Theory to Practice

Brand Wars : Rin vs Tide

2010-03-01T10:41:00.001-08:00

Soft drinks, energy drinks and now detergents, it seems that consumers are due to witness some great creative dirty linen washing in public. We all have witnessed Coke-Pepsi band war and have much enjoyed Pepsi’s slogan “Nothing official about it!!” and to be honest it was a catchy line, and it was quite useful as well especially when you used it on dates, Obviously you had to be a bit creative in it’s usage. ;) Anyway, using catchy lines on dates is not the theme of this article, theme is brand wars.

Then we witnessed war between Horlicks and Complan, this war was initiated by Horlicks but has been taken up seriously by Complan. Complan struck back very aggressively and has never relented since then. Poor Horlicks, shouldn’t have poked the sleeping liger!!

This time we have HUL’s Rin & P&G’s Tide horn locked together in the brand war. However, this time story is not that simple, it so happens that HUL has been loosing its market share over the past few years and since Rin and Tide have been pitching for same market of whiteness in clothes competition has been very intense. So, In January’10 P&G launched ‘Tide Naturals’ at a much lower price as compared to the original Tide or RIN which started eating away into Rin’s market. Apparently by natural P&G meant that they had added some scents (Lime & ….) to Tide. Now, we as consumers sometimes are not very vigilant in terms of brands and just take them on the face value and probably that’s what happened with Tide as well. People didn’t notice that the lower priced product was Tide Naturals and not the original tide, although the packaging for both the Tide’s is different as well. Original one is in Orange and later one is in Greenish yellow. Its also possible that people just assumed that Tide Naturals would provide the same kind of whiteness after washing as Tide. Whatever the thought process of the consumer but that’s how P&G played its card for eating into Rin’s market. Now, I wonder isn’t that fooling the consumer? I would leave this question open.

Now, we move on to HUL and its current raging advertisement on TV channels(Watch @: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M5rBXtK9iA ), In this advert RIN goes in for a direct comparison with Tide Naturals(Look at the advert carefully) and not original Tide. HUL doesn’t go for any mud slinging and sticks to promoting only its product RIN and they have put all the disclaimers in place on the advert. However, lets face it Tide is getting an indirect promotion form it. Let’s just say bad publicity is a kind of publicity as well and with Indian consumer you never know HUL might find that their plan has back fired.

So, in this advert RIN guys just state that RIN provides better whiteness that Tide. You can say that it was a move from RIN to educate consumers that Tide and Tide Naturals are different from each other and P&G has probably been fooling consumers by selling them Tide Naturals on the brand wave of Tide. However, point to note is that how many consumers are aware of the fact that Tide and Tide Naturals are different products launched by P&G to capture different income segments? If the intent was to bring awareness to consumer and majority of consumers are not aware of the difference between the two P&G Tide products, then the Ad could be a complete failure, but hold your horses before jumping to any conclusion.

Its possible that this advert was aimed that directly at Tide and Tide Naturals was used as a bate. Since in all probability Tide Naturals is an inferior product and Rin in comparison to RIN and HUL guys got this verified through an independent lab and used it to hit Tide brand where it hurt the most.

Whatever the intent of the HUL guys, the crux is HUL has played the game very wisely, they timed the advert over the long weekend so that P&G could not obtain the stay on advert as all the law enforcement agency would not be functional and in this long weekend damage to Tide has been done and by the looks of it damage could be very costly to P&G, unless they come back with a solid comeback on this advert, which could be very difficult as HUL has not slandered Tide but have just gone for an relative benchmarking with the help of an independent laboratory.

Its should be interesting to see what happens next, I would just urge Indian consumer to be a bit more alert and cautious. :)

Happy washing !!

Don’t assume!!!!

2009-11-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

If you have ever worked in Service based industry, often you must have heard the slang “Don’t assume!! Assumption is the mother of all screw ups”. I came across few such incidents in my routine life. These incidents were not exactly screw ups but simple happenings that can be narrated as anecdotes. I have penned one such latest incident as it’s still fresh in my memory.

Few days back I was walking back to my apartment after a lazy days work and on my way back I have to cross a busy motorway. Now, an excellent thing about British transport system is that they put pedestrian comfort and safety first and on each crossing they have put up switch for pedestrians which would switch green signals to red so pedestrians can go across the motorway safely. However, there is one small flaw in this convenient system instituted for pedestrians, it assumes that pedestrians would push that switch when they need to cross the motorway and that’s where this system falls apart in some situations and such situation arises when lazy bums like us have to go across the motorway. So, on this lazy evening, while I was walking back from lazy days work, I came to this crossing on motorway where this non-automated switch has been installed for my own safety. Now, this time I wasn’t here first, there were quite a few people standing there already and I joined the herd. Little did I care to glance at the switch as to whether someone had buzzed it? Now, to help you fellas compare the relative idle time spent by me on that signal, let me tell you that once the switch is activated it takes around 20 seconds for the pedestrian light to go green. Now, I was standing there along with 10-12 other people waiting for pedestrian light to say Go! Anyway, 20 seconds passed, 21, 22, 23……30. Impatience started to pang me, it was chilly and I was standing at this junction waiting for the stupid light to go green. Some people I guess could not control themselves apparently 30 seconds were too much of stationary time for them. So, they just crossed the motorway as soon as they found a small gap they could pass through.
Restlessly, I looked around and observed that others were also contemplating the same dilemma whether to jump or to wait and then I glanced at the switch no one amongst us had cared to give it a little push. No wonder the light never turned green and then I pointed that out to people around me in a humorous way and I was amazed at the reaction they smirked a bit and then just crossed the road.
So, 10-12 lazy, restless bums who never bothered to do their part of giving that switch a little nudge and who just assumed that someone else must have done it kept standing there like a bunch of morons waiting for the pedestrian light to turn green. How lazy can we get?

Anyway, eventually the light had pity on us turned green after some time automatically after 35 seconds I guess. I hope this teaches me a lesson never to assume anything and never to be lazy bum. Hopefully. Wish!!!!

2008-12-26T12:09:00.000-08:00

Shoes, Sandals and school of thought behind
A question I have been pondering over quite some time now and heaven knows, I can’t seem to find a plausible answer to that question. Before I table that question, let me put forth to everyone’s notice that this article is purely to be taken in light hearted manner. I don’t want people reading this and then sending me PM’s saying that article was chauvinistic and blah blah…..there is no room for all those perspective words. It’s just question and I want help to find an answer to that question.

Have you heard about the saying “Best shoe is one, which fits you best and that’s the one you should stick with”? Never mind, if you haven’t heard it, I just made that up. My point here is that lately I have come across few interesting people in my life who either seem to find quite many shoes that fit them and hence buy quite many or can’t seem to find any shoe that fits them well and hence keep on buying in search for the perfect one.
This strange phenomenon has appalled me, and it’s not that I didn’t ask them about such generous deeds towards boot makers but their rationale has never convinced me to the core of my heart. So, I call upon you people for help to help me understand it.

Now just for information, in my whole life up till now, I haven’t owned more than 35 pair of shoes, max 40 but definitely not more than that and these people I am talking about and who let me stress are very beautiful people, currently own on an average amongst them 80 pairs of shoes. Whooooaaa!!

Before you follow with the same expression as above, let me tell you its average among just four people. So, please verify the facts with other people as well, but let me tell you the numbers are not going to vary much amongst girl’s give and take 10. So, my question is “what’s the urge that drives them to buy shoes and sandals in such copious amounts?”.
It’s not like shoe making industry is facing a holocaust or as if shoe economy is to face an eminent credit crunch like automotive or banking industry across the world is currently facing. From what I have seen, one of them would need a warehouse to store all her shoes.

I could go on and on but you see that’s no way o look at things, I am sure there’s a explanation behind and I am looking for it. Now, hold on since we are here me writing it and you reading it. I also want to understand the intrigue that lies behind the designs that are picked up by them. Unfortunately, I only have one sample to put in along but I can surely describe a few that have caught my imagination or inquisitiveness. The one you can see is a floral pink one, very pretty I must say but don’t you think they would go better on flip flops that should be worn at some sunny beaches. The second one that comes to my mind is the golden belly with a beaded bow at the tip, now that an interesting design as well. First of all its golden, second of all it has bow , which we all know isn’t supposed to be worn there and third of all its beaded. People what happened to good old prom tuxedos. [:P]

Oh! I recall another interesting one as well. It was one which a very thin kind of just inner sole with a thin sole and thin leather straps that went up to knee lengths. Very eye catching but shouldn’t they are like late by 1000 years and suit in Greek times. Oh and here comes jogging back a white one as well with a pink flower and white bead in the middle. Oh! Pretty Barbie doll like shoe and no wonder she looked like one. Well there are more that come back as I recall and when as the people who wore them come back to my mind as well, I think I have my answer as to why they bought all those shoes and sandals. It’s probably the habit of going into details of everything, to make sure that everything matches and compliments every other thing they wear. It’s probably that they are more organized than I am. It’s probably to make sure that they are on the same page as everything that’s in discussion. Its probably they care more about themselves than I do.

I guess I should learn something’s from them, to get into more details, to get a bit more organized and to be choosier about my selection, though I still think bow belle shoe was silly. :P

Anyway, I would now thank my four friends JK,SK,KC and SD for all their help. You people are pretty good at shoe selection. No Kiddin.

2008-12-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

Random....

I float around aimlessly to the paths that we used to tread.
I think about the good times that we spent.
I feel strong about the faith that we carried.
I feel dedication about the care that we nurtured.

Now,
I feel heaviness in the air around.
I feel loss of an ally, a support.
I feel my movements are chained.
I feel the drag that is weighing heavy.

I look back and I try to find my fault, for no one is perfect.
I look back at the good times that are cherished, for they still nurture hope.
I look back to the endless coffees, for they provided endless discussions.
I look back to those sallies, for they showed us it wasn’t all-dumb.

I wish for that faith and friendship
I wish for that care and concern
To last for centuries………

2008-11-16T03:12:00.000-08:00

Lived by her…

He was devoid of his basic needs. He could do without food, water, clothes or anything that to a common man was necessary, but as they say no one is fully independent. He was dependent too, dependent on her and it was not just her, he was dependent on her fragrance, her touch, her voice, her love, her support. He loved everything about her, even her tantrums were amusing to him. Her wishes small or big, reasonable or unreasonable were his small- big ambitions. Buying her gifts had become his favorite hobby. He had started to love shopping and she has started to love sports. He was so used to her being around. Fragrance of her hair, delicate aroma wafting around the room. His eyes always appeared mesmerized, and everyone knew the reason, he had been taking in too much of that sweet lavender fragrance of her. He was stoned by that scent.

He could be calmed just by her touch. Her smoothness was unmistakable, satin couldn’t hoodwink him. Her touch was his constant companion calming him, soothing him. Her voice was a song; He heard it for hours but couldn’t get enough of it. The canary was no competition to her. Well, the voice wasn’t sweet all the time for sure but yeah! It was lovely always.

He was used to walking with his arms around her, anyone watching could not tell who was supporting who but they both knew each of them was supporting the other, for they both knew they missed a part of themselves when they were not around each other. They shared everything together, all joys, all sorrows, all joys, all troubles, all successes, and all failures. Calls, SMS’s, mails….whatever the means they were always there for each other.

They lived on each other. Feasting on their love for each other and thriving on it. They were perfect when they were together. They felt the need to be together and to hold each other. If there was passion or magic anywhere, it was their love that was the existing proof. They drank by each other.

Well, most of what they shared is inexplicable, it was magical and passionate. As time flew by no one noticed and before he could know it was over. Gone without a trace…… and he was clueless as to what had happened. He tried to salvage, whatever was left but it all slipped away. The more he tried to hold on to it, more it slipped and was lost, like sand…..it slipped away.

It’s true he was dependent on her and when it all slipped away; everyone said that he would learn to live without her and all this living by her crap would go away. Well, to admit the truth, he did learn to live without her, but where everyone went wrong was when they said he would stop living by her, that my friends never happened. He lived by her memories and his imagination. Call these hallucinations or his imaginations but yes, he has been with her since then…call him a fool because he never stopped living by her.

2008-09-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

Three musketeers and Espresso Crema Shakerato

Let’s refresh the history so that you can relate to phrase “Coffee Jinx broken”. Every time I have tried something new or different at a coffee shop, my experience has been hugely disappointing.

Though this time around my experience has been overwhelmingly euphonic and the credit goes to Espresso Crema Shakerato. Served in Martini glasses at Barista’s crème outlets, is this seasons “Must haves”. A layer of cold milk cream over iced Italian coffee frothed in a shaker gives an incredible feel with mouth full of coffee and milk. The catch to enjoy the drink is the technique behind drinking it. One doesn’t have to drink it like one has cappuccino, since it’s served in layers in glass. Bottom layer has the iced coffee and above it is the frothed milk, so way to go is that you have to take mouth full’s in every swill, make sure that you hold the milk in your mouth and keep tilting the glass till you have iced coffee in your mouth. Tongue experiences three multifarious tastes at the same time: milk/ coffee-milk/ iced coffee.

I am sure I haven’t done justice with words to the taste, so, you might want to try it out yourselves.

I have gone into so much detail while explaining how to drink because without the technique the drink would just taste bland as it did to Khushboor, Who couldn’t understand why I and Kamlavatti were savoring it so much. Well, we tried to teach him the trick but to no avail, he managed the task but by that time the drink was so wasted only froth and coffee was left and Martini glasses don’t hold much. Never the less drink is perfect to beat the heat.

If you are going to try the drink, you might as well try my second recommendation which is to try Barista crème outlet at Khan Market, Go for the second floor open air seating. It’s pretty soothing and relaxing though you might find some tobacco smoke wafting up to you as it’s a smoking zone but even then place is worth it. Pick a cool day or try it out in evening after sunset. Allow me to support my recommendation, Kamlavatti is a food junkie and would eat anything anytime, but astonishingly Kamlavatti was ready to for go her dinner so that she could sit there and tittle-tattle. Can’t blame her, place is enticing. I usually prefer Café coffee day over Barista but I would gladly pick Barista Khan Market outlet over CCD just for that second floor seating.

That reminds me; while you are there keep you volume in check because it’s pretty easy to listen to conversation on the table next to you. I agree it’s morally and ethically wrong but then who can resist if two girls on the table next to you are blabbing about their high school type problems with their boy friends. I and Kamlavatti couldn’t stop ourselves from commenting while Khushboor frowned at our behavior, He was just getting jumpy and trying to act mature, But he has to admit he was having fun listening to them because he was the first one to notice when their inflated tones took a dive.

I am pretty sure we would like to go there again and hopefully this time around Khushboor would enjoy Espresso Crema Shakerato as well. Cheers!!

2008-09-11T02:38:00.000-07:00

Wednesday : Redefining the art of making movies.

A man looking down from a high rise desolate roof top trying to figure out chasm below which keeps on widening and deepening and he realizes that city of his dreams is going to submerge under the pressure of inefficiency and spirit of system to fight back crime.

This man is Naseeruddin Shah who gave a scintillating performance in “Wednesday”.

To match up to his intimidating best performance, Anupam kher has once again proved that when it comes to films it’s not the footage minutes that count. It’s about the savoir faire with which you delve into the character and bring it to life.

NS plays the role of a common man who is tired, deserted and shattered by the events and miss-happenings in his city and after some soul searching decides to vent his frustration on security agencies of the state through a plan.

Plot starts from Anupam Kher’s office who is Mumbai’s top cop. He receives a call from a anonymous caller who warns him to pander to his wishes on the leverage that 5 live bombs have been planted in Mumbai which will blow up at 6 in evening. Anupam Kher plays the role with a panache that keeps you glued to the screens. Both renowned artists have outdone themselves to bring out the message in the story and the plight of common man.

It’s not one of those gruesome flicks with grey shades but a thriller and suspense flick with a message that “The power of one is the power to do anything”. Movie depicts how common man gets affected every time an accident takes place. How common man bears the burnt patiently until one day he is no longer top face himself in mirror and decides to take things in hand.

Jimmy Shergill who plays an ATS officer also does a great justice to his role. I wouldn’t want to reveal the plot and kill the whole surprise. Unquestioningly this movie is worth much more it’s dough. For a change our bollywood is moving to non masala movies without idiotic, blaring melodies which hold no meaning. Watch the movie!!

2008-08-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

Madhushaalaa - An inspiration to move ahead

It's kind of a spell or an enchantment that's placed over me, which I can't seem to ward off, how much I try to restrain myself from humming or swaying whenever i listen to "Madhushaalaa", I can't do it.

A poem by Mr. Hariwansh Rai Bachan which, I read first read around 12 years back and since then I have developed a love for verses written bt Mr. Bachan.
I ain't a poet who understands the technical details of poetry and it's intricacies. So, I won't be able to pass any judgment on how the verses have been framed.
Whether they have been stringed lyrically or not. Whether the tones are appropriate or not. I ain't a judge or critic.

After having said that, I still have my "freedom of expression" which has been granted to me by my country's constitution under fundamental rights. So, using this freedom of expression, I am going to put forth what I feel about this piece of work sparing the technicalities involved in writing a poem.

i would have read 100 odd poems and their lucid descriptions or explanations while I was in my high school, out of all those 100 odd poems, there is only one I can clearly recall. "Madhushaalaa", This poem conveys a message which always urges me to look ahead, to move on, to begin afresh, not to lament upon what is lost. Mr. Bachan has brilliantly used "Madhushaalaa" (Bar) as metaphor to convey, life is always led by the attitude one has about life. One has to be a optimist and has to look forward and let go off the past. His creativity is commendable, considering the fact that he used liquor as the stick to inspire people. True, he faced criticism for using liquor but then time tells a different tale, his creation is still alive and is immortal. Contrary to the argument put up by many critics about the poem when it was first narrated that it could lead people into habitual drinking, this poem has done the opposite. I love every verse this poem. I have few favorite stanzas below these stanzas were chosen for the audio cassette by Manna Dey in which the first one was sung by Harivansh Rai himself.

Complete composition can be read at the following link.
http://manaskriti.com/kaavyaalaya/mdhshla.stm

Amitabh Bachan his son has recited few verses which can be found at link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO_2Ypeq6KM&feature=related

Stanzas:

madiraalay jaane ko ghar se, chaltaa hae peene waalaa
kis path se jaaoon asamanjas, mein hae woh bholaabhaalaa
alag alag path batalaate sab, par maen yeh batalaataa
hun raah pakad tu eka chalaachal, paa jaa aega madhushaalaa

sun kalkal chhalchhal, madhughat se girti, praanon mein haalaa
sun runjhun runjhun jal vitaran, karti madhusati baalaa
bas aa ponhche door nahin kutchh, chaar kadam ab chalna
hae behak rahe sun peene waale, mehak rahi le madhushaalaa

lal sura si dhaar lapatetee, keh na ise dena jwalaa
Yeh nil madira hae mat isko, keh dena ur ka chhaalaa
dard nashaa hae is madira ka, vigat smrutiyan saaqi hein
peeda mein aanand jise ho, aaey meri MADHUSHAALAA

dharm granth sab jalaa chuki hein, jiske bheetar ki jwalaa
mandir, masjid, girje sab kuchh, toade chuka jo matwaalaa
pandit, momin, padariyon ke, phandon ko jo kaat chuka
kar sakti hae aaj usi ka, swaagat meri MADHUSHAALAA

Laalaa in adharon se jisne, haay nahein choomi haalaa
harshit kampit kar se jisne, haay na chhuwaa madhu ka pyaalaa
haath pakad lajjit saaqi ka, paas nahein jisne kheenchaa
vyarth sukhaa daali jeevan ki, usne madhumaya MADHUSHAALAA.

bane pujaari premi saaqi, gangaajal pawan haalaa
rahe pherata avirat gati se, madhu ke pyaalon ki maalaa
aur liye jaa, aur piye jaa, isi mantra ka jaap kare
maen Shiv ki pratimaa ban baethun, mandir ho yeh MADHUSHAALAA.

aek baras mein aek baar hi jalti holi ki jwaalaa
aek bar hi lagti baazi, jagti deepon ki maalaa
duniya waalo kintu kisi din, aa madiraalaya mein dekho
din ko holi raat diwali, roze manati MADHUSHAALAA.

adharon par ho koee bhi ras, jiwha par lagti haalaa
han jag ho koee haathon mein, lagta rakkha hae pyaalaa
har surat saaqi ki surat, mein parivartit ho jaati
aankhon ke aage ho kuchh bhi, aankhon mein hae MADHUSHAALAA.

sumukhi tumhara sundar mukh hi, mujh ko kanchan kaa pyaalaa
chhalak rahi hae, jisme, maNik roop madhur maadak haalaa
maen hi saaqi banta maen hi, peene waala banta hun
jahan kahin mil baethe ham tum, vahin gaee ho MADHUSHAALAA

do din hee madhu mujhe pilaa kar, oob uthi saaqi baalaa
bhar kar ab khiska daetee hae, woh merae aage pyaalaa
naaz-o-adaa andaazon se ab, haae pilaanaa door huwaa
ab to kar detee hae kewal, farz-adaaee MADHUSHAALAA

chhote se jeevan mein kitnaa, pyaar karoon, pee loon haalaa
aane ke hi saath jagat mein, kahlaayaa jaane waalaa
swaagat ke hi saath bidaa ki, hoatee dekhee tayyaari
band lagee hone khulate hi, maeri jeevan MADHUSHAALAA.

shaant saki ho kab tak saaqi, pee kar kis ur ki jwaalaa
aur aur ki raTan lagaataa, jaataa har peene waalaa
kitni ichchhaaen, har jaane waalaa chhod yahan jaataa
kitne armaanon ki ban kar, qabra khadee hae MADHUSHAALAA.

Yam aaegaa saaqi ban kar, saath liye kaali haalaa
pee na hoash mein phir aaegaa, sura visudh yah matwaalaa
yah antim behoashi, antim saaqi, antim pyaala hae
pathik pyaar se peena isko, phir na milaegi MADHUSHAALAA.

girti jaati hae din prati-din, praNayani praNon ki haalaa
bhagna huwa jaata din prati-din, shubhage mera tan pyaala
rooTh raha hae mujhse roopasi, din din yauwan ka saaqi
sookh rahi hae din din sundari, meri jeevan MADHUSHAALAA.

maere adharon par ho antim, vastu na tulsidal pyaalaa
maeri jiwha par ho antim, vastu na gangaajal haalaa
maere shav ke peechhe chalne waalo, yaad ise rakhnaa
Ram naam hae satya na kehnaa, kehnaa sachchee MADHUSHAALAA

maere shav par vah roae ho, jiske aansoo mein haalaa
aah bhare voh ho jo surbhit, madiraa pee kar matwaalaa
daen mujhko ve kandha jinke, pag-mag-dag-mag hoate hoan
aur jaloon us Thaor jahan par, kabhi rahi ho MADHUSHAALAA

Portugal team updates

2008-06-08T00:02:00.001-07:00

Euro2008

2008-06-01T00:42:00.001-07:00

I have got my eyes on you

2008-05-20T00:04:00.001-07:00

Amy: Jack's dream come true

Engineering days, most of guys would relate those days to girl sabbatical days. When every day started with a hope that today would be the lucky day and one will be able to catch a glimpse of that gorgeous girl who computer science department. Mostly days don’t turn out to be lucky and they turn out to be hard when you spot that girl you adore with every part of you with that chimp from her class, smiling away in between lectures. Felling of getting a ‘suplli’ in all subjects in a semester can be handled but watching her on bike with somebody else simply rips your hear apart. Well, the story is same in every engineering college with girls being outnumbered one on ten; life gets hard almost for every guy.

This tale that I am about to narrate is about a guy who’s great at being with girls, one of those guys who share an instant rapport with opposite sex. He is the type whose social circle extends from first year girls to fourth year girls. His reputation of a nice guy seems to waft to every corner in campus. You can spot him in college lawns with some girl explaining her four equations of electromagnetic theory.

Contrary to all expectations this guy fell in for a prank by his friends, for reference sake let’s call this guy Jack. So, our Jack really knew his stuff and we (I, babla, nilpa and budha) doubted that he would fall for the set up, but as we found out it was not that tough probably because the guy got over confident about his capabilities and charm. He would soon discover that internet is not what it appears and sometimes online dating can make you put your exceptionally large foot in your mouth.

So the tale unfolds like this on a hot sweaty afternoon when all four of us (I, babla, nilpa and budha) had bunked college giving in to our laziness, we decided that since our Jack had had no opportunity to display his magic on opposite sex for a long time, why not give him that opportunity and test his ability. :P to cut the long story short have some fun.

A conspiracy was hatched and plan was to create an online identity so vivacious that out Jack was bound to be fall or better still seduced. Hunt for an name began , brainstorming so fierce I doubt any corporate board room would have witnessed as of us were eager to have our invented name to be used as an alibi. After a long drawn discussion we decided on a name (Amy), needless to say those who know us would have guessed babla won, because his creativity stooped to lowest levels.

It started the very same evening at 2:00 AM when jack came online to chat. Amy was waiting for him with eagerness so profound one can easily mistake it for love at first sight except that our poor jack didn’t have any long sight. Amy pretended to be from Australia, Melbourne. Gave out certain facts about her but making sure that she left certain grey areas of mystery lest jack suspects a rat. As I said Jack knew his stuff and was no fool, he started asking questions about Australia and Melbourne and other questions to gauge whether profile was fake or Amy could really be that girl he could brag about to his friends who were ‘lukhas’. Lets we engineers’ have got knack for JIT and Google of course came to aid in answering various questions about Melbourne. After about 45 minutes of interrogation jack was satisfied that he had stumbled on a gold mine and we were pleased that now all that Googling would pay off and reaping time was near. We were careful about the time difference and played accordingly and from this Jack came to know that Amy was a college girl who was just dumped by her bootilicious boy friend and she needed a shoulder for crying and support. Jack decided that he would be her Knight in shining armor. He would be that shoulder on which she could lean and later that shoulder crying could materialize into an overseas affair as I said in engineering days, every guy fantasizes about something or the other; I guess we had just stumbled on jacks dream or Jack just found his dream liaison girl.

The story moved forward and it was now 2 days old and our jack and our Amy had chatted for around 5 hours. With this 5 hour relationship our jack was getting confident by the day and that is when we stuck gold because we didn’t expect we could even get a feast out of this online relationship with Jack. Jack confident about his charm and charisma decided to bet with us that in one week he would graduate from being online friends to overseas phone friends. We pretended to contemplate about this bet among our selves so that our Jack might raise the stake in the bet and he did from ice-cream to dinner and he was ON. He was pleased with himself and we were smug about the scheme we had just hatched.

As luck would have it our comp blew that evening and Jack was disappointed when he didn’t find Amy online that day. We were disappointed too for firstly we were missing out on the fun secondly we feared if Jack got a wind or suspected foul play we would miss out on free food. Good work by Babla and Budha ensured that next day machine was up and running though they had to miss college for that which they were glad to do.

So to ours and jacks relief relationship went ahead and this time Amy compensated for one days absence to Jack by giving him blow by blow account of her break up. The week passed by very quickly and it was D Day. Seventh day of the week and were we looking forward to the treat was like was Jack waiting for Amy to call.

Well the D-Day chat ended with Amy promising jack the she would call Next week and this became point of controversy as Jack now backtracked and said what he meant was that he would make her agree into calling him but what he actually said was that he would make her call in a week and as expected we had another fun argument with jack swearing on his and Amy’s friendship and we making fun about it, cajoling it.

Seems jack now cracked under performance pressure and decided to raise stake in bet for another impossible task and more time but considering that the joke had been carried pretty far broke the news to Jack, hearing which jack got hysterical and stomped out of the apartment and we felt sorry about the dinner as it was sure that now it was a distant reality. Surprisingly Jack came back in 20 minutes and being a sport that he is decided that he would treat us to ice-cream instead and all was back to boring.

2008-05-12T02:46:00.000-07:00

The first swing...

One of the rare mornings is Saturday mornings; it becomes even rarer when I can manage to get up at 7 in morning. Driving factor was two fold, primarily my quest to learn something new in this case it was golf- a sophisticated game where you can swing at as many balls as you like, unlike cricket. Secondly, to test my ability to swing against Happy Gilmore’s swing. True to my shattered expectations, my first swing was breathtaking, I must have hit around a zillion microbes, unfortunately none of them were on the ball. My only solace was level of deftness of those who accompanied along, Kamlavatti and Amravati were first timers like me, and they too were testing their inclinations towards golf, I suppose. The other two, Panduram and Bhavikmal were second timers and our coach for the day. Both off them capable of making balls fly in skewed directions.

So, we famous five reached Greens, and to our delight place seemed devoid of any commotion but as soon as we stepped out we knew the reason why? An arresting stench of nearby landfill wafted to us. Kamlavatti and Amravati refused to move out of car because of stench, I guess they were contemplating their decision play golf. Nevertheless, two Joan of the Arcs didn’t back out and braved the stench and the sun.

As we got accustomed to the sensuous fragrance, we decided to concentrate on some swinging. Since yours respectfully, Kamlavatti and Amravati were pros at the game, we took a back seat and allowed growth opportunity for leading and knowledge sharing to Panduram and Bhavikmal to which they rose beautifully and very patiently taught us tricks of the game. Keeping in purview their ability to impart knowledge and communicate well, I am hopeful they will secure a tener in current PPG. (No sarcasm intended, a note of thanks to Panduram and Bhavikmal)

As for three of us, we swigged a few, missed a few and so the training continued till Kamlavatti and Amravati started complaining about sun being a spoil sport. Though Panduram, Bhavikmal and I didn’t give in to constant complaints and continued swinging. As luck would have it our Bhavikmal was soon injured by a gash on his right hand. I guess performance pressure did him in. Anyway, not the ratio was 3:2 as our Bhavikmal who could not play decided to hit shade and provide expert comments on my swing. One that I can recall is “He is playing like Dhoni”….grrrr :P.

Against all this pressure from opposition, Panduram and I stood our ground and kept swinging but most of credit should go to Panduram because his was the final word. His word was law after all it was his car by which we were supposed to go back. So, as they say “Jiski lathi uski bhais”.

After some two hours of golfing we decided to head back home making a stopover for coffee where we apparently gained more than we had lost at superficially tiring game.

I guess Panduram should be thanked for driving us to the golf course. Signing of for now….wait for the next in series.

P.s - Names have been changed to avoid any kind of jokes and comments. :)

2008-03-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

Dreamers

A Relaxing sleepless night, a gleaming moonless night.
A long wished dream, a story for fiction.

Last night was the most amazing night I ever had. I had a dream without a trace of sleep in my eyes, yet by the time it was dawn, I was more dewy and youthful as against eight hour sleep.

The dream seemed to have done the trick, relaxing my muscles, easing the tension, parting the cloud of uncertainty. The dream was like a wish come true only it was imaginary. The whole thing happened inside my head as ideally and perfectly as wished, but we all know not all dreams come true, not all wishes are granted and everybody doesn’t get the moon.

A boundless field supporting golden barley saplings which swayed to wind’s harmony .Sunlight played tricks as if field was laid with gold. The narrow path which led to the bright colored mansion overlooking the fields was covered with Apple trees to provide shade. Freshly watered fields enticed with the smell which was carried all over by the cool breeze.

We lay on a satin sheet spread under the shade of an old Apple tree visualizing ourselves in our heads as Adam and Eve of modern times, with my arm around her which provided her the comfort that, I will always be there holding her, supporting her no matter what comes. Her head rested on my shoulder while she caressed my hand. Her breadth on my body made me warm inside with a feeling of love and never ending care. She gently leaned on me using me to support her as her eyes drooped a bit with sleep on her eye lids and at that instant, I promised myself, this is one responsibility, I never want to shy away from.

I can carry this baby of mine in my arms along with me loving her, caring for her and protecting her. As her eyes drooped more with sleep and I sat there watching her while wind carried the fragrance of her sweet summer sweat, mesmerizing me. As I lay there enthralled watching her, I felt the power of love which called on me and reached for my heart.

I loved the way she looked with her hair hanging down to her shoulders, her face glowing with love. Breeze playfully flew her hairs across her face, and I moved my hand across her face so as to tuck her hairs behind her ears, and as my hands felt touch of her face soft as petals, I couldn’t stop myself from kissing her forehead and feeling lucky that I had an angel beside me with whom I was head over heels in love.

As I caressed her arms and touched back of her neck, she snuggled up close to me and whispered “Don’t ever leave me” and at that moment I wanted to say to her that I am never gonna say goodbye, because I never wanna see you cry. If you are with me, I would never let you go. I will keep trying, so you should know that love that we share is never meant to die. People might say that time might hit the passion but believe it if we try, there are something’s in this world that can’t be denied.

She, as if heard my heart singing closed her eyes and a smile spread across her face. With her hope and trust in me she curled around me and I whispered in her ears “Trust our love” and we lay there till sunset and then I carried my queen to the palace at dusk and we both knew that the day would be remembered as the day we painted sky with our love and made it a night to remember.

2007-12-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

The Adorables

Hold on to your imaginative horses, for I am sure your stead would have teleported you to green pastures of lovey dovey world after reading the title of this article. This write up is not about love stuck couples who drown themselves into eyes of their partner taking them to be limpid pools of love. It’s not dedicated to those who spend hours thinking about that someone special and weaving perfect romance in their imaginations. This is not a standing ovation to those people that make sure no party organizer starves.

No Don’t!! Please don’t make a perception that I am one of those morons, who despises love and all those who seek it considering next to salvation. With all due respect to love all I want to say this article is about love between two friends (not gays please). This write up is dedicated to the two adorables who have reminded many of us of their childhood days which comprised of all those puerile justifications for avoiding baths, making caricatures on floors and walls, mud wrestling, broken vases and window panes and loads of stuff that wasn’t allowed.

Oh! Please don’t get restless, I aren’t going to give up names so easily though I am sure some of you might have guessed. Let them boggle your mind a bit as they have tickled your funny bone since 1985. If it’s being so difficult let me drop a hint. The twosome characters written and illustrated by Bill Watterson, following the humorous antics of, an imaginative six-year old boy and his energetic and sardonic albeit stuffed tiger.

Yes, you got it correct my friends. They are none other than

Calvin and Hobbes

Calvin who never misses a chance to crack an intelligent- humorous and witting remark on any status quo is paired with Hobbes who’s a perfect match for our little devil Calvin.

Calvin reminds me so much of myself when I was a kid. When I used to imagine everything in my head from super man to stupendous man, from wagging a war against slimy alien monster Zorg as intrepid space explorer Spiff to dumping water balloons on girls. No articulation can do justice to what little devil can conjure up in his imagination.

Equivalently worthy of acclaim is Hobbes our fluffy man eater with ferocious mandibles which fail him in front of a girl, when he is mesmerized by their cuddly hug. He is his never disappointing partner I crime who will come out innocent every time a plan backfires.

As coin with only one side is worth less, as Sherlock homes is hollow without Dr. Watson, so, is the case with out inseparable adorables Calvin and Hobbes.

2007-08-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

Moonlight Kiss

I can feel my heart and it's fit to burst.
I try to clean it up but it just gets worst.
Wish I could fall on a night like this,
into your loving arms for a moonlight kiss.

It would be lying if I say I have moved on. This white lie never ceases to amaze my friends who very well know my reputation. They have easily termed me as a fool who refuses to see the truth and keeps hoping that somethings gonaa change. Well, that might be hoping too much for things to change when they haven't for years but then you know old habits die hard. ;)

When i look back and try to reconstruct or deconstruct the arguments as to what went wrong I find myself bewildered and saddened by the effect that circumstances had on both of us and how helpless we became and are till date. Though realizing that we were helpless isn't gonaa set anything rite and i feel bad that we couldn't do anything to prevent what happened.

I am happy about the recent turn of events in our lives because i feel it has given both of us a better understanding of things. Things that were known to both of us but were never talked about and discussed. recent development though doesn't change the bigger picture in anyway but it gives me cozy and snuggle up feeling of the times we shared together. The moments that kept us spellbound for hours. Time flew by - The year was over before i knew and a void was
molded and somehow still persists.

Memories preserved and cherished have kept me going been my strength and weakness simultaneously. It was just one year that we shared but its care still lingers...

I have always tried to explain and tried to justify to myself that one year was not worth so many years of solitude and seclusion. how many times i have tried to answer the question "Was it worth it ?" and as any times i have tried to explain it to myself it wasn't.

Deep inside I know 'It Was' how much i try convince I know "Juice was worth the squeeze" and that even if i have moved on It's with the strength which those very moments spent with you that i treasured.

Pretty weird post ain't it?
Who cares .....

2007-08-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

Been there Done that

My day has been eventful again, not that it isn't everyday. Something or the other seems to go weird almost all the time. Either I am in one of my moods or if I am happy and joyous, it turns out that one of my friends isn't feeling too good. It's not that i don't like talking to my friends when there mood is in dumps and their free soaring spirit is chained. Just that I feel sorry for them that they are loosing precious moments of life in sorrowful and troubled way. squandering away such precious moments when I want them to live their life to fullest , live to their hearts desire.

I just had a brilliant discussion and leg pulling conversation with one of my friends and when she felt she had lost on her argument and that there was no way except to accept that she wasn't reasoning effectively and her logic was flawed. She decides to get away with one of her very effective ways of saying " Al rite! Where do you wanna have dinner? ". This time i decided not to let her go easily as I was on a spree today pulling her leg and when she got a bit annoyed pampering her that and telling her how necessary it was for me to have such brain storming discussions with her (especially when she lost) as we have been doing it now for 6 years. Phew long time since i have been tolerating her ;). She has been my partner in crime, planning pranks, cracking jokes , passing comment's on others, deconstructing others thoughts .

Together we have burnt dance floors, have drunk like crazies to each others health, races in pool, checked out cuisines, mocking cocktails, been dragged to shopping, protected each other,
put life into craziest imaginations, been there done that .....

BUT today in spite of all the fun, i see that twinkle missing form her eye and she knows I know some thing's wrong and that it's impossible for her to hide from me but she knows whatever happens " I am there" and so i rest my mind because I know whats wrong " I can read her mind and I now her story".

She must understand time cannot be stalled and its only a matter of time and this too shall pass. Things have to take proper course and they need time. One must not rush.

Oh! did I tell you ?? we both love to dance and thats what we are best at and so we dance !! dance till we drop.

Been writing weird posts !! surprise

2007-06-13T08:36:00.000-07:00

About Me

Whether it be social networking site like Orkut, Yaari or a your personnel blog or for that matter it might be application for job or visa one thing which is common between them is “About Me” section or better termed as “Your accomplishment and character section” standing long and on top giving me that blank look which almost gives me a feeling that I am nobody.

I have modified my “About me” ‘s so many times or rather wait revamped it completely so many times that sometimes I feel that if somebody was to compare my earlier “About Me” ‘s with what it is currently they would either think that I am insane or completely agitated by this futile, hollow and good for nothing section. Why is it that I have to tell people “What I am like?” They should be able to understand me on their own without using an “About Me” section as walking stick. Well, whatever I say I have seen people who love this section for different reasons, some like to boast, some express their parochial approach or some like to enlighten the world with their knowledge sham though I won’t take a completely pessimistic view I have come across certain “About Me” sections which are worth reading.

Infact I am so impressed by those few “About Me” sections that I personally thought of writing one for my self. You would be thinking he himself couldn’t escape from the overpowering urge of writing an “About Me” section. ;)

So, here it goes….

I feel I am super cool dude infact I am so cool that I can make u believe that you were bout to be vaporized into thin air without a trace if not for me who saved you from such immense heat wave by touching you. You would be wondering how I managed such a feat. It’s simple I am cool so once u come in my contact I took heat from you and you were saved as of me now I am HOT so now you can very well imagine what effect word HOT has on girls.

I am somebody who is master of all trades. There isn’t a thing in this world that I don’t know you might want to counter me by saying that I am wrong but u will realize one day that it was you who was wrong and not me. When you will realize that I cannot say because it depends on you and your tiny, birdlike brain to accept the universal fact that I am always right. I say so because I know in my heart the secrets of this universe which were buried some million years ago when I was a small kid to be hidden from prying eyes of venal and mercenary people.

I have negotiated the best deals till date, to recall some of my astonishing deals
I once sold handkerchief to a cloth merchant. I sold refrigerator to a man living in North Pole by making him realize the effect of global warming. I am crowned prince of the republic of hearts.

I am known to talk to animals and make them believe that they are humans. I am an artist who paints world in his own colors and then washes it off. I have been proclaimed leader of ferocious and valiant group of mutants who I have led in numerous wars against malevolent extra terrestrial creatures and have saved your life numerous times: D.

I have made best of friends with many people who live on other planets who have invited me plentiful times to their planet for new year and Christmas parties but I haven’t been able t go yet because I am busy exploring other galaxies many light years away even now while you read this I might be on another of my explore universe missions. ;)

I have made a time machine which I regularly use to ferry people from one millennium to another. I can’t still transport people from one era to another using time machine as I haven’t still developed that functionality though day is not far when I will take people to meet great friends of mine from past. To give u a subtle hint about my friends dinosaurs and Mammoths.

-
I have reinvented the wheel many a times in new shapes like squares and pentagons. Now I plan to use gravity for flying high above. It’s anybody’s guess how?

:D :D ;) ;)

What do you think ?

2007-06-10T03:13:00.000-07:00

The K- Saagaaaaaa continues

Love them or hate them you can’t ignore them. I am not talking about Himesh Reshamiya’s videos I am talking about our very own K-Soaps brigade. If there would have been an Oscar for Soaps, I am sure these archaic K-Serials would have won all awards hands down not because they are very enlightening but because they have consistently succeeded in selling themselves in spite of being preposterous.

Consider this on Monday u come back home early thinking you can catch up on some news or probably national geographic or some sci-fi thriller. Soon u sit in front of idiot box and surf through channels and you catch glimpse of “Kyunki saas bhi kabhi bahu thi” promo what an ironic title you think. If this is how Indian wives and daughter in laws are supposed to behave and act. I would say you better worry about your lives. As soon as clock strikes 9 in evening you can hear T.V sets in your neighborhood blaring at full volume with more advertisements than actual content no wonder retail is booming.

From 9 to 11 you have to tolerate this crap which does nothing except pollute your mind with all those heinous, iniquitous schemes of revenge and treachery. If you have religiously followed these soaps or even have had a chance to stumble on their promos you would find that they give birth to kids with only one motive and that is to take revenge. Nurturing this hope in their hearts they tell their kids stories of how they were cheated by their very own brothers and sisters and how their only soul motive in life is to have vengeance. No stress is laid on any of the grave problems like pollution, population, illiteracy in fact they themselves give birth to at least 5 kids. It’s a different story that all those kids would have either same father and different mothers or same mother and different fathers. These half brothers and sisters keep on fighting among them selves and then since this war is necessary to keep the TRP’s high this seed of hatred is passed on to their kids who zestfully fight till their kids takeover from them to keep up the family honor. Men wearing silk kurta’s and women clad in kanchivaram saris boldly spread the message of hatred and loath. They hide their mistakes under circumstantial situations and tide of emotions. Sardonically the title is “ Kahani ghar-ghar ki”. I sincerely hope that no home has such a story where you live just to take revenge and give your kids the same thinking. God forbids any home should have such a story. I hope they realize what they are passing on to viewers media is supposed to be showing soaps with some message and morals but here I cant see where the story is heading leave aside moral.

Yesterday only I saw this news on one of the news channels that character of our most obedient bahu was now going to be played by somebody else. Well, obviously its going to be a big change for the soaps viewers might accept or reject the new artist but does this piece of information make it so important that it is telecasted on national channels. People watch news channels to keep them abreast with happenings around the world and latest happenings in real world not to be updated with what is the latest development in these never ending sagas which are nothing more than futile attempts to entertain public.

Well one can pass the blame on the pretext that people want to see such masala stuff only. I beg to differ people will watch what you make them watch. I can clearly recall soaps like “Saans”, “Surbhi” and “KBC” which used to come at prime time and have notched high TRP’s consistently. People have no option on every channel you can see varied versions of “saas-bahu” saga being aired . Travelling full circle one has to settle for one of those mind-numbing, lack luster never ending tortures.

2006-12-31T01:51:00.000-08:00

NeW YeAr EvE SpEcIaL

Count down has begun few hours left before year 2006 goes down memory lane and year 2007 comes in with fresh enthusiasm new hopes and aspirations.

Every year on 31st december I see this confusion on everybody's face when they are fighting a furious argument with themselves on deciding where to go? The trouble with most guys when deciding is which place would be best when they have to take their some one special out.Then comes the brain storming session between mind and heart .... disc or lounge or dinner or just a stroll hand in hand.

While I was enjoying tension on face of my cousin and trying my level best to supress my laughter balloon to burst. Idiot bowls a bouncer to me.. "Where would u have taken her?"

Now he is the one enjoying lines of tension on my face. Smiling cunningly and patting himself at job well done.I must admit Question is very complicated, Very orignal and imagintive:P :D

Well, anyways I jog back recall that special new year. Memories so fresh so clear i ask myself was it years back or was it just last year?

whatever it was there was a time when New year eve was the eve of giving her little surprises to see her inncocent smile when she recieved those surprises. When my priority new year resolution was too find the most romantic way of telling her how much I loved her. Days of planning before that eve to make sure everythng was in order. Roping in my frnds to make sure everything was as planned inspite of their protests and cursing that i was spoiling their preprations but thankfully the were always there to support and to work tirelessly to give shape to my most wildest and craziest imaginations lending me money which sometimes i took months to repay ;).

There was a time when joy on her face that one eve was enough to make me smile all throughout the year. That passion we shared which made us sail through all the tough times and rock in all the good times.

Alright lecture is over..:P
I Pause on for a moment to see the effect on my cousins face. Hoping that he understood what i wanted to convey.

2006-12-16T07:23:00.000-08:00

Researching pick-up lines..... :P

I am sure title to this article is provocative and compelling enough for you to read it. Dont stop urself go ahead but before I publish the results of this reasearch team who had this whackiest idea of researching what effect some of the pickup lines have on girls.

Before i move on I must acknowledge cooperation of all my female friends who co-operated very patiently and tried to answer all questions with most lucid explanations to all my utterly annoying questions. ;)

Without much ado about everythng i will publish some of the findings now and keep rest to myself for my use.... :P ... Now Now!! dont snort at this idea..... just read on ......

So darker sex please read on........what fairer sex thinks

Key B: boy
G: girl

First
B: Are you a parking ticket?
G: what?
B: u have "fine" written all over u ....
G: Excuse me....goes away
(Thinks- nerve of that guy ......he has despo written all over him)

Second:
B: Can I borrow a buck?
G: What for?
B: I want to call my mom and tell her I just met the girl of my dreams.
G:( Now this grl is bold enough and over din of loud music retorts)
If you dont buzz off my dear you would need another buck to tell your mom that u have to get ur nose fixed. Your Mom didnt buy her dudley a mobile?

Third:
B: you have got beautiful eyes ! Havent seen u arnd here bfore?
G: Never Mind ! I hate parties Just a frnds bday
Thinks- Am not a sucker like you prowling every night for any hooker.
says to her frnd- How The hell did he notice my eyes ...i think he meant figure in place of eyes :P
She is Bitchy isnt she? ;)

Fourth:
B: You look like an angel. Can i Take the liberty of Transforming Myself into Ur angel?
G: Man havent You heard about the law of physics That opposites attract .....so logically i need a devil :P

Fifth:
B: Hey You Got dimples on Your cheek like pretty Zinta.
G: ahan....really thanks a tonne.....very creative
Though There is only one problem my boyfrnd thinks i got dimples like catherine zeta .....

lets put a stop here.....i must get this approved from ladies whos impeccable inputs made it possible. :P

2006-11-26T04:30:00.000-08:00

The Days gone by..

Memories of the days gone by,
the forbidden treasure left by time.
Lock which holds the key to my heart,
burried by time only to be pulled out by time.

Fragrance of her hair,
as if spring in the air.
Face shining so bright,
Sun might run to hide.
Eyes bright like amber,
wont let you wander.
Her love so selfless,
it might make you jealous.

The perfectness for which no exemplar exists.
The feeling of bliss which you cant miss.
The axiom "Oh! so fine",
might not justify the panache so sublime.

Her caress filled with love and hope, I miss the most.
Her whispering "I love you", makes me say "i miss you".
Memories of the days gone by, refuse to blur
and my love for her refuses to stir.

2006-10-31T20:55:00.000-08:00

gt it in a mail..............

Rohit woke up one fine morning with a huge hangover. He forced himself to open his eyes, and the first thing he saw is a couple of aspirins and a glass of water on the side table. He sat down and sees his clothing in front of him, all clean and pressed.

Rohit looks around the room and sees that it is in perfect order,
spotless, clean. So is the rest of the house. He takes the aspirins and
notices a note on the table. "Honey, breakfast is on the stove, I left
early to go shopping. Love You!"

So he goes to the kitchen and sure enough there is a hot breakfast and
the morning newspaper. His son is also at the table, eating. Rohit
asks, "Son, what happened last night?"

His son says, "Well, you came home around 3 AM, drunk and delirious.
Broke some furniture, puked in the hallway, and gave yourself a black eye
when you stumbled into the door".

Totally Confused, Rohit asks, "So, why is everything in order and so clean, and breakfast is on the table waiting for
me? I should expect a big quarrel with her!"

His son replies, "Oh, that! Mom dragged you to the bedroom, and when
she tried to take your clothes n shoes off, you said , "hey !!!!!!!
leave me alone! I'm married!"

Moral

Breakfast -- Rs. 100.00

Self-induced hangover -- Rs. 2000.00

Broken furniture -- Rs. 20,000.00

Saying The Right Thing While Drunk - PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-08-11T00:45:00.000-07:00

PLEASURES OF GIVING

I woudn't call it an apt title to the article below for in today's world you might find that "pleasures of giving" are only relished when you are inflicting pain, agony, contempt or in being impertinent.

Probably if i were to retitle it

"PLEASURES OF SHARING"

This woudnt be considered an inapt title. I say this because I believe we have long forgotten the pleasures of giving and all that delights us these days is the act of barter. The simple balance of take and give. If we do a favour we expect a favour in return. So enthralled are we with this balance of give and take that the festivals and occasions of social gatherings are used fervently to get a task completed which has been hanging in abeyance for a long time.

The rich is getting Richer twice by the day and exponentially by the night and poor is being pushed to the limits of poverty. He is being graded for his persevearence to sustain in desolate and abject conditions though rich who aptly understands his responsiblity towards society and its deplorable condition which he considers his moral duty to help in improving donates now and then a small amount sometimes to cleanse the soul, to make his heart feel the peace and to ensure that he dosent go to hell after death. so, we need a favour even when we donate.I understand that charity exists just because it cleanses our sins. so, i can probably accept the idea that we ask god to forgive us by helping others.

I am more disapointed by the fact that even love which is supposed to be selfless in its nature hasnt been spared by this mindset of barter. Few days back only i overheard love birds figting over such a trivial matter that is worthless to mention but nevertheless i would tell u. Topic of argument was why is it I who calls you everytime and you never do it.If we fight over such trivial matters how can we even think of spending lives together whose prerequisites are mutual trusts and understanding.

well, I just hope the picture isn't that bad because we still have with us people who do acts of selflessness without any ulterior motives. Likes of Warren Buffet who donate such humoungus amounts without expecting anything.I hope our generation follows their footsteps and then probably one day I hope to pen down a writeup on
"PLEASURES OF GIVING".

Though it is funny but i just remembered a saying I read somewhere
"In god we trust, all others must pay cash."
;)

2006-08-06T23:30:00.000-07:00

RAIN NOT IN VAIN

Feel the pain when it rains for it is in vain to stake the claim,
Lonliness claims the fort as my heart holds her close.

Clouds mock me for being resistant,
but they cry feeling my persistence.

Moths tend to guide towards light,
but alas short is their flight.

As raindrops trickle down towards my heart.
I lounge for her warmth that has always created a spark.

As wind blows caressing my face,
I remember her memories which i still embrace.

Rain stops, Clouds recede, puddles dry, water recedes
but her memories don't. They refuse a fight erupts between me and myself. My mind says they make u weak, Vulnerable and Unstable. My heart says its the only strenth i have without them I am shattered that is the only glue that binds me.

Vacillating between the two stands I wish if i had one more chance things would have been different .......but then what difference does it make to you.

2006-06-28T00:07:00.000-07:00

THE MAN OF STEEL RETURNS

If you are thinking about a superman dressed in blue and red garb then you are both right and wrong because I am refering to our own Indian super hero........no no.....if you have concluded that I am going to write an article on trying to bring to light how our homegrown superheroes (Krish) have started following Hollywood trend. I would say dont be impatient.

I am refering to our very own steel baron Mr. Laxmi Mittal. A man who by his sheer determination and lasting guts overcame all the opposition and has vanquished all suspicions which tried to put doubt on his flawless planning and global vision.

No wonder THE ECONOMIC TIMES promptly stated
" call it the victory of Indian 'colone' over European 'perfume'."

With saga that started on 14th Jan'06 when Mr. Mittal talked to Arcelor CEO about possibility of Mittal steel acquiring Arcelor which he turned down to 26th Jun'06 when Arcelor board decided to accept the improved offer by Mittal steel.

When he left India in 1976 who would have thought this man would spear head world's steal industry with comfortable family holding of 43.5% of Arcelor Mittal he is definately leading.The combined entity has capacity of 130mt i.e. 10% of worlds steel output, 61 steel plants in 27 countries a feeding hand to 3,20,000.The figure just shows how seminal this merger is and just shows how world is now awakening to the presence of INDIA INC. on the global economic front.

Today every Indian is proud of steel baron who has proved that globalization is not a one way street if India is open to foreign investment and welcomes them so should foreign countries.

The man truly posses nerves of steel as it is not a small feat to achieve the position he has acquired in just a span of 20 years. He has taken great risks and has proved that his meticulous planning is perfect to every step.

He is a man who turned most of ailing and ageing steel plants into profitable ventures. He has proved once again that thinking out of the box is what matters you might do same things but you have to do them in a different way.

Way to go king Mittal.....

2006-06-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

WHERE IS SHE ?

Chann taswira khat mann di kamayi hai..
Aaj mainu phir teri yaad ayi hai..
Ohi chand ohi ratan..........ohi purwayi hai........

Like frozen water time stands still for me whenever I listen to this song . Like a kid wko always does things which he is told not to do. perhaps because it gives thrills but in my case that nostalgic feeling that washes over me every time I explore the forbidden box of memories some sweet some sour, some facetious some serious.Whicever quadrant i classify them in .....I still hold them close to my heart.

The recollection of those days......the magic she weaved ......her presence so soothing and calming making me feel as if there is nothing in this world that could go wrong. Her smile so disarming how could i get angry with her for being late.Her beauty so captivating how could I ever wonder.
Her care and concern so natural ....who else could have cared so much.

I still think she deserved some one better.I guess she realized that n that's the reason she has gone..................
but i wonder where......where .........where has she gone.......vanished into thin air.............

I try to follow her trail with every possible explanation and possibility but she seems to have ................poof......in deep seas or in snow covered peaks of lofty mountains or in vast fields or in deep valeys......in dense forests............somewhere i got to find her........but where?

How much I try to hide to keep the flame under wraps which still flares inside my heart at just the mention of her name. The desire that still rages no matter how much i try to hide but the world knows guess it shows.............i wonder who is the traitor my heart?

naaahhhh..........my heart is not here with .......wandering sumwhere searching fervently for her guess my eyes cant hide a thing.......

The moat has been crossed the gates the gates compromised, walls breached her memories again hold the sway. She is still my hearts queen..........n I am still searching.............

2006-06-19T04:42:00.000-07:00

God Bless.........FIFA World Cup 2006

If u are wondering why am i blessing world cup?......its because world cup this time has earned special place in my heart. Though soccer is a relegion for many in world . Soccer a sport that attracts millions of fans from all over the world.

Host countries generate revenues worth zilllionsssss of dollars as that place transforms into mecca for ardent fans and followers of this relegion which is called ' football' .

I guess the tag line ....."it's not a game.....it's not a sport.........it's a relegion" fully justifies the crazyness I see in ppl for it.

Though i must admit sometimes the craze caught up with me too and i followed few favs like BRAZIL, GERMANY, ARGENTINA.......but could never sustain my intrest;)

Still i bless this event because this time it has achieved the impossible . It has managed to keep my closest friends without fighting since it's beginning n that my frnds is a great feat....as i am fully aware they have to fight everyday n then i have resolve it everyday which is now my daily routine.....hehehe......n i admire them that they still love each other.

I was amazed to see them both huddled on sofa in front of my friend's television and actually enjoying the match..............shocked as i was Aditi and football ......sumthings just dont fit together ;)

She was patiently trying to understand the intricacies of football which he was explaining to her with great enthusiasm. When he went to fetch some coffee, I asked her "Hey! u hated football.....i remember that".

She winked at me and said
"Understanding each others intrest is best possible way to understand each other." and I must say I really second her opinion.

So, I asked her in a jesting manner "Does he show intrest in ur intrest which is shopping ;) ?" and now as i am sure you can guess she has charged a guy with the responsibility of making a guy understand that shopping is intresting.....my god [;P].

hhhmmmmmm.......on second thoughts I think she is right to be together one must show intrests in others intrests.....and on lighter side [:D] . They won't come to me fighting like kids everyday and i can have some peace [;)].

Hey Aditi I hope this works......as there is nothing more than his love for you which can motivate him to find sumthng positive and intresting about shopping[;)]........but I am sure about one thing he LOVES YOU.....trust me on that.[:)]

For you my brother ......you are intelligent enough to understand what to do.........n I am sure u wont disappoint me .....

May god bless you both and FIFA world cup 2006 . I guess I have to follow it more relegiously now....[;)]

2006-05-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

Once More…….

Once more I wish…….
To relive the past for my lonely heart
To relieve the days and nights which I wandered
To relive the moments which I squandered
To relive the memories which I cherished

Once more I wish…….
To cherish her glee that makes me smile
To cherish her gaze that keeps me spelled
To cherish her whispers that makes me merry
To cherish her glow when she smiles at me

Once more I wish…….
To feel her head resting on my shoulder
To feel her walking by my side holding my arm
To feel the care for me in her eyes
To feel her breath down my neck

Once more I wish…….
To share her sorrows to rift them
To share her joys to augment them
To share her thoughts to preserve them
To share her concerns to support them

Once more I wish……. To dance with her on the symphony of life.
Once more I wish……. To hold her hand and not let her go away
Once more I wish……. To hold her close so that I don’t wish like this again…..

2006-05-15T23:29:00.000-07:00

Reservation to Reservations.....or not?

Like a ritual in my daily routine when i glance at the newspaper in the morning.Reports on protests by medical students forced me to intospect.

If the report would have been abt a controversy in a movie script or some Bollywood spicy mix I would have thanked them to set my mind machinery working so early in the morning when i am still partially dozing but this report forced me to ruminate as to where our education system is headed?

The question in my mind is not wether the protests are righteous or not?
rather it i s.....
Do we need reservations or not? If yes upto what level in our education system.

I agree that we need to reserve some seats for those who have been neglected for so long for their upliftment and equality in terms of status in society.It is our moral duty towards our country to contribute and to strive towards betterment of the condition of our country as a whole and not just to work towards amelioration of non-backward classes.

As every coin has two sides.I ponder over otherside to by recalling the snippet's that i picked or rather overheard in cafeterias, evening strolls and coffe houses.

Their side of the bargain goes on like.....won't making our basic & primary education system stronger and more approchable help.Providing reservation to those classes that have been neglected till now.Giving them a stronger foundation right from their primary education and thus providing them with equal oppertunities and facilities help in their upliftment?

If they get a good foundation right from the very beginning to their senior secondary as till senior secondary no entarnce exam is involved only board exams are conducted by various boards i.e providing reservation only when competition is not involved as selection in entarnce should solely be on merit basis. By providing right founadtion probably need for reservation quotas would decrease at enterance level.This would probably ensure that products from our premier institutes maintain and exalt the standards earlier set by them all over the world.My sole concern is any decision that is made should be made keeping in mind both the sides of the coin.......as finally it is our country that is going to be affected.

2006-05-13T02:41:00.000-07:00

From Yesterday to Today........

Life is travelled only once. Today's moment becomes tomorrows memory..........I read that somewhere but can't recall where..probably an SMS sent to me.

sudden recollection of this line started a domino effect in my memory taking me through my pensive bowl to a hot sunny afternoon in front of a Delhi University college. Waiting for my friend who had gone to get the passes for the entry.

Here i was watching birds ......aahmmm i mean girls(sorry). When my eyes fell upon this girl dressed in a sky blue top and denim jeans and in my heart rose a desire to know this girl.To know where she came from who had put a stop to 360 degree rotation of my eyes who was holding my eyes at command as an army major holds his soldiers.

i longed to move forward and talk to her but dared not......knowing probably a flurry of adjectives she would badge on to me if not appreciation of her hand.

so, I move my eyes away from her.glancing occasionally at her and cursing my stupid friend under breath who had taken so long to get the entry passes.

then I hear "excuse me" from behind and without glancing back I move a bit forward thinking probably I was blocking sumbody's way in this jampacked place.......but then i hear that courteous "excuse me" again and i turn around .........and i find myself looking at a face so innocent and lovelythat for a second i thought I was day dreaming.

Then she asked in her chirpy voice
"Hi! me and my......................................................................................"
I dont know what she said probably i wasnt listening or I had gone deaf for a few moments indifferent to what was happening around me.

but then I got another tap on my shoulder bringing me back from mesmerization and I saw my friend standing behind me and saying "hello" to her with such a beaming face that i felt like punching him right there. :)

Oh! she asked again "Hi! me and my friend dont have passes u guys got some extra?"

here i knew we had reached a dead end to our one ended short conversation because in this crowd getting passes was like getting heavenly nectar in hell.Anyways we had to say"no" with a heavy heart i watched her go. how I wished i could give her our passes but coudnt offer........

fast forward to Today......

Today when i urge her to read the account and ask her have i done justice to our first rendezvous. With a smile on her face that still makes my heart go jumpy she says"dear u still remember aur first bizzare meeting?"

I say "My dear how could i ever forget......"

If u ask me where is the complete story? I say sumthngs are better left................................ :)

2006-05-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

Me and the world around me............

Taking the modular approach as i am supposed to be an engineer and they are expected to solve a problem in a step by step fashion.

First i come up to the part ME...
Here i wonder what am i supposed to write am i supposed to give my introduction in a stereotyped manner like i did in my placement interviews...... aah when i think abt those days it brings back a queer feeling in my stomach......but we will leave this discussion for another day...

OR am i supposed to explore the depths of my inner self as to find answer to the question "who am i ?".......what is my purpose? for what reason was i sent here?

unable to satisfy myself with lame answers i look around to the world around me to help me out of this dilema but this world is like rush hour..........endrosement of the saying "time is money" but in this mad race they are running blindly.

as i try to hear to their hurried responses.....i wonder why cant i hear them properly??
Is their jargon or lingo different than that of mine...or is it that frequencies dont match?

but here I encounter another fork in my path..who is the odd one out ME or the people around ME

is it only me who feels that he dosent belong here or are there others wandering in this lonely planet who feel the same.....

With this question still pondering in my mind i leave this article without...........