Short story - Why me?

Jennifer sat in her balcony appearing to enjoy her cup of coffee but inside her, a storm of emotions seems to be gushing through her. She had held immense power in her professional circles as CEO of a leading multinational. Her calendar was full, she was always travelling, meeting people, signing deals and thinking of new horizons but suddenly overnight she was a nobody. One deal went sour and the company stating that she was close at retirement age sent her off with flowers and gifts. Her entire life, her association had been with a single company and now there was a huge void. 

Source of image : https://in.pinterest.com/pin/374432156502373193/?lp=true

A week after her farewell party, she decided to go back to the company to meet her old friends, her only friends, she remembered how they used to connect, gossip and have great fun together. Maybe they could get back again. On her arrival, she was informed that all were busy and was taken to a waiting lounge. For the first time, she sat with other people waiting to be called. As people started moving in, she realized her waiting would be longer and started exploring the area. Things she had never noticed, she started seeing. All the magazines with her photos had been removed, everything highlighting the new Head was visible. Housekeeping staff who were at her beck and call were politely asking her if she needed anything. An hour later, she went inside, her colleagues wished her and asked about her life but all seemed preoccupied. Within minutes, they seemed to find excuses to get back to work. Within 15 minutes, she was once again out of the office. 

On her way home, she broke down. Everything she had worked towards, every bond that she had created and believed had crumbled. Her faith in life was shattered. "Why me? she cried".  

Over the next few days, a feeling of isolation engulfed her. She was thrust into whorls of depression and could not bring herself to see any light. She disconnected from everything and the world disconnected with her.

Few months later, she found herself reading the newspaper and an article picked her attention. The article spoke of large percentage of people affected by depression and how it was a huge cause of concern. There was a forum created by young people to have people come, talk, share and find ways to battle depression. Jennifer connected reluctantly with the forum and was requested to come for the first meeting. She was in a dilemma, she wanted to go but at the same time, embarrassed to let the world know that she was weak. Susie from the forum, kept calling, landed up at her doorstep and eventually Jennifer relented. Her first meeting, she met so many people and their experiences so varied, their journey so painful that she counted her blessings. With every meeting, she connected with people on deeper wavelengths and found that life was full of twists and turns and one had to learn to make the best of each situation. She found people with amazing creativity in the forum but not able to harness it. Her business mind took off from there and she began planning and executing.

With growing confidence, she started her own small company allowing creative people to display their products and over time she had built a brand. Once again, she was flooded with calls, invitation and friends wishing to connect but this time, she had learned her lesson. Change is constant, connect with all but love only who those who will stand by you through thick and thin.