Ikka's Job and Farewell Treat...

The day dawned bright with a slight hint of clouds in the horizon.

Today was the much awaited JOB TREAT by one of my seniors, Siraj ikka, who had gotten placed with AREVA..Me, Shanky and Richard were the guests..All of us decided on the memento to give ikka and I reached ZZ (hotel) by 12.20 pm, got the table and as usual had to wait for the guys to arrive.. Poor me...During the time I saw a lot of people I knew trooping around, looking for seats (as usual the restaurant was crowded) and people were throwing me nasty looks for sitting at a table for 4, all alone. Thankfully Richu and Shanky arrived just when the waiters were thinking about throwing me out and giving the table to someone else...PHEW..!! Anyway, the host still hadn't arrived because of some TECHNICAL problems at his hostel (read as water shortage)..He told us to order for him also and he'll be arriving shortly.The food arrived and the host arrived in time just in time, coz to put food in front of Richu was like putting fire near petrol..(his words..!!) Anyway we all had a lovely time, gave ikka, our gift..Gave my autograph book back..Somehow it just seemed like a regular going out with friends lunch. But then, come tomorrow Siraj ikka would be going to his native place and then in July for his training... I wonder when I would see you again...

Siraj Ikka, a friend, a brother, a mentor like no one I have come across in my life...was leaving. Mentally, yes, I was prepared for it. After all he was 2 years my senior. But emotionally, I guess I was not. I had always thought the day he would be saying ALVIDA to the college and to all of us was still quite sometime away.. How time slips away from you, just like holding water in your hands. It escapes even if you try holding it with utmost care.. You will be sorely missed, Siraj Ikka...Hope to see you in a high position later on in life... All the best to you, my dear friend...

P.S: when I am in need of your advice the most, I know you'll be there for me.