Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Mr. Unlucky

He got thru the engineering entrance with a high rank and chose to study in the prime college. He passed engineering with university rank. Then he was working in one of the worlds largest IT companies. But his parents wanted him to study further. He also felt a void in his life when things didn’t work out with his (girl) friend. He has always been studious. So he found an interesting way to keep him busy and distracted from the loneliness he felt in life... higher studies. He thought he will try the toughest management exam, CAT (Common Admission Test) and get into one of the India’s premier management colleges (IIM – Indian Institute of Management). Even his parents wanted the same. He always wanted to be papa’s boy and hence ditched his (girl) friend too.

He applied for CAT and prepared like a rat. Days grew longer and nights shrank. He brushed up everything he learned from pre-university to engineering degree. He went on to read in width and depth. Finally exam came, and passed with flying colors!

He got calls from all the IIMs. IIMA (IIM Ahmedabad) is considered as the best among the lot. It was the last interview. He went for the interview with a heavy heart stuffed with high hopes. He had already started dreaming of being at the top of a software MNC, with a multi-lakh monthly income, an expensive car, a small bungalow and a beautiful wife. The GD (Group Discussion) round got over and he did reasonably well. He managed to beat around the bush with everything he has learned, seen or heard or could think. He is now waiting his turn for the interview, and pampering his endless dreams.

“Mr. X?”... a long pause, but no response. He is the last one for the interview. “Mr. X, hello…” he was called again. He didn’t respond and was sitting there with his eyes closed, as if he didn’t hear being called. The interviewer came closer and called his name aloud, again. He shook the shoulder of Mr. X and suddenly he fell to the other side. He put an end to his earthly life and … perhaps already started living in his dreams! He left us and flew to somewhere else… was it bird flu or just another unexplained premature failure of the human biological system?