A Little Less Conversation

Everyone around me was thinking deeply. A seemingly casual comment suddenly seemed practical enough to be seriously implemented. I had suggested that we change our final engineering project partners and choose from those school and college friends we were most comfortable working with since many of us had had a disdainful experience with the current partners. (Now what is queer is that it’s been a year since I submitted my final year project and it’s only now that I think it’s time to get into damage control mode) Out of nowhere I caught the strains of “ A little less conversation, a little more action please”. Deep reflection indicated it was emanating from a source close by. Further contemplation suggested the possibility of it being my cell phone. Waltzing back to reality I found that it was indeed my cellphone and when it rang at this unearthly hour I didn’t have to look to see who it was. And not surprisingly Armaan never bothered himself with the pleasantries and formalities of a telephonic conversation. So calls from him never (and still don’t) begin with a ‘Hi-How are you- Did I disturb you?”. If the lord finds it worthy enough of being spoken about then the constraints of time and location don’t apply. “There is this interview happening tomorrow at 2:00 P.M. I’ll mail you the address and other details shortly. Just in case you have forgotten tomorrow is a holiday so don’t let go off this and be there. Ok?” “Hmm”. “Bye”. This is how the early morning calls end. I don’t have to say anything just try hard and listen and we are done!

“A little less conversation, a little more action please…” This time round someone had unceremoniously drawn the curtains of my room open and broad daylight was streaming in but everything else was the same. “ Huhlo?!” “Thought as much. Wake up, get the documents in place and move!” “Oh yea..The interview. Which company? What post? What’s the remuneration?”. “It’s a small company you haven’t heard of, so don’t bother. It’s for the post of a technical writer and I’m sure you fit the bill to the T and I don’t know about the salary, but if you don’t want to be stuck with what you have at the moment you ought to give it a try!” (When you are looking for one word that defines “A friend in need is a friend indeed” the answer hands down is Armaan). A longer hmm later I dragged my sorry self out of bed and checked my mail. The details didn’t particularly set the adrenaline rushing but then asking for a gourmet meal when one survives on a frugal existence is a tad too much.

At 1:30 in the afternoon I was at the site which was supposed to be my future office. This could also be titled “The tale of the disappearing smile and rising vexation”. The look and feel of the place had that effect on me. I’ve never seen a tinier company and I tried to imagine what my salary would be like. I didn’t have to wait long and I was called in. The interviewer was the CEO of that company (Jeez!) The interview was a cakewalk. I’ve seen worst ones. He was mighty impressed with me (I’m not surprised! (Talk about being a self conceited idiot)). Then I was told that we could move to round two but before that he wanted to make something clear, which could be a matter of concern. (Note the stress on could be). The salary that he could offer me for donning many hats since my role wasn’t defined was (ok hold your breath. And release it) 3000. It felt like a visual resounding slap. This is one of those occasions where I don’t know how to react. But well. I maintained my composure and a few pleasantries and a commitment to revert later I left the place.

To do or not to do buzzed real hard in my head. I happened to chance upon my phone. It had a message from my gang, which asked me to buzz when done. I did as much. “I’m done”. “Wow! That was quick”. “Yea”. “Okay, details later, see you in 15 minutes from now at Barista. Bye”. My friends have this uncanny habit of not letting me say anything. That’s another something that I didn’t have anything to say.

“Hello there! Long time no see!” “Yea! The last time we saw each other was what.. 12 hours back?” One small smile avalanched into a guffaw. “Alright shoot. All the details with the spice”. My narration ended with the magical figure of 3000 and the few doubts and reservations I had. Everyone looked at each other and me with all the seriousness they were capable of and moments later they were laughing like a possessed lot. “What!?” “Babes you’re worth much more than this, even if it is for experience. Don’t bother. “By the way who suggested this?” A wicked smile later both of us spilled the beans on this. No I am not angry with the outcome or the beginning. It speaks so highly of the intentions. I am elated and I wonder why they don’t make more like him these days. We had a sumptuous lunch of sandwiches and cappuccino. When we had lounged in Barista for close to 4 hours we were handed the bill. All of us pooled in for this extravagant lunch. That one afternoon left me with one of those lines that get stuck in my head.
" Never compromise on your dreams if you have a choice." Because it's simply not worth it.