My last day in the Big Blue...

24 July, is a day that will forever be etched in my mind and my heart. A day that I shall never forget.
It was my last working day in IBM and my team made more memorable by the people with whom I have spent most part of my 1.6 years that I have spent in IBM.

The day began in the same way it has begun since a year and a half. Me hitting the gym in the morning, reading the times, getting ready and leaving home by 10:45.

Had a hectic day ahead, had to complete many formalities, leave my lapppie with my team mate, return my badge that I cherished, and my amex card

The first half of the day was spent in taking all my personal mails, personal files from my system, occasionally interrupted by a ping or a phone call wishing me the best of luck.

Many were surprised, shocked that I shall be leaving IBM.

Had lunch with my teammates (A last supper kind of a feeling) Returned to my desk to complete all the exit formalities.

Then Atreya came to office with a big gift in his hand and then I realised that I would be a tough emotional rollercosater ride for me till the end.

Went to a different block to complete my formalities, getting forms signed. Finally returned to my seat and went about going around the entire floor to wish everyone goodbye.

Time was 4:30 and Manish called everyone for my farewell party. Boy!, my ride had begun. My friends had all got it planned. Manish set the tone by playing a nice yanni composition that got my senses tingling.

Every one had samosas and the time had come for the speech. Manish started it. I was very much touched by the words he had for me. Then the unthinkable happened. There were tears running down my cheeks. There were clicks from the surrounding camera, to catch that moment. The perceptions that me being an emotionless guy, the guy who had no feelings, no sentiments, had been broken!! Vibin spoke next, and the next unthinkable thing happened. He chocked and his eyes were brimming with tears. Was a very somber moment.

Praveen was unusually silent and said "Kabhi alvida na kehana" was the song that needs to be played. Then the time came in for the farewell gifts. Manish presented me a greeting, which was signed my all my teammates and a magnificent Pen Set that had the words "Bharat, GIOM-SE" engraved on it. My eyes swelled with tears for the love and affection that poured from my teammates. I never had imagined that I will be liked so much by people, that I shall be missed being in the team. I felt I had achieved something in life.

Had a one to one meeting with my lead and manager where frank thoughts were exchanged. In the meeting with Manish, I finally handed over the badge and all the thoughts came rusing to my mind. The pride with which I used to say I am an IBMer, the anguish that I felt when my joining got delayed. The euphoria of the first day in IBM, the friends that I made, all of them came rushing and it was a very poignant moment. My pocket felt empty without my badge. Had to send out one final mail about the handover that had taken place. With Vibin behind my back I sent out the final mail and Vibin fully sentimental told me everything was done. I logged out of my official mail one last time and handed over the system to my teammate.

A final round of hugs and handshakes followed. Manish escorted me to the exit. Got down the lift and into the lobby one last time. With a heavy heart went out of the gate into the open air. Would have been very tough for me to complete this journey without Manish.

Said one last goodbye and a handshake to Manish and thus ended one chapter of my life. A chapter that had all the spices that makes a good meal in the right proportions. Met some truly amazing people. made some wonderful friends. But the most important thing that came out of this day was the realization that people will miss me and remember me for what I have contributed. What else can a person ask for.

This is for all the IBMers that have made my life truly memorable.