Me and Venkaiya Sir
Year was 1992. Story happened in INS Satluj. Those were the days when Seniors used to be God for Juniors. On one side they used to give us hard time like hell and on other side they used to be our guiding light. Quarter Master and Side-boys were used to be a team and used to stand for each other.
Under such circumstance, I was young "Side-boy" of great Quarter Master Venkaiya Sir.
We used to be commissioning crew of INS Sutlej. As I remember, it was most notorious commissioning crew of that time. Sutlej has commissioned from Garden Reach, Calcutta and came to Vizag for deguassing. Our commanding officer was Commander Jayraman Saab. CO has taken shore accommodation for some reason at that time.
Story begins as our duty was from 1600 to 2000. After secure CO left the ship with side-pipe, MLRs went to home, liberty man also cleared, OOD went to Ward Room. Now the whole ship's security depends on 3 persons only. Mighty Leading Seaman Venkaiya Sir, active side boy SEA2 Jimmy and security sentry EMR2 (in boots, anklet, helmet and danda).
Venkaiya sir was enjoying scene at foxel when shoreline phone rings. Those days that big black phone with round manual dial was in force. It always gave a kirrrr..... kirrrr.....Sound while talking. Venkaiya sir asked me to attend the phone. It was a great privilege for me as SEA2s are not supposed to even touch the phone, forget about shoreline.
I picked up the phone and in my most polite voice said, " Good evening. INS Sutlej."
From other side voice came, "Call OOD"
I politely repeated ,"May I know who is speaking Sir?"
From other end voice came, "This is Captain speaking".
I asked innocently, "Sir, what is your name?"
And phone get disconnected.
Within 1 minute second ring came. I looked towards my quarter master and he gave me signal to attend the phone.
I lifted the cradle. Same story repeated.
Call OOD
Who is speaking?
This is Captain.
What is your name?
This time question came.... "Who are you?"
I said, "This is duty quarter master INS Satluj."
Again, "I am your captain speaking."
"Sir, what is your name?"
Phone disconnected.
Now Venkaiya sir walked towards me.
"Kaun tha?"
"Sir, koi captain hai. Naam nahin bata raha hai."
Venkaiya sir said, "Fuck off. Let the next call come. I will handle him."
With that one dialogue Sir become my Amitabh Bachchan.
The phone rang again. Venkaiya sir walked towards the phone in slow motion. I was looking admiringly at that scene. It was like Nagarjun making an entry to screen.
Sir picked up the phone and in style said, "Good evening, INS Satluj". From other end something has been said and all of sudden Venkaiya sir was very polite. I was not aware that what is being said from other end but sir was saying.....
Yes Sir
No Sir
Galti ho gaya Sir
Naya Banda hai sir
I will take charge sir
Sorry sir..... And so on.
After cutting the phone Sir ran towards me.
"Sale chutiye, Vo Jayraman Saab ka phone tha"
And I said, "Sir, abhi to gangway se Commander nikle the, Captain kab ban gaye?"
Kasam utha leejiye, after 2 years of service, that day I come to know that a ship's commanding officer is known as Captain also, irrespective of his rank.
And to learn this Venkaiya sir ne foxel pe 20 push up karwaya.
Epilogue : Next day morning again 0800 to 1200 duty thi....
Jayraman saab came onboard with side-pipe. First time he observed me from top to bottom. He turned to Venkaiya sir and asked "This is the same joker from yesterday?" Venkaiya sir said in attention "Yes Sir". Jayraman saab smiled and case closed.
I hope this story will bring some good memories to beloved Venkaiya sir.
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