manager not letting me leave for Diwali this year...

I can’t believe it’s almost Diwali, and here I am, stuck in Bangalore. My family is in Meerut and I am sitting in front of my laptop, drowning in code and deadlines. Ten days to go, and I’m just feeling more and more frustrated.

My manager is pushing me too hard, expecting me to work like crazy. It’s not like I don’t have deadlines, but does he really think I can just skip home? I’ve been pulling late nights, drinking coffee like it’s water, but it doesn’t matter. He keeps piling on tasks, like he thinks I am a robot or something.

I mean, can’t he see the value in taking a break? Everyone else is talking about their plans for Diwali. Meanwhile, I’m stuck in this office with a bunch of guys who are also grinding away, pretending it’s just another day. The energy is just off. It’s like we’re all just sad, doing the same thing day in and day out.

I tried talking to him about it. I was like, “Hey, it’s Diwali, you know?” But he just waved it off, said something about how important this project is and how we need to keep the momentum going. Seriously? It’s just software, not the end of the world. My parents have been calling me every day, asking if I’ll make it home. Each time, I have to give them the same excuse: “Work, you know?” And it sucks. I can hear the disappointment in their voices.

It feels like I’m missing out on everything. My mom always makes sweets. I can already imagine my little sister running around with her friends, the excitement in the air, while I sit here scrolling through Stack Overflow ffs.

I don’t get why companies can’t see the importance of family and culture. They preach about work-life balance, but when it comes to things that really matter, like Diwali, it’s all about the deadlines.

There’s no way I’m getting a break now. The team is already stretched thin, and I’d just feel guilty leaving them. It’s just unfair that I’m here while everyone I love is celebrating together. I should be there helping my mom with the decor.

I wish I could just tell my manager to shove it and take leave. But that’s not how it works, is it?