A collection of shorts snippets that made a genuine difference in my life. A story of overcoming hardship is not just about the main protagonist but also about the supporting cast:
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A dear friend from BITS: I am fortunate enough to have lived in the same armed forces colony for over 10 years of my developing childhood phase (did someone say the trying tribulations of a teenagers?). There I made many friends who I call family to this day. One such friend, Ritwik, helped me taking a crucial decision in life. I was in my 1st year of my under graduation and still finding my bearings. While I worked hard in the classroom to maintain my grades I would relax and go out with the friends I had made. Through no one else’s fault apart from I own I started smoking. At the end of my 1st year during the term break I came home to a warm welcome from my family and friends. I met Ritwik the following night as well and all the guys decided to celebrate so we went out to the regular pub we visit when everyone is in town. Needless to say he was surprised by the new habit I picked up. He asked me one question, ”Why do you smoke?” After I sheepishly gave all the template replies I had in my arsenal he smiled and said, ”Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”. That stuck with me but I did not stop. The next week showed me a BBC documentary on the tobacco industry and biological processed smoking damages. Eye opening to say the least. It has been six happy years health for me and the people who I love.
My first job interview, I was not happy with where the undergraduate placements would take me so I waited for the right opportunity. When I got called from Sprinklr for an interview I was elated. My mother is a brand manager and always stressed on investing in clothes that last. She took me to the closest factory outlet and we got a good deal on a white and pink Louis Philipe shirt. I cracked the interview after a lot of preparation and a generous helping of uncontrolled nerves. As strange as it might sound to some, this is when I learnt to buy few but well made clothing.
Pantaloons had these unassuming cargo shorts that I wore for my first ever trek to Kodachadri. After 6 hours of trekking and a colossal mess up with our planning (we somehow thought it was a good idea to reach the peak at sunset) we reach the penultimate summit. Our final high gradient climb began, soon after I slipped and began gaining downward momentum (the worst kind). Luckily some sheep graze at high altitudes, one such stubborn sheep stopped me dead (or should I say alive?) in my tracks. The shorts certainly had considerable withering of the threads but never ripped.
These were some of major beats in my life so far and I hope to add many more engrossing chapters to it.
Lastly, I admire Mr. K.M Birla for his composure at work, losing your temper only thrice in a span of 20 years is something I would never we able to live up to. However, looking up to, learning and competing with the best is something I relish in my life and continue to do so in every sphere.
-TAPMI