'When I swim, I always thank the one who dipped me into the water and ran away, regardless of the intention'

                                                  -- Unknown

" Kannan, why did you miss the regular Lab examination?"

The external examiner asked me with a smile filled with curiosity, when he was about to wind-up the Viva during my Electrical Lab supplementary examination.

I ran my fingers over the same table where I shed tears, exactly one year back. I had been mercilessly humiliated during the Viva, by the external examiner who had come for the third semester Electrical Lab regular examination. Memories started to flash before my eyes. The words that examiner had thrown at me were still ringing in my ears, though I was striving to forget that incident.

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"Kannan, you are just a shame to such a reputed institution like this. Your performance in Viva was pathetic. After such a poor show, how can I allow you to wire up the circuit?.  You may please leave now".

I tried to share a smile when my friend also joined me outside the examination Lab, despite my mood.

It was very hard to accept that I had failed in an examination, that too in a lab exam. I felt extremely frustrated whenever I opened the book to prepare for the supplementary examination. Finally I decided to watch a movie to alleviate the pain of thinking of studies, while my friends were enjoying the short vacation after the semester exams. I put my book aside.

The protagonist of the movie Gajini, played by Surya, was addressing his Employees. What he said got clicked with me. I paused and rewound the movie a few seconds to watch the speech again.

".....mere hard work alone will not bear fruit....you have to be in love with what you do, to be successful."

Right after the movie ended, I started to contemplate the essence of the speech, the hero had instilled into me, even though I had been surrounded with an aura of the beautiful female leads in the movie. I really wanted to sleep on it.

The days following were not the same as before. The chapters in the Electrical book were not the same ones, which I had studied for the regular exam. A positive vibe started to drive me.

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"I never expected such an excellent performance in the Viva, from a student who is appearing for the supplementary exam. Your understanding about the subject is unbelievable. Kannan, why did you miss the regular Lab examination?"

I got surprised with his comments and the question followed. I smiled.

"Thank you for your kind words Sir....actually I did....but I only worked hard last time....."

I did not want to blame the other examiner for my lack of involvement in studies. I gestured seeking my leave.

"May I please wire up the circuit Sir?"

"Of course!"

The examiner patted on my shoulder and I returned an ebullient smile in gratitude.