Friends for life!

I still remember the day we first met,

I guess God has some things just set.

Time has gone by,

I am glad we stood by.

You stayed with me in thick and thin,

I can’t forget the support you all gave,

With all those words of wisdom,

You gave me smile and took away my stress.

The time we spent together,

The numerous talks and laughs we had…

Have filled my life with wonderful memories,

And that’s why I want to thank you, for being my friend.

The day has come, to say you all Goodbye,

But I pray we will meet again and I am sure we will!

Because our friendship can’t be so weak,

And the world is not even so BIG.

I want to say more, much more than this,

But I guess, that would always be…

That’s better left for the day,

Until we meet again…...

An Unusual Outpour

Last Sunday, our village team at Karma Yoga* had organized a special science session for kids. We reached the village and as usual kids came running towards us. They assembled in the church, waiting for us to start the session. But I was waiting for Gautam, who was absent that day.

Gautam is a 12 year old kid who stays in the village with his family. His father is a farmer in the village. He has got 2 younger sisters. I have been teaching around 12 children including Gautam for the last 6 consecutive Sundays. There is something unique about this kid, which got me interested in him. There is a particular spark on his face with bright eyes.  He listens carefully to every word that I speak, understands things, and shows his eagerness to learn. He seems more mature than his age. He is quite versatile in his interests – studies, games, general knowledge, and cartoons. He is a bright child and can go a long way in life.

After the studies, I used to take him for a daily stroll on the village streets. We spoke all kinds of things. I inquired of him on what’s happening at school and how the usual things are at home. His English is weak and can hardly talk. It is more of telepathy that works between us. As the weeks went by, seeing his enthusiastic nature for learning, I started thinking of more new things and ways to teach him in particular. It brought out the teacher in me and I started giving him challenging homework. He used to take it very seriously and it has never happened that he hasn’t done a thing that I have asked him to do. I didn’t realize that our bond became so strong until that day when he didn’t turn up for class.

 My eyes were fixed at the door and I wanted to defer the session till he came. Eventually we had to start the session without him. There were 11 other usual children who were eagerly listening to what we were telling and trying to absorb the tacit knowledge. 15 min later Gautam came with his bag. He was limping and I could see his right leg injured. I left the book that I had in my hand, ran towards him, and picked him on my arms. All students and children stared at me with the confusion to see my outpour of feelings towards Gautam. I myself didn’t realize how much I missed him that day. He told me that he got hurt while playing at school.

On my ride back to college I was looking out of the window and sinking the moments that had happened. Holding the little boy gave me immense satisfaction – something words fail to describe. I just got another reason to continue my village visits. It was amazing to see how much I got attached to the kid whom I met just 6 times. I realized that I want to do something more for Gautam. I don’t know to what extent I can empower him or whether I can help him in a substantial way. All I know is that I want to see that kid break the shackles of his present, and find success in future. I know he has talent and I seriously hope destiny is with him. 

*Karma Yoga - Karma Yoga is a leadership experiential project which is part of our MBA program in which, we the students visit the villages in order to empower the villagers so that they can lead a better life. 

Someone Else....

I saw you and wanted to see you more,

And then I realized you just wanted to see someone else!

I thought I might impress you,

But I forgot you were already impressed by someone else

I liked your words coming out of your mouth and the charm in each sentence you spoke…

And then I noticed it all speaks of someone else

The curly hair that kept drifting back at your face – your natural beauty

Oh damn, it just belonged to someone else!

Those big eyes, and the big smile on your face…

…that just grew bigger when you saw some else.

There was so much love in your voice,

But it just exhibited when you spoke to someone else

I wanted you to look into my eyes just once…

Alas, you couldn't keep them off someone else!

My heart thumps loud when I see you

But you are too busy to listen to someone else…

Neither the board meetings, nor the steep targets – it’s you who makes me nervous

My bad, you just cared for someone else

You shook my hand, and I wanted to hold it tight…

Shit, it just wanted to slip into the hands of someone else!

I hope to see you again and tell you how I feel for you,

Just so that you know - there's always someone else…

Wave Talk

Not too long back, I went to Mumbai and happened to visit Juhu Beach. I was standing at the shore when a wave came and touched my feet. I don’t know if it was a different feeling than the experience that I had before of Miramar Beach of Goa. Within a second I heard a voice:

How are you Mohit?

Me: I am fine. Who are you?

Wave: I am a wave.

Me: What do you want?

Wave: I want to speak to you.

Me: Tell me.

Wave: I want to speak to you because at some point of time I was just like you.

Me: I don’t understand.

Wave: All waves have characteristics just like humans. When I see you, it reminds me of my past.

Me: Ohhkk. So?

Wave: Mohit, what do you think of yourself? What type of person you are?

Me: I am nice person.

Wave: How can you say so?

Me: I think I don’t do wrong to anyone. I am well-wisher. I have the opinion that the people who know me think in the same way too.

Wave: Why do you think your friends love you?

Me: Because, I am their true friend.

Wave: I think they just empathize to you and your problems.

Me: I don’t agree.

Wave: Why do you have to take yourself so seriously? Why can’t you be free and live life like no one did?

Me: I can’t help. That’s the way I am. You see, I have some responsibilities and I find myself surrounded by them always.

Wave: Who does not have responsibilities? Who does not care for their family and support them?

Me: Ya, I know.

Wave: Do you know what life wants from you?

Me: No, tell me.

Wave: Life wants you to live freely. Not like an underdog. Rise above that level for heaven sake. That’s your biggest problem. Some things are not in your hands. Leave it to God. He will take care of them. You can do great. Trust me.

Me: How do you know that?

Wave: I told you, I was just like you. I have always been a weak wave. But see today, I have crossed everything, came so far and touched you. I never thought that I will be able to do it.  

Me: I see.

Wave: Mohit, I want to tell you that you are lucky to have such caring family and friends. You deserved it. But do something in your life for which people remember you, even several years after you pass away. You have the opportunity to make it count. Don’t kill time in non-fruitful activities.

Me: Can you tell me what exactly I need to do?

Wave: You already know the answer Mohit. Don’t you?

Then the wave went back and got mixed with other waves leaving me in all kinds of thoughts.  

At 60! Feeling Helpless?

Life is strange. As children we are dependent on our parents for most of the things. We respect them, love them, care for them as our universe starts from them and ends at them. We grow up, start working, earning and become independent. We no longer have to plead them to eat an ice-cream. Slowly, we imagine ourselves as the supreme leader in the family and forget the sacrifices that they have done to bring us up.

A week ago, I was travelling from Bareilly to Rudrapur by a UP transport bus. An old lady (60+) was sitting with me. We were about to reach Rudrapur. She tried to call her son couple of times so that he could come to the bus-stand to receive her, but she could not. She asked me to help her. I called and gave the phone to her. She put the phone on “Loudspeaker” to listen clearly. Her daughter-in-law picked up the phone and asked her to come on her own. Her husband in the background told the same to her. Old lady pleaded to send her son as she was carrying 3 bags with her and it was already 11 at night. She refused and cut the phone call. Everyone in the bus could hear the conversation. I saw her face. She was tensed, frightened, dejected and could cry at any moment. I felt for the lady. In this cold, temperature below 8, it was difficult to even put your hands out of the pocket.

We reached the bus-stand. I took her bags and helped her, get down the bus. I called a rickshaw for her. She sat and I paid the money. The lady moved her hand over my head in order to give her blessings. She left and I took another rickshaw to my hotel.

I had mixed feelings. I felt bad for what the lady has to go through and felt good that I did nice gesture by helping her. I wonder how children change their feelings towards their parents. We can see many such cases in our neighborhood, where the children abandon their parents or exploit them daily. A lot of introspection is required about how our societies are moving. With the economic growth, the life expectancy in India is also increasing. We all need to secure our future so that we don’t land up in such situations.

Some of the things that we can do are: inculcate good family values to our children. Make them understand that they too will become parents one day. Do not name your assets- land or property after them in advance. Try old-age shelters if nothing works. Do not waste your pension. Try saving some part of it. It is for your benefit only. Children are already losing a lot by not taking their parents’ guidance, which they don’t understand. At the same time government needs to take initiatives for the old age people.

All I can say is let’s be strong to face such adversity in life. Do not expect much. And I hope none of us have to see such a day in our lives.   

U Are Nothing, But a Mass of Habits

The dictionary meaning of habit is “An acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary”. Most of our life is habitual. You do the same things that you did yesterday. That’s how life goes on. You never realize which of your habits are good or bad, just because you don’t analyze them. It happens with everyone.

When I was a child, I remember my father told me once to think everything that you did today before going to sleep. Think what were the things that you did wrong, and not to repeat them. And repeat this each day. This will help you to become a nice individual. After that day, my father never asked me to check whether I was following this practice each day or not. If he would have done that, I would have probably followed it from my childhood days. So, the truth is, I never thought of this question even once for the next 10 years of my life; before one fine day I realized some of my flaws and the number of times I repeated them.

You see, there is no age of developing good habits. Some of us are lucky enough to have great childhood learning, in the proper guidance of their family members. Some might not have it. But, life teaches each one of us. We all fall some or the other time in life, but the important thing is to learn from that fall and continue the journey with more confidence by converting bad habits into good ones.

I remember I had this habit of procrastinating things. Whenever there is any task to do, there is usually some time frame given to complete that task. I used to procrastinate the task up to the last very day. Once, I had to pay heavy price for this bad habit of mine. And that day, I swore before the God I will never ever delay the things.

   

You go and analyze lives of top CEOs of MNCs, top analysts of any country, top officials, top sportsmen, anyone who is doing outstanding in their field of work. They manage thousands, lacks of people. But, you see how they manage themselves. Each and every second of their lives are bounded by their good habits.

Even a small change you do today and make it a habit, it can result in a big way after some years. If you need to keep growing, changes are necessary. Learn to change according to the situation, learn to improvise, otherwise you will fall behind and the time will prevail. Make good habits because habits whatever may be good or bad make you who you are. Remember “Good Things Will Always Remain Good”; how, where, when they might help you in some or the other way, you just can’t imagine.

   

                                                                                                                                                      

A TRIBUTE TO MY FRIENDS

It has been quite a while that I have started writing. I never thought that I would or I should say I could write on a public interface. I have been poor in English throughout my student life. Over the time, I have improved as a writer, as a thinker. Every time I sit to write something, I delve into my past, my life, which has been a normal kind of sorts but unique in its own way. I search out for something, something interesting enough for u all to know. My motive is just to bring happy grin on your face. The little praises like “Gud one”, “Nice” have kept me on and I am really thankful to you all. I want to give special thanks to Anirudh who has been fountainhead of inspiration to me. I want to thank Rashmi, Nitin, Aditya, Tushar, Tushar, Navanshee, Alpa, Pankaj, Pankaj, Ankur, Sadhvi, Jitesh, Rajesh, Lav, Naseem, Rahul, Hitesh and many more who have constantly read my blogs and supported me.

Life is a combination of journeys or phases. One gets over, other starts. Each one has a different impact on us. These small, little stories that I have shared with you are a part of a journey that I have covered with u all. I hope to continue writing more of some stories in the time to come. Remember hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies. ...

COLLEGE LIFE

With less than 2 months to the end of our college, I can’t imagine that momentous day when I will say goodbye to my friends, classmates with whom I have spent last 4 yrs. Its amazing how quickly the time passes and we just continue to move with its wheel.

4yrs of my college life are as clear as crystal in mind. I still remember the first day I walked into the campus with a fear of getting ragged by seniors. We all classmates used to remain together wherever we went (even while going to loo). I remember myself being caught by my seniors on a number of occasions and making me do silly things; but that was fun. I liked it because everything was done in controlled and friendly manner.

Today, when the college is almost over, I can say that there are many such things that I have felt, learnt, experienced in these 4yrs and I consider all those people lucky who enjoy their college life to the fullest. College is about friends, about fun, about exploring the real world. It’s the phase when you enter into adult life and parents give you freedom that you were looking for in the school. Now how to handle that freedom is in your hands. It can either improve you or spoil you.

I remember being tortured in school with those strict rules and regulations. The first time I bunked in college was real fun. I couldn’t believe that the teacher is coming to teach us and all the students of the class are running away after writing “THE CLASS IS ON BUNK TODAY” on blackboard. And there were many such occasions when we bunked the classes and went out to watch the latest movie.

There was hardly anyone in the class who was not called by their nicknames. Making fun of others had become our daily routine. There were numerous moments when our eyes got filled with tears after a big laugh. There was hardly any sentence in which someone didn’t abuse someone else. Taking photographs of each other, giving funny poses.

I am sure everyone had many short time crushes if not the full fledged love story. Some things that we came across in every semester were: Copying the assignments, photocopying the syllabus just a day before exam, running after teachers to complete the attendance, cultural rehearsals before Fest, bullying the person performing on stage and what not…

The tension before job interview; the disappointment after not being selected and the elation after being selected are ultimate moments of life.

But beyond all this, I want to say that college life is the time when a person starts understanding himself more than anyone else. It’s the time of life when one starts foreseeing his career; where he wants his life to be after 5 or 10 yrs. Away from all this fun, he starts taking his life seriously. Other than studies, this is the time of grooming one’s personality and start thinking from a wider perspective.

There are many more things that I want to say about college life, but I guess the words will always seem less when we talk about college.

THE DAY I GOT SCARED!!

Have you seen people getting scared? Have you seen a man running on road ahead of a group of wild dogs? Have you seen people getting scared before an interview? Have you seen a thief running for his life? Now there can be many such instances where people are terrified and their tension can be easily felt. Just look into their eyes and you will realize how much pressure they are in. In all these situations, the person who is afraid can do himself a favor and can get out of it.

Now imagine a situation in which you can’t do anything but pray to God that everything goes out well. I tell you what happened last week. I had an exam and by coincidence my neighbor also filled that exam and got the same centre. We agreed to go together. For me it was a welcome change from my usual companion “Bajaj Chetak”.

Exam timing was 2-4 p.m. Reporting time was 1:30.We had to take along a photograph with us. I reached his home at 11:00 and found him in his underpants searching his drawer to get photograph. At 11:10 he gave up and decided to go without it. He had 2 cars. One Maruti 800- 1992 Model and another Santro-2006 model. He sat in Maruti, disappointing me for the second time. He tried to start 6-8 times but couldn’t do it. I hoped he didn’t tell me to push a little. My inner voice told me that all is not well. I asked him to go on santro. I tried to be as generous as I could but it was 11:20 by my watch.

Finally we left at 11:25. He told me that this car doesn’t have petrol. We went to the nearest petrol pump and he wanted to make payment by credit card but their machine was not working. I gave 100 bucks and left. My watch showed 11:40.

He was continuously talking on phone, fixing the place and time to meet up his friends in evening to go on some party. He didn’t mind breaking signals. He didn’t fasten his seat belt. He didn’t mind touching 100Km/hr every now and then. He didn’t mind abusing rickshaw pullers for not giving him side. All this was making me crazy. As I was hoping that cops don’t stop us, he abruptly stopped the car near a small shop on the roadside and brought 2 cigararettes. And between all this, he was as calm as a cucumber. Whenever he found space he did’t mind converting his 1100cc car to an aircraft.

I sneaked 2min from his continuous phone calls and asked “don’t you get afraid”. He laughed at me and said “don’t you worry my friend, you will reach on time”. His sweet words could hardly embrace me. Suddenly he stopped the car again and told that it seems the tyre has got punctured. I was chocked for a min. He opened the door and took a 360 degree round checking all 4 tyres. He came back and said everything is fine. “Don’t you worry my friend, you will reach on time”.

Finally after all those hiccups we reached 10 min before time. Credit goes to his avg speed 80km/hr and breaking signals. Reaching on time was like going in the mouth of lion and coming back safely.

That day I realized how difficult it is when your life’s steering is in other’s hand. Don’t let anyone drive your life like this.

DREAMING HIGH!!

There are 3D’s in life : Desire, Determination & Dedication. You will need all the three to reach new heights; but, it all starts with the 4^thD… Dreams. This was an sms which I received some days ago from one of my dearest friend.

Everyone talks of dreams, but no-one tells how to get dreams. I think, there is something which is required to start dreaming. I mean, that if you don’t know what you are missing in life, then you can’t dream. Am I being too philosophical here?? Ok let me explain with an example.

Last year, I went to Auto -Show being organized at Pragati Maidan. There were 100s of new models of sparkling new cars. As I was going through my eyes caught Mercedes Benz (S-class). I went there and asked for a try. I sat inside for 2 min, held the steering and gave a pose, not because to show it off later to my friends; but to continuously remind myself that this is “THE IDEAL” car. I don’t know if I would ever own it, but now since I know what it feels like to be sitting in one of the most luxurious and costliest car of the world; I can start dreaming about it.

Once you start realizing you dreams, you start working hard to achieve them. But I have seen many of us lose determination in the tough race of life. At that time, one must get an opportunity to remind himself and again start working towards it. How about giving a lift to a poor fellow who has to walk daily for several kilometers? There can be many other such ways which YOU & I can do seamlessly and be a symbol of great motivation to both rich and poor people. Rich people will no longer be complacent and boastful. In this way both rich and poor people will start respecting each other and will do a great for our society.

I don’t know if I am talking any sense to you all, but still, this is what I feel. It’s the “EXPERIENCE” that is required to get dreams. Keep enjoying those experiences so that you keep DREAMING HIGH!!

“HE THROWS AT ME A PEACH, I GIVE HIM A PLUM”

There are two types of people in this world:-

1.) Who lose their temper at every other second, and

2.) Who remain calm for most of the time but when they lose it, as some learned people say, “they spark the damp firewood”.

I think the later ones are quite dangerous and guess what??; by God’s grace I fall into the same category. I am not telling you all this so that you fear of me.

I haven’t have fights at all in my life except those “cat fights” with my sis which still happens daily on almost all things. I am talking of the serious fights, which include punches in the stomach, powerful kicks, which leads to the blood flowing from nostrils to mouth, to neck and the blackened swollen eye; before a group of people come in between you. It all looks like the same bollywood films, but it actually happens. I, myself have come so many times in between my friends and sometimes enjoyed their contretemps, but never got a chance to be the cynosure of all eyes. Not that I fear of them, but I choose to avoid them.

I have seen people in my family fighting for property, money and all other issues that you can think of. At that time I was too young to take part in one. I tell you, it was till date, worst time of my life.

I always believe that it’s not the physical strength that matters, it’s the mental strength and the grandness of heart which holds the key. At that time, whenever there used to be a WWE match in our veranda, I used to run to the terrace away from anything, everything. I used to weep, yell, pray to god.

Gradually, the situation improved, but I didn’t stop going on to the terrace. I still go for a daily stroll in the evening away from all the routine works; where I am all by myself, gazing towards the sky, towards the birds flying back to their abode, the setting sun and the dark clouds spreading all over the sky. It’s all that serene beauty of nature that has now become my old friend and there is one corner on terrace which is still the best part of my home.

And all I can say now that these things, have made me mentally strong to face the life ahead.

MONSOON RAINS!!

MONSOON RAINS!! How eagerly we all wait for the monsoon rains after being baked in the sun for almost four consecutive months. I want to ask all of you:- is there someone amongst you, who hates rains?? If yes, just let me know :-)

In northern India, the summer comprises of almost 8 months with people craving for rains, but I hate them. I know you must be thingking that this man is crazy. I'll tell you why. The rains come and there is sudden change in temperature. Due to these unannounced variations in temperatures, I catch what you commonly know to be “common cold”. As the name suggests, it’s quite common among people, but the consequences of “common-cold” in my case are not very common. What follows, is sneezing spree at least 10 times a min, a blocked nose and the headache. And if I don’t take medicines on time it can get me viral fever. This is what I've been going throuh for the last 20 yrs - every time there is attraction between the positive charge of earth and negative charge of clouds (right, na?). The scent of the wet ground which is appreciated almost by everyone, is one of the foulest odors for me.

Secondly, whenever it rains, all work comes to a halt. Thanks to our inadequate drainage system. The situation really worsens in my area. I can’t go out for work. The population of skeeters surge with a rate of 10^10 every minute.

Last week, the Lord Indra became generous for the first time this season and it was raining cats and dogs. I went out in veranda and I saw a young girl of around 5yrs old enjoying the rain in her veranda. She was soon joined by her younger sister. As the younger one came, she fell down. She stood up and put her right leg forward and fell down again. But she never cried. She stood up again and warily came out. Both started to enjoy the rain with their arms stretched, facing the sky with eyes closed. They cuddled each other as I stood there watching them. The first time I realized how much do people love rain. I wanted to become part of their celebrations. Soon their mom came and admonished them and took them in.

That day I realized what I am missing in life. Keep enjoying the rains so that I keep enjoying watching you.

COUNTRY LIFE

It's june end and it is scorching hot; waiting for the monsoon desperately. This time of the year is generally of summer holidays and it reminds me of my visit to my maternal grandmother’s place. I haven’t been there for some years now, but I still remember every detail of the splendid country life.

Surrounded by fields, it’s a small village; ohh sorry, it was a small village; now its no longer a village as mum says. You know how moms are attached to their native places - dismissing their childhood abode as small, isn't exactly the wisest thing to do.

Every time you go there, it's all the same. You will never find anything really special. People wake up at about 4 in the morning. The same sounds, whiff of fresh air, the villagers walking along the sides of the road to the market, women with sacks of grass supported by their petite shoulder blades, unwaveringly steady. The small stalls at the end of roads, the naked brown children skittering through dust, dung spread loosely through roads, bullock carts, et all...

They are never in a hurry. It seems that they have all the time in the world. I can’t understand one thing - they really don’t have any private life. The neighbors, the neighbors’ neighbors and their neighbors are all part of one family. In fact, any one from that village is as dear as any other family member would be.

I remember at night, there were power cuts for hours and there was no inverter as saving grace, so we used to come out in veranda, lay the Chaarpai and lie on it. I used to get miffed by the mosquitoes' monotonous humming around my ears even as I sought cover...

But in one aspect they seem to have won the race; in terms of happiness... I think they are much more content in their simple, rustic life. They have little ambition. The satisfaction level in city people is much less.

So this would be a rough picture of the country side and if you have been to one, it would probably remind you of your own visits...

EXAMS EMOTIONS AND UR FAVORITE PASS-TIME

So finally, my semester exams have finished and since I was booked in my room for past one month, I am short of ideas. But I have come up with something that most of us can relate to.

 All of us give numerous exams in our lives. And I know that almost everyone of us have some superstitions in mind. I also have some, but their intensity has decreased now. Some of them were:-

 I would not shave before the exam. I had this in mind that it would spoil the paper.

To use the same pen and wear the same clothes in every exam if one of them goes good, and vice-versa.

 I have given many national level papers and I remember seeing thousands of parents waiting eagerly to receive their kids. And I used to scrutinize among them to find out my dad. And when you find them, what do you see? Hope on the face that my kid has done well. I think this is the one thing that I cherish the most and would continue doing so. When the results come, and you have done well, then that feeling of pleasure is ultimate. And for that ultimate feeling we are doing so much hard work. Isnt it?

 Now, enough of exam talk. Let us move on to something which interests us the most. I know many of my friends who are crazy for one damn thing, and they can leave everything else for it. Some of them are crazy for gaming, some for music, some for reading and bla bla bla…. For the last few days I have been thinking hard on whether I've got something special of that kind, but couldn’t find one. I have never been into anything with mad passion; probably can’t take anything beyond a limit because I get bored and want to switch on to something else. Still, life is not over yet and the game is still on. Let's see - One day I will find one for sure.

 But the thing that I want from you guys is that you have to post a comment and tell me that one damn thing that you are crazy about and why. If you haven’t got any like me then think a bit and tell me. Could you do this for me? Please...  I don’t know if I am asking for something out-of-box. Try it. Okay?!!

PHONE CALL

Hmm.... I expect you missed me last month…he he - probably some of you I know that. But I’m in no mood to explain my irregularities. But yeah, I am back - and I will survive.

Last week, I went to one of my school friends’ home. It had been a long time. As we were eagerly listening to each other, when his younger brother came rushing from school with a love letter in his hand. He was in the 2^nd standard. Yes, a girl in his class had proposed to him. I wondered whether it was too early… ;-) I am probably three times his age and still looking forward to such a day! :-D

It reminded me of the prank that a girl played on me. …… I was in 9^th standard, month of January - Sorry I don’t remember the date, but yeah - it was in the evening probably around 6:30 as my dad was already back from work. The phone rang. At that time I didn’t have any mobile, so my school pals usually called me on the landline no.

 My dad picked up the phone and a girl said: “ CAN I TALK TO MOHIT”?

DAD:- May I know who is speaking?

Girl:- I am Mehak .

Now, my dad knew about Mehak as she was my classmate since nursery and she used to live very close to my home and also because she was the only girl who called me and that too on days that she would have missed the school and she need to ask about that day’s homework. So my dad gave me the phone.

ME:- Hello. “ Yes…. Who is this?

MEHAK:- hello, mein mehak bol rahi hun yaaaar ,,,,,, kya haal hain tere,,,, tu milta hi nai hai aaj-kal.

ME:- Now I was shocked, I had never expected that. The voice was familiar but it wasn’t mehak. I asked again “ aap kaun bol rahe ho?” (As I asked for the second time my father who was in the same room glanced me.)

MEHAK:- “ mein mehak bol rahi hun yaaaar.”

I dropped the phone, took a deep breath and went back to my room. 2 min later, the phone rang again, and my dad picked it again.

ME:- hello,,,, “ Who is this”?

MEHAK:-  mein mehak bol rahi hun yaaaar…. Tujhse  kuch samajhna tha yaar maths mein….. tujhe kitni baar bola hai………..tu samjhaata hi nai hai yaaaar. Mein tere ghar aa jaaun??

I sprung in surprise; That seductive tone got me more and more uncomfortable as my father was right in front of me.

In an eluding way I told her to meet me the next day and dropped the phone. I was probably immature at that time. Later I found out that she was my sister’s friend who usually came to our home. She was 2 years elder to me. After that phone call, there hasn’t been any call of that kind to which I could do proper justice. Probably I am not so gullible now. But you know, the reality is that we boys always would love to be deceived by the girls. But the girls generally don’t take charge. I hope someday they will. Okay, time to go, my phone is ringing……..hahhaahaa     ;-)

COMMISSION OF ERRORS

Yesterday, I was going through one of the articles in newspaper which reminded me of my school days. I was one of the most studious, sincere and bla..bla..bla.  in my class. But who cares for dat?? Certainly, my siblings! Perplexed??  I know…. But u know, the great disadvantage of having elder brother who is the most idle son, idle student and  is that u r constantly compared to him. Same was the case with me and my sis.

But I was sincere doesn’t mean that I wasn’t scolded by my teachers. I want to share some of the incidents on which I was severely punished by my teachers, either due to my stupidity or bcoz I was trying to act over-smart.

I don’t remember a single teacher of mine (except dat of maths which only consisted of numbers) who hasn’t scolded me for my cacography. But I never paid attention to their remarks. Now sometimes I feel envy of the 1^st class students who have better handwriting than me but I console myself by saying “ yaar ab to e-mail ka jamana hai”.

I remember, it was back in my 9^th standard, in history class; our teacher was reciting the chapter as we were scrutinizing the lines. Suddenly mam paused…….. shouted …….Sudeeeeeeeppp (my partner)…… who is sitting wid u?? 

Sudeep:- mam, Mohit.

ME:- still looking into the book.     

  

 Sudeep tugged me. I gaped at him as everyone looked at me.

Mam:- r u day-dreaming??  I stood up, unable to understand wat was the fuss about…… , kept mum. 

On another occasion I didn’t complete my English homework. The teacher asked who hasn’t done home-work. I raised my hand and saw I was the sole person. I knew many more wudn’t hv done but never told mam.

MAM:- come here.

 My heart sank. My throat turned dry.  I went. She adjusted her bangles and then my necktie and bang! Bang! on my cheek. I became red like tomato.  The next time u come without it and I will throw u out of this window. I wondered she could hv admonished me as it was my first time.

I remember wearing my white canvas shoes on Thursday. On one day I forgot to polish them. The PT teacher called me and asked wats the color of ur shoes? I thought yaar aaj to gaya. I thought why not to bring smile to his face. I said in a joking way. Sir, Blackish white. I thought he wud also sneer but he pulled my ear n told me to take 10 rounds of the playground. 

But I feel gud today that I have studied in an environment of strict discipline which always imbibes good qualities which u ought to carry throughout ur life.

HOPING TRANSLATING TO HAPPENING!

Some of the things u always hope but never get:- (Right from a child to an adult )

Ø Waking up late in the morning and hoping that the schoolbus would

arrive late.

Ø Hoping that the teacher stays absent on the day of a test you've not prepared for!

Ø On an empty bus and hoping that a hot chick sits right next to you

Ø Having an extramarital affair without your wife knowing

Ø SENSEX continuing to soar

Ø A terrorism free world.

Ø Indian politics do not remain as bad as it is.

Ø Hoping that India bags a medal in hockey in Olympics this time.

Let me tell u, the Oscar was on my list and this time Indians have won the coveted Oscars for the first tym. The film bagged eight awards including two Oscars for Rahman for Best Original Score and Best song "Jai Ho", which was penned by lyricist Gulzar and one for Resul Pookutty. But for me,  the film didn’t work. It’s my personal opinion. But kudos to A.R.RAHMAN, GULZAR, RESUL POOKUTTY . JAI HO!!

So, keep the hope alive so that in your heart the juice is worth the squeeze because if one fine day u get what u want and u don't know how to celebrate, then that moment will get wasted.

A PEEK OUT OF THE WINDOW - IS THAT ME?

2 days back I was on my way to my college and I was snarled-up in the

traffic jam; what's that? bumper-to-bumper. It sometimes becomes quite frustrating especially when you are getting late for work. So I was

sitting on one of the window seats; frustrated and hoping the traffic

gets cleared asap and my eyes got hold of a small kid(sweetest of their kind) seated in a car next to the bus stuck in the dreaded traffic like the whole lot of us. His face scored all my attention. He may have been just about 2 years old. He caught me glancing at his movements
I smiled. He gave me an uncharacteristic sneer - not what we ususally expect from two-year olds. I gaped as he tried to wriggle free from his mother's (I guess) embrace. In doing so, his head collided with the window pane and for perhaps a quarter of a minute cried and then

mopped his forehead with his hand; opened his mouth and shut it again; his tongue moved over his lips. He seemed to brace himself. He clenched and unclenched his tiny hands. His eyes were large and

luminous and he stood goggling at me again. He pursed his lips, raised his eyebrows. I was non-plussed. I shrugged, and he shook his head at me. I had never seen such calm in a kid. As our telepathy ensued, the

traffic cleared and the bus started to pick speed. I waved my hand and he waved his hand too and the feeling of receiving from the other end was simply terrific.
Its amazing how the lives get more and more complicated as we grow up;

striving hard for each and everything else in this competitive world only to lose ourselves. I wish I could a 2 year old all my life;

naïve, innocent; away from the cruel tortures of the world; away from all the problems of life; away from all the responsibilities and

obligations …….. JUST I, ME AND MYSELF.

"THANK GOD! IT WAS ONLY A DREAM, AFTER ALL"

I suppose everybody's had the experience at one time or another of waking up after a nightmare in which they were being chased by leopards or chewed by cannibals or some such thing and drawing a deep breath and saying to themselves: "THANK GOD!  IT WAS ONLY A DREAM, AFTER ALL".

That's how it was with me on the 27^th Nov, 08; A day after Mumbai was jolted by the attacks. The commandos were still hard put to evacuate the hotels and wipe out the terrorists. I was on vacation with my four friends. We were staying in the Oberoi hotel. We were in our room when we heard the severe blasts. We were terrified; unable to think; choked. Room service came and told us to lock our rooms from inside. The first time we felt the dread of being in mortal danger.

One of my friends quipped, "abhi toh hum kunware hain" but seriously everyone of us was shuddered from stem to stern; desperate to move out of that place. Then we started praying to Almighty, beseeching to save our lives.

22 hours later two commandos came and rescued us from our despair, and at this point of time my nightmare was over. I was breathing stertorously, sweating profusely and I said "THANK GOD!  IT WAS ONLY A DREAM, AFTER ALL" and went back to sleep.

LOVE IS BLIND - AIN'T THAT MORE THAN JUST A CLICHE?

I remember vividly, that it was a month and a half back, that I was preparing for my semesters.

TIME: 11:05PM

The next morning I had my paper and I had still left two chapters untouched. I was a little stressed, but was confident enough to complete the syllabus. As I was frisking through my notes, I heard some noises. At first I tried to evade the disturbance, but after a while the cacophony became loud enough to distract me. I could hear "KHOL….KHOL….KHOL". I understood our neighbors were quarreling, which they usually do atleast two times in a week. So there was no point lending an ear to such conventionality.

TIME: 12:10AM

I heard a police horn and it blew louder and louder and went static at its peak. I could make out the police van was right in front of our house. It was enough to drive me crazy and I couldn't resist myself from peeking through my window. What I saw was two policemen had held the husband by his collar and put him in the jeep. What had happened was that the drunken husband came home and was back with his usual business. He began to beat her wife. But this time she was smart enough to dodge him and lock herself in one of the rooms and called the police. People came out of their homes. Imagine, amidst the night people are ready to sacrifice their sleeps just to get a glance of what is happening in others life. I thought this is it. Finally the Indian woman has broken the shackles of society and come out. Now, this time she won't spare him. I was back with my studies.

The next day my paper went on fine. I came back from college and what I see is the husband and wife are having tea and having a nice time together in the verandah. I was amazed how quickly the things settled and then I was reminded of the adage "LOVE IS BLIND."

After that day she called police on two more ocassions, but it is still was not enough for the husband to hit the tracks.