We all have memories of our childhood, when we think about it makes us happy, sad,
excited and nostalgic. One of my first memories was of my father travelling to London on his
maiden trip. I was seven years old then, I can barely recollect the preparations he had done
before went on his trip but as I ponder, I remember two things. The first was him calling up
and trying to explain time difference but I miserably failed understand then. The second was
the gift he brought for me. He had purchased two black three-piece suits one for himself and
another for me. Whenever we wore it, we looked just like the poster boys of, ‘Men in Black’.
My father is my everyday hero. His sharp looks and smart sense of dressing for the occasion
has always been praised by his colleagues.
Studying in Chennai had never given me the opportunity of wearing a suit until my
second job interview. Having received a job offer as soon as I was done with my graduation
and working in Delhi for two years it was time to look forward for new opportunities. After
seeking my father’s advice, I had a big interview coming up in two weeks. The attire for the
interview was, ‘business formals.’ After being in a comfort zone for almost two years this was
a huge leap. If I could impress the panel, I would be given the opportunity to lead a team. I was
getting nervous as each day passed by. My father flew into the city to help me with my
preparations. Weekends were off-days for me, my interview was still four away, on my fathers
persistent stressing we went for shopping in the evening. He said that he wanted to gift me
‘something special’, I was confused. We walked into a nearby mall. Pointing to a first-floor
showroom we walked into a ‘Louis Philippe’ flagship store. He asked the shopkeeper for a
black formal suite. I went back twenty years and it seemed as if yesterday we were posing for
photographs and today is no different. I managed to control my tears. I wanted to hug him
tightly but I controlled my emotions. I regained half of my self-confidence. The shopkeeper
asked me to collect the suit on the eve of the interview after he makes the necessary alteration.
On the day of the interview as soon as I wore the tie, my chest puffed out by 2 inches.
As I put on the coat it comfort gave me an unimaginable confidence. When I reached the venue,
I was oozing with self-belief. The interview went very well. I received the job offer a week
later and that ‘Louis Philippe’ suit became a source of inspiration and a part of me.
-Soumendu
