Nach Baliye!

There is nothing more demoralizing than not being able to do something that every one else seem to be doing with a snap. I am talking about dance - nah, dignified aerobics. During the past couple of days my colleagues and I have been practicing dance steps on a couple of hit Bollywood numbers (Mind Blowing Mahiya and Woh Ajnabee). I am in one of the teams that is performing on the day of our company's fifth anniversary.

I am crazy about dancing but I have never once danced in a competition or got trained. But I thought I had it in me!

When we started practicing, I had problems right from the word go. I would miss the beats, or forget the steps, or goof up in other ways. But I would take home work and come back prepared. So far so good! Then last week I went on vacation. When I rejoined I was in for surprises. Not only had the group finished practicing the first song, they were well on course to master the steps of the second song as well. I was disturbed. It would be a gargantuan task to both learn the new lessons and keep up with the group. Then there are the team dynamics to worry about. Presently, my morale is in the pits.

Painful but true

Only a few hours ago I was happy to hear that my friend and colleague, who until now worked for another team but was not happy doing so, is moving into my extended department. This was an occasion to celebrate, raise a toast. But first things first, we decided. We set up a conference with my US counterpart, who is himself celebrating a narrow escape from the clutches of globalization and pink slips. At the conference, we hit it off from the word go; my US counterpart thought that my friend is a good addition to our team. The conference room on either side (India and US) may have resembled a party floor as we were at our humorous best; we swore to have fun at work day after day come what may, and my friend immediately felt at home. He noticed how drastically different this team was from his immediate past - he thanked heavens for helping him bring home the bacon in spite of going thru difficult times. The past was history and he saw great opportunities lying ahead of him.

That night we returned home happy, thanking god for small mercies he showered on us. I hitched a ride with him because we stayed in the same neighborhood. During the ride, e spoke about our old times in the cab and the funny incidents that brought us joy during times of strife. It was a rather short ride homewards. I thanked him for the ride and slept peacefully that night.

The next day we were invited by the product managers to take stock of the ground situation and plan our future actions based on the estimated work load. The meeting was scheduled for 11:00 am. At 9:10, my friend showed up at my seat. When he insisted that we should go 'out' but not the cafeteria for tea, I could read his mind. In my heart of hearts I vehemently tried to avoid any negative thoughts. Finally, he broke the news at 9:30 over a cup of tea. One of his past efforts had paid off. He is on the verge of conquering the world. Can "I" stop him? No one can.

I am happy for him; but am also sad that he will not be working with us. We will still be in touch. He's too precious to let go; I'll miss him as a friend, humorist, guide, fellow blogger.

I had always encouraged him to look for another job when he complained about the indifference shown by his team lead; I sensed that his ego had been bruised. A new job and new environment would have helped tide over the past. I hadn't dreamt that one day we may get the opportunity to work together. Now, I am falling prey to my advices. The year-long struggle in his erstwhile department had made him sore and stubborn. Naturally, he started hunting for a greener pasture, and I hope the one he has found for himself is very green.

But I cannot imagine how companies can take as long as six months to close a position. This happened to my friend. At the new company that my friend will join, he had interviewed in September 2005. Today, when he finally got the offer letter, is March 17, 2006. Unbelievable! But then strange are the ways in which companies work. I wish him the best in his future.

I am back to square one. The building has to be raised from ground up. I'll enjoy doing it as much as I had expected I would when this friend moved in to our team. I am off to meet my manager…