blah&blah

2007-11-28T13:21:00.000+05:30

Mere mann yeh bata de tu
Kis aur chala hai tu...

2007-11-16T17:04:00.000+05:30

Sach Is Life…

Yesterday, my favourite obsession in the cricketing world turned eighteen. And like always, yesterday too, he delighted. Thanks Sach, even though you missed that ton.

And a sincere request to all the media vultures circling overhead, calling him crappy names and all… BUZZ OFF.

PS: The Man got the ‘Man of the Match’ award yesterday. It carried a channel logo. 9X. Symbolic eh…

2007-11-01T19:55:00.000+05:30

Time Travellers…

Went time travelling with friends the Sunday before the last.
Actually, it all began as a simple trek. Lohgad Fort. It’s at a place called Malavali. The station after Lonavala.

Drove down in the middle of the night and parked ourselves on the bridge overlooking the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Clicked snaps with the headlights of oncoming cars providing the only lighting and generally just sat around on the road with not a care in this world.

Early morning the trek began. And not much of a trek it was. A couple of hours and we were at the Fort. But the Fort more than made up for the short trek. Absolutely magnificent it was. Unlike a couple of others I’ve seen before, Lohgad still stands proud in all its glory. The fortification has stood the test of time very well.

On entering we had to pass through a number of arched gateways, each called as ‘Dwaar’. Once inside, we realized to our absolute delight that there was none of the regular picnicky junta around. Part of it can be attributed to our first light start. The picnic people usually roll into town a bit after we are all done. So there, we had the entire Fort to ourselves. And the feeling it evoked was something that defies words. We could truly appreciate that we were standing on the same hallowed ground once tread upon by mighty warriors. It was like going back in time, for real.

After taking in the blissful silence we set about exploring the Fort. There’s a small lake here that, if you are to believe the legend, has been created by elephants that were made to stamp their feet on the ground. And even more startling is the fact that it is very close to being perfectly circular. There are a couple of shrines and a ‘kundh’ as well. But the best part is this offshoot of the ‘Tatabandi’ (fortification), which is slightly difficult to get to. You have to climb down a slightly dicey rock face to get there. And the experience that follows makes you feel like a King. (Apologies Lady readers, but I don’t think Queens did this back then). What I’m talking about is the walk along the fortification. You are right on the edge, but strangely, you feel perfectly safe. We went all the way to end and then sat on the edge, surveying the land below like the Kings of this world. Everything looks so magical and peaceful from up there. At a distance you can see the Expressway and the Konkan Rail. It was a moment so reminiscent of ‘Dil Chahta Hai’. Now that’s what I call a high!

I’d always found a visit to the mountains to be a very humbling experience. This one had another very special dimension as well!

PS: Driving back on the Expressway the Speedo saluted 150! Better still, the Rev needle was only kissing 4. So we had some way to go. But then, three worried looking faces made me ease off. We’ll keep the scares for later ;)

2007-09-27T16:18:00.000+05:30

Pampered…

Lying down on the terrace, I looked up at a clouded sky.

I wanted to see stars, he indulged me with a firefly!

2007-09-07T14:26:00.000+05:30

Fake...

You fake
Your happiness

You fake
The sorrow

You fake
The moment

You fake
Tomorrow

2007-08-24T11:30:00.000+05:30

Dream On...

Yesterday someone told me this…

“Dreams aren’t what you get when you are sleeping. Dreams are what don’t allow you to sleep.”

Which made me think. What’s my dream? Or do I even have one!

So I sat around, thinking (Don’t do mucha work anyway!).

The conclusions I came to were these.

I don’t have a dream, I’ve many.

Want to have my very own BMW, brought with my hard earned… well… my money. Want to own a home in New Zealand. (Never been there, but from whatever I’ve seen, I know I love the place.) Want to build a Beach Resort back at that heaven of a village. Want to have my own Restaurant. Perhaps a Travel Company. Want to make the folks proud. Want to go on a road trip around India, leaving no corner unexplored. (Was even contemplating becoming a bus driver just to this end!) Want to live a life with the one I truly love. Make sure am there for her, as long as I’m around, and then some. Be the best Father my yet to be kids could ever ask for! Be a friend my friends could be proud of. Be as much of a good person as I can be.

But then I thought that all of the above could also be classified as desires, right?

So where does that leave my dream…

Well, it goes something like this – When it’s time for me to go, I want to look back at my life and be able to say, honestly, I did all right…

2007-07-31T13:05:00.000+05:30

Back To The Fold…

Was getting ready for the grind today morning when I noticed something. The handkerchief was folded with the right side out. Took me back a few months, when she used to do it. It was probably one of her favourite chores. Taking the kerchiefs from the drying line, fold then, and pat them down, ever so lovingly. And the thing was, she never seemed to fold them with the right side out. Not that she could see much. But still, ten times out of ten, she would get it wrong. And the next day, to my utter exasperation, I would have to fold it the other way just as I would be running late.
But today everything was right, yet nothing was. And for the first time I found myself wishing the kerchief would be folded wrong…

2007-07-19T16:12:00.000+05:30

The Sweetest Things...

This…
“Hey, best of luck!”
“Aaj nahi ga bai, udhya…”
“Mag kai udhya wish karaicha?”
“Mag kai!”
“Kai pakau ahes re tu.”

And this…
Hi XXXXX,
Best of luck for your new job!

Take care,
YYYYYY

PS- This e-mail is to be read on the 16th of July. Otherwise I’m not responsible. :)

Truly :)

2007-06-05T12:42:00.000+05:30

Mere Human...

From time to time, the One above keeps giving signs, that one is a mere human after all...

2007-06-01T14:18:00.000+05:30

Rain Rain…

The city got its first rain yesterday. Perhaps the Rain God was conducting a recce. Checking out whether we were prepared.

I would like to convey him a message. Just do it maan. It’s bluddy hot out here. Everybody could do with a little cooling off.

And then there’s Konkan…

2007-05-30T15:33:00.000+05:30

Traffic Rules…

Was coming to the office today, when I saw this scene that is so typical to Mumbai. A vehicle waiting in the extreme right lane at a signal suddenly decides to go way left once the light went green. What followed can be safely described as chaos.

I think such idiots, who are invariably auto-rickshaws, need to be hauled up by apna Pandu. Fine the jerks at least a hundred. That might make them think twice the next time they decide to try the stunt, even if it’s the passenger who has just remembered that they have to go left. (Why can’t you guys go ahead, take a U-turn, and come back? Saves everyone so much trouble!)

I don’t think this would be that hard a thing to implement. After all, Panduz keep pulling us up for no rhyme or reason anyway!

Till then, Traffic Rules…

2007-05-26T11:18:00.000+05:30

Forever…

If I’m to live on forever, I’d like it to be as a fond memory in your heart.

2007-05-19T12:52:00.000+05:30

In Dinon...

In dinon, dil mera,
Mujhse hai keh raha

Tu khaab saja,
Tu jee le zara...

Some words, just connect...

2007-04-21T11:28:00.000+05:30

Looks like innocence…

Coming to office in the bus today, yeah I have to work Saturdays, that is if you call turning up at 11 a m, lounging around listening to music, and if no brief comes through, pushing by 3 p m, ‘work’. So, coming to office, saw a minor miracle. Yes, they do happen. All you got to do is keep them eyes open.

There was this kid in the seat ahead of me. Cute he was. But the thing that struck me was the whites of his eyes. So clear, so pure.

And then I saw my own in the mirror. They were nowhere near those of the kid. But then, how could they? He’s just begun. His are a reflection of that innocence. I’ve been on the road for a bit. Mine a testament to the miles left behind…

PS: Winked at him when getting off. That smile sure made my day!

2007-04-07T13:39:00.000+05:30

Hey, hey, hey, goodbye…

He was as close to a grandfather as I ever had. My Mom’s uncle, ‘Ajjo’ we used to call him. A grand man.

Now every time I bite into a Hapus, I’ll remember the cratefuls that he used to send every May. And I’m sure that they won’t be half as sweet. I’ll remember the ghost stories he used to regale us with. And I’ll remember how he was nothing short of a superhero in my eyes, for having been through them all. I’ll also remember that even superheroes are mortals after all. I’ll hear his gentle voice in the swishing trees of the garden back at Malvan. I know I will. I will remember the nights spent in the machaan, guarding the ‘Ambyachi Baag’. I will remember his kindness for having taken in a complete stranger and given him a place to stay. I will remember just how much he loved to read every time I pick up a book. And I won’t hate harry potter just as much. Coz he loved it so…

And I’ll also remember that Ajjo simply went on to a better place…

On a different note, Mom says that I’m a rebirth of her father. Similar appearances, mannerism, U know. I don’t quite know. Maybe.

But what I do know is that if Ajjo was to be reborn, then that would be one super person.

2007-03-29T02:36:00.000+05:30

Telepathy...

I've always maintained that Friendship is a telepathic relationship. When you are happy, or in trouble, true friends just know.

The morning proved me right.

The thing is, I'd had a bad day yesterday. A result of crappy teammates who didn't understand the concept that 'If you screw with the deadline, the boss screws the teams happiness'. Ended up driving myself crazy to get some output out of these lazy jackaeys.

Was expecting today to be equally bad, if not worse. Plus my kid bro decided that it was his day to get on my nerves. So, was thoroughly pissed right at the start. Could almost imagine myself getting into a fight on the bus, or an argument at the 'work?'place.

And that's when it came. Wasn't much, a silly sms joke. But twas enough to break the tension. Balanced me out a bit I guess.

Thanks bud. U jus made my day, or rather, saved it...!

PS: Am typing out this post sitting in the office at 2:50 am. Gotta turn up on time today morning. God help me. N not even he can help this team!

2007-03-13T16:16:00.000+05:30

Fickle Emotions…

Are you with me or without
I hear my heartbeats shout
Shout out your name

Do you hold on to the love
I hear myself plead
Plead you stay the same

2007-03-02T11:03:00.000+05:30

Of Habits…

People have their habits. The things they do. The way they do things. If quizzed as to why they do a certain thing, or why they do a certain thing in a certain way, they are often at a loss to find an explanation. The habit just comes to them.

Lately, I too have got into a peculiar habit. Or at least, have just begun to observe myself doing it.

Whenever I’m on the road, be it driving, or traveling, if an ambulance passes by, I always end up saying, “Be safe, whoever you are…”

Don’t quite know what to make of it. Don’t quite know where it comes from. But it’s there…

2007-02-19T13:01:00.000+05:30

Dry Day…

Spent an amazing evening with the buddies yesterday. And when friends are in the mood for dhamaal, memories happen!

Here’s one that happened over an animated dinner.

One of the guys had-to his misfortune-mistakenly referred to the dry noodles as ‘shev’.

“Arey tyala soup barobar shev pan anayla saang.”

That started the ribbing. And when the waiter did materialize with the ‘shev’, I couldn’t stop myself…

“Sir, hey ghya tumche sukat ghatlele shev!” (Sir, here are you shev, which had been put out to dry)

The rest, as they say, is funny history…

2007-01-27T11:13:00.000+05:30

Tiny Thoughts…

“Hey boss, Mahim station chalega kya?”

The cabbie, who was obviously hoping for a ‘slightly’ longer run, declined.

Perhaps he didn’t notice the cute angel the guy’s wife had in tow.

If I’d been the cabbie, and that kid would have smiled the way she did, absolute pure goodness, I’d have taken them anywhere, for free…

2007-01-25T14:21:00.000+05:30

Connect…

“Abey, kidhar hai?”
“Tu kidhar hai?”
"Tere area mein, Worli."
“Arrey yaar, me aaj ghari ahe .Off la off dila.”
“Tujhya nana chi taang.”
“Hahahahaha”
“Hasto kai, melya.”
“But aaj idhar kaise?”
“Arey site down zhali. So… N I thot tula call karuya. Let’s see sahib busy nasle tar kuch lunch plan karte hai.”
“Hmm… Sorry yaar. Asa kar, udhya parat site down kar. Phir apan milte hai!”
“Tujhya nana chi tang.”
“Hahahahahahaha”
“Hahahahahahahaha”

Friends are such gems!

2007-01-18T12:02:00.000+05:30

Delete...

U can delete the number
Delete the messages
Delete the mails...

But U can't delete the moments
Can't delete the little things
Can't delete the madness
Can't delete the memories

Can't
Can't
Can't...

2006-12-08T14:51:00.000+05:30

Unfinished Equations…

Was in one of those ‘Pause-Rewind-Play’ moods yesterday. My mind kept going back to this conversation I had with her, some time back. Of everything that was said, and left unsaid, these words kept playing in a loop.

“You know something, no matter what happens from hereon, at least 2% of me will always be with you”

Didn’t she know then, that 50 plus 2 still comes out as incomplete…?

2006-11-28T12:08:00.000+05:30

Starved...

Yesterday when geting back home, I chanced upon this hoarding for a Gymnasium.

The headline read -
Some people think that starving themselves is a shortcut to fitness.
The Somalis however, beg to differ.

Maybe the effers thought this was humourous. I think this is an effing shame, ridiculing someone like that. Especially when they surely don't have even half the balls required to last out there for a week.

Guess the jack aey's could do with a liberal dose of sensitivity. They seem to be pretty starved of it...

2006-11-11T11:55:00.000+05:30

You Have Come Some Way, Baby…

Yesterday, my kid bro who’s very much a member of the Computtar Generation ‘sourced’ this game from somewhere. CONTRA.

Came back home, late, as usual, to see him kick some virtual butt. And that got me so nostalgic. Used to be abso-freaking-lutely crazy bout that game, back in school. I remember hanging at my best pals place for hours on end, doing what else, but kicking some virtual villainous butt.

But now don’t feel like playing it.

The times, they’ve surely changed, and so have the games played…

2006-11-11T11:54:00.000+05:30

This Nomad was going to move from his current job. Bit bored and all that. Had even landed myself a job at this other agency. But my people here felt that I’m an asset (wadever dat mins!). So am getting a shift to a better team, workwise, n ya, a comfy lil pay hike.

So my folks at home can finally stop worrying ki apna baccha kya karega. In fact, mom has finally begun to see things my way that taking the jump from engineering to advertising was indeed the right thing. They might never understand that I simply followed my heart. But still, their happiness matters too…

2006-10-10T12:09:00.000+05:30

The 27th Kilometer...

26 Kilometer, that's how far I've travelled along this highway called Life. It's been an up and down ride, but an enjoyable one nonetheless.

Wonder what the 27th kilometer has in store...

2006-10-06T16:33:00.000+05:30

Batman Forever…

There is this article in the TOI today with the headline that goes ‘Batmen Forever’.

I don’t like it, the headline.

For me there are no Bat-men.

There can be only one, Batman. Forever.

Sach is life.

2006-09-26T12:23:00.000+05:30

Bheja Fry...

Apun ka dost apun ko sms bheja...

Be careful what you water your dreams with.
Water them with hope and solutions,
And you will cultivate success and happiness.

Phir apun ne bhi bheja ladhaya, aur usko reply bheja...

I water them with Pepsi n Coke.
Good fertilisers them I heard.
Growth guaranteed.

Itna bheja use kar ke apna bheja fry ho gaya. Toh apun jaake bheja... or was it bhurji fry khaya.

2006-09-11T10:50:00.000+05:30

Matinee...

If life were to be a movie, it would have to be 'Sweet November', with the roles partially reversed...

PS: 'Gone In 60 Seconds' and 'Office Space' would be worthy considerations as well!

2006-09-05T17:43:00.000+05:30

No matter how hard the current tries
To pull us apart
We’ll make it home ashore

But then, isn’t it our destiny to keep on sailing…

2006-09-04T10:57:00.001+05:30

Life is a throw of the dice… Roll with it.

2006-08-26T12:20:00.000+05:30

Escape, to paradise…

The village calls, and there’s just one thing to do... Vrooooom!

Taking that bend at 60 kph
I see the picture my mind has etched

The sea a wide splendour of crashing foam
And the wind in my ear telling me I’m home

2006-08-26T12:18:00.000+05:30

The Real Big Daddy…

The Big Daddy from upstairs is heading downstairs, to mingle with us people. And are we fortunate, or are we FORTUNATE!

My bond with Bappa goes way back, to the time when I was a schooler who was often told that the trunked one was the supreme dude. And one day he proved it alrite!

That day my friend had a huge stomach ache. “Yaar majha pot khup dukhtai.” On hearing him complain I decided it was time Bappa intervened. So touching my Ganapati locket ever so solemnly, I said, “Bappa, majhya mitracha pot dukhtai, tyala bara kara, please.” And then I touched the brother’s tummy. And lo behold, the ache was a goner. From that day onwards my faith in the lord was set in concrete, unshakeable.

That was then. Have been through a lot since, he’s put me through a lot, but the God Lord has always been around, ready to pull me through, if need be.

I thank him.

Ganapati Bappa Moreya!!!

2006-08-19T12:47:00.000+05:30

Reminiscing...

One of my friends sent me this sms, a few days back...

Waqt ke panne palat kar
Phir woh haseen lamhe jeene ko dil chahta hai

Kabhi muskuraya karte the sab yaar milkar
Unhe saath dekhne ko aaj phir dil chahta hai...

Man, this so reminds me of the good ole Engineering days, days when we used to head out for treks, just like that. Screw lectures, notes copy kar lenge, or exam mein paper ;)

And now, sala after months of setting, plans fall apart like a pack of cards :(

2006-08-05T14:57:00.000+05:30

Indecision…

Get up stand up
Stand up like a man

Get up stand up
Don’t give up the fight

But what when the fight’s within… What then?

2006-07-28T17:59:00.000+05:30

Road Gyaanam…
(To be read in Rajnikanth or Quick Gun Murugan stylay)

Thou shall never, just sittttttttt in tha rite layne I say. Coze thayt iz far theee ‘Overtaykerz’.

Yan thou shall never, never ever, be scene trywing a ‘Chevrolet Forrester’ or ‘Baalayno Haltura’ I say. Coz thoze loog like they are wonly mayde far tha ‘Undertaykerz’.

Gyaanam samaptam.

2006-07-27T14:26:00.001+05:30

The Lady in Rust Red and Yellow…

Yeah, the Lady in Rust Red and Yellow
She don’t wait for no one, no

That Lady in Rust Red and Yellow
When it’s time, she gotta go

Yeah, the Lady in Rust Red and Yellow
Damn... I missed her once again, by a second or so…

Whoever heard of a local that leaves dot on time…

2006-07-25T21:03:00.000+05:30

One Day…

I never ever knew
That one day we’d meet

To share moments together
Intense, like a rum downed neat

Only to end up one day
Like strangers across a street...

2006-07-21T15:40:00.000+05:30

Bus Kya…

Yesterday, had quite a pleasing experience when going home in my Red Limo.

Was pretty much lost in my thoughts when out of nowhere music started wafting, or rather blaring out. Still, the night was young and the songs were old, so felt good. I thought some overzealous fellow passenger had put on his radio, and let it be at that.
But when I was about to get down, surprise, it was apna B.E.S.T that was playin it, loud and lovely!

Was pleased, to say the least. After all, some sounds are so much better than others…

2006-07-19T16:08:00.000+05:30

Juna Timers...

The other day was discussing something with a colleague when we meandered into an old old funny Marathi territory. Stuff about what our Maharashtrian brethren would call their respective stores/institutions if they'd open them in Japan.

Here goes...

Ya Shika School

Phookun Phookun Pya Tea Stall

Ya Kha Restaurant

Kapa Kapi Hair Saloon

Kheloo Ya Game Parlour

...
...
...

Ya Wacha . blogspot . com

2006-07-12T12:29:00.000+05:30

Yesterday...

Hey, I was just wondering.

If I were to have died yesterday.
Would a tear have come to your eye?

To remember this silly guy.
Who moved on and away...

2006-07-12T11:26:00.000+05:30

Yesterday, for the first time in my life, I realised what utter helplessness feels like.

Someone needs to pay. Unfortunately, quite a few innocent people already have.

2006-06-20T17:06:00.000+05:30

Lunchtime Tales...

This afternoon tasting the bhaji at lunch got me all nostalgic, up there, somewhere.

It had this taste that was so remniscent of the oh so delicious curry they used to dish up back at school. Everytime that curry was on, we used to become real actors, us.

Thing was, we weren't allowed more than one round. But greedy us, and devil us were obviously never satisfied. So there we were, one round done, ready for one more!

We used to come running and screaming, as if just out of class, and demand the Bai to serve the abso fab curry. Sometimes she didn't realize we were actually 'back again'. And at times when she did, the kindly soul just didn't find the heart to drive us away! The Lord Bless Her, and that curry too!

That was Lunch then, a fun affair. And there's lunch now, a grab of a few moments in a day that seems to be perennially stuck in fast forward.

Somebody get me that rewind button please... curry calls!

2006-06-09T18:05:00.000+05:30

Rangeen Aliens...

The other day had gone to get the number plate of our car done. My bluddy friend Pandu had fined me a nice Rs. 100 bucks for "tumcha number plate damage jhala ahe saheb".

So coming back to getting that number plate done, well, there was this other guy at the shop who was also looking for 'designs'.
"Boss, yeh wala kitne mein aega?"
"Iska 150 hoga saab"
"Accha thik hai, magar yeh numbers apneko blak mein hi milega ki aur bhi koi colour hai aapke pass?"

"What the ef? What the ef? What the ef?" (silently) (and that's me, coz the number plate artist was too dumbfounded to speak)

All I wanted to know then was, are people really so ignorant about traffic laws. Or could it be an even bigger jhol, could we actually have aliens amongst us...

Ting Ting Ting Ting Ting Tinnnnnnn...

2006-05-27T15:55:00.000+05:30

A time to fly…

Fly little bird fly
Stretch your wings n fly

U might fall on your ass, once or twice
But don’t be afraid to get up and try

Fly little bird fly…

Have started out with this new job. Bin two years since I did sucha thing. So am a bit nervous, and more than a bit excited!

2006-05-06T13:18:00.000+05:30

Supercrapstitions…

Now everyone might know that ‘a black cat crossing your path’ is one mega superstition. What about ‘a black dog crossing your path’? That qualifies or what?

Coz one just crossed mine, this morning…

2006-04-25T19:14:00.000+05:30

Of memories and rearview mirrors...

Read a fellow bloggers post bout memories, and how they keep coming back, again and again. That got me thinking, these memories are so much like rearview mirrors. The objects are much, much closer than you’d believe them to be…

2006-04-06T16:37:00.000+05:30

Life...

Life is a bitter-sweet dish
Best shared by two

Let me have the bitter parts
And give the sweet ones to you...

2006-03-27T16:02:00.000+05:30

Crawlover…

This past Sunday had been to Phoenix Mills. Mumbai been progressing and all, the route has a few of them, flyovers. To the uninitiated, these are elevated roads that are SUPPOSED to ease traffic. How? By giving not so nice drivers like moi, nice open stretches of road to zoom on!

So there I was, zooming, and zooming happily, when all of a sudden the jerks in front of me decided to slow down, for no apparent reason whatsoever. And then Mumbai’s Golden Traffic Rule came into play – ‘When thou shall find the right occupied by people who have no right being there, thou shall take the left that is left’. Me being the obedient driver that I am, did so, quite promptly. A neat overtaking maneuver later, there I was, zooming happily when Pandu decided to play spoilsport, big time.

Before I even realized what was happening, Pandu had painted me with an alien looking object (at least it looked alien in apna Pandu’s hands) and promptly hailed me over. (Now everyone out there, please, pretty please don’t tell me you’re not aware of the great Pandu)

Pandu – “Saheb, flyover cha speed limit 40 km/h ahe. Tumhi 55 km/h la speeding karat hota. Fine honar, 200 rupaye.”

Me – “@#$% (din say that, bviously) Are sahib first time ahe, Maaf kara na, jau dya.”

Man, Pandu was stubbbborn. Din budge. Not that I tried too hard. I'd rather have a proper ticket than feed these #$%^&*@. And so there I was, lighter by Rs.200/-, and burdened with (I think unnecessary) lesson.

See, I completely agree with Pandu’s point that a Speed Limit does need to be imposed on the flyovers, what with the number of accidents on the rise. But such things cannot and should not be generalized. 40 is just toooo slow for a road that’s as straight as an arrow. Else they’ll defeat the very purpose of building these flyovers.

Unless of course, the purpose is to just burn a hole in our already overtaxed pockets.

2006-03-22T15:30:00.000+05:30

What a beginningzzzzz

Aside from a smile, a yawn is the most infectious thing in the world...