Mediocre But Arrogant – a story of love and life in a Business School is the debut novel of Abhijit Bhaduri. Set against the backdrop of a fictitious business school in the steel city of Jamshedpur, India, this is a story of how the two years of doing an MBA transforms Abbey’s life, perspective and relationships. Anyone who has lived in a school or college hostel will be able to identify with the characters of this funny but insightful novel.

Abbey – the narrator and protagonist is in MIJ – the coveted Management Institute of Jamshedpur, as an act of “serendipity”. That is where he meets several classmates in the Boys Hostel – Harpal Singh alias Hairy, David Chummanoor – Chumma for short, Arunesh Nanda – the guitarist who sings Dylan songs and the mysterious, enigmatic Rascal Rusty. And then there are girls … Ayesha for one.

There is Dadu’s Dhaba, Basanto, the Mess Bearer who doles out pieces of chicken to the select few as if it was a state secret. Ganauri – the dhobi who comes to pick up the laundry on his moped.

Will Abbey find the love of his life? In a Darwinian microcosm of the corporate world, MIJ has taught Abbey to hone his survival instincts and shave off jagged edges of his character. Is this what he wants to be?