Welcome to my world!!!

My Experience watching 7-am Arivu

2011-10-26T01:27:00.013+05:30

It was yet another mundane day at office, before I received the most generous call of the year from a old friend of mine..”Have ticket for 7am Arivu’s premier show. Would you like to join?”. Even before I finished his call, I was at my Manager’s cabin asking for permission to leave by 6.His looks made me wonder if I asked an half day permission or to go by 6 in the evening. A thoughtful nod meant I was going to watch the zeroth day zeroth show of Suriya's 7-am Arivu.( Mind you first day first shows means no pride these days ;-)) I was at the theatre well before the start of the movie. The best part of Suriya’s movie is you get to see the number of girls outnumber guys and it was no different that evening. To my surprise she was there at the theatre. Yeah..”She”..I have been seeing her for sometime in my campus now and have no idea who she is. Yet another smile for which I got yet another stare!

My friend was a bit late and my entry coincided with Surya’s entry on the screen. There was a thunderous applause..papers flying..whistles blowing and I shook my leg with few other Surya fans infront of the screen and reached my seat. To make the evening more sweet “she” was there in the seat next to me.. I could not control my smile and an involuntary “Hi” greeted her. She responded surprisingly with a “Hi” which had an encrypted message”Oh no..you again” J . By the time I settled down, Surya as Bodhidharman has already started mesmerizing the crowd with his looks and acting and I was able to sense it. I have always been a big fan of Surya, for the man he is..for the way he carries himself..the way he achieved stardom.. and most importantly the effort he puts into the roles he choses to play.Surya as Bodhidharman is yet another example. The snow clad mountains, the Chinese village and the martial artists give a perfect period film looks.By the time you feel you had enough with those period looks,we are taken back to the present day where Surya as Arvind,a circus artist gets introduced.

The much anticipated “Ringa Ringa” song lives up to the expectation though one would feel it was over hyped. After a bit of romancing (should I call it romance?) the story takes shape and we realize not just heroes are born overnight..even heroines are born..Welcome Shruthi to our industry.WHAT A DEBUT! Shruthi as a scientist is likable right from the first scene. She has tried every bit to match with Surya scene to scene. Surya has somehow managed it yet again with taller-than-him heroine and you go dumbstruck watching “Mun Andhi” song.Easily the best picturised song this year. When the song is over you feel you have seen enough for the extra bucks you paid for the special show.It was just awesome.

When the Chinese villain gets introduced,you understand the complete story ..where it is heading to and after that it is just a visual treat to see how Surya and Murugadoss cast a spell on the audience with their brilliance. The film deals too much with genetics and English dialogues and when one wonder can this film do brisk business in ‘B’ and ‘C’ centers, A R Murugadoss brings his canny brilliance in adding some “Tamil” sentiment flavor to the film and the claps bring the house down when Tamil’s superiority is compared with English’s. It was quite ironic Shruthi,who has done most of her studies abroad has to deliver those dialogues. Watch the film to have a laugh at this sarcasm!

Harris Jayaraj is awesome as usual. The background score was fitting and the Chinese song was commendable.”Mun Andhi” is sure to be in our lips for sometime. SPB’s evergreen voice and the lyrics will make “Yamma Yamma” the new anthem for break-ups. Peter Hein’s stunt sequences in the climax are just breath taking. On the flip side,the film deals too much with science which can be a bane. But when we feel the story falls flat we have our Surya who lit up the whole screen with his wide smile.When words fails, his eyes do the talking and we are mesmerized. This film is yet another treat for Surya’s fans.The short man seems to grow taller in the hearts of Tamil audiences by the passing day.

“Can I have your number?” she asked me at the end of the film.”What” I quipped.” I have no problem talking to you because you admire Surya more when a beautiful girl like Shruthi is on the screen.You must be a.. ” she stopped, winked and laughed at me saying ” Havn’t seen such a Surya fan!”. The laugh lasted for eternity as we shared our numbers and bid good bye after watching one of the proudest Tamil movies you would ever watch!(Watch the movie to get a sense of the last line)

CHEERS SURYA AND MURUGADOSS!

IPL Is back!!!

2010-03-11T08:46:00.002+05:30

The wait is finally over… The next edition of IPL is here again in India to bring the whole nation to a standstill…It is time for new heroes to be born, new shots to be innovated, new underdogs to emerge champions, time to see the legends of the game play on a cricket field for one last time! IPL starts a strange season of cricket when even a Sachin’s shot may be booed at the Eden Gardens, season when commentators scream “That’s a DLF Maximum” instead of the oft-heard“That’s a huge Six”, season when an Aussie champion Shane Warne will lead a bunch of young Indian guys on to the field, season when 8PM prime time serials will lose their supremacy to the IPL, theatres telecasting matches instead of star studded movies, a season where even an “Hutch” pug will be replaced by a zoozoo! IPL also gives chance for friends a hot topic to talk over a cup of coffee, an overambitious attempt for guys to impress his manager by supporting the same team he is gonna support (*wink*) ,yet another reason for lovers to fight,depending on the franchise they have chosen to support, chance for the puritans to keep criticizing the game ,another chance for perverts to ogle Mandhira and the cheer gals, and ofcourse a chance for the world to envy our nation! Yipee…IPL is here again, to divide the nation and ultimately unite it in the name of Cricket! Cheers !

Here is a sneak peak into every team and what to expect from them this season !

Deccan chargers:

An encore??? The wooden spoon winners in the inaugural edition and the champions in the next, Deccan Chargers start as a solid bunch to defend the crown! Ironically, the best thing that could have happened to Deccan chargers is that they are not playing any match in their home ground, for the home teams have never won a match in this ground. Deccan boast of big names on paper, but Gilchrist and Symonds have not played quality cricket in the recent past and Gibbs has lost his magic touch. This leaves DC to depend very heavily on the Indian trio of Rohit, Laxman and T Suman. Deccan’s bowling was a revelation last year with RP Singh winning the purple cap and Edwards in splendid form. But home conditions have never suited RP’s style of bowling and Edwards is out of action this year.Ryan Harris inclusion in the Oz test squad must have shattered Gilly’s dream of posing a decent bowling line up! Ojha will be Gilly’s trump yet again! On the whole, given a strong top order, the bowling link has to be bridged very early in the tournament for the Deccans’ to make an impact in this tournament!

Expect the unexpected (in both the sense) from this charged up Deccan

Royal Challengers-Bangalore:

The so-called test team and the team which rose from the ashes the last IPL, under a spirited captaincy of Anil Kumble IS the team you can put your money on, this season. A team with a blend of experienced foreign players and a young bunch of Indian cricketers, who are eager to make it big in the international arena, makes Royal challengers easily the best team in the tournament. Vijay Mallya made the best bid in this year’s auction when he pocketed Eion Morgan. From cricketing point, it was a brilliant decision for Morgan will be available for the whole season and is in prime form. Mallya can continue to smile seeing Cameroon White taming the bowlers down under. The Indian likes of Virat Kohli, Manish Pandey, Mithun and Praveen will battle it out to find themselves in the flight to West Indies for the T20 WC. When everything falls apart, there is always a WALL to bank on and a JUMBO hearted captain who will fight till the end. With Taylor and Pietersen scheduled to join the team later, RC can only grow from strength to strength.

The hope of an Indian captain laying his hand on the beautiful IPL trophy seems brighter now!

Delhi Daredevils:

Sehwag, Gambir, Warner, AB de Villiers, Dilshan…. When you have a batting line up like this and not end up with the championship two times, then you need to blame something which is out of human control! Yeah the “chokers” of IPL were really unlucky in the past two editions, but can they end up in the podium this time??? Given a strong top order, they have a contrasting, fragile looking bowling line up. Vettori will be missed for the major part of the tournament. Nehra is mercurial, so is Mishra. The way Dirk Nannes and Wayne Parnell adapt to the Indian conditions will be huge factor for Delhi’s fortune. A legend like Glen McGrath will be sorely missed! Dinesh Karthik is in fine good form infront and behind the stumps and he must be the “X” factor for the Daredevils! On a final note, if Delhi batting riches can compensate their bowling weakness, Delhi can very well lose their “chokers” tag this season

Watch out this team for the envious batting line up!

Chennai Super Kings:

At the outset let me confess, I’m a big time Dhoni fan and no wonder I’m supporting Chennai ! May be for the first time, Chennai on paper are not as strong compared to their rivals. Plauged by injury concerns and out of form players, Chennai doesn’t start as the favourites! But when you have a captain with a Midas touch, you must think twice before you say such a statement! “We” have the likes of Hayden, Murali, Morkel who can change matches single handedly. Raina has been consistent. Badri and Vijay, with their conventional way of playing, bring the classic touch to the line up. The new acquisition Justin Kemp and Badani can be handy ! We also have a strong bowling line up with the likes of Balaji,Tyagi,Gony and Jakati who can blow up any opposition ( U see I’m a CSK fan and such exaggerations are accepted ;-) )

Afterall we have a magician named MS DHONI..Mind It !!!

Rajasthan Royals:

When someone says, ”Cricket is a team game”, just think again for this team proves it wrong time and again. Yeah they have Yusuf Pathan! He bats, bowls and takes his team to victory! I know I’m so harsh on other players in the team, but it is the reality. Even Shane Warne will accept to this in a closed room conversation! They might have been used to this tittle “Underdogs” by now and yet again they start like that! The ignominious ban on Ravindra Jadeja has given Warne lots to ponder upon. Rajasthan Royals will be sweating it out for Smith’s return from injury. Shaun Tait, Morne Morkel,Shane Warne, Munaf ,Botha gives its bowling a formidable look. Oops I still wonder how Damien Martyn can help RR??? Had Watson been available for the entire tournament, Rajasthan could have relished their dream of a semi final berth!

Can Shane Warne cast his spell, yet again, on this “Underdogs” ?

Mumbai Indians:

The only stain in the glorious cricketing career of the Little Master must be his captaincy! This IPL will seal this fact! It looks a balanced team on paper, but has never translated its talents into success. MI can boast of the best opening batting and bowling pair. Sachin and Jayasuriya at the top can put even the best bowler on earth nervous! Zaheer and Malinga form a formidable bowling pair! The new million dollar baby of the IPL-Kieron Pollard will be the cynosure of the Indian crowd for we know how entertaining he can be,courtesy the Champions league matches! Harbhajan Singh’s spin will be very handy in the middle overs! It will be interesting to see how the ICL stars Sathish and Rayadu are utilized! The presence of potential allrounders in Nayar,Bravo,Duminy gives Mumbai Indians a real chance this time around. It is time Mumbai realize its real potential and justify why they are the costliest team!

Can Sachin add another feather to his already beautiful cap!

Punjab Kings XI :

Sangakkara ascent to captaincy must have been a tough decision to make, but it makes real cricketing sense. Yuvraj has never impressed as a captain and he has been given a chance to concentrate on his batting. Kings XI is blessed with a slew of exceptional foreign players, but equally saddened with injury concerns. Brett Lee, Shaun Marsh are fighting to be fit before they start their campaign, so will be Yuvi and Irfan Pathan. James Hopes, Jayawardene and Ravi Bopara will fight for a place in the squad! It will be redemption time for Md.Kaif to prove his skills,after being flown back to India last year and did not have a good stake at the auctions also. The bowling to be led by Brett Lee will have Sreesanth and Yusuf Abdulla to compliment his efforts! The Indian spin duo of Ramesh Powar and Piyush Chawla will have their work cut out in the batsman friendly Indian wickets.

Can the kings broaden the smile on the face of the queen “Pretty” Zinta

Kolkatta Knight Riders:

The only team which I wish play the finals of this year’s IPL with Chennai Super Kings will be Kolkatta Knight Riders.. And you guys very well know the reason ;-) On a bird’s eye view Kolkatta seems to be a settled squad this time with a full time captain and a new coach in Dav Whatmore. Sourav Ganguly will be back in action as a captain and it cannot get bigger than this for Kolkatta fans! Another best thing that could have happened to KKR is that Gayle and Shane Bond will miss just the first match of the tournament. The likes of Brad Hodge and Owasis Shah will be very useful in Indian conditions. C Pujara and Manoj Tiwary,the most celebrated domestic players will finally get a chance to prove their mettle in this IPL, after missing the last one due to injury.The bowling has lot more sting this time with Shane Bond and Langeveldt in prime form. Agarkar and Ishant can be able supporters. The aging Murali Karthik and Mendis must settle KKR’s quest for spinning options!

Can SRK and his Knights script another Bollywood climax?

Now it is time to say “Let the games begin and All the best..Cheers !”

Happy 2010!!!

2009-12-31T22:41:00.001+05:30

Hi readers,
Yet another year,filled with ups and downs passes by and a new year dawns which promises lots of hope and enjoyment! I wish and pray 2010 gives you lots of reasons to smile and enjoy!

3 cute resolutions I suggest you take and follow:
1.Start writing a personal diary
2.Start forgiving people,for that is the sweetest way to take revenge ;-)
3.Smile,no matter how bad your life treats you.Remember to enjoy every single moment in your life!

WISH YOU A FABULOUS 2010 !!!
May God bless you!!!
Cheers
Benny

My 25th...Atlast!!!

2009-09-23T12:45:00.006+05:30

Atlast… After 6 months,I have somehow managed to write my 25^th post! The journey has been an amazing,though short..Lots of lessons learned,lots of good friends,few critics… I look up with pride the way I used my limited writing skills and came up with some really decent posts. Initially I was very apprehensive of starting a blog for myself,as I feared if I could manage one and if I could write quality posts.But I backed my writing skills and started one! My first post One night @ the call center gave me the confidence to continue writing! Though the response was lukewarm,I still consider it close to my heart,as it brought out the writer in me! Then followed a couple of posts which were so emotional and gave the readers a test for their lachrymal glands!

There was a lull period in my blog,before which the post -“A walk to Remember” gave me a break which I very badly needed as a blogger. Blogadda and Indiblogger helped my cause recognizing that post and bringing Benny-the blogger, from obscurity to being known. Even today when I meet my friends or chat with my blog friends they relate me with Meera,which is really heartening. I really enjoyed writing all my fictional stories and other posts,but “Dream within a dream” was totally fictional and surreal and gave that extra feel of satisfaction and enjoyment when I finished writing. The biggest thing that could have happened to me in my blogging life is my nomination by Indiblogger for the best blogger award in Literature-Short story Section. It gave me a chance to reach out to new blogs,which were hitherto unknown to me and new visitors came to visit my blog also!

Everyone starts a blog with a theme or an idea in mind.I was no exception.I was very particular,I must not make my blog into a personal one writing about my life or my friends. Except for my Tinku and MY Dhoni (*wink*) I don’t think I have revealed too much of my personal things anywhere in my blog. But yeah.. as every fictional writer would confess,there is always a tinge of real life scenario in their writings!

Ha..A big thanks to my blog friends,who have always been supportive and kind to me and my writings! Without u and ur support I don’t think I would have come so long in this blogsphere. I have this regret when I write my 25^th post. Not many of real life close pals have visited my blog yet.”What will he write?Why should I read that? ” thought still restrains them from seeking refugee in my world! But at the same time,my blog friends have encouraged me and kept me going saying,”You can write…Keep writing”! I was also a recipient of few awards from my most generous blog friends..It feels good getting these awards from you! Thanks !!!

Thanks Rahul for both the awards!!

Thanks Neha and Shruthi for the Humane award!

Winding my 25th post on a personal note,I’m leaving to Hyderabad for my job’s training tomorrow.So I’m not very sure when I could publish my next post...But I promise to write some short stories when I find time and keep my blog active! Also promise to keep in touch with all my blog friends and check out ur posts regularly...Be good and do good guys...Bye !!! Miss u all :-(

Letter worth treasuring!

2009-09-16T10:22:00.008+05:30

...From my cute little brother

The author has left Chennai for some official work for a month and this is a letter written by his cute little brother to him.

Dear Benny Chetta,

How are you?Where are you? When will you come back? Lots of questions in my mind. But I don’t have a reply yet! I still, vividly remember the day,you carried a huge baggage with you bidding bye to me and our parents.You spoke lots to me before you left,but I understood nothing.I never thought it will take so many days for you to return.I’m waiting for you here.

The ball is lying on the floor,with no one to throw to me and play.Sis is happily watching the TV,as there is no one to fight with her for the remote.Mom is busy with her household works,so is dad with his office works. I’m getting used to sleep alone in our bed without hugging you and without switching ON the A\c. I’m becoming more disciplined in the dining table as I don’t dare to take those chicken pieces from others plate as I,happily, do from yours. I’m deprived of the early morning walks with you,as I have become lazy, sleeping all day. I know our parents and sis take care of me,but still I’m missing Benny Chetta’s affection and care!

Dad and mom speak about you every night,but I hardly understand what they speak.I go to bed thinking of you and expecting you will surprise me,coming tomorrow morning. But as the day dawns,as usual I’m cheated. I ponder on the good old days we spend together teasing our sis,making our parents shout at the silly things we do at home, watching movies sitting on your lap, sharing our breakfast. Lots of cute memories to cherish for a life time.Missing you Benny Chetta!

Your friends no longer come home to visit me. Do they have any problem or they are just afraid of me still ?? Why don’t they understand I care for them as much I care for you,though I intimidate them
at times.It’s my duty you see :D I guess they are missing you,just like me. I’m not getting those biscuits which your girl friend usually brings,trying to coax me! Non-vegetarian dishes have become a rarity at home,these days, as sis hates that and mom is bored preparing! So when will you be back? I very badly,need those biscuits and chicken pieces! I’m already losing weight! ;-)

I have neither got a chance to tell you how much I love you nor I can do it also.If my memories are sharp,I still remember the day I was brought to your house as a kid,the nights you helped me sleep,caring for me without limits,taking me out to show how the world looks like,feeding me and help me grow faster.Someone told me the other day I was 6 yrs old and I was shocked.Days have passed by so fast and I don’t know how long I will stil live
on this earth,as I’m getting older by the passing day! So I want you to be here with me sharing all your joys and sorrows as you always do with me! I want to hear your voice Chetta!

My inner conscience feels gulity,thinking if I was the reason for you going out of our house.If so,I promise not to bug you again….not to disturb you in your sleep,not to touch your dining plate again,not to bark at your friends anymore, not to take your shoes and socks and make you run after me. Forgive me Bro if I was wrong. Anyways I’m your cute,little bro with little knowledge na! Who else on earth can be as nice as you were to me! I want you back in my life.Please come back soon!

Where ever you are,what ever you are doing, have that sunshine smile with you! I love that smile of yours, Cheta!

P.S:I have a attached a pic of me,brooding...Atleast see that and come back Benny Chetta!

Cheers

Yours loving brother,

Tinku

FOOT NOTE: This is only post which brought a drop of tear in my eyes,after I completed writing! As I’m leaving to Hyderabad in a fortnight,I will surely miss my cute bro! Guys,having a faithful pet like a dog is a blessed and the nicest thing which can happen to you in your life time! Be blessed!

Unspoken words of Love!!!

2009-09-02T16:18:00.004+05:30

A tantalizing romance…

Wishing all the Malayalis across the globe,A very Happy onam!!!And thanks to Indiblogger users,who voted for me in the poll conducted last month.I’m honoured to end up in the top 5 ranks in Literature:Short story section! Thanq! This new story may sound familiar to you,but I have tried to write it in my own style,with a few changes! Do read and comment honestly..Thanks!

Anisha has just started to dance to the tunes of her life…Entering the final year of her college..the pressure of placements,final year projects,cold war within her friends circle has made life miserable for her! She was missing her parents very badly as her hostel friends have deserted her for some silly reason.The only solace Anisha found during these days of hardship was the beach near her hostel,which was just a 5 kms drive.As she was busy with her tight college schedule during the weekdays,she made it a point to visit the beach every Saturday! She was more than happy to go to the beach alone..spend more time introspecting about herself,speak with those waves which caressed her feet every now and then,enjoy the beautiful scene of the sun kissing the sea at the horizon,envying those cute couples holding hands and walking together,looking at the families who were enjoying their weekend,eavesdropping and giggling at the newly married couples and sipping her Pepsi can,Anisha had her best time of the week,being alone!

It was one such Saturday,when Anisha caught the attention of a smart,clean- shaved guy,who must have been in his early 20’s wearing a casual T shirt and a faded jean,with his ears plugged with headsets and was smiling to himself. He was sitting alone, just like Anisha and was admiring the beauty of the sun set.She was surprised to see him alone,as she has only seen guys come in group to this beach! She was tempted to speak to him,but her conservative upbringing held her back.She just wished she got a company to speak something,that evening…But she never got one,as darkness started to creep and her watch struck 7. She left the beach soon,as she had to report to her warden before 8.

It was yet another hectic week of assingments and assessments,that she could not wait for the next Saturday to come ! When it eventually came,she was thrilled as usual about her rendezvous with the beach! She arrived in her favourite pink salwars,charming as always, at the beach before the sun set! She sat at her usual place,which she has almost made it her own! After few minutes,Anisha was in for a pleasant surprise as her eyeballs caught the same guy,with whom she thought of speaking the last week.The guy was sitting alone even today,which again tempted Anisha to speak to him,but she wasn’t able to make the move. At that moment of destiny,as Anisha was wondering how to start a conversation,that guy,by chance turned back and saw Anisha staring at him.She nervously smiled back at him which was more than enough for a guy sitting alone in the beach,to make the first move!!! ;-)

A warm hand shake and a pleasing smile followed by,” This is Rahul” was enough to wipe off any “strange”r feelings in the mind of Anisha. She reciprocated,”This is Anisha,doing my final year of engineering”.Rahul was neatly dressed,clean shaved and posed to be from a decent and well educated family.Anisha was really happy as she found someone to speak with. “U come alone to beach?” Rahul asked.”Ha..You are not bad.I was about to ask you the same,but you asked me first ;) “ quipped Anisha… Rahul smiled as he replied,”Yeah..I love being alone”.Anisha opined,”Me too.I love being alone,until, I feel that I’m lonely.That feeling sickens me”. Soon,they struck the right chord as they had many things in common to discuss. Anisha,kept on speaking,that she even forgot she had to return to her hostel before 8 and when she realised it was late,she quickly bid goodbye to Rahul and left the place.Rahul assured to meet Anisha the next Saturday at the same beach! While returning to the hostel in her bike,Anisha was full of smiles as she felt she has got someone special in her life. She was cherishing those moments she spend with Rahul.She liked Rahul’s way of speaking,his maturity,his style and most importantly how she felt when Rahul was around! Anisha prayed that even Rahul had those special feelings for her after the meeting!

Her next week was full of excitement as she kept waiting for the Saturday to arrive, when she could meet Rahul again.She has never had such feelings for a guy ever in her past 21 years and she was enjoying that.She smiled at herself,thinking how she had developed such feelings towards a guy to whom she has spoken only once. When Saturday eventually arrived,she went to the beach,quite early, thinking that she could spend more time with him. Rahul,although arrived only at the promised time and Anisha was just happy he came! Anisha openly admitted that Rahul was very smart today,as he really was, in his black shirt and light blue jean!The mutual admiration continued.Anisha was feeling that she has started to lose her heart slowly to this remarkably decent guy! Their meeting continued for a few weeks like this. These weeks of meeting Rahul at the beach has only made her romantic feelings get stronger towards him.

Anisha decided to tell her feelings to Rahul when they meet this Saturday.But she feared to do it,as she was not sure,if Rahul too had the same feelings.But she couldn’t resist all these feelings any more, alone! She very badly needed Rahul into her life..make him very much her own property! So she decided to give Rahul a card with a note inside,which would reveal how deeply she loved him.She was excited about the whole thing and was equally tensed too. Her instincts kept saying her that Rahul would not reject her proposal and that gave her some blind confidence to move forward with that idea!

The D’day arrived.Anisha arrived at the beach before the sun set! She was amazingly beautiful in her black salwars,which would make any head turn towards her! She was thrilled about meeting Rahul.It was almost an hour since she reached the beach,but Rahul hasn’t arrived yet.She was worried and tensed! She just had the company of those tides which replicated her heart beats now,rapidly going up and down every second!!! After a long wait,Rahul appeared before Anisha.”Sorry ya.Was busy the whole day.Somehow managed to make it here” and this voice eased the tension that was building in Anisha’s mind!!! “Rahul,happy to see you.I thought you will never come today” Anisha told. Rahul as usual excited seeing Anisha said,”Hey I have something to tell u today”… .”Is it?? Even I wanted to tell u something today!!!” revelaed Anisha and continued “So you first tell me what you wanted to tell” as she stood expecting him to tell her the same thing,which she too wanted to tell him!

“Well Anisha..My family has got the Green card and we are leaving India to get settled at the States! We will be leaving India tomorrow night.I’m really excited thinking about that.” These words tore Anisha’s heart as she never expected this from Rahul.He never told her about his idea of settling at the States before! Anisha,trying not to show off her disappointment replied ,”Wow..Thats great Rahul…I’m very happy for you!” and tried to smile! Anisha felt cheated now as she was sure Rahul had no feelings for her,as she had for him! Rahul saw the card in her hand and asked,”So what did you want to tell me? Whats’ the card Anisha?” She did not want to reveal her love to Rahul now,as she knew he won’t accept her and trying to hide the truth replied,”Ha..Rahul..My parents have fixed my marriage.It is as soon as I complete my degree.The card is the sample copy(proof) which I’m asked to check before it goes for printing” and hid the card from his sight! Rahul expressed the delight hearing the news,which even confirmed he never saw her as his soul mate.Anisha was crestfallen! Rahul said he was busy,getting his packing done before he leaves for US and left the place soon,promising to meet her when he comes to India next time!

As soon as Rahul left,Anisha tore the card and threw in the sea and broke down! She wasn’t able to think of the next Saturday when she will be all alone again! She was cursing her luck,for Rahul entered her life,when she never expected him to come,but left her when she expected him to stay! She never wanted to return back to the hostel.She found relief speaking to those waves which kept comforting her every now and then.She wanted to curse Rahul, but she wasn’t able to! When she thought of Rahul,what came into her mind was those beautiful moments she spend with him.Anisha was not able to hate Rahul for what he did now! She loved him even more for those unforgettable memories he gave to her,when she was in the toughest phase of her life! Who else could have brought that beautiful smile back to that charming face of Anisha ….

RAHUL’S DIARY

29^th August 2009

It was yet another Saturday.Infact my last Saturday here in India.I was very excited about meeeting Anisha today.As I have to leave to US tomorrow,I was busy the whole day- shopping,meeting friends,packing stuffs. My schedule for the day was so cramped that I feared if I could meet Anisha in the evening. But somehow managed to reach the Elliot’s beach quite late in the evening! Guys,let me confess here how excited I was.I bought a bunch of red roses for her and locked it in the car.I knew this was the last chance for me to let Anisha know how much I loved and cared for her .I even dressed very romantically today ;-) I was slightly nervous,but I was sure Anisha would not note that when I start speaking casually with her! I saw Anisha sitting in her usual place,contemplating something very seriously.She was in that same black salwars,which I once said was perfect for her! I saw her holding a card with her,unusually.My heart said it must be a romantic letter written to me,but my mind warned me that girls like Anisha don’t dare to propose to guys and it must be something else! Seeing Anisha I begged pardon as I was late.She was excited to see me,as she showed no signs of being angry with me.I felt comfortable.I told her that I’m leaving to US tomorrow.She was very excited and I could sense that! I was also feeling happy seeing her,and thought that was the perfect time to tell her my love! But my happiness was stolen the next second,as she said her marriage was fixed and that she was having her marriage invitation in her hand! For once in my life,what my heart felt was wrong and what my mind thought was right! I did not like to see her marriage invitation,as she too did not like to show it or invite me.I never thought Anisha would still see me just as a stranger. I did not want to speak anything more with her,as I bid good bye pretty soon and left the place.Thousands of thoughts crept my mind as I walked from the shore to my car.How much did I love Anisha.. Din’t she know that I was the guy who completed her incompleteness??? How much times did I tell her that she came into my life,when I needed someone like her…How many clues did I give her to make her understand I loved her?? Are girls always like this?? By now, I reached my car.I saw those those beautiful red roses still fresh.I took it,thrashed them and threw in the trashbin! I drove home alone,but felt lonely for the first time in my life and was reminded by Anisha’s words..I’m also sick of this feeling now!!! Well..it is time to sleep…sleep one last time in the soil where I found my first love… Good night !!! Thanks for those beautiful memories Anisha!

A Walk to remember!!!

2009-08-21T00:22:00.043+05:30

…Those memorable 60 days!!!

This post has been selected by Blogadda as the best post in their "Spicy Saturday Picks" column..Thanks a lot!

One of my blog friend has made this story into a short film.You can check the video after reading the story @ http://mumbaiwarriors.blogspot.com/2010/06/online-friend.html

This is just another fictional story.Characters and incidents used here are just fictitious and not intended to offend anyone! So let’s get started now!

It was a foggy Saturday morning and the sun was lazy to rise,so was I to get up from my bed.Somehow I got up,by 8:15, after my mom seriously threatened me that she will give my breakfast to Tinku! After brushing and having my breakfast,I sat in front of my computer.I was,of late,fascinated by these virtual friendships,as my friends keep speaking about the beauty of having such a friend! I wanted to give it a try and as it was a holiday,I logged into my Yahoo messenger chat rooms-The Holy land of perverts! I havn’t done much of online chatting before,as I had no time or no interest in this!But today I was..! My instincts kept on saying that I will end up with a good online friend today!

As soon as I entered the chat room, a message popped up on my screen which invited me to view the webcams of some pretty gals! My dirty mind started to work and I was amazed by the genorosity of these girls,who voluntarily invited me to see them strip off ! Gracious indeed :D..But before I could get real horny,I understood it was just a spam :D Smiling to myself,I waited to see if someone was interested to chat with me.At that moment of destiny,I got a message from presumably a girl,who wished me good morning and started a chat! Yeah,..I was right,she was a Chennai girl-Meera,an engineer,who like any other girl was mad about dogs!

Somehow,she added me as her friend before she went offline.We just chatted for 10 minutes,but it was so lively,atleast lively for me,for that was my first proper chat online. As I got one friend for the day,I too logged off pretty soon! The weekend flew so fast,that I even forgot I made a virtual friend.When I came to check my mails on Sunday night,she was there,reminding me of the friendship I made! As I had to sleep soon,that night,I told her that I will chat with her tomorrow,after I come back from work.She obliged! You would not believe me,I was excited when I was returning back from work,the next day.I was thinking if she would be there online,what should I speak with her?? It was an unusual thought,which sparked in my mind that day, as I never had a virtual friend before. When I logged in,to my surprise,she was there!

She said she was waiting for me so long.Now I had to believe that! I apologized for making her wait and then started to chat.It was about how the day went,bla bla.. She had so many topics to chat,as I never found the converstaion boring! In an over-enthusiasm,I shared my picture and I guess she liked those. She did not share her picture,though! The chat lasted for more than 3 hours,before which she realised it was so late ;-) I was getting sort-of-addicted to chatting with Meera,as we continued to chat almost every day and with every passing day,we became very close.I must confess Meera has gracefully walked into my life,now!One day,she even revealed she had a big liking towards my french beard! **wink** After lots of coaxing,she gave me her mobile number.I was happy,as I knew for sure,she trusted me!

It was almost a fortnight,since we became friends and now,I felt I must call her and I did. Words just fall short explaining the excitement,relief and the happiness that engulfed me when I dialled her number and waited for her to attend. When she attended the call I said,”This is Benny”.There was a stunned silence from the other end for some 10 seconds,before which a big laugh broke the silence as she quipped,”So this is Meera. Atlast you dared to call me. I havn’t spoken to any of my virtual friends till date”. Those words made me feel special.She,as usual started to speak on every topic-lifestyle,culture,career,romance etc..etc… Her voice sounded very girlish and I was afraid if I would be the first guy to fall in love with a girl,just hearing her voice! I have this dubious record to boast of,for the longest call I have ever made is for 5 minutes.If it exceeded that, the only words which comes from my mouth is “Hmm..Hmmm..then” Honestly I have always felt I needed someone to teach me how to speak over a phone and now, Meera was there to teach me and break all my records,as the time I spend over the phone increased like a geometric progression in Mathematics,so did my phone bill ;-) Suddenly our chats online,became rare,as we were over the phone most of the time!

I must acknowledge,I was changing! She made me read novels,for she loved it…For a pathetic reader like me,finishing two novels in a week is a big thing. She made me speak..speak something and she made me laugh at the her silly jokes,which never sounded like a joke to me,two weeks ago;-) She gave me the feel,that I was looking smart,praising my french beards and my looks, everytime we spoke.My mirror became my best friend,as I spend the whole night looking at my “smart” face and doing something to my french beard! I’m just happy these mirrors don’t have mouths! :P I smiled involuntarily when her name flashed on my mobile! And there was that irresistable excitement,when I took my mobile to call her! Yeah..I’m changing! My friends started to see that change and often commented that I’m infected by “that” virus,which is so dangerous than H1N1.. Hope you guys know “that” virus I’m referring to ;-)

It was tough to dream about a girl,whom you have never seen and have no idea how she looks! Meera made it very clear that she was not going to send me her picture,as she told me to wait for that day,when we will meet in reality! It was 28 days since we knew each other and now I was asked to go to Hyderabad for my new job’s training! Thankfully,the training was just for a week.I told Meera,the same and told her that I will contact her after a week,as I knew the training was going to be tough and I will have no time to speak with her! She accepted not to disturb me the whole week!

The one week at Hyderabad was so demanding,but that did not deter me from thinking about her.I called her on alternate days and spoke for few minutes.I felt,she was not well,as her voice revealed that and she was in no mood to speak with me properly! I hated that..She acted differently the whole week and this puzzled me.After I reached home,after my training,I called her as I usually do at night and she was in a pensive mood. I havn’t heard Meera speaking so seriously and I wanted to make her smile! I did it and when she was smiling,I asked her,”So when will I meet u?” “Don’t worry.You will meet me before I die” she said and smiled.”Oh..That will take years.I can’t wait that long”,I said in a raised tone.”Well I understand.So now tell me the Meera you have imagined?” she asked me politely.I started,”Well you are quite literally my dream girl.I have dreamt of a Meera, like an angel,claded in a white dress,with a cherub face,pink cheeks,cute smile,long hairs and ofcourse beautiful in my eyes”. “Ha! That’s too much Benny.But I’m sure you won’t be cheated when you see me” and laughed! She then started to speak about her dream guy,her dreams,aspirations!! I said,” Meera,you are really ambitious.I wish all your dreams come true”.She smiled and said,”Thanks.But Benny,do you think I’m lucky enough?” I quipped,”If you weren’t lucky enough,you wouldn’t have ended up with me”.She smiled and said as usual,”Ha..This is too much Benny” and getting emotional she opined she was having the best moments of her life with me and that I was the best guy,with whom she has ever acquainted with! It was already 1’o clock and I was feeling asleep! I told her I was going to bed.She said,”Do you really wanna sleep.I want to talk with you..keep on talking.I feel comfortable speaking with you”.But I insisted that I had to get up early tomorrow and I went to bed.

The next day,when I called her,she did not attend it or replied to my message.I was puzzled!!! It continued for a week..She never attended my call.I did not know what was wrong!I send offline messages in messenger,”I’m waiting here..When will u come online??”There was no reply in messenger too.I was getting irritated and confused,by the way Meera behaved!May be if felt that's the plight of virtual friendship,where I hardly knew something more than her mobile number to track her!And today was 50 days since I knew Meera. I wanted to wish her and called her,with the expectation she will attend atleast today.Finally my call was attended,but to my surprise there was a male voice.”Hello.Can I speak to Meera” I asked. ”I’m Meera’s dad speaking. Meera is admitted at the cancer institute.” he revealed.”What??” I asked shockingly.”Ya.She is suffering from leukemia and we diagonised it only the last week”. I was speechless,petrified.I had my uncle who was an oncologist working at the same institute. I called him and asked if he knew about any patient named Meera.Surprisingly,he said,she was his patient and revealed that Meera was counting her days,as her cancer,which was in the final stages was diagonised only the last week.All my dreams were shattered as I did not know what to do.

I reached the cancer institute within an hour.I took the novel,”Walk to Remember”, which she urged me to read umpteen times and the novel which I wanted to present Meera,when I first meet her.I checked the ward she was in and went there.She was lying in her bed,completely claded in white costume.But this was not the angel,I dreamt to see during my first meeting! I entered the room,with my eyes filled with tears and I stood infront of her.She gazed at me and I said looking into her curious eyes,”I’m Benny”.There was a pin drop silence,as she looked at me with a sense of thankfulness and gratitude and tears started flowing from her eyes,as she trembled in her words,”Benny,I knew I will meet you before I die.Din’t I tell u that??”. I had no words to speak,tears filled my eyes.”Benny,do I look beautiful now.Have I cheated you??”she asked looking straight into my eyes.I knelt before the bed,she was lying and kissed her palm and broke down.She said,”Benny your french beard looks great for you,as I expected” and tried to smile! I did not speak a word! I gave her the novel which I brought to give her! Strangely the climax of the novel was enacted infront of my eyes!

I was not able to see Meera like that,as I bid good bye to her and jumped out of the room.Her dad was waiting outside and I hugged him as I found solace in his heavy shoulders,so did he! “Meera has spoken lots of things about you.She did not want you to know about this.But as the doctors have lost hope,I thought I should tell you and I attended your call today. We never took her problems seriously and we were late to diagonize this” I did not know what to tell.I just said,”Let’s hope for the best.Miracles do happen.Trust in God” and left the place.

I never went to the hospital again.I used to hear about Meera’s health from my uncle.He never said something positively.I knew Meera would have wanted me to be with her,but my heart was not build of stone to see her suffer infront of my eyes.After exactly a week,after I met her,I heard the news,which I never wanted to hear in my life.Her father informed me about her funeral,but I never went for that,as my angel and dream girl lived in my heart forever! The last phone call,we did,kept flashing in my heart,where she urged me to keep on speaking with her the whole night.I understood the meaning of every word she uttered,in what was our final phone call:-( Her words ,”This is too much Benny”, kept echoing as I wept and muttered,”This is too much Meera.You left me”… But I still keep sending offline messages to my only “virtual” friend,”I’m waiting here..When will u come online,Meera ??”

“It’s hard to let go off someone who had touched your life;
But it hurts more to let go off someone who was never yours,yet changed your life the most”

Pokisham-Real treasure for Tamil cinema!

2009-08-14T22:42:00.013+05:30

Must watch for the guys who were in love and who are in love!!!

Caution: The film is a sincere effort to please audiences who appreciate good cinema which is genuine and realistic in its own ways! And if are a person ,who enjoy only slapstick comedies or a voyeur,whose jaws open involuntarily seeing cleavages or a guy who wants a fast track or an action sequence in the film,then better avoid this Cheran’s beautiful venture,as this film has nothing commercial in it and you may be cheated.

Well now,when I say Pokisham[treasure in english] is a real treasure for tamil cinema,I mean it! Cheran,in his usual self brings the fresh air,which the tamil audiences badly needed,with a genuine and an honest movie! As always you see in a Cheran’s film,Pokisham is also an amalgam of romance,sentiments,unexpected twists and ofcourse perfect casting,who makes the film sound very realistic! The film starts with Lenin’s(Cheran) son checking his bereaved father’s diary and his collection of umpteen love letters,as the time descends back to 1970’s. Lenin is a marine engineer based at Calcutta. He visits Madras to help his father,who has undergone a surgery.There at the hospital,he meets Nadhira(Padmapriya),a Muslim and a BA student studying at Nagore.Their wavelength matches and they are friends soon.When Lenin departs to Calcutta to rejoin his work,he suddenly misses her very badly and develops that special feeling for Nadhira.They exchange their interests and feelings through letters. The beauty of yesteryear romance,where communication was only through letters, is superbly depicted by the lead pair~the enthusiasm with which they write those letters,the long wait to receive the response and the pain if the letter is delayed is genuinely portrayed! Eventually their friendship morphes into love! The climax,with interesting twists and turns,reveals if they both finally get married or not.

Cheran as Lenin,has done a commendable job.His reputation as a “Yedhardha Nayagan”(Natural actor) keeps increasing with every movie.His looks perfectly fit a 1970’s gentleman.The scenes where he keeps pesturing the postman to check if he has any letters, brings the roofs down! His acting in the climax,where he goes on the search to find Nadhira,showcases him as a perfect “Yedhardha Nayagan”. Padmapriya-Oh My Gal!!! She has done wonders to the film.The smile and looks perfectly fit Padmapriya as Nadhira, a muslim girl.What a casting that was,Mr.Cheran??? Good job!!! Guys,trust me,Watch the movie for Padmapriya alone,if you want!

The cameraman needs applause,so does the art director-Vairabalan.They have worked hand in hand to give that 1970’s looks to the movie.Starting from the houses..the vehicles used, their dressing sense,currencies,envelopes,stamps gives us the perfect period looks for the film!!! The choice of location-Calcutta and Nagore and using sea as the backdrop with storm,breeze as the catalyst,the cameraman has succeded in his experiments big time! The biggest let down of the movie must be the music by Sabesh-Murali.Cheran uses songs as the element to drive his story forward,but it has fell flat,sadly! I doubt if the music directors struck a deal with the canteen stall owners ;-)

The first half is a tad slower, and keeps testing the audience’s patience,but the unadulterated romance keeps it going.The second half keeps on dragging unnecessarily and some trimming is needed.The dialogues are too verbose and philosophical,which I don’t think will go well with the urban class of audience! But every dialogue is meaningful,if keenly observed! No double entendre or a separate comedy track ! The movie is clean,beautiful and an expression of genuine romantic feeling.Special credits to Cheran for not using any commercial "masala" elements in his film and trusting only his story and his characters!As always,Cheran urges every one to get into his shoes to feel the value of his character and I’m sure atleast one scene will relate with you!

I reiterate Pokisham is a real treasure for tamil cinema,but I never said it is a paisa vasool! It deserves to do brisk business,but I doubt if today’s audience are patient enough to see this Pokisham unearthed! I mean,in today's world of instant communication,when a guy,even SMS his proposal to a girl, the viewers may be baffled and bored with the lead pair's love letter writing and the trouble they undertook.Had,Cheran made it more pacy and racy, Pokkisham would have been more touchy.Although,this film comes as a real test to the maturity of urban audience in their ability to accept meaningful films! I don’t see Cheran changing his style of directing,it has to be the audience who must mature themself to cherish such wonderful movies with genuine acting,pleasant screenplay,mind-blowing camerawork and encourage them in the making of many more Pokishams in the years to come!

Well done Mr.Cheran!!! Hats off !! U r our Pokisham indeed !

DREAM WITHIN A DREAM!!!

2009-08-05T13:31:00.035+05:30

….Really unrealistic!!!

This story has not happened in my life, has not happened in anyone’s life,will never happen in anyone’s life also.But I’m sure at the end of the story everyone will wish why not this happen in our life ;-) So Let’s get started! And yeah.. if u possess a very brilliant,realistic or a skeptical mind please keep it aside for sometime and then start reading!

When was the last time you saw a girl and wondered, “Hey I have seen her somewhere..who is she?” and crushed your brain cells. It happened to me the last week when I was waiting to board the train at Bangalore station on my journey back to Chennai.It was 10:35PM and the awesome chill weather of Bangalore was having its say on her dressing.She was wearing a white sweater with a striking black jean and was shivering,waiting for the train.Holding her ipod on one hand,shuffling the songs,her ears were plugged with the headsets.She was holding a woman’s magazine in the other hand,though she never bothered to even open that,till then! She occasionally kissed her fist and that mannerism again reminded me of someone.I gave it a hard thought,but I wasn’t able to recognize her.She had all the features that kept me warm in that cold night ;-) I checked my watch and I was assured there was 20 minutes left for the train to arrive and I continued to ogle.At one moment she caught my eyes and I felt damn embarrased and I took an about turn,as if I was searching for someone else ! I moved away from the place for a few minutes just to avoid her.By the time I finished a cup of tea,I saw my train enter the platform.

When I returned to the place I saw her,to my surprise,she wasn’t there.My eyes kept searching for her,as I entered the coach and got settled in the seat reserved for me. I was not able to find her and I was convinced yet another cloud has passed! But suddenly through the window,I saw her..saw her in the waiting room being laid and a few people crowded around her.Shocked,I got out of the train and went near the room,where she was nursed.By the time I went there,she had recovered.She got up and was gazing at everyone.Somewhere inside the heart I felt relieved!!! I got back to my seat and the train was about to start.To my nightmare she came and sat in the seat opposite to me! Oh My God! I felt very guilty and crashed into the upper berth and tried to sleep. I pondered,atleast I must have asked how she was feeling now,out of courtesy! :-( But I wasn’t able to! I tried to sleep but only her face kept running through my mind ! I looked down at her through my half-dozed eyes.She was still sitting,contemplating ! May be about what happened to her in the station! It was half past 12 and I was fast asleep by then!

I slept so badly that I did not even realise that the train had reached Chennai Central.I was woken up by someone and then did I realise I had to get down! Very fast I did my silent prayer,took my baggage and got down the train.Chennai was as usual bright and it was 2 months since I came home and I was excited to be here again! As soon as I got down,there was a surprise.She was standing there,smiling at me!Only now I recognised the face which woke me up in the train.I went near her and said “Thanks”. “It’s ok.You must have been tired” she replied as her voice again sounded like someone’s whom I know very well.Without thinking much I asked,”So how are you feeling now?What happened yesterday?” .She continued to walk along with me,keeping her smile intact and replied “I fainted seeing you”.Knowing that she was kidding I sardonically said “My friends say I have killer looks,but this is too much!” She started to laugh that drew the attention of a couple of children sitting there.They winked at me and I reciprocated! I partially understood why the wink was from those cute children. Yeah..The girl walking with me was so graceful and smart that even those children understood she is too much for me! ;-) But poor children! They din’t know she was just my co-passenger and still a stranger!

Hmm..by now,she finished laughing and said,”No.I’m serious Rahul” . ”Rahul??”…”Who is that?” I interrogated. “You” she said as we kept walking to catch our connecting train to reach our destination! “No yaar. I’m Benny” I clarified.She shook her head in disapproval and quizzed me,”Do you believe in rebirths?” The next moment,without much thought I said “No..no…I don’t ” She looked straight into my eyes and said “I too did not believe in rebirths before I saw your face yesterday night”. She sounded serious now and a sense of shock crept within me as I feared if I,really,was the reason for her fainting yesterday night.I trembled and asked ,”What did you see in my face”?

We did not speak for few minutes as we got the connecting train to reach our respective places.It was early morning in Chennai and the train was unusually calm and sparsely crowded.We sat facing each other near the window! I suddenly noticed a mole beneath her nose..no no above her lips ;-) It has always been a turn-on factor for me when I see a girl! As I was admiring her,she started revealing, “Hey...I saw my boyfriend’s face in you..the same face and the same guy whom I loved in my previous birth!” I was shocked but din’t want to show it as I replied,” So are you ok??? You sound senseless now”? She acknowledged,”Ya.I know.But u must believe this” as she showed a scar in her left hand.Getting excited seeing that I quipped,”Same pinch..even I have one” and showed my scar in the left hand.She quizzed, ”Shut up You!..Do you know the history behind this?” “….Hmmm.I always ask my mother about this.But she says it is there from my birth and she can’t help it!” I mumbled.

She cleared her throat and started ”Oh..How come she know our past?”. I was excited as she sounded as if she really knew my past and said ”Past…So do u know mine?” She nodded and said “Your past was with me.How come I don’t know that?” and continued “ I seriously remember a few moments I spend with you in my last birth.You were my close friend during my college time.We spend most of our times together at college,walking with hands locked,helping me out at everything,fighting with me..even for the silliest thing…Hmmm we showcased to the world what true friendship is.I just get a blurred vision of what happened next.It is like… you proposed to me one day and I started crying and after so many days I accepted you as my boyfriend. And I’m not sure what happened inbetween.Just remember we engraved our names in our hands,which are these scars in this birth and we ended our life”..”Now do u remember anything?” she politely asked.”Hmm..Yeah I can remember!This is the same story of the latest tamil flick I watched” I joked trying to bring down the over running emotion from her side!

She hit my head and said,”Rubbish..trust me Rahul”… I got serious hearing Rahul ”Please call me Benny.I don’t know Rahul or the stories you are telling.Hey how come you,alone, remember all the things that happened in your previous birth” I asked in a irritated voice…She seeing me serious,quipped,”I have read in one of Plato’s work that after our death in our previous birth,our soul passes through a hot desert and then it drinks water from the lake nearby.By drinking that water,we forget what happened in our previous birth.May be I cheated the Gods’ and din’t drink that water”.” You cheat!” I teased her.Laughing for that she started,”Hey the moment I saw you in the station yesterday I fainted as my memories took me to my previous birth.I saw a life with you in those few moments! That is what I told you now.After I woke up,I searched for you in the station,but you were’nt there.I was more shocked than you when I saw you in my coach! When you climbed to the upper berth I saw the scar in your hand which confirmed you are my Rahul”!

She was almost in tears by this time and it was time I start trusting her memories as even I had the same thought when I saw her,when I heard her voice..as if I had a relation with her! She kissed her fist involuntarily(you see it is her mannerism that attracts her to me) and was contemplating.After being numb for sometime she asked,”Did you notice the mole beneath my nose?” “ Do u feel something seeing me kiss my fist?” These words jolted me and all of a sudden I started fearing the worst.I asked,”Are you a mind reader?” She was delirious,”So these things still excites you?..Haa??” I trembled again in my words,” what do you mean by ‘still excites me’?” In a pure girlish tone,she replied “ Rahul…these excites you in your previous birth too..” My inner voice said “Ayoo Benny you have not yet changed man!” and I blushed!!!

It was hard to actually believe in rebirths and at the same time it was hard not to believe after all this! She was silent for some time,which gave me time to think what was happening all this while? I was puzzled at her making so many attempts to make me realise that I was her boyfriend the last birth.What was she going to achieve in this birth through that? I just felt I must understand her feelings and give her some time to get back to reality. If she is very clear in her thoughts,well then I have a beautiful girlfriend waiting,or else it is just another passing cloud! A typical boyish decision!!

“So where must you get down?” she enquired atlast.I revealed that we passed the station,where I had to get down and that I’m coming along with her to drop her at her house.”So you thought I have gone mad na” she bantered!!! Her smile has always been her forte and I have already started to fall in love with her. So it is time to start flirting as I replied “No..I’m just wondering how I ended up with you in this birth also” “Oieee..” she said in an excited tone and started laughing! Atlast I asked “Hey you..whats your name?” She continued to smile and winked as she quipped,”So now…you want my previous birth name or this births? “ ;-) We smiled and the smiles lasted for eternity as in her words the life,which we ended abruptly in our previous birth continued here on earth!

Date with History!!!

2009-07-27T16:13:00.013+05:30

The two words my friends won’t relate me with-“ History” and “Date” for they know how good I’m at both ;-) But when it is “Date with History” I’m sure, I will be the first one they would think of. I can still recollect even the silliest of those moments,which happened in my life so far.Now don’t think I have a great memory power for only I know the nightmare I had clearing my history paper, remembering those good-for-nothing dates and years. But still, I date my history with those treasures I have treasured so long- diaries, which I have written for almost a decade now. And yeah..I’m still treasuring!

Diaries-One of the best companions for your life time,with characters etched in it which time can’t erase, pages of truth, hitherto unrevealed, chapters of unsaid love, blossomed friendship, hard decisions taken,resolutions scribed,days mourned by despair and those glorious moments worth savouring for generations…! It has it all..all evergreen and beautiful..My best friend for a life time ~ my diary!

It was during those days at school,when we blindly do whatever our class teachers tells us to do and it was one such act I started when I entered my class nine...Yeah class nine and those days,I hardly had any big things to write about and my habit of writing diary would have been dead,if not for that moment of failure.No surprise I failed my first History exam and I still know the pain with which I wrote my diary that night.It was a night of embarrasment,shame,tears and ofcourse a big decision…the decision I must say changed the rest of my life..I decided that my diary should not see any more failures and I started to work realy hard.I started to fear failures,which triggered hardwork and eventually success. As a school student,dairy writing taught me honesty(as u can’t lie in your diary),respecting privacy,discipline(as I sat at night regularly to write) and improved my memory (as I jog my memory to recall the events of the day)

After some serious schooling,college life gave the fresh air needed and I promise I can’t forget any moment spend there.Atleast my diary wouldn’t allow me to do that! Right from the first smile at college to the final cry during my farewell,every moment has been inscribed !!! ~ My train journeys,those birthdaybash,exams,tours,bunks,movies,friends intro,first love,canteen “kadalai’s”,culturals,symposiums and about that “someone” special whom we always have close to our heart!

I must say this habit was quite infectious,as some started to write hearing from me. But many stopped inbetween,as they found their privacy was at stake,as they feared if someone in their family may read it and who knows he\she may end in trouble.Now I must thank my family for being so nice as they respect my privacy,that I dare to keep my diary in my open shelf ! You know I’m very sure they havn’t read my diaries yet or else how will I be at home still ;-) Jus kidding!

Writing diary,which started as a class activity grew into a habit,then a friend and now it is my life…my life of memories! I have shared with it even the secrets I don’t dare to tell my bestest friend! It has seen the ups and downs of my life,shared the happiest and the saddest moments… I have this regret anyways…It changed me into an introvert in some ways…Those emotions which I wish I told my family and friends directly were just written ” Sorry machi”…”Love u da”…”Thanks sis”. But I’m loving it this way now!

Yeah..my dairy has it all..in black and white- all the ingredients for a 'masala' Bollywood blockbuster- stories,emotions,characters,love,masti,fights in it..But there is no audience still for my "Autograph":- ( But yeah…I hope to get that “someone” soon with whom I can share my past life –“someone” who can enjoy it reading with a smile,excitement and ofcourse some envy ;-) Is that “someone” listening ?? ;-)

Loyalty redefined!!!

2009-07-14T16:53:00.013+05:30

Nostalgic reminiscence of Chennai...

I find it difficult to update my blog,as I’m busy scaling the length and breadth of Chennai. Only when I realise that I have to leave Chennai in a couple of months,I’m starting to love it and cherish the beauty of my city. I landed in Chennai,a decade ago when the city was vulnerable, politically instable ,unfinished projects with bridges hanging,roads under construction and the water scarcity beginning to have its say on the Chennaites.After spending most of my life at Pondicherry,the initial days at Chennai were horrible to say the least.The pronounced transition took its time as Pondicherry was such an awesome place to be in...calm and serene.Chennai showcased the perfect city life,where people hardly know even their neighbours name,infact no time to know them in the hustles and bustles of a city life.I gradually got adapted to this new life.Though it was mechanical and monotonous,I found some good friends who made it livelier than I expected.Life started changing,so did Chennai and after so many years, I must say life has come a full circle for this city.Though struck by nostalgia now,I look up with pride the development, Chennai has undergone in this decade.

Chennai boasts one of the best beaches in the world,Asia's biggest bus terminus,fantastic malls, IT parks,historic basilicas,temples,stadiums and ofcourse Superstars!!! Chennai has something to offer for all class of people. Chennai,known for its passionate "Tamil"ians, strikes a balance between conservatism and modernism,which is reflected in the people who live here.It would be pertinent if I can pick out the unique features of Chennai for the rest of the world to awe ;-) The first thing which strikes my mind about Chennai is the Marina beach.One of the world’s longest beach which came in the news recently because of the tsunami and its destruction.It has to be the cheapest and the beautiful place to hang out at Chennai;-) Next is the historic St.Thomas Basilica at Santhome,where the body of St.Thomas(One of the 12 apostles of Jesus) is buried.It is one of the most visited places in India by the foreigners.Chennai has a decent number of recreation malls,theme parks and theatres. The M.A.Chidambaram Stadium has witnessed a number of cricket matches which went straight into the history books,for its unique records .Mahabalipuram,a few kms away from Chennai brings out the rich history of Tamil Nadu carved in the rocks .The temples in Chennai speaks volumes about the vast cultural heritage of this land! It has to be “Saravana stores” when it comes to shopping at Chennai,simply for its the vast collection and its nominal price tags!

It would be apt to say the IT mania took Chennai by a storm.The mushrooming of umpteen IT and ITES sectors in Chennai brought the much needed “change” the city wanted.It opened the doors for foreign investors and played a perfect host to all those people who sought refugee in this IT hub. It is widely acknowledged these days that Chennai is the best metro in India given the cost of living and the opportunities available for people to grow. Aren’t u convinced still ??? ;-)

Oh I forgot the individuals who made this land proud ! Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam strikes my thought first.A genius,scientist and the most respected former President of India. If Abdul Kalam delights us,there is a double delight awaiting as Chennai has this great politician of all times-Dr.Karunanidhi. 50 years in politics is not a simple thing.Hats off Kalaignar!!! We,also have one of the best woman politician of our generation too-Ms.J.Jayalalitha.’Super star’ Rajinikanth and Kamal Hasan won world audiences with their acting and modesty.India's dream of an Oscar came true when AR Rahman won it and what else can make Chennai proud than this once-in-a-lifetime moment??Well we are the sole owners of the million dollar baby M.S.Dhoni and the chess genius Vishwanath Anand.It is the land of the Ilayarajas and the ManiRatnams.Hmmm..Someone else in missing in this elite list right…Oh yeah..I stay at Chennai and that makes it even more special ;-) Just kidding!!!

Hailing from the God’s own Land-Kerala,having studied in a small,but awesome union territory-Pondicherry,picking Chennai as my favourite city would be surprising for many,but I’m clear as Chennai has given me more sweeter moments,good friends, recognition and ofcourse everlasting memories! I found my first love at Chennai and I don’t feel it,as a bad idea, to adore the city where she lives ;-)

Yeah Chennai is hot,infact hotter, polluted and populated,roads are rugged,people are artificial,smile is a rarity,water is extinct,our auto-walas demand thrice the usual price,our buses are crowded,people speak Tanglish in the name of english...But still I’m loving it…I’ll miss those idly and sambhar,dosa and vadaa, but then, “Hyderabad” briyani invites me :P!!! Chennai is ofcourse interesting and special.Or else would you have read till this last line?? ;-)

I'm falling in love...

2009-07-03T14:13:00.010+05:30

It's about me,me and only me!!!

Cheers!!!It’s party time! I just wish I had a bottle of beer in my hand so that I could run to my balcony and shout, “I’m the happiest man in the world”. It is raining outside and every drop of rain is enjoying this moment with me. The sharp spark of lightning makes me smile, and roar of the thunder gives me a chance to dance! Yeah..I’m happy..I found it.. I found my love!!! It is time I must accept that I’m finally in love. It has taken me so many years to understand this. But thank God atleast now I understood how beautiful it is to be in love. Yeah..it is better late than never and now I’m enjoying this feel!!! I consider myself lucky as it is next to impossible to get someone like that..so genuine, gentle, caring ,loving and I can’t stop smiling writing this here. I must thank my stars for being with such a human being for a long time who is always willing to help others, love people without bounds, always the reason for others smile, reason for someone’s dream, reason for someone’s prayers and at times reason for other’s envy too ;-) Of course, only time will help one to realize, who the best person for him is and I know it now,after these many years !

The days after my college life would obviously be remembered as the worst days of my career. It was the time when my friends started to chase time to find a career for themselves and I started missing people a lot. It was tough to accept and face the harsh realities of life. The recession had its say on me, as disappointments became the order of the day and the going was getting tougher. It was then I found there was someone who was always with me, who motivated me when I needed and helped me move through the tough passage of my career. Just words can’t describe the amount of inspiration I needed to keep myself moving during those days and I found someone who always backed me for my ideas and smiled at the silliest of my jokes. I found a reason for my life, atlast !!!

I don’t know when I fell in love or what made me fall in love. Of late I started loving that smile, voice, cherub face and that caring heart! I feel it is time I go for a date..for my first date..I’m quite excited planning for that. I haven’t decided the place yet, but I always had a great fascination for a date at a beach during the sunset and a romantic dinner. So I might go there, to spend more time with me, to learn know more about me, to realize and understand me better. Yeah…Atlast I’m in love with myself and my life.. I’m loving every bit of it now.

It is a new kinda feeling as I’m aware I haven’t loved myself so much before. Of course, I’m no- saint and even I had my own shortcomings. Yeah… There was always an other side of me, which I tried not to show off to people or just didn’t want to acknowledge. I hated myself for being like that..To fake, pretend and be good. But I found doing that was detrimental to my growth as an individual. I needed to change.. change for the good. So I became a mother to myself, and I started to care for me a lot. I worked on my deficiencies and at the end, I found myself better than many people, whom I have met. I started to love myself, for what I’m and I bet u guys, it is best feeling on earth. Life is moving on from birth to death, the earth is rotating in a circle, we hardly do anything for these to happen. The only thing life demands us is to get back to reality. When we do that, our hearts starts to do what it is assigned to do-LOVE..Love yourself. And when you start to love yourself, you start to love your fellow human beings. Then, just imagine how beautiful the world would be !!!

A great writer of yesteryears aptly said,"To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance"..I have started my romance!!! How about you guys?? Are you ready for a date with yourself??

Love that wasn’t

2009-06-23T12:39:00.010+05:30

.... Inspired from a true story..

This is my first fictional story. So cricket bat throwers and tomato throwers get ready! You will be into action pretty soon ;-)

A sense of déjà vu crept as I stepped into my college after six long months for my Graduation day. It was a nostalgic start to the day meeting old class mates, enquiring about them, reeling stories for not being in touch and faking promises to be in touch! Graduation day-The most satisfying day for any graduate..A day of hope..The world opens up and we enter into it with greater aspirations than when we entered college. Yeah it was a day of celebration of my sacrifice..the recognition of my talents, friendship and comradeship..culmination of my hardwork,the support of family and friends, signification of the obstacles overcome and goals attained!

The stage was set for a grand occasion! It was scorching heat outside that made me sweat even inside an AC auditorium. The dignitaries arrived to enlighten the stage. The solemn function began with a prayer followed by some inspirational speech by the Chief Guests! I was getting slightly nervous as my moment of glory neared. After few minutes of waiting, it was my turn to bask the glory as my name was called to get the degree. My friend, next to me, patted me and I entered the stage. Quite nervous, I bowed in front of the dignitaries and received my hard-earned degree! Next was my Kodak moment! Thousands of thoughts ran through my mind as I walked down the stage to occupy the seat assigned to me… My family, friends, faculty. Thanking all those benevolent hearts, which helped me reach here, I would have forgotten her, before which her named was called onto the stage!

My thoughts flashed back to the first day of my college life. The day when I first saw her in that sandal colored salwars, clasping her hand with her dad’s, smiling nervously to the new friend she got. I must say it was love at first sight, though I had no belief in that! There was this nudge inside that kept saying to me at that very moment that she will be mine someday. An image of her in my arms flashed inside my mind. I could not help myself stop smiling. Somehow, my inner voice warned me to fear for the opposite. I was circumspect as I had a break up just a few days before I joined college with my ex-school mate. So it took a few days for me to speak to her, after which I understood our similarities stopped with being in the same class and same department. We were poles apart in our characters. She was an introvert,coy,studious,beautiful girl. Sadly none of these words suits me!!! But as it goes, opposite poles attract each other. Yeah I mean that. Very soon,I felt she has become quite close to me than never before. She started sharing even the silliest of ideas and the freakiest of secrets with me. I sensed that we were on the process of building a lasting relationship!

I must say the fun and the enjoyment in the first couple of years of our college life can’t be matched with those in the succeeding years. By the time we entered the second year, almost everyone in our department knew we were in a relation. That was the time when I realized there was something, which spreads faster than a forest fire, and it was gossip! But we both never gave a chance for our friends to settle them with that being a gossip alone, as the number of times we both met outside on weekends increased, so did the number of hours over the phone! During this period, there were many tantalizing moments when I was about to tell her that I loved her, but the fear of losing a beautiful relation always stopped me doing that! Even now after hours of being with her, I seriously didn’t know if she loved me? Then, I really wished God created some area in the brain which could help guys read girl’s mind, though not the otherwise;-)

Our friendship found no hurdle in between until we found the going got tough in our third year when the pressure to deal with our academics and career increased. Our daily chats became weekly chats. Weekly meetings became a rarity. Of course, we were into a lull phase and suddenly a thin wall of separation has been built. I feared the worst! But then came our mini project time, when we both were coupled to do it. I don’t know with what intention my lecturer paired us, but we were not complaining, though many were envying ;-) We suddenly found more time as we were working together for the project. Those days gave me a chance to know her very well. I was convinced I would not get a “better” half than her and was waiting for the right time to propose her.

The mini project was almost done by now. We had the final presentation the next day. During the wee hours preparing for the project presentation, there was a so-called-forward message from her, which sounded like a girl telling something romantically to her boyfriend. You blame it on my hormones or lack of grey cells, I replied to the forward saying, “I seriously wish u said this to me”. Only after sending that message did I realize, I have done something silly and was waiting for her reply! The next second I got it, which said “What? Are you serious?”:- ). I was confused about the reply, as the message had a smiling face at the end. Having got a blind confidence, I replied, “I seriously meant that”! without knowing how she is going to react. Her reply “We have our presentation tomorrow. Prepare well for that. Good night” was like slapping my face,but then,it reminded me of my presentation and I got back to my studies again.

The next day, after the successful completion of our presentation, we were on the way back home. Having left with no other option, we were to board a crowded bus to reach our destination. We were almost crushed inside the bus and now, she was almost in my arms with her hands firmly holding mine. I thought I could quiz her and asked “What does your reply, which you send me yesterday means?” She, acting smartly questioned me “What does your reply to that forward means?” I never expected I’ll be put in such a situation by her. But then, I needed to respond now..respond honestly! So I bend down, to her ears and whispered, “I meant I love you so much”. Her reaction was surprising as she smiled and said ” I knew that”. It was really teasing and I whispered again “So?.. you love me too??” to which she looked up and said “Do you think I’ll say no?” and hid her face beneath my arms out of her unusual shyness! I just wanted to jump, jump and jump but if I had done that inside that crowded bus, I would have been kicked off. Then,we spend some speechless moments inside the bus and got down at our place.

After a few days into our relation, we started to visit each other’s house quite frequently and everyone including our friends saw our chemistry really working! I can boast saying that whenever and wherever we went together, we were the cynosure for others eyes.It was the time when my final year begun and plans for a final year tour started. I relished the dream of being with her for 10 straight days, but she was initially reluctant to come for the trip. Then after days of coaxing her and her parents, she made it. But little did I realize what is in store for me! Hmmm…This tour sowed the seeds of separation for us. I really din’t know what she expected out of me.I felt she was too possessive. She did not like me mingling with other girls in my department. She cried at will to make her things happen. I tried to help her everytime, but then.. it was going overboard. To say the least, she spoilt the happiness of what should have been a fantastic tour for me! Suddenly you may feel,I’m too harsh on her. But that is the truth. She started avoiding me for reasons,only God knew!

The days after the tour were horrible. I never knew our love life would be so short-lived as she showed no signs of carrying forward. One day I thought I should break the ice and spoke to her.But what I received was a cold blooded insult. I was petrified! This was not the girl, whom I loved without bounds and aspired to continue with. Time was running out for me to make amends for the obscure mistake of mine as our farewell was announced! But to my surprise she was least bothered to speak to me even on that day. I was literally heart-broken! Umpteen thoughts of being betrayed, cheated grew fast, on what was already an emotional day! I really expected her to speak something for she was the only relation I longed to carry forward in my life! But it wasn’t to be!

Before all these thoughts clogged my mind,my convocation day came to an end. Let me confess here. My love for her has not diminished even a bit even after the humiliation I suffered at the end of my college life.May be the memories she gave me over ruled the embarrassment! I must take the blame for not keeping in touch with her after we parted some months ago. It was already six months after our farewell ended! I was very keen to meet her before the function started,but I did not see her.But I made it clear I should meet her after the function got over as I needed to renew our relation.I was sure the wound would have been healed by now and I was sure we will be together soon !

As I got out of the hall, the first person to congratulate me was her. I was shocked a bit as I never expected her to talk with me first, given the streak of bad run we had! We exchanged pleasantries. I was feeling good and was convinced that we would be on track soon! We started to walk towards the lawn, which has given us lots of unforgettable memories. She sounded very pleasant, may be because I’m hearing her voice after so long ;-) Before all the excitement subsided, I was in for another shock, when she waved hand at a guy who alighted off a car.He came near and hugged her. Before I ask what is happening she introduced him to me as “He is Rahul, my husband” !!!

I knew I was a certified graduate today, but felt I need to learn a lot.. a lot about the enigma…GIRLS! I returned with my friends who were equally shocked, as she cared a zilch about informing about her marriage to any of her class mates ;-(

So let the throw-show starts ;-)

Check out my other short story - One night @ the call center

‘Dead’ly Mystery

2009-06-16T11:58:00.010+05:30

I’m quite happy celebrating my cousin’s birthday today. But the topic I chose to write may raise a few brows’. It is about death-the only word, which in itself raises fear for many.Well 'Death' is the greatest enigma, mystery to me and many. It involves things unseen and unknown to my mortal mind that I can't even begin to comprehend. It has baffled humankind from times out of mind. And yet despite all attempts to solve the mystery, it has remained as mysterious as ever before. Leaving all the mystery about “what happens after death” behind, I want to pose this question to my fellow readers here.

What happens during death?? What would be the final thought of a man when he is sure, he is going to die??

Take for instance a man who is going to be hanged, a guy who is drowning, a gal who commits suicide, a woman in a ventilator anticipating death, a person who meets with a fatal accident.

What will they think???

Will it be their family? Will it be the sins which they have committed? Will it be about his responsibilities? Will it be about the future of his loved ones? Will it be a rewind of all those beautiful moments in his life? Or will he ever have time to think about this, as his mind goes bleak? Or do angels come to him to minister him during
this process,giving him no chance to think anything?Or does God
allow those who have gone on before him the privilege of returning long enough to help comfort him through this passage?

I’m not sure. May be no one who escaped from the jaws of death came to explain me this and I’m sure no one will ever do it also! It
will always be a mystery to us until the day we can see it through the eyes of death.I believe u guys have thought of your death atleast once in your life.If not think about this now and post your ideas about that ultimate moment of your life. What do you think will cross your mind when you are about to walk into your eternal life…!!!

Read my post regarding death @ "The Lost treasure"

Give him a break

2009-06-15T12:08:00.028+05:30

I was just expecting some spark to ignite my blog again and it can’t get better than India losing a must win game against England in a world cup match and the cynical media and fans pointing their finger to my all time hero-MS Dhoni! So being a loyal fan of him,I need to defend him right! So people, who are already blaming it on Dhoni please don’t read it further because this post will be like adding oil to your burning fire!!!

At the outset let me appreciate the Indian population for being so sensitive that they are ready to worship their cricketers next only to God, when they win and give them all the hero- welcome when they return. Yeah,it is bound to happen in a country like India where cricket is more than a religion. But what happens when the team loses?? This is where this sensitiveness takes a wrong route.We start looking a sport like a war…We stone them, blame them ..what more?? We are unable to digest the fact that we were outplayed! Is it fair to blame a captain of MSD’s caliber,that he was solely responsible for the loss??? What would have been a wonder, some other day, turned out to be a blunder today when he played Ravindra Jadeja for Ojha.Had Jadeja’s batting clicked,Dhoni would have been hailed as the man with the Midas touch,but today you curse him for that gamble and all the more raising slogans for the removal of him as the Indian captain??Sounds crazy indeed!

How come this same Indian population forget the golden days India basked under the leadership of MSD? How come one forget the state of Indian cricket when Dhoni was made the Scape goat captain of Indian cricket?? How many believe IPL would have been such a great success without Dhoni lifting the world cup in ’07??? One has to acknowledge that the number of sweet memories Dhoni and his men gave outnumber the number of days which haunt us.Atleast for now,lets cherish the good old days of Indian cricket under MSD!!

Ofcourse everyone is disappointed including me,but showing fingers on Dhoni alone is unfair. Let’s be matured enough to accept our team failed as a unit and let’s move on rather than criticizing our heroes!!! May be India would have failed to retain the championship, but still Dhoni is the champion of the champions…If you are not convinced about that statement with his previous performances…well then wait..The coming days will prove that and more!!!

Cheers Dhoni…Thanks for the loss,you proved you are mortal too..not a magician!!!

Read my other post on Dhoni @ "The triumph of simplicity"

Cricket MODI-fied!

2009-05-26T09:42:00.005+05:30

.... My IPL experience!!!

U know u have loved something, only when you start missing it.And within 24 hours of the closing ceremony of the grand IPL 2,I’m already missing it very badly! Missing playing those fantasy leagues,missing reading umpteen articles on IPL buzz,missing Cyrus Broacha Cricket-ainment, AJ analysis, missing those nail-biting close matches,huge sixes,cheer gals,and of course Mandira ;-) I’m sure superlatives are going to be redundant describing the huge success of IPL at South Africa and just the thought which sparked in Lalit Modi’s mind of conducting IPL twice a year,one in India and the other ,outside the subcontinent, sums up the huge success of an Indian domestic tournament at South Africa. Sure India is going to feel the heat when it starts organizing for the next IPL season,to atleast match the success of IPL-2! The beauty of IPL is that it attracts not only cricket following fanatics into it,but also other people who just want to “time pass” as it has all the ingredients of a Bollywood blockbuster.. the cricketing heroes, IPL ”Bollywood” Queens, commentating vilans(I know I’m harsh on them:-) ) umpteen twists and turns, songs and of course cheer gals dancing.How about this bollywood blockbuster for an Oscar nomination as it has slumdog millionaires too ;-)

As a television viewer,I was glued to almost all the matches watching those unscripted scripts enacted,which even brought the Bollywood stars down to tears,those DLF maximum,those sibling rivalries,those zoozoos entertaining during the “strategy break” and the fairy tale story of underdogs!!! It was a “wow” viewing experience.The best part of this IPL was that there was an equal tussle between bat and ball,unlike India where bowlers have nightmares bowling in batsmen friendly Indian wickets.As always, IPL has helped unearth new Indian talents. This edition was also no exception. There was Manish Pandey, Shadab Jakati, Kamran Khan and lotsa other foreign cricketers who came from obscurity to being famous. This IPL also showcased that age is just a number and no way that has a part in one’s performance.The inspiring Kumble’s leadership, Rohit’s last over assault, Sachin-Sanath mauling Knight riders, Jakati’s comedy of errors in making a run out, Gilchrist’s podium finish with a bunch of pre-tournament no-hopers are etched in my memories which time cannot so easily erase. Being a Super King fan, I had reasons to be heart broken, but the very fact that we were outplayed by a far determined team, stopped my outburst! Still, my biggest regret would be the inability of an Indian captain to have his hand on the beautiful IPL trophy!

IPL has been embraced by the whole global cricketing fraternity and that the threat to test matches are imminent, courtesy Gayle’s comment! But we are not complaining as all we want is entertainment..fun..fun …lotsa fun in 3 hours and what else would be a better option than to sit with friends and watch a duel between Sachin-Warne fighting for Mumbai and Rajasthan respectively! At the outset of the tournament Lalit Modi commented that his brain child IPL would be an example and a template for the world organizers such as FIFA.I thought he must be kidding, but now I’m convinced he actually meant it! Hats Off to him to have actually sparked off a hi-octane tournament in such a brief period!!! Certainly we are on a revolutionary period,seeing the revolution of cricket in the hands of Modi! Don’t be surprised if cricket is MODI-fied still !!! Cheers man!!! Thanks for the fun!

Woman in ur life!

2009-05-13T11:32:00.014+05:30

Must read for all guys!

Hi guys!!!

It is for you. It is about the woman in your life. Sooner than later, you may fall in love with a working woman and get married to her, but before doing that, you should know something about her.

Here is a girl, who is as much educated as you are,who is earning almost as much as you do, one who has dreams and aspirations just as you have because she is as human as you are!She has never entered the kitchen in her life just like you or your sister haven't, as she was busy in studies and competing in a system that gives no special concession to girls for their culinary achievements!

She has lived and loved her parents & brothers & sisters, almost as much as you did for 20-25 years of her life.She has bravely agreed to leave behind all that, her home, people who love her, to adopt your home, your family, your ways and even your family name! But she is somehow expected to be a master-chef from day #1, and you sleep oblivious to her predicament in her new circumstances, environment and that kitchen ! She is expected to make the tea, first thing in the morning and cook food at the end of the day, even if she is as tired as you are, maybe more! And yet she is never ever expected to complain L You want her to be a servant, a cook, a mother, a wife, even if she doesn't want to; and she is learning just like you are as to what you want from her, and she is clumsy and sloppy at times and knows that you won't like it if she is too demanding, or if she learns faster than you!

She has her own set of friends, and that includes boys and even men at her workplace too, those, who she knows from school days and yet is willing to put all that on the back-burners to avoid your irrational jealousy, unnecessary competition and your inherent insecurities! Though she can drink and dance just as well as you can, she won't, simply because you won't like it, even though you say otherwise !

She can be late from work once in a while when deadlines, just like yours, are to be met; but she is doing her level best and wants to make this most important relationship in her entire life a grand success, but only if you just help and trust her!!! She just wants one thing from you, as you are the only one she knows in your entire house - your unstinted support, your sensitivities and most importantly - your understanding and love !

Yeah she is a woman! Be proud of her & make her proud too!!!

[One of the best e-mails I got.I thought I need to post it here.Thanks to him,who send this to me]

Wish to be the voice of IPL??

2009-04-29T12:36:00.010+05:30

...... Here are a few tips!!!

I’m really sad writing this, as my predictions for this year IPL standings (the previous post) has gone horribly wrong! Deccan chargers have come from nowhere and are now tipped for a podium finish, while Chennai is making a mess of the plethora of talent available. So dropping my astrologer work for a while, I thought I could do something more interesting.. yeah, to be the voice of IPL. I was glued to my television sets for almost all the IPL matches to learn something about IPL commentary. Hmm..at the end of the day I just realized that it was more tough to be an IPL commentator/anchor than being a normal cricket commentator!!Here I say why IPL commentating is tough and also a few tips if you are aspiring to be an IPL commentator!

1. Gone are the days when Geoffrey Boycott would scream when Sachin hits the ball over the long-on fence “What a huge six is that!”.IPL commentators, who are very grateful to the persons who pay them,scream “That was a DLF maximum”!

2. Their gratefulness to the sponsors doesn’t stop there. Whenever there is an inside edge for a boundary or a simple catch taken, commentators acknowledge that as a Citi moment of success.Who knows with the number of sponsors increasing, days are not far when one can hear

That was a Vodafone chota run

Wow..That was a Sri Krishna Sweetly timed shoot

That is Gillette razor edged to the boundary!

3. When there is a lull stage in the match, our commentators getting bored start thanking the sponsors again “We like to thank the sponsors DLF,KingFisher,Citi..bla bla… “ Getting overboard with the same dialogue every innings and every day:- (

4. Oh! The next horrible thing is IPL anchors must be ready to peep into one’s dressing room, oh! Sorry dugout here, and chat with team’s coach or physio and ask some insane questions. When a tense match between Kolkatta and Mumbai is going on and Kolkatta is on the back foot,the anchor asks John Buchanan,coach of Kolkatta “So are you supporting Kolkatta or Mumbai now??”Don’t be shocked if John gives a slap on the anchor’s face!

5. Leave that for a tinge of innocence! The worst thing is that when IPL anchors go for a chat with foreign world class players who are on the bench for that game, because only 4 foreigners are allowed to play. Adding oil to the already burning fire the anchor asks “Being a world class player yourself, why are you not playing today and how is it sitting on the bench??” Pity that player!

6. I think IPL commentators are ordered that they should not speak,but to scream most of the time.The other day I saw Ravi Shastri yelling during the toss “Welcome Cape Town”. May be he was trying to make his voice audible to the entire city of Cape Town and not just to the stadium!

7. And yeah,whenever Dhoni’s or Warne’s face comes on the screen during a tense match,there comes a cliché “He is a cool captain..brilliant captain”.May be it is the commentator’s curse both the captains are going thr’ a lull phase!

8. Having the IPL in South Africa,commentators are getting used saying this quite often than not “It has been raining here since morning and grounds men are working hard to clear the outfield. Hopefully we’ll have the match soon”. They say this, even after knowing the match would be a wash out!

9. There are some weird moments when the commentator hypes that the match is heading for a thrilling finish when every Tom,Dick and Harry knows it is not. They justify their statement saying “Cricket is a funny game” forgetting who really is funny.

10. Finally,being a IPL commentator you must be generous enough to woo Mandira saying “Mandira..You look beautiful today”, no matter what the costume she is wearing! ;-)

There are lots more I wish to tell why IPL commentary is such a tough job, but before that I need a strategic time-out!!!

Wishing IPL commentators a Citi moment of success!!!Cheers!

IPL FEVER

2009-04-08T23:38:00.028+05:30

..LET THE SHOW BEGIN!

The puritans call it the Idiotic Premier League. The World calls it the International Premier League. The Indian Govt calls it the Indian Problematic League. But we fans call it The Indian Premier League! Ya..The IPL is here again although the caravan has been shifted to South Africa and is scheduled to begin on 18^t^h April’09. Against all odds, even this edition is going to be a huge success given the acceptance of this concept in the Rainbow Nation. The second auction, held in February gave a chance for every franchise to strengthen their team’s armory. Every team seems to be balanced on paper, with a rich blend of foreign and national players. So it is really tough to predict the winners, also given the nature of T20 games. But why not take a chance?? Let’s predict too!!

My predictions of the standings for IPL’09

1. ChennaiSuper Kings

The last year finalists, who missed the crown by a whisker,start as the firm favourite for this year’s title. Led by a charismatic skipper, M.S.Dhoni, and having world class match winners in its ranks like Flintoff, Albie Morkel, Murali,Hayden and Oram CSK has all the rights to enjoy the pride of being the pre-tournament favourite. The form of Indian players Suresh Raina,Badrinath,Balaji,Vijay are also heartening. The loss of Hussey will be less felt as there are equally fine replacements in the team.

The availability of Hayden and Murali all through the series along with local heroes Morkel and Ntini

??? Definitely, the saddest thing is the embarrassment of riches CSK has ;-)

2. Delhi DareDevils

This team boasts the destructive and the most explosive opening pair of Sehwag and Gambhir. The injection of David Warner and the new English imports Paul Collingwood and Shah should strengthen the brittle middle order of the DareDevils.The presence of “Pigeon”-Glen McGrath and Vettori must add colour to the otherwise mundane bowling attack.The Indian contingent comprising of Dinesh Karthik,Amit Mishra and Nehra must pull up their socks to put up a daredevilry act at South Africa.

The current form of Gambhir and Sehwag. The presence of AB de Villiers,the local boy must be an added advantage

Bowling! The age factor and fitness of Glen McGrath, and his support bowlers

3. Mumbai Indians

The really balanced side of this tournament,which narrowly misses out the first two spots in my list is just because of the captaincy factor.I may be harsh on Sachin,but that is a fact and we saw it in the last edition,where MI lost 2 last ball thrillers!The return of Zak and Bhajji to the team gives the much needed sting to the bowling attack, which was very wayward,the last year.The ever young Jayasuriya’s presence will be a crucial factor as will be Sachins’.The young blood in the team- Dhawal Kulkarni,A Nayar,Rahane,S Tiwari will play a very important role in the team’s S\F chances.

The presence of in-form JP Duminy and Zaheer Khan

Loss of Shaun Pollock,who could have been useful in the home conditions. Ofcourse Sachin’s captaincy!

4.Rajasthan Royals

An encore from the champions last year has faded very much,as the services of their strike bowler Sohail Tanvir and all rounder Shane Watson(for the first half) would be missing this year.But with the Shane Warne as the captain,any miracle is possible.Oops!Who imagined RR would lift the trophy the last year?The unknown commodity Tyron Henderson,who mesmerized this year’s auction,should be the surprise package.The presence of Graham Smith and Morne Morkel,the local guys,should be a huge bonus. Yusuf Pathan's audacious batting and Ravindra Jadeja’s all round skills must encourage Warne in his quest to defend the title.

Shane Warne’s captaincy. Smith’s knowledge about his home conditions.

Shaun Tait to replace Sohail Tanvir,Henderson to replace Watson!Impossible!

5.Bangalore Royal Challengers

Surely not a test team anymore.Vijay Mallya might have done more than enough to get rid of that tag,but to go that extra mile,he surely needs another Kevin Pieterson in his kitty.Though Royal Challengers sound a decent team,with Jesse Ryder and Uthappa in the squad,there is some weak link in the bowling department.Except for Steyn,I doubt if others are T20 bowlers?Bracken will be surely missed because of the Pakistan series.Praveen and Kumble can’t be termed a quintessential T20 bowlers. Let’s wait and watch if Kevin’s charm work out with RCB.

Presence of Kevin Pieterson for atleast 7 matches can do wonders! Five South Africans in the squad including Boucher and Kallis!

Support bowlers to Dale Steyn???

6. Kolkatta Knight Riders

Confusion all he way through!!! Ganguly’s forgettable run with Australian coaches continues.SRK and Ganguly must be happy Gayle and McCullum will be available for a considerable period this season.The success of KKR lies in the proper utilization of the mystery spinner Mendis. Ishant Sharma and Mortaza must make up a potent new ball pair.The most celebrated domestic player Pujara will be the cynosure of the Indian public.Lakshmi Shukla,Murali Karthik and S Bangar must live up to their reputations,so that Dada and SRK are spared from bitter humiliations!

Gayle’s storm and Mendis mystery!

John Buchanan may be the villain if his innovative ideas don’t work.

7.Kings XI Punjab

The Australian selectors must have done nothing but,shut the doors on Preity Zinta’s glamorous team. The selection of Brett Lee,Shaun Marsh,James Hopes for the series against Pakistan has sealed the fate for Kings XI Punjab,who have already lost the mercurial Sreesanth due to an injury.The availability of Sangakarra and Jayawardene must be a comforting factor for Yuvi. The Indian bowling duo of Irfan Pathan and Piyush Chawla must strike form so that Preity strikes gold! Kings XI Punjab have included Yusuf Abdulla,the stingiest South African T20 bowler.Lets hope he does a Brett Lee act ;-)

Yuvraj’s T20 record and presence of Sri Lankan duo of Sangakarra and Jayawardene

Missing of the Australian trio and a very weak bowling attack.

8. Deccan Chargers

To end up at the last again will be a touch disgraceful for a team which has Adam Gilchrist,Gibbs,Styris,Vaas,Laxman! Symonds will be missed for a major part of the tournament after getting a surprise call back into his national squad. Rohit Sharma and RP Singh will be doing a redemption act to get back into Indian line up.The major setback for Deccan Chargers last year was that it was devoid of a potential Indian rookie-star, like a Swapnil Asnodkar or a Manpreet Gony. Gilchrist will have a real test of his life to charge up the Deccan Chargers!

Gibbs mindblowing record in South Africa, RP Singh and Rohit Sharma’s impressive T20 World Cup At South Africa

Lack of potentially good Indian rookies and the poor bowling link!

Afterall it just takes a ball, an over,a player to change this table topsy turvy!Whatever it maybe,at the end of the day,not just fun but also real fierce cricket is guaranteed...What else a cricket fan can expect for!!

Wishing Lalit Modi,the franchises and the players good luck!

It is “Good” Friday

2009-04-07T12:27:00.008+05:30

From the greatest to the least, from the most beautiful to the most ordinary, death is the universal equalizer. Jesus - the King of the Jews, the Messiah, and the Son of God - shared the human experience of death and proved His mortality. His heart stopped beating, his lungs ceased their constant inhaling and exhaling, and the electrical impulses within his brain slowed and subsided into nothingness and he died on the Cross. And this very day is remembered as the Good Friday by the Christians all over the world. Being a Christian myself, I always had this doubt if I must rejoice or mourn on this day -“Good Friday”. This day has brought a virtual divide amidst the Christians all over the world. Some see Good Friday as a day to mourn and weep recollecting the horrible crucifixion of Jesus on the cross. Others see, Good Friday as a day to celebrate, for through His death our sins were washed away, our lives were purified. I’m in an ambivalent state, because my family wants me to follow the former and I wish to do the later!

I chose to rejoice just because of the fact- Jesus not only died,but He died in my place…died so that I could have life. He suffered so that I could find peace. He endured the darkness of Calvary so that I could experience the light of the Good News. He endured the curse so that I could enjoy the blessing. He was alienated from God so that I could be reconciled to God. Jesus Christ offered not a lamb or a bull but himself in sacrifice to God. Jesus was both the person offering the sacrifice for sin, and the sacrifice! Nothing less would take away the sin of the world, and nothing more valuable could take his place. So..When someone has done so much good for you to lead a peaceful life, I wonder why people chose to mourn this day??

Good Friday-by no means is a day to mourn. It is a day to rejoice-rejoice the fact that we have a merciful Father, who is ready to forgive our sins and embrace us as His own child…who is ready to share His body and blood with us..who is ready to guide us through our entire life. But in this world, where we race against time to fulfill our materialistic desires, we often forget to remember this loving and caring Father. We commit sins, keep on committing sins. We give place for everything that is evil in our life. We find time to go to a theatre or a mall, but not to Church. We find time to party, but no time to pray. We find time to celebrate, but forget to worship Him! But after you do all this,He still loves you so much. You wanna know how much He loves you??Just look at the Cross here. He spreads his arms on the cross, not just to be nailed but to show the amount of love He has!!Yeah He loves us so much!!!

My dear friends, till now you may not have surrendered your life to Jesus Christ and experienced his forgiveness and joy. Don't let the opportunity pass by on this Good Friday! I invite you, right now, to thank Jesus for dying on the Cross for your sins, in your place, and ask him to enter your life, to cleanse you and take control of your life. May this Good Friday help u rediscover God’s tremendous merciful love and the invitation from Calvary to show compassion to those who might have no one to help them face the prospect of death.

HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY!!!

Mind thy own business!

2009-04-03T13:56:00.013+05:30

Strictly for Kollywood lovers!!

Of late joining the bandwagon of eminent directors turning heroes is Sasikumar, director of Subramaniyapuram for a film titled “Nadoodi”. This has become a trend these days with people like Cheran, Sundar.C, S.J.Suryah, Thankar Bachan wishing to act infront of the camera rather than their familiar acts behind the screen! It may sound extraordinary wondering about the versatility and talent of these people. But what aches the normal audience is the lack of genuinely decent films like Autograph, Vaali, AnbeSivam which the above mentioned directors have created and made an everlasting impact on the minds of we people! The eagerness to watch another full stretch hilarious Ulathai Allitha rather than a Perumal or a Thee has grown vividly amidst the normal theatre-goers!

These new heroes may find acting as an easy way to mint money or find acting more easier than the responsibilities and pressure a director has! Whatever may be the case the ultimate loser is the urban audience who have come off ages and are really matured. They look up to their heroes not only for their acting skills but also the style, charisma, energy, looks and of course 6 packs ;-) I doubt if these so called heroes fulfill any of these criterions :- ( I may be harsh on Cheran who has given super hits Autograph and Thavamai Thavamirundhu, being a hero in those films. But ya..He was also the director of those two films. No complaints if he can direct and act in the same movie. We know what the end product would be..So Cheran..are u listening??We accept you as a hero when you can direct and act in the same movie. NO Raman thediya Seethai or a Pirivom Sandhipom again plz!

The biggest disappointment for me is the oblivion of S.J.Suryah as a director.After a hat trick of success with Vaali, Kushi, New this maverick director has turned into a hero who is on the verge of redefining Newton’s 3rd law now!! Whenever I see him on the screen I wonder with what qualification he convinced himself to be the hero..his voice,his hairdo or his body?? The most envying thing is that he gets a new heroine for every film. Spare Sundar.C for that. He is satisfied with Namitha ;-)

Well now I may sound like I m poking my nose into their business!But unless these directors start doing their proper business(directing),I can’t mind my own business just because we love films, love the art of making films and we are proud of your directions Sir! We love to watch a film like Autograph again, an Arunachalam again, a Subramaniyapuram again..Please direct again rather than acting. We are there to act when u direct ;-) After all the whole world is a stage and we are the actors na!