New Abode...All Aboard!

It was exactly 12 years ago in Chennai, when I saw my Mom and Dad lose their home...in a distress sale, even before they could fully own it. For them it was a dream that came crashing down...by the hands of their own kith and kin...with that fall, for me it was a beginning of a new dream...rather, a new purpose and aim in life. Despite being downhill for all of us from there, we moved on from our past and set out to reclaim what was rightfully ours...but with a newer sense of hope. We literally moved form one neighborhood to another in those 12 years and my struggle continued in a search for my identity and a path that would get me to what I thought was a rightful reply to all those who gave us that hell. 

My concerns were bigger...being an average student and the underdog that I was all the time, getting into the creme-de-la-creme was ruled out. My other activities like sports, social service, quizzing, poetry etc was not going to get me anywhere financially or economically for my family. So, I ended up taking what came my way...my B.Com in correspondence was an uneventful blot in my life...dreams of going to a good college was pushed under the carpet and I think and hope this made me stronger and self driven (what one can say to keep their souls intact!). At that point in time, I had idea how I could pursue a future in repute as being a part of the correspondence brigade in this societal perspective was taboo...but I kept moving on. 

Dad's job wasn't stable and many of his friends and relatives kept the engines and wheels moving at home...it wasn't my style of dealing with problems...but I had to agree and move on. Small achievements and recognitions paved my way but it dint seem like a big deal at all at home...they smiled and moved on...so did I. The third year of my course saw my institute close down, us being labelled as the last batch...so then came another question mark being thrown at me...I moved on to a smaller tutor classes and still fought on...on my own. And in 2004, after three years of tumultuous penning and bus journeys with relentless struggles, stooped shoulders, dropping chin...I graduated (without arrears in correspondence!) touching 60%...well nothing to be proud of that number...but something I was happy with because the fight was mine...and I dint go down. 

The Averageness in me carried forward to my Post Graduation days...struggling for that relative grading in my CAT / MAT / XAT entrance exams...making me feel worthless. All the proclaimed genius buds that would attend classes, scribble notes, answer questions etc...would literally make me feel like a foot-soldier...I moved on, fought on...no peers at home who could hand-hold or speak to. But then it happened...got a call from an institute which recognized my XAT score and then...the fight was worth it...the scanty ranking dint make me proud...but I had overcome my past and moved on to fight another battle...(non AICTE institute is another taboo in our societal behavior)

This was another shark pool altogether...and I had to dig down deep to find a new upgraded version of myself. This time the stakes were higher and it was not going to be easy at all. Firstly my father's support system let him down...all kith and kin refused to finance my studies except for my mom's relatives who came forward with a generous offering...I firmly believe that help will come when you need it the most from the people who matter the most...another lesson for all at home. And this gave me the energy to move on and fight my new battles for 2 years in Bangalore...it had it all - from prophesying professors, testing papers, enigmatic characters, fumbled administration to diabolical people and twisted motives intertwined with beautiful moments, great friends, new dreams, painful birthdays, new behaviors, spirited discoveries and tragic comedies. 

In 2006, after many thought (including myself) it wasn't heading anywhere...I graduated again...this time on, the grade wasn't something I was both proud and happy, but I knew I would get the job I wanted the most...and I got it. Despite hypes and hooplas of fellow batch-mates of some companies picking graded folks and smart cookies...I decided to shun the placement office away and with a help of a good friend, got a lead which I could then pursue. It was after they declared me the 2nd person to get a call-sheet and the second last to leave the campus...that was the best the placement committee could get...that's why I fight my own battles, in my own way...and after getting bruised and battered physically and mentally, I fought on and moved on to better stories to tell. 

My first job in 2006 was in a firm that offered me all the slices of the pie in my domain. This meant all my batchmates were just having one of the slices. To me, this was one of those small victories...though it had its own down-side - not the greatest of pay for sure...but then I decided to move on and keep fighting. My bosses had a hard time chipping away the rough edges, picking my brains, testing my temperament and mould me to the man I am today...the sum of all experiences. So did my next job in 2009 and my current which I joined in 2011. All in all 7 years of pursuing what I like the most. I dare ask how many are doing theirs...which brings me back to the first line with which I began this blog with...

In 2010 I got married to a very smart, independent and driven young woman I had ever met before. Nothing in our likes matched...we are polar opposites and she's more educated and learned than me. Just like when I needed help the most in my ultimate dream, she walked into my life and partnered in helping me seek that dream...in 2013 after almost 2 years of planning (of all sorts), we eyed a place in Chennai which we thought would be our abode...well, let me not hide the struggle here...my dad and mom would just not agree or would keep shifting my focus to other areas. While we were actively touring the city inside out, my dad would still be watching matches and my mom would still be cooking and my brother would strum his guitar. 

And by the power vested in us, both me and my wife moved on and kept fightign whatever negativity or objection that came in our path. Little was the support and motivation as usual and it only made me stronger and made me want to earn it. I agree that there have been points where my dad has helped me in tough times, but those were battles where I dint ask help for and it came my way...in other words, I dint earn it.

With the limited power of funds and the unlimited supply of will and self-drive, we moved in to our new apartment...everyone (friends, family, colleagues) around us was over the moon and were happy for us...something I hadn't seen in more than a decade...some even commenting great about the choice of area, some even complimenting genuinely that it was commendable to do something like this at that age...(I was 30 when all of this transpired) and some of them felt that it was poetic justice that was served when the same kith and kin were present when they saw it unfold in their eyes. Sad part was in all these 12 years, my dad was not confident of this silent battle that I was fighting for 12 years and it took other folks around him to convince him that I had taken the right decision. For me it was a dream come true, it was more than a decade worth of blood, sweat and tears....but then I moved on and had to fight another day...this time I have my loving wife to give me company as we took our promises at our wedding 3 years back, it continues to hold true and deep. If it wasn't for her determination, drive and dream, I wouldn't have made this far...and this dream wouldn't have been fulfilled. When you need it the most, you get all the help you need...and she was god-sent.

We are away from the main city and now travel double the distance, find alternatives and seek other means, save a lot more in all aspects...something we were mentally prepared to do...a new kind of battle was beginning and I was already on my way. Some are still coming to terms and appreciate as to how I made it without any dependance, borrowing or sympathy...they will never get the answers...and Ill always keep it to myself. One has to simply undergo this journey and experience it...despite knowing what their destination is...it is the path that matters, it is the beating that you take and still making it to your feet and keep fighting that matters. That's the spirit I always live by...I know my brother has just stepped into such a journey...and I wish him well.

I am standing now...ready for another fight, for I may have won the battle thus far...but this war is far from over!

 

(pic source - http://guillaumgibault.deviantart.com/art/Bruce-Lee-200377861?q=boost%3Apopular+bruce+lee&qo=75)

Mighty Mouse!!!

All of us have been troubled by this little creature...well it has charmed us equally as well. But can it inspire and show us courage in unusual times and places? Of course it can...their persistence and presence of mind is a wonder I am yet to fathom...though they have brought down kingdoms with just their family's humungous presence and spread!  Defiant and Desperate...they have survived the ages and have remained the same...a rare attribute indeed. 

But what I am to narrate is just one tale of courage which will certainly enhance our perspective of this creature. Just visualize this...those petrified eyes, praying paws, shivering whiskers and that villainous nose at work!

Rushing at Mount Road amidst the traffic rush and a speeding clock on my wrists reminding that Im late to work! Abusing, honking, screeching, overtaking...name it, you got it! Its just the usual start to any day...and Chennai is no exception! The dictionary opens its fancy pages and all the words pour like tar sticking to stone...

Amidst all of this exactly at a point called Thousand Lights (Near Greames Road), I saw something that happened for 5 seconds that looked like something that happened for 5 minutes...our protagonist is desperately trying to cross the road on all fours...to it, we are all...GIANTS on a roll! The little brown thing was dodging, jumping, scampering, squeaking and what not...all just to get to the other side of the road...without getting squashed under someone's wheeles...

Sometimes we tend to sight something which is meant to be witnessed despite what happens in our surroundings...like looking into the eyes of a stranger in a packed bus (when you could have seen the person next to them) etc etc...

Similarly this happened too...amidst all that chaos my eyes were glued to my troubled protagonist who in that 5 seconds managed to capture my attention and set my mind racing to see if he would end up safe or not...for his benefit, I got out of his way, avoided squashing him and went on my way...

But something prompted me to look back just to check if everything was alright...and just when I turned my head....the little mighty mouse made it to the other side, with a leap of faith like Michael Jordan jumping to the hoops!

Just when I thought it was a happy ending, I turned my head to resume my journey, I had to hit the sudden break to save my nose from being squashed at the back of a jeep...and I then got back to my abusive journey to work...but this tale kept me smiling all day long...

Cheers Might Mouse!!!

Tea Time Tale...

Cloudy evening...break from busy office hours and a hot cup of lemon tea. Peeking out of the 3rd floor window to an awesome view of the age old port, the historic railway station and the murky old seas...Dare House at Parry's Corner.

Nostalgic memories race by on any cloudy and overcast day (much to my relief)...to all the good times Ive had especially in school(s) (as many as 5 schools in my history)...and what came to mind was the out of the gate conversations we used to hold in great animation and hilarity that even passers by had a giggle or a grump when they passed across us.

Topics galore...from inter/intra school issues to parents / cartoons / cricket / Ads / music / movies...basically everything except studies (though we spoke about our teachers as well). Worst part would always be that I would end up going home late and then the barrage from my folks...same story (report rather) would follow suit the next day when we would meet again.

We hardly do this when we grow up dont we? Some of us join for a puff of smoke or a cup of tea around the corner and catch up on a variety of issues...personal and official. Those days we dint need all those stimulants...

It struck me today after what I saw and also after remembering those good times...with which I will conclude later (for which you will have to read on...)

Coming back to the view from the window...I scan slowly to see the story of the streets and almost everyday is a joy to watch...I just realized that almost all of us have now started staring at screens and have forgotten to look out the window...so today was one of those days where I took my option...

A bunch of boys (7 to 8 of them) outside the parking lot of the Madras High Court, waving their arms and shaking their heads in a very animated way, like a symphony conductor on stage...they were excited about something...reviewing the day perhaps! My eyes stuck to them...dont know why but it brought a smile to my face...and the flashbacks screaming by...

Some was gesturing whether to take the next bus to rush back home, one was pulling them to the tea & biscuit stall, one chiding the other by striking his forehead and pointing to the corner, one waving his hands and gesturing a hug or the entire universe...like a confused hummingbird, my eyes were just capturing each action and reaction...

I kept smiling and this went on till the tea in my hands was warm to gulp down half a cup...till one thing hit my eye...one of the boys had a hearing aid in his right ear...that's when the pattern emerged...they were all using Sign Language to communicate...and it dint bother them at all...it was then I realized that even in silence, there we can have a sound conversation.

To my interpretation...I thought one was gesturing that he should have spoken to that girl in the bus, and the others telling him, you should have tried in school and the next gesturing that nevermind and he would see her tomorrow anyways, and the last one concerned pulls the shirt of our hero and tells him "lets go have tea for now, tomorrow will try again!"

As I said before...it struck me today after what I saw and also after remembering those good times...that even in silence we can have a sound conversation amidst all the rush, chaos and madness. Do we make an attempt...we should! Do we make it happen...we must!

After so may trials and tribulations, we still suffer from communication errors that cost us a lot...seeing this kids drove the message in my head that to be understood, one must be heard out first and clearly responded too...just a sign would do...wouldnt it?

With that 5 minutes of observation and a hot cup of lemon tea down my throat, another lesson learnt with a smile on my face which disappears when the boss then calls...asking for his report and I go back to staring at the world I think it is...

(Photo Source - http://bignews.biz/primages/19/deaf_children_PR.jpg)

How the game was won...

I’ve been playing serious cricket since my childhood and I’ve always been in a position where I have led a team because of some weird reason quoted once...that I was one of the tallest guys in the team! Warp speed to today...I’ve led taller people in my team, so it’s not about the height at all.

But in the last 6 years of my life, I have played a lot of city league tournaments and corporate teams and the joy has just been immense...because in all these years, I have created teams from scratch and gone on to have great wins and some sore losses. One learns that winning and losing is a part of the journey that teaches you a lot more.

It taught me to know more about people, their temperaments and hidden instincts that are generally curbed in their corporate outfits. It’s a joy to see each person unleash such character and diverse reactions that each person you thought you know, were a lot deeper that what met the eye.

I’m very passionate & loyal to the game and this is quite evident by my behaviour on the ground. I may not look like the fittest guy around, but out of nowhere, I can tend to surprise people with a few dives and outplay them in stamina. Of course the hard work and the experience is what got me there...but when I’m on the field, I mean business (obviously with the intent of having fun).

But what I have learnt the most is that it is the people management in ones team that makes it a successful one or otherwise. I have seen ordinary people pull off extraordinary performances in tough situations. I have also see that those who tend to promise a lot through speech, often don’t do much...though I have been fooled in that aspect as well.

It takes time to trust a team and time for the team to believe in a captain. It’s a mutual process which needs a careful investment of time and effort with a consistent set of members...it’s true that it works both ways...top-down and Bottom-Up. Commitment and Communication is critical and a general assessment of everyone’s skill plus character is critical for a captain.

I’ve always started with a 20 probable squad and slowly worked up with a final 15 man squad. We have the usual physical fitness session and followed by a nets practice session over a period of say 2 to 3 months (if there is adequate time before a tournament begins). The fun part is in knowing your team better in trivial & fun conversations during these sessions and this can be done without the captain / coach’s physical presence. All it requires is a trigger...once they see themselves unite under a banner of a team, they will relate to it and feel like working towards a single purpose...not winning, but to be affiliated to the team itself.

Being a part of a team is a social status to many youth who come from different strata of the society and from different situations and circumstances. The feeling of being counted and considered is such an important factor in getting a person to play for a team with purpose. For some it could be lost dreams come true to just get out of the habit from watching cricket to playing it on the field. For some, it is the habit of breaking away from childhood memories of not being a winner or a struggling student or simply a failure. For some, it could be a lost dream where they once in their past would have played and sheer nostalgia or a second chance in life could drive them.

I have come across people who seem quite serious at work but on field, they show their funny side through speech and action. Some of the silent ones are the ones who make the most noise on field. Unassuming ones are the ones with hidden talent and to see them perform was in itself a sheer learning for me. Lesson is to never underestimate a person and to give the right opportunity at the right time before they are judged.

Over the years, I have built some great relationships & have found some great friends and colleagues through this sport for which I am truly grateful. I have emerged as a changed person and with a different outlook over the years I have played with so many teams. I have also befriended organizers, opponents and rivals who still continue to stay in touch and invite me for matches and their nets sessions. This is amazing camaraderie which as humans we must strive for.

I’ve shed blood, sweat and tears, been intimidated, ridiculed and even appreciated and motivated by friends and foes on this hallowed field and I don’t regret any moment of it. I have been humbled, humiliated...respected and made to respect, despite age, color, time, background etc...this is what the game is capable to teach a person if willing to learn by oneself.

I would like to thank all the seniors with whom I’ve had the privilege of playing with and learning so many aspects of the game and improving on the same. This is a team sport and people supporting behind the scenes are also important and their effort in my cricketing will not go in vain. I would also like to acknowledge all my team mates in all the years of my playing who have trusted me in all times while leading them...good, bad and ugly.

I would also like to mention that I’ve also been witness to some of the best bowling, batting and fielding performances from my team mates who may seem ordinary in their office uniforms. But hand them over a pair of whites, cap and shoes...and see them fight like tigers.

My dad keeps asking me... “Isn’t the kit bag too heavy to carry on your shoulders by yourself?”. I replied... “its worth it dad”. That’s the day I learnt one thing...the day you realize that the pain is worth it, that’s when you know how the game is won...

And this is the end of the beginning!

Note  – The EID Parry Corporate Team led by me had recently beat the Region 2 Team in the intra Parry Cricket Championships in Jan 2013 at Chennai where we won by 11 runs in a thriller. If it wasn’t for my team’s courageous performance amidst all odds, the man of the match I had got would have been worthless. Complete credit to the way the boys played...the award must go to them all. Though we did not qualify for the finals due to the net run rate, we were happy with the fight we put up...we were all winners that day and for the times to come.

The winning moment...

Road Rage Ramble

We all are on the verge of becoming a local Mad Max...given the rate of road rage we experience on our way to office. Even if we are a part of the driving scene or even if we are the passenger.Fights at home have come under control and fights on road have shown a monumental increase...Id leave that to a subjective review and Im not including the reader here...they may agree or disagree. But in this article, Im going to spill my guts...

There has been an inculcated vein of madness in our reign as human beings in this current age...and we have many to blame and point our fingers towards. But somewhere, the desired inlet and outlet has been channeled to another dimension...lethal, fatal and eternal. I beg the reader to refer to their own cities and conditions...

Our speech has been derogatory and gestures have become fervent...the urge to stay ahead has driven our drive (quite literally) to accelerate and focus in our own direction and speed...leaving the universe around us in ignorant bliss...how many citizens have suffered, doesn't bother us much...and we don't give a damn!

The meaning of signals hanging tall has changed for sure...what is meant to slow us down, is now prompting us to speed up and cross the dreaded line...just because we don't want to be caught up. What is meant to stop us, is now a countdown with acceleration ready for the flag to set the race in motion...and what is meant to let us go, is a mindless 'kmph' / impress strangers battle staged with screeching rubber on tar like action movie...with mindless sound and light effects...

Writing this thus far is in itself a pressurized experience, because imagining it visually was a negative adrenaline that almost killed me creatively. Its been a while since Ive been composed on road while riding my two wheeler...I must look out constantly for myself so that I dont get my self killed or injured...worse if I have a passenger or a pillion...

Imagine this mindset with which people drive everyday...office and home seems a far better place to be at any given time...but our journey back and forth to these places seems to be the Devil's paradise...

Should we let the devil have its day or should we not fight this persistent battle till the end. How many deaths will it take to get some sense into people who think they are invincible...they have of course forgotten that we are after all...mortal! Heroes is for the movies...out here, its about life and death...and we only get one take. We are the director, we are the actors, we script our fates and we produce the outcome. How beautiful or ugly the end is, is certainly in our hands.

Id like to certainly live and die peacefully and not in a pool of blood with broken bones. Now its not a matter of choosing how you would like to live...its a matter of how you would like to die...

I don't want to play God on the road...as long as I don't play the Devil!

Please be safe and drive safe...Till the next cut is delivered...

(Image Source -  http://streetsblog.net/2010/09/20/the-psychology-of-road-rage-how-cars-transform-others-into-obstacles/)

Delightful December...

The December of 2009 couldn't have got better at least in the last decade of my life...and what a way to wrap up the decade...in style and in surprising success! To me, this was obviously wasn't easy...time has been a good father and has tested me in ways Id never imagine. It only makes sense that good things finish last and last forever. So here is a short description of how delightful (in many ways) my December was...

A 2 year wait came to a climatic close as the news of my poems inclusion in an anthology was finally being considered for print and publish. This would be the first news in my 12 year writing career that such a dream is coming true. Though the release has been pushed to the next decade, this is a news that any poet can feel elated about. In a world where publishers have shunned me away stating "Poetry Doesn't Sell", Prakriti Foundation has broken that myth for me and have brought this long cherished dream alive. Four of my works will feature in an anthology that will feature some of the most amazing poets from all over the country (those who participated in the 2007-2008 Poetry with Prakriti Festival). This to me will remain in my books, one of the best moments in my life as poet and as a person. Lesson - Persistence Pays!

What followed suit was an out of the world announcement. The US Consulate in collaboration with the Prakriti Foundation decided to give th art of poetry a bigger and probably the biggest stage in the form of the Poetry Slam Festival ( a version of the Brave New Voices). What amazed me even further that when I received an Invite not only to participate in the festival but as one of the featured poet for the event. This shot me through the roof as this was something I wasn't expecting in my life at all and to be a part of Poetry's biggest celebration and performance, was quite an honor. More so ever, the entire event garnered a lot of press coverage and shockingly, there was a life size snap of yours truly with some amazing words written about the event and about the performances. It was my first time on-stage in 10 years as a performing poet...much has changed since then and this time I did well...I could feel it and it has come a long way.

December also got a lot more musical for me personally as I decided to take my year long strumming on my Acoustic to the next level. I finally decided to buy my Electric Bass Guitar...what a defining moment in my life yet again...and an expensive one...but a worthy investment. Any musical investment must be encouraged and is always one of the wisest things to do. The 4 string bass was a beauty the moment I saw her (though i had been researching quite a bit on what to buy but this caught my fascination)...an Ibanez GSR200 Black model. Honestly, in my pursuit to music in life this will stand out as the biggest decisions and one of the best moments that has given me a bit of confidence more than anything else. Its a matter of time now...

What amazed me even more at that time was that my parents officially began their alliance search for my marriage. I found it very funny for a start as they (for a change) spoke of my future as a married man and all of that jazz. It was interesting as I kind of felt good about losing my single-ship and stepping into a more settled form of lifestyle. Online registrations, horoscope exchanges, matching criterion, temple visits, consultations aplenty! Name it and the whole family was into it all. Friends and cousins doing their bit by their usual teasing and kidding and what not! For a change, it was quite a pleasant change from the mundane and routine life that began to set in. Things happen for a good reason Id reckon...guess it was the sign of things to come. It was now only a matter of choice...rather destiny! Love the suspense bit...

A moral victory came through in December in the form of my confirmation in my current organization. This was a critical moment in my life at that stage because this was like a slap in the face of one of my cousin brothers who thought this lad would do nothing without his help! Well cousin...can you feel the heat now! (I had to censor this). I feel so good when I say that and I wouldnt mind saying that publicly because thats how much insult and disgrace he had brought upon me. Guess the best way to reply was by pure action and this confirmation was like a shot in the arm! Toiled hard relentlessly and tested by fire and brimstone...and finally my first victory against all odds.

Chennai had been through a rough dry spell and there was a major lull in the environment. The heat got to all of us and it rained fire in the month of December! But soon it was all gone as Chennai witnessed a relentlessly long-due storm that hit us for almost a fortnight. The sun was nowhere to be seen and it was quite a sight and a time for all of us. The dark skies engulfed like a blanket over the sun and the water ravaged the city like an onslaught. To me it was music to the ears and a portrait to the eyes. Every man-made thing was put to the test of mother nature's fury and we were all at her mercy. Power cuts, cracked roads, overflowing bridges, destroyed fields, closed institutions, umbrella sales...name it and you had it in Chennai...that too in the winter of 2009 December!

What capped the month off finally was quite sportive for both me and the country! Well, honestly Ive improved on my fitness regime in order to compete on a larger field of the game of cricket. Indeed it did take a good shape and I got myself into a good team with a few friends and we also got into a league tournament which saw us take a 3-0 lead in the group play-offs. But what got me really on a high was the fact that India, for the very first time in its history, became the No. 1 Test Playing nation in the world. All first times happen for the first and last times....because after that one has already been a part of that moment and its a matter of history repeating itself. This landmark moment was history itself and I personally was witness to it (amongst billions). To me, test cricket is the toughest form of the game and to be the best nation in the world takes some courage, character and charisma. Under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni now, we seem to have all this and many more to that list...in fact I wouldnt be surprised if there might be case studies written about him and the team in many a B-School. Such has been the impact of his leadership style at such a young age and hats off to him and all the players that made it possible. Jai Ho!

As one can see it by now, lot of things to celebrate about in this month...personally, professionally, publicly and nationally! 2009 indeed was a rocking year with a few of my favorite metal bands that kickstarted a rocking year and a delightful december to close it all. Hopefully this new year and the new decade brings about all the best things in life...A very happy new year to all the readers and thanks for being such wonderful followers...cheers!



(The image is that of the Winged Victory Princes' Gates at the CNE Grounds in Toronto. For a more interesting reading on the original headless Nike statue at the Louvre, do check out this link -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winged_Victory_of_Samothrace)

Air Raid Bombing!

A fine monday morning...fresh breath, Brushed teeth, clean shaven, neatly combed, formally dressed and polished shoes...an executive gets ready for a busy week and this happens to be an important week for him as a lot of ideas would get signed off and he would be meeting the top guys in the company. Warm weather with the advent of the Southern Winter...chirping birds and racing squirrels...songs from the radio and resounding chores from every door...the world is as it should be for him...a peaceful monday morning. It is then he realizes that it is too peaceful than usual...an unusual silent and smooth going so far...he shirks it aside wondering perfections was'nt bad at all!

Off to the parking and the vehicle starts with the first kick...surprising but pleasing...brings a wide smile on his face...it couldnt have got better, he thinks! He plays a soft number in his ears for a change hoping for a smoother ride with a pleasant sight...and exits his apartment with no hassles, waving goodbye to his loving mother, grandparents and his dad...but unusual of all of them to be at the balcony at the same time waving goodbye...he dint mind that at all...he rides away to work.

The first signal he encounters, turns green without him having to hit the brakes or wait for a few seconds...day is getting better by the minute. He now begins to pray (which he usually doesnt) to keep the good times coming...overtakes many vehicles that actually give him way to go ahead...all of them budge aside! Even the beast like bus hustles aside to let him go...his smile gets wider and wider...makes his way and speeds his way up on the city's biggest and busiest roads.

A point comes where the entire traffic keeps right on the broad road and our protagonist is on top of his journey so far imagining that the whole world was making way for the king. What follows in the next few scenes is unthinkable...

The entire stretch of the road is tree-less except for this lone patch with one monstrous tree lurking out from one of the office building premises into the road towards which the traffic on that day wasnt willing to venture into. Our man today on seeing the world-wide gap to cross everyone to go ahead races into the unwilling patch of road and then....it turns into a war-zone!!!

A formal shirt turns into an army fatigue with polka dotted multi colored shots from the tree top...from sunshine to the shade, the hero now feels all the droppings like a shower of rain but indeed it isnt...its an air-raid of the antagonist(s) who have been waiting for their victim for all this time. Clad in black and wailing in code-words the enemies drop a series of foul-smelling, double colored, semi-solid, hard hitting and well aimed morning-formalities based droppings on our hero, beginning the end of his dream-run!

His smile turns into a sigh, his song turns to abuse and his hopes turns into despair...and he now wonders the build up to such a disaster / tragedy / misfortune / catastrophy (choose the best from the options)...the chain of events...it was all meant to be! He was bait and fell prey...when had a monday morning been so pleasant in his life! And he fell for it...and that too on a monday! People whom he overtook now had their last laugh and in retrospect sighed in relief. What a war can do...especially with a low-range air-raid bombing...especially on a monday morning!

By now you know who the protagonist and the antagonist of the narrative were...it is indeed a true story and one of many to ever happened to each and everyones life. So please stop laughing at me and remember your days of being bombed in your unusual and usual places and times and have a good laugh on yourself and your friends...its the best way to beat these darn crows...

Missing Mylapore...

As I type these words, I have moved away from a place they say is the cultural heart of Chennai to a place which they say is the commercial heart of Chennai. Yes indeed, the departure from Myalpore and my arrival at T.Nagar has been complete and I am now a resident of T.Nagar. In announcing all of this, there is a lot of joy and pain that goes hand in hand...the pain of missing Mylapore where we stayed for about 7 years (we lived in Mandaveli before that, which borders Mylapore)...

People believe that one doesnt realize the worth of something or someone until or unless they are far away or have lost it. I certainly believe in that philosophy and I felt it when I shifted out of Mylapore with a heavy heart. I dint feel it until I stepped into our new home in T.Nagar. Emptiness is a hollow wind blowing cold and heavy which is what exactly I felt when I stood in my home in Mylapore and I could hear the echoes of the past and my blurry eyes recalled every moment which is etched in my memory. A single bedroom house and five of us (My parents, brother, grandpa and me) used to stay...smaller walls making people closer and more tightly knit. We have been through it all...good times and bad times (ala Led Zeppelin) in that old place and it brings a smile and a tear whenever I sit back and reflect.

I will not talk about the cultural significances of Mylapore because its the most over-written subjects in recent times and it would only be an overdose of what not! Instead Ill touch upon certain aspects that have been memorable in my pages...the good, the bad and the ugly.

The proximity to everything is what keeps this place in top demand for any resident who wishes to settle in the suburbans. Everything is a stone's throw away...even the street dogs! What amazes me the most of this place is the diversity and the festive mood of the market even on a normal day, leave alone the ceremonial festivals and the recitals. Colorful people, plenty of them, draped in their best in any given moment and little boys with pig-tailed priests chanting the morning verses roaming from door to door for bhikshaam. Religion is the core that binds Mylapore...be it any entity or form, its all there and in every street there is either a temple or a mosque or a church that keeps people in the right and moral frame of mind. There is some sanity amidst the chaos that surrounds this bustling settlement.

Let me describe T.Nagar now...a commercial hub (and what a shift from a religious hub!) and shopping is the word that comes to ones mind and this attracts people from all over the 'state' and this is one helluva crowd puller. There is something for everybody and nothing for nobody...well, you can figure that one out now. A husbands nightmare and a wife's paradise...a guys sight seeing zone and a girl's holiday spot...a foodies heaven and pedestrians challenge. A complete residential area where Pondy Bazaar forms the spine from head to tail. What keeps people coming is the affordability and the markets galore. Colour, lights, people and money...its all here and whoever comes to Chennai from wherever in India doesnt miss Pondy Bazaar. Well sadly, im not far away from this place...just a stone's throw...(like I said earlier)!

But there is an ugly side to this all...people are so cold here. When we shifted to our new place, not a soul from the neighbours to even say a Hi! People keep tellin me that its the same wherever we go but Id like to differ with them. This was the worst welcome we had ever recieved...like we werent welcome...there wasnt any anyways!!! Even a nod of the head and a pleasant smile is like a rare sight...I really dont know why people are so scared of even acknowledging neighbours. Guess they knew I was coming (ahem ahem!). But on a serious note...its an apartment but with no one around. The only way I think I can get people talkin or waking up might be by blasting my music which is the best medicine Id reckon.

But hey, this is something Im looking forward to. Its a new place, new people and new dreams and hopes lying ahead of me. Its a tough world and Im willing to face it eye to eye and I hope its fun...else theres nothing worth fighting for. My writing hopefully should take a new direction with all the new things in life and this is very exciting to me especially. The breeze is something that keeps us calm (this is better than Mylapore for sure). But what the hell...isnt change the only constant. Well, time in Mylapore was certainly memorable and it was a good start and a sad end. Its been a little dull for a start here...hopefully things should look up in a few days when the apartment knows that the darkknight is just around the corner!!!

Are Marriages Nuptial or Gordian?

Off late my email inbox has been carrying at least 3 wedding invitations each week and i expect this to continue till May 2009...and this is a storm of marriages of my friends all over India and some who return from overseas to tie the knot as well. Let me give you all a typical shade of what it is to be like the invitees and the people who invite. Any wedding in the city is governed by something called "muhurtam" which is the most auspicious time of the year when one can tie the knot. This is the crux of all the planning and execution for a perfect wedding. And mind you...the whole city is planning for the same onslaught...its mind boggling but this is organized chaos at its best!

Let me take the city I live in as a scenario and give you a taste of what is it when I say its raining marriages! In Chennai, getting a hall is a mighty challenge and is like a literal manhunt to any side of the family. So all of this is planned when the engagement takes place and instead of doing first things first, the hall is planned and decided for. Once all of that is done, the shopping spree begins and all of the hoopla follows. Family, relatives, neighbours, friends and foes...all have to be informed of the event of the lifetimes and this is in these days done through phone calls and e-mails...yeah, gone are the days of door to door invites. In the name of cost cutting we have E-Cards to the entire population and a small PS stating...'please consider this as a personal invitation'.

Problems multiply when you end up marrying a girl / guy from a different background (State/caste/religion) about whose style and where it is to take place. Ill leave that decision and discussion open to those who like an ideal setting. Besides that, in days of recession, some like it to see it in 2 ways...keeping it simple and the other is to just celebrate like its no one business. And by this, the costs are governed and so do the arrangements thereon.

Let me zap to the moments before the wedding...jittery feelings of the groom or the bride before the week of the wedding...from 'What have we forgotten' to 'Whom all have we forgotten' and all the noise that follows. All of this is such a scene to watch especially when you are the relative or the friend just giving company to the protagonists in the tale. Sometimes we end up laughing being the audience or really worked up being the person behind the scenes ensuring that alls in place...thats when sometimes sweat and tears roll down...and thats when we think, its all worth it at the end of it all.

Now to the invitees...well, what can I say, if you have friends from all over the place and you want to ensure that no one misses the moment. Sometimes the groom and bride take charge and send reminders but hey, its becoming too corporate these days with a lot of delegation to closest of friends to spread the word and make the arrangements. Thats what I call, 'Best Practices'. Friends of mine have had check lists and people responsible for each item or event and hell they make sure nothing falters...such is the ability to track and check progress. In these events, money is not seen as an excuse...results do.

Day of the wedding...or should I say, night of the reception? A new trend of having the reception prior to the day of the wedding is something that has baffled and amazed me a little. Most do it for convenience but totally defeat the meaning and purpose of the event...but hell...it helps friends like me who just cannot plan time on weekdays to spend a few hours with good old friends forwishing them well...coz we are at our boss's mercy and we only seem it possible to find a saturday or a sunday the best time to step out for events. When will we learn to spend weekdays cheerfully and find a way out from our cubicle and glass buildings?

Anyways, to the point back again...out of necessity and lack of availibility, wedding halls end up in the corners of the city and even in towns that have once in a lifetime accessibility. But hey, whos asking coz its my best friends wedding!!! These weddings does give us a chance to tell us that there are places beyond the city that are worth venturing to having a city-free wedding...who knows...probables and next in line like me are in the mindful search for halls and venues! Doubts of to take the bus or ur own vehicle is another doldrum which might push our departure by 30 mins and this is another contributing factor to weddings looking like a literal excursion. Next comes the gift...last minute purchases, for oneself or for the gang...collecting the funds from them is another hilarious story by itself, but selecting from a gamut of necessaries to disposable is another task. But I'll leave that again to the imagination to those who are reading this and preparing themselves to get a gift for another weekend wedding.

The journey to the wedding venue is the next best part. This is when I see the whole city in their best and filling all possible transport modes to find their ways to their venues...and this is when organized chaos is at its best. Imagine the whole city just mishing and moshing on normal streets that you would find speechless on a normal day...buses and cars snaking their ways through immovable and careless publich wanting to stomp their dominance on the roads by feet! Blood, Sweat & Tears...yes, most travelling couples with kids and relatives end up doing mid way in traffic filled streets and small lanes trying to find their ways in a newly found part of the city they thought that didn't exist. All in all...a mini stock market scenario in the pre-computerised days. The routes are all color studded and jewel shining with all people emptying their lockers for this one day and another to tell the co-passenger that we too are on our way to a wedding!

At the venue now...Relatives, friends, foes and finally the bride and the groom...young souls and the veteran champs donning the floor with style and panache inviting the looks of envy and gossip. The aroma of the scents of every possible brand is in the air and is inviting an encounter of sorts. Meeting people whom we havent met in dogs years and meeting people whom we have tried to evade in the last decade or so...man! This all counts to what is an event filled evening. The blaring music is another distraction that blasts the speakers to dust. Sometimes it can be use to let people scream on the top of their vocal chords and let them know that they were still inaudible and to some as a reason to just say what you want to say without any restrictions...the music better not stop at this moment! Dancing with anyone on the floor and holding anyones hand...its a lot of fun. Posing for the cameras on stage trying to beat the likes of the groom and the bride, taking a trip of the most overly dressed character to the most lost out nerds to the love struck bride and groom...all of it counts and all of it is a lot of fun.

The food is next on my menu...and I mean it. Its a menu 2 pages long and most times we have it on the leaf or its the buffet...and this is where the cameramen are their bantering best! Capturing moments of kids, grown ups and the youth at dinner is just one of the best places to do so...and I will yet again leave this subject here to the imagintion of those who have been caught what they like doing best...enjoying every variety of dishes whole heartedly...nothing wrong right? And then the dessert and the 'Paan' moments...remniscing on the past and wishful future, discussing on the economy and the current recession, gathering contacts, exchanging numbers, greetings, hugs and then the bugs. After all of this is over, the final goodbyes and farewells with those whom we have met first, met after ages, didnt want to meet and those whom we want to meet again. All the sights and sounds and many things to look forward to, new friendships and new likings..all of this is part of the deal when one wishes to attend an Indian Wedding.

All of this counts and its all a lot of fun and worth all the pain I narrated...the best form of organized chaos and family bonding and friendly affairs. Post mid-January is the best time to get married and as I type this, I have another invite knocking my mailbox and this is in Lucknow...well...will it be worth it? To answer this, we can see the same event of any marriage in two ways - is it about tying the blissful nuptial knot or is it about untying the ever mystic gordian knot? If its either...then you must have got your answer by now...

Chennai Law Fiasco

The day - Wednesday, 12th November, 2008...the place - Dr. Ambedkar Law College, Chennai...the people - the law makers and the law keepers...

It was a shameful event (I hate to use the word event) that the people of Chennai witnessed in the evening news on TV (some saw it live too). Two parties who are connected to the law and order system of the city, brought themselves to rock bottom in the eyes of those who looked upon the law for protection.

I am not here to discuss the roots of the event, though I know it was a community based clash which was reported in the newspaper. But I am here to question and trigger a thought in people as to how on earth can we feel secure on the streets of the city when the makers and the keepers are at such a disgusting point of ignorance? In the name of humanity, what in hell's name were the police doing? Watching a uncensored action flick or fearing for their life if they got caught in the eye of the storm?

All hell broke loose and all the policemen did was witness the brutality shown by the angered youth who went berserk when they saw a scapegoat to display their violent intent. Rampant they were and merciless on that youth who was slaughtered in front of the policemen. Imagine the mother's plea and the father's anguish...the agony they must have been through...their son might have taken the wrong step but would have a couple of blows sufficed...couldn’t the policemen stop the angry mob...were they told to stay put...were they scared...did they take orders from someone else...

I am angered by the fact that why was no action taken…who stopped the policemen from taking strict measures...a delayed and reactive approach of just arresting when all the damage has been done! The logic may remain that the youth who got hit might have said something or done something which might have irked and hurt the opposition, but couldn’t this have been settled by a quick action...why the mob, why the riots? What were the college officials doing ...sleeping on their easy chairs I guess...like what they do in the courts...the lessons they teach to those who pass out to maintain law and order...

I have a mixed feeling to all of this. Sometimes I feel the guy deserved it because no one reacts so violently if there isn’t a valid reason or being provoked...but on the other hand, i feel this wasn’t the only way to solve it...and it could have been amicably settled and needless to take up arms and beat the living daylights out of that guy who might have needlessly got himself into trouble...

But one question remains unanswered...where are we today? Rapes, Murders, Kidnaps, Riots and Mobs are all running wild...and the policemen are the puppets in the hands of a master and do as they are told to do...this is the state of the current government is...this is how they get things done and this is how they operate with power. Does anyone around listen to their conscience and act accordingly...does this city need a fictional based Dark Knight to get rid of the evil around...will this city remain as contaminated and unsafe to live in? This now becomes a good plot for DC Comics…guess justice is served only in fiction and not in reality.

Now I have many questions unanswered and I can go on and on and on and this will surely take more than a lifetime to see the light of day. It is far better to be by ourselves and stay as far away from this rusted and rotten system. Love your close ones and be good to each other and stay out of trouble. If we do so...peace is in our hands...the moment we are deep in the system, peace becomes another man's property...

Monsoon Mayhem

Well...what a start to the monsoon in Chennai!!! Its been an ocean so far and all hell has broken loose as usual whenever it rains in this city. Water water everywhere...and not a drop to drink. Im not here to talk about the worst shower or the best monsoon spell...im just here to tell you about how it feels to be in Chennai at such times...

Firstly, a rain drop in chennai is like a start to a major celebration and covers the Headlines of the newspapers and the top stories in news channels. People hit the streets and venture to experience the monsoon breeze and smell the wet sand that evokes a lot of sentiments. Its basically a festival short of Diwali for a celebration even if it drizzles in Chennai...you can imagine the festivities when the monsoon sets in. Its such a relief and makes life just lighter and a gives us a little something to celebrate about. For people in Bangalore, its like a daily ritual...boring...hahaha (okay okay no backlashes)

Secondly, Chennai is one of the most toughest places to be when it rains (I am not competing or comparing to Mumbai). To be honest, walking around or even driving around is a nightmare...but again, the show goes on. Ranganathan Street is a good example. The best place to be in such times is in office or at home. The perfect moment being sipping a hot cup of tea and a bowl of pakoda...what can I say...just perfect. If youre in office, unwind, daydream of duets or walk around to enjoy the weather...the boss can wait for a while according to me...try this out, youll not get fired. Thinking about crushes, love, friends, hits and misses blah blah...wherever your mind and heart can take you. Sales guys can have a break at the nearest Nair Tea kadai! Others can go to the Vending Machine.

Next, the best way to travel in Chennai at these times is by our very own PTC or MTC - the bus. The monster vehicle that makes its way in all the sea of water and vehicles to reach its destination with ease and elan...Never in chennai should you take out your two wheelers...the moment you do so...youre doomed. The abuses we give and take are in the air and no ones listening. You cant see your vehicle's tyres and you dont know where the next pothole is. The buses are the best, but wait, theres a twist here too. I am not the only person thinking of doing this...its the whole city. I must admit, we are quite united in what we think as the best way to get out of a mess. We do it as a team. The whole city rides on the bus and makes it virtually impossible to even hold on to a railing of the bus (leave alone getting in). The bus is at a mighty tilt and rides brave through the storm and comes out victorious (how inspiring to see such a beast beat the people's misery to pulp). Few days back, the ride that usually takes 30 mins, on that rainy day took me 2 1/2 hours ( i had to change buses too and take a different route).

The drainage system in the city is so bad that what is supposed to lie beneath is up on the surface, ending up with all the water that comes from the left, right, centre and above. I wouldnt want to accuse the government of doing nothing but of the contractors who failed to secure the city from such disasters...wonder who ate the money...something to think about. The incomplete constructions and destructions also add up to the agony of the city and makes life even worse in the eyes of the senior citizens. Yelling cops with knee boots dumping some sense into pedestrians to walk safe...the point is that the footpath is as distrought as the roads. Too many corrupt compromises have resulted in a literally hollow city with too many loopholes. Enough of my ramblings of a fed up citizen...

Finally, some fond memories. I still remember our PT Class getting cancelled due to the rains, the government declaring a holiday fearing rains on a day when theres sunshine, swimming our ways to school on a working day when it poured, hoping some of our teachers would be absent, playing cricket on those wet roads, catching a cold, jumping on the pool of water near our walls, paper boat competition, playing trump cards etc. The monsoon does bring back a lot of memories. There are surely many more than what I have listed.

Make sure you enjoy this monsoon, because it will take another year till we see another. With the change in the climate, we dont even know when it might arrive and with what it might come. Be aware of your surroundings and stay safe. Beware of cut wires, bad roads and dug corners. Take precautions and enjoy the weather. Smile people, this is Chennai's moment of glory...

Jam Packed

Imagine you are on a corporation playground on a festive weekend where there are about 20 - 25 cricket matches being played where there are energetic little boys from 10 years onwards to the huffing and puffing 40 year olds...this is as close to getting slammed smack in the middle of a T.Nagar traffic jam. I'd doubt if you can make through this mess, finding your ways out to a peaceful exit. Welcome to Chennai's own cricket mania on a weekend - worse than a traffic jam or a festive shopping season (debatable though). I do not aim to defy any city's passion for the game especially competing on the number of matches per ground - this is just to give a perspective on Chennai's craze for the game...

Firstly, the craze in Chennai is about the street cricket scene where we play with the tennis ball...to be honest...this is more tough and competitive than the professionals can handle...(that was a little blatant...) and since we all cannot afford the gear, we take up to this weapon of choice on which theres even a movie made as a tribute to those who have donned the streets of Chennai. Now, each corporation ground has a lot of other sports facilities in place, but this doesnt stop some of us from assuming every post and pole as the wicket and any straight patch of land which is barren enough to be called a pitch...now you can imagine...masters of economy in space...

The funny part come right in the morning where we have to literally invade in order to book the pitch and scout for your rivals around. Next would be set the boundaries which invariably keeps getting moved around because most of them are moving objects...including huge block of stones which invariably get used as wickets for a lot of the deprived...after everything is set and all ready to start...we have multiple matches running into their starts and ends...all of this is as early as 5.30am to 6am...

Match begins in all the frenzy and all the hue and cry...foul umpire calls, crazy ass fielding, big hits, flying wickets, fast bowling, cracking jokes, master local sledging, field setting, drop catches, wandering cattle and the stray dogs, one off audience and last minute inclusions. At this moment...there are at least 300 people packed in this ground and it is impossible to spot your game ball and the respective fielders...this is now the act of camouflage and its guerilla warfare time. Being a fielder is funny now...distractions in plenty...you have no clue who might be appealing and going for the run...at times...watching other matches are just as nail biting and worth watchin than fielding for a match thats almost a goner...here is where the ball slips past our sight and heads towards a boundary...incoming abusive moments follow as well...bumping into many of the players in the field and then theres something that hits us...the game ball...both doubt where it belongs or where it comes from...sometimes we get hold of the wrong game ball which might be heading towards the boundary and throw it to our boys...one good reason to start a fight...as we know...the Chennai crowd is educated and a quite a sport...but when its fight-time...theres no mercy...

Win or lose...at the end of the day, in all the mayhem, having fun is the ultimate objective. The ultimate moment in such a field is the organized chaos that surround us and in that whirl, makes us forget our woes and worries...no wonder even married men and boys with arrears tread these grounds...this part of the planet for many of us, is the holy ground where every moment is festive where the spirit of the game is alive and roaming in all the madness...this is life...

Ever wondered how this is more chaotic than the traffic zones in Chennai but still destined to generate more fun...pay a visit to these abodes and youll know for sure...if you can survive without being bumped by another or bumping into another...youve certainly won your ground and gained your way to peace and well being...on and off the roads.