Pink Slip

It was hardly couple of minutes and he is already gasping for breath. He was shocked at the way he was panting. He could no longer perform at the desired levels. He looked at himself in the mirror. He was no more that lean boy who had clocked 10,000 meters under 60min. He looked older, unfit and out of shape. Last 8 months had taken a toll on him. He did not seem to feel the cold water splashing his face as the reminiscences from the past hit him hard.

He was always there, whenever situation required his presence. He was the one on whom she could count on at all times and he did that with utmost passion. He had shut the doors of his life and opened the gates for her world. He had cast aside everything just to be with her, which she acknowledged and reciprocated. Horizon looked green until one day, his services fell short of her expectations; at least it appeared to. She seemed to drift away. He was required for few things now and his performance levels were not adequate to quench the thirst of her expectations. 

 

He wondered if he was under performing or her expectations have scaled new peaks. While he continued to be available at the shortest notice, he was forced to face the thing he dreaded the most. His services were no longer required and he was no more at the helm. Was this entrenchment a planned one? He has no answer. He had been just handed a pink slip.