June, 2008.
That's the last time I went to work in Karol Bagh. Two whole summers I spent walking the streets, trying to make my way through the hoards of people that descend on Pusa Road everyday.
That summer was also when I fell in love with balance sheets again. As much as I was thankful for that experience, I prayed I'd never have to work their again.
Today I went back. I was very apprehensive when papa suggested it, scared that no one at the office would recognize me. But I couldn't convince him to just send the mithai. So I went.
It was nothing short of surreal. Even though it's probably not possible, it seemed like a LOT more people!
The street looked completely different. A new hotel and new bank branch made it hard for me to locate the office. But I found the staircase at the back. The same guard, the same expression-less secretary on the second floor and the same office. As if time had really not changed anything here.
Thankfully, everyone remembered me and the conversations were not in the least bit awkward.
I will always remember Karol Bagh. For the insane heat and the almost non existent AC, for the pigeon hole offices, for the pink sports car that is still parked opposite office and for the people who really welcomed me then and today :)
