The Mentor

Riya was new to Mumbai, having moved from Delhi for a job at one of India's top consulting firms. The transition had been hectic, but she was excited to start her new role. Her office, located in a sleek glass building in Bandra Kurla Complex, buzzed with the energy of ambitious professionals.

On her first day, Riya navigated her way through the labyrinthine corridors, eventually finding her cubicle. As she settled in, she noticed an older woman at the desk opposite hers. She had an aura of calm amidst the corporate chaos and wore a saree with a modern twist, exuding both tradition and sophistication.

“Hi, I’m Riya,” she introduced herself.

The woman looked up and smiled warmly. “Hello, dear. I’m Naina. Welcome to the team. If you need any help settling in, feel free to ask.”

Over the next few weeks, Naina became Riya’s guide. She showed her the ropes, gave her valuable tips on office politics, and even shared lunch with her. Naina seemed to have a wealth of experience and wisdom, and Riya felt fortunate to have her as a mentor.

One of Riya’s first challenges came during a team meeting. Arjun, a senior consultant known for his aggressive approach, dismissed Riya’s ideas without much consideration.

“Your proposal lacks depth,” he said curtly, moving on to the next agenda item.

Riya felt humiliated and defeated. During lunch, she confided in Naina. “I don’t know how to deal with Arjun. He’s always undermining me.”

Naina listened patiently. “Arjun can be tough, but don’t let him intimidate you. Next time, back your ideas with solid data and present them confidently. Also, try to find out what his interests are and frame your proposals in a way that aligns with his goals.”

Taking Naina’s advice, Riya prepared meticulously for the next meeting. She gathered extensive data and framed her ideas around increasing profitability—a key interest of Arjun’s. This time, when she presented, Arjun listened intently and even nodded in approval.

“That’s much better, Riya. Let’s explore this further,” he said, marking a turning point in their interactions.

Another instance of workplace politics arose during the annual performance review period. Riya overheard colleagues discussing the importance of getting on the good side of Mr. Kapoor, the head of their department, to secure promotions. They advised her to join the informal gatherings he hosted outside office hours.

Uncomfortable with the idea of schmoozing, Riya sought Naina’s counsel again. “I feel out of place at these social gatherings. Is this really necessary?”

Naina smiled reassuringly. “Building relationships is important, but you don’t have to compromise your values. Instead, focus on your work and find genuine opportunities to showcase your capabilities to Mr. Kapoor. Look for moments where you can directly contribute to his projects or help solve a problem he’s facing.”

Following Naina’s advice, Riya volunteered for a challenging project that was critical to Mr. Kapoor. She worked diligently, often staying late to ensure its success. One evening, Mr. Kapoor visited her desk.

“Riya, your dedication to this project hasn’t gone unnoticed. Excellent work,” he said, leaving her with a sense of accomplishment.

Naina’s support extended beyond professional advice. When Riya felt homesick and overwhelmed by the bustling city, Naina told her about a group of young employees who also hailed from Delhi. They became her new friends, making her transition smoother and more enjoyable.

One day, Riya was struggling with a complex project involving a major client. The deadline was looming, and she felt overwhelmed. Naina noticed her frustration and offered to help.

“Why don’t you take a break, Riya? Go grab a coffee. I’ll look over this and suggest some changes,” Naina said.

Reluctantly, Riya agreed and went to the café downstairs. When she returned, she found detailed notes and a revised strategy on her desk. The suggestions were brilliant, exactly what she needed to get back on track. She looked around to thank Naina but couldn’t find her. She wandered over to her desk, but it was empty. Assuming Naina had already left, she decided to ask the cleaning staff if they had seen her.

“Excuse me, have you seen Naina?” Riya asked one of the cleaners.

The cleaner gave her a puzzled look. “Naina? Ma’am, there’s no one by that name who works here.”

Confused, Riya approached the HR department the next day. “I’m looking for Naina. She sits opposite my cubicle. I want to thank her for all her help.”

The HR manager’s expression turned serious. “Riya, I think you might be mistaken. There’s no employee named Naina in our records, and the desk opposite yours has been vacant for months.”

Riya felt a chill run down her spine. Determined to uncover the truth, she began asking around discreetly. An old security guard, who had been with the company for decades, overheard her inquiries and pulled her aside.

“Naina Sharma used to work here,” he said quietly. “She was one of the best consultants we ever had. Tragically, she died in a car accident about ten years ago. Some say her spirit still lingers, helping those in need.”

Riya’s mind raced. Could it be true? Had she been receiving guidance from a spirit all this time?

As she returned to her desk, she noticed a faint, lingering scent of jasmine—Naina’s favorite perfume. Riya sat down, reflecting on the kindness and wisdom that had come from an unexpected source. She whispered a silent thank you, hoping Naina’s spirit found peace in knowing she had made a lasting impact.