It came quickly, the end.

The photo-shoot. The solemn procession. Dr CK Prahalad’s words echoing “You would be judged by your actions, not by mere words”.The pack-up. The final glance at C-19 (wry smile). The hurried goodbyes.

Did I feel sad, ever? Not when saying goodbye to friends. Nor leaving my room. Strangely yes, a sob when I said goodbye to the canteen staff. Wonder why. Because the canteen’s been the scene of gossip, triumphs, Bday bashes, delightful promise of plain Maggi? Or the thought of the loss faced by one of the staff in distant Nepal? Ah well.

March 22 2008. An IIM Kozhikode Alumnus.