Did you see ? Here goes Ionia, the thread girl ! Thread girl ? Yes she is like a thread, so lean and flexible. That's the word Uma used to describe Ionia.
When Ionia came to us first, about a month ago, she was very serious with all of us. Afterall, she was a stranger to us. But when she came in last Sunday, she was more friendly. Naturally, after a few meetings, we became closer. Infact, she became our 'in' girl very quickly. With her reserved expressions and unreserved behaviour, Ionia is now our girl. And by this Sunday visit, she did become an 'inner' one with Uma and me.
I hope you remeber my office girl Rini. The girl presenting me the kerchief... with her honey on it ... almost everyday ? She is getting married to one at Hyderabad. So, she's leaving us shortly. And that's why she is no more in my office. But she did a smart game. She, on the day of her leaving, came to me and chatted for over an hour. She requested me to put her relative girl- Ionia - in her place. I didnot make any commitment.
Sometime next week, Ionia came to my office. It was in an afternoon. Ionia came to my cabin, stood for sometime. Inspite of me asking her to take a seat, Ionia didnot. She looked very serious, and didnot have any trace of a smile on her face. Whatever I asked, she replied in alow tone. After a short chat ( an interview ? ) I asked her to come down on another day, with her resume. She left immediately. Later, I came to undrstand that Uma was watching this girl, and the interview.
The next day morning, while I was very busy in my work, Ionia came to meet me again. She straightaway geve me a sealed cover. Surprised, I opened the cover, and saw her biodata and a covering letter. Attached to that was a piece of paper, with the script "kerchief ready'. I got it. it's written by Rini. I could not make out exactly what she meant. Is it that Rini is making a fun quoting the kerchief? Or, is it that this girl is ready with her kerchief ... to me ? I tookout that slip and put in my pocket. I just passed on the biodata and covering letter to Uma through Ionia herself. She went out and gave the papers to Uma. Later she was sent back with the instructio to get in touch after a day or two.
Ionia, smartly, came in after a day. I was not sure as to put the girl in or reject. But while I was trying to figure out a decision, Uma plunged in and told me "Maamma, this girl looks good at her work.. she knows all that we need .. Wordprocessing and records keeping. With the 'kerchief ready' slip still in pocket, I dared to tell Uma "OK, if you wish so".
That's howthis girl, Ionia, became an office assistant with me.
She joined on Monday, 1 Dec. Uma was instructed to give her a week's office familiarisation. And she was thus in.
On that day evening, at about 5.20 pm, Ionia came into my cabin (she made sure that I am alone). Standing close to me, she picked up a folded kerchief (from nowhere, I didn't notice) and stretched out to me. "Sir... kerchief... " she said. I was shocked.. but suddenly I got all the game. In a flash, it came to my mind that Ionia is no simple girl, she'll do anything for me in return for what I gave her.. her job. I looked around.. no one is closeby.. I asked her to sit across. "No.. sir ... " she said. With a smile, I asked her "kerchief ? only that ? Who did tell you to give me this ? ". I knew the answer. "Rini chechy... " and she stammered. I felt, Ionia was a bit embarrassed. I decided to relieve her. "... but I want something different .." I said. "tell me sir... " she replied. My sportive tone didn't make Ionia any. I spread out my hands for the kerchief, and she gave me. "let me see... i'll tell you tomorrow.. "I said. And, she went out.
Ionia is thin and lean, balck, skinny girl. Her looks are not that attractive. A dull textured skin.. front load is minmal, back load is fair. She is the younger one of two daughters of a very poor parents. She wanted a job and that's why she desperately tries all prompts. I can understand.
In the office, Ionia became close to Uma, and Uma likes her much. Ionia is smart at work. She continued to gift me a kerchief every evening, before she leaves. Last Friday, in the evening, when she came to me, I asked her about Rini. With a smile (first time ??) she told me about Rini. I invited her to our home. She volunteered to suggest me to make it on Sunday morning, as she can come to me pretending going to church. OK , I said.
And that's how Ionia was with us on last Sunday. Uma too did enjoy her presence and deeds. I shall tell you more on that Sunday experience later.
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