Have you ever visited a parallel cinema or conventional Movie talkies? I’m not referring to modern cineplexes (PVRs or INOXs) that have the latest built-in technologies and sophisticated ambience but to traditional single-screen theatres. Those were the days when tickets were not bought through the comforts of mobile phones, but one had to rigorously stand in long queues in front of tiny ticket windows. The Stall/Dress Circle/Balcony or the privileged boxes used to be the normal nomenclature, and the big electric fans, not on the ceiling but on the side walls for the comfort of the viewers, were the only facility available inside the hall. No one would have thought of fully air-conditioned halls at that time. 

One day, a newly married couple was enjoying a morning show. This movie plan was a special one that required meticulous planning from timely applying for leave in the office to getting the advance tickets booked for the movie. Soon, the interval happened, and they found a gentleman standing in front of them with 02 glass cold drink bottles(01 Gold Spot and 01 Campa Cola) and a veg patty with a request, “It’s a treat for my sick leave”. 

Before moving forward, let’s take our interval. And here comes yet another adventure of my official life – Essence of a Sick Leave. A significant anecdote from my life that made me realize the power of relationships and friendships in the professional world. 

This incident took place while I was around 2-3 years old in the organization. Being in the HR team, I was dealing with various employee-related matters. One day, my HR Head told me that a new batch of engineers was joining for their Induction/Training Module, and I was assigned the responsibility of conducting their training session on “Leave Rules”. I was surprised as many seniors were there who could have taken that session but my HR Head entrusted me with this responsibility, stating that he wanted the recruits to interact with young executives who would not only teach them but also share their journey with them. 

I was excited and thrilled to hear that and accordingly prepared for my session. The session went flawlessly. I spoke in depth about the Leave rules and more importantly, the spirit/intention behind these policies. The Q&A round went smoothly with many of them even asking informal questions about my experience in the organization. 

In the evening, while taking a stroll within the township premises, I was approached by Nikhil. Nikhil was one of the newcomers for whom I’d taken a session that day. Being accommodated in the company’s guesthouse, I usually met them during my evening walks. 

Nikhil joined me on the walk and during our chat, asked a very interesting question. 

Nikhil – I want to ask one question about Leave Rules but I’m not sure whether I should ask or not. 

Me – Give it a try. Hopefully, It’s not a tricky one. 

Nikhil – All companies have this Sick Leave Policy, but we see so many Memes on Sick Leave (on social media). Is it true that the majority of employees who avail of Sick Leave aren’t unwell? 

So, I just wanted to understand the essence of Sick Leave. 

It surely was a tricky one. Many of my non-HR friends always mocked this Sick leave joke, but I never knew that someone would pose this question to me one day in this manner. 

I didn’t have any answer. Nonetheless, I replied, “Nikhil, I don’t have a specific answer. However, I want you to listen to this small story”. 

The story, set in the background of the 1980s, is about Vishnu – a happy-go-lucky lad who lives his life in his unique ways. During that time, he was working in a private firm as an Accountant.

One fine Monday Morning at 7 o’clock, Vishnu woke up. It was a normal workday for him, however the conversation he had with his friend last night was still running in his head – “Mr. India – What a classic they have made”. Setting all his thoughts aside, Vishnu made up his mind to watch Mr India on the Morning Show itself. 

He knew he would not be able to get his leave sanctioned easily. So, he immediately wrote a sick leave application stating he was too unwell to attend office and made his younger brother rush to the house of a colleague nearby to hand the application with a request for further submitting it in the office (Remember those were not the days of Online Portals or Apps for Leave requests with very few having the luxury of landline phones at home). 

Thereafter, Vishnu rushed to the cinema hall. Being a big hit, there was a big queue for tickets. Considering his street smartness, he somehow managed the ticket (through Black, of course). He got to his seat and was eagerly waiting for the movie to begin. Everyone entering the hall was rushing towards their respective seats. In between, something happened that gave Vishnu literal goosebumps. 

He saw his supervisor, Mr Kant, entering the hall along with his wife. Suddenly, he realized that on Saturday evening, Mr. Kant had specifically told him about his leave plan on Monday and had also advised him to take care of all office requirements during his leave period. 

He had completely forgotten, and now upon seeing Mr. Kant, he remembered that conversation. He got anxious and at the same time was furious with himself for this blunder he had committed. He felt extremely bad because Mr Kant has always been very supportive towards him, and today, he had to lie to him and everyone at the office. The movie started and everyone was engrossed in the film, except Vishnu. His mind was still roaming around the fiasco he had done today with his mind telling him to watch the movie cautiously and then leave the theatre without getting noticed by his senior. However, his inner self didn’t approve. 

And then came the interval. Vishu made up his mind and got up from his seat, bought some stuff from the food outlet and approached Mr Kant and his wife by saying, “It’s a treat for my sick leave”. 

Suddenly, Nikhil interrupted and said, “Oh my God, Mr. Kant would have been so furious over Vishnu.” 

Of course, Mr. Kant was shocked to see Vishnu in front of him in the theatre hall, yet he immediately understood the whole situation. He first introduced his wife to Vishnu, stating that Vishnu is one of the most promising youngsters in the team and is bound to achieve great heights. Mr. Kant didn’t say anything about Vishnu’s absence from office today. 

Vishnu wasn’t expecting this and immediately apologized for his casual approach. He confessed that he felt guilty and told Mr. Kant that he would be rushing to the office. 

To this, Mr Kant said, “But what about the rest of the movie?” Vishnu replied, “Not today, sir.”

And there I ended the story. 

Me – Nikhil, I hope this might have given you some perspective. 

Nikhil (with a smile on his face) – Certainly. It’s our conscience that can truly define the essence of a sick leave. Also, may I know how you know this story? 

Me – This story belongs to my father and his subordinate. Although their professional journeys have taken distinct trajectories, their camaraderie is still there. Even today, whenever they meet, they still remember this incident and have a hearty laugh over it.

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