Vastav graduated from a technical institute at
Guwahati, in one of the most demandable subject of his time…Electronic and Telecommunication. Just after a week of the final exam, he got a call from Delhi and was called for an interview. The post was "Touring Engineer" in a leading cell phone company geared by People's Concept. His task was to attend training programs on the working of all the latest sets of the company and train the Salesman of leading dealers in a particular city. Vasu appeared for the interview and topped. He got a chance of selecting a city of his choice.
A door to a new world opened for him. Vasu preferred to stay in Gauhati and asked one of his juniors to sought out a P.G. He has to leave his hostel in a week or two. "Vastav Bhaiya", shouted Ekalavya on the other end of the phone, "I found a P.G.".Ekalavya popularly known as Eka was entrusted the job by Vastav. Eka was an energetic fellow worthy to be trusted and was very close to Vastav.
Both of them had a strong nostalgic memories, which they termed as intoxicated sessions. Vastav still remembers how Eka tried to help him in overcoming the loss of his first love.
"So, Eka, what is the name of the P. G.",enquired Vastav. "Sharada-Vimala P. G.", replied Eka with a mysterious smile. "I have paid the monthly dues, you can leave tomorrow." Saying so, Eka's heroic attitude broke down and he started crying as if he has lost the most precious asset.
"Engineer Babu, Ek Daru toh banta hain", giggled Eka and went to his room. But Vastav noticed the odd behavior in Eka, what was he hiding from him?
The energy level in the hostel went down and except the maniacs everybody went to their dream world to meet an unknown future.
"Wake up Eka, I have to leave, latest by 9:00 A. M.
and now it's 7:45" Vastav gave a kick and Eka jumped up hurriedly from the bed.
"Do you believe in spirits", asked Eka in an almost inaudible tone. "Ya, I do; but let the spirits sleep now and we go to Sharada-Vimala P. G." giggled Vastav. "But, there is something strange about the name… it's odd, very odd" he added.
Being unprepared Eka looked at Vastav and gave a confused smile.
Destiny's call and the duo reached there. Eka pressed the calling bell upfront of the main gate. A lady of about 45 yrs came out. She greeted Eka with a smile, "where is your friend"? Vastav entered the room and spoke in a calm voice, "I will start my day today, I mean to say…I will stay here from today". Eka arranged the room and planned to pay a visit at night. Everything in the room was arranged properly but Vastav felt the absence of something in the room.
"OK Eka, bye. Come at night, please mention the hostel in-charge that you will be staying with me tonight." Eka left and Vastav tucked to bed to take a power nap.
It is said that everybody's doom is fixed. He had to go through the trials of his karma. Vasu… .being human is of no exception…
"Oh Goddess Saraswati ,I will always remain grateful to you for the courage I got from You in my educational life, the backbone of my upcoming career.
Next week my karmic life starts…Om Hring, Oieng Hring, Om Saraswati ai Namah" Vastav planned the evening and fell asleep.
"What a lovely looks!" Eka took the bottle of wine staring at it with big glazing eyes.
"Raat abhi baaki hain mere yaar"…with a stylish gesture Vastav took out three more costly bottles.Time…it never waits and the duo started celebrating in their own way.
"OK brother, first sip for the dynamic Engineer" Eka's voice fainted into the loneliness of the drunken night.
For a while,Vastav thought about what he is doing, his promises to his mother, his duties and obligations.
Slowly and slowly his thoughts faded. A tune from far away caught his attention…a melancholic tune.