The Strange Case of the Strider and Warrior Princess Xana

Author: Mahesh Ramani

Story:

Meghana stared at the mirror – she pouted her lips and then smiled. She was 32 but she did not look a day older than 25. Hazel eyes, luscious jet-black hair, she was stunningly beautiful. Aggressive, ambitious and fiercely independent, she was an electronics engineer with an MBA in International Business from IIM-A. She was the vice-president of Integra Solutions a leading player in the Indian I.T. sector with offices across the globe.

Meghana’s no-nonsense approach was treated as haughtiness by many and there was perhaps a shade of truth in it. Meghana had no friends at work as she believed that work and pleasure did not mix. Her only pressure-reliever was the MMORPG – ‘Invasion’. There she was – Warrior Princess Xana and was part of an elite group of warriors headed by the enigmatic shadow warrior Strider! If only she could find someone like the Strider in real life?

Meghana reported directly to the CEO and treated her colleagues with careless disdain it was part of her demeanour – her philosophy was – ‘Come what may! Work must get done!’ Her attitude had won her many enemies over the years, people who could not bear the rise of the young college beauty; as she rose from one post to the other with ruthless ease.

Arup was Integra’s ‘Network Support Engineer’ a simple affable guy, always ready to help anyone with a smile. Arup understood the meaning of ‘dignity of labour,’ his had been a story of hard work, determination and perseverance. His father’s business had crumbled and unable to bear the loss he had committed suicide; with two younger siblings and his mother to take care of – Arup had dropped out of college and started at Integra as an office-boy.

The hunger to succeed and the willingness to learn propelled Arup onwards; he assembled and dismantled discarded computer systems and became a self-taught IT-specialist. Seeing his skills the IT head Mr. Dasgupta had recommended the HR Manager – Mr. Niladri to promote Arup! It had been a wise decision – Arup always thanked Mr. Dasgupta for his generosity and when Mr. Dasgupta left to the USA to work at the Rochester office; Arup was given Mr. Dasgupta’s role at the Indian office.  

Meghana walked into the conference room 20 minutes ahead of schedule; it was a big day for her as well as Integra. The firm was on the verge of a US$ 70 million deal with Markos Entertainment to create five animation movies over the course of the next seven years. She had made a presentation with ideas for a few of the animation movies and if the honchos from Markos loved the concepts the deal would be signed!

She removed her Dell Inspiron laptop and attempted to start it; the laptop refused to start as the power-indicator would glow for a second and then switch-off. She attempted again as a sense of panic slowly began to build and a mild throbbing started in her temples.

‘I cannot be defeated today! Today I stand at the footsteps of glory – this deal has to go through – you infernal piece of metal and processors and plastic start at my command!’

Unfortunately this was not the MMORPG world of ‘Invasion’ where warrior princess Xana would be guided by the Strider. This was a real-world real-time problem and if it did not get solved in the next 10 minutes, she might probably lose her job!

Meghana called IT Support on 222 and she was greeted by ‘Hi this is Arup, how can I help you?’ – She retorted in her trademark cold-hearted voice ‘This is the VP here I need you to reach the conference room on level-6 right away; my laptop is not starting!’ With that she slammed the phone down!

Arup left his desk and went to the conference room; Meghana looked at him and said ‘Stop staring at me this is the laptop – fix it!’ Arup quickly dismantled the rear cover and took the battery out; he wiped it clean with a soft cloth then he cleaned the battery-compartment and put the battery in and replaced the rear cover.

He powered the laptop on – voila it worked! Meghana grudgingly said thanks – Arup smiled and said ‘No worries madam I am always at your service.’ He gave a mock bow and walked out. She smiled and this time with genuine warmth!

The meeting went well and two of her four ideas caught the fancy of the honchos from Markos Entertainment! The deal went through and a memorandum of understanding was also signed!

All in all it was a successful day for Meghana!

Meghana reached home; showered, cooked up some pasta and then proceeded to become Xana. It was a critical night the rival faction had eaten into the defences of Strider’s troops and the hill-fort could be taken over. The internal messenger flashed – Strider calling all troops – Xana you take the western flank, Vyom you handle the south. I will handle the frontal attackers!

Then followed a mesmerizing Chakravyuh of attacking warfare as Strider lured the enemies and slaughtered them with a vigorous assault marshalling his troops admirably and with able support from Xana and Vyom.

Meghana who could not help marvelling at the brilliance of the Strider and his knowledge of game-play and strategizing. Who would Strider be in real life? A man or a woman or some 15-year old kid who was a gaming freak!

The night’s gaming was done the enemy had been annihilated!

Meghana reached office the next day with a sense of accomplishment her curiosity was kindled and she was now obsessed on finding the identity of the Strider! She had skipped her breakfast and was feeling hungry; she decided to go down to the cafeteria to grab a bite.

As she grabbed her sandwiches and cold coffee on her tray; she decided to find a table to sit and eat. As she turned she noticed a familiar blue logo on a laptop screen. It was the ‘Invasion’ logo! Meghana could not suppress a smile; would this be her lucky day. She noticed a man huddled on to the chair focussing on the gaming screen and handling the control-pads with ease.

She walked up slowly and stared at the screen in surprise it was indeed the Strider! She tapped him on the shoulder gently saying ‘Hi’.

He turned around with a smile and Meghana was shocked to see Arup!

Meghana introduced herself sheepishly – ‘Strider, I am Warrior Princess Xana!’

Arup replied with an impish grin – ‘The pleasure is mine my dear princess!’