I received an invitation from Janvi for a lunch along with Nishant to celebrate her new role as an Assistant Professor in Computer Science.

Janvi, a former engineering batchmate, has achieved remarkable success and is now returning to our alma mater in this esteemed position!

She had joined just a month ago, and coincidentally, the week I was in town was also having the Teachers' Day ahead!

During her time with us in at college, she had no idea that one day she would be sitting alongside the very teachers she once reported to, sharing the same level of responsibility!

Just two years ago, I visited the campus for a speaking engagement and she was pursuing her Master's at the time.

Time has a funny way of bringing things full circle. Here I am again, and this time, she’s back too—only now, with a whole new vibe.

Her attitude is transformed, she’s more responsible, deeply committed to her work, and her sense of humor has sharpened.

Around 1 PM, after her classes had ended, she called me to get ready for the lunch. We decided on a nearby vegetarian restaurant by Hirakud Railway Station.

She opened up about the challenges she had to navigate, especially facing all the uncertainties while everyone else around her was caught up in the mad rush to become a software engineer.

She shared how her best friend Sneha, from engineering, almost disappeared from her life after getting placed, leaving her behind as she continued her higher studies.

With a heavy heart, she shared a past scenario, when the city was experiencing a severe power shortage. So she called a support number to report the issue.

To her surprise, the voice on the other end was familiar—it was her! “Sneha! Is that you?” she asked sharply.

Without hesitation, Sneha ended the call, because she had joined that company and thought of keeping that information hidden from her best friend!

Determined, Janvi called again, but this time the call was answered by someone else. She tried to inquire about Sneha, but the person on the other end seemed uneasy and appeared to be hiding behind the system.

Time has a way of presenting unexpected opportunities. You need to wait for that!

Anyway, our conversation over lunch went on for nearly an hour. She addressed both of our curious questions about her career choice, explaining how she manages her college duties, balances her family priorities along with her ongoing PhD in a nearby University.

Our lunch hangout eventually extended to another chai session back at the university campus! It was the place where we all had countless memories.

Due to lack of time in hand, I couldn’t visit the academic building to meet the professors. However, as I was passing by on my scooty, I happened to encounter a few professors and some even stopped for a chat.

Later on the evening was spent in deep, meaningful conversations with Nishant’s parents and his grandmother.

I never imagined I’d connect with them so thoroughly, discussing everything from important life matters to their personal journeys.

This experience gave me a real boost of confidence in engaging with people of all ages. Everyone has a story to share. We just need to be attentive listeners.

This trip allowed me to do just that—leaving behind the weight of my corporate life, shedding self-importance and simply listening. It’s the highest form of respect we can offer to anyone.

Before heading to bed that night, I made sure to send my Teachers' Day wishes to all my teachers, from school to university, as the special day was just around the corner in the next morning.

P.S

Though this is inspired by a real-life story, due care is exercised by modifying the names, details & incidents to protect privacy.