Bye Bye Infosys!

Is there a specific way one is supposed to feel on the day he walks out of his first job?

When I walked out of the security office today, after returning my temporary visitor pass, I felt blank. I was walking towards the bus bay, when I forced myself to turn back and look at the huge chunk of concrete and steel and glass that is our building. It did not feel anything specifically different. But I knew that it was because I did not know what meaning I attached to this particular behemoth of an office space.

But friday was different. I was coming out of Shols DC and I did the same ritual. The building looked old and jaded as usual, but the twang of feeling that creeped into me was different. If I had tried to name that, it would have probably come out as sadness. I didn't.

That bright and sunny morning of June 2003, when I entered that campus with a quiet pride and happiness that accompanies accomplishment, is still fresh in my mind. The structure that welcomed me, which was to house me for 3 months thereupon, had huge letters of that friendly font announcing the name 'Infosys'. I would have probably puffed up my chest a little bit at that moment, I am not sure now. It was a new building then; recently erected and spic and span everywhere. Half a decade since, the building had lost its glitter. Nevertheless, it hadn't lost the spark it held for me. It was the place where I started my career.

The first time it hit me was when I was sipping my usual evening 'Fresh & Honest' coffee on friday: No more 'Fresh & Honest' from tomorrow. Yes, I know it is cliched. But we cannot dictate our feelings not to be cliched, can we?

When I went to surrender my ID card today, I was given a temporary pass to roam around for the day. The pass had two placeholders for signing: employee and visitor. I was about to sign above the 'employee' when the security personnel reminded me: "Sir, you are a visitor from now on". I froze for a micromoment before silently proceeding further to sign.

The bus was almost empty when I got in. It was an enjoyable ride back, with some light conversation with Rabbit and Juggy. It was normal until the bus reached Luz corner. I got down and casually looked up at the bus, which was moving away. It was the white and blue that I was so used to. As the round sign announcing 114 slowly vanished out of sight, I knew it in full finality.

Over and out.