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“Life is a tragedy at close-up and hilarious at long shot” –Charlie Chaplin

Nothing ever makes sense in life. It might be a reason that whatever I had wanted in life always managed to run away from my grasp and when I lose interest in the same thing, It all gets back with much less effort. What a sweet irony.

What am I missing when I am trying for first time? The Zeal to achieve the target is very much there and the efforts are never a problem when the zeal is there. what else? Something came back and hit me back into real world saying “Life is not so simple an experience”.We are too damn ignorant to understand anything fully.

There was a time where I frantically tried to get into US for my Masters. GRE score had been great, TOEFL even better, but more and more I started dreaming the dollar dreams, I realized that more they ran away. But what I didn’t get a chance do that day in fact turned out to be the right decision in life as now I have greater clarity of what I want and what I should do in life.

Mind you I am just saying I have greater clarity than before. But this time I am half-expecting life to throw up more surprises, to keep me interested in life.

But those times where we passed out and were frantically looking for a job was simultaneously the dark days as well the best days of my life.For what I am today is because of the perseverance I had shown during that time. I and my gang of friends NEVER GAVE UP.

Yes at this point shouldn’t forget to mention my friends who shared their experiences in life along with me during those times.

For KK, Sagar, Milk, Prabhu -- I knew life will never be a straight road. But at least u guys were there as sign posts giving warnings. I am happy for tat.

A special mention: Guha who helped us with a home without expecting anything in return. The one person for whom no amount of repayment is possible.

P:s: I know it looks like a award winner’s speech, but cant help it J

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!!!