A Price to Love

Rishabh had delayed the approval of Sonia’s resignation until the last possible week, hoping that she would withdraw it by herself when her emotions settled down. Instead, she asked him not to trouble her when her plans were made up.

he had acquiesced. as usual, the headstrong girl had managed to get him to agree to her viewpoint.

he found himself grinning from ear to ear at the thought. he typed ‘Sonia’ inside the Outlook inbox search bar and glanced through the subject of numerous emails they had exchanged.

He filtered her mails on his Gmail account next. The emails were more conversational and personal there. he opened an email with the subject line ‘Response’, the last one that she had sent him. The mail ended with, ‘Knowing that whatever happens is for the best, in this patient hope I rest.’ That was her last day at work. he had reverted with his characteristic one-liner to take care of herself. he read the emails he wanted to, skipping the ones pertaining to her resignation.

What could I have done? It wasn’t my fault. his thoughts travelled back to that point in time when Sonia wasn’t ready to listen.

‘You are my manager. If you don’t stand by me when I need you the most, how will I be able to work here?’

‘This isn’t the end of the world, Sonia. There will be more opportunities next year. I understand your disappointment but try to look at the bigger picture. In a few days, you would forget all about this incident.’

‘no, I won’t. I know myself. I am very demotivated and disengaged, and it would be tough for me to continue. I quit, with immediate effect.’

‘I respect your decision.’

Rishabh had kept a poker face during the conversation, ignoring his wildly beating heart. he was senior to her and had to show more restraint. It was a workplace, after all. In hindsight, he could have handled it better.