15. The Procurement

Frustration levels were at an all time high, it was exam time after all. 5th semester. Around Mid Jan, we got the news that a software firm was coming down to hire from our college. Maybe, it was just the motivation we needed to carry on.

Soon, the notice boards were flooded with notices regarding the format of CVs, important dates and so on, and most importantly the list of eligible students. I was happy, relieved maybe, that my name was not excluded. But little did I know, the happiness was short-lived.

About a week later, a new list was put up, of the eligible students and this time, I was excluded. As a matter of fact, most of my branch-mates were, including Shis. But Doc was still eligible and was all kicked up to give it his best shot. He needed this real bad. He has an elder sis, who was already employed and a younger brother, who had topped his way into his second year.
So by now he too wanted some respect in his house.

He started preparing for the aptitude exams, while I was smoking my heart out. It did feel awful to be not eligible.

As fate would have it, specially mine, another list was put up on 29th, just a day before the exam and I was eligible again!! I really had no idea what the hell was going on but knew I wouldn't be able to make it now.

I was confident about my failure.

On the D-day, all formally dressed, we sat down for the aptitude test. The result was to be declared in the evening, around 6 PM. And the interviews would start soon after. While killing the time in between I realised what an idiot I was. I hadn't brought my class 10 and 12 mark-sheets!! They were needed in case I was selected for the Interviews. It was already 5:30 PM and considering my home was 50KMs away, It was physically not possible to complete a 100KM+ trip in rush hour traffic that too within an hour!! But, then I was damn sure I won't be shortlisted, so what the heck. I wasn't gonna need it anyway!!

At about 6:30PM a voice echoed through the corridors,
"All the students are requested to make their way to the auditorium, the results will be announced soon"

Doc wasn't gonna miss this one, it was the moment of truth for him.

Once in the auditorium, The HR head (referred to as HR henceforth) after introducing herself (She was some Rupali Ganguly), got on the job of announcing the names of successful candidates.

I couldn't help saying, "God IS the best architect!!!"
"Indeed, he is" Shis was already staring at her, wide mouthed.

Well, she was HOT, I mean she could easily give the models a complex. She was pristine, everything perfect about her. In her Grey trousers and navy blue "fitted" shirt, she was looking too damn good to be an HR. But maybe, even the firm she was working for was trying to cut the attrition rate by employing 'such' strategies.

After about 15 mins and almost 70 names, Doc was smiling. He had a reason.
I was in!!

A few names later, his smile widened a bit more, this time I guess, it was heart felt.
He was in too!!

"That were all the successful candidates, congratulations and the interviews will start in just about 20 mins, Thank You and congratulations once again" HR left the stage.

I checked my watch, 7:15 PM. I was doomed, I had no mark-sheets with me, what was I gonna do in the interview??

"Why don't you try and talk to Mr.Nanda, he might be able to help you" Shis was still around.

Mr. Nanda was our T&P head, and from an Army background. Quite naturally was a very helpful soul, always listened to the stupidest of problems and did whatever he could. But at times he was also quite strict even to the point of being rude.

"Can I have your attention please" It was Mr. Nanda, "We have divided all of you in four batches, the interviews for the first batch will be starting soon. For batches 2, 3 and 4 interviews will be held tomorrow 9:00AM onwards. The lists will be put up shortly on the notice boards. Except for the students for batch 1, rest of you can leave. But all of you need to be here by 8:00AM tomorrow morning, SHARP. I hope I am clear. Right then. Best of luck to all of you, Do your best and make us proud".

Soon, the lists were put up and Thank God!!! What a relief!! I was in batch 3. I had the time I needed to get my mark-sheets. Most of the students were either staying back in the hostel or at friend's places nearby, to prepare for the first job interview of their lives. But I had to rush back home!!

By 9:30 PM, we were almost there. Doc was visibly nervous. The fact that he had hinged all his to this opportunity wasn't helping either. I really had no idea about a Job interview. Called up Vijay and decided to meet up with him. I and Doc listened very carefully as he spoke, Vijay was already placed, and coincidently, in the same firm. His tips ranged from brushing up on current affairs to carrying a pen in the room positively. In a nutshell, he was comprehensive, I still can't think of anyone who would have given us better advice at 10:30 in the night, sitting on the pavement!!

But anyways we had a lot to do now, study newspapers, browse through our CVs and be ready with anything that might be asked, and what not. We reached home, and started with the most important thing.

We dozed off !!!

The next morning we were in college by 7:30AM
In the entire episode, I must confess, my heart beat was at peak value during this time. After about 4 hours of waiting, I was finally interviewed at around 12.

To put it modestly, It was horrible!! As bad as it could have been!! I did exactly as I was adviced not to. I was once again sure that I won't make it.

It was time to wait again. The result was to be declared by 7:00PM. At around 6:45PM we were asked to gather in the auditorium. HR was standing on the stage, lecturing about something, I wasn't sure of what it was simply because I was not listening. I was watching!! And so was Tiwari, a friend of mine, branch-mate actually. And to put it in plain simple text, We liked what we saw. The long day had taken its toll on our model-cum-HR. She was visibly tired now, hair all open, falling precariously on her shoulders. But still the temperature of heat-waves radiated from her was not a degree lower. Like me, Tiwari was confident of his failure too. So while Doc was praying, we were having a good time, Tiwari & me.

"She has no energy man.. look shes exhausted in just about 10 hours" Tiwari said checking his watch.
"Talk sense man, 10 hrs is way too much, even a horse would need a break in between"
"Not if she is under!!" Tiwari sure had a dirty mind!!
"Well in that case, Who would WANT one??" Even I was no exception.

High-Five!!!

All this continued until the Bong dropped a Bomb, She announced my name.

"Hey, congrats.." I could feel the taps on my shoulder, I was stunned!!

Then came Doc's.

This was two times in two days that I was surprised, for good, obviously.
Tiwari, sadly didn't make it, but sure had a word of appreciation for me, "Congrats man, you can have her now!!! Same company dude, enjoy!!" He is a joker.

"Ya, Thanks,"

As I and Doc came out, It was already dark. We could see all kinds of faces around us, happy, disappointed, crying, laughing, heartbroken, content, relieved but none like me, shocked!! It was a moment I will never forget.

I and Doc hugged each other,
"You made it!!" I was happy for Doc, he got what he had wanted.
"No, We made it!!" Indeed we had!!

Soon, Shis, Appu and almost the entire hostel was in the campus, congratulating the ones who had made it!! Well, Appu was different. He was holding a backpack.

"Remember your promise??" Appu was smiling showing off his gear-train like teeth.
"Ya I do, lets go"

Took him to the nearest Theka and he started putting the bottles in his backpack. He didn't stop until it was full. Nothing was too much for him. In this case SEA was the limit!! After dropping him off at the hostel and a drink, we left for home.

Feeling responsible, feeling good. We were employed now.

Shis got placed in another company a few weeks later and now we could finally celebrate!!
All of us had been "Procured". . .