Guess who won the Caption Contest

My first competitive award!!!

I won the caption contest hosted by Lazy Pineapple on her Blog. To read the caption and then congratulate me for it click here .

This was last week, but like I have been saying I am suffering from a poor internet connection and finding it really difficult to post anything out here. This is one odd time when it is running fine so I took this chance.

Thanks Vinita ( lazy Pineapple) for awarding me this. BTW you guys must participate in the competition, the pictures are really nice.

A Special independence

Its 63 years now. On the 15th of August every year, we watch those patriotic programs which have been stored by the television channels for this day. We see them and with a sense of irony change the channels cursing the state of the nation.

Now first things first, our state is not as bad as it sounds. Yes I dare to say that even when the entire CWG committee is torn down by the media for corruption. I don't know if Kalmadi was involved in the corruption or not( really?...lets discuss that for later), but the fact is that we need to carry ourselves together and make sure that the show is a success( I don't know how but its a cliche and i had to say it). For the rest of it, our country is doing well. There is one half of the country which is living luxuriously and is content with life. The rural or the BVP population will only grow from here. A good economy is like a wave and it is only about time that this wave washes off the poverty in our country to a good extent if not entirely.

I agree I am very optimistic about things, but I don't know any better. I tend to believe that when you feel good about yourself good things will happen to you. And that is where I feel we need to start looking at the positives we have. May be we have not been successful in eradicating poverty and other epidemics from our country entirely but we have done much better than the so called developed nations. I wish the media would have highlighted the fact that India dealt with Swine Flu in a much more efficient manner than a lot of other countries. All we need is more awareness and epidemics will surely be taken care of. Awareness is easily said and done and that is the precise reason why I plead for patience.

I am getting carried away but returning to the point of feeling good about ourselves, I remember reading an article by our ex president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam who said that the media is very negative in India. When he was on a tour to Israel, the news of blasts, murders , accidents and the kind never found the first three pages of the newspapers. Now compare that to our papers, we also have scary looking and acting people hosting shows about the murders and rapes happening in our country. How do you expect to feel good about yourself after all this.

May be I am not qualified enough for this, but if I have to say something about our nation, we are still prisoners of our thoughts and negativity. We need independence from this attitude of ours which no one can do for us. Its upon ourselves to do that.

Footnotes:


Jai Hind!!!

Good Bye -Blog a ton 13

This post has been published by me as a part of the Blog-a-Ton 13; the thirteenth edition of the online marathon of Bloggers; where we decide and we write. To be part of the next edition, visit and start following Blog-a-Ton.

Sameer stood gazing at the skyline from his executive suite. Life has a strange knack of turning around in very little time and Sameer’s life has just seen one. His life now had a meaning, a mission something he was always in search of.

His phone rang

“Sir, we have found them” The voice cracked.

Sameer smiled and hung up. He walked towards the giant mirror in the dressing room. His hair was pulled back; a couple of wrinkles had just begun to appear on his forehead. He was still fair, and had matured into a handsome young man. He was wearing a black Armani jacket, over a crisp white shirt. He belonged to the league of young, rich and handsome.

The hotel phone beeped, his car was ready. Sameer left his executive suite towards the car waiting for him. This was going to be a special day.

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

Sameer was sitting alone on the porch of his department watching the settingsun, looking for inspiration. Jia noticed him sitting alone on the porch.

“Hey Sameer”

“Hi” he said and moved to his right making place for Jia to sit.

“So you wrote something?”

“Nopes, I have a lot of stray ideas but I am not able to put that together”

“Why don’t you write something first, however it is maybe you can capitalize on that?”

“I can do that, I don’t think anything else is going to work. I might as well try this” Sameer said

Jia smiled approvingly and pushed close her eye lids for a fleeting second

“What was that?” Sameer asked

“What?” Jia was surprised

“An eye hug”

“Eye hug?”

“What you just did with your eyes, it’s an eye hug”

“And what did I just do with my eyes?”

“Well when you close your eyes tightly, even if it is for a second, you are showing a similar facial expression as you would have, had you hugged someone. So when there is not too much love but there is little love, people eye hug”

There was Sameer’s inspiration.

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

Rahul ran to the basketball court. Kunal was practising for the game in the evening.

“Kunal” Rahul shouted “Sameer has had an accident; he fell down from the bike”

“What? Where is he?”

“The guys took him to the hospital nearby”

“You know the hospital right?”

Rahul nodded

“Take me there”.

Kunal rushed to the hospital. Sameer was asleep and his right leg was in a plaster. Jia was sitting beside him.  Kunal entered the room

“Why in the earth did you have to give him your bike?” Jia shouted at Kunal

“I did not”

“Then how did he get the bike, it is all because of you people that has happened. All you can do is tease him for not knowing how to drive a bike. Are you happy now or you wanted to break a few more bones of his?”

“See, I understand your concern for him, and Whitey is my roommate too. So please shut up” Kunal said, and stormed out.

Sameer woke up because of the sound “What happened” he enquired

Jia walked to his bedside.

“I am sorry, I shouted at Kunal.”

“Why? How is it his fault?”

“Would you have tried driving the bike had he not teased you so much?”

Sameer smiled “Jia, why did you do that?”

“I was worried for you” Jia said slipping her hand into his

“I am fine Jia, see both my hands are still strong enough to hug you”

Jia smiled and hugged Sameer. Sameer could feel her breath on his neck. She was slowly moving away from him, and now her breath was moving very close to his and their lips met.

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

“Whitey, are you hungry?”

“Nopes”

“I am” Kunal said

Sameer put his book aside and walked towards the kitchen and started cooking for Kunal.

Kunal walked to the kitchen dribbling a football.

“Whitey”

“Yes Kunal”

“Why did you learn cooking?”

“Well so that I can cook food for you”

Kunal chuckled “That was funny bro, but you know chicks dig that thing”

“Yes they do, but I like cooking that’s why I learned it”

“By the way Whitey, what plans after college, there is hardly any time left”

“You are right man, let’s go for a drive, we will eat out”

“No cash man” Kunal said showing his empty pockets.

“It’s on me”.
They had dinner and went towards the creek. Sameer and Kunal sat on the bonnet of Sameers car listening to the waves.
"I wish this time would never pass" Sameer said
Kunal was lost in the sound of the waves and did not respond

                                                                *********

Sameer reached outside a small bungalow in the outskirts of the city. He rang the bell. Jia opened the door.

She was surprised and shocked to see Sameer outside her house

“Kunal” she shouted “Sameer is here”. She was still dumbstruck

“Can I come in?” Sameer asked

Jia shook her head slightly and let Sameer in. Kunal rushed to the living room. Sameer stood up and saw Kunal.

Kunal hugged Sameer like long lost brothers

“Where were you whitey?”

“Very far away, I am sorry”

“Look at you man, you look so different”

Sameer wiped a stray tear from his cheek and the two sat chatting like kids who have met after a long vacation.

“After dad expired I had to take care of the entire business. It wasn’t easy, I lost a lot then. I think its time I live some time for myself”

“You must man. It’s so nice to see you”

“I am sorry to interrupt you guys, but there is no food at home. Let’s go outside and have dinner” Jia suggested

Sameer’s smile widened

“I will cook” Sameer stood up and walked towards the kitchen. Kunal and Jia followed him to the kitchen. They decided on what to cook. Kunal went out to bring a drink.

“Sameer, I wanted to tell you about me and Kunal, but you were not there”

Sameer raised his hand softly

“Don’t worry Jia; I am not here for that. I am here for both of you”

“You never found someone in all this years?”

“I will explain, but not now. For now let me concentrate on my cooking”

And the cooking resumed.

The food was ready and decorated but Kunal was still not there. Jia dialled Kunal’s phone and walked to the other room.

When she returned to the living room Sameer was not there. There was a letter left on the corner table. Jia opened the letter

Jia,

I wanted to answer all your questions. I will try my best to answer, but I am sorry if I missed out on anything.

I vanished after our exams because my dad wasn’t well. I think you know about that. But I never thought I would be entrusted will all the work so soon.I couldn't write anymore.I still can't. I will start all over again hopefully.

About us, I know there was something between us. But it couldn’t have gone far. I am not normal, I have loved a few girls but I was not in love. It was outer love and my soul was still empty. I realized that I was in love with someone.Some one who was always there, someone who understood me. I am talking about Kunal.
I love him, may be after years of staying together I developed a liking for him which was beyond what society and Kunal would accept.

I am now satisfied after meeting Kunal and you. The two of you are the best people I have ever met and the most important ones. I am suffering from pancreatic cancer and my doctors haven’t given me much time. This was the last time I would look like this. It will only get worse from here. I don’t want you to see me like that, so I came here to say good bye

Good bye Jia,

Good bye Kunal

I love you both

The fellow Blog-a-Tonics who took part in this Blog-a-Ton and links to their respective posts can be checked here. To be part of the next edition, visit and start following Blog-a-Ton.

Message

Annas was sitting among the stones on the Mount Jaza. He was in midst of his meditation when he was summoned by Kabeer. It was only Kabeer who could summon anyone whom he wished and he would never be denied. He was the most pious man in the small pious town of Al waraa’.  Nobody knew how he reached the town, or who he really was, but the people of Al waraa’ welcomed him any way. He seemed to have the magical touch, a touch which was blessed upon only few and hence the people of this small town never let him go.

“Annas, not always do I have a request, but today is different and my heart gives me immense pleasure when I see that you have been chosen for the most important task of my life.”

Annas was joyous, people went to Kabeer to seek help and here was the great man asking him to do the most important task of his life.

 “I would do anything for you O Kabeer”

“I am pleased to hear that pious man, but I would like you to hear what you have to do”

“Surely O mighty Kabeer, but I my answer is that of a man whose word is immovable just like the caves of Mount Jaza”

Kabeer smiled and continued

“I want you to leave Jaza and go to the forests, collect the finest of wood enough to make an ark. Take this ark and go to the bank of the river that flows in the town of Al waraa’ and make the ark.”

Annas was worried and asked “Is it a fault of mine for which I have been asked to leave this town?, or is the town of Al waraa’ going to face the wrath of nature?”

“No my brother, you are the purest of spirit and it is only the purest of spirit who is asked for a sacrifice”

“Where is it that I have been asked to go?”

“The ark you make will guide you to your destination Annas.”

“What about my brothers, Kabeer?”

“They will be with you”

Annas was happy that his brothers will be with him for this journey and left for the woods. He collected the strongest of wood. He carried the wood over the mules he found at the woods.

He started making the ark at the bank of the river. A few brothers saw him making the ark and asked him

“Why is it that the pious man is making something as huge as this? Have you started craving for the worldly pleasures and want to leave the town of Al waraa’?”

“I never had a craving for worldly pleasures and will never crave it. If there is anything I crave for then it is my task and if you believe this pious man then talk not much of it, but give a helping hand”

And the brothers started helping Annas in building the ark. The help increased and every day a few brothers brought wood, some brought food and water for the tired brothers and some worked when others were tired.

The ark was ready when the second full moon rose high in the sky. The town of Al waraa’ was now settled near the banks of the river.

While his brothers were admiring the beautiful ark, Annas was summoned by Kabeer.

“The ark is beautiful O pious man, and now I must fulfill my duty of letting you to set sail”

“But my brothers are tired and will fall asleep in the while; I will set sail at dawn when the sun will guide us”

“Annas, O pious man, your brothers are not destined to be on this ark. It is you who must set sail”

“Then why is it that the sacrifice is asked only of me when the town of Al waraa’ is the purest of soul?”

“You are the purest of all O Annas. It is the purest of spirit who is asked to sacrifice and you are the purest of all”

“What is it that I will have to sacrifice?”

“You have been asked to leave this town and set sail to lands far away. Let them see the man of the purest of spirit come to them. Bless those who are the darkest of spirit, so that they do not meet the others but curse those with a spirit as pure as yours. For the purest of spirit, should move to far off lands, so that the purest of spirit cover the face of mother earth”

“What about my brothers?”

“Have you not understood as yet, that the town of Al waraa’ is cursed! Your brothers will leave the town too, to spread the message”

“And when would I know that my purpose is achieved?”

“When you meet your brother at the other end of mother earth, you would know that your message has been sent and your purpose is achieved”

Annas walked to the bank of the river where the magnificent ark shone in the light of the full moon. He climbed the ark while his brothers were sleeping. And set sail to the lands far off.

Footnotes:

This is my tribute to Kahlil Gibran, the man who wrote beautifully about the spirit. The story is adapted from various spiritual learnings. Here the names of the town and the characters of the story also have a meaning and would help you understand the bigger picture of the story, but thats an effort you will have to take.

Hope you like reading it.

Image courtesy: thefuturebuzz.com
to vote for this post on Indivine click here

A good bye

The cleaner switched off the lights in the bay before leaving. Gopi was still sitting in his cubicle. There were many such days were Gopi left his bay way after the lights were turned off.

This time he would leave only not to return to his bay. Nostalgia had already clouded his thinking. The blinking of his computer monitors reminded him of countless evenings he spent reaching deadlines, making sure that everything was ready for the next morning, and so many such things.

He was leaving a huge part of himself here, along with friends and colleagues. He was asked to take with him all that was important. Ironically it is not possible to take all you want. All he would take with him would be memories.

Some memories are wonderful and some memories are not, like this one. If only he could buy a little more time from the universe, but there is a reason why we cannot. Anything and everything can only last for as long as they are to. That is why we have good memories to carry us through when times are bad and some not so good memories to remind us why we need to live and make good memories.

Gopi opened his Office Communicator list for the last time, going through the long list of names he had a chance to meet and talk. Every one had spend time with Gopi and vice versa, and it only made him realize how so many people can influence you in deciding the road you need to take, but no one can stop the destined.

At the end of the list were a few names which were no longer available. The names were some of those who Gopi spent a lot of time interacting with, he realized the sand in the sand watch was getting over; it was time to turn it over. Tomorrow there will be another name in a few lists which will no longer be available.

Footnotes:

 I have written this post after a while, but this time my hiatus was forced thanks to a lousy internet connection. This is one post I had written but unfortunately couldn't post. I have a lot more to write...

Thanks for reading

Cleaning up my closet

There are skeletons in my closet. Am I the only one with skeletons?, I hope not, because in good or bad having another person with you is always comforting. 

I have an image of this guy who cannot do much wrong, and I have done everything to make sure that I am that guy. But there are anomalies in every system. I remember a story by M.K.Gandhi, where he had stolen money from his father when he was small, even he was human he said; so am I.

I don't know how grave my sins are, I don't know for how long I will dwell in my grave for these sins,but I think I will confess it, may be that will help me get strength to carry on and do what is right.

The year was 2008, I had just quit my job at EXL services. I was showing off, with a credit card. I amassed a good amount to be paid. I paid the due amounts and the interest remained. Now I have to pay around 4 grand in total today.

I don't know If I should pay it,but as the situation stands I will. I want to keep a credit card again, but altogether different reasons. I will gradually decide on how to clear these payments and hopefully some day I will be able to use a credit card again!!

PS: If you guys have any idea as to how I can by pass the system and get a card now..then please do!!!

The Chase

2:00 am- I was on my way back home after a pleasure ride. The moon was hiding behind the roof of a newly constructed high rise, only scattering its light from the edges. The occasional wind blowing was something to treasure and a respite from the heat. The clouds were scattered, as if nature was attempting its hand at abstract art. [ funny thing about abstract art: you don't understand a shit about it unless the person is drunk].


I reached the junction to my house and my pleasure time was over. Stealth was the word. I switched off the headlights of my bike. I drove it at a very low speed to ensure that not much noise was made. I felt for my shirt pocket to ensure that my keys are in my pocket. 


My phone rang.


My cover was compromised, I was spotted. There were growls, barks and howls. The Chase had begun. I drove as quickly as I could. They chased and chased and chased. The chase for them was like a relentless pursuit of something important in life. I don't have even the remotest idea about what it could be and I don't want to know.




2:30 am- I rushed my bike into the parking and closed the main gate. I sat on my bike breathing heavily. I wiped off the beads of sweat on my forehead. The Chase was unsuccessful  I don't know for how long I would continue winning. I am sure the law of averages would catch up one day. I dread that day. I reached for my phone to check who had blown off my cover. It was my friend . I called him back


"why did you call ?" I asked


"Wanted to know if you were chased by the dogs today!!"




Footnotes: 
Stray dogs are a menace which irritate so many people in India and has lead to many accidents too. One including a close friend of mine who had a serious fall from a bike because of a stray dog. I think we should be more alert as citizens and make sure that the concerned authorities know about this situation and proper action is taken.


Image courtesy: 4thstreetpokertour.typepad.com




Signing off


Shady West side!!!






PS: I know a new name, do you guys like it?