I must confess, I have NEVER really understood, the attachment people generally have towards their old colleges, their seniors n juniors. I have always believed that it’s just a phase, u make the most of it n move on. That's the same sentiments with which I left WeSchool, Bangalore in April 2011. What I didn't know was that the next 8 months were gonna change that belief forever.
In the first few days of December 2011, I got a ping from Sovan (for those unaware, he was my junior) asking "Sir ji, would u be interested in coming for the 2nd edition of WeCket?" Happy as I was to hear it(having missed my convocation due to work), I knew people would be too busy with work to make it. Yet I thought, why the hell not just go, even if nobody else comes, it’s the least I could do for Sovan, given he had a major part to play in our last year’s victory (an unselfish act on his part, which had won the hearts of every senior). Plus, never really got an opportunity to thank him properly either.
And so, I landed in Bangalore on Saturday the 24th at 1 am, n was in front of Sony Centre Kormangala 4th block (another wonderful memory , n YES I am talking abt U only) by 2 a.m. Partied MBA style at Mithun's place till around 5 am , slept n was up by 9 am, ready for practice. Again, thanks to Sovan, we had our old bat, old ground n two juniors including him, to make up the numbers on the field for practice.
On the practice field, it was as if time had never changed, despite haven’t picked up a ball in 8 months. I was back playin cricket with Jamil bhai, Lodha, Sharma, Doshi, Mithun, Shruti, Mangesh , Niket , Sandeep n the juniors. It was pure nostalgia being back at Woodstock. Was surprising to see that the tuck shop guy(Krishna Babu) remembered us, n even asked should he keep the stock ready for one last of our famous all night MBA bashes. Later after an grueling practice session, again on Sovan’s request, we decided to go to college for the inauguration ceremony of the tournament. I was keen, but others weren't, but now I am sure, they would have kicked themselves if they had missed it ;-)
Finally, the entire team went to college on bikes, n when we entered the college, we forgot that we were the alumni. The security guard had to run after us, reminding us we had to make entries at the gate. Old memories came flashing back, overcome by emotions never felt before, we decided to make ourselves slightly more presentable. It was an adrenalin rush to seeing OUR teams name MERMIDONS plastered on the walls, as defending CHAMPIONS. It was surprising to see the super juniors take a keen interest in us, introducing themselves, taking us on tour of the college, enroute to Amma (our old savior, without whose tea we would have never completed MBA) who was so happy to see us, that she even refused to take money initially.
At Amma's cart, a few of the juniors (Sovan n Prateik just to name a few), kept us busy n let it slip very subtly, that it would be nice if we all went in together as a team. Then very casually, they escorted us to Discover 3 n 4 for the inauguration. In the corridor as we were walking, we could feel the energy, the excitement, but nothing prepared us for what happened next. As we were abt to enter, as is customary, our arrival was announced as the Alumni team. We walked into a standing ovation of juniors and super juniors numbering close to a hundred (we weren’t used to see such numbers in college ;-) ), nonstop rapturous applause for nearly 5 min , all in sync, while we all just stood there at the centre stage, dumb founded, not believing it was all for US. We all felt like KINGS, like royalty coming back. And to top it all, they even had a special presentation for us, of last year’s momentous tournament, pictures of us as a team, pictures of us in action in the field. I am sure, when I say this, I am saying this for everyone, IT WAS THE BIGGEST HIGH anyone of us has every felt. The effort, the timing, and the sheer gesture of an outstanding welcome, is something, none of us will ever forget.
If we thought, things couldn’t get any better, we were so wrong. After leaving college, we decided to go back to Woodstock to meet BABA. Having gotten a second chance, I grabbed Sovan, n told him, I had to thank him properly. So we partied for close to 3 hrs, n Baba claimed yet another victim, Mithun, who was out cold for close to 12 hrs ;-). One had to be there in person, in that room, to see how happy everybody was. We called up everybody who name was mentioned, n had Mangesh spilling out a few secrets ;-). And when hunger finally came knocking, we again grabbed poor Sovan n took him to E-City for some ghee chicken. Another first for me there, was meeting 3 more juniors, n we ate n drank together, which I admit I had never done before.
And to think, it was all possible just because we all (seniors n juniors) loved playing cricket. That was the only interaction I have ever had with them, n never realized that love for the game, would make us so close. I owe a debt of gratitude to Sovan, Anubhav, Prateik, Alok, Amit ( I take only these names bcoz I can't remember any more, extremely SORRY) but also too all those juniors who played cricket with us, who made it possible for us to come back this year, because of whom, not only did we all get a chance to play together and feel so special, but also for 2 days, were able to re live the glorious 2 yrs of MBA (Woodstock, Hukka Baba, party, Ghee chicken of E-City included).
P.S. I would have said that it was the greatest experience of my life, but the next weekend was New Years, n though I can’t reveal the details of that one ;-), all I can say is, a guy couldn’t never asked for a more memorable finish to the year.
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