Till yesterday we were friends!

Yes, till yesterday we were friends
infact very good friends
we had joined together as engineering trainees
experienced the rumble & tumble together
of fitting in- graduating from the campus to corporate

first two years just flew away
so much to learn.. so much to share...
so much to learn together

our discussions helped in deciding
whom to trust,  whom to look up to
and whom to be weary of...

we shared intelectual notes and frivolous banter
books technical and fiction
we went for the movies together
thoroughly enjoyed each other's company

Was it him or was it me who first realized
the importance of getting ahead
and not just being an equal- even if equally learning & evolving

so suddenly there was this need
to impress the boss more- to be one up
be the earlier one to get promoted
and be ahead in the race

yes, this has its price
we miss some things
we dont talk like old times
we are guarded when with each other
take potshots at each other
at every opportunity

perhaps it is a small price to pay
for success & personal achievement
to be ahead of others- before everyone else

After all winning is every thing
individual glory is everything
says the American dream

 the western thought-the first world
reminds us again and again
that  winning and being a winner is paramount.

yet sometimes in a quiet moment
I wonder- why does this system , the corporate system
turn friends to adverseries?
Is it the only way
that we can get the best for the organisation?

Belbin said we can each give our unique self to the team
One can  shape, another impliment yet another finish
there are others who can  cordinate, teamwork or create ideas
one does not compete with the other
but compliments for a wonderful synergy

Our corporates sadly think otherwise
So I can never be one with my  friend again
after all it is through  this struggle that I can get ahead
And my company too can stay ahead !