Chapter 1

Random Day

It has been seven years since I left India and shifted to Germany. I am a project in charge in a leading MNC here.

I have always marvelled at the beauty of this country. It has great natural as well as architectural assets. The organisation I’m working in itself holds a masterpiece in architecture. A building so beautifully created that it uses natural light and air to perfection.

Hi, I am Karan, and this is my story. A story I never thought of telling anyone. And why would I? No one is ever interested in listening to some boring random shit. And yet I’m here, because I know, somehow this story relates to everyone who has been through ups and downs in the most simple yet complicated relation called friendship.

21st July 2021

It was Wednesday afternoon in Berlin. The office seemed to be a little more worked up than normal working days. The weekly reports of different projects had to be submitted today. My project was no different than others. The only satisfaction we had was we never left any work for eleventh hour. My team was keen to be perfect in all aspects, and it showed in our work.

I was attending a meeting in a conference room when suddenly my phone buzzed. It was Sushant.

Sushant and I had been friends since last 10 years. We joined our first organization in India together and since then it just clicked for us.

I pressed the volume button to turn off the vibration and continued with the meeting. A few minutes later it ringed again and it was Sushant one more time. Something struck me. It was something important he wanted to convey. He never calls twice. I disconnected the call and proceeded with the meeting. This time probably he got the message, and he did not call further. But there was a piece of my mind that was unable to comprehend what was going on in the meeting. Every now and then my eyes went on to check my mobile for any email or text. I didn’t know why, but I wanted to end the meeting badly.

An hour later the meeting ended. I rushed to my cabin to speak with Sushant. I called him (phone rings).

He picks up the call.

Me: Hey buddy. How are you? Sorry I couldn’t pick up the call. I was struck in real important meeting. What’s up with you?

Sushant (choked up): Karan, there is something you need to know.

Me(Surprised): Ya, tell me.

Sushant says something on phone and then there was stunned silence. With tears in eyes and choked up voice I said: Sushant! I am coming to India.