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So, folks, this is my rookie attempt at writing a book. Since it falls within the "slice of life" genre, there may be moments that might make you yawn, but fear not! I'm on a mission to turn those snores into laughter-induced snorts. If you spot any boo-boos or think my story needs a makeover, I'm all ears for your genius suggestions.

Just a heads-up, all the characters, names, and situations are straight out of my wacky imagination. If you find any bits that resemble your own life, I hope I can connect with your feelings. Let's embark on this hilariously unpredictable journey together, shall we?

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At precisely 6:00 AM, Vishnu was roused from his slumber by the insistent blare of his alarm, a sound he promptly subdued with a swift, practiced hand. Fueled by a resolute determination, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and, with purpose, made his way to the bathroom. The gurgle of a flush marked the conclusion of his initial morning ritual, and there, standing before the sink, he squared his shoulders in preparation for the unfolding sequence of his morning routine.

Ordinarily, there would be a mirror at the basin, reflecting your own image back at you. But in his case, there was no mirror or any other reflective object to be found. It was at this moment that he confronted the face that was marred by a third-degree burn, a painful reminder of a childhood accident.

Despite immediate medical attention, the pinkish-red mark from the childhood accident became a permanent fixture on Vishnu's face. Initially, he dreaded catching his reflection in the mirror, but a particular incident led him to abandon mirrors altogether.

Completing his morning routine, Vishnu sat down to a hearty breakfast and donned his work attire. With a click, he locked the door of his room nestled in a five-story building, the familiar routine ensuring a sense of security. Stepping out into the bustling day, he strolled through the corridors of his residence, descended the stairs, and made his way to the nearby metro station. The rhythmic hum of the city surrounded him as he embarked on his daily journey, blending into the flow of commuters converging towards the station.

On Vishnu's inaugural day in this unfamiliar place, those around him couldn't help but be surprised by his appearance. Even the house owner, who shared a connection through Vishnu's grandmother, found herself taken aback by his looks. Despite initial shock, she generously offered him a room, though a hint of hesitation lingered as she handed over the keys.

As the days unfolded, the house owner keenly observed Vishnu's behavior and character, prompting a shift in her attitude. Gradually, the initial apprehension gave way to a more genuine connection. She began chatting with him as she would with anyone else, although the initial fear had metamorphosed into a sense of pity and sympathy.

Similar reactions echoed from those Vishnu interacted with regularly. While he found some relief that the initial fearful glances had diminished, there was a tinge of sadness in his heart as he detected the newfound sympathy reflected in their eyes. The shift in perceptions around him became a complex interplay of initial shock, gradual acceptance, and an overlay of sympathy that, despite its well-intentioned nature, left Vishnu feeling somewhat disheartened.

His journey on the metro mirrored the pattern of his interactions at home. The station guard, ticket collector, and fellow passengers initially found themselves surprised by Vishnu's appearance. However, as time rolled on, they gradually grew accustomed to his presence, and the initial astonishment transformed into familiarity.

Despite this growing familiarity, Vishnu couldn't shake off the hurt caused by the expressions of sympathy from others. Striving to carry himself with maturity and lead a regular life, he faced a persistent reminder of how people perceived him, as if he were an unusual entity. This lingering perception, akin to being seen as something other than human, became a constant source of sadness for Vishnu, casting a shadow over his attempts to live a normal life.

After a half-hour journey, Vishnu reached his workplace. His experiences in the office bore a resemblance to those in his everyday life. As he stepped through the office entrance, a voice called his name from behind.

Turning around, he saw his one and only best friend, Arjun. Unlike many who had gravitated toward Vishnu during his childhood and teenage years, using his talents for explanations and academic aid, Arjun had been a constant presence in Vishnu's life, offering unwavering support through thick and thin.

Entering the office, Vishnu and Arjun exchanged warm greetings with familiar faces on the ground floor, establishing a connection with their colleagues. As they stepped into the sleek confines of the elevator, anticipation for the workday ahead hung in the air. The ascending journey to the 8th floor mirrored their professional ascent, both physically and metaphorically.

Upon reaching their designated workplace, Vishnu seamlessly transitioned into his role as a seasoned professional. His desk became a hub of focused activity, a testament to his diligence and skill. In the span of just two years, Vishnu had navigated the professional landscape with remarkable efficiency, earning him the distinguished title of a team leader. This accomplishment wasn't lost on his peers; colleagues on the 8th floor held him in high regard.

The 8th floor, where Vishnu's daily endeavors unfolded, wasn't merely a physical space—it was a vibrant ecosystem hosting four teams, each contributing to the collective synergy of the workplace. Vishnu's leadership qualities shone brightly, influencing the collaborative spirit that permeated the entire floor. As he delved into his responsibilities, it was evident that Vishnu's journey was not just about climbing the corporate ladder; it was a narrative of dedication, proficiency, and the organic growth of a true team leader.

The office layout consisted of a workspace for regular employees, rooms for the manager and assistant manager, a dedicated room for team leaders, a presentation room, a lunch area, and two bathrooms (one for male and one for female). Only the manager's room had an attached bathroom.

Each bathroom in the floor was equipped with mirrors, but Vishnu consciously avoided them. Instead, he opted for the public bathroom on the ground floor, where reflective surfaces were absent.

In the early days, Vishnu went to great lengths to steer clear of bathrooms, consciously avoiding any encounter with his own reflection. He adopted a habit of fixating on the ground during walks, intentionally sidestepping any chance to catch a glimpse of himself in reflective surfaces. This behavior stemmed from a deeply rooted trauma tied to a specific incident from his past.

Whenever Vishnu attempted to face a mirror or any other reflecting object, the haunting memories of that distressing incident would resurface, sometimes leading to a profound emotional impact, even causing him to lose consciousness. The psychological toll of these encounters was palpable, and Vishnu found solace in the supportive understanding of those around him.

Recognizing his struggle, his friends and colleagues empathetically assisted him in navigating environments that could potentially trigger these distressing memories. Their collective efforts formed a protective cocoon, shielding Vishnu from the unwelcome echoes of the past and allowing him to navigate his daily life with a semblance of normalcy.

After lunch, he and Arjun made their way together to that specific restroom, continuing their routine as friends and colleagues. Upon their return from washroom, Arjun shared an amusing anecdote about a recent date, stating, "You won't believe it, bro! The moment she laid eyes on me, she fell in love."

Vishnu, with a wry smile, responded, "Ha ha, considering your 'ugly' face?" Arjun, with a playful jest, quipped back, "It's ten times better than your 'beastly' face."

Unlike many others, Arjun never showcased sympathy for Vishnu's appearance; instead, he playfully teased him about it. Arjun stood out as one of the few who treated Vishnu as just another regular person, a genuine friend who embraced their camaraderie with light-hearted jests.

As they entered the elevator and pressed the button for the 8th floor, Arjun continued his light-hearted banter, "Guess what, a new girl was supposed to join our floor today, but she didn't show up. Maybe she got wind of your reputation. Ha ha ha."

"You're the worst," Vishnu replied with a chuckle. Just as the elevator doors were about to close, someone slipped a foot between them, causing the doors to reopen.

The doors reluctantly reopened to reveal a disheveled girl with an untamed mane of hair. She bore the appearance of someone who had just completed a grueling 10 km marathon, her brow glistening with sweat.She apologized and entered the elevator. She glanced at the buttons but didn't press any of them, choosing to stand facing forward with an air of discomfort.

Vishnu assumed she was reacting to his appearance just like everyone else did. However, Arjun noticed that she hadn't pressed any buttons. When the elevator reached the 6th floor, he inquired, "Which floor are you heading to?" as there were only ten working floors in the building.

After a moment of realization, he said, "Wait, are you the new employee? You're coming to the office for the first time in the afternoon." She didn't give any reply. The elevator reached the 8th floor, and the doors opened. The girl turned after bending slightly, "I'm extremely sorry for being late; I had a minor accident, which caused my delay."

To Vishnu's surprise, she looked at both him and Arjun as if they were ordinary people. She then excused herself, saying, "I'm running late, so I have to go." She hurriedly left the elevator.

Arjun made a quick attempt to stop her, asking, "Do you know where the manager's room is?" She replied in haste, "I'll ask someone," and rushed into the office. The sight of her quick and purposeful sprint prompted both Arjun and Vishnu share a chuckle, finding amusement in the unexpected and lively sequence of events.