On time...

ring ring... something shook in his pocket. He had not got used to new cellphone. To be comfortable, he had kept the ringtone which reminded him of his old phone back at home. He took out the phone, and saw the number. Thinking, 'Isn't it a bit too early for this call?' he checked the number once more. He was missing his pager, where he used to get instructions directly. He never felt comfortable talking to the other party. Letting other party hear his voice, was like losing a bit of self information. But then, he had to be update with the latest technology.

After few seconds, reluctantly, he answered the call. From the other end, he heard a husky voice 'Its me'. He thought, i know its u, now just tell me the job and let me go for it. But he said, 'Yes.. Tell me.' He got an address from the man on the other end, and also an order that the work should be done exactly at 3:ooPM. He had heard that in this job many clients have strange requests, but such request was even more peculiar. Most of them want their job to be done during night time. But anyway whatever you hear, is not always correct.

After noting down the location (mentally) he started thinking the ways to approach there. So that he will be able to reach there by 3. He planned out everything, and started executing it. He reached nearest bus stop and caught a bus. 'Thank god, its not the rush hour' he thought, 'Otherwise i wud have had to change the plan' He noticed one thing, the co-passengers were curiously looking at him, for he was carrying a strange package. The one who was sitting just besides him, was keeping an constant eye on him, as if he had carried a bomb, and gonna leave there.

After getting down at the desired bus stop (with the package) he hurriedly entered the railway station and bought the ticket. Again, thanking the client, for choosing good time, he boarded an almost empty train. He sat in train recalculating the time, and he found a mistake in his planning. Mistakes was rare in his case, but still it happened; owing to his first on field experience. He hadnt considered the preparation time. Also the time to get away from there, for next job. Yes, there is next job waiting for me, he reminded himself. He corrected his mistake, and this time he found out that he would have to almost run. As soon as he got down from the train, and he came out of station; he started brisk walk.

Finally he reached the destination, just in time. He had 5 mins for the preparations. Plenty of time, he thought. He started unwrapping the package he was holding and took out the thing which was inside. Carefully setting it on floor, in front of the door mentioned in the address, he serveyed it from all sides. Everything till now was looking perfect. Only remaining part was, the last blow. He checked the watch again, 2 mins to 3. Anytime now, his mind racing.. And again, something disturbed him. ring ring... It was 'him' again. To check if everything was in place.

Exactly at 3, He set the timer in the thing placed there. His job was done. He would leave now. But before leaving, one final check.. Everything was just perfect. He was going to get awarded for the first job well done. Then suddenly he remembered, last thing to do. He went ahead and pressed the doorbell. He need not wait to see what happens next. He was informed, only the target will be home, alone. So, he left as soon as he heard footsteps coming towards the door. He travelled a li'l distance and stood there in shadows, appreciating his work. The door opened, and precisely at the same time the timer also timed 0:00. It was time.

The lid of the box suddenly opened, and with a small blast, the woman opening the door was showered with rose petals. She scremed with rejoice, 'he remembered not only my birthdate, but also the exact time..' He saw the intense reaction on her face, and knew by instinct, that her husband had made sure that her birthday would be as memorable as possible, for her. 'Timing..! Need to be on time in this job...' his brain was reminding him. His phone rang again, this time for saying congratulations on first job, tailing with order to come back to office as soon as possible. Next gift was waiting to be shipped.

He said to himself, 'C'mon, hurry up you goddamned legs.. No time to rest. Need to reach on time..'