As I sit down to write this article, deep inside my heart I crave for my superb rocking group and I cry for all those 7 colleagues that lived with me for a period of more than 8 months. The strong support that they gave me has made me this weak but this weakness only truly manifests the gravity of the bond and rapo we shared with each other
I am a strong believer of the Doctrine of Karma and believe that good things only happen to a good person. But this belief wasn’t this much strong considering my past experiences of college life where I had a small group. Also because I believe that just like we have single father/mother and a single first love, I wasn’t so eager ever to make a big bunch of friends. I always believed that a single best friend is enough to make the difficult paths of life go easy. Little did I know, I am going to be an integral part of an enormously large group
As I laid my first steps on the Kahalgaon station, I was skeptic. Skeptic both of the place and the people I would come across. Perhaps this fear only forced me to speak harshly with Ramnikanta who I called for getting into the bungalow as it was locked at that time.
As I entered my room, my next to be room partner, Sunny Seth, announced bluntly that he is a chain smoker and I seriously need to reconsider my decision of staying with him. Out of the 4 rooms in our lavish bungalow, two were already occupied and of the remaining two, only this was one having AC in it. I chose to go for AC furnished room as smoking isn’t exactly a big issue if you are living outside particularly when I was confident of my yoga practices. This all happened on 7th of August, 2009. I unpacked my luggage and settled quite well. Meanwhile I went to Dutta and Naveen’s room expressing my grave concerns over the smoking habit of my room partner. We were six only in strength at that time and the remaining two were yet to come.
Within few days, Arun joined us and preferred to stay in the in the only non AC room of our bungalow. The night before our first class was pretty much dramatic when we all were invited at qtr 6 for a get together and some big enough plans were proposed along with proposals for mess manager
Our first class or rather induction was on 10th of August, Monday. I bunked the first class itself and was the first one to do so. Later at evening, ambitions and politics for becoming the next mess manager were at apex. Rishabh came at evening asking about the advance money and I preferred not to cooperate with him and showed my allegiance and faith in Sunny.
Later, in the tea break the other day i.e. 11th of August, Rishabh apologized for his behavior and declared that nothing was personal. Just the previous night, Sunny had briefed me how Rishabh was emotional over having left his home for the first time and worried over his new south Indian room partners. Despite his allegiances towards Mr Soni, I had developed a soft corner for him and so I asked him to join us in our Bungalow and be my room mate and visibly the last member to join the legendary league (that was yet to form)
This is how we all eight guys came together and what followed is history now but still so fresh in my memory.
The same night, Sunny got elected as the next mess manager, thanks to Shuklaji
Since the classes were boring and the administration lax, we became pretty good experts in making proxies and our first collaboration started from here only. We used to make proxies for our bungalow mates even without prior intimation, just out of intuition and care we had for each other. Just a few days later, Rishabh offered to leave the bungalow after considering various things best known to him, but I somehow managed to retain him and influence his decision. Next collaboration, the mighty one, was over bsnl broadband. Thanks to our cumulative efforts, we were the first to have net in our quarters.
Soon we all developed such a tremendous rapo with each other that all those who came with the aims of preparing for CAT, left it all over. Mess became equivalent to a 3 star restaurant with the induction of Bharat and replacement of Munna. Going to Murkatiya for purchasing chicken and apples was fun. Once, I begged Naveen to accompany me to murkatiya as I had to purchase apples, he denied bluntly. Though he still maintains that he did that with a purpose. Dp bhai joined my yoga classes and became my first disciple. We formed a good collaboration. It was good knowing you, DP
Scheme tracing presentation was our first in this class room training. I still remember those days, where we used to divert the bus for our bungalows to do surfing from rooms. We even went to Manish sir, when it came to scoring good marks in scheme tracing ppt. All those days are still live, I still remember the night when Rishabh and I returned from Manish sir’s residence. It was quite late and I forced him to have dinner at our mess only, as he had left it and he liked the kheer made by bharat.
Diwali came and we all left for our homes for the first time. Around 25th of October, we all came back. On 26th October; Dutta, Naveen and I left for Kolkata and had a memorable time. Infact we started the trend. In the times to come, as many as 8 trips were made to Kolkata by the fellow ETs. Naveen bought his camera and as we returned we pictured our bungalow and updated it in our orkut album.
The following weekend, we went to Kolkata once again, this time with a bigger group. It was more enthralling owing to varied stuffs we did. Naveen and I went to kolakata together, everytime, and not to forget, all his shopping was basically done by me only. All his shirts, T shirts, Camera were selected by me only. He too acknowledges this.
31st October was my birthday and Rishabh was the only person who knew, In fact he is the only person so far who I told this face to face on my birthday per se.
1st of November was our Vikramshila trip and once you see the pictures that we shot, you can make out how much we enjoyed there
Rest of November was highlighted by Cricket tournament and PMI Test. I went in all of the matches to support my colleagues. PMI test was a landmark in improving our compatibility. We all made a horrible collection of past years papers, got them printed and solved in unison prior to exam. I still remember those days, when we all sat in Dutta’s room and solved all papers one by one. That was a rare event of its type, unseen hitherto. Online association that we made during exams was exemplary
As soon as PMI tests were over, Sunny and I became good companions. I took his problems as my own and did whatever I could do to increase his weight. He became my second disciple in Yoga classes and an enthusiastic gym partner. Going together to gym in winters and then coming back home, having egg fry and potatoes in diet - That was all so loving. Sunny and I were pretty compatible as I kept on saying this to him. By God's grace, sunny's weight increased exponentially in just 3 weeks
My next gym partner was Dutta. once again, we formed an excellent association. Though he was reluctant many a times, but I would drag him to gym. I repent that that association ended soon and we got separated
Meanwhile, I became familiar with Dada and DP as well. Though both were bit shy, but going with them to ICH, mess etc and talking, teasing them in rooms was so fun and I miss them both
December month was crucial for me. On 6th of December; Arun, Rishabh and I were at
9th of December was the most special of all, Rishabh and I argued/fought/whatsoever for the first time. Rishabh had guessed my mood right from Shukla’s party. Long awaited clarifications were sought and it was a special day for me. After all we came to know each other more. From the next day only, I got into the habit of sending sms. The process started with Rishabh and slowly expanded to entire ET batch and later on, I got addicted to subscribing for sms packs. At 12th night, Rishabh left for his simulator. We both had some good moments together, both before and while his simulator. Not to forget the support that Naveen offered to me while I was having problems with Rishabh. He was the only solace to me
Meanwhile, we all went for winter vacations during mid December and we all were united once again during the last week of December while our NLP classes were going on. 31st night was once again special. We all celebrated. Our bungalow abstained from drinking except Rishabh, for whom it was once in a lifetime experience. The best part was yet to come. Our Drama classes commenced from 4th of January and we all had some pretty good moments together. Drama wasn’t so special for me though but yeah I still remember those night outs that Rishabh and I made, either fighting like miyaan biwi as Dutta says or solving our sync problems. Once again we had problems but this time, I initiated for solutions unlike the first one
The most scintillating memories are that of outbound training. Right from Malda station, Rishabh and I weren’t in talking terms. In fact we didn’t talk to each other in entire trip, and very few were able to make out this fact. This journey was special in the sense that I came to know Naveen and his support and care for me is inexplicable. Focus changed and gradually he took an indelible place in my life. Outbound to Kalimpong and
As soon as we returned, I initiated once again and solved our tussle. PMI test was scheduled to happen on 2nd of Feb and once again, our bungalow was in full swing. Unfortunately this time we had sets in our papers, so we couldn’t form any online association but paper went well
As soon as the PMI tests were over, our first trip together, we all 8 guys together, to Kolkata commenced. It was no less than Kalimpong trip to me. Avatar movie, Book fair, Belur math, Nicco park – each and every detail of this trip was awesome. But as we returned, I came to know that Naveen is hurt over our behavior in the trip. I took initiative to solve this puzzle. Needless to say, we came to know each other more and here is where Naveen developed sentiments for me, as I suppose. Anand Mela was organized the very next day. I must say, it was the best day so far in kahalgaon for me. It feels proud that we were the top scorers and it feels so satisfying to have played with all those little children and helped bringing a smile on their face.
Kalimpong and Kolakata trip also brought me close to Dutta and we shared a great rapo in both of these trips. Who can forget that Nicco park roller coaster.
7th of march was our last date of stay in Kahalgaon as scheduled, hence we all planned to make a movie on our entire ET batch. This endeavor brought me close with Shukla and we together made a work of art, appreciated by all.
14th of February was the date when Rishabh had to leave, but unfortunately I got hurt over his behavior once again. But once again, I took inititive and got it solved. This time I warned him that if we would keep fighting like this, we would be the most unlucky of all to have lost each other. 14 th night, my ordeal started when I missed 7 trains. But no regrets, as it gave Sunny, Dutta, naveen and me a chance to stay together in bungalow. Those days were pretty cool. We watched Ishqiya together. Finally only Naveen and I were left. Those days were once again special for both of us. We watched Big bang and went for a night out too, once again arguing over a topic. But it was fun as the deep understanding in between us was unshakable
I left to attend Holi as well as convo on 25th, same was the day when Rishabh arrived back, pretty much late at night. Same was the day when Tendulkar made his double century in ODI
Shukla and I returned on 8th of March Meanwhile, Rishabh and I made an understanding that we would never fight back again. By virtue of which, we enjoyed a lot. Watching Prison break, going for walks at night and what not - It was all fun. Sunny was pretty much annoyed as our room was always occupied and we were continuously watching some stuff. He couldn’t sleep even. On 21st, Sunny left for Buxar and we both were left alone. But we couldn’t enjoy much as was expected by me.
ROJ and DOJ - These times, I came to knew Shukla more and we enjoyed a lot both while bunking as well doing meetings in his room - Official meetings - ha ha ha. Thankfully, we were successful in our project and came out with innovative ideas
On 29th our rank list and vacancies came and we filled our choices by 31st. Everyone was satisfied with his rank except Naveen but thankfully we made a good selection of choices. 31st night was special when we all went for a walk and Rishabh made Naveen call his love – Namita. Though, In this entire episode, I had made myself very clear to Naveen that I don’t support any of the things that was happening there.
Real drama was yet to come to shock us all. A new rank list came and we all suffered heavy losses. Aspirations were crushed and we made a protest in front of GM even, but in vain. Finally we were forced to fill our choices once again.
Meanwhile, we worked hard on our ET 09 video and got it display at our EDC successfully. Prasoon praised Shukla and me in particular, which was quite relieving.
On 9th and 10th of April; Dutta, Naveen and I left for another memorable journey – That of Bodhgaya. Place was exceptionally beautiful and we had cherishable experiences even in train. It was fun overall.
4th of April, our ETs won the cricket tournament and the same night, Dutta gave his much awaited Gold medal party. Once again, it was fun and many were found quoting that it was the best of all. 14th of April also we had a small party at the club and on 15th of April, we got our placement orders. 8 different guys at 8 different plants, what an irony!!
Just in a few moments, the edifice built in 8 long months, got devastated. We all had to separate and that was the only truth with us now. That 8 months of shared love and unity were going to end. That physical touch of each other wont be there any more. The way we used to got mess together while teasing Dada in the way, wont be there anymore. No more chaupals at Dutta’s room and no more watching IPL together while sitting at the sofa. That compatibility is what I would miss most. Somewhere, deep inside my heart, I knew I would never get guys like these again in my life
That was definitely the golden phase of my life
What Naveen meant to me, I have already mentioned to him in his testimonial. He has bought me
Rishabh was the best thing that happened to me in Kahalgaon. I wont forget him ever in my life. His touch was really divine for me. I miss him the most
Dutta was the epicenter of our Bungalow taking all big decisions. I suppose he realizes my affection for him. May be I was not able to comfort him or make him laugh like others as I am too shy, but I know he realizes that I am always there for him
Sunny would remain my best mate, We were so compatible and had so similarity of thoughts and such a good rapo
Dada and DP were so innocent and so good persons to talk with. They made the entire atmosphere of our bungalow serene and pure
Shukla was definitely the carrier of our group dynamics. He made us laugh always and we shared some good moments in ROJ and DOJ. We developed trust for other in these 8 months
That is how everything ends at last - just Sansmaran
