Phir Milenge

AJ and Me at the office.

My last week in Gurgaon came and went so quickly, just like the entire eight week stay. Alex worked from the apartment while I went to the office. We ordered food from Puni every night (and had to wake Anil to use the microwave upstairs as ours was broken) On Tuesday, Alex came to Cyber City for dinner and I got to introduce him to the office. I was fun showing him what my daily routine was like and I introduced him to Costa Coffee.

On Thursday, Erin, Alex and I woke up early 12:00pm IST [2:30am EST] and asked Anil to take us to Delhi. His mom owns a boutique in a popular shopping area and we wanted to look around. All of the jewelry was beautiful! There were trays and trays of sparkling rings, necklaces, earrings and more. The three of us went a little wild and ended up with some amazing souvenirs. FabIndia was right next door so we decided to check it out. It is like the Urban Outfitters of India and there were 3 floors of Indian clothing and jewelery. I bought a few Indian spices and a blouse for my Saree—just in time.

Saree

When I got to the office I went to the bathroom to try my hand at wrapping a saree. I bought one in Jaipur and wanted to wear it before I left India—seeing that I had 2 days left in the office, I decided to wear it to work. Apparently I didn't do a very good job because Prachi started cracking up as soon as she saw me. She whisked me back to the bathroom and the attendant pulled 4 pins from her purse and created a scene while expertly wrapping me up. Apparently you are supposed to wear a special skirt underneath so getting it to stay up was a tough task but they eventually work it out and I waddled my way around the rest of the day. I have a whole new appreciation for the women who wear them all the time—taking the bus, walking in the market, carrying their kids. Its so beautiful but it felt like I was going to unravel in any moment.

Nitin and me--ballers!

Before I knew it, Friday had arrived. I barely had the chance to sleep the night before because I had started packing and I knew it was going to be a long day of farewells. I finalized a few things at work and went around to say “Phir Milenge” [See you again] to everyone. I am so glad to have had the chance to meet and spend time with my colleagues and now friends in India. I know we will continue to work together in one way I will “see everyone again” when I log into spark and email on Monday, but I do hope to stay in touch and maybe make it back again someday.

The day wrapped up and the “newbies” pulled me into the training room. They surprised me with a delicious cake and a going away gift—a painting of an Indian wedding processional. They described that the seated bride was carried away by the groom and others and that the picture was actually of a farewell—how fitting and touching. I will really miss these guys and know that in a few weeks the are going to be independent product consultants and great assets to Cvent.

What an awesome eight weeks.

See more pics here.