As far as I can remember....

24 hours

2011-10-08T01:16:00.006+05:30

Rahul looked at the 500 rupee note. And laughed. He remembered the terrified face that ‘sold’ him the note for a mere 100 in the evening. He worked at a national bank and when he was walking towards home today, a man of around 50 ran to him and pleaded him to take the note in return for just 100. Rahul inspected the note and immediately knew it was genuine. With suspicious intent he asked why the old man for giving it for so less. And then he pointed at the line written on the note in black ink.

“The holder of this note on Oct 3^rd, 2011 will die.”, it said. Rahul broke into laughter and gave 100 to the old man instantly. “It’s true sir, beware!” the terrified man said as he sighed relief when the note exchanged hands.

Rahul looked at the note and laughed. He told his wife about the incident. She immediately glanced towards the calendar. Oct 1^st it beamed. “Don’t be too old fashioned!” he laughed at her. She held a serious face and said “have you watched The Ring movie?” she asked in a soft tone. His laugher continued and he said “No. You loved that movie right? Let’s watch it now” and made faces to mock her.

They saw the movie over the next 2 hours in his laptop. The clock struck midnight. He looked at his terrified wife as she said “Please discard this note. Whatever it may or may not be. This is troubling me”

He smiled and said “Okay! Will do that tomorrow.” He motioned her to go sleep and he checked his mail for any work assigned for the upcoming week. One of the mails struck him. The subject was “24 hours to live”. It was from the id “oct3isapproaching@gmail.com”. With a curious look, he opened to read the mail. It read

“Rahul,

Your death is near. The Rs.500 note (7K 229542) you presently own signals it. That note was the reason for my girlfriend’s death last year (Oct 3^rd) and I am sorry but I have no other way of taking revenge on this filthy society. If you continue to own that note for more than 24 hours, you will die. I promise you that. If you want to live longer, exchange that through a valid transaction by midnight and have a peaceful life. I will kill the owner at midnight. If you try to damage or gift the note away, I will kill you instantly. Yes I am watching you. I hope you enjoyed “The Ring” movie.

Good day!

Regards,

A weak soul ”

The smile on his face subsided. Something told him this was not was a joke. He was a non-believer but someone was watching him. For the next hour, he searched his house for a hidden camera or mike. He couldn’t find any. He gave up and slept thinking that he would anyways dispose of the note the next day.

7 am. Oct 2^nd.

He took the note and went to buy milk. He did not tell his wife about the mail knowing it will freak her out beyond control. He went to the milkman and asked for 5 liters of milk. “70 rupees” he said motioning his hand for the money. Rahul gave him the note.

“Sorry sir. No change” he returned. “Not much business today” he waved his hand to show the deserted store. Rahul was half tempted to say “keep the change” but he didn’t since he believed he still had time and 430 is some handy cash to lose.

As he strolled towards home his mobile beeped. The SMS was from “TM-Death”. It said “17 hours to go. Bad luck at the milk store.” He looked around. Saw no one. He ran towards his house.

10 am. Oct 2^nd.

Rahul was getting nervous. His Sunday breakfast, the one he usually loved, was tasteless. He didn’t think he would die. He was worried about someone monitoring him so easily. He wanted to be done with this note asap. He asked his wife to accompany him to the only supermarket in the locality.

“Make sure you shop for more than half a grand” he told her. She nodded in agreement. He looked around nervously as she shopped. No one was monitoring him. His suspicious looks attracted some eye frowns from a few. He didn’t care. His wife passed the shopping basket to him.

“Rs. 721 sir”, announced the biller. As he took out the note from his purse, the biller called for him “Sir. Today we are promoting cash free transactions. Hence we are accepting only cards. Please look there” he motioned towards a banner which read “Buy CASHFREE this Gandhi Jayanthi”.

“Can you please accept this bill alone?” he enquired with a pensive face.

“Sorry sir. It is a policy decided by the management. Since you are our regular customer, you don’t need to pay now. We will collect the money next time” the biller replied with a smile.

“No take this card” he passed on and protruded his lower lip as he turned towards his wife signaling defeat.

As he started his return with a dull face, his mobile beeped.

“13 hours to go. Sad 721 bucks couldn’t save you! Check your mail”

Sweat was beginning to pour down his face now. The sender was again “TM-Death”. He read the word “Death” thrice and then opened his mail as soon as he reached home.

“Rahul,

I wanted to show you something. A piece of credibility. Here’s a link. A sad story.

Regards,

The same weak soul ”

The work ‘link’ linked to a newspaper article in “The Times of India” dated Oct 4^th, 2010.

The article was titled “Young woman raped and killed for Rs. 500”

He immediately shut his laptop without reading further and ran towards his wife. He told her everything. She started crying instantly. “We must burn this note immediately” she shouted.

“No wait. He is watching. We can’t destroy it. We need to give it off somehow. It must be easy” he pleaded.

1 pm. Oct 2^nd.

They had a terrible lunch together. He asked his wife to take a nap promising her that he will find a way to dispose it off soon. She did. At 1, their maid came in to make the dishes. And then Rahul saw the chance.

“How is your husband’s health? Here is next month’s money in advance. Go take good care of him” he passed on the note to her.

She started weeping. “Thank you sir. My husband is not fine. They are saying big big disease names. I don’t know what will happen to him. He kept on drinking and fate served him. But I have 3 kids to take care of. I don’t know how I will manage that in case something happens to him” her weep was getting stronger.

Rahul listened to her and felt a tinge of pity. He was shivering inside. He was feeling guilty. He was about to kill a women for no fault of hers. He took the note back from her with force.

“Sorry sir, did I say anything wrong?” she was taken aback.

“No you didn’t. Keep this 1000” he passed her another note.

3 pm. Oct 2^nd.

His mind was racing for options. He glanced at the message he had received 2 hours back

“Adaboy. Humanitarian eh? I like you. But you are still a part of this filthy society. 11 hours”

He knew he can’t kill anyone just like that. He came up with various plans. He was sure he would give it off to someone who deserved to die. Or to a complete stranger. Or to the man who gave him his note. Or to a person who is dying anyways.

The last option seemed more right to him. He headed off to the nearby hospital.

“Anyone who is very serious and is about to die?” he asked the receptionist. She gave him a weird look.

“I want to donate some money to a poor family. Please let me know”

“Hmmm. There is one family. The old man is in bed for long. They can’t afford to keep him alive. You want to meet his family?”

“No I want to meet him. Can he talk?”

“Yes but why?”

“I need him to agree on a deal. Only then I can give the cash. I am giving 50,000”

“Ohk. He is in room number 312”

Rahul went in and found an old man up in a ventilator and his wife standing beside him.

“Dear sir, I heard you are in need of some cash. I am ready to give you Rs. 50000. Will you agree to give me that apple in return?” he pointed towards an apple in the table.

His wife pulled him out of the room instantly and said “Please give the money to me tomorrow. We owe the hospital around 50000. They were considering waiving it off for us. If they know you gave money to him they will take it. He will die anyways. I have a daughter to marry off. I can’t spend more on his health”

Rahul ran away from that place immediately. He glanced at the message “Ha Ha. 50k couldn’t save you this time. Poor you. 8 hours” and rushed back home.

5 pm. Oct 2^nd.

He sat in his room watching tv. He couldn’t find a way to get rid of the note. He decided to rather face the tormentor himself. His mobile beeped.

“7 hours to go. Act on it. I don’t want my prey to be lazy! Check mail”

His face became furious and he replied “Fuck you.”

7 pm. Oct 2^nd.

His wife walked towards him with a jittery face “Have you disposed it off yet?”

“No. I am not going to. I will deal with him face to face”

Tears started falling from her eyes as he explained the rationale behind his decision.

“I will fight him. I already know a way” he assured her. “Let’s watch ‘The Ring’ 2^nd part now!”

They watched the movie together with his wife in his arms. He ignored about 5 SMSes that his phone received. He peacefully saw the movie.

11.30 pm. Oct 2^nd.

He told his wife “I will be back” and headed towards his bike. He drove towards the nearby police station. The station only had an inspector and a constable on duty. He told the inspector that he was afraid of someone attacking him at midnight and that he wanted protection for an hour.

“That will cost you a grand. Ok?”

“Sure. Here keep the note” he offered two 500’s one of which was the dreaded note.

“No. I will take it after an hour. I believe in doing the service before taking money” he winked.

11.59 pm. Oct 2^nd.

Rahul was seated near the inspector as the clock was heading towards midnight. He was holding the note. The inspector was talking to someone over the phone. Midnight struck. The clock at the station made 12 beaming noises one after the other.

Suddenly, the inspector dropped his phone, took his pistol and aimed at Rahul.

“Hi Rahul” he said in a loud voice. “October 3^rd is here!”

“What?” Rahul was shivering. “You are the one?” he was defenseless. He was a bunny.

The constable walked out and closed the door from outside.

“Yes my dear boy. And you were planning to give that note to me?” the inspector laughed out loud.

“Kill me you bastard” said Rahul with a bold face suddenly.

The inspector pulled the trigger and water splashed on Rahul’s face. Suddenly the room was full of cameramen and an anchor came towards him with a mike and said “Candid camera sir!”

His wife came in with all smiles. Everything was planned. Rahul was shocked. He couldn’t believe what was happening. Every single thing over the past 24 hours was planned and enacted. The anchor explained him everything as he listened in disbelief and finally they presented him a gold plated watch as a gift for ‘playing’ this game. As he rode back home with his wife, Rahul finally managed a smile. His right hand pinched his wife’s cheeks and he said “you acted brilliantly!”. At that instant, a lorry hit his bike front on and his head hit the concrete road with an impact. The 500 rupee note which said “The holder of this note on Oct 3^rd, 2011 will die”, flew off his pocket.

Sentosa Samosa

2011-06-07T02:50:00.005+05:30

Je suis de retour!! I'm back, I say! Yeah Govind it is! You must have relished my previous experiments with life. DNA and death. Misfortunes have hit me throughout life. I come back victorious all the time. That much you know I am sure. It was a hard time for me. I was facing questions from everywhere. My FIL (Father-in-law) wanted to be a GF (Grandfather) quickly, my wife wanted me to succeed in one case at least, and Rabu wanted me to pay his dues. Torture I say! I need a break!

One fine day when the sun rose to the occasion at the East, I was browsing through my email. Arrgh. I hate spam. Jobless freaks they are. Sending me unwanted mails on how I 'won a lottery' or how I should 'enhance my tool' and other things. I am sure neither will be of any help to me. Well the latter maybe. He He. But I can't go ask money from my FIL for this can I? I generally don't read any of the mails but today something struck me. It said

"Dear Govind,

We are happy that you showed interest in our flagship tour 'Sentosa Samosa'. We are offering the same to you FREE of cost. Yes you read it right. FREE.

Please contact the undersigned at the earliest.

Thank you,

Sales Consultant

Foreign Travels"

I remember visiting their site a couple of weeks back. It was about one Singapore travel package. For around 15 grands they had a full week tour of the country. Everything arranged. I always wanted to go abroad. A man of greatest wisdom spreads knowledge across continents they say. I say, Govind needs to transmit his intellect at least amongst neighbours!

Now back to the mail. I was delighted! I managed to lift myself quickly in spite of ever growing tummy and jumped around my air-conditioned office. Rabu seemed like he was puzzled. I didn't care. I called up my FIL and told him "Hey look! You told me I was useless. You told me you won't give me money for travel didn't you! I am getting a free trip to Singa. I will find new clients there!" He couldn't say a word against me.

I called up the agent and booked my trip. "Will you be ready to travel next week sir with all your busy commitments?" he asked.

I thought for a minute and told him "Make it the next" Reputation matters I say.

"Sir, the trip is free only for you. You need to pay for your wife" he continued

"Only I am going" I panicked and clarified quickly.

"Should I read out the terms & conditions sir?"

"Not required" I declared. Rabu, who overheard the same as the room was silent, interjected "But sir you as a lawyer..."

"Shut up Rabu. Exactly. I am a lawyer. So I know the terms & conditions" I gave him some much-needed wisdom.

The next 2 weeks I sat and googled all about Singapore that I could get hold off. A nice place I told myself. I borrowed an old 8MP camera from one of the paperboys I knew. Even the paperboys have money these days, I cribbed to myself. Being determined not to contact my FIL, I also took some loan from them for other travel expenses. All was set. I boarded the flight.

Woohoo!! I was flying finally! I looked at the young air hostess, who must have been in her 20s, draped in red-black striped saree. Huh. I am going foreign, I reassured myself. Only bikini excites hereon I say.

Oh my god! What have I missed all this while in life! I saw huge huge buildings and realised how many legal issues these could potentially bring in India. Many clients lost. I must open a center here, I thought. Sentosa was beautiful. So many things. So many girls. There was also this big Donald Duck standing inside the Universal Studios. I said 'Hi' to it. I was shocked when it said 'Hi' back and shook my hand. Too much technology in foreign. I even saw a dinosaur egg around. Wonder how they flicked that from its mom! Then there were water rides, giant wheels, movie sets, everything foreign. I loved every moment of it.

I was overwhelmed by the hospitality of the services offered. Free food, water, paste, brush even tissue papers! First day I thought they will take extra money for everything I have, so I maintained a strictly 'bread' diet. And then I was told that everything was free. My diet never came down from full breasted chicken there on. Only the waiter in the restaurant was a bit naive. He asked me "Sir, are you a foreigner?" I laughed and shot back. "I am Indian. You are the foreigner!" He got an important lesson that day. I also was offered free spa. I was reluctant when they asked me to be butt naked. But then as I said, I am in foreign, I say.

I was sure the spa foreign lady touched with some 'intention'. I could feel it. Maybe it was the right time to indulge in infidelity. I told myself to follow what my name suggests. “Go and win the girl!” She occasionally gave me glances over the next 2 days. I was determined to hit on her before the trip ended. I got a chance in the beach. She was also with us. I waited for the opportunity for her to become free. “Ma’am” I approached her. “Are you available for dinner?” I asked the gentleman’s question. She smiled. And I melted. We spoke about nature, Singapore, Foreign etc for around half hour. I headed back to the bus when I realised that my carry bag was missing!!

Holy shit! It had my passport and other important documents in it. That means trouble! The spa beauty informed the police. I must have kept it in the beach when I ran towards to talk to her. A policeman, who looked Asian, came for help. He asked about all my details and started his search. “Can I ever go back to India sir?” I asked him. The spa lady consoled me (Yeah I was weeping. I missed my wife suddenly). She even laid my head in her shoulders. Oh, the feel. No wait, I was missing my wife, I said.

I went back to my room in a state of helplessness. After like 4 hours, the policeman came with my bag. Immediately I hugged him and gave him a kiss on his cheeks. “Where did you find it sir?” I was curious. “Someone stole it. I found him from the CCTV camera and then tracked him via my GPS” he said wiping his cheeks as if some insect bit him. “Ohhhhhhhhhh” I prolonged to word to convey my appreciation for the technology in foreign. I said thanks and took the bag from him. He took it back and said “You have to pay 487 Singapore dollars as police fees. Cost of technology”

“That’s around 18,000 grands in your money” the spa chick who came with the police said. I was stunned. Technology costs yeah. I was helpless so I called my FIL…

2 months later:

I was looking through the pictures I took of my foreign visit. I enjoyed it. But I had to be ashamed when I met my FIL again. Somehow Rabu got to know as well. FIL and Rabu have some under connections I say. I had just finished my lunch. So naturally I was yawning when I saw someone standing at the end of it. I hate it if someone sees me yawn. But hey, here was a customer! I beamed.

“Sir, I am from Foreign Travels. We need a help from you as a lawyer. We have an issue at hand regarding financial liabilities”

“Oh” I was happy to see him. After all, they did offer me the free trip. “That would be a simple case. I will handle it for free for you as an act of repayment”

“That would be too kind of you sir”

He got the contract made and I signed it, without reading it of course. Terms & conditions are clichés.

I went to the mobile court wearing a neatly pressed over court as usual. People had huge anticipation now that finally I was coming to court again after a hiatus of 6 months. The old jerk of a Judge sat.

Suddenly, I saw the foreign spa chic on the other side. Something was wrong. Financial liabilities he said. I was angry at the Travels. How come they not pay her properly!

She was asked to present her case. “Your Honor, as agreed between myself and the Travel agency, I am liable to receive 50% of proceeds from Clients who visit Singapore. They are yet to pay me 9000 rupees from the last client. This is atrocious sir. Cheating a foreigner” she cried.

I asked Rabu to do some quick math on the full amount of money involved. He said 18000 instantly. And then it struck me. It had struck Rabu before me. He looked at me with a mocking smile. I paid the foreign girl Rs. 9000 by myself and asked her to withdraw the case. Rabu was telling my name in some Telugu accent. “Govinda Govinda” he said. Shame shame, I say.

The lakeside

2011-05-22T20:03:00.004+05:30

He gazed into the water body with anger. Memories were haunting him. He was sweating. He didn't want to be there. Sumit had forced him to come today. It's been one year, he told himself. His eyes became wet...

Suddenly he realized what Sumit was up to.
"No! Don't!" he screamed.
"You will save me Bhargav. I believe you!" Sumit quickly jumped into the lake.
He was sweating more when he whispered "I won’t"...

1 year before:

It was a lovely evening. Bhargav and Girish decided to take a good break by spending time with nature. They drove to the nearby backwater lake which was once a hit tourist spot before the malls turned up in the city.

They were classmates from school days. However their life changed, they managed to remain the best of buddies. They became roommates now as they managed to take up jobs in the same city. Weekends are strictly for fun, they promised each other.

They were taking pics of each other with various faces from the side of the lake. During the fun, Girish's coolers slipped into the water.
"Fetch it for me champ!" Girish told Bhargav who was a national swimming champion during school days.
"Oh come on. I have taught you to swim haven't I? Fetch it yourself"
"But you know I didn't learn it properly because I am scared!" Girish said sheepishly.
"Yes yes" Bhargav moved towards the edge and seemed ready to jump. Girish followed him to the edge. In a burst of joy, Bhargav pushed Girish into the water instead and laughed "Let's now see if you are still afraid".

Girish struggled and sought for help. Bhargav was relishing it. "Try harder!"
He was moving his hands fast. "Keep your cool and pedal your legs" he heard his friend say. He couldn't remember all that was taught to him. He was struggling and he needed help.
"Bhargav!" he shouted as his head went inside the water. Bhargav saw his eyes filled with fear as it went inside. He now sensed a bit of tension.
Immediately he jumped into the water...

Girish had to be rushed to the hospital as he became unconscious. He had gulped up too much water. The doctor was checking the pulse. The worried look in the doctor's face terrified Bhargav.
"He was inside water only for a minute doctor" he told to reassure himself.
"He has suffered a cardiac arrest" Bhargav heard the world crashing in on him...

Bhargav's life changed. He moved into a life of denial. He saw Girish's parents and didn't have the guts to tell them that he killed him. He knew deep inside that the mistake was his. He hated himself...

The tragedy made him a hydrophobic. He ran away from the look of the ubiquitous liquid. He drank only juices which didn't look waterish. He did not take bath for 2 weeks before his parents forced him to. He closed his eyes and stood below a shower.

He didn't go to work for a month. He remained confined to his home and kept crying in Girish's room while looking at his photo. His parents were worried. They called Sumit for help. Sumit was Bhargav's officemate. He offered to shift into Bhargav's house and help him deal with the trauma. Bhargav started opening up to Sumit slowly. Within 3 months, Sumit had helped him to come back to reality and to forget and move on with life.

"Will you teach me to swim?" Sumit ensured that the question appeared casual.
Immediately Bhargav broke down in the thoughts of Girish and was inconsolable.
"I will never swim again. Never" he shouted in the top of his voice...

It was Girish's anniversary. Sumit tried hard to convince Bhargav to go visit the lake throughout the year. Bhargav resisted. Sumit knew that it was the right time to approach the topic again.
"Please come today" Sumit requested him. He was unmoved. "For Girish's sake! You do remember him don't you?"
Sumit pushed Bhargav into the car and they headed towards the deserted lake.
He gazed into the water body with anger. Memories were haunting him. He was sweating. He didn't want to be there. Sumit had kept a huge photo frame of Girish by the side of the river. Bhargav's eyes became wet seeing it.

Suddenly Sumit was moving to the edge. Bhargav realized what Sumit was upto.
"No! Don't!" he screamed.
"You will save me Bhargav. I believe you!" Sumit quickly jumped into the lake.
He was sweating more when he whispered "I won’t"

Sumit was inside the water and was fliping his hands trying to stay afloat. "Save me Bhargav!" he shouted.
Bhargav was crying. "You idiot!!" He didn't know what to do. Sumit was struggling. The whole scene flashed across his eyes again. He shouted "Somebody please save him!"

There was no one around. Bhargav was shivering. He couldn't go inside water again. He can't. But he had no choice. He glanced and saw Girish smiling from the photo frame. It stuck him suddenly. He ran towards the car and quickly removed the stepney from the rear and flung it into the water.
"Catch hold of this Sumit" he cried. By that time, Sumit was inside the water. Bhargav thought for a second and jumped...

6 months later:

The weather was pleasant. Sumit and Bhargav were relaxing at the lake side. Bhargav had managed to bring Sumit, who was still conscious, out of water in time. As days passed, Bhargav once felt an urge to swim. He contemplated for a week and decided to try over the weekend. He felt his legs moving swiftly and he tried all the four strokes with vigour, especially his favorite butterfly stroke. Sumit convinced him to take up the post of a lifeguard in a Government swimming pool over the weekends as a means of repaying back to Girish. Slowly Bhargav felt at ease with his first love, water. Girish had a cardiac arrest because of his naturally constricted arteries. Sumit enlightened Bhargav on this. "It wasn't my fault altogether right?" Bhargav started believing that it was an accident and not a murder. Sumit and Bhargav became good buddies and they started enjoying some evenings together.The lake side was their favorite outing.

The weather was pleasant. They were having some tea. After some frivolous talks, Bhargav started the topic. "What if I hadn't saved you that day? Why were you such a fool to jump inside the water you know!?"
"I had to make you jump into the water somehow" Sumit explained his stance "The doctor told me that it was the only way to pull you out of the tragedy fully. I ensured no one was around when I jumped. I was confident that you will save me. But smart on you to think of the tyre though a bit delayed. I am happy things went good." He smiled. So did Bhargav.

But Bhargav wasn't finished "But what if I hadn't jumped till the end? Now I think of it, it was 50-50 me jumping!"
Sumit's smile spread wide as he said "Well, in that case, I would have come out of the water myself" he laughed and continued "I learnt swimming without your knowledge. Half a minute more, I would have come out to take my breadth again. Thanks for ensuring that my drama stayed put!"
Bhargav shouted "You bastard!!" and they both had a good laugh together...

The yardstick

2011-05-07T19:33:00.015+05:30

I hate my job. I hate my boss. I hate my life. I hate myself.

It was one of those Fridays. The day everyone partied. I sat alone in the sofa; gulping a Kingfisher while watching a worthless cricket match. I was furious. The day, as usual, went bad. However hard I tried, pleasing Mr. Ruben seemed impossible. But I had to keep trying. The job meant everything to me now. I glanced around the empty house and wondered where it all went wrong. Three years ago, I had everything. More importantly, I was happy then…

I joined as an assistant designer in a popular construction firm right out of my college. It was a dream job, a job that would ensure a lucrative career abroad. That was my aim. Settling in the States. Mr. Ruben was nice at first. Soon the job became demanding. I had to spend nights out in the office and the more I worked, the lesser I got rewarded. They never seemed happy. They called me inefficient, uncreative and undeserving. The foreign opportunity was still a dream…

I had Nisha. Romance blossomed from college days and a year into my work, we got married. I liked the independence she enjoyed in her life. She was daring. Our marriage and the opposition we faced before it meant that we were all alone. To each other’s company, we promised. We bought home Emma, an Indian Spitz. She loved dogs. I liked Emma Watson. We were a happy family…

I would often come home late while Nisha was home by 6pm from her work. It all started there. Nisha had only one companion most of the times i.e Emma and she would have slept most of the days by the time I returned. I didn’t like the routine but I promised myself that once we get to go abroad, things will be more comfortable and happier. I worked harder. The routine became tougher. Once I couldn't even speak to Nisha in person for a week, in spite of living in the same house. Slowly there was a drift in the closeness we shared. The day my appraisal results of the 2nd year came (in which I was found to be not good enough yet to go abroad), a fight erupted at home.

“Why are you being a jackass?” the sharpness of her tone stunned me.
“Look Nisha, I am doing this for us.”
“No you aren’t. We are not happy. I gave up everything for you. Please understand!”
“Listen I am tired today. Let’s talk later”
“That’s what you have been saying for a while now. Let’s decide today. Are you going to quit your job or not?”
The question pinched me. I slapped her. For all the hard work I put in, this can’t be the end.
“Shut up Nisha!”
She cried. “Please leave this job! I earn enough for us both even if you can’t find another one soon. We can be happy in India”
“I assure you that I will spend more time with you.” and I walked away.

For the next 3 months I tried to give Nisha more time. I took my projects home. The thought of at least staying with her was more comforting. I could sense that she felt better but still she was constantly having a dig at my job.

One day, Mr. Ruben told me, “Seems like you are leaving home early nowadays? Not interested in a career abroad eh?”
I changed back to my original routine. Job became more important, yet again. I tried explaining it to Nisha. Couldn’t.

One fine day she told me that she decided to walk away if I continue in this job. I didn’t realize the seriousness then. A week later, another big fight actuated. She packed her bags and bade goodbye. I didn’t stop her. I didn’t need a women who didn’t understand my dreams.
“Take Emma along! I can’t feed your puppies” I shouted at her when she was about to open the gates.
She screamed back “Have her as my parting gift. In case you ever wanna screw someone!” and left.
It suddenly occurred to me that I hadn’t ‘touched’ Nisha in more than a month…

It’s been 6 months since Nisha left. I finished the beer and walked towards the balcony. Emma was sleeping. Peacefully. Everytime, I saw her, she reminded me of Nisha, the woman who never understood me. I heard that Nisha lived with her friend nowadays. I didn’t bother to contact her. Neither did she. The past was pricking me. I picked up a stick that was lying around and hit the sleeping dog. She screamed and I liked it. I continued to hit her till I was satisfied. I felt relieved as I hit the bed that night…

I told myself that the only aim I have is to convince my boss and that I will work harder and smarter then on. I tried to be friendlier with the seniors in the office who could be influential rather than giving them a feeling that I was competing with them. I would invite them for lunch, offer beer parties for no apparent reason. Mr. Ruben remained a dissatisfied man. But I found a new way to release my tension. Once a week I used to beat up the bitch at home. It was soothing in some way. Soon it became a daily event. I was able to digest the sadistic pleasure my boss got out of demeaning me by passing on the anger to the dog. She was taking it fine I felt.

I noticed a small bump in Emma’s belly one day and instantly knew that the bitch had mated with some street dog. The thought of spending my life all alone while a bitch enjoyed the pleasures of life infuriated me. I picked the stick again and hit her with more force and vigour. She was bleeding when I left her alone in the balcony…

The bump was getting bigger. So was my anxiety. When will I be recognized? I cried to myself. I did not like the whole thing. I hated my life. I hated myself.

Mr. Ruben called me to his office on a Sunday (yes I worked even on Sundays).
“I must confess that I am not totally impressed with you.” He began while I just nodded.
“But I have seen some improvement in your work in the past 3-4 months. While that is not enough to recommend you to the head office, they are in need of resources at present. I have forwarded your name. You are a lucky chap!” he offered to shake my hands.

I was overjoyed. The dream came true. For all the hard work. I cried instantly. I wanted to rejoice the moment but there was no one for me. I thought of Emma. I bought 2 packets of her once favourite biscuits while picking up 5 pints of beer for myself. I returned home with a smiling face after years and cried for Emma with joy. And what I saw then ashamed me. Emma came to me with the stick in her mouth and dropped the stick under my feet asking to be hit. I felt like I was slapped. I broke down the beer bottles on the floor and picked up Emma and for the first time in months, allowed her to lick my hand. It felt heavenly. I felt the love. The dog which was hit everyday loved me still. I cried inconsolably. Why? I asked myself. What for all this? What will I do alone in the States? I slept hugging Emma that night.

Early morning, I woke up with a conviction. I let Emma lick my hands again as I stroked her forehead. I rushed to meet Mr. Ruben.

“I am resigning” I told him with a serious face.
“What? Are you mad? You are going to the States man! Don’t joke around!”
“I am resigning. Today. See you Mr. Ruben. Nice knowing you” I walked towards the exit.
“Wait!” he screamed. “I was foolish. You were a great worker. Believe me!”
I closed the door and returned home with a free mind. A mind cleared of all the evils. A mind in a mood to celebrate. To cherish a new beginning…

I reached home and the joy doubled. I saw 2 cute puppies lying around Emma. How stupid of me! I thought. I hadn’t followed her pregnancy. Emma was sleeping beside her kids. She might need some help I thought. So I called up a Vet and booked an appointment. I went to wake Emma up and instantly felt a chill. The body was cold, devoid of life. Emma was no more…

I cried like an asshole should. I killed the only being who loved me. I hit her when she was pregnant and her body couldn’t stand it. I wanted to punish myself. I hit myself with the stick till it broke. The pain was unbearable but it was worth it…

I saw the 2 newborns and realized how close they resembled to Emma when she was young.
“Such a lovely puppy” I recollected Nisha telling me. Everything was too harsh on me. But I knew I was the culprit. Emma died because of me, my job. Nisha left me because of the same. I wanted to make amends. I took the puppies and dashed towards the car.

I rang the doorbell and Nisha opened. We stood there without uttering a word, looking at each other’s eyes. How lovely she looked, I wondered. The smaller but powerful joys of life and how I missed them.

After an eternity, I asked her “Will you please come with me? I left my job and these are all I own” showing her the puppies. She stood without a word. And I added “I love you Nisha! I miss you” and broke down.

Within a minute, she got hold of one the puppies and asked “What should we name them?”

The evidence on the ghastly night

2010-12-31T02:31:00.008+05:30

3:47pm:
We looked at the flat entrance which was cordoned off by a tape saying “Do not cross: Police”. The sun was heating up my right cheek. Given that I rather prefer sleeping during the day (and work actively to become a father in the night, he he.. ), I am averse to this tanning concept. So I asked my assistant
“When did this happen Rabu?”
“Around 2 hours back sir”
“Have the forensics been handled?”
“Yes sir, a team has already picked up the essentials”
“Then let’s come back after dinner. A murder scene is more thrilling then” I told him excitedly with a wink.
“Sir but our job is to pick up things that the forensics team missed!”
“And what’s their job? Not to miss any evidence?”
“Yes sir”
“Then let’s go”
“Su…re sir” he said hesitantly.

Hi hello I am Govind. In case you forgot me, my one previous experience was shared with you here.

I was hiding away from the court for like 2 months after that escapade. After that I spent months visiting the courtroom and opening my mouth only for a yawn. Then I decided that something had to be done. It was getting a bit boring. Only a bit though.

I approached my FIL(actually Father In Law, it was apt since he filled my pockets always) and asked for another fill of the bank account. I planned to start a detective firm all by myself. I reasoned out with him, like i always do, that if he ever wishes to be a GF (grandfather that is), he better pay me then. Little did he know that my active trials to make him a GF has been failing for like 3 years now. Alls for good. The man in me will not die down... will stand up to the challenge... Oh wait! Off topic! So I got the money and hired an assistant too! Yeah. Somebody to actually do the work. Smart I say!

I have often tipped the policemen around the area to offer me a case in case and in only case the present case is the toughest case of all cases that comes to them. The confused policemen never got back. A month had passed and me and my poor assistant kept yawning to the new LCD tv that my FIL filled me with. I tipped the inspector handsomely this time and the fruit got ripe today. The inspected called me in the afternoon to help solve the rarest of rare cases ever to have hit the country, a murder! At last, the requirement of ingenuity was sought. I stood up like a lion out of slumber and proceeded to the sight in a jiffy...

4.13 pm:
I was back in my office within a hour with an irritated face. The tanning concept which I never understood! I asked my assistant to make a few calls regarding the murder.
“So Rabu, whats the case?”
“A 45 year old widow was murdered in her bedroom sir. Around 1.30pm her neighbour saw leaking blood from the open door and informed the police who in turn informed you. According to reports, she was..”
“No wait wait” I cut him abruptly. “Lets clarify the fundamental thing first. Is she dead?” I asked with eyes of sheer brilliance.

9:12 pm:
We had a sumptuous dinner. I gave Rabu a treat for our high profile first case. We started towards the flat as I gathered more vital information like her pets, her food habits, the serials she watched etc and finally I asked Rabu “How was she killed? You said some blood leaking through door?”
I don't know why he stared at me for 2 seconds but he answered “Her throat was slit. By a kitchen knife”
“Wait a minute!” I was furious. “How dare you come to conclusions? How can you be so sure it was the kitchen knife?”
“Apparently it was lying beside the body”
“Exactly! To trick us! The murderer used another knife, killed her and kept the kitchen knife beside her after covering it with her blood and walked away with the murder weapon! Oh my! We first have to find the murder weapon!”
“For what purpose sir?” Rabu was probably inquisitive. New to the trade, I thought.
“To get finger prints my dear boy!” I patted on his right shoulder.

9.49 pm:
We were staring at the entrance of the flat with the tape saying “Do not cross: Police”. As we were about to cross it, I suddenly remembered that all liquor shops close at 10 and I had no stock for the weekend. So we went down to buy some beer. I had 2 pints.

10.27 pm:
We were staring at the entrance of the flat with the tape saying “Do not cross: Police”. Wait a minute! The tape was missing from the entrance!
“Someone’s in there!” I panicked. Scary I say!
“Sir I think it was me who cut that tape half hour back”
“I didn't see you doing it. If I didn't see it, it didn't happen. Believe me”
“Sir, but I know!”
“Don't argue Rabu! This is serious stuff. Our life's at stake. Follow me!” I entered the flat with one hand on the pistol I got (yeah. FIL’s grace) and the other holding Rabu. Got to take care of the kid, right?
We switched on the light and Alas!
“Rabu! The body is missing! Somebody stole the body! I wonder why that somebody drew a white mark depicting the body though”
“Sir it must have been the police. I have seen this in movies”
“Don't let the movies and your imagination get to you Rabu. This is serious, I say!” I looked around and noted a few things down in my sticky notes. Body missing. Knife missing. Blood is washed off.

Suddenly the lights went off. It was pitch dark. I caught hold of Rabu even more strongly. A man of fortitude never panics. I switched on my mobile torch as we entered the victim’s washroom to inspect. Suddenly there was a noise emanating from the kitchen. Someone was in there! I grabbed Rabu and ran towards the exit. I closed the door and shouted “Ghost! Run Rabu run!”
As we ran, the flat door opened and Rabu saw a man come out of it. I instantly knew that it was not a ghost. Never seen any ghost change genders in movies. So I shouted “Murderer! Run Rabu run!”
“Sir, its the watchman!” Rabu stopped.
It was indeed the watchman.
“What were you doing inside?” I enquired.
“Sorry sir, I wanted to take the gas cylinder of madam. She had promised to give me last week. I thought I could fulfill her last wish. Please don't mistake me. I know I shouldn’t have got inside”
“You may go” I told him. After he left, we both entered again and using the torch we looked for any missed evidence.

“Fingerprints!” I shouted from the kitchen. “Rabu! Get these checked. The police did good to call me. This must be that of the murderer!”
“Sir, but the watchman..”
“No buts” I stopped him short again. “We have a case solved!”

A MONTH LATER:
The verdict was going to be announced that day. I asked the Inspector to inform me of the verdict day. I wanted to present my independent analysis sensationally on the last day. Adds to my reputation, I say. As we walked in, rather late intentionally, the judge was going to announce the verdict.

“Your Honor” I barged in. “I have investigated this case thoroughly and have singled out the murderer! The only fingerprints at the scene of crime, a person who should not have entered the flat, a person who has killed the lady for a gas cylinder, the watchman of the house!” I pointed towards the guy who was seated in the audience. The police missed him, I thought.
Silence. Complete silence. And then oddity followed. Everyone started laughing. Including the watchman himself. Did my sensational attack drive people mad?

The judge spoke “Mr.Govind. The lady’s son here has accepted being guilty of murdering his mother due to differences over her will. In fact, he was caught running with blood stains on by the watchman who is quite a hero in that sense. Your case denounced”

I stood there shocked, aghast, appalled, dismayed and other adjectives you can think of. I took my mobile and called my FIL to fill my account asap. It was going to be one hell of a tip to keep these people quiet this time around! Especially Rabu...

How to kill a romantic bird? : The end of a dream

2010-12-19T20:14:00.011+05:30

Continued from How to kill a romantic bird? : The suppression of the warrior

The doctor asked him “What is love?”
He gave a jerk suddenly. His head was spinning. He heard the screech on his head. He felt he was dying. The brain mapper showed an intense negative response. The doctor smiled…

He was released. He was trying to walk stably. His mind was blank. He couldn’t recollect where he had to go. He was just walking…He moved towards a bus stop. He heard someone talking over the phone. He heard “I love you darling”. His hands started shaking. He knew he had to respond or face death. He slapped the guy who was over the phone.

The observer, who was checking his every move, called his leader and said “Mission accomplished!”

THREE MONTHS LATER:

The Superintendent of Police was staring at a report. He suddenly exclaimed “14?!”
The Inspector whispered ‘yes’ with a puzzled face.
“You mean there were 14 unexplained murders in your area in the past 3 months?”
“Yes sir. 8 women and 6 men.”
“And you have no lead on anything?”
“All have come during the night. They were all unmarried but they were in a relationship. There is no similarity in the way they were murdered. It mostly looked like the attacker/attackers used things found in the vicinity like stones, bars to murder the victim. We can deduce that it was unplanned. We have retrieved some of the weapons. No fingerprints”
“This is baffling! Have you mobilized a night patrol in your area? I am getting concerns from the women groups. This has been brought to notice of the Home Ministry too”
“Sir I am personally overseeing the patrol every night. In spite of that, we had a murder 2 days back. This is frightening sir”
“I will allocate 20 more constables to you. Get the murderers and bring them to justice!”
“Thank you sir. I will try my best”
The inspector walked out the room as a thought struck him. He called the famous industrialist.
“Sir, I am afraid we have an issue here which can possibly implicate you.”
“Tell me more” said a calm, stern voice.
“Sir, remember the guy who loved your daughter and we put him for treatment 3 months back?”
“What about him? He is probably dead”
“No sir. I think he is out there killing people!”
------
The cold was shivering. With a torn black jacket on, he hid himself on the side wall as he saw his soon-to-be-victim walk into the ATM. He waited for four minutes and saw him coming out counting some cash. The ATM’s watchman was seated outside it facing the road which was partially lit near the place. He watched as his victim signaled bye to the watchman and head walking into the darkness of the road ahead. He put his gloves on and swiftly, he moved towards him without making any sound. He maintained pace with his victim whose mobile rung suddenly crushing the silence. He walked patiently behind till he heard his victim utter “I love you”. The victim heard a loud scream coming from behind and as he turned back, he felt an impulse of forceful hands over his neck.

The watchman heard a continued scream for help. He immediately locked the door of the ATM and ran towards the darkness with his torch. When he reached there, he saw a still body with tongue out. The phone lay on the ground next to the body with some lady crying “What happened to you? Are you there?”
------
He settled into the comfortable blanket that lay inside the tent he made along with other destitute souls. They all looked at this seemingly learned and sophisticated being who spoke no word and wondered why he was with them. Over time, they didn’t seem to bother. With his lifeless eyes, he looked at the stars through the entrance hole and slowly went into hibernation.

He woke up with a start. Someone was trying to hold his hands. And then he realized, it was more than one involved. They caught his hands, legs and bound him up with the blanket. He tried to resist but he realized he was being overpowered. His mouth was gagged and he was transported in an Omni to a guarded room with “ENTRY RESERVED” label. He knew that they had come for him again. He couldn’t guess why…
------
“What to do with him sir?” the doctor asked the Industrialist over phone.
“Reverse it” came a quick reply.
“I am not sure if that’s possible sir. The first impact is too deep. We have never tried the reverse methodology”
“Then try now! First confirm it’s him. And then reverse it. I should have killed him long back. If it’s not reversible, kill him with no remorse”
“I will try my best sir”
------
He was seated in front of the projector with his hands clasped to the chair. There was a prick in his hand indicating the injection. A video clip showing the murder of a lover was aired. The brain mapper showed a positive response.
“It’s him alright” quipped the doctor to his assistant.
Many more clips were aired and a screeching sound was played whenever there was a murder. He showed no discomfort. The puzzled doctor immediately aired a love scene and the effect was violent. He was screaming as he tried to pull his hands out free. He was bleeding at the clasp joint but he was still trying violently to break free. The video was changed immediately to show a murder as he calmed down…
-------
She was walking with him. She suddenly held his hand and said “Be with me forever!” He froze at the touch.
She was looking into his eyes and gave a beautiful smile that melted him instantly.
She was singing his favorite song as he swam into the sea of her melodious voice.
She was with him all the time, doing all the things he liked and he liked her company.
He kissed her hand when the ambiance had a romantic song being played which translated to
“An angel of love strode the Earth once...
She handed me the love epic she brought along…
in the midst of the lustful morning time…”

He jumped up from his bed. He was fuming. Something was wrong with him. The treatment must have done something to him. He remembered his dreams. There was a girl. She was in love. He couldn’t recollect whom. He looked around and saw that he was locked up by those men who tortured him that same day.

One of them saw that he was up and informed the doctor. They dragged him to the treatment room and clasped his hands again.
The doctor, who was walking towards him, received a call “Yes sir. We are trying our best sir. But you must also give us some credit. Our first treatment was so good that he has completely forgotten Radha madam”
The name hit him hard. Radha. The song started playing in his mind again “An angel of love strode the Earth…”
She was the one in his dreams. She was in love. Anger started overwhelming him. He was forcing to break free. More fiercely this time. He remembered the beautiful face. An angel of love strode the Earth… He broke free...
-------
He was looking at the second floor of the moon lit house. His hands were soaked with blood. His eyes emanated a hungry murderer who just finished seven in the treatment room. He jumped over the wall and climbed the plumbing onto the second floor. The door, which was unlocked, had the message “Abode of Mrs. Radha Prakash”. He knew he had reached the right place. He rushed in as the light was switched on. He saw her. She stood motionless seeing the bloody yester lover.

He ran towards her, grabbed her head and banged it against the wall. The impact was heavy on her head. She slowly started descending towards the ground without a push. Her eyes were fixed on his as she whispered “I love you” and fell down…

The words hit him hard. He was transported into the past when everything was happy. Suddenly he remembered every specific detail of their love. The song began to haunt him again “An angel of love strode the Earth…” He glanced at her body and a tear dropped of his right eye. His lips and tongue moved in sync to voice “I love you too”. And then it came back to him. Anger. He knew he was in love. And he knew the only destination of all lovers. He jumped off the window and crashed into the concrete ground…

How to kill a romantic bird? : The suppression of the warrior

2010-08-23T04:34:00.008+05:30

“Kill him”, the coldness in his voice choked the assistant.
He waited for a second and asked “Sir, are you sure? We can think of other ways…” he stopped short looking into the diabolic eyes that confronted him.
“That sonofabitch had the guts to play with my daughter! Doesn’t he deserve to die?”
“But sir…”
“But what?”
“Our madam was involved too” he bent down his head to avoid confronting the eyes again.
“Hmmm. Driving sense into me eh kid? Fine! Suggest the other ways” he stressed on his last two words.
“We just make him forget our madam sir. I know a guy who can handle this. May I?”
“I give you a fortnight. Do what you can. Else I’ll have it my way. Fine?”
“Fine sir” he said as he moved away.

THE FIRST DAY:
They brought the gagged up guy into the dark room. They tied his hands and legs to the chair he was seated in and pulled the gag away from his mouth.
“Who are you guys? Why have you brought me here?” he asked them with a burst of anger.
“Shut up!” the leader punched him on his nose. “We are here to help you” he continued. “Tell us that you’ll forget her and we shall set you free!”
“Not till I die!” he proclaimed as he wiped the oozing blood from his nose; only to be punched again.
“Take care of him” the leader pointed his right index finger towards him while addressing the gang.

THE NEXT DAY:
The leader enquired to one of his gang men what the progress was.
“He is not responding. We hit him badly, exposed him to hot water, ice, hunger, thirst, suffocation nothing worked. He is quite stubborn”
The leader contemplated for a while and declared “We call in the doc”. The gang members observed complete silence on hearing their leader.

AFTER ONE HOUR:
He was taken to the clinic and was first administered medicines to set him right. The doctor insisted that he took half a day of rest before the procedure started.
After the resting period, he was taken into a guarded room which was labelled “ENTRY RESERVED”. There was a long passage with dimmed lights which lead to another room at the end. The inner room was partially lit with an orange blub in one side of the room. There was a projector and a screen which faced the sophisticated chair kept inside the room. He was pushed into the chair and immediately his hands and legs got clasped by the buckle strap attached to the chair. A unique padding system held his head in place while two mechanical arms, operated by the doctor, held and stretched his eyelids and kept them open. He was facing the screen and his eyes, whatever it did, had only the screen to see.

“Mister” the image of the doctor was projected on the screen. “The earlier you respond to our treatment, the earlier we let you free. Please cooperate. All the best”
Immediately there was a pinch of pain in his right hand and he realized he was being injected with something. His mind was wavering instantly as he started having hallucinations. A short video was aired on the screen. The video of a man was struggling to hold his own in the pool of water, trying not to drown. His eyes assimilated the image of someone struggling and suddenly there was a deep screeching noise in the room that pained his head. He was hallucinating. He was sure he was drowning. He tried to move his hands and push his legs against the water. He was unable to move them. The buckle was strong. He was drowning. He tried to shout for help. He gasped for breadth. He tried to look up to the skies. All he saw was the image of water that was being projected onto the screen. He knew he was drowning. He fainted with his eyes open…

THE NEXT DAY:
He saw a well-known Hindi movie running on the screen. He felt the pinch on his right hand again. Shahrukh Khan was playing basketball with Kajol. He recognised the scene. Immediately thoughts of her flooded his mind. There was a faint smile in his face and suddenly the deep screech happened. He shouted aloud in discomfort and acute pain. Shahrukh Khan was holding Kajol’s hand in the rains. The screech continued. He was hallucinating. He was holding her hand in the rains. He felt sharp pain in his hands. Something was burning them. He held on to her hand. He held on to the arm rest…

A man was tied to the railway track. A train was approaching fast to crush him under the wheels. The screech happened. He was hallucinating. He saw the train coming towards him. He tried to break free. He tried to run away. He couldn’t. His eyes were watering. The pain was intense. The noise of the train approaching deepened by the second. So did the screech. The train was almost there. He fainted…

Emraan Hashmi was on top of Malika. He was seducing her. They were gearing up to lock lips and at that point the screech happened. He felt his lips touch hers but his lips were burning. He tried to move away but she wouldn’t let him. He couldn’t stand it anymore. The lips wouldn’t part…

The doctor put him under hypnotism and asked him “Whom do you love the most?”
He smiled. The brain mapper showed that the question evoked a positive response. Seeing the same, the doctor walked away and slammed the door on his way to his room.

“This is unbelievable!” he exclaimed to the leader who assigned him this task. “The Ludovico technique never fails! This guy is strong”
“Bull shit!” the leader was angry. “We have only a week more to make this work. I trusted you doc! I trusted you!”
“But I myself can’t fathom how he survived this! I am lost for ideas” the doctor began scratching his head trying to pull out something.
“Maybe you are doing it wrong” the leader said. “That he still sees hope means the technique allows him to still see hope?” he looked askance.
“That’s it!” exclaimed the doctor. “Give me another chance. I’ll have him done!”
“Sure” the leader walked out of the room.

The man on the screen was drowning, struggling for this breadth. He looked at the screen and half expected the screech to happen. It didn’t. The man on the screen was trying his best to move his hands and legs to stay afloat. Still no screeching sound. Time was passing. The man on the screen was getting tired. Still no screeching sound. The man on the screen gave up and let his nostrils fill completely with water. At this moment, the screech happened. He was inside water. He couldn’t breathe. His nostrils were filled with water. He saw his own death. He saw his dead body…

SRK was holding Kajol’s hand. The screech happened. His hands were burning. He tried to hold on to her. There was a sudden force that thumped his hand. The pain was enormous. He let her go…

The train was approaching the man on the screen who was trying to break free. The train was approaching fast. The sound of the train was getting louder. It was just about to hit the man on the screen and the screech happened. He saw the train crushing him. He saw the crushed body of his on the screen. He saw his own death…

Emraan was seducing Malika. They locked lips. The screech happened. His lips were burning. He couldn’t move away. She was killing him. His mouth tasted something bitter. He deduced it must be poison. She was killing him…

The doctor asked him “What is love?”
He gave a jerk suddenly. His head was spinning. He heard the screech on his head. He felt he was dying. The brain mapper showed an intense negative response. The doctor smiled…

He was released. He was trying to walk stably. His mind was blank. He couldn’t recollect where he had to go. He was just walking…
He moved towards a bus stop. He heard someone talking over the phone. He heard “I love you darling”. His hands started shaking. He knew he had to respond or face death. He slapped the guy who was over the phone.

The observer, who was checking his every move, called his leader and said “Mission accomplished!”
(to be continued...)

'Horror'scope match

2010-06-16T02:56:00.012+05:30

8.48am : December 1st, 2009
“Is my lunch ready?” he asked her as he hurriedly put the laptop bag across his shoulders.
“You can bet it” she replied with a smile.
He smiled back and said “Yesterday night was awesome!”. He cherished her blush and added “Thanks!”. Within 20 seconds his lips were on her tender ones. “I love you” he said when they finished. “Love you too” she whispered.

He took out his bicycle parked inside the garage and rode away fast while she kept watching him go down the road. Life has been good here, she thought. Living in a new country was a new experience altogether and though she would get lonely most of the day, she relished the time when he was with her. She went inside to start her daily routine of managing the house, sorting his office files, taking part time tuitions, shopping in a neighborhood market etc. It was like the perfect day as she was in the perfect mood to work. After putting the clothes into the washing machine, she went to clean up the utensils. She was arranging the bed when the telephone ringed.

10.12am : December 1st, 2009
“Yes ma” she said nonchalantly as she picked up the receiver.
“How are things beti?” it was her mom’s voice unmistakably. “Are you feeling lonely? Why don’t you come down to India once?”
“Ma. Not anytime soon! He is busy with his work nowadays. Maybe in another 3 months. Can’t assure you though. And I am not feeling lonely. Infact I have even forgotten you!” she laughed as soon as she said that. “Nah just joking” as she continued she heard a beep-beep sound which meant another call was coming in. “Mom someone’s calling. I’ll call you back in sometime bye” as she put the other caller in.
“Am I talking to Mrs.Geetha Bhaskar?” the voice had an accent and tone that frightened her instantly.
“Yes” she barely finished it when the man on the other side spoke “Madam, this is Frank calling on behalf of the Los Angeles Police Department. Regret to inform you that Mr.Ajay Bhaskar met with an accident now. A speeding truck hit his bike from behind. He is being observed under casualty section in the Highland Hospital. Please make it here as soon as possible”

Her head was spinning. Tears started flowing through her cheeks. She heard it right. She quickly ran to fetch the keys and opened the garage to start the car which was used only by her in the past 5 months. As she stepped on the gas, she couldn’t help some thoughts plaguing her mind again…

5.18pm : February 2nd, 2009
She was looking at the guy’s pic in the matrimony site. “Not bad” she winked to her mom. “Oh he looks good! He has shown interest in you. Congrats Geetha, you are going to States soon” her mom mocked. She blushed…

10.35am : December 1st, 2009
She ran into the hospital weeping profusely.
“Will he be alright doctor?” she managed a question.
“Mrs.Bhaskar, I can’t assure you anything. He got injured on his head. Bleeding hasn’t stopped for long. We are trying our best. Keep praying” he patted on her shoulder and hurried away into the ICU…

1.12pm : February 22nd, 2009
“Hi Geetha! This is Ajay Bhaskar. If you find that big, call me Ajay. If that’s big too, call me AB. Not as smart as Amitabh but definitely as witty as him” he winked while offering to shake hands.
She smiled and obliged “Hello Ajay. You can call me Geet. Not as beautiful as Kareena but definitely as fun as her”
They laughed together on their first date…

12.26pm : December 1st, 2009
She overlooked the glass wall in the ICU and saw him, his face full of blood and cotton banded to his head. He was unconscious. Doctors and nurses were proactively attending to him. She started praying…

11.37pm : February 28th, 2009
She got a message in her mobile. “I tink I lik u lotsss! Just hope dis wrks out well :)”
She replied “I am enjoying your company! Hope it stays forever :)”

1.47pm : December 1st, 2009
“Ma. I am worried ma. It has happened. I feel so so guilty. I love him ma. I love him!” she was unable to control her emotions.
“Beti. Be strong. We are all praying here. Ajay will be alright. He is a fighter!” her mom tried her best to console her…

10.06am : March 13th, 2009
“I don’t believe in all this nonsense dad!” Ajay threw the paper away.
“But you can’t marry her beta!” her dad pointed towards her.
She was crying. For no fault of hers, her life was doomed.
“Oh come on! You believe one stupid astrologer? It’s not proved by science!”
“Beta. This is serious stuff. Ghatak ji has been wanting good for our family always. His predictions are never wrong. Its written in her fate that her first husband will die within 9 months of marriage!”
“Stop it dad! Don’t you see you are hurting her?” he made a strong rebuttal and walked towards her . “Listen! Don’t let this get to you. We are marrying whatever the world says and that’s final!” he clasped her hands with his…

4.12pm : December 1st, 2009
“Madam?” the voice of a nurse stirred her up from the brief nap she tried to take.
“Is he alright?” she asked with a lot of hope.
“The bleeding hasn’t stopped. We need to inject a powerful medicine. It’s risky but we have to take a chance. Can you please sign in this?” the nurse handed her a note.
She read the contents which started like “I fully understand the risks involved in this procedure and I give my complete consent…”
Her tears smudged parts of the letter as she signed it…

11.06pm : March 31th, 2009
“Hello wife” he mocked at her as she strode in to the room.
She looked at his eyes and saw the mischievous intent. “How should I call you hereafter?” she asked with a wink.
“Mr.Soon-to-be-a-ghost-hubby?” he laughed at the thought.
Immediately her mood changed. With moist eyes, she ran to the bed and turned to the other side. She slept off in the same position. He was awake whole night enjoying the beauty of her in dim light…

6.45pm : December 1st, 2009
“Geetha, please have some sandwich. You haven’t eaten whole day!” the Indian neighbour was her only company in the hospital.
“Yeah” she took the packet.
“Are you having enough cash? I could afford some” she was offered help.
“No its fine” she smiled for the first time since morning though it was plainly artificial…

10.32pm : July 2nd, 2009
He came home after a heavy day’s work and knocked the door. She opened and turned back to walk immediately. He sensed something wrong. He ran across to her and turned her face with his right hand. He sensed that she had been crying.
“What happened?” he asked her.
“Oh nothing. I have your dinner ready. Come lets eat” she diverted the topic.
After dinner he sat in the house computer to browse. And he saw the phrase ‘horoscope mismatch’ typed in to the Google search widget at the right top of the browser. He opened the History and checked all the pages she visited that day. There were accounts of ladies who said that astrologer’s predictions were true in both negative and positive sense. There was also articles about how astrology is very much science with a vision. He understood her mood that day.
The next day, he bought a new bicycle home and told her that for fitness reasons he is always going to cycle to office. She smiled…

8.27pm : December 1st, 2009
Doctors began to rush in and out of the ICU. There was a sudden visible change of mood and a palpable tension gripping the medicos. She rushed to the ICU door and got hold of a nurse.
“What’s happening now? Why is everyone tensed?” she knew the answer before she asked.
“I am sorry madam. He is not responding well to the treatment. His pulse is going too low. I am not sure if he can stand for long. We are trying out best to revive him though. Hold faith” and she moved away.
She was beginning to realize only a miracle can save him now. She was talking to herself “No! He can’t die. He is too strong! Our love is too strong! He will be safe. We’ll enjoy life together again.. again” she kept praying as she kept weeping…

11.47pm : Oct 16th, 2009
They were on their way to New York for the weekend. They were aboard a flight which was delayed by an hour in air due to problems in landing clearance. He was fidgeting in his seat. He was checking out through the windows and asked the air hostess from time to time as to when the plan will land.
“Why are you in such a hurry?” she asked.
“Just air sick” he said.
The plane landed at exactly 5 minutes to midnight. He quickly switched on this mobile and started operating something. After 3 minutes, he heaved a sigh of relief. She was puzzled but she ignored it as some office work. A beautiful weekend was approaching…

9.13pm : December 1st, 2009
The doctors were getting restless. She was called in to see him for once. She went inside the room and saw the face she knew in minute detail. His head was still banded and drops of blood were oozing out every second as she watched him.

“He has lost a lot of blood. He is going into coma. There is not much we can do now” the tired doctor whispered to her.
“No!” she made a loud scream. She ran towards him and started talking to him “Get up you fool! I love you! Get up! Life is calling us! Please! You promised me that you’ll stay alive! You promised!” she was beating his chest mildly with her hands…

The emergency sounds were on. The chief doctor rushed in to check the pulse.

9.19pm : December 1st, 2009
The chief doctor pronounced him brain dead. She lay her head on his chest and spoke whatever that came to her mind. She spoke for one last time…

1.23am : December 7th, 2009
He was dominating her thoughts. Every single second. She thought of how life was with him, before him and how much he loved her. The sense of guilt that plagued her made her think of suicide and what not. It was after all her horoscope. It was because she was delivered at a wrong time some 24 years ago. She stopped crying after sometime since she believed crying will amount to flushing her feelings away and in turn make her forget him. She didn’t want that. Ever…

She checked her email. There have been many condolences that came in through various sources. She considered it her duty to acknowledge them all. There were 15 unread items in her inbox. But one thing stood out. A mail with the subject “My last mail to you Geet” from sender Ajay Bhaskar at midnight. She was stunned at first and then she was afraid. Was this some kind of joke?, she asked herself. She knew that Ajay never shares his passwords with anyone, not even her. Then how? With her shaking hand, she moved the mouse and opened the mail. It had a mp3 file attached to it. She downloaded it and ran it.

“Hi Geet” the voice gave her a chill. It was his after all. Unmistakably.
“When you hear to this, I probably be dead” the voice continued. “Thanks a lot Geet for being wonderful! I have had the best time of my life with you. I loved every part of it. You were lovely, caring and more importantly the close friend I always longed for. I know I agreed to this marriage knowing that some person somewhere said I might die. I didn’t believe it then. I don’t believe it now either. But I know you do. And it was beginning to get to me. After I saw that it was disturbing you, I decided that I must act upon every eventuality. And that you are hearing me now means you were right to be worried. The astrologer was right after all. Anyways, I have made an insurance premium for Rs 50 lacs the details of which are in my mail. Password is ‘ilovegeet1’ all in small. A small help from me before I get completely wiped off from your life. I want you to marry again Geet and live a happy life with a lot of kids as you always dreamt of. That’s probably why I never wanted you to carry a child from me. No issues for the next person. You deserve another chance Geet. Go out and enjoy life. And know that I am quite happy to die now that I have lived with you. I feel complete. In every way. Thanks! Thanks for everything! And if you are wondering how this mail reached you now, well I set the ‘to be sent’ time to a week in future and I re-edit the time before the week completes. If I fail to edit, it means something wrong happened to me. Remember that New York flight landing? Now you know the answers. Anyways, to end it all, I am sorry for not being with you forever Geet. I am really sorry… I love you…” the voice was shaking at the end as it faded away and she knew he must have wept at the end. She cried again that day, inconsolably…

11.41am : February 14th, 2010
“You are a fool!” she pointed her fingers to his face in the portrait and she smiled. For the first time in 2 months. “You thought you’ll go away that easily without a trace eh? And you wanted me to marry someone else?” she was blushing with a report in hand as she recollected her last conversation with him…

8.48am : December 1st, 2009
“Is my lunch ready?” he asked her .
“You can bet it” she replied with a smile.
He smiled back and said “Yesterday night was awesome!”. He cherished her blush and added “Thanks!”.
“Probably because it was the first time without protection AB?” she winked.
“Yeah maybe. I think its time for a new member in the family!” he said as he moved towards her and placed his lips on her tender ones.
“I love you” he said when they finished. “Love you too” she whispered.

Cap the tap!

2010-06-06T04:36:00.004+05:30

Disclaimer: The following post can be rated 'A'. The contents of the post may be to the disliking of some of you; especially the fairer sex. Please use your own discretion to continue reading. The author shall not be held responsible, socially or morally, for any inconvenience caused. For the rest of you, ENJOY!!

The young man stood at the center of the fourth row in the supermarket, facing the entrance. His eyes were fixed on something in the shelf and his face clearly showed some excitement cum anxiety. As people came in and moved closer to his row, his face turned in different directions as if he was searching for something elusive. His actions clearly meant that he wanted to be alone there. The store manager was studying him from the cash desk. He smiled as he saw the product the young man was interested in through the CCTV near the desk. He had guessed it correctly. It was one product that sold quite extensively yet secretly. Gauging the necessity, he had brilliantly made sure the product was distributively stacked in various places instead of one. It made it easier for his customers to quickly put one in to their baskets without any attention from others. Naturally, the sales picked up.

“May I help you sir?” the store manager asked after realizing that minutes have passed as the young guy stood.
“Oh! No. Not really. I was just looking for some chocolates” the young man gave a terse reply without looking at him.
“Sir, it’s perfectly alright to ask me. I know what you are looking for. Please give me the privilege of helping you. I am quite progressive in my thoughts” assured the manager.
“Well. Ok. You know what I want. It’s right in front of us. Just that I have never got it before and I don’t know which one to buy. It sounds stupid I know. It’s gonna be my first time!” he ended with a hint of excitement which made the manager smile.

“I see that you are too young to be married sir. Are you sure you want to be doing this?”
“Oh please. I don’t want lectures out here. You said you were progressive?”
“Yes sir. Definitely. I am. In fact I am happy that nowadays people like you come and buy these things. The Government has been doing it right all these years. I am proud of it! I just asked you because this can be a tricky thing. First time is always cherished. You shouldn’t feel guilty later sir”
The young man smiled and said “We have thought about it fully. She is a bold woman. Completely modern. Yes, we are ready” and finished it with a wink.

“Oh nice sir. So you want to know which one of these to choose?”
“Yes yes. So many brands, so many varieties within each brand. I am not too sure which is the best or whether there is any difference at all!”
“Ok sir. Let me explain it to you. Each one of these is for a specific purpose as projected by the companies. Though their main purpose is to block the transmission of fluids, the companies found a way to differentiate the items. For example the dotted one has dots in its surface which supposedly gives additional friction. The ribbed ones have circular ridges which gives extra pleasure. The contoured one is for a closer fit as it tries to match the organ. There are also special ones for special needs. Long lasting one if you can hold for long before you climax. Super thin ones come with a tagline ‘sense the real thing’ though I doubt if we can ever sense the real thing by using these. Nowadays there are flavored ones too with chocolate flavor being the most sold. Guess girls like the chocolate sensation in their mouth” he winked and continued “ and yes there are multi colored ones to suit the mood”

“Wow!! So many ideas in this small product?” the young man gasped and said “please suggest me which one I should buy now”
“Sir, ideally you need to try them all to know which you and your partner like. I would suggest you go for the normal one first. Actually I have never found the need to use other ones. But you being young can try some funky things if it pleases her”
“Hmmm. Actually, I can buy one packet of them each. I have one whole week to try them all” the young man relished the thought.
“Oh!” the manger gave a surprised sigh.
“Yeah. Me and my girlfriend are going to Pondicherry for a week. I have booked a resort there!” he said unable to conceal his excitement. “In fact my dad booked the resort for me. He thinks we are all going on a college trip!” he winked again. “Yes we are but as couples. 4 couples in 4 rooms while it’s booked as 2 rooms for boys and 2 for girls” he felt he was talking to his best friend. “I don’t know how many of these the other guys are getting. I told them we’ll try after pills first. The girls were afraid though. So here I am” he ended the statement by opening his arms forming an arc.

“Have fun sir. May I ask you a personal question sir?” he asked politely.
“Oh sure! You can ask anything for the help you have been!”
“Are you going to marry your girlfriend sir?”
“Hmmm. We haven’t really spoken about it. We fight whenever the marriage talks come in. We have decided to let fate decide. I definitely will marry her if I can!”
“That’s nice sir. Enjoy. One tip I would like to give you. Be a gentleman. Girls don’t really know about it as much as guys nowadays do. So make sure you make her comfortable with every step before you proceed. Always concentrate on giving pleasure to her rather than taking for yourself. That way the fun multiplies” he finished with a wink.
“Thank you” the young man said. “You have been of great help. I’ll come and tell you how it went” he finished as he offered a handshake which was accepted.

The manager saw the young man talking over the phone when he was carrying his purchase towards his car. “Yeah I’ll be there in sometime. I got off all we needed” he giggled “Yeah we have two cars. Hope you have your things packed!” he enquired as he started the car and drove away.

The manager smiled. “Kids these days grow up very fast” he told one of his assistants who didn’t seem to understand the context. He started checking the accounts on his computer. The work for the day was about to end. He was tired. But happy. The store has been doing well off late. As he closed the shutters of the shop, he took his phone to check for any missed calls. He glanced at his phone and shivered immediately. He asked his assistant to have the keys and to open the shop the next day as he ran towards his car.
“What happened sir?” the assistant asked him.
“I have to stop them!” he said in a rush. He slammed the car door once he was in and stepped on the gas. He reached 100kmph within 15 seconds as he head towards the highway. He glanced at his mobile again and read the message that he had got an hour back one more time

“sry fr nt teln u daddy :( m off to pondy. cllge trip. I knw u wont permit. mom said she ll convince u. bbye. Switching off fone nw. No chrge. don worry. ll be a gud gal :)”

A beautiful game

2010-05-23T00:39:00.006+05:30

The rain was a happy break to the scorching heat the previous month witnessed. Temperature was predicted to touch no more than 30°C that day. The air was moist and pleasant and it ensured that everyone who confined themselves to their homes made a visit to their balconies frequently to relish such a setting. He was one of them. Having made a routine visit to his sister’s house, he couldn’t resist but enjoy the weather. The house was on the second floor of an apartment colony consisting of over 50 flats. He saw that the road ahead was devoid of any human activity. All struck up home, he thought. Then he heard some noise germinating from the ground floor. It was a group of kids, all school going he surmised, passing a football between them as they seem to in mood for a muddy fierce game. A smile bloomed on his face as he suddenly decided that the time has come. The time has come to pay a visit to the beautiful game, again…

“Can I join you guys?” he asked the group as soon as he headed down.
“Do you know how to play? You look too old for this” he got an arrogant reply from a kid.
He smiled and asked himself mentally. Do I know to play this?
He is a wonder! A child prodigy! A class apart! , he recollected the excitement people used to get when they saw him in action.
“Pass the ball to my chest and I’ll show you!” he replied to the kid.
The kid tossed the ball in the air and he collected it with his chest. He bounced it alternatively on his chest and his head without moving an inch sideways. The ball
control was exquisite and he was counting the bounces as it crossed 50…

“This boy loves the ball so much that it never leaves him! Absolute control! Something I have never seen in a kid” the coach was telling his assistant. “He will go places”…

The count was nearing 100. The boys circled around him clearly amazed at his ability. The count was 95. 96, when the ball slightly bounced sideways to the right. 97, he tried to keep it in play. There was a sound of ‘ooooo’ emanating from the kids. 98, the ball went too sideways to the right and he desperately made a big movement towards it and kept it in play. The kids were getting equally excited as ‘ooo’s and ‘aah’s became prominent. 99, he couldn’t handle the movement and suddenly slipped and fell down while heading the 100th bounce. There as a loud clap. The arrogant kid gave his hand to help him lift himself and said “Welcome to our team!”

“Welcome to the team!” the proud manager was telling him. “You will be the youngest at 16 to make a representation at this prestigious club! Congrats!”…

“How are you so good at football? You played in college?” one of the kids asked him.
He smiled again and said “Actually, I never went to college because of this game! I played for the Mohun Bagan club some 20 years ago”
“Wow!! Then you must be a national player! Do you still play?”
“No. I left the game long back” was his short reply.
“Why?”
“Oh let’s leave that and start playing!” he enthused the kids.
“Ok! Let’s split 5-5 and play” the kid exclaimed.
“Sure. Hey one condition! I will play as a goalie only ok?” he asked the kids who looked puzzled at first and then said yes.

“You are our main forward. You don’t cross into our half ever” the manager was telling him. “Wait till the two midfields pass the ball and then it’s all up to you! We believe in you!” He simply nodded.

The game was as he predicted. Fierce and muddy. These kids have potential, he thought. The ball seldom came to him and when it did he stopped them all easily. His passes by hands were extremely accurate and the kicks that he took without much of a run, almost reached the other goal post.
“Man! You play awesome! I have never seen a leftie play so well” exclaimed one of his defenders.
“Leftie?” he laughed to himself.

“This guy is so ambidextrous. Look at him controlling in both the wings. He can take free kicks in any leg and still get his goal! Ever got such a player?” the manager was boasting about his new find to his counterpart during an exhibition match.

The drizzle stopped and so did the game. The kids seemed exhausted as they bade goodbye to their new found mate. He felt a childlike excitement as he walked back to his sister’s house. It felt as if he always belonged to the game. It was his dream, his passion, his everything. It was…

His sister opened and door when he knocked it.
“Where the hell were you?” she was furious. “You left your mobile here and went missing for 2 hours! I was worried!”
“I played football” he said with a smile.
“What?! How could you?” she was stunned at first. Then she studied him and asked “It has been long isn’t it?”
“Yes” he said as tears appeared to roll off his eyes. “It’s been 20 years!”
She sensed the emotion, immediately hugged him and whispered “I am sorry. Fate had its own plans”
“That’s fine” he made a brave face and strode towards the room with the computer. He logged in to the net while his thoughts wandered.

“Hey dude! You are coming for the match right?” asked his best friend in the team.
“I am not sure. I have to attend my sister’s wedding” he proclaimed.
“Ahh! Come on! The team needs you. We can’t lose this one. You can always get back in time for your sister’s wedding. We can ask the manager to sponsor the costs”
“Hmmm. let me see”

He typed google.com and searched for “Indian Airlines Flight 605” thereafter. He opened the Wiki page that came up at first and read it for the millionth time he could recollect…

“Flight 605 was a flight on 14 February 1990 that crashed on its final approach to Bangalore airport, killing 92 people.

Flight IC-605
Accident summary
Date: 14 February 1990
Type: Controlled flight into terrain
Site: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Passengers: 139
Crew: 7
Injuries: 54
Fatalities: 92
Survivors: 54
Aircraft type: Airbus A320-231
Operator: Indian Airlines
”
He took a marker and circled the “Injuries: 54” part on the monitor as he started crying aloud. He recollected how the day changed his life forever. He lifted the pant sleeve in this right leg and saw the artificial limb attached from his knee. A sudden burst of anger saw him swearing at the game he loved. It cheated on him when he was so loyal to it. He had vowed never to touch the ball again…

Cliff hanger

2010-05-14T02:44:00.003+05:30

It was early morning at the famous hill station. The rising sun along with the myriad colours of the flowers, trees, land and water formed a heartwarming view to the eyes of any beholder. People were found jogging with heavy clothes on to brave the cold. At the same moment, he was sweating. His eyes moved towards the direction of gravity and he found himself facing a huge picturesque valley below. He was standing at the edge of a cliff and recollected a select few who meant the most to him. His dad, his mom, young sister, his granny and of course her. And the thoughts stayed with her. He whispered a “thank you” which came out as a white cloud from his mouth. He was about to try something that can be tried only once. He was about to let his body merge with the beauty of the valley. He was going to end his life…

“Hey there! What are you doing?” was a stern and loud call which stopped his moments. He turned back to see a middle aged man pointing his hand towards him. His courage dropped. He couldn’t do it in front of others. Don’t I even have the right to die alone?, he asked himself. He stopped.

“What you doing there young man?” the middle aged man repeated.
“Nothing. Just enjoying the beauty of the hills!” he faked an answer. He immediately noticed a smile in the man facing him and knew he knew.
“Ok. I am not here to enjoy the beauty! I am here to die. Now please go away!” he requested him.
“Hmmm. May I know why you want to end your life my boy? You look young!”
“Oh shit! Don’t you have your own business to see? Let me die in peace!”
“But I am curious. Please tell me and then you go die. I won’t stop you!”

He looked at the middle aged guy. His voice was strong. His actions and words seemed confident. His look was not of pity but of askance.
“Why are you bothered?” he asked.
“Just curious” pat came the reply.
“Ok. Well. Umph. She left me!” he asked as moisture started to make its presence felt under his eyebrows.
“Who is she? Where did she go?”
“Oh man! You aged people are so dumb! She is my girlfriend. She was. She ditched me. She said I am not fit for her anymore. She rejected me after 2 years of intimate relationship! Now happy? Move away!” the words came out fast from his mouth.
“You loved her? Or was it timepass?”
“Oh yeah! I was a fool. That was my problem. That’s why I loved her. As they say, loved her deeply, madly and incessantly. She was everything for me. I did so much for her. Compromised on my career, time, friends everything. And then one fine day she comes and say bye. I am a fool!” his voice was breaking and tears were freely flowing.
“Oh that’s sad! So she found a new guy?”
“Yes! She ditched me because he was more popular and impressive. I should have known! I should have stopped it when they got to know each other! That bitch!”
“Tell me how did you get her in the first place?”
“It was love at first sight for me. She was lovely. Compatible. Smart! I had to pull many stunts to impress her. There were many trying to get her. Some really serious ones. But she chose me out of them all. I thought she really liked me. My nature and my love and everything. It was all timepass for her!”
“Hmmm. Ok man. You can go die now. But before that can you tell me what happened to the guys who were rejected by her when you got her?”

He got livid. “What a nonsense! How does it bother you or me or anyone?!”
“Can you answer this alone? It’s a request”
“Oh there are all happy! I know one guy who was too serious then. He moved on. He has a great job now. He is also engaged to a beauty I heard. Now happy? Let me die! Bye!”
“Wait wait. So you are saying the guy who was rejected is happy now?”
“Yes that’s what it means!”
“Were you happy when you got her?”
“Of course I was! The happiest I have ever been!”
“Are you happy now or you prefer you were rejected then?”

It suddenly struck him. The old man was getting on to something. He was making him think.
“Hmmm. Yeah. Maybe I wish I was rejected at first itself”
“So why are you unhappy when you are rejected now?”
He was speechless. He was not able to answer.
The stranger continued “See young man. Life is a game. A gamble. In which you own no stakes. You are just a pawn. Sometimes being rejected is the way to go about it. It probably is the best thing that ever happened to you. Look at it this way. What if you had to spend your entire life with a girl who is such an opportunist? Think of it. It would be hell. Its better you got out of it. You are still young and charming. You find a better girl in no time. Think of the guy who was rejected before. Isn’t he happy now? The same way, the guy who is with her at present will realize you were lucky to get away soon! That’s the truth! Why end you life when something actually happened for the good! Be happy and rejoice this occasion. Besides you should tell her that she made a mistake leaving you. You should prove it to her. If you die, she’ll always think of you as the coward! You have one life man. Enjoy it!”

He was stunned. He was beginning to see it all. The guy was right he felt. Silence prevailed. He contemplated for some time. His sweating stopped. He was beginning to feel the cold. He was getting his life back. He smiled.

“Yes I see it now. Thanks! You are God sent!” he was full of praise as he ran towards the stranger and hugged him.
The old man smiled and patted him on this back. He removed his jerkin and gave to the young guy.
“Here. Put this on. The cold is getting to you. Go home and enjoy the rest of your life!”
He took the jerkin without a question, waved a bye to the stranger and walked back home. His thoughts stayed on to the piece of advice that was delivered to him today. As he reached home, he wished he had asked the stranger’s name…

THE NEXT DAY:

He was reading the newspaper aloofly. It was a pleasant day. The past was behind him. He looked forward to his life ahead. It brought a smile. Suddenly he saw a piece of paper sticking out of the jerkin that was placed beside him. He took it and saw the contents. In a neat cursive hand, it was written “God! Please forgive me. I have been selfish and greedy my entire life. I have made people suffer around me. I have had enough of me now. Give me a chance to help this mankind for one last time! Please!”
He was sweating again. He remembered something and quickly glanced at the newspaper in his hand. The article was titled “45 year old ends life”…

The rat race

2010-05-03T02:15:00.004+05:30

“We are robbing the industrialist’s house tonight!” the dark eyed, stout guy told the group. The rest five of them nodded in unison. It was going to be one of their biggest bounties ever. They have grown from engaging in harmless peccadilloes to big time news catchers in the locality. How they became a group has been a play of fate with each one having a unique story. But they have been together ever since they strolled out of teenage. Their world started and ended there. Except for one…

“Where is the Goldin Rat?” exclaimed one suddenly. ‘Goldin Rat’ is the pet name they had given to Ravi, their only married accomplice. He has become popular amongst the group for his ‘smell’ for gold; whether it is on-duty stealing or grabbing his wife’s jewellery, he doesn’t leave a carat that is in his grasp. He is their master strategist. All his strategies had paid off thus far except his own personal one of marrying his sister’s daughter. The added responsibility and the constant dosage of guilt given by his wife had been troubling the entire group off late. The marriage also saw an arrival of a boy four months ago. He was split between his family and his group. Both needed him. Desperately.
“He must be home! Idiot” cried the stout guy.
“He is joining us today right?” the group was getting anxious…

The baby was crying. Oblivious to that, Ravi put his shirt on.
“You aren’t going anywhere today!” screamed his wife. “Look at our son! Look at me! We both need you! What if you get caught today? How will I admit him in school? Who will give me job? We’ll have to commit suicide only. You irresponsible idiot! Wonder why I had to marry you of all people” and she started crying incessantly.
“This is my job. There are my friends, my gang! I grew up with them! I can’t leave this for a bitch like you!” he went close to her and then slapped her saying “this is for calling me an idiot. Behave!”

The noise reached the neighbors who didn't quite seem to bother. He sat in the bed and wondered what mess he has got himself into. His wife and his son, he loved them both. But he loved the gang too. He had no other job, knew no other trick. This was how life intended him to be and he was going to flow along with the current. The decibels dropped. She stopped all her cribs and came sat beside him.
“Listen. I know you love us. And you want us to be happy. Know that I care for you more than anyone else from the gang. Stop all this. Be a clean guy and I’ll manage some monthly income for us. Please. Listen to me” she pleaded to his eyes.

Just then the six member gang entered the house screaming “Ravi!”
“What the fuck are you doing here mate?! Join us now. We have to plan the bounty to perfection!” the stout guy said to Ravi.
“He ain’t going anywhere!” his wife stood up and made herself clear.
“So you are the one causing the problem again! Listen! We’ll give him 10% extra for you ok? Leave him now!” the stout guy was imposing himself on her.
“He has decided to quit all this. Go away now else I’ll complain to the police!” she put a bold and stern face to him.
“You bitch!” the stout guy slapped her.
Ravi, who was impassive till then, stood up and slapped the stout guy back. “You have no rights to touch her! Go away. I’ll join you guys soon! Go away!” he pushed them out of the house.

The mood was pensive for the next hour or so. Ravi was thinking. Contemplating.
“We need you Goldin Rat!” he recollected their statement.
“We need you forever” she was telling him.
He stood up and glanced at his weeping wife feeding his sleeping son.
“I’ll come back soon. Don’t stop me now. Wish me luck” and he strode away without waiting for her reaction…

The seven of them took their positions as instructed by the Rat. The strategy always ensured that not more than two would get caught even if they encountered someone. And the execution has been perfect that not once were they caught. They have been planning this industrialist bounty for over a month now keeping his Maldives summer trip in mind. Things were going as planned as they unlocked the main locker. “Goldin Rat! Go smell your stuff!” said one of them merrily. Suddenly the first guy stationed outside screamed “I give up I give up!” That was a signal that someone encountered him and it meant others have to run for cover. Within a moment, all lights were on in the house and police surrounded all the seven. All the thieves looked baffled. According to them, the strategy can’t simply fail. It somehow did. Ravi gave an impassive look to all others. Thoughts were running in his mind. “Don’t go today, you’ll be caught! We need you!” she said. He thought of her, his son and looked at his six friends being handcuffed along with him. He managed a smile…

SIX MONTHS LATER:

Ravi was lying on her lap. It has been a wonderful day. He was freed from prison and the gang decided to split and look after themselves. He got himself a job in the nearby jewellery shop as an assistant. After all, he was still the Goldin Rat.
“How did they give you the job?” she was puzzled. “You are still straight from prison!”
He smiled and said “The inspector recommended me. It was his relatives’ shop”.
“Oh! So you impressed him so much in these six months?”
He stood up and put on his shirt. “I am leaving for work now. Will see you in the evening” and he strode towards the door. As he opened it, he stopped for a second and said nonchalantly “By the way, it was me who informed the police that day” and walked away with a smile…

Doubty affair

2010-03-22T01:45:00.001+05:30

“Can you tell me the issue frankly without beating around the bush, doctor?” he asked with a serious face.
The doctor blankly looked at him thinking how to tell him.
“It’s been three years doctor! I know something is wrong! Please tell me!” he was desperate to know.
“You are impotent” pat came the shocking reply.
He looked into the doctor’s eyes and asked with a pleading face “it means……….?”
“It means you can’t make your wife pregnant by having natural intercourse. Your sperm motility is very low. I am sorry” the doctor tried to appease him.
Tears were beginning to form in his eyes. But he tried to put up a brave face.
“Is there no way now? I desperately want a kid. Even my wife wants one. She feels it will complete her. Is there no way…?”
“Doctor!” a nurse interrupted the talk.
“Yes”
“The IUI we did on Mrs.Chandra has been successful. Just wanted to inform you.”
“Oh! Good!” said the Doctor with a smile and turned towards him.
“See. We just helped a couple with similar problem. Don’t you worry. We are fully equipped for helping your cause. Can you please bring your wife along? We need to discuss further”
“Sure Doctor” he said, his eyes showing a glimmer of hope.

As he was walking back to his car, he was wondering how he’ll tell her. He felt ashamed. He recollected her words “Kids makes us complete. Imagine travelling with them, making them go to school… Ahh so fun!”
Suddenly he got a call.
“Tell dear. I was about to call you now. Where are you now? I have something serious to tell you” he started the conversation.
“Oh! I am in mommy’s place. Even I have something important to tell you!”
“Oh really? You tell me first then” he told while he put his key into the car door to unlock it.
“Its dream come true for us. I am pregnant”
“WHAT?? Are you sure?” he was shocked, once again.
“Oh yes. The test just came out positive! I am so happy! Came here to tell mom. Come here fast! I wanna see you. It feels so special!”
He stood there speechless. Varied thoughts were running through his mind. He was dreaming for sure.
“Are you there? So happy eh? By the way, you wanted to tell something?” she asked
“Oh. No nothing. Be there at your mom’s place. Will come and pick you up. Bye” and he cut the call.

How can she practice infidelity? I believed her completely didn’t I? Is it her colleague about whom she keeps talking? She went for an Ooty trip with her team 2 months back didn’t she?

Thoughts were killing him. He went straight to see his lawyer…
“Are you sure?” the lawyer asked him.
“Yeah. I have been impotent all this while. She was always desperate for a kid. She once told me casually that she’ll go any lengths for one. I don’t want to be a legal dad for an illegal child!”
“Bring me some proofs. So that the case becomes strong. Any mail or sms or letter that she might have exchanged with her other partner. And tough luck mate” the lawyer did his part of consoling.

He rushed back home and logged in to the internet. He knew her Gmail password. Luckily, she hadn’t changed it recently. He tried recollecting his name. It was Ashwin or Arvind. One of them. He tried Ashwin and got some 34 conversations. It was him alright. He scrutinized the mails that were exchanged before the Ooty trip.

One mail sent to him read “We are supposed to go to Ooty tomorrow aren’t we? ;) ”
It had a reply “Yeah :P are you ready for the dig? ;) ”
Her reply to the same “Gosh! That’s so colloquial! Oh I am so excited :) finally I will be having a baby! Thanks a lot!”

His eyes were becoming red. He would have killed her if she was there in person. He took a printout of this conversation and proceeded to check the next.

It started from him. “Hey! Hows the Ooty weather? :)”
“As if you don’t know! :D”
He was wondering why they exchanged mails when they were together. He saw the signature in her reply. It said “Sent from my Blackberry.” He read the conversation further.
“Did it hurt?” He had asked her.
“Not much. Don’t worry :)” she had assured him.

He was getting restless. He was unable to stand the double humiliation one that he was impotent and second that his wife was cheating on him. He had courage for reading one last mail. This time it was a chat conversation.

She had started.
“Hey it’s done :) I am back home now after the trip :P”
“Ahh. hope you enjoyed it ;)”
“I surely did! It was so peaceful! Thanks a lot!”
“No mention. The doc’s a good friend of mine”
“No for the idea. I mean I wouldn’t have thought of it if not for you!”
“Oh that’s fine. But may I ask how you were able to collect his semen without his knowledge?”
“ :) he was drunk that day. He didn’t recollect it after. I hope it comes out successful. I don’t want him to know that he is impotent. It will hurt him. He should believe we got it naturally :) :) ”
“All the best :) “
“Yeah. Ok then. Sleeping now. Have to make a trip to Bharath hospital again early morning! C ya!”

Everything fell in place now. He was at Bharath hospital today only.
The nurse had said “The IUI we did on Mrs.Chandra has been successful”

Mrs.Chandra! It didn’t strike him. Mrs.Chandraleka would have. He googled for what IUI meant. It came out as “Intrauterine insemination”. Artificial insemination! He was in tears. His wife had been an angel and he an idiot.

He rushed towards his in-law’s place. He saw her greeting him with a smiling face. He ran towards her and whispered into her ears “I love you”.
“Was it for me or the child?” she asked him merrily.
“I love you both” he said wiping his tears…

V day jitters

2010-02-14T17:07:00.005+05:30

As she walked into the room, she smiled at the interview panel consisting of three middle aged men all wearing thick spectacles.

“Good afternoon sirs” She wished them.
“Ah please sit down” the middle guy said.
“Ms.Anitha”, he continued. “Your resume is quite impressive. Please tell us about yourselves”
“I am Anitha basically from Bangalore.” She started confidently.

“Bangalore is the city to be in. Especially when you are around!” He was telling her…

“I completed my under graduation with a merit certificate from…”

“I wish this college life never ends!” He continued to talk…

“My interests lie in music…”

“I think I can sit up all night just to hear you sing” he told her looking directly into her eyes.

She choked.
“Please have some water” the panelist on the right offered her. She obliged.
“Can you tell us your strengths?”
“That I am committed to my work and career is my greatest strength..”

“I can’t come today! I have to prepare for the interview next week.” She told him over phone.
“But it’s just for an hour. Come on! I am dying to meet you!” was his reply.
“I am sorry. Please don’t expect it.” She cut the call.

“and your weakness?”
“I can’t quite multitask well…”

“You are expecting a lot from me! Yes we are a couple and we are in love. So? I should spend every waking moment with you? I have my priorities! My career is very important to me!” she made it clear to him.

“Hmmm… Tell us one incident when you faced failure and how you coped up with it?”

“I am a failure. I am a loser. I deserve to die!” she was crying heavily in his shoulders.
“Oh come on! It’s just a job! There are other things in life which you must enjoy. Don’t lose your happiness in transient things! You’ll clear the next interview believe me!” he tried to console her.

“So you take failures in the stride. Good. Why do you want to leave the present job?” she was asked.

“Oh I have an hectic schedule this week. The appraisal is coming up soon. We shall go out again next week ok?” she asked him. He smiled.

“Tell us how you got the best out of your team?”

As she opened her door, she found a mixed bunch of red, yellow and white roses in a bouquet. There was a note “Happy Valentine’s day :) coming to the Meridian for a date?”
She called him up immediately and told him how she had a team dinner that day and how she can’t compromise on that. “Shall we go in the weekend?” she ended her talk. He smiled again.

“Being a woman, how are you going to manage personal and professional life? Our job takes serious commitment. Marriage. Then kids. Just how will you manage?

He confronted her finally. “What do you think you are doing? Can’t you see being in a relationship takes effort? You are taking me for granted! Show me priority!”
“I have had enough of this nonsense! Of course we are in a relationship. But you can’t suppress me or my career! You male chauvinists think girls will bow down to you? Get lost! My career is more important to me than any single person!” she walked off from the date. That was the last time he saw her face.

“Ms.Anitha. We are quite impressed with your candidature. You will get your offer letter soon. Congrats!” the panel shook her hand one by one.

She came home and shut the door with a wham. It was the most coveted job she had ever wanted. But she wasn’t happy today. All the memories were killing her. She was so sure when she broke up that he wasn’t the guy for her. She was so sure…
Her phone rang. It was her close friend from college.
“Hey Anitha! Heard you cracked the interview today! Congo girl! I knew you would do it!” the cheerful friend wished her.
“Oh yeah? You always knew?” Anitha laughed. “Where were you when the same company rejected me a year back?” Silence prevailed. The phone went dead soon.

She wasn’t able to sleep. Was she right after all? The clock went past midnight when she heard her door ring. As she opened the door, she found no one. Just as she started retuning back to her room, she noticed something in the floor. She cried instantly. It was unbearable. She now knew what it all meant. As she picked up her mob and typed the number she had long forgotten, she looked at the mixed bunch of flowers in her hands. She was in love all over again as she started the call with “Happy Valentine’s day!”

Pardon me...

2010-01-24T00:26:00.001+05:30

He looked remorsefully at the blood laden man in front of him stoned to the cross. He kneeled down before him and closed his eyes. After a minute of silence, he spoke.

“Dear Jesus. I have erred. And you know it hurts me whenever I err don’t you? I seek your pardon for this ghastly wrong doing of mine. But before I start my confession, I must thank you. I thank you for giving me all I ever wanted. Yes my parents dumped me when I was young. But I always had you for support. As a father, mother and a teacher. I lead a life which is independent of others and I cherish that freedom. But more than that, I thank you for giving me a wonderful voice. A voice that attracts people towards me. To go with it, a charming face. I have enjoyed a lot thanks to them and I live on the confidence I get from them. A local celebrity I have become. I strongly believe that everything that happens to me is preordained by you. That’s why I never missed singing carols for you. It was at your instruction. And that’s when I met her…

She maybe young and poor but she does something not many can dream of. Cleansing the Lord. She does a good job cleaning you and your premises daily doesn’t she? I saw her cleaning the tables one day humming a carol that I am fond of. Her voice was so impressively melodic that I had to invite her to join the chorus. She was hesitant but I insisted on it. She joined us and ever since it has been a dream. I used to look forward to meeting her daily. Time flew away when she was with me. We spoke of everything under the sun and the ease was conspicuous. I was getting emotionally attached to her. We roamed around the city. I got her gifts, surprised her with visits and suddenly found her to be deathly beautiful. She never asked me to define the relationship. She assumed that a tacit agreement existed between us. And that’s when all the problems started…

Didn’t I tell her I have had many girls in my life before? She is my 5th isn’t she? And isn’t she too young to even think about us seriously? Not even 17? And isn’t she sensible enough to understand that she, the cleaner, can’t be with a local celebrity? She started assuming things and expected me to comply with it. It was suffocating me. Luckily, her parents have decided to shift to the next city. That has given me the much needed break to break this all. Till this I feel I was justified. But now I seek your pardon my Lord. I didn’t control myself when I should have. It’s a weakness that you have given me. I have done this before but I never asked for pardon because I was never emotionally attached. This time I was. Pardon me my Lord. For I did her yesterday night…

She didn’t resist or complain. In fact she cooperated and let me barge in. I loved it when I did it. But knowing that I am going to ditch her, it’s tough to accept. That poor soul still thinks we will be in touch after she is in another city. I won’t attend her calls, reply her mails. I will probably find another girl within weeks. And soon, she will be history. I take pledge my Lord that I shall not involve emotionally with anyone hereafter. Please pardon me this once. Amen…”

THE NEXT DAY:

She was kneeling before the Lord in another city with tears dripping down her pink cheeks.

“My Lord. I have committed an unpardonable sin. I no longer can cleanse you. I rejected the cleaner post I got in this church. I am a sinner…

His voice was magnetic. He was charming and loving. He got me chains, earrings, chocolates, huggables, and all costly gifts which I couldn’t afford on my own. He even composed a song especially for me. He took me to places and I played truant many a times just to be with him. We never had fights and whatever he did to me overjoyed me. And I fell into his trap. Even knowing that he had had many a flings, I thought he loved me too well to leave me. And I allowed him to break my chastity. Still I was happy. I knew my life was safe with him. But yesterday, I overheard him talking to you. And I realized that I was being fooled. He acted smart didn’t he? I wasn’t going to get fooled forever. He had once unwittingly told me something about him that would prove decisive against him. As a parting present I gave him five costly beer bottles bought from every penny I had saved from childhood. That would serve him. From now on, he can’t fool anyone else. Pardon me my Lord. For the sins that I unknowingly and knowingly committed during the past 2 days. I am a sinner…”

A WEEK LATER:

The doctor instantly recognized him.
“He sings on TV” he proclaimed to the nurse. “What is the condition?” the doctor probed.
“He is getting mentally retarded sir. He has been doing wild things. He was spotted urinating inside the church hall in front of all. He has been castigating the Lord openly and showed many other symptoms that people suspected him to be an imbecile and brought him here. Lab reports say that his phenylalanine levels have been too high for the past week or so. Apparently, he has been drinking a lot. And he has mixed the drinks with Aspartame, the artificial sweetener, in spite knowing well that he is a Phenylketonuric.”
“Hmm. An attempted self-mutilation you believe?”
“Maybe sir. He has no relatives. Lonely life.”
“This seems tough. Let’s see then…” and the doctor started his treatment.

Dreamy career...

2010-01-12T00:37:00.002+05:30

We were sitting as a group (boys and girls) and the topic of discussion was, of course, me! Or rather my career. That’s one topic that surrounds the life of any 12th standard student. What after 12 glorious years of school? Should I follow the popular path of taking Engineering and be safe in my life or I risk doing what I like, journalism? My head was loaded with questions and was spinning with options. I wanted others' opinion on the same. I might have asked my parents. But damn them! My dad is, I believe, a reincarnation of General Jean Martinet. I am not allowed even to raise my opinions with him. My mom is non-existent when it comes to opinions. She just nods to whatever dad says. So I asked my class mates for opinion and here we are discussing the same…

Not many came up with brilliant ideas. Not many told me what they felt. When one said Doctor, the next one said Nurse to mock at it. The list then included Teacher, Cricketer, Artist etc. One suggested we remain at school as a student which is not obviously favorable. One said Watchman and put everyone into splits of laughter. Some just gave me a raised-eyebrow look as if they were relishing something they wouldn’t reveal. The discussion left me more confused. Tired, mentally, I hit the bed that day at sharp 10pm, dad’s order.

Sun was shining. I left the bed and found that, quite peculiarly, no one was at home. I called for mom, she wasn’t there. Maybe they left for some function? Weird it was. I got ready for school and reached the car and to my surprise saw one of my friends in the driver seat in the driver’s attire.
“Hey what you doing here?” I asked him.
“Lets go sahib, its late for office” he said collecting my bag and immediately starting the car.
Office? I was thinking it was some kind of joke when I suddenly saw the watchman saluting me. He was the same guy who suggested I become a watchman! My friend!
My confused mind was becoming mad. On the road, I saw a school student walking and rather to my no surprise it was that friend of mine who wanted to stay at school! What is happening? Which insane world was I in? As the car proceeded, I saw a teacher going towards my school. Also when I crossed the school, I saw an ice cream vendor just outside it. Then there was this traffic policeman controlling the signal, a beggar asking for alms, a VIP car passing by with bodyguards, an auto wala who dashed into my car.. Friends, friends, friends!

All were my friends. So that’s what people wanted me to become. But who was I anyway? Where is my office? What do I do? Suddenly, I saw my dad. I was facing his back. He was in a casual dress. I couldn’t see what profession he was into. I was getting curious and desperate to know it. I asked the driver to stop the car immediately. Mindless of what was happening around me, I ran towards him when suddenly there was a lorry which hit me from behind. Bham! It was all too quick. As I lay there bleeding profusely, I screamed for help when Dad turned and saw me through his coolers. He ran towards me but stopped within a meter from me. A cameraman ran with him, another friend of mine of course! Dad took the mike from him and started “Here we go another accident in this famed metro. The roads are bad, people are not obeying rules, bribes all around, look what they did to a poor teenager lying here. This is Martinet for you reporting live from the streets!” Journalist, I whispered. My dad looked at me and said “Do what you want!”

I was taken to the hospital at last. I saw my friends carrying me to the operation theatre not because they cared for me but because it was their job. A lady nurse came in to give basic first aid (Remember she mocked?). Then a group of doctors came and started operating on me. I was able to figure out who they were except one lady doctor who had her surgical mask on. I was wondering why I was awake when I was supposed to be under anesthesia when suddenly the heart rate monitor started giving weird sounds. Everyone looked concerned. “He is going off” one doctor said and immediately the lady doctor removed her mask and started beating my chest shouting “Get up! Get up!” It was my mother…

“Get up! Get up!” she shouted beating my chest. I awoke with a start. “You are already late for breakfast! Dad is fuming downstairs” my mom screamed. Unable to fathom what was happening, I rushed to the washroom, got ready and went down to join my parents for breakfast. As I sat there, with my mind still on my dream, I asked my dad “Dad, what should I do after 12th?”
“Do what you want to do son! I know people who took up what others pressurized them into. They were never happy. I know people who lived their entire life trying to be someone they saw around them without any aim themselves. They just evaluated others and till their death they didn’t know what they did. You should have a goal in a field you like and should try to achieve it. There lies the fun. Life is all about living your dreams.” he said.
I looked at him and realized how true his words were. Except for the last sentence that is. I would never want to live that dream where I die as someone who didn’t know what he was up to. I looked at my parents again and claimed “I wanted to be a journalist. But I feel it may be artificial for me. I gave a good thought and I decided I would try to become a doctor, a good humane one”
As my dad nodded his head, I saw a faint hint of a smile in my mother’s lips…

Morally resolute!

2009-12-31T22:41:00.002+05:30

The society is bustling with excitement for another year comes by in our routine and ephemeral life. The hotels, tobacco & alcohol manufacturers, cineplexes, all entertainment businesses are raking in money while everyone seems to be in the mood to dance and shout and sing and smile. New Year’s Day is a unique bond for the entire populace cut across borders and continents when we keep aside all work & commitments and just savor a countdown first by hours then minutes then seconds as the big clock strikes 12. Moreover, this year, it’s going to be a change of decade (though nothing big for people who lived through the millennium change 10 years back). Picking it up from one of my posts exactly 2 years ago:
“This day symbolizes hope. Hope that there will be a refreshing change in our lives starting today. Hope that all the sorrow that had encircled us till now would vanish and joy will fill the lacunae that exist in our lives. It is with this hope that we coin various resolutions; the ones that cater to the actions we feel are wrong or unhealthy.”
Before I reveal my resolution (which I made just a few moments back), I am going to write about three personalities and their behaviors that I have come across this year. This can be an interesting insight into how people are shaped and how little education actually shapes your morals.

First, the most educated of the three. I went with my dad to get tested for Retinopathy in a popular clinic. The lady ophthalmologist, who has apparently won many awards as seen from the certificates in the wall, checked my eyes with a lens and said “everything seems to be normal but it would be advisable to take a color eye scan”. We were not quite interested as we felt there was no complication but she insisted on it and we shelled out 600 bucks more and spent 2-3 hours more for the scan to come out. When the scan came out, she called us in and showed the colored circles (eyes apparently) like “this is left eye, this cornea, this is right eye, this is cornea, everything is fine” and nonchalantly gave the report to us and bade goodbye. The casual nature in which we got to know we wasted 600 on nothing was appalling. When I returned home, I told myself that I won’t go back to her again… Money.

Second is an interesting example. Hyderabad has been tense ever since the former CM died in an air crash. With Telengana becoming a major issue, strikes have become quite normal here. It was one such day when I had to board a train for home. The station is quite far away as we (4 of us) waited in one of the bus stops for some cab (no buses!). There was this policeman who was controlling the traffic in that place. When we were bargaining with a cab driver, this guy came and asked us where we wanted to go. When we apprised him, he went and asked the cab driver if we could be accommodated or not. Upon told a no, he took control, asked the cab wala to go and told us “Sir, don’t worry there will be many cabs. I will catch one for you.” He tried to stop whichever cab that went via that place and finally, since it was getting late, asked us to go in an auto. He caught an auto for us, bargained the rate from 200 to 150 and noted down the auto number and told us “Call me at the police station if this guy asks for more. I have this number. I’ll take care.” We were quite surprised that there was an exception to all the bad stuff we associate with a traffic policeman…

Third and final example. During the same trip, I had to board a train back to Hyderabad from Chennai. Again I had to go to the station in an auto. There is this auto wala nearby our house who is kind of known to us for some time. He used to pick my sis from school. He is known to be an honest guy. Quite peculiarly, he doesn’t stay with other auto walas in the stand. He positions his auto outside his house and waits for someone to call him for transport. So my mom called him that day and she asked him “Central. Ok?” He said ok and I got in without asking about the price. Usually I pay 100 to others after bargaining it from 120. I thought this guy being him, would ask for 100 only. I was quite relaxed during the travel and politely asked him why he didn’t stay with the other auto walas. He shrugged and all he said was he didn’t belong there. I didn’t understand it then. When I reached central, I asked him how much. He said, to my utter shock, 80. As I gave the money to him, I then realized that he could never belong to the stand… Money.

With all these in mind, I reveal my resolution.
“To be morally right about things and to proceed with all my ambitions without getting influenced by society, peers and money. To keep doing whatever I love to do, to entertain all around me, to make people happy and to enjoy the satisfaction and happiness I get out of them.”

Wishing you all a happy and fun-filled new year, new decade!

Gift your wishes...

2009-12-26T03:49:00.003+05:30

I woke up with a start. The alarm had to be stopped. No not snoozed. Not today. 7.30am it was. I quickly ran for the toothbrush while I brought my laptop out of hibernation. By 7.40, I had logged in to the IRCTC railway booking site. I needed a tatkal ticket. Hyderabad to Mumbai. It wasn’t a planned journey. I see her words ringing in my ears now “Idiot! Why didn’t you book before? Don’t travel by bus! Tatkal option opens 2 days before the journey. Wake up early for once and book!” I always try to recollect what she would say if I am in any predicament. It never fails to help me. According to me, whatever she decides has perfect logic in it. That’s why I never questioned her when she decided she’ll break up from me…

As the ticket was getting booked, I was thinking about the possibility of meeting her again. I hadn’t decided to till yesterday night when I asked myself “Why not?” It probably was one of the last meets with her. The first meet was straight out of heaven. Gorgeous she seemed. And stupid I seemed. Still she liked me. Over time, love blossomed. It was one of those carefree happy times which I still relish remembering. Perhaps I took my playful self too seriously (if you see the pun), and I was getting nowhere. She warned me, shouted at me, pleaded to me, I didn’t bother then. Until one fine day, she made me see logic. And that was the last time I saw her. 2 years it has been…

The journey was uneventful. My thoughts were preoccupied about the lovely past with her and also about the reclusive recent past after her. I have indeed been a bit successful professionally of late. Thanks to her, I must say. I badly miss the way she used to take care of me. She always used to ensure everything was in place for me. Maybe that added to my irresponsibleness. I felt helpless and thought I can’t face anything in this world anymore. But the wisdom she had instilled in me for 3 years helped me overcome everything. It made perfect sense after all. I tried contacting her. She took the call once and asked not to be disturbed. I respect her. I adore her. I still love her…

I reached Mumbai at 9am. I needed to be there at the place by 10am. I quickly rushed to the dormitory in the station and got ready. I needed to appear smart and happy. At least today. I took an auto to the place as thoughts came flooding in again. “You are awesome. You are my world. You mean everything to me” she was telling me. “You make my smile and laugh like no one else ever did and ever can”, she once said holding my face before we brought it together. “ No one can make me feel so close and comfortable”, she was hugging me so tight that day. As the auto reached the place, I felt a chill running through my body. Here I was. About to meet her after all. I looked at the board that invited all the guests. I wish my name were there in that. I was standing just outside her marriage hall…

Tears had rolled down from my eyes when I first saw her invitation. I was happy that she still remembered me. And my address too. The invitation had a small portrait of the groom and bride. Oh she looked the same! The gleaming eyes and the smile in the lips, that I am so used to, still beamed the same. The groom looked smart too. And it said that he is a Supervisor of Mumbai division in a leading FMCG company. A guy who took life seriously indeed. I deliberated for a month with my thoughts vacillating from “why to disturb her” to “why don’t I say hi once”. Finally here I am. As I walked in, doubts crept in yet again. Should I go back? I was unsure of myself. Then a group of people, probably relatives, invited me with smiles and rose petals and guided me in. I had no way of turning back…

It took some 10 minutes to get close to the podium. I saw her face again. Glowing with smiles and laughs. You make my smile and laugh like no one else ever did and ever can, bloody thoughts came back yet again. The marriage was apparently done with and they were taking photos and accepting gifts in the podium. I wanted to be done with this soon. The what-ifs were killing me. I stood in the long queue to give away my gift. You are my world. You mean everything to me. I was one amongst the big crowd now. When my turn came to gift the couple, she saw me. An immediate smile meant she recognized me. Thank god! She managed a small ‘hi’ to me before she introduced me to her husband as her classmate. I managed a fake smile and a customary greeting for the new couple. The photographer asked me to get close as I was out of focus. As he kept instructing me to go close, the side of my hand touched hers. No one can make me feel so close and comfortable. It was like an electric shock. I jerked suddenly and simultaneously the photo was clicked. I handled the gift I got for her and ran away from the podium. Relatives urged me to have lunch at the reception. I explained I had some work and ran away from the place. As I took the train later that day, I was thinking about the gift I gave her. A titan watch. That was my first ever gift to her. And it would be my last…

May I come in sir?

2009-12-19T03:10:00.001+05:30

She was late to the class as usual. Standing at the door, her eyes fell on the long haired, stout and dark teacher doing what he did best, teaching chemistry. Not again!, she gasped. She wondered why always the first period should be Chemistry or rather why it is Chemistry every time she is late. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays she recounted to herself. She stood there for two minutes trying to absorb the atmosphere in the class. It required some courage to own up. The teacher was busy explaining a concept which was certainly interesting to him but the audience didn’t seem to agree with that. With a shaky voice, she interrupted “May I come in sir?” His large, impassive eyes met hers as he walked to the door and she immediately bent her face down.
“Why are you late?” he enquired, emphasizing on the last word like he always did.
“Tennis sir. National tournament coming up. Heavy practice nowadays sir” she let the words fast.
“So I see. Why don’t you play the whole day? Why do you want to come to school? I will not promote you this year if you continue this. Punishment. Write about the Earthly metals and their prominence in the periodic table. 5 times. Submit day after. Get in.”
“But sir, I won’t be coming day after. Going to Delhi for the tourney”
“No excuses. Submit tomorrow then. Get in. Don’t waste my time” he ordered as she managed to slip in as fast as she could to her place.
“I hate him!” she proclaimed to her close friend during the lunch break. “He is such a sicko. Can’t he see I have to practice? I am a kid or what? I am 15!! Can’t I study on my own? Chemistry nonsense. I hope he meets up with an accident and dies. I can’t tolerate this!”

Days passed and she made sure she was on time on Chemistry days. She rearranged her practice schedule and went early for the ones which clashed. She made sure she gave no room for him to scold her as she occupied the corner most seat in class away from his deadly glance. She didn’t listen in the class much but she could see he was passionate about teaching. Also what struck her most was how he was never late to class even by a minute and how he stopped as soon as the bell rung. But he and his diabolic look kept disturbing her dreams. Her sleep schedule was disturbed, her mind was disturbed, and she felt like a mad dog running around literally during practice and to school after that. She wished this would all end soon…

It was a Wednesday. The inter-school tournament was scheduled on Saturday which meant she had to do extra hours of practice. In fact she had missed school the previous day because she had severe cramps. But desperate not to get any scolding from the Chemistry teacher, she rushed to the school. She was five minutes late. Unfazed, she ran to the class and cried “May I come in sir?”. There was a sudden silence. There was no teacher in class. As students laughed at her ignorance and stupidity, she went and asked her best friend where the teacher was. “He is in hospital. Yesterday the blackboard fell on his head in the other class. The nails had come off apparently. He was bleeding severely. Not sure what happened next.” As she heard this, she suddenly felt blank. Something was pricking her. She felt a sudden and incessant itch in her chest and words were hesitant to come out of her mouth that day. She somehow felt responsible. All her curses had struck him…

Saturday it was. She hadn’t got any news about the teacher. It had been playing in her minds. She was not able to practice well but she was a clear favorite that day. She didn’t face severe hurdles till the final match of the competition. Any other day she would have aced the opponent. But today she was tired, physically and mentally. It was one set all when they took a ten minute time out. As she gulped down the Gatorade, she heard a deep, familiar voice calling her. It was him. With his head covered in white cloth, hair being trimmed down and eyes losing its intensity, he looked almost human.
“Meet me after the match” he added curtly and went away.
She was happy to see him again. He was fine after all. She proceeded to play the last set of the match with a relaxed and focused mind. She fought hard but her body let her down as she lost the set 5-7. It didn’t matter to her. She rushed to meet the teacher and asked him politely “How are you now sir?”
“Ah I am fine. I see that you play well. Good potential. Don’t let anyone spoil your ambitions. Practice as you might. But also know that you can be successful only when you can manage things perfectly. Come late to my class. I won’t mind. But you yourself should. Because it’s your education which is as important as anything else. Learn to manage and you shall be victorious in everything. Your attitude matters!” , he walked away as soon as he said that. She stood there looking at the person she hated deeply. A faint smile blossomed across her face…

It was the last day of the term. The teacher was distributing papers to all the students. When it was her turn, he went next to her and said with a smile “Congratulations. I heard you won the national award this time. Good. And your marks. Well not really there on top. But keep improving!”
“I will try my best sir” she promised. And she knew she meant that…

2 year old monster!

2009-12-14T23:07:00.013+05:30

Rivat Hanss @ blogspot.com is celebrating its 2nd birthday today. Coincidently, this is also the 50th post in this blog. Inspired by seeing blogs of college friends I, one fine day, decided to try it and I have been hooked ever since. The journey has been wonderful so far. It has given me the freedom to express curious stuff I come across in a confident and open manner and also to a wider audience as compared to any other medium. It has also in a way helped me keep in touch with some of my friends. Also, unwittingly, my command over English has drastically improved over the years thanks to this! (Some say they need a dictionary to understand my blogs fully: I tell them I intended it that way by using complex words so that I learn them too!)

It all started by coining a pseudonym for myself, an anagram which I am trying to publicize every day. My initial posts were more on myself, incidents of my life that is. Slowly, I began to realize that people want to read general stuff more than someone's personal life. So my attitude towards the topics I choose began to change. And now I see that I have written 20 stories (40%) but only 18 posts on my life. Stories have been the hit amongst people and I proclaim to write interesting ones. Stories are also the challenging ones because I'll have to invent the incidents plus I should maintain some suspense and give twists in the end in order to make them a hit.

50 posts in 2 years show that my frequency has been low (around once in 2 weeks!) but there have been other commitments like job which haven't given me that amount of time that I used to have in college. Writing a blog post takes easily 2 hours especially if it is a story. Also, I get maximum readers during May and December so I prefer to write more in period. Naturally I have neglected the blog for some months and I feel sorry I did. Last one week or so, I have again found the time and interest and must admit it's exciting to write again! I promise to all my regular readers that I'll make sure to update it once a fortnight at least however busy I am. Hopefully, the next 50 should take half the time! I also understand that blogging is no longer the buzz word in the tweet-land. But not everything can be expressed in 140 characters or multiples of it. I surely feel blogging is here to stay and that I will stick to this.

Like I have seen people do, I would like to link some of my 'best' blog posts here on this 50th one. I like each entry I post but some of them are special either because they turn the way I intended it to or because people loved them. I hereby give 11 posts that every reader of my blog should read. Cherish them and do come back often to see the monster growing infinitely!

Stories:

Live another day!!! : my personal favorite!
The Phoenix's rebirth!! : good emotions and a strong message..
The way of life.. : a nice refreshing read, one I cherish..
All is fair in business... : another way to look at God and business!
Everyday banter : all for that last line!

My life:

How it all happened!! : can NEVER EVER forget this day!
WE ARE HAPPY TO SEE YOU AGAIN ANNA : I just love this incident..
Memoirs of my college life.. : nostalgic as always..
Me and my firsts! : the start to this amazing journey..

General:

The new Ten Commandments : reader's favorite!
Instantly recognize! : something professional..

To end this, I thank all my readers for supporting, encouraging and criticizing my posts! Thanks!

DNA mismatch!

2009-12-12T05:59:00.002+05:30

I am Govind. I am a lawyer. Civil and family affairs. At least I call myself that. I could have handled criminal ones too. But I was found too soft and humanitarian to be one. More than that I was told that I lacked fortitude. Nonsense I say. The fact is, I have never ever spoken in a court before. The need was always obviated as I felt it was a waste of time. I didn’t study law just to be garrulous in front of old jerks. I will talk when there is a need. Naturally no one knows about my mental strength and capabilities. The ramification? No clients. And what do I do for money? Well I got married off to a good father-in law. I mean to a girl with a good father-in law. No sorry I meant my father-in law is good. Got it right! Yes I always do. Wait a minute. I think I have a customer in office now!

She came weeping into my office which actually is one of my father-in law’s properties. “Sir, I am Smritha. I want you to help me. My husband has filed for divorce. I am cash stripped. I had given all to him. Please help me. I love my husband and want to be with him. I heard you are the best around here!” she cried. I gave a faint smile. It must have been the clerk working in the court. I give him monthly tips just to suggest my name as the best. Marketing strategy I say. “Oh I see” I faked the contemplation. “Money won’t be a problem” I am still married I wanted to add. “Can you tell me the reason for application of divorce?” I asked. She started her story “We are married for just 18 months now. I delivered a baby recently. It was more than wheatish in complexion. He is fair and you can see me being one too. Ever since, he has been accusing me of infidelity. It got out of control yesterday and I slapped him. And then he filed a case. I don’t know what to do. Please help me!” I raised my left eyebrow to show I was interested. At last a case worthy of me handling it. At last a case where I can finally speak! So I started my investigations immediately. “Oh ok. I will take it up. Trivial stuff. Let me start then. Ok Mrs. Smritha, I expect honesty from all my clients. I have rejected cases where I felt the client was bluffing. Now tell me, did you practice infidelity?” I don’t remember when I completed that statement as I felt a soft hand trashing my left cheek. She slapped me!

After having got a forceful answer to my only question, I asked her to come to court the next day. Meanwhile I inquired and got to know that the husband guy asked for a DNA test on the baby and the court accepted it. That’s enough work for the day I thought. But wait it was the only case at hand and sometimes it hurts my ego doing nothing. Only sometimes though. Today was one of those days. I procured the birth certificate of the girl child and made a trip to the hospital. Then I went to their residence and had a chat with all the neighbors about the couple. I also called up my client’s parents to enquire about any dowry being exchanged 18 months ago. Finally before I hit the bed, I checked up all the data I gathered that day. I surprised myself. I did a great job. The case is in our hands…

The sun rose in the East. Or was it North West? It didn’t matter. Day light hit the earth. I got ready for work. I adorned my body with the neatly pressed suit as always. The outlook matters in court. Even if you don’t speak, people evaluate you always. It was going to be a remarkable day when everyone in the court will gasp at my wonderful case solving. And it will be a befitting answer to all my critics, the paper boys that is who keep insulting me in the tea shop outside the court. I was going to open my mouth for something other than yawning for the first time in court. I looked myself in the mirror and admired the look I gave. Regal I say. With all my books, papers, pens, paan, cigars, tiffin box, mobile phone, MP3 player and what not, I started my journey to the court in my bicycle. Yes I cycle to office every day. I tell people it’s for maintaining fitness. But the real reason? My father-in law didn’t give me anything else…

The old jerk of a Judge sat. And then we all did. I kicked myself for not bringing hankies today. I was sweating. Profusely. After all every dog sweats on its day. I texted my client saying “Things under controlled. I, the Knight, will save the you, Queen. Worry the dont ;)” She sat just beside me but some messages are better conveyed in text. “Your honor” I started confidently. “Th Thi This is This is not a valid vase sorry case not a valid case actually. But the couple might be happy to know that the truth is real and that facts are facts” Everyone’s eyes were fixed on me. I was making a revelation that people are unheard of. “My client is pristine. Her hands are soft and clean” I wondered why I included soft. “Upon my extensive inquiry extending to days, I have found that the girl baby is actually a girl baby but it was not the couple’s girl baby but someone else’s! The girl baby was swapped with another girl baby by a nurse who was once a girl baby, now a woman that is, unwittingly. I have the nurse here in court today to explain it clearly. The case is solved. Your wife remains your wife” I made the last statement while pointing to my client’s husband. I expected the crowd to clap as it always happens in movies when the lawyer conjures an unimaginable rabbit to close a case. That didn’t happen. But there was a load murmur which, though an oxymoron, suited the scene best. My client looked shocked so did her husband. It will take time to sink in I assumed. I was going to be a hero I say…

The nurse gave her statement and the case was about to be closed. Just at that moment, the DNA result of the girl child came in. The judge wanted it to be read in court. Formality I say. It won’t match with both my client and her husband. Waste of time. So I didn’t open my mouth to talk. The reader read. “According to the report, it is proved beyond doubt that the girl who is in question doesn’t have DNA matching exactly one parent” What the hell? Did I hear it right? I glanced over to my client and wanted to ask “How did you give birth to two girl childs with different fathers at the same time?” But I didn’t because that’s not my business to ask. But it meant she lied to me! I was about to stand up and say I wanted to withdraw. I didn’t because the reader was still reading. “The girl’s DNA matches with the reported father but not with the reported mother”.

It stunned the audience. So my client didn’t lie after all! It was her husband who was promiscuous! I knew it was my day to double up my heroism. I stood up and spoke “Your Honor, as you can see my client is clean. It was her husband all the way. I may suggest you necessitate appropriate action on …” I was not allowed to complete the statement as I felt the soft hand playing with my cheeks again. “How dare you question my husband?” she rebuked. “Your Honor, this child is ours and we want to live happily again. I hope he will withdraw his case. I am not filing any” saying this, she went and hugged him with all her might. Girls I say. I was made a laughing stock again by the paper boys in the tea stall that evening. I had to pay the clerk at the court double the tip to keep him from divulging this fiasco of an encounter to anyone. Reputation matters I say. Money doesn’t...

What defines you?

2009-12-10T03:02:00.001+05:30

So you end up being on a social get together with your companion. And then there is always this certain friend of your companion who comes to say ‘Hi’. Invariably, you get introduced and how? This is so and so, working in such and such company. You get to know the same from the other side. That’s a typical introduction in today’s world. And at the end of the day when you hit the bed, all you remember about the person was where he worked. What was his name? Did he actually mention that?

This is a sample case of how the society defines people. And classifies them. Life is a rat race where each rat thinks it’s better than the rest but still feels the need to socialize to get added advantages. It is here that definition of a person takes its prime position. Unless you are ‘defined’, you are no body in this world. It helps in reaching out and leads eventually to mutual exchange of favours. What it also does, without being obvious, is to classify people into strata of definitions. Hence it becomes important to shape up a definition that portrays you in the best possible way.

So what constitutes the definition of a human being? There is a varied perspective on this but according to popular thought, what defines a man best is the best work he has done. It needn’t always be related to the profession that one takes up. Imagine somebody introducing Gandhi to school children as “Gandhi was a good lawyer who walked across this Earth”. Justice done? You can be sure Gandhi wouldn’t have minded such a definition. But society has its own way of doing things and not necessarily it should match with what the individual thinks he is. For example, how many of us can introduce ourselves as “I am so and so and I am an honest human being” and get on with it? Many sets of eyes will pop the question “And what do you do?” Every phase of a person’s life is encapsulated in this necessity. A child says “I study in 4th standard in so and so school”, then he replaces the school with college and his branch and then to the company that has hired him and so on. Peculiarly, this definition is always having the ‘present’ context in it. Past is least preferred and is often obviated unless you decide to set on the laurels of the work done in the past.

In this context, it is of paramount importance for every individual to define himself. How you see yourself is often how others connect with you. Don’t accept standards set by others but don’t go overboard too. Ask questions to yourselves. Am I what I am because I am working in this company? If you think yes, then you might be limiting your potential. Yes you have the most coveted job but still organizations can’t define what an individual is. If you think they do, then you are indirectly accepting that all people in your office are ‘defined’ the same and therefore you are not entitled to be the ‘Outstanding performer’ or any other recognition. Acceptable?

How does one define himself then? Without going against the societal norms, there needs to be a balance between reality and chimerical thoughts. Understand that your progress depends on how discontented you are with your present ‘definition’ that the people around give you. You are a man of potential and your achievements shouldn’t be trapped inside a well. A small change of attitude can indeed do the trick. So the next time you introduce yourself, instead of “I am so and so working for so and so”, try tweaking it and say “I am so and so and I choose to work for so and so”. See the subconscious appreciation that flows from the eyes of others…

The mobile anecdote

2009-12-08T01:59:00.002+05:30

There was something fishy about this customer who came to get his mobile repaired. Generally I don’t dwell into the details of my customers but this one got me puzzled with each passing day. Not only was he furtive with his behavior but also his speech was incoherent. He looked like a hired servant with his stained clothes and a filthy beard. He has been a regular to my shop for the past 2 months or so. What got me thinking was how he came in with the same issue every time but on different mobile phones and that too costly ones. There must be something that is covered up and I intended to find out what…

I own a mobile shop as you might have guessed. I sell the latest mobile phones at nominal rates and also do quick repair on any model. It is highly fortuitous that I ended up setting up my own shop. I was rather dampened by the lack of placements in my college albeit a local, not so popular one. Worries of wasted years of engineering in Electronics and Communication started engulfing me. It was then that my uncle offered me 2 lakhs to setup my business. Yes I don’t do something that normal engineers do but unlike many, I am happy doing this. I earn sufficiently for myself and my parents and that’s all I cared for…

2 months back, one fine day, this customer visited my shop and asked if I could make his mobile work. He appeared to be in some kind of duress and was desperate to get it fixed. Generally I promise quick repair but this one was tricky. Everything appeared normal but it wasn’t working. I tried reloading the software, checking the antenna, tried different operators etc. For a research orientind mind, this was even more intriguing. I had professed in-depth and complete knowledge about the working of mobiles and I wasn’t going to give up just yet. After some deep analysis, I figured out that the IMEI number i.e International Mobile Equipment Entity number was not returning the check digit as 0(zero). A check digit is a form of redundancy check used for error detection. It consists of a single digit computed from the other digits in the message. There is an algorithm which will return the check digit for an IMEI number. Generally manufacturers take care of this check though it needn’t return 0 always to work. Somehow it was not working fine for this mobile. I modified the last digit of the IMEI to make the check digit as 0 and the mobile worked fine. I also noticed that the printed IMEI sticker behind the battery was missing. Oblivious to this, I returned the mobile phone and got richly paid for. Rs.200…

Suspicion grew when this guy returned a week later with another mobile and the same problem. I fixed that issue in 10 minutes flat and got the same 200. He returned time and again with the same issue and I was happy on one hand to be getting such quick money but curious on the other on what exactly was happening. I decided to use the Wikipedia to read more on the IMEI. It was clear that the IMEI was being modified by that person or his boss which meant it was a crime. The software that they were using to do it was not giving correct IMEI numbers and as a result the mobile didn’t work. And I was helping them in a way. Suddenly I felt some chillness in my body. These mobiles must have been stolen from people. I was also aware of terrorists using such practices and I knew what it portended if I was proved to be helping them. I decided to investigate it myself…

It was 2 days before he came in again. He brought in the latest Nokia N97 and I repaired it without a fuss. As soon as he paid the money and left the shop, I discreetly tried to follow him while asking my neighbor chaiwala to take care of my shop. He turned and looked in all directions frequently to make sure no one was observing him. I had to hide in rather awkward places to avoid being confronted. He stopped at the door of a small independent house which looked deserted from the outside. I waited for some 2-3 minutes before I headed to the window which was, through someone’s half-wit, kept open. They were talking. The boss, as I could make out, was subjugating this servant to words that marked derision as he sequestered the umpteen mobiles that he must have stolen according to their makes. I quickly took out the pen which I had devised as a part of my final year project in college. It had a small VGA camera with voice recorder. I recorded the scene as quickly and elaborately as I could and headed directly to the local police station…

Next day, I was the local hero. Everyone got to know when the police announced one lakh prize amount for helping them capture an enigmatic and dangerous group of miscreants in the locality. I was glad to know that there was no alleged connection to any terrorists. It was going to be a fine day in my life. One lakh meant I could expand and improve my business though the Rs.200 I used to get would be sorely missed. With the air redolent of happiness and triumph of good over evil, I entered my shop. All I could see was a broken lock, vandalized mobile phones and shattered glass pieces. It was not going to be a fine day after all…

Conjuring up the ‘Rose’y love

2009-12-06T19:58:00.001+05:30

I loved her. She meant the world to me. She liked me too. But there was a problem. There was another guy in her life. Her thoughts were positioned midway about each. I opened up one fine day, kneeling in front of her with a fresh blood red rose asking for her hand. Tears started oozing out of her beautiful eyes. I was beginning to feel some excitement which got dampened when she suddenly took out another fresh blood red rose from her purse. I understood. It wasn’t going to easy. The other guy was bloody serious too. I had to fight. It worried me. I am never a good fighter. This was one fight I can’t possibly lose…

She called us both for a coffee. I was nervous. Had she already decided who it’ll be? He strode in to our table. I evaluated him. He is at best a fool and at worst an imbecile. If you can figure out the difference that is. I had evaluated myself too. I am at best sagacious and at worst savant. I knew she will prefer me any day. So she started speaking, “Both of you are dear and near to me. Both of you have proposed at the same time. My mind is facing its worst predicament. As my father has always taught me, when in doubt I will go with what my brain says. I am going to keep a contest between you two to decide the winner…” Your father was wise, I wanted to add. I may be emotionally a bit lacking but intelligence will enable me win any contest. My opponent was all heart and no mind. She continued, “I will give you each a rose sapling now. The person who can grow the maximum roses possible in a month will be the winner. Today is December 1st. We shall meet again on New Year’s eve…” She gave us each a sapling and left. I saw her walking towards the door then I turned to see the guy who was looking puzzled to say the least and then I felt the sapling in my hand. I was a clear winner…

It was a hectic month. I googled on how best to grow a sapling and make it flower. I went around the city trying to get the best manure for rose saplings. I spent as much as I could to give proper environment, water, manure, protection etc. I was an engineer so I knew how best to tackle day to day crisis. 10 days passed by. The plant seemed to have increased its height but I saw no flower bud coming up. It will come, I assured myself. I went to the nearby villages and enquired with the farmers themselves. They all said it takes about 20 days for flowers to bloom. So I waited patiently. I bunked office the whole month. This was more important than anything else in my life. It was December 20th and I started to feel a bit jittery. There was no sign of any buds still. On 25th night, a week before the deadline, I decided to spy on my opponent’s progress. I jumped the wall into his house. I looked in through the window trying to search for his sapling. He was boozing with his friends. Christmas celebrations apparently. He was a loser, I told myself sporting a bright smile. And then I saw it. I saw the sapling in the dustbin near the window. It was crushed. I was extremely overjoyed. So he has given up. All I needed to do now was to make one flower bud appear and she had me for life…

It wasn’t going to be easy. There were still no signs of any flower bud and it was the night of 30th December. Tomorrow was the D-day. One of us will hold her hands and dance merrily when New Year strikes. But how can I win? If both of us fail to show the flower, whom will she pick? I wished I had the brains then to ask what happens when there is a draw or tie. My mind was racing. I can’t lose her. Maybe I can explain it to her how I cared and how he didn’t. Suddenly I got a message in my mobile. It was from her. It said, “Tomo s d Dday. I hope u figured out dat d sapling cant flower. All the best dear :) ”. So that’s why! The sapling can’t flower. That’s the trick. Oh she is so brainy! And she loves me clearly. She wants me to win! Ha ha. Let that bastard guy come tomorrow. I will win my bride…

All is set. I can’t hide the smile in my face. It feels great when you know you can’t lose. And there she is. Her walk is always heavenly and she looked mine today. And there he comes. Loser that is. She came in with a smile on her face and started talking immediately, “Hi guys. Hope you had a good month. It’s time to choose a winner. Though I would feel happy for the winner and myself, I will be deeply pained for the loser too. But always remember, you both are good friends. So please show me how many roses you were able to cultivate for me this month” Before my hand could reach the sapling, he took out one rose from his pocket and showed her gleefully. I got shocked and cried out loud “Liar!”. She laughed out loud and asked me to show mine. Now is the chance for me to prove my love. I took out the sapling and said to my opponent “Pal, this sapling can’t flower. You have lied. So obviously I have won. Always remember. Honesty is the best policy” As soon as I said that, she came close to me. As my heartbeat started increasing, she slapped me…

“Idiot! When did I say that you have to bring me flowers grown from this sapling? I have been following both of you secretly. He was able to figure out that the sapling can’t grow within a week and he got a new one all by himself and cultivated this rose. You on your part couldn’t even decipher that until I gave you a hint yesterday night! Honestly, I wanted you to win. But you have been so dumb! He is the winner!”, she barked as I covered the left side of my face with my hand to alleviate the pain, both from the slap and from the outcome of me losing her to that imbecile. As they walked away hand in hand, I cried to myself, “Girls are dumb!”…

Customer trapped!!

2009-06-06T22:01:00.002+05:30

To put it straight--> I detest wearing headphones while watching a movie or listening to a song. The itchy sweat that piles up around the ears never fails to irk me. The awareness of health issues combined with the interlocking wires they come attached with didn’t help me love them a bit. But I was forced to do exactly that when my laptop’s speakers went dumb. The acerbic feeling of sporting a rebarbative on the ears made me take a decision against my stingy nature, after enough rumination though. I decided it was time to buy an accessory pair of speakers. There embarked a journey which gave me a lot of insight into mindsets of people and how businessmen deal/ need to deal with their customers.

I am never quite fussy when it comes to buying things. I keep it simple. I check the cheapest first and if impressed go with it. I never want branded or most sought after items. All I want is to get hold of things which satisfy my need. So here I went to an electronics shop one early morning (read 11am) which is out of way from my office. And quickly I enquired the prices of speaker units they had. The first learning came here. Shopkeepers generally describe and show the most sophisticated and costlier units first. Blankly, I asked for the most inexpensive one. He showed me one for Rs300. Zebronics brand. Having seen products of this brand before (probably there are many like-minded people around me!), I was impressed immediately. But 300 was a bit high on first thought. So I left the shop thinking I could check out other places.

After some enquires with people in office, I realized that 300 could be the lowest reliable speaker unit. I made up my mind reminding myself how much I earn and 300 seemed a pittance. And maybe I will be successful in negotiating the price further down. So I reentered the shop in the evening and the shopkeeper seemed to recognize me. I took the unit from the shelf and told him I wanted it. The second learning: he said it cost Rs350 much to the shock of the jolted me. I had to argue and remind him that it was quoted as 300 some hours back and finally he agreed. No more negotiation. He had won it. I was mildly happy when I came home and ripped off the headphone from the computer pin. The ‘joy’ was curiously short lived.

One of the speakers didn’t work properly! Damn! I immediately rushed to the shop only to find it closed. Knowing that it wouldn’t be open during the weekend, I had to wait till Monday. It easily spoiled my plans of watching one or two movies. It’s more frustrating to pay for it and not enjoy. Lesson three: always test your purchase especially electronic products. Monday arrived and I went to the shop early morning as usual. The shopkeeper was very accommodative of the fact that it didn’t work (maybe its normal!) and immediately replaced another. I insisted that it needs to be tested and we found that, for a change, both the speakers not working! He gave me an embarrassed look and requested me to come in the evening to collect a working one. I was relieved that he agreed to change it at least.

I couldn’t go back to the shop for the next 3 days thanks to my hectic workplace. But when I finally did, there was a smile in the shopkeeper’s face as he ushered me to the shelf to take a new piece. While he opened the speaker box for testing, some chaiwala came with cups of chai. The shopkeeper asked me to sit, relax and have chai. I thought it was a formality so I said its fine and stood there. But he insisted me to do the same and said he will test and give a good piece. The first piece that he tested was working fine I thought so I stood up and went to collect it. But he asked me to wait since he could sense something shaking inside one speaker and he went to take another piece for testing. Lesson four: even shopkeepers want to ensure quality. Finally he gave me a piece that worked fine and while giving, with an honest face he said ‘sorry sir’. I was totally moved. He needn’t have taken all efforts to ensure I was happy. I wasn’t a regular or a major customer. Probably he earned 20 bucks from me. Upon enquiring, he said he will return all defective pieces back to the manufacturer. I came home happy and satisfied. Being a person who always looks at the management side of things, I realized that things can go wrong. The strength lies in how you accept it and repair the image. That’s the biggest learning I got. He got his customer trapped in the end. Emotionally. Trapped forever…

The Phoenix's rebirth!!

2009-05-19T01:14:00.001+05:30

New Year’s Day today. The air is redolent of exhilaration and joy as people throng the streets to celebrate and absorb the unknown energy, generated from vacuum, which unites even strangers. I wish I could join them. But today I have taken a risk. To keep my shop open even after 11pm. I fetch the maximum on these occasions. I own a pan shop. CLASSIC PAN SHOP. People call me (and probably my entire community) “The Panwala”. Ironically, I earn more by selling myriad branded cigarettes than by selling pan. In India somehow traditional names cling on to shops that no longer associate importance to them. I am so used to phrases like ‘bhaiya dho kings’ ‘ek pack mints’ etc that I call them clichés now. I like customers who ask differently. Like ‘wo paach rupee wala dena’ ‘mujhe apni dosth se mila le bhaiya’ or even ‘wo dena jo mujhe swarg ko bejthi hai’. I never exactly realized what the last phrase meant. Until today…

A unique noise seemed to divert the joyous mood. A noise that freaks me every time my eardrums vibrate due to it. The siren of an ambulance it was. And rather shockingly it was going to the flat whose occupant I knew very dearly. He was my most valued customer and a good friend moreover. He worked in the IT industry. I am not good at stats but I guess every other customer of mine works in the IT industry. Money brings with it the need to find an alternative way to relax and ease the tension. They are good people generally. But everyday, every night in fact, when they return from their workplace, there will be a sudden rudeness in their tired, lifeless eyes. They always seem to have something wrong to say about their bosses when they crush the butts of the 5-minute wonders they just relished. They are my target segment. They are my feeders. They are my friends. And one of them, I perceive, was in some danger tonight…

Big danger! I thought, looking at my friend who was taken inside the ambulance rather quickly. His clothes were wet with blood and his eyes told a sad story. I saw a glimpse of his silhouette from within the ambulance and I started wondering. Wondering how chubby he used to be; full of energy and exuberance; obviously happy with his first job as he moved over to my locality. It all started with curiosity about why people smoke. That was his first question to me. I told him that I compared it to a phoenix which periodically burns itself to death and emerges from the ashes in another form to service its master. He eventually tried one and never gave up. He used to tell me how things are in his office and how he used to be careless till college. The occasional 2 minute conversations I have with my customers makes me kill time in an otherwise boring job. But this guy had some charisma around him. Anyone would instantly like him. But of late he started reducing the talks and used to buy the 5-min wonder in bulks. Maybe something was bothering him I had assumed. But I was not bothered as long as I was benefited…

I peeped into the house, now vacant. I saw blood covering the floors of the hall. He vomited blood! No, he slashed his wrists! It’s a suicide attempt! , many gossiped. Maybe it was. He last told me that his life was in disarray as his job was becoming unsafe due to recession and that his girlfriend had ditched him for some reason. These are stories I hear often nowadays so it didn’t mean much to me then. I looked around the house. Butts! The house was replete with sporadic colonies of cigarette butts. This was the moment that struck me hard. I felt responsible in some way. Maybe some might argue (even I used to) that it satiates the tired soul. But as I have always heard, it takes the individual into deeper depression. I believed that now. As I walked back to my shop, I made a decision. I took a marker and modified my shop banner. It now read “CLASSIC PAN (only) SHOP”. And I collected all the cigarette packets I had and made a bonfire out of it in front of his house. The wind started blowing hard and swept away the lump of ash that was being formed. For you my friend! I shouted at the top of my voice. Maybe he will hear it somehow. Maybe he was not even alive till then. I never got to know…

Hairy Seeker and the Dreamer's Stone

2009-02-14T00:54:00.001+05:30

He looked at the path ahead. He wasn't sure. He wasn't sure where he was heading. He wasn't sure why he was going there. He wasn't sure what prize awaited him. He looked at the seemingly endless path ahead. Dusty and barren. He knew he was following the right path, though a longer one. Short cuts failed to please him. He was aware of his nefarious competitors who were precocious and truculent. They mocked at his imbecility to follow this route but his unfeigned devotion to the adventure shielded his mind from being debauched. He was behind, what people call, the Dreamer's stone.

The stone, precious they say, was the treasure everyone sought. He wasn't aware how it looked and why it was precious. But he knew he had to find it. He started taking the path that lay ahead. Soon he realized that it wasn't going to be easy. He often had mirages of the stone lying just ahead but the excitement was short-lived always. He heard voices inside him asking him to give up as this journey was created without an end. His body was seeking to end its allegiance to him as every cell inside him got enervated. It was then that he saw the monotonous road leading him to a small cave.

With high hopes and sudden burst of energy created from the air, which was redolent of something royal and priceless, he entered the cave. It was dark. He wondered how the precious stone could lie in an area devoid of any light. Only when he lit the candle he carried did he realize the truth. He realized the hard truth. One of his competitors had taken away the stone. He felt cheated for he followed the righteous path but the one who emerged victorious was the one who was manipulative and spurious. He quelled the only source of light in the cave and sat down accepting defeat. He stared into the darkness that was asphyxiating him slowly. But his preordained destiny had something else in store for him.

He lay there and lost all account of time. He felt his life had no purpose anymore. He couldn't return without the trophy he had sought for but the Dreamer's stone belonged to someone else now. With despair and ignominy of defeat, he started to head back. In frustration, he threw all his belongings one by one into different parts of the cave. Suddenly he heard a metallic sound, a sound suggestive of something else existing inside the cave. With new hopes, he lit the candle again and he strode into that direction of the cave and found himself facing a gate.

Being adept at solving AND or NAND gates, it didn't take much time for him to open this one as he entered a room which contained nothing except a small lump of mud in one corner. He had a prescient feeling that something was lying inside it, needing to be freed. 'Go! Dharma will protect you!' he was being cheered by someone he didn't know and couldn't see. Without losing any time, he started digging into the lump with his bare hands. He was digging into the deep sands when he hit upon a pot. The pot was covered with ash. Ash that never missed the eye after the first look. He cleared the ash with his dress and lifted the pot with both his hands. Something was wrong. His one hand was burning and other was freezing. Ice and fire on two halves made him drop the pot. It fell apart conspicuously revealing its contents. The sweetie fluid that flowed from it was encapsulating something. Something immaculately designed. A piece of rock. Or was it? As soon as he touched it, he knew it belonged to him. That it was waiting to belong to him. There was a sudden revelation. A sudden light emerged from the rock he held. It was transforming itself slowly as it left his hand and pierced into his skin in the middle of his chest. He felt no pain. In fact he was relishing the feeling of it penetrating his body. With a happy and satisfied mind, he started his journey back. The journey till death meets him, with his only companion, his only partner and his only belonging.

A year on, he looked back at everything. It was all worth it. The rock had got itself attached to his beating heart while the transformation that started in the cave ended. The rock was not a mere rock after all. Little did people know that inside his chest, there was a precious stone, more valuable than the Dreamer's stone. He himself didn't know what he had inside his heart but he knew he was happy. Happier than he had ever dreamed to be. The stone vouched to stay with him till his heart stopped, feeding him with enough pulses of energy every second. The stone is better known as a diamond today. He calls it cRyStAl, his cRyStAl…

All is fair in business...

2008-12-29T11:28:00.004+05:30

Today is the last day of the month. A day I wait for every month. Today is the day I would be clearing all my debts. With God. People use cheat, cunning, shrewd, heartless, foxy and similar adjectives to address me. I call myself a businessman. That's what I do. Business. I accept my business isn't confined to legal boundaries only. But I also bribe many officials to keep running in this rat race. 'All is fair in business' is the mantra I use. So far I have been successful. For the past 20 years that is...

For the past 20 years it has been a practice of mine to total up all my profits in a month and 'gift' 5℅ of it to God. People call it donation. I call it bribe. Yes. Even the Almighty needs to be bribed. So that the next month is more profitable and the risks would be taken care off. Today is the day I would visit the temple again. I hate debts. That's why I look forward to this day. My profits this year have been showing a negative trend. Last month it was 2.6 crores but this month they add up to 2 crores only. Damn this global recession. 2009 should be a better year. Hopefully. So here I head to the temple...

My bribes are always in ten rupee notes. That's my identity. People get astonished whenever I bring bags and bags of notes to donate. Today, if my calculations are correct, I should be giving God some 1000 ten rupee bundles, 300 less than last time. And I hate beggars. Why should they come in between two dealers, God and I? Usually I walk past totally oblivious to their existence. But this guy stuck me today. When I was walking past, he sang my favorite song with consummate ease and asked for alms as he proclaimed to be blind and handicapped in legs. It is generally tough to move my heart. But today it was moved. I took out a ten rupee note from one bundle and gave it to him. And I went straight to the place where God has stoned himself...

I admire him. God. Totally. All he does is keep sitting in one place and he gets all the money he wants. That takes some business sense. But today I was going to castigate him.
'Hey God!! You promised me more this month! You took 1300 bundles last month for what? Be truthful to the partnership! Adhere to the business ethics! I am disappointed with you. Atleast make sure that in 2009 you remain loyal to your partner. Anyways. You got 1000 this month. That's all. And ya I took off a ten rupee note to give that beggar. Your fine for disappointing me! Chalo. See you next month then. Happy new year to you! Bye'

God and I are more like friends. We have always been. I need him and he needs me. So everything was done. I have cleared all my debts successfully. I was walking with my head held high when I saw the beggar walking past me. Walking!!
The thing with beggars is that you can't really differentiate one from another. But this time I was sure because he was humming the same tune. The tune I love. And he was walking without any support. Didn't he say he was blind? I followed him wanting to take back the ten rupees and stopped short to listen to his conversation with my friend, God.
'Hey God! You have been generous to me today. Some gentleman donated ten to me just now. I know I cheat. But you have made me this way. Today totally I got 20 rupees. As I have promised, I will give half of it to you. Here is the ten'
I saw him giving God the same ten I had given him. The ten that God should have got in the first place. I turned and walked back to my car. I learnt a lot today. God has many friends, so he can't always satisfy, take care of every customer. I need to be patient with him. God creates cheaters. So that he can make a living. And God is an amazing businessman! Look how he got back the ten which I fined him!!! All is fair in business...

Live another day!!!

2008-12-25T01:53:00.003+05:30

Blood! He saw blood in his hands. And he knew he was going to die this time. He knew he had no time for the things he had planned for. He wanted to live. At least another day. He ran towards his house…

It all started when he was a year old. He slashed his hands with a sharp knife by accident and his mom tried doing everything she could but the bleeding didn’t stop. He was taken to a hospital nearby and that was the first time of many more that he was admitted in the ICU. Upon analysis, his parents were told that he was facing a rare genetic disorder. Haemophilia. That’s the first word he learnt in English. And the first definition “Haemophilia is a blood disorder where an essential clotting factor is missing, either partly or completely”. After that day, everyday of his life has been eventful and everything he did was monitored by his poor parents, literally.

He never had the freedom to do things the way other kids did them, he was always under supervision. Why should one word gulp up my whole life?, he often used to wonder. But over time, he had to accept it. His parents told him that he was special and one in million who get this dreadful deficiency. But he didn’t want to be special. He wanted to be normal. He didn’t like the way people treated him. He hated being shown pity. He was not going to let anyone think he was a patient. He wanted to fight. He wanted to show to this world which does nothing but show pity that he was capable of great things. He was going to leave an inedible mark…

He underwent all the known methods of treatment. From the painful injections time to time, the various exercises, the different herbs suggested, to the acts of self-hypnotism, he tried everything. It made no difference to anything. He wasn’t allowed to shave his ugly beard also. What if you get hurt?, he was asked. But I want to shave and look smart!, he cried to himself. He decided he would do something about this. He joined biology course in his higher secondary. And it was then that he felt his life was meaningful. He started believing that it was no fault of his that he is facing this deficiency. He did his under-graduate in Biotechnology. Soon he got tired of all the theory he was reading. He started a local laboratory on his own, with full support from his parents. He knew that they can’t support him forever, that he needed to earn money on his own now. He started working for a newspaper company to earn his living. He worked hard in his lab late nights to develop something that would save his peers all over the world. He knew it was far fetched. But he wanted to die fighting…

Today was that fateful day when his hand got jammed into the printing machine and he was bleeding. Oh shit! Wish I had completed the experiment yesterday! He had developed something but he couldn’t test unless he had medical support in case it failed. He waited for Sunday to test it as it would be an off day for work. He ran hard with blood flowing all over his body. His parents were shocked to see him coming back to home liked that. But he had no time to explain it to them. Unmindful of them, he ran straight to his lab. He had five more minutes. He mixed the final two solutions and drank the resulting liquid as fast as he could. And that was the last thing he remembered…

A week later:
The local newspaper company had lost one of its employees this week. He was hardworking, the boss was thinking. There was a new boy now replacing the dedicated employee. The new boy was looking at the headlines.

A SCIENTIFIC MIRACLE!!

A young scientist from India has miraculously discovered the cure to a long known genetic disorder……

He was reading the same headline. He has suddenly become world famous. And once in the limelight, money comes uninvited. He returned to his lab to start work again. To develop a cheap, affordable cure for the same…

Note: This post is dedicated to all the people who face similar disorders and to that special person whom I have come across having the disorder discussed above.

Happy Birthday!! -to me :)

2008-12-14T20:34:00.004+05:30

Hi all! Please wish me a very happy birthday! (Yes I am known to be open with requests). Never thought I would grow up so soon and face you people with confidence and reassurance that you will all come back to me again. Life so far has been interesting. There have been ups and downs, fun and dull moments, good and bad comments on me but I have lived up to everything I was expected to, I think. That’s what my master also thinks! He has been good to me. In fact AMAZING! He is the best master I could have ever got (that’s an irony actually because there couldn’t have been any other master for me). Though I thought he had totally forgotten me for some months, he has come back to me with the same flair and love now. He treats me dearly and affectionately. He has to, I guess. I am his publicity in charge of sorts and he pays rich visits to my place every now and then. He is my soul, or is it vice versa? Have to ask him that! I know a lot of about him. Must admit, he tells a lot of good stories to me. Now why am I talking about him on MY birthday? People say that I am a lot mature for my age. Yes I don’t follow the usual route to maturity. But I found the going tough at first. No one knew about me and I didn’t have many friends then. But now I have so many friends! I have all of you as my good friends. I store every comment or rating I got from each one of you in my memory. I take it as a privilege if any of you comment on me actually (regardless of bad or good). If in this journey of mine (which will end only when my master’s end), I have hurt you unknowingly someday, please pardon me. After all I am just ONE YEAR OLD! Thanks to all of you again for being my friend and providing the much needed support. Before I sign off, I remind you again to wish me for my birthday!!

Thanks,
With Love,
rivat-hanss@blogspot.com :)

Boomerang!

2008-12-11T23:48:00.003+05:30

“Up and atom……… atom… ant” sounds familiar? Sounds like a tune you used to repeat after every one hour seeing the television? Still wondering? Life has moved on. But sometimes we get comfort in remembering things that always evoke an unintended smile from us. Let us recollect. Recollect a few things we have relished throughout our childhood but seem trivial to us now. The subject I hit upon today is the all entertaining and bewitching cartoons.

Recently when I was browsing through some videos in YouTube, I came across the video named “The Jetsons meet The Flintstones” Part 1-13. Out of curiosity I opened the first and well, the next 2 hours saw me hooked to the cartoon while my work in office was being compromised! It was interesting and engaging. The concept of future and past was so finely documented and each of the present day gadgets were transformed to suit the daily needs of a human. Looking at it from a matured angle, I saw innovation. Innovation in everything from the idea to the screenplay and the story. Considering that these cartoons were made as sketches first made me wonder about the amount of time and artistic labor put into each of those episodes. But that is just the ‘mature’ angle of it.

As a child I loved cartoons. From the thought-provoking Captain Planet, the funky Johnny Bravo, the innovative Dexter, the love-hate Tom-Jerry to the cute PowerPuff Girls, I liked them all. I could see why I liked them so much now. It’s about the unadulterated world it takes you to and the enjoyable often overlooked aspects of life it deals with. The end is always known and predictable. The good always conquers the bad. But isn’t that the message we try to give to every child nowadays? The vicarious happiness a child gets by seeing his superhero conquer all evils is something unparalleled in that phase of his life. Cartoons are known to provide an unimaginable relief to humankind. And the message it intends to convey reach the audience instantly. And it’s attracting. That is probably why we see many epics being made as cartoon movies nowadays. And that is why we have seen the increase in the number of cartoon channels from the one and only Cartoon Network to myriad types of channels catering to the local needs as well.

So why have we come out of that wonderful world now? Grown up? Is that a reason valid enough to forget these wonderful creatures who were our best friends, our role models for long? I don’t think so. So make sure that the next time you log in to YouTube or the next time you see your siblings or nephews catching in on some cartoon, stay tuned to the nostalgic episodes and get yourself surprised when you start recollecting the upcoming scenes as if you had watched them yesterday!!!

"Fighting crime trying to save the day,
Here they come just in time,
The PowerPuff Girls.. PowerPuff.."

Everyone has a 'Job' to do..

2008-12-08T23:49:00.004+05:30

“I am sorry” he said to his boss. “I called by mistake. I was sleeping then. Keypad was unlocked”. His boss was eyeing him with the same big round diabolical eyes. Oh my god! I am going to be fired today! He had unintentionally called him yesterday night at around 3am.
“Hmmm. That’s fine. Your project ends today I believe? Where is the report?”
His face became blank. Oh not so early! “I haven’t completed the report. Can you give me another day?”
His boss’ face started becoming red. “But I thought I had given you extra time already?”
“It got delayed. Please excuse me this time alone”
“But that’s what you said last time?”
He couldn’t react. He was always late. I can’t handle this. And I can’t quit! I need the money!
“Show me your mobile. I need to check if last night’s call was really unintentional or you played a prank!” his boss suddenly got excited as if some brilliant idea had stuck him.
How would you check that?, he wanted to ask. But he managed “Sure. Here it is” and handed his mobile to him.
“I am unhappy with your work. Do you realize that people have been handed out pink slips in our company for under-performance? You are always late. And your reports doesn’t seem like you are putting 100% into it. Vague and unclear. That’s not what I am known to tolerate”, his boss was making these statements casually as he was exploring the mobile.
He was silent. This is not what he expected from his job. He thought he would be able to enjoy all the money he gets. But here it was all different. Work your ass out and still get scolded! No time for any enjoyment! This sucks!
“So I see that you have stored my name as Mr.Hell?” his boss asked without looking up.
Whatever you ask, I won’t answer Mr.Hell!
“Err… sorry. Friends had kept the name as a joke. Sorry”
“Your life is going to be a joke mister!” suddenly getting serious. “I will give you an ultimatum now. Either complete this and your next report within a week or you might as well say hi to your parents again for money”
No! I can’t go back to them now!
“But the next report will by itself take me two weeks! Be reasonable please!”
“Do it within this week or good bye! You may leave now!” the boss’ verdict was always final.
He had to leave the room. He felt cheated. He indeed worked hard. But the expectations were too high. Show the middle finger and leave!, his conscience told him. But what will I do without a job? NO! I won’t complete the work! I’ll see how he can fire me! Suddenly he remembered. He had left his mobile with his boss. He returned to his boss’ room and stopped short at the door as he heard his boss speak to someone over phone…
“No dear. It was that subordinate again. I don’t know what is wrong with him. He is really smart and intelligent. I always believed that he would go places with his talent. Guess something is disturbing him. I felt bad scolding him today. I always do. I have given him some tough work today. I am sure he’ll complete it on time. He is capable…”
He was listening to every word of it. How wrong I was about him?! He returned to his workdesk and started working instantly.

A week later:
“Here are the reports you asked for” he submitted them to his boss. “Sorry for the delay last time. There won’t be any delay from now on”
“That’s good” was his boss’ reply.
His boss saw him walk out of the room. He was laughing. He recollected how smartly he had collected his subordinate’s mobile and asked him to go out, only sure that he would return and how smartly he enacted a phone conversation knowing fully that he was listening. He looked at the reports lying in the table and couldn’t control his laughter…

X CHANGE X --> REVERT!!

2008-12-04T23:30:00.010+05:30

CHANGE. It’s the most popular and inspirational word in English now. The person who is associated with the sudden popularity brought in some ‘change’ to this world. Or did he? It's so easy for him to say 'change' but let’s ponder over things and decide if we really want to change and if so what should change.

Let’s start with a few examples. Can we tolerate snowfall in South India? Is that a change worth considering? Or instead of going to a human doctor, we have robots to examine us and give us medicines. Will that suit fine? Let’s get more basic. Whatever we do, can we change the inherent feeling that our respective moms were the best cooks we ever encountered? Or there is a more fundamental change that we can face? Suppose the whole of mankind is not allowed to mate naturally and only artificial insemination exists? Would that be imaginable? Can we change the urge to go get wet in the rain inspite of the sophisticated showers in our bathrooms? Or say that noone is allowed to walk on their feet, they move around in chairs everywhere? Can we change any of the above and then say we are happy with our lives? The answer, I guess, would be NO to each of these questions.

Then why change things? The basic human needs and urges always remain the same. Those can never be compromised. People are never happy when something is changed. We always look back at things in the past and yearn to get those moments back. Why is that every survey taken about the happiness index tells us that people were happier ten years back? Why is it that people still remember Mahatma Gandhi everytime there is an attack on the democracy and peace surrounding us? Lot of things have changed in the past 60 years haven’t they? Why do we follow religious practices that have been defined thousands of years back?

There is only one justification to all this. We have tried to change things in our past and have realised that they have always ushered in more unhappiness and disorderliness to our lives. That is why we want everything to be reverted back to its original shape. Perhaps the most ordered and stable state ever was ‘existent’ just before Big Bang occurred. Everything has gone awry and will keep on doing so. Practically, what we need to do now is REVERT back things. To get back the world that had no problems like global warming, terrorism, energy shortage etc. We face all of these now because someone changed the orderliness. So next time someone promises ‘change’ shouldn't we say no to them rather than welcoming him with hope? Irony that the person who proclaims the ‘change’ won the famous election because he had shown the grit and determination to keep fighting till the end, something that is basic to human nature, and not because he had an African origin or because he was a ‘changed’ human being.

So the buzz word should be changed from ‘change’ to ‘revert’. Yes, resist changes in your life and revert back to the things that you always missed. Don’t stick to things just because your status demands them or because they are ‘trendy’. Do things because you always liked doing them and see the happiness flowing in your lives. See the happiness that you once enjoyed…

Run for your money!

2008-12-02T23:49:00.003+05:30

He was running hard. He was pushing himself as hard as his physical makeup allowed him to. A quick glance at his watch disturbed him. He had five minutes to save his life and that’s all he had. Thoughts started surrounding him. If only…If only I hadn’t met him in the first place? If only I hadn’t believed what he said? If only I had listened to my parents? If only I had more time now? If only… He was getting desperate. Time was running away. He had to catch up with it somehow. He was running… He was thinking…

He was a normal working professional who had aspirations and who enjoyed life by the minute. It was all normal until he met one of his distant cousins on that fated occasion. Luck never favored me! I should have known when it all started on Friday the 13th! He was offered a partner role in a new establishment and he had to pool in a lot of money for it. His excitement had no parallels at the beginning. I was dumb!! He considered the possibility of owning a company and he was thrilled at the development. Yes he had to invest huge amounts of money, something that would take him five years in his current job to cumulate. Now I have only five minutes! But his partner assured him that profits will be triple the pooled in money. He knew he was always a born leader. Born loser! He was destined to succeed…

The company seemed to do well at the start. But, being heavily dependent on foreign exchange, it had succumbed to the global recession. Things started going awry and he had to face the investors who demanded their money back. Money was in circulation and noone was willing to return a single paise. The troubles started there. His partner had not invested any capital but he had leased out one of his properties for the company office. I was a fool to accept that! So his partner was insulated from the losses of the company though morally he owed 50% of the losses. That bastard has got no morals! Things were looking dangerous and his partner kept on promising him that all will be alright. The bubble burst the previous day when the investors stromed into the company demanding money and asking him to face legal action if he failed to do so. They can’t do this to me! I did nothing wrong! He and his partner couldn’t think of anything. They remained silent. Today…

He got the shock of his lifetime. His partner didn’t turn up to the office. He started suspecting some foul play since his partner had switched off this mobile too. It was afternoon already. Never have they both been late to office without informing the other. He was getting apprehensive. He always admired the cunning nature of his partner. His partner was smart and daring; that had helped in the business. He was too smart for me! But he knew his partner can’t escape since the office was standing in his partner’s apartment now. So somewhere he was assured that nothing would go wrong. Suddenly, two men came into the office and started looking around. On enquiry, they told him that they had bought the apartment an hour ago from his partner. His world sank. His partner had cheated him. His partner had sold his apartment and ran away. Forever…

He was running… He had to catch his partner. He learnt that his partner boarded a taxi to the railway station after getting the money. That sonofa bitch would be killed today! He had no money with him to catch an autorickshaw also. He ran to the station with all his might. Two minutes to the departure of the only train that hour. He was pushing himself. His face had suddenly got the look of a fierce murderer. The train had started by the time he reached the station. He ran hard towards it but was stopped by the railway manager asking him to show his pass or to get a ticket. By the time he got the ticket from the counter, the train had left…

He started crying. He had lost all this money. He had noone to support him now. He was better dead. He started contemplating about suicide when suddenly a hand tapped his shoulder. “Hi buddy! Why you looking worried and lifeless? We are safe now. I sold my apartment and gave that money to the investors who just left by train. I have rented the same apartment from them and we’ll continue our business with the rest of the money I have. And I have also insured the company this time so we needn’t worry about big losses again! All is for good. We are gonna rock again! Let’s celebrate the new beginning tonight with booze what say?” He was short of words when he heard his partner speak. With tears falling and with all the energy he could possibly amass, he hugged him. I was dumb indeed!!!

I AM BACK!!!

2008-12-01T12:54:00.005+05:30

It was dark. And it was pouring down. The road was devoid of any homo sapiens. She looked at it with a blank face from the window. Suddenly she cried ''No!! This is unfair!!'' Everything seemed to conspire against her. She wished dawn would arrive soon and take away the darkness surrounding her. She was left without a company, without a person to cry to. She was all by herself in this moment of truth. Truth which she thought was surreal. She prayed that this would be a bad dream after all and all would be fine when she wakes up. That she would be as normal and cheerful as ever. But somewhere she knew that this was real and imminent…

She had two options. She dreaded them both. There was a war. And she was the reason behind its genesis. She loved both the sides. But she was asked to choose one. She felt miserable. Why can’t there be a compromise? Why either this or that? Why not an option which suited both the sides and her too? She suddenly started hating the person who invented the binary system. She tried to maintain her poise and started to think deeply. Her brain favored one of the options and her heart went for the other, naturally. She knew she had to follow the brain and everything would be fine. Everyone will be happy except her and the other side. But if she followed her heart, she would be happy and he would be happy…

He would be happy. That made her heart to bargain more weightage to its decision. Where was he now? Why isn’t he there for her when it mattered the most? Why did he leave her defenseless to face such a critical development? How can she ever take a decision without consulting him? But how can she consult him when he formed one of the sides? Her brain and heart were about to burst, unable withstand the pressure applied onto them. She was helpless. She was in a jail. She was at her home…

He stepped into the inundated road that was being watched with a blank face by another mortal. It was dawn. He had come to save her from all the perils. He saw her eyes through the window. He immediately grasped the dilemma she was facing. He had to help her. He took out the folded letter from his pocket, tied it with a stone and threw it consummately in between the window rails. Instantly she seemed to have unearthed the long buried smiles from her body and she had plenty of them to give away as she read it aloud…

'follow thy heart for being bold is thy specialty
or follow thy brain for being logical is thy idiosyncrasy
but behold of any surreptitious malicious conspiracy
rejoice, cherish, sing and dance with ecstasy
cos thy heart has arrived safely, smartly and sharply
to show you love truly, deeply, madly, fiercely and incessantly'

charmingly,
your prince

On the reverse side of the paper, it was written in bold capital letters- I AM BACK!!!

AKSARS - The Phenomenon

2008-09-16T19:58:00.005+05:30

Yes its been long. I am very much alive and I am doing good. But job and other things doesn't allow me to write blogposts that often (often?!). I am extremely sorry to all of you who visited my blog again and again only to be disappointed. I promise you that once the month of December comes (why December??), the blog will have lots of new and interesting entries coming up. But I am not going to disappoint you altogether. Some of you might be wondering how the heading to this post is in anyway connected to the body. So here goes...

AKSARS-The Phenomenon is a space dedicated only for my love story. An elaborate account of what transpired and how it materialised, from both persons involved. It is an emotional remembrance of all the events and we thought we needed something like that to record the feelings and happenings which might be heartwarming to read later in life. It might be boring and unrelated to many but it is certainly my BEST writeup ever. So read it. Cherish it!

His Account is the post I have written. Comments are welcome on that blog site.

Note: The blog space has been removed due to unavoidable circumstances. Sorry for the inconvenience.

The way of life..

2008-07-04T18:59:00.006+05:30

The car jerked before it stopped. She looked at the gear handle. Gosh! Not again! She had wrongly put on the 4th gear instead of the 2nd. She suddenly panicked and looked up to see if there were any traffic police guys around. Then she realized she doesn’t have to worry as she had got her driving license recently. She started her journey again. The haunting thoughts came back. She needed to make a decision now. It was the most important decision she ever needed to take in her life. She was troubled by it clearly…

She was a workingwoman. She enjoyed her job and the 2 years in the company was the best time of her life. She has been noticed; she has friends and has an inspirational manager. She had everything going her way. From an apprehensive reticent personality that she somehow managed to be throughout her college life, she has transformed into a more vocal and confident smart pretty girl. She had so many guys behind, trying to flatter her. But she has been smart and focused enough not to get involved into any relationship when her career was just shaping up. But now…

She never believed in love marriage. She loved her parents very much and waited till they decided on her guy. They did. He was another software professional in her hometown. She got a chance to meet and interact with him. She liked him instantly. He was loving, caring and a perfect gentleman. There was not a single blemish in him and she felt she was very lucky indeed. They spoke about marriage, company, life, politics, everything they could think of. He told her he would take her to Switzerland for honeymoon and he also that he cared a damn about the population; he needed 16 kids. She liked his childish statements and she truly enjoyed his company. He made her smile like no one could for a very long time. She was thrilled…

He wanted her to quit her job. She knew she couldn’t. She couldn’t leave this happy life and the city that gave her a new life. She couldn’t leave her friends here, the people who have helped her improve her personality tremendously. Her company didn’t have an office in her hometown but his had one in her city. He wasn’t ready to shift to a new city though. She tried her best to convince him. She couldn’t…

The car reached her home. Her parents were inside. Waiting to get her nod for the marriage. She was thinking.
I am an independent confident woman. Shouldn’t I stop some guy who bosses me around before marriage? If he can’t even adjust this, how will he for the rest of our lives? Won’t I get a better guy in my life? Do I need someone better in the first place? Isn’t he the best guy I have ever seen?
She had to make a decision. Soon. She went inside the house…

Epilogue:
Three years later: He whispered to her in the hospital room, "2 down, 14 to go! Great going wife!!" She managed to convince him after all. Confident girls can do wonders. Men simply melt before them. He moved to the same city as hers. But guys can be smart too. He made sure she didn’t have to go to the office much. 2 pregnancies and well, she was in her hometown for most of the time. Their journey continued…

Things that matter!!

2008-07-01T20:20:00.006+05:30

“How much?” is a question we come across time and again in our everyday lives. Everything (almost) comes at a price. It is one of the most conspicuous P’s in any company’s marketing strategy (the others being place, product and promotion). Money is one entity that inevitably becomes a criterion in any of our choices. We are in a constant endeavor to minimize what we spend and to maximize what we get. The thrill in this endeavor is unparalleled. A lot of boasting comes tied up in this process. Whether it is getting a product for the cheapest available price or for showing off in a branded costly shirt, this is a platform to portray one’s prominence in the immediate society.

Why does this entity hold so much weight? Why do people who have this entity in abundance never seem to get satisfied? Why is the thirst for acquiring money never gets quenched for any individual? Why is power always associated with this entity and social prominence too? There are no satisfying answers for the above. There is always a relative angle applied to this mystifying concept. ‘Abundance’ is a relative word. Only when one makes a transition from lower class to middle class to upper class, does he realize what he thought would be ‘enough’, never was.

This entity becomes the tool for the creation of many undesirable turbulence between people and many have ended up losing their peace, thoughts and life overall in this endeavor. That it can trouble even the most trusted relationships give it an unbracketed ostentatious power. Any individual becomes modest captured within its limits. So should we allow ourselves to succumb to this omnipresent entity? Is there a way to detour the evils associated with this or if not how can one equip oneself to face it bravely?

Well there is certainly a way. To be satisfied with the things you possess and aspire for only those that lie within reach of your purchasing power. Easily said? There are small things we can ‘sacrifice’ of course. Why need a Wi-Fi enabled mobile when you can access Internet in your laptop? Why go for high-end cars when the medium ones with better efficiency will suit you fine? These are some desires of an individual can seem to be ‘greedy’ to others. Once some of these are controlled and withheld, we can actually see a lot of happiness flowing untroubled in our lives.

Note: The author himself is in a state of confusion. Known for his conservative approach towards spending money, he has been credited with some big amount of money as salary today. How is he going to spend or is he going to? Suggestions welcome. (don’t ask for treats though!)

What's next?

2008-06-25T19:31:00.012+05:30

He looked at the bunch of currency lying in the table ahead. It must be worth atleast Rs.50,000 he thought. And a smile spread across his rumpled face. His day was made. He looked into the mirror and saw a weak cadaveric face that showed no signs of any compunction. I am a thief! I should be ashamed! My dad would be ashamed of me!

Gone were the days when he used to be a normal middle class guy who had no issues in his life. But things have changed a lot since then. His father met up with an accident and they had to spend so much on surgery only to face his death in the end. All the money was consumed and he was left to find some way to earn money. With two younger sisters to support, he wasn’t doing well in the mechanic shop, the only place he could find a job. He needed atleast Rs.100 everyday to make ends meet. He started his ‘career’ when his boss left the shop with him for a day. He looted all the money he could and ran. Ran like a mad animal that had seen it’s only prey for the day. He ran…

Here he was. The journey has been smooth so far. He looted from petty shops, supermarkets, settled families, anywhere he could. But today’s was the biggest loot of all. This will solve all my problems! Atleast for now. Today’s was well planned. He knew from the hung banana trees and lights that the Kandar’s family was arranging some funtion. He hid himself behind the house at sunset. And waited for his chance. The bedroom light went off, for dinner probably. He silently climbed into the window of the room and looked around for the locker. To his luck, he found the money lying in the table only. It was his day…

He took the lump of money and put it into his pocket. Suddenly he heard some voices. It was more than a voice. Somebody was shouting. He swiflty hid himself behind the cupboard. Still he was able to hear the conversation.
“What nonsense? Already I have spent so much for this marriage! Why the hell is he wanting a bike all of a sudden?” a stern crisp loud voice of a male.
“Sssh. Please reduce the volume. He says he will marry Suhal only if we give him a new bike. And he is very adamant on that. Seems his friends have provoked him. We cant help it” a female voice probably Mrs.Kandar.
“But we have only 60,000 left! I had to borrow that amount also. We’ll be a doomed before this ends” Mr.Kandar almost in the state of breaking down.
“Please get him one. Our daughter’s wedding is more important. We had to search so long to find this groom. Don’t leave him. We’ll adjust somehow ” was the assuring reply.

Meanwhile the thief was looking at the lump in his pocket. So 60,000!! He then looked around the room. It wasn’t whitewashed for years and the furniture was pretty old too. The room clearly depicted the Kandar’s state of living. He made a decision. He took the money from his pocket, took out one hundred-rupee note and kept the rest in the table. The pen lying on the table was lifted and he wrote “Best wishes” on the note lying on top of the bunch. He jumped out of the room, and started running. Started running with all his might for he was happy today. He had shown that he too had a heart after all. He ran thinking which house next?

Note: This idea is entirely not mine. Have seen a similar scene in one of the Tamil movies.

On a Sunday morning...

2008-06-23T19:52:00.009+05:30

“How much to Begumpet?” I asked the autowala who was generous enough to stop for me. “This goes till Ameerpet only. Rs.15” was his quick reply.Having been brought up with autorickshaws as the main mode of transport in Chennai, Rs.15 for 7-8kms seemed incredulously low. This is Hyderabad, I told myself and these are shareautos as they call. I understood the meaning of ‘share’auto pretty soon. Stop after stop, people got in and suddenly there were as many as six passengers and one driver in the small space! Four poor souls (including myself) in the back and one on each side of the driver…

Traffic signal junctions are a curious spectacle in Hyderabad. The flow of traffic is not well regulated especially in the evenings. I have been a witness to ten minutes of a single line flowing when the other three lines pile on the queue. On a Sunday morning though the flow wasn’t a problem. Looking at the traffic policemen, I was wondering if they would catch my autowala for overloading. Only when I saw other autos in the same plight did I realize the norm here. I also couldn’t stop being amused by the stick like figures of the traffic police. It used to be belly type ones in Chennai, I recollected. It added to the terror then (I didn’t have the driving license till some two months back!). The journey continued…

Tall, new, stylish buildings one after the other clearly meant that we were passing through Hi-Tech city and its famous Cyber Towers. All the major software concerns have their offices somewhere around this place including my office. Though on the outskirts of the city, it is one of the costliest areas given the purchasing power of the people living nearby. Real Estate at its peaks, all major exclusive showrooms, plenty of pretty women around (some spotted with cigars in their hands!), quite a place is this Hi-Tech city. Two of them got down when the autorickshaw stopped. Relief! Not for long. The vehicle was filled soon. Only this time a nice young woman sat beside me. It was quite a journey…

There is a humble gentleman in every guy. But one can’t help when a pretty girl is sitting beside. You start getting highly conscious of yourselves and start to look in different directions, do different things. I for one took out my earphones, switched on the radio and started shaking my head slowly, ostentiously enjoying the song being played. The song? There is one truth I found out about Telugu songs. All of them (well most of them) are simply copied from Tamil cinema! From A.R.Rahman to S.A.Rajkumar, every arbit song is dubbed and the radio is generally full of known tunes. Another truth: I hardly notice people conversing in Telugu here. Hindi is more prominent in Hyderabad which is clearly not the case in Chennai.

The autorickshaw passed through Madhapur, Jubliee hills (the varying altitudes of the roads got the place the name?) finally reaching Ameerpet. The lady got down and walked without caring for the poor guy who tried his best to seem natural. After making the payment to the autowala, I went in search of another to take me to Begumpet. Seeing the crowded ones come by, I wondered if shareautos here should be called spareautos (spare the autos!!)

Instantly recognize!

2008-06-13T19:45:00.008+05:30

There are many basic human natures that inadvertently come out of every individual typifying their personality. One of them is the need for recognition. Everybody wants to get recognized at some point or the other. And there are no exceptions to the previous statement. What might change are the levels of recognition one wants and the group of people from whom they want the same.

It starts right from the time we are born. The baby needs attention always and the constant attention it gets from its mother is the recognition it desires. The youngster needs recognition from his peers and the teachers. The teenager tries all his might to get recognition from his opposite sex, however trivial may the matters be. Similarly the employee seeks it from his managers, the society etc. It’s a never-ending game, a game where satisfaction is never achieved.

What is recognition then? Is it something you desire when you do something out of the ordinary? Is it getting a genuine applause after a presentation? Is it valid for only big things or do small deeds need to be recognized? Depends. Depends on the individual. Depends on the various facades in one’s life. The same person has different needs as an employee, as a lover or a husband, as a member of the society while the levels of the needs vary according to where their hearts lie the most.

What is instant recognition then? Simply put, you do something and expect it to get acknowleged instantly. In a cricket match, as soon as the batsman scores a fifty or a century, the crowd applauses in union. But generally, instant recognition is for the small deeds. You do, get acknowleged and forget about it. It may be as simple as a ‘thanks’ one gets for opening the door to a lady. It is the only form of recognition everyone expects and gets daily. And the delight that one gets for such a trivial thing is so immense that it can keep a whole day going.

Ofcourse there are a few occasions that might be called ‘exceptions’. These pertain themselves to one of the facades of a person’s life. Only when this happens the word ‘humble’ has its meaning. Do ‘humble’ people in office remain the same at home? More often than not the answer lies in the negative. It’s an energy waiting to be released but only others can release it. Accumulation of it leads to stress and other complications. What can we do to help it? Give it to others! Give recognition to all the small things and the people who help you or make you happy, instantly. Give them the happiness even when not asked for and you’ll start receiving them more frequently. Give it to your parents (they never ask for it or need it, but surely a thanksgiving to your parents makes them happy!), give it to your lover (dare not to!), give it to your peers, give to a stranger on the road, give to everyone. In the end, you'll have some nagging feeling in your heart which makes you smile.

P.S: Always know that the author here doesn't expect you to comment everytime. But think. Does it make him happy?

Things you would remember...

2008-06-04T23:37:00.009+05:30

“Are you sure?” the tall stout guy asked him.
“According to the tip off we have received, it must be there only” he was given a prudent reply.
“But that’s far away! The travel takes one and half hours easily. Should we have to go?”
“Come what may I am going now. Coming or not?” the bespectacled guy asked.
“Anyone else to give company?”
“Doesn’t matter. Oh come on!”
“Why the fuck they have to choose such a far away place? And you have seen it already!”
“Me leaving. Bye.”
“Wait! Me game too!”

Eventually they found three more for company. Their journey started. They were getting late. The buses weren’t comfortable. It didn’t matter. For what is in store was something special. There was a big queue when they reached the place. Do they know too?
Suddenly everyone turned towards the road. There they came. Shouts all around and the people in the queue knew instantly that they chose the right movie to watch at the right time……

This is one experience of mine I’ll pleasantly take away from my college life. If you are still wondering, it was the night when all the girls from the college are taken to a special movie screening. It was in my second year. “Ghajini” was the movie in Srivenkatesa theatre, Trichy. It was a ‘privilege’ to share the show with them especially when it was a night show, something we could boast of in our hostels. Receiving the right tip off about the movie and the theatre was imperative. Thankfully I had my sources…

Now the experience is somewhat mixed. You know that all the so-called babes of your college are sitting behind you (well they get the top seats, we had to fight for the bottom ones) and still you couldn’t possibly do anything about it. I mean what can one do when all the security personnel from the college are also accompanying them not to mention the professors with their families (why family?! Using up college’s money! Bloody cheats!). And what can 5 guys do when a herd of the female species shout for anything and everything (Gosh! They shout loud!). The ‘outsiders’ or the normal audience had also taken note of it and it was funny seeing people making faces and dancing in front of the girls, probably the top beauties from Trichy, before the show began. We felt like telling them that they are OUR college girls. But how can we and what purpose does it serve?

The movie. Well having seen it already, the focus of our eyes lay behind our backs. Making note of the reactions they give for various scenes was indeed interesting (not to be elaborated!). Of course they made a note of us too. The interval was the time we could have had some serious fun. The girls weren’t allowed at first to the stalls. Being magnanimous, we offered ice cream to a few (via SMS) and got rejected bluntly. Some luck! The girls were let out later and we got to see a glimpse of the people we see and ‘admire’ everyday in college, yet again in bright light. The movie ended without any more frills. We desperately wanted to get into the college buses along with the girls for the return journey. That would have made our day. That was not offered too. In the end we had to catch the local buses (scanty services in the night) to reach our hostels. So what did we get out of everything? Nothing much. Except that we can proudly say that we had been there in that show even after some 3 years!!!!!!

Epilogue: There was another show “Unnale Unnale” in Cauvery theatre in my third year that we(myself and Kaushik Ram) managed to attend. Similar experience. The final year show was, to our utter disappointment, screened inside college itself on the day it happened.

Jab they met

2008-05-31T23:48:00.006+05:30

“Excuse me?” she said when she couldn’t go through the gang of people in front of her who were busy chatting on some trivial issue. It was then that she saw him amongst the group. Their eyes met…

“I love you! Do you?” he asked her. She needed some time. He kept asking her out. At last she agreed.

“Are you…?” he asked still not believing that it was her in front of him after all these years. With crisp cold serious eyes she replied, “Yes its me!”

“We are the best couple on earth!” he assured her. “Yes honey we surely are” she said with moist eyes. She was very happy whenever she was with him. He got her gifts, chocolates, flowers anything he could imagine of. They were happy.

“Errr… How are you?” he was shaking. She kept staring at him with her diabolical eyes that clearly had a tale to tell. “Errr… Sorry” was all he could manage then.

“You won’t ever leave me right?” she asked him while lying in his shoulders. “Oh come on! Never! Not till I die!” his reassurance was all she needed to be happy.

“Why did you?” she was choking when she asked. “Why did you cheat me?” “I can explain!” he tried holding her hand and got slapped in his face hard.

“I am leaving to Delhi tomorrow honey,” he told her over the phone. She cried instantly and incessantly. “Hey I’ll be back dear. Very soon. As soon as I could” he tried to console the soul over the phone. “Please don’t go! I can’t live without seeing you…”

“Get out of my sight!” she barked at him. “You are a cheat!”

“No!” he wanted to clarify. “I tried reaching you…” he got slapped again before he could finish that statement.

She waited to hear from him. He had given a landline number that was never attended. She had no other way of communicating him. She tried to reach his office only to find out that he was fired a month before. She waited for him to call her. She waited…

“I still love you,” he told her. “I am married now” was her instant reply.

He never called. She was getting anxious. Her parents had fixed up a groom for her. She needed him now. She needed him to come and take her away. She loved him more than anybody on this planet. She needed him…

She wanted to ask him a lot of questions whenever she got to meet him next. She wanted to ask him why he was so nice to her first and why he left her all of a sudden without any trace. She needed answers from him. Suddenly her mobile ringed. “Hey come over here fast! Me sitting here in this restaurant looking at the blank chair beside me!” her face suddenly brightened when her man called. Her new man. She managed an ‘excuse me’ and walked past him in a hurry. He kept looking at her thinking how much he missed a girl as lovely as her. He wanted to tell her how he was fired from his job. How he suffered in the city one from shortage of money and other by missing her. He didn't want to call her and tell her that her man was a loser. He wanted to settle down into a good career and then call her. When he finally did, he was told that she was getting married in a week. He kept the phone down, shocked and dejected. He vowed never to interfere in her life again…

One night @ the ball center: IPL

2008-05-23T01:07:00.003+05:30

I didn’t want to. Never thought I would. But it was so captivating that here I am writing a blog entry. May 21^st, 2008 it was. The match was between Chennai Super Kings and Bangalore Royal Challengers. Having got the tickets (Rs.200 ones) three days back, I was eagerly awaiting the change from the monotonic holidays that I was having. The day arrived. It got along with it some spells of moderate rain, enough to make any ticket holder anxious. Hoping to see some cricket, I proceeded to the stadium along with my cousin and few friends. The next six hours were one of the most action packed periods I have witnessed, so much so that the match became secondary to all of us.

Music was on air when we entered the stand. We took the first row quite close to the square boundary but with a grill fence in between. Ours was the only fully filled stand in the stadium, quite understandably. The music show had Tipu and Srileka Parthasarathy showing off their singing talents and the famous Tamil beats made the audience to dance to their tunes, including the author. The next one-hour invigorated our minds though all our energy were drained away. Meanwhile we were witnessing the ground staff drain away the water from the fields and few players take catching practice. The drizzles continued but that was forgotten when drummer Sivamani started his beats. Then came the real fun…

So much hue and cry were made about the cheer girls and their dress that one thought it must be an exaggeration. How can cheer girls glamorize cricket so much that the match itself takes a backseat? Well it did!! There they came and the whole stand started gaping at them. Especially the girls of team Bangalore (thankfully we choose this match to watch!). The short ‘Shorts’ and deep cut ‘Tops’ attire was sensual enough to make any dad sitting with his children feel embarrassed. Shouts of ‘I love you’ filled the air and for once everyone wanted Bangalore to hit some boundaries to see these girls in ‘action’. The height of excitement came when former SS Music VJ Lekha Washington walked passed us in strapless tops and low fit jeans.

The match was becoming predictable. Bangalore was struggling and there was no way they could possibly put up a fight. Chennai bowlers were too strong and Dravid fought a lone battle. The total of 126 in 20 overs, the least by any team that played full quota of overs in IPL, was in no way respectable. Chennai started confidently. 60 for 0 in 9 overs meant there was only one result that the match was heading to. We were disappointed, as after all we had paid to witness a good match in the first place. Especially the author, who wanted Bangalore to do well for more than one reason. Suddenly things changed. Kumble and Steyn got the Royal Challengers back into the match and some poor shot selection by Super Kings batsmen made them gift the match to the Royal Challengers. The Chennai crowd became furious and empty bottles were being thrown into the ground. The following few minutes saw some commotion; the cheer girls had to run away while the police personnel lathi-charged a few.

The fun ended there but the night was surely memorable. The music, the dance, the rain, the cheer girls, the crowd, the match, the company (and that certain mischievous friends of mine flicked burgers from stalls!), the atmosphere, everything made us have a ball in M.A.Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk. So much for Rs.200!!

Life's like a cup of coffee??

2008-05-21T01:09:00.005+05:30

It may be tough to get a girlfriend but it is even tougher to keep her happy. The guy has to put on various facades, pretend to appreciate everything about her and also criticize things she doesn’t like or believe in. There are trivial things that get more importance while the serious things aren’t even cared about. Maintaining a 'happy' girlfriend is an art by itself. There was this guy who had a tough time with his girlfriend. Their story goes like this…

Yes he was very happy when she said yes to him. But that was after so much deliberation. She was modern in her outlook. He was a fun-loving creature born to freak out and is never serious in anything he does. She liked the funny side of him but always feared his insincerity. He, well he liked her. (Does a guy need a reason to like a girl?) Life was fun till they started going out. She liked freaking out too. They decided to meet up everyday at 4pm in the Coffee Day outlet near her house. He was staying some 7kms away and was without any vehicle. So everyday he had to start pretty early.

Day one: He started at 3.30 sharp. Went to the bus stand. To his luck got a bus immediately. Only to find out that it takes a longer route to reach the destination. Heavy traffic and heavily crowded bus made the journey an ordeal for him. He gasped for breath when he got down. Shit!! He was late by 30 minutes. He ran to the coffee outlet. There she was sitting in the corner table looking as gorgeous as ever, at least according to him. With a smile across his face he sat opposite her. “Idiot! Why are you late?! Can’t you at least send a message? I have been waiting here for 35min! Useless creature! You put my mood off! ……” He was shocked when she blasted out at him. He tried convincing her, all in vein. They didn’t even drink coffee properly that day. He came home disappointed.

Day two: He started at 3 sharp. Went to the bus stand. The bus didn’t arrive. It took him ten minutes to get a bus. Alas! He got the same bus as the day before. The same conductor was staring at him! He was smart this time. He got down in the next stop and waited for the shorter route bus. It did come. But… He was late by 20 minutes when he reached the coffee outlet. She was sitting in the same corner table with a lovely face glamorized by the diligent use of make up. “Idiot! Useless! ………” He was furious when he reached home that day. What nonsense is this? Why can’t she understand?

Day three: He started at 3 sharp. This time he took an auto rickshaw straight. Yes never mind the money. She was more important. But the traffic was the same. Fuck! What the hell are these traffic policemen doing? Can’t they set the traffic right for once? Slowly he was moving towards his destination. It was one km away. Ten minutes to go. And as lady luck has her way, the auto rickshaw had one of its tyres punctured! He paid the driver and started looking for another. Not even one on sight. Desperate to go on time, he started running. With all his force he ran and he reached the coffee outlet on time. He looked at the corner table expecting to see her pleasing face. She wasn’t there. He waited. It was 4.10pm. She didn’t come. Suddenly he thought of something. He went out and hid himself in the shop nearby. She came at 4.15pm. He waited till it was 4.20 and went in. “Idiot! How dare you keep me waiting?! It’s been 20 minutes! I am seriously getting tired of you! Get lost ……” He begged and pleaded for pardon. She finally gave him one more chance. He went back home thinking. Bitch! Will teach her a lesson!!

Day four: He started at 2pm. Took an auto rickshaw and reached the place by 3pm. He wanted to be safe. He sat there in the outlet. The time was 4pm. She didn’t come. He was furious. Bitch! Will scold her like anything! How dare can she play this game with me? She came in at 4.15pm. “Wow! I know you’ll be on time dear. Love you so much! Come lets have coffee. You order today ……” He smiled. All the anger and all the things he had planned to say vanished on the sight of her. The date went well.

The moral(?!): Boys remain boys and girls remain girls…

P.S: None of these stories are related to the author and his life unless the post specifically has the label "My life".

Just another way to post an entry...

2008-05-19T23:23:00.011+05:30

He was staring at the time in the right bottom of his monitor. It showed 10.37pm. Damn it! The day was about to end in 80 minutes and he had promised the world to post a blog entry on that day. Was it possible? Of course it was. But on what should he write about? His mind was racing…

Can it be on the IPL matches? Nah! Everyone is writing on that. Newspapers too carry a lot of weight age. But should he at least tell them that he is going to watch Chennai vs Bangalore in two days? hmmm… Maybe. No. Too boring.

Something on the vacations he is having? Nothing much to write though. All he is doing is sitting with his computer or TV. What about the swimming classes he is undertaking? He hasn’t learnt anything concrete yet to tell them na.

The Jaipur blasts? The US elections? The 123 deal? Nope! very serious topics those are. There is nothing very interesting in his personal life too of late to tell. God this is going to be tough! Why the bloody hell did he promise a blog post then? Wait a minute! He can write about his birthday na. No nothing special this year.

Suddenly his thoughts started vacillating… Birthday. 21 already. If only the girl was ready to marry!! Hey why didn’t I cut a cake today?? Grown up? Hmmm… Hey have to reply to all the wishes I got in Orkut. Almost forgot. Man I choose a great day to write a blog post didn’t I? Bad. Should be doing better things on a birthday. Better like?? Hmmm… Chatting with friends? Maybe. Hey get back!! You have an unfinished job at hand!!

Yes he did. So on what topic to blog? A story yet again? Yes that’s the only option. All his stories have been well received till date. So what made them tick? Is it because of the intriguing plot or because of the comical side applied to it? Maybe because of the standard of English used? Nah… The comments he got for the last post…

“…only the language seemed forced.”, “…and whats with the new thesaurus of yours.. or are you using an online version..”, “…ana simpler english le ezhudhina engalukkum sulabam”

By the way, what was so tough in that post? Isn’t the meaning of ‘conjecture’ anybody’s guess? How secretive can the meaning of ‘surreptitious’ be? Didn’t the usage of ‘succinct’ make the paragraph brief?

Well well…The blogs are for the readers so he had to get back to the simpler words which are in no way going to affect the post or the flow anyways.

As he sat thinking, a sudden urge in him made him to look at the time in the right bottom of his monitor. It was 11.17pm. His eyes then glanced to the monitor screen that had a Word document newly typed. A tinge of smile came back to his face as he looked at the document. Yes! He had done it. A new post was ready all by its own. On time, for needed to write his diary entry too before the day ended. He edited and reedited the post and copy pasted it into his blog. The day ended, satisfactorily.

BIT ... careful

2008-05-17T00:39:00.004+05:30

The time was 1pm. One more hour was left. He was looking at his watch with a nefarious smile spread across his round face. I have escaped thus far! I am a born genius! He was. His style was singular and inimitable. “What are the portions?” he asked his classmate. Yes the exam was in an hour and still he was unaware of the portions. Should he care? Not when he had the most powerful technique in hand!

“Bits” as he affectionately called it. He defined it as “A method to succinctly prepare questions for exams upon conjuncture which should be highly surreptitious and must be done assiduously without any compunction” He was a master and considered it preposterous to study hours and hours for a single exam. Here he was, ready to face the final exam in college life…

It all started in his second year of college when he is under prepared for an important exam due to sudden illness. He had no other option to escape from the predicament that he faced. Though his friends reproached, the remonstrance didn’t prevent him from attempting the alluring technique. And as evil always brings some luck with it in the beginning, he got the best grade possible in the subject. This spurious success made him a recidivist. Over time he became highly presumptuous. The journey has been smooth and uneventful thus far…

Here he was ready to face the last impediment in his college life. Without any foreboding he took out the nicely cut out bits of paper and started preparing the subject. Three bits and ten minutes was all that required for him to finish this paper. He walked to the exam hall with a pompous and cavalier attitude that clearly seemed to mock at the people cramming outside the hall. Three more hours and he was a free bird…

The paper was easy. It didn’t matter. He had almost everything in hand. Shouldn’t take much time! Half way into the exam, his mind was wavering. Should meet up with my girlfriend as soon as possible! No first should meet the HOD. That fat ass will stare at disbelief when I go tell him how successful my academics have been. How dare he reprimand me for being languid in second year?! He looked at his watch. God! When will 5 come? He had almost completed the paper. He folded the bits he had used and kept it in his shirt pocket aloofly and tied the answer script. The time was 4.30pm and he had had enough. With a phlegmatic face he made a frivolous walk towards the invigilator to give the answer script…

The time was 5pm. The HOD was staring at him, with his answer script in hand. The HOD’s diabolical eyes met his face portraying deep ignominy. “Why did you?” he demanded…

The time was 4.30pm. He walked towards the invigilator. As he gave the answer script to the invigilator sitting in the other side of the desk, it fell out of his hands. He reached down to take the paper when the bits in the shirt pocket came out and flew beyond his reach, only to be spotted by the invigilator. He was caught. At last!!!

Memoirs of my college life..

2008-05-16T00:30:00.013+05:30

Four long years in NIT Trichy have seen a vivid transformation in me from an apprehensive, hesitant individual to an expressive, confident one. These years have helped me to form a perspective of various things and have overall shaped my personality (good or bad). Here is a recollection of things that happened in my life through these years followed up with a thanksgiving to every single thing that had helped me during my stay in NITT…

First year: The foray into the unknown world combined with the added ‘freedom’ was challenging; New friends, exposure to new cultures, myriad of clubs, variety of girls, different preparation for exams, excellent roommates, frequent parties, movies, Mr.Agate distinction, murder in college, being elected as Hostel Rep, supposed preparation for IIT, new mobilephone, being hooked into table tennis, horrible mess food, satisfying GPAs, many one side crushes, the year was over in a flash.

Second year: The entry into a new department, terrifying one at that. New roommates, out of touch with northees, contact with girls, events for schools as part of club work, school juniors entering to find nice receptive seniors (pun intended!), induction into college hockey team, Ruby cup, various getups being tried, usage of BITs, horrifying GPA, BAD(?!) habits, finding new close friends, various night shows in trical audi. Well was a tough year but at the end I might have settled; for it.

Third year: New close friends, new impressive hostel, decent food, class trip, decent GPAs, more responsibility in club, focus on career, Campus placement course, CAT preparation, new set of school juniors, gaining popularity, DAV team for Ruby cup, responsibilities in events like Pragyan and Festember, getups at their best, product design course, life was indeed fun-filled.

Final year: President of Wisdom club, placement in Oracle, CAT preparation and the exam itself, becoming a blogger, new friend in life (eventually girl friend), CPCs for juniors, XAT and interview, new set of school juniors, death of a junior, senti time, roaming the city with girlfriend, movies, bus journeys, trip to Ooty with friends, last set of getups, heights of popularity, Mr.Trendy sms poll winner, project work, driving license and passport, rem books, slam books, treats, BYE BYE to college, the year marks an end to the adventurous time I had experienced in NITT.

All the excitement, heartbreaks, responsibilities, acquaintances, knowledge and experiences have made me ready to face the corporate outside world as I step into it. I hereby thank all the following contributors to my stay in NITT:

My friends, roommates, wingmates, hostel, messwalas, ali uncle (AU), teachers (for passing me in every sem!), club’s staff advisors, juicy, icey, snacky(old one), dhabas, class reps, event coordinators, clubs, books and novels, coffee shops, Times of India, my old cycle, medical shop, State Bank ATM, pineapple akka, canteen, sportscentre, hockey team, clubmates, classmates, theatres in Trichy, bus servies of Trichy, FM stations in Trichy, Meridian, Azzez, my mob, owners of computers in hostel, Training and Placement Department, CIC reps, ICE dept, Barn hall, A2 hall, Trical Audi, school juniors, dept juniors, NITTfest, Pragyan, Festember, my shaving set, my fans and critics, the girls who rejected me, the girls I rejected, the girl who accepted me and finally you, readers of my blog… and to everything and everyone!!

The four years might have ended quickly but the memories of the wonderful time I had will never cease to exist in my mind. BYE BYE NITT!!! :(

A 'different' post

2008-04-12T23:21:00.001+05:30

Year 2000: The chocolate ad: the girl opens the chocolate cover, puts it in her mouth and umm, a whirlpool of chocolate flowing in the television and the audience gape out apparently submerged with the thought of them having the same experience. The basic ad.

Year 2007: The ‘Mentos’ ad: a guy comes late to class and is thrown out. He has one ‘Mentos’ and becomes intelligent and innovative. He finally succeeds in fooling the teacher. It forces a smile on the faces of the audience. The latest ad.

The basic ad which gives a brief description about the product and how it works no longer appeals to the people. The latest ad which has nothing to do with the product appeals more to the intelligent audience. But WHY??

The answer lies in the word ‘Differentiation’. This is an age where innovation and differentiation is the key to any body’s success. There came a time when every other company was using the same jargon of “our product improves this and this in you…” and it started irking the customers. The rush of many players into every field made it impossible to decide on a product by looking at an ad alone. Gone are the days when models and actors will hold the product in their hands and the ad is done. Companies started having one-liners for their products then. The attractive one-liners with a 'hum'able tune captured the young student minds at least. But still something was missing. Some companies were smart enough to realize this and thus we have a plethora of innovative ads lined up every time we tune in. A few examples would exemplify this more.

‘Lays’ was a product which had monopolized the market till last year. ITC wanted to come in but it was almost impossible to capture any space. The only way to compete with ‘Lays’, leave alone overtake, was to through extensive publicity and innovative ads. The product was named ‘Bingo’ and the ads were an absolute nonsense to say the least. It had nothing to do with the product and it made no sense. Except that it got the attention of the audience through its unique bold style. Now we see the product being lined up in every store and it is doing some brisk business although still ‘Lays’ is the leader.

‘Mentos’ is the leader when it comes to making innovative ads. The one about the teacher mentioned above captured everyone’s attention. The ad about a guy missing everything in darts and finally being made to throw daggers at a person makes use of the scientific principle of NOT in a funny way. All that these ads achieve is to get the name of product registered in the minds of the audience and make them try the product when they see it in supermarkets.

The following personal local example is something I wish to share with you all. When I was “girl-friending” a couple of weeks back, ‘madam’ wanted to go to a restaurant named ‘Mclaurens’ in Trichy town. Her friends had tried the restaurant and apparently found it good. We asked the locals and no one had any idea about it. We tried with the autowalas, the shopkeepers and literally everyone. We gave up finally and went inside a restaurant which was named ‘Namma Vidu’ as it looked good. To our surprise or say shock, it was the same restaurant we had intended to visit except that it had two names: ‘Namma Vidu’, a tamizh name for the surrounding locals and ‘Mclaurens’, a funky name for college students!

The message is simple and clear. For all those who want to be noticed and be successful, just ‘BE DIFFERENT’!!

Calibrating Cognition : SENSORS'08

2008-03-22T23:34:00.019+05:30

--- One of the most looked-forwarded to events in NITT college life is the respective department’s symposium every year.There are many plausible reasons for this:

You get to see your class girls in saree
You get to see junior girls in saree
You get to eat some unlimited nice snacks
You get to present yourself in formal full hands and ties
You get to take pictures with anyone you feel like
You get to have one Friday off generally, citing the organization of the event
You get to have some fun overall

This year’s SENSORS was not short on any of these points. The inauguration saw an unprecedented full capacity A2 hall, a first for any symposium in college. And it set the tone for the next two days. Day One was short as the events started around 6pm. All the preliminary events took place by the end of the day. That SENSORS’08 was not allowed to have informal guest lectures was indeed a dampener. The organization team had to arrange for only technical events and guest lectures. Given this, that the symposium managed to get many participants from outside the college was an indication of the innovation applied to the new events and also the good publicity that must have been given to all the colleges.

Day Two was the most eventful day. The girls had come in their best dress (sarees) and makeup and they did make a few heads turn (at least the junior girls). The guys including the author had come in formals and A2 hall was buzzing with smart guys and girls. The events were all technical but the social relevance that it expected to serve was conspicuous. Be it project presentation or solutions to practical problems or recent trends in the instrumentation field, it had everything. One pleasing thing was to see some introvert classmates participate and speak out in front of all and win some prizes. Absence of big names in the guest’s list lessened the popularity levels that the event deserved to attain.

The Chairman of the event was smart enough in making sure that snacks got a big share of the budget and that surely attracted all the department's students. The event was organized on Thursday and Friday rather than the usual weekends which meant that the students had two extra days off and all were delighted. Cameras were flashing all around as no one wanted to miss the occasion when everyone felt smart and confident. The closing ceremony was held without much fuss. The event was over. Only officially though. For the REAL fun started after this.

It was that time of the day after an event when the organizers wish they hadn’t organized the event. A mob of people, who generally consist of juniors, tired and irritated with the amount of work given to them during the event, starts looking out for the organizers. To give what we famously call BUMPS. The organizers run like they are mad but always in vain. And the next 2-3 minutes will be a living hell. If you are a curious onlooker and an extreme blabbermouth, better beware. For any attention you get now will instigate the mob towards you and bang!

The students headed to A2 hall after the bumps showdown, apparently tired. But the real energy was released in the minutes that followed. Music all around, people dancing to tunes and cameras catching every second of the activity onstage, the fun element reached its high. The girls joined in and that’s always the best motivation any guy can get. Everyone shed any inhibitions they might have had and were open to all cranky stuff. The minutes that the students shared in the evening are something which will remain for long in all their minds. Those of you(ICE dept.) who missed out, try finding a bigger loser than yourself!! The sponsored dinner was the icing on the cake. Overall SENSORS’08 was a cultural event walking with the facade of a technical one. Congratulations to all the organizers for doing an excellent job. Kudos guys!!

How it all happened!!

2008-03-15T20:18:00.003+05:30

The time was 14:49. He had to do it. But he didn’t know how to. His heart started beating fast. He could sense his hand shaking when took his mobile. He couldn’t wait. This was the time……

His mind was racing. It all started on one eventful day when the seemingly innocuous girl required his help. It was a new contact and he was more than happy to help. She was sweet and nice and he liked her innocence instantly. He never did anything to build the relationship but she opted to be in constant touch and slowly they became friends.

The message was typed in a hurry. He edited and re-edited it to make it sound perfect. It had to. With a lot of apprehension and fear, he pressed the ‘send’ button......

The friendship blossomed over the next three months. Messaging and chatting online weren’t uncommon. He always had a soft corner for her for she fondly called him ‘Godfather’ and he also liked her outgoing, loquacious nature. Then things changed somewhere around two months back.

The mobile display showed that the message was sent. He became restless. He anxiously waited for the delivery report to come. It didn’t. It took two minutes, which according to him was eternity, for the message to get delivered. She took her mobile and read……

Things changed. She was facing problems in her personal life. And she was ready to confide all those in him. He was pleased to help her out fully and they became close. They started meeting often. Message count everyday increased exponentially for him. Not a day passed without contacting her. And finally it happened. They mutually agreed to become life partners.

She saw the picture message. A rose, with the message below ‘I think I love you.. Do you?’ Before she could react, he held out his hand holding a gem-studded ring and asked her ‘Will you be my girlfriend?’A big smile spread across her face and a spontaneous YES came out of her lips. He felt he was dreaming. She showed her hand and he slid the ring across her soft finger and it was all over……

Wow!! It was one tense period let me tell you, even though I knew the answer before. Finally I got some courage to propose to a girl didn’t I? March 13^th, 2008 is a date to remember indeed. Our relationship seems straight out a Tamil movie. She was one of the firsts to read my ‘Advice to all young men’ blog post and she had said ‘you have written it well but I don’t think it will work’. She always used to call me ‘Sir’. She was one girl who was willing to be spotted in public with me and didn’t mind the speculations that were flying around. I loved her company and I guess she liked mine too. Time flew off whenever we met and the compatibility levels were so supreme. I admired the consummate else with which she made friends and maintained them. There were so many similarities we shared, nature wise. But only when we started sharing our ‘dark’ secrets did I realize the potential life partner in her. I liked the ‘flaws’ she had and that she was ever ready to listen to my words was encouraging.

Telling her my intentions were relatively easy for I knew our relationship was strong enough. But we decided to consult many of our friends before we decided on anything. The age factor was always there and also that my career is pretty much settled when hers is not. And I having a notorious reputation with girls was something she had to ponder over. But even after all the negative reactions she got from many, she was ready to accept me. And that was all I needed. We decided to wait till my interview got over.

On March 10^th, in between my two interviews (read previous post) I told my Dad about her. And I eventually told my Mom and Ranju too and showed them her photo. Being always given the freedom to do anything, they were quite fine about it and wished me ‘all the best’. They were indeed worried about her career and I promised them that this won’t interfere. So the stage was set.

I took her to the Meridian and the story followed (she did not have any idea that I would propose that day! Actually there was a fight on who should propose and I being a gentleman finally gave up). It rained slightly when we came out (it had to! I had at last proposed!). And Dad was the first one to hear the news when he made his everyday routine call. Everyone got to know and we got back mixed reactions. But both of us are happy and contended with everything that has happened. So here ends this colourful post to signify a colourful life ahead! Gosh! Life is very cruel. Even ARS has been made a romantic!!!

March 10th, 2008

2008-03-11T20:04:00.004+05:30

As described in the previous post, the dreaded day arrived, finally. All the preparation, all the mock interviews, all the information hogged in to my brain was about to bear fruit. Couldn’t sleep much the night before. The anxious night was spent hugging Ranju while she was sleeping peacefully. The only face which refreshes my mind and gives hope. The sun rose to a lovely morning…

Started with some bad news. India couldn’t qualify for the Olympics in hockey for the first time ever. Being a hockey player it was indeed disappointing but I somehow got the feeling that it was a perfect base for my interviews. My intuition was correct, true to every word. Got ready in the hurry and was there in Loyola College, Chennai at 8.45am. The first interview (for the Business Management course) was at 9.20am. Must comment here that I looked too smart in tie, full sleeves and shoes, which was confirmed by many.

I was called in. Where are you from? Why Oracle when you are an Instrumentation engineer? Why such a less GPA? Which company on earth will prefer a lazy guy like you? Why do you always follow what others say? Why aren’t you mature enough? Gosh! It was surely leading into a good stress interview. After some convincing answers, topics like hockey, instrumentation etc, I felt it went well. But it lasted for only 10-12 minutes!! When all others had interview time of 20 minutes, I felt this was short and though it shouldn’t matter, it still disturbs me.

Then I had my PMIR (Personnel Mgmt and Industrial relations) Group Discussion (GD) and interview scheduled at 2pm. During the break, some important thing happened on which there is a post coming up. Keep waiting.

So PMIR GD was at 2pm. If you didn’t know, I hate GDs!! Never am I able to do well in them, as I found out from the mock GDs. So with some apprehension, went into the hall. AIM: HIV/AIDS and ten points to be prioritized for their prevention/control. 3 girls in our group and gosh, damn the girls these days!! First they were very much loquacious and dominating and next they spoke very freely on the topic. Your highness was unable to barge in much. 3-4 sentences in between. That’s all. Then the wait in the waiting room for some two hours till my interview. Agonizing. Pity my dad who had to wait with me too. Meanwhile I must acknowledge the QUALITY of girls coming for interview. The sample space is quite encouraging indeed!!

The interview went fine. Basic HR stuff. 15 minutes. But somehow I felt the first interview went better. I prefer only the BM course anyways and wont take the PMIR thing even if it was the only option. So at last!! Everything over!! I was a free bird, again!!

Got some time off with dad and Ranju. Went and attended two receptions in the evening. One was Sita’s(college junior) sis’ and the other, dad’s friend. And then was in cousin’s place, clearing some of her doubts in math. Tenth board exam today. Finally, I came back home, with nothing to do but sleep. Wow! Some heaven it felt…

By the way, 365 messages were sent from my mobile during the day!!!!!!! Hmmm…

Past 30 days...

2008-03-11T18:43:00.007+05:30

Hello people. Its been a long time since I blogged. Must say I was quite busy; you will yourself get convinced of that by the end of this post. This February was indeed interesting. Here is the recollection of the main events that happened during this time (with due thanks to my diary):

February 14^th: the month of February means only this day for many. But as usual it was just another day in my life. Some roses from opal and a few sent. All in good stead. This special day wasn’t so special after all! (Line quoted from my diary).

Ruby cup: the cricket tournament was back. So was the usual hype surrounding it. Teams were formed. Our DAV team christened “The Mighty Crusaders” was ready and was full of enthu. The captain resigned (me!) to concentrate on his own performances. The new Captain-Manager combo brought in fresh energy. A good new bat was bought and a new opening combination was to be tested (me as opener). The openers never failed in the tournament and were the top two run getters of the team. But our bowling and fielding let us down and we were knocked out in the first round. But not before we upset a good team, which eventually went on till the semifinals. We lost yes, but we had an amazing time in the field, while formulating strategies, everything. Hats off to all the players!! A second year team eventually went on to win the cup by one wicket margin in a heart breaking finals against a final year team. Second years won the volleyball and football tournaments too.

Cycle tests: prefer not to comment! But still… bits weren’t all that helpful. Managed a 2/20 in one subject (other marks pending!)

Pragyan'08: it was the GETUP time. One of the last chances I had to portray myself in various styles and beard shapes. Day 0: long hair brought down to hide my face, scared many girls I believe. Day 1: some style with the beard, earrings, wanted to show myself as a hardcore rowdy. Wasn’t too convincing I guess. But it sure did make girls stay away. Day 2: old styled hair with a Charlie Chaplin moushy. Unrecognizable from the previous day totally. Many found it innovative. Girls stayed away. Day 3: the last day. Stunning haircut, coolers and smart look. Girls wanted to come and hug (over optimism!!). But I made a big statement indeed. Again was not easily recognizable. Easily this Pragyan was the best four days when it came to my getups. I was satisfied myself. Only disappointment was that i had to trim my hair. Interview was ahead.

Hockey: final year team totally out of touch and to make matters worse, we lost the first two matches in the league of the inter-year tournament. And I found myself badly injured. But the girt and determination we had was amazing and we came back to win the next three matches to win the silver medal! Though it was below last year’s gold, this was the most satisfying medal of all!

Ooty trip: fourteen of us (mostly wing mates) went to Ooty during one of the weekends. It was one of the best trips I had ever been to. 2 days of tiring travel and 5 different buses to reach Trichy from Ooty, it was all worth it!!

The GIRL!!: what the hell was happening to ARS?? Was he planning to commit? Or has he already settled? Or was he playing with the life of yet another girl? Hmmm…Questions and speculations all around as I was spotted too often in all places with a girl during the past month. All I can say now is “keep guessing!!”

Ranju: doing great. Just managed to pass in Hindi this time I guess. Have missed her lots.

Dad: the usual advises continued and this month, he showed me how technology has really changed people. Everyday some 4-5 smses from him on management concepts, how to tackle the interview and everything. Hi-fi English, tough to decipher, man it was fun!

Mom: ever busy with her life. Ranju to be taken care of. Praveshika Hindi exam ahead. Always advising me on health, food etc. Loved every part of it. And as we saw the results now, she has successfully completed her Praveshika exam!! I am so proud of you mom!! (in spite of knowing that all answers were dictated in the exam hall)

XLRI interview preparation: days flew past me. The fear of the dreaded March 10^th was plaguing my mind throughout. I suddenly became an avid reader of the newspapers and also was highly inquisitive when it came to stock market related stuff. Got hold of a management novel called “The Goal” and also was regularly attending classes taken by PathFinder’s Murali sir. This was an opportunity I wanted to grab fully. And I made use of every possible alternative to gain some valuable information. Was it enough??

Poochu: the dog that was omnipresent in our college, the dog I used to call my girlfriend, the dog which saved me once from another dog, the dog all my year guys were fond of from our first year, got run over just outside the campus on February 15^th. May she rest in peace… LOVE YOU POOCHU!!

WE ARE HAPPY TO SEE YOU AGAIN ANNA

2008-02-09T23:46:00.001+05:30

Today was the first time I came home since the semester began. I stayed back in the hostel all these while citing some reason or the other. It is the last semester of college and I wanted to spend more time with my friends. Finally this weekend was the apt time to come home I thought. For I was broke in the first place and can't come home for the next four weeks (already many plans!).

The bus got delayed and the door was locked by the time I reached home. Dad to office, Mom and Ranju some outing. Damn! Nice reception! I thought. Got the key from the neighbor and on opening, I found a letter lying in the table. The letter was colourful(violet crayons with shades of orange and pink sketch pens in between) and the handwriting made its writer more apparent.

FROM

Your sweet sister

TO,

ANNA

WELCOME HOME

ANNA

WE ARE HAPPY TO SEE YOU ~~AGIAN~~ AGAIN

Keep smiling

Ranjini :-)

Now wait, this was written in the front cover of the envelope. Ranju always has this habit of writing letters to people. But it’s generally on some festive occasion say new year, diwali or to me on raksha bandhan. So this was a bit surprising. There must be some reason! I thought. There was nothing. A sudden joy and love for her filled my heart. All these days I didn’t even speak to her over the phone and here she was writing a senti letter to me. I wanted to hug her but she was not there. She has missed me dearly! I felt guilty for not coming home often. After some 3-4 months I probably wont have time to come home as and when I wish. I never cared for her enough I thought. All I did every time I came home was to ask for her marks and then scold her severely for not getting enough in Hindi. It was one of the reasons why she never wanted me home I had presumed. I was never a good brother! With all these thoughts, a sentimental Rivat Hanss opened the envelope that was sealed with pins. Suddenly a pen popped out. That’s a nice gift! Then a piece of paper, nicely folded and cut in the borders to make a good design, came out. It had A, R, S and ‘anna’ written in the four sides inside it. I was seriously getting impressed. This was an amazing and pleasant reception after all. And finally, I took out the letter from the envelope. Only when I read it fully did I realize that I was only dreaming of things. Everything remained the same. The letter…

Anna Sorry.

I thought that I ~~will~~ can not get good marks in Hindi alone because other subjects are easier than it. One day our Hindi teacher (school) said us to learn the poem. I said to my friend that I donot the poem. She is a Marati girl and a Hindi girl too. She said your are not putting effect in Hindi. So only you are not get good marks in Hindi. I came home and thought for some time. I understood the meaning of what she said. I quickly dressed up and went to tution and gave effect ~~while~~ for reading and writing. I got all answers. My tution mis said good.

---------X---------

thank you Thank you for your excuse. anna.

No one can get a anna like you

Best of luck for you interview.

If you excuse me Please sign __________________ RANJINI :-)

If you donot excuse me Please sign______________ A.RS

Now I realized why she had kept a pen inside! She wanted to escape from all the scoldings I might have given on knowing her marks. I always believed that I never understood Ranju fully. And I was proved right yet again. But I did hug this girl, whose head reaches my shoulder in height, when she came home in the afternoon. And I signed in the 'excused' column. I knew that she was smart and that she can manage any situation in her life herself. I was happy for her, my sister……

P.S: The letter has many mistakes in it, yes. You can’t expect more from a 4^thstandard girl!

Everyday banter

2008-01-26T23:11:00.000+05:30

Sensex. While the whole of India was contemplating the repercussions this has had in the past one week, there was this group of five people who were discussing (with much vigor and force) about the similarities that Sensex and Love share. Each participant had to come out with a similarity and the best among them was promised a treat in the nearby canteen by the other four. The group comprised of many articulate and imaginative guys who desperately wanted to show off that they were the best. There was also this protagonist of ours who was quiet reticent and never has had any experience in both the topics. But he was destined to win! (Yeah, sorry to break the suspense)

Abhir started “Sensex and love are both quite unpredictable. Today your relationship is riding high, tomorrow there is a fight! It is this nature of them both that makes them quite interesting and compelling” The protagonist was listening, astutely. He didn’t understand why and how both were unpredictable. Isn’t love all about fun, going out every day, enjoying yourselves?

“True, to the word Abhir!” Bhargav catched in. “Here is mine. Both of them are things people die for. Past few days, so many have died due to the shocks the stock market have been giving us. Always money and girls have been the main motives behind the wars registered in history” War?! What has this got to with the topic!! Who will die for girls!?

“Man there is some competition! But mine is better I feel. Both of them are only for people who can take risks with their money!” it was Chaitanya, quite clearly having the impact of his recent break-up. “All I got back from the experience was an empty purse and let me tell you it sucks!!” How can people get so emotional for a thing as small as a break-up?

“Cool it man!” Dharsan took his turn. “I guess both of them have to be monitored every single minute, otherwise you might lose them in a day!” Wow!! Everyone had a good laugh. Somehow they came to the consensus that Dharsan’s was the best analogy the two topics could have had. It all depended on our protagonist now. But he was short on ideas. He kept mum when others looked upon him for his view. He accepted defeat.

So all of them went to the nearby canteen for dinner with Dharsan holding his head high and boasting of how thoroughly he knew girls and love. The order was made but our protagonist was still thinking. Sensex love Sensex girls love girls…… And suddenly it struck him.

“Hey guys I waited for us to get here to tell my viewpoint. I think mine is the best Mr.Dharsan” Elwin beamed. The other three were quite eager to listen to it for they didn’t want Dharsan to get the treat. Elwin, the silent guy, deserved to win. Whatever he says now, he will be the winner (the three would vote for him obviously). But Elwin would have been the winner anyways with his masterly sentence “Sensex and Love. Neither of them makes sense sans the sex!!!”

Be smiley at the irony :)

2008-01-19T23:19:00.000+05:30

“AS YOU SOW SO YOU REAP. no point crying over split milk. its not the lack of aptitude its the lack of attitude……”, this was the sms Dad sent me from Sabrimala when CAT results came. It irritated me so much then; still I stored the message in the inbox. Yes I failed. But I tried my best. Can’t blame him for he was indeed disappointed. He scolded me for not being serious about XAT exam and how aloof I was during the winter holidays. All I could tell him was “please wait for XAT results”. But then I was afraid of it myself…

CAT... The exam I felt I was thoroughly prepared for. All the mock tests had told me I would succeed. The seriousness was at its peaks near the exam date. The practice I had, the late night sessions with the books at home, dad monitoring, mom doing her part by preparing juices in between and Ranju somehow maintaining silence at home. The lead up was tense with me counting down every single day in my diary and every hour towards the end. I received many wishes the night before the exam and was highly confident of it. Mom kept ‘vibhudi’ and Dad accompanied me to the exam center, full of advices on the way. Went to the exam hall with two watches (in case one failed!) and was there an hour before the test. Took the exam with full concentration (didn’t even see all the nice girls in my room!) and before I knew, the exam got over. Compared my answers with the keys released by various institutes and felt I had done it to the fullest. Life was so easy…

XAT... The exam I never gave myself a chance. Had heard stories that the Verbal section is the toughest in XAT. After CAT went well, I became presumptuous and started enjoying the holidays without caring about the exam ahead. Went to Bangalore, started getting hooked to internet, often went out with friends to movies, missed one mock XAT test also but surely didn’t miss out on any form of entertainment I could have got. Thought would prepare something the last week before the exams but eventually didn’t. Got negative marks in Verbal section in the only mock test I took! Who cares! The lead up to the exam was very relaxed, being online till late nights. Not many wished, no tension, was infact seeing off Dad to Sabrimala the night before. With no one to accompany me, I rode to the exam hall in my old Scooty, having only one watch this time. Wasn’t able to concentrate that hard during the exam and I was wishing for the thing to get over soon as I was very eager to get back to college the next day. I felt that the exam didn’t go well, especially the Verbal section…

Disappointed with the CAT results (Verbal again!!), this was my last chance this year. The results were expected by the end of January. But suddenly yesterday night at 2 am, when I was spending some nice time with my juniors, I came to know that they had released the results. Without any frills, I went to the XLRI website and typed my roll number only to find out that I have got calls from XLRI for both the courses they offer. At last! Something! I was relieved more than anything else. Was more pleased to find out that I had got the best percentile in the Verbal section!

The scorecard read (in percentiles):

Verbal Ability: 98.11
Quantitative Ability: 96.60
Reasoning and Decision Making Ability: 96.27
Total Percentile: 99.41

I delightfully deleted that message from my inbox. And when I started writing this post, I got another one from him.
"Congratulations on your unique performance. waste no time and start equipping yourselves with current affairs, G K. READ TIMES OF INDIA THROUGHLY "
aye aye captain!

Coolly perfect or Perfectly cool??

2008-01-15T23:23:00.000+05:30

The sage pondered over this “Which is more fruitful? Being a perfect man or being a cool guy??” And like all sages, wanted to test this out practically. He handpicked two young men in the city, transformed one person to Mr. Perfect and the other Mr. Cool. He then transformed himself into a young innocent guy, became a mutual friend of them both and monitored the life of the two persons to find his answer. He was in for a surprise…

Mr. P was a sincere and dedicated guy, who planned every event in his life scrupulously. He made sure to anticipate happenings and was prepared for every situation. He believed in being on time for things and was an ardent follower of the saying “kal kare so aaj kar, aaj kare so abb,pal mein paralai hoyegi bahuri karega kab” He aimed for very high things for he knew he was capable and was a staunch believer that anything done with devotion always ends in a success. He maintained everything in his life perfectly; the cleanliness, the orderliness, the discipline; everything in his life was unblemished. Everyone around him envied him for his qualities but since he wasn’t all that outspoken (or he didn’t have time for friends), his fans were numbered and people remained distant. He expected all around him to be like him, which did not happen. The imperfection in the world irked him for he couldn’t accept the fact that people can be careless about trivial things. Yes he was indeed successful in almost everything he touched. But he couldn’t stand the occasional failure that he came across. He couldn’t believe that there are things which can go wrong to a person who has achieved infinite perfection in his life. The sage oversaw him crying incessantly after very small letdowns. “This guy is ill prepared to face this cruel world” he deduced…

Mr. C was a carefree and good-for-nothing bloke who took ‘life as it comes’. He had no plans about his future, was disordered and still was happy with it. He never aimed for big things and consequently didn’t achieve anything great. But he always took failures, however huge they are, in their strides and was over-the-moon when he got something out of luck. He derived happiness in small things and was oblivious to the bigger ones. He had a huge fan following and people liked to be with them. Girls labeled him a ‘sweet rascal’. There was an intangible charisma around him which made everyone still back and gawk at him and his way of life. He always made fun of others; Mr. P for being such an idiot and not enjoying things when they ought to be; termed our sage as Mr. Fruit for being so innocent and innocuous. Life seemed so easy and gay to him. “He isn’t going to achieve anything this way” the sage construed…

The sage was left disappointed. He could not find the answer to his question. It boiled down to whether “success or happiness” is more important. But wait; suddenly it struck him. He as an innocent guy who was neither perfect nor cool was more happy and satisfied than both Mr. P and Mr. C and now having found the answer, was more successful than them. Yes, being a Mr. Fruit is more fruitful in this world!!

P.S:This post has nothing to with Saraswathy Sabatham, the tamil movie :D :D

Run after success!!

2008-01-13T22:58:00.000+05:30

“I want another one!” was my usual demand whenever dad completed his story. His stories where always short, illogical and improbable but yet I liked them for it was a nice way to time pass and also to be close with my dad who used to come home only in the weekends(he was working in Chitoor). This was before Ranju was born, after that either I lost interest or he was busy playing with her. His stories somehow seemed to have an inherent message for me. Guess it was purely coincidental. He never advised me in person (except about studies!) for he might have thought I was smart enough to handle anything which actually it made me independent and to have my own opinion on things. One of the stories that I still remember (or I suddenly remembered when I went for jogging today) is about a greedy guy who wanted to own the world. It goes like this (I have used my own imagination to make it look more real and sophisticated. The story he told was crisp, banal and childish)…

This guy wanted to own the world and he asked God to concur with his wish. God granted him the wish with a condition. He was told that he could rule whatever land he can cover with his foot by sunset. But he must return to the starting place (by sunset) to claim the lands. It was 12pm. He started from Choolaimedu, Chennai (that’s where I live) and started jogging towards Tambaram. He was doing fine with the pace and had occasional breaks in between for tea. He reached Tambaram by 3pm (yeah not a fast runner) and ideally he should have returned. But the greedy devil in him didn’t allow him to. He continued to jog. He crossed Perungalathur and still didn’t turn back. By the time he reached Vandalur, it was 4pm. Now he had no other choice. He started the return journey running as hard as he can. It was hopeless but he knew he can achieve improbable things for he was a born ruler. His started experiencing pain in his legs; he had no time for tea now. All he could manage by 5pm was Chrompet. Last one hour and still a long way to the destination. His heart was beating rapidly and still he was not the kind who gives up easily. He tried increasing his pace but his legs weren’t responding. Half an hour to sunset and still some solid 5kms to run. He was beginning to lose consciousness and he felt an excruciating pain in his heart whose magnitude increased by the minute. He resembled a cadaver, running with sweat covering his entire body, yet he was sure to succeed. 5minutes to go and one km to travel. He could now see his destination at a distance. He was running like a mad sprinter into the last minute. He lost his consciousness almost but still he ran. Seconds to sunset, a few yards separated him from ruling Chennai forever. With all his energy (?!) and willpower he jumped and his hand touched the start line at the stroke of sunset. He had won. But… At the stroke of sunset, his body cheated him and his soul left him. He died, as a ruler of Chennai of course……

Though an ironical climax, this story had lots of message. One, you can achieve impossible things if you have willpower and that your body will never be the hindrance (at least till you achieve the thing). Two, do not give up anything in between. Three, always have an eye for the time (he should have started back by 3pm!). But the ending makes me ponder over a lot of other issues. Why should we struggle so much to achieve a thing, only to be distraught and be burned out at the end? Is it worth? Is success defined for only something you achieve or for something you enjoy after achieving? Is being greedy good or bad? Hmmm… My dad surely does make me think!

Life after Jan 8th..

2008-01-08T22:21:00.000+05:30

The day I was eagerly waiting for arrived. After finding a computer in the net lab finally, I became very anxious and nervous. One year of some hard work, some sincerity was at last going to bear fruit. At least I presumed it would. For all the answer keys released by various coaching institutes said I would. But……

The dreaded sms arrived (the webpage didn’t open!) and it said

“Regno:8120974;NAME:A.R.SRIVATHSAN;
QA(%age):49.00;QA(%ile):99.51;
DI/LR(%age):56.25;DI/LR(%ile):98.53;
Verb(%age):12.00;Verb(%ile):69.09”

I was shocked!! The %ile in verbal meant I had no chance of getting any calls!! It was unbelievable. This isn’t real, something is wrong with the sms system!!! I had expected 32 marks and got 20 less!! 32 would have given me above 95%ile and would have got all IIM calls. I did eventually check up in the website and it said “Sorry, Your name is not found in shortlist of any IIMs”. My overall percentile of 99.16 is of no use then. It was THE END.

Suddenly the world seemed cruel to me. Why should this happen to me? “Oh come on, it happened to 98% of the people who wrote”, someone tried to console. But am I not in those elite 2%?? Didn’t I prepare verbal very sincerely, reading editorials of newspapers, getting P.G.Wodehouse’s books etc?? Wasn’t this the only exam I fancied myself to do well?? Yes but life can give surprises and shocks often. I felt cheated literally. On hindsight, what would this mean to my career, the career I thought was safe till yesterday? Well, it hasn’t changed anything. I still have a good job in hand. And people say that having work experience is always better when it comes to doing MBA. I will try again surely but as Dad always says (I disappointed him yet again!), my first attempt at anything is always my best. More than myself I feel I have disappointed many who wanted me to do well. And to all those juniors who think I am their inspiration and who promptly wished me the day before the exam and the results, all I can say is “I am sorry, I wasn’t good enough this time! :( ” And thanks to all of you who tried to console me. Though people found me laughing and roaming as I would do any other day, beneath I was indeed hurt. My popularity or my ‘coolness’ doesn’t allow me to crib in public does it?? I wish I hadn’t given all that build up after the exam (here is another.. my XAT really went well! he he ). My orkut profile had said “CAT went well is an understatement”. But now I can say for sure that "WELL, CAT WENT…IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT!!! "

CHENNAI OPENed!!

2008-01-03T01:06:00.000+05:30

I awoke with a start. The time was 9.30am, New Year’s Day. Thinking I was late, I got up and got ready in a hurry. And took my bike. Damn! Had to fill fuel also. But somehow I managed to be there at 10.05 and saw the queue in the road. Wish I were there early! Only when I went close did I observe what all the people in the queue were watching in despair. ‘All tickets sold out’ was the notice put up. Shit!! That’s it then should head home! I had no other plans that day. A perfect anticlimax to all my New Year hopes. Suddenly someone started protesting and the others joined. The organizers had a tough time controlling the crowds, who were swearing (for a change in English) at everyone. “How can you not have daily tickets? How can you sell all the tickets to this crucial day when the top three seeds each had their singles match? How is that the seats in the stadium remain empty even when the tickets are sold? You are cheating us. You bastards! You have given all the tickets to those assholes who are selling them in black! Call Vijay Amritraj now or else we wont allow the day’s play, we wont let the players in, is this is the way you portray Chennai to the outside world? You people suck!!…………” This is a mild recollection of the lines sprayed out at the authorities. I was standing there watching all this in the hot sun and was quite hungry by then. People were shouting at full volume, tried breaking into the stadium, the press was called and clearly it was total chaos out there. A report on this was published in 'The Hindu' newspaper but there was no mention about the protests that went on. Check it out -> report.

The city of Chennai. The city in which I was born, brought up and the place where I have spent most of my teenage visiting places with friends. I like the city very much for I have no choice, I haven’t lived in any other city (Trichy not considered!) and for a frog, the well is the universe! During these holidays, I noticed a few things about the city. Being a frequent user of the roads, I found the roads being dug up, traffic diverted at important junctions like Kathipara, Ashok Pillar, Nungambakkam etc and it rained heavily in between to add to the misery of the road users. It was irritating to think of going to some place because of all this and I preferred to stay at home mostly. Add to this the changing face of the city, known to be conservative, becoming ‘modern’. New Year bashes weren’t quite our culture. Improper organization, violation of rules and inadequate safety measures saw the collapse of the dance stage into the pool at Savera Hotel. Having been to the same place a week ago for the SS Music’s VJ hunt program, I shiver at the thought of it. And that the son of one of my dad’s colleague, Anand was seriously injured in that incident and is fighting for his life is quite tragic. See this-> report. Is this necessary? Is the city becoming a victim to the western culture? Flyovers are necessary yes, but why should the Government construct so many simultaneously? Why isn’t it taking care to have proper detours for these roads? Why are so many hotels allowed to have New Year bashes without any kind of approval for safety? (One ticket to that party cost Rs.3500 apparently!) These are only two issues I put forth in this post. But there are many such issues that are not addressed. Chennai, the city is clearly not going in the right direction.

And about the tickets to the Chennai Open, the media covered it up otherwise it would have been a big shame to the city. For tickets in black were sold by the ball boys of the tournament themselves! Having an international level tournament isn’t enough, maintaining the standards through out is all the more important. And to end the story, the organizers were able to get some tickets from the sponsors (that’s what they said) and did sell the tickets to us. I was able to watch the matches after all. But not before all the protests, two hours in the hot sun, and some dirty language.

Having said all this still by far this is the safest metro in India. No terrorist activity, no molestation of women and no unruly riots. I love Chennai but I fear it might not stay that way for long!!!

Note: Anand succumbed to his injuries on 7th Jan 2008. May he rest in peace.

The year that was...

2007-12-31T21:36:00.003+05:30

Excitement all around as people get ready to welcome another new year in their life. Why do people celebrate this day that has no historical significance? Is it because they get a holiday? Or is it because everyone else is celebrating? Or is it because the police are gonna be strict with the rules? Nah… It is because this day symbolizes hope. Hope that there will be a refreshing change in their lives starting today. Hope that all the sorrow that had encircled them till now would vanish and joy will fill the lacunae that exist in their lives. It is with this hope that people coin various resolutions; the ones that cater to the actions they feel are wrong or unhealthy. But how many people look back at the year that just passed by and do a quite and healthy retrospection? Many do, but the euphoric nature of the upcoming day just makes the whole previous year appear modest. Here is the recollection of my life in 2007, the year that was…

The year started with me taking a resolution to ‘be a nerd and to shape my career well’. I wanted to get placed in a good company with a decent salary and also wanted to do CAT, the only exam I was serious about in the last three years, well. But in between all this I knew I cant compromise on the fun part and also the relationships that I maintain with many guys and girls in college. The sixth semester was torturous to say the least. Not because of the CPCs (campus placement course) conducted by the seniors. But because of a course called Product design and development. Wonder how many days we had to sweat it out to complete the course (means somehow impressing the teacher that you had done something useful! And believe me even Karan Thapar of Devil’s Advocate fame would have got impressed more easily than Mr.Bennet, our teacher) But I learnt more from that course than I did from anything else, about the practicality of any problem. The CPCs were attemptable for I was strong in one subject, Aptitute. And I eventually got class 2^nd in that subject and also a motivating name amongst friends “apti king”.

The holidays saw me getting serious about CAT and the T.I.M.E classes I attended in Chennai were of great help. Special thanks to one Mr.Raghunath who was very inspiring and made be believe that I can crack CAT this year. Then the AIMCATs, the mock tests that I took every week. It was exciting, fun and eye opening. I got ranks in top 50 thrice (out of say 25000 people who wrote) and that gave me all the confidence leading into the exam. In between all this I studied for my placements too and after 9 companies and 3 interviews was, should say, quite lucky to get placed in Oracle. And also me taking over as the President of Wisdom Club of NITT (quite apprehensive I was) and till now the journey has been a dream! The CAT exam eventually went well (I hope) with the results releasing in 8 days.

There was so shortage of fun also this year. The usual showoffs, the popularity, friends, amazing seniors, refreshing first years, wonderful girls I came across (no pun intended!), trip to Bangalore, watching Ganguly bat, Chennai open tennis and the latest addiction, blogging (which has so far been driven by TRP ratings!) This year was indeed amazing and unforgettable. And I am happy that every single day of it is stored in my diary forever. I signal goodbye to 2007, whose life is just a few more minutes, with a heavy heart. Will miss you buddy!

Here is wishing you all a much better and happy new year 2008! :) :)

Advice to all young men

2007-12-29T02:11:00.000+05:30

CAUTION: The following post has many ideas that might affect the sentiments of a few. Reader discretion is advised.

New Year is around the corner. All the newspapers are carrying ads about New Year bashes with entry for couple only. V-day in 45 days. Feeling left out? Don’t want 2008 to be another year where you feel miserable and out of the world on V-day? Guys, here is a solution which can quell all your worries. Here is my guide on how to flatter and impress girls!! This compilation is based on all the experiences I have gained over the years and I am sure I’ll be heavily castigated by girls for letting out all the ‘secrets’. But my aim in life has always been ‘to help others and to do service!’ So here goes…………

The Beginning:
According to us there are two types of girls. Good-looking and Average-looking. Always remember that the average-looking girls are more tuned towards ‘settling down’ for they are unsure and afraid. The good-looking ones are more confident and they will wait. Lets assume that you have spotted the girl of your choice. Say you got introduced somehow. You either have her mobile number or you chat online. Though you wanted to know her only because of her looks, don’t let her realize that. Remember you are a stranger to her. So don’t try to get too close all of a sudden. It has to happen slowly. Don’t ever expect girls to start off messaging or chat. It will never happen. It’s for the guy to approach her first initially. And keep the limits. Just because she is continuing, don’t keep dragging a conversation forever. Stop it yourself by giving some excuse and believe me it will go down well with her. Don’t get too personal at first. Talk of things irrelevant to both of you. Impressing in short pulses is always better than trying too many things. And silently wait for the day she herself starts and gains some confidence in you…

Getting close and personal:
This is the most important part of a relationship. You are no more a stranger. She knows you and accepts you as a friend. Start slowly getting personal, about her likes, dislikes etc. One warning here, I am sure you guys would have done a background check on the girl by now. That doesn’t mean you should start flooding information about her to her. Don’t ever do this ‘I know your dad is a banker… your brother is in 12th na… how is poochu (pet dog) doing…’ This will start making her suspicious. It is always better to profess ignorance. Be a patient listener. Listen to all the nonsense she tells you and show her that you are genuinely interested in her life. And don’t keep praising other good-looking girls in front of her. It may look heroic but it will surely debilitate the relationship. And never ever portray yourself as someone whose only aim in life is breaking hymens! Start giving more time to her. And pray that she gets a cold or headache or whatever someday. That’s the best chance you might get to impress her that you really care. Offer any help that is required and make her think about you as a potential partner. You are now a good friend of hers and everyday she thinks about you…

The path ahead:
Now you have two choices. One, to get really close to her and continue the friendship forever. Or try to make her your life partner. Having known her for sometime its up to you to decide the path. If your choice is the latter, read on. Don’t get very close to her! If you want to make her as your girlfriend, give some distance between her and you. Don’t talk or be concerned for a few days. Make her miss you and your talks. Attacking a girl sentimentally is the best way to go about things. Let her conclude that you are her man and that she can’t live without you. And never worry about other guys in her life. You can outrace them easily any day. Now comes the tougher part. You have impressed her all right. But you have to impress her best friend now! That’s the irony with girls. The last say is always made by her best friend (who wont be all that great looking, pity you cant change girls even if you want to). So show your girl that you can be friendly with others also. Now, just go propose without thinking of things like whether the friendship will stay or not. Believe me it will, even if she rejects. And then if she accepts, she is all yours. Go jump and dance in joy for cracking CAT exam may be easy but cracking a girl is certainly not!!

I just hope I have given some valuable tips for you guys to approach a girl. Contact me in person for any personalized help. Start today and you’ll surely relish the New Year next year :)

The girls who are reading this and who want some advice to impress their opposite sex, well all I can say is ‘Be a girl!!’. It’s as simple and as complex as that!!

Oh look! It's him again!

2007-12-27T02:27:00.000+05:30

The campus was vivacious and expectant. It was one of the cultural festivals in college and everyone was relishing the break from studies. It was the best time to catch all the babes (?!?!) on campus ramp walk oh just walk. People thronged the food stalls similar to the way destitutes pile up in a free dhoti distribution center. Suddenly someone screamed. “Oh look! Its him!!” And all eyes focused on the same mortal. He marched in with his eyes clearly depicting a look of a creative genius. The girls gasped at the sight of him. He looked stunning with his head cloth, V-type beard, bullet like ear studs, black overcoat, wristband, umbrella in hand, cooling glasses in the shirt…. WHAT?! He has gone crazy people thought. But his aim was accomplished. He was noticed! But why??

So people here is the answer to all the questions I have always been asked. What makes me put on various getups whenever there is any event? And why do I have one for each day? Well please don’t castigate me as being frivolous. I have my own reasons. First, the whole college is going to be jam-packed in that small area. How will people notice me there? As I read somewhere, the only way to make people notice you is by being an idiot. By putting on all these getups, I ensure that everyone glances at me for once at least. What’s the necessity you might ask? I am one of those guys who just love publicity, be it negative or positive. And this is one of my publicity stunts! Second, it’s a cultural event meant for fun. What’s the use coming like a gentleman, settling with my own small group, having whatever food that I might lay my hands on, watch others do the same and go away? Where is the fun in this? So I decided to at least give all the people a good healthy laugh by doing all this. Third, my getups add flavor to the event itself! I am not boasting here but of late it has become a tradition and people start asking me a week before about my would-be getups. Finally, it gives a platform to exhibit my creativity. Yes, changing getups everyday is a pretty tough thing and it takes some hard thinking to bring them out.

The plans start some one-week before the event. I have to grow my beard to the sufficient levels (thankfully it grows quickly and fully!), buy some unique ear studs (the ear holes stayed on from childhood), get few other accessories and think of new ideas about my face, hairstyle and dress. And I collect any new thing I come across in hostel. Every event is a challenge for me not to repeat the old styles. It takes a few conscientious minutes to shave my beard to the particular style. A few more to acquire all the articles and to prepare my final look. Above all it takes a lot of audacity to come out and face the public. But when people come and compliment me (yeah some do!) for my getups, I arrive at satisfaction. It was all worth it for my popularity now is partially thanks to this. And it offered more fun when during one event, a SS Music's cameraman called me in particular to take videos(it did come on tv). And what a lovely sight it is to see girls giggle whenever they look at you! Coming to the end of my college life, these moments are the best takeaways from here. Any first year reading this and feel you have missed out on something, don’t worry. I have two more events left (pragyan and nittfest) and I am sure to disguise myself in the best way possible!! It’s always fun being different! :)

Watch the time..

2007-12-25T01:25:00.001+05:30

The time was 4.00pm. He was anxiously waiting for her. It has been a dream, this relationship. Something that started a month ago, in the place where most arbit relationships begin, online chatting. It was one of those days when he found her in a social networking site and became friends. They chatted daily and he liked her candid nature. She was stunning and gorgeous (going by the photos she sent). He asked her for a meet once. She rejected it. He was disappointed then but over time he accepted it. About an hour ago, she called him up from some number and asked if he was free. Though he had planned to give his car for servicing, he didn’t want to waste this opportunity. He readily accepted. At 4 ‘green day’ she said. He was there at the restaurant by 3.30, seated in a table at the corner, glancing at the door, awaiting her entry.

The time was 4.15pm. She came hurrying in. Wow!! She looked hotter in real. He stood up appraising the value of her beauty. She smiled and asked sorry for being late.
I'll wait for a lifetime!! If only you accept me...
He told her that he already ordered a Chinese veg-pizza for her.
“Hey that’s my favorite!” she beamed.
“Well I ordered because it is my favorite!” he smiled back and he just loved the “lol” that came back.
This is the happiest day this year! She is getting impressed all right!!
She asked him if he could lend his mobile for making a call as she had forgotten hers at home. She made the call walking away from the table.
She thinks I am so close to her! The lovely way she asked for my mob… She is divine and she is mine…
They talked of various things and he liked every bit of it. In between she kept asking him the time as she had forgotten her watch too. “I hope you don’t forget me!” he tried to tease.
“lol! Never!”
She said never! She likes me! This relationship is eternal…
At 5.15 sharp she said she wanted to leave. “So when is next time?” he wanted to know.
“lol. I’ll give you a ring,” she said with her lovely caring eyes.
Her baffling eyes!! Did they mean love??
She left in a hurry and he went to pay the bill.
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The time was 3.00pm, Sunday. Anu was inside ‘coffee day’. Anu is an extrovert to the core. She knew she was beautiful and had great fun watching the boys doing their best to impress her. Made many online buddies to help kill her time in hostel. Sunday was the day she meets up with them to try to find if someone is really fascinating and charming. And she hated guys who try to put on various facades to impress her.

Now, She was having her favorite black coffee with Ravi. She had to meet Gaurav at 5.30pm, the same place. This conversation was getting nowhere.
This guy is an idiot! Can’t continue till 5.30! Damn! I forgot my mob!
She asked for his mobile and called up Siddarth and asked him to come to ‘green day’ by 4pm. Ravi went on and on about the things he liked and how he managed his pets blah blah.
This guy is prosaic and banal!
She left the place at 4 to meet Siddarth. Siddarth was no better.
“I ordered because it is my favorite!” he said.
Huh! You read my blogs thoroughly all right!!
She called up Gaurav in between to confirm the appointment. She only hoped Gaurav would be interesting.
“I hope you don’t forget me!” Siddarth teased.
Yeah I certainly hope I don’t!! Check up tomorrow btw!!
She kept counting the minutes and felt that Siddarth was a dullard. Exactly at 5.15, she wanted to leave.
“So when is next time?” Siddarth asked.
There is no next time buddy!!!
“lol. I’ll give you a ring”. With that she hurried to the next appointment.
Gaurav greeted her with a chivalrous smile. They started conversing. Just as when Anu thought this guy was indeed interesting, Gaurav beamed “And I ordered black coffee for you, I like it and hope you also do!”
Concealing her disappointment, all she managed with her lovely caring eyes was “lol!!”

The new Ten Commandments

2007-12-23T00:00:00.002+05:30

Exams ahead?? Have no clue about the portions?? Want to compete still?? Don’t worry here is the most effective and alluring ‘short cut’ to facing exams! The short and sweet name it has, synonymous with its size and contents, Bits (or Chits as some may prefer to call them). Having inspired many in my wing (Svenky, Ramana, SK, Akshay to name a few…) to take up this practice and having tested it myself with a lot of success, here is the readymade guide to all of you who aren’t short of intelligence but have been just lazy. The Ten Commandment structure is chosen to highlight the points and the importance of this noble practice. So here goes….

1.Thou shall start preparing bits only an hour before the exam: and not earlier for even if you can’t take out the bits in the exams, you would at least remember something! And you’ll know exactly which bit has which topic (for the desperate multi-biters!)

2.Thou shall prepare nice equal shaped bits: People don’t give importance to the shape of bits. After all they are our saviors so give some respect! Let them be of equal shape and the smaller, the better.

3.Thou shall prepare the bits with at most neatness and legibility: Be neat and crisp. And make sure you can read the thing you have written. For the most irritating thing is to know that you have the answer written and but not able to read it!

4.Thou shall use the same ink for writing the bits and the exam: Very important, can serve as a camouflage in case you are hiding the bits in the answer paper. Preferably black ink to match the question paper print colour.

5.Thou shall visit your ophthalmologist regularly: Proper eyesight is of at most importance. The ability to see the things written from a distance is the key to your performance in the exam. So check your eye regularly!

6.Thou shall be audacious enough throughout the practice: This practice is not for people who succumb to trepidation. This is for people who are willing to quell their apprehensions. Face any situation that might come up boldly (even getting caught). And it is not advisable to be highly presumptuous also.

7.Thou shall destroy the bits as soon as the exam ends: Make sure to retrieve all the bits you had taken to the exam hall and destroy it! And please never reuse the bits used in the cycle tests in your semesters. Don’t be so lazy guys!

8.Thou shall be clandestine in your activities: Never let the whole world know that you are into this practice. You’ll be castigated severely and people will try to make you give it up (especially the ones who study!). So be secretive (I am facing hell during exam time nowadays because of my publicizing the whole thing!!).

9.Thou shall be a firm believer in God: Everything that happens is directed from someone above. So please pray before each exam so that success is yours! (We guys idolize BABA!)

10.Thou shall inspire others around you to take up this noble practice: It’s always good to spread the word about the most inspiring thing you come across in your college life! So do tell your friends especially girls who are so very afraid and geeky!

Believe me once taken up this can be quite addictive and easy too. And always remember that studying for an exam and writing without any help is the best way to go about it. My best GPA came when I actually studied!

Ending the blog with a few quotes:

Svenky: ARS you have changed the way I look at exams! Using bits has made my preparation a lot easier and I am getting better scores than I did before. Where were you two years ago man??

Ramana: ARS you are a master! Please tell everyone that I got inspired a lot by you and that I can now easily prepare anything from formulae to definitions within a minute! Thanks!

Shyam Sundar: Dai ARS this is highly unfair. It took you just one hour to prepare what I did one full day. I hope you get caught today. And in the end if you get a better GPA than mine, I am killing you!!!!!!!!

Beware: Devil at home!!

2007-12-20T16:39:00.000+05:30

4.30 AM. The day was Tuesday, May the 11th, 1999. The King for twelve years was dethroned! An enigmatic personality was born. Here she is, 8 years into her life, dictating and commanding things to her parents and to her unfortunate brother, Rivat Hanss. Meet A.R.Sriranjini or Harini as I like to call her. The first look of her in the hospital got me fuming. ‘She is very fair!! She cant be my sis!’ I cried to my mom, only to get an answer that girls are always fair and boys are better off with a darker complexion. I dumbly believed that then. Suddenly I found that my mom and dad had no time to tell me stories in the night (yeah even at twelve I liked listening to stories!). Slowly, I was being ignored and she was attaining glory. Yes I knew that she was going to be pampered a lot. But I never expected my life to take a hit. I started accepting things and my career was shaping up. Soon I was away and was not able to assist her in her pedagogy or her life in general.

But during these holidays I have had time to monitor her activities and was shocked to say the least. She enjoys absolute freedom at home. Be it changing TV channels as and when wished, taking money from the shelf and getting anything she wants, or making my mom plead before her to do a thing! The mom I once feared and thought any other child would. She has no respect for our words, takes an independent decision always and has this ready made cry if we oppose it. The fact that we are better off financially than some ten years ago isn’t helping her much. My parents want her to get all the things I was deprived off in my childhood. I tried admonishing my parents a lot of times and all I got back was ‘she is a child’. Yes her activities are innocuous still but over the years it can become dangerous if not controlled.

The first question she asks whenever I return home from hostel, greeting her with a nice sweet five star, is ‘anna when you returning to college?’ and she is very possessive generally. Doesn’t share a biscuit also with anyone. And of late she has become possessive of the pet name ARS too! (One of the reasons I switched over to a new distinct name). She interferes in anything and everything I do. Sees my messages, sits besides me whenever I am online and is pestering me now also to come and check something. Three days ago she called me up from school(has memorized all our nos) to come take her back complaining of fever, stomachache and what not. Already I was angry that she woke me up from my deep sleep (11AM) and when she started jumping around, watching TV, playing with neighbors after returning home, I couldn’t stand it. But when I look at her school diary that has my name as her guardian, my eyes moisten. Whatever said and done, she is my sister and I have a moral responsibility to take care of her. I have learnt a lot from her too (that watching pogo and chutti tv is a good way to spend time!). Above all I love her more than I love anyone else!! :) :)

ATTACK SAM!!!!!

2007-12-18T14:42:00.001+05:30

The sun was shining brightly. The stage was set. The knockout match was between the favorites and a just-for-filling-up-the-numbers side. All football lovers thronged just outside the boundaries of the ground to witness the Lions pouncing on mere Amateurs. The Lions were a gifted team whose members boast of the best of skills, coordination and ability. The Amateurs had a flair for the game but nothing else to complement it. No practice, no coordination, no strategy. The result was easily predictable even before the match began. The Lions counted upon Sam, their main striker, to score the goals and to gain some practice for the other important matches ahead. The Amateurs were praying for their defense to have a lucky day. Two halves, twenty minutes each, penalty shootout in case of a tie, the match began….

The defender’s mind was racing. It was an uphill task, saving goals from Sam that is. He had to put up a fighting show for all the showoffs the previous night. He took on many supporters of the Lions, who predicted a 4-0 outcome, verbally, saying that his team would eventually win. All had a good laugh. But he knew he was not going to make life easy for the Lions. Our strength lies in defense, he thought. For that is the only thing a team can do without much practice. Four strongly built defenders formed an impenetrable ring. Did they? Sam was athletic, fast and efficient when it comes to goals. To stop Sam was their main aim. The match progressed. The first few minutes were turning out to be lucky for the Amateurs for the Lions couldn’t get many balls on target. Slowly the clock ticked over. It was half time and the score was 0-0. The crowd was disappointed with the Lions’ performance but they still had hopes of seeing many fly past the goalkeeper in the next half.

The spirit was high in the Amateurs camp. They were pleasantly surprised to have restricted their opponents thus far. When the second half began, they started playing aggressively. The defender started the ‘ATTACK SAM’ slogan. Whenever Sam got the ball, there was this loud, crisp and commanding ATTACK SAM audible even to the spectators. The goalkeeper was doing an amazing job. Many one-on-ones were saved and it lifted the Amateurs’ mood. With ten minutes to go, the Lions seemed desperate. Except their defenders, all the others were in the Amateurs half, attacking. The Amateurs had as many as seven defenders now. There was no question of the Amateurs scoring. They played for a 0-0 in full time and then anything could happen in the shootouts. The defender even headed an impossible ball out of the D area. Sam was stunned. Five minutes to go and things became quite exciting. The Amateurs started believing that it was their day. The Lions knew one goal would seal off the match. Two minutes to go and Sam got the ball. The defender knew he was the one up against him now. He went charging at him, in hope of stealing the ball somehow and ended up hitting Sam on his legs. It was a foul, just outside the D box. The defender had committed a costly mistake. Sam took the free kick that flew into the D and one of the other strikers put it inside the goal post easily. The match was sealed. The defender felt an excruciating pain in his ribs. He felt cheated. The Amateurs team left the ground with a heavy heart, tired, for they had given their best. The Lions were relieved more than anything else. Everyone congratulated the Amateurs for the spirit they showed. The slogan ‘ATTACK SAM’ became quite popular with the players themselves. The defender felt happy that at least they didn’t allow Sam to score any. He had to accept that all romantic fairy tales always do end in a tragedy. The Lions eventually went till the finals of the tournament and Sam was the highest scorer overall.

The Amateurs team (ICE dept): Saurab (goalie), A.R.Srivathsan(the defender), Vivek, Naren, Jann, Vijay (Captain), Maha, Sensi, Ajwad, Sohit and Devarshri.

The Lions team (EEE dept): Prashant Samuel (college striker), Sashi, KRG, Arjun, Aloe, Damal, Asim, Blade Navin (the goal scorer), Arun Laxman, Nikhil and Bong.

This match took place on July 16th, 2005.

The author in me?!?!

2007-12-15T17:05:00.001+05:30

One of the different things I have tried and only known to a couple of people is writing a novel! Yes, around the same time last year, I was busy thinking about the characters, the story and the suspense.....
Why I chose to write a novel? Well I try things which can get me popular don't I? Novels are an easy way to shoot into fame, not only in college but whole India maybe. And as I was preparing for CAT, I thought this thing will help me with my verbal preparation. And I wanted to achieve something before my teenage ended (by May that is). But only when I started writing I realized how tough it is to get one page written properly. It easily took one hour at least and one full afternoon of thinking about the story to write a single page! This given the fact that I choose to write on college life (thats obvious! everyone tries to emulate Chetan Bhagat!) But I had a different theme to write about and must say I did a lot of research for some 10 days during the winter holidays on this subject. One of the things that encouraged me was that Dad was ready to sponsor Rs.50000 to publish the novel if I complete it. The enthusiasm remained throughout the holidays. I even registered an email id in the name of the novel for getting comments later(the name wont be revealed here!). But when I reached college, I couldn't find time to write and over the days I just gave up :( I must thank my roomie here for readily accepting to spare his laptop for this purpose. When I read the pages today, I do feel nostalgic about the whole thing. Rest assured I will complete the novel someday!!!! Here is a peak into one of the pages, in fact the prologue........ (my language had many errors!)

Silence gripped the courtroom as the Judge entered. Not a seat was left vacant in the audience. A group of lawyers were seated like in a round table conference. And all eyes were fixed on the young boy of about twenty, standing in the witness’s box. His face looked pale and lifeless. Only a blind person could have missed his overgrown beard. He was thin, fair, wore simple formals and there was no shine left in his eyes.

“Good evening, My Lord!” the prosecutor stood up. “I have been appointed by the state to be the prosecutor in this case. As we all know, this case has been the center of media attention recently and I hope everyone here realizes the importance the judgment of this case has in warning all others who dare attempt such a cruel crime in future...”

The young boy was not listening. His mind was preoccupied with something else. What have I got myself into? He saw the anxious faces of his parents in the first row of the audience. He could sense moisture in their eyes. Sorry dad! Sorry mom! And there she was, seated in the bench adjacent to that of his parents. The young girl, dressed elegantly as if she was attending a party, had a curious and innocent face. Bitch! It’s all because of you!

“My Lord!” the prosecutor continued, “here we have on the witness box, a boy who is a disgrace to the student community. Not only has he broken the bond of friendship but he has also demeaned the womanhood totally in a society that is fighting hard for their empowerment. This boy, Your Honor, is accused with charges of raping a student of his college….”

Silence prevailed…

Me and my firsts!

2007-12-14T16:05:00.000+05:30

Hello everybody! this is Rivat Hanss, a humble and modest guy(pun intended!) trying to start off something relatively unknown (thats blogging!).

About me first: a highly confident, smart, jovial, friendly guy who lives to entertain others! doing my final year B.tech in NIT, Trichy. I am contended with whatever I have achieved and believe in finding happiness in small things rather than waiting for a big success. An extrovert in general but shy when it comes to girls[who would believe that!;)]. A bit conservative when it comes to spending money. A bit traditional and emotional(not many know this!).

My firsts: I always believe in doing different things. Be it different hairstyles, ear studs, getups, showoffs, dancing, singing, different sports, bullying people, writing diary, cooking, making fun of others, flirting openly, making fun of myself, advising people, having many friends, bits in exams, a lot of crushes ah I want to try everything and have been successful in many of them. Blogging is one thing which is very popular and still I haven't tried. My life is full of interesting events and I hope to give all of you a nice read via this medium. Many of my friends have always wanted to know why I am like this and what exactly I write in my diary everyday. So guys here is some insight into my thoughts, beliefs and myself! Happy reading! :)

P.S: For those of you who are wondering what Rivat Hanss is, well thats an anagram of my name Srivathsan and thats how I will be referred to from now on! no ARS no Srivathsan its going to be Rivat Hanss!!! this is another different thing I am trying today :)