"LIFE WILL TEACH YOU ALL THAT IT TAUGHT ME"

One fine day, sitting in the conference room she was telling me about one of her experiences, while I was quietly listening to her. With so much enthusiasm, she was continuously speaking and my series of expressions was giving a sign that I was completely involved with her.

'"I was your age then. It was my first assignment. I was supposed to take a press release to various newspaper editors and ask them to publish it," she said.

Paying heed to each and every word of hers, I questioned myself, "What if someone would have given me the same task?" Though the answer never came. Lol.

Your first assignment indeed requires immense courage.

Among a few editors she met, the most memorable experience was with the editor of The Hindu.

"As soon as I knocked the door of his cabin, he just shouted and asked me to leave the room immediately showing himself too busy with his work,  not at all willing to listen even a word," she added.

"I was into tears," her almost shaking voice brought me goosebumps.

"I was about to leave but a man sitting at the reception asked me to leave the press release there. I hopelessly did that but at last, it was published," a victorious smile finally adored her lips.

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A tear trickled down my cheek, along with a smile on my face. My throat was almost choked. I wanted to say something but my scattered thoughts could not frame the right sentence.

Nevertheless, I knew it had to be published. After all, who could dare mess with my so 'talented' Prathiba (talent) ma'am.

"The world you have entered into requires outspoken people. You are too quiet and submissive to fit into journalism. I am telling you don't be like me (though she is not submissive anymore). It's not going to help."

She was trying to make me understand what all it actually takes for a woman to pursue the 'real' journalism in today's era. Though many ladies who came into my life have done that but each of them have her 'own' perception. 

Yeah, there is no doubt that I am like her to quite a large extent. There are a number of similarities - from our complexion to our smile to zodiac sign (seems funny) and much more. Both of us have got an extremely sweet tooth and can do almost anything for chocolates.

Moreover, during initial days in office, both of us had a misconception about each other which was "She seems to be too reserved." However, it took just a metro ride from Patel Chowk to Preet Vihar to break it.

That day, she had interviewed Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia at an event held in LeMeridien hotel in New Delhi.  She was too happy to write it here. While we were in the metro, she started telling me about her memories at LeMeridien with an extra dose of excitement and I came to know her better.

Thereafter, we realised that if two of us are left together we can literally talk like anything. And in our conversation, the most repetitive dialogues would be "You too; same here; even I had this once; I also do the same, and you are totally like me, among many others."

One of the selfie sessions in office, the coincidence of same-colour  dress

It happened a lot of times that both of us came to office wearing the same-colour dress. Usually, it was black, maroon and white. And whenever it happened, a selfies session used to take place only to be uploaded on Facebook with amazingly written taglines.

But, it was fun. That madness, my words won't be enough to define it.

A very huge difference between us is that she is more intelligent and strong than me, which is something I need to learn from her. Though I feel, after reading this line, she will say, "Don't worry! Life will teach you all that it taught me." Haha.

Besides, this talented lady has always believed in me and proved to be a true guide. She can predict every emotion of mine which makes me admire her more and more.

Life is too queer to understand. Nevertheless, it is worth living when people like her are there- the ones who almost know your every 'next' move, relate with your thoughts and expressions, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and truly connect with your heart and soul.