#160:From my unlocked diaries: Securing the White House !

My transition from Khanija Bhavan on Race Course Road with Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission – 2 (KARC-2), to my next role as a State Lead for an NGO has been very eventful, especially in the first few weeks.

My ‘new role’ took me closer to the power centres (No, I have no power myself !)?– Yes, to MSB – alias Multi-Storied Building, which houses the State Secretariat, right next to Vikas Soudha, a poor cousin of Vidhana Soudha !!?

That’s my new ‘White House’ it seems, as my friend and IAF collegue Ramachandran calls it fondly !

In the last 2 weeks I have been snooping around MSB … like a lost, Sloth Bear looking for a Jack fruit tree !

Day 1 started with the usual love affair with the MSB lift-ma.?As I entered the lift, he gave a very confused look ... “Is ‘He’ or is ‘He Not’?” – seemed to run in his mind??By the time the lift travelled from the 1st floor to the 7th floor,?he had drawn his final conclusion on me and made his spot appraisal ! … ‘How can a Secretary carry a Lenova bag-pack, and that too on his own back?’.?

As the lift reached the 7th floor, I got a very unceremonious 7th floor halt & exit …almost jostled out?

Next came my first ‘audition’ with the Phamous, Dangal fame – Secretary, my ‘Go To’ man in MSB !

After the initial conversations and exchange of pleasantries, and after it seemed to him that I had finally descended into the ‘arena’, he started using both his Mobile & WhatsApp like a Jihadi - firing away with a fully loaded AK – 47 … texting me about who all I have to meet in the coming weeks !!

He suddenly paused, and asked - ‘Balu – Have you taken it … I mean occupied it?’?

It took me a few seconds to realise - he was referring to Room No. 711 that was allotted to me in MSB (my White House!).?Obviously, I had not occupied it yet.?

From his expression, I could read his expectation.?He was judging my ‘seat grabbing’ ability !?He expected me to be like that ruffian, in a distant, dusty Raichur Bus Stand, force butting the head and whatever parts of torso that can be deployed, through the crowded KSRTC bus … all for securing that valuable Bus seat by plonking a green coloured, farmers cotton towel !!

‘Balu, just take the key of room no 711’ - he thundered?

Days progressed, strange people started visiting the ‘White House’, giving me confused looks ... It was clear, the big man had used his whip, at my request for more – Kursis (Table & Chairs) !?

I could overhear hushed Kannada conversations - ‘Taballu mattu chairu bekantey’?(it seems they want more tables and chairs).

Nothing happened for few days, and so I asked one of the frequent ‘Peepers’ ... Prompt came the reply?- ‘Table top is right here sir, we are looking for legs’.?

OMG – Thankfully there was no lady in the room, else new employer could have fired me in Week 1, for a possible ‘Me-To’ moment ! ??

Relax, nothing like that happened. They are still looking for some … fine legs !!

I soon secured the White House with a separate ‘department’ lock.?I now had my own ‘Keys to the kingdom’.?But, that joy was short-lived.?As as I was walking out yesterday, I got a gentle tap on my shoulder...

It was gate security cop … that fat fellow with a thick mustache who stands at the Gate 2 entry into MSB.

‘Sir Swalpa banni, security office Director Karita idarey’ (Security office Director is calling you)?

I was soon surrounded by security staff.?It seemed like all of MSB sentry had descended there.

I got worried – ‘Did I commit a security breach ?’ … I wondered.?

It’s only few minutes later?I realised; I had touched a raw nerve - a feudal nerve between my host department & MSB Security office?

Finally, the security officer said - ‘Please deposit the key back Sir, and yes, please remove your ‘department’ lock’

Obviously, I had taken my Secretary’s instructions too seriously, put a separate lock on ‘White House’; and yes – I had committed the most-risky act of taking the keys - Home.?

As I left the MSB security office, the matter was peacefully resolved. All smiles. I had surrendered the keys to the White House !?

Don’t worry sir - ‘We will take care of your room. Swalpa Adjust Maadi’.?

That fat cop with a thick moustache was now feeling left out.?He also gave some free gyan - ‘Saar benki muttu emergency agbutrey Kashta aguttey.?Namma hatra key irabeku’ (all rooms should be our control Sir.?What if there is a fire or other emergency !).

Balu

February 5, 2023

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