The event at the Employee’s Club  was a welcome departure from the routine of having to exist in an environment of day-to-day monotony.  At first, Maung Ba was reluctant to attend, for his heart felt heavy with grief, but  it didn’t take too long for him to yield to Tan’s persuasion to change his mind.

     The performers of the Bharat Natyam were afforded a special ovation, and were rated to be highly reputable. The auditorium was packed to capacity.  Not only were the members of the subordinate staff of McDowell & Company present, there were also a number of executives attending, as well as other guests. 

      During intermission, Maung Ba was surprised to see his old boss, Laduram among the guests.  He was immaculately dressed and appeared to be at ease in the company of his British friends.

      “You see that man there?” Maung Ba said to Tan, pointing at Laduram”

     “Yes.  Why?” Tan asked.

      ”I used to work for him,” Maung Ba said.

      ”How did he treat you?” Tan asked.

      ”Let’s say, he was mean and unfair,” Maung Ba said.

      ”It doesn’t surprise me,” Tan replied. “He’s shrewed and self-centered.  What did he do to you?”

      “He fired me for being late one morning. I told him I missed the bus, but he would have none of that.”

      “That’s terrible. Well look at it this way:  If he didn’t fire you, you wouldn’t have been here today.”

      ”True.  How is he connected with McDowell?”

      “He supplies and prints our office stationery.  He’s been doing this for many years.”

      ”Small world!” Maung Ba exclaimed.

      “It sure is, and getting even smaller.”

       Refreshments were served after the performance and everybody appeared to have a good time.  There were discussions on topics of interest among employees and outside guests. There were those engaged in  discussing philosophy and literature, subjects in which Maung Ba was particularly interested, besides politics.  He enjoyed reading and writing at which he was particularly adept, considering his honorary assignment as the editor of the University students newspaper.

        They lingered around for some time, long after the performance ended.  It was getting late and the club was about to be cleared of the mess left behind. 

         At home, Maung Ba felt at once lonely. The thought of his sister’s absence kept haunting him.  He was grateful to Tan for his help and friendship, but mentally unsettled as to how he should react in relation to the political meetings that he was required to attend from time to time.    

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