16th Apr 2021

Dear Palak,

This has to be the fourth happiest day in my life. I had put down my papers a week ago. Last evening, I got a call directly from the CEO of Embibe. “Come to office. Now. We need to talk about your future.”

Last time I heard, this lady was the only female member in Reliance’s managing board, works directly under Mukesh Ambani. She earns by the minute and doesn’t have to spend time with me.

I went. And she said, “You know there are times when I too feel like giving up. And then I read your posts about our brand, on LinkedIn and other places. And I feel good. We are doing something.”

And then she offered me something I didn’t even imagine in my wildest dreams. Almost 126% hike. And a promotion. And some other privileges.

I wanted to earn my living by writing. And everybody told me, “Writers never make money.” And for many years, I didn’t make money. I just wrote. And in that process, I distanced myself from everybody, my friends, my family, everyone. Not that I regret it.

And then this company happened. I grew fast. All the lost time compensated to some extent. And now this. It’s like getting ahead by 5-7 years. Of course, I accepted it. And I was excited, only to realize that I don’t have anybody to share and celebrate it with. I just told my family, Pallo, and two of my mentors.

Thought of sharing with you. I remember once in school, Manabendra sir asked us to talk about what we wanted to be when we would grow up. I was going through my Magic phase that time – another weird/unconventional ambition of mine that people used to make fun of. You didn’t. You said, “Go. Talk about your magic.” And I did… It was a confidence booster… 😁

With love, hugs and other things,

P