‘I came today by the morning flight and wanted to give you a surprise. That’s why I told you that I’ve got a headache last night to avoid your calls while I’m flying. Will tell you everything when we meet.’ – She said and disconnected the call.
I never expected her to be in Trivandrum that day, but I was so happy and excited to see her. I took a permission to break my duty for a couple of hours and went to the Pizza Centre.
●
Namratha and Sarini were sitting adjacent to each other. I was sitting facing them at the Pizza Centre. Two large Indian Masala flavoured Pizzas and Cokes were on the table.
Sarini was a fair, tall, energetic young woman in her early 30s. She was divorced and leading a happy life with her eight-year-old son. More than that, Sarini was a known person to Namratha’s family and they had an immense trust in her. That was why they let Namratha go out with Sarini.
That day, Namratha seemed so tired and gloomy. I understood that she was not happy and I couldn’t find a serious reason for that gloominess on her face.
‘So tell me. How you happened to be here?’ – I asked in excitement.
‘I wanted to see you and just came over.’ – Namratha said, smiling.
‘Hey, no. That can’t be the reason. Tell me the actual one.’
‘You know what day is today?’ – Sarini asked me.
‘Yeah, of course. It’s 22nd December, Saturday.’
‘What happens after three days?’ – Namratha asked.
I thought for a moment and said – ‘It’s Christmas.’
‘Thank God! You remember at least that.’
‘At least? What else is there to remember?’ – I asked, in doubt.
‘What happens after four days?’ – Sarini asked again.
‘Christmas would be over.’ – I said, laughing.
The laughter was just mine, not theirs. Namratha and Sarini looked at each other making my laughter to end abruptly.
‘It’s her birthday after four days. On December 26th.’ – Sarini said, pointing at Namratha.
‘What?’ – I said and choked as I was sipping Coke.
Namratha’s face turned deep red. I understood that she was so gloomy because she was so sure that I wouldn’t be remembering her birthday.
‘Come, let’s go.’ – Sarini said to Namratha.
‘Hey, wait. I’m sorry.’ – I said.
‘What sorry? How could you forget your girlfriend’s birthday?’ – Asked, Sarini.
‘Sorry. Not just a girlfriend, she’s everything for me.’ – I corrected her.
‘Then, your everything’s birthday.’ – Sarini said.
‘See, I was going through a lot of work pressure and related things. That’s why. I wished her Happy Birthday for the last four years without fail.’ – I explained.
‘You might have a reminder set up on your phone. That’s why you couldn’t recall the importance of that day now.’ – Sarini said and turned to Namratha.
She Continued – ‘See Namratha, this relationship is not going to work out. He does not even remember your birthday. Then how is he supposed to take care of you?’
‘Is that really a question?’ – I asked.
‘Whatever. I can’t help you people anymore. This relationship will be a perfect failure. The girl is rich, the boy is middle class, the boy forgets the girl’s birthday and he is not even trying for a good job; this relationship is not going to work out. This is not a typical Indian Movie to go on like this.’ – Sarini explained everything in a much simple way.
‘I’m going home. If you are coming, come with me or stay with him and do whatever you want.’ – Sarini said to Namratha and walked out of the Pizza Centre.
I turned to Namratha and said – ‘Namratha, please. Let me explain.’
She didn’t say anything in return and walked out like Sarini just did. I was more than shocked because I never expected Namratha to do that. I thought, she would stay with me and support me, but everything turned out to be negative for that moment.
We had hardly finished one Pizza and I was against the practice of wasting food. I knew that rich people often do it, but I didn’t want to do that; might be because I was not rich.
‘Please get these things packed.’ – I said to the waiter.
‘Did I really want to see Sarini? Did I ask for any help from her in this relationship? Why was she behaving like this to me? And finally, why did Namratha go with her? I could’ve dropped her home.’ – These thoughts were running through my mind while I was walking to my office with those large packets of Pizza and Coke.
‘Sarini is divorced. Was she jealous of seeing Namratha and me together happily? Was it her pre-planned operation to destroy this beautiful relationship? If she is divorced, she should be giving guidelines to us for a healthy relationship. Instead of that, she made an unwanted stir and walked out.’ – My thoughts were running limitless.
●
Four days later, I sent a text message to Namratha on her birthday wishing “HAPPY BIRTHDAY”. I received the delivery report and understood that her phone wasn’t switched off, but she didn’t respond to my message. As I was told not to call her when she is at home, I didn’t even try to reach her.
The Job Hunt
JANUARY 2013
‘I can’t tolerate tears on my parents’ eyes.’ – Said Namratha, over the phone.
‘That’s not what we are talking about. We are talking about our happiness.’ – I said.
‘I don’t need any happiness that makes my parents sad.’ – She made her point clear.
‘Did you mean that you don’t even want this relationship if they are against this?’ – I asked, in doubt.
‘Whatever.’
‘You sound so senseless.’ – I warned her.
‘Then explain what sense do you make.’
‘You are twenty years old and imagine that we are getting married when you turn twenty-three. The average life span of human ranges between sixty and sixty-five. If you are becoming too much sentimental because of the first twenty-three years, you are going to live unhappily for the next forty years of your life.’ – I explained.
‘What are you trying to say?’ – She asked.
‘Marry me irrespective of whatever happens. I can keep you happy and eventually, it will make your parents happy sooner or later.’
‘No sooner, no later. I just need them to be happy always.’
‘Then get lost with your parents.’ – I screamed and disconnected the call.
Namratha called me a number of times back, but I didn’t feel to accept her calls. The fights between us never lasted more than a day long, but the month of January was so tough to pass through. Namratha and I fought over several things and both of us were getting irritated of each other.
●
FEBRUARY 2013
I started sending applications seeking a job in so many corporate companies. I knew that I was not holding an MBA and just joined the course, but I was pretty sure that I could convince employers to give me an opportunity to work for them. I sent job applications and my resume to so many companies in IT industry, Advertising domain, Insurance field and many others.
‘You are well experienced, but in the entertainment industry. Here, we are looking for people who are experienced in operations similar to ours. You may find it difficult.’ – This was the final point made by most of the interviewers who had interviewed me for the jobs. Most of the preliminary interviews ended up stating the same point and I started feeling like I have wasted five whole years of my career for my passion.
●
MARCH 2013
After a month packed with a number of preliminary interviews, I was called to attend the final round of interview for an Advertising Company. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Vice Presidents (VP) of Marketing and Creative Operations were interviewing me for the company in that final round. That was the first time I wore a suit because I wanted to look good and professional in that interview. I
had interviewed a number of celebrities in the past for my radio shows, but being interviewed made me really tensed and I didn’t feel like a celebrity either.
‘Why do you want to join our company?’ – Asked the CEO.
‘Your company is one of the most prominent names in the Advertising industry and it is really appreciable that you made this company achieve that position in a lesser period of time.’ – I answered.
‘Why do you want to change your profession from the entertainment industry to advertisement industry? Is there any specific reason behind it?’ – Asked, the VP of marketing.
‘I want to change my profession because I feel that this is the only way left to convince my girlfriend’s parents to accept our relationship.’ – I thought in mind, but didn’t even say a word.
They looked at each other and waited for me to respond.
‘Every human is looking for growth in their professional life and I hope you can provide it in a better way.’ – I said, after thinking for a couple of seconds.
‘Definitely, we can. But you are not experienced in the operational structure of an advertising company.’ – Said, the VP of Creative Operations to me.
‘I was not even listening to any radio show before I joined as a Radio Jockey. It is no difficult for me to learn something new. I can handle each and everything related to an organization.’ – I said, with confidence.
‘Then why didn’t you try for a lower level employment as a preliminary step?’ – The VP of marketing was all set to confuse me.
‘I don’t want to join any company as a lower level employee because I can't afford a decrease in the salary than what I am drawing now. I want to earn more money, respect and success with your company. That’s why I am here applying for a managerial post.’ – I opened up my situation.
‘Okay, Arjun. Being frank, we don’t entertain such professional transformations, but you have that confidence of doing things the right way. We would like to have you in our company.’ – Said, the CEO.
‘Thank you very much, sir.’ – I said, happily.
‘You can collect the offer letter from the administrator’s desk.’ – Said, the VP of Creative Operations.
‘Welcome to the Team.’ – Said, the CEO and extended his hand for a handshake.
I shook his hand and left.
●
Following our recent discussions, we are delighted to offer you the position of ‘Manager – Creative Operations & Marketing with Our Organization. Our Organization is a leading player in the Advertising industry and by joining Our Organization, you are becoming a part of a fast-paced and dedicated team that works together to provide our clients with the highest possible level of service.’ – I read the words on the offer letter.
I called Namratha immediately after getting out of the office and she was more than happy.
‘I am so proud of you Arjun. At last, you have made it.’ – She said.
‘I wanted to make you proud and I hope I did it. Now we have no problem in getting married, right?’ – I asked.
‘You still have milestones to finish. Arjun, prove your potential first and then think about our marriage.’ – She said.
‘How the hell am I supposed to prove my potential now?’ – I asked myself and disconnected the call.
I Quit - I Start
APRIL 2013
‘Congraaaaaatsssss.’ – Everyone said in unison when I entered the staff area of my radio station. Glitters fell on me and everyone started clapping. I was surprised to see them clapping for me.
‘Congrats? What for?’ – I asked, surprised.
Our Assistant programme Head came to me and gave a letter in my hand. I opened and read it. It was a letter typed and signed on a letterhead of Grand Poll Media Awards.
This is to inform you that we have conducted a poll to identify the most influential persons in Trivandrum city. In that poll, RJ Arjun of your station has been voted by the public as the most influential Radio Jockey in the city. On this occasion, we would like to congratulate Mr. Arjun and your radio station for this achievement. Please acknowledge the reception of this letter and attend the award ceremony on 21st April 2013 at The Senate Auditorium. – I read the whole text written in the letter.
I felt my head twisting, my vision got blurred and started to perspire even in the temperature of eighteen-degree Celsius temperature inside the staff room. I was holding that piece of achievement that I wished to achieve for so long, but it arrived late. I felt that letter behaved exactly like the cops in Indian movies who arrive on the spot when everything is finished.
‘I don’t want this.’ – I said to everyone, in a trembling voice.
Everyone got shocked and some clapping hands got frozen in the air. They were looking at me like I was holding a machine gun and going to kill all of them. Everyone went speechless, but I was sure that they wanted to ask “why?”
‘I am resigning from my position as a Radio Jockey. So, I don’t need this award anymore.’ – I continued.
‘Arjun, what happened to you? Are you alright?’ – Riyaz, my senior most colleague who was a brotherly figure to me asked.
‘I’m perfectly alright. I’m sending my resignation mail right now.’ – Saying this, I walked to my desk and started typing the resignation. Immediately after finishing typing, I punched the send button and sent it to the top management.
●
‘This is not right. You are making the biggest mistake of your life.’ – Said Sachin, our Sound Engineer, sitting with me in the office cafeteria having coffee.
‘Sometimes, we will have to lose something to win something. And the one who wins even after losing is a real winner.’ – I explained my side to him.
‘My foot.’ – He yelled.
Suddenly, my phone started ringing. I took my phone in hand and left the cafeteria. When I picked up the call, it was our Human Resources manager from Head office and he asked – ‘Arjun, I just got your mail stating that you are resigning. Why is it so?’
‘Sir, I want to quit.’
‘I asked, why do you want to quit?’
‘I have got a series of personal problems and I can’t continue in this job.’ – I explained as I did in the previous interview.
‘You are leaving the company when it needs you the most. Now you have got an award, which can increase your popularity as well as the company’s.’ – He tried to convince me.
‘I don’t mind. I just want to quit.’
‘If you are leaving now, we won’t issue your experience certificate and we can even delay the process of crediting your provident fund money.’ – He threatened.
‘Provident fund is a government scheme and I know how to handle it. And that experience certificate; I don’t need it anymore.’ – I said, as I had no plan to continue in the entertainment industry and disconnected the call.
●
ARTONE CREATIVE SOLUTIONS; that was the name of my new office. I joined there the very next day after resigning my position as an RJ. My new office had a very beautiful infrastructure and I occupied my cabin almost all the time. It was difficult for me to understand the technical terms of advertising at first, but I managed to grasp everything very quickly. I reached the office before anyone else does and left the office in the late nights; I was learning things to achieve my goals. As I was managing the marketing department also, I had financial targets to achieve every month. In the first month itself, I achieved more than the given financial target and I could conceptualize a number of successful advertisement campaigns.
‘We had many people managing the creative and marketing departments before Arjun, but none of them had achieved their targets in the first month itself. Now Arjun has achieved more than the given target, which makes us proud of him.’ – Said our CEO in the office party, which was arranged to celebrate my success.
I felt so happy that I could prove that I was not a wrong selection. I made a new history in the office and all my colleagues came congratulating me.
Their congratulations meant nothing to me because I just wanted to inform Namratha that I had proved my potential in Business Management, as she wanted. I went out of the party area and called Namratha on her phone.
‘Yes, Arjun. What happened?’ – She asked immediately after picking up the call.
‘Am I supposed to call you only if something happens?’ – I asked, laughing.
‘Nothing like that. Why would you call me if there is nothing important?’
‘Who told you that there is nothing important?’
‘If there is something important, tell me.’ – She said, but I noticed a bit of harshness in her tone.
‘Okay, listen. I have achieved my financial target in the first month itself and a success party is going on now.’
‘Okay.’ – She said, without any emotion.
‘Just okay?’ – I wondered.
‘What else should I say? Should I dance in the rain screaming that you have achieved the sales target?’ – She asked, in a much different way.
‘Okay, I am sorry.’ – I said and disconnected the call.
That was more than tolerable for me and my eyes turned wet. I didn’t know what to do. I took two deep breaths and tears rolled over my cheeks. I threw my mobile phone to the wall breaking the phone into a million pieces. Everyone in the office came running. They didn’t understand what had just happened; they might have thought I had lost a big business deal. In fact, I had lost one deal; a big personal deal.
The Break-up
FOUR MONTHS LATER: AUGUST 31, 2013
My days were no different from each other for the past four months. My days started with a “good morning call” and ended with a “good night call” to Namratha; sometimes, even that wasn’t happening. We didn’t hold long talks as she showed no interest in them and I was longing to hold a real long talk about our life. I wanted to keep the relationship alive and that was the only reason why I called her at least twice every day. I had no clue about her daily life and she never bothered to hear about mine. She didn’t call me at least once in those four months, but was only attending the calls that I made to her. I came to know from Anushka that Namratha had come to Trivandrum a couple of times in the previous months, but never bothered to inform me about it. I realized that my life was just dripping out of my hands.
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