I always used to think, when I was in 12th class that Swapnil was the most intelligent among three of us, and indeed he was!!!
We were three different characters; but the best buddies, Swapnil, Rahul and I (Rohan). Each one of us was excellent in different arenas: Swapnil in Science, Rahul in maths and I used to be good in languages, though Swapnil’s English fluency was the reason; our parents gave lengthy and frequent sermons on ‘how to be …’ All three of us had our own unique criteria of evaluating girls and had a pact that we would not hit on each other’s choice, though Rahul was the one who never revealed his type. We had our own different world where sometimes we used be very serious and sometimes we used to give our exams on cricket ground or at Rahul’s place, having a delicious breakfast. I had always thought that Swapnil would get the best job and the most promising future as he was simply best, but destiny had something else in its mind.
After completing our schooling, we were ready to fly towards our dreams of becoming Engineers, a.k.a mission to hell and back. As expected, Swapnil had the highest marks among us and got admission in one of the reputed engineering colleges in Pune. As always, I was dragging myself and got admission in one of the numerous unknown colleges in Pune. Our third counterpart Rahul stayed back in hometown for his engineering. This was the first time we were not together and were missing all the golden days. The fun vaporized the moment we landed up in the new life– crazy schedules, weird teachers and insane people around! All were finding it difficult to be the part of new life; especially Swapnil and I were really feeling like we were in a wrong boat. Somehow we started off with our own endeavors, and with our own problems.
Suddenly In the beginning of the first year, when we had just started with our studies, I was taken aback by the news of Swapnil going back home and cancelling his admission in Pune. I was deeply worried for him and wanted to know the reason for his step. When Rahul and I went to Swapnil’s home, we were shocked after seeing his condition. He was suffering with a neurological problem in which he was losing control of his mind and body. He used to lose consciousness and wouldn’t remember anything when he regained consciousness.
When we met Swapnil, we tried to make him remember all the fun we used to have, all the parties he gave after coming first, all the cycle rides for the tuitions, the girls we used to hit on, but that could not change the single expression on his face. His condition used to paralyze our minds and make us helpless. Swapnil’s downfall started from here – he barely scrapped through engineering in Hometown. It is hard to comprehend the pain he would have felt when he was rejected in various interviews – a bright guy now struggling to make a living. To make matter worse, the intensity of his attack grew by leaps and bounds. This was the stage whereas his spirit was losing a battle against life. Meanwhile Rahul got a good opportunity and got shifted in US and I started working in an IT company in Pune. We both were in constant touch with Swapnil and used to motivate him. Whenever I met him Pune I found him depressed for the things those were out of his control. I had nothing but supporting shoulder and inspirational words for him, but that was too not enough sometimes.
One day mom called me in the morning and told with a shivering voice, Swapnil committed suicide; I broke down!
What I could not figure out was; what was his mistake? He deserved much better life; he was far more intelligent than both of us. Is this really what we call a Destiny, if it is, then who wrote this? All my questions still remain unanswered and I choke up each time I think of Swapnil. Today we 3 from the three different parts of the world, are still in contact through our hearts, and we still believe that Swapnil was, Swapnil is and Swapnil will be the best among us. We love you sopya..
Rohan..
