She sat watching herself in the mirror- expressionless!
kajal lining her beautiful eyes, a little glitter on her lips, a bindi on her forehead, long straight hair, arched eyebrows and a straight nose, a healthy skin and a healthy body, she matched every and any marriage proposal's claim!
The 10th or so boy and his family were seated in the hall. The snacks and the tea had been served.
She wasn't nervous anymore, she had no hopes, no enthusiasm.....she almost knew what she was meeting.
She wished she could skip the family meeting sessions and directly could meet the guy and talk to him...one on one!
Her mother came to her, sat down in front of her, she held her hand, almost pleading, begging, " Barkha, beta , the guy is a MBA from a US university, his family is well educated, they are very nice people. He's very handsome.....they...."
" I know all that mamma!"
" Beta please.........please this time, have some patience beta!"
She stood up without a word and went out like she was some sacrificial goat! Her mother looked after her, and silently prayed!
She gave a faint smile to everyone watching her with admiration.....she kept her gaze low for a while and then looked up straight at the guy.....he was looking at her first, but when she looked at him so suddenly and unexpectedly, he looked down, almost shyly. She kept her gaze still on him, after a while he looked up again , in expectation that she was looking somewhere else, but when he found her still looking at him, he started looking around at other people and where they were looking. Barkha's mother nudged her, and she lowered her sight again!
They were both seated in their garden.
She was looking down, the boy was glad about that- her gaze had been scary!
"So.... ..well! Let me start the conversation.... I am Nikhil and I just came down 15 days back from the US because my mother said, it was time for me to you know, settle down.....and then they showed me your photograph and..........( he smiled to himself) ...you look even more beautiful in person Barkha......"
Her expression did not change........he thought for a while that she was dumb and deaf!"
" Barkha.......are you listening?"
She was still looking down. "Yes!"
" Then....why are you looking down?"
She looked up, again that same sharp look and Nikhil almost regretted his last sentence.
" Because you cannot handle me looking straight in your eyes, what will you do with me in your bed?"
"Excuse me?"
" Nikhil......I really don't care about your MBA from US or anywhere, i don't care how handsome you are and how good your family is......all I care about is.....let's see, to start with- Whether you are man enough for me to be a woman to? Or else, what's the whole point?"
" And you don't think I am man enough? Why? You want some dara singh, some warrior? Which century are you in?"
"That's exactly what I want to ask you. What century are you in? Just getting big degrees don't make you any modern if what you expect out of a woman is the same old shit that our society has been expecting from us all this while."
" Girls like you should go for a love marriage!"
" I know....unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a man smart, intelligent and self confidant enough to have me as his wife. You all like the way I look, you see in me a good wife who can cook, bear your children and look after them, but when I open my mouth to speak my mind, you don't like it because it is not my job.......isn't it?"
Now, he kept looking at her, not angry, not shy, not scared but as if he was remembering something, as if some lost pieces were falling back in place.
" You all are so scared, so tied by tradition and culture, you have forgotten to be spontaneous and instinctive and likeable! You now, I can't tell you apart from the other boys I've met. Because you don't speak your mind......you say the things you are expected to say, the same old sentences, same reactions, same look......oh my god! Were you all made in some sort of a factory? Same model , just different look, different professions and families and pay checks, but so god damn slavish!"
He was thoughtful!
She stopped, she had done the same thing ones again.......she could not understand why she tried to give this knowledge to these fools....they would never get it! What a waste of energy, she thought.
" Are you finished talking?"
" Yes....Now you just do what you have to do, reject me. i don't care! I rather stay single then spend a lifetime with a factory product. i want a man- with a soul, not a mechanic!"
He smiled and this time she was shocked and surprised.
" What are you smiling at?"
" Barkha.....I totally agree with you......... "
She threw back her hands in desperation.
" Yes.....I really do.... maybe we are not meant for each other , but I do know someone who is. Because even he has been searching for someone just like you."
He opened his wallet and took out his card, jotted down a number and an e-mail id and handed it over to her.
" Joe Torres, he's my boss. The owner of the company I work for. He was also my classmate for the MBA . I know him very well, he's a very nice person , single and still waiting for that one girl who's out of this world. I don't think a girl like you would believe in religions or in nationalities. For a girl like you, probably a non Indian is the best choice!"
She looked at the card in her hands for a while, thinking, quiet!
"For a girl like you, a non Indian is the best choice!"- his words rang in her ears for a while....
" Thank you Nikhil, thanks a lot for guiding me in your own way. But I don't think you know me fully to say a thing like that to me. Yes I've different ideas, that normally an Indian boy would find difficult to digest but I think, if god has created a girl like me in India, there must be a boy to suit me somewhere in India. Not that I am strong on nationalities or religions.....it's just that......I don't know Nikhil...."
She got up and turned to go back to her room......
"Barkha..."
She turned.
He went to her and held her hands,
" Confused aren't you?"
She did not answer.
" Do you know what you are doing? You are finding a fault in everything that is offered to you. Even if you do find a guy who comes the closest to your specifications, you will still reject him on some silly grounds. Open up Barkha.......the world is not black and white the way they tell us......there is no perfect man........this world is full of gray shades......you have your weaknesses and so do i have mine........But what is important is understanding, some maturity........Don't just use your brain anyway you can because god gave you that much sense, why don't you use it for better purposes. Come with me to the US, its a sea of opportunity. You are not the first girl I am meeting, I have been in a live in relationship with an American woman before. Take this chance with me Barkha, I know for sure, you aren't as difficult as you show yourself to be!"
She looked in his eyes, and he looked straight in hers- it was a match point!
" And of course even I don't want a boring something in my bed!"
They both smiled, for the first time, Barkha smiled shyly.....this man had made her feel shy!!
1 year later , they were married. The 1st time they had met, was the only time Barkha was most difficult...yes, she was highly carrier oriented and smart and vocal about her feelings, but so are many woman now a days. She just hadn't met a man who would accept her ideas, she wasn't a rebel, she simply thought so being in the company of wrong people.
When they went to the US, Barkha asked Nikhil one day, " You know Nikhil, I really want to meet this Joe Torres guy of yours and see how much similar to me he is!"
He laughed, " There is no Joe Torres."
Monday, June 28, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
One Night @ Chorla Ghat
Komal: A CA student, wildlife enthusiast, my classmate since 8th std, we've been together for many treks- in Goa and in the Himalayas. Quiet, generally non fussy, average in stamina, a team player!
Sharvani: My best friend, non fussy, high stamina, high enthusiasm, when excited- talks a bit too much! a Bored CA final student .
Sangam: Our wildlife expert that night. Supposedly knows the ghats inside out. A fellow Geminian, calm and composed, the only guy amongst us with a SLR that me and Sharvani eye all the time, I call him "Pappa."
19th June: We spent the saturday night at Khokral, Maharashtra at Manerikar's Residence.
20th June: On sunday morning we visited a waterfall that was close by. We weren't tired since we hadn't walked too much and as I was to leave for Bangalore in 2 days, I wanted to do more than just 1 trek. So I , coaxed Sangam ( pappa) to coax the other 2- Komal and sharvani to come to Chorla Ghaat.And so the adventure began....
We crossed the Swapnagandha Resorts and the Wildernest Resorts in the Goan side of the ghat and crossed over to Karnatak side. The roads were bad, full of pot holes and at around 6.40pm, one of Estillo's tires gave up!
Apart from trucks and state transport buses, there were very few private vehicles passing by, mostly on their way back home on sunday night after a well spent day in the Chorla Ghats.
And so we left the car near the main road, and trekked down to the waterfall. All we had were 4 mobiles which were all out of range, 1 umbrella with torch and a jacket.
In the forests, as opposed to a rear view mirror of a car, images that appear close by are actually further away.
When we finally reached the Jacuzzi, we couldn't dare to enter the water which in the dark looked scary, dark, mysterious and so was the rest of the forest....suddenly the horror of the situation seeped our brains about what Pappa had been telling all along.
"Pappa, we'll reach up to the road in time no?" I asked cautiously.
Pappa exploded!
"Don't you dare ask me this question now...you girls have no idea how dangerous this area is at night.....!"
Janaki: "It's not night yet...we still have plenty of time to get back!"
Pappa: In the forest, when the sun sets, it is night! Understood?
We quickly took a U-Turn and decided to head back to the car. By now, there was no sunlight, thankfully it wasn't raining though it was foggy and there was sufficient moonlight that at least let us spot each other.
It had been almost an hour we were walking back and we hadn't reached the road. We could hear the vehicles pass by on the main road but could not find our way up. It was around 8.15pm when Pappa hopelessly declared: We are lost!
This was followed by a long tense silence. Such statements have different effects on different people- Komal went into a shock, Sharvani started the blame game and I was over excited about the prospects of getting a new adventure experience.
Sim: Sangam you said you know this area well!
Sangam: Yes! That's why I begged you all not to get down the main road, but you wouldn't listen.
Janaki: Wow! We are actually lost! I remember that song , Is kaal kaal main hum kare dhamaal!
All: SHUT the F*** UP!
Another half an hour and we still couldn't track back our way up. And then it started raining heavily. We took some shelter under a huge tree. We were by then completely wet, my cell battery as always was out, I always forget to charge it. And it's my Sony Erickson that has the most powerful light facility, others all had their fading screen lights now to guide us.
While we waited for the rains to slow down, I thought it would be a good idea to entertain the others to distract them a bit. So I chose some special stories my grandma told us which I always found creepy.
Janaki: You know my Grandma once told me a story about this one girl who went out into the forest at night and the leeches sort of all attacked her and got on to her , you know in all creepy places in her body!
Komal suddenly started scratching her body all over...
" I don't think it's a good idea to stand in one spot for such a long time. We are inviting trouble with those leeches!"
Sangam: And while walking if you step on to a snake , then? At least the leeches are not poisonous!
Janaki: And do you know, how those leeches finally had to be removed?
Sim: Shut up...you just shut up! Is this a kind of thing to tell at this time? You are scarring the hell out of us Janaki.
Janaki: Bravery lies in one's heart Sim, you either have it or you don't!
Sim: Yes I can see that! You are the one most protected with a full pant and a jacket. We are in 3/4th's here!
The fog was making it increasingly difficult to step anywhere and so we decided to spend the night under the tree till favorable circumstances allow us to find our way. We all wouldn't dare sit down after the leeches story, so we stood in silence, watching the night eat up the forest , and the rain drops shunning all other sounds around us.
Suddenly in the dark, we could hear some sounds, the breaking of some branches, soft rustling of leaves.....My imagination started running wild, the party and the adventure excitement was now over....my heart was beating so fast, I could hardly breathe. Sangam stood in front of us shielding us, I was really scared so I chose to stay right besides Pappa, Komal followed me , Sharvani remained at the back. While Sangam was trying to see into the dark with the little light that he had, Sharvani was subconsciously stepping behind in fear of what lay ahead!
Suddenly Sharvani screamed so loudly, we felt our ears go numb for a while. She ran in the opposite direction, Komal followed her saying "avois , avois" and other exclamations in konkani . There were sounds from all directions, and I did not know where to run but I knew I had to make a move, so I ran.
I kept running. Behind me, I could hear Sangam asking me to stop ,saying that it was just a herd of Bisons. In a few tense moments I'd actually climbed a difficult terrain leading to the road.
I brushed through some bushes and branches and could see a house-like with lights in front of me. Others followed behind me.
Later we found out that it was some Gopi's Dhaba.
The dhaba was closed. We walked to our car, finished the job of changing the tire and the 4 of us cramped up inside the car to take a nap till dawn.
We woke up to the sweet whistling of the Malabar Whistling Thrush at around 5am, and started our journey back home.
I've been lost in jungles before, but there were more people and we were well equipped so the situation wasn't as bad as this one. Now that I am back on safe ground, I can look back at this experience and add it in my "Most exciting days of my life" List!
Some more clicks of our trekking days:
Friday, June 18, 2010
Ami Gemini!
From the moment I've grown up enough to try and understand the world....I've always wondered why I am the way I am and have never come up with the right answer or explanation except one- I am a Gemini!
I have been amongst those who don't really believe in zodiac signs and astronomy, predictions and at times even the existence of God. But whenever life was turning upside down and there was no way to understand what was happening with me, I found solace in reading the behavioral traits of my zodiac sign!
Gemini- The 3rd astrological sign of the zodiac is shown by a symbol of twins!
June is the Geminian month , also happens to be my favorite month!
When I read Linda Goodman's book, I found Gemini's to be the most interesting of all the zodiac's.
For one, I have a dual personality, sometimes even more than 2. I can very well "act" to be 2 totally different types of people in the same day, back to back
- 1- a very shy, quiet, sari clad Indian woman and
2- a very extrovert, giggling , outgoing modern girl!
I'll go out for a function at 7 pm in a sari and at 10pm I'll be in some club dancing away the night!
In real I may not have been any one, at times I am true to both these characters- it all depends on the mood and the situation I suppose.
The worst outcome of being a Gemini is the fact that people find it difficult to understand and comprehend a Geminian. Especially the opposite sex. If you have a Geminian girl friend, that too one brought up with a free soul ( combined with the fact that Gemini is an air sign) you are doomed! One day she will be happy beyond measure , and there might not be even a reason for her happiness. The next day her mood is completely off, that too might be for no apparent reason!
The best thing about having a Geminian Girlfriend, they say, is that you get many for 1! You might not have an idea about how versatile a Geminian woman can be- Flirtatious, shy, traditional, modern, intellectual- she's all in one!
In my personal experience, I go along well with fellow Geminians. In general, Most Scorpions are my trusted friends- there are other zodiac signs but I don't have too much experience beyond just 1 person in each of those zodiac's who happen to be my close pals!
It takes me great difficulty to get along with Capricorn's and Libran's! ( My sister happens to be a Capricorn and it's tough on both of us to come to an agreeable platform!)
In short here's how I get along with different zodiacs:
Capricorn: Diagonally opposite to my sign. Opposites attract but this is a lethal combination! Stay out! :-)
Aquarius: Most astrology books say gemini's are perfect for Aquarius and vice-versa and I've seen this combination work for a friend of mine.... personally I've got along well with a few of them.
Pisces: We are cool!
Aries: We are cool but might need a mediator!
Taurus: The bull is fine with me as long as I don't mess with it, if I do, it sure kicks! ;-)
Gemini: My species! I understand them well, they understand me well! But when we both have the same things on our minds- disaster spells!
Cancer: Ummm.......We both want different things out of life, so it's best to keep safe distance!
Leo: I get along well with them as long as I let the lion walk the way he likes, and I've never crossed them so they are quite protective and nice to me!
Virgo: I don't understand them quite well to get too close!
Libra: They always like to keep the balance and I'm always out of balance, we can't stand on the same plane unless one of us is okay falling off!
Scorpio: My buddies! They are quiet, listening types, understanding, good friends, very trustable! Supposed to be a very flirtatious sign but with me they are always friendly!
Sagittarius: Blunt and frank! I like these people cause they speak their minds and they never show you what they are not.
If your life is dull, boring and monotonous, go find a Gemini!
They always have something or the other on their minds!
If you want to learn more about human psychology and the working of a human brain, then I think a Geminian can just show you how difficult the task is!
I remember 1 song that can describe me best being a Gemini: And I'll end this post with it, It's a song by Nelly Furtado and it's called " I am like a bird".
You're beautiful...
That's for sure
You'll never ever fade...
You're lovely...
But it's not for sure
That I won't ever change
And though my love is rare...
Though my love is true...
I'm like a bird
I'll only fly away
I don't know where my soul is
I don't know where my home is
Your faith in me brings me to tears
Even after all these years...
And it pains me so much to tell
That you don't know me that well...
It's not that I wanna say goodbye...
It's just that every time you try...
To tell me that you love me...
Each and every single day I know...
I'm going to have to eventually give you away...
http://www.layoutchef.com/Images/Zodiac_Comments/Gemini/images/gemini.bmp
I have been amongst those who don't really believe in zodiac signs and astronomy, predictions and at times even the existence of God. But whenever life was turning upside down and there was no way to understand what was happening with me, I found solace in reading the behavioral traits of my zodiac sign!
Gemini- The 3rd astrological sign of the zodiac is shown by a symbol of twins!
June is the Geminian month , also happens to be my favorite month!
When I read Linda Goodman's book, I found Gemini's to be the most interesting of all the zodiac's.
For one, I have a dual personality, sometimes even more than 2. I can very well "act" to be 2 totally different types of people in the same day, back to back
- 1- a very shy, quiet, sari clad Indian woman and
2- a very extrovert, giggling , outgoing modern girl!
I'll go out for a function at 7 pm in a sari and at 10pm I'll be in some club dancing away the night!
In real I may not have been any one, at times I am true to both these characters- it all depends on the mood and the situation I suppose.
The worst outcome of being a Gemini is the fact that people find it difficult to understand and comprehend a Geminian. Especially the opposite sex. If you have a Geminian girl friend, that too one brought up with a free soul ( combined with the fact that Gemini is an air sign) you are doomed! One day she will be happy beyond measure , and there might not be even a reason for her happiness. The next day her mood is completely off, that too might be for no apparent reason!
The best thing about having a Geminian Girlfriend, they say, is that you get many for 1! You might not have an idea about how versatile a Geminian woman can be- Flirtatious, shy, traditional, modern, intellectual- she's all in one!
In my personal experience, I go along well with fellow Geminians. In general, Most Scorpions are my trusted friends- there are other zodiac signs but I don't have too much experience beyond just 1 person in each of those zodiac's who happen to be my close pals!
It takes me great difficulty to get along with Capricorn's and Libran's! ( My sister happens to be a Capricorn and it's tough on both of us to come to an agreeable platform!)
In short here's how I get along with different zodiacs:
Capricorn: Diagonally opposite to my sign. Opposites attract but this is a lethal combination! Stay out! :-)
Aquarius: Most astrology books say gemini's are perfect for Aquarius and vice-versa and I've seen this combination work for a friend of mine.... personally I've got along well with a few of them.
Pisces: We are cool!
Aries: We are cool but might need a mediator!
Taurus: The bull is fine with me as long as I don't mess with it, if I do, it sure kicks! ;-)
Gemini: My species! I understand them well, they understand me well! But when we both have the same things on our minds- disaster spells!
Cancer: Ummm.......We both want different things out of life, so it's best to keep safe distance!
Leo: I get along well with them as long as I let the lion walk the way he likes, and I've never crossed them so they are quite protective and nice to me!
Virgo: I don't understand them quite well to get too close!
Libra: They always like to keep the balance and I'm always out of balance, we can't stand on the same plane unless one of us is okay falling off!
Scorpio: My buddies! They are quiet, listening types, understanding, good friends, very trustable! Supposed to be a very flirtatious sign but with me they are always friendly!
Sagittarius: Blunt and frank! I like these people cause they speak their minds and they never show you what they are not.
If your life is dull, boring and monotonous, go find a Gemini!
They always have something or the other on their minds!
If you want to learn more about human psychology and the working of a human brain, then I think a Geminian can just show you how difficult the task is!
I remember 1 song that can describe me best being a Gemini: And I'll end this post with it, It's a song by Nelly Furtado and it's called " I am like a bird".
You're beautiful...
That's for sure
You'll never ever fade...
You're lovely...
But it's not for sure
That I won't ever change
And though my love is rare...
Though my love is true...
I'm like a bird
I'll only fly away
I don't know where my soul is
I don't know where my home is
Your faith in me brings me to tears
Even after all these years...
And it pains me so much to tell
That you don't know me that well...
It's not that I wanna say goodbye...
It's just that every time you try...
To tell me that you love me...
Each and every single day I know...
I'm going to have to eventually give you away...
Thursday, June 17, 2010
On my Birthday...
Isn't it boring to simply do the same things on your every Birthday?
The same friends and family- a few new one's here and there but overall it's the same gathering!
The same menu- chicken, pulao,fruit salad- somethings change, but overall it remains the same!
The same cake cutting ceremony, and as you grow up you don't even play games...you simply sit around and chat.....
As families grow and new members are added, every month you have a birthday to attend and it's all done in the same manner every year!
Birthday's are the most boring occasions to attend on my list now!
And I didn't want mine to be the same.
A few years back I decided I would make sure I travel on my birthday since I love travelling! And this year I decided I will spend my time the way I love it most- amidst nature!
I've often spoken about Netravali. This is some place I've been visiting for the past couple of years- whether it is for camps or just a quick get away. Being only an hours drive from Margao, Netravali is the closest destination I've found for relaxation and rejuvenation!
With a few close friends who love to trek and a few family members, we started early morning for Netravali on the 13th. Monsoons make Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary even a more beautiful place. And from the moment we started our drive, it had started raining!
Monsoon treks have an excitement of their own! Since we were trekking towards the Mainapi waterfall, the entire way is full of rocks , slippery , curvy, and full of dangerous rocks! Of course, I did not want to break a bone on my birthday but I did fall, as everyone else did!
I wished I could put up some snaps here, but my friend in the north has them all captured on his SLR and as and when I get them I'll surely put them up.
There was no lunch on this birthday, since the 6 hour trek that started at 10 am in the morning took all our time. Lunch consisted of some biscuits, chocolates, banana chips etc. The greatest form of joy came through the magnificent waterfall, the fact that we got all our privacy and we could practice diving and swimming in the deep green waters!
When I was back to the base camp- The Tanshikar house was ready with simple home made food and an Alphonso mango and loads of Ice cream!
The peace and the joy I experienced on this birthday was like none other I've ever experienced!
My apologies to all my friends and family who called on my birthday but either couldn't get through the call or I could not speak to them. Thank you for all your wishes and blessings!
But now on it's going to be a bit different... For the past several years I've had parties, lots of eating,playing, dancing and drinking and good clothes and make up! Now on it's going to be about dirtied and soiled clothes, no make up , no good food but lots and lots and lots of joy and inner peace and tranquility!
Try it....I am sure you'll like it too!
This year I turned 25!
A bit more mature, more understanding, more serious???
Naah!
This 25th Birthday I make a promise to myself, as I get older, I'll get wackier, Crazier , gutsier and braver. I will do more, live more, laugh more and feel more!
The same friends and family- a few new one's here and there but overall it's the same gathering!
The same menu- chicken, pulao,fruit salad- somethings change, but overall it remains the same!
The same cake cutting ceremony, and as you grow up you don't even play games...you simply sit around and chat.....
As families grow and new members are added, every month you have a birthday to attend and it's all done in the same manner every year!
Birthday's are the most boring occasions to attend on my list now!
And I didn't want mine to be the same.
A few years back I decided I would make sure I travel on my birthday since I love travelling! And this year I decided I will spend my time the way I love it most- amidst nature!
I've often spoken about Netravali. This is some place I've been visiting for the past couple of years- whether it is for camps or just a quick get away. Being only an hours drive from Margao, Netravali is the closest destination I've found for relaxation and rejuvenation!
With a few close friends who love to trek and a few family members, we started early morning for Netravali on the 13th. Monsoons make Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary even a more beautiful place. And from the moment we started our drive, it had started raining!
Monsoon treks have an excitement of their own! Since we were trekking towards the Mainapi waterfall, the entire way is full of rocks , slippery , curvy, and full of dangerous rocks! Of course, I did not want to break a bone on my birthday but I did fall, as everyone else did!
I wished I could put up some snaps here, but my friend in the north has them all captured on his SLR and as and when I get them I'll surely put them up.
There was no lunch on this birthday, since the 6 hour trek that started at 10 am in the morning took all our time. Lunch consisted of some biscuits, chocolates, banana chips etc. The greatest form of joy came through the magnificent waterfall, the fact that we got all our privacy and we could practice diving and swimming in the deep green waters!
When I was back to the base camp- The Tanshikar house was ready with simple home made food and an Alphonso mango and loads of Ice cream!
The peace and the joy I experienced on this birthday was like none other I've ever experienced!
My apologies to all my friends and family who called on my birthday but either couldn't get through the call or I could not speak to them. Thank you for all your wishes and blessings!
But now on it's going to be a bit different... For the past several years I've had parties, lots of eating,playing, dancing and drinking and good clothes and make up! Now on it's going to be about dirtied and soiled clothes, no make up , no good food but lots and lots and lots of joy and inner peace and tranquility!
Try it....I am sure you'll like it too!
This year I turned 25!
A bit more mature, more understanding, more serious???
Naah!
This 25th Birthday I make a promise to myself, as I get older, I'll get wackier, Crazier , gutsier and braver. I will do more, live more, laugh more and feel more!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Reading "The Fountainhead!" ( Part 1)
I have been thinking of writing a post about something all these days but I haven't been able to concentrate on anything because I am reading "The Fountainhead!"
It's a big book and I've just started, but every page, every dialogue brings a storm in my thinking head!
After reading the first 100 pages I was simply awed, and asked myself, Why didn't I read this book all these years? It looks like "The Book" I had been searching for, waiting for!
I am still just reading it, so it will be better to say anything about it only when I finish!
But I couldn't keep away from blogging, Gosh I've missed this space and I don't like the heading " Why I killed Gandhi" all over my blog for such a long time.....it's time to move on to the next topic.....Gandhi is dead and so is Nathuram....so let's talk about happier times...or anything else...
Before I sign off, the dialogues that touched my soul:
"Don't you know that most people take most things because that's what's given to them, and they have no opinion whatever? Do you wish to be guided by what they expect you to think they think ,or by your own judgment?"
" What do you want? Perfection?"
" - or nothing. So , you see, I take the nothing!"
" That doesn't make sense."
"I take the only desire one can really permit oneself. Freedom, Alvah freedom!"
" You call that Freedom?"
" To ask nothing. To expect nothing. To depend on nothing!"
Awesome!
Hats off to Ayn Rand!
It's a big book and I've just started, but every page, every dialogue brings a storm in my thinking head!
After reading the first 100 pages I was simply awed, and asked myself, Why didn't I read this book all these years? It looks like "The Book" I had been searching for, waiting for!
I am still just reading it, so it will be better to say anything about it only when I finish!
But I couldn't keep away from blogging, Gosh I've missed this space and I don't like the heading " Why I killed Gandhi" all over my blog for such a long time.....it's time to move on to the next topic.....Gandhi is dead and so is Nathuram....so let's talk about happier times...or anything else...
Before I sign off, the dialogues that touched my soul:
"Don't you know that most people take most things because that's what's given to them, and they have no opinion whatever? Do you wish to be guided by what they expect you to think they think ,or by your own judgment?"
" What do you want? Perfection?"
" - or nothing. So , you see, I take the nothing!"
" That doesn't make sense."
"I take the only desire one can really permit oneself. Freedom, Alvah freedom!"
" You call that Freedom?"
" To ask nothing. To expect nothing. To depend on nothing!"
Awesome!
Hats off to Ayn Rand!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Why I KIlled Gandhi?
| Got this amazing fwd! It is my humble request to all the readers to read this piece because it has that rare part of our history that is so important but is shunned all the time and is treated as a taboo. I've maintained the original format of the mail.
|
Saturday, May 29, 2010
The Story of the BIG LIFE MALL!
( Please Note: This article is open for interpretation. Please let me know your views by posting your comments. )
This is the first time I am visiting this mall! And it is huge, beautiful with interesting decorations hanging from a ceiling so high, you can hardly see from where they come! The entire mall is bright , and its walls and panels are shiny white! It looks so clean, so neat , so pure!
It has these huge gates of gold. The combination of white and gold glitters everywhere in every form of this mall's existence! It's decorations, theme and even it's executives are dressed in white fabric and gold!
I approach the huge gates and a security guard checks me with a metal detector.
" Good Morning! Welcome to the " Big Life Mall ". In order to enter , you would have to choose a costume which will be your identity for the rest of your time in this mall. It helps us track you down, to help you whenever you need us. The "Previledge costumes" come with " Previledge Service" , such as we entertain help calls from "Previledge costumes" 1st before any other! These costumes are costlier , designed with the best material - so they are beautiful ( laughs) that goes without saying but they are delicate, but they can adapt to different situations faster!"
" What about the other Costumes?"
" We also have the "Dominating Costumes" , they help you move around faster, they are stronger and are made with comparitively more rough material, they have lesser functions in comparison to Previledge Costumes and cost less."
" And what else do you have?"
" Other all Costumes come under the category of " Risk Costumes"!
" Risk Costumes? That's kind of a scary name! What's up with these Costumes?"
"Hmm..... They combine the qualities of Previledge Costumes and Dominating Costumes in smaller or bigger quantities.......So no 2 costumes in this category are same. Some are strong and Beautiful at the same time , others are fast and have many other functions which are left to the imagination of the wearer of such costumes. We call it the Risk Costume because not all our customers have liked them so far, many of them complain far too much , others leave our Mall sooner because they find these Costumes very uncomfortable! So we don't usually recommend them."
" Why don't you take it off from the mall then?"
" There's a very small number of customers who specifically ask for these Costumes.....!"
" Ohh I see!"
" So which Costume would you like?"
" I would like to have a look, Can I?"
" Yes sure! But you would have to swipe your card for us to read how much Balance you have before you enter. since we don't let people with low balance enter the previledge section! "
So I swipe my card, I have the required balance and I enter the Risk section first. This section is definately meant for those with different tastes, the style of this costume is difficult to understand. I lose interest within a few minutes of entering this section . As they say only people with a developed taste can appreciate an art! This section is no less than a museum to my eyes!
So I go on to the next level, that is the " Dominating Costumes" section. These Costumes have lots of takers it seems, there's a general rush and at the end of this section there's a huge cue to enter the previledge section. Some are fighting because they've been barred from entering due to their low Balance. I quickly join the line , and get past the check post into what truly seems the continuation of the mall- The Previledge section! It has long flowing, soft flowery costumes! It has mild gentle fruity smell all around the place! Why would someone not choose these costumes? I go through each one of them carefully and stop before a medium length light pink Costume! It is very soft to touch, and has a very attractive smell and look! While I am just about to pick it up, someone says in my ear-
" Careful!"
I turn back to see another Previledge customer!
" Excuse me?"
" The more delicate a Costume, more difficult is its handling!"
" But it's so beautiful! I cannot resist trying it on!"
" Haven't you been told? You can't try out costumes here. You choose one- take as much time as you like, but once you wear it- it fits you anyway, and then you have to carry it- whether you like it or not!"
" I don't see why I wouldn't like it!"
" This is my 2nd time in this mall and the 1st time too I picked up something as beautiful as this one, of course as the time is passing, they are truly coming with more beautiful pieces! But.........
I had the most beautiful costume in the whole mall.......it felt great!"
I was looking at 'the one', and could truly feel the description - I was lost in my own dreams, how good I would look with this costume? Ohh everyone would be so jealous of me!
" But then the reality started sinking in on me. I was pulled and pushed all the time by those who wear the Dominating Costume......I don't know what is wrong with them? It's either that they wanted the previledge costume that they couldn't have or that they want to show how good their costume is!! huh! As if I care!"
The One looked at the Pink costume again!
" Ohh It was a pain handling this costly delicate thing. It would tear and hurt all the time, someone or the other would always push or dash on me- they all are so fast, but these are so slow!!"
The One looked with a firm gaze at me!
" It's a deception, you see? The name Previledge is a deception you get lost into. It tests our selfish nature and greediness. None of us want to settle down for anything less. We want the best- we want all the Previledge! and so we have to pay the price!"
" But if I do have the required balance to pay for it, why not?"
" My dear , I am not talking about affording this Costume! Affording this costume is the easiest part of this story, the reality seeps in only when you enter the mall!"
" Why? Isn't the mall as beautiful as this?"
" Now that's another huge deception!" the One laughs!
I am confused, " Why ? What's wrong with the mall?"
" I wouldn't spoil the mystery. You are here for the first time. Take it all with a pinch of salt......It's nice , it's fun , it has lots of beauty in it! But most of us are so used to all goodness that we can not appreciate the beauty of negative emotions as well!"
" Err...What? Negative what?"
" Exactly....remember 1 thing, this is going to be the best journey you've ever had. And whether you like it or not, at the end of it you would definately recommend this mall to anybody who asks you! That's the spice in this mall that you would find nowhere else!"
The One winks at me and leaves..
And the rest as they say is history!
I chose the costume I am in today!
In different sections of the mall, they call each costume by a different name but nobody calls them as - Previledge, Dominating and Risky ( these are hard to spot- strangely! Becasue they were the most prominent in their wardrobes! Life's funny!)
As The One had said, I encountered Dominating One's trying to push me around....but what the One had not told me is that some Dominating one's can compliment me, they've been extremely generous in offering me their support which has made my time in the mall not just easy but lots more fun!
The idea, it seems, is to have the best time one possibly can , while you are in this mall! To see as much as you can, to experience as much as you can- and to connect to as many customers and learn from them! Because One Costume is not enough to get the whole experience of the BIG LIFE MALL!
This is the first time I am visiting this mall! And it is huge, beautiful with interesting decorations hanging from a ceiling so high, you can hardly see from where they come! The entire mall is bright , and its walls and panels are shiny white! It looks so clean, so neat , so pure!
It has these huge gates of gold. The combination of white and gold glitters everywhere in every form of this mall's existence! It's decorations, theme and even it's executives are dressed in white fabric and gold!
I approach the huge gates and a security guard checks me with a metal detector.
" Good Morning! Welcome to the " Big Life Mall ". In order to enter , you would have to choose a costume which will be your identity for the rest of your time in this mall. It helps us track you down, to help you whenever you need us. The "Previledge costumes" come with " Previledge Service" , such as we entertain help calls from "Previledge costumes" 1st before any other! These costumes are costlier , designed with the best material - so they are beautiful ( laughs) that goes without saying but they are delicate, but they can adapt to different situations faster!"
" What about the other Costumes?"
" We also have the "Dominating Costumes" , they help you move around faster, they are stronger and are made with comparitively more rough material, they have lesser functions in comparison to Previledge Costumes and cost less."
" And what else do you have?"
" Other all Costumes come under the category of " Risk Costumes"!
" Risk Costumes? That's kind of a scary name! What's up with these Costumes?"
"Hmm..... They combine the qualities of Previledge Costumes and Dominating Costumes in smaller or bigger quantities.......So no 2 costumes in this category are same. Some are strong and Beautiful at the same time , others are fast and have many other functions which are left to the imagination of the wearer of such costumes. We call it the Risk Costume because not all our customers have liked them so far, many of them complain far too much , others leave our Mall sooner because they find these Costumes very uncomfortable! So we don't usually recommend them."
" Why don't you take it off from the mall then?"
" There's a very small number of customers who specifically ask for these Costumes.....!"
" Ohh I see!"
" So which Costume would you like?"
" I would like to have a look, Can I?"
" Yes sure! But you would have to swipe your card for us to read how much Balance you have before you enter. since we don't let people with low balance enter the previledge section! "
So I swipe my card, I have the required balance and I enter the Risk section first. This section is definately meant for those with different tastes, the style of this costume is difficult to understand. I lose interest within a few minutes of entering this section . As they say only people with a developed taste can appreciate an art! This section is no less than a museum to my eyes!
So I go on to the next level, that is the " Dominating Costumes" section. These Costumes have lots of takers it seems, there's a general rush and at the end of this section there's a huge cue to enter the previledge section. Some are fighting because they've been barred from entering due to their low Balance. I quickly join the line , and get past the check post into what truly seems the continuation of the mall- The Previledge section! It has long flowing, soft flowery costumes! It has mild gentle fruity smell all around the place! Why would someone not choose these costumes? I go through each one of them carefully and stop before a medium length light pink Costume! It is very soft to touch, and has a very attractive smell and look! While I am just about to pick it up, someone says in my ear-
" Careful!"
I turn back to see another Previledge customer!
" Excuse me?"
" The more delicate a Costume, more difficult is its handling!"
" But it's so beautiful! I cannot resist trying it on!"
" Haven't you been told? You can't try out costumes here. You choose one- take as much time as you like, but once you wear it- it fits you anyway, and then you have to carry it- whether you like it or not!"
" I don't see why I wouldn't like it!"
" This is my 2nd time in this mall and the 1st time too I picked up something as beautiful as this one, of course as the time is passing, they are truly coming with more beautiful pieces! But.........
I had the most beautiful costume in the whole mall.......it felt great!"
I was looking at 'the one', and could truly feel the description - I was lost in my own dreams, how good I would look with this costume? Ohh everyone would be so jealous of me!
" But then the reality started sinking in on me. I was pulled and pushed all the time by those who wear the Dominating Costume......I don't know what is wrong with them? It's either that they wanted the previledge costume that they couldn't have or that they want to show how good their costume is!! huh! As if I care!"
The One looked at the Pink costume again!
" Ohh It was a pain handling this costly delicate thing. It would tear and hurt all the time, someone or the other would always push or dash on me- they all are so fast, but these are so slow!!"
The One looked with a firm gaze at me!
" It's a deception, you see? The name Previledge is a deception you get lost into. It tests our selfish nature and greediness. None of us want to settle down for anything less. We want the best- we want all the Previledge! and so we have to pay the price!"
" But if I do have the required balance to pay for it, why not?"
" My dear , I am not talking about affording this Costume! Affording this costume is the easiest part of this story, the reality seeps in only when you enter the mall!"
" Why? Isn't the mall as beautiful as this?"
" Now that's another huge deception!" the One laughs!
I am confused, " Why ? What's wrong with the mall?"
" I wouldn't spoil the mystery. You are here for the first time. Take it all with a pinch of salt......It's nice , it's fun , it has lots of beauty in it! But most of us are so used to all goodness that we can not appreciate the beauty of negative emotions as well!"
" Err...What? Negative what?"
" Exactly....remember 1 thing, this is going to be the best journey you've ever had. And whether you like it or not, at the end of it you would definately recommend this mall to anybody who asks you! That's the spice in this mall that you would find nowhere else!"
The One winks at me and leaves..
And the rest as they say is history!
I chose the costume I am in today!
In different sections of the mall, they call each costume by a different name but nobody calls them as - Previledge, Dominating and Risky ( these are hard to spot- strangely! Becasue they were the most prominent in their wardrobes! Life's funny!)
As The One had said, I encountered Dominating One's trying to push me around....but what the One had not told me is that some Dominating one's can compliment me, they've been extremely generous in offering me their support which has made my time in the mall not just easy but lots more fun!
The idea, it seems, is to have the best time one possibly can , while you are in this mall! To see as much as you can, to experience as much as you can- and to connect to as many customers and learn from them! Because One Costume is not enough to get the whole experience of the BIG LIFE MALL!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Those old school days...
I inherited all my school textbooks from Di.Di's books were an example of how a book could be used and still looked as if it hadn't been used!
I was and am totally against this mentality! I love to leave behind my mark - ("Yes! I have read this text!") on books and benches ( not on tourist places!) .
Since I was least interested in what went on in class, I would put my heart and soul into decorating my textbooks! My favorites were language books- hindi, English etc. Because they had stories and pictures of human beings whom I could turn into demons by drawing two horns and a long tongue! And 1 subject I hated to study but on whose textbook I spent maximum time was Sanskrit! Sanskrit textbooks were filled with drawings of Kings and Queens, and I not only turned them into demons but also put thought bubbles in front of their mouths and filled it with funny dialogues!
I sat on the very 1st bench, right below the teacher's nose. Another of my classroom time pass was to give to the teacher whatever she required before anybody else could! I really don't understand today, what was the whole excitement about? But there were some others like me who gave me competition , so yes, that activity must have been interesting! In that event of being the first to give, we would fall- sometimes at the teacher's feet and hit each other to be the first and often get back on the bench with taunts from the teacher like - " I wished you had fought that hard for marks!"
So once our Sanskrit teacher asked for the textbook and "Jhataak" I gave it in her hands! And then it occurred to me that other than textbooks, I could give anybody anything! She opened the book and went through the pages, closed it and looked at the cover-
" Is this your textbook Janaki? What is this?"
Err...... Textbook it was, with my creativity all over the pages!
The teacher couldn't stop at that. She could not read that text book - fine, throw it back at me, you don't need to lecture me in front of the class, especially with those silly boys giggling behind!
"How old are you now? This is what is expected out of a 14 year old girl?"
- I never understand such dialogues- what do you mean by "this is not expected out of a so and so year old boy or girl?" Oh come on, what we do is all human...not that I am the first girl in the world to do that!
But when it was my turn to teach- I said the exact same dialogues to confused teenagers!" Get out of the class and erase all that right now!"
ERASE?? Erase what? I wanted to tell her, the kings are no more kings- they are demons! Either they will live on my text as demons or nothing!
But I was put to the task right away!
My poor little frail textbook!
First, it was 3 years old ( my sister's) ,
secondly I had mishandled it,
Thirdly I drew all my pictures with 4B or 2B pencils, and had carved out my drawings so deeply that the original picture could hardly be seen!
I did not know how to start, from where to start! Finally I decided it would be the horns! The first stroke of the eraser and the page got torn!
Chalo , ho gaya kaam!
Thankfully the school bell rang and I was out of the school building even before the teacher came out of the class.
Unfortunately now, in my text , there are no pictures, no humans , no animals! It's just boring alphabets! All I can do is mark important sections with glitter pens and markers for some fun- but that's it!
For all this and so much more, I miss those old school days.....
Monday, May 24, 2010
Rebellious!! Who me??
One thing that almost all of us want to stay far away from is any kind of controversy!
And those who make controversies now a days are more of cheap attention hungry people!
We don't agree with many things that are happening around us, but we rather not questions the set norms than to attract the wrath of the society!
I say being Rebellious is good!
Rebellion which is done for a positive act is most needed in a society.
We need to stay away from the rebellion which is only done for the name sake!
Unfortunately what is happening is quite the opposite, people who should have shut their mouths are most vocal- there are many examples- Rakhi Sawant is the biggest Rebellious attention seeking woman I've seen on Indian television, closely followed by Mallika Sheravat ( who's not much heard of now a days) and the most rebellious woman of India- Shobha De!
Nothing or very little positive effect has ever come out of such people's actions- but they dare to be different, make their statements and hog our attention!
Are we getting used to such cheap useless rebels?
Are we really a thinking society? Do we have a higher awareness that we boast of?
Who was the last positive Rebellious person?
Who dared to speak the truth and stand up for what he/ she believed in??
Are rebellious people only found in history?
Aren't there enough reasons to start a rebellion anymore?
"Am I rebellious?
Would I like to change things?"
Rebellious!!
Who me??
And those who make controversies now a days are more of cheap attention hungry people!
We don't agree with many things that are happening around us, but we rather not questions the set norms than to attract the wrath of the society!
I say being Rebellious is good!
Rebellion which is done for a positive act is most needed in a society.
We need to stay away from the rebellion which is only done for the name sake!
Unfortunately what is happening is quite the opposite, people who should have shut their mouths are most vocal- there are many examples- Rakhi Sawant is the biggest Rebellious attention seeking woman I've seen on Indian television, closely followed by Mallika Sheravat ( who's not much heard of now a days) and the most rebellious woman of India- Shobha De!
Nothing or very little positive effect has ever come out of such people's actions- but they dare to be different, make their statements and hog our attention!
Are we getting used to such cheap useless rebels?
Are we really a thinking society? Do we have a higher awareness that we boast of?
Who was the last positive Rebellious person?
Who dared to speak the truth and stand up for what he/ she believed in??
Are rebellious people only found in history?
Aren't there enough reasons to start a rebellion anymore?
"Am I rebellious?
Would I like to change things?"
Rebellious!!
Who me??
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Remember Me !
I saw the trailer of the film when I was watching Iron Man 2!
Iron Man , is like any other action Hollywood film!
It's like a mutual fund- there's no risk, you know you will at least be entertained by their special effects if not anything else!
Other categories such as this one "Remember Me", which is a drama, is a bit risky....especially for the Indian audience, because we might or might not understand their sensibilities!
Now, the trailer of the film doesn't really tell you anything except for the fact that the film has - OO La la - Robert Pattinson in the lead role and Peirce Brosnan playing his father!
So I blindly knew I wanted to watch this film!
This is a refreshing take on 9/11!
I loved the screenplay and the gentle flow of the film, the treatment- and especially the ending!
I don't have anything to complain about it, because I went in with no expectations!
Don't want to say too much about the story, because movies are an experience and this one was really nice! It made me laugh, it made me sigh, it made me cry- it touched me deeply, I can't really explain why!
If you are amongst those who only like action films- this film is probably not meant for you!
Most of my friends liked this film, So I can safely say it has a general appeal!
My Rating : ****/ 4 Star
My Rating Might be slightly on the higher side...but it's definitely above 3 and a half stars ( I don't know how the professional critics have judged it).
My Fav. Quote in this film:
"Gandhi said that whatever you do in life will be insignificant. But it's very important that you do it."
You understand the meaning of this only when you watch the film,
So Please, Do watch it!
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Day We Met!
It's the first rains of 2010......And I have been working till late in the office. It's 9 pm, the Bus stop is crowded with people stranded due to the unexpected showers! Lightning and strong winds are making it impossible to keep myself dry!
I only wish to get into the last volvo to take me home! I spot my bus, and walk towards it as fast as I can and suddenly 'she' came in my way.......... " Shyam, Where had you been? I've been searching you everywhere on the Bus stand! How can you be so careless Shyam? I was so shit worried.....and look at me now, I am fully drenched!"
(I have been looking at her from the first second she appeared in front of me from nowhere! There's not a dearth of doubt in my mind that this is the first time I am looking at this girl! Because girls as beautiful as her don't cross your eyesight often, and definitely don't come to you and talk! I am lost for words.......She's fair, blue eyed and is wearing a full sleeve white churidaar that is clinging to her perfectly sculpted body! Is she an angel? )
" Now give me that jacket, fast!People are looking at me! .....Will you hurry up mister?"
I look around, the men around me are looking with complete disbelief! They must be wondering, "What a fool! He's got this beauty with him and he doesn't even know how to take care of her!! What a waste!"
I start to remove my jacket and suddenly I am reminded of the fact that I am not Shyam after all! I nevertheless hand over the jacket to her!
" Madam, I am not Shyam!"
"And Mister, I am not Nisha! Now lets go!" She gives me a naughty smile and holds my hand and pulls me in the opposite direction from my bus!
" Then, who are you?"
We stop!
People are looking at us now.... She looks at me with disbelief, then looks around at people!
" Shyam, Baby, it's 9.30 pm....it's getting late!"
" Okay enough! You are pretty and all that, but Miss , I am not your Shyam! You are clearly mistaken okay?"
" I don't like this prank!"
" Nor do I like yours!"
We stand in the middle of the platform looking at each other. I hate to do this to her, Damn! She is attractive! And now I see her eyes shining with little tears.....
" Okay, Look Miss...I can drop you where you want to go. Are you lost? You don't need to worry. There's a police station down this road, I'll come with you if you want!"
" Oh yeah? You come home and I'll show you who's lost!"
(She's clearly angry, but I seriously don't know how to react to this situation! How would you react huh? The most beautiful girl you've seen in your life is standing in front of you, but she thinks you are someone else!.........Clearly something's wrong here! ......Clearly she's out of her mind........Out of her mind..........Is she mad?? Beautiful girls always have some problem- maybe this is hers! Oh God! What to do now? )
"And where is it you stay? Tell me?"
( How can I tell a mad girl where I stay?)
" I stay in IndiraNagar!"
( I lie!)
" Is it? "
(She is thinking...........probably about how to prove her point!)
" Then let me see your identity card! Everything will be clear to you!"
( I can't show her my ID card!)
" I cant show you my ID card! No way!"
"Why not?"
" So that you come and follow me?"
She sighs!
" Your name is Shyam Patel! You work for Accenture as a senior Developer! You are 28 years old, and I knew you were a little crazy , but didn't know you were completely off your hook! And in case you are wondering who I am? I am Nisha Patel, your wife!"
Our conversation has by now become a public entertainment forum for passerby's! There's a crowd gathering around us, and clearly people seem to believe her more than me!
"And now to bring the show to an end, please take out your ID, and show it to the public!"
(I don't believe the conviction of this girl! I mean wohh! Is this Bakra day or what? )
"Shyam, No sorry, whoever you are, take out your ID and show it.....not to me, if you don't want to, but to the expecting crowd at least!"
(Why should I ? Who the hell is she to force me to show my ID card to the world? The best thing right now ........................is to turn away and run!)
Run, Run...................I start running for my life, as fast as I can!
"Oh my god Shyam........stop..............stop him!"
The crowd is all by her side......I am trying as hard as possible to break free from their clutches , but it's too many against one! Somebody is forcing open my bag, "Let us see your Id" they say!
" Don't....don't mishandle him! Are you okay Shyam? What's wrong with you?"
( She is looking at me with a worried expression, and I see tears rolling down!)
" Shyam Patel.......That's him...she's right! What an idiot!" The people mumble under the breath, and let go of me.
I sit on the wet platform, unable to believe what happened in the past half an hour. My life was completely fine until she came in......My life......in ................in.........what city is this? Wait.....where was I going? My home is in.........wait......my house is located ........
"Shyam........Shyam....look at me dear!"
"You don't touch me! You've messed my life here! What had I done to you? Why did you do this to me?"
I reach out for the ID which is in her hands, and have a look- Shyam Patel, that's my photograph there! Unbelievable!
I look up at her slowly......" What's happening to me Nisha? Help me, please help me I don't remember anything!" She comes and hugs me, as I shudder with disbelief..... "Everything will be alright Shyam, I am here for you! Let's go home....everything will be fine!"
As I get up, things are getting worse, it's as if my mind is shutting down......My eyes are seeing a world completely new to me...and my brain is not taking in the information the senses are giving it! I cling to her, with her I feel safe....like how the child holds on to his mother............
That was a strange Rainy Day, and it completely changed my life! It's amazing how a stranger co incidentally comes in your life and shows you who you really are!
I am under treatment now.....And she's the one taking care of me.....she asks me every day, "Shyam, do you remember the day we met for the first time? That was a very special day!"
"Yes!" I tell her!
" On the platform on the rainy day!"
And she just puts down her head and cries.......always, she cries!
I only wish to get into the last volvo to take me home! I spot my bus, and walk towards it as fast as I can and suddenly 'she' came in my way.......... " Shyam, Where had you been? I've been searching you everywhere on the Bus stand! How can you be so careless Shyam? I was so shit worried.....and look at me now, I am fully drenched!"
(I have been looking at her from the first second she appeared in front of me from nowhere! There's not a dearth of doubt in my mind that this is the first time I am looking at this girl! Because girls as beautiful as her don't cross your eyesight often, and definitely don't come to you and talk! I am lost for words.......She's fair, blue eyed and is wearing a full sleeve white churidaar that is clinging to her perfectly sculpted body! Is she an angel? )
" Now give me that jacket, fast!People are looking at me! .....Will you hurry up mister?"
I look around, the men around me are looking with complete disbelief! They must be wondering, "What a fool! He's got this beauty with him and he doesn't even know how to take care of her!! What a waste!"
I start to remove my jacket and suddenly I am reminded of the fact that I am not Shyam after all! I nevertheless hand over the jacket to her!
" Madam, I am not Shyam!"
"And Mister, I am not Nisha! Now lets go!" She gives me a naughty smile and holds my hand and pulls me in the opposite direction from my bus!
" Then, who are you?"
We stop!
People are looking at us now.... She looks at me with disbelief, then looks around at people!
" Shyam, Baby, it's 9.30 pm....it's getting late!"
" Okay enough! You are pretty and all that, but Miss , I am not your Shyam! You are clearly mistaken okay?"
" I don't like this prank!"
" Nor do I like yours!"
We stand in the middle of the platform looking at each other. I hate to do this to her, Damn! She is attractive! And now I see her eyes shining with little tears.....
" Okay, Look Miss...I can drop you where you want to go. Are you lost? You don't need to worry. There's a police station down this road, I'll come with you if you want!"
" Oh yeah? You come home and I'll show you who's lost!"
(She's clearly angry, but I seriously don't know how to react to this situation! How would you react huh? The most beautiful girl you've seen in your life is standing in front of you, but she thinks you are someone else!.........Clearly something's wrong here! ......Clearly she's out of her mind........Out of her mind..........Is she mad?? Beautiful girls always have some problem- maybe this is hers! Oh God! What to do now? )
"And where is it you stay? Tell me?"
( How can I tell a mad girl where I stay?)
" I stay in IndiraNagar!"
( I lie!)
" Is it? "
(She is thinking...........probably about how to prove her point!)
" Then let me see your identity card! Everything will be clear to you!"
( I can't show her my ID card!)
" I cant show you my ID card! No way!"
"Why not?"
" So that you come and follow me?"
She sighs!
" Your name is Shyam Patel! You work for Accenture as a senior Developer! You are 28 years old, and I knew you were a little crazy , but didn't know you were completely off your hook! And in case you are wondering who I am? I am Nisha Patel, your wife!"
Our conversation has by now become a public entertainment forum for passerby's! There's a crowd gathering around us, and clearly people seem to believe her more than me!
"And now to bring the show to an end, please take out your ID, and show it to the public!"
(I don't believe the conviction of this girl! I mean wohh! Is this Bakra day or what? )
"Shyam, No sorry, whoever you are, take out your ID and show it.....not to me, if you don't want to, but to the expecting crowd at least!"
(Why should I ? Who the hell is she to force me to show my ID card to the world? The best thing right now ........................is to turn away and run!)
Run, Run...................I start running for my life, as fast as I can!
"Oh my god Shyam........stop..............stop him!"
The crowd is all by her side......I am trying as hard as possible to break free from their clutches , but it's too many against one! Somebody is forcing open my bag, "Let us see your Id" they say!
" Don't....don't mishandle him! Are you okay Shyam? What's wrong with you?"
( She is looking at me with a worried expression, and I see tears rolling down!)
" Shyam Patel.......That's him...she's right! What an idiot!" The people mumble under the breath, and let go of me.
I sit on the wet platform, unable to believe what happened in the past half an hour. My life was completely fine until she came in......My life......in ................in.........what city is this? Wait.....where was I going? My home is in.........wait......my house is located ........
"Shyam........Shyam....look at me dear!"
"You don't touch me! You've messed my life here! What had I done to you? Why did you do this to me?"
I reach out for the ID which is in her hands, and have a look- Shyam Patel, that's my photograph there! Unbelievable!
I look up at her slowly......" What's happening to me Nisha? Help me, please help me I don't remember anything!" She comes and hugs me, as I shudder with disbelief..... "Everything will be alright Shyam, I am here for you! Let's go home....everything will be fine!"
As I get up, things are getting worse, it's as if my mind is shutting down......My eyes are seeing a world completely new to me...and my brain is not taking in the information the senses are giving it! I cling to her, with her I feel safe....like how the child holds on to his mother............
That was a strange Rainy Day, and it completely changed my life! It's amazing how a stranger co incidentally comes in your life and shows you who you really are!
I am under treatment now.....And she's the one taking care of me.....she asks me every day, "Shyam, do you remember the day we met for the first time? That was a very special day!"
"Yes!" I tell her!
" On the platform on the rainy day!"
And she just puts down her head and cries.......always, she cries!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
If I were....
Came across a blog ''A Whimsical Bohemian" , and I found a very interesting post!
I am filling up my details, I would love to read your answers too!
If I were a Month, I would be June ;
If I were a Day, I would be Wednesday ;
If I were a time of the day, I would be Dusk ;
If I were a Direction, I would be West ;
If I were an Element, I would be Mercury ;
If I were a Liquid, I would be Water ;
If I were a gemstone, I would be a Diamond ;
If I were a Tree, I would be a Mango Tree ;
If I were a Bird, I would be an Eagle ;
If I were a tool, I would be a swiss knife ;
If I were a pair of shoes, I would be a pair of floaters ;
If I were a color, I would be Yellow ;
If I were an emotion, I would be Happy ;
If I were a Fruit, I would be An Apple ;
If I were a Sound, I would be Laughter ;
If I were a car, I would be A SUV ;
If I were a Food, I would be A Salad ;
If I were a Taste, I would be Sweet ;
If I were a place, I would be an Island ;
If I were a Material, I would be Lycra ;
If I were a Body Part, I would be the soul ;
If I were Music, I would be Instrumental ;
If I were a Dance, I would be Contemporary ;
If I were an Animal, I would be a Monkey ;
If I were a gift , I would be anything Hand Made ;
If I were an Element Of Earth, I would be the Air ;
If I were a Historical Figure, I would be Jhansi Ki Raani ( :-) ;
If I were A Famous Actor, I would be Meg Ryan ;
If I were a Book, I would be Anne Frank's Diary ;
If I were a Poem, I would be " Even This Shall Pass Away" ;
If I were a Room of the House, I would be The Study Room .
What would you be, If you were....... ??
Anything different than what is listed that describes you better?
Let me know :-)
Here's some more I picked from Sharvani
If I were a smell, I would be the smell of fresh Cucumber ( closely followed by the smell of earth after the first rains) ;-) ;
If I were a Dessert, I'd be a Roshogulla,
If I were a Clothing, I would be an Elegant cotton- pastel shade saaree;
If I were a Gadget, I'd be a Camera;
Some More from me:
If I were a film, I would be " Hazaron Khwaishein Aisi";
If I were a game, I would be "Monopoly";
And,
If I were some other common person other than me,
Naah!
I always want to be me! :-)
Here's some more I picked from Sharvani
If I were a smell, I would be the smell of fresh Cucumber ( closely followed by the smell of earth after the first rains) ;-) ;
If I were a Dessert, I'd be a Roshogulla,
If I were a Clothing, I would be an Elegant cotton- pastel shade saaree;
If I were a Gadget, I'd be a Camera;
Some More from me:
If I were a film, I would be " Hazaron Khwaishein Aisi";
If I were a game, I would be "Monopoly";
And,
If I were some other common person other than me,
Naah!
I always want to be me! :-)
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Just when it's time to study...
There seems to be a close connection between studies and creative thinking!
There also seems to be a close connection between studies and important events and experiences!
For every time I sit down to study, I get so many wonderful ideas to write a story, or blog about something interesting, or any hobby I should cultivate. Rest of the time, when I really have nothing to do- my brain is switched off!
My exams are a month away, I know nothing about accounts or taxation which I should know in order to pass, I open the book and look in, and "Bam" - some characters, some stories float away in my mind that I just cannot ignore! That too comparing it to those boring taxes?? No way!
And I always wish, " I should have started studying earlier, I could have got even more stories!"
But you cannot fool yourself! The urgency, and tension seems to be the cause of all the creative thinking! And it will never come if I study 3 months in advance!
I can understand this connection , but what about all the unwanted drama happening in my life right at the time of exams?
1. My close girl friend breaks up with her boy friend a week before my exams!
2. I get a call to join a company which is listed as my "Dream Job" , just 5 days before the exams!
3. Some XYZ group announces its trekking expedition in Leh Ladakh for 15 days , only for Rs.15 K a week before I answer!
4. I have a major fight with someone close and important!
All this and so much like this which sends my mind into a toss! How can I not day dream and in stead concentrate in those boring studies??
But studies seems to be the reason for all the excitement and ideas! Both - creative thinking and studies seem to be inter dependent in order to function well!
I don't know for how long I can keep studying....in order to be creative!
But WTH? There's so much in life that I can never run out of topics to study!
There also seems to be a close connection between studies and important events and experiences!
For every time I sit down to study, I get so many wonderful ideas to write a story, or blog about something interesting, or any hobby I should cultivate. Rest of the time, when I really have nothing to do- my brain is switched off!
My exams are a month away, I know nothing about accounts or taxation which I should know in order to pass, I open the book and look in, and "Bam" - some characters, some stories float away in my mind that I just cannot ignore! That too comparing it to those boring taxes?? No way!
And I always wish, " I should have started studying earlier, I could have got even more stories!"
But you cannot fool yourself! The urgency, and tension seems to be the cause of all the creative thinking! And it will never come if I study 3 months in advance!
I can understand this connection , but what about all the unwanted drama happening in my life right at the time of exams?
1. My close girl friend breaks up with her boy friend a week before my exams!
2. I get a call to join a company which is listed as my "Dream Job" , just 5 days before the exams!
3. Some XYZ group announces its trekking expedition in Leh Ladakh for 15 days , only for Rs.15 K a week before I answer!
4. I have a major fight with someone close and important!
All this and so much like this which sends my mind into a toss! How can I not day dream and in stead concentrate in those boring studies??
But studies seems to be the reason for all the excitement and ideas! Both - creative thinking and studies seem to be inter dependent in order to function well!
I don't know for how long I can keep studying....in order to be creative!
But WTH? There's so much in life that I can never run out of topics to study!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Ooty In Pictures!
Am not much of a photographer, I wonder what pictures one could click in a location like Ooty if he has the right skill and the right camera, because the possibilities are many!I had visited Ooty as a child, and this was my 2nd visit after more than a decade, and what I saw of it completely broke my heart!
Ooty or Udagamandalam, has beautiful weather and is rich in natural beauty! It is one of those places God makes with great care........unfortunately, our Indian brethren has not respected this god's creation!
I saw these boards at every place I visited! Does our Government think that putting up such warning Boards excuse them of their responsibility to clean up the area in a country like India, where more than half of its population cannot read and write in their own native language and especially in a state like Tamil Nadu where people don't understand English??
This is supposed to be a pine forest! Look at the plastic thrown around. Those Boards were put up in the left side of the road, you turn right and you see this!
This is the same Pine Forest! And people sell all sort of things wrapped in plastic!
Dustbins of International Standards ! It's open from underneath! No wonder nobody threw any waste inside. Why bother when the strong winds will blow out everything within seconds??
Tibetan Market packed with people!Summer being a season, Ooty is packed with Indian tourists! If you are amongst those who hate crowds and pollution- do not visit Ooty during summers, I don't know what it's status is during other seasons!
The main town is filthy with gutter water flowing everywhere! We Indians just don't deserve anything beautiful!! We have absolutely no civic sense, we care about nothing other than our great Traditions, that teach us to do Honour Killings!!
I wonder, are we Humans or Vultures killing and destroying our own species??
Anyway, on a lighter note, Udagamandalam is still a very beautiful place. Just stay away from the crowds and the main city, and go trekking in the woods- you'll find peace immediately! The local people are very friendly and accommodating!
These young fellas helped me find my trail while trekking in the woods!
Lovely location for a dream house!
A formation at a lake in summers when the water level drops!
A View from my Hotel Window!
It is frustrating to see a place as beautiful as Ooty dying a slow death just like many other places in India. How come we Indians act so carelessly in our motherland and the same "us" when we go abroad, are at the best of our civility?How many more decades till we see a change in this careless Indian attitude?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Etiquette Of Eating A Mankurad Amo!
You don't just buy one, you have to earn one!!
Okay, I stole that line from Cadbury Bournville Ad! But that's the best way to convey my sentiments about the Mankurad Amo! Now for the non Goan folks, "Amo" means a Mango, and "Mankurad" is the Goan variety or specialty!
They call the Mango the king of fruits, then Mankurad is the king of Mangoes! ( I know each Mango growing state will want to debate that with the best they have, only because they haven't yet tasted the Mankurad!!.......I bet you try one and then debate on this issue, no one can eat just one!! ( Okay, I stole this tag line too..... :-) )
From what I've heard, Mankurad was originally grown in Portugal, and a sapling was transported to their colony in Goa, and today Goa is the only state in the whole wide world to grow this species of Mangoes! Even Portugal doesn't have it anymore. ( Anyone else who knows any other story , you are welcome to share it!)
Mancurado or Malcurado means "poor color".... I don't know who the hell named this species to mean that! I read some Goan lady say, "How can a mango, which when eaten, transports one straight to heaven, be called malcurado which means poor colour ?"....so true!!!
Anyway, if you anytime are honored with this mango, then there are ways or etiquette to eat it! You don't just pick one and eat it!!
First you pick it up and smell it!
No ! Wait! First, you smile......before picking up the Mankurad , you smile.........though that is very natural to all Goans , others have to strictly do it to please the very Mankurad that you are going to eat! ( In my case I simply hop and jump around, especially now that I stay in Bengaluru and I don't get to eat a Mankurad everyday!! )
Step 2: You cut it into neat slices! Remember not to smudge or disturb the pulp!
Step 3: You smell it one's again!
You see, Mankurad is to be eaten at leisure, for that you need to give lots of time, it's not something you gulp down to just finish the task!!
You take small bites, and chew it slowly .......preferably close your eyes while you eat it!
Only after you are done with the slices can you go for the main seed! And you have to eat the seed till the color turns from yellow to white!! Waste nothing my friend!! Waste Nothing!!
You cannot plant the seed after you are done with it and expect it to bear you a Mankurad! You need a graft of Mankurad if you want to grow one, and you need to be in Goa to grow one!
This season, if any of your Goan friends are visiting home, the only thing to ask them to get back when they come is a Mankurad Amo! Each Mankurad should be carefully wrapped in a paper and then all of them put together in a bag....
Well! I hope you follow the rules when you get to eat the Mankurad! If I was in Goa, I would have said all are welcome to come home and have one, but here I treasure each Mankurad that I get!! So sorry, no invitations here! ( This can be another etiquette! You may not want to share a Mankurad, and it's perfectly understood!)
Okay, I stole that line from Cadbury Bournville Ad! But that's the best way to convey my sentiments about the Mankurad Amo! Now for the non Goan folks, "Amo" means a Mango, and "Mankurad" is the Goan variety or specialty!
They call the Mango the king of fruits, then Mankurad is the king of Mangoes! ( I know each Mango growing state will want to debate that with the best they have, only because they haven't yet tasted the Mankurad!!.......I bet you try one and then debate on this issue, no one can eat just one!! ( Okay, I stole this tag line too..... :-) )
From what I've heard, Mankurad was originally grown in Portugal, and a sapling was transported to their colony in Goa, and today Goa is the only state in the whole wide world to grow this species of Mangoes! Even Portugal doesn't have it anymore. ( Anyone else who knows any other story , you are welcome to share it!)
Mancurado or Malcurado means "poor color".... I don't know who the hell named this species to mean that! I read some Goan lady say, "How can a mango, which when eaten, transports one straight to heaven, be called malcurado which means poor colour ?"....so true!!!
Anyway, if you anytime are honored with this mango, then there are ways or etiquette to eat it! You don't just pick one and eat it!!
First you pick it up and smell it!
No ! Wait! First, you smile......before picking up the Mankurad , you smile.........though that is very natural to all Goans , others have to strictly do it to please the very Mankurad that you are going to eat! ( In my case I simply hop and jump around, especially now that I stay in Bengaluru and I don't get to eat a Mankurad everyday!! )
Step 2: You cut it into neat slices! Remember not to smudge or disturb the pulp!
Step 3: You smell it one's again!
You see, Mankurad is to be eaten at leisure, for that you need to give lots of time, it's not something you gulp down to just finish the task!!
You take small bites, and chew it slowly .......preferably close your eyes while you eat it!
Only after you are done with the slices can you go for the main seed! And you have to eat the seed till the color turns from yellow to white!! Waste nothing my friend!! Waste Nothing!!
You cannot plant the seed after you are done with it and expect it to bear you a Mankurad! You need a graft of Mankurad if you want to grow one, and you need to be in Goa to grow one!
This season, if any of your Goan friends are visiting home, the only thing to ask them to get back when they come is a Mankurad Amo! Each Mankurad should be carefully wrapped in a paper and then all of them put together in a bag....
Well! I hope you follow the rules when you get to eat the Mankurad! If I was in Goa, I would have said all are welcome to come home and have one, but here I treasure each Mankurad that I get!! So sorry, no invitations here! ( This can be another etiquette! You may not want to share a Mankurad, and it's perfectly understood!)
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