A rendezvous with time

Genre: Fantasy/self-motivation/drama

27th Dec. 2007
It was a tiring day.There were 3 companies that visited the institute that day for placements.No suprise that i didn't get through any of them.This was the typical scenario in the campus since the first day of the placement season.Unless there is some company visiting that day,the already shortened typical winter day in guwahati seems further shortened by our deep slumbers.Only two things were discussed among the people as if there is nothing else at all in their lives,whether it is at dinner time at tandoori point or while sipping a tea at rubel ..it would be either about higher studies or placements.Something in all of us suddenly wants us to decide what to do next.This idea of urgency to decide the whole future and the mundane discussions were really disgusting,especially for someone like me who hasn't got an offer yet.The disgust and despair was growing day by day and no wonder that it seemed to increase ten-fold this day.My condition was perefctly fit to trigger another deep sleep.
I suddenly felt myself sitting in a corner of a dark room.I could hear people shouting all around in my mind but i was sure that no one was around me and somehow i couldn't make out even a word of wat they are talking.Slowly the voices faded away.I slowly heard footsteps growing in intensity through the silence.Soon an old man appeared in the scene.I could see my immediate surroundings with the brilliance of the man.He was very much like Gandalf when he returns back in LOTR-II,except that he didnt own the awesome horse and the magical wand!!There was all the calmness of the world in his face and the smile on his face could erase all the sorrow in this world.Yet the most attracting thing in him was his golden armour studded with some of the world's finest diamonds.Just the sight could have brought me into best of my spirits but i keep trying to convince myself that i m very depressed and i shouldn't try to be otherwise.The old man moved closer to me.
Old man : "what is the matter my boy,why are you so sad?"
a moment of pause and the question repeated.
me : "Firstly tell me who are you and why you are here"
Old man :(chuckles) "you will eventually know everything.First tell me why are sad"
me: "Before i tell you anything,please tell me how could you maintain such calmness in your personality"
Old man : (the smile on his face getting more vibrant than ever) " This is what i have learnt from my whole life and from my ancestors.The diamonds you see in my armour are the souls of my ancestors "
me: " i dont actually believe you.You must be having no problems at all in your life.or else how could you be so happy"
Old man: " My boy believe me,there is no life without problems in this world.atleast me and my ancestors had never seen anyone without problems.I had been to places far and wide in my lifetime,across oceans and continents,met a variety of people but still couldn't find anyone without problems in his life"
He continued, "The only way to overcome problems is to get above it,be calm and happy and think for a solution and if u cant find one,still be happy,try to njoy the hardships with a smile on your face.that would definitely end a problem"
me : " are you successful in life? "
Old man: "Being successful depends on how you define success.I believe that as long as you enjoy your life and are satisfied, you are successful.Being satisfied doesn't mean that you need you should stop aiming and working for it but with all your hardwork you can achieve success.I can say this with authenticity because i did it many a time in my lifetime and achieved success"
me: "what do you think are your greatest...(pause)"( I suddenly realised that i was really getting into a interviewing mode and restrained myself.Shit!! these placements had a really bad effect on me.
me: " well,I....(pause).. I somehow feel that i know you very well.I feel that you are the closest friend of mine, much more closer,even than my parents.I never felt so before.its rather a strange feeling.do u have any idea of y m i feeling so"
There was a silence again.My mind was wavering and wondering wildly why this could be.
Old man: " well my boy,you are my destiny"
There couldn't be a bigger shock to me in my whole life.initially i cudn't believe my eyes,now i m not even able to believe my rest of the senses.
me: " Sir, are you kidding with me.please tell me who you are and why you are here"
Old man: " Don't you really know me.I ve always been with you.yes i mean always. I record every single moment of your life. i keep on moving and take you along.This is why you feel so.But you could never catch me because between the moment you feel me and try to catch me, i move into another moment."
He continued ignoring my bamboozled looks," I m none but the result of your personality and your deeds,so are my ancestors who are monitoring you right from your birth"
"well, i m here gift you with my son...." even before he completed his words,the old man handed me a beautiful baby.
" i ve done my job.I have placed your destiny in your hands.this baby has all the qualities and wisdom of me and my ancestors.Now,its up to you how you shape him further."
The old man removed his armour and placed it on the baby's chest.He said,"My son, i wish a very happy and wonderful new year" and disappeared into thin air.Soon enough, i could see a new diamond along with this others on the armour and this diamond was shining more brightly than others.Dumbstruck by the series of events, i took a look into the baby's face.The baby was nothing but a miniature of the old man who just disappeared.The same calmness in his eyes and the same vibrant smile on his face.What could have been a greater shock in my life.Who is this old man and what the hell i need to do with this baby.
Before i could do anything further, i heard a series of explosions and i suddenly found myself on my cozy bed.I realised that my friend was banging the door.well he had a reason to [:)] . I had an interview on that day.I felt more confident than ever before.I did the interview unusually well and well, this time the nature's shot was off the target.I got placed.Hurray!! atleast an end to the never ending discussions about them.The old man has impressed me so much but i still couldn't figure out what actually he was.well, who cares,i m happy now and its just another dream and i dont really need to chase my dreams. :P
I wish one and all a wonderful new year 2008.