My Silly Little Dream World...

One Long Drive

2012-02-05T18:16:00.000+05:30

Though the Wagon R became a part of our family for quite some time, her service usually limited within 15 km trips. An occasional 110km trip to Kumarakam is something she gets to fight boredom. And except one trip to Thiruvananthapuram, around 300km,we never had a long trip. So I was all excited when we got the permission to take the car to Bangalore, around 500km, and first time crossing state border :)

My parents, being the parents they are, didn't give me permission to take it alone. Got a driver friend, Girish who, though had strict instruction from them not to let me drive, bend it a little bit ;)

We started early morning. The easy route through Palakkad, Hosur was avoided because of the ongoing Mullapperiyaar issue. We wanted to avoid driving through Tamil Nadu, so chose the Kozhikode, Bandipur, Mysore route. Soon we realised it was a mistake...

Kozhikode route is in fact almost 20km less than the Hosur route. But, most of it, except, Waynad and Bandipur when we drive through forest, is through towns. Busy towns with narrow road. And lots of curves and humps. We hardly touched 40kmph those regions. One thing noticed was, everywhere, stray dog nuisance was on rise. They were doing all the nonsense on road and I ended up hitting one, though it was not a bad hit, I hit!

The ride through forest was good. Waynad forest - it was the ghat section and the hair pin curves ( Girish didn't let me ride there :( ). The beauty of the sceneries though was completely taken by the bad quality roads. Poor car was struggling to find enough space to roll its tyres and I was worried whether the deep gutters disturb its suspension / or whether its bottom hit the road and what not...
Bandipur stretch was a different story. It was wide roads, almost good too, but there were humps almost every 200m, mostly for the safety of wild animals. I remember meeting a herd of elephants during one of my night trip in bus, so was hoping (!) to see them then... All we see was elephant dung on the road, not the animal as is :).
Once we left the forest, it was again busy roads. But this time, it was a different story. Both sides of the road were Ragi cultivation. The farmers dry it on road, so that the vehicles will help the grain separate from the plant! But the farmers who spread and collect it makes ride slow. Was not sure whether the highway belongs to them or the vehicles ! One poor sight was the over loaded bull carts. The carts were so heavy that the poor animals were not able to walk straight. And their drivers were hitting them hard to make them move. I felt death may be the only escape for those poor creatures...

Once we were in Mysore border, we wanted to avoid Mysore city and was looking for the cut to Nice road. We asked for direction and ended up where we started! Then a funny auto rickshaw driver helped us. He was saying ' it is ok road, not nice road! And for that you may take right and go straight!'. Once we were in the elevated, supposed to be express way, we realise what he meant. The heavy toll was not justified. Though the road was wide, it was very much un-even. There was almost an inch difference between lines and during overtaking it was causing trouble, made us go slower than we should be. And the pot-holes - it was as bad as Bangalore ring roads! The directions to get out of expressway - it also was confusing. They say only 'Exit to Bangalore' and not which part of Bangalore! We, only guided by intuition exited on the third one and thank God it turned out to the right one!
The drive in Bangalore city limits was another episode. In no time I was wondering whether I made a mistake to get the car here. Pure chaos. Bike here never felt this bad. I was sure I will not be able to move even a meter in this kind of traffic. Anyway after a good 13 hours, we reached home. Not sure, whether I was happier or my driver friend, who sarcastically said, if I need his service again, shouldn’t fail to call him !

Anyway, car is here. Though exhausted, I was back with my wife. All I needed was a hot bath and a nice sleep...

+'s about the trip : The speed governor was not with me, so I could go beyond 60kmph
-'s : I was missing my Love, with her, the trip would have been a totally different story
PS : My wife changes herself between speed governor and Love on trips ;)

I Need A Normal Trip Home !!!

2011-10-07T09:56:00.000+05:30

You might have read the last few unintentionally and inconveniently funny trips I had home. This weekend also the story was more or less the same. With a difference - it was not KSRTC or the rain God made it. It was solely me.

Usually I take the 6:30PM bus. Wednesday, because of the long weekend rush I got ticket for 4:30 bus. Unfortunately the 16:30 time on ticket, I read as the usual 6:30 and planned to leave office accordingly. Only at 5, a casual look at the ticket told me the truth - my bus has left Bangalore ! Misery loves company. And my whole team was in action at once. Teammate Unnikkuttan gave me the brilliant idea of taking it from another point, and we can take a shortcut to reach there before the bus, thanks to the traffic blocks of Bangalore.

We hit the road in an instant and I was trying to call the information center numbers given in the ticket to check where the bus is. One eye was on the ticket and the other on my cell. Expectedly, none of the four numbers were reached. Cursed, I look up to see how Unnikkuttan rides. In the excitement of catching bus, I completely forgot his reputation of being fast and furious driver. He was shifting from left to right and back avoiding potholes, traffic and what not ! That moment I was ready to walk home but to get down from the bike. I didn't want to look chicken, so I kept rooted to the seat and typed 108 and kept the thumb on call button, just in case. So that I can call emergency and tell 'Sir, send an ambulance for us!'.

Within 10 mins, we reached the stop. Unnikkuttan took off the helmet and flashed all 32 admiring his skill! Then I got a call from office saying my bus was through another route ! My going home was necessary. So I decided to go to the interstate bus station, in the other side of the city. Unnikkuttan was thrilled to hear it. Ample opportunity to show his skills ! He flashed 32 again and put the helmet again. I tried to look as sad as possible and told him ' I would love to go there with you, but your skill is very much needed at work. So I will take a bus. Thanks for the ride mate'. He was disappointed and me relieved.

I reached stand around 6:30. I checked a couple of buses and they were full. Thinking of taking the 9PM ordinary bus and was about to leave platform, my angel came. With the footpath aviator and mouthful of pan, he was walking in slow motion with an ear to ear smile. ' You want to go to Thrissur ?'
'Yes' said me.
'Single ?'
'Single, going to be mingled soon'
'No problem. You will get the seat in the 6PM bus.'
'Sir, I want to go tonight and it is already 6:30'
Then the angel told me that the 6PM bus got some starter problem and it is expected to leave anytime. I gave him Rs.500 for a 380 ticket. He accepted it gratefully!

Though I was afraid that the bus may break down in between, it didn't happen. The roads were more or less empty too. The journey was nice, and I reached Thrissur, before the bus I was originally planned to take. And to my surprise when I was getting down angel gave me Rs.70 back. World is not that bad.

I do hope my Sunday journey back to Bangalore will be without any fun. I need some trips that way...

Another 'Different' Trip To Home

2011-09-17T19:21:00.000+05:30

I always like the trips to home. Many of the times, it will be different than the routine trips, in the wrong way though. The trip last week ( for Onam ) was one like that. One I really wished I didn't had...

Because of the rush, I didn't get tickets in my usual 6:30 Karnataka KSRTC Rajahamsa, I got to get into the Kerala RTC bus. Though it claimed Super Deluxe Air Bus, it was anything but airy ! Both the buses, to and from Thrissur, were poorly maintained. The KL 15 7116, which was the one took me back to Bangalore was pathetic. The seats were untidy, the whole bus was rattling. The overhead luggage shelf was wide enough only to slide a laptop bag in ( for both buses ). There was a hole in the roof above seat no 35, and I enjoyed the cold rain all the night. Worse, the metal lamination sheet under the luggage space was hanging loose and I was afraid anytime it will fall on head.

The trip to Thrissur was ok till we reach Mysore. It started on time ( 4 PM, I liked it ). This was after a long time I took the Mysore road and man, it was nothing less than a trip to hell. No wonder Bangalore Mirror chose it the worst road in the city..

From Mysore, 4 elderly gentlemen boarded the bus, despite there was no seat. I thought of giving my seat to the eldest, but thinking it will keep me standing for good 6 hours and those guys always had a choice of taking the next bus, I decided against it :) After a while they were all restless, and one among them vomited inside the bus !!! The driver and conductor became furious ( naturally ) and asked them to get out to do the needful. He did, got in and after sometime did it again !!! The good part is there was one guy who was sober and cleaned the bus at the station.

There was one interesting thing happened. We were crossing Bandipur forest area, and suddenly the bus stopped. There was a small elephant herd in front of our bus, including a baby. The baby was careless, took his sweet time to cross the road. The mommy elephant was vigilant and looking us with her ears open wide. I was expecting her to charge at us any time !!! I felt we should ban the traffic through the forest entire night, so that at least the nights the animals can claim the forest theirs !

The return journey was at 11PM, and supposed to reach Bangalore by 10AM. But, thanks to the Onam rush and no free platform at Thrissur, the bus started a good 20 minutes late.

The next incident was classic, I never seen anything like that. Again, an old man was the hero. He slept and missed the stop where he had to get down ! He started blaming the conductor, for sleeping and didn't wake him at the stop ! The driver and conductor first started heated argument, but then softened as this guy was adamant that the bus should reverse and drop him back to the stop! Because he knew that, as the forest road closes in the night, no vehicle will come from the other direction. The pace of the journey was drastically reduced because the driver was also trying to convince the old man to get another bus back home. The argument lasted very long, that I slept in between ! I don't know how it ended.

The argument made the bus reaching the forest checkpost late and needed to wait there. Precious time wasted ;) But it gave a peaceful sleep :) We resumed, only to get a flat tyre soon ! In the last five years I took Kerala RTC buses hardly six times, and this was the third time the tyre went flat. Too bad Kerala RTC..

Reaching late to the city made things worse. The Mysore road, being busy at the morning hour made things worse. The 10AM bus at last reached by 0130 PM !!! I reached home 2:30, precious one day was wasted...

Next time, I will go with Rajahamsa. They made take an hour or two extra, because of the slow driving and tea breaks, but that will be the most they do. The buses are comfortable, at least...

When Shouting Becomes The Order Of The Day

2011-09-04T18:15:00.000+05:30

Bangalore, the garden city, silicon valley of India, blah blah blah. But for me Bangalore has one more identity, which is on face - The Shouting City. The vehicles, people, the machinery's all around, everything is shouting here, most of them for no reason...

Last night I needed to book a cab from work to home, so does one of my colleague. We both were staying in different part of the city and we ordered two cabs ( naturally ! ). The cab fellow promised cab within an hour. Then, just ten minutes before the hour, he calls us to club the cab ! It was raining and he wanted to use the other cab for another customer. I tried to reason with him, saying we stay apart and all. But no use. Then I shouted at him. Though I am not a master of that art, it was the need of the hour. Then suddenly he agreed for two cabs and within 10 mins.

Feeling angry I returned to my seat. Then the driver shown up. He said he will go only to the other route and can not drop me. I told him that the guy is busy eating and he will take the other cab, but no use. Then I used the art again - shouted at him. In no time, he agreed with me and dropped me.

Crap. But true. If someone hits your vehicle or you hit the other, you got to shout first in this city. And if you shout in the local language, the better. If you ever try to reason, then you are in for a toss.

One good thing is I don't need to do it in Keralam. There people are not scared or indifferent with others, at least yet...

The Birdie’s Day Out

2011-08-12T12:01:00.000+05:30

Our house is not our house alone ! Many ‘wild’ animals have made it their own at different points of time. I am not referring to the not so rare visits of venomous snakes or monitor lizards or marappatty ( I don’t know their English name). It is about the animals and birds who chosen our house to be their delivery home ! Few years back a mongoose couple had their litter in our firewood shed. We didn’t disturb them. Whenever amma needs any firewood from there, they will make some frightening noise, but never attacked. So we lived in an agreement of not hurt the other and they left once the babies were big enough to be their own.

The latest of them to made our home nursery is a honey eating ( drinking ) sparrow ( Thenkuruvi in Malayalam ). It is no the first time one of them came here, but this time, they made a mistake. They didn’t make the house in the shade and this year it was heavy rain. The nest didn’t handle the heavy rain last week and fell on ground, along with two babies. Luckily when amma found them the next day, both were alive.

Amma made them a make-shift home, and hung them near to the original nest. Thank God, the parents found them and are taking care of the babies now. Waiting for the day they become big and leave the nest. And do hope they too will fly back here, to make their nest too…

Being Invisible In The Crowd

2011-07-10T11:26:00.000+05:30

I got one more reason to like my trips home. Incidentally it is in these trips I am getting most ideas for posts! Last trip also gave me idea for a post.

I reached the stop much earlier, or was it my bus late once again... As the only few seat at the stop is taken, I went to the lower compound wall of the Tata showroom and sit in the shade of a tree. I checked for any crows above, and found only a few kites flying high. I need to be careful not to be the potty for a crow. Incidentally in Bangalore crows are very less. And it makes the cry of the crow back home nostalgic ! The place where I sat was very low. Which I would have not considered any other day, thinking it is dirty. But today I need a place to sit and this serves that purpose. And the best part is, the lower stance give me a totally new perspective ! And I liked it, the new view. I was sitting in the middle of crazily busy street with people rushing all around me. Still, nobody gave me a second look. Nobody cared for my presence. It was like I was ceased to exist. I became invisible. And I started looking at the world around me, as I was watching a movie on a screen...

I saw a beggar giving final touches to his broken leg make-up. Kids made to dress like adults. Most of the people and lost either in a cell conversation or music. One lady was talking to the phone and with the other hand closed the free ear, may be to ensure the golden words not escaping through it... People chewing pan and spitting everywhere. ( may be where I sat too, but the rain last night should have washed it away, I don't want to think about it ). There were two kids trying to cross the busy road, but was too afraid that they take two steps back for every one forward. All kind of vehicles. Cars of every make. Trailers with many tires. One car being towed away. The time was flying, but I was lost in the interesting drama on my screen.

More people joined me in the wall. Most of them were checking watch every minute and cursing for the late bus. And then I spotted my bus on the screen. Time to end the show. I left my comfortable seat and joined the crowd. To be the part of show someone else is watching...

When Faith Becomes Blind

2011-05-21T13:54:00.000+05:30

Disclaimer : I am not against faith in God. I am a believer myself. This post is against the people who misuses faith.

Faith can move mountains. Faith can strengthen you from within. Faith can heal you. Faith can make you a millionaire, if you use it wisely !

You read it right. In my opinion, investing in faith is a sure return. People are more educated now, and so is their superstitions. The rocket scientist, who design the satellite to predict weather, offers the replica of the rocket to God, just to make sure his mission will be a success. And for the temple guys, it is just another testimony of the power of the God.

My point is something different. These days, the number of new temples and the rush there should make us stop and think for a minute, do we need this ? The Gods, poojas that we did till today is not enough ? Do we need to go for that expensive pooja, idols, or visit to the far away sacred place ( most of them are new found too ) ???

Some time back there was a news about two guys beaten wife of one for refusing to sleep with the other. Incidentally, that guy after failure in many businesses started a temple and that poojari life was very successful. Was shocked to see the truth about the poojari. He was incidentally from Bangalore.

Is there any way we can check the credibility of temples or poojaries...

I used to go to the Shiva temple near Kemp Fort in Bangalore. I like the aura of that place. Peaceful and pleasant. But last week when I go there, it was all changed, but not for good. They blocked the regular way and made everyone go through the 'special' paid way. Wish faith was not a business...

These things will not and can not make me stop visiting temples or respecting the poojaris. The few places where I always feel God, and is not business. We badly need a governing body to keep a track of the institutions who taps people's faith. Hope it will happen soon. Till then we will guard our faith, ourselves.

What A Trip !

2011-04-27T16:50:00.000+05:30

One thing I like about my routine escapes to home is the bus trip. Though most of my family and friends wonder how I manage the 10 hour a side trip, I never felt it difficult. Once I learned the trick to sleep in the moving bus, everything was easy. But the trip to home this time, made me, forced me to think again about it. Both up and down journeys…

Friday it was raining in Bangalore. Not heavy at all, but steady and long one. The ill-drained roads flooded in no time. Hardly a kilometer journey from my office to bus-stop took more than 45 minutes. I should have understood the clue and prepared for what lies ahead from that itself…

It was mayhem all the way. The bus which never fails to reach on time every time I was just-on-time days was not on time. I was 20 minutes early that time, just to be sure. And the bus came a whole 3 hours late ! Waiting at the ill-maintained bus stop - no chairs, no proper shelter from the rain and wind, made it more difficult. There was a small boy waiting and he was shivering despite his dad’s over sized jacket covering him. The overflowing drains and damaged road made the bus late. The traffic was horrible, and the driver was too soft on the throttle that he never bothered to move fast, even on empty stretches.

But, home and lovely food by mom made all those frustrating things forget.

Return journey happened on time. And with this high speed AC bus, I planned some sleep in proper bed too. Only till I realize things were planned otherwise… it got a flat tire on way. No big deal, till we realize the bus guys were ill equipped and ill experienced with it. And the shower made things go even slower… I tried to find a positive thing about it and found one – around two hours in a non-moving bus, I was able to sleep well !

Somehow by the time it reached Bangalore, it was 3:30 hours late. And then the ultimate hiccup – the door was jammed ! It was not opening and with the screw driver and spanner slided through the small opening on the top of the door, somebody removed the lock to open the door ! Another 20 mins wasted on road. But it was not home I was coming to. Late to office only made my day, well, more dramatic.

Thinking back, I don’t regret much. Because the 4 days spent at home was worth it

Stand For Ourself

2011-03-28T22:14:00.000+05:30

In the life we face times when we need to stand on our feet, literally. Just on our own. When the World is against us, with all its might. Everything, everyone has only one thing to say - decide against our call.

It might be the most hurting and demanding situation. We know we are right, but when the voices from all around try to tell us it is not the right thing to do, and warn that the result may be devastating, what shall we do…. It is easy to listen to others. And live in regret. Regret for playing it safe, and not giving at least a chance to stand for what we want…

The world hates change. Period. It wants everything to be going by the way it wants to. Even that means, it is against our very normal wishes, demands, rights. We are expected to bear everything that is thrown to us. Expectations not met – learn to live with less or no expectations.

Never fall in the trap. Though it may means I am making the world my enemy, I prefer to stand for what I feel right. At least, later, it will be easy for me to convince myself that I was right. May be it is too early for others to accept it. Or, I know they don’t want to see me happy, especially by living my way. So they may try to make my life horrible, but they cannot break my will and they will never succeed.

I don’t want to bear everything thinking, all will be right in the end. NEVER WAIT FOR THE END. There is nothing left after it, nothing happier, better, no heaven. There is nothing after the end, whatever we need to do; we got to do it now, this moment.

You don’t need to turn back pages to see people who stand for what they believe. Their story is not ending with Ram ya Gandhiji. The millions who stood for Egypt, Libya were fighting the good fight. They stood for what they believe, though they knew they might even be killed. My friend Batool, who voiced her support for her fellow people. Though she was away from them, though she was in a foreign land, she stood for what she felt right. I am damn sure, her name, her faith may make it difficult in the foreign land. Still she decided to face it. Singled out. Humiliated. Laughed at. She may have faced it. But she stood for her cause. That is something I respect her for.

Voice for ourselves. If not us, who else we can expect to do it. Though others may laugh at us or make our life miserable, it is only temporary. We will see it through. And later, we will never regret it. Good luck.

What's This Life For...

2011-03-23T16:51:00.000+05:30

Creed was screaming in my mp3 player with this song ' What's This Life For... ' and I was sinking into it. And started thinking about me, my life. What is the meaning of it. Does it having any meaning at all…

There’s hardly anything that is unexpected in my daily life. It is almost picture perfect and moves in the way it was decided to be. Even the hour of sleep is same. The food that I eat daily – almost same. The routines, the route to work and back, the things I do both at work and back in room, the people I call, meet, mail – everything is same. It is so predictive. The only occasional change will be my trip to home, but that also is almost synchronized, every other or third weekend. And that journey is also surprisingly predictable.

Is this life… can this be called life….

WHY NOT ????

Everyday, I am smiling, laughing, enjoying. I been Loved. I am being a reason for somebody to smile, a light moment, to feel Loved. That is worth my life.

I Love my life

When Faith Goes Wrong...

2011-03-18T17:40:00.000+05:30

I think nowadays people's faith is increased. Faith in God. It could be a show-off or escape, but dependence on God is definitely on the rise. There are a few things make me think so - increasing number of religious channels, and people take seriously the stuff it offers ( from performing pooja on specific days to buy yanthras / kavacha / idols it advertise ). There are numerous gurus giving advices and solving problems. It was always there, but nowadays it is on the rise.

I have many colleagues who fast, men included. I never believe God would want people to 'sacrifice' eating on particular day. Or ask me not to eat non-veg on particular days. I never think God would want his people to crucify themselves to show their gratitude or faith to him. Nor I think, he will bless only them who give those sacrifices…

People may be technologically advanced. But in the back of their mind, they are being so unsure about themselves. Their caliber. Or is it an excuse to run away from responsibilities... Dear God, I have given up food for these many days, now even if I won’t try, it is your responsibility to get the thing done... may be. Nowadays the number of temples has increased many folds. We don’t need temple in every street. Interestingly every one of them attracts a lot of people. They are doing a lot of pooja and offerings. May be after schools and hospitals, God be a largest selling commodity of this time.

There was an incident happened in the suburbs of Bangalore recently. There was this road widening project was going on and for it, they needed to cut a tree. Under that tree, there were some photos the locals used to do pooja and they protest against cutting it. The officials visited the place and they re-designed the route. The straight short road was given up for a messier one to save that tree. There is a Shirdi Sai baba temple near to where I stay. It attracts a lot of people, especially on Thursdays when they conduct Aarti. It was built only 2 years back and now with a lot of gold / silver pooja properties and granite floor it looks grand.

Last month, the saint in a TV channel asked to light diyas in 5 different oils on a particular day to minimize the effect of disasters in 2012. Interestingly there were so many people followed that there was shortage / price hike for oil on that day. Aren’t we going blind, if someone taking the name of God…

People tend to become God-fearing… Why should we fear God… God will punish only those who act against His rules. He will never punish someone for not fasting on Tuesdays… My God is my companion. Who direct me. Lead my ways. Show the light when my mind is clouded. He is not like the school head master who always found an excuse to punish the kids, or show his power.

Lets Love God. Worship Him. Say prayers. Say thanks for His gifts and blessings. But never ever be afraid of Him. Like Paulo Coelho said in The Pilgrimage, lets offer our happiness and victories to Him and not our struggles or pains.

I am not against God. Being a believer myself, I can never be either. But I am against all those shows in the name of Him. And that is all this post is about.

One Item Down...

2011-03-15T13:52:00.000+05:30

I was planning this for a long time.. I knew it is special... I knew I will get it one day. Never knew it will happen all so soon :)

Well, I was talking about champagne. Seeing all those parties and celebrations I also wanted to open it at my home. Last weekend we had a small get-together and I decided it is the time.

Me and my roommate try to get one here in Bangalore. Alas, it was too costly, and I didn't want the cheap Indian version of it ( at 790 ! ). Then I got that brilliant idea. My mamaji was flying down from Dubai and get it bought at the Cochin Duty Shop :). And there it is... A French Champagne in my hands...

Well, we didn't shake and pour it all around. I didn't feel like... Yup, the price was the reason. Still its opening and sharing made the moment...

Next time... May be I will be rich enough for the Champagne fountain :)

Yes, I Am Prepared

2011-02-24T15:44:00.000+05:30

You never know what lies ahead in life. But you can always have an idea about what it could be and be prepared for it. Better, you can have multiple options and have plan a, b and so forth ! The idea is, we should always be prepared for whatever life has to offer and should be ready with a plan.

STOP !

This is not my way of living life. I prefer to face it when it comes. Come on, how can we be prepared for every turn of life ??? Let it come and I will face it. I never want to waste my time prepare for something I may never ever face ! And other than money matters I don't think I have any control over other situations in life.

Life is not an exam comes with syllabus ! Even if it is, most of the time, the real questions will be out of syllabus. And life doesn't give you a chance to skip one question, and you can not argue that you are not expected / prepared / warned / told about it.

Think about this moment. Prepare for this very moment. If you can do something, do it to make it better. Never worry or think much about something you may never going to face. Happy living :)

I Got A Credit Card :)

2011-02-07T16:24:00.000+05:30

I been using credit card for a while and am comfortable handling it. ie, I never let the interest add up and make it a point to pay the full amount before the last date ( though occasionally I needed to slip this rule). When my cousin called me to say he got his first credit card and he is excited about it, I got to warn him. At least he should not repeat the mistakes I made...

There is no two opinion about its versatility. It is very useful. Need not carry cash, can use it online or on phone. You can buy things even when your bank balance is zero. It is especially useful when travelling to another country, because we need not go for money exchange ( though our bank will charge a fee). Being accepted even in small towns makes it more attractive.

The stand-by period ( from the day billed and the day to make payment ) of 20-50 days is tempting. If planned properly we can have it over two salary dates ( I never tried it, though ). Most cards offer points for usage which can be redeemed for gifts or vouchers later. And a few offer cash back ( still better ). So choose the card wisely.

Also for security, it is advised to go for a photo card and the moment you get it, sign it. If someone steals your card and use it, you don't need to pay it. You can challenge the payment to the bank saying that it was a fraud usage. And it is the RETAILER who needs to make sure that the card is genuine. If he misses to verify the photo or signature, that is his problem.

Have an Internet transaction password. It will ensure one more layer of security. Also it is advised to memorise the CVV no and erase it from the card. If you have more than one card, be cautious with this step !

The interest they charge is huge. Though it may vary from 3 to 3.5 %, it is calculated MONTHLY. When it is calculated annually, it will go up to 35-40 % which is far high compared to loan. So if you have a huge outstanding, it is even recommend to get a personal loan to clear it. It costs 16-20 % or something, which is still much less. And they calculate the interest for the FULL AMOUNT and not outstanding. If your bill was 10,000 and you made a payment of 9,000, they will calculate for the full 10,000 and not the outstanding 1,000. So be careful.

Even EMI option is not very attractive either. And most importantly, the bank will not let you close it before the tenure. They will ensure that they will squeeze the maximum profit from you... And also have a clear picture of processing fee, if you are going for EMI.

Never ever use it to withdraw cash either. It is also charged at the same rate, huge rate.

If used wisely, it can be healthy too. For cash back cards, you can really earn money every time you use it.

Make sure you will not fall to temptation and use the card every time you see a sale sign ;) And never let the card go to wrong card. My card was sent to my room when I was away at native. By the time I got it, it was used by my roommates to buy TV, DVD and stand ! Though it was a 'sweet' misuse, every time it may not be...

Happy card days... Make sure it will not make you yell ;)

തെരുവ് പട്ടികളും, സ്പീഡ് ഗവര്‍ണറും പിന്നെ ഭരിക്കുന്നവരും

2011-01-13T15:33:00.000+05:30

ബാംഗ്ലൂര്‍ എയര്‍ പോര്‍ട്ടിനു സമീപം 18 മാസം പ്രായമുള്ള ഒരു കുഞ്ഞിനെ പതിനഞ്ചോളം തെരുവ് നായ്ക്കള്‍ കടിച്ചു കൊന്നു. അവന്റെ ഒരു കാലും, രണ്ടു കൈപ്പത്തികളും ഒരു ചെവിയും അവ കടിച്ചെടുത്തു. എത്ര നരക വേദന തിന്നാവണം അവന്‍ പ്രാണന്‍ വെടിഞ്ഞിട്ടുണ്ടാവുക... അതിന്റെ മുഴുവന്‍ വാര്‍ത്ത ഇവിടെ

നാട്ടില്‍ സ്വകാര്യ ബസ്സുകള്‍ക്കും ടിപ്പര്‍ ലോറികള്‍ക്കും സ്പീഡ് ഗവര്‍ണര്‍ വെക്കുന്ന കാര്യം എന്തായി ? തൃശൂര്‍ കൊടുങ്ങല്ലൂര്‍ റോഡില്‍ വണ്ടി ഓടിക്കേണ്ടി വരുന്ന സാധാരണക്കാര്‍ എത്ര തവണ തെറ്റായ ദിശയില്‍ നേരെ പാഞ്ഞടുക്കുന്ന ലിമിറ്റഡ് സ്റ്റോപ്പ്‌ ബസ്സുകളില്‍ നിന്നും രക്ഷപ്പെടാന്‍ വണ്ടി ഒതുക്കി നിര്‍ത്തേണ്ടി വന്നിട്ടുണ്ടാകും... മരണമോ അല്ലെങ്കില്‍ വളരെ ആളുകള്‍ക്ക് പരിക്കോ ഇല്ലെങ്കില്‍ ഇതൊന്നും വാര്ത്തയിലോ കണക്കെടുപ്പിലോ വരില്ലല്ലോ.

നമ്മുടെ ശാപം സാധാരണക്കാരെ മനസ്സിലാക്കാത്ത, അല്ലെങ്കില്‍ അവരുടെ ആവശ്യങ്ങള്‍ ഒരിക്കലും നേരിടേണ്ടി വന്നിട്ടില്ലാത്ത ഭരണകര്‍ത്താക്കള്‍ തന്നെ ആണ്. ഇവിടെ ബാംഗ്ലൂര്‍ ഭരിക്കുന്ന ആരുടെയെങ്കിലും മക്കള്‍ക്കോ അവരുടെ സില്‍ബന്ധികള്‍ക്കോ ഒരിക്കലും തെരുവ് പട്ടികളെ നേരിടേണ്ടി വരില്ല. കഴിഞ്ഞ ദിവസം പേ പിടിച്ച പട്ടിയെ തന്‍റെ വാര്‍ഡില്‍ നിന്നും അടുത്ത വാര്‍ഡിലേക്ക് തുരത്തിയാണ് അവിടത്തെ കൌണ്‍സിലര്‍ ജനങ്ങളെ രക്ഷിച്ചത്‌. അത് തിരിച്ചു വരുമെന്നോ, അടുത്ത വാര്‍ഡില്‍ ഭീഷണി ആകുമെന്നോ അയാള്‍ക്ക് ചിന്തയില്ല.

മുന്നിലും പിന്നിലും അകമ്പടിയും, ബാക്കിയുള്ള വാഹനങ്ങളെ നിര്‍ത്തിയിട്ടു ഒരുക്കിയ വഴിയില്‍ ചീറി പായുമ്പോള്‍ നമ്മുടെ ഏത് ഭരണ കര്താവിനാണ് ബ്ലോക്കും, എതിരെ വരുന്ന ലിമിറ്റഡ് സ്റ്റോപ്പ്‌ / ടിപ്പര്‍ കാലവാഹനങ്ങളും അറിയുക ? അവര്‍ക്ക് എല്ലാം എക്സ്പ്രസ്സ്‌ വേ.

തെരുവ് പട്ടികളെ നമ്മുക്ക് ആവശ്യമില്ല. അതിനെ വന്ധ്യംകരിക്കുക നടപ്പിലാകുന്നില്ല എന്ന് എല്ലാ തെരുവിലും കാണുന്ന പട്ടിക്കുട്ടികള്‍ നമ്മോടു പറയുന്നു. അതിനെയെല്ലാം ഏറ്റെടുക്കാന്‍ ആളുകള്‍ വരുന്ന സുന്ദര ലോകം വരുന്ന വരെ കാണുന്ന പട്ടികളെ കൊന്നു കളയുക. പേടിയില്ലാതെ നമുക്ക് റോഡിലൂടെ നടക്കാനും, വീട്ടില്‍ ഇരിക്കാനും പറ്റണം. പട്ടികള്‍ കേരളത്തിലും പെരുകുന്നുണ്ട്. നമ്മുടെ ഹൈകോടതി തെരുവ് പട്ടികളെ കൊല്ലാന്‍ അനുമതിയും തന്നിട്ടുണ്ട്. അവയെ പൂര്‍ണമായും തുടച്ചു മാറ്റുക.

സ്പീഡ് ഗവര്‍ണര്‍ സംവിധാനം നിര്‍ബന്ധമായും നടപ്പിലാക്കുക. എല്ലാവരും ഒരേ പോലെ സമയത്തിനെ പോകൂ എങ്കില്‍ എല്ലാ ബസ്സുകാരും അത് അന്ഗീകരിക്കും, അന്ഗീകരിക്കണം.

ഇതൊക്കെ നടക്കുമോ... നടത്തിക്കൂടെ..

I Have Told You Already...

2011-01-12T16:59:00.001+05:30

How many times you have heard people using this - I knew it will happen like this only or I have already told you, I always knew that etc etc... And how many times you have cursed them silently...

Yesterday iGate bought Patni computers and each share was evaluated at Rs 103. Times of India reporter was yelling - we have reported 10 days before that it will be close between 100 and 105. It was OK on the paper, but what happens in real life..

Worse, to prove that one know about something / someone more than the others, they might reveal details they should not, or even lie. Because it was getting on their nerves and they needed to prove that they know more. Crap. If you know something very personal or secretive stuff, how can you reveal it, just to prove you know more than others.. How will it hit the person involved ???

Those kind of people, if they already knew it earlier, will definitely will make a statement and will not wait for the news to break. Still they are so egoist and un-civilised to accept they didn't knew it. And to prove they are more-informed, will screw the situation.

One of my colleague got pregnant. And one team-mate announced, he already knew it. Did she tell him earlier ?? No, it was from her body language and appearance that he knew she was pregnant. But he never bothered to make the statement. Did you get the picture ??? What I am talking about ???

When you talk with me / or to a group I am part of, please do not use these phrases :

I already knew that it will happen / end like this

I told you already, na

I know it

Thank you

One Week In US

2010-12-06T11:42:00.000+05:30

It's been a week here in US this time. And this trip was unique, if not special. So short notice ( within 3 days of checking I am free, I was flying ), and so many things to do - before my flight and after I landed here. Now just waiting for December 22nd to fly back...

Right from the drop to Bangalore bus station to catch the bus to home, it was all chaos. The road construction made us take detour. And on way to Keralam, near Hosur the bus was STOPPED for more than two hours, thanks to an accident. The Emirates flight, both from Kochi and Dubai was late. Landed in SFO, had to wait for baggage, and once out, the taxi driver forgot where he parked the car and we were searching the entire 2nd level for it !!! What a great start of the trip...

But now everything seems ok. Adjusted to the weather. Got used to the tips and tricks with the new technology. Food is good. Got company. Though neck deep in work, has some lighter moments often. Hope can finish everything in style and go back content.

*** The pic is the view from the 12th floor of our new office.

Be Alert About The Attempts To Infect Your Computer

2010-11-17T10:24:00.000+05:30

This was a mail circulated by the IT team. Thought it will be useful to all...

The creators of malicious software (viruses, spyware, ad-ware) are constantly trying new methods to get you to execute programs that will install malicious software on your personal and work computers. Besides the technical aspect of spreading this software, there is an even bigger social aspect to this. The creators of this software will use any method to get you to open their programs, including reaching out to your emotions. Here are some examples:

1. Some person or group needs help and you can help by looking at the attachment.

2. Email with blank subject line from an unknown email address.

3. Email that seems to come from a close friend or family member. However, their computer was infected by malicious software and is sending these emails using their identity without their knowledge.

4. Email that seems to be from a business or group you associate with and asks you to look at an attachment.

5. Your system shows messages saying that your computer has been infected and you need to open an attachment or go to a web site to download a scanner to remove the malicious software. This only makes it worse by installing the real malicious software. Simply click on the “x” at the top right corner to close it.

6. And a method that is appropriate for this time of year is that a package that was sent to you failed to reach you and you need to look at the attachment for clarification. See the following article at Snopes.com, a well known debunker of scams on the internet: http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/ups.asp

In short, think carefully when receiving emails with attachments. You should only open attachments if you were expecting something specific from that individual. If not, ask the sender what they are sending. You may learn that the sender is just as surprised as you about the message.

Finally, read through the email message before clicking on an embedded URL or opening the attachment or zip file, etc. Something like the following statement/disclaimer could raise a red flag: “Because email is not a secure form of communication, this email box is not equipped to handle replies.”

Here is a recent example for your review:

I Am Not A Friend To All

2010-11-14T10:03:00.000+05:30

One thing I learned ( the hard way, of course ) once I left home was I can not expect anybody to be a true friend. Though there are some exceptions to this law, most cases agree with it. True relations outside home are rare. And it will be foolish to expect somebody to be my friend because I am so for him.

Friends are the best thing you can get when you are away from home. True. But making a friend also expect something back, them being a friend to you too... And if that misses...

Losing a friend is harder than making one. If your friend behaves in a way totally opposite of what you expect will be a blow you can not handle too.

How to handle this… For me the easiest way is to avoid making friends, friends with everyone. Till I am confident about one, I prefer to call him company than friend. One of my friends had an interesting way of it. She had friends who are hand-related, heart-related and soul-related. Hand-related ones are the ones who are limited to hand-shake ! Heart-related ones are closer and soul-related ones are the ones forever. Now that’s a trick. It is good to know the ones prone to go, so that when it actually happens you will not feel bad :)

It is very difficult to find good friends now. The small town where I am coming from, I hardly know my neighbours. And in this metro, good friends are rare. Though I do have a bunch of friends I can rely on, most of the people I meet everyday, though I talk / greet them cordially, I don’t call them friends. And most of the day we spend at work and it is the rarest of places where we can find friendship! Go to office to work and never to make friends!

Saying all this, still, if I miss any of the ones I care for, I do cry…

I Promise I Will Remain Silly

2010-11-11T15:13:00.000+05:30

I often been named / teased / 'tortured' silly. Too silly to live in today's world. Not at all serious about life. All I bothered about is to spend time making jokes and dreaming. You will not survive a day on your own.

What's the matter guys... I may not be thinking / living like you, or most out there. Will that make me a fool ? I may not follow what is the right thing to do at any time, written by the world. I may not do all the things everybody else does, because they are conditioned / told / taught to do so. And the things I do, I may not do it the way everyone else thinks appropriate. Will that make me crazy / unfit for today ??

I would like to differ here. It is not intentional not to follow the folk. But most of the times, what I feel right differs from the lot. I enjoy doing it my way. Whether I succeed or not, I enjoy taking the walk on my path. If you find it foolish, you may not come with me. But never ever tell me to stop.

Morning my friend told me, she was told, the one she will marry should be stupid ! I told her, the world can not tolerate to see her with a smile and song on her lips all the time. As the world is too busy planning the future, safeguard their wealth, focusing on career growth, it forgets to reflect the moment and enjoy this, today. ( Hopefully they will get the relaxed tomorrow they plan today! ) More than that the world can not tolerate her being happy today. That's why they call her silly, stupid.

Hope she will not change. And I will not change myself either. I will definitely do all the things I enjoy, though everybody calls them silly ;)

What A Start Of A Day...

2010-10-27T11:25:00.000+05:30

The starting of a day can not get any better! My daily average of goof-ups will be around 2-3, but today I managed many within few hours!

I used to carry an umbrella in my bag. Remembered the last few days very sunny, I left it at home. Just as I left the room, it started to rain! I ran back and ring the doorbell. It was very late when I realised it was a wrong door! The guy who opened the door was brushing and was having alook who came so early for sales!

I got an empty bus, and when I was paying for the ticket the conductor told me it was a wrong bus! No wonder it was empty. Hurried I got down and get into another one. Luckily that also had a few empty seats. I jumped into an empty window seat only to find it soaked in the rain! By the time I shifted to another seat my butt got wet enough to give that embarrassing look...

I am wondering what is there in stores for the rest of the day...

Live Each Day Like It's The Last - No Way!

2010-10-25T16:55:00.001+05:30

I often heard this; we should live each day like it's the last. We should live like there is no tomorrow and make the most of each day. Should we ???

I guess that is a bit scary thought. I got plans for tomorrow as much I got for today. And a part of today I spend to shape my tomorrow. But in this process I am not missing my life today. I am living it. I find it fulfilling with the continuation I plan for the next day. My life is not so small to live in a day! I got so many things to do. Got so many people to meet. Got so much Love to enjoy. Got so much joy to share. Music. Dance. In a day - no chance, it is not enough.

The last day - it could be good for this - instead of a Maruti I might buy a BMW, because I don't need to worry about the next EMI ! But my life is too short to live in a day and I don't want to squeeze it either...

If everything has to be done in a single day - if we are forced to, what will we do.... Try to live the life to the fullest, or keeping an eye on the clock to check how much time is remaining... Live it to fullest with the loved ones or worrying that the moments with them is going to end soon...

Nope I can not think this is my last day. Because I got plan for tomorrow, next week, next vacation... God, please give me more time, I haven't had enough of life....

Being Parents !

2010-10-22T14:48:00.000+05:30

We owe parents. For the biological, emotional, ethical reasons. For the Love, values, education, support, guidance, vision they gave. Without them we will and can not be the us we are today.

When a kid is growing up, parents shape his world. Choose the right thing, making the right decision for him. Helping and supporting him to grow big, strong and more importantly right. But is it should be forever...

Why parents pretend like they know everything, they know the best for the kids and themselves ? Why do they not stop believing they know the best all the time... They can not be.

They always want to keep the kids healthy and are anxious about them , even when they turn 50! Meanwhile why they forget that they are human too and they can fall sick too ??? If the grown up kids suggests them to go for the regular checkups, or remind them to have their medicines on time, why they hesitate... Growing with the kids doesn't mean parents are as strong and healthy as they used to be when the kids born. Faster than the kids, they grow old. They should stop pretend that they are strong and immune to everything.

My friend needed to go to native early morning. Reason : his father ignoring all the warning signs and repeated requests of him and his sister's. Thank God, it was not any serious situation and he got discharged within 24 hours. But that was avoidable. Only if he, leaving his ego, went for the regular checkups and had his medicines properly.

Parents, we Love you. We are caring as much you did to us. We are worried about your health too. What we suggesting are not to label you sick or weak. You will never know the peace of mind, a 'Fit Like Rock' report card from doctor gives us, especially when we are working away from home.

We need you. Completely.

Take care...

Another Move !

2010-10-13T12:07:00.000+05:30

I changed room, again. This is the 6th place in the last 5 years in Bangalore. Not bad ;)

The house owner wanted around 30% increase in the rent, saying I got it very cheap! That was not a fair deal, so I quit. But this was the most peaceful exit I ever had. He returned me all the money without hesitation and we ended up saying bye shaking hands! One owner really screwed our happiness, took almost two months to return the advance and that too in three instalments. So this came as a surprise, as I didn't give him any notice either.

Will I go back to him.. No way. Now it is time to move on, nothing like I don't like that place ;)

Why So Serious...

2010-10-12T13:25:00.000+05:30

Yesterday, the guy at the mess was very serious. He was lost in thought that he didn't see me coming. And when I wished him, his head turned. Though his eyes saw me, it failed to recognise me. I asked him why so serious, all he said was, we should get serious sometime.

True. Very true. We need to be serious. But do we need to remain so.. I doubt. We should never be in the serious mood for long. Especially if we end up thinking about the same stuff again and again in a circle, and not able to get out of it. We should stop thinking, should stop being serious. Only if our thoughts are flying, like one leading to the other and to the next, it is justified.

What if the situation is such that it demands us to be serious for long... Get help. When your thinking ends up in a circle, take the help of somebody. May be he/she can break the circle and get the thoughts lead in a new direction. After all, the point of being serious is to get over a difficult situation. If one is fall short of solving it, make it two.

So what you decide now.. How long you want to be serious ;)

The Magic That Is Endhiran

2010-10-11T10:29:00.000+05:30

I liked everything about the movie Endhiran ( The Robot in Hindi ). After watching it I became a bigger fan of Shankar and Rajnikant. Man, those guys are awesome ! When the much-hyped movies like Raavanan, Kites failed to make an impression, Endhiran came with bigger hype and it turned out to satisfied everybody. That was an understatement, everybody was thrilled about that movie!

It was the first time I saw such a response at the theater in Bangalore. Though it was a Tamil movie, and was released a week before, the shows were houseful. Though they got vast parking for bikes, this time I needed to park all the way back. I didn't have my usual coffee before movie, because the huge crowd around the coffee shop didn't let me reach the counter. I didn't make it to the loo in the interval, which will say it all! All around were Rajni's posters and banners. Interestingly, there were pictures of Kannada movie association guys wishing good luck for the movie. That was interesting

I hope both Rajnikant and Aiswarya will not stop acting. Rajni was as dynamic as he always been and after watching Raavanan and Endhiran I guess Aiswarya came now. She is at the highest of her acting. Please do not leave screen. May be after the baby, you can come back like Kajol did ;)

There was some let down. I watched it in a multiplex. Wish it was a single screen theatre with some real fans It would have been more of a treat then.. Though the 'civilised' crowd at the multiplex too at times gave into the temptation of whistling and howling.

Go watch the movie in theater itself. It is worth. I got much more to tell about the movie and the music. Check those links ;)

I Love This City !

2010-10-07T16:52:00.001+05:30

Yesterday on my way back from work, I met a girl in Scooty. We were waiting for signal. Then I heard a humming, rather loud. She was singing without giving a damn about the world around her. And the world around her - gives no attention to her either.

I like this about this city. You can be yourself. You can sing, shout, dance, laugh, cry, kiss anything on the streets and others are not going to stop you. They will not give you 'what are you doing' look or will not comment on you either. They pretend like you don't exist !

I like it that way. You may call it the city culture, which is so selfish that it is not bothered. Is it ?? Not at all. When you are in need, like you fell from bike, there will be people to help you. If you are lost, there will be people to guide you home. But they value your privacy, your life - your way.

Often I end up thinking why should others be so interested about my life. What I am wearing. Why I smile on the streets. If I do, I got the reason, why are you expecting an explanation ??? I will do what I feel like, and I am not bothered about how you are going to take it. Please let me be myself.

I am part of the crowd. Still, I am me. Leave me my own. Please...

Please Spare A R Rahman From The CWG Controversy..

2010-09-28T18:17:00.000+05:30

Poor Rahman. The media and the CWG officials are screaming Rahman didn't do justice to the theme song. He shouldn't have received any money for composing the song. He should have made it better. Now as the song is not upto the mark, he should redo it. He took the assignment very lightly that the song is just a remake of his old songs.

Give me a break.

Rahman might have never asked for the chance to do the song, did he ? And when the assignment was given to him, the committee would be confident that he is capable of it. Before performing the song in the unveiling function, he did give a preview to the committee. If they were not satisfied with the song then, why did they wait for the function to show their disappointment ? This is just a crap.

For the money part, if Pandit Ravi Shankar didn't charge anything, whats the deal. His team was only 3 members and Rahman's troupe is of 40 musicians. And has he had to ask them not to get paid or their effort... All those 6 months they spent for the song should go just like that... Leave all those part, for a games, where 15K TV was hired for 22K, will this matter....

If you argue, O Yaaro is not popular as Maa Tujhe Salaam, you are forgetting one thing. Before Rahman presented that song at the Independence day celebrations, its video was in all channels. The beautiful video did help in the popularity. Rahman is not a performer. We can not expect his singing to do what the Maa Tujhe Salaam video did. Even Vakka Vakka came with a sweet video ;)

Sometime back, when Michael Jackson came up with the song We Are The World with collaboration of noted singers of that time, it was a rage. People celebrated it. It went on to became the largest selling single of all time. Recently, co-writer of the song, Lionel Richie said that the song was a crap and was too shallow... Why did he took such a long time to came with such a statement... Guess something like that happened to the CWG theme song too. 

Rahman, please do not modify it, the committee doesn't deserve it.

Good-Bye V3i, Welcome W205 !

2010-09-27T11:16:00.002+05:30

After 5 glorious years ( 3 with my sister and 2 with me ) of service my V3i passed away last Friday! Yes, I am talking about the mobile. Though a bit old for the current scene with phone, it satisfied all my needs and I didn't want to upgrade it, unless I really needed to do so. It was raining heavily in Bangalore, and though I was wearing my rain coat, I forgot to put the phone in the inside pocket and it was having a deadly swim! I realized it only when I reached room and though drenched, it allowed me to make the one last call and it went out. It never woke again :( So the rain made me part with a fortune, a fortune which was my V3i ! I don't think it was a happy death for it ;)

I need a phone to make calls (!) and texting only. I never use the camera in phone ( I prefer my CyberShot for clicks ), or the music player. But I need mp3 ringtone support. That's why I chose this Walkman phone from Sony Ericsson, W250. Lightly loaded and light on pocket too! Now time to build friendship with this.

Of Mobile And Dogs

2010-09-24T13:14:00.000+05:30

There was a couple of news that gave a shock last week

1) Two students of Keralam lost their life crossing the railway gate. They were listening to songs in their mobile at high volume and didn't hear the train approaching.

2) A Mangalore boy was killed by stray dogs.

Both were sad and were avoidable. We hear it so often not to use mobile on roads or at least while cross the roads, but how much we care for it. We don't have proper footpaths where we can safely walk. And if it is there, two wheelers will use it as shortcut. So we are not safe in the footpath either. It is not only while we drive cellphoen bacomes villain. When we talk, and most often to our family or friends when we walk, we unkowingly will get so involved in the conversation that we forget we are on road.

So please try to avoid cell on road, at least while you cross or when footpath is not there.

Stray dogs are more than menace. We don't need strays on road. KILL THEM. Human life is important. Forget all those PETA or Maneka Gandhi to be merciful to them. The government failed to keep their number in control. There are a lot of strays and their number is increasing day by day. Kill them to make our streets and kids safe.

Being With Divinity

2010-09-20T15:17:00.000+05:30

I like visiting temple, especially the ones which has the special aura of divine presence. In Bangalore, I like the Ayyappa Temple at Agara, Shiva Temple at the Old Airport Road, Anjaneya Temple at Marathahalli. To this added the Ganesha Temple at Malleshwaram.

Yesterday I been there, it was my second visit. The first one was too hurried and didn't made much of an impression other than it is a big crowded place. Yesterday, though it was Sunday, we had a calm darshanam and as were not at all in a hurry, had enough time to wait for our turn for pooja and to visit every prathishta at the campus. The poojaris there were special. They will wait for us, and for the ones who won't mind waiting, will do the pooja and give prasadam. The chief poojari or any of his assistance will wait for us to complete the long list of family for whom the archana has to be done and after the pooja, remembers to give the exact packet we give for pooja, I liked it.

The Ganesh vigraham made by flowers was special. A lot of creativity and patience goes into it. The elephant ears of Ganapathy is made by Anthuriam flowers, for example. Too bad, camera was banned there.

Make sure you got time to spend there. On the Malleshwaram main road take the 8th cross and take the left turn towards the temple. You can leave your bike on the parking lot in the main road, cars I am not sure where to park ! Visit there, you will also feel something magical about that place.

Respect Elders, But NOT Everyone

2010-09-17T15:27:00.000+05:30

From kids we are asked and conditioned to respect elders. And we do it, most often with pleasure. But now I guess it is a time to think again about that lesson. Reason - the times have changed. This is kalikaalam, when even God will be struggled and Evil makes victory, however momentary it may be.

There was this old man, who is a Yoga teacher. He used to take class about life, its preciousness, how to live it completely, devoting oneself to good etc. When you become close to someone, we unknowingly shed the mask we wear. We forget to modulate the fake accent, talk without thinking about the image we have with the other person. Once this man made a rude comment about a girl I know, and recently he was 'treated' for an illicit relation he had with a lady who goes to his house for private Yoga sessions. I felt pity to myself to call him Guru...

Last  week I was travelling in Volvo, which is supposedly how gentlemen travel and there is no separate seats reserved for ladies in it too. I was sitting in a seat facing rear, and from Mayo Hall a lady boarded with her girl child. Girl child was sitting next to an uncle. He smiled, the baby too. Then he pinched her cheek, I was sure she didn't like it, but she was still smiling. Then he put his hand on her lap. But when he saw I was watching him, he took his hand off. If there is no bad intention, why should have he took his hands then... We should teach our kids, both boy and girl, what a bad touch is. And should teach them to raise alarm in such situation too. 

During my college time, we used to bunk classes to watch movies. One day there was this old man next to my friend. Oldy put his hands on my friends thighs, he asked him to take  it off, oldy did. It repeated twice and then my friend stood up and shouted to the oldy ' you moth^* fuc&^*, behave yourself, else I will chop your bal@$ off'. The oldy left the seat instantly. At times it is the only way to make them aware that they will not be respected always for their age. Speak up. I am sure there will be many incidents you are in or heard of like this.

Do you still say we should always respect our elders...

My Friend In Cyber Space

2010-09-16T11:49:00.001+05:30

This is translation of the post I published on my Malayalam blog Kurippukal. You can read the original here.

‘I don’t need your phone number. Let us remain friends only over the net…’
‘OK, if you insist, let it be. Till now many have asked me for my number and I never gave it. Now when I feel like talking to you, you say you don’t want to. Leave it. Bye…’

It was my friend on chat. She wanted to talk to me and gave me her number. But as I suggested her to be net friends, she got angry and logged off from chat.

I was never sure how will I accept in a group and was never eager to make friends. When others were making internet a friend space without boundaries, I was laid back. In Orkut and Facebook, I accepted friends request from only those were with me in my school or college.

This lady I met through my blog. She liked my writing and thinks that I got terrific humour sense and innocent. Somehow, we started meeting on mail and chat. And she became my first and only friend in the cyber space…

Chatting with her made my lone life in this metro fun. And now we meet on phone too. Yes, I got to give into that offer. She was always fun with her stories about her city and people she meets. And will discuss about the poems she posted in her blog, which I ever can hardly follow !

She sounded very excited when she called that day….
‘Guess what, I was caught by police today…’
‘Wonderful. Who was the unlucky fellow with you..’
‘Hey nothing like that. It was for driving without license!’
‘Great.. How much he fined you’
‘No man, I cried and the poor police guy let me go!’
‘Any policeman would stop you when you drive like a drunkard. At least you may take the scooter out once you learn how to drive.’
‘No man, then it will not be this thrilling…’

She always do some crazy stuff for the thrill and somehow she managed to escape unscratched….

After that incident, she didn’t call me for a while. Not on chat or mail either. As I used to her frequent anti-mobile periods I was waiting for her call. One night I got a call from her.
‘Yaar, I am on my way to Bangalore. Pick me up in the morning!’
‘What ??? Hey, how will I recognize you ? What’s the matter ?’
‘I will tell you once I reach there. Check mail. I have sent my photo. See, I am smart’

I went numb for a moment and then quickly checked the photo… It was a cute girl. I was thinking about the excuses I would need to tell the house owner to get her in.

I reached on time to pick her up and was looking for her. In the deep blue gown she was looking pretty.
‘What’s this man, you are staring at me.’
‘Nope, I was just wondering is this the same girl in that photo.’
‘Yup. You can trust me, this is the same girl.’
‘Trust and you… The one who sent the photo of a four month old baby and expect me to recognize you today ??’
She gave me a cute smile as answer.
‘I was thinking, generally the beauties in the net when come face to face become horrible. But here you look very pretty..’
‘Hey, stop staring and let’s go home.’
I think she liked that compliment. There was enough time for a quick nap and we went to bed. When I woke up, she already had bath and was looking all fresh.
‘Yaar, wake up, I am feeling hungry, get ready quick’.
‘See on weekends I will take bath only after food. Just gimme two minutes to brush my teeth.’

She was in deep thoughts once we back home after food. After a while she started to talk…
‘Yaar, I am confused now. I am not sure whether I am in Love.’
‘I guessed a feeling of Love when I was talking to you these days… Open up’
She gave me a photo and said ‘ See this is the guy. Same campus. He likes me a lot. I am not sure whether I should say yes to his proposal..’
‘Why you are not sure… Just listen to your heart.’
‘I think he is the one. But something pulls me back… see, I don’t have anybody but you to discuss this. Nobody else will be sensible enough to understand me…’
‘Girl, why are you hesitating? He looks good to me. And he Loves you. What more you will need… Love him without any space between you..’
Till she left the next day, she was talking non-stop about him.

In the coming days she was updating me their Love story. They were planning to settle in Australia. He got visa, and once he settle there, she will join him there. She was very happy, and that happiness grow into me too.

She called me after a while.
‘Man, I am in hospital now…’
‘Wow.. Congratulations, is it twins…’
‘Hey idiot. I fell down from my scooter. Don’t know what the state I am in now. All I can feel is bandages all the way down my neck.. And it pains like hell’
‘Hey crazy lady, why didn’t you call me earlier. Is there anybody with you now…’
‘Yeah. He didn’t go to Australia. He was taking care of me. Waking up all the night, fighting off death I guess…’
‘Hey dear, what will I tell you. Get well soon’

It took two weeks for her get discharged. And was under the physio therapy. By then he went Australia. And then came her call.
‘Yaar, he bought a house there. Once I become well he will come and we will go together married.’
‘Wow, that’s good news. How are you..’
‘Will take some time to heal the wounds and the fractures. And another funny thing is that I may not be able enjoy sex completely !’ she was laughing as if she cracked a joke.
‘Wow, that’s good. Now you need not worry about it.’
‘Guess what, I sent him my horoscope yesterday.’
‘Why ?’
‘Man, we need to look for the auspicious time for the marriage. I think you don’t believe in all this…’
‘Ok ok. I am waiting for the day you will get married. After that I will not need to tolerate you, right…’
‘No way. Even after a hundred years, I will not spare you. May be even he might not understand me like the way do’.
‘Oh no… Now think about getting well. Take care’

She sounded very weak and shaken when we talked next. She was trying to say something but her sobs was not letting me make it out clearly. All I got was she got a call from his father, who told her that the horoscopes won’t match at all. She was trying to reach him, but was not able to talk to him. She lost all interest in life and her physio and medicines all went wrong. She went home for a break but feeling the atmosphere there suffocating she went back to Chennai. Now she has issues in walking and can’t sit for long either. The poet who always wrote about dreams, now talks only about death.
‘I Loved him with every bit of me like you suggested, still why I didn’t get him….’
I didn’t have an answer for that.
‘See yaar, for the unknown stars and horoscope, he left me. I never knew that I was so addicted to him. Without his chat or mail I am feeling suffocating. I don’t find any meaning in surviving like this. I feel like somebody drained all the colours from my life…’
‘Don’t think like that dear… He is the loser. His fate has only the luck to know you, but not the luck to make you his. For him, please do not waste your life crying…’
‘And think this, his father called me to tell the news. At least, if he had the courtesy to call me.. I feel like been used and thrown away..’
However hard I tried, she was not convinced and kept on crying. I let her cry, thinking if it could help her to feel better…

After that night I met her today on chat. She was sad but sounded strong.
‘Yaar, I am giving only pain to you. And I don’t want to give you that anymore…’
‘Dear, don’t think like that. You can never hurt me or you will never be a pain for me’
‘….’
She logged out. After that she never answered my call or mails. I am trying. I can not let her go like that. After all she is the only friend I have on the cyberspace. She can not go just like that, can she…

Happy Death !

2010-08-30T13:20:00.000+05:30

Is there a thing like peaceful death... Will anybody die with the satisfaction of living the life full ? A painless, smooth, lucky (!) death...

These questions came to my mind when I heard about the sudden dismissal of my friend's grandpa. He was saying, grandpa didn't spend many days at hospital, he was not in pain, he met all this Loved ones the day of his death. Will that make it a lucky death ??? I don't think so.

In my opinion, nobody will leave this world happy, content. Including the ones who kill themselves. They are killing themselves not because they had everything is life and nothing more they need or expect from life. Mostly because they are not able to see a future the way they want or they don't have any more expectation in life, at least at that moment. So they are not dying happy either.

How can one leave this world happy... When there is something exciting happens everyday. A new member adding to the family. The happiness in seeing a new day itself. The celebrations or moment you were waiting for a long time. Happiness is never ending and more exciting each time. If you seen three generations after you, will you be content... You might want to see the baby from the third generation grow.. Or want to see the forth... You may call it greedy, but I will call it the way of life. Ever ready to embrace the new day. To enjoy the happiness and dreams it brings everyday.

My motto - Live this moment. There may be a hundred reason to feel tensed and sad now, but I will concentrate on that silly thing which will make me happy :D From within....

I Loved This Onam Vacation...

2010-08-25T14:32:00.000+05:30

It can not get better.. It was awesome... I loved this Onam and I am sure I royally compensated for missing last one... Thank You Family for another Onam, whose memories I can take with me...

I told you about my sister's 'surprise visit' in my last post. They did come :) And sure it was a big surprise for the family. Big one because they came to Ammomma ( granny ) house directly and not our house - reason, our house was locked as me and parents were visiting Granny :D The kids, my parents, Mamaji and all were so surprised that their eyes became popped and their jaws dropped, well almost.

I liked their surprise, crazy visit. Hope and with they will never lose it.

There was a bigger surprise waiting the next day... Mamaji has bought a plot near the Athirappilly waterfalls and we went there. One side of the plot has a stream and 'we' kids had a good time. Then we went to the falls itself and it was awesome. It was raining, but in that , the beauty of the falls were more wilder and it was a pleasant scene. When you go there, please go in the rainy season to enjoy it in the full might. Remember, avoid festival season as we were stuck in the traffic for almost three hours. And girls, please avoid white tops for good when you come here...

My computer had a virus attack, so was not able to upload the pics. Will do it next week, this pic is from my last trip.

Happy Onam...

2010-08-23T10:51:00.000+05:30

For us Malayalees, Onam is the most special time of the year, Vishu, not withstanding. It is the time when everybody try to be home and when all the cousins, grannies , uncle-aunts meet. In my family, we always try to be together, Kunju, my sister who is married, will visit home with Aliyan, her husband each year. This time she came last weekend, and today they might give a surprise visit !

Mama was making pookalam for the last ten days and morning we had pooja and all. Dad prepared Paayasam, his speciality for every occasion. This time he made Cheru Payar Paayasam, and it came so yummy... :D

Last year I missed Onam. I was in the US and was all alone. Interestingly every day we prepared very Indian lunch there and it was the Onam day I didn't prepare anything and was having a re-heated sandwich for lunch. Add to that my friend was stuck at work and I was left all alone in the big hotel all by myself... Though I never drink other than at home, that day I drank wine to high... I remember I was sad and exhausted after the drink and slept, woke up only for dinner...

This year I have compensated for it. Royally. Erased one item from my long to-compensate list. I will post photos when I reach Bangalore, too bad my home PC got virus :(

For everybody there, I wish a Happy Onam...

I Am Happy

2010-08-18T11:47:00.000+05:30

For the last few days I am happy. Though nothing has changed in my life these days, the reason for my happiness is that the ones I care and Love are happy now. Guess the best way to be happy is to see the one we care for is happy. At least for me that work fine.

They are happy not because the reason for them being unhappy is no more there or they won a lottery or something. The reason is they got to see that there are a few reasons to be happy now, not only the reason to go sad. And I am happy because at lease to very some extend I was the reason for them to realise it.

Wish this happiness will last forever. Not just by changing the perspective, but with the real reasons to be happy. Till then, smile for the small reasons to be happy.

And remember your smile makes me happy, a joy nothing else can give...

Let's Make Our Own Paradise

2010-08-11T11:38:00.002+05:30

നമ്മുക്ക് നാമേ പണിവതു നാകം, നരകവുമതു പോലെ

These two lines can be translated as ' We build our Heaven so do hell'. Well, I have another view about it. In my opinion, our heaven or hell, we SHOULD build it. Only then we will have have a content life and can say I am living my life.

I hate when some order me what to do, how to live etc. Others can suggest. They can disagree. Never ever can tell me how to. As long as nobody else can read my mind, decide my thoughts, set my goals/dreams, CAN BE ME, better leave my life to me.

When you say the restaurant / the food I had is of bad choice, especially when it is my regular place, you are forgetting one thing. I go there, I have it because I like it. You don't like it doesn't suggest nobody else should. I hate gopi dishes, but that's a fast moving item. I hate it doesn't make it bad. It is high time you need to appreciate and respect other's choices.

You can ask/order/suggest a kid on its every step. Me, better leave my life to me. Thank You.

Stop And Reflect

2010-08-05T22:04:00.003+05:30

We are busy. Very busy. Neck deep in work, commitment. Engaged every moment. 24 hour is not enough. Dreams hijacked by work, maybe it’s coding, design whatever it is.

Well, one of my friends is hospitalised. Reason –I don’t know. But he is hospitalised. Though it may not be the best way, but he is getting a break !

I didn’t realise how fast I was moving my life till I was hospitalised. Was down with Typhoid for four weeks, of which two I spent in hospital. Too weak to move my body, let alone tension about work. It was like a compulsive break but it worked. It was then I realised the importance to slow down and give importance to life as much as to work.

Now, my life is better balanced. I am able to do better at work. Though still at times work eats into my dreams, it is far less frequent. I am happy. My boss is happy (?)

Stop and reflect your life. Do not wait for your chance to get hospitalised! Good Luck

Happy Shashtipoorthy My Dear Dad...

2010-08-04T09:42:00.002+05:30

Today, August 4th, Achan turns 60. Man, that’s something. Living 60 gracious years. Still got so much life left. His energy and passion to do new things, update himself about everything he needs - he is my inspiration.

He is the reason for what I am now, not ignoring mom, still Achan is my hero. He taught me how to stand up for what I believe. He showed me I need to justify nobody but me. He showed me how to keep an attitude and be right at the same time. How to Love unconditionally, even when the other may not Love you back the way you expect. I can stand for my belief even if it is against the views of someone I care for, and can be still right. How to handle the storm within and be a rock others can lean on, spread joy and hope and strength the situation demands. I never seen him broken, though had reasons to be.

Dad, you gave me life. Taught me how to fight the good fight I believe in. I Love you.

Watch Your Step : You Might Have Missed A Happy Moment

2010-07-20T19:49:00.006+05:30

We all look high. Only those flashy, mammoth, screaming things will get our attention. And most often what we find will be disturbing or annoying. We miss to see the little things in life. Which were always there, trying to get our attention with their little glow. But we are too over occupied with our worries and frustration that we miss happiness in smaal things.

These thoughts came to me when I had a close look at the coins in my wallet. I am sure you will also seen them. Pocketed them. And gave away. The only thing that might have grabbed your attention will be the digits on it which shows its value. Have you even stopped to notice the different pattern of the hand in them... I admit the photo is bad ( the flash was reflecting on the shiney surface, and without flash it was too difficult to see it. This picture is touched) but you can see the pattern there. Do you feel like appreciating the brilliance of the guy who designed it...

Like this, most of the happiness in our life is also goes unnoticed. The happiness hardly scream its presence. And we conviniently ignore them. Watch your step - stop to see and appreciate the happiness in your life. Enjoy the little moments and live life full.

I can do that. You also can. Good Luck.

Indian Rupee Got A Symbol

2010-07-15T15:40:00.002+05:30

Wow...
Look at it. It is very simple and elegant. I liked the new Rupee symbol. Well, when it is big enough to take on Dollar or Pound it needs a powerful attitude too. Waiting for the day when we can see keyboards with the rupee symbol.

Sleazy And Classy

2010-07-11T12:03:00.003+05:30

Last weekend I happened to watch Badmash Company and Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic. Forget about the quality of the movies or the content. It raised another question in my mind. The banner, Yash Raj Films, which is considered the biggest and best in Bollywood - does it offer any all-family movies now... The reason is simple - the amount of skin show.

When the Bhatt camp release any movie, the media and revieweres will tear them part for the nudity, lip-locks, dipping neckline, 'unethical treatment' of ladies etc,etc. But they all will keep quite about the YRF movies. Why ? I also read actresses claiming they will do a bikini ya lip-lock scene only if it is for a YRF movie, because they do it artistically ! Gimme a break. None of the above mentioned movies did it the art way. It was like a cheap porn trick. The swimming pool number in a so called kids movie had nothing artistic in it. In the gangster movie the girl who tried to seduce the hero at the beach volelyball scene also had nothing artistic. Not even good erotica they were.

Look at their last few releases. If Aiswarya, Rani, Preity, Priyanka Chopra, Kareena, Anushka Sharma shows it for YRF, will it make it artistic. And if 'poor' Mallika Sherawat, Kangana Ranaut or the likes do it for Vishesh Movies ( Bhatt camp ) the same will be porn ??? Think again.

I guess there are only a few instances where it was shoot artistically. Check the song Mayya Mayya from Guru. Mani Ratnam has took it artistic. But for the others, it is more for the sensual thing than the artistic feel.

Let Our Children Make The Roads Better !

2010-06-29T09:31:00.006+05:30

A Child Makes The Man.

It is true. One will grow to the rules and ideas he made as a kid. So it is important to give them proper insight, training and a sense of duty while driving. Because the kids will learn and repeat what their parents or elders do. It is clear that we can not much about the drivers already on wheel. At least if the next generation learns some better manners they will have an easy life on road!

This thought came to my mind when I was waiting for green at the Koramangala signal and this guy on bike, through the left side jumped red. Worse, he was not wearing helmet. The kid whom he was dropping may be getting late to school. But he is getting an idea that jumping red is not a sin.

At least when with the kids, let us be good driver. Promise ourself that
We will not jump red
We will not ride on footpath
We will not honk unnecessarily
We will follow line discipline and when need to take turn or change lines will use blinker
We will not break the one-way rule
Never drink and drive
Never park in a way to disturb the traffic
Will not drive in the wrong side
Will always use dim light, at least when we see a vehicle in the opposite direction we will make it dim
Always park with the parking lights on in the night
Will always use seat belt / helmet
When we walk, will use the footpath and will not cross roads at every space available

If you follow the rules, your kid also will do the same. Imagine he is with his uncle and when the uncle jump a red he say - ' Hey my papa will never do that '...
Don't you beaming with pride already :)

Self Realisation For Others - A.K.A Me As I See

2010-06-17T14:03:00.011+05:30

This is more of a self portrait. The way I am. Or, the way I want you to see me. Some facts, some infatuations. May be the way I want myself to be.

I am friendly. But do no mistake it for a friend.
I am very particular about privacy. Respect my space. Please do not come very close.
I am a dreamer. Who dreams a lot and believe in it. Most of my efforts are to make my dreams to be true.
Very protective about my Loved ones. Will never let them go.
Never be in sad for long. Once something comes, will find a way to overcome it and let the plan work.
Though I may not tell you the truth, I seldom lie.
I like buying gifts. Not only for my loved ones, to myself too.
Impulsive. Do things which I fell right and at once.
Prefer to give my 100% to the responsibilities I take. So am reluctant to take any.
Often mistook for being 'Always smiling bright boy'.

This space might update later. Don't be shocked to see an all new and different me then! People may not change, but the circumstances do.

Life Lessons - 1

2010-06-09T11:14:00.003+05:30

I had a friend when I was doing my diploma in Mohali. We were in same team and were good friends. One day, after lunch she and her roommate were coming out of the women's room laughing. I jokingly asked her to share the joke. Her friend said it is a ladies' joke and can not be shared with boys. Then after a minute of thinking she challenged if she is a true friend of mine she will share it.

My friend did told me the joke next day and I felt it was too silly to be called a girl's joke, considering the 'standard' of our boy's only jokes. But, there came the twist. Her roommate stopped talking to her, because she betrayed her ! I felt bad and offered to help in patching up between them. But my friend was so strong that I should not do that. And the thing she added was my lesson...
When I came to Mohali, I never thought I will meet her or I will be her friend. I am not entirely dependent on her. If she feels like it is not worth being my friend let her go away. We can not force anybody.

Though it's been a while I learned it, it comes handy when I find myself stranded.

You Too Woodlands...

2010-05-31T09:44:00.002+05:30

I don't understand why companies fancy about abbreviating their trade names. Earlier when Reebok renamed themselves to RBK, they said it is to attract the peppy youth and to have a youthful image to the products. Fine. Yesterday when I see Woodlands shoes also changed their name to WLD. That was a bad move, I guess.

Euphoria - Under-Rated Genius

2010-05-25T12:05:00.003+05:30

They hit like a storm when Dhoom Pichak Dhoom played on our TV screens in 1999. The newness in the song was so awesome that with that single song, they became every music lover's delight. The simple plain lyrics, a mood so Indian with a 'rock' feel to it and most importantly Pradeep Sarkar's awesome video. The doctor with unruled hair and child like innocence proved that he can write songs and not just prescriptions ! Then followed Phir Dhoom, Mantra ( The first ever single by an Indian band ), Gully, Mehfuz, Redhoom ( the best-of collection).

But something went wrong, they didn't make it big the way they deserve to be. For the songs not half good as theirs, other singers were celebrated like icons. Many one song wonders been the Princess or Prince of Indipop. But these guys who not only claimed but did Hind-Rock never got the recognisation they deserve. True, we Love them. Whenever they perform we gather to celebrate ( I remember they performing at Chennai IIT, it was awesome). Still...

Guess they went wrong in promoting themselves. Initially they teamed up with Archies Music ( yes, the very same company who makes cards). They, though make beautiful cards, were not good at selling music. While I was searching for the single Mantra in Bangalore ( 2001 ) at various music stores and even at the Archies store at Brigade Road, they haven’t even heard about it ! At last I managed it from another store ( at Commercial Street which is closed now !). Only Gully was properly marketed ( T-Series) and also sold at a good price ( 99 for CD ). I wonder why hey moved to Tips for Mehfuz ( a bit pricey at 160 ). Though it had a few exceptional songs, it never made to big. Too sad..

They do their music with passion. Got beautiful poems and had some awesome videos. And instead having just a tag line, they show the world that they can DO HindRock. Nor just celebrating Love, they had songs for every emotion. Even for a city ( Dilli ). My favorites include Dhoom, Tum, Aamne Samne, Maa, Phir Dhoom, Aao Na, Pyar Hi Tha, Maeri, Gully, Ab Na Jaa, Mantra, Mehfuz, Bewafa, Soniya and on and on...

We Love you Palash and your band. Waiting for more from you... All the Best...

Please Respect Their Effort..

2010-05-16T10:35:00.002+05:30

Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike ( BBMP ) is now in the process of cleaning sewages across the city. Good. But the way it is done is not really great. The workers (!) has to descend into the manhole and needs to dig out the thick black waste with bare hands. The fellow men will empty the bucket to the road. The worst part of it is that the dirt remains in the road for days. In the Vivek Nagar stretch it was on the road for many days. It must been back to the drain in yesterdays rain. Please give respect to their work and clean the debris as and when it is collected.

I Am Sorry, But You Are NOT Welcome...

2010-05-15T13:36:00.003+05:30

How many times you found yourself in a horrible company when the other one is keep on asking questions you would not even discuss with friends... I hate when others cross the line and getting into the comfort zone. I respect my privacy. So much that I prefer not to start a conversion with strangers and even with the guys I meet everyday, I do have limits about the topics I discuss.

Two weeks back, on my way back to Bangalore this guy was my co seater. He started with the town I am coming from, then about the college I studied, then the year of pass out... I asked him to stop. He got the point and remain silent, but only for a moment. At last I was forced to tell him that he is not my friend and he can not expect me to talk open with him. That did the trick.

Why we are not at all bothered about others privacy... May not be your neighbour or friend or you may not even know his name, but if you meet someone twice, then he has the license to ask you all kind of weired questions. How old are you, where you work, how much you earn, are you married, if not, why so, if you are married, about kids, their schooling and all... They even want to know about each and everyone in your family and neighbourhood.. CRAP. How many times I needed to excuse from such 'respected elderly' people. If you answer them that it is none of your business ( of course in a gentle way ) you will be treated as a disgrace to family. And all the neighbourhood will mark you indecent. I won't give a FU@&.

So if you ever cross my way, please remember to talk decent. We can talk about movies, music. But never about ME, if you are not my friend. Guess you got the idea. Thank You...

When There Is No Fun In Life...

2010-05-12T11:16:00.003+05:30

Have you ever felt like there is no fun in life and no point in looking forward for the tomorrow... I wish you never had. In case you ever felt that way, don't worry. It is just a passing phase and you will definitely pass it, fast. I am here giving you some tips to make the waiting period short and less paining.

1) Change your world. If you can - shift home, change job, keep away from bad influences ( in and out of work ), gossip group etc. If you can not, rearrange it. Like add music to work. Studies shows that if you listen to music on earphone, it will increase concentration, productivity, mood-lift. It will cut off unnecessary distractions like howls, shouts, laughs from near cubicles and calls for gossip. Give it a try.

2) Music always adds fun - But be careful about the music you choose. Being a metal fan, do not try raagas for the effect. In fact, metals can be a good tool for mood lift. Play it loud and sing louder. Studies shows that singing part will help you get out of the non-fun mood faster. You can try Eminem too. It will make you feel that your state is not as bad as his :)

3) Movie / TV show - It is a good idea. Studies shows that watching your favorite movie again will have a better impact than trying something new. Or shows like Tom N Jerry will also be a good idea.

4) Game - Gaming is a great idea. Especially because it will be in a complete different world. And in that virtual world, you always will be a winner. EVERY game is designed to make the player the winner. And you can choose your world there. Studies shows that being a winner and the omnipotent ruler / designer of
the ( virtual ) world, stress levels can be beaten and a new power, energy will fill you.

5) Try 'it' ( you know what ) - 'It' can help beat stress. If you are single, don't worry much. Let your fantasy flow. And be the Casanova ya Helen of Troy and let the others follow you. You are in total control of your world here too. So give it a shot or two, and let the happy hormones do their job.

6) Make a call - There is someone you can always bug. So make the call. Eat his / her head till your mood is lifted. The poor soul on the other end will play to your tunes and will make sure you hung up happier.

7) Books - Be sure that you want to do it ! Else books will make your situations worse ! Read what you like to read - even if it is not the first time read. Or have something filled with pictures you like to see, car, bikes film stars, babes...

8) Day dream - studies shows this could be the best tool to elate your mood. You can choose the role play where you will fight against the reasons for your boredom / frustration. And here again, you are in total control. You can shout at your boss and he will say sorry for whatever made you feel bad ! Sometimes this role play will give you some more insight and even solution to the problems. But make sure you are having a good dream and not nightmare !

So what are you waiting for. It is ok to be angry / down / frustrated. Find the reason for it and a plan to sort it out. Then leave the mood and continue with other good things in life. It is ok to be disturbed, but never ever should hang on to it. Find a way, make it work and then forget it. You don't need to follow it every moment.

PS : All the above mentioned studies are done by me on me. No guarantee. Results may vary from person to person. Following it, if you get screwed more, like you got fired for listening to music at work, all I will do is say sorry.

Love You Amma...

2010-05-09T15:25:00.006+05:30

Mother's Day.
Do we need a day to Love our Mom...
Definitely not, but we can tell her how much we Love her, what she meant to us ...
Use today for that...

I Love you mumma...
For the life you gave me
For each step you help me made
Each step you helped me to correct
For the vision
For the direction in life
To teach me to stand for what I believe
To Love, without expecting anything back

I Love you mom...

Another Page In My Adventure Book !

2010-05-04T13:19:00.001+05:30

What is fun in living a life well-defined. I prefer it spontaneous, exciting and fun. Full of twists, uncertainty about what might happen in the next minute - living on the edge!!!

I go home mostly twice in a month. It is like a routine. I just need to get into the reserved bus / train and wait for it to reach Bangalore. This weekend life had a different plan... Full of excitement and fun. Adventurous :)

It was Koodalmanikyam Ulsavam and I took Monday off. Because of the project schedules, I was not very sure whether I will be able to take the off, so I had ticket for both Sunday and Monday. When I was sure of the leave I cancelled Sunday's ticket.

The twist and excitement started on Monday evening. I checked the ticket and was ready to leave home to Thrissur to get the bus at 6:30 as it will take about an hour from Irinjalakuda to Thrissur. And the 7:30 bus will never come on time and mostly will be late by at least 45 minutes; I was not at all in a hurry. Just for the sake of it I checked the date and found that the ticket was for Sunday ! Though I cancelled the ticket, I took that ticket with me ! Immediately I checked the time of the Monday bus online and found that it had already left Thrissur at 6 :15. Ooopppss...

I called Kallada Irinjalakuda and knew that their bus had just left and they suggested catching the bus from Thrissur. Adrenaline rush ! I was on my way to Thrissur in no time. I had 30 minutes to reach Thrissur. Within 15 minutes it crossed half distance and I was confident that I will make it. Then the next twist and boost to the excitement - an accident happened and the road was blocked ! It took almost ten minutes for the bus to cross the spot and I was late for the Kallada.

I tried to get an auto but none of them was empty. It was a long time I ran in the roads of Thrissur, and I just had that experience again ! Thankfully, there was some issues they needed to sort out with the bookings and I was able to catch Kallada. The journey in cabin seat... But the first driver was particular that he can not sleep in the place in the cabin and he went inside to sleep on floor. Not wasting my opportunity I slept in cabin :)

Though most ( in fact all ) of the guys who heard this story blamed me for being careless. But was I ??? I know I spent 530 extra for the Kallada ticket. That, the 24th hour rush, jogging in the streets of Thrissur - that might have made them think so. But for me, I had fun. And it was worth every paisa I spent, well.. Almost.

I Will Miss You

2010-05-01T16:33:00.003+05:30

I haven't seen you

I haven't felt you
But, I always had your smile in front of me

I always felt the silky feel of your skin

Your soft fragrance

The way you will make my moments complete

I was waiting for you

I had a thousand plan for you

Thousand ways to celebrates our moments

I Love you

Though never seen, I know you are a part of me

And I know that loss of unseen can also hurt this deep

Good Bye dear

I Don't Find You Happy...

2010-04-27T09:34:00.003+05:30

Hi Friend,
Why your face is so gloomy...
I know everything is not perfect for you now..
But I am sure that you got plans to straighten it.
And more than that I know you DO have reasons to be happy too...

Think about the reason to be happy.
Trust the plans you got to straighten things out.
Wait for it to erase the pain.
If it doesn't work, we will work on plan B, OK :)

Be happy, count the happiness, wear that smile.
Because I like you smiling :)

Fear Of Failure

2010-04-20T14:43:00.004+05:30

How many times in life we were in a situation where our thoughts confused us... We are in a situation when we are not sure about ourself. Will I be able to do it right.. Do I have the information / talent / capability to complete it... Will I be able to do it to a point to be accepted by all...

And in how many of such situation, just with the gut feeling you went ahead and did the thing. Even surprising yourself with the result....

I have only one rule when I face such a situation - try it. Even if I feel like the chances of completing it is less, just for the adrenaline rush I will go ahead ( that doesn't mean I will jump from the terrace of one building to next, this is more about the choices I need to make in daily life ). Most often I will be surprised to find a way to overcome the one last hurdle which stopped me initially.

In the book The Pilgrimage, author Paulo Coelho writes that - Once the problem is solved, it's simplicity is amazing. That is very true.

What we most often does is due to the fear of failure, which takes the best of our mind, we decide to quit. Even before trying it. Without making even a small step. Please do not do that.

There may be times when we need to talk to someone about an issue. We know that we are right. But due to the fear about how the other person will take it or that might open up a fight, often we withdraw ourself from the cause. Give a try. Try to make it less direct. If the other person shows interest and try to know deep into the issue, elaborate. May be because of the way we present, there could be chances that our voice been heard and the issue is resolved. And that chance is lost when we chose to live with the issue than raising it.

So what have you decided now...

PS : If you find this preachy, I am sorry :)

Did You Hear Me...

2010-04-20T09:41:00.004+05:30

I am angry now. Angry on the way the world wants me to live, behave. But what its trying to teach me is not what I want to do. I am not at all accepting it.

I can not be good to someone expecting he / she will be good to me later. Or worse, I will always try to be nice to the other thinking, if I hurt him today, tomorrow when I need him he will turn me down. So, even though I am right, I need to make him feel good now. It is paining, but it's ok, it will compensated by a help later.

I can not do that. If you hurt me, if I can not agree with you, I will say it right now. Because of it, if you stopped taking to me, no more your pet / friend, will make sure I will not receive any help from you in the future, I DON'T CARE. Especially, because of an incident, one reason you disagree with me I am not going to change my view about you. Especially if you are one among I care or count. If you don't mean anything to me, or we won't meet or work again, I may not care. Because for something I will not come across again, I need not fix the issues.

At workplace too, I can not suffer everything thinking it will make my life difficult later. I know at times there may be people, because you took a stand against them, will try to make your life difficult. But you can not stop yourself fearing the consequences. Stand up for what is right.

Reason is simple. The more I like the other one, or I need to meet / work with them again, if I won't correct the differences, it will build up and will make it impossible to continue. I cannot always take the beating or blame. I will need to tell them that I am right and you are wrong, you need to correct the step. Else, the frustration inside me will build enough to destroy me, my happiness.

I know not everyone will take it right. Ego may blind them. But that is their problem. Unless they make the necessary corrective step and make life easier for both of us, things will not be right.

If you feel like it is not the way it should be, or I am a failure in making / building / maintaining relations, I don't care, I don't need to. Because it is the way I am and it is the only way I can be.

I learned a lesson in life. Except my relatives and dear friends, nobody or nothing is essential in my life. I am not living counting anybody else. I am not living thinking they will be with me forever, or the company I am working with is the only place I can find a job. If I can not cope up with it, I will try to correct it. If it is too resistant to correct, I will look for some other place I will fit in better.

KEEP AWAY From The Movie Paathshaala

2010-04-18T11:57:00.003+05:30

I went for this movie yesterday and was terribly disappointed. Why did they made this movie...

There was a lot of things to mislead one. First being the promo song in TV. DO NOT mistake this for a funny children movie watching that song. Or the crisp choreographer Ahmed Khan is the writer of this movie should also not set the expectations.

The happy movie expectation will die the moment the credit rolls in the beginning. The newspaper cuttings of student suicide and the reality shoe cruelties will give an idea what the movie is about ( wish they show that in the trailers )

The movie basically tells ( or preach ) that education should not ever be a business, it is like a noble profession where the profit is the good future of the students and not how much money the teachers or management make. Also it tried to handle the pressure the kids are going through to make the name of the school high. Ooppss...

Wait a minute, didn't 3 Idiots try to show the issues with the current education system... But they got it right. The Paathshaala guys should first get themselves educated about it.

Shahid, Nana Patekar, Ayesha nobody has nothing to do other than setting scene for the preachy director / writer. The introduction scene of Shahid will definitely make the audience think that he is going to change the system all by himself. But the movie didn't give any indication of that. In the end title, with Shahid's picture the director tells that every school needs a teacher like him. For what... I don't know.

Miss the movie for good. It is not even worth for watching in DVD.

Happy Vishu

2010-04-15T10:57:00.003+05:30

Today is Vishu.

വിഷു ദിനാശംസകള്‍

Another festival I am missing. Last year it was great. The first Vishu after Kunju's marriage and we all were there at home. We had Kani, great sadya and crackers at night. It was fun.

This year amma and achan are alone at home ( alone together ;) ). They are upset that we kids are not with them. May be they don't want to sit at home and watching all the Vishu celebration in the TV, they went Guruvaayoor in the morning.

I know there is no point in any festival without loved ones. I was stuck at work that was not able to take leave. From April 25th to May 5th, Irinjalakuda Koodalmaanikyam Ulsavam will be there. I can not miss it. I will be there with you acha, amma to celebrate it. I will also try to get kunju and aliyan too.

We will have a nice time and will compensate for this Vishu, mom....

Pictures are from our last Vishu.

I Am Scared...

2010-04-12T20:42:00.003+05:30

I am scared to talk to you

I am scared I may hurt you again

I know I told the things I should have never told

I know it hurt you deep

I am ashamed about it

I do wish I can turn the time back to set the things right

Now when you are in front of me I am scared

I am scared that the devil within me will surface and hurt you again

Tell the things I never meant

And make you hurt and cry

I know you like me

I always like the way you care for me

I know I am safe when you are around

I like you too...

And now I am scared I might hurt you again, hurt you more

I know I want you back

I want to set everything right

I am ready to accept any punishment you give

All I need is you, the way you always be

I am sorry

Wish I never said that

Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost...

2010-04-11T19:50:00.006+05:30

Yup, my friend has come from Mumbai. And it was a tedious but fulfilling time for me from then...

He is the first visitor to my room. Though one of my friend promised his visit, for many reason it never happened. And I was living happily in the never dusted, never moped room of mine all my own. A visitor is like a red alarm. I needed to at least show him that my room is not very bad. So I was charged in the Saturday morning on a mission : Clean the room.

I started with the laundry, arranged cup-boards ( trust me it was too difficult to arrange my shirts and books and all the other stuff there. Good thing was that I found my lost shirt deep hiding ). The dusting and moping part was next. And that was something I seldom does too. Dusting I will do once a month ( this month was already due ) and only once in the six months I ever tried to mop my house. With all the difficulty and dedication I did it. Then came the bathroom. I cleaned the floor, closet and was taking bath and found that the bathroom door is shabby. I poured water and used the detergent and brushed it clean. I was checking to see how the other side looks and found with a shock that all the water I washed the door was in my hall !
It was literally drowning. OK, I got it. Life is not letting me having things easily. I stepped down and cleaned all the water from hall and continue my bath.

His flight landed late and I need to receive him at 12:30 in the night. Poor chap was very tired and fall asleep almost instantly. There was a purpose for his visit. He is been transferred to Bangalore ( so did his wife ), and need to find a house that too today.

Today it was another funny day. We woke up around 9:30 ( my friend was in deep sleep and I didn't want to wake him up ), and after having breakfast went to do the home hunting. It was tiring, totally frustrating. The sun was hotter than any other day and we were in the sun almost all the day at 36.7 degrees. But we did find the house in our budget. It was a good spacious one and the landlord also was fine.

Then comes the things to fill in house. Furniture, TV, fridge, washing machine, the kitchen utensils, masala, toiletries, everything was purchased and delivered. Now he went to pick his wife. I am sure she will be happy to see our efforts. :)

I Just Had An Art Today....

2010-04-03T21:31:00.001+05:30

Today I had haircut. It was very different... The one who did the cut was not a barber or hairdresser. He was an artist.

He asked me how I wanted my haircut be. I never was choosy or considerate about the way my hair looks. I mean, it never looked good, so I never bothered to correct it either. Still, to say something I asked him to cut it short, but leave some in the front to cover my ever growing forehead ;)

He started the work. He will plan for two second, cut a few hairs and then will take a break to plan next cut. And in between he will keep on clicking the scissors. He had three variety of scissors and two combs. He just shuffled them every minute. After few cuts, he will lean back and will check how his 'art' shaping up. In the middle, he gave the comb and asked me to check whether it is the way I want it. I was totally confused and told him yes it is ok. He was not satisfied and kept on cutting for some more time.

After coming home I tried various way to comb my hair to see whether there was anything special he did !!! But didn't find any :) Let me see what my friends say...

Why Do I Hurt The Ones I care...

2010-04-01T15:28:00.003+05:30

I always wonder why I shout only to whom I care a lot.. Whom I Love... Most of the time without any apparent or sufficient reasons. WHY ????

I know that every moment of my life I can neither be happy nor cool. But instead of fixing what is screwing me up, why am I shouting or hurting the ones I value... Is it because they are a soft target or is it because I am too coward to fix the things that went wrong... I know that however bad I hurt, they will not abandon me. But that will not give me the license to hurt them. They do not deserve the pain...

It pains to see them suffers because of me... I know I hurt you... All I can say that I didn't mean it. I know I shouldn't have done that. I promise I will be careful with what I do or speak.

Now please accept my apologies....
It hurts me too....

Good Bye Keycee's...

2010-04-01T14:20:00.004+05:30

So, that's it. Another restaurant is being closed because the lease expired. Last time it was Indian Coffee House on MG Road, but they managed to find another place nearby.

Keycee's the hot spot of many techies in the Church Street area is being closed this saturday ( April 03 ). It was a kind of place you can have food daily without burning your pocket.

Sadly, I discovered the Keycee's meals is better than the one I used to have only last week. Now I need to go back to my old place or find somewhere else. I doubt whether at the price Keycee's served me meals, anybody else will do.

I liked idli, kesari and dosa there.

Thank you for being what you were. Good Luck guys.

Self Made

2010-03-25T09:05:00.003+05:30

This blog is dedicated to all who made their life themselves. Who can be called Self Made.

No, I am not among them. My life is gifted, every moment of it. From my birth, to my education everything was planned by my parents. And they were there to make sure that my every step is smooth.

I know a few people who made their life all by their own. My father is my favorite example, my hero. The family was mainly surviving on farming. He and his brothers needed to do the work at field before going to school. And the school was far and they needed to go on foot. Lazy to do the hardwork, all his brothers quit school to start business of their own. My dad must have felt bad to see them earning while he was studying. He went on to complete his diploma and joined government service too.

After a while I guess everybody recognised the value of the effort he made. Now after retiring he is leading a lazy life and he is getting a steady income by pension. ( I didn't like the idea because my parents, both are getting pension, and are not at all dependent on me. They proudly say that till the last day government will pay for their expense ).

I know a friend of mine who made her way up in life. Because of dad's income not sufficient for supporting family and ailing mother, she joined work early. Grabbed the first opportunity that came to her, not thinking about how to make a good career. Still, because of her hard work and dedication, she moved up in the career and now in a good post. That too supporting her father and family. I was so moved by her story that I started looking at my life seriously and trying to plan my days and life !!! I respect and thank her for that.

Recently I met someone who made his life. Though lost his parents at young age, he managed to complete his studies and joined a job. Now he is doing higher education part time. When talking to him, I was feeling very shaking. No I don't have any sympathy to him that he lost his parents. I feel sorry for that, but I was shaking because I was facing someone who is a winner in life. Though we can feel sorrow just skin deep when we meet him, he always keep a smile and his head high. I respect him for what he is. By choosing to live the life to be a winner, overcoming hurdles at every step, he proved his worth. May God bless him and shower blessings on him...

I am not feel like life was unfair to them or they were not lucky. Life wanted to trick with them, but they were smart enough to trick life back. Truly, we can say 'Hats off to you, guys'....

Innovative Multiplex - Feel Sorry To See You Like That...

2010-03-22T12:52:00.001+05:30

I was very sad about Innovative Multiplex ( IM ). It was the first multiplex I have ever been to, and my favorite too. It has the best ambience, best chairs ( no other theater has such good chairs with amble knee room ), good AC, nice sound system, reasonably priced food court, clean toilet and more importantly reasonable price. Only 100 on weekdays and 150 on fri, sat and sun.

When I went there yesterday my heart sank. It's been a while I went there. Ice Age 3 was the last movie I watched there around 5 months back. Yesterday I saw a completely different IM. At 1:15 in the noon, I was not expecting much people there, thanks to the Bangalore sun. The very appearence of the complex
was changed, changed for bad.

It looked like the management has lost interest in running the complex.The lobby was very unkept. There was no people to clean the table at food court. The toilet was very disappointing. There was no soap, no tissue, the mirror was looking old with the reflecting coating lost at places, the cupboard door was on
floor. It was not stinking, and that was good and there was water too. Certainily the IM that I knew and liked was missing...

Inside the movie hall too things were not in place. The numbers behind the chair was all chaos. We needed to look for the small digits near the hand rest to find the seat. The AC was also not functioning fine. It was hot inside. Too bad IM...

Hope they are in middle of rennovation and the new improved IM ( at the same price ) will open soon... Waiting for that. Because it is a place I want to go again...

Love - As I See It...

2010-03-19T15:43:00.006+05:30

Love should be
unconditional
sacrificing
accepting each other with all flows
giving oneself completely to the other, no matter whatever the other does
not having any expectations from the other
continue loving even while the other is hurting or demoralising us...
Bullshit !!!

Being in Love, should never ever be anything like the conditions above. Love should be unconditional, I agree, but by taking the giant leap of Love, we of course are making some conditions. When we love anybody, without saying, we are expecting the other to understand us, be with us no matter what, be the pillar of strength, and most important understand us... So how can Love ever be unconditional...

We can not expect our partner to Love us the way we are. Being in Love itself means we both like each other. It should be that part of us we should nourish. It should not take the stand this is what I am, if you failed to see it in the first hand, it was your problem. Now you should Love me this way too. Totally wrong. We need to make each other adaptable. Should mend a bit to fit with each other. Not changing ourself should be the biggest mistake and the spoil sport. When you are ready to Love, love whole heatedly, by making all the necessary steps to make it work smooth.

Love always happen for a reason. Make sure that reason never dies.. If you can not see the friendly warm person you liked in the other, take a pause and get it corrected, you and other both.

All the best... Make your Love work always...

Helping Husband

2010-03-13T17:04:00.002+05:30

I was helping mom cleaning fish and prawns in the morning.When my sister called I was not able to pick the call and she was teasing me that I was preparing to be a good helping husband.
In fact, that is not a bad idea, is it ???

I grew up seeing my dad helping mom at kitchen. Being working couple, they needed to share the kitchen and the task of taking care of me and my sister. I am sure, being the 'good' kids we were, they must have had enough fun getting us ready for school every morning ! And if my dad won't help in the kitchen, mom won't be able to catch the 8:30 bus. I remember dad taking us to school in his Hero Jet ( the best vehicle I've ever been on, his cycle ).

Come back to the helping point. Is it really bad helping wife in kitchen ???? Being bachelor I used to share chores with my roomies. So whats the big deal..

There is an interesting point to add to this. When I offer help to my wife, she will deny ( I do hope ) me to do anything that may dirty me ( like cleaning the fish ). I might need to do an occasional vegetable cutting or washing glasses ( my mom begged me not to help her with vegetables and washing. She says, I cut each of them in different sizes and she will have to make them similar sizes to make sure all of it cooks well and that is a greater job than cutting them fresh. Also, if I help her washing I will flood the kitchen and that is much more of a chore. Nobody appreciate my sincere efforts, you see....).

Ok, so my wife will make me do only simple things. And may be I will be able to manage with 'oral' support. Just be in the kitchen and say 'there is an art in the way you cut the vegetables', or 'you wash the glass to sparkle' or 'only you can cook the dish to this perfect aroma' or whatever. She will be happy and finish all the kitchen work fast.

See, by simply be at the kitchen and do some lip exercise and spending time there, I can make sure we will get more time out of kitchen. I can hear you say 'Bravo bro...'. Thank you. Now it is time for you to wish me good luck and wish all my dream come true...

Prevention Is Better Than Cure...

2010-03-09T14:38:00.003+05:30

So true. But who is there take care of the prevention part... Personal matters we can take care of ourself and make sure we will do the precaution part too. But for public issues... Does Civic authorities doing their part well...

Last week I saw a dried branch of the big tree opposite to our office. It was inside the Rest House Park and our security told the park caretakers about it. They came there to inspect the scene. One was telling the other that they don't have the ladder to reach that height, then the second care taker told that they should not touch it, it is supposed to be handled by the forest authorities.

Nothing happened. The log remained there, till today noon. It fell directly on the windshield of my colleague's car. She needed to spend Rs. 3000 to change it. Who is responsible for this incident... The forest authorities who didn't check the hanging logs periodically or the part caretakers who didn't bother to remove it...

Thank God it didn't fell on anybody. Still, can't that be avoided....

Theory Of Relationship

2010-03-06T12:37:00.001+05:30

When you meet someone new, you will find him/her attractive and there starts a relation.
When it is being built, at one point ego will come to picture, ego of both.
It may grow distance or break-up.
Then, you will think and realise how good it was with him / her and start weeping over it.
It will be the same case with the other too.
You will be dying to patch up, to say sorry.
One day you will at last make the courage to say sorry and straighten things.
Both of you will come closer than ever before and will live happily ever after....

This is my theory of relation.
A friend or colleague, with anybody this could be true.

Remember, everything depends on the time taken to realise the worth and to patch up.
Make sure it will not be too late to correct...
Good Luck

I Am Special !!!

2010-03-05T21:07:00.004+05:30

Don't get too excited. Everyone of us is special. Got something unique. This post is just one instance when this unique (dis)ability made my day...

It is simple - I can get lost in any road. Even the road I travel daily !!!

Today I needed to go to KR Puram to collect my camera, and though I been to the place a lot of times, I got lost, royally, twice on the same day...

The Bangalore Metro work is going on most part of the route and so I was a bit careful about the road I chose. I took MG Road, to Ulsoor, then Old Madras Road to KR Puram. I was ready to enter Old Madras Road, putting on the indicator and all ( because I used to go by that route daily for more than 6 months ), I saw the sign post saying for Ulsoor I needed to go straight... Thanking God and my fortune I went straight only to find that I was on the wrong way... Too bad it was a one way and I was royally stuck. Almost 15 minutes later and numerous short-cuts I managed to get to the desired route.

At KR Puram junction I needed to take right turn. So on reaching KR Puram, I was on the right track and was looking for the turn. And it was very late when I realised I was on the flyover... It took a good 2.5 kms to find the U-turn. And while coming back too, I was about to take the next flyover, being on right track, but despite the angry horns and howls of the following vehicles I manged to escape it.

I ride almost 40 minutes and 8 kms more. That too in the hot Bangalore sun. Even in my thin Kurta, I was sweating a lot. And my office schedules are so tight that I felt a bit guilty when I asked for the half an hour permission. But on the flip side, I ride the hanging flyover, which I always wanted to.

Majestic is nearly 5 kms from my office and around 15 minutes ride. But when I go there, I will take nearly an hour and will roam a good chunk of Bangalore. Everytime I promise myself to be careful and be on the right road, but somehow very naturally I will deviate from it.

Whats life without a little surprises... I am in for the game :)

Another Happy Journey...

2010-03-03T21:11:00.004+05:30

Of late, every KSRTC ( Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation ) journey between Bangalore and Thrissur is becoming a story of it's own. Though it never keep timing, economy and comfort reasons made it my choice. When private buses charges Rs. 500 to Thrissur, KSRTC will make you poor only by 320. The buses are much neater and hardly ( only once, that too only two bugs ) bed-bug infested. While private buses will drive rash, KSRTC drivers won't ride fast, will slow down for humps and potholes, comfort level is also high. But their 3 breaks and not in a hurry to reach attitude will take at least 2 hours more. So the choice is yours, time or comfort and economy.

Last sunday ( Feb 28 ), the bus came 20 mins late. It was good, because in fact, I reached Thrissur almost 15 mins late ;). But as usual or just being KSRTC, they were not at all in a hurry and was taking their sweet time to check the tickets, cracking jokes and all. Then came the jackpot for the conductor. One guy was carrying photocopy and not the original driving licence. Seeing it the happy conductor told him, he will not be alloweded inside without original ( as per the rule. The other rule about timing they will break happily). After a long fight and the guy's friend managed to get the licence in between the fight, the journey started.

But there were more to come. Just after we crossed the Valayar checkpost, there were some folks, look like tribal were on road protesting about something. They were all carrying long bamboo sticks and all and were howling. I thought they are going to hijack us ( then you might get another story here !!! ). But it was just a possession and after almost one and a half hour we continued the journey.

Still, the driver was in no hurry and took two coffee breaks on way. When the transport secretary came to know that KSRTC bus is causing a lot of accidents, and thinking it might be due to the continuous driving, he suggested them to take breaks in between and I guess this guys are overdoing it.The bus was so slow that even the heavy trucks overtook us.

We reached Bangalore a good two and and a half hour late. Thank God my manager believed this story, Afterall, she also is a KSRTC traveller at times...

Angry Old Uncle

2010-02-25T13:20:00.001+05:30

Today I met an interesting character on road. At the 80 ft road near to Sony World junction, a car was coming from a pocket road. The driver was a lady and she was struggling as the motorists were busy to cross the green signal. I stopped my bike, letting the car go and continued. When I stopped at the signal ( which turned red by then ), an uncle asked me 'training, huh ??' I was confused. Then he explained me whether I was doing any driving lessons and why did I stop my bike ?? ' You stopped and didn't let anybody go too'. I tried to explain him that the car was coming from the pocket road and it was half in the pocket road and half in main road, thus blocking both the roads. If we let the car go, then both the traffic will be at more ease. His answer surprised me - he was telling, 'You shouldn't have stopped, and go ahead. Then the car driver will see you and stop.' That means the car will cause block for some more time till it manage to squeeze itself to the main road. Do we really need to do it...

At least on the road can't we be less selfish and make life easier for everyone...

Is My Seasonal Fear Over...!!!

2010-02-25T10:20:00.003+05:30

Confused by the title ??? Don't be. From the day I started cycling my dad used to warn me about riding after the first rain. The road will be covered with oil, grease etc and that will cause skid after the first rain, especially if it is drizzling and not heavy to wash away them from road. I never cared about it till last year, when I learned the lesson hard.

This year from the day the weatherman was talking about the summer rains, I was scared that might happen again. Yesterday there was a little shower, but I was home before rain and was happy. But at morning I learned that the drizzle was very weak. So the real first rain may still has not come. Hope it will
happen this weekend when I will be at my native and by Monday all the grease will be washed away... :)

Yesterday I crossed Carlton Towers where the fire broke out on Tuesday. It looked like a war-front. Couple of stories, the smoke painted it black and the broken windows gave it a horrifying look. There was some VIPs visiting the place, and was crowded by media and policemen.

May all the soul rest in peace and no more such accident happen again.

What A Day !!!

2010-02-23T21:16:00.004+05:30

Today was hectic. Literally. I needed to deliver something today and the day started with the memory of my manager in my head chanting why it is very necessary. Was planning the day in my head gazing at the empty ceiling. Thank God there was power when I woke up and I got ready in time, rather than waiting for the power, to heat the water.

When I reached the office, security stopped me from the basement parking siting some 'skidding leakage'. Upstairs I found that the AC is off because of 'something smelly' in the air. Was struggling to keep the heat off opening the windows.

Later found that diesel from the generator was leaked and that was the reason for skidding at the parking lot !!! Around 35 liters of diesel on the floor... And it was the smell of the diesel that made AC air smelly !!! Great day !!!

And when my mentor came in he was visibly shaken. He just taken an accident victim to the hospital. On the Indiranagar flyover, of the couple of ladies on scooter, the pillion fell and hurt her face and head. He stopped to get them to the hospital and get his shirt and car dirty. More than that, the wound and blood made him dizzy.

By evening read the news about the fire in Carlton Towers. May the souls rest in peace.

It could be our office on fire today.
I would have tweeted ' my office is on fire, pray for me !!'

Looking back, I am grateful to be alive. Thank you for all the Love and prayers you shower on me.

Too Hot To Handle...

2010-02-20T11:46:00.003+05:30

The Garden City is loosing it's pride for being cool city now. It is just February, hardly the summer, and life is tough already. It is reaching 33+ C and is going up. Just last week, it was much cooler. I needed to keep my door and windows shut, wrap head to toe in blanket and switch off fan by midnight to prevent shaking with cold. These days I hardly wrap myself, keep the doors open ( windows I keep shut ;) ) and keep the fan at full speed always. Still in the morning I feel tired and restless, because of the lack of 'quality' sleep. Add to it, most of the day there won't be power in the morning. How could we cope with summer.... no clue...

The skin is affecting too. I was surprised to see that the lips will crack in summer. It is due to the humidity factors it seems. These days humidity is at a low level too.

Last weekend I was home in Keralam. There too sun was hot. But not cruel like the Bangalore sun. It was hot, but not baking like here. It was not like sucking every ounce of energy and happiness as here.

I am drinking a lot of water, made the two time bathing into cold water and try maximum not to be out in sun, and when I need to I use my umbrella. The violet umbrella looks odd in the crowd, but it helps me from headache. Hope this will not last long and as the weatherman says, the summer rain will come soon...

Making The Next Step

2010-02-11T15:20:00.002+05:30

I am scared, very scared...
Why...
I can not stand here anymore.
I need to make the next step.
Why should I be scared about it...
That is because, though I know that the end result of it will be good, I am not
sure of the outcome.
There is a great chance that I will blow up what I got now, and may not gain
what I am planning to.
So, though it is not at all a solution, I need to choose what I got now.
Sounds great...
It is crap

How long I will wait here to overcome my fear to take the next step...
How long will I stand here hoping everything will be good and not do anything of
my own...
I need to take the step.
Even if I will doom.
And I am doing it right now.
Wish me Good Luck

Some Idiot Thoughts

2010-02-08T16:36:00.002+05:30

I watched 3 Idiots on Sunday.
I know it was very late, but better be late than never, right :)
Was planning to watch Ishqiya, but when the vending lady asked me which movie, my tongue made it 3 Idiots !!!
And when I saw the ticket rate to be 240 instead of normal 180, I felt a chill.
A closer examination of the posters told me that 3 Idiots is about 50 minutes longer than Ishqiya, I guessed it is ok to pay more for more fun ( I was hoping and praying it should turn out fun ).
I guess, when my Jeeju told me that they are planning to watch that movie for the second time, it must been registered in my mind and it made the tongue said 3 Idiots.
I immediately send an sms to Jeeju saying if that movie disappoint me I will kill him !!!

I liked the movie from the first scene itself.
And it gave an idea of what lies ahead.
I loved every moment of the movie.

The best thing about the movie is that I loved watching the characters mouthing many of my views on life ( I know you won't believe me, so go check the posts in this label ).
Many things, which when I tell my peers or friends, will laugh out saying it is too impractical, was told in the movie and they used it effectively.
I am much a happier person by the end of movie.
It was good to find someone who thinks alike, who don't like company :)

And I send a second sms to Jeeju saying he is saved...

What Is The Meaning Of My Life...

2010-01-28T10:45:00.002+05:30

'There is no meaning of my life, I am just hanging on to it.
Live, for the sake of it, and I am tired of it...'

I am listening a lot to it these days.
And I am not able to ignore it.
Neither the people who tell me it, nor the reason / the very statement.

It made me think, what is the meaning of my life, if any.
The first thing that occurred to me was, do we really need to be an Ambani or Obama to make our lives count...
Then I thought about my parents.
Both lived ordinary lives, but they are loved by many.
Their friends and a lot of neighbours and fellow villagers think they are their role models.
They started their lives from a very humble beginning and today, at their retired life, they are considered winners and self-made.
So won't that be the meaning or purpose of their life...

And to me, I am working in just another MNC, earning and celebrating ( I love to call so ) life.
To my town, nation or mankind, I am not sure whether I am contributing anything.
But I love my life and enjoying it.
I am able to make someone smile every possible ways.
I know that I am not self-made, every day in my life was always gifted, error-proof.

So what exactly is the meaning to anybody's life..
Without we may even realising it, we might be touching somebody's life positively.
Somebody is happy and eager to be with us.
That makes our life worthwhile.
But if we can be the next Ambani or Obama, it is always welcome :)

Some thoughts...

2010-01-22T16:07:00.002+05:30

For the last few days I am noticing a boy in Brigade Road.
He will be sitting in front of the CCD shop, and there will be a lot of currency notes in his lap.
While his peers, who might be limbing, have a small kid, or even without one hand managed to get only few coins, this boy was getting lots of 10 and a few 100 rupees notes.
What makes him a super star at what he is doing - he is a small, around 10 years old, boy with a cute face and from his chin to his belly there is a big scar.
Something like he was burned.
He is not able to look up, as the skin is so tight, and he will roll his eyes up to maximum or he will bend his body when he needs to look up.

Remember Slumdog Millionaire ???
Won't this kid also be kept there by a mafia...
Somebody who cruelly burned him for their reason.
Worst, if they feel like he makes more money than other, won't there be more like him on roads...
Though I feel very pity for the boy, this thought stopped me from dropping anything into his lap...
But, if everybody stopped giving him anything, will that make those mafia pour more hot oil or something to make his burns worse...

No clue...
Won't there be anybody who needs to take notice of it...

Improving my English !!!

2010-01-17T16:36:00.002+05:30

The Writers Block. They are in charge of improving my English ! So if you are not happy with my language, just wait for a few more days and you will get technically, grammatically and politically correct posts.

It's been a week and three sessions old the training is. And as a language can only be learned through using it, they are improving our ( 28 poor souls ) communication by making ( forcing ) us communicate in their close watch and improving it. It is an interesting process. All the best to Doctor and friend.

So, if you feel an improvement in my language, you know who gets the credits ;)

Is Laughter The Biggest Lie ???

2010-01-08T16:18:00.000+05:30

If it is not a baby, I guess it could be.
I believe in being happy all the time.
Any and every reasons which might make me feel and react the other way, I
forcefully and intentionally suppress it to make sure that the smile not leaving my
face.
Why ????
Do I really need to make myself believe that I am always happy and smiling ???
Is it because I am too afraid to face the issues and difficulties ???
Too naive to realise situations ???
Or love the image of always happy guy ???

Not really.
I do understand the situations and problems around me.
But the moment I figure out ( sometimes too silly, but effective ) ways to
handle them, I leave the thought there and that moment.
I am not forgetting the issues, nor ignoring them.
I got a solution and I am just letting the solution to work.
I don't need to eagerly wait to see the issue disappears, I don't have to.
Because, taking every moment's progress with the solution is like living in the
issue and that will take away my chance to live in happiness.
Only if the solution didn't work in the first hand, I will come back to it and
then I will redefine it.
Then live back in the happy world.
Most ( almost all ) issues were solved like this.
Only at rare times I needed to go back to the same issues twice.

My mantra is, when I find a solution and expecting it to work, let it do it.
Not checking momentarily developments.
When the result comes ( most often you won't notice it, as the positive results
will not shout out ) and if it is not favorable, look for the plan B.
And never ever plan too ahead and look for any and every difficulty that may
come.
If one ever comes, will prefer to face it and solve it.
That way I need to think and solve only a few problems.
And I don't need to have the answer to all problems too, do I ???

Still you think my smile is a lie...

Happy New Year...

2010-01-05T10:42:00.000+05:30

Hi All,
Happy New Year...
Wish you all the happiness.

May 2010 be yours...

My Experiments With Bus !!

2009-12-22T16:28:00.003+05:30

Last week I was mainly commuting by bus, giving my bike a break ( not on weekends though ;) ). One bike less on road - means ease on traffic, lessen global warming, saving petrol, and thus India's foreign reserve...blah blah blah... In fact this was not at all my reason to leave bike, I was simply too lazy to ride !!! In Bangalore it is always better when someone drives for you. Earlier if I need to take bus from Jakkasandra to MG Road, I will need to go to Shanthi Nagar and then to MG Road and it was tedious. Now the new Big10 fleet that BMTC introduced, it is single bus and is neat, almost empty ( only one occasion I didn't get seat from beginning ) and fast.

Of course there was another benefit too. Together I was walking for around 30 mins a day. It was good for my health too.

Here are some interesting things I found during the week. Everyday there was music for company. No, Big10 is not Volvo and there is no music system in bus. That was the magic of mobile mp3 players. And most of the time there will be more than one generous soul at work. You will get a mix of Hindi, Kannada, Telugu and occasional Hip Hop. That was fun. And if someone asks any of them to stop the music, they will give a look like they can't believe their ears and will continue the social service !!!

The bus drivers are much better compared to the regular BMTC services ( Volvos’ excluded). They will stop the engine at the signals, blink indicators while turning, stop properly at the bus stops and won’t horn lot – other drivers have a lot to learn from them.

There are some things to improve too : the frequency being first. Sometimes I needed to wait for about 40 minutes only to find two or more buses are coming in a row ! If they have been planned better, they should not need to compete with each other and I will need to wait less. Second one is that, the Big 10 buses use a lot of glass. But they are not sun-protected. So the morning and evening sun will be on you at full might. If they use the sun film or even the advertisements as in the Volvos, it would be pleasant for the commuters and beneficial for the BMTC.

At the bus stops story is different. Even when the bench is empty, people will stand only on the road, that too in the middle !!! The other vehicles need to avoid them and often cause jams. The bus stop near Central, Mayo Hall is another story. The chairs are too low that even a 2 year old will find it difficult to sit.

I enjoyed my trips. Good job BMTC. On flip side, not a lot of people know about the Big 10’s. As you are celebrating Bus Days now, please publish the new services ( Big 10, Big O, Orange line etc ) in news papers or notices inside bus or at bus stops. Hope to see more innovations from them. No wonder BMTC is the only public transport under government making profit.

Love you my parents...

2009-12-11T13:50:00.003+05:30

Last night I got a call from my friend to say that he had a baby girl.
He was so happy and excited and was talking a lot about it, most of it I didn't understand and was not really clear.
He felt like the happiest man at that moment.

Today my mentor came to office late and sad because Boo is not doing well.
She was falling ill often and he is very worried about the little girl.

This made me remember my own childhood ( of course as others told me, else how can i remember the things when I was only few months old ;) )
I was born weak.
And I spent lot of my baby days at hospital than at home !!
Those days my parents and granny who used to stay with us, all had sleepless nights and were ready to the visit to doctor.
They had struggled a lot to see me survived.
I know every parents does that...
I don't know how will I ever show them my gratitude..

Like my manager says, parents love kids not expecting them to love as they were loved, but to love their kids like same.
That make sense, a lot of it..

I love you dad and mom..
You are my most precious possession...

And I wish Boo a fast and complete recovery...
Get well soon Boo...

Good Bye America....

2009-10-24T01:14:00.002+05:30

So that's it..
The end of 8 weeks travel to the US.
It was good, fun, little bit of travel and of course a lot of work !!!
I met new people, and new sides of some old folks.
The new team I came here to work with was great.
The new style of work was also fun ( I was doing digital layouts, and here I was doing analog stuff ).

The single old friend who took me around last time, got married and busy settling.
But still we managed to meet a few times for dinner.
It was a great escape from my won cooking !!!
The girl suits him perfect.
Good Luck my friends...

Of the old folks, it was a lighter, pleasant side I saw this time.
It was very touching the way my sweet colleague greeted me the first day.
I didn't tell her that I was coming and she was pleasantly surprised.
I always love you the way you are...

All out of a blue, got a good company in an old friend.
And he was the reason for most of the fun, movies and trips.
I will miss the beer bash, the drive and of course your Vietnamese treats...

The team I worked with was fun, united, ones who enjoy work, eat, drink and think ( I guess even sleep ), the new technologies.
Heavily qualified, but fun-loving.
That was the team....
Hope to work with you again soon...

But there was a few incidents which made me feel heavy too...
The parting story and the not happening wedding story...
I do hope the Fire Alarm will find her partner and have many fire alarm babies soon...

How much ever fun I had here, it is so exciting to go back..
To my land, my family, my life...
Momma I am coming...

Living The Dream...

2009-10-18T22:58:00.003+05:30

I saw a couple living a dream life...
Of course it is not my dream.
They are setting up the home.
It was funny to watch the guy transforming from bachelor to a family man...
Lady trying her hand on cooking and overall completeness of the home...
For anything and everything both were confused and asked each other for opinions and somehow their opinions always matched !!!
I guess they needed an opinion and that's why I happened to be their first dinner guest !!!
I enjoy any food and something cooked at home was such a delight for me.
And with the new-found enthusiasm, they are hosting party every weekend !!!
As it was my last weekend here, I was invited last Saturday...
Thank you guys...

Watching them building the home made me think...
From my childhood memories to my future !!
As child we used to play home.
Achan will build a tent house for us and we children from all neighbourhood make it our home and prepare food and all in the small pots amma bought from Aluva Manappuram...
It was fun...
The food was hardly perfect and the quantity was just enough for each of us to taste, but the feeling was great...
Thank you parents for giving me all those opportunities...

This trip to US was very special.
I saw the pain of breaking up, longing for a baby and of course the starting of new life...
And all of a sudden I feel like I am missing all the fun.
In fear of breaking up, I can not keep myself from committing.
I guess I can handle the responsibilities - emotional and others - well.
Mom, are you listening.... ;)

I wish my friends all the best.
Hope she will not change her plans every fortnight ( first time it was GRE, now it is a no pay job !!! ).
Nice to see the guy help the lady learning everything.
His patience needs to be appreciated.
It is always fun and lucky to have someone who lets you make mistake and correct and learn yourself...
Hope next visit too, I can have the privileged dinners...

Life is wonderful...

2009-10-14T10:27:00.003+05:30

I always believe small is beautiful.
Especially when it comes to happiness.
There is nothing soothing than a heartening smile..
That too when I need it the most..
From one I love...

Sometimes being this far and alone, I curse my fate.
There is nothing fun in being in a foreign land with all fake smile and pleasantries.
I tried to immense into work to relax, but that comfort didn't last long.

Now, when I hear the smiles and all the warmth through phone or mail, I feel, know that my life is not that worth less.
When my granny says, hearing me was enough and she was happy for it, my heart was full...
It is always good to see me wanted..

I know, I can not return all the love I get.
But being lovable and been loved..
I love it...

Uncertainities

2009-10-09T22:36:00.002+05:30

Uncertainities : they are all around me.
Looking ahead, back everything is uncertain.
What is goign to happen, or why it happened this way, everythign looks vague.

I am going back home in two weeks.
Good.
Whats next.. it is uncertain...
What with my stay in Bangalore, uncertain...
Where to look for the house, uncertain...

But there is some funny uncertaninties too.
Today I forgot to comb my hair.
And my coworkers complimented my 'new look' !!!
What made them like it... uncertain !!!

Wish I Could Cry...

2009-09-26T23:55:00.003+05:30

I am full with emotions, uncertainties, fear of loss, loneliness and missing all the good things I had for granted..
I see blankness.
I can feel that the emotions are so powerful to make me numb.
All my thoughts lead me nowhere..
I am down..

I want to cry...
Cry out till I'll be settled...
I want to wash all my fear and sorrows with tears...
Want to sleep light hearted...

I can not cry in front of others.
Especially those I love, I care..
I can't make them feel that I am sad...
Because they will be sad to see me sad...
And I can not make them sad.
All I try is to make them happy, tell them, make them feel they are treasured, and give all the happiness material and emotional.
I know that what I take as love, care, happiness may not be same for them.
But that's the best I can think of...

World see me a happy guy.
Always smiling bright boy...
That's the compliment I receive...
Because that's the way I want the world to see me.
The real me... nope, only I meet him.
Always share a laugh never a tear..
I can not...

And when I feel that I am not upto the expectations....
Not the way they want me to be...
Can not keep up the demands of it...
It makes me feel sad and down...
I want to cry to wash it away...

Love..
That's the biggest strength and weakness...
And the feeling of being loved, makes me full and I want to cry...
Tears of joy...

Oh man, I want to cry, but not able to...
Wish I could cry...

I Am Finding Myself....

2009-09-20T00:36:00.002+05:30

When you are alone and nothing much to do, it is best time to find yourself..
Well, that's what I do these days.
Who am I ? what am I ???
I am trying to find the answer to these question.
It is not like going into deep meditation and getting Nirvana.
My life is much simpler to explore !!!
With help from my friends, I am finding out myself.

My goal is not to find the question of eternity or the cause why God sent me to this world from Heaven.
Much a simpler question, What I mean to others, especially to the ones I am close to.
And I was pleasantly surprised to see that few value me a lot as a friend, mentor and more...
I touched them the way I never thought...
It feels good to be treasured.

All these was needed when I felt that I am a loser and there is no meaning to my life and relations which I think most valued.
( But my friends didn't know till now, why I asked them to tell me what I mean to them !!! )
If someone likes me, loves me the way I behave, talk to them than the real me, me as the person I am, then what is the point...
When I do something they won't approve of or like, and that means the end of all the love, closeness, affection towards me till date, that is not acceptable.
How long one can expect me to be good to them ( though I never ever try to be intentionally, I love just being myself, thank God many like me that way ).
I am sorry, I can not act with your directions.
If you feel that is the end of story between us, I am sorry, but can't change myself or my life for you.
Better be lonely than unhappy... ;)

So if you decide I am no longer lovable, acceptable, all I can say is I am sorry, but can't help it....
And when I have a few who really love me the way I am, why should I be bothered...
And if you make it a point to leave me, fine, go ahead.
I am not asking you to return all the favours.
If you ever found me good to you, it was not becuse I expect you to be good to me, now or later.
That was the way I found you, thats why I love you.
If you love me conditionally, it is your problem, I can not make myself within your conditions all the time...

Rahman's New Album BLUE

2009-09-17T11:15:00.002+05:30

Have you heard the new album by Rahman BLUE /?
It is good, but the Rahman touch is missing in many songs.
I hope he will never do another film for Akshay.
I read that guy will make the producer and music directors to tweak the songs for his fans...
I believe that's why Rahman is missing in many tracks.

It is a good one for Shreya Ghosal.
From the award winning song Anbe Vaa and Aye Bachu from Ghajini, we heard different Shreya with Rahman.
And here she has our songs, check them out.

My personal favorite is Bhoola Thujhe.
It is beautiful.
It will soon be in my dreamy songs :)

So listen to it and let it grow within.

I Love The Way I Am

2009-09-07T01:25:00.002+05:30

I was a lot confused about my feelings, life, priorities, attitude, laws of life, outlook, the way I live etc till a couple of days back.
I was wondering whatever I thought right way to live, interact, love is proving wrong.
Unconditionality is a curse.
Selflessness is the biggest mistake and foolishness.
Do what you can, not expecting anything in return is good only in books.
I can live the way I want, and I will see that the world around me will accept it for it's novelty.

Now I am in a state where I need to reiterate life.
But then, I realize that how I was living was the perfect way to live too.
If someone is not understanding it or not accepting it as it is, it is their problem.
They either fail short to accept the fact or too jealous that they can not live the way I do...
So I need not change myself.

Last week I received a very special mail from someone not that special and was told how much I meant and why.
When there are people who accepts me and loves me the way I am, why I should change or even think of changing..

So people THIS IS ME.
Accept me as I am.
If you can't, don't get jealous, but let me continue being myself.

Hhhmm... I am much more happier now :)

Disconnectng.... in Progress....

2009-09-05T20:38:00.002+05:30

Have you ever felt like being tied too much in relations...
I am feeling that now.
I guess I am being tied to a lot of poles than necessary.
Worst still, I am giving all the same care and passion.
NOT ANY MORE....
I am not here to love, care, pamper everybody.
I want to be lovely only to those I feel like my dearest of souls...

I live in a dream world.
Though only a handful, I really cherish the ones with me.
And I want them to be so good and loving forever with me..
NOT ANY MORE....
Of course, I am still in my dream world.
But the handful of people.. I think they outnumber the time or care I can give.. ;)
So I am in a process of disconnecting.
Only very few I would keep with me...
When it is a lot, it is difficult to keep the expectations and commitments.
So only those I can never part, will remain in my dream world.

I already removed a lot few friends from my Orkut list..
It is still in progress.
But that is not really what I meant by disconnecting.
It is much more than that...
Cause I don't want anymore shattering to my dream world.
I can not afford it...

Know less is better

2009-08-30T04:03:00.002+05:30

Hi,
It's been a while I posted something here.
And now I am away from home and India and nothing good to do other than work, I guess I can post more often.

Do we really need to know each other, or anybody close...
I guess when we know other person, most of the time we end up knowing something less good about him / her.
And from my experience I feel that most happy faces hide a lot of tears..
So I decided not to dig into anybody and keep the relations only on the surface.
At least when being together, we will be happy and enjoying...

All these thoughts came to me after a brief lunch discussion with my friends a few days back.
We were happily chatting, pulling each others' legs and making a lot of noise and laughter.
We left the table and decided meet the next day for some more fun.
But everything turned upside down when one of my friend told a little secret about the guy I teased the most...
Though he was apparently enjoyed it and gave me more reasons to tease him, this news made me feel guilty.
Whatever I told him for the sake of fun got a very ugly face to it...
It was really hurting.. especially because I liked that guy ( he hate to refer him guy, always insist to call him by name).
So all the smiling face he portraits melted in a second....
I rushed to him to say sorry, and being the gentleman he is, he insisted he didn't care about it and it didn't bother him a bit...
Still I felt bad and sorry...
Sorry dear.. I never meant to hurt you...

So no more digging up into anybody's soul.
I like them the way they are with me...
This is not the first time a smiling face turned out to be a mask..
But this time it hurt me very deep...
So I like to be friend with the smiling face, not the teary face within...
Wait a minute, I been called Always smiling bright boy....

Money == Happiness

2009-07-13T19:35:00.002+05:30

Money can get you happiness. True. But there is a danger associate with it. When you start earning money, you will never know how much will be enough to get you happiness. And you will keep on earning it, trying to find happiness. And when you start enjoying happiness, more money can not get you more happiness. And eventually, money will not make you happy at all....

So, treat money a way to make yourself happy and not the happiness. Spend it, wisely to get happiness. And one day you will die happy, may be like MJ, who died in debt, but enjoyed every bit of money he had :)

Ladies, Please... Driving is NOT your cup of tea...

2009-07-11T10:43:00.002+05:30

When I wrote last time about the mis-experiments of lady drivers I was criticised for being so prejudiced. But in the last few days I got two more reasons why I was right..

I was waiting for bus when I met the first lady. The drain was cleaned and the slabs over it was not aligned properly. Our lady managed to get the front wheel on the slab, but somehow stopped in between. She tried hard but the car moving backwards !! At last it stopped with a bang and then she managed to steer it ahead. The bang was because she bumbed into the following car !!! Funny thing is that, she didn't notice it and moved ahead. The guy in the second car stopped her little ahead, but I missed the scene as my bus arrived by then.

And in the second incident, another lady was driving fast completely unaware that she got a flat tyre. I heard a noise and was checking whether it was from my bike. Then I saw this Zen overtaking me with a flat tyre... When the air press sure is less, we can feel that the car is not balanced well. Here with a complete flat tyre she was cool... And when she was stopped by another biker, she got out and was wondering how come that happened to her...!!!

How Persuasive is Love..

2009-07-08T20:24:00.004+05:30

Love..
Is it just a bond between two hearts, souls or body.. A commitment between two... Promise to keep each other happy, complete...

You know you love somebody when you think about it most of your time. And felt bad when you hurt her / him. How far you expect each other to go to make other happy. You know you can't stand the tears and you can not cry either fearing it my make her sad... Still at times you end up hurting though you cry inside more than other.

Hope all the tears will become smiles, everlasting smile soon...

Dreams, love, bond, laugh, peace...
It is the essence of life..

Silly Little Happinesses..

2009-07-07T20:45:00.003+05:30

Last weekend I was home. I visited my good old friend on saturday. There his daughter was getting ready to go back to work. So I sugested I will drop her and take my friend for a drive too. He was surprised, but just for a split second and accepted my offer with great pleasure. His wife also joined us. And when we started, he placed his hand on my shoulder ( I was driving ) and told me that he is very happy to have a friend like me... He was almost in tears and the ladies in the back were teasing him ( punningly as they also can't stand his tears).

Here is the twist in the story. My friend is not well. He survived a stroke, but still has difficulty in walking. His life is almost limited to four walls. He wanted to go out badly but was not able to. They booked a cab, but at the last minute, knowing it's only a small trip, the driver stepped back.

I made him happy. And I am happy for him too. But at times, I do wonder am I making all the moves right.. Am I making those who really matter happy.. And if not, why it is so... And above all I sometime wonder am I making myself happy... Or defining happiness in some fragile, invisible curves on faces...

Is this the best thing to do...

2009-06-04T23:11:00.002+05:30

Getting a good maid in Bangalore is difficult. Our last maid was a smart lady. She did all the jobs perfect and was clean. But one fine day after receiving the salary she stopped coming. One month we adjusted without maid. But the tidiness of room was on toss.

We got another one in between. But she demanded Rs.800 for a month. We used to give 400 and this was double of it. The reason she told was, we are four bachelors and 200 per month will not be difficult considering our salaries !!!

Today we got a new one. She did the job well. But she was at least 70 years old.. I felt very bad. She was very fragile. But when I think again, here her work is light. If it is not here, she may need to go somewhere else, may be somewhere far. So let it continue like it...