Beauty Comes From…

The countdown for Aslam's departure had begun. The team was beyond thrilled regarding his exit & they planned his farewell event with surplus excitement. The mood at the office seemed like Sunshine after rain. During Aslam's last couple of weeks, the new team lead, Rashmi, joined the team. She seemed like a lovely lady & was busy with the handover from Aslam. The team was relieved that Aslam was occupied & had no time to talk to them. The vibe was positive; everyone was sure that the new team lead would be better. Once Aslam's farewell cake was cut & he left the building, the team rejoiced. Unfortunately, the joy was short-lived. Rashmi seemed reasonable to work with, but there were times when she would be hostile for no reason. She was courteous & supportive unless she answered a personal call. After that 15mins call, hell would break loose.

The pattern of flared anger, frequent outburst & harsh comments was a routine. After a while, the team became complaisant about the new lead's behaviour. Kanika realised, "This is a repeat telecast of the same soap with a different antagonist." Several incidents were proof to Kanika that there was no point sticking out for the team. For it would be a one-woman battle. While the rest of the teammates would get to the next level in the game, she would get slaughtered mercilessly.

Unlike Aslam, it was hard to keep the score on Rashmi, for strikes were so frequent & deliberate. Kanika decided to steer away from Rashmi's course. She cautiously maintained the distance & interacted only when necessary. Though Kanika had not faced the wrath yet, she knew it was coming. She could sense the storm brewing. The only question was the severity of the hurricane & the damage it would cause?

Kanika wondered, was there any other way out? Unquestionably, the tornado would strike. Could there be a shield that could handle the gust of the wind without harming either of them? She intended to maintain harmony for her peace of mind. Otherwise, giving Rashmi a piece of her mind would be a cakewalk. She played out several scenarios like chess; all seemed to end in checkmate. A few months passed with no incidents or comments at Kanika. Kanika thanked God each day for it.

One fine day, as Kanika was passing by Rashmi's desk, she questioned Kanika, "Why do you wear makeup?" The question not only stumped but confused Kanika. It was true that day; Kanika was over-excited to wear a new dress that day. However, she had dressed up as usual. She had applied kajal, wore a long bindi & dabbed pink glossy lipgloss. Kanika recuperated & replied, "I'm not wearing any makeup. Most importantly, I don't even know how to apply makeup." Rashmi smirked & pointed at Kanika's face & asked, "What is all this?" Kanika responded, "Daily skincare products are essential; it is only day cream & no makeup."

Rashmi continued to beat up Kanika, "Alright, why wear such a long bindi, use kajal & lipgloss?" Kanika was at the edge & Rashmi wasn't pushing; she was shoving. It was enticing to articulate, "It's my money, my face & my wish. Who are you to ask any of this?" She quickly dismissed the offensive statement; she couldn't stoop to Rashmi's level. She responded with a smile, "This morning, I looked at my face in the mirror. I couldn't look at it for more than 2mins. If I couldn't look at my face for 2mins, how would you tolerate my face all day? So, I decided to make my appearance tolerable only for you." She beamed within & walked back to her desk. She so wanted to thump her fists in the freshly chilled recycled air but had to suppress her exhilaration. Finally, Kanika had a breakthrough to handle the hurricane, pure sarcasm & wit. Rashmi seemed to be licking her wounds & restrained herself from saying anything to Kanika. A few weeks passed with no incidents between the women.

On an evening, when it was time for a client call & Rashmi with the team were prepping to leave for the conference room, the head of the department addressed the floor. It was an expected announcement of celebrating another upcoming festival. The department head announced the date set for dressing up in ethnic & the registration details for the activities. As the firm prepared for the day & events, the costume enthusiasts planned their attire.

On the day of the festival celebration, Kanika draped a pale orange & green coloured cotton sari with a backless dark green blouse. Kanika walked into the office with a smile enhanced by wine coloured glossy lipgloss; the eyeliner & kajal blend highlighted her dark brown eyes. The jet-black hair was secured in an intricate pattern pinch clip & swayed as she walked. She adorned a heavy silver neckpiece & large jhumkhas. She held the sari pallu (the loose end of a sari, worn over one shoulder) in her right hand, the wrist of which was covered in a dozen silver-colored bangles.

No sooner did Kanika walk past Rashmi than she commented. Rashmi declared, "Your pallu is not long enough." Kanika's mind raced, "You did not even attempt to wear ethnic & be part of the celebration. Yet, you dare to comment first? Neither will do something to be happy nor let others be happy! What is wrong with you?" Kanika forced the rude words out of her mind. She pondered, "If only Rashmi were aware that beauty comes from heart, not face, makeup, accessories, or attire." She looked at the pallu, turned her gaze to Rashmi & replied with a smile, "Thank you."

Rashmi stressed & reiterated, "I said, Your pallu is not long enough." Kanika dumped her handbag on the desk & turned towards Rashmi. Kanika remarked, "I heard you. That's why I thanked you." Puzzled, Rashmi questioned, "Why did you thank me?" Kanika grinned & responded, "Well, you spent 2mins of your precious time during a busy day to evaluate me. Since you said only pallu is not long enough, that conveys everything else is spot on. From the choice of sari, a backless contrast blouse, accessorises, choice of cosmetics & the drape itself. Next time, I'll ensure to set the pallu longer. That way, I will be perfect."

Take Away:

• One may be going through hell each day; that is still not an excuse to be nasty/mean/rude.

• One to accept feedback with a smile, especially criticism & then watch the commentator's reaction; it's worth a billion bucks!