Violet paced the room, the nervousness was getting the better of her. It was her first interview. She had just graduated and joined a Diploma in secretarial practice as she was awaiting her results, a tragedy struck her family. Her father the sole earning member had left this world for his eternal abode. The weight of her family weighed over her shoulders. It was like she had aged in a short span. She had to take care of her mother and younger siblings.

This job mattered to her. Although it wouldn't be much. But it would be sufficient to survive and thrive. As the second hand of the clock moved another dot an applicant came out crying rejected by the interviewer.

Violet hoped and prayed as the doors opened and the rejected applicants walked out cursing and swearing. Her heart raced as eventually it was her turn. The peon usher in and in front of her sat an irritated boss. Though he looked handsome she could say with one look that he had anger issues.

"Sit down Queen Victoria." Saying so he signaled her to sit on the chair near her. Violet chose to stand she thought she would only sit if he addressed her by name.

"Do you need an invitation?" The angry boss snarled at her. "No, but I would like respect instead." Violet replied. " Very well! Ms. Violet kindly take your seat. I am Mr. Joe Almeida and I am looking for a secretary. But I have interviewed many but still haven't found the one." He looked at her sit down and his eyes met hers and while he was trying to get familiar with something about her he could sense she could give him the calm that he was searching for.

"Ok ! Let's take a dictation test. I will not repeat my sentences or slow down." Saying so Joe reached out for his letter and handed over the pad and pen to her. He dictated the letter and while she was writing he sneaked glances in between and something within him softened as he began to appreciate her features.

When he finished he asked her to read. To his surprise she read every word and punctuation correctly. " Why do you want this job? Girls your age are getting married." " I don't want this but I need this job." This time he could sense her desperation. "The job is yours, go to the HR department and take an advance. I will see you tomorrow at 9 am."

Violet walked outside. Tears were rolling down her cheeks. She thanked her God and her father for now she knew they would survive.

There was laughter at Violet's house. With the advance grocery, and food was brought. She bought clothes for all her younger siblings. Seeing them all happy she peacefully slept that night like a baby.

"Hi! Violet, I am Rita. The boss asked me to hand over all the files and show you to your desk." Rita was at the entrance waiting for Violet. Everybody at the office knew about Joe's tantrums. Joe was going through a rough patch in life. He and his wife were not on good terms. Joe kept on giving into her demands for his son Joshua. Joshua was his life and he couldn't compromise on it.

Violet felt sad for him after knowing about his relationship. His anger issues although not justifiable but could be understandable.

Violet got engrossed in her work. She would work hard in the office during the day and relax with her family at night. Slowly things got better between her and Joe. They started to enjoy and understand each other's company. Violet knew his preference for tea and when to cancel meetings and reschedule it. Meanwhile Violet's brother graduated in B. Ed migrated to America. Her brother wanted to take over the responsibility and wanted Violet to settle down in life. Violet wasn't comfortable giving up the job as this was her identity and freedom. But eventually, everyone hoped that she would have her family and live happily as her brother was there to take over the responsibility.

Violet found it very difficult to leave her freedom but she didn't know what was stopping her. Deep down she had warmed up to Joe. They shared a perfect understanding and slowly deep within herself she knew that she was falling in love with him despite knowing he was married. Somehow she couldn't stop herself from loving him and in return she never expected any favors. Joe on the other hand had never reciprocated his feelings or done anything out of the way for her to cross the line. But both were bonded with chords which time would only tell.

" Snap out of your dreamland, sleeping beauty! Bring me the Hindustan Lever File." Joe snapped his fingers saying so. That was enough for her to get on with her work.

This year the winter's air had a chill that was not experienced before. The cold air made the city dwellers leave on time as everyone wanted to be indoors. Joe worked late and sometimes slept over. Now what he dreaded the most was facing his wife. His house had become unwelcoming towards him, the bitterness, greed were crossing his sanity limits, unfortunately, there was nothing that he did that would satisfy his wife. He had eventually given up on hope.

He resorted to alcohol even though the spirits weren't sufficient to elevate his mood or suffering. On one such night, Violet had left her shawl on the side of the copier when she was there to get it she saw his cabin light on and as she went over she saw him crying with his face buried in his hands like a baby.

Something within her felt the need to comfort him and as she rushed over to hug him. He cried even louder. The comfort and care that he yearned from his wife, the human touch of affection that he had missed fanned his deprived needs. One thing led to another and before they knew they both made love to each other like there was no tomorrow. Violet didn't know that Joe could be so passionate and gentle. She hadn't seen that side of him. While Joe couldn't believe that she was so beautiful and loving and as they lay down wrapped in each other's arms. Joe was the first to say, "The first time I saw you, I was attracted to you but eventually when I got to know you, I fell in love with you. But since I was married I held myself back. Today I just couldn't control myself because the emotions got the better of me. I love you Violet like I haven't loved anyone." " I love you too!" Replied Violet almost instantly. They both chuckled together and they decided to go out for dinner to celebrate their newfound love.

"Why wine? You have to drive on the way back. " Interrupted Violet. " Don't stop me today I am on cloud 9. I was dead and now I am alive." Playfully saying so Joe calmed her anxieties. He had this twinkle in his eyes. Violet didn't want to kill his mood. For he was laughing and cheerful in a very long time.

Just then they were interrupted, a tall gentleman in his ripe-aged dress decently tapped Joe on his shoulder. He turned out to be his father, Joe hugged him and asked him to join them and introduced Violet as his colleague but he sure knew that there was more to it. He was there with his friends and had heard most of their conversation.

"Violet! I am not feeling that well. I will be taking leave for the next few days. Please reschedule the appointments for me." Said Joe over the phone. She couldn't believe that just the previous night they had crossed all barriers and never felt that close and suddenly she felt as if they were strangers. The whole three days were a nightmare that she had to bear alone.

After three days she got an internal mail stating that Joe was promoted and transferred to the Delhi head office with immediate effect and in his place Mr. Anil Agnihotri was being promoted.

Violet kept reading the letter a hundred times over. With great courage, she called his house but he call went unanswered.

The thought that ran through her mind was he didn't even say goodbye. That's all she wanted.

"Uncle, I guess you are in my seat." " Oh! Sorry, I thought the boarding was completed and I wasn't going to have company." Said Joe. 20 years had gone by. His hair had greyed, he had put on a little weight. He was wearing glasses. The girl was nervous it was her maiden flight. She was studying her MBA in Delhi and was flying to Mumbai. Her mother was ill and she had received a call the previous night. Joe politely got up and gave up her seat. She nervously read the emergency instructions and listened carefully to the air hostess. Trying to slowly imbibe everything that she did or said.

"Don't worry, we will go down together if that's comforting." "Not quite though, you frequently fly?" Meghan asked. By then Joe had finished the pleasantries. Yes, I travelled a lot for work. But this time it's for pleasure." Joe had this twinkle in his eyes.

They chatted for a while and enjoyed each other's company, at the end of it they were the best of friends, they spoke about food, travel, work etc.. Joe had his friend pick him up from the airport while Meghan took a taxi to the hospital.

Not far had her cab driven a little further she heard a huge deafening sound and a long car horn. As she turned over to see the people had gathered over which obscured her visibility and eventually she drove out of the driveway.

" I was just a week away and you got your blood pressure elevated. Violet Aunty, i have a jolly good three years more to go. How can I study in peace while she continues to fret over the distance." Meghan was complaining. " It's not that, your mother has a brain tumour which needs surgery. She wanted to meet you before that. I will leave you two to talk I am right outside if you need me. Take your time.” saying this Violet walked out giving them the privacy they needed. She decided to take a stroll and walked towards the entrance as she thought of getting some fresh air.

As she approached the hospital entrance two ambulances rushed in with injured people so she made way and eager as others she took a look, as she couldn't see the injured as the body was covered. So she lost interest and walked towards the garden. Slowly the sirens faded as she walked away she looked at the flowers which calmed her down. The last few days were tiring taking care of her sister in the hospital as it was a daunting task. But now since she was with her daughter she could now relax a bit.

Her phone rang breaking her thoughts, it was Meghan, "Where are you? There is someone I would want you meet" "Who is it ? Is it some handsome boy?" Asked Violet. " No, a friend actually." Said Meghan. " I am on my way." Said Violet.

Violet couldn't wait to reach as fast as possible. The lift halted on all floors she had just two floors more and it paused yet again to receive people but this time it was the person who entered was no unknown person but Joe. Time just halted as their eyes met both of them were shocked. Joe was drenched in blood. Violet couldn't believe that he stood before her. Out of all the scenarios she never thought that she would meet him in a hospital drenched in blood. Tears ran down her eyes as well as his.

They were smiling and crying both at the same time. Joe entered the lift and swept her off her feet. Each of them were crying in each other's embrace. " Are you hurt, your drenched in blood. " Asked Violet. " Don't worry not mine. It's my friend's." Joe replied. As the elevator opened Meghan was standing there and Violet was embarrassed for her to see them. " Oh! So you guys made it. Not fair you ruined my surprise." Meghan was all smiles.

" Yes ! We are fine. Meghan is coming over for dinner. If you stop keeping me engaged at least I will cook something." Saying so Violet disconnected her sister's call. "You look pretty. Actually correction, the ring on your ring finger that I put while taking our marriage vows in church gives you that glow.," saying so Joe leaned in to kiss her.

They had been separated by his parents and wife. His parents threatening suicide emotional blackmailed him out. While his wife spoke ill about Violet transferring him to a different location. Later getting her fired from her job. He didn't want to fight with the people he loved or bore responsibility and more over society would always look down upon Violet as a home wrecker. But destiny had greater plans as five years ago he lost his wife. His son motivated him to try and connect with Violet because he knew his father had paid a heavy price. It took him five years to connect. He was happy to know that she didn't struggle in life. With her experience she did get a job elsewhere but chose never to marry. Her brother married and settled in US. While her sister married a colleague and had Meghan.

Megan and Joe had similar-looking suitcases which got exchanged at the exit in the airport while wishing each other goodbye. Joe asked his friend to turn the car that’s when they met with an accident and both were rushed to the hospital were Megan’s mom was admitted. Megan complained to the airline and got Joe’s number. When Joe met Megan and her mother in the hospital room that’s when Joe realized who he had bumped into.

When the air was cleared both forgave each other this time they wanted to be married. Joshua attended the wedding and was Joe’s best man. Megan was the maid of honor and both Violet and Joe looked in each other’s eyes with compassion and took their vows.

Violet had moved over to Delhi and lived with Joe and Joshua. They were living their second innings oblivious to what the world thought.

Love can wait. Love can be patient above all forgiving. 

.    .    .