change of track

Well something interesting has happened in my life, which might turn my life upside down or downside up…cant say!!!

It happened on june 17^th, 2005.

Location: American Consulate, Chennai

I had an appointment for US visa on 8.45am. Reached the main gate of the embassy @7.30.

Huge crowd of prospective students with fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, grandpas/ma’s, Pets (yes, there was a family with their dog in the carJ). The funniest part was, 90% of the people in Q were having interviews around 10.30, 11.00. One exception had interview at 3.00 but was in Q at 8. Irony was tat the embassy ppl were allowing all irrespective of time of appointment.Well i guess somethings r the same eveywhere. I was grumbling my way to the embassy…but forced my way thru at 8.50.

Went thru all levels of security and finally was waiting for the all important 2 mins from the Visa Officer. I was calm. I don’t know the reason for this, but watching other people in a tensed mood tends to do the opposite to me. I was worried not about the visa, but the fact that i always screw up. I mean i have the tendency to screw up when i shouldnt. But this time i was determined not to let my tongue overtake my brainwaves. Its not abt US, Its about proving to myself tat i can clear this guys questions and achieve my goal.

So my turn comes: A very huge American beckons me.

Me: Good morning, sir

Visa Officer: GM! (mumbles)

V.O: So ur going to Univ of Kentucky?

Me: yes sir!

V.O: which year did u finish ur BE?

Me: 2003

V.O: (Raised Eyebrows!) wat were u doing for 1 and half yrs?

Me: working in *****.

V.O: Do u have any proofs?

Me: (I Show him appointment letter ….)

V.O: Y do u want to leave such a gud job?

Me: coz I am a moron tats y. wanted to say tat but instead said coz I want to learn more abt my area of interest.

V.O: y do u want to learn more?

Me: (wat sort of question is this?honestly i dont know the answer to this question :)) coz i am not satisfied with working on what others have already designed.

V.O: so after MS wat do u want to b?

Me: Architect

V.O: will u join the same company after u come back to India?

Me: yep. They gave me a gud oppurtunity to learn (Its not healthy to criticize ur company infront of a VO…so…)

V.O: Ok. Ur Passport will reach u in 2 days time. Have fun.

Me: U too sir. Thankx… (sighhhhhhhhhhh……)

Out @ last…Time 11.05….Amen!!!