Phases and Faces.

April 04, 2007

Life has so many phases – some completely unforgettable ones. And it is surprisingly similar with faces. Many of them and some unforgettable ones.

You know na, I write arbit stuff to avoid writing senty stuff. [In the true Diamond comics style: subuk subuk ]

I attended my second convocation in a little less than 2 years. I am now officially an engineer and a manager. Can feel my chest become [oops – rhyming can be a dangerous business!]. Rephrase: Can feel my chest inflate with false pride. The convocation at IITK was held inside the AC auditorium. Here at IIMA, they decided to do things their own sweet (and hot) way. So the convocation was held in the open grounds, with every recipient exuding more sweat than either pride or happiness. I sympathize profusely with Dr Singhania’s right palm.

There was a method even in this madness. Just preceding the convocation was the group photograph session for the batch of 2007. And it is a miracle how they fit in 300 robed men and women in such a small space and kept them there for deep roasting that lasted a full hour. Anything that followed this had to be a relief for all the harried souls and thus, the convocation ended up being more relieving than it would otherwise have been.

Life suddenly seems as barren as Gobi desert. And as exciting as gobhi dessert. No easy access to internet, no recourse to DC++ and no way to pain friends into releasing a deep argh. No waiting for the red blinker on the right bottom screen proclaiming “Chitthi aayee hai aayee hai …” in a tone that would be understood better by a family of modems and aliens than Pankaj Udhas. But I am still wondering how unpredictable life can be. And how it can land big surprises bang on your head. Like and me Strato landing up at the same place. In the typical McDonald-ian style, I’m lovin’ it.

I also have a lot in my agenda for the next month or so. Matlab bahut ho gaya. On so many occasions it has happened to me. I had a bike and a charming lady to escort. But I lacked the necessary skills. And it can be devastating for any man worth his salt. You see, I never quite got the time or occasion to learn to ride a bike. So I will now try to make up for my past sins. Faizabad aur Lucknow walon, side ho jao. Main aa raha hoon. [“Main nikla, o gaddi le ke …” playing in the background ]

There’s also a connection between me and watches. Matlab ek hi saans mein Vyom, watch aur gift bol do to Jupiter mein explosion ho jayega. I have gifted five watches, bought two and been gifted two. Phew. All this even before I have earned anything working full time. The latest one comes from Bhaiya and Bhabhi, a combined belated birthday and placement gift. Ooooh la la la.