It was in 1993; I had shifted to Bangalore and started working for a new company. About six months later a girl joined our company as a secretary to Finance head. I was a bit reserved so I really did not get to know her for about 2 to 3 months, and then I had to work from factory in Hosur so I stayed away for about 1 year.

Then in 1995 I came back to Bangalore office, started heading a totally different department. Interaction with Finance was more so I had to speak to her quite often. But our nature was that we start quarrelling with each other. Then we stopped talking to each other for almost six months.

But one day, our other colleague made us talk to each other. This made us talk to each other more now which slowly resulted in us liking each other. But none expressed. Then I realised that she is straightforward girl, quite curt and candid. But quite helpful, jolly and a lady any man would like to marry.

Destiny had different plans. She got married, I also got married, but our love to each other was same and my respect to her had only increased.

We continued to work in the same office for another 10 years, by which time we became too close, but never expressed our love to each other. But till today the love I have for her, I do not have with any body. I do not think I can love anything more than I love her.

My love to her is pure, and unquantifiable. If there is any instrument to measure love, my love to her would be the first one in the world.

Both of us have quit that company now. I miss her each moment. When I meet her sometimes, my heart still races.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh