Aug 7th 2004. I remember the taste of vada that Pappa brought for me at the Kottayam railway station as we were waiting for the Island express. My first overnight journey!
Was I thrilled at that "night train journey dream" come true or proud that I was going for my first job or still reflecting back the tears seen in Mamma's and my sister's eyes? I still don't know. Many more jobs may come and go, but Aug 9th 2004 will always remain my first day in my first job!
So, how long does it take to define one's destiny? may be even less than an hour?
1998, when we took those much awaited breaks during study hours in school, we always discussed what each one of us would become in life. Dimple was to become a business consultant for sure, Dane a doctor, Babi a teacher. Choices were tough for Jam and myself :). And how confidently I declared
"No way! I can't even imagine working with machines day in and day out. Machines that don't understand your emotions, machines that cannot respond to your emotions. And you work your whole day so that some million dollar company can become a billion dollar company? What do we do for the society!?Not me,an engineer, for sure!" I can smile at that now.
So, how long does it take to define one's destiny? may be even less than an hour?
Me : I don't want to join Science group
They: Lets take Science, you always have options after 12th.
Me: I am not sure if I want to write the entrance.
They : We will buy the application form, what if you feel like writing later.
Me: No, I am not going to entrance today
They : Just write, its a matter of 2 hours, lets decide later, whether you go for it or not.
And that less than half an hour introspection that made me "just attempt" a single exam dictated my life for next seven years, and may be many more years ahead? Unbelievingly true!!
Yes, the ride of seven years...and the life time of memories that go along. Bitter or sweet, I wouldn't classify them. But they are here to stay!
No, I am not going to look back and see if I chose the right path. If I were to be taken back in time and given that half an hour to make the decision once again, I don't know if I would choose to skip that exam and I don't know if I am happy to be where I am right now. I just know, even when the "self help gurus" say "You make your destiny", life always offers us the strangest of the ironies, toughest of the choices, and the most unplanned destinies. And all you could and ought to do is...live them!
No comments:
Post a Comment