An expression of my thoughts and writer within….
May 14, 2017 Leave a comment
Long walks down misty mountains
Two of us getting drenched in the rain
Little raindrops making you go insane
Those dreams went down the drain
Though you are not here anymore
But I still keep looking at that door
Waiting for you from dusk to dawn
Don’t know where I have gone!
#DilSe #OtavioPaz
May 9, 2017 Leave a comment
Another weekend and Veer was as usual fiddling with his drink at FuzzyHead, all by himself. Visiting lounges; bars across NCR had become his weekly routine, and rarely he had any company during such so-called ‘outings’. Quite a few regulars there exchanged smiles with him but nothing beyond that, ever. At some of his frequently visited places, bartenders and other serving staff now know his preferred drinks very well depending on what time of the day it is. They look forward to his visits as he was one of those rare ‘no fuss’ kind of a guy, even after few drinks. All he needed was his drink, good food..a little space to sit and get engrossed in his phone, writing something all the time.
At 37, Veer was Offshore Director at one of the Fortune 500 IT services firm operating out of Gurgaon. For past 15 years he had spent most of his time on office work, moving up the ladder at a great pace. He had no time for family, friends and women….except for few short lasting flings. With good looks & ample bank balance, it was quite unusual for a man his age either not having a girl friend or be married by now. For him, life was almost a “Dead End”…
Engrossed in his phone and sipping the drink, Vir heard a woman talking loud over a call. She was sounding a little drunk, and almost shouting at someone. He turned back but was not able to see her face. Call continued for few minutes and as soon as it was over, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He looked back, and froze for few seconds..
“You?”
“Hiiiiiiii” said the woman.
“Hello. Are you ok? Need something?”
“Yes, need a smoke. You have one?”
“Of course, not sure if this is your brand” said Vir while handing over his cigarette pack.
“Who cares about brand after few drinks” and she winked while laughing.
“Light please” and Vir obliged.
“Do you mind if I join you, can’t keep sitting in this strange position”
“Sure, I will finally have a company after months”
“Really, are you such a boring guy?” asked Kriti while moving to Veer’s table.
“Probably, what about you?”
“I come here only when I am very depressed and today is one of those days”
“Hmmmm…”
“What hmmm? You are supposed to ask a lady why she is so troubled, needs any help….looks like chivalry has died.”
“Ok, tell me. Why are you so sad and depressed. Though I find you high in spirits, is it because of only alcohol?”
“Mr ….Veer. Right?”
“Yup…”
“Veer!! What kind of name it is? Very old fashioned.”
“I know, goes well with me. You tell me what is troubling you today?”
“Nothing much, just that I feel so lonely . It’s my B’day and have no one who remembers it. It’s just my son who called me up early in the morning and wished me.”
“Called you, where is he?”
“With his father, in Mumbai. We separated two years back and court granted Arthav’s custody to his father.”
“Oh, sorry to hear that. And a very Happy B’day.”
“Thank you and you don’t have to be. We are happy with this decision, and living in peace. I get to meet my son every two months, and he spends half of his summer vacations with me. His father is a rich man and able to take good care of him, sends him to the best of school in Mumbai. What else I need, have no other desires.”
“Hmmm….” that’s all Veer could utter…
“What about you?”
“By the way, do you remember that interview, when you asked all stupid questions and rejected me? To the day I have failed to understand why?”
“Sorry, but I just wanted to be at a distance from all distractions. There were major projects we had won and successful delivery meant I moving to Director’s position. Which I actually did, it’s been three years…must say you have a great memory.”
“So, how does it feels to be a Director Mr. Veer” Kriti said while getting a little tipsy.
“Great!”
“Really? and this race to reach at the top has left you lonely…in your own company. Trust me, there is life beyond it…”
Veer had no words, in a way what Kriti said was right. He has a huge bank balance but almost no friends or family. Everyday he is all by himself after office, burning fuel and just killing his time at various pubs.
“Do settle my bill as well today Mr Veer, you will feel better.” said Kriti tapping his shoulder while getting up and moving away.
“And let’s meet at Rajiv Chowk Metro station tomorrow same time in the evening.” all Veer could hear still absorbed in his thoughts…
Third and last story in sequel to – “U” turns can lead to dead-ends! & Life does have “U” turns..
December 10, 2015 Leave a comment
Feels like this right now…..
Numbers is all what now I see,
staring at me even when I went to pee.
Poking me since morning,
day has been extremely boring.
Crawling on the floor,
sneaking from the door.
Dripping from the coffee machine,
can’t take it anymore.
As I drive back home,
see them dancing on the road.
Hope to get a good night’s sleep,
in my dreams they don’t creep!
(Direct effects of spending entire days in front of excel worksheets at office)
November 16, 2015 3 Comments
Life is like a race,
and the problems you have to face.
Lot to achieve in a short span,
so try hard to achieve what you want man.
A defeat can give you a setback,
but never loose heart and be ready for fresh attack.
That’s what life wants from you,
accepting the challenges and making ways through.
(I wrote this as a 16 year old. Date : 13/Oct/1993)
October 18, 2015 Leave a comment
It was a bright sunny afternoon of December; their weekly date day and she always looked forward to it. He was a top notch TV News anchor with India 24×7 News and she was still a low rank Sub editor of one of the English dailies in Delhi. They met during one of the Award functions few months back, where Avijit received Most popular news show anchor award for his talk show; consecutive for the 3rd year. She was one among the huge fan following he had. Post award distribution ceremony, there was a dinner party thrown by the organizers. And no media party is complete without alcohol being served, so it was after down with few drinks she had the courage to reach out to Avijit, congratulate and tell him that he is the best. She also spoke at length about her favourite episodes and how he grilled a particular Politician guest. All this time she was the one who keep talking and he was listening to her peacefully for almost 40 minutes before an almost 50 something guy pulled him to one corner. Avijit had good 10 minutes animated discussion with him before he left, all this while she was looking at him rather staring at him. He rushed towards her, took out a business card from his black blazer placed it in her hand and left saying “Call me tomorrow at 11 am. I would like to hear more from you. Right now, I have to rush to break a very important story.”
Rohini was taken aback by this gesture of him; she didn’t expected Avijit to even care about her opinion.
“Avijit, the Avijit Mistry wants to hear from me. Wow!” she blurted while gulping down the entire glass of her favourite drink, Vodka with orange juice in crushed ice.
She switched on the television as soon as was inside her apartment and put on the channel NEWZ 24×7. And it immediately became clear to her why he rushed from the party to studio.
“Defence Minister of India alleged to have indulged in the corruption while placing order for latest fighter jets for the India Air Force from France. We have got exclusive documents and some audio clips which prove him guilty”. Avijit was literally shouting from the studio of NEWZ 24×7.
She spent next 1 hour in front of the television till the time Avijit covered entire story, unfolding evidence he had in front of him. And Rohini just loved how he covered every story with conviction and confidence; exactly opposite to her. She was good at writing and editing but when it came to putting her point in front of others; she always finds it difficult to go beyond few sentences and is short of words”. That’s probably why she was stuck in her current job for past 15 years which was her first as well; she didn’t have too many aspirations and was at peace with her life. With all these thoughts floating like clouds in her mind, she dozed off and woke up with the sound of her cell phone ringing. She checked time; it was 6:45 am and accepted the call.
“Hello My Sweetheart. Good Morning!”
“Hi Mom. How are you?”
“I am surviving somehow without you beta.”
“Mom, just 2 more years and I will be back in Delhi. After that I will not go anywhere, will spend all of my life with you.”
“Okk, so shall I start looking for a young man who can leave his family and adjust with two of us.” Rohini said laughing.
“Mom, please don’t start this again…I don’t want to get married. You know that.”
“Ok, ok. We have enough time with us to discuss this more. Are you not getting late for the class?”
“No, I have 5 minutes. I called to tell you that we have our vacations starting 23rd Oct for two weeks. I am so excited already to be with you.”
“Rishu, there are still 2 months left so focus on your studies. I will be there on 22nd afternoon to pick you up.”
“Ok, Mom. Bye & love you.”
It has been 4 years since Rohini admitted Rishu to a boarding in Shimla because of her work schedule, and there was none to take care of her. She had separated from her husband the very next year of her marriage, while 6 months pregnant and her ex-husband never ever cared to even find about the child. Her mother passed away about 5 years back and for 1 year she tried her best to take care of Rishu all by herself. But it was not working out and Rishu’s education was getting affected, so with a very heavy heart she had to take this decision. She chose the best of boarding school for Rishu in Shimla and used to visit her every second month for at least 2 days. She was happy that this decision of her turned out very positive, as Rishu topped in all her exams and extra-curricular activities.
While she was submerged in her thoughts, there was a beep at her phone. She knew it was an sms, ignored it and tried sleeping for some more time as her work shift this week starts at 2 pm. There was a beep again in about 30 minutes and she finally picked it up to check it.
“Sorry to disturb you so early in the day, just wanted to inform you that I will not be able to speak at 11 due to urgent work. Call me between 9:30 am – 10:00 am if you are free – Avijit.”
For a moment Rohini thought she was dreaming and read the message again. It really was from Avijit, she verified his cell number from the business card he had handed over to her last night. But how did he have her number? She was surprised and felt quite amused at him digging her number and dropping messages. Was it really that important? It wouldn’t have made any difference if she was not able to speak to him. Anyways, she finally dragged herself out of the bed and switched on the television again. Same news was being played and she was not able to take her eyes off Avijit, without paying any attention to content of the story. What is it she thought?
Anyways, she called him at sharp 9:30 am and as if he was also waiting for her call. She congratulated him for breaking the Defence Minister story and appreciated how he covers every story on his shows. He was again most of the time listening to her and thanked her quite a few times in between. At the end of the entire conversation he asked her if she can meet him for a quick cup of coffee at Connaught Place in the evening. Rohini agreed without even thinking that she had her office till 10 pm in the night. She could manage, Bhalla ji would come to her rescue here. Mr Bhalla has been a very supportive and helpful colleague for past many years now and she could rely on him in case of any emergencies.
They met for coffee at Starbucks café at Outer circle, and what an evening it was; at least for Rohini. It has been years that she has gone out and met any man except for her male friends from college days. She felt very comfortable with Avijit in her first meeting itself, and he turned out to be a thorough gentleman. Once again, he was mostly listening and Rohini was the one doing most of the talking. They were there for about one hour and left for respective offices.
They started meeting regularly over coffee, lunch, dinner and drinks at times. Rohini for the first time in her life started feeling being cared, paid attention to and respected. Her arranged marriage had not given her any of these feelings; it was more like an arrangement where only she suffered. Good that it didn’t lasted that long and she was free to pursue her education & career. With Avijit it was different; she felt a strong bond with him quite early and had the feeling that he also feels same for her. She longed to meet him every day, though it was not possible but they speak at least 2-3 times a day over phone. She was probably falling in love with him, and would think of him the entire days and a lot of nights. Suddenly, life was turning out to be exciting and being looked forward to.
During one of her weekly off day, she called Avijit “Hi, what are you doing today afternoon?”
“Nothing much, same boring routine. Some news analysis I have to do, no breaking news story so I am at your service. What’s the plan?”
“Do you mind having Lunch with me at my place?” Rohini asked.
“Not at all, if you are fine with it.”
“Ok, so be here by sharp 1:30 pm. I will text you my address.”
Avijit reached her apartment at 1:15 pm with a bunch of red roses. She loved this gesture of him, and laid the lunch for both of them.
“You cook really well, I just loved everything. Especially that Veg Biryani, awesome it is. I just cannot stop myself from eating it more than I usually eat. Thank you for doing this for me.” Avijit said.
“I should rather thank you for visiting me, otherwise it is so boring to cook for own self and eat it too.”
“I can be your guest over every meal.” Avijit laughingly said.
“Please do so.” was Rohini’s response.
Avijit smiled and took Rohini’s hands in his and said “You look beautiful today and I want to take you out for dinner tonight.”
Rohini nodded approvingly and served some sweet for both of them. They went out for a dinner at Bukhara, and Rohini was impressed with how Avijit had planned everything so meticulously. She asked him to show his place while returning home, and what an apartment it was; huge with 4 bedrooms and so lavishly done. He asked her if she thinks him worthy of marrying and spend entire life with. Rohini was waiting for this only for so long now and took no time to say yes.
Next morning she had to leave early for Shimla to pick Rishu from her boarding and they were back in Delhi by late night same day. She planned a lunch with Avijit next Sunday, as she wanted him to meet Rishu. She had shared everything about her life with Avijit but he had not gone into many details but she didn’t felt there was nothing to hide in his life, she trusted him more than herself by now. For her, Avijit was a man every woman wants to be with her entire life; successful, loving, caring & reliable. So, the lunch next Sunday went very well. Rishu seemed to like Avijit and both of them were talking a lot on various topics. Rohini was relaxed to see that, as she had planned to speak to her on taking next step in her relationship with Avijit. Till that day, she was not sure how Rishu would take it but now she was fairly positive and decided to talk to her very soon on this. Both of them met Avijit 2-3 times and every time Rohini got more confident that Rishu would be comfortable with her decision of getting married to Avijit.
When Rohini brought up this topic with Rishu, she was a little sceptical about it but later on after some detailed discussions agreed and was delighted see her mother so happy. Rohini broke this news to Avijit and he reached their apartment in the evening to celebrate this.
When Rishu went back to her boarding school, Rohini moved into Avijit’s apartment. They planned to get married once Rishu’s final exams will be over in the month of February next year. Everything was falling in place for them.
It’s Christmas and Rishu is visiting them for one week. Rohini had planned some shopping trips during this time, for wedding and other family functions. Rishu loved her new home and was looking forward to see her mother getting married to Avijit very soon. She got closer to Avijit and he used to pamper her a lot, buy gifts and dresses for her. Recently he bought an iPhone5 for her. Rohini was happy to see both of them getting along so nicely.
Everything was going fine till today morning, when Rohini was out for a walk and suddenly remembered that the probably left the doors open. She rushed towards house and got inside, and heard Rishu’s screams for help. She rushed towards her bedroom and was shocked to see Avijit forcing him on Rishu. She became mad out of anger, rushed to kitchen and picked the longest knife. With all thoughts of trust, faith, respect melting down her spine she could feel the hot blood oozing out of Avijit’s body.
She sat in the Starbucks cafe, sipping her coffee and staring out of the window. The blood stained knife lay next to her handbag, covered with her blue silk scarf. It’s the same scarf gifted to her by Avijit on one of their dates while roaming around in the Connaught Place. Television in the remote corner was blaring with breaking news of the hour “NEWZ 24×7 Anchor Avijit Mistry found dead in his apartment.”
Last sip of coffee touched her quivering lips and had made up her mind by that time. She was out of café, crossed the road and went inside New Rajender Nagar Police Station placing blood stained knife on the table of SHO and confessed of killing Avijit…
July 31, 2015 1 Comment
Beena has been waiting for past 1 hour with two buckets in her hands, for the water tanker to arrive. She counted her number as 28 in the long serpentine queue of men, women and children struggling to stand in the hot June afternoon. Finally when the tanker entered her lane from the left corner and made a stop at a distance of about 50 metres from the queue, everyone rushed towards it creating almost like a stampede. There was a kind of war to get hold of tap at the rear of the tanker and the most powerful were the ones who were enjoying this power.
Beena has been pushed to almost end of the queue, whatever was left of it and in no time tanker was drained of every drop of water. She was thinking they will have to pay money to buy water today as well, and looking at the smiling faces of people who were able to fill a few buckets.
And was getting herself mentally prepared to be thrashed by her husband for not fetching some water home, today again!
(Story Idea – Writing prompt ‘Situation where there’s scacity of water’ from The Kahini Writers’ Centre – https://www.facebook.com/kahiniwriters)
December 31, 2014 Leave a comment
“Come on, pick it up” said Kapil as Sheena’s phone kept ringing for third consecutive time without any response.
She must have reached office by now, he thought and dropped mail at her office mail id. At the same time, he received sms from Sheena…
“Hi, I am in full day training and then have to go out with parents for a family Dinner. Will call you tomorrow morning.”
Strange, she didn’t shared about this full-day training and the dinner…thought Kapil while getting out of Metro at Mandi House station.
“So, we are not meeting today in the evening?”
“Yes, not possible. Maybe tomorrow, let’s see.” was Sheena’s response.
Kapil took out his phone and made a call “Hello! Where are you? Ok. Let’s go to Buzz tonight? Done! I will pick you up at 9. Bye!”
At sharp 9 pm, Kapil was outside Rini’s place and messaged her on Whatsapp “I am here, come quick.”
“In 5 minutes please.” she replied.
Rini was out in 5 minutes, and Kapil was not able to take his eyes off her. She was wearing a Mini with off-shoulder silver color top. Even the guards of her Apartments were staring at her, legs to be precise. She settled down in the car and Kapil was still looking at her. He came back to his senses only when Rini said “Let’s go” a bit loud, for the third time.
“You look hot.” was all Kapil could say.
“Thank you!”
They reached Buzz in about 30 minutes and were down with 4 shots each within 10 minutes. Music played loud and they were dancing with it’s beats, everyone in the Discotheque was! Kapil and Rini were little drunk and holding onto each other while dancing, very close. So engrossed they were into each other, that without realizing bumped into another couple and almost fell on the dance floor.
They apologised to the couple, and to Kapil’s shock the girl turned out to be Sheena! Kapil and Sheena froze for few seconds and stepped back.
“Meet Sheena, my Ex-Girlfriend” said Kapil to Rini.
“Your Ex? You never shared this this” Rini said surprisingly.
“Hardly matters….” while moving to the bar and gulping a shot Kapil blurted….
August 15, 2014 2 Comments
Life is on move everyday,
few having fun and others busy in pray.
People running around and occupied in life,
everyone working hard to strive.
No time to even say a “hello”,
humanity has forgotton how to be mellow.
Some happy in love few busy in fight,
life has so many emotions to write.
Little ones are busy in laughter and play,
they don’t care of night or day.
When there is so much around to capture,
nothing more than writing can be better!
July 31, 2014 2 Comments
One door apart,
two beating heart.
She’s inside coach,
out he pretends to look at watch.
Smile flashing on the faces,
everytime eyes meet.
Very obvious to all,
what they are trying to keep discreet.
Glances being exchanged,
she requests him to go.
He keeps waiting,
telling her only after you.
Connecting phone to charging point,
she said battery is dead.
Let’s chat in few minutes,
please come on Whatsapp.
At last doors close,
and Metro starts moving.
Both of them said “bye”,
but for long hands kept waving.
Smile on the face and typing on phone,
engrossed she is in her own world.
Life’s like a beautiful dream,
Oh that teenage love!
(Inspiration – A teenage couple in love at Kirti Nagar Metro station)
July 14, 2014 Leave a comment
Wants vs Needs..
Four months since I blogged.
I apologize for not being in touch. I was working on a huge project at home… a project of evaluating needs vs. wants, a project fuelled by my Yoga practice.
It started with a simple realization: I wasn’t really practicing the Yoga philosophy that I was reading, analyzing or meditating on.
Here, (as always) by Yoga practice, I don’t really mean the physical poses.
The basic aim of practicing Yoga is inner peace and attaining paramanada. Sometimes people misinterpret Yoga philosophy to mean that one has to give up all outward possessions to practice a yogic lifestyle. But the whole Yogic philosophy is that the source of our happiness is inwards. A person in his or her quest to attain happiness, keeps accumulating materialistic stuff, wanting more, and in the process, ends up feeling much more miserable. You could live in a palace…
View original post 1,067 more words
May 9, 2014 Leave a comment
Vibhor banged the door while rushing out of house, with several thoughts hitting him like tides crashing on the seashore. This time it took him just few minutes to decide what to do; catch bus to his native place and dive into river right in front of the temple. With few hundred rupees in his pocket, wearing just t-shirt and a short; he was out on the road at night and had lost it completely this time. Oblivious of surroundings, he was walking like a possesed man towards main road out of the locality.
On barely walking 500 metres, he was brought to the senses by shrieks of 2 young kittens and a dog running after them. By the time he realized this, kittens hid below a parked car and dog was still trying to reach them. Suddenly Vibhor picked a stone and ran towards that dog shouting, seing someone charging at him dog ran away to save his life. He sat on the road and looked under car, kittens were still shrieking clinging to each other and were visibly shaken. Extending his arm, Vibhor patted them for a while and took out in his hands. It took them few minutes to calm down and feel safe. Vibhor brought their face closer to his eyes and could see their moist eyes and hugged them, which gave him a little peace. While still playing with them, he heard a cat’s meowing just behind himself. Hearing that, both kittens too started meowing in exitement and Vibhor guessed that to be mother Cat. He quietly placed the kittens in front of her and took few steps back.
And he witnessed one of the most beautiful moments of life, Cat mom licking her kittens and kittens jumping with joy on her body. It almost brought tears to Vibhor’s eyes. He kept on looking at them for sometime and thought these kittens won’t be able to live a secure life all by themselves in the world full of vultures and dogs! And he suddenly turned back, those 500 metres looked very long as he just wanted to hug his own children…
April 20, 2014 Leave a comment
Spark of your eyes,
ignites light in my heart.
Smile on your face,
leaves me wanting for an embrace.
Your eyelashes flutter,
it’s only you who matter.
Your tender tiny fingers,
fit so nicely in my palm.
Your head on shoulder,
is my soul’s balm.
(Inspiration – A young couple adjacent to whom I sat for about 45 minutes in Delhi metro and heard their conversation, observed them.)
March 1, 2014 Leave a comment
And I too can relate to it..
Before my first post, I thought writing was all you needed to do to run a blog. Perhaps it is enough to run a blog, but it’s certainly not enough to run a successful blog. If you write more than 2 blog posts you will almost definitely enter phase 1.
Phase 1
It turns out it is no fun writing if there is nobody to read what you are saying. So you work on getting followers. You tell your friends. Some of them start reading your blog. Some of them wish they could have a conversation without you bringing up ‘that damn blog’. And others ask you about it regularly, but never actually read it.
Phase 2
Eventually you run out of friends to promote your blog to and you focus on finding strangers to read your work. Perhaps you start to follow other blogs and find like-minded bloggers. Or…
View original post 143 more words
February 28, 2014 2 Comments
Can see people moving, and hear all the sound.
As I try to weave my thoughts, which seem to wander around.
Days spent like this, nights are quite same.
Every attempt to do something better, has gone in vain.
Robotic nods, and the fake smiles.
In middle of somewhere, yet to cover miles.
Accomplish goals, at any cost?
Something tells me, for sure I am lost!
February 6, 2014 4 Comments
Phone kept ringing throughout the day and Govind answered every call patiently, while ‘People’s Party’ supporters were busy celebrating their emphatic victory in Delhi assembly elections outside party office. No one imagined this outcome, everyone believed ‘People’s Party’ would win at most 10 seats out of 50. This kind of victory by a debuting political party was a first in India, and it spoiled the party for ‘Bharat Jan Morcha’ which hoped to rule Delhi after these elections. Biggest loser was the ruling party ‘KongRace’ which has been ruling Delhi for past 15 years. By 7:50 pm counting was completed and no party got majority to form the government. Final results were – PP: 20, BJM: 26, KongRace: 3, IND: 1; which meant some form of alliance was the need of hour.
Govind spoke to his supporters and the party workers after results were declared, and got busy in giving interviews to several news channels soon. His clarity of thoughts and the determination to clean country of corruption was something which came out strongly in all of the interviews. He very clearly said that his party will sit in the opposition and not support either ‘KongRace’ or ‘BJM’. He also disclosed some of his winning candidates have been approached by other parties to join them.
As Govind retired for the day finally at 11:30 pm, his phone rang again “Hello Nishant, what happened? Everything’s fine, you called up so late in the night”.
“Govind, we need to discuss this. We are short of forming government and so is BJM, someone from their side reached out to me and they are open to give us support from outside.”
“What are you talking Nishant, how will we face people. Forming alliance with BJM or KongRace is out of question, this will be like cheating people. People voted for change this time. How can you even think of this? Let’s meet tomorrow morning at 9 am in office. Good Night!”
“How can we miss this opportunity…..” and Nishant heard phone being disconnected. He couldn’t sleep entire night and was up early morning to get ready and meet Govind.
Next morning, not a very pleasant discussion transpired between Govind and Nishant behind closed doors of party office. All those present outside room could hear the raising voices and were trying to figure out what’s the matter. Post discussions with Nishant, Govind called for a meeting with all of the party candidates irrespective of who lost or won and reiterated that they won’t form alliance with anyone, which everyone agreed to without a second thought. Except for one person in the room who was not happy with this but had no option but to go with the general mood.
“Govind, I need to go out for sometime. Have to visit someone in family who’s hospitalized. Shall be back in 2 hrs” said Nishant as he excused himself out from the celebrations.
“Haanji, Janardhan saab. I am on my way, should be there in 30 mins. But I need to be back in party office in next 2 hrs.”
“30 min is enough Nishant Ji. I am waiting for you” said Janardhan while disconnecting the phone.
As Nishant entered party office in about 2 hrs, everyone was waiting just for him to announce Govind as their leader in the legislative assembly. Nishant was happy for him as it has been a long and tiring journey till here. Both of them hugged and became emotional while there were rounds of celebrations in the party office. But at the same time Nishant wanted the party to form government in Delhi and work towards giving a better governance. He desperately wanted to do that at any cost.
Post celebrations it was time to visit various news studios by Govind and Nishant throughout the day. One thing which surprised everyone was Nishant’s point of view that PP should stake claim to form government with support from other parties. And this raised many eyebrows, including within his own party line.
For next 2 days, none among PP or BJM staked claim to form government and both were saying that they will sit in opposition. It was becoming clear that Delhi will go for a re-election very soon to resolve this. Finally after 5 days of dilemma and various meeting, Lt. Governor called BJM’s CM candidate Janardhan to discuss the options on forming government being the party with most seats in state, which he accepted readily. Next big task was to prove majority on the floor of house. Lt. Governor was surprised to see the names on that list which Janardhan handed over to him assuring they will support BJM. In next few hrs it was all over the media, now everyone was curious to know who’s going to support BJM in legislative assembly.
“Govind, we are letting go this opportunity” said Nishant over a call.
“Nishant, wait and watch. We will get majority in the re-elections. BJM won’t be able to prove majority in the house tomorrow” was Govind’s response.
“They will be able to Govind” said Nishant and disconnected the call.
Day after Janardhan took oath for Chief Ministership of Delhi, all the newly elected MLA’s were sitting in the house and waiting patiently for the Speaker to start process of voting for BJM’s claim on majority.
“Nishant Sir, where’s Govind ji” asked one of the newly elected young MLA of PP.
“On his way, should reach here in about 20 min”
Almost 15 mins passed and Speaker asked BJM to prove the majority on house floor.
Janardhan looked at Nishant and he nodded his head with a smile on his face..
“I Spoke to Govind and he is stuck in a huge jam near Lakshmi Nagar. There’s a change in the strategy as per my discussions with Govind. We are going to support BJM based on certain issues, so all of you please stand up in BJM’s support when Janardhan ji says so” said Nishant and almost all of the PP party MLAs were shocked. But they had no option, Nishant was no. 2 of PP after Govind.
“Respected Speaker Sir, in addition to BJM’s 26 MLAs, 19 MLAs of PP are giving us issue based support from outside” and he looked at the PPs MLAs benches.
Nishant stood up and all of the other 18 MLAs followed him. Nishant looked at Janardhan smiling, and said “Speaker Sir, we are supporting BJM.”
“Ok, BJM has proved the majority in house. Congratulations!” said Speaker.
There was a round of applause in the house by BJM and PP MLA’s were still not sure of what’s happening.
At the same time Speaker’s assistance barged in from the back door and spoke in his ear. Speaker rose on his feet, looked shocked and blurted “Have received a very tragic news, Mr Govind of PP is no more. A Truck hit his car at very high-speed just 2 kms away from here I am told. He died on the spot. House is adjourned….”
January 28, 2014 Leave a comment
As I checked my Blackberry to see if there are any new mails, metro made a halt at Rajiv Chowk station and a huge crowd was inside the coach within a few seconds. A young woman in her mid twenties came and stood beside me at the right side, some male friend or a colleague was with her and they seemed to be discussing something.
“Listen, I am sorry! It was a mistake I committed under influence of alcohol” the guy was almost pleading to her in an over crowded metro.
People around were looking at them and trying to understand what’s happening.
“Under influence of alcohol?? Don’t give me that crap. I am not sure with how many sluts you would have slept so far under the influence of alcohol. I have been mad for you, gave six important years of my life. Is this what I deserve? No, I deserve better.”
“I swear, don’t know what and how does all this happened. I drank a lot that day in the party and lost my senses”
“Really!! You were not in your senses but conscious enough to get laid with that bitch. Do you expect me to believe this”?
As the guy tried holding her arm, she pulled herself back and almost shouted “Don’t…and stay away.”
By that time almost everyone around knew they are fighting and were staring at them.
“I love you, you know that very well and can not think of a life without you. Please forgive me.” young man said pleading.
“Oh, come on! Don’t start this again. You betrayed me, betrayed my love and the faith. I hate you, don’t want to see your face ever again. You better don’t try to call me.”
“No, it was not betrayal. I did not do anything intentionally. It just happened….”
“Aha, that’s not betrayal. How cool you are about it, you will understand only if I would do something like this. Like, like kissing this guy right here in front of everyone.” and she suddenly kissed me on my right cheek few times and held my arm tight.
Everyone in the coach was left stunned, including that guy. And by the time I realized what’s happening and shrugged her off, it was too late. And at the same time metro made a halt at Kirti Nagar station, I moved out and that woman followed me shouting to her ex-boyfriend by now “Don’t try to follow me or get down here, I will otherwise call cops.” And he froze inside the metro coach while it moved out of the station.
I rushed to take stairs. She came running after me and said “Thanks a lot and I am really sorry to embarrass you like this. I was just looking for an opportunity to dump that bastard…….”
(Loosely Based on a true conversation I overheard recently in Delhi Metro between a couple in love; or may be not in love anymore)
January 14, 2014 Leave a comment
I forget what I like to remember,
but remember what I want to forget.
I sleep to dream but,
what wakes me up is a scream.
And what I try to find outside,
is blazing within!
(wrote this about 8 months back in collaboration with Ashish Garg)
November 11, 2013 11 Comments
Forgive me for all the pain,
it’s making me as well go insane.
As if life has stopped,
wish our paths won’t have ever crossed.
Let’s not make it more difficult for us,
delaying this is going to make it worse.
I know it is a compromise,
but we will have to pay this price.
Have stopped listening to heart’s cries,
life will go on with your dream in my eyes.
(These lines popped up in my mind while writing one of the scenes of my book . Yes, I am writing a book….)
October 27, 2013 2 Comments
“Raghu, where are you?”
“In kitchen, washing vegetables Pandit Ji*” said Raghu.
“Come here, I have something important to tell you”
“Tell me Pandit ji” said Raghu as he went inside priest Janardhan’s room in the temple.
“Raghu, today early in the morning I saw a strange dream. Lord Kuber* appeared in my dream and told me that there’s tons of gold buried below ground in front of temple’s main porch.”
Raghu grinned his teeth and said “Pandit Ji, dreams are only dreams. Most of our dreams are weird, how do we trust those? Do you really believe in dreams?”
“This was very different, Lord Kuber held my hand and walked around the entire ground. He showed me the spots where gold is buried. It’s spread all across the ground below, and was buried by family of King Rudra who ruled this region 700 years ago”
By this time Raghu got curious and said “So what to do? Entire ground is full of big rocks, we can not our self dig the ground. Even if entire village tries, it’s not possible.”
“You are right Raghu, but imagine such a big amount of gold can be used for our village and country’s progress. Let me think what should we do, and do not share this with anyone yet” said the priest. But he knew this news will now spread like a fire in the entire village and around.
And that turned out true, by evening people started gathering outside temple and talking in hush voices. Sometime later, village head approached Priest and asked him that he heard about gold being buried in the temple ground. Priest explained his dream, and village head believed all of that as priest Janardhan was respected in the entire region and whatever he said in the past had turned out to be true. So, village head said he will speak with local MLA* to make arrangements to dig the ground.
By next day, MLA along with local politicians were camping at the temple and had reached out to the Chief Minister of state. Who took the decision to send out boulder removing machines, cranes and other heavy equipment to dig the ground. Media was there to capture the entire event, and overnight “Bindupur” became a known name across country as news of tons of gold found was headline of every news channel and newspapers. Everyone was waiting to see the gold that too in tons, which they hoped will change fortunes of the country and “Bindupur”. But 2 days passed without even 1 gram of gold being found. On Day 3 few pots and broken bronze utensils were found.
When nothing was found till Day 5, and excitement was slowly dying Raghu asked priest “Pandit ji, what are you seeing in the ground and smiling? I can’t see anything, only stones and sand is being digged out for past 5 days. The ground has become so flat”
“Raghu, poor children had no place to play in the entire village and around because of the rocky terrain. They walk long distances to play. Even after so many requests to local authorities and politicians, no one cared to do something for a need of playground here.”
“So, where you don’t see anything I can see a huge playground for village children. And dreams are only dreams” said priest smiling……
##########################################
*Pandit Ji – Priest
*Kuber – God of wealth in Hindu mythology.
*MLA – Member of Legislative Assembly
October 11, 2013 2 Comments
Driving down the same roads I feel lost,
destination seems a distant dream.
Music is noise which still plays loud,
that feel of being lonely even in the crowd.
How long can one keep dragging life,
and push dreams far away.
Is it really even worth trying,
for something on the verge of dying!
October 6, 2013 Leave a comment
Veer was short-listing profiles since morning for the upcoming project his company has recently bagged. It was going to be his life’s biggest project so far, which spans across multiple locations (India & Globally) and success of it means him being promoted to “Offshore Delivery Head” position. He has been living this dream for past few years and now he can see the opportunity to achieve it. He was going to give his 100%, in fact more than that to live this dream now. While he was still engrossed in his thoughts, telephone extension rang..
“Hi Veer”
“Hi Nancy”
“Veer, can we start conducting interviews now? There are about 10 candidates already waiting”
“Yes, sure. I can start right away. What about Ashok? Is he not coming? I can not conduct all interviews myself.”
“He will reach office in 30 minutes, so he should also start as soon as he is here.”
“Ok, cool . Please start sending the candidates to my cabin. And I am assuming you have done the basic screening?”
“Oh yes, we did for sure. Don’t worry.”
“Great, I am waiting.”
Within few minutes first candidate knocked the door of his cabin, and he waved his hand asking to come in while still engrossed in the laptop’s screen.
“Hi, I am Kriti….Kriti Rathi” and couldn’t take her eyes off Veer.
“Hi” said Veer without looking at her “tell me about you Kriti”
“Well, I have about 10 yrs of experience and have been a Project Manager for past 3.5 years. Right now looking for a change where I can get exposure to a project which is starting from scratch. And also looking forward to some on-site opportunities which I believe your project demands.”
“Okk” said Veer while moving his gaze from the laptop screen to her. He almost froze, and Rajiv Chowk metro station flashed before his eyes. But he composed himself quickly, and asked some questions for next 10 minutes which didn’t make any sense for the role she was being screened. After that he asked her to leave while she was still surprised and nervous.
“Reject” Veer clicked on the job portal against Kriti’s profile and said to himself “no distractions plssss….”
(Story Idea : Ashish Garg)
This is a sequel to – Life does have “U” turns..
September 9, 2013 Leave a comment
Dear Sir, by now you must have read news about a young boy from Khandva scoring century on his debut for India against England. “Prithvi Patil” is his name, every newspaper has his photograph on the front page and all news channels are talking only about him for past 1 day.
This name sounds familiar. Right?
No?
That’s me Sir!!!! Prithvi, how can you forget me?
Ok, so let me help you to remember who is this “Prithvi Patil”. Like you I am also born and brought up in Khandva, and have spent most of my life there only. But unlike you, I had a dream to make it big in life and was mad about cricket ever since I remember. Cricket was my only passion and you got a taste of it when you were appointed our class teacher in 7th grade. I was already part of our district’s Under-14 team, and as coach used to say “most promising all-rounder” in the entire state.
I just needed to skip few days of school every month to play my matches & practice with team, but with the promise that I will cover up the syllabus and clear all my exams. You wanted me to be in school every day, come what may. You failed to realize my potential and didn’t agreed to my schedule. Finally my father and coach met with the school Principal to take approval for the same, which he readily granted looking at my past records. It hurt your ego sir, how could a student defeat you? You punished me a lot of times unnecessarily and used to say “Don’t waste your time on sports. It will not do any good for you, only education will help you to earn money and live a decent life”. I didn’t understand it then being a kid, but now I fail to understand how can a teacher do this? You ensured that I don’t pass my exams next year. I was upset & cried a lot for days and finally was left with no option except for enrolling in Open School. My parents hired a tutor to ensure I don’t miss on the education. I continued playing for local clubs, got selected in state team and now finally representing country. Isn’t this a proud moment? Probably not for you! I am famous and have made entire Khandva known in the world, and you are not even known in entire Khandva 🙂
Like a lot of other students, I would have loved to thank my teachers & write this letter with gratitude but you made me to write with “attitude“. Sorry!
Yours Sincerely…..
August 3, 2013 3 Comments
Loved this…
It still seems like a dream
violent inside but outside surreal…
Silly me still lives with hopes
that this isn’t the end of the road…
to take you in my arms
and dance till the dawn…
to love you under the moonlit sky
never to part till we are alive…
July 30, 2013 2 Comments
With a quick glance, Kriti and Veer exchanged smiles while boarding Metro at Rajiv Chowk Metro station. This has been going on for 3 weeks now, but none of them ever tried striking a conversation.
They travel on same Metro route, from Rajiv Chowk to DLF Phase-II everyday to work. Their eyes met one day while sitting at opposite seats in a Metro coach while on their way back late evening and none of them could not take those off after that. They have almost same office work timing, and one waits at the platform letting go few metro trains if other has not reached. Not a single day has gone in last few weeks when they have not traveled in the same coach, standing at a safe distance from where at least their eyes can talk; have an animated conversation.
Today, all of a sudden Veer went a bit closer to Kriti and was about to utter something when her phone rang. Kriti took the call and on the other side a young boy was shouting with excitement “Mama, when are you coming back? I am waiting for you to have dinner”. She could just say “On my way sweetheart, I will reach soon” and disconnected the call. She looked in Veer’s eyes for few seconds as train stopped at Rajiv Chowk Metro station, and stepped out of the coach with moist eyes having images of her son jumping into her arms as soon as she gets inside the home.
Even before Veer could realize anything, Kriti was lost in the crowd which was moving out of the Metro station. Never to come back!
July 27, 2013 Leave a comment
We live in a competitive world. In the United States, that is especially true. If you want to succeed at something, you have to be better than someone else. You have to work at it. You have to try hard. You have to devote time, effort and energy into whatever you are doing to make people stand up and notice. Even so, there is no guarantee you will be successful. There is also a certain amount of talent involved. And talent, you either have or you don’t.
As a teacher and a coach, I have noticed a change in expectations over the years. Many students and players expect a high standard of achievement with minimal effort. If they turn in the paper, they expect an A. If they show up to practice, they expect to play. Their expectation is fueled by their parents attitudes that their child can do anything…
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India Bharat
aaj ki shairi
My honest take on personal excellence, a journey of becoming better version of myself through my experiences, interactions or readings!
Traveler!!!! on the road
Exploring madness***
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जो जीता हूँ उसे लिख देता हूँ
This blog is nothing but my experiences of life and my thoughts towards the world.
The Shards of my Self
Dil Se... 