There was office party last weekend.
It reminded me of 1st office party i attended as soon as i joined as trainee engineer at a site in Pune. The Construction manager invited me to the party that evening and immediately asked "Do u take drinks?". (U know, since then, i realised that construction and wine r synonyms).
I was shocked. Somehow i gathered strength and said "No" (which was 100% true!). then he said " Y r u coming to party then?" - more Shock!Then he said "I will make u drink 2day" - i was shattered - Leaving no space to escape he said "If u r thinking that u will skip the party then forget it. U HAVE TO COME"
I came back to my seat – very tense. My first direct boss - ……..(as per principle, not writing the name), Planning engr of that site (a very fine human being with whom I am still in contact and respect him very much) immediately realized tht I am worried.
He asked me, "tell frankly, wht happened". I narrated the whole incident and added in the end, “Sir, I don’t want to start drinking”. He burst in laughter – may be b’cause of my innocence. Then he said “don’t worry. u won’t have to drink. I’ll handle Just be with me and not alone”. I was wondering how he will handle the situation.
Anyway, party began and the just when all were going to say “cheers”, Construction Manager observed and said, “alok tumhara glass kahan hai?” all eyes (minimum 40 pairs !) were on me now. My Planning Engr also told with anger, “haan, tumne glass kyon nahi liya?” Now tht was too much for me – U TOO BRUTUS? I thought in mind – he is also part of that plot? I was shocked and had no option but to take a glass. I reached for one. They told “No- no, not tht (it was beer later I came to know) take other one (tht was RC-I was later !)”. Hope readers know wht RC is (or ask me, now I know!).
I took the one I was told with trembling hands. Construction Manager called aloud “all come near, new trainee is starting drinking!” While he was busy for few seconds calling all , I heard my planning engr whispering in my ears, “ just take the glass 2 ur lips after “cheers”, don’t sip and then keep glass on the table.” SURPRISE! and my filled wd respect for him. So, he was only pretending to look it real – gr8.
I did exactly tht n finally escaped…..tht was my office party!
