Beginning of life as a writer.....

One day Boss (Hafeez Contractor), when he did not find me seated on my desk, started calling out my name and I discussing some missing aspects with my associate. He wanted me to write an article for A+D. He felt I was the perfect person to proceed with this.

Unsure of what to do I took the mail from his hand and left it in my drawer. As a usual habit he used to leave his mobile with me whenever he went to the conference room inside, a call from Mr. Suneet Paul of A+D, left me in total surprise. He wanted to talk to me...me..did I hear it right..on Hafeez Sir's cell phone a call for me....I felt as if I was day dreaming..When Sir was back from meeting I told him about the call..and we decided that I will write on Sahara Hospital..A few days later another call from A+D, saying it has to be a hospitality building in hotel sector left me more in confusion...I know its very upsetting when Boss decides on something and he is asked a change..I told him..he did not show any interest.....A week later he called me giving me a book on Taj...saying this is your building..Taj Mount Road Chennai....he gave me required phone numbers and also permission to move anywhere and everywhere for completing my article. Once I had finished my writing after all my research..he did not even read it...That hurt me...I thought may be its not worth...and mailed it across for publication.

After this article was published I wanted to call him up and tell him about it ,instead I called up his nephew -Karl. Karl was delighted to hear this...and he advised me talk to Boss...But he did not read that night was the only problem....The next day when I gathered my courage and went to his desk, he understood I have something serious to show him...and I showed it to him I wasnt sure whther he would like it or not..but 1 sentence makes the difference for me - Gud work..thats wat he said..

This was the most memorable article. While writing about Taj one thing I always heard from my heart was - If Arshad Sir was here....

But he is no more with us and that is a fact. He was like a Father to me and at times my friend. He motivated me whenever I lost my faith in myself.

Nevertheless..I cant forget Hafeez Sir for his n number of support and belief in me,To Pearl Ma'm, for standing as a pillar of inspiration. Hafeez Sir, I cant forget the Kala Ghoda fest, The DSK work, The Rustomjee interiors.. and after the endless late nites of hard work..those days when you have been trying to convince me that I should rest for not being well, and above all for convincing my Father that you are there for me. Thank you for being there.