Whose line is it anyway?

Obviously, the main cause of this confusion is the Dilip Oak who runs the MBA classes, since he is more sought-after person than the other two. Say the beleaguered two in chorus, “We do get at least four to five calls per day for the MBA Dilip Oak, and when it is admission season, the calls increase.”

Doesn’t this perpetual harassment irritate them? Apparently not. Says the industrial consultant, “Instead, I feel happy since all his callers are young students and I have, in the process, become their uncle. I hear them patiently and then give the right number.” The general manager says, “I am rather patient, even though I have been inundated with calls for him since the last four years. I get at least four calls per day and the calls increase during the MBA admission time.”

And if you thought that the MBA coaching class Oak regrets the other two Dilip Oaks being troubled because of him, you are mistaken. The general manager provides the clue. The MBA Oak called up the general manager’s one day and posed as a student! Says Oak, the general manager, “He kept asking questions about his MBA classes which I answered patiently (Over the years I have become very well-versed with his admission process and just about everything regarding his classes). He finally revealed that he was indeed the very same Dilip Oak himself. He had called because he wanted to know how his namesake treats his calls!” “I was amused at this test and assured him that I am never rude when it comes to his calls,” states this bemused gentleman.

As for the industrial consultant Dilip Oak, it was his turn to smile when he held the successful chat show Atre Navacha Vadal, that was well-received by the Puneites. People called up the MBA Dilip Oak and congratulated him saying that they never knew that he was associated with theatre also. High drama indeed!

And enough was enough, thought the three of them! So, six months back, they held a special get-together at the MBA Oak’s place to get to know each other better. They had a hearty discussion and some amusing moments, the common thread being the telephone! Ever since, they have been more polite and understanding as far as each other’s calls are concerned. Says the general manager, “I sometimes wish I was the MBA Dilip Oak…he is so famous. But at least I share his name and therefore some fame too!” And as for the industrial consultant, Dilip Oak, he loves to play the role, and that too of To mee nhavhech! (a name of a famous Marathi play, which means `I’m not that one’).