101°C

I am in Pune now. I left Bangalore 3 months back. No, I didn’t runaway, nor was I chased away or expelled or expatriated. I left because it was time for me to chase my dreams. I left because what I was doing there, going through there was mind numbing. The daily drivel sapped me not only of energy but also free-will. How much ever a city is attractive its like a gilded cage which cannot but hide the fact that it is, indeed, a cage, bereft of freedom.

16.06.06, 2000 HRS, Clear Skies, 24°C, Bangalore Cantonment

One of the cool Bangalore evenings you always dream about. This time it was different. The train was moving away. I could see the distance already. I am going away from my family, my friends, my Bangalore…chasing a dream…I could see the sight of Ashwin, Divya, Vinay and Musheer fading away as the train rounded the corner…just the sigt was fading not them…

17.06.06, 1836 HRS, Partially Cloudy, 28°C, Pune Central

I took my Pulsar on to the slick wet pavement. I could feel the pulse in my hand, the trembling and slight muffled roar of a crescendo waiting to be unleashed. He was impatient too, being shackled inside a railway compartment for 28 HRs can do that for anyone. I gave him life and he roared. We rode into the bustle, wind running its dew laden hands through my hair, the machine a part of me, unbridled, free, joy

18.06.06, 0900 HRS, Slight Drizzle, 19°C, Apartment B403

We woke up together and we knew it was for real. After eons of separation, the half smile and the hug in the morning was enough to tell me that the choice I made was right. For now, I need to make coffee…

19.06.06, 1100 HRS, Sunny/Cloudy, 28°C, Convention Hall

Induction day was supposed to be hectic, demanding, grueling and taxing. Assignments, Presentations, Verticals, ARPU…it was al that an also provided insights into the minds of the other 101 people around me who make up Batch XI in this prestigious institute…Like this?

“Ma’am…”

“Yeah??”

“On the induction form it says I have to enter any two identification marks, but I don’t have any!”

“What do you mean? There is a mole on your forehead…write that!”

20.06.06, 1030 HRS, Warm/A.C, 17°C, Convention Hall

“So…in 80s when we had to give a Scooter as dowry for our son in law we booked it when the daughter was born, can you imagine the state?” No, we couldn’t. This was Airtel VP talking to us as a part of our induction to Symbiosis. A dynamic exuberant persona not unlike the 12 others from the various walks of corporate life who addressed us during the weeklong program.

18.06.06, 1500 HRS, Heavy Drizzle, 6°C, 5600 FT ABOVE SEA-LEVEL, SINHAGARH

We sat watching the mist roll by the mountains as the cliffs themselves sat nonchalantly. We sat under a thatch roof, 6 of us who had separated from the rest of the class while trekking Sinhagarh. Hot piping tea, smoke and silence. The place seemed untouched by human hands since 19^th century where Marathas fought their guerrilla wars. Suddenly, burst of a Himesh Reshamiya song from the teashop owners mobile shook us out of our reverie. Well, something’s’ spoiled…

03.10.06, 1730 HRS, Sunny, 18°C, Convention Hall

“So, much as we would like to select all of you, I’m afraid that our requirement is for just two”, said HR Manager from HP, “So, we have the names with us here and we would leave the honor of announcing it to your Placement Team”

I was pacing in the library after this announcement. In two minds, whether to wish I get through HP for my Summer Internship, which would mean a prestigious start to my career or to stay in Pune where I could be closer to her. Suddenly, Mohit and Diggi rushed in and the enveloped me in a crushing hug. “Congratulations Dude!!!!, You got through”

Three months into college. First company that came in for summers. I was in!