ILP 21st Oct - Part 3

TCS ILP

From August end till October beginning I was enjoying at home with all the pleasures and roaming here and there. During that period I went to Mumbai for my medicals and got the offer letter. My joining date came as 21st October and my ILP centre is Trivandrum which is to the deep south of India. Also I got sad that I will not be staying at the TCS hostel and they have given us a Hotel but in the end I thank God I was not in Hostel as we enjoyed very much in the hotel. Well I started my journey to Trivandrum on 18th night and I am supposed to reach there by 20th afternoon, a forty two hour journey. I was accompanied by my college friend and because of that long journey, we booked the tickets in AC three tier and it was a good decision as when we reached Trivandrum, we were not very much tired by the journey. It was the 6th day of my Ramadan month and I had to miss my 2 days of fasting because of the journey. The journey was okay and when we enter Kerala, it was heaven and there I came to know that why it is called so. Everywhere I can see water and coconut trees and it looked awesome. I haven’t seen such vast natural beauty in my life and I was just stuck on the window to enjoy each and every sight around us. We reached Trivandrum on 20th by 7 PM as normal the train was late by 3-4 hours. At the station we asked about our hotel ‘Lal Tourist Home’ and one porter told me that it’s nearby and he will take us to the hotel. We both agreed as we don’t have to try our mind to search on our own and also it was evening and we were feeling hungry. It was really close, just a 5 minutes walk from the station and when we came I went in to reception and gave my identity. The person gave me the room keys and it was 302. My friend got the accommodation in hostel but it was too late for him to go so I told him to stay the night and leave tomorrow. When I climbed the stairs I can already see many new faces with a different looks, but I kept quite and got in my room. When I entered I came to know the condition of the hotel. I remember the first person I talked with in the hotel was Chandan staying opposite to my room. He was from Kolkata and there was not much difficulty in identifying because of his accent. Me and my friend got fresh and went downstairs to look for a hotel to eat something. It was already 10 and I need to prepare for tomorrow to keep all the documents and prepare for my fasting. Finally the day 21st October arrived and it’s a completely new world where we can call ourselves as IT professionals working for the Asia’s number one company. It was proud feeling to be associated with Tata’s and to all my relatives I told about my company they just knew Tata's and that was a great feeling. It was just like college with classes going on and attendance all the time and the two best thing I remember the first day was the TCS and Tata’s video and a small activity that our batch did to represent our name. We called ourselves as Phoenix - The Conquers. I was much tensed the first day as I forgot to get the photocopies of the documents that is required and to my next was sitting Arjun, very handsome and smart with a nice accent. We had handshake and a small talk and to his right sitting his room partner Vicki, tall and very intelligent by his looks and actually he was. Forgot to tell you, we got cab in the morning to pick up from hotel to the training centre. It was journey of 20 minutes which we all enjoyed during the course of our time.
The first day went okay and I was still a bit reluctant to talk with people as I first try to see and analyze a person and then if I can see any similarity with my attitude I go ahead with that. I am a good listener and try to differentiate people by listening to them rather than poking myself onto anything. By the end of the first week I am used to many people especially with Chandan and Arjun. On Saturday night most of us gathered to the common TV room and we talked on general things and about everyone in brief. Also some sang songs and jokes and that was the first time I sang any song infront of crowd. I am not a good singer but whenever I get a chance I first sing ‘purani jeans aur guitar…’ song as I like that very much. I need to mention some people that had an influence on me and whenever I will discuss my ILP those names has to come, but that I will put during the course of my story. The first character I would like to mention is my room mate ‘Chachu’. We call him by that name and he was the best topic for us to discuss at all times. When he came, he looked very simple, a bit intelligent compared to me and arguable. By the time we left to our destination his whole personality got transformed and all credit goes to one of our batch mate Sid. He was good but very pakau type person which argues on everything and that’s the thing I don’t like in any person. Because of him I had never been in my room. I just sleep in my room and after coming from office I used to be there in someone’s room or TV room and chat about the day’s event. Well much to tell about him, but I need to cover some more and important people.
The first trip that we went together as a batch was to Kovalam beach. It was truly the cleanest beach I have ever seen. Actually before that I haven’t seen any beach. It was really an awesome sight and we all enjoyed in water for hours. During that time I already had a good exchange of words with few that later became by very dear friends. After that we had dinner in the nearby hotel that was perfectly organized like a beach side hotel with lobsters and prawns on grill and a nice aroma around. The next week we planned to visit Allappey. It’s famous for its backwaters and we had a steamer ride with our entire batch and we played antakshiri. By the time we had formed our group that consists of Arjun, Neelam, Trupti, Sonal, Nitin and Kriti. From there we went to a place called ponmudi to see the waterfall. It was a nice 2-3 km tracking and I love to enjoy adventure like this. Then on the return I guess we went to another beach called Varkala. It was not as nice as Kovalam, but it was dangerous and steep as compared to Kovalam. We don’t have a good memory of Varkala beach as two of our friends Rahul and Sunil got in trouble. When we went to the beach, Rahul just went in like a superman and he didn’t realize that he went far ahead of the shore and also he didn’t know swimming. There Sunil saw him struggling to keep in water and he went in to save him. Sunil is a short guy and slim built and he was unable to drag Rahul but also unable to maintain balance of himself. Finally the life guards saw them and they finally pulled both out of water. The worst thing about all this is that most of us didn’t know what happened and were enjoying the water and playing together. Both of them were seriously ill and vomited and only Nitin and one more guy was with them. We completed one month on that day and in the night we had a celebration. We got cake and asked Sunil and Rahul to cut as Sunil was the hero for that day. After that Nitin put this argument of what happened on the beach and some people along with me accepted our fault, but few of them just argued. The thing that Nitin told and I liked the most is ‘If in place of Sunil or Rahul, there was a girl then all people would have left everything and gather to make her comfortable’ and that’s the fact. This really hurt me and I realized myself as being so selfish. When all this happened I went along with Nitin and Sunil in there room (Nitin and Sunil were room mates) and burst into cry and said sorry to Sunil. From there I was very comfortable to Nitin and Sunil and Nitin being the fun filler in our group. I used to be there in room 210 because of my roomie and that was the room of Trupti and Sonal. I made Sonal as my sister. She is very sweet and innocent and she missed her home very much and I tried to be with her and I am thankful for her as she cared more that I did for her. Initially Trupti was very shy and don’t talk much with others, but by the end I came to know she just open her cards to one she likes. People during my ILP involved me with her as we used to go together to office and be together in class and canteen. It was good and new for me as I had never felt independent and actually there were no distinction between guys and girls as we all representing one despite belonging to all parts of the country.
The next and the major trip that we planned are for Munnar, a hill station that is famous for its natural beauty of course but in addition to its tea gardens that belong to Tata’s. We left on Friday night and it was an over night journey and we reached Munnar next day morning. We need to go on top of the hill and we just halted and had breakfast and then went along. That ride to the top of the Munnar was awesome as it’s just brilliant. Everywhere you saw is a perfect example of natural beauty and I guess nature has given the best from its collection not to Munnar but to entire Kerala. We all were really lucky to get the training there as apart from office there were lots of things that we planned during weekday and executes during weekend. By that time Arjun and I became very good friends or atleast among guys he was my best friend and I remember we used to drink tea outside our hotel after office. The best thing about Arjun is that he will feel you comfortable and make you rise among others and that’s the quality that impressed me as you won’t find this in many. To put in hindi ‘who apne dosto ko khud se badkar samajhta hai aur unke liye kuch bhi karne ke liye tayyar rehta hai whatever be the reason’. A much to write about him and his favours that he did on me, but that truly deserves a separate story and will write soon. Munnar trip was really great and we all enjoyed like anything as we also thought that its close for all of us to depart to our base branch and so that’s the time we can collectively enjoy and share our happiness with others. We had a bad time during that trip also specially for us as Arjun got hurt and that pain was with him for a long long time and I was with him during the hospital visit and I am thankful that he chooses me for this as I love to do anything for my friends, the least includes to listen them.
A week before our completion of ILP, we all planned to go Rameshwaram, but the shock of getting apart in few days and also most of them didn’t get the desired location opted for. There was a bit of sadness within the batch and that’s the time when it’s confirmed who are all will be going to be with you in touch. Well previously I planned to go to Rameshwaram, but then I cancelled because of two reasons. First I didn’t have money and secondly I was not feeling good. Arjun’s injury didn’t allow him to go and because of me Trupti and Neelam dropped there idea. Sonal, Nitin and Kriti went along with the trip and it was exciting and I regret to miss that and also a chance to enjoy along with all. We were there in the hotel that weekend and didn’t do much but that night myself, Arjun, Trupti and Neelam had a nice chat and we shared our experiences. I really didn’t remember what we talked but that was really nice and was in a peaceful environment. Next day Trupti and Neelam slept till noon and there I came to know how lazy these girls are. So the weekend went nicely and we all four enjoyed and had good fun. Just to divert the topic, we had given pet names to all and used to call by that only. I was called as ‘Bhalu’ and the name was given by Kriti to which I call her ‘Chutki’ because of her height and she looks like a kid. Sonal was called as ‘Sonu’ and she is my ILP sister. Neelam had many names, but some call her as ‘CEO’ and some ‘Neelu’. Her room partner ‘Megha’ was called by me as ‘Gurumata’ as she being always ready to give advices. Istiyaq another very nice, intelligent and cool person was called ‘Papa’. This name was given by chutki as she calls Gurumata as ‘mummy’. This is because they both took good care of her in trips. Nitin was called ‘sadel’ and this sweet name was given by ‘Trupti’ whom myself and Nitin calls her ‘Prabhadevi’ as she lives in that place in Mumbai. For others also we had given names and it was real fun and nobody ever mind on that. We had a gang of guys consisting of 8-10 boys and they are the one that gave names to all. The leader of that group you can was Vikas, short heighted but ultimate fun loving person. We all used to call him as ‘Bhai’ (Hindi version of Don). Its being a lot of fun and our batch I can say was the most cheerful among all during that ILP and among all other batches. All are good and that makes the entire batch lively all the time. During that time we celebrated Birthdays of couple of people and it was fun. We had disco party and we all danced like anything, no shy, and no worries what others will think, just dance from your heart. Also that whole last week we all boys get together on the passage in the night and sang songs for hours until we are exhausted. Those nights won’t come back in life now and to remember that makes you feel glad to have lived a life like that.
Finally the day arrived when we all had to leave for our respective base branch. Initially when we came we haven’t thought that we will miss many in future and that you can cry for someone whom you don’t know 41 days back. I say that’s the magic of TCS and the ILP it conducts. It gives you a last opportunity to make friends that will be there for you forever. You might also get a friend that will commit to be with you forever as I believe that ‘Your life partner may or may not prove to be your best friend, but your best friend will always prove to be your best life partner’. It was very emotional day, and it started quite early. Some of them went to Kovalam beach for the last time early morning. I also thought to join them, but I promised my roomie chachu (Rajeev) to drop him to the station. When I came back and started packing my things, Arjun came and he burst into tears. I controlled my emotions and asked him the same. He was very emotional and respect and care for any relationship, and that was the time when you know that you are about to loose contacts to many that you care for. I didn’t had time to go to my native and come back to join in Chennai and also I need to look for a house as it’s a big challenge and Chennai was a new place for me. By 10-11 all were started showing there emotions and it was difficult to make all comfortable. I tried to be patient and hold on my emotions. I see off Neelam and her group from hotel. I wanted to go along with them to the station, but I need to go with Trupti to drop her to the Airport as she was alone. There I also got hold of Arjun and couple of others and I then finally said Good Bye and went back to Hotel. I was feeling very sad as the hotel that looked so lively a couple of days before now looked deserted. Well the only people left by afternoon were I, Chutki, Nitin, sonu and Vicki. Sonu and Vicki were needed to leave the next day to Mumbai as they didn’t get the flight tickets for the same day. Myself, Nitin and Chutki were leaving in the evening to Bangalore and from there I and Nitin had to go to Chennai. Vicki was supposed to join us in Chennai after 2 days. We basically went to Bangalore to assist Chutki and also to meet the people went to Bangalore the last time. That’s the ILP for me in brief. I haven’t captured each and every moment as I can’t express them in words the joy and fun we had during those 41 days. I haven’t talked about our classes and the things we studied as I don’t want to disclose my performance J ha ha ha.In the end I wish all a very best of luck in life. Its 3 years now and already most of them have made there mark and achieved what they want in life. I just want each of us to be successful and respect of what we got and will get in life. There are many times when you will get a chance to complain in life, but if you take that as a blessing then definitely you will get the best next time. So this story is for all. I know I have missed many people in my batch and others, so apologies for that. Take Care and All the Best…

ILP 21st Oct - Part 2

Journey to Mumbai
It was almost the end of week three and we came to know that TCS is conducting a walk-in in Mumbai on the 22nd of August. Also the week after it is having walk-in’s in all the TCS centres across India including Bangalore. We all were confused especially me as I always had money constraints and I don’t want to just decide without knowing. Well finally me and my friend that came along with me decided to go and if nothing happens the will have the Bangalore option open and also we can see the arrangements to conduct walk-in. For that week we all studied very sincerely and I along with some more didn’t go for any walk-in that week. The walk-in was on Sunday at one of the college in Byculla 3-4 stops from VT station, can’t remember the exact station numbers but just 10 mins by train. We started on Friday night by 8 o’clock train. The journey was real exciting and we all were enjoying and reading materials to brush ourselves. We also had rapid fire rounds among ourselves to see where we still lag. We extracted all the TCS walk-in papers from the net and in that some 500 words wordlist we just mug it up. I was just praying that atleast 70% words should come from this list. Finally we reached the destination by 8 o’clock the next evening, exactly twenty four hour journey. We were completely exhausted and felt hungry but before that we need to look for an accommodation for the night. Some of the people went in to see some hotels and when they came and told us the price for a day, we thought not to waste money like that. In fact now if we think that price we might laugh. Well some of them decided to go to hotel and stay there the rest decided a cheaper approach. We went to the VT station and there one of the members from our group went to ask any place in the waiting room just for 4-5 hours. The in charge of the hall told him to come after 12 when some passengers will leave with a train. We 4-5 people went in by 12:30 and all gave him Rs. 20/- and just found the place where we can and laid down. It was really satisfying and that hard floor is at that time heaven for usJ.
We all slept and I was given the duty to get up all by 4. I put the alarm and when I slept I didn’t even knew and that shows tiredness in all. We all got up at 4 in the morning and fresh-n-up ourselves. I didn’t had the bath as I didn’t like the face of bathroom worth having a bath and also I thought that it was just a written test, if cleared then will have interview next day else go back to Bangalore. We all prepared ourselves and the place all our luggage in clock room taking all the documents that is required if we get through the written exam. We all had tea as that’s the best thing we can expect at 4:30 before going for that war. We got in train and went to the venue at 4:55 and surprisingly there was a batch of 3-4 girls already lined infront of the college gate where the campus is supposed to take place. Well as we all are in the same boat, most of our group members started sharing the points and discussing there past experiences for walk-in’s and some belongs to the same college so got very comfortable from the start. It rained the whole night and so it was a bit cold that we didn’t expect during that time. Well the night passed and some of us tried to search for something to eat, but we couldn’t find anything veg out there. By 7:30 it was a decent crowd and we were at the front of the gate ready to explode within. Finally seeing the crowd growing they opened the gate at 8 o’clock rather than 9 in the morning. I was the second to enter the gate and then straight to the examination hall through a series of barred wooden passages. The exam started by 8:30 and we finished by 9:30 and then they told us to wait for 3 hours for the results. The written was pretty good and easy and it made me tense as I thought if that’s an easy paper for me then it must be easy for all. Well I didn’t thought much on that and if someone said this option is correct, that’s not, it only gave you mental stress. During that time in the canteen we had snacks and tea and it gave us some energy. Finally after four hours a person came with the list and told ‘I will be calling names in alphabatetical order’. My heart sank and I told to myself that ‘Abdul if your name won’t come within first five names, then forget it and pack your bags’. And the first name that he called was ‘Abdul Qadir’, at that moment I just closed my eyes and saw the sky and thank The Almighty for this good news. But my happiness faded when two of my other mates were not got selected for technical round. From there I was guided straightaway to a hall and pointed me to a person who will be taking my technical interview. In the meantime they took 2 resume from us that will be used by them to see your curriculum. My interview went fine there were two persons, one was good and trying to make the environment friendly but the other person I guess just came in to check and show his smartness. I told myself ‘What the hell he is thinking of himself’ and then after 40 minutes I came satisfied as I answered most of the question and didn’t even thought to bluff them at any time. After that I was waiting for my results, my friends were also waiting downstairs and they all are also excited about meJ. It was nearly 45 minutes and I didn’t receive my result. Also there were two persons a lady and a bald gentleman. Whenever the guy was coming and announcing the names, the people were going to the next round and when the lady comes she calls all the persons who were not selected in the technical round. I didn’t dare to go and spoke to the lady but went to the guy and told that if you have any information about my result. He assures me to check and get back to me soon. After 5 minutes the lady came and called 5 names and in that my name was also included. My face got a silence expression and I was praying ‘please I don’t want to hear the news of rejection’ and she told that you have been selected and need to go to the next building for the HR interview. I Thank God once again as the good news are coming in suspense. Also that was the time I realized and said to myself that ‘Abdul you finally made it…’. I went to the next building to fill the forms first and there I saw some more of my friends already started filling the form. It was really exciting to be a part of that group but that form took nearly 45 mins to fill and paste the photos but all in all a worth deserving wait. I then went for the HR interview and the panel consists of an elderly man and a nice lady in early thirties. Initially it was going well and they asked us all the HR related questions and then they started asking about my project and which language I did that and all. I was surprised why they are asking such questions in an HR interview. The best part of the interview which I won’t forget is when they asked about the CEO of TCS and I told ‘I don’t know’. The next answer I got from the lady as ‘don’t you think you should come prepared or atleast know the CEO of TCS?’ I then answered in very polite manner as ‘Mam I have come to this interview after got through the written and technical. Before this I gave the walk-in for five other companies and didn’t got through hence this time I concentrated only on the written as it’s not worth to know the CEO of any company if you are not capable enough to clear the exam for that company. Also I was in a view that the HR interview might happen the next day and hence till that I have enough time to learn about TCS’. I don’t know what they have thought after listening but I came out of the room in 25 minutes and then followed to the ground where all others were waiting for me and they just gathered around and were very happy about what I did. They were more confident than me on my selection to TCS and I really appreciate there sincere greetings.
From there we rush to the station collect our luggage and went to catch the train. We were just on time to catch and as soon as I get in I changed my clothes as it smelt like hell and then I got relaxed. In a group of ten I guess 4 people got till the last round. Before boarding to the train, I called my mom and dad and gave them the happy news still 90% about my success. But after that I became very relaxed and the very next day we arrived to Bangalore I was waiting for a week as the HR people told that we will mail you with the result in a week. The coming week all other mates from the Hostel went for TCS walk-in again and they called me telling that here the crowd is nearly ten thousand in number and I thank God it was a wise decision to go to Mumbai. Monday I was expecting the mail but I didn’t came and I got a bit worried, but on Tuesday when someone told that I got selected in TCS, I rushed to the café and when open the mail got relaxed to see my selection letter. We had a party that night and the next day I went to have the tickets for Bhopal and after a twist and turn month I had a TCS job on my hands. I see off all from the station and pray that they should also get a nice job soon as they are also the deserved ones and then I went in and sat on my berth and from there again another journey is about to start :)

ILP 21st Oct - Part 1

Initial Struggle

Today I completed my three years in TCS the company which I didn't knew until my second year in college but has given me so much not just in terms of making me employed and earned money but also some very great friends that will be ever standing with me in all times. Before I begin my TCS and the initial training story let me tell you how I got to this place. During my final year in college everyone was a bit worried and so am I. There were no scene for any campus recruitment for us and we all are complaining about the same to our HOD's (Head of the Department). Well nothing happened and the day came of our last paper. Most of them were quite happy as they don't have to waste there time in college and can now think seriously about there future. Some have already got selected for higher studies and planning to go. I was among the average student who didn't plan anything and now the tension is growing. But on that day we came to know about the campus walk in of Satyam in two days and we persuaded our professor to have our college for the same. Well it was huge crowd and that was the first experience of my life having a campus walk in. there were 8-9 colleges that took part from Bhopal and we are amongst them. The day started with cheer and joy but that time I didn't knew that it will be turning to a bad note. I didn't get selected in the first round itself whereas my other three close friends did. I didn't had nothing but to wait for there success and within myself I was thinking about my future and what I am going to do next. In the evening among the three, two got selected for the last interview and I then came back along with my friend. I was happy for them, but definitely my sadness over thrown my happiness as the other two got to the last round also thought that I am gonna make it, but… The next day unfortunately one of my friends didn't have through and the other did. Also the very next day I was so depressed that whole day I was listening 'Allah ke Bande…' song in my system. I can see the worries on my parents face and its worth as they have done their part and it’s now my responsibility to prove myself. I along with my friend decided to go to Bangalore for job hunt. He is the one whom I went to college for four years in his bike and he is the one I will always be thankful to. His father owns a well settled business in town and he also took part in that, but because of me he also decided to go. He told me once that if I won’t be successful in job hunt then I will get myself fully in running his business. Because of him only I was sure that we can make our parents smile. I can't remember but we left for Bangalore on July 31. His parents came to see him off but I asked my parents not to as I don't want to see them cry as it only pains. Finally we went on a mission, a mission to get a job regardless of company and profile as all we need a start. We already had a friend in Bangalore and he already had the accommodation for us and so we didn't had to struggle for that. For the first one week we didn't had anything and only we did was went in company's office and submit the resume. It was sometimes so embarrassing when the staff says 'No' and don't take our resumes, but its fair and well from there point of view. Finally one morning we came to know that there was a walk in for one company, I didn't remember the name and after waiting from morning till afternoon we got a chance to sit for the written exam and as usual I didn't clear the test. I also gave the walk in for Novell and HP but same result. I told my friends that the day I clear the written, I will have job on my hands. Finally it was going to be the end of three weeks and the tension is getting on increasing. But the hostel we were there was full of people like us some are there for more than a month, some 3-4 months and all were desperate to get a job and working hard. We at that period had a rocking time. I remember we used to go quite often for dinner to a road side stall where we used to get aalu paratha for Rs.3/- gobi paratha for Rs. 4/- and paneer paratha for Rs. 5/-. Along with that we used to get sabji that was just okay. I used to have my daily budget for food and we used to have only tea in the morning and then lunch and dinner based on how much we spent the whole day. It was really fun and it’s a feeling of proud to live and cherish a life like this…

Arjun - A Friend In Need is a Friend Indeed

Arjun… If to be described in a word, I would say Arjun only as the name truly deserves him. He is like Arjun of Pandavas among friends always committed to give the best and protect them like a shield. Before I start my story to describe one of my best friends from my training days, I put Arjun as A – Adorable, R – Rocking, J – Jolly, U – Understanding, and N – Naughty. These are the words I can describe him as of now, but I know he deserves far better words. Sorry dude my English is week and I hate that sometimes if I felt short or words. Let’s start the story of our friendship, and where it begins. I went to my training in Trivandrum on 20th Oct 2004 evening. I was supposed to report a hotel that our company booked for us. I went in and got the keys to my room. My room number was 302 and Arjun was my neighbour in room number 301. That evening I didn’t saw him and was not aware about most of the people in my batch as I was pretty scared. Next day we all went to office in cab provided by our company. We went to the class and I was not feeling comfortable as I forgot to bring in some documents that I am supposed to get that day. Arjun was sitting on my right and after some time he said ‘Hi’ to me. I replied with the answer and remains quite. But I guess he guessed the tension on my face and asked me generally about myself and we had a nice talk. He also introduced me with his room partner Vicki and we both greeted each other. That was the first sign of him where I came to know that even with not much interaction, he was curious to know and listen the problems of others and trying to help at the same if he can. In our training we were supposed to come in formals with tie and if I remember that day Arjun wore a blue shirt with a printed yellow tie. To describe Arjun’s personality, he was handsome, fair, smart, nice build with a sweet smile and a good voice. When I looked him first the first day, I thought once to myself and how I look infront of him. I thought why he is here spoiling his career in IT. He can very well become a model and walk on ramp rather then spoiling eyes infront of a system. Well the first week went like that and I had fair good interactions with most of the people. On the coming weekend, we all planned to visit Kovalam beach which is world famous for its cleanliness. When we all went there it was truly the cleanest beach I ever saw. It was really looking like a postcard photo. There we all enjoyed in water for 3-4 hours. Arjun was also in our group and he was enjoying on his own. I guess he had never been in water or a beach like that and was completely out of this world. We made a group and playing with water and that guy is just floating in water and enjoying. When I came closer and ask to join, he told me to do the same and I did. Well it was really fun if you let yourself float on water with the waves. After that we went for dinner in the nearby hotel. Arjun, I and a girl from our batch shared the same table and there we talked openly and for a while as the pizza that we ordered is getting delayed. We shared our experiences for the first week of training and he looks very confident and open to speak on topics. Also he had a small argument with the hotel staff for the delay in our order as all were about to finish and we didn’t even started. But I made him cool and there I saw another colour of him to take on any if they spoil the happiness and fun of their friends.
The best thing about Arjun is I never find him in serious mode thinking on its own, or may be that’s what he doesn’t want to be among his friends. He is a good motivator even though he sometimes doesn’t know what the matter is, but that’s really sweet of him trying to be a part of other people’s issues and to share with them. I remember many times when my roomie took long in the bathroom, I used to go to Arjun’s room to get myself ready and he used to joke on me that ‘aa gaya apne roomie se trast/pareshaan bachcha’, meaning ‘here is comes the poor boy that is being suffered by his roomie’. We used to enjoy the ride on the cab while going and coming back from office. I remember we along with some girls went out to try some new hotel for dinner. We went to one restaurant I can’t remember the name, but it was famous for the variety of Dosa’s they offered. We had a nice dinner and while coming back, Arjun and I were singing songs in our bad voice and it was such a fun. I mean he is such a wonderful person to be with and he can find ways to enjoy and make the moment lighter. One of the best things about him that I and his roomie Vicki won’t forget is the pleasure to take medicines. Once Vicki told me that they both were sitting in the room and Arjun told that he was feeling hungry and asked to give one ‘combiflam’ to eat. In 41 days there’s hardly few days when he didn’t had medicine. Well during the last couple of weeks he was forced to take medicine because of a small accident with him. We have enjoyed a lot together and also made people laugh within our group. During weekends we went to many places nearby Trivandrum and enjoyed. Our batch went to Allapey for back waters and I and Arjun were sitting at the front of the steamer and singing songs and posing to get the best photo. In Munnar also we had a great fun, but there Arjun got hurt in his leg and that pain went along with him for a long long time. Because of that he was not able to go to Rameshwaram and that weekend we were together and talked along with few of our good friends for a very long time. I never felt a shy to say anything to him and that’s his personality that impresses all. Before or first salary came, I already took Rs.2000/- credit from Arjun. Whenever we had a chat it’s always full of fun and even though he was in pain after the Munnar trip, it never showed on his face. One thing I does find him is that his heart is very pure and like a child. May be he didn’t have seen the harder side of life and hence I cant say him he is a strong person in his will power, but yes that’s the quality you can gain with experience and as and when you get to know life closer. He is the one that will make you feel better and comfortable in the group. There were two girls in ILP that we both stare. They both were really beautiful. He is really dude in all this things and he get along in talking terms with her favourite and I was still finding a chance to talk. During our ILP, TCS conducted the IT Quiz and he was selected as a volunteer along with those girls. I told him that I also need to volunteer for this and he then talked with the faculty managing the competition and finally I was allowed to volunteer. On that day, he was coming every half an hour or so and giving me the information about her and finally during lunch, he introduced me with her. Well it was all fun, but that shows his commitment to give what a friend needs. I really thank him and appreciate his efforts to make me happy. We used to have tea together after the office at the nearby stall of our hotel. I personally say that without him I won’t have enjoyed my training days as much I did and after that also when we got apart he cried onto my shoulders. He really treated me as his best friend from ILP and continued to be in touch with me. I thank him for all his favours and considering me as his good friend and I am also thankful to God of giving me such a wonderful friend. This is just a brief about him as I said for my other great friends, I am nothing to write about anyone, its just that I want to cherish the moments that is been given to me by these wonderful and precious gems…
I wish you all the very best Arjun…

Neelam – A Jewel

Here I once again got an opportunity to write about my friend that is of course my best friend, but apart from that she is also very special to me. Now why she is special will be known during this story but I am sure after reading that you (girls) might wanna be like her. She truly deserves to have that name and she had proved that even if she in a crowd, she can make her mark with her simplicity. If she is with you then you don’t have to worry about anything. She will not behind your cover but along with you and may come in front if you face any problem so that it first hits her. I am really thankful to the Almighty that I have been given with such wonderful gifts of friends that I can say I don’t have a single friend but if I compare friends as flowers then I have a bouquet of it and if a rose then I have petals from them. She is among them but with a distinct fragrance that is unique in its own. People may find many similarities among there best friends and Neelam does posses all the best qualities, but the thing that make her special is the way these qualities are shown by her. She will never give you a feeling of dominance or smartness and that’s one of the qualities most don’t posses. So let’s start the journey of this great relationship atleast from my side and a gift to her that she will keep and remember for a long timeJ
It all started on 21st of October 2004 when I joined the company and went for the training for 41 days in Trivandrum. When I reached the hotel I was a bit confused and nervous to see so many peoples belonging to the same company. I was at that time not very happy as I was expecting a nice place to be in. That hotel was just okay. I guess most of the people came a day or two earlier and have the introduction with most but I just keep quite as all this was new to me. I didn’t remember exactly but the next day when we went to office I saw my batch and the first person I talked with is Arjun and Vicki and they are now my good friends and Arjun is like my brother. Neelam came along with her college group and was comfortable from the start but it was also new experience for her. She is from MP (Madhya Pradesh) and her roomie also. To tell you the truth, when I came to know that both of them belong to MP I was a bit reluctant in the beginning to talk with them as I have seen MP girls and when they change there mood only God knowsJ he he he. Well the 2 weeks went like that and I still didn’t have much interaction with Neelam. It was the fourth weekend when our batch planned to go to beach and there I came to know about her. To tell you the funniest thing during that was her stability. What I mean is that we had to hold her hands in order to keep her stand upright. She was just floating along with waters and we all were just enjoying that. At one side I was holding her hand and someone from other side, but there also I can see her enjoying despite thinking anything else. Okay now lets describe her, I used to forget this part and puts in between all the time. Neelam – average height, wheetish in colour, medium hairs (looks nice if she keeps open, but she doesn’t), slim, a very innocent smile, looks more beautiful making weird faces, and like a child sometimes. You can see her grace and seriousness to something that she cares. Often gets angry and takes everything emotionally and because of that it hurts her many times. About her attitude just in brief, she is loving, caring, innocent, graceful, humble, polite (with a MP accent, he he), intelligent (in terms of work, professionally I mean), a bit stupid (as she is a girl, can’t help). And the very best thing I like about her and can very rarely found in people is the commitment for things. Whether it’s about work or personal relationship, if she considers something then she is committed to it whatever is the scenario. Also if she says or wants to do something then no one in this world can change her decision, this shows her strength to take risks in life, but may cause trouble sometimes for which the consequences are unknown. But all in all she can be considered as a modern girl with all the courage and strength to take on this world with a commitment and simplicity in mind. One more thing about her quality that is again not much found in people is the down to earth nature. She has the guts to consider herself simple despite in this show off world. She wants to remain simple without even a thought of others and that’s makes her special. For her beauty don’t lies in clothes but the presence and on a graceful note. She also gives her friends a feeling of proud when they are with her and never ever let them feel the loneliness and gave less importance then others. She considers her friends the same, ha for me I have got more importance J just kidding… One more great quality of her is her laziness in doing things which she had no interest. She can sleep for hours without any issues and during weekends her day starts after 11 or 12. It’s really nice to disturb her sleep during weekends and I often did the same in ILP and then you can see her face very exciting. Also if you call her ad speak then her kid dish accent will make you feel that she is the most innocent girl in this world and she will say in such a nice manner that you feel how tired this girl is. But its just that she is very lazy to get up early.
So after a month I came to know her very well but that time also I have never thought that this friendship will be so intense with all the good things around. During our training my favourite room was 210 as I only go to my room (my room number was 302) for sleep. My roomie was a bit weird but who cares. So in that room we all get together and share our thoughts and the day’s activity, blaming the lecturer, when we slept or felt sleepy in office. Who dressed well today, when we will go for dinner, any plans for weekend, etc. Our group basically include Neelam, Trupti, Sonal, Kriti, Nitin and I. We have kept the pet names for all and in order Neelam is called as Neelu and COE, till now I didn’t understand why she is called with that name. Also someone told me her name as ‘Chambal ki Raani’ (Queen of Chambal) and I guess she didn’t like that name. Myself and Arjun also gave her name but that also she didn’t like to call her. So its Neelu for friends and ‘Gudia’ for the family members. I also remember the day when we got allocated to different places and I was not very happy with my allocation as I want something else. But that time I didn’t put any effort as Nitin & Vicki was along with me and I felt a bit comfortable with them. I can see sadness on Arjun’s face and I really thank for this. She got Delhi as she asked for and was very happy. She became my Polo friend, as she used to get Polo in office everyday and I used to have after every class. Once I get the polo from her and distributed to others and all thanked me and she was just staring with me like a tigress and I was smilingJ. Well those 41 days of training are the most exciting and unforgettable days of our life as not only we have started our professional carrier but also we got such great friends that will be there for you for a very very long time. Finally the day arrived when we had to leave for our destination places and I guess in our batch she was the one that cried the most. As I told she is very emotional and can’t control her emotions, it was really hard for her to depart at that time. I remember when her friend Richa told me that please go and control her and I did went and she made me cry also. But that was the time I had nothing much to say but just to be brave and take care. I couldn’t get a chance to drop her to the station as I went along with Trupti to drop her to Airport as she was going alone. When I came back Neelam called me many times and all the time she was crying and I was just consoling her every time. But I really thanked her as she considered me worth to share her feelings and I prayed and wished that I will remain the first to be given a chance to share her sadness and her problems. If I am not being remembered in happiness I really don’t care, but if I am called in any problem then that’s the real friendship in my terms. Because happiness can be shared with many but you share your problems only when you have trust on that person and that’s what I always try to build on my friends. In her terms she is definitely a lady to be trusted and never ever you can feel a slight doubt on her as she will never give you a chance to point.
She is being a source of inspiration I say for others as she had given so much to the friends she cared. I remember the day when I went for the first time to my native and first went to Delhi to meet Arjun and Neelam. In 2 days I enjoyed like anything and she took leave from office just to be with me for all day and that was very sweet of her. She helped me in shopping for my mother and sister, we ate, we roam and just amazing. This is just an example where she makes you feel and realize your importance. Everyone wants to make a mark by showing his/her presence, but Neelam shows her mark by being simple and quite. It’s now three years that I know her and I can say I know her very well among all her friends and I guess she won’t deny that fact. Even though she was in Delhi for more than 2 years with lots of friends around, still she kept a place for all and never had any difference. This is the most impressive of her character that describes her. People tend to loose contacts as time passes, but for Neelam the relationship grows deep for the person which she considers her close. I am really lucky to be a part of that and even though I haven’t proved to be an ideal friend for her, but she always proved. She used to call all her friends during B’days and occasions and shares the happiness. She gave me so many gifts on my B’day and I couldn’t say the same for her. Well this is not just materialistic thing but the way she does all this pure from her heart is just out of this world.
She has shared most of the things with me but I still feel that I haven’t build that trust on her, definitely my mistake as I am not like her and lacks in most of the qualities, but the way she gave her support and affection not to me but for all she cares is great. She is truly a Gem, a very special friend, like a rose among flowers, Swan among ducks, diamond among stones and a lovely person among common people. Well a lot to write about her but truly I am now short of words and my English is week to get new and good words on her praise. But the fact is that I have been the luckiest among all to have been with her for so much time that it feels me great and I have a lot to remember and gets a smile on my face remembering those lovely moments I spent with her. She has always given so much to everyone to her family and friends and never ever I saw her demanding. Her down to earth nature makes her so simple and lovely that it’s hard to be angry on her despite all her stupidity. It’s nice to fight with her and I wait when she says some good words to me. One more thing that I forgot to mention is her voice. She is a very good singer but in this case thoda bhav khati hai woh and never agrees on one go to sing a song. But whenever she sings it stuck the attention of everyone and I request her to develop this skill in her as music can be a great companion in times. I have a wish that one day she will sing a song for me, but let’s see when it comes.
Before this I wrote one story and that was the longest of so far, but this truly deserves far more as this relationship and friendship and Neelam is special and also the time it started is not that long, but it’s just a small life to be considered. Now it’s the time for me to make a wish and pray for her as this is the only thing I can ask for her in front of God. First of all I thank God for giving me such a wonderful companion without which I won’t have imagine my these three years. I truly wish the best for her and she will get all the things that she deserves in life and a much more for her. I would say to her that is the same as you are and never change your way to see things whether it’s material or immaterial or persons and the bond that you have tied with people may grow stronger and stronger. You won’t get any problems in life and if by chance then remember a friend that wrote this story to share your problems. To my least I can’t help much but atleast I can share your pain or possibly take all. Do not ever think that you are alone as you have so many to take care for you. Also you get success in life and as you are supporting your family the same you will continue forever by all our blessings. You are a ‘Gudia’ for them with a sense of responsibility and you need to upto that. All your stupidity I mention is not your bad habits but your additional attributes that make you special and hence keep them with you always.
You are leaving in a few days and I don’t know if we can ever meet. When I left Delhi I had the same feeling and those lovely drops from your eyes I still remember. You should save them now as you have already gave them in extra for others, hence lets keep them for some other big moments. I don’t know what you have thought reading this story, but I tried to give you a picture about your 3 years and the good memories that you already have in your heart and brain. I hope you won’t forget me as I won’t let you do so and may in life if there is true happiness that people search for it can direct to your doors. I am not going to end this story but just wishing you Luck…..
All the Very Best

Hadd Ho Gayi (That is Too Much)

This is the story of a girl which can fit best in all the roles. She is cool and she is smart, she is sweet and she is beautiful. All the good words can end but her praise never ends. You might think I am talking about someone in my dreams, well dreams are there to put in reality and it’s possible to feel what you see in your dreams. But this girl is real and lives in this world with all the happiness around her and making to feel the same for others. She is my lovely friend and the name I gave her is ‘Pyaari’. It’s a Hindi term that resembles with love, but in a casual way it can be fit in many scenarios. The reason why I gave her this name is very simple as she has all the qualities that you can think of to be in your best of the best friends. She is sweet, adorable, charming, lovely, beautiful, simple, elegant, loving, caring, responsible, honest, bright, intelligent, hard working, etc etc. well I know some might think that how can all these qualities be in a single person, but as I told if you see everything beautiful around yourself, then even the smallest of joy can bring a bigger smile on your face. But it’s a fact that she posses all these aspects in her and you can feel the same when you are around and even if not then you can cherish the moment you spent with such a wonderful person.
Now let’s start with how this relationship started. To tell you it was a bit unusual and it happens to me most of the times. I came to know her name on my birthday. My lovely team celebrated my birthday in the evening in canteen, when we all finished with that there are some cake pieces left and we took that in our cubical. There my friend got a call from her and she was teasing Pyaari that we have cake in our desk. I guess she asked in a funny manner to my friend to get some for her and after the call I did say to her to get the cake for Pyaari, but she didn’t take that. It was a lovely black forest cake and everyone liked that. So then everyday my friend used to call her or she calls to her and they talk and discuss whats happening in office and all. I also used to say something in between about her and ask my friend to introduce me. I often used to joke that she will be honoured to see me and having a friend like me. Also I used to ask her how Pyaari looks like and she never told me clearly about her, she used to say that she is very nice and don’t think anything else as she got many fans. Fans we used to refer to a persons girlfriend and boyfriend in a funny manner. So I used to tell her that if she has got lots of fans then her craze will over after seeing meJ. But finally one day when we were going to canteen, she called Pyaari to join and when she told me I was excited that finally for the girl I heard so much every day, I am gonna meet her.
Well finally we met in canteen, when I saw her, first thing came in my mind is her long hairs. I am really fascinated with girls having long hairs and take care. She was wearing salwar suit, with a small wallet and cell phone on her hand. She kept that on our table and went to get coffee and when she joined my friend introduced me to her. Since I had heard so much about her, from the beginning I was very comfortable to talk, I m not sure what she was thinking but I guess she didn’t have time to thought at that moment. We just talk casually asking the project and what she does and all. One more thing that I need to tell is when I saw her; there was something different I found in her. She has a very attractive face that can attract any person. I was really in a different world seeing her, well we used to see so many new different and beautiful faces, but she was far ahead from us. She has the face that just put an image in your heart and mind. I know when she will read this she will burst into laughter. After that we rarely get the chance to meet and I tried to see her in canteen in the evening whenever I used to go with my friend or my team.
Then one day she got the number from my friend and she called me to get some information on something and did tell her to the best of my knowledge. There after also I didn’t have much interaction with her and never dare to sms as I didn’t know what she will think of me. It was all along going well and then the meetings begin to happen gradually. I thank to the beautiful canteen for that which gave us time to relax and chat the whole days stuff. When she went to her native, she called my friend and conveyed her Hi and regards to me and that I really appreciate about her. Later time went on and our friendship was flourishing. I used to wait for her to go to canteen and sometimes I escape with my team to go along with her. She is very simple and sweet, I guess anyone can make her fool, doesn’t think too much on anything and which I often told her about this. Also I am very fond of telling people to eat well and all my best friends who do know me know that. In her early days when I met her, she was very slim and her beauty gets hidden under that. I told her so many times whenever we were in canteen to take some snacks and all. Previously she doesn’t listens but later she came to know it’s for her good health. I used to scold people in two things specially girls, first if they don’t take care of their hairs and secondly if they don’t take care of their health.
Well everything was going well and suddenly one day she called me in the night and we talked for nearly an hour, I was very happy and thought ‘wow finally she considers me as a good person ;-)’ then again the next day she called and we talked for the same time, I was really happy as I felt there is someone whom you can share the things at any time and someone is there to listen your stupid talks. I remember one Friday night where all our roomies set to watch a movie and when we started to see I got her call. I went in the kitchen so as not to disturb others and started talking. After an hour I remember my room mate came to see me and I told him that I will come in a while. Finally when the call ended and I went in the room my mates told me that the movie was over and we have now started the new one. They all were seeing me with such a suspicious eyes as though I have done something wrong. I don’t know what to say this a good news or a bad in some aspect, I got an opportunity to work at the client site for an year and I was asked to leave the next day. I was literally not happy with that as I was really enjoying those days with my friends and especially with Pyaari. I tried to postpone that for some days, but couldn’t and thought to take this opportunity as I waited this for a long time. The other regret I had was that weekend myself, Pyaari and my dear friend booked tickets for movie and that was the first time I was going with her. Well all this happened so fast that I couldn’t even said good bye to her properly.
During the initial days, I was really missing my parents and all my dear friends, but as time went on I was getting busy in my work. I was slowly loosing contacts with people and was not even cared about. Then one day I got the mail from Pyaari and I was really happy that she remembers me, she was shouting at me telling that you forgot us and all. I then replied with the entire story and from there on again we were in touch. She really showed the sign of a true friend and made me realise that distance doesn’t matter, its all the feelings in your heart that is important. In my all the mails I used to write her to eat well and I know she listened to me. She is the friend I can ask something and demands. She never showed me that I am not important to her, not because I am not close to her but that she knew that I am a good friend. Initially we had a communication via mails and we used to send mails daily of whats happening around. Also I used to talk with my friend and get the latest information about her. Now I can say that she is one of my lovely and dear friends or to say more than a friend and I respect her deep from my heart. I never found any bad things about her. She is a perfect lady in my eyes and the proof of that is I am her friendJ. I forgot to mention why I have chosen the title of this story as ‘Hadd Ho Gayi’. Basically that’s a Hindi phrase meaning ‘too much’. She uses this phrase quite often when we talk on phone and the reason behind that I always used to praise myself on all the things and the people used to get fed up and say something like that. When I found her saying that so many times, I used to knowingly praise myself and then say ‘now you will say your favourite wordJ’. Hence I told her that when I am going to write a story about you, I will definitely put this as the title.
Whatever I wrote about her and the time I spent with her will always remind me of those wonderful days. Even though we are far, but we are in constant touch via mails and phone. She is one of the motivator that encouraged me to write like this and when I started I told myself that I will write about all my great friends which can’t be valued or compared with the costliest jewels in the world. But still I say that she is the Kohinoor for us and we are glad and honoured to have a partner like her. I don’t know but I am running short of words to describe her beauty, personality but every time her name comes a smile comes on the face of all that knows her. I am sure she will achieve everything in life what she is asked for and will deserve the best of the things she won’t have dreamt of. At this time I can only pray to GOD that never ever she will have a feeling of sadness and all the happiness will circle around her all the time. People say a friend in need is a friend indeed and I really want to prove that true for her that whenever there is something that you need to share and that can bring you peace, you can always find me behind. I may not walk along with you the entire life, but can walk infront of you to have all the stones that anyhow target on you. All this seems to be philosophical, but if you have a friend like you then this will be what you feel.
I am not gonna end this story as she is still my the most loving friend and I pray for her all day n night and I don’t know if I can ever see her in future. But I want her to think that I am a true friend of her and can do anything to make her happy. Currently we are chatting too much on mails and phone and she wants me to write another story that I will try to write. But Pyaari is a friend to me missed and you have a feeling of something empty in your life and if that happens to you because of someone or someone feels the same because of you then it’s the ultimate bond that is being tied and should be respected.
All the Best…