Gaon ka Hero!

Recap: This story is about a Baniya's son who wanted to realize his Grandfather's vision - to join and be successful in the corporate world. He moves ahead with no further guidance and takes competitive exams for Engineering. Before the exam results, he meets a Marwari Uncle who shares important life lessons. The night before the exam result, he tosses and turns on his bed. Something was about to unfold that will push him into unknown alleys. (Read All Editions)

I was clear, IIT JEE was not for an ordinary guy like me. I learned that my batchmates were preparing for the past three years. I haven't even put in 3 months of work. So, I decided to give it a pass.

It is good to know what you can achieve and what you can't. You don't zap your energy if you know yourself well.

I did appear for the West Bengal Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) and was hopeful that something may happen. Some people were preparing for the past three years, but this looked like a conquerable beast.?The next day was critical.

It is never the result but the anticipation and build-up that kills you.

The result was out. I was on the merit list. No one was standing between me and the Engineering degree. My Grandfather can now proudly tell PSU Uncle (you met him in the first edition) - "Mera beta Engineer Banega aur fir Corporate join karega".

I was feeling so proud and out of the world that I never paid heed to the rank on that merit list. My rank was 1100+. I asked a friend, "Which college and department will I get?" to which he responded "Neither a decent college nor a decent department".

My world came crashing down. Suddenly, I felt dizzy. The dream seemed to be shattered.

Before getting too excited, it is always better to get a reality check done.

On the counseling day, I was offered Jadavpur University Civil Department and Kalyani University Mechanical Department. I was happy with neither but ended up choosing the latter as I wanted to be part of a department of my liking.

Little that I realize that I have made a disastrous decision. I was not meant to be in a place like Kalyani (it is a town situated two hours away from Kolkata). It was not the place, but it was me who was not suited for this place.

We take decisions per our ambition and not based on who we are. We often end up regretting later.

I was angry at my situation. I went to my Grandfather and told him, "I don't wish to join Kalyani University. I will stay at home and prepare for JEE and take exams next year. I am confident that I will get a better result next time".

He looked at me and said, "Be a man, go live your decision. Those who don't keep their own words are good for nothing. I am sure you will struggle, but you will learn. You take the exam again next year but you have to study in the College."

When life gives you too many choices, the chances to screw up are relatively high. With no choice, you just comply.

With no other option, I packed my bag, took Rs. 5000 from my father and borrowed my Grandfather's old Hercules Cycle. I boarded a train to Kalyani from Sealdah station. A new phase of life was unfolding.?

I slept off during the two-hour train journey. I was angry, depressed, sleepy, and out of energy. The train stopped. I got down at the station. I saw a dusty station, a few cows happily sitting on their own dung, and many country bumpkins all around me. The alter ego sarcastically said in my head, "Seher ka ladka ab Gaon ka Hero banega".?I started this journey but had no clue where it will end.

What happened in Kalyani? Did it turn out to be as bad as he imagined? Was there a silver lining in the dark cloud? Was there any real learning? To know more, read the next edition.

"It is easy to swim when you have the sight of the shore. The real challenge is to swim when you are in the middle of the sea with no shore in sight.?You can freeze and drown or keep swimming with the courage that you will land somewhere. When nothing works, faith does."

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