The Departure Forever

It was year 2007. I had just completed my B.Tech from a private engineering college affiliated to Himachal Pradesh University Shimla. The place where my college was situated, it was a famous Industrial area of that region. But I was doing engineering in computer science and unfortunately there was no computer science related industry over there. All the industries were related to mechanical, civil, electrical, or electronics. After completing graduation from that college, most my batchmates who were in other branches, got settled at that very place only. But for me and my computer science classmates, it was not possible. We were very upset that ultimately we will have to leave that place. 

Getting settled in life after completing graduation was very important. Our school focus was on giving interview in some it related organisation but all those it related organisations were in Delhi NCR, Bangalore and Hyderabad only. We were so unfortunate that in spite of being a part of an Industrial area, your unable to search jobs. Finally me and my computer science classmates decided to leave for Delhi NCR. I was so fortunate that my house was at a distance of half an hour from my college. From childhood to my final year of graduation I lived with my parents always. But now I will have to leave them because job is more important.

It was my last day in my college and I went there to take my documents. When I took all the necessary things, I finally went to meet my honorable principle sir. He was an elderly person who always cared for his students like his own children. I touched his feet and said, "Sir, it was all because of your blessings that I successfully completed by degree from here. Now I am leaving for Delhi, please wish me good luck." Listening to my words tears rolled down the eyes of my principal sir. He was an elderly person in his 80's. Throughout 4 years of Engineering our principal sir has cared for us as his own children. That elderly gentleman was very happy that we have finally become engineers but deep Inside his heart he was sad that now we all will leave him. Blessed are those people who are considered as child by their teachers. Looking at me he started crying,"Go my child. Now the time has come to do something for the growth of the country. You are an Engineer now. Make the name of our University famous throughout the world. God bless you." Tears were consistently coming out of the eyes of our respeced principal sir. We touched his feet & without looking back rushed towards our college gate. He kept waving his hands till we were out of sight.

After completing our last semester studies, for few months we were so busy with our examination & vivas that we rarely contacted anyone. We were just studying to do well in examination.

We decided to walk on foot towards the main bus stop so that we can see the beautiful town for the last time & store it's memories in our hearts forever. Playing cricket with friends, giving funny ragging to seniors, getting our notes photocopied from a small shop of an elderly uncle who gave us enough discount as we were students & in his openion, the future of India.

Suddenly we stopped at an old dhaba. It was the same dhabha where we used to eat during college days. But due to examination & vivas, we did not Visit that dhaba for 2 months. We used to call the waiter of that dhaba, Gabbar. As usual he used to serve multiple chapattis to his large crowd of customers & looking at him, having our food we always said, "Gabbar, ye kitni rotiyan hain?" Listing to my words, Gabbar turned back & looked at me. Seeing me smiling, he shouted, "Engineer Beta." His eyes filled with tears. Putting down the plate of Chapati, he rushed towards me & hugged me tight. I too started crying. He said, "You came here after so long. You have forgotten me." I said, "No it's not true. How can I forget you? You see, studies & job hunting certainly make you well settled, but they saperate you from your loved ones forever. I kept planning to visit here but never came because of my workload. I missed all of you so much. I really missed you." Both of us cried for 15 minutes, hugging each other. 

Gabbar said to me, "Come on, let us go to my home. Stay there for few days. I will keep my shop closed for few days." I smiled & said," Sorry, I cannot stay. I have to go to Delhi where I will look for my job. My parents are about to retire within 2 months. I need to urgently find some source of income. Please don't mind but I will keep coming frequently." Gabbar looked into my eyes. I too looked at him. For few seconds both of us were silent. His questioning eyes were asking me, "Are you sure you will come again?" I had no answer to his question. I knew it will take me sometime to go to Delhi, give Interviews in various organisations & finally get settled wherever I get selected. And I also knew, once I get selected, there is no chance of returning back due to huge official responsibilities.

With a heavy heart, I boarded the bus and took the window seat. Gabbar was waving his hands with tears in his eyes. I also waved my hands. The bus moved slowly. Gabbar kept waving his hands till the bus disappeared. My heart was sinking with the speed of the bus. I knew I will never come here again. It was the departure forever.