My workplace —A Few That Stayed in My Heart

When I look back at the last four years in my office, I realize it’s been less of a workplace and more of a TV series. We’ve had plot twists, new characters, dramatic exits, and even a complete set redesign. When I first joined this office, it was just one cozy floor. You could look around and instantly know where everyone was sitting, who was sneaking in late, and who was already on their second cup of tea. Life was simple, familiar, and a little too predictable — but in a comforting way.

Then the great Seating Reshuffle happened. Desks were moved, people were relocated. We adapted, of course, because that’s what you do. But we didn’t know that it was just the beginning.

Then came the big expansion. We took over the first floor. Oh, the joy of more space! It felt like moving from a one-bedroom apartment to a duplex. But as with all good things, that too evolved… into a full-blown renovation. Fresh paint, new partitions, shiny desks — basically, the office got a makeover that even reality TV would approve of. It looked great — modern, bright, and fresh. But here’s the thing: in those four years, it wasn’t only the walls and floors that changed.

The PEOPLE did

But while the walls got a fresh coat, the real changes happened in the people.

New recruits joined, bringing new energy, skills, and personalities. A few familiar faces left — some for personal reasons, some for better opportunities. And while you always wish them well, the truth is, their departure leaves a quiet space. Sometimes, it’s just a physical empty chair. Sometimes, it’s a gap in your day — a voice you no longer hear, a presence you no longer feel.

When someone very helpful leaves, it’s not just their work that’s missed. It’s the small things — their quick solutions, their laughter during tea breaks, the way they made the office feel a little lighter. Maybe their seat has already been filled. Maybe the new person sitting there is wonderful at their job. But the bond you had with the one before can’t be replaced like furniture.

Over time, my right hand left. Then my left hand. And yes, my limbs — the people who made my daily work life run smoothly — also moved on. It felt like my personal Avengers disbanded. My customer care department, for example — oh, how dear they were to me! They were my go-to team when it came to scheduling interviews or posting advertisements. Reliable, quick, and always saving the day. (I mean they are still great)

Then there was the MIS guy — my computer wizard. I only had to say the word and boom! the work was done. Like a magic spell, but with Excel sheets.

And let’s not forget the energetic labour department. Most of them are new, but their enthusiasm could power the entire office Wi-Fi if needed. The housekeeping department? They’ve had their paperwork chaos days, but now they’re organized champions. Seriously, if there were a “Most Improved” award, they’d win it hands down.

Of course, in between these changes, people came and people left. Some departures left a polite wave and a LinkedIn connection request… others left a void. You don’t just miss their work; you miss their voice, their tea-time gossip, their “Did you hear what happened?” moments.

And yes, someone else may now sit in their chair, doing their job wonderfully. But you can’t help but glance over sometimes and think, This is where they used to sit… this is where we laughed about that silly thing.

Life moves on, the office moves on. The new employees are fantastic. But the atmosphere has shifted. The refreshment-time banter isn’t quite as spicy, the gossip grapevine isn’t as juicy, and some days just feel… quieter.. The old gossip circles have faded, the refreshment-time excitement has mellowed, and the familiar banter isn’t quite the same. You realize that life in the office, just like outside it, keeps moving forward whether you’re ready or not. This is the reality — offices, like life, evolve. Desks will be moved, walls will be painted, and teams will change. But the stories, the friendships, and the little absurd moments?

And maybe that’s the lesson. You accept it. You adjust. But every now and then, you pause, look around, and remember how it used to be. You smile at the memories, feel a small pinch of longing, and then… you keep going. Because the walls may get new paint, the desks may move, and the people may change — but the stories and moments you’ve lived here remain yours forever.

A thought on Life, Self-Respect and Happiness!!!

Life isn’t about never falling—it’s about always rising. Success doesn’t mean achieving perfection; it means having the courage to try. Too often, we measure ourselves by the results rather than the effort. But as long as you keep moving forward, you can never truly fail.

Failure only exists when we stop trying. Every attempt, every mistake, and every lesson learned brings us closer to where we need to be. Even when things don’t go as planned, the experience gained is invaluable. So, let go of the fear of failure—because in reality, the only way to fail is to give up…

Respect is a two-way street. The way you treat others reflects your character, but the way you allow yourself to be treated shows your self-worth. Be kind, be understanding, but never tolerate disrespect. You don’t owe anyone blind obedience or silence in the face of mistreatment. Speak up, set boundaries, and demand the respect you deserve…

Words shape reality. A simple phrase can uplift someone’s spirit or break their confidence. What we say—whether to others or ourselves—has power. Choose your words wisely, because they leave lasting imprints. Speak with intention, with kindness, and with truth. And most importantly, watch how you talk to yourself; self-criticism can be just as harmful as harsh words from others…

One of the greatest burdens we carry is the false belief that we are responsible for others’ happiness. But the truth is, happiness is an inside job. You can support, love, and care for others, but their joy is not your responsibility. Let go of the guilt, stop overextending yourself, and understand that everyone must find their own path to happiness…

Just as you are not responsible for making others happy, they are not responsible for making you happy. Waiting for someone else to bring you joy is like waiting for rain in a drought—unreliable and unpredictable. Take control of your happiness. Do what fulfills you, set boundaries, and prioritize your well-being. The moment you stop seeking validation from others is the moment you find true peace…

Final Thoughts

Trying is enough. Respect is non-negotiable. Words hold immense power. And above all, your happiness is in your hands. Live life with courage, kindness, and self-respect. Because at the end of the day, the only person you need to answer to is yourself.

Silent Eyes…

There are moments in life when pain becomes more than just a feeling—it becomes an entity, something that breathes alongside you, shadows you, and whispers in the spaces where laughter once lived. You carry it, not because you want to, but because some wounds refuse to close. They linger, demanding recognition even in silence.

Pain has a way of distorting time. One moment, you are whole, and the next, you are left gathering fragments of yourself, trying to piece together a version of you that no longer exists. It’s in these moments that we learn the weight of unspoken grief, the power of silence, and the resilience required to move forward.

The silent eyes—those that have seen too much yet choose to say nothing—become a testimony of endurance. They have learned that words sometimes fail, that explanations often do not bring solace, and that some emotions are too heavy to share. So they remain dumb, not out of weakness, but out of an understanding that not everything needs to be voiced.

But silence does not mean surrender. It is not an acceptance of defeat. Sometimes, silence is a form of healing—a pause to gather strength, a moment to breathe, a space to process. It is in these quiet moments that resilience is forged, where wounds start their slow, invisible mending.

If you have ever felt this way, know that you are not alone. Pain may feel isolating, but in reality, it connects us. Every silent eye carries a story, a battle fought in the heart, a promise made in the depths of sorrow. And perhaps, just perhaps, in our shared silence, we find the comfort of understanding.

So to those whose pain now exceeds what was there—to those who have promised themselves silence—I see you. And even in the quiet, you are heard.

Smile at the Surface, But Inside??

There is something strange about sadness—how it tucks itself away, hidden behind a well-rehearsed smile, a nod of understanding, a laugh at the right moment. It is an art we perfect, not out of dishonesty but out of necessity. The world, after all, moves at an unforgiving pace, and sadness does not fit neatly into the rhythm of daily life.

I have often found myself caught in this paradox, standing in a room full of people, exchanging pleasantries, making jokes, and giving every impression of ease—yet feeling like a stranger in my own skin. It’s not that I lack joy altogether, but rather that my sorrow is an undercurrent, always flowing beneath the surface, unseen but never absent.

We are taught from an early age to be strong, to suppress vulnerability, to put on a brave face. Perhaps it’s because sadness makes others uncomfortable, or maybe it’s because we fear being seen as weak. So we learn to wear the mask, to act as if everything is fine, until sometimes even we start believing it.

But the truth is, emotions do not disappear just because they go unspoken. They settle in the quiet spaces of our hearts, in the moments between conversations, in the loneliness that lingers even after the laughter fades. They manifest in subtle ways—sleepless nights, the heaviness in our chests, the exhaustion that no amount of rest seems to cure.

And yet, we continue to smile.

Perhaps it is because we hold onto hope, however fragile it may be. Maybe it is because we do not want to burden others with our struggles. Or it could be that smiling is our way of reminding ourselves that, despite the sorrow, we are still here, still fighting, still holding onto the possibility of lighter days.

If there is one thing I have learned, it is that we are not alone in this quiet sadness. Behind many smiles are stories untold, battles unseen. And if we look closely, if we truly listen, we will find that connection is possible even in our sorrow.

So, yes, I too smile at the surface. But inside—alas—I carry the weight of things unspoken. And maybe, just maybe, that is okay. Because to feel deeply is not a weakness, but a sign that we are alive.

Anjan's Musing

Unfiltered Musings

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