The Bond 1

‘DV,DV,’ I heard some one addressing me.

At first I didn’t respond. Later on I could hear a familiar voice with whom I had lived for a long period of time.I turned back to see who it was.It was the same Shashank who studied with me in my Engineering college .I never wanted to meet my friends especially my Engineering friends.I wasted my four precious years with them.I could utilized that time for my MS or MBA exams.I would not forget the insults and quarrels.It still buzzes on my ears.

‘Hey ,DV wait,’ he said.

I stood for a while.I had joined Cap Gemini long while ago,but I still feel like a fresher.Being a Project manager of a project team is a very difficult thing to do.You are responsible for the project delays and the manager is the only guy who is answerable.But unfortunately ,I had to meet him.

‘yeah, what happened ?,’ I asked him.

‘Man you have changed very much,’ He was surprised after seeing my behavior.

I had changed long ago when I left my Engineering college.Even I was an active youngster till my final year.One thing that happened to me was the most disgusting period of my life.I won’t wish to recall it back.

‘What do you do?,’ he wanted to know my designation.

He was still the same.The same jealous and the stupid guy who abused me in 3^rd year for getting good marks.I was not in a mood to fight with him.

‘Yeah . I work as a Software Engineer in a Small firm,’I said .

‘You used to work for Accenture naa,’ he asked me.

‘yeah,once upon a time, but not now,’ I answered patiently.

I didn’t want to disclose my work details to him and that’s the reason why I lied to him. Once I used to be a loquacious young man, but now I am silent like a bug.I respected my friends and my friends were everything to me.But , I was backstabbed and hurt badly.Now ,I feel like a hermit just doing my own job without interfering in any one’s life.But , my friends were malefic, that’s what I feel now.

I was getting late for my office.My boss at CG has already warned me several times for not arriving in time.I had to take care of it.

‘I am getting late for office,I will give you my number,’ I said showing some kind of urgency.

‘9967$$$$$$,’ I gave my cell number to Shanky.

‘Ok dude, I will call you later this eveing,’ He replied and we both left.

Sudden arrival of Shashank had put me in a fix.Once I promised that I would never meet my Engineering friends.Perhaps that was the reason why I tried to avoid him.

I would live happily for another 10 years if I hadn’t seen him .They were a group of obnoxious worms who loved hurting people.Even I loved my friends like any normal person.I trusted them and helped them a lot.I finally reached my office at sharp 9.30 am.

“Good afternoon Gentlemen ,’ I addressed my colleagues and guests who attended my seminar.

‘Today we are going to talk about the various advancements in the software field and the various factors which comes into account while developing a software,’ I added.

I remember studying the same chapter in my final year Engineering. Every one used to ask me doubts and queries .I was an expert in that chapter,I used to point out teachers mistakes as well.I remember sheetu and TJ teasing me “Software Engineer” soon after I got placed in Accenture India.

Everything went smoothly and my presentation got over.My boss Mr.Trivedi appreciated me in turn.After the day’s work I got back to my home.I was living alone in a small room for which I had to pay a monthly rental of 11 grands.Housing is an important factor in Mumbai.People still live in small places just for the sake of living.I sometime feel that we are blessed.But ,this is not the same case in Delhi.Although its not the financial capital of India,but the standard of living in Delhi is high.The last time I went to Delhi was to attend my elder sisters wedding.It was some 3 years back. I could not stop thinking of my friends.I somehow felt some sort of discomfort and I was upset.I believed that even I was wrong and without any reason I hated them.If I had to meet my friends,then I would love to meet Akshita.She was my first crush in my life.I would call her as the girl who changed my life.

I could not stop thinking of Sandy,Richi,TJ,Sheetu,RD and Esh who were once my best friends.I spoke words that I shoudn’t have used. Well, that’s an old story .I even reckon if they forgive me.I feel that its better not to recall them in my life.

And of sudden ,my phone rang.It was a new number.

‘Hello,’ I said.

‘Hey DV,’ the person on the other side said.

‘Who is this?,’ I asked.

‘you soon forgot me,’ he added.

‘Ok Shashank ??,’ I was confused.

‘Yeah dude, ‘he said.

He still has the weird way of calling me as a dude. I hate when people address me as dude .Every one in my college knew me as DV.I am Deepak, the pride of the Vora family. I wanted everyone to call me as Deepak. ‘Will you meet me at CCD on the coming Saturday,’he said.

‘Why?’ I asked him.I was startled.

‘Need to talk to you regarding something.will you make it dude,’ he said

‘Ok sure,’I replied and I cut the phone.

I was anxious to know the reason why he wanted to meet me.May be to talk some thing about our college days .But,I wanted to meet him.I was keen to know about my friends.But at the same time, I was angry on them.I won’t compromise for the same.I just could not sleep,I wanted to know why he wanted to meet me at CCD.

( to be continued..)