The Bus Journey

‘Hi Sameer, you are looking really happy today, is it love or is it dove?’ mocked my colleague as I entered my workplace.

‘Neither’, I said with a smile ‘I’m going back home for a week.’

‘Even better, enjoy the holidays.’

It was my first leave after 2 years and I was delighted. The day went as usual and I completed my work by 5 in the evening. I carried my luggage to office that day not knowing if I’d be able to finish my work early. I had forgotten my mobile charger and the battery was already a bit low. I left office and started for the bus station. In about 30 minutes I was at the bus stop. I had booked my tickets for the 7 p.m. bus and was sitting idly reading my book. Almost 1 hour passed and the bus arrived at 6:45. As I was getting up, I saw a well dressed man hurry to the ticket office. The bus cleaner took about 10 minutes to tidy the bus and by that time I called up at home and told them the bus number MH31 5055 and the time of arrival 7 am. As I was about to pick up my luggage to board the bus, I saw that man again, this time right in front of me.

‘I know I am troubling you, but I really need to get on this bus. I have an emergency and the next bus is at 10 pm. Please help me out. I would pay double the amount for the ticket, please let me travel on your seat.’

‘But even I need to be home early tomorrow’, I tried to argue.

‘I have purchased the ticket for the 10 pm bus, you can take this too.’

‘Not a bad deal’, I thought and agreed, took my fare and the 10 p.m. ticket and started reading the book again.

I had dinner and boarded the bus at 10 p.m., tuned in my IPod and went off to sleep. At about 2 a.m. the bus stopped in the jungle due to a flat tire. With nothing more to do I dozed off. In the morning I got to know that they took almost 2 hours to repair the puncture and we were about 3 hours off the scheduled time. When I reached the destination it was almost 1 in the noon.

The bus stop was walking distance from my place, so I decided to walk. When I reached home I saw a big crowd gathered around my house. A chill ran down my spine. What must have happened? Was papa alright? He didn’t keep well these days and that was one reason for me to come home. Even my younger brother rides the bike rashly? Did anything happen to him? I almost ran to my house, trying to push everyone aside as I tried to go in.

I could hear murmurs all around me.

‘He was such a good man.’ ‘How can god be so ignorant to good people?’ ‘God bless his soul.’ ‘This is such a great loss to the family.’

And suddenly I heard a shout from behind me, ‘Sameer’s here.’ There was pin drop silence for a moment and everyone turned to look at me.

The murmurs started getting louder. ‘What happened?’ I asked ‘tell me, is everyone all right?’

I glanced around the room to see my brother and my mother sitting at the far corner of the room. They stood up and ran towards me. I could see multiple emotions on their face at once. ‘What happened?’ I thought trying to clear my mind. And then I saw a small framed photograph on the table besides them. I squinted to see it clearly. It was my father’s photograph. He passed away this morning when he heard that the bus number MH31 5055 had met with an accident.

I wish I had not been ignorant and charged my mobile. I wish I had informed my family that I had changed my schedule. I wish I was responsible enough to understand why my father would always tell me ‘Keep calling, wherever you go.’


Epilogue: This story is dedicated to the several youngsters who get irritated when their parents ask them where they are. They feel the parents are not giving them the ‘FREEDOM’ they deserve. Please think twice before you switch off you mobile or ignore calls from your parents.

The Last Meeting ...

It had been 4 years today. On first thoughts, it felt like it was just yesterday, when they met each other and as he drove down to the florist to buy a bouquet for her, all the memories rushed back in his mind. He distinctly remembered the way they first met. After all, it was the same day, 4 years back.

That was one accident he didn’t regret at all, although he had a hairline fracture, it was worthwhile because that was the first time he had met her.

It was about 7 in the morning and he was going for his tuition classes. Standing at the traffic signal waiting for the lights to go green, he was casually glancing around, when he heard a loud scream accompanied by screeching of tires. And before he knew what was happening, he was on the ground with his bike over him. He turned around and was about to throw a volley of obscenities, when he saw a girl flat on the road with her scooty over her. She was carrying a couple of books and some flowers and was dressed like she was going somewhere important. As he got up pushing aside his bike, he saw the girl struggling to get up, tears running down her face. He felt a pang of guilt, not knowing why, and he went over to help her. Maybe the guilt was because he didn’t like to see the tears in her eyes. Her eyes were beautiful, dark and big. She had put some mascara too, which emphasized the size a bit more and as the tears ran down her eyes, the mascara left a dark trail all along her cheeks.

‘I’m sorry’, he said instinctively and what happened afterwards made him realize that he was in love. She gave him an innocent and confused look, tears still running down her face. Without saying a word she stood up and started gathering her things. While helping her, he saw a greeting card too, a birthday card.

‘I’m sorry’, he said again, ‘I spoiled your birthday.’

‘It’s not your fault, I couldn’t control my scooty. It’s me who should be sorry; I hope you are not hurt.’

‘No, I’m ok.’ I said but by then the pain had started to overpower all the other emotions. He saw one more rose lying on the road. He picked it up and handing it over to her, he said ‘Happy Birthday.’

She couldn’t help but smile and he realized that he had a crush on her. She invited him to her party in the evening and he obliged. Days went by and they fell deeper and deeper in love.

‘Here’s your change’, said the florist, pulling him back out of his memories. ‘Do you need a card over it?’

‘No, Thanks’, he said and walked out of the shop, heading to the destination of the meeting. It was just 5 mins walk from the florist’s shop. He reached quickly and walked directly to her.

‘Happy Birthday Sweetheart, how are you? It’s been so long since we last met but I’ve missed you with every passing day. I can’t tell you how I’ve desired to be by your side, to hold you and be close to you. I’ve missed your smile, your touch and your fragrance. It becomes difficult at times to stay away from you and I feel like crying but you know na, I’ve promised you that I would never cry. I love you honey’

Saying this he put the bouquet down over her grave and tears ran down his cheeks as he made the long walk back out of the gate.

Railway Station

It was about 9:30 in the evening that night and I was driving to the railway station to pick up a relative. The evening breeze felt good on my face and the slow gazaals on the radio added to the soothing effect. I parked my car and walked to the information board to find that the train was 30 minutes late. With not enough time to make a round trip back home, I decided to wait at the station itself.

I entered the platform and started to walk the whole length unconsciously humming the song that I heard on the radio a while back. While walking back, I saw a blue silhouette across the railway line. It was a pleasing shade of blue and I couldn’t help stealing a glance once a while. A fast local rushed thru the tracks between us not stopping at the platform and after the train passed by, I squinted again towards the place I saw the outline, but couldn’t see her.

My eyes went there a couple of times again but in vain and as she was starting to disappear from my mind, I heard a pleasant voice from behind me.

‘Excuse me’, I turned around to see an elegant woman in blue standing there.

‘Is she the same woman?’ I thought.

‘Ahem Ahem’, she cleared her throat conscious of the way I was looking at her.

‘Yes?’ I asked coming out of the trance. I felt my expressions deceiving me and revealing everything I was thinking at the moment.

‘May I stand with you for a moment; there are some guys over there that are troubling me. I’ll leave as soon as they go away. I hope you won’t mind.’

‘Not at all’, I said, hoping that the guys troubling her should never leave.

She just stood besides me but said nothing more. She just stared down the platform across the tracks. There was a cool breeze blowing and her flowing brown hairs were casting a spell on me. All I could do was stand there and admire her. Everything about her seemed to be perfect and I was wondering what she was doing here alone in the night.

‘Hi, I’m Saahil.’ I said trying to strike a conversation.

‘I’m Sonal.’ She replied not really interested in keeping the conversation going.

Maybe she’s scared of me too, I thought. I didn’t try to converse any further, but just stood at a distance stealing stares once a while. She wasn’t carrying any luggage and I wondered if she’d come here to pick someone up.

‘Waiting for someone?', I asked again, thinking I might miss the chance.

‘Yes’ she replied but didn’t elaborate.

What does she want? She seemed to behave in a very strange manner; I really couldn’t understand what was going thru her mind. Maybe she just wanted to feel safe and I was the only decent guy around(or so I thought).

Just as I was getting ready for the 3rd and final try to talk to her, she turned to me and after a moment gave me a smile. ‘Damn, this girl is going to get me crazy in no time.’ I thought. I opened my mouth to say something and I heard the voice.

‘Hi honey, where have you been? I’ve been searching for you all around.’

I couldn’t believe my ears, did I say that? But I saw her smile widen and thought maybe it’s a dream. I saw a man pass me from behind. He walked all the way to her and held her hand.

‘Lets go’, he said. ‘Its high time you get a mobile now.’ She just smiled back at him.

‘Thanks.’, she said turning back to me and just started to walk towards the exit. All I could manage was a smile as I saw her all the way to the exit, hoping against hope that she would turn back and give me one last glance.

‘ ....... is coming on platform number 1.’ blurted the platform speakers, jolting me back from the trance. The announcement was repeated, and it was the train I was waiting for. I glanced back again towards the exit wondering if it was my mind that was playing games or was she actually there.

And then I knew....

The Unknown Caller

He saw her ending a call on her mobile as he walked thru the door. They were not sharing a harmonious relationship lately and both were disturbed with the turmoil in their life. ‘Who was it?’ He asked seeing the anxiety on her face when she saw him. She didn’t reply, instead she just walked past him to close the door. He didn’t have a good day at work and her strange behavior didn’t help the cause. ‘Who was it?’ he asked again and all he got was a ‘Don’t ask me again’ stare. As irritated as he was, he just walked to the bathroom and banged the door back on her face.

When he came out of the bath, he didn’t see her around. As he was gettingdressed, he saw her mobile lying on the bed. He picked it up to check the last call; it was a landline number, 2227001. He memorized it and walked out of the bedroom door determined to know who the caller was. He saw her calmly working in the kitchen. ‘It’s not going to work this ways.’ he said. She didn’t reply but felt exasperated.

‘So what do you want to do?’ she asked.

‘Why don’t you just reply to what I am asking, is it such a difficult question or are you trying to hide something from me’

‘Do I have to tell you everything I do?’

‘Yes, because we are into a relation and I expect that I should be aware of certain things that are happening around.’

‘Oh Ya, right.’

And with that she went back to her work. ‘I’m going out and will be late’, he said ‘and don’t call me up, I wont pick up your call, just leave me alone for the night.’ And he walked out of the house. She didn’t try to stop him.

‘Excuse me’, he heard a man saying as he was walking out of the gate. The man was carrying a big bouquet. ‘Is this house number 150, Roshan Layout.’ the man asked. When he answered affirmative, the man handed over the bouquet to him.

The card read, ‘Happy Anniversary Sweetheart’ and there was a phone number of the shop at the bottom of the card. He read the number twice. The number on the card was 2227001.

Photograph

An Art gallery and studio hosted an exhibition of rare photographs of a very renowned photographer who had recently died. The photographer was amongst the first ones in town to possess a camera, a rarity in his times. The gallery owner thought it was a good time to cash on the sympathy value of the artist’s demise.

The response to the exhibition was pretty good and there were several walk-in’s, ‘It’s going to be a good day’, the owner thought. By the end of the day he had sold two or three of the good ones for an average price. In the evening as he was getting ready to close down for the day an old man came in. As the old man walked around the gallery the owner understood that he’s not among the ones who could shell out money for these photographs. He walked up to the man after 10 minutes.

‘May I help you sir?’

‘No, actually I was just looking around. I was waiting for my wife who’s gone to the neighboring shop to buy some clothes. I hope you don’t mind.’

‘Its ok, it’s just that I would be closing in another 15 minutes.’

‘I hope you don’t mind me looking around until then.’

‘Not a problem sir, be at ease.’

After 5 minutes, the old man came to the front desk. His eyes were moist, he said in a wavy voice, ‘I want to buy a photograph; the code given below it is CA145G and the year is 1966.’ The owner took out the rate chart and checked the code. ‘This photograph would cost you RS. 1500.’

The old man checked his pockets and could only find 200. ‘Could you give me 5 minutes? I’ll just be back.’ The old man sounded desperate.

‘Ok, but don’t be late’, said the owner, feeling lucky to strike a deal on the first quote.

The old man rushed out of the gallery. After a couple of minutes he saw the old man coming inside with his wife. His wife was in tears and was counting money taken out from a small purse.

The old man approached the owner and said, ‘I just have 1200 right now, is it ok if I give you the remaining early in the morning tomorrow?’

‘I’m sorry Sir, We don’t entertain credit, and it would be a policy issue.’ said the owner wondering why is the old man so desperate to buy the photograph.

‘You can keep my gold ring; I’ll collect it back tomorrow when I pay the whole amount.’

The shop owner was taken aback. ‘Could I ask you something sir? Why are you so desperate to buy that photograph?’

‘It’s my son’s photograph. I lost him the same year this man took his photo.’

Call Center Blues ...

I got this in an email a few days back and thought I'd share it here. Gets me wondering, can people really be this stupid?

A call center recorded this conversation on their floor, and guess what, the guy lost his job.

Operator: 'Ridge Hall, computer assistance; may I help you?'

Caller: 'Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect. '

Operator: 'What sort of trouble??'

Caller: 'Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words
went away.'

Operator: 'Went away?'

Caller: 'They disappeared'

Operator: 'Hmm. So what does your screen look like now?'

Caller: 'Nothing.'

Operator: 'Nothing??'

Caller: 'It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type.'

Operator: 'Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out?'

Caller: 'How do I tell?'

Operator: 'Can you see the 'C: prompt' on the screen?'

Caller: 'What's a sea-prompt?'

Operator: 'Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?'

Caller: 'There isn't any cursor; I told you, it won't accept anything I
type.'

Operator: 'Does your monitor have a power indicator??'

Caller: 'What's a monitor?'

Operator: 'It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV.
Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on?'

Caller: 'I don't know.'

Operator: 'Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where
the power cord goes into it. Can you see that??'

Caller: 'Yes, I think so.'

Operator: 'Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's
plugged into the wall.

Caller: 'Yes, it is.'

Operator: 'When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that
there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just
one? '

Caller: 'No.'

Operator: 'Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and
find the other cable.'

Caller: 'Okay, here it is.'

Operator: 'Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into
the back of your computer..'

Caller: 'I can't reach.'

Operator: 'OK. Well, can you see if it is?'

Caller: 'No..'

Operator: 'Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean
way over?'

Caller: 'Well, it's not because I don't have the right angle -- it's
because it's dark.'

Operator: 'Dark?'

Caller: 'Yes - the office light is off, and the only light I have is
coming in from the window.'

Operator: 'Well, turn on the office light then.'

Caller: 'I can't.'

Operator: 'No? Why not?'

Caller: 'Because there's a power failure.'

Operator: 'A power ...... A power failure? Aha. Okay, we've got it
licked now. Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff
that your computer came in?'

Caller: 'Well, yes, I keep them in the closet.'

Operator: 'Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it
up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to
the store you bought it from.'

Caller: 'Really? Is it that bad?'

Operator: 'Yes, I'm afraid it is.'

Caller: 'Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them?'

Operator: 'Tell them you're too stupid to own a computer!'

Delhi

A couple of days back I was in Delhi. I was just there for a day, well not even a day. I reached there at about 7 in the morning and had to leave at about 9 in the evening the same day. In these few hours, I was able to see a lot of sides of Delhi.
As we got down from the railway station we started searching for Ginger hotels which is the near the railway station. Upon arrival we were greeted by a very frustrated and arrogant front office manager who told us that the hotel was full till the month end and that he could not accommodate or help us in any way. This was my first impression of delhi, arrogant and rude to the core. We walked out saying a ‘thank you’ with a smile thinking that a bit of ‘Munnabhai’ stuff would atleast embarrass him and he would not repeat it with the future clients. We started the long walk across the station again to go to the pahadganj side of the station where we could find some economical hotels to freshen up for the day.

The hotel we settled for was walking distance from the station and we changed into formals (shirt and trouser) for the seminar and expo at Hotel Ashoka, Chanakyapuri. The roads to this place were all very clean, we passed Janpath and we really had a good feeling when we saw 10 Janpath, the residence of the most powerful lady of India. The journey was good and we arrived at Hotel Ashoka. It was a five star hotel. The atmosphere was very good, plush interiors, well dressed delegates and an aura of vitality all around us. The people were very well behaved and dressed to the tip of the toe. I was feeling out of place with my formal shirt and trousers. We attended a couple of sessions of the conference and moved to the expo area. I was again confronted with impeccable english, lovely faces and dazzling smiles. This was my second impression of delhi, smart and educated, lovely to look at and always glad to welcome you around.

After we left the expo we still had time at hand so we thought we’d go to Pragati Maidan to see the International Trade fair. Upon arrival we were informed that the ticket counter was closed for the day (the counter closes at 2p.m. for the last two days of the exhibition). The place resembled a beehive and there was complete chaos. The entry tickets were being sold in ‘black’ at a price that was 5 times the normal price (some cops were also doing the same). There were groups of boys’ eve-teasing girls passing by; couples as young as 15 years could be seen walking hand in hand, girls dressed provocatively, and there was a cacophony of several cheap roadside music instruments. We tried in vain for an hour to get the tickets but everyone we came across told us ‘We just finished selling the last few that were left’. After an hour we thought its better to proceed to the hotel and rest for a while as we had a train to catch in about 3 hour’s time and decided that we’d go there by the metro. The cop standing nearby told us that the metro station was ‘walking distance’ from the gate number 11 and after walking for 45 mins with the motivation of the several passersby who told us ‘bas thoda hi aage hai’ we finally reached the metro which was about 2 kms away. This was my third impression of delhi, chaotic, corrupt, overgrown for its age, confused and unwilling to help.

As we reached the hotel, my friend’s father told him that the hotel owner was a distant relative. After reaching the hotel, my friend had a talk with the owner for about 20 mins, he recognized him and asked him how his parents are and told him their family history and how they were related and stuff. Finally, when it was time to check out we received the bill expecting a discount at the bottom but it was no-where to be seen. We paid quietly and left without a word more. This was my fourth and last experience of delhi, selfish and self centered.

What’s a city without its people, a jungle of metal and bricks. We never notice it when we are in our own surroundings but people play an integral part in making any city what it is today. As the infrastructure and the other amenities change, so do the people. It is a very slow process so we fail to notice the change, a change that comes in our behavior too, and after we take into account all these factors we conclude if the place can be classified as rural or urban. And in delhi, that day, I saw it all, a town, a city and a metro and seeing it all at the same place was a great experience.

Needs and Desires ...

Desire: a longing or craving, as for something that brings satisfaction or enjoyment.

Need: urgent want, as of something requisite

The meaning and the understanding of these two words and the way people perceive them has always been of interest to me. It’s a vicious trap that these two words weave around us and how simply we tend to fall in the cobweb of what we actually need and the things that we desire. Let me take my own example. As a kid I always had a desire to own a motorbike. I would muse over it for hours together and the desire would keep growing with every passing year. I used to own a cycle at that time. Then, in the first year of my college, my Dad (after a lot of coaxing) agreed to let me buy a bike, my dream bike at that time, the CBZ. I was on cloud 9 (although, the bike came with the compulsion of a Helmet). After a week, I realized that I did not touch my cycle since I got the bike. My need and the only source of commuting in the neighborhood had changed. After a month, my “Desired” CBZ became my “Needed” CBZ and my cycle which was my “Need” fell out of the equation totally. It was like a life overhaul. I had upgraded my life and was pretty happy with it for two more years. And then came the antagonist again, the Desire, to buy a car. And I started dreaming that I would one day own and drive a car that is my own. And my mind started to fuel my desire by painting a fake picture that I needed a car.

And the reasons? Well, I forget my helmet most of the times (though I mostly left it behind), The traffic in Nagpur has gone from bad to worse (and I was a contributor to that, all thanks to my 150CC bike ;-)) and so it was not safe to ride a bike anymore and so on and so forth. Again, I started to convince myself as well as my folks to buy me a car and that a car is the Need of the hour (LOLz …). And then finally my folks agreed to let me buy a car and I was again on cloud9.

Today, it’s been almost 3 years that I have owned a car. An overhaul that has cost me a lot in monetary terms and otherwise, and just as I sat on the steering wheel of my car this morning I had a small conversation with my own self.

The inner voice: Do I really “need” this car?

Me: Of course you do.

Inner voice: I don’t think so, I could manage everything with my bike.

Me: Yes, you can but look at the traffic, pollution, and you always forget the helmet, remember?

Inner voice: Well, It could be taken care of if you drive safely (and a bit slow), which brings me to another question, do you think you drive your car as safely as you should?

Me: See, I guess I gotta be going, I’m getting late for office. We’ll discuss it next time, OK?

And with this I turn on my car’s stereo louder so that my stupid inner voice would not bug me (or in other words, would not embarrass me), and I start to sing along with the music.

Ignorance is Bliss someone has rightly said, and I realize it, because today I own a cycle, a bike (A bullet, the desire thing weaves magic again) and a car. The irony of it all hits me hard as I reveal the name of my car, Maruti Swift-DZire. Need or Desire … ??? Please enlighten me …

.

another good book

just finished reading 'I too had a love story' by Ravin. Still not sleepy ... Don't know ... Maybe its the book ... Its really good ... Very touching ... Just could not leave it once i started reading it ... Had to finish it in one go ... Guess time for another black coffee ... Maybe someday i'll also write a book ... C ya

Chale the ....

Chale the hum unki Kashti ko kinare le aane,
Samandar ki gehraiyon mein khud hi kho gaye
Soch kar chale the lauta denge use zindagi
Apni hi kashti ko kinaare laana bhool gaye

Raah dikhana fitrat ho chuki thi humaari
Din ke ujaalo mein bhi diya jala ke chalte rahe
Na Mila aaj koi musafir saath chalne ke liye
Toh raat ke andhere mein hi diya jalaana bhool gaye

Fark bhi na kar paaye manzil aur raaste mein hum
Raahon ko hi apni manzil samajte rahe
Mashgool ho gaye itna ek musafir ke saath
Ki Manzil tak jaane ka raasta hi bhool gaye

Chalne lage uss musafir ke saath saath
Jaana kahan hai humein, woh bhi bhool gaye
Ummeed toh de di use jeene ki
Par khud ke vajood ki wajaah hi bhool gaye

Gum is baat ka nahi ki woh humein kabhi gair samaj lete hai ... Gum toh is baat ka hai ki woh gairon ko bhi kabhi kabhi apna maan lete hai ...

Katl kar de aaj mujhe ki zindagi ka saath choot jae, jeete ji na sahi maut ke baad toh mulaakat choot jae ...

He made me smile....

There are some relations in life that have no name but can get a smile on your lips when no other relation can. I would like to share one such relation with you. On my way to office I usually come across a small boy at a traffic signal. He must be about 10 years of age. For some days I did not take notice of him. But, as it was a daily thing for both of us we started to recognize each other in some days. He would always come near my car to sell a piece of cloth for cleaning the car and I would always say “No”. He would always smile and come expectantly every time he saw me. After some days even I started to give him a smile in return and would occasionally offer him a candy if I had one in my pocket. For the past few days I did not see him at the signal and he went out of my mind as even I was preoccupied with my stuff. When I stopped at the signal today I saw him and I felt a strange kind of happiness. He gave me a big smile and came running to my car. As usual he said “Sahaab, ek le lo na.” I could not say ‘No’ today. I bought that piece of cloth and gave him a candy. I couldn’t help smiling all the way to my office and I experienced a strange feeling of contentment.
In this bitter world where even a son cannot make his father smile, a small boy who had no relation with me made me smile. A lot of times we ignore or look away when someone tries to sell us something at traffic signals. Even I used to do the same, but I am glad that I did not ignore this boy and he made my day today. Thanks Bro, God Bless You.

Pyaare Bete

Kehta hu tujhe jeene ka sahaara
ungli pakad kar teri main chalta hu
Tujhe chalna sikhate hue bhi
Sahaare se tere hi chalta hu


Thaamta hai jab haath tu mera
Un nanhi si unglion se
Karta hu mehsoos ek mazbooti ajeeb si
Tere in masoom se hathoon mein


Chalte hai tere nanahe kadam
Ek atal vishwaas ke saath
Na jaane thaam sakunga kab tak
Is tez duniya mein tera haath


Utrega jab tu duniya ki daud mein
Seekh lega jab daudna tu teez
Karna chahuna aaraam main thoda sa
La dena mujhe ek kursi aur ek meez.


Chodne padenge humein haath kuch der
Jab Na hoga mujh mein who junoon
Karne hoge saare sapne tujhe poore
Aur main chahunga thoda sa sukoon


Sahaara chahunga main tera us din
Na karega jab zamaana mujhe kabool
Kam ho jayegi samaj thodi duniya ki
Karne lagunga jab baatein main fizool


Thaamunga un hathoon ko fir se
Honge kamzoor jab mere haath
Na thama dena mujhe laathi us din
Rakhna mujhe hamesha apne hi saath


Na thukra dena mujhe bojh samaj kar
Na chood dena mujhe akela
Aashayen hai bohot mujhe tujhse
Bhool na jaana bachpan yeh tera


.

KAASH ...

Dekhte the tumhe chup chup ke pehle
Na kar paye the kabhi mulakaat
Aaj soch rahe hai fir aapke bare mein
Fir chidi hai wo purani baat

Keh na sake the us waqt bhi kisi ko
Ki hote the hum kitne bekaraar
Humesha hote the aap doston ke beech
Soch kar bhi kar na paye the kabhi izhaar

Aaj bhi yaad hai humein wo pehli mulakat
Us din bhi nai hui thi aapse koi baat
Magar yaad hai woh gehri aankhon ke samandar
Aur aapki zulfoon ki woh gehri si raat.

Phir na mile the hum ek zamaane tak
na jaane kho gaye the tum kahan
doondhti thi meri nazreen tumko
Jab bhi jaata tha main yahan wahan.


Ek ajeeb si hichkichahat thi tujhmein
Mile jab hum firse ek aarse ke baad
Na kar paya tujhse baat main tab bhi
Aa gaya who purana zamaana firse yaad

Magar aa gaye the hum aage bohot zindagi mein
Le chuke the faisle kuch ahem
Socha kar le izhaar fir bhi is baar aapse
Par himmat ho gayi thi ab kuch kam

Milte hai ab aapse ek dost bankar
Kar lete hai aapse kabhi mulakaat
Sochte hai kar lenge kabhi kabhi aapse
Dosti mein hi pyaar ki do-do baat.

Read novels on your Mobile.

Whenever I used to travel before I had a habit of buying 2 novels at a time, the reason being that I always feared "what if" I completed my novel before I completed my journey. I always had the fear of choking to boredom. Strangely, whenever I carried 2 novels I never completed the first and whenever I just happened to carry one, I would always complete it before time and then curse myself for not carrying a second one. Recently, I found a software that can let me carry as many novels as I want.
No, its not Adobe reader, this little wonder that can fit 100's of novels into your mobilephone is MobiReader. Its a cool software and you can download loads of free novels and other literature from the internet. The best part is that it is free for life. The book format is '.prc' and you would find millions of books available on google. A standard 400 page novel would just take about 1 mb of your card space. I would suggest it to anyone who is an avid reader or people who travel a lot.

The link to the software is: http://www.mobipocket.com/en/HomePage/default.asp?Language=EN

Happy Reading ...

.

QR code(barcode) an amazing technology ...

When I bought my N95 8gigs and I was going through the applications I came accross one named Barcode. I did not know how to use it and when I tried it on the traditional barcodes( the ones with the straight lines) usually found on the FMCG products I could not get it to read the code. After a bit of researching I came to know that there is a special kind of code(QR code) which is usually found online on webpages. Still couldn't get it to use much till I found out a site wherein you can make the codes yourself. Its fun to use it and you can use it for several purposes. A sample of the code is given below and you can generate as many QR codes as you like with the site. The site address is http://qrcode.kaywa.com/.



Sample: Thats my phone number ;-)

Precept from The Godfather.

This is an amazing piece from 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo. A piece of advice everyone should always remember. One of my favourites.


Though Don Corleone disapproved of his son's foolish display of anger, the tantrum served a purpose. It would convince the interlopers that their presence was unexpected and unprepared for. So Don Corleone himself was not angry. He had long ago learned that the society imposes insults that must be borne, comforted by the knowledge that in this world there comes a time when the most humble of men, if he keeps his eyes open, can take his revenge on the most powerful. It was this knowledge that prevented the Don from losing the humility all his friends admired in him.

.

Omnipotent and Benevolent God.

This piece of writing was taken from the novel Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. The thing I particularly like about it is how easily the Pope’s Chamberlain (Camerlengo) explains God’s power to the Swiss Guard 'Chartland'.



‘Are you confused because the Bible describes God as an Omnipotent and Benevolent deity?’ said Camerlengo. ‘Omnipotent-benevolent simply means that God is all powerful and well meaning.’
‘I understand the concept’ said Chartland. ‘Its just … there seems to be a contradiction.’
‘Yes the contradiction is Pain. Man’s starvation, war, sickness …’
‘Exactly!’ Chartland knew the Camerlengo would understand. ‘Terrible things happen in this world. Human tragedy seems like proof that God could not possibly be both all-powerful and well-meaning. If He loves us and has all the power to change our situation, He would prevent our pain, wouldn’t He?’
The Camerlengo frowned. ‘Would he?’

Chartland felt uneasy. Had he overstepped his bounds? Was this one of those religious questions you just didn’t ask? ‘Well … if God loves us, and He can protect us, He would have to. It seems He is either omnipotent and uncaring, or benevolent and power-less to help.’
‘Do you have children Lieutenant?’
Chartland flushed. ‘No, Signore.’
‘Imagine you have an eight year old son … would you love him?’
‘Of course’
‘Would you do everything in your power to prevent pain in his life?’
‘Of course’
‘Would you let him skateboard?’
Chartland did a double take. The Camerlengo always seemed oddly ‘in touch’ for a clergyman. ‘Yeah, I guess,’ Chartland said. ‘Sure, I’d let him skateboard, but I’d tell him to be careful.’
‘So as this child’s father, you would give him some basic, good advice and then let him go off and make his own mistakes?’
‘I wouldn’t run behind him if that’s what you mean.’
‘But if he fell and bruised his knee?’
‘He would learn to be more careful.’
The Camerlengo smiled. ‘So although you have the power to interfere and prevent your child’s pain, you would choose to show you love by letting him learn his own lessons?’
‘Of course’ said Chartland. ‘Pain is a part of growing up. It’s how we learn.’
The Camerlengo nodded and smiled. ‘Exactly’
---*---*---

Lots of times our minds are clogged with questions that seem to have no answers. But when we observe life closely we would find that the answers are just around us and lie in such simple things that we fail to observe them in this complicated world.

Dare to be Wise

This was first motivation when I didn't even know the meaning of the word "Motivation", but still when we used to sing these words, our hearts would swell with pride. This was our school anthem(S.F.S. school, Nagpur). The words had little meaning for me then, but when I read it now I understand why these words were etched on my tongue when I was young.




"Dare to be Wise"


1. Dare to be wise!

Dare to be wise!

Within your reach all knowledge lies

Count not the cost, nor fear the pain,

if great success you wish to gain.


Chorus: Come comrades come! Dare to be wise!

Let us all ever prize

This great aim of our lives

In home and School, in work and play

We'll let it shine and guide our way.


2. Dare to be wise! Dare to be wise!

This rule in life will make you rise,

Hold fast it through storm and strife

Thus you will gain the crown of life.


3. Dare to be wise! Dare to be wise!

To him who strives there comes the prize

But strive must with brain as well

If high we wish to reign and dwell.


4. Dare to be wise! Dare to be wise!

It is the road to paradise.

Avoid the wrong in life be strong

And life's reward will come long.


I express my sincere Gratitude to my school and all my teachers for laying the foundation stone to what I am today. Thanks again.

Best Poem ...

This is one of the best poems I've ever got, the best part of it being that it was written for me ... lol. Jokes apart, this one is from my sister and its amazing to see how she was able to fit all those years we've been together into these few lines. When I read it the first time, I could literally recall those moments as if I was experiencing it all over again.

Thank you sis.

Here's the poem ....

From day one,
Without knowin it,
I loved u with all my heart..
As i grew, i looked up to u n no other,
Yes we fought many a times, but u supported n encouraged me In everythin i did..
U were my best friend n my hero..
I miss the way u made me feel safe..
I miss the way we used to fight to sleep in pati wala palang in baa's room..
I miss our nonsense arguements n all our wrestling matches jus to pass time..
I miss the times when u n me teased akshu..
I miss the sunday cricket matches where i used to be the umpire,
I miss the way u n akshu teased me by callin me jaadi..
I miss the times when we used to fight for mummy(whom does she love more.. n also who would sleep on her lap 1st...)
I miss the times when u always slaped me for no reason , n i used to show that to papa at nights..
I like to recollect our times together, good times n the bad..
I regret the times i yelled at u, when u where only tryin to help, but u know i did it only coz u did it to me..
I wanted to do everything u did, coz i wanted to be jus like u..
I miss the times when we fought, n all i could do is take ur pant n t-shirts n wear it, which would obviously irritate u..
I still hav that pant of urs.. n whenever i see it, i miss u..
I miss the ways u always cared for me, may be u din't ever say it but it showed..
I miss the time when papa scolded us, n instead of being serious u started laughin..
N most of all i miss the ways u always explained things to me, n din ever scold..
N my 16th birthday when u got me 16 gifts.. o sorry 14.. 2 r remaining huh bhai..
Now that i'm away from u, I feel..
There's jus no one in this whole world who can ever replace u...
U mean a lot to me BHAI...
I'll always love u no matter what..

Isn't it lovely ??

Why the Mecca Stone (Kaaba) holds Power.

While surfing around the You-Tube videos I came across this very video that made sense to me in some ways. If you have heard about Phi (also popularly known as the Golden ratio) then you would understand it too. The golden ratio (1.618) has been the base of human anatomy and many great artists and scientists have been deeply intrigued by the unique and interesting properties of Phi. This video claims that the Kaaba Stone in Mecca is placed at the golden ratio of the earth and that’s why it holds the power and is essentially known as the most powerful place in the world.

What I learnt from a taxi driver

I was recently traveling to Manila via Delhi and I happened to hire a cab owned by a man named Khan. I am friendly by nature and started to talk to him. I happened to tell him that I’ve been to Europe once and he said, “Yes, it’s a nice place”. I was taken aback, a taxi driver from Delhi has been to Europe!!!

Then I came to know that he was from Gujrat and was an importer of some commodities from Europe. He lost everything in the Gujrat earthquake and came to Delhi with his family to start afresh. He did not get a penny from his “friends”. I had a talk with him for over an hour and he told me how he had to struggle to come over it. That one hour conversation taught me those things that I would not have learnt at any stage in my formal education.

Sometimes when you have it all you tend to take everything for granted. Money has a very close ally, arrogance. He taught me the virtue of being down to earth and to live every moment as it comes. I would like to quote his words here. “As I was driving the rented taxi on the first day, tears were running down my eyes. I was so uncertain about the future. I never thought something like this could ever happen to me.”

Think of it, a millionaire today and bankrupt tomorrow. Strange things can happen in life.

Reebok ... Just do it ...

Iraqi journalist Muntazer Al Zaidi gave the world a whole new way to protest when he hurled not one but both his shoes at the President of the United States of America, George Bush in Baghdad on Dec. 14 last year. After that it seems like a complete clan of shoe-throwers are out on the loose. The others who have also got a sniff of dreaded shoe are the Chinese premier Wen Jiabao, Iran prez Ahmadinejad and Indian Supreme Court judge Arijit Pasayat. The most recent reciepient of the shoe treatment was the Home Minister P. Chidambaram.

.

A Journalist with the hindi daily Dainik Jaagran, Jarnail Singh "JUST DID IT". Not with the Nike but his size '8' Reebok, when he hurled it towards the Home Minister P Chidambaram at a press conference on 9th April at New Delhi. The throw was underarm which gave Chidambaram time to get out of the way. Apparently, Jarnail Singh just wanted to stage a protest and not hurt the Home Minister.

India's very own "Shoe Movement" happened when Jarnail Singh questioned Chidambaram about the CBI report on the involvement of Jagdish Tytler in the 1984 anti-sikh riots case. When Chidambaram tried to evade the question by giving an answer that did not satisfy Jarnail Singh, he blurted "I protest." and gifted his shoe to the Home Minister. Even more startling was the fact that after the incident he sat down calmly with his pad with an intention to continue with the conference when the security guards rushed in to take him away.

Shoe or no shoe, the common man is finding out ways to get himself heard and with the media ever so alert he is getting attention too. But its a pity that we actually have to do these wierd things to get ourselves heard. It would be so much better if there existed a system wherein a common man could be heard and would not be forced to - 'Just do it.'

.

Big Bazaar Blooper ....

I happened to visit Big Bazaar City Center, Nagpur and was just window shopping when I saw this sign on the Soft Drinks rack. Have a look.

Find nothing unusual ??? Lets have a closer look ...

.

Best Buy .... Anyone intested ??

.

Foreign Body - Robin Cook

Recently, on my trip to Banglore I got hold of one of Robin Cook's latest novels "Foreign Body", which is another great addition to his medical thriller series. In this novel the author has tried to highlight the scenario of medical tourism in India. It also deals with issues regarding the Indian way of thinking and the cultural turmoil that still exists in India. And in between these macro issues, he very aptly compares the lives of two females namely, Jennifer Hernandez and Veena Chandra (who happens to be the killer of the Jennifer’s grandmother), and how despite of being from different cultural backgrounds, have faced the same kind of problems earlier in their lives. The author has penned down the Indian scenario very well in this book.

The book revolves around the fast becoming popular concept of Medical tourism to India. The protagonist Jennifer Hernandez comes to know about the death of her grandmother in India through CNN and goes to India to claim the body. She has some disturbing experiences in the hospital that force her to think that some foul play was involved. Meanwhile, there are two more deaths in as many days, and the striking similarities between them add to the doubt.

Twists are at almost every page as the Indian tourism ministry tries to cover up the cases, a big stakeholder in the concerned hospital tries to get Jennifer Hernandez killed, and Nurses International, the subsidiary of a US hospital which trying to hamper the Indian medical tourism industry (also behind the killing of the medical tourists) kidnaps Jennifer to get her killed. A couple of old characters of this author, Jack and Laurie also play a part in the book.
Overall a good read, though it gets a bit predictable at times.

.

Hardwork Vs Luck

Between Hardwork and Luck, for me
Hardwork had to always matter
But at present, Its not hardwork
Its only the latter

Things keep on changing
like fast spreading forest fire
And more so, the other way
Than I'm supposed to desire

The more I try and
the more I think I could
Things tend to go only
As far as they should

As I try desperately
To break the deadlocks
Problems seem to come
More and more in flocks

The more I kept loosing
The more I had to put on stake
And then I had to wait
For one sweep of real good fate.

Life now stands to have
such wierd complications
That I dare not imagine
What would be the implications

Luck has mostly been
just at the back of my mind
But the more I loose
The more I strive to understand

God, Please dont stretch it too far
Or it would be too late
And I would be forced to believe
Hardwork is Nothing, Its just FATE.

.

Bilqis

I came across one of the tracks, "Bilqis: Jinhe naaz hai hind par" by RABBI and after watching the video, I feel this song really deserves a tribute.

Rabbi tells the story of 4 unsung heroes namely Bilquis Rassol, Satyendra Dubey, Manjunath and one Lavleen Kumar of India in a remarkable manner that makes one think. When heard for the 1st time, the lyrics are hard to catch, but as you listen more intently, you really get the feel for the song.

The icing on the cake is the strumming of the National Anthem tune between the verses, which serves as the perfect melody between the thought provoking verses.

So here's the lyrics:
Bilqis: Jinhe naaz hai hind par
-RABBI

Mera naam Bilqis Yakub Rasool
Mujhse hui bas ek hi bhool
Ki jab dhhundhhte thhe vo Ram ko
To maen khadi thhi, rah mein

Pehle ek ne puchha na mujhe kuchh pata thha
Dujey ko bhi mera yehi javab thha
Fir itno ne puchha ki mera ab saval hai ki

Jinhe naaz hai hind par vo kahan the
Jinhe naaz hai vo kahan hain

Mera naam Shriman Satyendra Dubey
Jo kehna thha vo keh chukey
Ab padhey hain rah mein
Dil mein liye ek goli
Bas itna kasoor ki hamne likha thaa
Vo sach jo har kisi ki zuban thaa
Par sach yahan ho jatey hain zehreelay

Jinhe naaz hai hind par vo kahan the
Jinhe naaz hai vo kahan hain

Mujhe kehte hain anna Manjunath
Maine dekhi bhatakti ek laash
Zamir ki beech sarhak Lakhimpur Kherhi
Adarsh phasa jahan naaron mein
Aur chor bharey darbaron mein
Vahan maut akhlaq ki hai ik khabar baasi

Jinhe naaz hai hind par vo kahan the
Jinhe naaz hai vo kahan hain

Mazha nau aahe Navleen Kumar
Unnees june unnees bar
Unnees unnees unnees unnees
Unnees baar
Unnees unnees unnees unnees
Unnees unnees unnees unnees
Unnees unnees unnees unnees
Unnees baar

Looto dehaat kholo bazaar
Nallasopara aur Virar
Chheeno zameen hamse humhe
Bhejo pataal

Jinhe naaz hai hind par vo kahan the
Jinhe naaz hai vo kahan hain


The 1st martyr Rabbi tells about is Bilqis Bano.

Bilkis Bano is one of the victims of the riots which followed the Godhra train massacre. On March 3 (or February 28), 2002, she was gangraped in Dahod district of Gujarat when she was pregnant. She also lost 14 relatives including her 3-year-old child, mother and 2 sisters. She is the sole witness to this incident. The case was handled by the CBI, and was transferred to Mumbai court on the orders of the Supreme Court. 20 people have been accused in the case.

Then Rabbi speaks of Satyendra Dubey.

Satyendra Kumar Dubey (1973 - 2003) was project director at the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). He was assassinated in Gaya, Bihar for fighting corruption in the Golden Quadrilateral highway construction project.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyendra_Dubey

Then,
Shanmugam Manjunath (1978 Kolar-2005) was a marketing manager for the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) who was murdered for sealing a corrupt petrol station in UP. Who later became a rallying cry for IIM, IIT and other institutes students. While working for the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) in Lucknow, he had ordered two petrol pumps at Lakhimpur Kheri sealed for selling adulterated fuel for three months. When the pump started operating again a month later, Manjunath decided to conduct a surprise raid around November 19, 2005.

Having not heard from his son for three days, at around 9 that night, his father, M Shanmughan, had sent an SMS: "How are you?". There was no reply because that very night, during his inspection, Manjunath had been shot dead. His body, riddled with at least six bullets, was found in the backseat of his own car, which was being driven by two employees of the petrol pump. Both were arrested and the main accused, pump-owner Pawan Kumar ('Monu') Mittal, was held on November 23 along with seven others.

And the 4th,
Ms. Navleen Kumar, who worked for the land rights of adivasis/tribals in Nallasopara, outskirts of Mumbai was stabbed to death on the terrace of her flat. She had been fighting against "builders and land mafia" who had been usurping tribal land by terror, force and fraud over the last 20-25 years, to restore the land rights to the tribals - the original owners.And the irony of it all is that she was stabbed on the 19th of June 2002 and she was stabbed 19 times.





This is a wake-up call for all of us so that we can stand for the few good people that are left and to light the fire in the bellies of those who have forgotten the importance of being able to stand for truth and last but not the least a tribute to all who have sacrificed themselves for our very own HIND.


Jai Hind.
.
.

Tum Bin Jau kahan ...

Again one of my favourites. I can listen to this song over and over again. Its amazing to see how the singer is able to convey his emotions through his voice. A real good song.




.
.

Hotel California- Eagles

This is one of my all time favourite songs and the live version is even better.




.
.

Ae khuda, tu hota kaisa hai?

Sochta hu poochunga khuda se
Tu kaun hai, dikhta kaisa hai
Kya tu bhi kuch kuch
Hum insaanon sa hi hota hai

Sochta hu poochunga khuda se
Kya tu bhi kabhi muskurata hai
Khush hota hai jab tu bohot
Kya tu bhi koi geet gungunata hai

Kya tujhe bhi aas hai kisise milne ki
Par tu bhi zamane se darta hai
Kya tu bhi hum insaanon ki tarah
Chup chupkar kisi pe marta hai

Kya tera bhi koi aafsana hai
Koi chehra jiska tu deewana hai
Khoobsurti ka koi aisa manzaar
Jisse yeh insaan abtak anjaana hai

Dil toota hai kya tera bhi kabhi
Kya tu bhi kabhi roya hai
Na soojha jab koi raasta tujhe
Nam si aakhon se kya tu bhi kabhi soya hai

Kya maut ka khauf nahi hai tujhe
Ya tu bhi marne se darta hai
Kya paap aur punya ke motiyon se
Kya tu bhi apni zindagi sanjota hai

Sochta hu poochunga khuda se
Tu aakhir hota kaisa hai
Kya tu bhi kuch kuch
Hum insaanon sa hi hota hai.

.

Me and my Bike

When I was young I was fascinated by an amazing bike that would go "dug dug dug dug" and was mostly owned either by policemen or by a selected few in our city. I never knew the name of that bike at that time but the sound made me turn my head everytime. Then I started to grow up and my focus shifted to the bikes with more sporty looks(CBZ). I bought my CBZ when I started going to college but a Royal Enfield (Bullet, as i knew it then) would still make my head turn. When I passed out of my College after completing my PG degree, I thought this would be the right time to get hold of the bike I had desired for long time. So, I got myself a Royal Enfield Thunderbird. It is an amazing feeling to ride a bike that has stood strong for 50 years and is still a fantasy for the young and old alike.

.

Memories

Yesterday I was
Sitting under the tree
Thinking of the times
That u spent with me

I thought of the times
When sitting under the same tree
I used to admire the nature
Waiting for your entry

I thought of the times
When we went hand in hand
Sitting besides the sea
Making castles on the sand

I thought of the times
When I was in pain
You were the one to say
This isn’t the last stop of life’s train

I thought of the times
When my dark side was near
I dreamt that you’ve left me
And I always had that fear

And then my nightmare came true
And my dreams were shattered
When I met you last
“Goodbye”, were the words you uttered

If you wish to come back
Pardoning all the faults done by me
I would still be waiting for you
Under the same old tree.
.
.

The best father and son song.

My dad told me he used to sing this song for me when I was very young but I had never got a chance to listen to this song until I became a dad. And then I realised how amazing this song actually is and how aptly this song fits dad-son relationship. Given below are the lyrics of the song and the youtube link to the song.

Tujhe sooraj kahoon ya chanda
Tujhe deep kahoon ya taara
Mera naam karega roshan
Jag mein mera raaj dulaara

Main kab se taras raha tha
Mere aangan mein koi khele
Nanhi si hansi ke badle
Meri saari duniya le le
Tere sang jhool raha hai
Meri baahon mein jag saara
Mera naam karega roshan
Jag mein mera raaj dulaara

Aaj ungli thaamke teri
Tujhe main chalna sikh laaoon
Kal haath pakadna mera
Jab main buddha ho jaaoon
Tu mila to maine paaya
Jeena ka naya sahaara
Mera naam karega roshan
Jag mein mera raaj dulaara

Meere baad bhi is duniya mein
Zinda mera naam rahega
Jo bhi tujhko dekhega
Tujhe mera laal kahega
Tere roop mein mil jaayega
Mujhko jeevan do baara
Mera naam karega roshan
Jag mein mera raaj dulaara

Tujhe sooraj kahoon ya chanda
Tujhe deep kahoon ya taara
Mera naam karega roshan
Jag mein mera raaj dulaara

Check out the video.



.

My son got his head shaved.

I recently had to have my son's head shaved. Its a strange kind of concept and belief that I never really understood. Anyways, I am posting the "before" and "after" pics. I hope I keep blogging till he is old enough to understand and see my blog. Please feel free to leave comments.