Sitting on a High-Chair

As always, around 1pm, the chat window popped up on my laptop screen. It was time for lunch. I got up from my work station and joined what we call the 'lunch group', as it moved towards the cafeteria.

Let me start with a brief introduction. I don't exactly know how this group came into existence. We work in the same organisation albeit in different departments and different areas of the office. Yet everyday at lunch time we come together to share our food and day's updates.

Today as we sat down together Namita noticed that Reema was missing, and she enquired about the absence. Shivani, the youngest in the group, promptly reminded her that today was Dia's farewell lunch. Dia was part of Namita's team, and today was her last day with the organisation. Thus a few team members and friends had planned to take her out for lunch. Reema, though technically not part of the team, had joined as she was at the same position as Dia, and shared good rapport with a few of the team members. 

Namita kept quiet for a minute. And then with a sad note expressed her hurt,    "You know, till today morning I was feeling bad that I forgot to bring a farewell gift for Dia. But when I realised that the team hasn't invited me for the farewell, I was glad that I didn't get her anything." 

Namita is probably the most supporting supervisor one could ask for. She always goes a step further in trying to build a connect with her team. And thus her thought of giving Dia a farewell gift itself, though not surprising for us, was surely commendable. 

All of us on the table were quiet. The younger lot like Shivani, kept their heads down, as if they were being scolded by someone senior for their lack of concern. Rest of us, including me, who were at mid-management level, kept quiet. In some unsaid, unexplained way, we understood and could identify with either side. Thus it was difficult to either support one or oppose the other. 

Finally Vaishali broke the silence. She is the senior-most in our group, both in terms of her experience and hierarchy. She looked at Namita with a 'I know how you feel' smile. And then very patiently explained. "Namita you must not feel bad. It is not possible for these kids to behave with us as friends. And it is not their fault. You know some of them are even younger than my own kids. The age gap, coupled with the requirements of professional etiquettes, make it difficult for them to open up." 

None of us, including Namita, could deny that there was merit in her words. Vaishali too could see the approval in our eyes. She smiled once again, like the smile of one who has solved a complex problem, and is now trying to explain it to others. She got up from her chair, picking up the remaining sandwich in her hand, "I must rush, I have a meeting in 5 minutes. But I must tell you all one thing. It does get lonely as one moves up the ladder. And many of us make the mistake of filling up that space by expanding our own presence."

With these words Vaishali moved back towards her cabin. I am not sure about others, but Vaishali's words surely left me thinking.