The Veil

Roma had always been an organized person. She liked to have everything organized. Her clothes cupboard, the kitchen cabinets, the dining room crockery, her mobile phone apps, even her life. It was as she had created these mental drawers and shelves. One for work, another for friends, more for every important relationship. The day she heard the news of her sister’s untimely death, it was as if her lowermost shelf had given away and with that everything above had crumbled. 

She had rushed home to India from Dubai, where she worked in a consulting firm. For six months she had worked from home taking care of everyone and everything. Her parents had coped with the tragedy in their own unique ways. Mother always had a flurry of friends visiting her, a safe distraction. Father continued to drive down to their factory to oversee its operations. It was not lost to her that they did not derive comfort from each other. Two people heading in different directions. She the third one in the triangle struggling to make the other two connect. The harder she tried, the more the precarious triangle threatened to break. Into three bits……forever heading farther into the eternal unknown.  Yet, she persevered trying to bring a sense of normalcy, for a secret ally had come to rescue.

During her sister’s prayer meet, the priest had asked all the women to cover their head with a veil, as was customary. Roma obliged her mind numb. As the incantations of the prayer continued, she felt herself relax…..safe in her fortress, the veil guarding her. Under the veil, she felt as f she could relax for a bit, before she felt the compelling need to organize her life once more. The veil protected her from curious stares of friends of the family, people who murmured their condolences and walked away to their lives. The veil sat with her when she ate long silent lunches and dinners with her parents. 

Now, after six months, she was cleaning up some drawers when she chanced upon a photograph of her sister and her. The brat and the brat. The two of them had been inseparable in childhood. She peered closely at herself, in her teens. Hair unkempt, a result of coastal winds, her dress rumpled with the day at the beach. Her eyes shiny, anticipating the adventures of life. Roma looked up in the mirror at her veiled self, so unlike the Kanak in the photograph. The ‘Veil’ had protected and comforted her in her time of need. It was time! Time to let go of the crutch and become herself again.

She smiled as she booked her tickets to Dubai anticipating a new project. Her parents would follow in a few weeks. She was confident that the three would survive this. 

Leadership Lesson

Every organization needs its systems and structures – the tangible scaffolding of success. But it also needs its indiscernible veil – empathy!

The veil doesn’t hide. It holds. It allows space for vulnerability, reflection, and renewal. Leadership, at its core, lies in knowing when to shield and when to empower – when to offer the veil and when to lift it.

Just as Roma’s veil offered her refuge until she found her strength again, organizations too must become safe havens for their people. Leadership is not only about driving performance but about recognizing when someone needs space to heal, reflect, or rebuild. The most enduring cultures are those that allow their people to rest beneath a compassionate veil – protected, not forgotten – until they are ready to shine again.

About the Author

Komal Bhanver

Visual Artist and best-selling Author

Komal sees Art as a profound and dynamic force- a source of beauty that carries the power to inspire positive change. Through her work she aims to create art that only engages the senses but also challenges perspectives and encourages growth. She believes that Art is a universal language that transcends boundaries and can be used to foster transformation. He goal is to contribute to a more compassionate and vibrant society. She has authored the book 'The Mauryan' and co-authored the book 'Click!: The amazing story of India's ecommerce boom and where it is headed' both published by Hachette. In the past she has held leadership roles with top tech companies in India. She is now a full-time artist.

Website : www.komalbhanver.com 

Instagram ID : www.tinyurl.com/3835v48r