Life --A reality Check| Chapter 1 Updated

"LIFE -- A reality Check" a story about some lives hovering around , each finding there way to their happiness , eventually their paths crosses each other , the story unfolds as Akira tells about her experience and what she saw around her.. Love, Pain, Loneliness, Betrayal, Friendship and LIFE when crosses each other in a single moment then it comes out as an experience and what we all call as a reality check.

I close my diary as i find the reality check of my life , i tried to sit up but i failed , the nurse came and helped me to sit supporting the backrest of the my bed. the bed sores trouble me a lot. but i don't complain. i always try to smile and make the pains feel sorry for themselves , for choosing me as their place to reside. Today i really miss the bureaucratic environment of my second home. i heard from dad , that they are coming to meet me , but do i have that much of time . sitting here at New York i can only feel that i m in the largest city of the world , when i look at the passport , otherwise it is just same as the home back in India. i never asked anything from the all mighty but today i ask for time from HIM only to meet my five friends who are eager to meet me , more than me . in my life i dont want to disappoint any person. I want to see everyone happy around me . i want to see keep my promise that i made to my friends ... the promise that i will never let them down.. never ..ever ...

The first day when I walked into the office complex , I had many complex in my mind what do what not to do , I have faced many ragging sessions (at our time it was not registered as an illegal activity) and college internal politics , but that day I was entering into a new world with many possibilities , to get honored , less in chance, and to get humiliate , which have the max chances …I had many winkies in my mind , even I skipped last night's meal and break fast too …

Gulping a lump in my throat I continued to walk to the gate , to my new future , I was totally in another world , from where I have to come out as the security in a harsh voice said " madam why here ?" his English made it clear that he has adapted to Darwin's theory " survival of fittest" or a self made theory of "Show off.." . I should not mind , I said to my mind , afterall he don't know me , I should expect a salute from him , every day after he gets accustomed wd me , as an employee of the company.

The guard again asked tapping on the table "madam here why?" "R.I.P English" I automatically mumbled to myself , which made the guard horribly annoyed anticipating a strange comment for him , which was obvious. But I know the environment of the city and I m new there so I don't took the risk of annoying the person whom I have to pass by every day .. I said sorry , which he eventually or intentionally got to hear , when I said it for the third time .

Theek hain theek hain .. why here .? he asked me again , and what made me tremble that time I don't know , but I in trembling hand pulled my appointment letter out from my back pack… and extended it to the security guard very dumbly . With too much big rolled eyes , the security tried to read the letter , but he failed , and shouted 'meera … idhar aa jaa …" I peeped to see who is that meera , I wondered that she should be the security .. too , and that time I was right as I got confirmed getting a glimpse of the lady security guard ..

' kya hain .. rahaman …" meera said as she stopped infront of the unnamed security … but after she took his name he don't remained unnamed at all to me. Rahaman asked meera to look after what I have handed to him . going through it meera said ' madam no joining today." Haw … the expression was made on my face , as I said " means I was asked to join today and you are saying no joining today ?" sweat drops built up on my temple as I feared to loose my million dollar lottery to my golden future. Meera asked me to call the contact person mentioned in the appointment letter .

I should admit that , at that time I was very nervous and frightened at the same time . I was feeling dizzy that time , and it was a mixed effect of empty stomach and nervousness … I stepped to the tree with a concrete place to sit , I was walking across the road wd trembling feet . I was not noticing what is happening around me . I jerked out of my fear as a car horn blew and struck straight into my mind. "are you here on this earth .." a man in a blazer came out of the car … "sorry ..' I uttered and walked the rest of my distance to the tree , I managed a sit there … taking out my bottle I in hurry gulped water .. the man surely abused me for the insane behavior , but I have no interest to think about him , when my job is in danger .

Looking into my appointment letter I tried to find out the number of the contact person , but I failed to find it at the first time , I turned the pages and I found it on the last page. The company has provided the Senior HR Executive's number there, I read the name " Vatshal Singh" and the number is engraved there too . I dialed the number , correctly in my third time , as I was going to call , a friendly voice called me by name , asking how can the most out going girl of the college feel so nervous when it comes to the job …

I , "Akira Sharma" was always marked as the most out going and extrovert girl of the "IMI Engineering college.." I got my life back as I saw my one year senior priyanka dixit , standing infront of me . she sat by me , and wrapping her arm around my shoulder said " I m working here for one year , and I knew that you are coming to join here today , as expected you are before time , and I took the chance to pay you back what you did with me in my final semester.

I looked up innocently to my senior as if I don't remember anything what I did to her . she smiled and clasping her arms around my neck , making me choke she asked me if I remember now , what I did in past ..coughing more than what was coming biologically to me , I admitted that I remember what I did to her .

" you better should …" priyanka di left my neck , and arranging my fabrics properly she said that time you vanished my registration and I lost one hour form my exam , and if I could have a chance na , I would have cancelled your appointment , I just asked the guards to act insanely wd you , as you arrive here , so that you can atleast get to know what I felt that day , you bloody bugger … priyanka without listening to me stood up and left saying , collect your visitors card from the gate and come to the fourth floor …

I looked to the securities who were laughing at me , I stood up , walking to them , I wd a thud sound I placed my back pack on the table and asked for my visitors card . rahaman handed me a VID (Vistor's ID) I snatched it from his hand forgetting all the respect for him and in a very disrespect tone I asked if I have to do anything . .. instead of rahaman , another men spoke , the voice asked me to behave properly wd rahaman. I turned , my eyes meet a man in formals , he said " you should first know to behave properly then expect a service from others .." he bend down to sign on the register . rahaman and meera saluted him , he handed the car keys to rahaman and asked it to park . rahaman obeyed and ran outside the main gate. The man didn't said me anything more , he just ignored me and walked to the main premises .

I thought of concentrating on my job rather than to concentrate on the stranger co employees of mine , meera asked me to sign on the register and allowed me to enter my new destination . as asked by priyanka I took the lift to the fourth floor .

I rolled my eyes to the office building its beauty .. I stepped into a hi tech building , which had escalators, four lifts , and every thing , that one will dream to have in their working place. The lift stopped at the 4^th floor and unfortunately I have to face my boss , for further progress in my work . the journey in the lift seemed to be very less, I smiled formally and thanking the lift man , I walked out from the lift , as I landed I saw the name of " Sujal Verma , Hr Manager" engraved on the name plate . I knew I have to meet this person eventually after meet vatshal singh .

As I was just a new comer there , I needed help to find out Mr.Singh .. I spotted a mini reception counter at the floor , taking out my appointment letter , I gave it to the lady , she looked at it , and then looking at me , she like checked me out from top to bottom , and then what she said is just another terrifying thing for , she said while walking away from the reception desk with my appointment letter " you have to leave today … jeans are not allowed on Mondays …"

" holy god !!! where I have landed , the blue blooded fully disciplined college could never got to keep Akira so formal now this professional life is going to take the revenge of the college life too …." I phewed , and tried to lean back to the reception …. But the receptionist came back and said " should I invite you too come behind me girl ??" I got surprised wd the response from a receptionist, but as it was my first day I didn't reacted , I just said .. in mind … " KEEP CALM AND LOVE RANBIR …" .. here I want to inform you Ranbir is none other than Ranbir Kapoor .. and when ever I used to think about him my all stress are supposed to get away from me … Taking a deep breath I walked wd the lady , rather I followed an arrogant over proud receptionist to where ever she is taking me.

" holy shit !!!" I uttered bit louder … the lady turned and raised her eye brows , I looked down and went behind her inside the room having a name plate "Sree Sirvastava" VP ADMIN … As expected whom I thought of a mere receptionist is none other than the VP ADMIN of my first company , and I just made her angry in our first meet . So miss Akira … she said in a hoarse voice , and I felt like to be in a class room of my convent school,, and my class teacher is roaming around me with a stick and plank !!! plank !!! plank!!! She will blew it over my hand . I gulped a lump in the throat thinking what is going to happen .

" you know you are here before time??" madam said to me …

" I know mam, actually I have never been to Delhi and I don't want to get late , I opted to come early rather to be late.." I ended anticipating an appraise from my big big big …(even if I add another big it will remain less) boss . but the opposite happened , she stood up slapping the table , which echoed badly in my ears , trembling me a bit … she shouted , " don't try to be smart miss . Akira … I hate over smart people and even the late comers , and time means time to me … neither early nor late …do you get me !!!" I nodded my head tilting it to the left . she like a hungry tigress came to me shouting "DO YOU GET ME !!" suddenly the surroundings of the cabin seemed to be an army field to me and I felt like a cadet and madam as the lieutenant.. she again shouts at me before that I screamed out " YES MAM.." then she praised me like a army person only saying " good …" .

She gave me my appointment letter and informed me to reach the classroom 2 dot at 11a.m and my orientation will be done there only . I like a obedient kid of class1 left the room . after coming out from the cabin of the VP ADMIN , I felt the air outside very fresh , I inhaled as much as I can .

Looking into my watch , I noted the time as 10.05 a.m . "so aki … you have lot time left …." I said to myself , and started looking around to help myself for some refreshment … oh yes I said , as I got the directions to the cafeteria . I walked according to the directions and in few minutes I reached the cafeteria ….

'oo teri !!!" I said , and wondered if I m standing in a cafeteria or a 5 star multi cuisine restaurant . While walking inside my eyes caressed the whole arena ,and it seemed to be just wow to me, I helped myself to reach the counter with my own legs, though I dreamt of a palanquin carrying me to the counter . I asked the waiter there for the menu , he pointed to display were the menu for the day is listed up , from breakfast to dinner . I smiled looking at the menu , and cursed myself to be there for the first time , the menu has only south Indian dishes in that m which I hated the most from my early childhood even my mom is a south Indian by ethnicity . I finalized to order a cold coffee with ice cream only , and decided to take my lunch in the streets where I saw many stalls while coming to the office.

Techies from our college had , have and writing Histories which are really a mystery to me , what attracted me always was "Robotics" but my dad compelled me to take Computer Science as Stream , and he compelled me to seat for AIEEE. My bad luck and his very good luck to show off and to say proudly , I and my daughter are graduated from the same college, he even thinks that I will go for the reunions accompanying him, Boring … those slow music and all that , what I want is thrill.

"hey are you here …??" I looked up , stopped making faces which I was making then just trying to think about the boring reunions , those opera kind of things , with my black white dad , and evergreen mom.

" yeah I m …" I snapped at the man , who said it to me.

" so you are in born misbehaved person." The man looked at his watch , " 7 minutes still to start the orientation , and I guess you are not going in , preferred to stand at the gate , coz of getting a last chair , or bench which ever you are having in mind.." he said very rudely , which I took as a instant humiliation to me.

" sorry sir , I didn't wanted to insult neither the guard from the morning , nor I wanted to shout at you , then he made me mad like n e thing , faking me , and now I was thinking something else , and I thought you must be some of newbie like me." I tried to defend my position to the man , in formals , whom gave me lectures on respecting humans this morning , when I behaved little roughly with rahaman the guard.

" good defence … but I m not convinced.." he said sharply

" sorry sir to offend you ..but I m not standing here blankly thinking odds or just to grab a last seat but because the classroom is locked .." I made him look down . The man hold the door handle and tried to open it , he smiled like a loser , and I found myself I two step ahead than him.

" you are right , sorry…" the man in formals walked to a guard and said something I found the guard running to a counter took a bunch of keys and opened the door. The man in formals asked me to come and have a seat. After we enter I saw the man taking a seat in front of me , facing me , because he was a trainer . I thought that what a bad impression he should have got about me , I just ended up in fighting with him.

" so you are ?" the man asked.

The man has already given me a long lecture about , respect and all , and I also placed my image very badly , to him. So I thought of standing up , this time he stopped me , and asked me to continue having my seat. I smiled , sat back , " Akira Sharma"

"good ..name.. degree?"

"B.tech CSE…IMI engineering college"

"impressive college … heritage one , and DGPA?"

"9.5"

" which rank holder."

"topper"

"great … and other acti…" he stopped as there was some newbie who asked permission to enter , the man in formals , with a smile , gave a nod and asked them to enter and have their seats.he then continued with me , asking me about my extra curricular activities and other boring stuffs and after he completed his drill with me , he said that I m a perfect package to be called "All rounder.." not a new complement for me , but , I never wanted to be a CS Engineer , I always wanted to be in Robotics , but once I take up something , I do it with all my perfections , and that only got reflected in my mark sheets of 8 semesters . soon the class room was full. I can see many new faces.

The man in Formals , closed the door , walking to the furthest corner of the dais he cleared his throat , so that he can use his voice little high to address the candidates , I guess.

' Welcome … every one … I m Vatshal Singh …. Senior HR Executive of the company, and I welcome you to your new home , rather second home."

"oh!!!" I thought " so this is Vatshal Singh .. and I messed up with him right at the entrance wonderful akira , you need a pat for this." I was mad over me.

When it was Lunch break , as decided earlier by me , I wanted to go outside , to the road side stalls to have my lunch , after a pissed off morning .I was busy to look at the welcome kit given by the company to us for the first time , while most of people , I guess, has already seen it or have gone through every details of it. I opened the zipper and looked inside . it contained ….

1. A writing Pad

2. A booklet with rules and regulations and policies of the company. (most of the policies are chanted by the man in formals, oh!! Sorry he has a name , Mr.Singh . sir .. I have to call him sir, an IIM graduate..Nerd)

3. A pen , which must the most cheapest, yes superlative of superlative , from my collections, least interested.

4. A Batch ??? what the hell is Batch for ?? written "Trainee" What the … I almost uttered the f word , but controlled my teary emotions due to the surroundings. Also due to the surveillance cameras which were eyeing on me ,sorry us .

That's all with the contents , nothing special, atleast I thought of a descent office bag from the company , but what a great disappointment it was, don't know if others were having the same feeling or not , but I was. So I decided to gift myself a new bag , that night , if I get time. Putting the belongings of the zipper file back to it , I carefully drop it into my back pack . I was about to stand up , one person greeted me with Hi . I looked up , and after checking him , I concluded Flirt .

Well I have a theory behind it too. When I was in standard 12 , our chemistry sir used to say us the prettiest faces , generally comes out as the most flirtatious person. Well somehow I believed in that theory , and the myth or trust on the theory is still continuing. As per my experience , the studs of our college were the most flirtatious ones, so still I second the theory by my professor which was in my mind since 6 years back. Mind set of a teenage still continuing in early 20s.

" hi .." I replied faking him a smile , because I was really not interested to talk with him , I was more interested to check in to a good food stall for the office going peoples , right at the footpath of the streets.

" Shekhar.." he extended his hand to me , for a shake.

I smiled again , faked , " Akira" I replied with an empty stomach, felt it was growling , which was very awkward .

" so where are you from ?" he continued

"Mumbai.." I stood up ..as I lied , I was from Kolkata in reality.

"I m from Delhi." He was very enthusiastic to make friendship with me, and I m sure in few days he will end up in proposing me , but I m not at all interested in his boring stuffs. As I walked to the door , ignoring him , he called out my name , and I felt how odd my name sounds from him, ishhh cheee.

" ya.." I turned … he asked me if I was going to do lunch , I said that it was obvious to have lunch reminding him about the time. He looked defeated , but didn't gave up , he tried to take me to the canteen , which I hate the most . I almost came out shouting at him , when he at last gave up and I walked out from the office building to have lunch.

After walking few meters from the main building , I found the busiest shop working on the streets. I tried to make my way near to the benches , few tries exhausted me , sweats , where budging from my fore head to side of ears. I decided to wait , to get the crowd little dispersed . I settled on a tree stump, left after the big tree was cut. I took out a wet tissue to wipe out my sweat, I heard someone trying to talk to me. I turned my head to the way , from where the sound is coming.

I saw meera , standing there with two thermocol plates, with food stuffed on it more than excess.

"madam , idhar baithe rehne se khana nahi milegi." She with a smile she walked to me and adjusted herself on the tree plank. I smiled to thank her as she handed me the plate full of food. She smiled even broad. I felt really bad to insult her that morning, she was really good at heart. I was supposed to left out without any lunch , but thanks to her , I was eating then. I was never been exposed to road sides food when I was with my family , and when I was pursuing my B.Tech , my pocket money , never allowed me to have road side foods , though I took it few times. But that food was having an unique taste, I really felt that , it was far better than the almost 3 star like canteen of the multistoried Hi tech office Building of mine. If I was not figure conscious I would have loved to have another plate. I and Meera almost finished the food in silent.

After finishing the lunch , and done with the repayments to her , I really wanted to speak with her , I initiated

" so you are from delhi ??" I asked her

"nah !! madamji , Lucknow .. home town.." then she continued , I came to know that she is a widow with one kid, her husband was working with the security agency , and after his death in a fatal accident Rahaman helped her to get enrolled in the security agency and some how she ended up in working there at the technical sector. Her kid , Sameer was a kiddo studying in class 6 , he also helps his mother , by taking tuitions of kids upto standard 4. My inner soul got greedy to meet the kid ,who was so confident that , he used to take tuitions of kids almost of his age. But I wanted to grow a rapport with her first . We were walking back while we talked , and I didn't sensed when we reached the office building back. Meera excused herself back to her security duties, she was very hard working and serious lady, a single mother with intelligent son.

I checked into the office back, I was walking back , but something stopped me , I turned and looked at meera , The Lady in blue shirt… amazed me today with her short life history and the humanity gestures. I smiled and walked back to the office to take the rest torments for the day.

Rest of the day , I along with other Trainees , end up in visiting respective departments , immediate seniors , perspective teams , and getting a glimpse and hint of projects which are yet to get assigned to us.