Variety and Vividness

Pranathi walked stealthily close to Anupama and... “BOO...”

Anupama stood stunned and then she smiled whole heartedly looking at Pranathi.

“How are you Anups?” Pranathi questioned as she checked for the arrival the Tirumalpur Express.

“I am ok Pranu. I missed the 7:15 CGL train in a whisker.” Anu’s face resembled the frowning smiley.

“I wanted to take the same. But my mom was not keeping well. I helped her in Kitchen and so it got delayed. Hey, the train has come. Come on.”

They boarded the train which was partially crowded and sat together. Anupama and Pranathi had been classmates and the former possessed an awesome relationship with Karthik too. Anupama had completed her post graduation and had joined Infy a few months before Pranathi.

Anupama’s dad was no more and she had 2 siblings – Amrutha and Akshay. Pranathi had heard from Karthik, how Anupama had tackled very complicated situations at home. She, being the sole bread winner had been supporting her family in spite of the hectic conditions at work. She was extremely capable in multi tasking and had been coping up with all weird twists of life. She had been projected to Pranu as a ‘heroine’ by Karthik.

When they were close to reaching office, Anupama offered to take the short route to the shuttle services – Jump off the train in the opposite side of the platform, walk amidst the shrubs and reach the pathway in less than 3 minutes.

“Anups...!” Pranathi’s voice was almost a scream.

“No other option Pranu. Walking the entire way out might take more than fifteen minutes. Look at the crowd. My god..!” Anupama shrugged her shoulders helplessly.

Pranu made up her mind. She watched Anupama proceed with ease and just followed her. They reached the shuttle in a very short span of time.

“Fun..!” Anupama’s voice was filled with enthusiasm as they boarded the shuttle.

“Awesome feeling Anups. Thanks a ton.” Pranu smiled comfortably. ‘Yes, I am feeling so light..!’

“A simple change. That is all. Variety makes life vivid.” Anupama spoke as they reached office.

Pranathi waved to Anupama and walked her way up the building. ‘Variety’ she murmured.

- She took the stairs to her floor.
- She changed her hair style and wore a pony.
- She heard some peppy music before she entered her cabin.

And began the day with lot of changes. Though she had hectic schedules and tight timelines, the day went on very fine. Even at the end of the day, she felt energetic and lively. On the way back, she texted Anupama - ‘You made my day. Thank you so much.’

Two words flashed in her mind. ‘Variety’ and ‘Vividness’.