dreamland

The Wait

2011-12-10T22:20:00.002+05:30

She sat down looking here and there. There was no one around. She was thankful for that but still she was nervous. This was not her first visit but still each time she went there it felt like first time.

She looked at her watch! It was already very late. She tried thinking of her favorite things. She tried thinking of songs which made her happy. But she could not remember a single thing. She could not concentrate on anything at all.

There was this unexplainable fear inside her. Each time she came there she felt like a prisoner full of guilt!

And then the door opened. The Door to Hell! Some one called her name.

She went in and sat. He smiled at her. She closed her eyes and opened her mouth open.

The Wait to get in was over and the next wait to get out started.
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Poems are not my cup of coffee or tea but then a poem that is very close to my heart is this particular as it gives me some relief from the pain i go through each time i visit this place i dread the most!

Ogden Nash

This Is Going To Hurt Just A Little Bit

One thing I like less than most things is sitting in a dentist chair with my mouth wide open.

And that I will never have to do it again is a hope that I am against hope hopen.

Because some tortures are physical and some are mental,
But the one that is both is dental.
It is hard to be self-possessed
With your jaw digging into your chest.

So hard to retain your calm
When your fingernails are making serious alterations in your life line or love line or some other important line in your palm;

So hard to give your usual effect of cheery benignity
When you know your position is one of the two or three in life most lacking in dignity.

And your mouth is like a section of road that is being worked on.
And it is all cluttered up with stone crushers and concrete mixers and drills and steam rollers and there isn’t a nerve in your head thatyou aren’t being irked on.

Oh, some people are unfortunate enough to be strung up by thumbs.
And others have things done to their gums,
And your teeth are supposed to be being polished,
But you have reason to believe they are being demolished.

And the circumstance that adds most to your terror
Is that it’s all done with a mirror,
Because the dentist may be a bear, or as the Romans used to say, only they were referring to a feminine bear when they said it, an ursa,
But all the same how can you be sure when he takes his crowbar in one hand and mirror in the other he won’t get mixed up, the way you do when you try to tie a bow tie with the aid of a mirror, and forget that left is right and vice versa?

And then at last he says That will be all; but it isn’t because he then coats your mouth from cellar to roof
With something that I suspect is generally used to put a shine on a horse’s hoof.

And you totter to your feet and think. Well it’s all over now and afterall it was only this once.
And he says come back in three monce.

And this, O Fate, is I think the most vicious circle that thou ever sentest,
That Man has to go continually to the dentist to keep his teeth in good condition
when the chief reason he wants his teeth in good condition
is so that he won’t have to go to the dentist.

PS: CCPed the poem from a site...

A-Z ~ Home Alone!!!

2011-11-13T21:26:00.000+05:30

Idle mind is a devil's workshop but then Sound's mind also went for weekend vacation as she was stuck at Home Alone!!!

A - Awesome feeling of being alone at home

B - thinking about Blogging about it

C - Cleaning my stuff to make sure mom is happy :P

D - Dancing all over the place!!

E - Excited to be alone

F - Figuring out what different to do

G - Gifting myself

H - Home alone watching Home Alone

I - iTunes - my companion

J - enJoying

K - K is boring ….

L - Loudly singing

M - Messages

N - Noodles

O - Origami - future paper king :P

P - Pizza in between

Q - gonna be a paper Queen like paper princess :P

R - Read books

S - Singing loudly

T - watch Television

U - Upbeat about everything

V - feeling Victorious after cleaning my place!

W - Wishing a lot of things like...

X - Xpect the home alone weekend to extend!!

Y - Yawning and trying to sleep

Z - Finally Sleep off on the last night...

Ok now don't get angry after reading this.. New Week is starting and am excited!!! :D :D :D

Books - Inspiration!

2011-10-25T18:58:00.001+05:30

Rainy Day, A cup of hot tea in hand and a Book! Life is bliss with these 3 combinations!!!

Books play an integral part in our lives. Starting from school text books to fictions to non fictions to self help to biographies. Each and every book teaches us something and we learn without even actually learning!

One of my friends recently asked,which is my favourite genre of book and and it kept me thinking on what kind of books I read!!

Recently I have started books of different genres.I even started reading Fantasies, Chiclits,Romance etc ;) But in fiction/non-fiction, a few have really inspired me. Do pick these and read in your own leisure time -

The Leader who had no title : Robin Sharma

Am not a great fan of the self help/guide books but this book with simple examples inspires. An apt book for all of us on how we can make a difference not just within ourself on how we work but also within the team.

Switch - How to Change Things when Change is hard : Chip and Dan Heath

Change is something we all hope/expect/look forward for but when the change actually comes we are not ready to accept it immediately. Even the slightest change like direction from the normal route makes us uncomfortable even though we want the change. This book is just the "Switch" on how we can embrace a change. A change can be a very smaill thing. And most importantly even "You" can inspire a change!!!

Chanakya Chants : Ashwin Sanghi

A fictional book based on Chanakya's principles. Loved this book to the maximum as the book keeps switching between present day and past giving us a wonderful picture on how the Chanakya's principles are effective even today! I recently heard Dr. Radhakrishnan, Author of Corporate Chanakya on how Chanakya's principles can be used for effective Management. Its next "to read" in my list.

Mafia Queens of Mumbai : S.Hussain Zaidi

True stories are always an inspiration! The title of the book says it all but still reading the book makes you realize that the worls is not actually so nice as it seems. It made me thank my stars that i am on the other side of the grass. Each and every story tells us how a woman is caught in the web of deceit, lies" and how she turns from the "innocent woman" to the "hard hearted mafia queen".

On the lighter side, moral of the story - Don't fall in Love ;)

Each and every woman's story is how their life was all rosy till they fall in love with a man who cheats and betrays her and she ends up in those dark cities of Mumbai!!!

Makers of Modern India : Ramachandra Guha

This is the latest book i have started. Guha comes up with yet another inspiring and knowledgable book on India's history. Here he takes 19 Indians who were visionaries and had a hand in shaping India's Future. As he clarified he only took the names of those who had ideas/visions of modern India. The book, not just has the story of their visions but also excerps of their articles. Inspiring is a very understated word!

Do share your list! :D

Neon Nagaram Book Review

2011-09-30T21:27:00.005+05:30

Are there times when you hear a new song and wonder if the tune is very familiar?

Are there times when you felt completely dejected and all alone in life?

Are there times when you wanted to tell something to your loved ones(be it anyone) but couldn't tell it openly?

If you can relate to any of the above, grab the copy of Neon Nagaram and experience it yourself.

When we ask a group of people what are their hobbies, 90% of the replies would be "Listening to Music" and "Reading Books".

Paadhai has taken this wonderful concept to of mixing both these pleasures to one package and presented us with the 2nd musical Novel - Neon Nagaram.

A complete novel written with the hero,Vinay ,in the lead and a perfect story woven with all the mentioned points!

One can relate to each and every character in the story. From the father, who understands the son but hardly talks to him. A mother who is concerned about you. A brother who will, without even thinking for a second, will give his own things to you. A friend who is there for you always. A boss who remains distant to you but still encourages you. A colleague who is not actually a friend but understands you .

Each and every relationship written in subtle ways captures one's attention. Father-Son Relation. Father-Daughter relation. Siblings who help each other but don't overstep the line.

Friendship which helps you come through tough times! Initially the hero's friend is portrayed as the typical "comedian" friend that we see in the movies, but as the story goes, one can deeply acknowledge the way the "Friend " helps the Hero professionally/personally, being in the backdrop!

No one is a Hero/Villian. Situations make you to become something you might not have been before!

The Moral of the Story - "When one door closes another door opens". Just believe in yourself.

As one of my friend's who read the book said - Vinay is my best friend as I can relate to him so much!

The impact that this book leaves on each is immeasurable!

You can just pick up the book and read, if not listen to music at same time!

Musical review coming up in the next part!

P.S - For all the non-tamil readers, you can still pick up the copy and listen to the songs! Music has no language barrier!

And have some patience! English/Hindi version soon will be out for you all! :D

Check out Earlier post on Paadhai - Ranam Sugam's review and Neon Nagaram's Promo!

Matter of Survival

2011-09-17T19:11:00.003+05:30

She was standing at the corner of the road.

He hugged his mother tightly not wanting to leave her. She fed him. He quietly ate whatever she gave him. He felt happy when she took him in her arms.He felt secure.

She looked at him with all the warmth and love in this world. He was her baby and she would never let anyone harm him. She felt him shiver as he heard the noise. A van stopped near them. She saw a few get out n come near her. A few were sitting inside and watching her, as if laughing at her.

One of them took something from his hand and kept near his face. He was looking intently at her.

She looked here and there. She could sense that her son was very scared. He had closed his eyes and was tightly hugging her. She was ready to fight them if they tried to do any harm her son.

*Flash*, light flashed out of what that thing the guy had in his hand. She was about to snatch it away from him when she heard them going back to the van laughing.

The van started and the shouts and laughter slowly fed down.

She looked at her son and whispered something in his ears. He looked up and slowly came out of her arms. Danger had gone for time being.

P.S - Today while doing major cleaning at home, I had to break the nest that was built by wasp. There were baby wasps inside. After all the cleaning, the mother wasp came seating for her nest and baby and was roaming the whole room for almost one hour searching in vain. I felt sad but then could't help it!

As my father put it.. its just a matter of survival!

Beep - you have got a message!!

2011-09-10T10:33:00.000+05:30

Life has become a business of sort! Compromises..Negotiations..Persuasions and what not to live our own life in ur manner!

Oh am not going into philosophy now ;)

My cell beeped with this message which prompted me to write this post!

"SMS PUBLICITY for your business development excellent response@low cost for just Rs.1800 for 1 lakh sms. Attractive discount for corporate & bulk orders!"

Thanks to the bulk sms option; we, the customers, who have a phone get numerous messages varying from plots on sale to holiday resorts to how to treat your hairfall!

This goes by saying that when your cell beeps and you read such a message, it in turn only spoils your mood because we all look forward to messages from someone else...hmm i meant friends ;)

All the service providers have this option of disabling any advertisement oriented msgs.

I had also subscribed for that till recently.

Normally each time I get such a message, i delete it or just have it in my inbox without reading it.

So today out of sheer boredom(I mean too much work :P and also the fact that inbox was full), I started reading the messages one by one. A few very important and a few very idiotic and a few quite ..well..lets say humorous to be very polite ;)

"Dear Soundarya, wherever you go we are with you. Justdial, India's local search engine is now available from Kashmir to Kanyakumari on a single number +918888888888. From any village, town to city get an instant info by sms. "

JustDial is very helpful when we need to know a few numbers and are not accessing internet to google at that time!! :D

"Thank you for using myITreturn.com to file your income tax return. Today is the last day, please ask family/friends to file. Thanks you again"

This message was very helpful reminder especially for those who were engrossed in their hectic schedules!

"A Casual attitude towards safety - "Casualty".Wear Helmet for your safety. Issued in Public Interest by Chennai Tamil Police."

A seriously thoughtful message and a good gesture from the department which almost all of us criticize!

"For train fare sms ...... to 139 and get the details instantly!"

for all those who travel by train, this helps a lot!

"It's Sunday. Time to catch up with friends - no worries about mobile bills, its FREE! Unlimited SMS and more.Join _______ now!"

This sms on a Sunday morning, made me smile :)

"IPL Cricket Offer, buy Kent Aquaguard Genpure RO Water purifier and get ceiling fan and dust cover free. Offer valid for 2 days only. contact _____"

Wonder what IPL, Aquaguard and ceiling fan have in common :roll:

"Reduce upto 5 kgs in just 4 weeks! with new 3in1 Suana Slim Belt for just 2499 Rps. For booking sms to _____!"

Well for those who know me, this sms will make you laugh over me! business stragy wrong as message coming to non-intended recepients ;)

"Are you in search of your Life Partner? Please register at _______site and find one.Contact _____"

Well no comments ;)

And the most hilarious of all the sms was this one -

"Get Pregnant faster using easy do it at Home, Ovulation Predictor Kits. 99% accurate.Contact - ___"

Sigh!!! what can i say ;)

I have it saved in my inbox, to read it when am too stressed to laugh over it :D

Recently I have started recieving Teen Love tips from Airtel also ... Sigh...

I heard that The Mumbai police used this bulk SMS facility to send message to all those staying in Mumbai when a recent terror strike hapened to inform everyone to not panic and be safe!

Each of the service/businee has its own + and - !!!

Have you got any interesting/wierd SMS? ;)

Pen Pal

2011-08-15T16:14:00.004+05:30

Sudha picked up the newspaper and started reading it. As she was flipping the pages, her eyes fell on a picture.

The person in the photo was smiling at her.

Obituary column : Ramesh , 10th August 1940 to 13th August 2011.

As she was reading the details, postman knocked at her door. She opened her letter.

Dear Friend,

Thanks for the Birthday wishes. We are growing older!

You know that am not an emotional sort of person, but today for some reason am feeling nostalgic. There are times in our life when we need a person to whom we can depend on, a shoulder where we can lean on and a hand which we can hold for support. That person doesn't expect anything in return. And we are are forever indebted to them.

You are one such person to me. I recollect all those situations when even though you were not here physically, you helped me in your own way.

I am still happy that I made that small error of miscommunication that let us to know each other.

This world might not see us in right frame of mind but deep down we both know what our relationship is - Friendship!

With age creeping, a small fear has seeped in. Even though we had agreed to never know each other's name and details but just converse through these letters. Today I wish to know you name and see you once before I close my eyes forever – Birthday wish.

Am enclosing my business card and a photo of mine along with this letter and hope you will send yours soon.

I wish we are friends in the next lifetime also.

Your Pen Pal

Dated - 10^th August 2011

The smiling face in the photo was the same as the one she saw in the newspaper.

P. S - This post is an entry for Friendship Day Contest held in Internal Blog of my company!

Acquainted Love - Part 3

2011-08-13T17:12:00.001+05:30

He was very excited. More than attending Raj's Wedding or the Sight seeing, he would get sometime to spend with Madhuri. Till now they had talked over the phone or chatted but had not met personally after the train meet. In the past few weeks he had started liking her a lot. He would eagerly wait to call her in the evenings to talk to her. His friends had started teasing him a lot. One of them even asked if Madhuri was his girl friend and he had actually blushed.He didn't say yes or no. Did he think of her as his girl friend? Now he wasn't sure himself. There was something special about her. But what did she think about him?

With this trip, he felt he would get good chance to know her better.

There were 7 of them who started from Mumbai together. Their plan was to leave on Thursday night from mumbai to Pune. The wedding was taking place in pune on Friday night. And after the wedding they decided to spend the weekend in Lonavala and then back to mumbai.

Apart from Himanshu and Madhuri; Sreeram, Meghana, Dishit, Anu and Ravi were the part of the "Gang".

As soon as the trip started, Himanshu never felt he was going along with some people whom he just knew, thanks to Raj. They all hit off from the time the van started, which they had arranged for the whole trip. The guys decided to drive themselves all throughout the journey as it would be extra fun.

Dishit started driving from Mumbai. Himanshu's heart pumped when he saw Madhuri sitting alone. The rest of the seats were taken by others. He went and sat next to her.

He thought of the million things he wanted to talk to her and know about her which he could do throughout this journey. As he was about to start a conversation, she plugged in ear phones and closed her eyes.

He was disappointed but then thought she might be tired and just left at it.

The journey to pune was smooth and they reached late night. Raj had already arranged for their accommodation.

Friday morning saw them in between various functions which take place before the actual wedding. They feasted on the sumptuous food served and enjoyed their time doing simply nothing.

Himanshu tried his best to talk to Madhuri but she was very distant towards him. In the group she was cordial to him and talked to him just like she was talking to everyone.

He wondered if he was trying too hard. He had never felt like this before. The gang had the time of their life in Raj's wedding and left from Pune to Lonavala. He was to drive the 1st part of the journey and he texted MAdhuri asking her to sit next to him in the front. But Madhuri ignored his message and sat behind.

As he started driving the van he kept asking himself - Why was she ignoring him…

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On one side Madhuri was very excited about the trip. After long time she was going out somewhere.But on the other side she was very nervous. In the past few months that she has spoken to Himanshu, she felt very happy. She wasn't sure why. When one of her close friends had asked her if she loved him, she got scared and confused.

Was she treading into dangerous grounds? She had spoken to many guys but she had never felt so comfortable as she felt with him.

She thought about her family. They were fine with her talking to guys and going out with friends but one thing her family would never accept is a Love Marriage. Till date all the marriages in her family had turned to be disastrous and affected the whole family.

Realizing these, she even thought of not going for the trip but she knew that she couldn't miss Raj's wedding at any cost. She had decided to keep a distance from Himanshu but now it was increasingly tough.

But as the trip started she felt like like talking to him. She tried to keep her distance between them but still be friendly but it was increasingly tough.

He was trying to talk to her but she had been ignoring him. He had asked her to sit next to him in the van but she had intentionally sat behind though she badly wanted to sit in next to him.

Now with them going to Lonavala and Himanshu trying so much, will she be able to keep her distance from him?

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While both their minds were confused and trying to justify their thoughts, rest of the gang could make out what was going out between the two and came up with a devious plan…

Acquainted Love - Part 2

2011-07-24T23:26:00.007+05:30

Continued from Part 1 - Thanks to all those for liking the part. Makes me all the more enthu to write the next part :)

As soon as she finished reading the post, she searched for his phone number in Facebook. She took the phone and messaged him.

Himanshu was almost asleep, when his cell phone beeped.

"Hi, its the unknown girl"

He got up with a start. Before he could think about anything, next message came.

"Sorry for messaging so late. Won't Disturb. Will talk later. Good Night."

He wasn't sure if he should message or not. He opened his laptop to check mails/FB/Blogs. No messages.

He decided to reply to her message the next day and went to sleep, thinking about her.

She wondered if he would have read the message. She had sent the first message and then realized how late it had been at night. She immediately sent the next message. Lying down in the bed, she secretly hoped he would message and slept off, thinking about him

The next morning, he wondered what to reply to her message. He still didn't know her name. She must have read his blog post.

He decided to call her.

"Hi"

"Hey Himanshu, what a surprise"

"Yeah, saw your message yesterday night"

"Ya, i thought you might have slept off as it was already late"

"Yea. I was about to sleep at that time"

"hmm ok"

"So?"

"So?"

"Well, nothing.. i was just wondering…"

"yea"

"hmm…please don't mistake me but i don't remember your name" he blurted out.

She started laughing on the call."I know, i read your post but then how come you accepted my friend's request"

He was blank. "Oh, when did you send?"

"Yesterday night"

"Wait let me check"

She said laughingly "No need. I was expecting you to remember the name atleast, after that incident when we met 1st.Hmm..But then you simply accept any friend's request you get in FB. Do you know how dangerous it is? You should ..."

He was quiet.

"Oh sorry, why am i lecturing you..anyways, Its Madhuri, ab pehachana."

Madhuri - The name rang a bell!! He remembered where he had met her the moment she said her name. How could he have forgotten her.

2years back - Raj's Birthday treat.

Raj was his close friend in work place. They had met on the day of their joining and had gone to become very good friends.

He and his friends were meeting in their usual hangout for Raj's treat. There were many new people who joined the treat, all Raj's school/college friends.

Some one suggested a game of Truth and Dare to be played and they started playing it. Himanshu was known to be a very quiet person and when his turn came he chose Truth.

Some one asked - "Your 1st Crush"

Himanshu replied - "Madhuri"

Many of them started laughing and looking at a girl. Himanshu turned and saw 1 girl completely embarrassed.

Himanshu looked bewildered wondering what happened when Raj told that the girl's name was Madhuri. He tried to tell again that he means Madhuri Dixit but it was enough for others to have the fun at his expense. Himanshu looked helplessly at the girl but she meekly smiled.At the end of the party when everyone were leaving he got the courage to go unto Madhu and apologized. She simply smiled and brushed off the incident.

"Hey you there" She asked.

Her voice snapped him out of his thoughts and he replied "yeah"

"Pehachana, we met.."

"yea, i remember Raj's birthday treat. So tell me what do you do"

And they spoke for more than one hour.

When he kept down the phone, he wasn't sure why but Himanshu felt happy.

She thought about that day and how Himanshu had been apologetic for getting her into gossip. They had met a few times after their 1st meet at Raj's place. She had a crush on him after that incident but she never told anyone. Himanshu was the very quiet sort of person who talked only when needed. She had liked meeting him. But thanks to work demand, they all had gone their ways.

They started regularly chatting online after that. Both wondering why they liked talking to each other.

One Day Himanshu called Madhuri.

Himanshu - "Hi"

Madhuri - "Hey"

Himanshu - "Raj's wedding is coming up. You got the card na"

Madhuri - " Yea, I got it. aAe you going?"

Himanshu - "Yea, me and a friends are planning to. What about you?"

Madhuri - "Not sure. Have to find out yahan se kaun jaa raha hai"

Himanshu -"ok.Let me know. Nahin toh you can join us. I mean if you want to"

Madhuri - " Thanks. iIll let you know"

Raj was her school friend and once upon a time neighbor as well. Both of them and Raj's sister had practically grown up together. She knew that if she didn't attend the wedding, Raj and his sister Reema, would be very upset.

After lots of calls/mails finally a group - mix of Raj's School/College and Work place friend's decided to attend the wedding together. They had decided to use the long weekend to not just attend the wedding but also go out for a trip!

What happened in the trip - To be continued...

Acquainted Love - Part 1

2011-07-21T20:06:00.002+05:30

Hi Everyone :) After long long time am back with story telling. Hope you like it :D

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Himanshu was waiting in the station for the train. He was already running late. He looked around and saw the crowd everywhere. He swore to himself why it has to be so full today only compared to the other days. Finally the train came and he got into the already crowded train.

As he got into the train, he saw a girl standing at the middle of the coach. First look at her and he thought, she looked very pretty. Next moment, it dawned to him that she looked very familiar but he simply couldn't remember when and where he had met her.

Through the jostle and pushes, he found himself in the middle of the coach. He heard a pat behind his back and turned back. It was the same girl he saw when he had entered the train.

The moment she saw him, she smiled widely and said,"Himanshu! Hi, how are you. Heard that you were working in Mumbai. "

Himanshu simply couldn't remember who she was. Not wanting to be embarrassed, he simply smiled at her and nodded his head.

The Girl continued speaking, not minding his silence. "You are still with same company? It's so long since we met na"

Himanshu tried to keep a straight face and remember at least the girl's name.

The girl suddenly turned and saw out of the window and then told,"My stop has come. Good to see you even if it's this crowded place.See you sometime. bye." and struggled her way out of the coach as the train stopped in the station.

He meekly said bye, which only he could have heard. He was still wondering who the girl was. He felt relieved that the girl's station came soon and he avoided being embarrassed in front of the girl.

She got down the station. As she started walking, she wondered, if he had recognized her. She wasn't sure remembering the look in his face when she said hi; despite the confused look he looked cute and handsome. She laughed at herself and decided, she will find out if they meet and picked up her phone as she went out of the station.

He reached the office just in time for the meeting. Throughout the meeting he was constantly distracted by who the girl was. As soon as the meeting got over, he went to his place to write a blog about the incident in the hope that he might find out.

She logged into facebook once she was in her desk and wondered if he would be there. She searched his name and found his profile. His profile had his photo and minimal information. She wondered if she should add him as friend. She checked the mutual friend's list and saw only one name - Raj. Raj was the common friend for both. She had met Himanshu on Raj's birthday treat.

Still not remembering where they had met, he clicked on the publish button hoping he should find out before he met her next time, if that time comes. He checked his Facebook and saw a few friends' request. Without giving much attention to the names, he accepted the friend's request and logged off.

She was surprised that he has immediately accepted the request. He must have remembered her then. She smiled to herself. She started going through his profile when she saw his blog link. She opened the link and started reading his latest post.

He went to bed wondering if she would find out and read the blog post.

To Be Continued...

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This story is a work of fiction inspired by one of the friend's blog post! :)

10th July!!! - The next journey of Paadhai :)

2011-07-05T22:07:00.003+05:30

“His life is complete. He is in love. He is working with the best music composer. He is living his dream. But then, he had a secret. One small mistake, one small incident, changed his life. How will he get his life - music and love back?”

You want to know how he wins life back?? Wait till 10th July!!!

Paadhai is back with their 2nd Musical Novel with a bang - Neon Nagaram!!

The Tamil version is going live from 10th July and the preorder can already be done for the book + music at Flipkart -

http://tinyurl.com/Buy-Neon-Nagaram-at-Flipkart

Even if you don't know how to read tamil, thats alright!! Grab the CD to enjoy the music, which simply doesn't have any language!!

And wait and watch for the English which will also be out soon!!! :D

P.S - Follow us more @

https://www.facebook.com/PaadhaiGroup

https://twitter.com/#!/paadhaigroup

http://www.youtube.com/paadhaitheband

2 years and going on....

2011-06-29T22:16:00.004+05:30

The alarm rang…

She woke up with a small smile in her face.

It was a special day.

She quickly got ready and left her house. All the way from her house, she wondered what special she can do to make the day more memorable.

She entered the place, which is called office, which had practically become her 2nd home.

The moment she stepped inside the gate, old memories flooded in front of her eyes. suddenly she heard the bells ringing.Flowers were showered upon her as she started walking inside. She felt like the whole world was praising and blessing her!

She walked through the securities to the lift. They all were smiling at her welcoming.

She meekly smiled back and got into lift.

Once out of lift she saw the housekeeping person who wished her.

She again smiled at her and walked towards her bay. As she sat down in her chair and looked at her PC, it was smiling back at her. As she unlocked her system, she felt like the system was talking to her.

She closed her eyes and thought about a phone call.

It was one of her cousins who had called her generally and as usual the talk went in the direction of work/career. He as usual was asking her all the Q';s that a normal IT professional gets - "Still with the same concern?not Switching jobs? "

To be frank,she was tired of hearing it. And as she opened her eyes, she realized why so.

she loved the company where she was working and loved her job which was most important of all, despite the day to day hectic works and typical work issues.

And then nothing else matters.

The day went along as usual and in the end she thought. What was most memorable thing i did today?

And her mind told her - everything you did was memorable.

As one of her friends had told her - it was all in our mind on how we took things around us!

Keep smiling :)

P.S - Today I complete 2 years in Cognizant and hope have many more years to keep writing like this :)

P.S.S - This is dedicated to each and every soul who are/were part of cognizant and my journey of these 2 years! :)

Vicious Cirlce!!!

2011-05-20T19:53:00.002+05:30

Life is a vicious circle and a few people are always in that circle!!!!

For example consider one of those relatives about whom we always crib and avoid meeting but when we do meet, we try to show that we are so happy to meet them!

For simplicity let's assume that particular relative to be your dad's cousin's sister-in-law's husband's mother!! Long chain right, but the catch is that this "Lady" is also staying in your neighborhood so knows more about what's happening in your life than your cousin! This "Lady" represents those 'n' no of relatives and family friends whose one of the main objectives of life is giving advices to you on anything and everything!!!

Alright so how come it's a vicious circle.

Scene 1 - Your mom is Pregnant!

The "Lady" comes to meet your mother to wish her. She is genuinely happy for your mother and the conversation that starts off in congratulatory note slowly takes the tone of advices, not for just your mother, but also for you. She will talk to you in your womb telling you that once you come to the world you are supposed to be like this, you are supposed to meet such things etc etc. Well apparently she expects us to be like Abhimanyu (aah I hope you know about him, else go and read Mahabharata ;))

Expectations are already set for you even before you have entered this World!!

Scene 2 - You are a new born baby

The "Lady" comes to visit the new darling of the family. The first observation would be how you look like. Now that she knows the whole family , her observations would be something like this - Her eyes are just like mothers, face shape just like her fathers, the smile is so much like her uncle's and the way she raises her hands..see see.. Just like that her aunt used to do...

And then she takes you in her arms. Now if you are very quiet and simply let her take you in her arms, she is going to tell "Wow,what a wonderful child. Not at all crying and fussing. This child is going to be such a lovely person" and she beams at her own words!! And then series of advices to your parents on how to raise the child!!!!

Now if by mistake you ended up crying then the remarks would be something like - "Aah, already fussy. Doesn't want to leave mother and come to us!" And then a series of advice on how to raise a child!!!

Scene 3 - You are in middle school - Choose any of the classes from 1 to 5

It's Sunday and the "Lady" decides to visit your house.

You are apparently upset with her visit and your TV watching time is gone for a toss and she is going to bombard you with questions for which she might not even be interested to hear the replies!!! Well the visit could go something like this.

Lady - "Beta, what are you watching"

You - "Some movie"

Lady - "You shouldn't be watching tv at this age, you should be doing this and this and this. Wasting your time blah blah"

You - simply stare at her knowing if you talk back your parents are gonna scold you

Lady's husband - "What do you want to be when you grow up"

You - wondering why everyone asks this question and not let you be a kid replies meekly "doctor"

Lady - "you want to be a doctor, my brother's so n so's so n so's so...is a doctor and you know at your age he used to blah blah"

And then the Lady wants to know what all "extra" classes you are going.

By this time your head has started spinning but you keep a straight face, look at your mother for help and blabber something and escape to your room.

Scene 4 - You are in Class 12 - Boards approaching

This year is one of the crucial years of your life in terms of your career and you don't want to goof up. You know all about the competition and trying your best but still there are times when you get all cracked up. This is the time you try to avoid all the people as they all have the same set of Q's!! And perfect timing for our "Lady" to appear!

Lady - "Your board exams are coming right?"

You reply meekly- "yes"

Lady - "Good, so how are preparations? "

You - "good"

Lady - "my son got so n so marks in his 12th and he got a seat in This college"

You - blank face

Lady - "What entrance exams you are going to write?"

You - "IIT,AIEEE,etc etc"

Lady - "you need to study a lot. Do well. One boy whom I know got this many marks and by merit he got into....."

You get lost in your own world just wishing you were dead and not listening to this talk!

Scene 5 - Final year of College

Time flies and your college days are getting over. Next tension now is the campus recruitments. The "Lady" never misses such opportunities to visit your place and find out how things are going on in your life, much more than her own kids!! Let's assume you are not from IIT's but from a regular engineering college of your city!

Lady - "Final year..you got placed?"

You - "Not yet, placements have to come"

Lady - "Oh but my neighbor's son got placed I this company. Even package is so good. In your college placements come so late?"

You - "It will come late"

Lady - "you should have tried and got into higher ranked colleges. See now this is the problem..blah blah blah...."

You - silently curse yourself and try to escape....

Scene 6 - good job - Marriageable age

These are the times in your life when you both love and hate life. You love the life because you are earning and can spend it on yourself. You have your set of friends and you hang out and love the bachelor days! But then the flip side is that "questions" that pop up during any social gatherings. For example, in your cousin's wedding -

Lady -"You are looking so good. When is your marriage?"

You - Simply smile

Lady - "this is the time for you to get married and start being responsible in your life"

You - (am I not responsible now that am earning) of course you say this to yourself and simply smile at the Lady

Lady - "You shouldn't give tough time to your parents. They have retired and they would want to see you settled and play with your kids"

You try to shake your head by nodding and at the same time trying to say no :P

Lady - "I know this person, my friends's so n so and blah blah"

And the matchmaking begins then and there for you!!

Scene 7 - Your wedding

Finally you found your perfect partner and the wedding day has arrived. "Lady" wearing a glittering saree trying to outshine everyone present pulls you aside.

Lady - "congratulations. I wish you happy married life"

You(for the first time genuinely smiling at her )- "Thank you"

Lady - "Remember now that you are married, you have to be more responsible. You should blah blah blah..."

You(the genuine smile automatically turning to the meek smile ) - simply smile at her nodding your head.

The advices of married life continues for half an hour

Scene 8 - You are pregnant!

And then the vicious circle starts where you are having a child and our "Lady" hearing the news comes to wish you! . She is genuinely happy for you and the conversation that starts off in congratulatory note slowly takes the tone of advices, not for just you, but also for your child.

And the vicious Circle continues!!!!

P.S - The "Lady" could be anyone - relative/family friend

P.S.S - You could be anyone - guy or a gal - both face similar kind of situation!

P.S.S.S - This post is purely for fun and not intended to hurt anyone's sentiments

Life is Simple!!!

2011-04-11T22:25:00.005+05:30

I sat on the shores of the beach, enjoying the sound of the sea and waves playing and splashing the shores.

My mind was confused and completely upset. Life was full of unnecessary complications.

I got up and started walking towards the water. I stopped when i reached the wet sand. I waited for the waves to come and splash on the shores wetting my feet.

The difference in the surface of normal sand and wet sand seemed like the difference in two mind sets.

As the waves came splashing, my legs automatically walked backwards avoiding the water.

The waves looked a bit upset but went back.

The waves again came, this time more forcefully, and as I prepared myself to brace them it splashed just before my feet teasingly and went back without touching me.

Then again the next set of waves came and I took a step forward and waves came splashing and kissed my feet and went back.

And then the series of waves started coming and i was all set to go inside the water and wet myself and enjoy the joy of being in the beach.

I played with the waves till my heart's content and went back to sit on the shores.

As I dried myself, watching the beautiful sunset, i suddenly realized that I was feeling much better.

My mind was calm, devoid of all the unnecessary complication, enjoying the moment where i felt life was just it's supposed to be!

It suddenly dawned to me that the game I was playing with waves sometime back was actually what Life is!

We live daily,survive but are never happy and content. We yearn for a change. But when a change comes, we are hesitant. We are not ready to accept them.

I was standing on the shore in the dry sand, and the change was the wet sand and waves. When the waves came, the first instinct was to withdrew and then after sometime ready to accept it. And then ready to brace the change in form of waves! Once we accept the change, we are ready to risk by going deeper inside it.

I was happy.Thats how life is.

As I was thinking about this comparison, I saw two people walking towards the waves. Intrigued by what they will do, i waited and watched. They also hesitated and then played with the waves. One small kid ran past me towards the beach. She immediately started playing with the water.

As kids, we adapt to changes easily. But as we grow older, we yearn for change but do not accept it easily.

Life is simple, only we make it complicated!!!

P.S - Coincidentally,The latest book that am reading is "Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish" by Rashmi Bansal which is compilation of 25 Success stories of Entrepreneurs from IIM-A. The base of each and every story is to accept Life and changes and prepare yourself to brace it.And then be ready to take risks. In the end its your happiness that counts in front of everything.

Religion of India!!!

2011-03-21T22:33:00.005+05:30

All the Atheists(those who hate/don't like cricket), please stay away...

The Most Common and Unanimous religion of India is Cricket.

And the GOD of Cricket is SACHIN!!!

If you have had any doubts on that, you should just go and watch an Indian match in any cricket stadium.

From the day I have followed Cricket, I wanted to go and watch one match at a stadium. And this wish was fulfilled by my uncle on Sunday :D

Venue - Chepauk Stadium, Chennai

Date - 20th March

One of the biggest problem in India is the facilities. Even though we left early from home to be by 1.30 PM, we struggled and went around not able to get a proper parking sace. The traffic policemen, in very bad simply kept showing their hands in some direction and we were left to assume what that direction would have meant! Finally we ended up parking at the beach and walk a good 20 minutes before we reached the ground gates. Once inside the gate, we were welcomed by a long queue.

By this time we got to know (courtesy my bro) who had won the toss and the team.

The most ironical thing is when you are inside the stadium(and not stands), but still actually call/msg someone to know the details of the match :| My brother kept updating as we were in the queue which was moving like a tortoise and the deafenings roars of the crowd inside the stadium was making us more upset that we were not in yet. Finally missing 2 overs, we got into our stand but then had missed Sachin by then :(

But still, despite all that, we had awesome fun...

A few clicks :)

Check the price ;)

Crazy spectators :P

The FOLLOWERS!!!

So Near yet So Far...is what i felt when I saw the cricketers through this!!
Chepauk!!! :D

At night! :)

A Roaring noise, the enthusiasm, the charm, the tension... the feeling was so good...

Each Four or Six hit... or when a wicket goes... or when a review is taken...

The comments passed, shoutings and trying to see if you were being shown on the camera!!!

And the best part of everything is our own GOD.

He just has to be on the field for the crowd to go crazy!!! He just has to touch the ball and crowd roars!!! :D Despite all that he is a normal guy.

Not just the humans but evens dogs couldn't stay off the ground..with one dog running around the ground not wanting to miss any action ;)

Undoubtedly,one thing that connects all of us and gets us together...

GOD - Sachin

Religion - Cricket

Love is Blind

2011-02-10T21:14:00.006+05:30

Rohit and Kiran were the most romantic couple.

Like any bollywood movie love story, their love story also kick started with a slap and then hate for each other when they met first which slowly turned into love of the century! With full opposition from their families (all the fights and emotional dramas taking their roles perfectly) they ran off and got married.

Uday, Rohit's best friend helped them during this time and got a house in the nearby city - Sitapur, for them to settle down.

Uday was the typical side hero character who fell in love with every girl whom he met but none of those girls looked back at him. He ended up helping his friends get success in their love matters but his was always a failure.

Starting their new married life, they wanted everything to be full of "love". So anything and everything in their house was seen as a couple with names given, like TV is a guy called Mike and Music System, a girl called Stella. Doors are guys called Bob,Rob,Job etc and Windows are Girls called Meena, Neena,Leena etc.
From the floor mattresses to Kitchen utensils everything were "love pairs" and names accordingly.

The Names they chose for everything also depended on whether they liked it or not. They liked the name Mike and Stella and hence these names for their favorites TV and Music System. Their two Toothbrush's had names Rahul and Rakhi after they watched the Swayamvars and wanted to chew something to vent their frustrations ;)

Their married life was going lovingly when they met Julie. Julie is a dog whom they almost ran their car over. They felt pity on scared Julie and took her home with them.

Julie was very happy in her new house with her owners but then there was a problem. She was single.

Rohit and Kiran decided to get her a companion. They searched and introduced Julie to many handsome Dogs, but each time Julie saw that dog, she would run and get the Dirty old socks of Rohit to show her disapproval of the dog.

Both Rohit and Kiran got desperate to find a partner for Julie and went to one Astrologer. the astrologer looking at the "horoscope" of Julie told them that for her to find a companion, she should get married to a Man who is also desperately looking for a Girl Companion.

Rohit could think of only one guy who fulfilled the Astrologer's words - Uday. But to convince Uday to marry Julie?

They both went to Rampur where Uday was staying, to talk to him and convince him.

Rohit - Uday, I need a huge favor from you.
Uday - Rohit, I am always there for you but before that I want to ask you something.
Rohit - What?
Uday - You find a beautiful girl to date me for 1 evening and I'll do anything you want me to do. Any favor you ask for. But first get me 1 girl.

Rohit and Kiran went back to sitapur and started their search for a girl for Uday. After a few weeks they finally found a girl who was ready to date Uday. They called Uday and asked him to come over from Rampur to Sitapur for his date.

The Place where the Blind date was fixed was romantically set. Even hard-hearted could fall in love with anyone in such an environment. Uday was all excited and bought beautiful red roses and entered the place when his eyes fell on her.

It was love at first sight.He had never seen such a beautiful bitch before. Julie looked at him and she ran towards him. He forgot about his date and took Julie in his arms and kissed her ;)

The rest as they say is history with Uday and Julie marrying each other and living ever happily ;)

Well, after all, Love is Blind! :evil green:
-------------------------------------------

This is an entry to one of the contests hostedin internal blog by the Dude himself - "Tonmoy"

The Voice

2011-01-30T16:22:00.002+05:30

She got up hearing a voice. she looked here and there but simply couldn't remember anything. She heard a voice distinctly, a very familiar voice. She realized that she was in hospital. Flowers were arranged by her side.

She closed her eyes and tried to remember… Accident.. yes she met with an accident and then what? She tried to concentrate and remember but her mind was blank. She couldn't remember when the accident happened. She opened her eyes and wondered how long she had been in hospital.

She heard the door open, she got up and saw a nurse entering. Seeing her awake, the nurse smiled and gently asked her how she was feeling.

She opened her mouth but no voice came. She tried to clear her throat and speak again but she couldn't. Suddenly her throat was full of pain. she heard the voice again in her head. Before she could understand anything, she passed out.

She woke up and saw her mother sitting by her bed side. She looked around and saw that she was still in hospital. Before she could say or ask anything, her mother asked her to quietly lie down. Seeing questioning look in her face, her mother told her that she had met with an accident 5 days back and doctors had fought to keep her alive. She had to be in hospital for few more days and then she could go home.

As her mother was speaking, she heard the other voice, very familiar voice. She looked around but there was no one.

Soon a few days passed by and she recovered from her injuries except for one - her voice.

She lost her voice in the accident, when the glass pane of window had pierced into her neck. Doctors saved her life but couldn't save her voice. She heard the voice and this time she recognized it. It was coming from her mind and the voice was...

Hers.

She was a Radio Jockey.

As she started from hospital, she heard the radio in the car. She looked at herself in the rear view mirror, the new her who was going to begin a new life as she hit the road again.

P.S - I attended a soft skill session, where I was asked to tell a story based on this pic. I didn't do a good job at that time, but this pic stood to my heart and i rewrote the story. As i was writing this, i saw this video clip which touched me speechless.

P.S.S - this story is for all those who live their life and inspire us though they are not able to tell about it.

Light of Dawn!!!

2010-12-31T09:40:00.003+05:30

Meena got up from the bed and looked at herself. She saw a stranger staring back at her.

For a past few days she had been feeling like this. Things were not the same now. Her life had been sort of perfect. A lovely childhood filled with happiness, cool teen years and now the time when she earns and can live like a Queen - she had no regrets. She was always surrounded by her friends, her colleagues at work place liked her, her family adored her. She was the apple of everyone's eye.

But then when she thought her life was perfect, everything went wrong.A fight with 2 of her friends left her upset. A small setback in the work place was creating tension. Her family was expecting her to spend more time with them.

She couldn't stand this. Her life was not perfect.

The ever bubbly girl who could make anyone laugh at the drop of a hat was shying away to meet anyone. She feared this getting worse. This made her depressed more. She felt very lonely.There would be a smile on her face every morning when she gets up and looks at the mirror. But now it was like she had forgotten to smile. She felt like running away somewhere.

Things were going badly like this and she dreaded as tomorrow was 1st Jan. She had this notion that the 1st day of the year should always be happy else the rest of the year also goes bad.

She looked at her phone - 15 miss calls!It was her sister. The last person she wanted to speak to right now was her sister, because they always ended up fighting.

She looked at the time - 9.30 AM. She sighed. It was going to be a boring weekend at home but at the same time she was afraid to go out and meet anyone.

She was contemplating on what she should do when the door bell rang.

It was her Sister!

She was expecting an outburst from her sister but instead her sister smiled at her and told her to come with her for shopping. Meena tried to say no but her sister was very stubborn.

They were on the way to shopping mall when her sister stopped the car in corner of a very busy road. She looked at her sister questioningly.

Her sister smiled and asked her to look around at the people and observe.

Thinking her sister to be crazy she looked around and saw different kinds of people.

Vendors at road side,who were trying to sell various things. Beggars who looked malnutritioned, a few didn't have some body parts. People rushing here and other, some happy faces and some sad faces. It was all a mixed crowd. She had a look around and turned to her sister again.

Her sister asked if she had any problems in life. Meena got upset and told her that she didn't want to talk about it. Her sister looked at her hard and asked her to compare her life to anyone in the crowd in this busy road and tell if she had any problems. She looked around again and wondered.

She had a nice and comfortable place to live. She didn't have to stand in the sun to toil hard. She was perfectly healthy. She didn't have to bother rushing around, trying to walk with the crowd. She had a very good life compared to everyone.

Her sister knowing what she was thinking asked her - "Why are you unhappy then? Why are you depressed and avoiding everyone? Just because she had a fight with a friend or faced a small problem in office doesn't mean you have all the problems of life. Life can never be perfect but it can never be bad. We need to work it out and enjoy all the moments, instead of cribbing over it."

Meena realized her fault for always expecting perfect things and avoiding any kind of obstacles in life. She realized that her life was so good.

She looked at her sister with a smile, thanking her and started chalking out plans to spend the new year eve.

She was ready to look at the positive things of life at the light of Dawn! :D

P.S - It all depends on how we look at our life. Be Happy. Keep smiling :)

Obsessive Repercussion - Part 4

2010-12-28T10:35:00.002+05:30

Continuation from Part 1 ,Part 2 and Part 3.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Considering what had happened in the last one year, her wedding day could also become her death day only if…
Closing her eyes she remembered how she ended up in this situation now.

Flashback!
Archana’s father knew enough contacts and he ensured his son didn’t get mixed up in police case after Preethi’s incident. Her death was termed as suicide with the reason being given – she was not happy with the wedding. Her image was tarnished in public even after her death and Arjun’s name never got surfaced.

Archana knew that her life would never be the same after this, but still she had to live.
Her parents stopped her also from going to college after what had happened. Her brother went away for a few months but again came back. This time he was the same Arjun she had known since childhood. Even though she spoke to him as she used to, she knew that she could never forgive him for what he did to her best friend. Despite Arjun being her brother, she knew that no fault lied with Preethi. She could understand Preethi’s situation as they both were in similar situation. As girls, they were never supposed to fall in love with anyone, which would mean disgracing their family. They were not allowed to dream and live their life. But now with her brother’s return, she was allowed to go to college. But it wasn’t same anymore.

Life was just passing by and she didn’t know what will happen to her.

Nine months passed and then one fine day, during college time, there was a huge parcel in her seat with her name on it. Surprised she opened it to see a gift and a card inside it. The card read –
“I Love you Archana”.

A chill ran through her spine. There was no name in the card. She quickly took the box and left college. She got scared. She realized that someone was stalking her. She quickly reached home and burnt the gift and card.

When her brother came home, he realized something was wrong with her but she lied to him.
A few days passed and again a card arrived. She didn’t know what to do. There was no name and she had no idea who the person was. She closed her eyes and she saw Preethi. She shuddered. She got scared now. She didn’t want the past to repeat. She decided to keep this a secret and not let her family know about it. Else they would again stop her from going to college.
Daily she started getting a card and gift.

Soon her brother got to know about it. He got furious and questioned her. She told him she didn’t know anything but he didn’t believe her. She showed him the gift and cards and tried to prove her innocence.

The gifts and cards infuriated him and soon he along with his friends found that guy. They threatened him with dire constraints if he tried to get in touch with Archana. Archana’s parents got to know the whole thing and they stopped Archana from going anywhere.

The guy who was following Archana turned out to be minister’s son. News spread across. The minister got so upset that his son had been threatened that he ordered his men to pick up Arjun. Arjun was beaten up and put behind bars with false charges under his name.

This shook Archana’s family but they were helpless. No one was ready to help them to save their son as Minister was directly involved. Her parents were very upset and blamed her for their son’s misfortune. If she had not insisted on going to college, none of this would have happened and Arjun would be at home happy. Archana became very depressed hearing all this as she knew she didn’t want any of this.

Minister’s son was completely smitten by Archana and wanted her. He approached Archana’s parents and told him about his intention of marrying Archana. Her parents were surprised and scared. He told them he will release Arjun also on the same day when his wedding is fixed to Archana.

Archana’s parents had no other go but to agree to this wedding. They knew that if they said no, their whole family’s honor would go as Minister could harm them. They had to get their son out of jail also.

The wedding date was fixed which coincided with Preethi’s death date!

Present Day -

Archana slept off thinking about the past and wondering what tomorrow was in store for her.
Archana got up to see the morning sun shining brightly out of the window, brushing past her face. Today, it’s her wedding to a person who is the reason behind her brother being in jail and her parents hating her.

She got dressed up as a bride, as she heard the wedding laughter’s downstairs. She knew that she had to get married to save her brother. She looked again at the album. She saw Preethi’s smiling face and knew that her family was facing the consequence of what had happened to Preethi. Her brother deserved it but why her? What wrong she had done to go through all this?
She heard her name being called. It was time.

She looked again at Preethi’s photo and started to walk out of the door to lead a lifeless life.

*End*

Obsessive Repercussion - Part 3

2010-12-27T11:02:00.001+05:30

Continuation from Part 1 and Part 2 -
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Both of them looked at each other scared knowing anything like this will hamper her life…
She knew that just the word “love” in her house itself a taboo. And she was not at all interested in Arjun. She respected him as he was Archana’s brother.

The next few days were nightmare for Preethi as Arjun started following her everywhere. She ignored him completely but still he would try to talk to her after the college in the evening. She tried to talk to him once to leave her alone but he didn’t heed her. He kept giving her small gifts and telling her he loved her.

Soon the words reached her parents that she was seeing a guy. All hell broke loose in her house and her parents questioned her a lot. They stopped her from going to college despite her plea of innocence. Archana knowing the whole truth tried to convince Preethi’s parents but she was asked to leave Preethi alone.

Preethi’s parents stopped her studies and soon arranged for her wedding. Preethi got very upset as she didn’t do anything wrong. She wanted to get in touch with Archana, whom she knew could help her out of this mess.

On the other side, Archana didn’t what to do. She couldn’t think of anything which could help her friend. Her brother was suddenly a stranger to her and she realized that he would go to any length to get Preethi in his life. She was dead scared of him now.
Arjun, on hearing about Preethi’s wedding started acting like a madman. He was crazy about her and had never hid his emotions from anyone. He knew he had to somehow stop Preethi’s wedding as she was only hers.

Soon that day came – Preethi’s wedding.

She got dressed up in her bridal costume, totally given up on life. Her wish of living her own life freely for the 3 years of college had been shunned thanks to a guy called Arjun. He had simply come in her life and spelled doom!

She didn’t know the person to whom she was getting married to. She simply didn’t care. She wished she could die right now but taking her own life was not the solution. She made herself strong mentally and was ready to face the lifeless life ahead of her.

As she was walking down the stairs to the stage, suddenly there was a commotion in front of her. A few men had entered the wedding venue and were creating havoc. Suddenly Arjun came in front of her and took her hand. She tried to resist him and it angered him a lot. He pulled in towards her and shouted “I Love You, Come with me”. She tried to get out of his hold. Seeing her struggle, he suddenly left her.

He looked at her and asked – “Do you love me?”

She stared at him shocked and was too scared to reply.

He again asked her, this time very harshly.

She tried to speak but no words came out of her mouth in fear. She vigorously shook her head.
Suddenly he took out something from his hand and threw at her and ran off. Next instant her facing was burning like anything. She realized it was acid. Arjun had thrown acid on her face as she won’t reciprocate his love for her. She completely blanked out.

She woke up startled. She found herself in hospital room. For a second she couldn’t understand anything and then it dawned to her. She touched her face and screamed. Her whole face was burned. Her life was now more than hell.

Archana was waiting outside Preethi’s room in the hospital. She was completely shaken. She never realized that her brother would do such a thing. Preethi’s parents had abandoned her in the hospital as now she bought only disgrace to their family. For them she was dead. Archana never thought such a day would come in her life.

Doctor had told her that Preethi was unconscious. Once she woke up, it would be tough to deal with Preethi as she might become violent. Suddenly she heard a scream.

She rushed inside Preethi’s room to see her crying uncontrollably. Seeing Archana, Preethi clunged to her for support. Both the friends kept crying. Archana tried to convince Preethi that everything would be well despite knowing that everything is over.

Suddenly Preethi smiled at her and asked if she would do a favor for her. Archana nodded her head.
Preethi, in a strange tone, told her that she wanted a mirror and a knife.
Archana realized what Preethi was going to do but she didn’t know what else to say.
She got her those things and left Preethi looking in those eyes for the last time.
Preethi was found dead in her hospital room on the day when her wedding was supposed to take place.

Present Day –

Archana looked at the smiling Preethi’s face again. Tomorrow was her wedding date. Last year it was Preethi’s which turned out to be her death day.

Considering what had happened in the last one year, her wedding day could also become her death day only if…

Obsessive Repercussion - Part 2

2010-12-23T21:39:00.001+05:30

Continuation from Part - 1

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She knew that tomorrow could be her death day too if...

If what happened to Preethi one year ago, happened tomorrow!!
Preethi...she shuddered as she remember her face, corpse, And what happened to her, thanks to her brother!

Flashback - 3 years back!

Preethi was getting ready to go to college! Her 1 st day in college. She was happy!
Her parents had finally agreed to let her study tillthey get a suitable match for her.
That was the deal she could from them - Study till her wedding is fixed.
She sincerely hoped that the guy they chose for her should let her complete her graduation.
She knew that was the max she could wish for in this life.
She was born to become a dutiful daughter,dutiful wife, dutiful daughter-in-law and
dutiful Mother in her lifetime. She could not expect to achieve anything else!
She started for college with the intent to enjoy her life for herself as much as possible in those 3 years!

As the days passed, she met many girls who were in the same plight as her! One girl, Archana soon became her closest friend. Both shared their dreams and sorrows and gave each other the courage and encouragement as and when it was needed. They used to envy those girls who had more freedom and wished their destiny would change soon.

But little did they know what destiny had in store for them!

Soon first semester was getting over and one could feel the tense atmosphere in college. But at home it was completely different, who didn't think exams were of any importance for these girls. Both Preethi and Archana decided to have group study so that on one side they could study and another side they can escape from the work at home.
Unless they got good marks in exams, they couldn't prove their point to anyone.

They chalked out a plan to visit each other's house alternate days to study.

The 1st day Preethi went to Archana's house. As soon she entered the house, she saw him. She immediately knew that he must be Archana's brother Arjun, about whom Archana has told a lot. Archana practically worshipped her brother. He looked at her and smiled. She smiled back and then Archana came and they went into Archana's room to study.

She didn't know that smile was to change her whole life...

Whenever she went to Archana's house, she would see him. The way he looked at her made her uncomfortable but she didn't say anything. The Group study went as planned and soon the exams got over. She dreaded the 10 days semester holidays as she would be forced to be inside her house. She enjoyed going to college to live her life.

Soon the 10 days got over and she was very happy to go back to college but her happiness was shortlived.

From the day her 2nd semester started she felt very uneasy. Not during the college time but outside. She had this feeling that someone was watching her constantly. She told Archana about it but initially Archana didn't take it seriously.

It was her birthday and she was on her way to college, when she saw him(Arjun) again. He was standing along with his friends. As soon as he saw her, he came to her smiling. She felt uneasy but still as he was her best friend's brother she stopped.

Arjun said smiling- "Happy Birthday"

Preethi meekly replied - "thanks"

She was about to walk again when he stopped her. The look in his eyes scared her.

He took out a gift and gave it to her. She didn't know what to do. She looked here and there scared that someone might see. He didn't seem bothered about anything. Suddenly he thrust the gift in her hand and walked off.

She looked perplexed. No one has ever given a gift. She heard someone calling her name. She turned and saw Archana approaching her.

Archana asked - "Preethi, that was my brother right?"

Preethi kept staring at the gift.

Archana looked at the gift and at Preethi and then in the direction her brother left. He had left with his friends.

Both the friends started walking towards college in their own thoughts confused. As soon as the class got over, Archana took Preethi to their normal hanging place and asked her to open the gift. Preethi was not happy at all despite her birthday. She was scared.

Preethi slowly opened the gift. It was a doll and along with that a piece of paper where "I Love You" was written. Preethi looked pleadingly to Archana as if she didn't know anything.

Archana understood her feelings. She was also scared. She was equally shocked. She had never expected her brother to do such a thing and moreover with her best friend.

Both of them looked at each other scared knowing anything like this will hamper their life...

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There were many of you who felt that 1st part itself was a complete story. Thanks for pointing that out. I never saw it that way :D

The whole intention of this story was something else which you will soon see in the following parts.

Obsessive Repercussion - Part 1

2010-12-21T10:55:00.000+05:30

She looked at herself in the mirror. She was scared but didn't know what to do. Tomorrow is her wedding. Wedding she was not at all interested in, but knew she had no other choice. After everything that had happened. It was the only way to escape from the "hell" she was living in but she knew she won't be happy. She turned and sat in the chair. She looked around the room and saw the album kept on the table - one of her prized possessions. All those people in her life were captured in photos and were in that album. She took the album and opened it.

Her parents were smiling and looking back at her from the photo. She wondered what would be going in their mind concerning tomorrow. For them she had always been a "burden" just like any other family thought a girl child to be burden in their society! They just wanted to see her married and their duty would be over. She wanted to study more. She had completed her Graduation recently. It was a custom in her family to get the girl married at a young age. Her parents had agreed to her studying Post Graduation provided she agreed to marry whenever they wished! All her dreams were shattered. All because of a thing which guys claim as - Love.

In the next picture, her brother was smiling at her. She wondered how he was. Without him, her wedding was about to take place! But then this tense situation was also because of him. He was in jail right now - for something he didn't do but then he deserved to be in jail for something he had done one year ago, from which he had escaped!

She turned the page and saw her and Preethi's photo - Preethi, her best friend. The only person with whom she had shared all those dreams that she knew would never be filled in this birth. Both of them sailed in the same boat! Born in families that saw Women as an Object, who should live for others and not for themselves, they shared all their desires and hopes of a better life which they also knew was not possible!

She didn't know whether to say it as a co-incidence or destiny, but exactly one year before Preethi had died.

She closed her eyes. She couldn't control herself now. She started crying.

She knew that tomorrow could be her death day too if...

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This is a long story that i have started writibng after reading/hearing various incidents. This is a complete work of fiction.

As always do let me know how you like this. Another Experiment ;)

~The Extended Family~!!!

2010-11-27T23:59:00.003+05:30

Attending and blogging about the session(In my company) of Dr.Pawan on The Mumbai Dabbawala's reminded me of our very own Dabbawala back in Bhilai and the extended family.

Yep, you read right - Extended Family!

Starting with Dabbawala, am sure most of you would have been impressed by the way the Mumbai Dabbawala's are functioning. Awed by the details of their routine etc and how they work it out as an organization and equally wondering why they don't expand their service beyond Mumbai!

From the day I have been in Chennai, I never saw a Dabbawala here. Somehow I had always assumed that there would be Dabbawala's in every city just like we had in Bhilai. I came to Chennai and made this observation even before Prince Charles visited India and the Mumbai Dabbawala's and they became famous!

So the general talks about Dr.Pawan about the Dabbawala's didn't surprise me as I have seen many like them in action. The only difference would be that in Mumbai, its an organization and in Bhilai, we had 3-4 Dabbawala's covering certain regions. One more difference would be that in Mumbai they depended on Public transport(mainly local trains) and in Bhilai, it was their own cycles.

Many people wonder why the Mumbai Dabbawala's don't expand! Well to my best knowledge - the way things work in Mumbai can never be found in any other city for them to suit their way of working and certainly if they expand, the same charm and effect of their work would reduce! Another thing is that there are Dabbawala's in many places in India, especially in North India.

The Extended Family -

The bell rings at 11.30 AM sharp coinciding with the sound of clatterings of spoons from the kitchen. Mother is furiously packing the lunch and keeping it in Dabba when the Dabbawala rang his bicycle bell, indicating his arrival. He would come near the doorstep with his smiling face as my mother would rush to give the dabba to him and he would leave to resume his 10 kms stretch which had to be covered with 20 more halts in between to ensure that those Dabba's reached the hands of the rightful owner by Lunchtime. Then he would take a break before resuming his return journey to give back those dabba's back to its respective houses.

As I attended the Dabbawala session, I was reminded of this Dabbawala's whose name I have never known and from the Day I know, he had been collecting the dabba from my house and had the same cycle and used to come without fail, be it summer,rainy or winter season. He hardly took leave and whenever he took, he would inform us earlier!

He was a simple guy who earned very less but never complained or showed any kind of feelings. He would always have a smile in his face.

He is a part of the Extended family!

Dabbawala, Milkman, Postman, Dhobi, The vegetable vendor, The grocery shopkeeper, medical guy store and last but not the least Maid of the house.

They all are a part of the extended family who are not related to you but are a prt of your life who know whats happening in your life and are always loyal to you!

A Land of Festivities! :)

2010-11-10T23:28:00.007+05:30

"Ma, What is a festival?" - asked a eleven year old boy to his mother as she finished puting rangoli.

She looked at him with warm eyes and said - "Festival means Celebration".

Son looked at his mother and asked - "What is celebrated?"

She smiles at him and says "Different things"

He asks her - "What different things?"

She makes him sit next to her and asks him - "Pongal,Diwali,Holi etc"

He immediately asks - "Christmas?"

She looks at him bewildered. Then immediately smiles and nods her head saying - "Yes, Christmas too".

He again asks - "Then Eid?Why don't we celebrate it? Anwar celebrates!"

She looks at him lovingly and tells - "We celebrate Eid too by wishing Anwar and his family and many others"

But he is not convinced - "Why doesn't Anwar celebrate diwali?"

She replies - "Anwar also celebrates holi by playing wth colors and diwali by bursting crackers along with us. Everyone celebrates everything, my son."

He thinks for a moment and asks - "But why do we celebrate all this?"

She looks at him and smiles at his infinite Why questions.
She replies - "Beta, Each festival has its own significance. Anwar is muslim. Joseph is Christian and You are Hindu. Each of these religions have a set of celebrations based on some reason."

He stares at her.

She smiles and gives him a sweet.

He asks - "Why different festivals for all 3 of us"

She patiently replies - "Because you are born in different families with different religions".

He asks - "What different festivals, Anwar celebrates?"

She replies - "Beta, he celebrates Bakriid,Eid-ul-fitr, Muharram etc. Each of them have significance in their religion. For example - Bakriid is a day celebrated for sacrifices, Eid-ul-fitr is for the last day of Ramzaan which is an auspicious month in Muslim Calendar. They have rituals for these festivals and for others like this.

"Joseph celebrates Christmas,Birth of Jesus Christ.Easter, feast of Resurrection ie Jesus returns back to life. Good Friday is to observe the death of Jesus."

"We celebrate various festivals. Among us also, people have different ways to celebrate different festivals". For Example - Diwali is festival of lights, Holi is festival of colrs, Rakshabandhan is festival for siblings. Durga Pooja/Navrathri is for Goddess Durga. Pongal is celebrated in South during harvesting season. Many more festivals like these are celebrated in various parts of India."

He keeps staring at her and shrugs.

She smiles at him and tells him - "As you grow up you will understand. Keep listening to stories what your grand parents tell"

He snatches another sweet from her and starts running towards the door saying - "Google is there na :P"

She could hear him shouting Anwar's name to play.

She walks into her room and hears the news on in TV. Reports on Bomb blast by terrorist. Reports on honor killing. Reports on communal tensions at some place.
She thinks back at what she told her son.Despite all this still we Indians celebrate everything with each other!

She hears a sound outside. Cracker bursting has started again! She gets prepared to distribute Diwali sweets in her neighbourhood starting with Joseph and Anwar's house!

India is a diverse land. A land of Unity.
Truly, A Land of Festivities!
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P.S - this is post written for a competition is internal blog
P.P.S - If we start reading about the different festivals, you will be amazed by the significance of each and every one of them and the belief with which they are celebrated. If you want to know and don't know yet, Go and google ;) Else ask elders :D

An Unusual Affair!! Dream Day!!! :)

2010-10-20T21:19:00.018+05:30

A Typical Iyer Wedding would be inside a mandapam and range from 3 to god knows how many days. But with the changing times, The number of days range from 1 to 3 days. When I say 1 day - it will be for whole 1 day with the main ceremony at a time and different religious ceremonies surrounding it!!

Receptions are also equally a grand and monotonous affair, with a queue standing near the stage to meet Groom-Bride and to mark their attendance by posing for the photo.But Exceptions are everywhere!!

And that was what witnessed in JeyaMahal Palace in Bangalore on 12th September!!!

Muhurtham - 10.30 am to 12 pm

Venue - Open Ground in Jeyamahal palac

So starting off with a small religious ceremony from Bride's side kick started the marriage ceremony!!!

Kasi Yatra

Malai Matral

Oonjal

Mangalya Dharanam

Saptapadi

And the Reception - An evening with them - No stage, they went around meeting everyone :)

And what's a wedding without feast?? A mix and match of food items of South!! So a non-foodie, thats me, also had nothing to complain about!! :D :D :D (Now don't ask me menu :roll:)

A few Random Snaps -

And the Family :D -

P.S - Finally posting this :) All the pics are copyrighted!

Winners or Losers???

2010-10-18T12:52:00.002+05:30

She kept switching the channels - various News channels showcasing India's achievements on all the events that were held for past 13 days in commonwealth Games 2010. India beat England in the medals tally and finished 2nd overall! She saw all the smiling faces being shown, those who had won the medals for India and made our country proud.

She was both happy and sad. Happy with the achievements but sad for the winners!

8 years back she had been beaming and smiling. People surrounded her and wished her. Camera-persons came behind her to take her video, Photographers to capture her photo with medal. She felt happy for getting recognized, after all she had won Gold Medal for her country. She felt proud. As she gave interviews and posed for photographs, she sincerely hoped that now things should be smoother. With her achievement, Sports Ministry should try and help more aspiring athletes by providing good facilities and training and fund them for coaches. She felt her Achievement would be a gateway for India's future in all forms of games.

She fought all her way to achieve her dream, and make her country proud! She fought with society and broke the shackles which expected girls to be at home and cook. There were no good training facilities and coaches, but despite that she learnt. She went out of her place to meet new people and improve herself. There were no good accomodations and she had to struggle to live in a decent place. But she fought.

Her goal - Was to make India Proud.

But alas, that was not to be the case. 8 years later she was a forgotten face and her country never acknowledged her. Not just to the public but also those involved in her games had forgotten her. Right now she felt like a loser! And she knew that the same will happen to all those winners this time.

Right now they all are living a dream an soon will be hit by reality!

P.S - Apart from Cricket and Cricketers, none of the games/sports or the sportspersons have been as recognized. Even today the sportspersons struggle. The winners we see on TV will soon be forgotten except one or two maybe. "She" in the story, could actually be any player/winner of previous games whom we simply don't know now.

P.P.S - This is a small tribute to all those forgotten heroes - Achievers/winners from different games/sports who have made India Proud at sometimes!

NP2KMCRS - 6 Wanderers

2010-10-05T14:21:00.012+05:30

There were 5 Wanderers, who accidentally or coincidentally, met at one of the greatest Wanderer's house on a saturday morning The 6 Wanderers(NP2KMCRS) decided to hang around for the weekend with nothing much to do!

They are -

Mr.P, Mr.M,Ms.R,Ms.S,Mr.C and Mr.NPK

So the 6 Wanderers decided to go out in car to a place called Valparai. No concrete idea was made. They simply started from R's house without taking any eatables or anything. Camera's in hand and smiles in their face, they decided to explore not just the nature of Mother Earth but also themselves!!

Mr. NPK - Prasanna - He wandered in the tea states in Pollachi and Valparai and found a new passion - plucking tea leaves ;)

Mr. C - Chiranjib - He wandered and got awed by the Nature's beauty and got out his passion for photography!!

Ms.R - went into the stream of journalism and scared a few people near Valparai Police Station ;)

Ms.S - The MAD Scientist felt herself completely lost looking here and there!!

Mr.P - got into two passions - Driving and Modeling ;)

Mr.C - He also tried his hand in Modeling but turned out that Chaiwala in him was better ;)

Not just the humans, but our NPK's lots of other friends also were there to give them company -

Chameleon

Leech

Cow

Boars

Goats

Ducks

Biscuits were the saving grace for the wanderers

But then who was complaining as far they had an awesome ride.

Mother Nature was kind enough on them and showed them the best in her!

And thus the Wanderes wandered back to Ms.R' house to rest and chat and have fun-filled weekend! :D

P.S - NP2KMCRS - Habit of Mad Scientist ;)

~` door ya paas - part 4 `~

2010-07-21T07:20:00.000+05:30

Continuing from Part 1 and Part 2 and Part3 :

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She got out of the train with all her luggages. She saw her parents waiting for her in the platform. The kids waved bye to her and she smiled and bid adieu to them. She turned back to see him getting out of the train, last from their bogie. He looked at her and smiled. She smiled back at him. She didn’t believe in destiny and knew this is it and both started walking on their own ways towards the exit.

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He waited for everyone to get down from the bogie! It was the last station so there was no need of hurrying! He stood at the door and saw she was waving at those kids. His brother and sister were waiting for him in the platform. He was getting down when she turned and looked at him. He smiled at her. She smiled back at him. He knew that this is it as he didn’t believe in destiny and fate and both started walking on their own ways towards the exit.

**********************************************

**********************************************

She entered the station with her parents. 10 days passed soon. She had enjoyed herself thoroughly and now had to get back to her life in Delhi. She got into the platform and saw the train standing when suddenly his face came in front of her. She looked here and there and then realized she had imagined it. Her father called her. They went near her bogie.

She wondered if he would be there? She remembered his smile on that day when they came to Chennai.

She had forgotten about him in these 10 days but again was thinking about him. Fro some reason she hoped he would be there!

She got into her bogie and walked to her compartment. She arranged her luggages and sat in the window seat. Her parents bid adieu and they left.

She looked out of the window wondering - will he come?

She took out her ticket and saw - Berth 27,Upper Berth.

Grand Trunk Express

Time : 17:45 hours

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He entered the station, practically running. He was late again. In a few minutes train will leave. His friends came running behind him with his luggages. He checked the platform number and ran to get into train

He was just in time to catch the train. His friends somehow pushed in all the luggages. He waved bye to them. He picked his luggages and started walking to his compartment, when he remembered her. Will she be there?

Past 10 days he had enjoyed with his family and friends. He had forgotten her. But now back in train, he only remembered her. He went near his compartment and heard kids voices. A big family was sitting. He felt angry as he didn’t want any kids in his compartment. He counted them and they were 4. One more place.

He arranged his luggages and got into his berth. He saw a handbag in upper berth, opposite to his.

Would she be here?

He took out his ticket and saw - Berth 30,Upper Berth.

Tamil Nadu Express

Time : 22:00 hours

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Do you believe in destiny? Whether they meet or not in delhi depends on that right?

Please pour in your comments and feedbacks.

Based on that only I’ll decide if the story should continue or not!

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P.S - DISCLAIMER: The story is entirely fictional and any characters or events having any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely coincidental and unintentional.

~`door ya paas - part 3`~

2010-07-20T08:49:00.000+05:30

Continuing from Part 1 and Part 2 -
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She awoke with a start. She checked her watch and the time was around 5 pm. She turned and saw him also sleeping. Without realizing herself, she was admiring him. He slightly turned and she checked herself again! She was again acting stupidly! She looked down and saw that the mother was struggling to keep her daughter quiet and looked completely tired. She pitied her. She loved small kids. She got down and thought it was best to play with the daughter and let the mother get some sleep. In that way she will avoid him also!

She started playing with the daughter and was having fun. The 5 year old son also joined them and she felt like a small kid again. While playing by chance she looked up and saw him. He was enjoying watching them play! She blushed. She immediately turned and concentrated on the kid. She knew he was still watching them but she avoided looking up at all. Soon one station came. Balharshah. It is pretty famous for chai. She went to window seat to look for some chaiwala. She saw that he had got down in the station and was getting chai. When he saw that she was looking here and there, he signaled the chaiwala to go and give to her. She didn’t respond to his actions and didn’t look at him. She bought the chai wondering how he could know she was looking for chaiwala only. She somehow knew he was looking at her.

She wondered what to do. She was again surprised by herself. She had never found any difficulty talking to any one till now, even strangers, and here she was hesitant to talk to a guy! She was not able to muster courage to even say thank you to him. What was wrong with her?

She had always been amused by her friends and laughed at them, who used to behave childishly when they were near a guy whom they liked. She had always wondered how people could change when they are with someone they like. And now she was going exactly through such emotions!

Was this love or just an infatuation? After all she didn’t know anything about him!

Train again started. She looked out of the window hoping he had got into train. He wasn’t there. As she turned, she saw him outside the compartment. He was looking at her. Before she could make out what his look were saying, the kids started calling her to play again.

The day soon ended with her playing with kids and she saw him in his berth only the whole time.

Then the morning came and train arrived in Chennai Central.

*******************************************************************************************

He got up and looked at the watch. It was around 5.30 pm. He heard kid’s voices. He saw she was not there in her berth. He looked down and saw that she was playing with both the kids. She was good with them. He started enjoying watching them play when she looked up! Immediately she looked down and started playing, never looking up. He realized that he had actually been staring at her! Feeling guilty he got down from his berth when train entered station. He was all set to enjoy the chai of Balharshah!

He was buying chai when he saw she was looking out for someone or something. Guessing that she might also be looking for chaiwala, he told the chaiwala to go and give 1 chai to her. She bought the chai but didn’t make any gesture to him. He was surprised! He expected her to at least say thanks or smile for that matter but instead she completely ignored him.

He concluded that either she had no manners or she was too scared, though both of which he couldn’t agree himself. He wondered why she was behaving like this! He sipped his chai and was looking at her only when the train started moving. He got into the train and quickly went to his compartment to see if she was searching for him. He saw that she was looking outside the window and when she turned, he gave her a knowing look. Before she could respond, the kids started calling her to play.

He muttered to himself - “This is the reason why I don’t like kids travelling!” He wanted to see her reaction but everything was spoilt. She had resumed playing with the kids and didn’t look at him.

Feeling a bit sad, he got back to upper berth. She could still say no to the kids and see him and talk to him but she didn’t. He started pondering over what had happened and why he should feel sad. Now why was he bothered? If she had been least interested in him, she would have atleast looked at him!

Was this love or just an infatuation? After all he didn’t know anything about her!

He decided to ignore her just like she was ignoring him!

The day soon ended with him busy contemplating about his thinking’s and her playing with the kids whole time.

Then the morning came and train arrived in Chennai Central.

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DISCLAIMER: The story is entirely fictional and any characters or events having any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely coincidental and unintentional.

~`Door ya Paas - part 2`~

2010-07-17T18:12:00.000+05:30

Continuation from part 1 : Feedbacks and Comments are most welcome!

*******************************************************************************

She was excited. After more than 6 months she was going to her home, in Chennai, to meet her parents and spend some days with them. A much needed break for her from her work at Delhi. She boarded the Grand trunk Express in Delhi station. She looked at the time - 6.15pm. She was well ahead of the scheduled departure which is at 6.45pm. She settled her luggage in her compartment, and put her handbag in her berth 27, upper berth. She settled down in her place in lower berth, when she saw him. A tall handsome guy entered her bogie and was slowly approaching towards her. He was looking for his seat.

He was slightly fair and had a cute face wearing a normal black t-shirt and jeans. On first glance, he looked like one of those very serious guys who mind their own business and don’t stand any nonsense.

A chill ran down her spine the moment she saw him. She had never felt like this before seeing anyone. She got up and went into the other side of the bogie. She looked at herself in the mirror near the door and was upset with herself. She wasn’t looking good at all. Till now she had never been bothered about her looks whenever she travelled, be it long journeys or short. She always believed that it’s better not to look good or even nice during such travels to avoid any unnecessary problem. One look at her and no one would bother. She even chooses to wear dresses which are very lose and shabby.

But today for the 1st time she felt she had taken some care to look better!

Someone entered the bogie and asked her to move breaking her thoughts. Then she realized, what’s happening to her. Why should she be bothered about how that guy should think about her? She felt like she was thinking and behaving stupidly! She turned back to see where that guy was. He was nowhere to be seen. She laughed at herself for being stupid seeing one guy and went towards her place. The moment she entered her compartment, she saw him sitting near the window seat. She didn’t know what to do. Before she could realize, someone tapped on her shoulders. She looked back to see one family, consisting of a father, mother holding a small girl child(around 1 n half year old), 1 grandpa,1 grandma and one 5year old son entering her compartment along with huge luggages. She quickly sat in her place to give them space.

After sometime, which felt like ages to her, the family finally settled down in their compartment. She tried to avoid seeing the guy who was sitting diagonally to her. Instead she tried to concentrate on what the family was doing. Father and Grandfather were arguing about something, the mother was trying to make the small kid sleep and grandmother was fretting over some pain in her leg. The 5 year old son was in his own world, sitting in the window seat.

The train whistled indicating the start of the long journey to Chennai and everyone in the compartment got into their own place. The guy got up from the window seat and sat right opposite to her. She felt a bit nervous. To avoid behaving stupidly, she got up and took her handbag from her berth. She took a book out of it and started to read (or rather act like she’s reading).

In sometime, the family in her compartment wanted to have dinner and asked both of them if they could give some space. Knowing the commotion and confusions and fuss, a family creates while eating, she quietly got up and went to her berth. Soon the guy followed suit and got into his berth, berth 30 - upper berth, right opposite to hers.

She opened her Tiffin set and quickly had her dinner but was conscious of him sitting right opposite to her. She avoided looking at him.

Soon it was 9pm and everyone in the train was ready to go to sleep.

She also lied down with her back towards the guy’s direction to avoid seeing him. She contemplated on why she was behaving like this. She felt like her mind and heart were fighting within her!

She liked him. One look at him had made her go crazy but then she wasn’t the one who believed in “Love at First Sight” .She had never sighted a guy and had never understood what pleasure her friends used to get by talking about guys during her college days and even in office. She had always believed that relationships can only be made and worked at and not due to some destiny or fate. But for such a strong-minded girl that she is, one look at a guy and what was happening to her.

All these thoughts inside her mind were making her go crazy and finally she let her mind prevail over her heart that she was thinking and acting stupidly. She had no clue about this guy, he might even be married. She just had to ignore him for one day and that she should think about the next 10 days that she is going to spend with her family!

And thinking about all these, she slept off!

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He reached his bogie. He was early for the first time in his life. It had always been a close call on catching trains. But he made sure this time he didn’t miss the train by reaching the station at 6.30 itself.else his mother would come all the way to Delhi to scold him. For past 6 months he hadn’t gone home. Finally he got leave from his hectic work. He had already planned on how to spend the next 10 days in Chennai (mostly outside home much to his mother’s dislike!)

He entered his bogie and was looking for his seat when he saw her walking in opposite direction. Even though she wasn’t facing him but for some reason he wanted to see her face. But she walked away. He found his seat, berth 30 - upper berth, settled his luggage’s. He sat in the window seat looking forward for a long journey in Grand Trunk Express to Chennai and hoping that there would be no kids in his compartment!

He had just thought about it when he saw the same girl entering his compartment. His joy knew no bounds but they were right short-lived when right behind her one huge family! A typical Indian family, a serious and short tempered father trying to give instructions to all at the same time, a hassled mother who didn’t know whom to listen to(her shouting husband, her in-laws, her nagging 5 year old son or wailing 1n half year old daughter).

The moment he saw them he got completely upset saying to himself - “there goes my peaceful train journey!” One consolation was her, who was sitting diagonally opposite to him. She wasn’t a smashing beauty but yes she was very pretty, having curly hair and was wearing a long and loose kurti and jeans.

She was looking here and there in all directions except his. He wondered why? Wasn’t he looking good? His friends always teased him that he made girls turn back and see him and here was one girl who wasn’t even looking at him! But then he was surprised at himself. He had never bothered about who looked at him or what his friends said. He himself looked rarely at any girl. And here he was actually observing a girl!

Finally the noisy family settled down. Soon the train started moving too.

He got up from his place in window seat as he didn’t want to get squeezed within the family and sat opposite to her. She looked restless. He wondered why. She took a book and started reading.

He kept looking here and there wondering what to do. Soon the family told that they were going to have dinner and he knew that it was better to go to his own berth. This was the reason he always chose upper berth! He saw her getting into the upper berth opposite to him. “Wow” he thought! He also got into his berth.

He also decided to eat and saw that she was also opening her Tiffin set but she never looked at him even once. He was surprised. He quickly ate and settled down to sleep. Everyone in the bogie was all set to sleep. She still hadn’t looked in his direction.

He got confused at himself. Why was he bothered if she hadn’t looked at him! He had met many girls in general but never bothered on how they look or if they were looking at him. His friends would always keep pointing to some or other girl but he had never been bothered. But now he was concerned that she wasn’t even looking at him. She looked like a strong willed girl and not someone who gets scared.

He had always been a guy who minded his own business and never created a menace anywhere especially with girls. He couldn’t understand how his friends could fall in love with each and every girl they look at or meet. His definition of love and relationships were completely different. He believed more in arranged marriages where couples grow to like and love each other as they trust each other. He had seen many of his friend’s marriages crumple in a very short span of love marriages and his opinions on arranged marriages were more strengthened.

Thinking about all that he wondered what was wrong with him now. He was actually thinking about a complete stranger in front of him, whom - yes he thinks beautiful - and is concerned that she is not looking at him! He should not look at her too!

He turned to look at her once again and then told himself to stop thinking stupidly. She is a stranger and he won’t meet her after this. Why should he even be bothered? He should try to enjoy the next 36 hours of journey, despite her and the family who were in his compartment, and think about his holidays.

And thinking about all these, he slept off.

——————————————————————————————————

DISCLAIMER: The story is entirely fictional and any characters or events having any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely coincidental and unintentional.

~`Door ya Paas`~

2010-07-17T14:45:00.001+05:30

After many days am back to writing stories(or rather attempt in writing stories ;) ). This story is going to be series and based on the comments i recieve i might change the ending that i have planned for this. Do give in your feedbacks and comments for me to improve.

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The train started moving. She looked out of the window worried. Where was he? The train has started and he’s nowhere in sight. Why did he have to get down now only? She kept questioning herself in her mind. The train left the station and he hadn’t come yet. She hoped he was standing near the door. Slightly worried she came out of the compartment towards the door. There was no one. She immediately went to the other door of the bogie to check. He was not there also. Now she was angry and worried too. She felt like crying. She felt helpless. Not knowing what to do, she turned back to go to her compartment when she saw him coming from the other side. The moment she saw him, she felt like shouting. She wanted to go and hug him. He looked at her and smiled. She blushed and turned the other way. She felt like crying more. She entered the restroom and started crying.

After 5 minutes or so she washed her face to make sure no one knew she was crying and came out. He was standing near the door. The moment he saw her, he looked at her questioningly.

She ignored him and started walking beyond him when he called out to her - “Hey, Are you ok?”

She looked back at him and simply nodded.

Before she could turn back, he said - “The train started moving so I got into the other bogie”.

He was giving an explanation without her asking him anything. She looked at him questioningly, her eyes telling him that she never asked him. He looked a bit perplexed and started saying something but then she turned and went back to her place.

She climbed to upper birth and lied down with a book in her hand. After a few minutes, she could hear him climbing onto the upper birth opposite to her. Though the book was open but her mind was fully occupied. How did he know she was looking for him? Why did he try to justify himself to her? Why was she worried for him?

After all they both were strangers.

Completely confused she closed her eyes and thought about yesterday.

********************************************************************************************

He looked at her to see her lying in her berth, her back facing him. She had a book in her hand but he was sure she wasn’t reading it. He kept asking himself - Why didn’t she say anything? He knew that she was looking for him. Why was she ignoring him?

Before he could come near his bogie, the train had started and so he got into the nearest bogie he could get into. He came as soon as possible to his bogie. He went near his compartment when he saw her. The moment he saw her, he could see a sense of relief in her eyes. He felt like she was about to cry too. Before he could think, she turned and went into restroom. He went near the door and waited. The moment she came out he wanted to ask her what happened. He was sure she was worried for him. But then why?

The door opened and she came out, she had washed her face. He was sure she was crying.

He asked - “Hey, are you ok?” She just nodded.

He didn’t know why but before he realized himself, he blurted out - “The train started moving so I got into the other bogie”.

She looked at him quizzing as if she cared. Before he could say anything, she went to their compartment. He was confused. Why did he have to give an explanation? Why was she crying? She didn’t seem to have any problem. Was it for him only?

He went back to compartment and saw her already in her berth. His berth was just opposite to hers. He climbed on it. He wondered - Why was he bothered for her?

After all they were strangers!

Completely confused He closed his eyes and thought about yesterday.

——————————————————————————————————-

DISCLAIMER: The story is entirely fictional and any characters or events having any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely coincidental and unintentional.

Ranam Sugam - A Review

2010-06-27T14:41:00.007+05:30

Ranam Sugam – Pain is Good

Coincidences happen a lot – Tamil World Conference started from Wednesday and I have been reading and listening to a tamil book and music! ;)

A Tamil musical Novelette by Padhai is a new concept which interested and impressed me a lot. Firstly I would like to thank them because after long time I got to read tamil and refresh my reading skills in this language ;)

Am sure you would have seen the promo’s and even a chapter’s translation in Sree’s Blog and the Music Review in Meghana’s blog.

So after reading this book and listening to the 10 tracks, here I come with my review – my take on this musical novelette.
Before Reading any book, I have the tendency to read the back cover to know the gist of what am about to read – “It’s a story of 5 College Friends and their Music Band, set up to win the title of a competition judged by A.R.Rehman”
Ranam Sugam did look like a promising read and it sure didn’t disappoint me!

A very simple story, written in simple tamil(thankfully :P) with some lovely music!! :D

The book is written from the point of view of Naren, the main character in this book and his journey along with his friends in the quest of his search for his love and his goal.

The start itself, the introduction of Characters: Siva, Chandru, Shameer, Divya and Naren (himself) from Naren’s point of view was pretty good and laid a good foundation for the whole story. They are all different, but friends bound by common interest – Music. Each friend has different taste of music but still they form a group. And then Ramya also joined their group.

On one side is the story of Naren and Ramya who become more that just friends but never tell each other.

On the other side is the music group and their quest to participate and win the competition judged by A.R.Rehman. In between these two stories comes the ways how relations turn sweet and sour, be it among couples or friends.

This is a story of love which actually never took off, despite the fact that both liked each other. The hesitation from guy’s point of view in expressing his love till the end is pretty natural.
This is a story of how friends stick to each other despite their difference of opinions.

I personally expected more on the band’s quest to win the competition which was short-lived because of a fight among friends. But then this part simply stopped here.

The ending was too good. It said it all about life as he compared it with a child who was playing and gets hurt. He starts crying initially but after sometime again goes to play though his pain is not completely gone. Whatever pain you come across, you move on with your life feeling that pain always. Sometimes Pain is good too.

Coming to music- Each chapter had a track. First I just read the book and then listened to music. With a musical novelette that’s not fair. I then listened to each track as I read each chapter and that gave me the real feeling of this musical novelette! 
I have to say that the music at times seemed inspired by Rahman’s music but then that’s not surprising especially with the mention in the book about each character’s love for different music.
I loved all the tracks. Lyrics were equally good. Thought and written well for each of the track to suit the situation.
Track 1 – Yaar Aval - foot tapping number..loved the feel of it..where the guy is mesmerized by a girl..we surely are mesmerized by the song! :)
Track – 2 – En Nanbane - Soulful music..with the girl’s voice sounding a tad in lines of Bombay jayashree. Awesome composition! :)
Track – 3 – Thedi - Bharathiyar lyrics mixed into fusion. It was very good attempt. The chapter describes on how they want the music to sound when they compose this music. And it was good!! They didn’t disappoint!!
Track – 4 –Nilayum Thoongalam – Awesome one..loved it..I could imagine myself along with the band in the balcony with no light except the moon light!
Track – 5 – Veyil Mazhai – Nice feel good song :) Lovely music!!
Track – 6 – Paathiyil Vilaguvathu – This has dialogues in between. The friends are drunk and revive their friendship back and the guy is opening up to them telling about his love. The dialogues for some reason reminded me about the dialogues coming in movies like Goa. Maybe the recent movies too had the similar effect. The dialogues made me laugh more though the song was supposed to be full of feelings!
Track – 7 – Ranam Sugam - The girl is gone forever from the guy’s life and hence the situational song of “Pain is good”. Lovely music. I have been humming this tune from the time I heard it. Again another awesome composition!!
Track -8 –Vaazhthai Thavarivittal – Another awesome number. You can feel the sorrow in the singer’s voice relating to the situation of the guy who feels that his life is gone forever.
Track – 9 – Ranam Sugam Remix – Remixes do tend to spoil the original but this wasn’t to be in the case here. Ranam Kuda Sugam Thaan line and the tune itself makes you feel yourself that Pain is good in your life too.
Track – 10 –Music – No lyrics. Has the same mood that I felt in the whole album. Lovely music again.

Overall the album has sad song and music only to go along with the theme of the book but its awesome. Do listen to it. But to appreciate it more, you should read the book 1st! :)
I would love to hear Paadhai perform these songs live!!

While Reading the book and listening to the music, I could imagine all the scenes happening just before me. Hats off to Paadhai for “Ranam Sugam”!

Eagerly waiting more from Paadhai!! :D

A Father, Not a Friend.

2010-06-20T11:17:00.003+05:30

I am my daddy’s girl!

I still remember one of my relatives (err..Mom’s Bro’s Wife’s Cousin’s Wife :roll:) telling me that she was busy collecting 70 things that her father likes to give him as gifts for his 70th Birthday!

That put me into thinking. If I were to start collecting my dad’s (or even my mom’s) favorite things, my list not go even beyond 5(even that would be tough). That’s how my family is!

We are a close but very formal family. The relationship is just parents-kids and not beyond that. If someone were to ask me to describe my dad in my terms, hmm it will be tough.

A Strict person, short tempered (who will scold us but the next moment will forget about it and talk normally) and well….

We have in our lives a lot of role models, from whom we learn a lot which we can define. But from our parents whatever we learn can never be defined. They are the ones who mould us to what we become in future. We keep learning from them always.

From Day 1 of our life till the day we die, they are there with us (physically or in our minds and hearts).

I have to thank my Father for lots of things, hmm practically everything. I have seen lots and lots of my friends whose parents are very protective and won’t let them go out easily, by which I mean, staying in hostels, eating outside due to unhygienic conditions etc. They will ensure that their kids are always in secure and protective way in the world.

But my father was different in these.

First things first, he was strict during our childhood to ensure we never became spoilt kids. He used to tell our mother never to allow us to sleep in afternoon. This will ensure we slept well at night and our habit till date has become that. He made us eat whatever was served in our plate without fussing. His logic was simple. One day everyone will eat what I like and another day what my brother likes and so on. We should never fuss about food as we won’t get everything everywhere(this indeed helped us during hostel days!).

My father would say we should eat from the road side shops also. Simple, it increases your immune system.

He never cut the cable connection during our exam time or even took leave for our exams like his colleagues did. He will ask - “Why give more pressure to kids? They know what they have to do”. During my 12th board exam, only in our house cable connection was still there to watch World Cup. My dad told me and my brother clearly that we know how important these exams are. And for him World cup matches. It’s up to us to score well in 12th board without being bothered about TV running in hall.

His thinking was simple, unless we experience it ourselves we won’t learn.

He had stayed in hostel and knew the hardships one faces there. And he wanted us to experience it.

When I and my brothers were heading to our new hostel and college life, his advice was simple -

‘Enjoy life. Go and hang out with your friends, roam the city, watch movies, eat outside. These days will never come back. But always remember for what you have gone there. Study when needed and know your own limits of fun!’

When we are a small kid learning to ride cycle, what do our fathers do? Initially they hold the cycle for us to balance and run behind us. After sometime when they think that we can manage very well he takes of his hand unknown to us but still keeps running behind.

This is exactly what happens in our lives too. My father wanted us to experience life ourselves and learn from it. But he was there right behind us running, ready to hold and balance us in case we needed help.

I have heard my friends call their parents very informally and even with their names but as far as my family is concerned, I can’t even imagine calling my parents by name or even say ”Tu”, “Tum” , “Nee” instead of “Aap”,”Neenga”.

There are things we don’t or cannot share with our parents. The current generation(am also in that :P) is trying to bridge that gap and be more of friend to their children than strict parents).

Even today when I have to make a decision, my first thought would be what will my father say? If I have to approach and talk to my father about something, I think twice before talking to him.

But I feel, let the relation be of parents-kids than friends-friends. It’s better this way.

I would be glad to remember him as my father, who was strict but at the same time lenient.

Trust me the fear about what my father will say does help us to take right decisions!

But Ill be my daddy’s girl always!

P.S - In many places, I would have generalized and not specified dad alone because it’s both the parents together who have taught everything. I don’t have any story as such to share here though as my dad has been an inspiration,role model and everything always.

P.P.S - I have always believed that a separate day for such things should never exist, Mother’s day, Father’s day, Women’s day, Valentine’s Day.

55 Fiction!!

2010-06-06T18:04:00.002+05:30

There is a contest in internal blog world and a few that i had put up there.

Fear
She was completely scared and shivering. She was all alone. She was drenched in sweat. She wanted to scream but no sound came from her mouth.
Suddenly she saw him. He had a gun in his hand. He was slowly approaching. He pointed the gun to shoot And
the TV screen went blank!
Power cut!

Blame
She entered the room happy and excited to tell her daughters she had finally got some money to give as dowry for their weddings.
We are a huge burden to you. Its better to die than being a humiliation to you. Sorry.
Suicide note left by her daughters.
Their Mother cried.

Who is to blame?

Forgiveness
He couldn't control his car and before he realized he had rammed his car somewhere. He somehow got down his car and went behind car and saw two people lying, killed by his drunken driving.

He started crying and kneeled down there praying to God - Please forgive me. I will not drink and drive again.

Do or Die!!

He felt dizzy. He couldn’t hear anything that time but knew everyone were shouting. He knew he had to keep his cool. It was do or die moment.
He saw the guy running towards him,his eyes fully concentrated on his hand
and
then swung his bat around
and
its SIX.
India won the match!

Passive-ness

She is lying in the bed. He looked at her with moist eyes. He knew she will never get up. She died of lung cancer.
No, He had killed her.
She had one last wish.
He took her hands in his and promised her - I’ll Quit Smoking from today!
Coincidentally it was World No-Tobacco Day.

I LOVE YOU

She opened her eyes and finds herself not able to move.
She looks around slowly and realizes she is in the hospital room. Her sister is sitting next to her.
One look into her sister’s face and she knew it.
She closed her eyes and remembered his last words to her -
I Love You!

A Moment to Cherish!!!

2010-05-30T14:44:00.002+05:30

I look at myself in the mirror. A nervous yet excited me is smiling back. I am feeling like a kid going to write an exam or actually a kid waiting for exam results. I hear my mother calling me. I turn back and I see smiling faces around me. Everyone is saying something. I smile and nod my head. I start walking slowly towards the door. My sister and cousin come and hold my hand. I am feeling dizzy. Different kinds of noise - music, laughter, chatting keep coming and going in my ears. I am following the path led by my aunt.

I see him. He is smiling, rather beaming widely. I walk towards him but I feel like it’s still a long way to go. I keep walking and finally I feel him near me. I sit next to him and feel very special and also lost. . I feel like I am out of this world. I am feeling like the god’s light is bestowed on me. I am feeling too many things and then I am feeling nothing. I close my eyes and slowly it dawns to me - I realize where I am. This is the moment to cherish for ever! I open my eyes and I see him smiling and the whispering in my ears - I Love You.

It’s my wedding!!!
***********************************************************************************

This post has been written in present tense. In internal blog(my company), present tense fever posts are catching up..my attempt to write one.

P.S - I got inspired after attending 2-3 weddings recently. Mebntioning that this is a work of fiction as many friends in internal blog thought it was true and started congratulating me :P

Death Before Life

2010-03-08T22:43:00.004+05:30

She wanted to come out. She was excited. For long she has been inside and wanted to know life. She could hear voices. She felt like the voices were saying she will be out soon.
She felt frustrated and started wriggling. As soon as she showed her restlessness, she heard that voice. It was the sweet voice which she felt soothing always. It was a special voice which always talked to her. Whenever she didn’t feel fine she would hear this voice. The voice kept telling her different things. She felt the voice closest to her. Then the Day came. She was going to be free bird.

-------------------------------------------------

All were tensed and excited. They prayed to all the Gods they knew. They heard the cries inside.
-------------------------------------------------

She felt the pain increasing every moment. She felt like dying at the moment. People were surrounding her and saying something. But she couldn’t hear properly. Pain was intolerable.

--------------------------------------------

And that was it. She was overwhelmed and didn’t know how to express herself. She started crying out of happiness.

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They heard the child cry and were very happy. They just wished it would be a boy.

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She was all excited to know this new world and meet all those voices who talked to her especially that special sweet voice.

-------------------------------------------------

And that was it. She heard cries and knew it was over. She was overjoyed. The Doctor smiled and showed her the girl. One glance at the kid and all her happiness vanished. It was a Girl-child

-----------------------------------------------------

The doctor came out wishing them joy. They all looked at the doctor with eagerness. The doctor wished them joy informing them that it was girl child. All the happiness and eagerness left their faces.
-----------------------------------------------------

She didn’t know what was happening. She felt very strange. She felt like suffocating. Slowly she couldn’t feel herself. She was dying.

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She cursed herself and felt guilty. She kept asking for forgiveness in her mind to her daughter who was lying dead in front of her.
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They felt angry. They hadn’t wanted a boy but it was a girl who would be a burden on them. This was the best thing. She had to die.

------------------------------------------------------

Doctor saw the family going out of the hospital. She felt sad and angry. This wasn’t the first case she was seeing. There are numerous families who come here and when they know the child born is a girl, either they kill her or abandon her. And with all the constraints she couldn’t do anything. She has tried hard to explain to the families but even the most educated of the families don’t listen.

She turned and saw TV on. The news channel was showing the Women who have made difference in this world. She closed her eyes and on one side saw the dead girl and on the other side those famous women. She heard the news reader saying – Today is Women’s Day. Let’s empower!!

This is the Irony of life – On one side celebrating a few women and on the other side killing the rest.

Karthik Calling Karthik

2010-03-07T21:53:00.002+05:30

Well 12 hours power shutdown forced me and 3 of my friends to hang out somewhere and we decided to go for a movie.

I went to watch the movie with 0% expectation!

1st the cast – Farhaan Akhtar is turning out to be a good actor. One of my friends said – Directors are first Actors.Well this guy proves it! Deepika Padukone simply doesn’t know acting. I was seriously wondering what she was doing there!! The rest of the cast to be frank had very small roles and nothing very different.

The movie was fully Farhaan Akhtar only. Be it a shy, straight forward and scared person or the suddenly transformed cool, confident and outgoing guy, Farhaan carried the character very well. Unfortunately the screen play wasn’t written well and his character could have had more depth.

When it comes to a movie related to human psychology, it just can’t be left off with the normal story. It has to be shown in more depth trying to relate to that particular character but unfortunately that didn’t happen.

Direction was good and there were times when the scenes were gripping like the ones where they wait for call at 5 am or when farhaan is looking for a phone in shop confused and suddenly the phone in the shop rings, but overall it was pretty predictable story. Some of the dialogues were good and some funny.

Instead of showing more scenes with Farhaan and Deepika Romance scenes(simply no chemistry between them!), it could have been better if they had more concentrated on the actual plot.

Plot is pretty simple – Karthik is a lonely guy who is bullied by others. Be it his house owner or colleagues or boss and is not even noticed by another colleage(Deepika) on whom he has a huge crush. One day he gets a call from Karthik which changes his life forever. The caller Karthik helps him build self confidence and turn his life completely with his boss respecting him, his colleagues calling him Sir and Deepika finally noticing him. Till he listens to Caller Karthik, things go pretty well. But once he doesn’t listen to the caller, his life gets ruined. Finally who’s the caller and how he gets back his life is the crux of the story.

After seeing Anniyan itself, its pretty easy to predict what will happen in the end.

BGM was pretty good and I liked 2-3 songs.

My Verdict – Can see once but go with 0% expectation and just for time pass.

Love lasts forever!!

2010-02-10T21:25:00.005+05:30

13th February 2009 -

Celebrations were going on in full swing. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy. Kids were running around playing without any tension. It was a typical marriage house. Elders were busy making final preparations for the Moment. Youngsters were dancing and having fun.

He sat in his room quietly. He hated the noise going on outside. He wondered what he was doing here. This is not the place he should be right now. He looked at the time - 7 p.m. He should be somewhere else but any time they will call him.

She looked at the watch – 7 p.m. He should be here by now. Where was he? She again looked around herself. Everything was ready. Only he had to come. But then she wondered – Why hasn’t he come?

“Dilwale Dulhinya le jaayenge” – Background was filled with this song.

Priest was chanting the mantra’s when he said, call the groom. Groom’s brother started going upstairs to call his brother. As he passed the bride’s room, he heard laughter. He smiled as he heard the bride’s friends teasing her.

His phone started ringing.He felt his feet go cold. He had to decide now. He looked at his phone and then at the door. He had to decide now.

She looked at the time desperately. He should be here by now. She got scared. What’s taking him so long? After a long time she was very happy and looking forward to something! She again looked at the time and then nervously picked up her phone calling his number.

The bride walked down the stairs as everyone looked up admiring her. Everyone gathered around the stage practically crowding the place. The bride sat in her place as the priest continued chanting the mantra’s. Shehanai was also being played loudly

He opened the door and and just started running outside as everyone stared at him. He drove his bike as fast as he could to the station. He had to stop her before she left him forever. He made the biggest mistake of letting her go in the first place.

His phone kept ringing. Why isn’t he picking up the call? Has he forgotten that we were to meet here. She kept looking around for him.

The Groom looked at his bride and smiled as he went to tie Mangal sutra around her neck. Just as he tied it, he gave her rose in her hands and whispered in her ears – “Welcome to my life, I Love You”.
He spotted her waiting in the platform for the train. He ran to her and fell down on his knees. She looked startled as he held her hand and gave a rose and said – “My dear wife, please forgive me and don’t leave me. I Love You.”
She felt some one behind her. She turned and saw him standing. She was about to scold him when she saw him looking apologetically as a small school kid. She couldn’t help but smile. He looked up at her and took out a rose and said – “For our 50th wedding anniversary, I Love You”

14th Feb 2009 -
Ticket Collector came to check the tickets –

Mr and Mrs. Mohan Verma – Seat 5 and 6 – Newly Married couple on their honeymoon.

Mr and Mrs Vinod Mishra – Seat 2 and 3 – On their second honeymoon after the decided to give their wedding another chance.

Mr and Mrs Anil Sharma –Seat 1 and 4 – On their Honeymoon to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

"True love is timeless. True love is endless. It turns your life around. It makes you the happiest person alive!"

Love lasts forever!!! :)

P.S - There is Valentine day Carnival going on internal blog of my company and this is one of the posts i have posted there after trying to make my grey cells work for this theme!! :)

Shopping mania!!!

2009-12-12T22:58:00.005+05:30

“Sound, Tomorrow we need to go for shopping, prepare a list!” - My mother told me as soon as came home from office yesterday.

“Oh No” - I shouted inside my mind! I didn’t want to go out anywhere,but then my mother was right. I needed to buy a few things before packing off to coimbatore and weekends only I’ll get time!

But still the word shopping somehow makes me uncomfortable.

I simply hate shopping!

One of the reasons might be the way I have been shopping from my childhood. Whenever we needed to go out and buy something, we would make a plan. List out all the things needed to buy and then mark the shop where we have to buy it. We had our regular shops and stores to visit in Bhilai(after all it didn’t have so many shops to chose from!). Then we would visit these places, choose only the ones we needed and return back home. Never had we gone out of the list and bought something or taken time in choosing.If it was a dress, whatever was shown from that we would choose one and come back.

But after coming to Chennai and seeing the way people shop, especially in T.Nagar area ..phew…I can’t imagine standing in one shop and seeing the dresses or accessories or any other stuff repeatedly and either chose from them or just claim that i didn’t like any and go to next shop and again see everything.

My parents had always had this notion that if they visit some shop, it would not be nice to leave it empty handed, especially dress shops. And somehow that has got into my mind too.

But one thing i learned is to bargain. I prefer the pavement shops to the crowded stores! As its open, I need not bother about not buying from any of these pavement shops. I have been lucky to get goods in really cheap price with bargaining in first 2,3 shops itself and never had to go into all the pavement shops and have arguments with the shop owners.

Well I ended up going and spending 5 hours and doing huge and major buying both quantity and money wise but thankfully got most of the things in same shop!! So I ended up carrying things like this…

Even though the shopping was done for me only, but still its boring. I can’t imagine people ready to be on the move, the moment they hear the word “shopping”!

Now i know you all might be wondering - “What sort of a girl is she, not to even like shopping??” Well I am an exception I know!! And I know the guy who will marry me is very lucky And even if he’s keen on shopping,which I pray not!) still I will hate shopping and I would prefer watching a cricket match or read a book than go shopping!!

Meme - My Life According to Music

2009-11-20T22:00:00.002+05:30

After literature and movies..its music and food..
am not a foodie so didn't even attempt that!!
Here is my life according to music(have given in hindi and in tamil for some) !
****************************************************************
Describe Yourself:
oru deivam thantha poove(kannathil muththam vittal)[a flower given by god ;)]
Main albeli ghoomoon akeli koi paheli hoon main(zubeinda)

How do you feel:
shala la(gilli)
zara sa jhoom lun main(DDLJ)

Describe where you currently live:
Madrasa Suthi Pakka poren(May Madham)[going to roam around madras]
Musafir hoon yaron na ghar hai na thikana(Parichay)

If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
yeh duniya ek dulhan..yeh mera india(pardes)[around india!]

Your favorite form of transportation:
rayile rayile oru nimisham(five start)
kasto mazaa hai yeh lelaima(parineeta) [ picturization on train..love train journeys ]

Your best friend is:
gaata rahe mera dil(guide)[music]

You and your friends are:
yahoo..chahe koi mujhe(humein ;)) junglee kahe(junglee) [we are wild :D]

What’s the weather like:
yeh sama,sama hai suhana(jab jab phool khile)

Favorite time of day:
subah se lekar shaam tak,shaam se lekar raat tak(mohra) [ all the time ]

What is life to you:
Golmaal hai bhia sab golmaal hai(Golmaal)
Thoda hai thode ki zaroorat hai(Rang birangi)

Your fear:
Andheri raat(daasi)
tanhai(Dil chahta hai)[darkness and loneliness]

What is the best advice you have to give:
vaazhkai yosingada thalaiezhutha naala vaasinga da(Chennai 28)
kuch toh log kahenge logon ka kaam hai kehana(amar prem)

Thought for the Day:
chalte chalte mere yeh geet yaad rakhna kabhi alvida na kehana(chalte chalte)
Aanewala pal jaane wala hai(Golmaal)

How you would like to die:
panni vizhum iravu(mouna raagam)
so ja chanda(mission kashmir)[in sleep]

Your soul’s present condition:
oho megham vanthatho(mouna raagam)
jhoom barabhar jhoom(JBJ)
it’s the time to disco(KHNH)[really happy and feel like dancing :)]

*********************************************************
These are the songs i could think of that time.will update this as i remember any other which would be apt for these questions.not necessarily my favourite songs!!

Meme : My Life According to Movies

2009-11-20T21:57:00.002+05:30

Next in line..movies!!
*****************************************
Describe Yourself:Gumnaan

How do you feel:Khushi/Happy Feet

Describe where you currently live:Victoria No -203/Home Alone

If you could go anywhere, where would you go:Kashmir ki kali/Roman Holiday

Your favorite form of transportation:Train/Cars

Your best friend is:Taal/The Sound Of Music

You and your friends are:Kaminey/The Usual Suspects

What’s the weather like:Pyaar Ka Mausam/Sweet November

Favorite time of day:Morning Raaga

What is life to you:Hungama/chaos

Your fear:raat/wait until Dark(Fear of Darkness)

What is the best advice you have to give:Kabhi Alvida Na Kehana/The Good.The Bad and The Ugly(World is mixture of all the three.We need to find out the correct way out)

Thought for the Day:Kal Ho Na Ho/Tomorrow Never comes

How you would like to die:Shaheed/While You were Sleeping

Your soul’s present condition:Masti/A Beautiful Mind
****************************************************
not necessarily my favourite movies!! :)

Meme - My Life according to Literature

2009-11-20T21:53:00.002+05:30

Based on the books that I have read!! Not necessarily favourites! It should suit the questions too!!

*****************************************************************
Describe Yourself: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

How do you feel: An Equal Music by Vikram Seth(when am happy,i keep humming songs in my mind - am happy now!)

Describe where you currently live: A Painted house by John Grisham(colourful india :))

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: The God of Small things by Arundhati Roy(Kerala!)or Where Eagles Dare by Alistair Mclean

Your favorite form of transportation: Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh(I love train journeys)

Your best friend is: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

You and your friends are: A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

What’s the weather like: Joy in the Morning by P.G.Wodehouse

Favorite time of day: Endless night by Agatha Christie(sleep the whole time ;))

What is life to you: Two lives by Vikram Seth(1 we live for ourselves and 2nd for those surrounding us) or Nadanthathu Nadanthapidiye by Devan(wanted to include 1 tamil book too:))

Your fear: The Dark Crusader by Alistair McLean/The Dark Room by R.K.Narayanan(afraid of darkness :()

What is the best advice you have to give: And then there were None by Agatha Christie(simple - live life fully)

What is the best advice you have to give: All’s well that ends well by William Shakespeare

How you would like to die: Sleeping Beauty by Charles Perrault(in sleep)

Your soul’s present condition: Laughing gas by P.G.Wodehouse(having a really great day!:))

***********************************************
Go ahead and answer these questions!! :)

Meme's~~~~~~~~My life according to ...

2009-11-20T21:49:00.002+05:30

Well i had mentioned in my previous post about my company's internal blog. I have been pretty active there due to which i somehow couldn't come and post here.
There were a string of meme's happening there for past 2 months..with the theme my life according to ....

I just thought i should post it here too!!

So next 3 posts are from the meme's..If any one of you feels like giving a shot at it, please do so and let me know!! :)

Enjoy :)

Bewitched Night!!!

2009-11-18T22:17:00.003+05:30

I tried my hand at writing a short story. In my company we hve internal blogging system and there is a short story contest - with the theme "One night story". The story should happen between 8p.m to next day 8 am. This is my first attempt at writing a story. Thought of sharing it here too :)

************************************

2009

I lay in my couch staring at him. My whole life, I have been faithful to him. Now old and tired, my days are numbered. But he was in his own world, surrounded by books. He didn’t even bother to look at me. As I see him leaving the room, I am reminded of that night - Bewitched Night - when my life got changed! Everything that I had was never the same.

————————————————————————————————–
1997

It is his 7th birthday. John. He is my best friend. We both are inseparable and need no one else to play with. The night has started off just like any other night. It’s around 8.30 p.m. We finished our ball-game and dashed into the house for celebrations and special dinner. Mother has prepared delicious items. On such special occasions, she prepares my favorites too. Father got the cake ready in dining table. Dining hall is also nicely decorated with John’s favorite things. John is very eager to cut his cake. I am excited and jumping here and there with joy.

Mother and Father had adopted me when I was small. They found me abandoned near the shore and took me with them. They have bought me up just like am their own. They gave me a special and beautifully decorated room. Their home is my only world.

We were all set to celebrate his birthday, when something on the table caught my eye. A nicely wrapped golden covered parcel. I didn’t know why, but somehow I felt uneasy after I saw it. We all assembled around the table. John cut the cake as the birthday music is playing in the background. Mother, Father and John, all three are very happy.

Father gave John the golden-wrapped parcel but told him to open it later when he is alone. Dinner is served and all of us are enjoying and having a great time as family. Mother looked at me with a bit of concern, but I pretend as if am very happy and cheerful. But deep-down am scared of the parcel kept near John. I kept an eye on the parcel as if something was going to happen because of that. After dinner we played some games, but I couldn’t concentrate.
By the time, I and John went to John’s room; it was around 11.30 p.m. Though its John’s room, but I spend all my time in his room only and not in mine. John was very keen to open the parcel. He put it on the bed and started opening it. I tried to distract him from not opening it, but he didn’t budge. I came out to the hall as I got scared and didn’t want to see what was inside it.

Suddenly I heard him scream! White light glowed from John’s room. It almost blinded me. Lightning stuck. Thunders roared. I ran here and there around the hall but everywhere it was like smoke. I couldn’t understand what was going on. I wanted to shout for John, father or mother but no voice came! I hid below the couch. I lay there for some time.

Then everything became silent! I looked around completely scared, wondering what happened to others. I was startled when I heard the church clock ring. It was midnight. Then again it became silent. Some time had passed and I decided to go to John’s room to check on him. As I tried to muster courage and try to make my way to John’s room, I heard voices. Initially I felt like it was coming from nowhere. But then realized it was coming from John’s room. I went to John’s room and peeped inside. John was lying on the bed with something in his hand. I went and jumped on the bed and sat next to him. He didn’t even notice me. He was staring at that thing in his hand. I heard voices from that thing. Light was glowing from that .I felt as if the whole world was spinning. I was subconscious and saw different kind of creatures. Humans, animals were walking, flying and I just couldn’t understand what was happening. There were small kids, beasts, giants and something like magic was happening. I didn’t know when I slept off.

I woke up with a jolt. It was early morning and sun was ready to come out. John was not on the bed.I looked around surprised as he never gets up unless i wake him!! I went looking outside and saw John sitting in garden with that thing. Early morning used to be our own time but now he was completely into that thing. He simply ignored me. One look in his eyes and I knew that we were separated. He got a new best-friend in that thing and did not need me from then on.
Mother called us for breakfast. He put that thing on his chair and ran to get ready.

I went near my new enemy, who has taken my position and looked at it.

It was a book and read “Harry Potter“. John’s new best friend and my enemy!!

I barked “woof woof” and ran inside the house.

Pleasures of Life - Part 3

2009-09-08T22:09:00.002+05:30

Music

Last Saturday evening, I went to a concert held by Chennai Rotary Club in Music Academy,Chennai. The Show was full of hindi music of 60’s,70’s and 80’s era. It was an awesome event compered by Anurada Shriram and singers were Anil Bajpai,Ganesh,Jaya Rajagopalan and Anuradha herself.

Anil Bajpai practically eats,drinks and sleeps with Rafi’s voice as he sings only Rafi’s songs and has a voice almost same as Rafi. Anyone listening to him for first time might mistake that they are listening to Rafi.

Ganesh sings mostly Kishore Kumar’s songs and has an equal charm and fun in his voice as Kishore Kumar’s. Jaya sings a lot similar to Asha Bhonsle, but surprised many by changing her voice to Shamshad Begums’ while singing “kajra mohabbat waala”

Anuradha,yet again, proved how versatile singer she is!! She sang both Lata and Asha’s songs and made the evening with the way she compered the show!!

I had an awesome evening, completely lost in all those charming old songs, i grew up listening to!
Music is divine. Each person has different tastes and likes to listen to some form of music.It varies from movie songs to pop to rock to classical to folk songs etc. But be it of any form, they touch our soul.

I personally love old songs(both hindi and tamil) though i know more hindi songs. I listened to carnatic music too. I’ve not even ventured into the pop and rock music.
Whenever I feel lonely, all I need to do is to pick up a book and put on mu I-Pod and listen to rafi or kishore and i come back to life.

I thought of listing out a few favourite songs of mine by a few singers but then as i started making list, I didn’t know which song to pick and which song to leave. So I left the plan with that.
We can not compare music directors of any generation - From M.S.Viswanathan to Illairaja to Rehman or From Burman’s to O.P.Nayyar to Shankar Jaikishan to Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Nor can we compare any form of music and say which is better!
I would like to end today mentioning a few lyrics which i always remember and its apt to our lives.
—— Zindagi,kaise yeh paheli hai,kabhi to hasaye,kabhi toh rulaye!
—— Zindagi,ek safar hai suhana,yahan kal kya ho kisne jaana.
—— Har ghadi badal rahi hai roop zindagi…Kal ho na ho!

Enjoy Life and Enjoy Music :)

Pleasures of Life – Part 2

2009-08-09T18:03:00.001+05:30

Communications

Communications are part and parcel of a man’s life. The mode of communication has only changed over a period of time. Most of us can’t imagine a life without a cell phone or internet connection. For example - A day without getting connected to twitter (on 6th, Thursday) was like losing something very special for millions of people using twitter.

My post is actually on the earlier modes of communications – letters. How many of us write letters nowadays? How many of us have visited post office recently? As emails (for faster communication) and couriers (for sending something important) have become so popular, letter writing has become an old fashioned way! Nowadays the letters that we get through the post are – some magazine for which we have subscribed or various bills (whose soft copies are also sent in mail, like phone bills, credit card bills) etc.

With all the technology developments happening, postal department has taken a back seat, though they have good investment plans and also postal accounts. I remember once waiting in post office to buy stamps when a customer asked the person working there why they couldn’t make it computerised for faster and easier work (they do all the updations manually and have huge files still)? The person replied that most of the people who use post office accounts etc live in villages where there is no computer and net connection and even if the facility is provided, they don’t have people to work there. Those who are educated and have computer knowledge prefer higher-paid jobs than low-paid government jobs.

Am sure my grandfather must be among those very few people who still believe in postal department for their communication with world. A few must items in my grandfather’s list of things to be brought are inland letters, postcards and envelopes. Yesterday morning also he gave me a list of the same. He’s the reason why I visit post office regularly. He writes atleast a letter per day.

I used to look forward to his letters during my stay in hostel. Whole of hostel knew about my grandfather because of his letters as I was the only one getting letters. Though I already used to know the content of letters written by him (courtesy my mother who would update on everything happening back at home) but still it’s a pleasure reading a letter. Whenever I used to feel homesick, I would simply take out all his letters and read it. I used to reply back to him though it was once a month compared to his once a week letter! :D

As there are very few customers, even the supplies in smaller post offices are very less. Once I went to a post office and asked for 25 inland letters and that guy stared at me as if he was hearing shocking news. He told me they have only 15. Such is the condition of many post offices but one can’t blame them too as very few buy them.
Once upon a time stamp collection was a favourite hobby of so many kids. I still remember my brother and his friend used to have so many fights over stamps! Last year a movie called “Welcome to Sajjanpur” came, which showed the essence of letter writing still.

Writing is an art and letter writing is also an art! I admire my grandfather for writing letters without expecting any replies! I will always cherish those letters he has sent me till date. :)

Pleasures of Life – Part 1

2009-07-24T23:20:00.002+05:30

Kids and Childhood

It always gives us pleasure when we see a small kid and more when the kid is laughing or smiling. The innocence and warmth that the kids have in their face can match nothing in this world. They bring joy to everyone surrounding them, be it parents, siblings, neighbors etc. Even to the most stressed out person, seeing a smiling kid changes his/her mood completely.

I look forward to going to office in the morning especially because of two kids. The stop where I wait for company bus, there is a school bus also which comes to pick up few kids. These two girls (one is around 5 years and another 7 years) always come and stand with a big smile in their faces. The younger girl comes with her mother and stands quietly near her mother. The moment the little girl sees the elder girl coming in bike sitting behind her father, her face completely changes. She becomes excited. Today when the elder girl wanted to drink water, the younger girl also wanted to copy her and started asking for water form her mother. The small things they do and talks that they have in the morning while waiting for bus is really amusing and brings smile in our face automatically. I completely get charged up and start looking forward to my day! J

Unfortunately the so-called competition for kids nowadays takes away that charm of childhood in kids. From 1st standard itself they are pushed into doing well in everything from academics to sports to any other extra curricular activities. They are supposed to know everything that LKG and UKG students know to join preschool. I wonder why then they should go to school! And this trend continues for whole life. Nowadays kids don’t even get time to play in evening, even if for 5 minutes. Even if the student is not able to cope up with something, parents and teacher push them to extremes. Not all kids are alike and not all can excel in everything. But unfortunately none of the parents are ready to accept this and want their kid to be in top of everything and they forget what the kid wants to do. This reminds me of a story I read in “chandamama” long back.

Every one knows Akbar-Birbal. Akbar always liked to test his ministers especially Birbal. The story goes like this - Akbar was very fond of his child and told birbal that his son was the most beautiful child in the world. Birbal disagreed with him. Getting angry, he announced in his court that he’ll reward the minister who brings the most beautiful child to the court, indirectly challenging birbal. While all the ministers started praising the prince and claiming that he was the most beautiful child, Birbal alone left in search of some other child. He came after sometime and told that he had found the most beautiful child in the world but to see the child Akbar has to come with him. Everyone were astonished as to how birbal could get another child when prince was there and that too not bring the child to court but instead asking the king himself to come with him! Akbar was very curious to know who the child was. So he agreed to go with birbal. Birbal took Akbar and all ministers to a slum and there was a child playing in dirty wanted with no clothes, looking very dirty and crying non-stop. Showing the child birbal said this is the most beautiful child in the world.

Akbar got very angry and started questioning Birbal on how he could compare such an ugly child with his prince. That time the child’s mother came running and picked up the child and started pacifying the child. Then she turned towards Akbar and Birbal (she didn’t know who they were) and told how they could say their child was ugly. He was the most beautiful child and that he is a gem and took away her child.

Then Birbal told Akbar that for all the parents their own child would be the most beautiful child in the world and no one can compare children.

This is so true even today but unfortunately we have forgotten that. Even when a child is not able to perform, instead of encouraging the child or trying to see what the child is good at, parents want them to do everything because other kids are doing it. In this process the kids lose their childhood all the innocence and charm.

As we grow up in our lives and get into the vicious circle of job, family, and friends in our lives, there are times when we feel we could become kids once again and enjoy life without anything to worry about. :) But then that kid life should not be hat kids nowadays face!! :)

Kids, be it our own or anyone’s bring those small joys to our world. Those small pleasures of life that we get when we are with them are the moments we always cherish and which we should never forget! :)

Doordarshan Days

2009-07-12T21:37:00.003+05:30

Nowadays television has become very much commercialized and in the name of entertainment the level of “entertainment” itself has gone too low. If one channel starts some kind of reality show, the other follow the same way trying to get as many celebrities and “cooked-up dramas” that they can get into the show. Same way if some channel started some serial or show in the name of comedy then others follow soon. Unfortunately the “Indian audience” is happy to see all this and almost every one wants to have their 10 seconds fame by coming into one of these shows. Even parents are trying to get their small children into this business!

When I see all these channels, I am reminded of Doordarshan – by far the best channel in television. Today, Doordarshan also has all kinds of sobbing serials and 1-2 reality show but then it’s not in such large scale as in other private channels. Despite these, they still have some good shows like Jalsa – which is telecasted every Sunday, trying to show several forms of music in India (classical, Hindustani, folk, ghazals etc)

For those who have watched Doorodarshan some 15 to 20 years back, am sure they will have nostalgic memories of it.

One cannot forget watching - Mahabharata, Ramayana, Shri Krishna on Sunday mornings or regional movies on Sunday afternoons. Rangoli and Chitrahaar used to keep people glued to their television sets. For kids – Jungle book, Danasur and many cartoons used to be shown. Many won’t forget serials like Shanti(which made MBndira bedi a household name!! ;)) and Junoon.
Even the news was well presented and covered all the areas of news. Even today watching Doordarshan news is better than likes of NDTV and CNN-IBN who are more interested in keeping sports and entertainment gossips as their “Breaking News”.
I don’t watch much television now but know that Doordarshan still does its bid of telecasting various things about India though unfortunately the numbers of people watching it have reduced.

Here are some of my favorites from Doordarshan which I loved to watch. They are not serials or reality shows but shows the in simpler way importance of different things of India like patriotism, education, music etc.
So all those who used to love watching Doordarshan, Enjoy these links :)

Mile sur mera tumhara
Light of freedom
Doordarshan Signature Montage
Doordarshan Ads part 1
Doordarshan Ads part 2
The Spirit of Unity for national integration
Educational documentary
Jai hind
Baje Sargam
Jungle book

P.S – I might have missed naming a few shows of yesteryears, so if any one remembers any apart from these do let me know. :)

The First Few Days In Cognizant

2009-07-11T23:31:00.004+05:30

So Finally I joined Cognizant!!

*Cheers* *Claps* *Laughs*

Thank You, Thank You!!! :)

I know for long time that I’ve been telling people that I’ll be joining Cognizant, but then I myself didn’t have any clue as to when! And now two weeks have passed.

So how has been my time there?? Well …Really good…

Lots of things have been happening. First and foremost is my laziness vanishing!! One year of vettiness(joblessness) has made me more than ever lazy(more lazy than I was before: :P). So now I have a nice schedule which keeps me busy!

Secondly I have been meeting new people. I’ve to say that all the people in my batch are really friendly and nice. All of us are students of 2008 passed out batches but then seem like still college student! So we all are experiencing this transformation of college to corporate environment.

Well cognizant campus itself is pretty good. Have been to two places and liked it. The environment and atmosphere and the people overall are new and pretty exciting.

The job of HR’s was to completely make us ease when we join company and have to say they were really well. They impressed so many of us.

German class is the next highlight. Oh yes, Am going to get some training in German. I had always wanted to learn a foreign language. :)

Studies are always there. With training and series of tests lined up, its always going to be hectic but still its going to be enjoyable next six months :)

Last but not the least, its not just about training etc but it’s about me also. I’ve been able to evaluate myself and know about many aspects of myself. And with 6 months to go, am sure I’ll know how to adapt myself to the “Working Life” and into the “World which is still unknown to me” :)

So looking forward to the new venture of my life!! :D

Finally..Got DOJ!!

2009-05-22T15:20:00.002+05:30

Finally after a year’s waiting I got information about my joining date yesterday and the best part is that I got it when I was least expecting it. Each day as I get up, I would think today is going to be the day! After days of hopes and expectations that I’ll know about my joining date, I had sort of stopped thinking about it the first thing in the morning! So when my friend messaged yesterday early morning asking me to check my mail and see if I have any mail, without any hopes I got up and opened the mail. I thought it would show 0 new mails but there it was. A mail from the company informing me to join on 29th June!! I had never felt as relieved as I was yesterday.

So I know that I’ve one more month before I join. Now when I look back at this 1 year, I have enjoyed life doing nothing! If some one is to ask me what I’ve been doing for past 1 year I can’t give any concrete reasons. Let me see what I’ve been doing past 1 year.

First of all 2008 had been a sort of landmark year in my family as all three of us(me and my brothers) were passing out from our courses in April and my father getting retired in October.

April 2008 – Well my final review got over mid-April and then I went on family trip for 1 week. Then headed back to bhilai with my parents and elder brother.

May 2008 – Meeting all old friends, family friends, spending time with parents and brothers and eagerly waiting for joining date! Also learnt car driving during that time!

June 2008 – 1st week went of in attending my friend’s wedding in Madurai and then back to Bhilai where my elder brother was all set to leave for Bombay(err..Mumbai :)) to join his work! Then I learnt some cooking and practice car driving.

July 2008 – Had been pretty hectic with my parents gone to Chennai for 1 week and my twin brother and me taking care of our grandfather at home. Then we had a series of relatives and friends visiting us at home as we would be leaving bhilai by the end of the year.

August 2008 – My twin brother was leaving for US this month so busy with him. He wanted to visit a few relatives before leaving for US, so made a trip with him to Chennai Then went with him to Bombay to see him off and spent 2 days there.

September 2008 – Well the feeling slowly started sinking in that we would be leaving bhilai in 2 months. Major planning started on when, how to shift and what things to take.
There was also 10days festival during ganesh chathurthi in a temple there which pretty much kept us busy. I had been secretly hoping for delay in my joining date as I needed to be with my parent’s next two months to help them.

October 2008 – Easily one of the busiest months with all preparations on packing, a series of parties to be attended and in between came my father’s 60th birthday(though we celebrated it only in simple way).

November 2008 – Again another busy month as we made two visits to Chennai. First was to leave my grandfather in aunt’s place. We also had a simple house warming ceremony and then looked after finishing touches of our new house. Then back to bhilai and last minute courtesy calls to all friends there and doing final packing. Then came time to say goodbye to bhilai. We flew back to Chennai via Mumbai spending 2 days there meeting all relatives.

December 2008 – Well two days after we came to Chennai I got chicken pox. After recovering from it, came the tedious work of arranging the new house and getting used to the new place and environment.

January - February 2009 – Taking care of pending jobs in new house and visiting (courtesy visits) all relatives (elders of the family) to inform them about our shifting to Chennai. Same time there were lots of relatives visiting us in new house too.

March – April 2009 – Busy with online training that company had sent to us asking us to finish it in given time and apart from that I was catching up on visits to my friends and spending time with them.

May 2009 – With all the election hungama’s going around, IPL and my brother’s visit to Chennai, days were just going by. And now I get to know about my joining date!

So over all if I see I had not been doing anything to talk about except that my presence at home was much needed for my parents. It was more of moral boost for them than anything else. If some one asks me what I did career wise then nothing specific. I guess family commitment is what I can say to those who ask me! And at times it’s also equally important. Now with my joining date nearing, my parents won’t expect anything out of me as family commitment for the time being! I am in a way happy that I could be there for my parents when they needed me. I enjoyed life doing nothing constructively. I simply watched movies, sports, made new friends through networking sites and spent time with my family. I don’t think I would ever get such time again in my life!! :)

Finally am relieved that I got my joining in June itself compared to my friend’s some of whom have got in October, November or even December! :)

Twins!!

2009-03-06T18:26:00.001+05:30

This is one of the most standard conversations that I’ve had with a new person (NP).

Soundarya – Hi, I am Soundarya.

NP – Hi. I am so-so.

Soundarya – How are you?

NP – Am good. You? What do you do?

….

NP – You’ve Siblings?

Soundarya – Yes, 2 Brothers.

NP – Elder?

Soundarya – 1 elder and another Twin.

NP –Whaaaaaaaaaatttttttttt??? :o

Soundarya – Yeah. I’ve a twin brother.

NP – Do you look alike? Who’s elder? What’s he doing? How come he’s far away? I heard twins have same kind of feelings and that they are very close and inseparable.Do you both like same kind of food? Do you both wear same color clothes?and the list of questions goes on and on..…

Well I have sort of condensed this conversation.

It always amuses me to see the reaction the new person always gives when he/she comes to know that I am a twin. And the kind of questions they ask is dubious. Each time As I answer them and tell them we are just like any other brother-sister, the disappointment shows in their face clearly. I wonder what they were expecting me to reply! Were they expecting me to reply that when my brother feels hungry 1000 miles away, I feel hungry too? Or when he falls down somewhere, it hurts me!!(Some people have asked me such questions!!)

And the best part is when I show someone my twin’s photo without telling them that he’s my brother. No one would even believe that he’s my brother. When I tell them that he’s actually my twin, then for a second they stare at the photo and change their stance completely saying “oh yes, he looks pretty much like you”! Completely amused, I simply look at them and smile.

I wonder how one is supposed to feel as a twin!!

Special? In What way??

All I can say is we are just normal siblings except for the fact that we’ve been in same class!!

In the End, We all are same

2009-01-02T15:33:00.000+05:30

Who am I? Who are you? Who are the people surrounding us? When I say people, I mean parents, relatives, friends, crowd in the bus you travel, or the shopkeeper from whom you buy your dresses, or the maid who comes to your house etc.

This is not a philosophical question or anything to do with philosophy.

Of late, this question has been in my mind after observing a few things. Oh yes, I’ve been so jobless that I actually have started observing things ;)

We all are so engrossed in our work, personal commitments, social life etc that we tend to overlook simple things in life. The purpose of life!!

The other day, I was talking to my brother in Skype and my grandfather came. When he saw my brother in computer screen, he became so happy. As he cannot hear properly he’s not able to converse with any one in phone and seeing my brother like this made him so happy. He, like a small kid, told every one who came to our house about seeing my brother who lives so far off.

We were shifting from one place to another and had arranged for movers & packers. Five men came from the company to pack and load all the things. When they had finished loading all the things, I took out my camera to take pictures of the loaded truck and the empty house when I saw kind of childish excitement in those men’s faces. One of them excitedly asked me if I was going to take their photos. I asked all of them to sit in one place and took their photo. Though we are paying them for their work, but still the joy that I saw in their face when we took their photos gave me more satisfaction than anything else.

These kind of small joys are the one’s that we all have forgotten in this fast moving life - the joy of seeing our parents happy by just spending some time with them, the joy of seeing the happiness in maid/fruit seller/milkman’s face when we respect them and get some gift for them when they don’t expect it, the joy of seeing happiness in friend’s face when we visit them just to say we care for them.

Instead of classifying ourselves based on caste, social, financial, gender etc, why are we not able to live with each other in good way? After all we never know what’s going to happen? Whether we will live to see tomorrow?

The satisfaction and happiness that we get when we make some one else happy is what life all about is.

In the end, we all are human beings only.

In the end, we all are same.

ROCK ON!!!

2008-08-31T16:47:00.001+05:30

For the first time I am writing review of a movie here.

Rock On – One reason why I liked the movie is it relates to one’s life. It doesn’t have unnecessary action (dishum dishum’s) or a character villain or unnecessary romantic scenes. All the characters are for real and their emotions change with time and circumstances.

The story as such is good but moves on very slowly. At times I felt that the direction could have been better. The movie is simple, showing that not all our dreams are fulfilled and those unfulfilled dreams always haunts us throughout our lives. The emotions have been portrayed well. Three times in this movie, this line is repeated – “life is full of compromises” and it is a fact and reality.

Farhan Akhtar as an actor doesn’t fit the bill as such but surprisingly is a good singer.. His chemistry with Prachi was really nice but somehow his acting didn’t gel. Prachi as farhan’s wife does her bit well. I have never considered Arjun Rampal as an actor and he doesn’t do much out here. Shahana Goswami as Arjun’s wife has done an awesome role.
Purab Kohli and Luke Kenny have also done their roles well especially in second half when the band is again about to play. The stage scenes were really good and all the four carried off themselves well.

The music is all enough for this movie to rock. Personally am not fan of rock music. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy surely know how to create magic. Javed Akhtar'slyrics is also good.

My take – you should surely watch the movie once.

P.S – Rock On songs are going on in background as am writing this review ;

“Adventurous Night”

2008-07-25T10:39:00.001+05:30

For a person like me who has lived a totally secured life even a small excitement is equal to an adventure. And that’s how I see that night, which I call adventurous night.

It was 24th February. I and two of my hostel friends (Shilpa & Krishna) had gone to tirupur to attend a friend’s wedding. Our train was to leave at 1 p.m. from tirupur station and reach Chennai by 9 p.m. So after attending the marriage, we three went to station and found that the train was 1 hour late. Now that meant that we couldn’t reach hostel by 10 p .m. (the time we are supposed to be back in hostel!! We were so happy that first time we’ll be outside our campus after 10 p.m.J). The train actually came at 3p.m. only.

The train journey was going on quite smoothly till around 9 p.m. when the avadi station came. The train stopped in avadi though it wasn’t actually a stop. After 10 minutes of stop, all the passengers were wondering why we have stopped here for long time. After 20 -25 minutes, an announcement came that the train won’t go after this station and all the passengers are requested to get down from the train.

This announcement resulted in a chaos among everyone as we didn’t know the reason for this. And to make matters worse the train had stopped in the middle of thee tracks and to get down we have to practically jump. It was around 9.30 p.m. and suddenly avadi station was full of stranded passengers. None of us knew what to do. We three were wondering how we could reach hostel. Getting transport at this time of night was tough and none of us new the actual route to go till egmore. We didn’t know whom to call also for help.

After 10 minutes or so, again there was an announcement that a local train will come which will go to central station. To get into the local train was a major task as the platform was overcrowded with all passengers and that too having heavy baggages also.

Somehow all 3 of us got into the train. We were hungry and tired and hoped to reach central station soon. There was a talk in local train that some derailment has taken place near central station because of which other trains were also affected. We thanked god that nothing happened to our train. The train stopped in Basin Bridge and we three were making plans on what to do for dinner when we reach central in another 10 minutes. But then that was not about to happen. The train stopped in Basin Bridge itself. Again there was major chaos as some said the train will leave and some saying that the train won’t move.

Now, all three of us were pretty scared. It was 11 p.m. and we didn’t know what to do. Half the passengers were getting down from the train. There was a gentleman who was sitting near us. He went and enquired and then came and told that the train will not move from here. Our cell phones had also switched off as there was no charge. When we came to platform we didn’t know how to go from there to egmore. We came out of the station and there was not a single public transport. Roads were full of stranded passengers waiting for autos and all. The same gentleman was also standing there and we asked him about bus stands but he said it was a bit far away and to walk till there alone won’t be safe. My local guardian’s were out of station and the other two friends didn’t have local guardians as such. As our cell phones were not working we didn’t know how to contact our friend’s. The gentleman offered us lift saying he has a car which is going to come to pick him up. Initially we refused saying we’ll somehow go. His car came some 20 minutes later and in that time we saw that there was no way we could get any other transport. Many passengers, mostly families, were having some 1 to come and pick them up and all those vehicles didn’t have any vacant places. To make matters worse, at some distance there were a group of guys who had been eyeing us for a long time and we were getting very uncomfortable. Finally after giving thought about it, I told my friend’s that it would be better if we accept the offer by that gentleman as we had no choice. He looked very decent and we had to trust him now, though he was a stranger.

So finally we decided to go with him till central station and went to him hesitatingly. Just that time his car came and then we got into it. True to his words he dropped us till central station. From there we got an auto and finally went to our college around 12.30. The “wonderful” guards were sleeping and we had to wake them up by throwing stones and shouting. Finally they woke up and opened the gates and we got into hostel totally tired and hungry but happy that we were safe.

And hence in this way our adventurous night came to an end. Though my parents didn’t say anything about it, Shilpa and Krishna’s parents told that they will never allow both of them to go out like this from now on!!

“Get-Together Preparations “

2008-07-19T23:40:00.001+05:30

People who conduct parties or some sort of get-together regularly wouldn’t be facing preparation problems. But what about those who keep it once in a while (when I say while, it means gap of maybe even more than 10 years :D) ?

Such a situation rose a few days ago in my house. Though still the planning and preparations is yet to be finalized but I would just like to tell this particular incident.

The get-together has to be organized on request of a family friend (Mr. N) who is visiting Bhilai along with his wife, daughter and son-in-law. His daughter and son-in-law are coming to Bhilai first time, after their wedding two years back. So Mr. N wants a small get-together with few families (still staying in Bhilai) whom his family knows.

This get-together has to be arranged by my appa and Mr. S. So, Mr. and Mrs. S had come home to discuss about the preparation with my appa, amma. I and my brother were also present during this discussion. The discussion starts –

The first point was to list the families who all were coming and number of members from each family (to get an estimate count of people for get-together). Among the 15 odd families, only two families were north Indian families and the rest tamilians only. So we first thought of asking Mr. N to not include those two families in the list as they will feel odd being among us. But then we remembered that SIL of Mr. N is also a north Indian and he might also feel odd if he’s only among us tamilians (err..he’s the chief guest of this get-together na!! :D). So finally the total number was decided after including those two families also.

The second point was to choose the place, whether to keep the get-together at our house itself or to book a hall outside. We didn’t want to this to look as a formal meeting but then to keep this within house would be slightly difficult. But after lots of discussions it was concluded that it’ll be in our house only.

The third and most important point is the menu to be served for dinner. The option to cook at house itself for all was ruled out unanimously, so we decided to order food. Now the question was to whom to order? This is purely based on the type of menu we wanted and also the type of people who were coming – north Indian (like puri, chapatti and sabji) or south Indian (like mixed rice and side dish) or south Indian Tiffin (like dli/dosai and sambar/chutney). Now none of us as such wanted Tiffin as it’s something very common we eat. Most of the people who will come are old so the menu should suit them. We decided to go for mixed rice (lemon rice, coconut rice etc along with some side dishes). Now we had to decide about the catering people. As there were two/three people/groups whom we knew will cater us? There was a debate on whom to choose with Mr. S saying he has tasted one of the caterers “aviyal” and it was good and Mrs. S saying that their another dish wasn’t good. My appa said that some other person’s dishes were not that good and trying to think where he had tasted it and my amma not agreeing to him. Overall the whole discussion was being enjoyed by me and my brother, both of us silently saying that we’ll go outside somewhere else with “chief guest and his wife” to eat and leave the “Hosts” (my parents and Mr. S) to be with other guests.

Suddenly my amma got up to look at the calendar to see which day 1st august is falling on, when she discovered that 1st was “aadi amavasya”.
This meant that no saadam on that day and only palaharam. So menu had to be again changed and now it has been finalized to idly, sambar, chutney and a sweet dish.

This whole discussion went for more than three hours and all of us got tired with it, so we decided to choose the caterers later. The decision is yet to be finalized and today only amma said that their might be some other change in the menu and all.

Well I don’t when the final decision will be taken and how the get-together goes on, but this incident made me wonder how the regular party-holders do their planning and preparations with so many criteria’s and conditions.

Me and Carnatic Music

2008-07-03T16:02:00.001+05:30

My relationship with Carnatic music has been of ambivalent nature.

As a kid I was very much interested in dancing. When I was in KG1 & KG2, I used to dance on my own in verandah in my house. I do not know whether I was good at it or not, but then I didn’t care because I was enjoying myself. Seeing my interest in dance, my parents decided to let me go into dance class. Simultaneously they enrolled me (and my brother also started coming with me) into carnatic music, thinking it’ll help me for my dance. Initially I didn’t bother about music classes as I was more interested in dance and just went there to please my parents. But within one year my dance classes ended as the teacher was not good and there were no other proper dance teachers. I was totally dejected and disappointed. But my music classes continued. Now the whole point was that my interests were fully in dance and not in singing, due to which in a way I started hating music lessons. But then went for the classes till my 12th with my brother (he loves it) as everyone expected me to.

During the Navrathri days, I used to have tough time. I loved going to everyone’s house and see the gollu, but then hated the part when I would be asked to sing. Whenever I go to some one’s place or to some wedding, after asking about my studies, the next thing am asked or told is to sing a song.

I love listening to Carnatic music. MS is Goddess and her voice gives one a divine feeling. And I love to go to kucheri’s. But then I hate singing especially in front of all. Unless I’ve interest in it, how can I sing from my heart?

One day in hostel, i waslistening to carnatic music in radio and got so much involved that i stared singingalong with it. Now i don'tknow if i was singing well but then again i didn't care as i enjoyed at that moment. But that doesn't mean i will enjoy singing all the time, especially when people ask me to at all times. Its my interest.

Well after my 12th, I left music classes. Now whenever I meet a relative or some family friend, one of the questions among the normal set of questions is surely about my singing. Once I tell them I’ve stopped going to classes, I’m advised to re-join and continue as am supposed to be good at it.

Now how can I tell them about my strange relationship of love-hate with carnatic music to them?

Security In Women’s Hostel???

2008-06-30T17:08:00.000+05:30

Well, after staying in hostel for 5years this is 1 question that has always been in my mind. The situation that I’m going to say is just an example and happens just not in my hostel but in many other women’s hostel(be it a college campus hostel or other women’s working hostel).

One of the rules of my hostel is that all 5 hostel blocks gates should be locked from inside at sharp 10 p.m.

1st year in hostel – A guy was found roaming around the campus at night after 10. During those times the lightings at night around the campus were not good so all that the girls could see was a figure going around the campus. When security was alerted, they couldn’t catch the guy. He just escaped.

2nd year in hostel – A guy was found peeping into girl’s rooms in ground floor of one of the blocks. It happened in two successive weekends. Again the security was not doing anything & in the end all the windows(they were of old made wood where rods in-between can be tilted)of all ground floor rooms were totally jarred.

3rd year in hostel – One of the girls, who lived in 2nd floor of a block), heard a noise in backside of the hostel and when she peeped through her window, saw a guy trying to break (don’t know exactly what he was trying to do) a jarred ventilator of bathroom from outside. She along with another student councilor opened the gate of the block and quietly went to alert the security so that that guy can be caught red-handed, but the wonderful security guard started blowing his whistle while going to the place where that guy was supposed to be. And that guy ran off.

4th year in hostel - One of the rooms in a block has a balcony. The way to balcony from room has 2 doors, one wooden and one netted door. Well the balcony is covered from other three sides by wooden planks. On one end of that balcony, that wooden plank was slightly broken. Normally no one uses that balcony as there is no light at night. Only the netted door is kept closed. Well, one night a guy came into that balcony by breaking that wooden plank, but couldn’t get through the netted door. The lights were off in the room so the guy couldn’t see inside. One girl was just lying awake and just could make out that some one was there. When she made a noise that person ran off. Initially this incident wasn’t taken seriously as no one saw that guy. Management just told that the girl must have imagined things. But her room mates were very scared. After one week this thing again repeated and this time all the girls in that room were sure some guy was out there. When the girls started shouting that guy ran off. Then a plan was made to catch that guy. Next time the guy appears, instead of making some noise, it was decided to catch him while he tried escaping from balcony as that was the only way he could come and go. So when the next time he came, the girls quietly told warden and warden along with a few girls went and stood outside the balcony with net poles and sticks to beat him. A few other girls went to call security so that they’ll handle him later. But when they went to call security, a shock awaited them. All the security guys had been drinking and all were drowsy. Taking advantage of the situation, that guy escaped.

5th year in hostel – This year I was personally involved. Our block is at corner most in the campus. In one of my friend’s room, one wooden plank of the window is not there, so they had covered that portion with news paper. One evening she was alone at her room and felt like she saw a finger through the window. She came out of the room scared. I was sitting outside and when she saw me, she told me about it. Four of my friends also came and we went and sat in her room for sometime and we didn’t see anything. Initially we just thought she was imagining as she had been reading one of the crime novels and tried to pacify her. But she was still scared. We couldn’t find any security guard nearby. We were confident there would be no one behind our block. Just to prove to my friend, four of us decided to go and check behind the block. We went with net poles (as precautionary measure) and suddenly a guy turned up from his hiding place. Well we got shocked as we didn’t expect to see him. We started shouting so that security guys could come but before that the guy escaped from other side. At the same time another hostel girl heard running from the other end of that block. Well though that guy escaped, we decided to do some detective work ourselves to find how that guy could have come inside the campus and whether he could enter our block in any ways. We found that there had been two guys for sure and that they had knives with them (which make us fortunate, because what if they had tried to use the knife on us).

Well each year one such incident has happened in our hostel which makes me wonder on what could be done about security. After the last incident, when I and my friend went personally to ask warden ma’am, she told us a thing which is a fact and a thing to ponder over. She said that if we are going to complain about security guards not being proper then whom can we recruit? We can’t recruit young guys for obvious reasons. By recruiting old-age guards also it’s easy for any person to come inside and over power them (one or two old people were taken but we saw them and they just can’t do anything). By recruiting middle-age guards, well that’s what has happened till now, and we’ve seen there efficiency. We strongly feel in all these incidents, securities have been along with the intruder. And to find really efficient guards is tough because those whom you can really trust and believe won’t come as guard’s to a women’s hostel, they’ll get better paid jobs else where. So finding security has been a huge challenge to our management. These past five years I’ve seen the security being changed each year after such an incident and I believe this has been the case even before I joined that hostel.

Once when I was telling one of this incident to some acquaintances, they recounted similar incidents that has happened in some hostel’s in Bangalore, kerala etc.

So how to improve security’s in such places and to ensure that such incidents don’t happen. Though till now no causalities as such have happened, but if this continues then anything can happen. Our parents send us to hostel with belief that it’ll be secured place for us. These hostels’s have so much rules for girls saying it’s for the security of girls but then if such incidents are happening then there is in fact no security as they claim to be and these rules are unnecessary. How can this problem be solved?

Who Am I?

2008-01-31T17:25:00.001+05:30

This question I started asking myself during my final semester in college.
This question is not to get into any philosophical theory or something.
This question is only for me to answer to myself.
This question is to judge myself as a person or as an individual.

This question started troubling me after I got to know what in general people feel about me.

If someone asks me how I’m in academics, I can say that I’m an average person or just above average. But I got a rude shock when I found that lots of people think me to be a brilliant person, who is totally academic-oriented. Even many see me as a role-model (though there is nothing wrong in it but I don’t think I’ve accomplished anything that I could become a role-model for someone).

This made me wonder on how they got such a notion!

Is it, just because, I was, among very few students, who got placed in a software concern during the job placement. Or is because they always see me reading (actually novel). Or is it because, I like to talk about anything under the sun, from sports to movies to marriages to anything.

I’m a very extrovert person, ready to talk to anyone & everyone. Though I might not have knowledge about many things but I try to include myself in any discussion that’s going on in a group, but actually many have got this wrong idea that I’m a very quiet person!

Not just academics but in many other areas too, how I perceive myself, has been entirely different from how others see me.

This makes me wonder ‘Who am I?’

I’ve always believed that what a person thinks only is shown outwardly, unless that person is a very good actor. But now my own case has proved my belief to be wrong.
But then I wonder how it is possible.

Here, I just gave an example of my academics, to try to express myself better. There are many instances which have made me wonder about myself or what others think I’m.

If I’m not what I’m, then how can other see me in that way?? And if I’m what I’m, then how can other not see me in that way??

Then,

Who Am I?

Ps – I hope I’m able to find about this during my lifetime. I would appreciate if you can tell me what you personally think of me. It will be of real help.

Describe About Yourself

2008-01-31T16:23:00.000+05:30

If you are preparing for your campus interview or any job interview, this is one question that you are very familiar with. “Describe About Yourself”!

I’ve always wondered how interviewers are going to judge a person with this question. I got many theories from various sources for this, as to why this question is asked. Well, I’ll put this case to rest here, as the interviewers only have to deal with the outcome of this question.

But what is more baffling is the kind of preparation that is done by many for this question.
I’ve seen people mugging, what is believed to be a standard format of answer, for this question.

With a high number of campus placements going on ,a number of placement institutes are being run to guide a person on how to master aptitude tests, how to face group discussion & interviews. I myself attended 10-days course in one of these institutes 2 years ago, just for the sake of attending it as it was arranged through college.
I was surprised with the way they were teaching students to answer interview questions. It was some kind of standard format only they were teaching. Students too, without thinking, just accept it and practice it.

For example – my name is so-so coming from so-so place, doing so-so course, hobbies so-so, details about parents etc. this whole detail they tell in a stretch and that’s the answer to the question (this is one of the type of answers I’ve seen people reciting, there are other types also!).

I agree that some preparation need to be done before attending an interview but to prepare answers to questions like this (which is similar to how it’s done for theory exams) is an extreme.
This is like you don’t know about yourself and want someone to tell you how to answer it!!

I’ve heard a lot about employers complaining that, though there are lots of jobs available, but they are not able to find proper candidates for it. I am not surprised by this, if the kind of preparation for interviews is done like this!!!

Well finally my answer to this question if asked!!
Personally, I see this question as a good opportunity to present myself in a nice manner to my interviewer and to make a good impression on him/her. And my answer will vary each time someone asks me!

WEARING THE HELMET!!

2007-11-16T19:26:00.000+05:30

I witnessed an accident today. A bike hit a scooter in the middle of the road. The biker sped from the scene before anyone else could react. The scooter person was on the floor badly hurt. He,fortunately,survived thanks to his helmet. If he hadn't wore the helmet, the consequences could have been fatal.

This incident has made me ponder over this issue about wearing the helmet.

There are so many accidents like this that we read in newspaper daily,especially involving two wheelers.

In June 2007,Tamil Nadu government made it compulsory for all the two wheeler riders to wear a helmet. This new rule got mixed responses from the people.
There were, lets say, around 15-20 % who were ready to follow this knowing how important it is. But unfortunately the rest of the 80% didn't take it seriously. For around 1 week this rule was mostly followed but as it happens every time, slowly things got weary and again it was back to square one. The rule was taken off.

I asked a few of my friends who ride two-wheelers as to why they don't want to wear helmet & tried to reason out that it was indeed useful. But the replies i got was that 'helmets are useless & there is suffocation & sweating etc etc..'

Though there are many factors that need to be followed & also talked about,like following the traffic rules,lanes,speed limits,seat belts etc...at this moment i'll restrict myself to helmets only.

I personally feel that each person who is riding or driving a vehicle should understand the seriousness of consequences of accidents and try to follow such simple rules like wearing helmet or using seat belts, just like how it is followed in all foreign places.

Drive Safe,Live Safe should be the first priority.

True love or Acid love??

2007-11-05T18:48:00.000+05:30

We want everything to be perfect in our life. We want to have everything that we wish.

But is it possible?

Now just for a second,imagine yourself to be a Hero of a movie. I guess then you'll get everything that you want in life. Because thats what they show in movies and unfortunately most of us are taken in by it. All guys think themselves to be hero(This is a genaralised statement,so guys who read this please don't get offended). When they see a girl for first time, they fall in love with that person. They imagine themself to be a 'Shahrukh Khan' or 'Salman Khan' and expect that girl to fall for them just like how a heroine in our movies does.

But what if that girl doesn't fall for that guy.Something like this or this happens. Is this called True Love that these guys claim?

When I hear news like these it pains me. What wrong did these girls do to get such a huge punishment? All they said was a NO to a guy. Many girls like these two have lost their life
though being alive because of such attacks.

I wonder why these guys do such attacks? What makes them do these?
What can be done to put a stop to such attacks? How can we create awareness
among people about such incidents?

2007-11-04T13:05:00.001+05:30

Are We Independent!!!

When I say 'We' , I mean Women. Or more specifically 'Indian Women'.

There are talks about Women Empowerment & how women have come
out of the four walls & began to make mark in various fields,be it academics,sports,politics,entertainment,corporate sector etc.

If anybody is asked to name women who have made a mark or inspire you then
few set of names that automatically come up in the minds are -
Mother Teresa, Kalpana Chawla, Indira Gandhi, Kiran Bedi etc.
And ,of course, Bollywood actresses' names are always in the list.

I admire women (apart from names given above) like M.S.Subbalakshmi,
Jayalalitha,Sonia Gandhi,Anju Bobby George,Shiela Dixit,Mithali Raj,
Sania Mirza,Medha Pathkar & the list continues for the way they've shaped
their own lives. I would like to add that personally i might not hold same views
as them or might not agree with what they are doing in their own fields but still
1 thing is there. These women have come up in their life in their own manner
& Its truly inspiring.

But the question is to what extent is this true.

Just by seeing a small group of women making it big doesn't mean that
the whole women population is becoming independent and that they are
given the rights to come up.
In smaller towns & villages, still a women going for work or a girl going to
school & college is still a taboo. In Major Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore
we see women growing up independently. They are given opportunities to
improve themselves. But then that too is only to some extent.

As a young woman about to graduate from college,i've big dreams. And thankfully
i come from a family where i've been given the freedom to choose on what i want
to do in my life. But this is not true in each girl's life. Whether she comes from
an educated & well-to-do family or an illiterate family,she doesn't have her rights.
Now Parents have to some extent become open & are allowing their daughters to
complete college education. But after that they are not allowed to choose their own path.

Many might argue that situation has changed but out of my experience,
where i've seen in many of my friend's & classmate's life, i've to say that
still 'We' have a long way to go.

Women Empowerment is just hyped. Its not about becoming modern.
Its not about achieving high in any field.but its up to day-to-day basis
that matters most & which will change the shape of "Indian Women".