The clock hanging on the wall read 2:00 am. He tossed and turned, but he just could not sleep. All the memories crept back swiftly as if he was watching a movie. It seemed it was just yesterday, when he first started the job.

 He had got into this job right after he finished his college. Back then, he was an energetic young man full of determinations and ambitions to take over the world. Being a dedicated employee, it wasn’t hard for him to climb up the stairs of success. He had timely raises and he had already achieved the heights what many would just dream of. By all standards, he led a successful life. He was thriving in his professional field and he was equally fortunate in his personal life. Life couldn’t have been better - it was just perfect. But now, his life was going to take a swift turn; things would not be the same again.

 Decades have passed by, the world around him had changed, people had come and gone, but he had been working with this company all along. But till now, he hadn’t realized that he had grown so old. He and his wife had been planning for this day for years, but yet, he felt he was so unprepared to face it.

 He went out to the verandah. The night air was brisk. He hugged himself tighter inside his shawl in an attempt to keep himself warm. The lights from the street lamps were shredding away the mist, yet it was so dark. The city was in deep slumber, as if nothing had happened. This very city where he had passed whole of his life had no emotions to share with him in this crucial moment. It was standing dead exhibiting no compassion for his anxiety. Realizing that there was no one out there to give him solace, he came inside and closed the door behind him. He crept back to the bed quietly not wanting to wake up his wife sleeping peacefully. She always used to suggest him not to work hard till this age. At times, he did think of quitting his job and unwinding himself rest of his life. But somehow the hardworking man inside him kept him going, for he could not stay idle for a second. But from now on, he has to face what he always dreaded of – idle days.

 His grandson might be of a little help for him to pass his days. He always liked his company; he was such an adorable kid. But again, one day his grandson too would outgrow his embraces and would find his company boring.

 He didn’t realize when he felt asleep. There would be sunrise tomorrow. The hustles of the city would be as usual. There would be the same rush in the streets. The life would go on; the only difference would be that he would not drag himself out of the bed early in the morning to rush to the office. That day was his last day in his office; he was going to retire from the next day.