The Day I Was Free But Pretended I Was Busy

The Day I Was Free But Pretended I Was Busy

This story is a little embarrassing for me, but it's true.

Ma'am had given me some work. It was making that list of students for the tournament. I had already done half of it, but I was stuck on the last part because she hadn't cleared which class students to take. I messaged her at 4 PM—"Ma'am, please confirm." She didn't reply.

At 6 PM, I called. She said, "I am in a meeting, call tomorrow during working hours." I said okay.

The next day I called at 11 AM. She didn't pick up. I called again at 12 PM. No answer. I was getting irritated. I thought, if she can ignore my call, why should I keep waiting?

So I told my roommate, "Aaj ke baad main call hi nahi karungi. She can do her work herself." But I also knew, if I don't do the work, she will cut my payment.

Then I had to go out. I was actually completely free that day after 2 PM. I had no class, no work. I was just watching a movie on my phone. But I didn't want Ma'am to think that I am free and waiting for her call.

So I messaged her—"Ma'am kal mujhe yaad se call kar lena, kyunki uske baad main free nahi rahungi."

Actually, it was a lie. I was free. Fully free for the next three days. But I wrote "I won't be free" because I wanted her to feel that I am also busy. Like, you are busy, I am also busy. If you don't pick up my call, I also have a life.

After sending that message, I felt guilty. I kept checking if she saw it. She saw it at 9 PM. No reply.

The next day she called at 10 AM. I was sleeping. I saw her call, but I intentionally didn't pick up for five minutes. Then I called back and said, "Sorry Ma'am, I was a little busy, you said you will call." She said, "Haan, batao kya kaam tha?"

I told her my doubt. She cleared it in two minutes. That work which was pending for three days got cleared in two minutes That night I thought about it. Why did I lie that I am not free? Actually, I was free. I was just hurt because she didn't pick up my call the other day. So I wanted to show attitude.

But later I realized, in a job, this ego doesn't work. If you are free, you are free. No need to pretend From that day, I stopped writing "I won't be free." Now I directly write, "Ma'am, when you are free, please call me. I am available."