1096. The Stenographer's Remarks!

When Chandran joined 'Sarita Stationery Supplies' (SSS) two years back, other employees of the firm were surprised to learn that he was a graduate. 

SSS was in the business of distribution of stationery and most of the employees had education only up to the secondary school level. Only two of the employees had studied up to the higher secondary level.

The Manager of the firm himself had studied only up to the ninth standard. Since he was related to the Proprietor, he was recruited for that position.

'Poor fellow! Though well educated, he couldn't get a good job, it seems. That's why he has landed here' was the assessment of other employees about Chandran. And that was the truth!

Making use of the knowledge he gained through his education and his native intelligence, and by applying his mind in the activities of the firm, Chandran was able to bring about some improvements in the functioning of the firm. This led to a considerable growth in the business and increase in the profitability of the firm.

Chandran's friendly attitude and the concern he had for other employees generated considerable goodwill for him among the employees. However, neither the Proprietor, nor the Manager of the firm, seemed to have acknowledged his contribution to the firm.

One of the responsibilities assigned to Chandran was handling the correspondence of the firm. He would dictate the letters to the stenographer Shyamala. She would type out the letters and keep them on his table.

Over a period, Chandran developed a liking for Shyamala. But Shyamala seemed to take no notice of him. She won't even smile at him. 

When he dictated the letters, she would focus on transcribing his words in shorthand, never shifting her gaze from her shorthand notebook and leave abruptly after he had completed the dictation. 

While bringing the typed out letters and keeping them on his table, she won't look at his face. She wouldn't even acknowledge his saying "Thanks." 

Chandran was unable to judge whether Shyamala just ignored him or disliked him. He couldn't think of any possible reason for her to dislike him, either.

'What if I convey my feelings to her?' thought Chandran. After pondering over this question for a while, he decided to tell her 'I love you,' while dictating the letters to her the next time, taking care to ensure that only she heard his words.

But before he could execute his plan, one incident had happened.

Shyamala and Lata, another employee, were sitting in the office lunch room and having their lunch.

Lata said, "Mr. Chandran is very intelligent. Isn't he?" 

Chandran, who was passing by the lunch room, happened to hear this. Curious to know what Shyamala's response to Lata's remarks would be, he stood outside the room, at a spot that would be invisible to the two girls sitting inside. 

"Even if he were to be a dull head, It would be fine with me. But he shouldn't be a person not making any effort. I consider him to be lethargic" said Shyamala.

Stung by Shyamala's remarks, Chandran left that place in a huff. It appeared to him that Shyamala noticed him when he was walking away.

'Did Shyamala notice that I was standing outside the room and make those remarks deliberately? Did she act that way to communicate her dislike for me?'

Chandran was not sure.

The next time Shyamala came to him for taking dictation, she acted as usual, showing no signs of any embarrassment over the incident in the lunch room.

Chandran felt frustrated.

A few days later, when Shyamala brought the letters typed by her and kept them on his table, it seemed to Chandran that she had a faint smile on her face.

Wondering whether she had really smiled or whether he was imagining that she had, Chandran took up the letters kept by her on his table.

One of the letters had the cutting of a newspaper advertisement pinned to it. It was an advertisement from a reputed firm engaged in the business of stationery, calling for applications for the post of a Branch Manager.

'Oh! Does it mean that Shyamala's characterizing me as lethargic and as a person not making efforts was only out of her desire that I should take up a better job, in tune with my educational qualification? So, she has concern, not dislike, for me.

When Chandran turned towards Shyamala's seat, he found that she was looking at him. When his gaze met her, she smiled at him and raised her palm, giving him a thumbs up.

Thirukkural
Section 3

Love

Chapter 110
Reading the Cues

Verse 1096 (in Tamil):
uRAahavar pOl solinum seRAr sol
ollai uNarappadum.

Meaning:

Words that are harsh and looks that are hateful are (but) the expressions of lovers who wish to act like strangers.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'suruk enRu thaiththa pEchchu by the same author.)

Verse 1097
Verse 1095