Oops Subbu

Oops Subbu Iyer: Oops (Object Oriented Programming) was the first company I joined after my return from Bahrain and a hopelessly compromised one. From over 50 K salary there, I worked for a fifth of it here. I only saw the job as a makeshift and never let go of any opportunity to seek fortunes elsewhere.

Subbu Iyer looked hopelessly young; though he was 30 he looked a decade younger. A tall, lanky physique, and a man who made his mark in USA. He would sport a long beard like a Swamiji and a ponytail a month and the next would be clean-shaven minus that beard and a short haircut. He looked handsome too; fair Brahmin complexion, glittering eyes and a taut face. Anything to do with a computer the man was a genius. He had a technical collaboration with IIT, Madras on video-conferencing products to operate at low speed bandwidths for multi-conferencing. He was so good in programming that he would hold a class to the technicians at IIT. That gave him a larger than life profile and an ardent fan following. He could walk into the Dean’s cabin and haul him up; such was his expertise and also forceful personality.  

Subbu could be alternately friendly or too officious almost like a switch of a bulb. Though you could place your arm on his shoulder or argue on any subject under the skin, you will never know when he would turn cold and start to issue instructions. Within a month I had figured out that he was intensely distrustful fellow and his façade of friendliness were passing clouds.

My interest in Subbu was primarily because he resided in Besantnagar and I would ogle for a lift back home in his Ford Ikon. Once I asked,” Subbu, how many people stay with you in the house?” a roundabout way for querying on his marital status. Prompt came the reply,” Three. I, Me, and Myself”. He was just as lonely as me!!! His mother was dead after estrangement with the dad and brother. He never kept in contact with them holding some deep-held grouse.  

Subbu had friends in various professions; on one of the popular anchor’s suggestion he even hosted a programme on Star Vijay channel. What I remember with warmth even today were our sessions on a lunch table on the terrace under an asbestos sheet for protection against the elements. Rajendran was another long time friend of Subbu and he came to work more as a friend than an employee. He worked without compensation and that meant that he could not be bossed around. Then there was Ravikant and another longtime companion. At lunch all the four of us would gather under the asbestos sheet and I had the time of my life as we bantered no-holds barred. It was during this time the “Madhulika” story erupted and what a fun we had dissecting it as the story unfolded.  

Subbu’s technical expertise in the product we were developing was perhaps second to none in the world. He had that look of a master who could solve any issue with a mere tapping of computer keys. But when it came to woman he was weak. Rumour had it that he had a long affair in USA and she was married elsewhere. That passion still lingered each time she visited the country. In addition there was an attractive woman in office and he seemed to have explored her in the office. Subbu talked about scriptures and philosophies but they had not impacted him. A true genius but as a human being he still has a long way.

Verdict: Rajas

Lesson to be learnt: These people are extremely whimsical but they have their own utility. Be friendly but from a distance.