I was so cherished in the morning. Didn’t feel any discomfort of not letting go life in its own way. Never thought of a life, which was enthusiastic, full of life, and adventurous for past one-two years. All I went through was the hardship, privation, and deprivation. It was quite sudden when things took a different turn. Woke up, follow almost the usual schedule.  Brushing, bathing and getting ready for the hectic, frantic and restless tasks. But an unfortunate, Quite an unfortunate and unforeseen phone call opened up a magnificent chapter into my life. The phone call wasn't that unanticipated as it was one of my familiar college-mate, who interrogated me with an open invitation. Perforate with normal program, I favored attending it. The open invitation seemed moreover like a request, for my commitment in her wedding ceremony. Somehow I managed to get there, leaving back all the usual manner, style, fashion, situations unquestionably pointed out I was insufficient. Since it was a Hindu Marriage - Vivaah, was coordinated in one of the most divine temples. Entering the temple, all I remember is the huge gathering, the company - in fact, a whole lot of collection of people. Collecting all my patience, I headed towards the podium. Bewildered were my eyes. Stood motionless for a minute."How can you let go a life which is yet to be contented".

This was almost the first perception which shivered me almost for sixty seconds. It was "Sanford Morkel" my existence till then. "Sanford Morkel" was my past and I never wanted it unlocked. I kept the glimpses of him neither did he sees his sight from me. My red - face showed a clear embarrassment. This was due to the summons that I took towards life. Still feel repentant for what I was all through my existence. Collecting all my bravery I advanced towards the Bride- Groom handed out the endowment and left to the car parking area. I literally tried absconding from his sight. But couldn't "Morkel" chase me all the way to the car parking quarter. His footsteps kept on following me. My breath fastened. Finally, he got hold of me and dragged me to my car. Pulled me condensed, I couldn't even breathe.  I never wanted the chapter reopened. Morkel wasn't the man whom I left behind. He was the one who left me, to live the darker side of life. I couldn't even bear his sight and thus his touch was far enough to make me burst out. I snatched my sight, somehow got into the car. I raised myself to about one hundred one kilometer per hour, the temper was so out of reach that I couldn't stop it even after knowing that his drive my take my life. I got back to my flat- D-44, Vendor Park, Kronic Colony. Lock me inside. Looking back, I found my day miserable. It was one of the unwound mysteries which stood before me.  

 

Noon passed and evening drove me to my, favorite drink- Vodka with coconut water. I kept on until I could forget what happened today. In the morning, back with my normal routines - preparing food, rushing to my dream land, work place. I was so much determined and thought that my work place was the most peaceful place on Earth. I found myself so compacted in working as a Magazine Editor. During the initial phase of my life, I struggled a lot to get myself, into a track. It was the Menlo Park, found out my talent and passion towards writing. Getting to work, I always kept myself involved. So involved, that I never found time for my personal life. Many years passed by, and I never dared to look back what had happened to my life. I closed my past almost forever. 

 

   Friday morning was a bit special, as I happen to hear a new deal "Crack". Although my career in Menlo Park wasn’t anything out of the box - I did not expect much. I never complained as I wasn’t out of responsibilities. But as I said that the Friday was a bit special, the new deal crack was my responsibility, it was onto my shoulders. It was the first time I was into commercial trading. Signing an agreement with Marc Jacob's Company had always been my aspiration.  The first and the crucial assignment given to me were the presentation of settlement and negotiation of all marginal dates for the release. I was all left despair, as I had to sign a deal with a person that I had no contacts before. It was tough enough, as it was the MJ Company; the world wants to work with. Next Morning, I got up, rushed up into the washroom, finished everything, as soon as possible. All the while my mind is rationally making judgments about the meeting. But all within me there was a sign of consolation, as it was today all my dreams were going to be fully developed. Bursting out from all my hallucination I got myself ready in an unusual manner. I believed so much in myself and thought that I could really ROCK THE WORLD!

 

As it was a great meeting with the MJ’S, my boss had to send me his car- Jaguar Land Rover. Holding on my breath, and seriously a phrase passed my head, saying it was just the start. It took me thirty- five minutes to reach. Got down, enquired about my session with the GM, in the reception. The lady said that I was on time and showed me the way to his cabin. I walked straight gathering all my faith and maintain a great presence of mind. Pushing the cabin door, I stood fastened again "Sanford Morkel". I hesitated to get in, but had to because I couldn’t risk my job. On the other hand, he appeared to be thoroughly acceptable. I couldn’t find a way out, as it was a well planned meeting with the MJ’S. He was quite pleasing enough to offer me a cup of coffee. He explained to me, all the states and shapes of the company. I was patient enough to follow all their desires and requirements. But within me, there was all through a pine for exit from the HELL, once I assumed it to be a paradise. Rushed back to Menlo Park enterprise, I spoke to my manager. I tried all means of manipulation about the terms and conditions proposed by the MJ'S. Fortunately or unfortunately without blaming my Fortune, all my manipulation turned out to be favorable to him. After all it was the MJ'S. After paying attention to me, he decides to organize another meeting at our place -Menlo Park. He tried to explain how important it was to keep their faith and trust on us. It was like a DREAM COME TRUE. I was seriously proud to be a major part of such a victory. On the other hand "Sanford" was my horror side. I got two weeks time to prepare myself for the finest meeting. My manager had full hope in me, and I assured him about making it a big HIT! All these week I was left independent. I could address the events at company or let it go.

 

It was the ever first time; I decided to stay at home. Two weeks seemed to be too lengthy for me. I made my mood, staying out, doing night parties. Let go all my boring days. I let go my life, for it was not under my control anymore. Honestly, I did not prepare myself for the meeting. I crossed one week with lots and lots of pleasure. All I was left with was seven more days. I wished all the while if I could do something, commenting. I knew it was on Wednesday, that I had to CRACK the deal. But still, I was in a mood of calmness and peacefulness. Nearing to the date, on Monday morning I decided to go shopping, purchased majority of western attire. My eyes all of a sudden glared at Benjin Frank.

 

His eyes caught me. He remained eye- opened as it was an expected consultation. It was quite unusual to find him living in the same place, I once stayed, apartment 1303 in Corey Valley. After the prolonged conversation, we markedly moved out of the galleria. He urged me for a cup of tea at his apartment. We drove to his place, in his car. The flat appeared the same, as I left it three years ago.

 

 

Moving back, Benjin Frank has always helped me with studies, family matters, all sorts of struggles. I went through in my life. He couldn't ever forgive or forget what I have paid him in return. My life started with him in the year 2008 that makes, almost eight years of friendship. My mother and father were born and bought up in India. So that makes me a total Indian. Among the midst of foliage and greenery, I was born in a small town in Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. At a very young age itself, my life seemed very challenging. The flora and fauna around me disordered me so much that I found ways of exit. The only place on Earth was life could be favorable to me, was my dad’s work place, Gandhidham, Gujarat. By fighting infinite battles, I reached my destination. My dream land Gujarat, India. Beautiful place with wonderful people added colors into my days that it lasts in my memory even at the age of twenty-five. It was the place where my life felt complete, enjoyed to the grimmest, entertained, drink in, eat up, and freak out. Got all type of KICKs in life.

 

 Dad and Mum were very concerned with my studies; after all, they belong to a typical patterned, conventional life style. Made it must, that I did my schooling in a global international school, Delhi Public School. Life seemed more approachable when education and learning became with the kids of "Moneybags" - bank roller, businessperson, entrepreneurs etc. Late night parties, clubs, celebrations spoiled me at most. Among the midpoint of spoiled kids all round, I found "Benjin Frank" at an Inter House Quiz Competition. He belonged to Red House "Columbus" and me to Yellow House "Armstrong". The quiz ended with a tie- between two of us. The tie breaker question was unfortunately broken by me. That fortune made my house- "Armstrong “win. My house master- Anurag Sharma (my Mathematics teacher and also my class teacher) was  proud of me. I couldn't ever find out why Frank let go his chance. I was always snooping for that particular answer. 

 

I was studios enough to reach him by hook or by crook. And finally, I made it. I still remember his class, screaming out, and the boy in red- runner up of the Quiz-"Please Get Out!" He felt astounded listening to that squeezing voice. Anyway, he came out. His way of approach, conduct, everything influenced me that I felt attracted. The chit- chats we had at our school, made us close friends. But lamentably, it was his last year at a school.  My teenage activities got carried away in an ungovernable manner. Never bothered about family relationships, friendships, nothing. I kept nothing strong to myself. My growth appeared so quick to my parents. I was done with my high school. Kept in, contact with Frank through Social Medias till then.

 

Life developed, a novelty in me was taking birth. Virtually and roughly I decided to escape India. But all attempts were collapsed by my Karma. But as all stories end well, at extremity I received an interview card from Auckland University, New Zealand.

 

Soon after my vacations, decided to leave the place of torment. New Zealand was such a place where my life took many shapes and angles. Since it was an open and shut interview card, I could decide for myself, the subject I wanted to study. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, I decided Journalism and Broadcast Writing as my subject for rest three years. The classes, I got were grand and great. I could cope with the standards and determine the inner myself from a distant view of perception. One month passed by, I became so busy with life that I forgot to communicate with "Benjin Frank".

I kept my focus and centralized myself towards studies. The zeal in me was always craving for success, and this time, I can’t simply let it go. -

 

"Nothing is perfect.

Life is messy.

Relationships are complex.

Outcomes are uncertain.

People are irrational"

 

- Hugh Mackay

 

 stood out true for me. That day when nothing stood perfect, I became late for college as it was snowing cats and dogs. I missed half of the "Newspaper Writing" classes. Felt flustered, but the strong gusto in me, made me well established for rest of the class. The bell rang, and the teacher left. Meanwhile, I got ready for the next session. Concurrently my eyes fell on the window near the foyer. Saw a chap waving hand at me. I indisputably got confused, as I had no ideas about him. With no signs of interest I over passed a smile, without substantiating that. The smile could change my future, which is yet to come. He got hold of me at the time of recess. All his talks, mannerism appeared boredom to me. I felt secured doing it, as I didn't know him and moreover was truly new to the place.  But he was in a great mood of engrossment and introduced himself as "Sanford Morkel" and so did I. My academics went in an excellent manner. Got new friends. I shared my room with "Hazel Cora" and that made us great soul mates. New circumstances always made me so contemporary that I always escaped past memories. But Benjin Frank was not one of that kind. He always tried finding me and also success-ed in doing it. I seized him, at the very same college. But this time, I was wrong, he was there for a real cause.  He explained to me, how he was trying to prepare a thesis on "Journalism in Amazon ". His reason seemed quiet reachable that I tried believing it. I got adapted to the surrounding so well that I never missed my home town. 

And moreover, life became effortless when my childhood friend, Benjin Frank was next to me, to provide all comfort zones. Six months passed by, and it was the time of examinations. I felt a bit tensed, as it was my first exposure to Auckland University, an exam outside India. Referred all the question papers, took help from my best buddy, "Hazel". She, a European citizen but did all her childhood schooling in New Zealand, as her parents were settled there. She had to stay in the hostel, as her parents decided going back to their native. Therefore, she was familiar with the schemes and marking systems of New Zealand. Her intimacy helped me a lot to get adapted. During lunch breaks and recess, Sanford was always in front of me.  I never went anywhere alone; he could always find me in the company of Hazel. He tried a number of ways to separate her from me so that he could talk in personal. His endeavor towards me, made me more conversant, that I found reasons to escape from Hazel's company and could access him. The amplitude between me and Hazel grew each day, that she felt all signs of discomfort in sharing the room with me. 

That made, it difficult to stay in the hostel. I was in a great trouble, at a very short notice, had to find a new place to settle. I accompanied Frank for my help. Finding an apartment at Auckland was equivalent to, finding God on Earth... Finally, he found one, apartment 1303 in Corey Valley. I stood isolated from the town. I could feel the calmness and peaceful air flowing through the windows, every morning woke up. Hard work of three to four days, made the place appear like a Paradise. I made it beautiful with the bit of creativity I had by painting and decorating the walls with floral paints. Life had taken me into a new start, where I could stand independently without anyone's support. It was the fire in me which made me survive in the newest place. The one and only one person whom I was interested in communicating all the while was just Sanford Morkel.