- Prologue -
[November 18, 2021]
"Hrishi, get out of the house now. I'm coming there right now." I said over the phone with extreme excitement in my voice. I was dying to tell my best friend what I have finally achieved.
"What happened..." He was alarmed but I had put the phone down already.
By the time I was reaching his house, he was already walking towards my home. I could see how concerned he looked, fearing that some calamity had again befallen over his stupid friend.
I stopped the scooter in the middle of our neighborhood road and went to him with haste. He got scared and I hugged him. He was scared even more that something terrible happened to me again. He was the one who handled me after I had lost Thorat Sir due to Covid-19. (My father, I call him Thorat Sir)
"I got a job, Hrishi. I FINALLY got a job." I was so excited and happy to tell my childhood best friend that I have finally achieved what Thorat sir thought I could never.
"Get off me, you idiot." He pushed me off him. He looked a bit pissed off. "I got scared like something bad happened."
I was smiling mischievously at him. I was so happy that I made it to my first job.
"You are one drama queen." he complained.
"Let's go." I said.
"Where?" he wondered.
"To my aunt's home. Wanna tell Mom."
"Please don't tell me you called her and said the exact thing to her that you did to me." Hrishi was a bit vexed about what I might have already done.
"Um...actually I did." I said and hit the ignition button for the scooter.
We picked up Sweets on the way and were heading toward my maternal aunt's house.
"Around 80 were in the race for this job Hrishi, and only 4 got selected. I still can't believe I am among those 4. I thought I'd be one of those 76, but I am one of those 4 and I don't know how to process it."
"Who are the other three?" asked Hrihi.
"Neha Yasmin, she's a classmate actually. The remaining two I don't know personally but their names were Prajakta Kulkarni and Sampada Mowade. They seem to be from different colleges of Indira." Indira School of Business Studies, which was my college in Pune. One of many from the Indira campus.
"And what did you say about which company you got selected for your campus placement?"
"Morningstar's Pitchbook Data."
"Morningstar?" He seemed impressed.
"Certainly not Lucifer's company."
"What?" Hrishi wondered.
"Lucifer Morningstar?" I was hoping he would get the joke.
"Please when you join the office, don't eat your colleague's head with your stupid stories and references to the writings done centuries ago. Not everyone reads books like you."
I laughed nonchalantly. "Can't promise that."
We reached my maternal aunt's home and my mom was already waiting for me on the veranda. She was sitting there with her footwear on and holding her purse. She looked so tense like something had happened at home and her skinny elder son is furious about something or worse something bad has befallen her family again.
"Why are you sitting outside?" I said to my mother as I was climbing down the scooter. "Get inside."
She took off her footwear and went inside and sat on the sofa. My aunt had gone to the kitchen to bring water for us. Hrishi, however, was behind me and gonna witness something that even he was waiting for years.
"What happened?" my mom was so anxious.
"Wait." I commanded. Hrishi looked at me like I was a complete asshole but he put on with the drama.
I took out the sweet from the box and fed it to my mom.
"What is it?" she wondered but I fed her anyway.
"Sweets." I said and put the box of sweets on the teapoy. And then I hugged her tight for then said, "Your son got a job, mom." and I hugged her tight.
Hrishi witnessed it and felt finally his best friend got that moment that he was waiting for years. After what he had seen this family have gone through last year, it seemed like the sun is finally rising on this family, taking them out of the darkness of misery.
I loosened the hug and looked at my mom. Her eyes were already filling with tears. Yeah, tears. But this time not the tears of pain but happiness.
"Pagal." she sighed. Her voice trembled with the overwhelming joy. "I was so scared that something has happened. You had scared me."
"Oi, you scared my sister?" said my aunt as she had come with a glass of water for my mom.
"Look at this idiot, Kavita."
"Trust me aunty. You weren't the only one." Nagged Hrishi.
I gave him a look and then looked at my mother. Cupped her face with my palms and looked straight into her eyes. "No. Nothing bad is going to happen to us now. I won't let that happen to us. I want to tell you that I got a job and I can finally take care of you and your stupid younger son Abhijeet. You understand?"
She looked at me with her watery eyes. I smiled at her and kissed her on her forehead. "I would take care of you Mom, don't you worry now."
[May 3, 2023]
"Oi pagal, kaha khoya hua hai tu?" said Roma Modi (DET - Senior Reasearch Associate).
I snapped out of my thoughts. "Nothing, I was just wondering over past memories." I said.
"Me kya pagal hu jo tuzhe puch rahi hu ki job dhund raha hai ki nahi to? Abe market ka condition to dekh kaisa hai, Piyush. Tere ko fikar kyu nahi ho rahi ki tere pass job nahiye aur tune resign kar diya." she was getting irritated with my relaxed attitude at the office.
"If I worry about it harder, it still won't get me a job." I said calmly.
"How can you be so calm about it?" she was getting vexed. Of course, she cared. Over the time of the year, we both had grown to be friends now. Funny how our bonding started with her being my Dushman No. 1 and now we both are each other's Confidant.
"I don't suppose it would help me if I tell you that I am a stoic." I looked at her with a pride smile on my face.
"Ek zhapad marungi na. Jyada drama mat kar." She made a face.
I burst out in laughter. "Areee, don't worry. I'd be preparing for the exam. I need to get some certification and then I would find the job. And I'd get it, don't worry."
She still had those expressions where she didn't even feel a tiny bit convinced that it wasn't a stupid decision to quit the job. "When is your last day?"
"2nd June. Got the mail from Omkar (Manager)."
"Yaar, it feels like everyone is leaving." Roma looked worried. She felt like she would be the last one here in office.
"Everyone leaves Roma." I stated bluntly. I don't know why I did that.
"Ha, Anuja bhi gayi na. Ab tu bhi ja raha hai."
"Anuja. How is she?"
"She's good. Trying to adjust to new work." said Roma. "Tell me, you miss her na." I made a face at her. She laughed. Everyone in the DET team knew that Anuja was the only person I was scared of and would run away instantly if she just gives me a simple stare. "I know you miss her." added Roma.
"Shut up." I looked away.
"Will you miss us after you leave?"
I looked at her curious eyes and replied. "No."
"Tu mere ko bhi miss nahi karega?"
"Nahi."
"Chal zhoot bol raha hai tu. I know you will miss us all but you won't tell it." she said proudly, like she had figured out something about me which was such an arcane for a long time but now she has unfolded it.
I was quiet, lost in some thoughts. "What have I even achieved here?"
"Experience, some learning, and a good amount of networking with your colleagues."
"Colleagues." I paused. "The day I leave this office, everyone will forget that I was even here. I know this, I left my college friends right after the convocation. They have forgotten about me."
"Aisa sirf tuzhe lagta hai. Mana ki sab ke sab nahi rahenge tere ko yaad but jinke liye important tha wo to rakhenge yaad."
"Will you remember me?" I asked her.
She gave me looks. "Ja na be. Me to dusre din bhul jaungi tuzhe."
I laughed heartily and then looked at her, "I'm gonna miss you so much Roma. My office bestie."
"Kyu? Kanak nahi hai tera bestie?" I could see how dramatic she was getting. She wanted me to admit that some people do actually matter to me and she is also one of them who matter most to me.
I laughed. "He's in Sustain Analytics now."
"Dekh, hai to tere relations acche bohot logo ke saath yaha. Ktine saare logo se to baate karte dikhta bhi hai tu office floor pe."
"Yeah, because I'm popular. Everyone wants to talk to the author."
"Bhag yaha se jaldi. Bakwas mat kar tu."
I laughed again. "Bye. I'd try to do some work now."
"Ha ha. Notice Period wale logo ke kaam ka burden bhi bhohot hote hai na."
I laughed and waved my palm at her and went to my DST Team seats. I had occupied my usual favorite corner seat for myself. I had some water from my copper bottle and unlocked my computer. There was a list of 30 client requests in my queue. And I was forced to smile on my face and made up my mind to put up with this for a few more weeks. Then I can do the things that I was missing. Writing, playing piano, reading novels, watching movies, ruminating with silent music running in the background, gazing night sky, and studying for the certification would help me to advance in my career.
How brazen I had built myself enough to get some Google search results if one typed in my name, yet I was not known much for my writing. I guess if I shot reels, I would have been more famous than I could being a writer.
Am I happy doing what I am doing in my life? Better not to answer that question. I can only make myself understand with this one reasoning that sometimes you have to do the things you don't like to be able to do the things you like.
Just a couple of months ago I suffered a huge loss in strength. I had said goodbye to some very important people in my life. My college bestie Aastha and then quietly walked away after convocation from almost all of my college friends. Even said goodbye at the same time to the one whose voice fuelled my soul, Chubby Cheeks. Those who read Beautiful Nights would know her.
Oh, all the stars in the universe, I swear on you that I see paradise in her smile. (Beautiful Nights Quote)
I would miss her when I'd be writing my third novel, which is half written already.
And then lastly my Philosopher. Parting away from her was the heaviest loss of strength, courage, and emotional security. I don't know how she would have reacted if she had known about my sudden resignation from the job she had seen me getting after so many turmoils.
[November 18, 2021]
It was evening and my phone rang. I checked the name and it brought a smile to my face, I knew someone had gotten the news already and was so...
"Happy. I am so happy. Yuuuuuuhuuuuuu!" said Shikha Maám, my philosopher and also the one because of whose huge support people know me with my famous title: Writer. "I saw the list of students who got placed today and oh my god, your name is also there."
"Ha-ha." I laughed gently. It was nice to see her seeing on cloud 9.
"Chalo accha hai. Ab tum sadu nahi rahonge. Ab tum kam roya karonge because tumhara sabse bada burden jo tha to not being able to take care of your loved ones is now gone, now you can take care of them well."
"I still can't believe that I got selected for a job."
"Me bol rahi hu to believe ho jayega na?" asked Shikha Maám.
"Always."
"Then allow your heart to feel the joy of this achievement. Don't be scared, Piyush. Good things will happen to you."
"As long as you are there, I don't think any bad thing can touch me."
"Absolutely not because I'm always gonna be there for you." said Shikha Maám proudly.
"I know." I was so proud and happy. "Mam."
"Yes?"
"Have I made you proud?" I asked so innocently. It meant a lot to me after all.
She took a deep breath. "You have always made me so proud. But today I am so relieved that finally for you there is a medium through which you can take care of your family. It means a lot to me as your teacher, you know, a teacher's success is reflected in his/her student's success."
"Then I guess I have a great responsibility, I hope I represent you well in my endeavors."
"Don't burden yourself now with new expectations. You are a writer by heart and soul, keep writing beautiful stories and it would handle the rest."
[May 3, 2023]
"Hello, writer."
I snapped out of my thoughts.
"Hello, you two."
Remember those two names I had told Hrishi who was also selected along with me? Yup, Prajakta Kulkarni and Sampada Mowade, yeah these both were standing next to me right now. They work into Priv-Co Team.
"Bohot Khush lag rahe ho?" said Prajakta.
"Notice period wale log khush he rahte hai." completed Sampada.
I nodded in agreement.
"When is your last day?" asked Prajakta.
"June 2nd, then Pune, and then home." I replied.
"Oh, Pune is love." for a moment Prajakta was lost in Pune memories.
"Well, he has some good reasons to go to Pune." teased Sampada.
"Oh, yes. Instagram posts told a lot."
I laughed. "I'd be going this weekend too in Pune."
"Again?"
"Got plans with some college friends." I responded. Despite my efforts, I had failed to cut off my friendship with a few people from college. They didn't let me, especially Mansi. She and Jayesh were with me on the night of the convocation party. And this weekend would be with these guys.
"Just don't tell us when you return that you've got a new idea for your novel." mocked Prajakta.
"Indeed." said Sampada.
"I think I might have got an idea already."
"Aaaha and here we go again." nagged Prajakta.
"How's the third novel coming along?" asked Sampada.
"Will finish it in 8-10 weeks once I return home. I got the ending for the story now I just need to write."
"Then write this new story." suggested Prajakta.
"I've already got five novels to write and this new one would make it 6th."
"This guy is mad." said Sampada.
"True." said Prajakta.
I chuckled in pride.
"Write someday something on office people." said Prajakta.
"A goodbye message?"
"That could work." said Sampada.
"Maybe, but even if I do write. It would be lengthy. I'm notorious for writing long write-ups."
"Well, you could write hundreds of pages of books, so should that even be a surprise." said Prajakta.
"Most people won't even read." I didn't think it would be worth it to even write any goodbye message to people here. I don't think anyone would even care. Actually, I know nobody cares.
"But some would." said Sampada.
I nodded.
"Chalo bye. Need to finish today's work." said Prajakta.
"Bye."
Soon the day was over for me and I was waiting for a local train at Vashi station. I sighed deeply and felt exhausted with boredom with this kind of routine. Millions of people live in this city and yet it felt so lonely. I put on earphones and distracted myself with some songs and killed the night unsure of what I even achieved here.
Everything and everyone is replaceable in this city.
[May 13th, 2023]
I finally thought to write up something for my colleagues and was confused about what to write anyway. I was sitting idly before the laptop screen and I went into my thoughts about how I got this job and what it was like to get my first job.
I lived a great part of my time here in Mumbai with my best friend Hrishi. I didn't feel the need to get any friends from the office, honestly, I didn't even think I'd get any friends in a place like the office.
In the office, you get only co-workers and not friends. In this phase of life, you understand that you can spend great time with some people and yet they might not become your friends.
I guess that's okay. And I was with the same mentality and to be honest nobody really even mattered to me and that went fine for some time here.
But then some people here in the office became something for me. So I guess I should just write it down what I thought and felt about people here. Maybe because it's my first job and people you meet on your first job could mean something to you, perhaps with time my memory shall fade, but it would here, in this blog, with words I'd decorate these emotions I have.
- Message to Colleagues -
Hey Guys,
I'd start with Survey Team where I had started my journey at Pitchbook. Though some have already left the organization but I'd still mention them like they are still here because each of you has contributed to my growth both as a researcher and as a person.
SURVEY TEAM
Lazaree Thakur (Team Leader) you have always been there to support and help. Since the time I joined, I could easily see a strong leader in you. We often talked about our mutual favorite hobby which is reading novels. I hope you would love my book and I'm eager to hear your review of it. Thank you for being there.
Bhushan Artani (Associate Team Leader) you might not know that but I was not so confident when I had joined this firm but with your training session I got some confidence that perhaps I can do my job. And I must tell you it played a very crucial role. You helped me a lot in those initial days at this firm and I am so grateful for that.
Kanak Bhadekar (QA - Pitchbook, Associate Team Leader - Sustain) even you know that I don't really need to write anything because what you mean to me is that you already know. Most favorite, the one who is always there for me, kind, and above all a friend. Always there to heed my ranting. Thank you so much man, because of you I could endure many challenges at the workplace. I learned a lot of things from you. And before leaving what do you say, let's have one last game of carrom? The queen would be mine. 😎
Udit Sabnis (ATL - Pitchbook, Team Leader - Sustain) whenever I felt weak and thought of giving up you rebuked me and reiterated those lines of your favorite poems, especially of Guru Thakur. Which, undoubtedly filled a great amount of courage in me and I went and faced those challenges and won. Everyone should have a great leader as well as a friend like you, whose mere presence would bring them a hell lot of courage. Be seeing you, brother.
Ashwini More (SRA) You have been so kind. Thank you so much for listening to my stupid stories. It was such an encouragement. 😂 I would complete my third novel soon and would love to see you holding that book in the future. Till then, Amor Fati.
Richa Dhamapurkar (QA) for you I'd say only one thing. Itachi Uchiha is the best. 🙌
Faisal Khan (Associate Team Leader - Outreach) bhai you'd calling me Johnny Depp would actually make me fly like when Ghungru Seth flies when Uday Shetty calls him his friend. 😂😂 Tell you what, Johnny Depp is my most favourite actor since childhood. Captain Jack Sparrow forever 💖 Thank you for being there Faisal Bhai.
Dyson, Nitish, Tanuj (Crawlers), Abdullah, Nikhil, Arun, and Vivek (Crawlers) we all joined together.
Dyson D'Souza, always looked at you as the best of the best my friend. 💪 My best wishes to your further journey.
Nitish Joshi, quiet and ambitious but also with a little bit of mischievousness in you, please stop pranking Tanuj with that hot Gal Gaddot picture. 😂 J in JP Morgan stands for Joshi.
Tanuj Soni, the funny one and would appear simple but would always perform best. A reliable colleague and a friend. Will meet again, brother.
Abdullah Bhamla, brother one day I'd definitely have Play Station 5 and would love to take your suggestions for games and perhaps I might give you some competition in it. 😅 I always loved video games, my favorite is Call of Duty and Medal of Honour series.
Nikhil Dhuraphe, bhai football khele fir se? I'd give you an assist and you can goal. 😎 Playing football along with you guys in a Team outing was memorable, with all the laughter and good food we had.
Arun Segar, brother soon I want to get my favorite bike and would love to race with you and explore new places. Hopefully, someday I'd travel to South India, would definitely take your suggestions to visit spots.
Vivek Saigaonkar: a strong man. Maybe someday I'd have strong arms like you. 😂 I'm kidding man. Can't compete with you on that nor even at the office. But it was great to know you brother, hopefully, someday we'd meet again.
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And lastly all I want to tell you guys that it has been a great honor to be working along with you, fine gentlemen. You have always been best in my eyes and I looked up to you people. Nothing but respect for you guys. Thank you so much, will always remember you all. 🙏
Nisha Matai (RA) we both worked on the company survey together. After that, I traveled within Pitchbook from one team to another like a Hobbit going on an adventure. But there is one adventurous thing I shall never do is to have Gulabjamun with Vanilla Ice Cream. 😂 Please don't get mad, I was really scared last time. And it was nice to meet Vishal at Lazaree's farewell.
Nidhi Mishra (RA) I'm thinking to join Illuminati or Freemasonry. 😂😂 You can get that after seeing a new tattoo on my arm. Perhaps a pyramid with a watchful eye on it. Who knows. You are one of those very few people who actually asked me the meaning of all the tattoos I've got on my right forearm. It was a pleasure to tell the story behind it. I like telling stories a lot, I'm thinking I should become a writer too and publish some books, what do you say?
Munzir Bhai, Binil, Aman, Aditi, Posheen occasional talks with you guys was also quite fun. Munzir bhai always liked your style. Aditi, I'm scared of your reading capacity but it's good to find another book lover on the office floor. Hopefully, someday you'd be reading my book too. Binil, bhai Messi won the world cup. This thing makes us both equally happy. I think that's the only common thing we both have. 😂 Aman 💗 Chelsea. Posheen I've always loved your responses on Teams Group.
Rishabh Chowdhury (RA) I must say that I'm quite an admirer of your sarcasm. It's sad most people don't get it but we can't really expect most people to possess that much brain for it, can we? I think you are one of those very few people here with whom I could actually have those intellectual conversations about radical ideas, changes, and reforms. But then there is an artist in you too. It was a great pleasure to work alongside you brother. Will surely remember you. Let the rebellion be free within you, after all, you came from the land of great authors.
Disha Menghani (RA) you are a pure incarnation of evil, who is sent to annoy and scare me. I'll tell you what, I am scared of you. 😂 Take care of yourself, kid. Be positive, happy, and mischievous. Lots of best wishes to you.
Nimrah Ansari, (SRA)my best wishes for your further journey in life. It was nice to have a colleague like you. May you find great success ahead. Dubai me sports car me ghumna mast. Inshallah!
Neha Pandey (QA) I hope I'd also go on a trip to Egypt. Should I get any idea for a good story I can perhaps name a character Neha in it. But before that, you'd have to guide me on an Egypt trip. 😂
Radhika Goyal (RA) you are one of those few people in the office who read my blogs. I hope you liked Beautiful Nights story, soon it would be a book and then you would have the complete story. Would love to hear your review of the story. Till then goodbye, my best wishes and keep performing best in your role, as always.
Aishwarya Gupta (RA) I'm a hell of a writer 😎 see show off kar raha hu. 😂 On the office floor I'm just a Research Associate, not a writer, outside the office I live a different life as a writer. But I hope you would love the story Beautiful Nights and would love to hear your and Rachana's reviews about it. Soon, it would be a book then you can have the complete story, who knows someday we might come across each other and I'd sign your copy of my book.
Taranjit Singh Devghan (RA) Brother, you have always been a very valuable friend to me. Strong man but kind at heart. And you have been always so kind with me. I had said it on your farewell that next time we would meet in Pune, and what a happenstance man, we actually met in Pune. I was so happy to meet you. Will stay in touch brother.
And the rest of the team, we might not have talked but those occasional polite exchange of nods was perhaps my limited way of communicating with you guys. Deepesh, Jainam, Shubham, Akanksha, Rachana, and Dharmesh I don't know if I am missing anyone, and I'm sorry if I accidentally missed someone here. I'm trying to remember hard all the faces on the office floor and putting them here on this blog. Nothing but lots of best wishes to you guys. Thank you for everything. 💖
DET TEAM
If Pitchbook is my arena then DET is my home, my safe haven. And it's a safe haven because of the people that are there.
Riya Virdi (Team Leader) I have met many annoying people in my life but never met anyone as annoying as you. Just like Madara Uchiha says to Might Guy, I'd say to you. I, Piyush, declare you are the most annoying of them all. 😂😂 Gosh you and Malhar both would always shush me with your nags and jokes. I hated you. 😤 But seriously, I have never felt connected to my leader as I have with you. You have groomed me into a better fit as an employee and also as a person. You brought so many changes in me that would help me to grow in my career but also above all you were always there for me. No matter how much you nagged me or annoyed me, killed me with your sarcasm too, deep down I always knew that when I need help, you'd be there. And you were there. So, Captain O My Captain, thank you for being there. You are, indeed, the best Team Leader in the World. ✌
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Malhar Paralkar (QA) I can't even describe how much I really enjoyed working along with you. I never felt any difficulty connecting with you. You are a strong pillar of DET team and you being there helped me a lot. With time I experienced good bonding, trust, and friendship with you. Sometimes I'd get glimpses of my younger brother in you. I could never express it to you but for me, you are a very valuable friend but also a brother-in-arms. Be seeing you, brother.
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Pawan Yadav (Senior Research Associate) always liked you brother. You are a man of few words but I admire you a lot. You have some really good taste in movies which most people don't. We both do have different views about life but nevertheless, I always held great respect for you brother. And yeah, thank you for treating me so kindly on my first day at the office. Being around you and Malhar was great fun. "Piyush team me Malhar aur Pawan ke alawa bhi baki log hai, unse bhi baate kiya karo" - Riya. 😂
Aparna Phanse (Senior Research Associate) Dushman No 2. Always been sweet and kind to me but those nags, ugh. I hate you for that. 😒 Now don't you say that "Feelings are mutual" But I must say thanks to you for being a kind friend to me, annoying too, but kind, and I still remember my first day at the office, thank you for welcoming me here and also for that picture you took on my first day at the office.
Janice Vaz (QA), Dude I have no idea how did you find out information on boolean search, I would always be appalled to see how to find out such small details. Ugh! I envied you for that. That damn Exit Crawler Project, ugh, a nightmare for me. But the time on the office floor, team outings, especially that cold drink - cold drink - darruuuuu. 😂 I love those memories. I'll always call you Jasmine, for some reason I think it suits you. I got to know you as a person and let me tell you what, every person has some beauty in him/her, you just need to believe in yours. I think you can turn around your life, and your new phase in Canada would bring you something new that you were looking for. I really wish lots of happiness for you Jasmine. Gonna miss you too. ✌
Sneha Ingle (Research Associate) I'd always talk with almost everyone on the team but I could never find something to talk about with you, so I would annoy you by asking if you watched this movie or that movie and would keep asking you if you watched my movie recommendations. 😂 Actually, I was trying to build something for us to talk about, because I didn't ever want you to feel that I talk with everyone else on the team but you. But, hey, you got another job (Morgan Stanely 😎) and we all were so happy for you. I couldn't be there on your last day at the office, but I still remember your text about it on Teams. I wish you all the best and hopefully, we'd meet someday. ✌
Fatima Khan (Research Associate) Hey Kiddo, how are you? I know you'd be doing good, I have utter and complete trust in your abilities. I always saw great potential in you and I was so proud and happy when I saw you winning the Newbie of The Quarter award, Yuhuuuu!!! When I look at you I just see a little kid, and come on, you can't blame me for that, you look like a little kid. I still can't believe that you got married and I, who is a few years elder than you, still unmarried and it changes the dynamics for me. I can't see you as a kid anymore. Now I kinda feel peer pressure because of you that even I should get married now. 😂 Well, gonna miss you too kiddo. I believe that one day you'd be a great leader, just like our Captain. So, keep learning and keep growing. I don't have to say that be happy, because you always are happy, that's the one thing I'm still trying to learn from you. Someday I would. ✌ Till then lots of best wishes.
Anuja Dhomne (Senior Research Associate) Still afraid of you. 😂 But there are some things that I always kept to myself, such as, I admired you the most in the team. I always looked at you as an example of excellence and I was quite intimidated by that because I'm a boy full of flaws and I was always told that I can never be like those excellent people out there. So, secretly I was trying to be excellent like you at work, but soon enough I gave up. It didn't take me much time to realize that I can not catch up with your level. You were so patient with me when I came to you with my stupid doubts, I always went to people with my stupid doubts but I was so terrified of your judgment about me, what if you think I am an utter idiot? You already think me an utter idiot, don't you? 😂 Well, I am an utter idiot. But hey you are like a coconut you know. You appear so tough and hard on the outside but inside you are mellow, caring, and sweet. You are like, "Dekho yaar I'm a nice person, but you better be also afraid of me." 😂😂 And that totally worked. And I'd tell you also another thing, YOU WERE ALWAYS MY MOST FAVOURITE IN DET TEAM. 🙊 Zhoot nahi bol raha hu. I really mean it. I always had a great respect for you, that's why I would mind my behavior in your presence. Of course, it had a great reason for me being afraid of you, you were the only person I never ever dared to annoy on the team, nor will I ever dare to do that. Not that stupid actually, want to live my life. 😂 And yeah, I can't believe I am saying this and I am damn sure if another DET teammate is reading this part would be laughing at me, but...yeah... I missed you when you were gone from Pitchbook. Roma was teasing me about it, I just didn't want her to have her fun out of it.😤 I don't know when we both will meet again, but till then will keep missing you. ✌
Roma Modi (Senior Research Associate) My arch-enemy at the office. 😤 Gosh, I hate you the most. I'm definitely not gonna miss you at all. I never waited for you at the office. I never liked talking with you. I never liked listening to your stupid talks. I never liked telling you my stories. I never missed you if you were not at the office. I mean you are not at all important to me. I don't like you. You are not my office bestie. You are not my birthday partner. Um, aur kya bolu? Itna sach bol diya bhai mene. Ha ek aur sach bolta hu, I am not scared of Anuja. 😂
Hey stupid, we started off as Dushmans and ended up becoming office besties. Every time I'd feel down at the office I'd just walk to DET bay and search for you because I must irritate you now with my problems. 😂 After resigning you were the first I had told about it and gosh, the way you had rebuked me. 😂 I think, only the true bestie can react this way. And you are my office bestie, my confidant. And I'm gonna terribly miss you so much. Now as we have the same birthdays, every time I'd be celebrating my birthday, I'd think about you and I'd call or text you, wishing you the same. Maybe someday when I'd visit this city again, which would be after a really long time, we'd meet again. We'd celebrate it with good food and our stupid talks. And yeah, tere last birthday ka gift abhi tak baki hai, it will reach to you soon. You are as wired as Phoebe and I've always liked Phoebe most in FRIENDS. Bye Roma, take care. Be missing you so much. 💓
DET Team outing memories:
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CRAWLERS TEAM
Paras Gurbani (ATL) Bhai 💓 I always respected and liked you for how you have always been so kind and supportive. I was so happy when I saw you were promoted to the ATL position. It brings genuine joy when you see your colleagues who have been working hard getting recognized for their efforts. You have always been patient while solving my queries and always treated me so kindly, I have nothing but respect and tons of gratitude for you, man. My best wishes are always with you and will always stay in touch. ✌
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Abdul Sayyed (ATL) Mene Bassi ka standup comedy video dekha aur usme wo Abdul ka character bohot pasand aaya, mene socha bhai mere life me bhi aisa Abdul hona chahiye. 😂 Office me naam karna tha, tabse me plan kar raha hu office ke pantry se water filter chori karte hai. Dono ka kya mast naam ho jayega pure office me. 😂 Thinking all this thing, I'd always say to you let's setal the water filter but you never got the joke. You hadn't seen Bassi's Hostel Comedy Video. After sharing that video, you got the joke, and ever since the funny talk never stopped. Whether it's about any inside jokes or office memes, sometimes I'd even use your picture to make a meme template. 😂 But hey man, I think that's how we both got along and I was so lucky to have a colleague like you. I believe we both shared good office friendship and I'd always recollect you whenever Bassi would crack up any joke regarding Abdul. 😂 Be seeing you, brother.
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Reshma Pillai (QA) Hey Reshma, it was great to work with you. We had occasional talks but those were nice talks. Thanks for sharing Prasad after your visit to Siddhivinak Temple, if I am not mistaken. I'd tell you what, I am an atheist boy, but just some weeks ago I met someone and I visited 5 temples within 3 days. I am still an atheist but I value the emotions of the next person, you offered me Prasad with great kindness, for me that kindness is valuable. Thank you, may Lord Ganesha will always have his blessing on you and your loved ones.
Siddhi Powale (QA) Hello Artist 😎 I felt a different level of swag while calling you an Artist on the office floor, that totally made me feel like I'm being Maverik. It's amazing to find an artistic soul in the corporate world. When I saw your work, I must say I was so impressed and immediately knew that you are someone with a great passion for art. I genuinely wish that someday, and it would be my honor too, to have you for some future project regarding my book and ask you to draw illustrations for the book. I am damn sure, the book would look so beautiful. This collective work of art would be loved by the people. But you know, I think I have some ideas for my third book's cover page. After a discussion with publishers, I'd reach out to you to draw the cover page picture for my third book. You don't know but the cover page for my first book was drawn and designed by my maternal uncle, and the second book's cover was designed by my classmate Shivam. It's a great feeling to tell people that how my friend or my uncle is the one who has designed the cover page of my own book. Hopefully, someday I could say the same about you. Till then my best wishes to you and Rohan. May you both get lots of blessings from your loved ones and friends, lots of happiness, and good health. And don't forget your promise, you won't let other responsibilities of your life let you lose hold on your passion. Hold it tight, artist, who knows someday even Vincent Van Gogh would be proud of you. 😎
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Twinkle Hirwani (SRA) Twinkle Twinkle Super Star 😎 We often talked about life and philosophical thoughts. I must say I enjoyed these talks a lot. I read and study philosophy, my personal favorite is Stoic Philosophy, read Plato too, and next, I'd probably read Nietzsche and later on cynic philosophy of Diogenes. Someday, these philosophical talks which I had with you could reflect in my writings, maybe those learning about happiness would help me to elevate one of my book's characters. I can see a great person and a great friend in you, and it would be my honor to have a friend like you. Be seeing you, Superstar. Keep shining. ✨
Prachi Mehra (SRA) Hanji Pitchbook ke Celebrity. 😎 Bhai hum to fan hai aapke. Tanuj aur bakiyo ko spot award jitne dena kabhi kabar. 😂 Aur ha Ji firse treking ke liye chale? Iss baar sunscreen lotion laga ke jaunga, last time pura skin tan hogaya tha. 😂 Keep flaunting your style Prachi and that bright smile too. ✌
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Vipul Trivedi (SRA) Are Trivedi Ji hai to kis baat ka tension hai? Bhai next time milenge to cricket khelenge. Waise common love for bikes to hai he aapna. 😂 But it's great to have a colleague like you man. Will remember all the office talks and team outings memories.
Firdosh Shaikh (RA) Cheetah. Small but quick one. I must say I was quite impressed with the way you made the climb on that mountain. You kept walking ahead while everyone else was waiting to catch their breath. Hence, I named you Cheetah. I don't know why everyone else in Crawlers calls you Chotu 😂 but for me, you'd always be Cheetah. Keep working hard and keep climbing up in life too. My best to you. Always.
Vikas Sharma (SRA) It was a terrible shock to hear the news of your demise. You were a man of knowledge and I always looked at you with admiration. Wanted to learn about stocks and the market from you. 27 was a too young age to go, man. I have this one memory with you brother, when you, Pawan, and I were having dinner at Office Pantry and told you that I am a published author and you just stared at me blankly. I thought you thought I'm bluffing, so I responded that you can search my name on Amazon or Flipkart and then you said, "To tu yaha kya kar raha hai bhai?" 😂 Circumstances. 😥 Well, now I'm leaving and I hope to publish my next novel soon. Will remember you brother, rest in peace. 💔
Komal Vardam (RA) & Alia Mandal (RA) I was always so confused between you two. Which one is Komal and which one is Alia. Uff! I know for this I was rebuked too by both of you. 😐 But with great hard work and consistency now I have finally learnt your names. 😂 Majak kar raha hu, pahile se he pata tha but jaan bujke drama karta tha me tumhare saamne. Alia the sarcastic one. Don't you kill me with your sarcasm bro 😂 And Komal, I think you have a proclivity towards writing, I think you have something written already but you are afraid to show it to the world. Afraid the world might judge, laugh or not like it. Or perhaps it is you who think you could not write it well yet. But you know what, there is no such thing as perfect writing. It's a bloody myth. Each writer writes with his/her own style and that is what exactly brings novelty to this world. With time you would see that there are some people who like your writing and with time you would improve your writing and that's how it should be. Don't be scared. Who knows, you would find me in your readers. ✌
Kshitij Rai (RA) Bring me that horizon, said Jack Sparrow and we have here our own horizon (Kshitij) 😂 Imported directly from Australia. Keep shining brother. Party hard. Keep enjoying your life as you always do. My best wishes are always with you.
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Snigdha Swapnil (RA) Hi anxiety. Kaisi ho? Stressed? Itna tension nahi lene ka re life me. I know these are ironic words for me but yeah, you don't be in stress. 😂 We sometimes expect too much from life and get disappointed when we do not get what we wished for. Guess what, it happens to everyone, even me. But in stoicism what I learned is that "We suffer more in imagination than in reality." So if you want to leave your worrisome thoughts, then change your perspective about things and your suffering will go along with it. Life could be so beautiful re, meet new people, and learn from them. Me khud bhi sikh he raha hu kuch na kuch, tum sab logo se. One day, when I see that you have learned to keep yourself happy. I'd stop calling you anxiety and would start calling you joy. 😏
Varun Seth (RA) Ranbir Kapoor 😎 Stud boy. Brilliant, full of valor but amateurish. But I won't interrupt life's course to teach you some things. There is a fire within you boy, it fuels your mindset and then you go ahead and win your battles. Which is a brilliant thing. But there are two kinds of fire most people have, one who uses that fire to build themselves into better and more formidable persons, and second are those who burn into their own fire. Never be those second types of people.
Yashraj Purohit (RA), Akshay Borkar (RA),
Muhammad Mehdi (RA), Vineeth Vineeth (RA) Guys, keep doing the best you have been always doing. I am so happy how kindly you people have always treated me and it meant a lot. Seeing you people do really good in your life makes me happy too. Lots of best wishes to you people. 💓
NEWS TEAM
Anurag Pawar (Former ATL, TL - Sustain) Imposter 😂 I still don't believe you are in Sustain Analytics, you are still in Pitchbook. 😂 All the food we had together and the funny talks, man one of the best memory for me. I always felt envious of you, Prajakta that you could have homemade food every day and I was having poor quality food of mess. But it was so nice of you to ask me to join you and have all those funny talks. With this, I could sometimes have homemade food, gosh I miss my mom's cooking a lot. But thanks to you, not just food but you also shared your friendship. Thank you so much brother. And yeah, you are one office monkey too 😂
Prajakta Tandel (SRA) SOBO 😎 Amir Log, Mumbai Ki Don but my favorite name for you is office monkey. 😂 Me apne dosto ke saamne show off karta hu, SOBO log mere dost hai. 😂 I even bluff that you have Yacht. 😂 But this exaggeration failed with their counter question, "Agar uske pass yacht hoti to wo kya tere saath job karti kya?" Sometimes I get it why you call me stupid. 😐 Gonna miss you, monkey. You have been a caring and fabulous friend. We will meet again. ✌
Harsh Gupta (RA) Bhai, it was great to know you. Take care of yourself and start believing in your own internal strength. You would rise so high in life. My best wishes with you man. ✌
Trupti Ashar (RA) Little Devil. 😄 OMG, no one can beat you in talking. The most talkative person I have ever seen. It's great to have a friend like you. Gosh, I still remember how you would tease me regarding Chubby Cheeks. 😂 Yup, I'll admit. It was because of her I was always in a good mood at the office. But thank you for being there, you have been a great friend to me. Thank you.
Aakriti Duggad (RA) I haven't visited the Matunga side bookstores. I really wish to but my weekends were occupied with other things. But it's on my list, maybe when I visit Mumbai next time, perhaps then. Till then, I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. 👣
Vivek Banchhor (RA) Bro startup ka kuch plan banao. 😂 Milte hai firse. Bye-bye. Keep hustling. ✌
Saurabh Abhang (RA) You are like that character from a childhood story, a skinny boy with noodle hair who walks funny. Which is good, I look at people not as people but as some character of a story or a movie, kinda helps me to talk with them. Perhaps I'm gonna describe a character in my book that would resemble you. 😂 Till then, keep wandering my friend.
Vineeth Pillai (RA) Always admired and respected you brother. The time in DET and Team outing was a good time. Occasional but good talks kept our friendship sustained, I think in future you gonna be doing really great. My best wishes to you. Be seeing you, my friend.
DST TEAM
Pratheeb Nadar (Former ATL) DST never stayed the same after you were gone. You were the kind of leader who would stand for his teammates. You were missed on many occasions, and your absence was experienced by each and every teammate.
Prachi Wakade (Former QA) Nobody has as in-depth knowledge about the DST process as you. You handled the team when Pratheeb left and that was so commendable. Even without a leader, we functioned so efficiently, I think that's because of you only.
Sanjali Mukadam (Former SRA) We were quite different than each other, I'd be honest that it was a challenging task for me to get along with you but with time, and especially after Prachi left, I think then we actually got along. You have always been maverick and I like such people. 😂 World needs some mavericks, DST had you. Will be in touch. Till then adios.
Kareena Morekar (Former SRA) I always had my favorite teammate in each team, in Survey it was Kanak, in DET Auja, Crawlers Paras and in DST it was you. From the beginning, it was so easy to get along with you. You have always been so friendly and nice with everyone and I really appreciate how kindly you always treated me. You even helped me a lot there in DST when things were getting so difficult for me. I think I have a great friend in you and we would always be in touch, who knows someday you might see me on Uran Beach, watching the sunset. 😂
Priyesh Mohite (RA) The quiet guy. You would remind me of my old version, but in life I had to change, especially after becoming a published author, talking with people became part of my life. Even on the office floor, I shared good bonding with lots of people but sometimes I really wish I could be like you, quietly work and then walk out of the office. 😂 My second favorite on the team, gonna miss you, brother. My best wishes to you.
Ankit Singh (RA) Simple but straightforward guy. We worked for a couple of months together but it was a great time brother. I think we both got along well and I must say I was quite shocked when I got to know about your resignation. But I understand that health is important and you must take care of yourself, my friend. Till then, best wishes and achieve great success in life. Would always be proud and happy.
Moumita Pathak (RA) I think we talked only after you had joined the DST team and with this short amount of time and the formal hello that we exchanged was building good colleague bonding. But it was great to be working with you. I wish you all the best for your future journey.
Abhijeet Mishra (RA) Lord Abhijeet, Loose Cannon, when I had given you these names, there was some observation on mannerisms which would reflect in these names. You were a pain in my ass and an idiot, but there are some things I really admire in you and that is your fighting spirit and that attitude of not giving up. These are very rare qualities Lord, preserve them. Now you have to handle the DST team and winter is coming. So be prepared.
Ayushi Tarey (QA) For a short period of time we worked in the team together but it was nice. Thank you for being. My best wishes to you for your new role.
Special Mentions
Divya Shashidharan You were always the sweetest and nicest and you always treated me kindly. Of course, with a bright smile, you would exchange hello on the office floor. But I must tell you the way you so patiently and kindly handled us in the early training, that only made things easier for me to enter the corporate world. This was my first job and I was extremely nervous but when there are kind people like you, I think people like me grow. Thank you for being there Divya.
Nirmal Joshi "Kabhi jarrorat pade to apna chota bhai samjh kar call karna. I'd always be there for you." These words you spoke to me when we met for the last time on your last working day at the office. Parting from you was difficult, you were a very good friend. You have always been my favorite, from the beginning. We instantly became friends, we both have a passion to love great books and know different things in the world. There is a little rebellion in you. I know I could vent out before you without worrying. I know I could trust you and you were always there for me like my little brother, giving me courage to go on. I would say that I am the lucky one, to have someone like you in my life. Be seeing you brother, maybe when we both would meet again, we both would have been completely transformed and would have started to have our own influence on the world. Who knows, those who are crazy enough to think to change the world, are often the ones who do it.
Adeline Alwa you were there when I was in the placement process for Pitchbook and then met you on the office floor. And after a year when I had an alumni session with junior students, you briefed me about how and what I should communicate there with them. With your help, I could handle that session so well that Junior liked the session. I think from you I'd like to learn people's skills and communication skills, you are really good at it Adeline.
Divya Mishra ji kabhi Kanpur aaye to hame Kanpur dikhana. Quite curious about U.P. Actually, I have lots of college friends from U.P. And you are one hell of a badminton player Divya, I must say it was quite a challenge when we played badminton at a recent company outing. My best wishes to you and please say Hi to Anuja from me. 😂
Umesh Modi Art is the most beautiful thing and I think from writer to theater artist everyone is worshiping their own way to the Art. Do your job with complete integrity and then use your weekends to follow your passion at theaters. Some plays you would like to act on and that would be so brilliant. Remember kid, all of our lives are ending one minute at a time, so we must do the things that we love and are passionate about. Otherwise, we would have nothing but regret by the end of life.
Bhishma Karia (SP) & Roshan Lalwani (Inv) Thank you so much guys for all the help you did for identifying the entity type, sometimes it would be so difficult to determine which primary type I should select for the act log but with the help of you guys, I could do so well in my role. I have utter gratitude for you guys. Thank you so much.
Sampada Mowade (Priv-Co) & Prajakta Kulkarni (Priv-Co) Pune is our mututal love and that's where I am going. All three were selected through the campus process and it was a good journey. You guys helped me too with Priv-Co profiles. Talks at the office floor or the 7th Floor of the Platinum building, I'd remember them. It's not a goodbye with you two, I strongly feel that we gonna meet again. Probably in Pune. Till then, my best wishes to both of you and pray for me that I don't have to abandon Non-Vegitarian food. 😂
Kalpesh Mahajan I was so happy when you got selected her for the job. Helping you out throughout the process was a great feeling, I could feel I could bring some positive changes to someone I don't even know. We met on Linkedin and then on the office floor. It's good to see you doing good my friend. It makes me proud. My best wishes to you.
- Epilogue -
[24th May 2023]
"I wrote something for people here." I said in a casual manner.
"Really?" that got Roma's curiosity. "Mere baare me bhi likha kuch?"
"Yeah."
"What?" she was so excited.
"That, how much I hate you." and I started to laugh.
"I won't even read it." She made a face.
"You will. I know." I said looking at my phone. "Kuch jyada he logo ke saath contact the aisa lag raha hai. Kafi lengthy ban gaya write up. Personal messages for each of them with whom I got along."
"For me, you should write special accolades. How Roma is the one because of whom you could achieve everything."
I was just looking at her drama with a simple smile on my face.
"What?" she wondered.
"Next Wednesday would probably be the day when we both would see each other for the last time."
That mischievous stupid smile on her face faded.
"Hmm."
"But our friendship will not end." I said.
"Of course, you would only be a fool to lose a friend like me." she nagged.
"Indeed." and I chuckled.
[2nd June 2023]
Nothing but gratitude in my heart. I got some really fantastic people and I think as it was my first job this write-up will remain as a manuscript of my memory and bonding with people here.
Perhaps after some years when I miss my days at first job, then I'd come here and open up this blog and see these pictures with you people and read my thoughts about you. Perhaps, I'd give calls to some of you.
Am I saying goodbye? Yes. I think eventually everyone will say goodbye to this place, we all are on the journey of our own lives.
And as Paulo Chacha said, "If you are brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello." I think there is a new hello waiting for me in Pune. But before that, I must go home, meet my family, and spend time with them. It's been a long time since I met them. Gosh, I'm missing home, missing mom's food, and my stupid brother.
Till then, thank you so much for everything. 💗
Writer boy is signing off.
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