Weddings Galore

More than a month back I talked about the two weddings happening on the same day of which I could attend none. Both of the guys are the best of my friends. Here are the snaps of both of the gorgeous couples.

Hemant & Pooja


Manish & Rakhi


Best wishes to both of you.

It's Ok To Be Naughty Sometimes

The incident dates back to my college days. The beautiful IIT campus at Kanpur is situated almost out of the city limits. From IIT gate, the hostel and academic area is further 3 km inside.

Whenever we use to go for a late night movie show, it used to be a big trouble getting back after midnight. It required a lot of haggling to convince tempo drivers for dropping us at the campus because they won't get return passengers at such late hours.

Some of them would only drop us at IIT gate, not to our hostels to avoid hassles with security guys at the institute. Still these guys were much better than those crook-turned-autowallahs in Pune, whose half-return-fares start from as early as 10pm, more so if one is unfortunate and poor enough to reside in some far flung corner of the city.

That night, we had gone for a lavish marwari dinner at the very kanpuriya, Manish Kankani's place. The food prepared by aunty, bhabhi and didi was brilliant and sumptuous. Servings were generous, and to add to that, we had to also follow the typical marwari diktat of not leaving even a tiny scrap of food on our plates.

It was already very late and the place, RatanLal Nagar was at another corner of the city. Our loaded-to-the-brim tummies made walking very tedious. After much effort we found a rare tempo ready to take us to IIT gate, but not up to our hostels. With our condition, walking three kilometers was impossible therefore, we pleaded, cajoled, cried but the driver refused to budge.

Since beggars can't be choosers, all fourteen of us hopped in. But Kankani had a plan. Just after half a km, Kankani and Anant Mishra, the biggest pranksters in our group started acting as if they were very heavily drunk. Soon the rest of us followed. Following is the sample conversation which was used, lavishly punctuated by mild profanities.

Speaker 1: "Daru Ne Sara Mood Kharab Kar Diya Yaar. Agar Aaj Kisi Faltoo Ne Panga Liya To Tangey Tod Doonga Uski!" (The drink has spoilt the whole mood. Anyone who messes with me,I am going to break his legs tonight)

Speaker 2: "Sirf Tangey Tod Dogey? Abey Mai To Tangey Hi Nahin, Hanth, Khopadi, Kamar - Sab Tod Phod Daloonga" (Only the legs? I would break ALL of his bones from top to the bottom, my dear fella)

Speaker 3: "Ek Baat Mai Bhi Bata Doon. Agar Aaj Is Tempo Wale Ne Zara Si Bhi Bakaiti Dikhai, Kasam Se Woh Haal Karoonga Ki Dobara Kisi IIT Ke Launde Ko Tempo Per Nahin Baithaiga" (Let me also add something. If this tempo driver tries to act smart today, I am gonna give him such a sound thrashing that he won't ever drive an IITian to the campus again)

Speaker 1: "Aur Bhaisaab, Kahin Usney Galti Se Bhi Kiraya Maang Liya - To Tum Log Mujhey Rokna Mat. Maartey Maartey Gadar Kaat Doonga" (And if this fellow dared to ask for the fare, hope you fellas don't stop me. I am going to run havoc on him for his misadventure)

Speaker 2: "Abey Chahey Aaaj Diro Bhi Aa Jai. Isko Chhodna Nahin Hai. Bahut Mood Kharab Kar Raha Tha" (Even if the Director turns up, we are not going to leave this guy)

The conversation was reaching loud and clear to the driver. His face had turned ashen, and he panicked too soon. Two of the group who were sitting in front seat along with him were trying hard to hide their giggles. They explained to him that though these guys are badly drunk, they mean no harm. The driver was not entirely convinced.

We kept on doing this for whole journey, and eventually IIT gate arrived. The driver didn't even look to stop at there. He had changed his mind long back. He was determined to drop us safely at our hostels. Unfortunately for the driver, the two not-so-drunk guys at the front alighted near the Computer Center(CC).

He begged them to continue on to the hostel and then he would drop them back at CC. They assured him that there is a guy called Manish Chauhan, who was not drunk and would pay him the full fare. But by the time we reached Hall-III gate, he didn't have the courage to ask for the money. His unscathed return from the campus was his top priority.

Rest of the guys went away shouting and laughing. When I approached him with the money, he couldn't believe it. I thanked him for dropping us till the hostel. Though he did say that pleasure was all his, I am bloody sure he won't have ever taken another ride to IIT campus.

And we were laughing our guts out at the brilliant, albeit naughty idea. That's the hostel life for you.

My Dear Roomie

When I first saw this hurly-burly fellow, flashing a powerhouse smile, and proffering a firm hand( to shake), I knew I was in safe hands. All the apprehensions about my would be roommate vanished, almost immediately. Roomies in true sense, we remained together all three years in Hall-III, and we even remained neighbours in Hall -I, during final year, where accommodations were one in one.

That is a rare occasion, as you all would know. For us, the case was settled during the end of the first year, when he announced that he was not going to leave me, not for anyone. And I was glad. From the next year, the question didn't even arise. The issue was closed once for all.

As I was safe, so were my belongings. In my absence, NO ONE could take any of my things. His prying eyes would always insure that. And, of course, no body dare forced his way. His grips were iron. Subir would vouch for that.

He and alcohol, together, were like Molotov cocktail. No one can control him then, except, perhaps, me. But I never tried. Even during one such misadventure, while blasting every one else, he had only kind words for me. That Chauhan Bahut Achha Aadmi Hai. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed.

I haven't ever seen anyone work so hard. His methods used to be instant. He never pondered much. When he joined IIT, he wasn't that proficient in English. But he wanted to do MS. He wanted run his own company. With his sheer perseverance and genius, his English is now flawless. He has completed his MS. Works in US, and has started his own company, based in India.

Want to share a little secret. Though, he always brought the famous Aligarhi Sohan Papdi(plus namkeen ) for every one, he always hid some extra stuff. That were exclusively for both of us. The other good thing about him - he can't remember the story of the movie he might have seen a day before, not even the name. Lucky, no? Every time, the movie is afresh.

His only grudge is that he can not sing more than one line. He just can't do it.

Miss you my dear roomie. Have a very nice Birthday, Rajeev.

My Previous BrithDay Wish - Nandan

The Interview

Months ago, I wrote a post about my dear friend, Timir. I had also mentioned about the classic interview he gave during campus recruitment to land the job. His CPI, which was paltry 5.5, had hit the rock bottom of the entire Aerospace department. It was never believed that with this academic record, he would ever get a job, leave alone the first one in the department.

Well, many a beliefs were about to be shattered soon.

Even when he had cleared the written tests, to be short listed for the interview, along with 36 other B.Techs & M.Techs from various departments, people still thought this was a mere flash in pan. It was indeed difficult because the company was calling in the descending order of the written marks achieved, and his number was at about 25 out of 37.

The number 37 was far too much to select just 8 or 9 people. Even 25 was also on the farther side. And to top that, his pathetic grades. Nothing short of miracle was needed. But miracles never happen. They are created by genius. And Timir, the genius he was, to the utter shock of entire batch, pulled off one.

Interviewers were two - the senior Director, a guy, and the senior HR Manager, a lady. To every person, they were asking two geometry related questions, one puzzle of sorts, while rest was general HR staff. But the problem was that they had a limited set of geometry and puzzle questions, so they were getting repeated. By the time ten guys were interviewed, every still-to-appear had most of the questions by heart.

This was the key for him. He realized that since every one is answering those puzzles, there is no point answering same ones. He needed to do something different. And different he did.

On his turn when he was asked about the first puzzle, he replied that he has heard of it, so please ask a different one. He repeated same answer for next three ones. Perplexed, they enquired about the reason of his knowing all of them. He told them the truth that he has heard them from others. They were highly pleased by his honesty.

Then they asked some different questions, that included a puzzle which till then nobody had answered. Since, there was no of dearth gray matter, it was cracked. This, along with his honesty, had done the trick. His frank admissions about his low CPI, which by then had ceased to be a factor, further sealed the case for him.

Next morning when the list of selected candidates was announced, the only ones from my department were myself and him. Kalpana Chawla's foray in space, and Timir Ranjan Chatterjee's landing the first job in Aerospace department were the most widely talked about topics in both, student and faculty circles of IIT Kanpur that year.

My Last Post On Timir - Rememberance

Nandan

If there is a born engineer in my group, then there is only one worthy person. Rest of us only hold a degree. We were just good at Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, the quintessential eligibility criterion to become almost an engineer.

A new mobile, or camera or even a TV remote won't escape his attention. And Before long, there would come a humble request - 'Kya Mai Isey Khol Ke Dekh Loon ?' Nothing short of a scream will stop him from prying it open. And he has been doing that since his childhood.

He knows all about gadgets, gears, circuits, chips - everything. At a course in IIT, his ship 'Santa Maria' was the first in the race in swimming pool by a big margin.

Why, he is a born writer as well. You will hang on to his every description. He has a good eye for detail. His 'Doomsman Ki Diary' has lot of Sher penned by 'Ashq Lakhnawi' i.e. himself.

Despite all his greatness, he is a shy person. Sometimes, his fuse gets short but all in all, a very good friend to have. I won't ever able to repay what he has done for me in my difficult times.

Happy Belated Birthday, Ashutosh.

My Previous Post On Birthday Wish - Lady Killer

Remembrance

The TV channels today are abound with the  news  of suicide committed by  former Miss India,  Nafisa Joseph.  I  felt sad, not because she was a great model or anchor but because a life has been snuffed out at such a young age. 

That reminds me of the unfortunate incident that took place more than two years ago.  Nandu will feel upset reading this but I can't help remembering Chattu.  I still can't believe that Timir is dead and that too by committing suicide.  Known him for so many years,  I never thought he could ever think of suicide.  He  was too strong for that, though he was not that strong for drugs.

I still vividly remember,  when I first saw my fair,  baby face neighbour. It was my second day at  IIT -K ,  and my eyes lit up when he I came to know that he too was joining Aerospace department. He was a raggers delight.  Not afraid to do whatever seniors demanded,  and soon  he was a hit with seniors.  They got impressed with his witty replies and sweet face.

But how deceptive, his appearance was.  He was a complete rebel.  Though himself a bengali, he usually poked fun at bengalis.  Being a delhite,  he loathed Delhi.  He preferred any day, his native Jabalpur.  He hardly used to attend any classes, but just how managed to scrape through.  One of the younger profs - Sanjay Mittal once asked him the reason behind his absence in class.  He didn't make any  excuses and did simple plain speak .  He very innocently told the prof that he finds very difficult to sit for one hour.  Prof was sporting enough him to offer him to stay for half an hour in the class.

But somehow he fell into a bad company.  Company was bad not because the guys were loafers or criminals.  But they were big time smokers and drunkards.  Soon smoking gave way to small time doping.

Meanwhile, as we moved further into our departmental courses, our friendship grew.  He was my lab partner in almost all the lab courses.  We were together on industrial tour. He was my B.Tech partner as well.  We even got the job also together and in same company!

 He never missed any labs with me because he could never refuse to me.  He had some hidden respect  or love for me. He use to stop smoking whenever I entered his room.  He even apologized to me for his habit. He promised to give up but I knew he would never be able to do  that as long he was with his chums.

Gifted with tremendous brains, he was a sharp learner.  During the exams, he would come to me for the notes only when I was about to retire.  Then, he would study whole night and get a C or rarely D, that was enough for him.  Even one of our prof who was in B.Tech Project committee admitted to one of my batchmates that this guy has the tremendous presentation  abilities.  A few of them accepted that he was sharp as well. They had to give the top grade.

He always got good grades in the courses which he liked.  Along with me, he had made a glider prototype out of thermocol which had the best glide in the history of that course . It  fetched both of us an A in the course.   Once, he had missed a midsem of  AeroDymanics-II  because he kept on sleeping. When he went for next midsems,  prof couldn't recognize him and had to ask him of he was registered for the course. Even then, Timir Ranjan Chatterjee got a B in the course because of his performance in endsems.

To every one's utter shock, he was the first person along with me, who landed a job in the department( in the Geometric).  He had the least of the CPI.  But his mesmerizing face, sharp brain and honest answers got him the job.  That interview itself can be incuded into one of the classics.

He came to drop me at the station after our four years at IIT and thanked me for all that I had done for him. Later, in Geometric as well, we use to meet almost daily. But then, he had to go  for rehabilitation on insistence of his parents and company.  Probably he couldn't cope up with that and took his life.

There are lot many fun and emotion filled stories which could be shared about him. He was such a complex character. To me, he was different than what he was to others.  I have spent so much time with him that I can't ever forget him. I don't want to .