Gift galbali

“AT is leaving our team next week. Can you buy an appropriate farewell gift for him? Here’s my contribution.”

This was my PL who was at my desk after lunch. And it seemed more like a command than a request.....

My reaction: No way! But hey, I am not supposed to say that – would have been very unprofessional (sigh).

Under normal circumstances, I would not have been dragged into this shopping/gifting exercise if not for the absence of the only other lady member of the team. AR was expected back after a week. And I was expected to take up most of her duties including this one. Sheesh !!

Wondering what’s so bad about this? Let me explain...

I do not buy a gift just for the heck of it. I shop for a gift if and only if the following two conditions are satisfied:

1. I know that person.
2. I should feel like buying a gift for that person.

And generally, both these conditions are satisfied with regard to people whom I like/admire/feel very comfortable with/most importantly share a certain chemistry with (needless to say that includes my friends as well).....and no-one else. And it goes without saying that I spend some finite amount time.....and energy.....in this activity :) !! Like I spent a couple of days ruminating as to what to gift AA for her wedding. Finally decided on a pearl set.....an original one. [Pssst.....I loved it the moment I set my sight on it. Wellllll.....have to ask her if she uses it or not].

Now, being only two months old in this new project, I did not know AT that well. So, I really tore my (lovely?) hair out trying to figure what (on the earth) to buy as a gift for him.

Thanks to some confusion while purchasing the tickets for Ice Age 2, I ended up being at the cinema hall at least an hour before schedule. So, nuggified into Landmark to check out for some suitable gifts. I think I spend around half-an-hour simply roaming around the place trying to find one single suitable gift. A laptop bag – whoa.....only Rs. 5000 – over the budget. A desktop item in crystal – er.....too gaudy. And thus ran the mental checklist......

I was about to give up in resignation when I spied a beautiful stained glass lamp at one corner. On closer inspection, it was intricately done and very chic. Put in a bulb and voila....the effect was simply marvelous with colourful images of the design adorning the wall !! Auuuunnnddddd....just within budget :)! Yipppeeeeeeeee.....my happiness knew no bounds...talebisi gone....gift sikkthu!!

Now all that I am waiting for is the response/reaction/rejection – I wonder if AT would like it. Will come to know this Friday. Till then, I am keeping my fingers crossed....:).