By Your Side..Forever & A Day!

6. Pop it lock-et !!

A/n : Hi5 to all those who got the pun in the title ;) For those who didn't, read till the end. I am sure you'll get it.. !!

Happy reading.. :)

Aryamann's PoV :

''But why me, Dad?'', I cried over the phone.

''I have to attend a last minute scheduled meeting, Aryamann'', answered my father matter-of-factly.

''Can't you send any other official as our company's representative?'', I questioned, more like pleaded, hoping I wouldn't have to give my attendance at this event since I ain't a very social person. Moreover, being treated like a VIP at a random event sounds embarrassing to me.

''You are aware that the college is expanding it's current architecture section premises and also commencing a medical institution. If the College Trustees appreciate that you, a young director of our company, is curious about their activities, they might consider our construction company to sign the contract with. We need to get in their good books, Son!'', explained Dad as a thorough professional.

''Oh! So the sponsorship you presented for their on going fest was not because you promoted budding talent, but meerly to establish business contacts'', I snapped.

''Business is a mind game, Aryamann. If you play it with your heart, you'll never be recognized in this competitive corporate era'', justified Dad. He has adviced this to me so many times that I have lost count.

''And you know I am never going to accept this ideology of your's, right?'', I stated. The feeling of disgust was apparent in my speech.

''Don't be stupid. You're the future lead entrepreneur of the company. It is time you learn that a corporate entity doesn't just give away it's money in charity, unless for it's own benefit'', Dad tried to teach me his so-called-practical-business-tactics.

''Not everything in the world is business'', I snapped again.

''Don't argue, Aryamann! I have to attend a meeting and you are causing me a delay. Better be present for the fest at 5pm sharp!  And most importantly, don't forget to leave a good impression on the Trustees'', instructed Dad.

''Yes boss'', I fought the urge to argue and hung the call before the conversation worsened.

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Being the punctual me, I reached UEL, short for University of East London, by 4:50 pm. I was heartedly welcomed and escorted to the front seats of the open theater, reserved for invitees, sponsors, college heads and trustees. A few seated familiar faces smiled at me, which I acknowledged.

The venue was extravagantly set up and the event began right on it's scheduled time!

''Hello to all the beautiful girls and earth to all the guys dreaming about them agape'', greeted the host enthusiastically, which was followed by gaiety and wild cheers from the youthful audience. ''This is John Wilson welcoming you to 'Fight of feet', the last and most spectacular event of UEL's inter-collegiate fest - OhZone twenty fourteen, the most happening and awaited young talent celebration of London! As UEL's tradition demands, the defending champions shall perform first. Without much ado, clap your hands and shout out loud for London business school's dance troop.. The thunderbolts!!''

''Hey! That's my college!!'', screamed my mind. I was so involved in work after acquiring my management degree two years ago that I got absolutely zero updates about my college, including the fests they won. Nostalgia strikes!

In case you haven't noticed #9 : We always feel a sense of belonging to our place of education, irrespective of the time passed since graduation. We witness there a second home, a second family. The second best receipt from it are the immemorial times with our friends, knowledge being the first. Scratch that! Friends are unsurpassable. No matter how much we curse it's system or infrastructure or management during the course of study, but later if there's anything we're corroborative and patriotic about after our motherland, it's our alma mater.