It was not just another Travel Conversation

Flight number AI506 flying Mumbai - London has been delayed. All passengers are requested to head towards Gate 2. We apologize for the inconvenience.

After hearing the announcement, Malini started walking towards Gate number 2. She was one of the passengers boarding the Mumbai - London flight. Tall, dusky and sleek, Malini worked for India Daily as a Journalist and was travelling to London to meet her parents. Malini was born and brought up in Tamil Nadu and completed her graduation from Mumbai. Her parents shifted to London to stay with her brother. She landed a job as an intern in India Daily immediately after graduation and was offered a job on permanent basis. A smart South Indian with a dash of intelligence, she was a complete package.

Seated in the airport lounge, Malini was eagerly waiting to board the flight, after all she was seeing her family.

"Excuse me, are you waiting here to board the flight for London?" said a husky voice. Malini looked up and saw this thirty something handsome man standing right in front of her, killer looks and very attractive.

"Yes I am" she said softly.

"Thanks just wanted to double check. Would you mind if I take a seat next to you?"

Ok! said Malini with a bit excitement in her voice. After all he was pretty good looking hunk.

"Hi I'm Siddharth, I live in Delhi and was here in Mumbai for some business work. I was heading to London to attend a trade exhibition.What about you?"

"Hi, I'm Malini. I work as a journalist with Mumbai Daily. I'm visiting my family in London. My parents and my brother are settled there. I'm here due to my job."

"Interesting. Would you like to have some coffee, I'm planning to get one for myself."

"Sure, I'll accompany you." saying this she got up from her seat.

"So how do you like the city? I mean I keep visiting Mumbai quite often, I think its a great place - a city that never sleeps." asked Siddharth.

"I'm living here since the last 5 years. I completed my graduation and then got a job as well.Though I have lived in various cities, I like this place more. It has it a different aura, the people here are working round the clock and being a journalist we too need to be on our toes all the time. I can relate to this place."

"And what about your family? Asked Siddharth with curiosity.

"My parents were living in Tamil Nadu. My dad had a small farming business. We used to grow vegetables and sell it directly to the consumers. My mom helped dad in business. They had over 20 people working in the farm. I was born in Tamil Nadu but completed my schooling from Mussoorie. My brother Rama and I studied in the same school. He headed to London to complete his masters and then found a decent job there. He has been in there since the last five years."

"Sounds very interesting" saying this he ordered for his cappuccino and a latte for her.

"So what do you do Siddharth?

"Im into textile business. I export all over the world...Going to London for a trade exhibition. You seem to be pretty young. Hmmm out of college right?" 

"Not exactly, its been one and half years that I'm working now.What about your family, as in wife, kids?"

"Ahhh noo. I'm still single, I live with my parents."

"Oh, I thought you were married. I'm sorry, it was a personal question."

"No. that's fine I am 35 years old and not married, enjoying my life the way it is. I have friends and we party over the weekend, take trips around the world, I work hard, earn big money and live life on my own terms."

"Ok. So your happy to be single and not have any one? Would you be like this all through your life?"

"Yeah may be, may be not. I don't know, not sure. I live in the present moment. Actually I was close to getting married thrice."

"Thrice?" Mailini said surprisingly.

"First time when I was 25, then second time when i was 28 and third time when i was 32."

Malini had a confused look on her face. "Interesting I'm curious to know what happened all the three times only if you wouldn't mind."

"Absolutely not. Its a long story." Siddhartha was pretty relaxed and didn't mind at all sharing this with Malini.

"I wanna hear." she said.

"Ok, we still have some time and our flight has not yet landed." saying this they picked up their coffee cups and headed back to their seat.

"The first girl was my college sweetheart. I was marrying the love of my life. We were great friends, fell in love and decided to marry. However just a week prior to our marriage, I decided I didn't want let go off this freedom....freedom of being single and thought I to myself that I was just 25 years old and wasn't prepared to take on this responsibility. I started feeling awkward, restless and weird, like I'm not ready for it. I know it was my fault of saying yes to marriage at first. I thought that its the girl I know and things would be the same but then I realized that I didn't want to get committed so soon and hence called off the wedding."

"What about the girl?" asked Malini.

"Well I just apologized and moved out, didn't see her ever again! I know that was very rude but didn't have the courage to face and say anything to her. I knew it was my fault." he sounded pretty cool.

"Ok..What about the second time?"

"I was 28 then. My parents were trying to convince me for marriage. My mum had seen a girl of her choice and I liked her. We spent time together, got to know each other and then I thought that she was the one for me. I said yes after few weeks and then we got engaged. Just few days after the engagement I again got the same feeling which I had experienced during my earlier breakup - of being COMMITTED, RESPONSIBILITY, NO FREEDOM and I felt like this whole thing was a burden. I instantly called off the engagement and explained to my parents I wasn't ready yet."

"Are you kidding me, you called off your marriage twice because you thought you were not ready and didn't want to get committed to anyone?" Malini was shocked and not so convinced with the act.

"Yes, I was happy with many girls around, dating, flirting, enjoying my life the way I want and living on my own terms but didn't want that life long commitment with one girl."

"Ok and the third time?" the conversation was getting intense.

"Hahaha..well I turned 32 and my parents were emotionally blackmailing me. Dad warned me that he would kick me out of the house and business and I needed to settle down as soon as possible. In spite of making them understand and telling them that I was not ready, they didn't seem to budge. This time they just fixed my marriage, I told her that I wasn't interested and loved my bachelorhood. I didn't want to let go off this freedom.Well after hearing about my past and two marriage breakups that girl immediately said no and I was saved again. My parents stopped pestering me after this incident and I'm living a peaceful life."

Malini was not so impressed after listening to this."Do you feel happy about doing all this and hurting your parents emotions?"

"See I'm not hurting anyone, neither I'm cheating on any one. I have made it very clear to them, that unless and until I don't feel comfortable or I'm ready for marriage, I will not take this step. I want to be 2000 percent sure before being committed."

"I have seen so many marriages breaking-off, relationship ending on petty issues, what sense does that make? You promise to be there for each other and then everything is over within no time. I don't wanna got through all this. I'm happy the way I am. I'm not hurting anyone's feelings, just living the way I want to."

In the mean time there was an announcement. 'All passengers flying to London via flight AI506 are requested to head towards Gate number 2."

Siddharth got up. "I think we must get going otherwise we will miss this flight."

Malini was mum, she didn't know what to say or react. Though Siddharth was way elder to her, she had a right to voice her opinion.

"Ok Siddharth, lets finish the security checks and board the flight we shall speak later."

Saying this both of them headed towards security counter.

Siddharth was travelling in business class and Malini in economy. She was thinking what Siddharth spoke to her. She thought may be he was scared or has some kind of marriage phobia or may be he is really not interested to settle down in life. He is scared of something and there's something that pulls him back from being into a relationship and that something was none other than COMMITMENT. Yes, he is afraid of being committed to one person all his life. He is giving all false excuses for not marrying. At the end he doesn't want to take up any responsibility or be in this institution called marriage. But if you ponder over to what he says, he could be right or may be wrong.

But why was Malini bothered so much. She barely knew him, its his life let him live the way he wishes. She shut her mind and tried to sleep.

"Excuse me Ma'am" said the air hostess. "Our passenger from the business class wants to have a word with you."Mailini knew it was Siddharth. "Ma'am could you please head this way."
She got up and walked  towards the business class area.

"Hey pretty lady, didn't you sleep yet?"

"No, I was trying to but couldn't." said Malini. "But how did you mange to get me her?"
"See around, we are just two here in business class. So I requested the air hostess and told her that you were my long lost friend and we were meeting after ages. She agreed to let you in but only for some time."

"Ok. Looks like you have a good rapport with the air hostesses." Malini chuckled.

"Siddharth I was thinking about you, I mean about what you shared some time back. I'm not sure how correct you are but this is just my opinion. Settling down and having a family is the best thing ever. You have some one to be with to at the end of the day, some one to take care of you. When you are in trouble its this one person that stands by you, when you need love, its this one person that loves you till eternity and when you fall down, its this one person that lifts you. Think about the time when you grow old, you will be all alone, you will have no one by your side then, no parents no family, no relatives and no friends. You will live alone and die alone. Your friends are not going be there all through your life. Each one has his/her own priority, at some point in life, they all will go their way. This could happen 5 years down the line or even 15 years down the line. But nothing is permanent in life. Remember being committed doesn't mean you will lose your freedom. It gives an assurance to the girl that you are her's forever. She will give you space and time to do things you want in life. You can off course party even after marriage no one will stop you but the loneliness will haunt you during your end days. I'm no one to say anything or judge you, you may be right in your way, its your feeling and your thinking but if you flip the coin and think over what I'm saying probably you might understand. Having some who will love you unconditionally is the best gift. Probably you have never fallen in love at all. Give it a try, may be something might just change your life forever. I think I should leave now and go back to my seat. Good night."

As Malini got up to leave, Siddharth called out to her "Hey Malini, you seem to be very mature eh! I can buy your point but I need some time to think over it."

"Can we catch up in London?"

Happy Reading!!!
Priyanka

Confusion, Marriage and You!!!

It was a Sunday morning....the phone rang, Ananya gathered some courage, took a deep breath and answered the phone call.
"Hey Ananya, Viraj here...can we meet for dinner tonight? I shall meet you directly at the restaurant, Gold Cafe...sharp at 7.. see you then bye."

Miss Ananya Kumari, born in a middle class family.. MBA from one of top B schools..financially independent women, hails from a family with strong cultural values. Her appearance was one thing that no guy would die for..she was short, plum and had decent looks...but she was smart and talented..sensible and a no nonsense chick. Her strong personality and a bit dominant nature would always attract some attention from her peers and colleagues. She knew how to take care of every one and was always the dominant types. Handling a guy was no big deal for her.

Ananya didn't know what to expect from this meeting. She had no idea about what was coming her way...she went with a clear mind, hoping for the best to happen....her parents had arranged her to meet the Mr. Perfect...Viraj Sen.

The perfect guy any girl would die for....6 feet 3 inches...handsome hunk with flamboyant personality..a guy every parent would wish for their daughter and he was every girls dream....smart talented..an MBA, working with one of the big fours (consultancy firms) in the Top management league...girls, dating and show bizz were his unique characteristics... He agreed to meet Ananya.

The clock struck 7..Anaya was all set, seated at the dinner table...bang on time.. Waiting to meet Viraj. It was now 7.30.....7.45.....and finally Viraj arrived at 8 pm., One hour late!

He entered the restaurant and looked all over the place. He instantly spotted Ananya, walked towards her...

"Hey I'm very sorry, the traffic was horrible....hope you wouldn't mind". Ananya was annoyed. She thought this guy has no decency at all. He walked in late and didn't even bother to inform her ...Well that was the first impression....

"Would you like to order some thing Ma'am? the waiter disrupted her thoughts.. .. "Hmmm oh yes".....Viraj interrupted ..Let's order for dinner and then we can talk at length...I love Chinese, chicken soup..some starters.. whatever you suggest (looking at the waiter) and fried rice would do...is that OK with you Ananya?

"Yes"...she replied sulkly...as if she cared...

With this the waiter left them to themselves....

"So did you like this place.. its pretty awesome..nice and cozy...hmmmm..I love the food here...they make real good Chinese..I hope you will like what I have ordered."

Viraj went on an on...like there was no stopping to his talks....for the first time she felt some one overpowering her...she felt dominated ...as if things were flowing out of her hands....and for the first time she spoke less.

"So Ananya , you are aware of the reason why we are meeting tonight..so let me ask you a few questions."

Few questions my foot....its not an interview darn it...Anaya thought to herself.
Keeping her cool, with a constant smile on her face she was patiently listening and answering all his silly questions (that's what she thought they were).

"What exactly are you looking at?" He asked.

"What do you mean?" that was her reply.

"As in what kind of a guy."

"I want to be with a guy who is not arrogant and who respects women"...a taunt straight on his face.."What about you Viraj?"

He replied "I need a girl who would take care of me and my family..thats it."

He couldn't stop checking her out..She noticed that at first instance ...A rich pink Anarkali, with high heels and a decent jewellery to go with it. Just looked elegant and cute..

The conversation went on ..dinner had finally arrived..and they were done in an hours time.

"Hey you too have a BlackBerry" Viraj said ..sounded pretty excited... "Can we exchange our bbm pin?...let's catch up on bbm."

Saying this he picked up Ananya's phone and scanned her BB pin.

Must admit, this guy was quick, doesn't waste time and knows how to woo a girl smartly.

But It didn't work out that way for Ananya, she had her own ego issues, she was shocked to meet a guy who was so dominant. This was the first guy in her life, whom she couldn't control, he hardly let her speak that evening...On the contrary, he had all the qualities and she couldn't find a valid reason to say no..she couldn't make up her mind whether to go ahead with this or not..He was totally opposite to what she wanted...She felt like two ends meet..He was different, unique and had an X factor...Yet she couldn't decide..she was confused.

For Viraj it was the girl he longed for...he knew her strengths and weaknesses..he instantly had read her on the very first meet...he knew she was the girl for him..he had made up his mind to go ahead with this..His personality, arrogance and flamboyant nature would make any girl go gaga over him but with Anaya he knew this was not the case...In fact she was the first girl in his life who disliked him in the first meet..and he had guessed all this in the entire evening...He had a task now to win her heart and her task was to try and escape from this confused state.

Late that night Anaya received a text msg from Viraj.... 'Hey it was wonderful today...I liked your company and enjoyed every minute spent with you...thanks for such a wonderful evening and keep smiling always coz you look the best when you smile.'

And there began a journey....Anaya confused, not able to decide, wants to say no..the sms changed her mind, may be he is good, should give another chance, don't know what to do...she knew she had to meet him again and again to decide ....

Viraj..... with a mind all clear, slept peacefully, as he had already made the decision of his life..of being with her now and for ever......

So often we are confused when it comes to taking marriage decisions...Just like Ananya we don't think, we become judgmental and take decisions that make our thoughts more complicated...when we are seeing someone, or decide to meet a guy for marriage purposes, we should try and give time to each other....At times you will strike a chord in the first go like Viraj or might take several meetings to say yes  like Anaya...Sometimes we  might end up saying No to the right person or saying yes to the wrong person  (But don't worry, this never happens easily)......Take your time, don't be confused, don't be judgmental, don't make any pre-conceived notations about your partner even before meeting or in the first go....give time and take time...you will figure out easily what you want and will know if the guy is right for you or not...If you are not able to decide anything for yourself, leave it in Gods hands...he will show you the way......

Dedicated to all those who are going through or will go through this phase.....

Keep Reading
Priyanka

Episode 5 - Finally a Y E S ! ! ! !

I woke up next morning, my head was spinning, I had a shooting headache. I dint sleep well last night, my mind was occupied with many thoughts. I really felt like I'm in a shell and need to break free and spread my wings.
I reached office late and wasn't in a very pleasant mood. I grabbed my coffee and was quietly working at my desk.

Anamika came by, as usual in a very jovial tone "Care to have breakfast?".

"No, not hungry." I said.

"Ok" and she left.

I was quiet the entire time. Just chose to keep mum.

After a while Akshay came by.
"Zi, did you send the presentation to the client? He just sent a reminder.

"Oh no, I'm sorry It slipped off my mind."

"Hmmm..do it right away."

He noticed I was quiet and not in a very good frame of mind.
He bend down and slowly whispered in my ears.
"Are you ok.  Is anything wrong?
"Yes, I'm perfectly fine."
"Doesn't look like."
"No I'm fine."

"Is it because of yesterday's conversation, Zi?

And there was a big silence.

"No, No not at all." I said hesitantly.

"Yes, its that. Ok, you can tell me what's the matter. Were you upset? You weren't comfortable right? Or did we all speak too much."

"Nothing."

"Then?"

"Nothing ...just....

"Fine I won't pester you. You can speak to me whenever you feel like. Right now please can you send the presentation. The client is waiting."
Saying this he began to walk.
"Akshay....
Yes sweets!!
"You were right, I was thinking about what happened yesterday, hence I was a bit upset.
I have never done  this before, and this concept is new to me. I'm not worried about the club thing, what's troubling me is  when you all said I need to grow up and take my own decisions. Get out of the shell and live my life, enjoy to the fullest. Do you think I'm still a kid?"

He smiled as though he was pacifying me,  "Hmmm.. Well no."

"Then why did u all say that. Just because I don't do things that you guys do?"

"Zi, I know that this is not your cup of tea, so we aren't forcing you. We were just saying that you need to taste this side of life as well...that's it...the choice is yours." Take a chill now...don't think much..these are petty things.. forget about it..and live the way you want to.

Hmmm..

He just left me to my thoughts.

"So Zi, what have you decided? Yes or no..

Would you join us? You can tell ur parents that you're at Anamikas place. Girls night out. Trust us you will be safe and nothing will happen to you. We would be really happy if you come along.

"So what's the answer." They all stared at me right into my eye.

I got up from the table, waked upto the cooler...took a sip of water....turned around and before leaving the canteen I  replied....YES!!!

The Diary Days - Episode 4

Temptations - you make me weak!!! 

Weeks passed by, the honeymoon period was over and I started working on various assignments. Days seemed shorter - week after week and month after month. With a blink of an eye, I had completed six months in the organization. I had learnt quite a lot in those six months and was looking forward to some more teachings. Our team was one of the best team at Pioneer. We were the stars of our organization and had gained success in a short period of time. The only friends I had were Sujoy, Rolston and Anamika. Apart from being colleagues, they had also become my good buddies. We shared a great bonding; they trained me on various projects and also taught me how to deal with difficult situations at work. There was so much to learn from them. I started coming out of my shell and began to grow as an individual.

I worked closely with Akshay. He thought I was smart and had a liking towards me. I took him as my mentor, and tried to learn as much as I could from him. I think he was the best manager in my office. He was pretty famous among girls. We had many things in common our likes, the love for food, traveling, etc. We gelled well and had become good friends by now. Baring the fact that he was my manger; he was also a friend, guide and someone I could look up to.

Our team had great bonding- fun, frolic and work.

One day during our evening tea break – “Hey, let’s plan something. What about clubbing this Friday? We can plan a night out and crash at Rolston’s place. Everybody ok with this plan?? asked Sujoy.

“Sounds exciting”, replied Anamika.

I was hesitant to even look at them. They knew I wasn't comfortable with this plan.

“So Zi what do you think, do you wanna join?” asked Anamika.

“Hmmmm. No I don't think so. You guys have fun.”

“Oh come on. It will be fun. At least come with us. You haven't even experienced this. You should taste this side of life as well”

“I won't be comfortable. You people enjoy.”

“Akshay you convince Zi. Tell her what she is missing in life. I mean we all work hard and should party harder.”

“Yes Zi, you should experience it once, said Akshay.  “How do you know it is bad and how can you be so judgmental. Just because we go out clubbing doesn't mean we have nothing else to do in life. We are just enjoying our life, living it on our own terms. That's it. Come out of your shell, you’re smart, talented and independent enough to take your own decisions. You should learn to make your own choices and live life the way you want to. Come at least once with us.”

“Relax Guys. I'm not being judgmental and neither am I saying you people are bad. These things don't fit into my values and principles. My parents won't allow all this. Hence its better I stay away.You'll have fun.”

“What do you mean by values? Aren't we all coming from good families?” asked Rolston.

“I didn't mean it that way” I defended.

“It’s just your mental block. You’re smart, you are doing well, but you’re still a kid. Who still listens to your parents? They won't even know what you’re doing.”

“But it’s all wrong.” I defended again.

“That's what we are saying, it’s not wrong its sheer enjoyment. Who cares what will happen tomorrow. Just live in the moment and enjoy the time. It’s like kal ho na ho……. ya Zindagi na milegi doobara types.” said Anamika

“It’s your way of looking at life and my way is different. Can’t stop you from doing what you’ll want and similarly you can’t force me to do things which I don’t want to. I can’t completely promise. I will try.”

“Good at least you’re thinking about it.”

“We are not forcing you Zi. Just that we want you also to enjoy with us. The choice is yours.”  said Akshay

That evening I went home with a heavy heart. Entire evening I was thinking on what they said ‘You need to get out, your still in a shell.’

I couldn’t sleep that night.  Teaching and values or friends and party. Two different sides of a coin. If I go, I'm definitely not gonna drink. I’ll just be out eating, enjoying the music and having good time with them. Anyways I love dancing…. Zi, you never even visited a pub. May be it’s your chance to see and then decide whether this is good or bad. They were right I haven't even seen, then how do I know.

No Zi. Just stop thinking. You’re just getting carried away. Life till now was beautiful, you still enjoyed without drinking and clubbing and night outs etc, then why this way now.

Yes Zi- something new to explore, your last chance may be. Your adventurous and like doing new things then why not this.

No Zi. What if ma and paa get to know what you are upto? How shameful will that be?

You are not doing anything wrong. Just enjoying - in a different way.

Yes Zi go for it,…….. no Zi….. NO NO…oh yes come one,NO NO…… Oh my head. Its spinning. May be ill go just once and see and never go again. No harm.

Leave it ...let sleep now...will decide tomorrow.

The Diary Days - Episode 3

I LEARNT MY FIRST CORPORATE RULE :)
The most awaited moment was here. I had mixed feelings. Several thoughts running through my mind. I waited at the lobby. I was then escorted inside and completed my joining formalities.
I felt so proud of myself as if I had achieved big success in life. The interiors were splendid, bright lights, round cubicles, employee collages and paintings every where. It had a media look with a dash of corporate element to it.

I strolled around, went to the cafeteria, grabbed some coffee and was quietly observing all the activities around me.

After 10 mins, I noticed someone walking towards me, I immediately recognized the figure, it was none other than Akshay. “Welcome Ziya and congratulations!

“Thank you,” I replied in a soft voice.

“If you have finished your coffee, I can take you to your workstation”.

“Sure. I’m done, let’s go.” I jumped to my feet and walked behind him.

Let me introduce you to the team.

“Hello everyone, we have a new joiner, Ms. Ziya Subramanian. Ziya this is the team, you will be working closely with them and I'm the Manager, you will be reporting to me. Please make yourself comfortable and everyone please introduce yourself to Ms. Zi

Zi!!!!!! I felt like a television channel.

“I hope you don't mind me calling you Zi.”

“Hmmm….Yes”, I replied sheepishly. Anyways you have already made up your mind to call me Zi. Wasn't this moving too fast? First day, first intro and I already got a nick name Zi or was he just trying to make me feel at home?

“Hi, I'm Sujoy, this is Anamika and Rolston. You will be working with us. We are a team of three and now including you four. We basically handle the clients; look after their branding, work in unison with other teams etc, etc, we do a lot of work!!!! Since it is you first day, obviously there wont be any work but you can browse through our intranet sites, company policies and stuff.I think that should be enough for today.”

Saying this he pushed off to his workstation, leaving me all to myself. I logged in, changed my password and started browsing the sites he mentioned. I went through some of the magazines published by the company, saw their work pattern, tried to understand how big the company is and was slowly settling in.

It was lunch time and Anamika came by.

“Hey, let's go for lunch.” she said.

“I haven’t carried my Tiffin” I replied innocently. “Awww… you don't need to. We have a huge cafeteria that serves free lunch and if you don't like it then we have many restaurants around the corner, you can always go and grab something there. We usually do at times or order food on special occasions.”

“Special occasions, like birthdays, festivals or so..”

“Noooo FRIDAYS!!!!! That day of the week, which we all look forward to. It marks the beginning of our weekend and celebrations begin in full swing.”

She sounded as if it was a big festival.

“Do you drink??? I hope you don’t mind me asking you this question”

“No”, I said in a stern voice. “Well we usually go out for drinks on Fridays.”

I replied with a surprise look on my face, “Ok. So everybody drinks?”

“Yes, off course they do”.

Well this world was new to me. I know girls drink but I was experiencing all this for the first time. Friday night party and drinking, this concept was a bit difficult to digest. How can a person party every Friday evening and not spend time with his family or friends.
I remember, Friday evenings was a time to relax, be happy and spend time with family - Family dinners and movies with friends was the only agenda on my mind. All this was now slowly being replaced by boozing and partying.

I'm definitely not of this type and I will never do that, I swear to myself. This is not what my parents have sent me here for. I need to focus, learn, excel and grow. I don’t care what others think about me or do but my aim is different and I am a different person.

Remember Ziya Subramanium...IT IS A PROMISE TO YOUR SELF. WORK HARD

Lunch was pretty decent, 4 o clock we went for the tea break and 6 I pushed off. I didn't do anything much on day one...Just learnt that Friday marks the beginning of the weekend, drinks and party.

Wow...First corporate rule I guess.

I was looking forward to my induction. Hope I learn something useful out of this.

The Diary Days - Episode 2

A week passed by and I was still looking out for a job. I was confident that Pioneer Corp would never revert but knew I would definitely land up getting a decent job.
I usually believed in this philosophy - things happen at the right time.The time hadn't come for me yet and probably had to struggle a bit more to get my dream job.

I belonged to an upper middle class family. Dad an Engineer with the Indian Railways and Maa a banker. Both did well in their careers and were heading their respective divisions. My parents worked very hard all their lives and always guided me and my brother to take correct decisions. The field that I had chosen was out of my family’s league. My parents were not very happy when I said I wanted to take up fashion designing, get into media and be a part of the glamour world. The only profession appealing to them was either being an engineer, a doctor or MBA. All my cousins were doing very well as engineers or doctors or MBAs and were well placed in their respective fields. I was the odd one out - glamour world. Though my relatives were not very supportive or must say not happy with what I had chosen for myself but my parents supported me. They trusted my decision and knew I was excellent with my work and would do well in this field.

I was grateful to them for giving me a chance to prove myself and had promised to never let them down. I had a “Plan B” ready in my mind.  In case I failed, I would quietly take up MBA (marketing) and act as my parents say

I realized how important it is to speak to your parents about your career choices and even for parents to understand their children.

Clear thoughts and communication - first key to success. If you manage to unlock this, you have already  climbed your first step towards success.

It was Monday morning and I was ready to start over again- naukri.com, applying for jobs, speaking to friends and college seniors, getting references, forwarding my cv and so on and so forth.

Around 11 am, the cell phone rang. “Hi I'm calling from pioneer corp am I speaking to Ziya?”

“Yes”, I said taking a deep breath. “I have some good news for you.  Congratulations! You have been selected and I’m glad to offer you the position of a Management trainee. You will be working with the branding team .Can you come down to collect your offer letter. May be around 4 pm?”

I was over whelmed, over joyed. Finally my search ended and I have a job now. What a fantastic start to the week! I picked up the phone and spoke to my maa and paa.

"Thank you Lord" saying that my mother congratulated me for the new job.

I was ready at 2 pm, reached at 3 and got the offer letter at 4. ‘Management trainee – branding’. That’s what it read. I signed my offer letter and pushed off as early as possible.

But before leaving I looked around from one corner to the other. The place as huge, employees moving up and down, full of energy and positivity.  I was hoping to get a glimpse of the guy who took my interview. Couldn't see him around but knew I would work with him. I had a mischievous smile and left in peace.

The joining date was exactly after a week.

I shopped as if there was no tomorrow. Formal, perfumes’ bags shoes. I grabbed whatever I could see.  

I was anxiously waiting for ‘THE DAY ...MY FIRST DAY AT WORK.

The Diary Days - Season 1

The new post is a story which will b showcased in parts, like a serial. You need to keep visiting the blog everyday, in order to know whats going to happen next. 

The story is about a girl, her life, dreams, romance, career, family, relationships, and the one big transformation that changes her world upside down. A 360 degree revolution! She keeps writing and noting down all the incidents of her life in a diary, so she knows what went wrong when and can also relive some of the happiest moments of her life...

Keep reading and keep visiting..

Happy Reading!!!


EPISODE 1: Interview call

Lying on my bed with hands over my stomach, I knew it wasn't that mild, food poison I cried to myself. At 3 in the afternoon my cell phone rang and it was the interview call.
"Ma'am u were to visit us today but u haven't turned up". "Well" I replied, "have spoken to the HR, can't make it today. It has been rescheduled for next week." I cut the line, pulled my blanket and was off to dream land

The interview week -  Dressed in my best formals, Lloyd and baker bag, smelt of CK, put on my best stilettos and off I was to visit Pioneer Corporation - one of the biggest fashion house in the country.It has been home to some of the biggest fashion designers, owns few fashion magazine, some fashion channels and everything that belongs to the fashion industry.

A mere 30 min drive from my house, the distance didn't seem that longer.I showed up on on time and finally I was with the HR.

"Hi Ziya, hope you are much better now. Please have a seat, the manager will see you in a while."

"Thanks" I replied and was waiting in the meeting room. The room had a weird name Noeda. I wondered what that meant.

After 30 mins of waiting, a tall, smart guy walked inside the room. French beard, wheatish complexion, well built, seemed smart and very handsome, he is awesome I said to myself.....hold on Ziya...concentrate on the interview.....and he put forward his hand to greet me.

What a strong grip!

"Hi, I'm Akshay, please be comfortable.....before we begin let me introduce myself...I'm an MBA from IIM Bangalore - marketing and have recently joined this organization. Ill be heading the team and you will work under me:"

'work under me'... have I been selected????..you haven't even heard me yet!

"I had called you last week and I suppose you were not keeping well, I hope you doing much better now"

Duh! It was this guy who spoke...and I banged the phone... Never mind. i consoled myself.

"Anyways shall we start." 

And confidentally I said,"Yes, we can"

"Ziya, interesting name...tell me something about yourself."

"I'm Ziya Subaramanium....I have completed my mass media from Xaviers college Mumbai...majored in media and advertising, I have also completed a short course in fashion designing and have done a one year marketing diploma from the university.This is my first job."

"Ziya Subramanium.... What a different combination...Whats your background girl."

"My parents are South Indians...its not a love marriage...they simply loved this name hence I got it. Nothing great to share, just that its me - Ziya and Subramanium which don't go hand in hand..nothing great about the history you see." I said with that side smile on my face.

"Hmmmm..." a plain reply with no expressions at all.

"So tell me more Ziya, what do you like to do, what kind of a person are you."

Is this a marriage interview??? I thought to myself. He first introduced himself and now he wants to know what kind of a person am I.

Well, I'm a fun loving person, happy go lucky, extrovert, full of energy, love talking, meeting new people, I love playing guitar, karate black belt.. swimming is my favorite sport..I'm a state level champion....I also enjoy playing badminton....inter collegiate level..have been the college secretary, editor for magazine, good at drama and singing...I can dance all the way..all night,, love traveling, seeing new places, I live with my parents, younger brother and reside at matunga.

phew...

"Nice introduction...pretty impressive and elaborate."

But u said speak something about yourself... I thought again to myself.

"We shall get back to you." Saying this he wished me good bye.

Thats it!!! What was that..interview?? short and sweet and he didn't ask me any technical questions.

I knew I wasn't getting this job because of all the blabbering I did...but never mind I have many more to look at.
With this belief I walked out of that huge fashion house...leaving my dreams behind
Never even turned back..and I knew I had lost this opportunity.