I was once again itching to write. Not sure what would it turn out to be. Ok I will pick up the subject of the last time I felt great, good and relieved in company of someone. That was as recent as last evening. I will try to describe this person if my words and judgement do not fail me again this time.
Last evening, I was in the company of a decade old business associate turned a very dear friend. I would not name him here for the best interest of maintaining his privacy for reasons best kept to both of us.
Being an entrepreneur, gives me many chances to meet new people, almost every other day and being in a position of power in your own castle also gives you the liberty to chose some of them and take those associations to the next level. And possibly to a first level of friendship. And if you really vibe well, possibly turns into a friendship for keeps. This friend of mine decently fits into the uppermost tier of relationship. Now that I don't meet many people of late has little to do with my declining interest to fit more people in my life's net and more to do with not really finding a good set of people to mingle with.
Now on the time spent with him. It was destined to be a regular drinks n dine session. Now, sessions like these are not very regular with him. Not that we don't want them to happen. But more because life and commitments keep us busy.So desires of sessions like these get reduced and minimized to mere phone talks or small coffee breaks if we converge in same part of the city that is.
With him I can speak my heart out. Being from the same age bracket as mine and both of us being entrepreneurs( well, actually he is almost one, the way he manages his business) we share almost similar or relatable joys, sorrows,frustrations, agendas of life, work and family. It's quite uncommon to have so much in common between 2 persons. Almost seems like God's gift. We enjoy it. That's the only thing which matters.
Besides the commonality, there are quite a few things to learn from him, which further makes the company enjoyable. First, is his happy go lucky attitude about life. He has this uncanny ability to take everything in his stride, handle it and then move onto the next one. As if any mishap or unplanned hurdle is merely a milestone in his long journey.It Touches him and Goes.
Second take from him is his knowledge. Being a well-read person he is, he can talk about a lot of things further making the discussion interesting. He doesn't create feeling that he is authoritatively omnipotent but creates a great atmosphere of knowledge freely flowing around you. Grab as much as you can! That he is successful in his professional life, adds to the aura he carries around him. Now how many times does that happen around us.
Third, he is a charmer. He just charms you with his wit, persona and responses. He is truthful if you want him to be or he would con you if want to be conned, if you so desire. His retrospect is very clear and visible -that he is your kinds.
Fourth thing to learn from him is his philosophy about managing life - in whatever form it comes. Most importantly he knows and further makes you realize that if you got to live this life, you have to survive the odds that accompany it. And survival being the only option, you got to fight against the odds. He beautifully & elaborately explains how to build defenses against them by going with them perfect hand-in-glove. So, if you cant fight them, get them along and make them an opportunity.
Fifth aspect which I myself was surprised to learn from him was the art of life's pain management. Our opening and initial discussion on the subject was so enlightening and opened up a very interesting subject of discussion and learning. It was so heart rendering feeling to have known that every thing which is so clear, full of strength and robust from outside has a deep inside connection of control and self sustaining emotional membranes which keep you going. Also his companionship has so much to teach on the many mantras, some elaborately listed here and some better be unsaid.
I know it's sinfully wrong to be so much mystified by only one person in this life but then in this world where most of the people you handshake with have one or the other motive behind being good to you. Moreover with our social and professional insecurities(I am sure all of us have one or many hidden deep inside us),it is difficult to forge a long-term friendship with no riders attached to the relationship. Hanging out with people for the sake of short term companionship or a business association is a different matter.
And yes let me justify the title of this post. Vodka & Pineapple Juice is my favorite poison and the screwed up service on the table is something i have lived with. Its so natural for folks in the restaurant to impart improper service and live with it. Just like we keep living & surviving with our own imperfect impersonation about life! Jai ho!
Disclaimer:
The thoughts expressed here are not exhaustive about this friend of mine and also necessarily means no disrespect to others I have recently met or not met. People who are important and friends who are significant in my life know about it. And those who don't, my extreme apologies to have failed in explaining their importance in my life. I will yet again make an effort to tell them that you all make me go. And that this blog post was only about one small meeting with a old friend who I met and felt good and recalling my meeting with him was as fresh along with my hangover this morning,so I chose to write, as I was itching to write.
Some other day, when I really feel good about meeting the rest and when I do have a hangover as a result of liquor flowing freely during our meeting, then I surely will make an entry on this blog again-about you.
