He got my BANANA

He wanted it to be ready soon. Flashback - when we’re wrapping up the meeting he said to the others that I would be able to get it ready by Thursday or Friday. My eyes were popping out. Lots of thing would need to be probed and dug out but I said I’ll try.

It’s Thursday and he rang me asking the status of the work. I told him I really have my hands full with other important tasks but I hadn’t forgotten about it. He was persistent and I was semi -reluctant. But I thought may be it was a deadline for him. Possibility, he would be dead and so would I eventually. OK, I pushed all the other things aside. I warned the team that I’d be working hard for the next few hours. They knew the message was –‘He’s under pressure. Leave him alone’

Later came the boy while my brain was still entangled looking at all the data. Flashback - When I chose the boy to be in the team I knew he would be able to bring in some fun and laughter in the group. Above all, I knew he’s capable. He’s been a sweet boy.

As usual, I could hear his distinctive voice when he arrived for his shift. After saying hi to all the others he started to get into his usual routine - cracking up jokes (no doubt he’s funny and can be cynical too – he was the one who bravely said that I was kinda bribing the team when I came back from a long long lunch one day with cookies for them).

It grew louder. I told myself to leave him alone. He’s cheering up everyone but I was exhausted. He went around to the other cubicle and started to draw a small but oblivious crowd. Even louder this time. He’s getting on my nerves.

Naturally I stood up and called out his name. Everyone was looking. I signaled to him like ‘what’s going on’ and said “Free, are we!” All silent. He slowly walked back to his place with a sullen face. Peace again.

Finally I got my work done. I looked at him. He looked down. I felt bad. He’s a nice chap but sometimes he is too much. I was packing up to leave. I saw the banana on my table I bought during lunch. But there was only one left to be shared with a few boys. I was going off and walked past him. I patted him on the back and he turned around with a smile and I gave out my banana to him………………