RISING IN LOVE

PLACEMENTS PROFESSIONS & PANDEMIC TIMES

ARUN VENKTA

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, events and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.



© RISING IN LOVE ARUN VENKTA 1st Edition All rights reserved Publication Date: December 2021 ISBN: 978-93-91374-80-8 Published by: Adhyyan Books Office No. 125, Opposite Vivanta by Taj, DDA SFS. Pocket-1, Dwarka, Sec-22, New Delhi-110077 Website: http://adhyyanbooks.com E-mail: [email protected] Every effort has been made to avoid errors or omissions in this publication. In spite of this, errors may creep in. Any mistake, error or discrepancy noted may be brought to our notice which shall be taken care of in the next edition. It is notified that neither the publisher nor the author or seller will be taken responsible for any damage or loss of action to any one, of any kind, in any manner, therefrom. It is suggested that to avoid any doubt the reader should cross-check all the facts, law and contents of the publication with original Government publication or notifications. No part of this book may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any mean [graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or information retrieval systems] or reproduced on any disc tape, perforated media or other information storage device, etc., without the written permission of the author. Breach of this condition is liable for legal action. For binding mistake, misprints or for missing pages, etc., the publisher’s liability is limited to replacement within one month of purchase by similar edition. All expenses in this connection are to be borne by the purchaser. All disputes are subject to Delhi jurisdiction only.

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DEDICATIONS

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o our real-life superhero Mr Sonu Sood and his team for emerging out of blue and helping thousands of people of our country in the times of a major humanitarian crisis. My story is a small attempt to give tribute to the altruistic work done by Mr Sonu Sood, relentlessly helping so many people when it needed the most and still continues to do the same with full enthusiasm. To Abhyutthanam Society of Jaipur and its team including my friends Anuj Chandak and Anoop Mor, who distributed food to hundreds of people during horrific second wave of covid. To hundreds of fellow countrymen, who came forward for helping pandemic impacted people in best of their capacity. To IRMA, The Institute from where I learnt professional ethics and cooperative culture. Let us continue to practice and spread the spirit of philanthropy.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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lessings of my parents have achieved me this milestone of being a published author.

My love and gratitude to my wife Swati for helping me in different manner, while completing this story. She listened my idea when I was to begin and encouraged me to write it through. She read the drafts of my story during the work in progress and gave critical inputs from readers’ perspective. My son Akshaj, who kept on appreciating me with addition of more chapters and pages while writing this story. My elder brothers Mr Vishnu Venkta and Mr Sharad Venkta, who encouraged me to write till concluding the story after reading initial draft of few pages. My sister-in-law Mrs Divya Venkta, whose appreciation of my writing motivated me to write the complete story. My long-time friends Mr Bharavi Mishra and Mr Sharad Vyas, who liked the concept and suggested me to complete the book. Thanking sincerely Mr Nitin Soni and his excellent team of Adhyyan Books who helped me in converting my manuscript into a presentable novel through editing, formatting, designing the cover page and publishing in least possible time. iii



TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1.............................................................................................1 Chapter 2..........................................................................................38 Chapter 3...........................................................................................64 Chapter 4...........................................................................................94 Chapter 5.........................................................................................137 Chapter 6.........................................................................................164 Chapter 7.........................................................................................201

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CHAPTER

1

A

shwani didn’t sleep last night. He had been working for almost a month in mission mode for designing the placement brochure of the batch. The brochure was to be mailed to prospective employers for campus placement. Though the institute was very prestigious amongst corporate sector, but its location at Anand in Gujarat required recruiters to travel from various parts of the country via Ahmedabad, for participating in the campus placements. I have taken too much time in making the brochureAshwani said to himself. Prof Nupur-The Placement Coordinator- had told Ashwani a month back; I have mailed you the format of the brochure, we have been using for years. You are required to just collate information from every student of your batch 1

Chapter 1 and fill his/her profile as per the format in the brochure. Ashwani had been objective in the tasks assigned to him. He asked himself; I can easily complete the brochure just by using mail merge, inserting information provided by everyone in the set format. However, I am not convinced that collating information in the prescribed format would serve the objective behind the brochure designing. Ashwani was very sensitive also about the campus placement process, which would begin the professional journey of his batch mates. The professional journey after almost 20-22 years of studies and was to continue for 35-40 years. When Ashwani received Prof Nupur’s mail, he sent message to his placement committee (PC) group on groupchat; Guys, I would customise the brochure. I would highlight career aspirations and soft skills of everyone. Not only it will help employer for preliminary scrutiny and short listing of the candidates suitably, but we will also get more job offers suiting our profiles. During that month, Ashwani interacted with some of the alumni of his institute. He sought their guidance to understand recruitment process during campus placements. He also approached Mr Ravi Malhotra, who was president of alumni association for the last 5 years. Mr Ravi said; Ashwani, usually in campus placements, most of the candidates are fresher and don’t have any kind of prior job experience. Therefore, the recruitment process is driven on the basis of institute’s reputation. The toughness of institutes’ admission process for students determines the 2

Chapter 1 reputation of institute. The recruiters know beforehand that the students have already gone through a particular level of screening during admission process. Another important factor is the performance of previously recruited students in the recruiting companies. Mr Ravi Continued; The credentials of job aspiring students do not get projected suitably. So, sometimes, campus recruitments miss the alignment between job offers and candidates’ soft skills and career aspirations. At times, it leads to troubles in the professional life of some of the guys. Ravi sir, I am trying to work on that front. But as you said, even I am a fresher. So I may not be able to convince Nupur Ma’am for any tweaking in the campus recruitment process. However, Ma’am would definitely take your suggestion seriously. She had quoted you on high spirit for professional traits while taking our HR classes. You are flattering me; Mr Ravi laughed. Not at all sir; Ashwani also laughed with him. Mr Ravi assured Ashwani; Don’t worry, I will speak with Nupur Ma’am. You go ahead on your agenda of profile customization of every student and feel free to connect with me for any feedback and suggestion. I would be more than happy, if the newly passing out guys get appropriately placed. Ashwani understood the process needed improvisation, so that his batch mates career begins on right note. He was fully convinced that well begin is half done applies from right job profile perspective and not the high salary package perspective. He made many alterations in the format and 3

Chapter 1 design of the brochure. But now he was satisfied with the final one. *** Friends, brochure is done and mailed to Nupur Ma’am; Ashwani sent message on the Placement Committee (PC) group early morning after completing the brochure. He went for morning walk and meditation at his favourite place in the campus, the lawn having oldest banyan tree. Sitting calmly underneath the tree, keeping eyes closed, breathing deeply and listening the birds chirping around. When he opened his eyes, he saw Shrishti sitting beside him. She was also sitting in the same state with her eyes closed. Ashwani and Shrishti had been partners in the assignments during the last two years of their MBA. They also did their internship together in an IT firm Virtualbizz, which was now diversifying in to retail e-commerce. They had understanding of each other’s thought process. They were always comfortable discussing diverse topics, even with opposite views. Infact, Shrishti used to like Ashwani more than a batch mate and a friend. She had not expressed this to Ashwani. She wanted to be absolutely sure about Ashwani’s feeling for her. In no case, she would loose Ashwani’s friendship if her feelings were one sided. But she used to grab every opportunity to be with him. Ashwani asked; I didn’t hear any sound, when did you come Shri, nick name of Shrishti in the batch. Shrishti responded; I saw your post on the PC group regarding brochure Ashu. Ashwani was nick named as Ashu. 4

Chapter 1 She continued; I knew you would come here only and spend some time. That’s been your routine after every assignment completion. Placement Brochure is much bigger thing than any of the assignments for you. I have seen you engaging deeply with alumni, our seniors during the process of making the Placement Brochure. You have interacted in length with all our batch mates to extract more and more information about them. But your eyes are reddened Ashu, are you Ok; Shrishti asked. Nothing Shri, just didn’t sleep last night to finish the task. I am rather relieved now. The Placement Brochure is completed and it has come up nicely. We are able to highlight every one’s strengths & career aspirations in addition to internship & experience. I have rather downplayed overall grades and captured individuals’ academic performance to highlight command on particular subjects. I am sure, it will definitely help employers to select right candidates for the profiles they have. But Nupur Madam was not allowing for profile Customization. How did you manage that Ashu? Asked Shrishti. Ashwani took a deep breath. Shri, I have witnessed some disasters in the beginning of professional life in our senior batch. I was in touch with most of our seniors after their placement. Shri, do you remember our senior Navneet who got highest package in the FMCG company Cosmo Ltd. Despite of the highest package, he was not happy as his job profile 5

Chapter 1 was of sales and marketing. Could you girls ever talked with him? Shrishti responded; No, because he was a shy chap and comfortable interacting only with a limited number of boys. Ashwani revealed to Shrishti; Navneet had shared with me his ordeal in the first few months in his job. *** Navneet had told me; Ashu, In the job profile, I was required to arrange marketing campaigns. I had to reach out to large number of dealers and sub dealers. Ashu, I had always aspired for data analytics. But during campus, I got carried away by the high salary package to appear for interview of the company. The Company interview panel was impressed by my overall grades. This led to beginning of my career with very good salary in absolutely misfit job profile. I couldn’t match with my boss’s expectations of business numbers. My probation period also extended. It was my first failure of life, unfortunately coming in just beginning of my professional life. That day I was very depressed. I didn’t go to office and switched off my mobile as well. This further aggravated my problems in office. My boss complained to HR and insisted to mark me absconding. Fortunately, the matter was assigned to the same HR official, Ms Komal, who had recruited me. She was not convinced about such unprofessional attitude from me. Komal decided to meet me personally. She came to my flat that day. Komal rang the door-bell once, but I didn’t respond. 6

Chapter 1 Rather I had lost myself and wasn’t able to hear the doorbell. Worried Komal rang it again and again. Probably, the repeating door-bell sound only made me feel about the presence of a visitor at the door. I slowly opened the door, couldn’t speak anything to Komal. What were you doing, I have been ringing the door-bell for so long; Komal affectionately asked. Ma’am I didn’t hear; I answered feebly. However, Komal was not only a good HR professional but also a very sensitive human being. Just by the sight of my face, she figured out that I was in depression. Rather than taking permission from me, she barged into my flat. I was left with no choice but to ask her for tea. I am bit hungry also, please order for samosa also; said Komal with smile on her face. I placed order on food delivery app for Samosa. It will take 15-20 minutes delivery time Ma’am. Till that time, let me prepare tea. I was not looking at Komal and actually trying to escape from any question from her. What’s so hurry, let Samosa delivery be done. Tea gets ready in 5 minutes; Komal was sure to have discussion with me for some time. Are you fine, everyone is worried in office about your well-being? Asked Komal Worried about me- I wondered. Ma’am, I only get bashing for not delivering on my duties. Why is that, you have been very bright student in your

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Chapter 1 academics. What is the hurdle in replicating the same success in the job. Ma’am academic performance was all about my hard work in studies. Here, I need to deal with unknown people daily. I need to interact and convince lot of people on regular basis. Unfortunately I have been an introvert person and find it difficult. Honestly, I wanted a career in data analytics because I liked statistical analysis and drawing interpretation from data set. I can stretch myself to any extent, if my job requires me to do analytical work. Now Komal could diagnose the problem. She didn’t want a budding professional to be a looser nor her organization to loose a talented boy who could excel in different profile, if he was given a chance. If I help you to work in different profile in the company? Komal instantly offered something which eased me a lot. I was cheered up and told Komal I would not let you down Ma’am. I will give my best to the job requirements. Komal said; Navneet it’s important for you to appreciate that the organization is made up of people and its clients are also people. So it’s also important that you interact with people confidently. With pause for a few seconds, Komal continued; If you remain in shell, you would not be able to excel even in data analytics. Drawing the interpretation from statistics would require involving respective department’s officials in your analytical process. 8

Chapter 1 I understand you can’t change yourself over-night. But please understand that’s very crucial requirement in professional life. That will help you in getting guidance and help from seniors and peers as well as developing relationship with them. Your appraisals and promotions will be driven by your relationship within your department. That will also help you in net-working and getting new job offers. I got emotional and could only say; I understood Ma’am. I felt great respect for Komal. I felt her like my elder sister, who was trying to protect me as well as nurture me for the professional life. Door-bell rang for the delivery of samosa. I took the parcel and served samosa on the table. I would rather attend a communication skill building course Ma’am so that I improve my inter-personal skills. Komal had a smile on her face. She told me; Our organization has very good HR processes and training programs. I would nominate you for the program on communication building and interpersonal dealing. Meanwhile, I will arrange to approve your transfer to the business strategy department. But you need to close this chapter as per organization process. You have to apply for sick leave for the days, you have been absent. Ma’am I was not ill and won’t be able to submit any supporting document for the sick leave request. Navneet, you were under depression. You know, depression is a disease for which no one admits for himself. 9

Chapter 1 But it’s more dangerous than general infections or body ache issues. You apply leave with remark “not keeping well”. I will coordinate with your boss to get it approved. But you need to promise one more thing. Until you are transferred, you will do your best towards your boss’s instructions. You also need to appreciate that he is carrying business targets, to be achieved through you. It’s not his fault that the team member assigned to him is not best fit for the profile. I understood Ma’am. I will increase my efforts to deliver numbers allocated under my present profile. Rather, I will not let you down for the trust you have showed on my capabilities despite of my failure. Komal smiled, finished samosa and tea and left. Komal managed my transfer to business intelligence unit in a month’s time and now I am doing pretty well; Navneet told Ashu. *** Shri, you know, a correct beginning of career is most crucial aspect of our professional life. But, most of us, have only salary package in our mind. That’s why I have left it to the employers to select us appropriately on the basis of our subject expertise, skills and career aspirations. This would avoid misfit situation, as we begin our career. Interviewers are usually experienced professionals. They would be able to identify right candidate for the profile offered by their companies. Ashu, you have great quality of bonding with people. I 10

ABOUT THE BOOK Hi, I Am Ashwani. We are living in a very dynamic era. What is relevant and most appropriate today may be redundant in a few months from now. So we should always try to add value to the systems and processes. I have done that in our batch’s campus placement and my job. But when it comes to express my love to Shrishti, I am no more than a dumb. When it comes to enjoy life with her, I completely forget to have work-life balance. It’s a story of an almost perfect boy Ashwani, his college life, professional life and married life. Does he live a successful life or fulfilled married life? Let’s explore through this book.

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