Silence...

“Good morning, Sir”

He just nodded at me. And passed a week smile. I wondered why? From past three days I have been noticing. He is like that.

“I hate silence” He used to say. Aged fifty-five, one of the senior most people in our company. Assistant General Manger. Vigorous when it comes about work. Most diligent person. Gives high importance to punctuality. Never will compromise on failures. Anytime he is ready to work hard in lieu of enjoyments. A hard-core believer in ‘Work is God’ adage.

I haven seen him on his chair for more than half an hour continuously. He is always active running here and there, managing his subordinates, and instructing supervisors, monitoring workers and all. His knowledge and experience could have made him revered.

But everyone wanted him out of the company. He was very egoistic. He always gave a deaf ear towards his sub ordinates opinions. “When I was here……., when I was there……..” he was a bit boisterous. He was dedicated to work in such a level that he tried to put his finger on whatever went in front of him. He wanted every work done under his knowledge. This created a stir between him and many senior managers. But being AGM nobody dared to question neither him nor report about him, but fulminated behind him.

This was the picture till few days back. Now he neither rises his voice nor run here and there. He neither puts his head in others matter nor aggressive. Everyone in office noticed the change. Nobody wished to ask him why? Nobody cared to enquire about his current condition. I couldn’t stand this change. Very junior to him, I knew I don’t have to show any ego in front of him. And he haven done anything to cross my way of work. I asked him.

His wife got some mental problems. She has been hospitalized for past five days. He conferred to me. I could only do but console him. And he was very happy that at least I asked him. I hold his hands. Couldn’t speak much. In fact, was at oblivion what to say? Wishing him for her speedy recovery I came back to my cabin.

I thought for a while. Whatever a person is, however he might be, once someone of his beloved is in distress, that men do change.

And yeah, that’s the time when you realize the need of a friend. Life is not only revolving around family and work.