Hyderabad ROCKED me!!!

Last Two Days in Hyderabad were thrilling, enjoyable, happy and over all marvellous!!

I was hosting a party (rather my roomies demanded it!!) ;-) When I say my roomies, it includes my extended roomies too.. confused?? hehehehe.. my neighbours.. lamboo Vijay, chotu Sudheer, singer Murali and silent Kishore!! How dare I not mention my roomies name.. soft n sweet Cale's and dirty fellow Quadree!! Now you are familiar with everybody's name. Good.. let me tell you the story now..

Sorry, its quite a lengthy story!! While typing I realized that I need to hone up my English writing skills!! :-)

A party was scheduled on 29th Sept 8.30pm at "Our Place" (Vijay and Quadree's choice!!). I had invited Vasu, Naveen, Bharat. Naveen couldn't attend coz he was unwell. We all assembled there at exactly at 8.30pm and all got into menu one by one. Vasu, Quadree, Vijay.. all drunkards.. Caleb, Vasu, Quadree, Sudheer and Bharat non veggies.. and rest of us veggies!!

Drunkards opted for Beer / Whisky etc. (To be frank I dint even bother to look at their choice, even though I was to pay). Anyways, Vijay was in full charge and thoroughly enjoyed the party. Vasu and Quadree were so much involved in serious talking that Quadree spill the beer on table!! hehehehe..

Cale's was savouring his non-veg dishes and also clicking the pix. Sudheer was enjoying teasing around Caleb and others. Kishore and Murali as usual.. silent spectators.. but I think they enjoyed the food at least.

Bharat was involving himself in all the conversations sometimes in Telugu sometimes in English.

At the end Vijay was in full swing to talk about me.. and it was recorded too. Vijay so amused to see his own fully charged speech in the video hehehehehe!! Yes, indeed he enjoyed the party to the core.

I paid the bill (Don't ask me the bill amount!!) at 10.30pm and we left for home by 10.45pm. Bharat offered to drop me, Murali and Kishore home. All others reached home on two wheelers. On the way we had Ice Cream at Walls bandi wala near City Center.

At home, it was again a halla gulla. All were fully charged to take group pix. Murali had his boss's cam to shoot all. Vijay's was the worst case. In all the photos though he was looking good, he thought I was looking better than him and he wanted to dominate me.. hehehehe.. but he couldn't. He could better himself.. only when he was shot alone!! hahahahaha.. bechara.. The photo session went on till 1.00 am.. huh.. was so damn sleepy that I couldn't control more and slept at 1.30am. IT WAS REALLY A WONDERFUL GET TOGETHER FOR ME WITH ALL MY ROOMIES. THANK YOU SO MUCH BUDDIES FOR MAKING IT SUCH A BIG SUCCESS... (Am I sounding too formal??)

Next day was my last day in Hyderabad and was about to leave for Bangalore by flight at 4.00pm. I got up around 8.30am. Satya had reached Hyderabad from US and directly came home at 8.00 am. Quadree had got up early and received him. So Sweet!!! It was nice to see Satya after a long gap. He had put on weight and had SHAVED HIS MUSH..!! Yes, he was looking great without mush.. hehehehe..

Satya's friends Chakri and the other guy (I always forget his name) had come home. And it was nice to be with all. We all went out for breakfast at Iyer's Tiffin room for Idli's but unfortunately, it was so crowded that we couldn't get Idli's. I and Cale's had Upma and Vada since he was supposed to reach Church by 9.30pm. Then we all went to Udupi Hotel and they had breakfast there. Satya was supposed to leave with Quadree and others to see a house which he was planning to buy. Satya had brought nice chocolates and MP3 player gift for all of us. So nice of him. Since I dint know how to operate that MP3 Player model, I asked Quadree to help me. He put the battery and it din't work. We tried so many things. Later Satya found that Quadree had put the batter in reverse. hehehehehehe..

I started uploading Telugu, Hindi songs to the MP3 player and I got a call from HDFC Credit Card. The person on the other side introduced himself as Ravi and asked me to confirm that I have done transactions worth Rs.24000 that morning. I said, "Are you joking? I haven't been out since I got up at 8.30am.". He insisted that he could see three transactions for my card, two for purchasing mobiles (Rs.9000 at a mobile shop in Ameerpet and 14000 at Bajaj Electronics, Panjagutta respectively) and one for petrol for Rs.500. I got irritated and amused. Two mobiles?? me?? hehehehe I am happy with my Nokia 1100. I asked for the Credit Card number for verification. I remembered clearly that I had picked up the card after paying the bill. I opened my wallet and was shocked to find somebody else's card in my wallet which looked similar in every aspect except for name and number!!! :-O.

Hyderabad started ROCKING ME from this point onwards...

Ravi asked me when I used the Credit Card for any transactions. I remembered everything screen by screen what transpired last night at Our Place but couldn't remember anything going wrong. Ravi told me that while paying the bill the Card has been swapped at hotel. I tho't I was a foolish not to check the card after getting back the card.

I dint know what to do at that moment. I just took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a few seconds. I asked Ravi what needs to be done now. Ravi told me to block the card immediately. I also asked him to find out about the owner of the card which was with me. I called up the HDFC Credit Card Customer Care and blocked the card. My heart started beating faster. I felt bit tensed but dint loose sense. Ravi called me again and asked me to go to Our Place and demand the return of your card. I felt this is foolishness. I tho't the restaurant people may not take the responsibility of this. Still I decided to go. Luckily Vijay was at home. I asked him to accompany me and he readily agreed.

I felt unfair on my part for Satya. He came all the way from US and I could not be with him. I apologized and also asked him to carry on with his schedule. He asked me "Kaakke why are you so tensed?". In fact, at that moment I was!!

I and Vijay started off to Our Place. To keep myself calm I spoke some irrelevant topics with Vijay and it worked!!

Just we crossed the Panjagutta and I could see Bajaj Electronics. I tho't of going there and enquiring but without any document or any specification of that person, how could I go and enquire there.. I dropped the idea. Just we were reaching Taj Krishna, Ravi called up again and said, that there is some transactions being done at a Archies Gallery but could not complete. Also asked me to go to Bajaj Electronics to talk to Manager at Cash Counter who will help to get some information on the person who did the transaction there.

Vijay was very considerate and immediately turned to Bajaj Electronics. I entered the shop and directly went to the Cash Counter and told him about Ravi. He directed me to one Vikram. Vikram told us that the person who did the transaction spoke very good Telugu. Also told that he was young, slim and was wearing Red T / Denim jeans. We also asked him about the Archies gallery which he said just nearby. But the Archies shop owner said, no credit card transactions were tried. We looked around for some other Archies shop but couldn't. Thanks to Vijay who bought a water bottle from the corner bakery, which worked like an energy booster for both of us.

Now again, we headed towards Our Place. An old man was playing a melodious tune on Piano but I was not in a mood to enjoy it. I directly went to the Manager's table there and informed him about the situation. He summoned for Prasant, the shift in charge. I informed him the situation and asked him for the list of all the people who were in the last night shift. I also told him that the person spoke very good Telugu. We also went to the cashier but the cashier wasn't that helpful. He just took a report of some transactions happened last night. Now, Prasant called a few people who served us last night. They were north Indians hence I asked for Telugu speaking guys who were in previous night shift. There were only two guys who spoke Telugu. One was Sai Baba and I forgot other guy's name. Prashant could produce the other guy. Sai Baba was not available. Sai Baba was a part time employee and would come only in the evening. He wasn't available at his home too. I had a slight feeling that this guy could be the culprit. But I couldn't take any decision since I dint have any proof. So I kept quite. I met the other Telugu guy but he hadn't served us.
Now, I became bit harsh and threatened Prashant that I would lodge an FIR with police and send notice against the hotel. He said, I'm free to do that but before doing that he wanted me to talk to the MD of the hotel.

We waited in the lounge listening to the piano. I saw a middle aged lady with bob cut and wearing a gray cotton saree talking to Prasant and thought she must be a customer there enquiring about something. But later that lady turned out to be the MD!! I was surprised.. She looked very simple and down to earth.

She introduced herself as Vakula (nice name) and invited to her office room. Though office was small but cozy. She ordered for fruit punch for us. I narrated the story to her (repeating the story was such a boring thing huh...!!!) and she promised her co-operation. I again told her that I wanted all the attendants’ photos who served us last night to check with Vikram of Bajaj Electronics, if he could recognize anybody. Since that was Sunday, the office was closed. She immediately called her Manager and asked for the draw key. Power always has its own advantages!!

Vakula was bit upset that this happened in her Hotel. In the meantime, she asked us about our lunch. I said, we hadn't thought of it. She was kind enough to offer the food and asked for our choice and ordered her guys to serve us the food of our choice. I was so impressed by her humbleness and kindness.

I had asked for phulkas and dhal. Vijay wanted biryani along with phulkas / dhal. I finished my lunch in hurry and went back to MD's office. She had got the office keys and started getting the photos of all Telugu speaking employees. In the meantime, Sai Baba also came in to office. Both Sai Baba and other telugu speaking guy wasn't told anything about the incident. Vakula ordered both of them along with a security person to visit Bajaj Electronics. She also offered the hotel's Omni for our use. On the way, I was thinking something and asked Vijay whether we were missing anything. But Vijay couldn't understand and I kept quite.

We reached Bajaj Electronics. I asked Vijay to be with the guys and I went inside directly to Cash Counter asking for Vikram. As soon as Vikram appeared, I asked him to recognize the guys standing outside. He looked at those guys who were entering the office and said these were not the guys. Vijay came directly to me and told that one of the guys have confessed that he stole the card and bought mobile using my card. He pointed to Sai Baba. Huh.. I was right!! I turned to Vikram asked him, why he told us that these weren't the guys. Now Vikram looked bit afraid and told that he was still looking at them and now he confirmed that Sai Baba was the culprit. I told the security guy that I need to talk to Vakula. He connected her to me. I spoke to Vakula and told her that the culprit has been cought. I also thanked her for all her co-operation. I also told her that I would take action against Sai Baba and hand over him to Police. She told I'm free to do anything with that guy.

Sai Baba came to me and wanted to talk to me in person. I was not very cool at that point of time. I was happy that I got the culprit but also angry on Sai Baba that he did this to me. I took him to a corner of the shop. He pleaded me not to hand over him to Police. He did this because of his teeth problem and wanted some money. His family would be in a trauma if they came to know of this incident. If he goes to jail, his future would be spoilt. I told him bitterly, that I wont care about all these and would hand over him to police. I told him bitterly that I dint want to hear anything further. In spite of this he kept on pleading.

In the meantime people started gathering around us. I told them nothing is happening here and asked them to disperse.

I harshly asked Sai Baba about the transactions and he accepted that he filled the petrol for Rs.500 and bought a mobile for Rs.9000 at Ameerpet. I asked him about the mobile bought at Bajaj Electronics for Rs.14000. He said, the shop people did not give him the phone. I was amused and went to Manager at Cash Counter. Manager told that the mobile has been handed over to him and Sai Baba is lying. Confused, I went back to Sai Baba but he repeatedly told that the mobile was not handed over to him. When I went back to Manager, there was a girl talking to him in Telugu and was telling him that the goods wasn't handed over to him. She turned to me and told in broken English that in their office they have a rule that if the transaction exceeds Rs.10000, they would insist on photo ID proof. So she had asked Sai Baba for ID proof since the transaction was more than Rs.10000. Sai Baba had lied her that the card belonged to his brother. On this, she had sent him back without giving the mobile to him asking him to bring his brother to collect the goods. I was very pleased to hear that and appreciated her presence of mind and also thanked her for the information.

I went to Sai Baba and asked about the mobile he bought at Ameerpet. He said, it’s at home. Now we all set towards his home. On the way also Sai Baba kept on pleading. But I was dumb towards his pleadings. Now my mind was clear and was feeling light. I felt I should re-look into the whole incident that transpired since morning. Everything rolled in front of my eyes like a movie clipping. I decided something strong in my mind and kept mum till we reached Sai Baba's house.

I called up Caleb and told him that we got the culprit and would tell the whole story once I reach home. Also requested him to call up Jet Airways to request for postponing my journey for any time after 6.30pm instead of 4.00 pm. Satya called me to ask about the situation and I told him that situation is under control. I'd call him after sometime.

Called up Ravi to inform that we got the culprit. Ravi said, he would send a HDFC representative to get some documents signed. I asked him to send the representative to Our Place directly. I also thanked him for all his support.

Sai Baba stayed quite near to Our Place restaurant. Area was conjusted and looked very much lower middle class. When we reached near the house, I stepped out of the car to go along with Sai Baba to get the mobile. But he pleaded me not to come home since he did not want his parents to come to know about this whole incident. I thought for a while and asked the security person to go with him. Vijay was amused about whole incident and started talking about it. Even I joined him. Also I told him that I'm gonna keep the mobile for myself. Caleb called me to confirm that the ticket has been postponed for 8.15 pm flight and is confirmed. And I need to collect the ticket 2 hours before the departure paying Rs.500. I was happy to hear that and thanked Caleb for this help.

Sai Baba and security returned with Mobile and gave it to me. Was shocked to see such an expensive mobile. We went to the Restaurant and directly went to Vakula's office. She was amused to see us there and I told her that wanted to talk to her personally for sometime. She readily obliged and went to her office. I placed the mobile on her table and Vakula was amused to see the expensive mobile. I told her about what transpired in Bajaj Electronics. Vakula was happy that we got the culprit but was bit low that this transpired in her hotel and was sorry about whole incident.

Now, I cleared my throat and opened up my mind in front of her that I don't want to take any action against Sai Baba. If I hand over him to police, whole life would be spoilt. He is quite young and has lot of potential to change himself. Let us give him a chance now and let this incidence be a lesson to him. I also asked Vakula not to remove him from the job so that he could continue his life normally. Even Vijay added a few good words for his future. I also told her that this quite natural that young guys of this generation would get attracted to expensive fancy gizmos and want them to show off / flank them in college campus or among friends. This temptation could also be a reason for him to commit this deed. I added that I'm not going to return this mobile to shop but would keep it for myself.

Vakula was really moved by my words. She appreciated my thoughts and told that she was surprised to see somebody like me, who was cool and considerate. I told her that this decision has some selfishness too. If I start a police case, I had to be in Hyderabad which would be very much impossible since I had to report for the new project at Bangalore. Frequenting to Hyderabad again is another pain and I may not be able to get many offs from office just for this. Vakula was quite happy with the decision and ordered Tea for all of us.

We exchanged our visiting cards. Vakula promised to visit me when she is in Bangalore next. I told her openly that throughout 2 years, though I did not like Hyderabad much, I dint have any bad experiences. But, had I not got this culprit & mobile, I would have really had a bad impression on Hyderabad. Also told her that now I'm going back to Bangalore happily for getting the mobile and also for making me meet a wonderful person like her.

Now she summoned Sai Baba to the office and started asking him what made him to do all these. Sai Baba again started telling the same story about his teeth, financial and family problems, blah, blah.. She got irritated and asked why to buy a mobile if he had so much of problems. He said, he had plans of selling it and get money out of it. We haven't disclosed him that he has been pardoned.

I sheepishly told her that Sai Baba had also purchased petrol for Rs.500. She asked me how I could tell these things so coolly, without loosing temper and ordered Prasant to get Rs.500 in an envelope. Again she started with Sai Baba asking whether this was taught him in the college and ssmething in Telugu, which I dint understand much.

I turned to him and asked him his age. He turned out to be 19 years. He also told that he is into NCC and studying in some college. We all were shocked on this information. Gawsh... I asked him how he could do all these when he is part of NCC. No answer from him. Whatever were his reasons I just decided to pardon him and give him a chance to change. And I felt very light and happy by doing this. Even Vijay was also happy with this. Vakula was quite astonished. I thanked Vakula for her support and co-operation till the end.

A person from HDFC had reached the office. He asked me to give a report to him on this incidence and also asked Sai Baba to write down the incidence. I called up Ravi to thank him for his help throughout the day and I also thanked Prasant and the Manager of the hotel for their help.

In a corner of my heart, I was thinking whether I did right by forgiving that guy!! I did not get any answer.. But I was happy and felt light.. I remembered an SMS sent by Auggi, my friend.. "Regret not that brings a smile"…. and I never regreted that I was smiling all the way home!!

Vijay and I started back to home. Vijay started telling.. "Shit man, again you stole the show. I wanted to dominate but by your words you became the hero!!". hahahahaa.. I just laughed loudly and said, "You are such a sweet friend. Every hero has a very close friend who will always help hero to become a hero and you are that kind of friend to me. You have been with me since morning till now and am so thankful to you."

It was almost 5.30pm. We reached home and told the story to Caleb and showed the moble. Caleb started laughing and reminded me that everybody in the office had asked me to change the mobile and here I'm with a new mobile :-)

I thought, God almighty always plays games with everybody and at the end gives them what they deserve the best. And the whole incident proved again that the God almighty is always with me and will be there with me forever. I'm thankful to him till my last breath, for everything he has given me.

Caleb started doing R&D on the new mobile. He clicked some pictures. Vijay was narrating the story in loud voice and regretted for not being a hero that day. hahahaha.. Sudhir was excited to hear the story and started teasing me in his usual ways. Quadree was with Satya.

That evening at 6.00pm we decided that I & Sudhir would go to Airport to collect the ticket and Caleb and Vijay would come to nearby Coffee Day for spending sometime together and to eat something. Quadree came to airport directly. We took snaps in my new mobile. It was really nice to have everybody around me before I checked in. I gave them a tight hug to all and blessed them (Yes, they all younger to me!!!). I have invited them to Banaglore too.

I checked in without any issues. Flew happily to Banglore with all those tensed memories!! :-)

It'll be nice to hear from you thro' comments / views on this blog!!

Just me!!