Tum ho toh - Rock On
tum ho toh
gaata hai dil
tum nahin
toh geet kahan
tum ho toh
hai sab haasil
tum nahin toh kya hai yahan
tum ho toh hai
sapnon ke jaisa haseen ek samaa
jo tum ho toh
ye lagta hai
ki mil gayee har khushi
jo tum na ho
ye lagta hai
ke har khushi mein hai kamee
tum ko hai maangti
ye zindagiii…..
tum ho toh
raahein bhi hain
tum nahin
toh rastey kahan
tum ho toh
yahan sab hi hain
tum nahin
toh kya hai yahan
tum ho toh hai har
ek pal meherbaan ye jahaan
jo tum ho toh
hawa main bhi
mohabbaton ka rang hai
jo tum na ho
toh phir koi
na josh na umang hai
tum mille toh milli
ye zindagiii…..
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Illusion
The lights seem brighter and they hurt. The monitor looks dull and my eyes water when I stare too long. My fingers pain when I type. The food tastes worse than it actually is. It actually is tasteless, so it cannot taste bad. The bad smells around me seem worse and the good ones seem bad. The melody from my favorite songs is missing today. It’s taking an hour for every minute to pass. My mind is working slower than usual too. It’s getting heated up faster today. Even my jokes are crankier and weird. My conversations with most people are monosyllabic. The good guys seem average today and I am avoiding the bad ones. My work output is negative today. I beat my last record of zero work output. I am feeling either too cold or too hot in here. At 23 degrees I shiver, at 24 I sweat. I want to sleep but I know that I won’t be able to when I hit the bed.
The world is truly an illusion created by the mind. Because everything is the same as it was yesterday. It’s just that I am ill.
The world is truly an illusion created by the mind. Because everything is the same as it was yesterday. It’s just that I am ill.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
All in vain
This post is purely fictional. Any resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely coincidental:
Walk….walk faster… jog…fasterr…..run….out of breath….slow down…run…slow down…walk…walkkkkkk….the sweat feels good….walk…faster……stretch….dips…one…two….twenty…uff..uff..hmm…crunches…one…twooooo…..ten…ufff…ufff….fifteen….twenty…arrrgghh….uff….ufff….stretch…biceps....triceps....legs....stretch....sweatttt....ohh yeah!!!
Ahh..the mirror…how do I look...hmm....grin….not bad... seems like a lot of weight lost in one day…hmm…grin…smile…lets celebrate….pizza and beer!!!
Walk….walk faster… jog…fasterr…..run….out of breath….slow down…run…slow down…walk…walkkkkkk….the sweat feels good….walk…faster……stretch….dips…one…two….twenty…uff..uff..hmm…crunches…one…twooooo…..ten…ufff…ufff….fifteen….twenty…arrrgghh….uff….ufff….stretch…biceps....triceps....legs....stretch....sweatttt....ohh yeah!!!
Ahh..the mirror…how do I look...hmm....grin….not bad... seems like a lot of weight lost in one day…hmm…grin…smile…lets celebrate….pizza and beer!!!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Another bad day of travel
Another sad day of traveling to office (Y). As depicted in the diagram, Route A is our normal route to office. Today we hit a traffic jam at point X at around 9:15 a.m. Smart that we are, we decided to take the alternate Route B to office. As we neared route B, we realized that Route B is closed for repairs and that is the reason for Route A getting clogged badly. So our bold bus driver decided to go for Route C. Apart from him no one else knew that route C existed before today. Halfway into Route C, he realized that the bus is too big for the narrow dirt road and decided to turn back. So we were at the start of route C (point Z) at 10:10 a.m. deciding which route to take. Sadly the road from point Z to point X was also badly jammed by this time.
At this point my patience gave up and I decided to hitch a ride. Luckily I got a biker who took me through route C to my office. I have tried my best to show the dangerous and curvaceous route C as it is. Finally at 10:30, we won the war and reached office after crossing a series of streams, potholes and the road (so called). Thanks to the daring biker!!
Its 11:10 now and my bus is still not here. The green question mark is probably where it must be.
At this point my patience gave up and I decided to hitch a ride. Luckily I got a biker who took me through route C to my office. I have tried my best to show the dangerous and curvaceous route C as it is. Finally at 10:30, we won the war and reached office after crossing a series of streams, potholes and the road (so called). Thanks to the daring biker!!
Its 11:10 now and my bus is still not here. The green question mark is probably where it must be.
The bus finally arrived at 11:35 a.m. As per one of my friends who was in it, the driver tried out another imaginary route D, which did not exist, before coming back to route A.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Yet another Indian Book
Bombay Rains Bombay Girls – Anirban Bose
The book is about an uncertain lad, Adityaman Bhatt (Adi) from a small town landing up in Bombay to pursue a Medical degree. The book is a roller-coaster ride of his first two years in college and his bittersweet experiences with Bombay and Bombay girls. The book describes how at the end of two years the uncertain, unsure Adi is transformed into a confident and decisive youth.
I loved the book because of the splendid narration and also because I could relate with most of the things spoken about in the book. Anyone of us could be either Adi or one of his friends.
The book is about an uncertain lad, Adityaman Bhatt (Adi) from a small town landing up in Bombay to pursue a Medical degree. The book is a roller-coaster ride of his first two years in college and his bittersweet experiences with Bombay and Bombay girls. The book describes how at the end of two years the uncertain, unsure Adi is transformed into a confident and decisive youth.
I loved the book because of the splendid narration and also because I could relate with most of the things spoken about in the book. Anyone of us could be either Adi or one of his friends.
Almost..
He stared at his own body lying on the street. It was covered in blood. His motorcycle lay a few meters away. It too was in a bad shape. It took some time for the feeling to sink in. He was dying. His could see his body struggling to stay alive. He could see it wriggling in pain. Strangely with every fresh breath taken by his body, he felt weaker. Here he was witnessing his own death.
There was not a living soul around. It was two in the night and it would be pure luck if anyone would come by this way at this hour. It was just matter of time. He would die a painful and slow death. Worse, he would witness these last moments. That too, all alone! In the spur of the moment he decided against seeing himself die. Somehow after five minutes he felt stronger. He turned around to see that his body had stopped breathing. It lay still now. “Am I dead?” He decided to probe further. He moved closer and to his surprise he saw that his body was unconscious and not dead yet.
“How am I feeling stronger? I am all the more closer to death. How can I feel stronger?” He wondered. It puzzled him.
“Strange. Isn’t it?” a voice asked.
He turned around to find a small boy staring at him. “Who are you?” he asked.
“Does that matter? What is important right now is for you to realize what is happening to you currently.” He smiled.
Somehow the look the young boy gave him made him nervous. It seemed that the boy had knowledge of things, which he himself didn’t. “What is happening to me? I am dying.” He replied.
“That is correct. You are dying. But if you are lying there unconscious on the road, whom am I talking to?” he asked.
“It must be my soul.” He couldn't think of any better answer at the moment.
“If it is your soul, how come you are getting stronger as your body is nearing death.”
“I don’t know.” He was really puzzled about this himself.
It was at this moment that he saw headlights. Within seconds the approaching vehicle was meters away from his body. He glanced at the boy, who smiled at him. The vehicle came to a screeching halt inches away from his body. The driver hurriedly got out of the car, examined his body and then stuffed him in the back seat. He then accelerated away.
“We have to follow your body” the boy said. Within a flash they were alongside the racing car.
Within an hour they were in an I.C.U. A team of doctors was operating upon his body. They were sitting around in a corner watching the scene.
He started feeling weak. It was then he remembered his conversation with the boy. He looked at the boy who smiled.
“Are you feeling weak?” the boy asked.
“Yes. What is all this? Please tell me.” He begged.
“You almost made it to the other side of the world.” The boy said.
He was feeling weaker by the minute. “Huh?” he couldn't understand.
“When you body dies in your world, you are born in the “Otherside”. Where death is the beginning of your afterlife. As your body nears death, you start feeling complete there. That is because for your wholesome existence there, it is necessary for you to die in your world. They wont accept you till you are whole. Dead! Right now you are in between these two worlds. Suspended in between! The reason you are feeling weak now is because these doctors are taking your body away from death.” The boy explained.
He was feeling really weak now. Almost dizzy!! “I don’t believe you. Who are you and what are you doing here then?”
“I think the doctors are doing a good job. You seem devoid of strength. Looks like they will save your body. You ask about me. I am…”
This is when he fainted.
When he woke up, he was on a hospital bed. Someone was saying something excitedly. Things were in a blur. After some time he could make out the faces of his son and wife. He was alive!! The last thing he could remember was he flying off the motorcycle and crashing onto the road.
After a month he was discharged. As he limped his way out of his room, he saw a young boy sleeping in the neighboring I.C.U. room.
“Poor child. He is in coma since three months.” The ward boy said.
He sighed and felt sorry for the boy. But somehow the boy’s face looked familiar. He shrugged off the thought and moved on.
A pair of unseen eyes smiled at him from within the room.
There was not a living soul around. It was two in the night and it would be pure luck if anyone would come by this way at this hour. It was just matter of time. He would die a painful and slow death. Worse, he would witness these last moments. That too, all alone! In the spur of the moment he decided against seeing himself die. Somehow after five minutes he felt stronger. He turned around to see that his body had stopped breathing. It lay still now. “Am I dead?” He decided to probe further. He moved closer and to his surprise he saw that his body was unconscious and not dead yet.
“How am I feeling stronger? I am all the more closer to death. How can I feel stronger?” He wondered. It puzzled him.
“Strange. Isn’t it?” a voice asked.
He turned around to find a small boy staring at him. “Who are you?” he asked.
“Does that matter? What is important right now is for you to realize what is happening to you currently.” He smiled.
Somehow the look the young boy gave him made him nervous. It seemed that the boy had knowledge of things, which he himself didn’t. “What is happening to me? I am dying.” He replied.
“That is correct. You are dying. But if you are lying there unconscious on the road, whom am I talking to?” he asked.
“It must be my soul.” He couldn't think of any better answer at the moment.
“If it is your soul, how come you are getting stronger as your body is nearing death.”
“I don’t know.” He was really puzzled about this himself.
It was at this moment that he saw headlights. Within seconds the approaching vehicle was meters away from his body. He glanced at the boy, who smiled at him. The vehicle came to a screeching halt inches away from his body. The driver hurriedly got out of the car, examined his body and then stuffed him in the back seat. He then accelerated away.
“We have to follow your body” the boy said. Within a flash they were alongside the racing car.
Within an hour they were in an I.C.U. A team of doctors was operating upon his body. They were sitting around in a corner watching the scene.
He started feeling weak. It was then he remembered his conversation with the boy. He looked at the boy who smiled.
“Are you feeling weak?” the boy asked.
“Yes. What is all this? Please tell me.” He begged.
“You almost made it to the other side of the world.” The boy said.
He was feeling weaker by the minute. “Huh?” he couldn't understand.
“When you body dies in your world, you are born in the “Otherside”. Where death is the beginning of your afterlife. As your body nears death, you start feeling complete there. That is because for your wholesome existence there, it is necessary for you to die in your world. They wont accept you till you are whole. Dead! Right now you are in between these two worlds. Suspended in between! The reason you are feeling weak now is because these doctors are taking your body away from death.” The boy explained.
He was feeling really weak now. Almost dizzy!! “I don’t believe you. Who are you and what are you doing here then?”
“I think the doctors are doing a good job. You seem devoid of strength. Looks like they will save your body. You ask about me. I am…”
This is when he fainted.
When he woke up, he was on a hospital bed. Someone was saying something excitedly. Things were in a blur. After some time he could make out the faces of his son and wife. He was alive!! The last thing he could remember was he flying off the motorcycle and crashing onto the road.
After a month he was discharged. As he limped his way out of his room, he saw a young boy sleeping in the neighboring I.C.U. room.
“Poor child. He is in coma since three months.” The ward boy said.
He sighed and felt sorry for the boy. But somehow the boy’s face looked familiar. He shrugged off the thought and moved on.
A pair of unseen eyes smiled at him from within the room.
Friday, August 22, 2008
First time.
He was nervous. This was the first time he was taking part in an inter-class elocution competition. He was in the sixth standard. With reluctance he had given in to the teacher’s demand of representing his class for this competition. Now, with just five minutes away from going onstage, he hated his decision. To make matters worse, the girl representing the rival class was an established champion. She was winning this competition since last two years. With the kind of look she was giving him now, she looked determined to make it three in a row.
He closed his eyes. He could see himself practicing his speech in front of the mirror late at night. He had by hearted the five page speech, which he would have to read in front of the whole school. He had worked hard, no doubt about that! But at this final moment, his confidence had deserted him. It was now replaced by fear. He had never faced a crowd before in his life. Nor had he been on stage for a performance. He wished he could back out, but it was too late.
His name was announced. It was his turn.
With hesitant steps and a weak heart he trudged to the center of the stage. His opponent had just completed another flawless performance. She smiled at him when she met him on her way from the stage. Though he smiled back, there was no happiness in it. He was feeling wobbly. There was something strange going on his stomach, which he had never experienced before.
As he made his way to the microphone, he glanced at the audience. There were close to five hundred students, forty teachers and four judges staring at him. His brain froze, but his legs kept moving as if someone else was controlling them. He adjusted the microphone-stand height and bought time to adjust to the circumstances. Finally he started his speech…
At the end of five minutes, he was done. Strangely he didn’t remember even a single second of the five minutes now. But he had a feeling that he had done a decent job. He had not fumbled and given his best.
The applause was thunderous. Over one thousand hands clapped incessantly. Someone from the backbenchers whistled. The moment was magical. With an elated feeling he left the stage. He had discovered a new identity in himself today. Something that was always hidden had made its way out. There were congratulations waiting for him backstage. A lot of them, including his opponent.
Thirty minutes later the results were announced.
A new champion was born.
Me!
He closed his eyes. He could see himself practicing his speech in front of the mirror late at night. He had by hearted the five page speech, which he would have to read in front of the whole school. He had worked hard, no doubt about that! But at this final moment, his confidence had deserted him. It was now replaced by fear. He had never faced a crowd before in his life. Nor had he been on stage for a performance. He wished he could back out, but it was too late.
His name was announced. It was his turn.
With hesitant steps and a weak heart he trudged to the center of the stage. His opponent had just completed another flawless performance. She smiled at him when she met him on her way from the stage. Though he smiled back, there was no happiness in it. He was feeling wobbly. There was something strange going on his stomach, which he had never experienced before.
As he made his way to the microphone, he glanced at the audience. There were close to five hundred students, forty teachers and four judges staring at him. His brain froze, but his legs kept moving as if someone else was controlling them. He adjusted the microphone-stand height and bought time to adjust to the circumstances. Finally he started his speech…
At the end of five minutes, he was done. Strangely he didn’t remember even a single second of the five minutes now. But he had a feeling that he had done a decent job. He had not fumbled and given his best.
The applause was thunderous. Over one thousand hands clapped incessantly. Someone from the backbenchers whistled. The moment was magical. With an elated feeling he left the stage. He had discovered a new identity in himself today. Something that was always hidden had made its way out. There were congratulations waiting for him backstage. A lot of them, including his opponent.
Thirty minutes later the results were announced.
A new champion was born.
Me!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The real medal
This headline on rediff caught my eye today :
http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/aug/21bips.htm
I am sure Vijender is motivated to aim for gold after this announcement. If bronze could get him this imagine what a gold would do!
All the best Vijender!!
http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/aug/21bips.htm
I am sure Vijender is motivated to aim for gold after this announcement. If bronze could get him this imagine what a gold would do!
All the best Vijender!!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Indiana Jones
I happened to watch three movies of the Indiana Jones Series in the last three days. Though all the three movies are beyond reality and melodramatic, I liked them because of the special effects used (which make things look real). It is really disheartening to see that what the West could do in the 80s, we are still not able to do today. I wish to write about these in the order I saw them.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989).
This is the best of the three movies. It might have the advantage of surprise because before watching this movie I had no clue what Indiana Jones movies were all about. Nevertheless, the movie was racy, thrilling and a pleasure to watch. Though the plot was similar to the earlier movies of the series (which I realized later) the casting was more solid and the dialogues more powerful. Sean Connery was by far the best actor in the movie.
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).
This is the first Indiana Jones movie of the series. This movie too was fast paced, thrilling and fun to watch. The sets used in this movie were the best amongst the three movies. Harrison Ford carries the whole movie on his shoulders (like SRK in O.S.O). I would have definitely liked this movie more, if I had seen it before the Last Crusade.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984).
This movie is the worst of the three. But the high standards set by the other two movies maybe the reason of my judgment. The movie surprisingly is based in India with Amrish Puri and Roshan Seth as villains. This movie is proof that for the West, China is the face of Asia. The Indian food was shown consisting of snakes, bugs, monkey brains etc. The movie is fast at times and drags on occasions. The comic element was childish and not as good as the other movies. I particularly hated the voice and accent of the Chinese kid.
I am looking forward to watch the fourth part, which was released recently.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Another Indian book that I read
That thing called love – Tuhin.A.Sinha
As the title of the book suggests, it revolves around romance and the emotional turmoil involved in relationships. The plot revolves around the lives of three working men in Mumbai. In fact, the central story (Mayank, a young bachelor on the doorstep of marriage, falling in love with an older married woman, Revathi.) completely dominates the book and the other two stories (Vishal and Anil, who are Mayank’s friends and colleagues) are used just as fillers. The book has confused start but the author has made up for it in the second half. The good thing about the book is that it has depth. Overall I would rate it as 3/5. I would have given it 2.5, if not for the last 30 pages.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Coincidences
Rahul was still thinking as he boarded the flight. He located his seat, stuffed hand baggage into the overhead compartment and made himself cozy. He pulled out the newspaper and flipped the pages non-chalantly.
“Excuse me. This is my seat”
He reacted instinctively to the female voice. What he saw was a beautiful face. An Indian Face! In a flash he lit up.
“Hello. I am talking to you,” she repeated.
“Oh.. Yeah. Sorry. I mistook it for mine.” he said. He shifted to the neighboring seat and made way for the lady.
She sat down gracefully and buried her face into the Mills and Boon novel. He tried to concentrate on the newspaper, but failed to do so.
“I don’t know why they are delaying the take off” he whispered.
She lowered the novel and asked, “Are you talking to me?”
All he could see were her eyes. They were big, beautiful and sparkling. “Yes ma’am. You happen to be in the seat next to mine. So I have no choice but to talk to you.” He smiled.
“Oh. How unfortunate. I don’t speak to strangers.” The book was back to its original place.
“But I do. I am Rahul.” He said and extended his hand.
“Mister. Don’t you get the message? I don’t talk to strangers,” she said on impulse.
This was humiliating. He quickly returned back to the newspaper. In some time the flight took off and they were on their way. Some time passed by. He was deeply engrossed in an interesting article when he heard muffled sobs. She was crying.
“Excuse me. If I can ask, is there some problem?”
Silence.
“Hello. I am asking you ma’am. Is there something I can help you with?”
“Mind your own business. Stay out” she blurted out.
This was the last straw. He was only trying to help. He looked away and buried his face into the newspaper again. But he couldn’t concentrate.
“Sorry.”
He looked at her. She was looking at him. Her beautiful eyes were red now. “Are you talking to me?” he asked.
“Yes. Sorry for being rude.” She said innocently.
“No issues. It happens to all of us at some point of time or the other.” He smiled.
“I am Reema.” She said wiping of the tears with a paper napkin.
“Oh. I thought you don’t speak with strangers.” He said mockingly.
“I do. Sometimes.” She forced a smile.
“Oh. So you smile too. That’s great. By the way is there a problem?”
“No. Its nothing.” She said as tears welled up in her eyes again.
“Are you sure? If you a problem with me, I could get my seat exchanged… with that old Texan there.” He said pointing out to a large fat guy with a big moustache who was snoring loudly.
She laughed. She looked beautiful when she laughed.
The airhostess came by and asked, “Would like to have tea or coffee?”
“Coffee, black, without sugar” he replied.
“Tea for me.” She said.
Once the airhostess was gone, he resumed the conversation. “So, going to Delhi?”
“Yes. My parents stay there. I was here on a project. I work for TCS.”
“Tata Consultancy. That’s cool. One of my cousin’s works there. His name is Rohit. Do you know him?”
“TCS has over 70k employees. It’s difficult to know everyone. Besides there might be at least hundred Rohit’s there.”
“Oh. That’s right. But what’s the harm in asking. By the way, I am employed with Citigroup, UK. I have been here for four years now.”
“I was here only for six months” she said.
“OK. Did you like the place?”
“Yeah, kind of. But I like India better. India is India.”
“That’s true. Wherever we go, phir bhi dil hai Hindustani. We tend to come back to India.I also plan to go back to India and settle after four-five years.”
“Hmm. But this time I am not at all excited to go home.” She said sadly.
“Why? I am always excited to go home.” He could already imagine himself at home with his parents.
“My parents want me to get married. It seems they have arranged for me to see a guy. I don’t want to get married to someone I don’t know.”
“Hmm..Is that the reason you were sad some time back. You wont believe this, but I am going home to get married too.” he said.
“What? Are you serious?”
“Yes. In fact while boarding I was also contemplating what would be in store for me. Even I don’t appreciate arranged marriages. But I haven’t been lucky to fall in love. So there is no other option.” He said and shrugged.
“Same with me. But arranged marriages are more difficult for females. You are treated as a showpiece. Yuck.” She said making a face.
He laughed and said “But eventually you have to get married. There is no escaping that. I trust my parents and to an extent my instincts too.”
“Good luck to you. I am feeling sad for myself. I had never imagined myself getting into all this arranged marriage jhanjhat. I don’t know how I will cope with all this.” She said.
He liked this girl. She was lively and innocent. Whatever she spoke came straight from her heart. He was attracted to her innocence and straightforwardness. “Good luck to you too.”
“I cannot leave my parents and I cannot get married to a stranger. I am in a fix.” She said. There was sorrow in her voice.
“Ok, tell me what kind of a guy do you want to get married to?” he asked.
“Hmm..He should be my type. He should stand by me always, know how to make me laugh and love me. That’s all I want.”
“That is cool.” He was very much the kind of guy she wanted. He smiled.
“What kind of a girl do you want?” she asked.
“I want a girl who will gel with me and my family. She should be modern but still value traditions and customs.” he replied. He had never thought about this, but somehow it was always there hidden away somewhere in his mind. He had just found out what he wanted.
“Hmm..” she said thoughtfully.
He could clearly see that she was placing herself into the role he had just defined. “Did she like him? He liked her. Should I tell her? No ways. This is insanity. Four hours into a flight and I am in love. I have been waiting for love to happen for so many years. It happens to me when my parents run out of patience. Its crazy.”
“What are you thinking about?” she asked.
“Nothing.” He lied.
The announcement was suddenly made. They were to land in ten minutes. It was do or die. “But it sounds so foolish. Idiotic. What will she think?”
“Did you say anything?” she asked.
“Huh.. No. Finally we have reached.” He said.
“Yes. God help us.” She winked.
The flight finally landed. The other passengers started queuing for the exit. Rahul and Reema were still seated waiting for the crowd to thin out. Finally they made their way out.
“Bye Rahul. I had a great time with you in the flight.” She said and smiled.
“Bye. Me too. All the best” He had decided not to tell her.
“All the best to you too.” She said and disappeared into the crowd.
He saw his parents waving out to him. He waved back, rushed towards them and hugged them. After a tearful reunion his dad said, “Beta, you know what, the girl we want you to see is in the same flight as yours.”
His heart skipped a beat. His pulse raced. “Her name is Reema”, his mom added.
He was overjoyed. It couldn’t be true. It would be the greatest coincidence of his life.
“They are to meet us at the exit. Lets go.” His dad said already moving towards the gate.
“There they are.” His mom said. He looked towards her pointed finger. He could see an elderly couple and a girl. The girl’s back was towards him.
As she turned around, he closed his eyes and prayed.
He opened his eyes. It was not she. Though it was a coincidence, it wasn’t a good one for him.
With sad steps he trudged ahead.
Note: In this story, Rahul met the right Reema in his journey, but still ended up with the wrong one. Do you think he did the right thing? What would you have done in the same situation. Comments invited!
“Excuse me. This is my seat”
He reacted instinctively to the female voice. What he saw was a beautiful face. An Indian Face! In a flash he lit up.
“Hello. I am talking to you,” she repeated.
“Oh.. Yeah. Sorry. I mistook it for mine.” he said. He shifted to the neighboring seat and made way for the lady.
She sat down gracefully and buried her face into the Mills and Boon novel. He tried to concentrate on the newspaper, but failed to do so.
“I don’t know why they are delaying the take off” he whispered.
She lowered the novel and asked, “Are you talking to me?”
All he could see were her eyes. They were big, beautiful and sparkling. “Yes ma’am. You happen to be in the seat next to mine. So I have no choice but to talk to you.” He smiled.
“Oh. How unfortunate. I don’t speak to strangers.” The book was back to its original place.
“But I do. I am Rahul.” He said and extended his hand.
“Mister. Don’t you get the message? I don’t talk to strangers,” she said on impulse.
This was humiliating. He quickly returned back to the newspaper. In some time the flight took off and they were on their way. Some time passed by. He was deeply engrossed in an interesting article when he heard muffled sobs. She was crying.
“Excuse me. If I can ask, is there some problem?”
Silence.
“Hello. I am asking you ma’am. Is there something I can help you with?”
“Mind your own business. Stay out” she blurted out.
This was the last straw. He was only trying to help. He looked away and buried his face into the newspaper again. But he couldn’t concentrate.
“Sorry.”
He looked at her. She was looking at him. Her beautiful eyes were red now. “Are you talking to me?” he asked.
“Yes. Sorry for being rude.” She said innocently.
“No issues. It happens to all of us at some point of time or the other.” He smiled.
“I am Reema.” She said wiping of the tears with a paper napkin.
“Oh. I thought you don’t speak with strangers.” He said mockingly.
“I do. Sometimes.” She forced a smile.
“Oh. So you smile too. That’s great. By the way is there a problem?”
“No. Its nothing.” She said as tears welled up in her eyes again.
“Are you sure? If you a problem with me, I could get my seat exchanged… with that old Texan there.” He said pointing out to a large fat guy with a big moustache who was snoring loudly.
She laughed. She looked beautiful when she laughed.
The airhostess came by and asked, “Would like to have tea or coffee?”
“Coffee, black, without sugar” he replied.
“Tea for me.” She said.
Once the airhostess was gone, he resumed the conversation. “So, going to Delhi?”
“Yes. My parents stay there. I was here on a project. I work for TCS.”
“Tata Consultancy. That’s cool. One of my cousin’s works there. His name is Rohit. Do you know him?”
“TCS has over 70k employees. It’s difficult to know everyone. Besides there might be at least hundred Rohit’s there.”
“Oh. That’s right. But what’s the harm in asking. By the way, I am employed with Citigroup, UK. I have been here for four years now.”
“I was here only for six months” she said.
“OK. Did you like the place?”
“Yeah, kind of. But I like India better. India is India.”
“That’s true. Wherever we go, phir bhi dil hai Hindustani. We tend to come back to India.I also plan to go back to India and settle after four-five years.”
“Hmm. But this time I am not at all excited to go home.” She said sadly.
“Why? I am always excited to go home.” He could already imagine himself at home with his parents.
“My parents want me to get married. It seems they have arranged for me to see a guy. I don’t want to get married to someone I don’t know.”
“Hmm..Is that the reason you were sad some time back. You wont believe this, but I am going home to get married too.” he said.
“What? Are you serious?”
“Yes. In fact while boarding I was also contemplating what would be in store for me. Even I don’t appreciate arranged marriages. But I haven’t been lucky to fall in love. So there is no other option.” He said and shrugged.
“Same with me. But arranged marriages are more difficult for females. You are treated as a showpiece. Yuck.” She said making a face.
He laughed and said “But eventually you have to get married. There is no escaping that. I trust my parents and to an extent my instincts too.”
“Good luck to you. I am feeling sad for myself. I had never imagined myself getting into all this arranged marriage jhanjhat. I don’t know how I will cope with all this.” She said.
He liked this girl. She was lively and innocent. Whatever she spoke came straight from her heart. He was attracted to her innocence and straightforwardness. “Good luck to you too.”
“I cannot leave my parents and I cannot get married to a stranger. I am in a fix.” She said. There was sorrow in her voice.
“Ok, tell me what kind of a guy do you want to get married to?” he asked.
“Hmm..He should be my type. He should stand by me always, know how to make me laugh and love me. That’s all I want.”
“That is cool.” He was very much the kind of guy she wanted. He smiled.
“What kind of a girl do you want?” she asked.
“I want a girl who will gel with me and my family. She should be modern but still value traditions and customs.” he replied. He had never thought about this, but somehow it was always there hidden away somewhere in his mind. He had just found out what he wanted.
“Hmm..” she said thoughtfully.
He could clearly see that she was placing herself into the role he had just defined. “Did she like him? He liked her. Should I tell her? No ways. This is insanity. Four hours into a flight and I am in love. I have been waiting for love to happen for so many years. It happens to me when my parents run out of patience. Its crazy.”
“What are you thinking about?” she asked.
“Nothing.” He lied.
The announcement was suddenly made. They were to land in ten minutes. It was do or die. “But it sounds so foolish. Idiotic. What will she think?”
“Did you say anything?” she asked.
“Huh.. No. Finally we have reached.” He said.
“Yes. God help us.” She winked.
The flight finally landed. The other passengers started queuing for the exit. Rahul and Reema were still seated waiting for the crowd to thin out. Finally they made their way out.
“Bye Rahul. I had a great time with you in the flight.” She said and smiled.
“Bye. Me too. All the best” He had decided not to tell her.
“All the best to you too.” She said and disappeared into the crowd.
He saw his parents waving out to him. He waved back, rushed towards them and hugged them. After a tearful reunion his dad said, “Beta, you know what, the girl we want you to see is in the same flight as yours.”
His heart skipped a beat. His pulse raced. “Her name is Reema”, his mom added.
He was overjoyed. It couldn’t be true. It would be the greatest coincidence of his life.
“They are to meet us at the exit. Lets go.” His dad said already moving towards the gate.
“There they are.” His mom said. He looked towards her pointed finger. He could see an elderly couple and a girl. The girl’s back was towards him.
As she turned around, he closed his eyes and prayed.
He opened his eyes. It was not she. Though it was a coincidence, it wasn’t a good one for him.
With sad steps he trudged ahead.
Note: In this story, Rahul met the right Reema in his journey, but still ended up with the wrong one. Do you think he did the right thing? What would you have done in the same situation. Comments invited!
Best laid plans.
“We will have new light blue curtains for the master bedroom”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. And we need a flat screen TV for the hall. We can shift the old TV to the bedroom.”
“OK ma'am. As you say.”
“By the way, did you think about what I told you day before yesterday?”
“Hmmm…about what?”
“The car, dumbo! We will need a car.”
“Ohh.. Right! Would a santro do?”
“Nopes. Santro is very common. We should have someone better and bigger.”
“OK. Lets plan for a Hyundai Verna. I like it.”
“Yeah. That’s more like it. I will visit my parents twice-thrice a year.”
“Come one. That’s too much. Once is enough. I will miss you when you are gone.”
“Nope! Twice is compulsory. You can come with me if you want to.”
“OK. Lets see how it goes. I know that you won’t be able to leave me and go for some many days.”
“Don’t challenge me. Where would we hold the marriage ceremony?”
“Mumbai, obviously.”
“No ways! Chennai would be better; it would be closer to my home. All my relatives will find it comfortable.”
“What about my relatives?”
“Hmmm..Bangalore then. It will be better for both sides.”
“OK. Sounds good.”
“I would like to continue with my job after marriage.”
“I see no harm in that. But you have to take care of the house too.”
“You don’t have to say that. I will obviously do that. You handle the cooking, I will handle the rest.”
“What??”
“Just joking. I will take care of everything.”
“I forgot to tell you that you could work. But I will take care of your salary.”
“Please. In fact you have to give me your salary to handle the house.”
“Anything for you, ma’am.”
“Also you have to keep me happy.”
“That goes without saying.”
“No.. No… You don't get me. Happy means, you have to pamper me. Lots of gifts…”
“Hmm..Go on. I am listening.”
“..Lots of shopping.. Lots of dining out.. Diamonds…Clothes…Other apparels…. Jewellery..”
“And?”
“And you have to always love me. Only me.”
“That is a little difficult.”
“What? You have to give me in writing on a stamp paper.”
“That I will love you always?”
“Yes.”
“Then lets call it off. I cannot do that.”
“You idiot. I am not joking.”
“But I am. I will give you in writing with my blood. Anything for you, ma’am!”
“That makes me happy. I will also love you forever.”
“I wont ask that in writing. I believe you.”
“Obviously. You not only have to love me, you have to love my family too.”
“Now, that’s asking for a bit too much.”
“What? Don’t say anything to my family.”
“I am not. I will try and love them too. But you have to love my family too.”
“That I will because I will come and stay at your house.”
“Hmm.. What’s the connection?”
“You wont understand. ”
“OK. Anything else?”
“No. That’s it for now. If anything else comes to my mind, I will let you know.”
“Sure, my Queen.”
“Yes, my King. Bye.”
“Bye.”
“Will you have tea?” She asks. I am back to reality. I look at her face. It's not the same face. It’s my wife. It’s been five years since we are married. I look around. The curtains are light cream. There is no flat screen TV. We own a Verna though. I have learnt to love her and also her family. Though I don’t pamper her, I keep her happy.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. And we need a flat screen TV for the hall. We can shift the old TV to the bedroom.”
“OK ma'am. As you say.”
“By the way, did you think about what I told you day before yesterday?”
“Hmmm…about what?”
“The car, dumbo! We will need a car.”
“Ohh.. Right! Would a santro do?”
“Nopes. Santro is very common. We should have someone better and bigger.”
“OK. Lets plan for a Hyundai Verna. I like it.”
“Yeah. That’s more like it. I will visit my parents twice-thrice a year.”
“Come one. That’s too much. Once is enough. I will miss you when you are gone.”
“Nope! Twice is compulsory. You can come with me if you want to.”
“OK. Lets see how it goes. I know that you won’t be able to leave me and go for some many days.”
“Don’t challenge me. Where would we hold the marriage ceremony?”
“Mumbai, obviously.”
“No ways! Chennai would be better; it would be closer to my home. All my relatives will find it comfortable.”
“What about my relatives?”
“Hmmm..Bangalore then. It will be better for both sides.”
“OK. Sounds good.”
“I would like to continue with my job after marriage.”
“I see no harm in that. But you have to take care of the house too.”
“You don’t have to say that. I will obviously do that. You handle the cooking, I will handle the rest.”
“What??”
“Just joking. I will take care of everything.”
“I forgot to tell you that you could work. But I will take care of your salary.”
“Please. In fact you have to give me your salary to handle the house.”
“Anything for you, ma’am.”
“Also you have to keep me happy.”
“That goes without saying.”
“No.. No… You don't get me. Happy means, you have to pamper me. Lots of gifts…”
“Hmm..Go on. I am listening.”
“..Lots of shopping.. Lots of dining out.. Diamonds…Clothes…Other apparels…. Jewellery..”
“And?”
“And you have to always love me. Only me.”
“That is a little difficult.”
“What? You have to give me in writing on a stamp paper.”
“That I will love you always?”
“Yes.”
“Then lets call it off. I cannot do that.”
“You idiot. I am not joking.”
“But I am. I will give you in writing with my blood. Anything for you, ma’am!”
“That makes me happy. I will also love you forever.”
“I wont ask that in writing. I believe you.”
“Obviously. You not only have to love me, you have to love my family too.”
“Now, that’s asking for a bit too much.”
“What? Don’t say anything to my family.”
“I am not. I will try and love them too. But you have to love my family too.”
“That I will because I will come and stay at your house.”
“Hmm.. What’s the connection?”
“You wont understand. ”
“OK. Anything else?”
“No. That’s it for now. If anything else comes to my mind, I will let you know.”
“Sure, my Queen.”
“Yes, my King. Bye.”
“Bye.”
“Will you have tea?” She asks. I am back to reality. I look at her face. It's not the same face. It’s my wife. It’s been five years since we are married. I look around. The curtains are light cream. There is no flat screen TV. We own a Verna though. I have learnt to love her and also her family. Though I don’t pamper her, I keep her happy.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Freedom
Today India turns sixty-one. For an individual this signifies ripe old age, but for a nation this signifies youth. Yes, we are still young and budding.
Looking back on the last sixty-one years of democracy, we have lots of golden memories to cherish. I will not recount them all, nor will I recount some of the mistakes that were made. It is human to err, but the important thing is to learn from our mistakes.
It is time now to stop enjoying our freedom and start working for a better tomorrow. Today we have an environment conducive to growth. The world is looking up to Asia to perform. We need to grab the opportunity and ascend (as our neighbor China). Sadly our competition is not with anyone else but ourselves. Yeah, we need to evolve and adapt to the change. Only then we would be able to accept it and use it in our favor. This is easy to write but difficult to execute. But it’s not impossible. All great journeys start with a single step forward. Step by step, we have to tread this arduous path.
Every individual needs to shoulder this responsibility. One of the wrong judgments made by an individual is to leave the entire administration in the hands of the politicians. This is wrong. Every one of us has some duty to perform. At an individual level we can contribute by exercising our voting rights, saying no to corruption, spreading education (if one can), trying to eradicate religious differences, etc. The list is long. But if every individual spends one hour per week for a good cause, we have over a thousand billion hours dedicated to this cause every week.
Most of us ponder, “What difference can one person make?” This is a right question to be asked. But believe me, everyone can make a difference. To bring about a change is not easy. Also, the changes will be seen only after many years. Most of us would not be alive by then. But the next generations would definitely bear the fruit. That is what our forefathers did for us. They fought for the freedom, which we enjoy today.
Let us step out from our narrow worlds of “me and my family”. Lets start treating India as our family. Only then one can proudly celebrate a “Happy Independence Day”.
Please take the online poll if you feel like.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Boredom at office
10:00 a.m.
Yawnnn….hmmm….zzzzzzzzzzz…..zzzzzzzzzzz…..zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz…..hmmm…yawnn….stretchhhhhh…rub eyes…check time…
10:45 a.m.
Hmm…zzzzzzzzzzz…..zzzzzzzzzzz…..zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz….. zzzzzzzzzzz…check time….
11:00 a.m.
Yippie!!….Tea time!!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Rain and India
Just two weeks back, we were suffering from lack of rains (http://infinitumnegativity.blogspot.com/2008/07/day-onpower-off.html).
Now that it has rained, we have a new problem. This is the road that leads to my office. The first pic shows the road on a normal day. The second was taken today. We now take an alternate road which takes an extra hour to reach office.
God bless India!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Another one bites the dust.
I came to know day before yesterday that one of my close friends is getting engaged this week. It was kind of expected, because he has been looking for a match for quite some time now. Finally he has found someone whom he thinks he can spend his life with. Congratulations to him!
For me it’s kind of a loss of another bachelor friend. I know that we will be friends forever but bachelor friendship is the best friendship. I shall cherish the fun days we have spent together. I will also try and visit him once before his marriage.
Also I can feel the noose tightening around my neck. Will I fall prey to arranged marriage too?
For me it’s kind of a loss of another bachelor friend. I know that we will be friends forever but bachelor friendship is the best friendship. I shall cherish the fun days we have spent together. I will also try and visit him once before his marriage.
Also I can feel the noose tightening around my neck. Will I fall prey to arranged marriage too?
Goa, beer and the interview.
It’s raining hard outside. It’s a gloomy afternoon. The silver skoda octavia is crawling at a snails pace, since we aren’t decided on where to go. The windows are up and there is a ton of smoke inside the car. The music inside is deafening too. Every one of us has beer bottles open. We have been drinking since morning. Since Sunday morning and today is Tuesday. After all that’s what people do when they come to Goa.
I had an interview scheduled on Monday morning (yesterday) regarding which I had asked my friend G to remind me about. I had told this to him when we were on the way to Goa and already couple of Vodka shots down. He said “Oki mate.” His tone was such that I felt that I need not worry about the interview anymore. He sounded so confident of remembering it that I conveniently forgot about it. Come Monday morning G was enjoying the beach and the cold beer. He was lying next to me when my phone rang. When I was done answering the call, he asked me innocently “Kaun tha?” Imagine that! I had managed to convince the guy on the phone to postpone the interview to afternoon. Not only did I abuse G for not remembering the interview time, I committed the mistake of asking him to remind about the one scheduled for the afternoon. “Oki mate” was his reply again.
After a lazy lunch at Britto’s and couple of more beers, we decide to drive around and stop wherever we feel like. That is what beer and good food does to you. You become lazy. We are too lazy to decide anything. So we decide to play it smart and drive around. In some time it starts raining, so we have to roll up the windows. All of us are drunk and senseless banter is in full flow. I am sandwiched in between two guys on the rear seat. One of them wants to dance inside the car. The other guy is overweight and every time he laughs, the suspensions of the car are tested. So is my patience! I am trying hard to enjoy the rock music, my beer (sixth or seventh since morning) and my cigarette. G is driving the car. This is when the phone rings. I realize suddenly that it’s the interview call and I glare at him. He looks at me apologetically. I then ask him to reduce the volume and demand for silence in the car. There’s a hush in the car and I loudly proclaim that it’s an interview call and I am going to take the interview in the car. There are some cheers which die off when I raise my hand. This is what happens next:
Me: Hello.
Interviewer: Hi, I am calling from so n so..blah..blahh… are you ready for the interview?
Me: Yeah. I just had my lunch and fortunately I don’t have my three o clock meeting in office today. (I grin and wink at the others in the car.)
Interviewer: Nice. Then let’s start. Could you explain to me about what you are working on in your current company?
The track changes and we have Joe Satriani now. Instinctively one of the guys reaches out and ups the volume. He realizes his folly and turns down the volume when four hands reach out and smack him on the head. He smiles sheepishly and asks for forgiveness.
Me: I am working as…blah..blah….umm…blahh..
Interviewer: Ok, so what you are working on is related to access side or core side?
Me: Core side.
Interviewer: Ok, but the features you are working on sound from the access side. Anyways, do you know about OSI?
Me: Huh? (OSI is what I studied in college. My work involves working on a different stack now. I couldn't believe she was asking me about something she knew i havent worked on.) No ma’am I have worked on a different stack. I have studied OSI in college though.
There are some conking sounds are new beer bottles are opened and old ones are disposed off. Some cheering too! Come on guy, gimme a break, I think.
Interviewer: I will ask you about OSI then. What is OSI? Tell me in brief.. Blah..blahhh.
Me: (Why does she have to ask me about OSI though I have never worked on it. Anyways what’s the harm is replying.) OSI is….blah..blahh..
I hear some laughter. I turn around and see that people are suppressing their laughter. It’s a weird situation to be in. They are laughing on me. I want to kill them.
Interviewer: Ok, can you tell me in brief about CDMA?
Me: CDMA is ….blah….blaahhh….
Interviewer: Ok, can you tell me in brief about SS7?
Me: SS7 is blahh..blahhh..
I am feeling irritated by the muffled laughter. I elbow the guy to my right and the one to my left. My left hand bounces back as if it had hit a pillow (the fat guy J). They are having a good time laughing on me.
Interviewer: Ok..blaah..blahh…
Me: Ok..blahh..blaah…
………Let me skip some of the technical blah blah.. And come to the last part of the interview. I am really irritated by this time. One of the guys in the car has almost gone hysterical. They are all bored of the interview and the song volume is not so low. They are chit chatting around me as if nothing of importance is happening.
Interviewer: Ok. Thanks a lot. If you don’t mind ….from my side..there are a few suggestions.. you need to brush up your knowledge on CDMA… and … SS7.
Now…this pisses me off. I am drunk and I am irritated. Doubting about my technical capabilities now isn’t exactly the greatest thing I need. I am angry..Grrr…I shout…
Me: Excuse me. I think I have pretty good knowledge about CDMA and SS7. I think you have not asked the correct questions. There are 1000 page books on each of these protocols. How can I explain the protocols to u in brief? You ask specific questions and I ll give u specific answers. I have in depth knowledge of these. I am responsible of taking CDMA and SS7 sessions for the new joiners in my company.
There is silence. On the phone! And in the car! No one speaks. My friends cannot believe that I am shouting at the interviewer. One of them passes me a lighted cigarette which I gladly accept. I am not bothered by the consequences. I am plain angry. On the interviewer!
Interviewer: I am sorry….maybe you are right.. Maybe I didn’t ask the correct specific questions..fine..
Someone in the car giggles. The tension breaks in the car and new beers bottles are opened. I am still angry.
Me: Ok. No issues.
Interviewer: Ok, So our HR will get back to you if you are selected for the next round. Thank you.
Me: Thank you.
I hang up, light a cigarette and open a new beer for myself. I am sweating and still angry. Everyone in the car is laughing and imitating me. They are making me realize what a blunder I have done. I am feeling sick. I know I am not going to make it through. But I don’t care. It doesn’t bother me. I know I am good and that is what counts. To hell with the interview and to hell with my friends. They are mocking me now. Hmm…too bad!!
Next day morning I get a call. I pick it up and it’s the HR.
“Sir, you have been selected for the second round. Could we schedule it tomorrow?”
“Sure.” I smile and my friends cannot believe it.
I had an interview scheduled on Monday morning (yesterday) regarding which I had asked my friend G to remind me about. I had told this to him when we were on the way to Goa and already couple of Vodka shots down. He said “Oki mate.” His tone was such that I felt that I need not worry about the interview anymore. He sounded so confident of remembering it that I conveniently forgot about it. Come Monday morning G was enjoying the beach and the cold beer. He was lying next to me when my phone rang. When I was done answering the call, he asked me innocently “Kaun tha?” Imagine that! I had managed to convince the guy on the phone to postpone the interview to afternoon. Not only did I abuse G for not remembering the interview time, I committed the mistake of asking him to remind about the one scheduled for the afternoon. “Oki mate” was his reply again.
After a lazy lunch at Britto’s and couple of more beers, we decide to drive around and stop wherever we feel like. That is what beer and good food does to you. You become lazy. We are too lazy to decide anything. So we decide to play it smart and drive around. In some time it starts raining, so we have to roll up the windows. All of us are drunk and senseless banter is in full flow. I am sandwiched in between two guys on the rear seat. One of them wants to dance inside the car. The other guy is overweight and every time he laughs, the suspensions of the car are tested. So is my patience! I am trying hard to enjoy the rock music, my beer (sixth or seventh since morning) and my cigarette. G is driving the car. This is when the phone rings. I realize suddenly that it’s the interview call and I glare at him. He looks at me apologetically. I then ask him to reduce the volume and demand for silence in the car. There’s a hush in the car and I loudly proclaim that it’s an interview call and I am going to take the interview in the car. There are some cheers which die off when I raise my hand. This is what happens next:
Me: Hello.
Interviewer: Hi, I am calling from so n so..blah..blahh… are you ready for the interview?
Me: Yeah. I just had my lunch and fortunately I don’t have my three o clock meeting in office today. (I grin and wink at the others in the car.)
Interviewer: Nice. Then let’s start. Could you explain to me about what you are working on in your current company?
The track changes and we have Joe Satriani now. Instinctively one of the guys reaches out and ups the volume. He realizes his folly and turns down the volume when four hands reach out and smack him on the head. He smiles sheepishly and asks for forgiveness.
Me: I am working as…blah..blah….umm…blahh..
Interviewer: Ok, so what you are working on is related to access side or core side?
Me: Core side.
Interviewer: Ok, but the features you are working on sound from the access side. Anyways, do you know about OSI?
Me: Huh? (OSI is what I studied in college. My work involves working on a different stack now. I couldn't believe she was asking me about something she knew i havent worked on.) No ma’am I have worked on a different stack. I have studied OSI in college though.
There are some conking sounds are new beer bottles are opened and old ones are disposed off. Some cheering too! Come on guy, gimme a break, I think.
Interviewer: I will ask you about OSI then. What is OSI? Tell me in brief.. Blah..blahhh.
Me: (Why does she have to ask me about OSI though I have never worked on it. Anyways what’s the harm is replying.) OSI is….blah..blahh..
I hear some laughter. I turn around and see that people are suppressing their laughter. It’s a weird situation to be in. They are laughing on me. I want to kill them.
Interviewer: Ok, can you tell me in brief about CDMA?
Me: CDMA is ….blah….blaahhh….
Interviewer: Ok, can you tell me in brief about SS7?
Me: SS7 is blahh..blahhh..
I am feeling irritated by the muffled laughter. I elbow the guy to my right and the one to my left. My left hand bounces back as if it had hit a pillow (the fat guy J). They are having a good time laughing on me.
Interviewer: Ok..blaah..blahh…
Me: Ok..blahh..blaah…
………Let me skip some of the technical blah blah.. And come to the last part of the interview. I am really irritated by this time. One of the guys in the car has almost gone hysterical. They are all bored of the interview and the song volume is not so low. They are chit chatting around me as if nothing of importance is happening.
Interviewer: Ok. Thanks a lot. If you don’t mind ….from my side..there are a few suggestions.. you need to brush up your knowledge on CDMA… and … SS7.
Now…this pisses me off. I am drunk and I am irritated. Doubting about my technical capabilities now isn’t exactly the greatest thing I need. I am angry..Grrr…I shout…
Me: Excuse me. I think I have pretty good knowledge about CDMA and SS7. I think you have not asked the correct questions. There are 1000 page books on each of these protocols. How can I explain the protocols to u in brief? You ask specific questions and I ll give u specific answers. I have in depth knowledge of these. I am responsible of taking CDMA and SS7 sessions for the new joiners in my company.
There is silence. On the phone! And in the car! No one speaks. My friends cannot believe that I am shouting at the interviewer. One of them passes me a lighted cigarette which I gladly accept. I am not bothered by the consequences. I am plain angry. On the interviewer!
Interviewer: I am sorry….maybe you are right.. Maybe I didn’t ask the correct specific questions..fine..
Someone in the car giggles. The tension breaks in the car and new beers bottles are opened. I am still angry.
Me: Ok. No issues.
Interviewer: Ok, So our HR will get back to you if you are selected for the next round. Thank you.
Me: Thank you.
I hang up, light a cigarette and open a new beer for myself. I am sweating and still angry. Everyone in the car is laughing and imitating me. They are making me realize what a blunder I have done. I am feeling sick. I know I am not going to make it through. But I don’t care. It doesn’t bother me. I know I am good and that is what counts. To hell with the interview and to hell with my friends. They are mocking me now. Hmm…too bad!!
Next day morning I get a call. I pick it up and it’s the HR.
“Sir, you have been selected for the second round. Could we schedule it tomorrow?”
“Sure.” I smile and my friends cannot believe it.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Wishes
It is by far the worst day of my life (amongst the important days). I am late for the interview. It is raining heavily. I don’t have an umbrella, because my room partner was kind enough to take mine. That is another advantage of leaving early, earlier than your room partner. The breakfast I had was bad, because the maid was not in a good mood. Burnt toast and a runny omelet, yuck!! I couldn’t find my socks, so I am wearing a blue one on my left foot and black one on my right. I wish it goes unnoticed. I didnt have time to get my shoes polished. I wish it goes unnoticed too. The shirt I am wearing has a stain, which is not too noticeable. Its just a few drops of tea that I spilt, while reading the morning newspaper. I wish again that it goes unnoticed too.
Coming back to the rain, it’s heavier now. As if God knows that I am stepping out of the house. I have to make a dash for the bus stop. Ok..one ..two..three. I start off, like P.T.Usha (sorry, can’t remember any Indian male sprinter). But I am Indian after all. We can’t defeat sprinters from other nations, and this is rain. I am fully wet by the time I am halfway. I give up and stop running. What the hell. Maaf. I light my cigarette which is half wet. The feeling of the smoke going inside my lungs is wonderful in the rain. The cigarette is all wet by the time I take my third drag. All my certificates are safe in the polythene bag. Suddenly a car comes out of no where and splashes mud all over me. Groan!! I decide to shout some abuse at the car which is already speeding away, but then decide against it. I reach the bus stop and reach into my pocket for my handkerchief. Okay, I have forgotten my handkerchief too. Beautiful!
I kind of know that the bus is going to be late. It’s a bad day after all. So I smartly take a rick. As I am getting into it, I see the bus arriving. Smooth…I tear of a few pages from my notepad and wipe of the mud from my clothes. I also use some pages to dry myself. Now I have got small irritating pieces of paper sticking to my face and arms. I crib something about being late and ask the rick driver to quicken. He is an old man, but the rick is older. Our speed is barely30 kmph, and the wheezing sound of the rick is louder than that of an F1 car. I am being tossed and turned on every bump, but the old man is glued to his seat. Practice makes a man perfect. Incredibly, He doesn’t even move an inch. Somehow I feel that the intensity of the rain has reduced. I open a center fresh. The liquid core has leaked and the gum is tasteless without it. I lick the wrapper with the liquid on it and it feels good.
Finally we reach. I am late by twenty minutes. I pay the rick driver, who doesn’t have change. I don’t have time to fight. He gets twenty instead of twelve. It has stopped raining now. I look at my feet and smile. The soggy socks look alike now. The black unpolished shoes are stained with mud. I look at my shirt and smile. The tea stains are lost in between the patches of mud.
Always think before you wish!
p.s.: I got the job.
Coming back to the rain, it’s heavier now. As if God knows that I am stepping out of the house. I have to make a dash for the bus stop. Ok..one ..two..three. I start off, like P.T.Usha (sorry, can’t remember any Indian male sprinter). But I am Indian after all. We can’t defeat sprinters from other nations, and this is rain. I am fully wet by the time I am halfway. I give up and stop running. What the hell. Maaf. I light my cigarette which is half wet. The feeling of the smoke going inside my lungs is wonderful in the rain. The cigarette is all wet by the time I take my third drag. All my certificates are safe in the polythene bag. Suddenly a car comes out of no where and splashes mud all over me. Groan!! I decide to shout some abuse at the car which is already speeding away, but then decide against it. I reach the bus stop and reach into my pocket for my handkerchief. Okay, I have forgotten my handkerchief too. Beautiful!
I kind of know that the bus is going to be late. It’s a bad day after all. So I smartly take a rick. As I am getting into it, I see the bus arriving. Smooth…I tear of a few pages from my notepad and wipe of the mud from my clothes. I also use some pages to dry myself. Now I have got small irritating pieces of paper sticking to my face and arms. I crib something about being late and ask the rick driver to quicken. He is an old man, but the rick is older. Our speed is barely30 kmph, and the wheezing sound of the rick is louder than that of an F1 car. I am being tossed and turned on every bump, but the old man is glued to his seat. Practice makes a man perfect. Incredibly, He doesn’t even move an inch. Somehow I feel that the intensity of the rain has reduced. I open a center fresh. The liquid core has leaked and the gum is tasteless without it. I lick the wrapper with the liquid on it and it feels good.
Finally we reach. I am late by twenty minutes. I pay the rick driver, who doesn’t have change. I don’t have time to fight. He gets twenty instead of twelve. It has stopped raining now. I look at my feet and smile. The soggy socks look alike now. The black unpolished shoes are stained with mud. I look at my shirt and smile. The tea stains are lost in between the patches of mud.
Always think before you wish!
p.s.: I got the job.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Three Indian books I read.
I have read three fiction books by Indian authors in the last two months. I call them “travel books”. They are a light read and being an Indian you can relate to them.
Anything for you Ma’am: Tushar Raheja
Like Chetan Bhagat, Tushar Raheja is an ex IITian. The book is about a Delhi based guy who falls in love with his sister’s friend who is based in Chennai. The book is a humorous saga of him overcoming every difficulty in his journey to Chennai. The difficulties being his professor, his family, Indian railways, etc. The book is brilliantly written. Kudos to Tushar!
The Three Mistakes of my life: Chetan Bhagat.
The book is about three friends staying in Gujarat. The book is how cricket, love and religion affect their lives. The storyline chosen is appealing to Indians. Like his previous books, the narration is superb. I would rate this better than “5 point someone”. But “one night @ the call centre” remains his best till date.
Trust me: Rajashree
The book is based upon a girl who comes to Mumbai from Amravati to become a set designer after convincing her widowed mother and saving from her scholarship. After a heart break, an abortion, a bad boss and resignation she decides to take up a new job as a small time continuity expert for a Bollywood film. This is where she meets a struggling actor who falls in love with her. The book discusses relationships and has emotions, humour and cynicism nicely spread across the story. It’s a good book to read.
Anything for you Ma’am: Tushar Raheja
Like Chetan Bhagat, Tushar Raheja is an ex IITian. The book is about a Delhi based guy who falls in love with his sister’s friend who is based in Chennai. The book is a humorous saga of him overcoming every difficulty in his journey to Chennai. The difficulties being his professor, his family, Indian railways, etc. The book is brilliantly written. Kudos to Tushar!
The Three Mistakes of my life: Chetan Bhagat.
The book is about three friends staying in Gujarat. The book is how cricket, love and religion affect their lives. The storyline chosen is appealing to Indians. Like his previous books, the narration is superb. I would rate this better than “5 point someone”. But “one night @ the call centre” remains his best till date.
Trust me: Rajashree
The book is based upon a girl who comes to Mumbai from Amravati to become a set designer after convincing her widowed mother and saving from her scholarship. After a heart break, an abortion, a bad boss and resignation she decides to take up a new job as a small time continuity expert for a Bollywood film. This is where she meets a struggling actor who falls in love with her. The book discusses relationships and has emotions, humour and cynicism nicely spread across the story. It’s a good book to read.
Please recommend some good fiction books by Indian authors, if you happen to know of any.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Nasty India TV
I have seen some shitty news on Indian News Channels before (http://www.indianpad.com/story/292996) . This doesn’t come as a surprise. But this definitely takes the cake.
Jai India TV!!
Anger Management
Try following some of these to control your anger:
1. Sleep. Especially when at work.
2. Count up to 10. If that doesn’t work, count up to 100. If that doesn’t work too, try spelling out the numbers as you count.
3. Shit, if you feel like. Try, if you don’t feel like.
4. Abuse someone who won’t mind it. If not sure whether he/she will mind being abused, do it in his/her absence.
5. Eat more than usual. So that you can either sleep or shit.
6. Write. Seriously, try and write. As I am doing write now.
7. Fart, in front of the person whom you are angry on. Make sure he/she hears it.
8. Watch porn. But only if you are above 18.
9. Listen to music. Good slow soft music.
10. Plan for you next holiday.
If you got better ideas let me know. Because I am really angry right now!
1. Sleep. Especially when at work.
2. Count up to 10. If that doesn’t work, count up to 100. If that doesn’t work too, try spelling out the numbers as you count.
3. Shit, if you feel like. Try, if you don’t feel like.
4. Abuse someone who won’t mind it. If not sure whether he/she will mind being abused, do it in his/her absence.
5. Eat more than usual. So that you can either sleep or shit.
6. Write. Seriously, try and write. As I am doing write now.
7. Fart, in front of the person whom you are angry on. Make sure he/she hears it.
8. Watch porn. But only if you are above 18.
9. Listen to music. Good slow soft music.
10. Plan for you next holiday.
If you got better ideas let me know. Because I am really angry right now!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Passwords
WARNING: If you are not good at mathematics, proceed at your own risk.
How many passwords do I have to manage? One for gmail. One for yahoo mail. One for rediffmail. One for hotmail. One for my internet connection. Two for every bank account (I have three accounts). One for skype. One for unix. One for office windows. One for home windows. One for the laptop. One for my cell phone. One for the sim card. One for the demat account. One for every debit/credit card of mine (I have four in all).And many more.. which I cant recollect now.
If remembering them is not enough, some of them expire. So I have to change some of them periodically. Every month for the demat account. Every month for the bank accounts. Every month for office windows. Every two months for unix.
And if changing them is not enough, there are a few which do not accept the passwords which have been used for the last three times.
So my passwords fall into two groups:
1. The ones I am forced to change periodically (banks, demat, office windows, unix, )
2. The ones I don’t change. (all mails, phone, sim card, internet, home windows, laptop, skype, credit/debit cards)
As of now I have to remember 23 passwords. (4 for the cards, 4 for the mails, 6 for the bank account and 1 each for the remaining lot.)
The Ones I am forced to change periodically further all into two sub groups.
2a. The ones which allow the last “n” previously used passwords. (office windows, unix
2b. The ones which do allow the last “n” previously used passwords. (bank accounts, demat accounts)
Instead of using random passwords, I have a group of 2 passwords (which I alternate) for the items falling under point 1 above. So I have a total of 4 passwords for these.
For point 2, I am less fortunate and I have a group of 4 passwords to remember (which I use cyclically). This is because the last three used passwords are not allowed to be reused. So I end up having 28 passwords for these (4(four passwords for the demat account) + 4*3*2 (four passwords for the three bank accounts which have two passwords each)). The figure comes out to 28.
Summing everything up I have 44 passwords (23+28-7). For those who know mathematics, i have the equations in place. Others were already warned.
If this was not enough, I have a list of secret questions, in case if I happen to forget any of the passwords. Since the usage of the secret questions is rare, I prefer keeping questions which will have constant answers throughout my life. Something like “What is your name?” rather than “What is your girl friend’s name?” or “What is you favorite drink?” This is because I don’t want to risk locking my account by retrying “Deepa” as the current secret answer (While the actual answer was someone else from the past).
So all in all I have to manage 44 passwords and god knows how many secret questions.
And they say using Internet is easy.
How many passwords do I have to manage? One for gmail. One for yahoo mail. One for rediffmail. One for hotmail. One for my internet connection. Two for every bank account (I have three accounts). One for skype. One for unix. One for office windows. One for home windows. One for the laptop. One for my cell phone. One for the sim card. One for the demat account. One for every debit/credit card of mine (I have four in all).And many more.. which I cant recollect now.
If remembering them is not enough, some of them expire. So I have to change some of them periodically. Every month for the demat account. Every month for the bank accounts. Every month for office windows. Every two months for unix.
And if changing them is not enough, there are a few which do not accept the passwords which have been used for the last three times.
So my passwords fall into two groups:
1. The ones I am forced to change periodically (banks, demat, office windows, unix, )
2. The ones I don’t change. (all mails, phone, sim card, internet, home windows, laptop, skype, credit/debit cards)
As of now I have to remember 23 passwords. (4 for the cards, 4 for the mails, 6 for the bank account and 1 each for the remaining lot.)
The Ones I am forced to change periodically further all into two sub groups.
2a. The ones which allow the last “n” previously used passwords. (office windows, unix
2b. The ones which do allow the last “n” previously used passwords. (bank accounts, demat accounts)
Instead of using random passwords, I have a group of 2 passwords (which I alternate) for the items falling under point 1 above. So I have a total of 4 passwords for these.
For point 2, I am less fortunate and I have a group of 4 passwords to remember (which I use cyclically). This is because the last three used passwords are not allowed to be reused. So I end up having 28 passwords for these (4(four passwords for the demat account) + 4*3*2 (four passwords for the three bank accounts which have two passwords each)). The figure comes out to 28.
Summing everything up I have 44 passwords (23+28-7). For those who know mathematics, i have the equations in place. Others were already warned.
If this was not enough, I have a list of secret questions, in case if I happen to forget any of the passwords. Since the usage of the secret questions is rare, I prefer keeping questions which will have constant answers throughout my life. Something like “What is your name?” rather than “What is your girl friend’s name?” or “What is you favorite drink?” This is because I don’t want to risk locking my account by retrying “Deepa” as the current secret answer (While the actual answer was someone else from the past).
So all in all I have to manage 44 passwords and god knows how many secret questions.
And they say using Internet is easy.
Nonsense
I am staring into emptiness. Zero! I can see, but can’t decipher. My brain is hibernating. Power cut! My hands are moving, my fingers typing. Bullshit! I know what I am writing now is bullshit, but why does everything in the world need to make sense. Why do I have to be sensible always? Is my brain resting? How can I still feel then? Feel the emptiness. Is it possible?
I can feel the rumble in my stomach because of the fucked up food served here. Why do I have to eat this shit? What’s wrong with the fucking air conditioner? It must be him. He must have switched it off. Oh God! What the fuck am I doing here? I hate this place. I hate my job. I hate myself for not being able to do anything about it. I hate everyone around me.
Why now? I don’t feel like working now. Why should I work now? Am I your slave? No, I am not. I won’t work. I care a shit about the work. Really! Does that surprise you? Well it shouldn’t. No one around me cares for the work. I learnt it from them. What if they don’t say it aloud? Everyone here hates work. So why should I not hate it?
Need an axe. Or some gas would do too. Wouldn’t it be fun to see this burn? Up in smoke! Wow… Up in smoke! Gone!! Empty!! Zero!! Would you switch on that air conditioner? Sir, I am talking to you. Yes Sir, you. Bastard, turn on the air conditioner. Ahh.. It feels better now. Thank you Sir. The smoke is gone. It’s better now.
I want to fly. Fly away. To somewhere where I don’t exist. Hmm.. How can I not exist? Oh yeah. My brain needs sleep. It needs deep sleep. An when it sleeps, I wont exist. Is that possible? Well, I have only read about all this, never seen it. Whom do I ask? Anyone out here who can help me? I want peace. Peace of mind! Rest. Sleep. Deep sleep.
God can answer this. Is there God? I mean, is he for real? If he is, I want to meet him. I want to ask him. Where is the power switch? I want to turn it off. Tell me. Would he tell me? I guess he won’t. He is sensible. I am not.
How do I pull the plug?
I can feel the rumble in my stomach because of the fucked up food served here. Why do I have to eat this shit? What’s wrong with the fucking air conditioner? It must be him. He must have switched it off. Oh God! What the fuck am I doing here? I hate this place. I hate my job. I hate myself for not being able to do anything about it. I hate everyone around me.
Why now? I don’t feel like working now. Why should I work now? Am I your slave? No, I am not. I won’t work. I care a shit about the work. Really! Does that surprise you? Well it shouldn’t. No one around me cares for the work. I learnt it from them. What if they don’t say it aloud? Everyone here hates work. So why should I not hate it?
Need an axe. Or some gas would do too. Wouldn’t it be fun to see this burn? Up in smoke! Wow… Up in smoke! Gone!! Empty!! Zero!! Would you switch on that air conditioner? Sir, I am talking to you. Yes Sir, you. Bastard, turn on the air conditioner. Ahh.. It feels better now. Thank you Sir. The smoke is gone. It’s better now.
I want to fly. Fly away. To somewhere where I don’t exist. Hmm.. How can I not exist? Oh yeah. My brain needs sleep. It needs deep sleep. An when it sleeps, I wont exist. Is that possible? Well, I have only read about all this, never seen it. Whom do I ask? Anyone out here who can help me? I want peace. Peace of mind! Rest. Sleep. Deep sleep.
God can answer this. Is there God? I mean, is he for real? If he is, I want to meet him. I want to ask him. Where is the power switch? I want to turn it off. Tell me. Would he tell me? I guess he won’t. He is sensible. I am not.
How do I pull the plug?
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Everything - LifeHouse
Thanks to a friend for sending me this song. Awesome song, awesome lyrics.
Everything - LifeHouse:
Find Me Here
Speak To Me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
You are the light
That's leading me
To the place where I find peace again.
You are the strength that keeps me walking.
You are the hope that keeps me trusting.
You are the light to my soul.
You are my purpose...you're everything.
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
You calm the storms, and you give me rest.
You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall.
You steal my heart, and you take my breath away.
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Cause you're all I want, You're all I need
You're everything, everything
You're all I want you're all I need
You're everything, everything.
You're all I want you're all I need.
You're everything, everything
You're all I want you're all I need, you're everything, everything.
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Everything - LifeHouse:
Find Me Here
Speak To Me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
You are the light
That's leading me
To the place where I find peace again.
You are the strength that keeps me walking.
You are the hope that keeps me trusting.
You are the light to my soul.
You are my purpose...you're everything.
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
You calm the storms, and you give me rest.
You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall.
You steal my heart, and you take my breath away.
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Cause you're all I want, You're all I need
You're everything, everything
You're all I want you're all I need
You're everything, everything.
You're all I want you're all I need.
You're everything, everything
You're all I want you're all I need, you're everything, everything.
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Drillbit Taylor
Drillbit Taylor
The movie is about three school kids hiring a low budget bodyguard (Owen Wilson) to protect from a school bully. The low budget bodyguard is actually a good for nothing tramp who tries to take the kids for a ride. Initially he milks the kids for money but in the course of the movie starts liking them and actually protecting them.
The movie is average. One of the kids, Ryan (Troy Gentile) is cute.Time v/s Love
Him
“Hello, who is it?” I picked up the incoming call from an unknown number.
“Hi” It was she! It was her voice!! Is this possible? Can’t be. It’s been seven years. There is no way she can get my number.
“Hi, who is it?”
“Reema”
It’s truly her!! Woww…I pinched myself. “Awwh!” Ok buddy, this isn’t a dream.
“Hullo?”
What should I do?? Hmmm…Should I play the innocent guy? “Who Reema?” Shit…I could have chosen another statement. Wouldn’t she feel hurt that I haven’t recognized her? But it’s been seven years. Seven long years!
“Reemaaa.. Remember we were together in tuitions at Pai’s.”
“Ohh.. Reema!! What a pleasant surprise!! How are you?” Hehehe…the “Innocent guy approach” had worked well. But why was she calling me after so many years?
“I am fine. How are you doing?”
“I am good too. Where are you nowadays?” The number she was calling from was a local number. She was back!! She had left India seven years back and settled in Indonesia because of her dad’s job. But now she was back. I thanked God.
“I am in Mumbai”
Hip hip hurray! That confirmed it!! I almost kissed my phone. “Wow! That’s great, when did you come back?” After she had left, we had written letters to each other for sometime. But the distance between us had made it impossible to keep the relationship alive. Slowly we had drifted apart. It had been almost four years since we had been out of touch. But now she was back!!
“We moved in just last week. ”
“Hmm..That’s great! So how is everyone?” I remembered her parents. I was always scared of her dad. The stern face, the big moustache! I shivered.
“Mom and dad are great. How is everyone at you place?”
“My parents are doing good too.” Hmm…I was transported back in time. The way we had met through a common friend at Pai’s tuitions. The way I had proposed to her a month later. The way she had responded. The way we had seen our first movie together. How scared were we during the movie, that no one should see us together. Our valentine day surprises for each other! Me breaking into her house to wish her a happy birthday! The way time used to fly when we were together. We had been together for over a year. Does she still love me? I wondered.
“So, are you free tonight?”
My heart jumped with joy. I had decided to watch a movie in the evening with my friends. But that could wait. “Yeah, I am free. Why?”
“Lets catch up. Lets meet at Yana’s. Ritu is coming too.”
Ritu is our common friend who had introduced us. She had got married last year. I wasn’t really in touch with her. The last time I had spoken to her was six months back. Probably that’s where she got my number. “Cool. What time?”
“Would seven be fine?”
“Seven would be fine.” I wondered if she still loved me? I had been only in one relationship after her. Preeti had been a mistake. The relation had ended bitterly two years back. In heart of hearts I knew that one of the reasons for the breakup was that I could never get over Reema. I could never forget her. I wondered if the feeling was mutual.
“Ok then. See you at seven! Bye.”
“Bye.” I stared at the ticking clock. Seven was still far away. Shit!! I was dying to see her. Would she have changed? Of course she would have!! Seven years!! Does she love me? Lets see.
Her
Wasn’t I dying to meet him? It had been seven years. Though we had been out of touch for a long time, I always knew that he was the guy. The guy!! I was always hopeful that he would wait for me. I knew we would be together. I was so excited when I called him up.
“Hello, who is it?”
My God!! He sounded so different. I hoped that he would recognize my voice. “Hi”
“Hi, who is it?”
It almost broke my heart. He didn’t recognize my voice. Am I living in a dream world? Seven years changes a lot of things. “Reema” I said with an effort.
“Awwh!”
“Hullo?”
“Who Reema?”
He had forgotten me. Or did he have a new girlfriend? I felt like crying. One last try, come on!! “Reemaaa.. Remember we were together in tuitions at Pai’s.”
“Ohh.. Reema!! What a pleasant surprise!! How are you?”
Ohh .. Thank God. Dumbo!! Was he playing the innocent guy? I wished he were! Because if he was, that meant he hadn’t changed. He was still the same old Rahul I knew. “I am fine. How are you doing?”
“I am good too. Where are you nowadays?”
Couldn’t he make out from the number flashing on his cell? Idiot! “I am in Mumbai”
“Wow! That’s great, when did you come back?”
“We moved in just last week.” I eyed the stack of letters that he had written to me. Would he be still interested in me? Please God!!
“Hmm..That’s great! So how is everyone?”
“Mom and dad are great. How is everyone at you place?” I hoped they were doing well. I had loved them, especially his mom.
“My parents are doing good too.”
Nice, I thought. Should I ask him? Nopes, not on the phone! I have to meet him. See him. But would he be interested? Seven years!! What if he has a girl friend? I couldn’t bear to think about him with someone else. But what if he had one? I have to meet him. “So, are you free tonight?”
“Yeah, I am free. Why?”
Great. At least I can meet him for one last time if he has a girl friend. But did I sound to desperate? Hmm.. He shouldn’t feel that I am trying to meet him alone. “Lets catch up. Lets meet at Yana’s. Ritu is coming too.” I lied about Ritu.
“Cool. What time?”
He seemed interested. That was good. “Would seven be fine?”
“Seven would be fine.”
“Ok then. See you at seven! Bye.” I had four hours to get ready. I had to hurry. Four hours were too less.
“Bye”
Him & Her together at Yana’s
He looked different. He had put on weight and his dressing style was completely different. His hairstyle too!! But the sparkling mischievous eyes were still the same. So was his infectious smile. He was still the same.
She hadn’t changed. Maybe, a bit more beautiful now! The same dimpled cheek, the same beautiful smile, and the same warmth in her eyes. Yes, she was same as she had been.
“Hi”
“Hi”
“Its great to see you.” I wish she had never gone from my life.
“Its great to see you too. It’s been a long seven years.” God, please let him be single. Pleaseeeee!!
“Yeah. True. I have missed you a lot in these seven years.” He meant that.
“Ohh.. is that why you couldn’t even recognize my voice?” She knew he meant what he said. She felt great. But she wanted him to own it.
“Arre, you know naa, Innocent guy??” he smiled. He knew that she had caught his act. It was better to own up. God, she knew him so well, even after so many years.
“Yeah, I know. I have missed you too.” She wanted to cry.
There was no place for more words. It was evident, they both knew! He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
You dont mess with the Zohan
You dont mess with the Zohan.
Zohan (Adam Sandler), an Israeli Special Forces soldier, fakes his own death to follow his dream of becoming a hair stylist. He finds himself in a small salon in New York. The salon is being run by Dalia (Emmanuele Chriqui), who happens to be from Palestine and also the sister of The Phantom (The Palestine terrorist who has supposedly killed Zohan). The salon is on the Palestine side of the street facing the Israeli side. A big time builder wants them to evacuate the shops, so that he can build a mall on the street. Zohan manages to revive the salon's business using his special skills, save the shops from the builder and also manages to fall in love with Dalia.
The movie has many extremely funny moments. The dialogues are superbly written. Rob Schneider as Salim is awesome. Adam Sandler is rocking as Zohan. Emmanuele Chriqui is hot.
The movie is a worth watch if not a must watch.
“When do you plan to get married?”
“When do you plan to get married?”
My answer to this question depends on the mood I am in and also on who is asking this question. But every answer has side effects and leads to further questions and then an awkward situation. I hate that moment. But I am not able to avoid it. Let me present a few:
“Mostly by next year”
“Early next year or the second half of next year?”
“Hmm…early”
“So.. have your parents starting looking for matches?”
“No.. not yet”
“You should start looking out man. It takes time to find the right person”
“Thanks. I will”
“Where do you plan to get married? Mumbai?”
Silence.
“Not in the next twelve months”
“Why? You are already settled in life. You have a good job.”
“So?”
“Your age is also 27.”
“So?”
“So you should get married. I guess your parents must be looking out already for matches”
“If they are, I am not aware about it.”
“Ohh…Btw do you know Komal?”
“Huh?”
“She is so and so’s daughter. She just completed her MBA. The family is good too. Baat chalau?”
Silence.
“So when do you plan to get married?”
“Why are you worried about it?”
“All your friends are now either engaged or married”
“I ll get new friends then who are bachelors yet.”
“Please. Do you want me to find a good girl for you?”
“No ways.”
“I am serious.”
“So am I.”
Silence.
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