The Night to Remember

Max and Jaz were best friends at the hostel. Life was great; they moved to Sydney after college. It appeared the world was filled with opportunities for the youth.

They rented an apartment and promised to stick in together until the struggle days were over or until they landed a job that took them places.

Max was the son of a wealthy business tycoon. He was tall and slim and invariably well-dressed. He spent his mornings at the gym and often paid a ridiculous amount for his haircuts. At this stage, he wasn’t keen on joining a family business. All he wanted was to work in the market for a couple of years and then decide how to make his living.

Jaz was ambitious, too. He wanted to be in a creative field and didn’t mind a simple, minimalistic life until his dream came true. He wanted life to give him a chance to be famous. Fame with purpose was his dream. His brown eyes, fair complexion, and clean, sharp looks could charm anyone. Possessing only two pairs of clothing for going out, he used to say, ‘No one will get a chance to look at my clothes once they take a look at my face.’ He was that confident about the way he looked.

Days went by, and soon, Max landed a corporate job in marketing; however, his work was based in Melbourne, which meant it was time to part ways.

Given that they were still in the same country, they agreed to visit each other once in three months and kept this ritual for two years.

Jaz had started picking some work here and there, but nothing concrete came his way in Sydney. He had a contact in Singapore and decided to move out of the country.

With the increase in distance, the two friends lost the luxury of meeting in person, and the time difference between the two places reduced it to occasional phone calls only.

Both got busy in their world, and their calls disappeared, too.

The silence further distanced the hearts, and each felt it was awkward to contact the other.

Over ten years passed, and then, one day, Max, who was now a businessman, was invited to appear on a podcast called ‘About Bizness.’ Max had heard about this podcast and was excited to share his business insights with the audience at their studio. During the podcast, he shared his hostel days, career challenges, books he read, leaders he followed, and the friends he had to encourage him during his journey.

As he was leaving the studio, he was requested to wait for a few minutes as the CEO wanted to thank him personally. Max was excited to meet the CEO. He was ushered to a formal sitting area to wait. Max looked at the serenity of the room, which had some calmness.

Soon, a well-suited man came from the side door and stood before him. ‘ Jaz, is that you?’ he asked, opening his eyes to the full in surprise. Jaz gave him his ever-charming smile and opened his arms to hug him.

Max got up and instantly grabbed his friend, hugging him tight. They happily looked at each other without knowing where to start the conversation. It had been a decade since they last met.

After discovering how the other had been, Jaz requested Max to catch up at dinner that night, away in some peaceful restaurant, in their more casual outfits, just like old times. Max instantly agreed and said that he just needed to meet a few people, cancel a few appointments, and be at the restaurant at 7:00 p.m. ‘There is so much to catch up on,’ said Max. I can’t wait for our dinner tonight.

Both gave each other another warm smile and a hug and left the formal room.

Jaz arrived at the chosen place at 6:45 p.m. and eagerly waited for Max to arrive. As promised, Max was right on time at 7:00 p.m. After they sat down, Jaz initiated the talk by saying, ‘Let’s start from where we left, Max.’ He continued curiously, ‘What happened after your job? How did you decide to join the family business? How’s your family? ‘Are you married now?’ ‘Kids?’ tell me your entire story bit by bit.’ ‘I want to know it all in detail, please.’

Max looked at Jaz happily and said,’ I joined the corporate world, and there I learned how employees are treated, both the good and the not-so-good side.’ ‘You know how human psychology had always excited me, and I wanted to do some work that made me money but also had a purpose to it.’ ‘My experience as an employee helped me carve a branch of my family business and start “Human Focus,” the name of my baby business.’ ‘That’s how I got into the family business.’ ‘It’s going well; people are the greatest asset not just for organizations but in this world.’ ‘As on the marriage front, I haven’t been so lucky.’ ‘I somehow got so busy with work that time ran away.’ ‘So, as I said, my business is my baby now, and I guess it will always be.’ ‘I am not lonely or sad about any of those things,’ ‘but I do miss friends like you now and then.’

Jaz was in tears of mixed emotions after listening to Max. ‘These years have truly been transformational,’ he said. ‘Who would have thought that you would take my role and I would take yours,’ added Jaz. ‘What do you mean?’ Max enquired. ‘Can't you see, Max?’ ‘You were the one who had a wealthy lifestyle and spent a huge amount on your haircuts and clothes. You loved having it all in our younger days.’ ‘I wanted to be the minimalistic, the one who loved simple life.’ ‘And now it seems we have embraced each other’s lifestyle.’ ‘I noticed your simplicity when you appeared for the podcast this morning.’ ‘And I reflected when you left.’ ‘We must have missed each other so much that we somehow became the other.’

Max was amazed at how deeply Jaz had observed this, and tears rolled down his cheeks. ‘Yes, my friend, you are right, I did miss you a lot.’

Just then, Jaz pulled out a gift for Max and said,’ For old time's sake, please wear this shirt I got for you as a gift; it’s the kind you used to wear. The rare, limited-edition ones. I can now afford this, and I got this for you some time back when I hoped to see you in person.’ Added Jaz  

Max agreed and went to the restaurant's changing room to change. He came out looking very stylish and handsome, but he had blood oozing out of his forehead. Jaz got up from his chair and held Max. Max looked at him and fell in his arms. Just then, the news flashed, ‘A car accident from this morning has now confirmed that Mr. Max, the CEO of “Human Focus,” lost his life in the hospital just now. Millions of his fans have been shattered and passed condolences on social media.