Be A Better Man.

I attended an august gathering today where I tried my best to blend into the background like barley in fine single malt whisky.

The experience was huge, because a really Learned Man for whom I have respect turned up to address us.

Learned Man made us take an oath of decency, righteousness and celibacy. No, not celibacy, now that I remember.

I had a chance, which I had passed, to hear Learned Man sometime back as well. The circumstances are murky and enjoyable.

Jake was leaving the job that weekend, I was on my way out too.

" What the heck mate, lets have a relaxing lunch at Roost. Have a "good" time as well. Who would notice ?"

We went. We settled. We ordered.
Things were good and fine.

Then she turned up.
She and I met once while working on the office newsletter.
She was also in HR. But she was nice, despite being in HR.

The time to weigh the options was nigh. Bang in front lay the nectar. I decided to salvage the reputation.

Ditch the drink. But where ? Can't throw it in Jake's face. It is his farewell.
GK (now admiral GK of the Navy) meanwhile cannot see her because the clouds in front of his face are yet to part.

I decide to do a weak imitation of Yeh-to-paani-hai-madam!
Toss it in like water.

Alas, the blasted appendage reaches for the lemon. Just then. Reflex actions learnt over long hours of practice. Practice can make man and misery perfect.

Nice lady gives a nice smile, despite the gargantuan goof up.
I smile. She smiles. Even my mates smile.

I think she also felt the urge to cut some strings. Drink on duty. Have a power trip. All in a day's work for a tigress.

We disperse in an hour and a half. Nobody would miss us anyway.

And now comes the Learned Man. While coming back to office, I see a military chopper land on campus.

I have heard some outlandish things about what goes on here. Including a story about a nuclear reactor that functions underground while we work. My worst fears are now true!

We pull over. I quickly pour some water on my head once I am on the road. I am imagining things.

Work stress. Must be.

I ask a hawker on the road.

"Woh uss building mein kya gaya abhi ?"
"Kya bhai, chadhha li hai kya? Helicopter hai Helicopter." HELIKOPTER. I still remember.

And So Came The Learned Man That Weekend. The HELIKOPTER was there to lay the ground for his visit.

2008 BC.
It is a somber auditorium that awaits the Learned Man. Dear Sir, it has been sometime since I spoke along with someone, much less took an oath. It was really nice. Felt good to be good.

I would try tomorrow to be what you want me to be. But, no promises. I might cheat in my Economics test. Just a harmless look. Not much, Sir!

I would really try to be a better man.

I also wish I had not missed the chance when you were down in the office last year. It was worth listening to you sir, even with a stiff back.