looked a little tired as he had to travel long to reach Quadhar’s flat.

“What Ishanth, looking very tired?”

“It’s a long 90 minutes travel Quadhar. And, I don’t need to explain you about Bengaluru traffic.”

“Yeah. I know Ishanth. Come inside” said Quadhar and took Ishanth inside the house. He showed him the rest room to fresh up.

As Ishanth is very run down, while he stepped into the house, he dint observe anything.After freshening up, he came out of the rest room. He took the towel placed next to the door and wiped his face. Wiping his face, he walked a few steps forward towards the front room.As he is walking, he remarked that the house is virtually empty with not a lot of things around.

Before Ishanth asked about that to Quadhar, Quadhar asked him “What about Meher?”

“I phoned him while I was starting; he stated that he will reach by 12:30.”

“All right.Shall we make a call to him and confirm? I don’t have his mobile number. Can you please give me his number” Asked Quadhar and then made Ishanth sit on the couch.

“Sure Quadhar” said Ishanth and took out his mobile.

While Ishanth is searching Meher’s number, “Angel” shouted Quadhar. He is calling his daughter Parveen who is with her mom in the kitchen room playing with the mobile.

“Hey, dad is calling, go” said Shamina to Parveentelling her to go to her dad.

Parveen came running from the kitchen. Ishanth is looking at her, his face turned much brighter seeing her.

“Hey Ishanth, she is my daughter. Parveen.” Quadhar introduced his angel to Ishanth and asked her daughter to “Say HI…”

Parveen went near to Ishanth and said “Hello” giving her hand to Ishanth. Ishanth also stretched his hands and they both shook hands with each other.

“Hello, what is your name?” asked Ishanth.

“My name is Parveen” replied Parveen with her sweet little voice. Ishanth took Parveen near to him and started talking with her.

“Hey Parveen, where is my mobile?” asked Quadhar to Parveen.

As soon as he asked that, Parveenran from Ishanth to the kitchen room to bring Quadhar’s mobile. After bringing it out, she gave it to Quadhar. Quadhar took Meher’s phone number from Ishanth and called him.

“Hello.”

“Hello Meher. This is Quadhar.”

“Yes Quadhar.”

“Where are you Meher?”

“Quadhar. I am on the way. I will reach in another 30 to 45 minutes.”

“Okay Meher. You know the exact address right?”

“Yes Quadhar. I know, I will reach that area and will call you on this number.”

“Okay Meher” said Quadhar and disconnected the call.

Ishanth is talking to Parveen and asking her some questions. Parveen, who is an active girl, is replying to Ishanth’s questions very promptly.Ishanth is having a good time with her.

“Hey Ishanth. It will take another 20 to 30 minutes for him to reach” said Quadhar.

“Okay.”

After that, Quadhar said Parveen to call somebody. Parveen again went running into the kitchen room. Shamina came out of the kitchen room by lowering the stove flame.

“Ishanth, she is my wife Shamina” said Quadhar introducing his wife to Ishanth. “And Shamina, this is Ishanth, my teammate.”

Ishanth and Shamina greeted each other joining their hands in the traditional Indian style and then Shamina went inside to continue her cooking.

“Shamina, we will go out for a walk just outside. We will be back in 15 minutes.”

“Okay Quadhar” replied Shamina.

Quadhar and Ishanth walked out through the door. When they both left, Shamina locked the door from inside.

They both took the lift to the down stairs and reached the ground floor. After reaching there, Quadhar is walking in the east direction. As Ishanth is new, he just followed Quadhar.

“Ishanth, so how is your work at office going on?”

“Fine Quadhar, your daughter is so active, but looking very silent.”

“Yes Ishanth. She is very active, but not at all silent. She is very naughty.”

“Oh, is it.”

They both took up the discussion with their daughter. Quadhar is explaining about her daughter and how naughty she is. He also told him about a few incidents. Slowly the discussion came to a topic about what Parveen is studying now.

“Quadhar, which class she is in now?”

“She completed her U.K.G in the month of March Ishanth. Now, she has to join in her Ist standard. But, she is not going to school now.”

“Why Quadhar?”

“We will put them in a school in Hyderabad.”

“Hyderabad? Where she will be when you and your wife are here?”

“My wife will also go there Ishanth. Tomorrow morning they both are leaving to Hyderabad” replied Quadhar. He is giving dry answers to the questions asked by Ishanth. Quadhar is trying to say something to Ishanth. But, he is hesitating to begin over the discussion.

“So, you will be alone here?” asked Ishanth with a very big question mark and confusion on his face. He does not understand completely what Quadhar is saying. Also the luggage which is packed in the living room is splashing before his eyes leaving him some clues.

“No Ishanth.”

“What Quadhar? I could not understand anything.Are you sending your wife and daughter to your home town?” asked Ishanth who completely lost in that discussion.

“First they both will go Ishanth. After few weeks I will leave.”

This particular answer from Quadhar shocked Ishanth. He is now completely confused and lost. Ishanth stopped there without moving forward.

When Quadhar noticed that Ishanth is still back, he turned back towards him. After seeing his face expressions, Quadhar asked “What happened Ishanth?”

“I do not understand anything Quadhar. You will leave? Where?”

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 getting 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?”

@Drive

Guess the story: Will Quadhar share the truth with Ishanth?

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