Truly, Madly, Casually

There is so much good in the worst of us,
And so much bad in the best of us,
That it would hardly behooves any of us,
To talk about the rest of us.

by Edward Wallis Hoch.


It’s been more than three years since I came here-Hamirpur, haven’t heard before. It was more of a chance than choice, for chances comes when you are almost lost and subdued, left with one or two alternative. In my case this was the best alternative, to join this college in computer science stream. Seriously I didn’t had any flavor for computers, to me its importance was restricted to games and movies, but my family member thought differently. That’s how I came!
From the very first day…
That day was unique; people like me were lost and confused. I was looking for “AD-104”-my room. I entered with a knock and saw some 4,5 people already waiting for me. They were my seniors. The first few things I learned here were 3rd-button, 90, intro- credit goes to my seniors. They made me realize that for the next few days I will not be what I used to be. I will be addressing them as “Sir” and will wear formals and all.
Then I meet this guy who happens to be my roommate- for three years, finally they give us singlet in final year. Confident and smart, I had to say he was my roommate for three years. It didn’t take long for us to become friends as we shared the same philosophy: life is too bad to be wasted among books. So my life at Hamipur started with fun, like going for late night walk and then missing 8:30 lecture. They deserved, they were damn boring. I had other friends too, all smart and confident, that’s how I would like to believe. I am good at making friends and soon I made so many friends that it was pain to shake hands with all. We used to do it in first year every time we meet- childish, isn’t?
But not everyone was like us. There were people who started visiting library from the very next week, for no one was allowed during the first few days. One has to do with other formalities like ragging and all.
Hostel life is great, it didn’t took me long to identify people like me, who were madly interested to explore the casual side of life.
That first puff…
For weeks it continued like that. Everything was fun and only fun. I, rather we, started to leave a reckless life. We were active in organizing mass bunk. We preached the philosophy of “enjoy and make others enjoy”.AD-104 became an entertainment room, we were the host. I often used to think if it would continue like this for ever, for I would see no reason to change it. Then one day we got an assignment- chemistry assignment. I used to be a studious guy at school, one of those who would love to work out their problem fast and distribute among friends. But I was not sure whether I wanted to do this assignment or not. I had no idea about it; I haven’t studied anything till then. Still I thought maybe this would be one chance for me to get back to studies. I called my friend, who happens to leave next to my room. He looked studious that time, though I later found he is not. We started our assignment. It was so boring, I can’t describe it. I would read the same lines again and again, but they hardly made any sense. We started talking about teacher and classes, engineering life style. How it change one’s life and how often it brings the man out of a child. I was feeling different, in fact a pain. Maybe I tried studying after such a long period. Soon everything looked lousy and i thought we need a break. I had often heard that cigarette give you instant energy and that’s why most of the doctors are smokers. To my surprise my friend also advocated the same philosophy. We borrowed three cigarettes, one for me one for my friend and last one for the one who survives till the end. Next moment we were busy puffing and coughing. First fag is really difficult, you might have experienced it, it knocks the hell out of you. Unfortunately we both survived, more so to prove ourselves. First was followed by second and then third. Three each that too on the first day. After I finished I felt bad, really cigarette stinks. We discussed again how this teachers and classes bring out the man out of child, how successful they are! Next morning I missed my 8:30 classes. I had no option left but to copy that assignment and submit it by noon. That was my first experience with assignments and I preferred to copy it than to go for smoking, I still follow the same rule and I am proud of it.
Periodicals- three days of excruciating pain.
After that there was nothing to do. I tried to keep myself busy with other activities. I started working for some of the clubs but most of the time I would spend enjoying with my friends. Then there was this periodical- three days of excruciating pain. First periodical is always scary. I didn’t had books to study so I went to library, but unfortunately I was late. I mean not much was left to issue. I wanted a book, I had too. I went into the novel section and issued one novel-“men women and child”, my friend suggested it, he is amazing when it comes to books. First day was ok, I managed to read important point before to the exam but still felt boring during the paper. Anyway was I was not feeling scary anymore. I came to my room. In the evening everyone was looking for books, so was me. I got hold of one of them but for 2 hours; that’s how it works in engineering. I finished everything before time, you can always do it here, in fact I didn’t even complete the half of it. But I didn’t feel scary. After I returned those books there was practically nothing to do. For some of my friends were busy reading and some were sleeping, they would read in the morning. I was alone. Never did I felt alone but that was my first experience after coming here. I took that novel and started reading it. I was like anyone busy whole night. Next morning I felt happy, after so many days I did something worthwhile, I was really happy.
Girls…
After periodical there was nothing much left to explore since by that time I had already defined my life in the domain of this four letter word “NJOY”. Anyway in the mean time I forgot to tell you one thing- Girls. Engineering life is never complete without girls. They are like uninvited guest, who will pop up in any chit-chat to make you feel you are still single. Some of my friends already fancied about these girls before coming here. But here things are really different. I didn’t had faintest idea that things will go like
this. No sooner did you talk to a girl you will be paired against her, sometimes even if you didn’t talk still .From the first day itself there were gossips about Miss x being paired against Mr y. We hated it so much that we preferred not talk to anyone rather than being ended up as someone’s pair. Still I was the victim of same. But my friends were unique. We make it a point to act differently when it comes to girl. We behaved in one of those awkward manners which attributes to your masculine childhood. Some did it by will some were forced by circumstances. In fact tell you frankly, you must have been nice to all girls that you meet in your life but you have missed the other half of story my friend. I takes a little effort to act like a good boy, it takes little extra to act badly.

And it continued….
Things changed a lot when we entered second year. In fact they say in engineering every year has its own flavor. My friends brought their P.C and so did I. then their started this endless saga of movies and gaming. In fact studies which were earlier thrown to corners, ceased to exit. Night walk were replaced by late night shows. IMDB ratings became classroom discussion. Some of us became the connoisseur of good movies. All they had to do to retain their title was to float one or two movies among the masses every day. There is not much difference between 2nd and 3rd year, except that you slowly try to return from that mad pursuit which you started one year back.

Before I leave…
Its final year now, it takes pain to say, a couple of months more and I will be leaving this place. I have no idea what the outside world will be. I know things will not be same again. Life again will never be a four letter word “NJOY”. In fact it will be tougher then ever thought. Everyday would be a challenge. But I am not scared, for I have learned what it takes to trade this life. Some of the best educations in life come through life itself.
I know for some of you, new to this place, may need time to understand all this. It took me more than three year. It will be same for you, till one fine evening, in final year, while reading newspaper in balcony, you will suddenly stop for a sec or two, to go through these moments of your life, and then you will laugh, just like me, till tears fill your eyes. I wish you all many such moments…


P.S : I wrote it some two years back, when in final year and read it again today so thought of sharing.

The LAG

Uncle, Grandpa, Kid and the Guest. They never miss any chance to celebrate and so they were at their favorite place, with dim light and half filled glasses, they hate to call it Bar.

Uncle had the habit of calling it all over! Kid and grandpa both frowned, even the Guest. But they silently obeyed Uncle.

“You don’t understand but the LAG is already in!”, said uncle.

“My lag starts from the very first peg….in fact the smell is enough” affirmed the Guest. The kid started humming something. Uncle confirmed it’s the kid’s favorite, the oldies of his youth, Dil aj shayar hain…

In no time uncle and kid were singing in unison, melody overflowed while silent faded, soon everyone forgot that they were done.

Uncle roared “ 4 large”, before he would command the attention , Guest added ”Vodka for me”. Till now he was having the same but this time he chose to differ.

Feeling more satisfied with is new move he added, “ who all are filling the LAG?”.

Uncle tried his best. With a huge smile he looked around. Everyone acknowledged the gesture. But the Guest wanted to start with grandpa, who never volunteered so far. Kid won’t volunteer, that’s how he was! No one was interested in Uncle; he has done it before many a times.

Grandpa started, “ I can feel it after the second but these days its the third one! ”. He added, “three large but!”. Everyone smiled.

Guest interrupted, “sometimes I feel this place hold mystery, light are the key. don’t they hurt?”

Kid interrupted “yes, only after the LAG and hence you feel early” he is known for sarcasm.

Guest was bold, he continued “ but everyone feels the LAG, only that you guys don’t want to admit”.

Seeing the mood Uncle started, “I never care, and maybe that’s why I don’t feel. You should talk more and think less. More so the easiest way is too sing, provided your voice is as good as mine”. He looked at the kid. Kid started humming again, this time a bit louder. All four joined and house got into the mode with their best oldies, again of his youth, huzoor is tarah bhi na itra ke chaleye… Grandpa enjoyed the most. This was his favorite.

All done, waiter came and placed the bill. Kid looked and said 1485, 1435 plus 30 for tip. All agreed as this was there last day at college and tomorrow they will be gone. they always shared the amount equally. But Uncle was restless; he was looking for a 5 rupee coin to make it 1485, for Kid does no mistake, he is beyond LAG.

While they were proud of themselves, kid performed the ritual, “keep the change”.

Into the new World!

I had been waiting for this day desperately, so were many!
that night at around 8p.m he came to me and said,"so missing IPL".
I promptly replied,"no, i like football".
with a smile he made the passing remark "that's the game!".
I was left speechless, i wanted to change my comment, may be possible my thoughts, habits and everything that would make him believe diffrently. i felt like shouting "no....i desparately miss ipl",but he was gone!
I recollected myself to conclude " one should not shout at his Boss!"
I turned my self to the same screen,but the geek inside me protested! i turned around and to see some faces. none noticing me,but i checked all. some giggling some munching, everyone enjoying. i possible wondered whats so different between Gates inside them and the geek confronting me?
Suddenly i noticed its 8.30, i can leave now. i asked my colleague, who happens to be my friend "shall we go?".
"now" he replied, even though he wanted to say yes.
with a sad face i said "yes", and he readily obliged!
while on my way i wondered whats really confronting me, or rather us?
why is that the bosses always looked culprit and staying at office a nightmare!
college to corporate has never been easy! everyday you look back to your college days and say "those were the days"! you easily identify your boss with hardhearted profs...who often try to ruin your four years party,which your parents proudly pay for. but that gala has ended!
and you suddenly realize that even though those exams were easy to bunk but office is not! a new world, a new life, which you wished for,but differently.
and now i realise all that is not so bad only that past few years had been so good, that i find hard to foot myself thesedays!
it proved when he come back again to ask "where do you eat? take care guys,you are new to this place!"
i smiled and said "sure". my boss continued working, but i left for home.

Keep Blogging

It’s been such a long time since i clicked on something like … @blogspot.com, leave alone writing my blog. In fact when I look back I can’t even come up with a single good reason. I can never say I was lazy enough to press the keyboards. You know these days Gtalk would easily defy all such explanation. Also four years of engineering has given me enough time to think and try out activities which I would have never given a thought otherwise. ya you got it- I am not one of those who would love to begin their names with initials like Er even after completing four years of B’tech. In fact at times I need to make myself believe that I am entitled to do so still I truly wish I don’t have to use them….i can explain that easily but I don’t want to discuss those – this is not the right time nor the right place.

But the whole stuff of writing this blog has left me with enough of intros-retros and finally all I would figure out is- It needs courage to blog! Ya that’s true. A courage to drop your guards in front of anonymous critics who are best at their job. For most of the blogs I could see contained bloggers' account of their daily life. Now this might seems trivial at first but that’s what blogging is! All you need to do is make those trivial accounts readable to others; you know that’s where the say a pen is mightier than a sword.

So in case you are looking forward to blogging or want to spend some time in blogosphere then be ready to share your life and pass through others quietly.

Keep Blogging!

welcome to sajjanpur

Past few days has been quite relaxing! Periodicals over- means books will not raise its ugly head for the next 1 months. Minor project has also subdued for a week or two after its much hyped Ist evaluation ending in low profile- disappointing some of those who have made it an only affair after their placement. Everybody else is echoing the only question “any new movie?”, and I am no exception. That pursuit left me with “Welcome to sajjanpur ” of course with lots of statutory warning!

“Welcome to sajjanpur “start in a most rural background, tempting you to close it within minutes. I didn’t. Things happen every were, stories are made every second then why discriminate it on basis of background. Movie progress with most unassuming actors of bollywood- still tempting! Soon you will find it’s more like a theater drama pictured sequentially to form a movie- good enough to reconsider your temptation. The story which started as dull and boring laid down road for the most contemporary issues affecting millions. Unassuming actors soon become character. In the end it leaves you with various questions except why did you watch this movie.

The only complain you can have is why did he-Shyam benegal, left it without a commercial touch. I fell ideas and commerce gives way to business and He attempted a movie which can do much more than business.

A brave attempt!