Please forgive me...

"Will you marry me.", the words were nothing like I practised in front of the mirror, yet they sounded so wonderful.

"....Oh!Ah...!Yes...yes...yes!!... I will, I will.", she jumped out of her chair and hugged me tightly.

Everyone around us were looking and laughing. Embarrassed yet happy I hugged my darling back. It was unexpected especially for me, who comes from a conservative family. I never thought the girl I met first in 10th standard, then forgotten and again met in college, again to forget & bump-in as my manager, will accept my proposal of marriage, said so abruptly........

***

St.Joseph Senior Secondary School, Shimla (1998-99)

"Anil, you will never pass the 10th standard maths exam if you don't work hard enough. I will write to your parents that you have not taken Maths as fish takes to water. Probably it is better you to take up arts." informed my chocolate-teacher Mrs.Bansal.

She continued, "Also, I have a prodigy in class 12th - Sheetal. She might be willing to save you. As you both are hostelers, it will be possible to supervise some extra class after school for you."

a) I don't remember why exactly Mrs.Bansal was called chocolate-teacher. May-be because she was the sweetest of all the teachers or may-be because of the soft-corner she had for hostelers. God bless her soul; she past last summer and as expected the gathering was from all ages she taught in her 25yrs long career.

b) Sheetal & I met first in school auditorium, which was mainly used during our time as extra-class rooms. Teachers will pick weak students from their sections and ask seniors to help them out; in-return seniors will get extra canteen vouchers or credits in certain subject they are weak in.

I still remember, Sheetal in her white uniform (for summers- for name-sake as shimla is always cold; other dress being gray during winters) and white ribbon complimenting her bouncy pony-tail. She helped me out with all the x & y's I failed to understand in linear algebra and all the different sizes and shapes of trigonometry. Still remember how she used to make it all fun by giving aliases to all the shapes after our different-shaped teachers, like e.g. Mr.Pinto for sphere, considering his pot-belly or Mrs.D'souza for cylinder for her perfect wrapped saree (ofcourse Mrs.Bansal for square as most chocolates are packed in that sizes).

I passed Maths in my 10th standard (can't share the mark sheet; it was stolen by aliens)

***

IIT Roorkee, formely Roorkee University (2001-03)

First year ranging period is the most horrible yet most enjoying time, which launches us in the world as IT Professionals, Doctors, Architects...etc. For me it turned out to be the most challenging time of all. Though my branch was considered to be one of the best aka computers, my liking to it again reminded me of my 10th standard Maths. Back then it was the horrible shapes & x/y equations and here it was the numerous languages along with history and future of tiny little piece of equipment which has run the whole world for the past 30yrs and plans to do so for at least the next 50 (or so what our induction teacher said).

It was my first terms (some stupid way of grading our entry into the elite university, where I had promised myself not to fail). Driven by the divine power of foolishness, I entered the Library with full JOSH. It turned out to be that we need seniors permission to refer library (even my seniors had the divine power of foolishness) and hence I was caught by my seniors, Ashok Kr. Jha (who used to say his ancestors used to be from Jungle - I tend to agree seniors on such things). Oh, sorry I missed, we are supposed to wear all formals, put litres of oil in hair and have the collar button close which identifies us as 1st yrs. It wasn't my charming dumb looks which gave me away as first year. So the punishment was presenting flyers to every single person coming to the library. I still have the flyer in my scrap-book as the first person to enter the library as I was getting the scolding was my saviour, my Sheetal.

"Anil, you are late. I asked you to come earlier. And what are you doing with these flyers?", said my saviour who sensed the knee-deep crap I was in.

"Ah! aaaaah! ummm...Shee...Madam! Sorry." yeah wasn't able to balance the flow of emotions that came gushing into my head (probably eyes, nose and ears too). It was mix of excitement, finding a familiar face so soon (1st yrs and 3rd yrs, especially guys and girls may not meet for a month; it is possible), then can't pretend I know her as she is saving my ass, can't say her name as she happens to be super-senior and a pretty one - so seniors will bury me 6feet deep if I even try to speak the holy name (aka Sheetal).

"Ma'am, you know him? Did you ask him to come to the library?" asked our Jha-junglee (nickname by our batch mates)

"Is it a problem to use the first year in helping out maintain our university library? Isn't that you guys do in all the hostels?" was a very crisp answer by my beautiful (she felt like Jesus Christ coming to rescue).

"Sorry ma'am. It was a misunderstanding." as our jungle walked back leaving with a stare which means, I have a class of explanation tonight.

"So, Mr.Maths, still searching for knowledge? Which branch? So uncle paid bribe for you to join here?" my smiling assassin just continued her fire.

"Yeah, searching for knowledge and much more. Dad accidentally passed some wisdom and I managed compu here (computer sc.)" I said without much ado. "So where did you vanish after our teaching sessions. I never got to thank you how you helped me score some grace & save my butt from my father's belt." I continued.

"Yeah, my father got transferred in the middle of 12th standard and he wanted me to finish it under his supervision. I said yes and so I shifted. It was all in a hurry." she explained, though at that very moment I saw was how beautiful she has become. From a girl in school skirt with pony tail and ribbons, she transformed into amazingly beautiful lady with waist length hair, square specs hiding the eye-shadow, chubby-bubbly figure in a sweat-shirt top with sky blue jean, explicitly enhancing her curves.

"So you got smart and managed to get here. Good, at least you will not be a Maths teacher in some school." she said, still picking on my ability of how I appreciated Tennis over certain ghostly linear equations.

"Yeah I guess, I did." trying to end the past in search of another tomorrow.

Evening strolls after classes, to canteen eating changes to time-out breaks during hectic exams schedule. She being my senior, helped me out in number of times. The subjects were mostly theories and she had a habit of converting every boring subject into fairy-tales or kinder garden-stories. I have never seen someone writing an algorithm out of a story where every variable is a character and ever crisp logic an event in these characters life. I on the other hand was supposed to look after her project report completion (giving ride on my bike and getting then printed) and reviewing some of the code as I started to like computer programming.

In all these time spent together not once did she was romantic or showed interest in my personal life. Closest she came to know about my personal likings was the ability to win tennis games. She cheered my every point and hooted the opponent (who happened to be her batch mate & lab partner).

A very reserved person by nature when it comes to personal life, Sheetal shared very less about her family and even during summer breaks she would stay back in college for extra course or self-study. Something which over a period of time I learnt not because she wanted it to share with me, but it made her so weak sometimes that few tears and even fewer words made me know her world.

The last two years of college turned out to be boring. She joined MNC being campus placed and moved to Bangalore, while I was left to work hard on my assignments and projects and what not. E-mailing & phone calls were infrequent as my profs were killing me and so were her managers. Once a month she will write letter where the tear-droplets will let me know that the family tragedies hasn't changed a bit. Last six months, we lost touch...

I passed and got placed into MNC and was posted to Bangalore. Tried to find her from all possible ways, but as she traveled to client side and her habit of not being social made it even more hard.

***

SAP Labs Bangalore (2007)

"Welcome to our company Mr.Anil. You will have you induction for the whole week and henceforth you will join your project as lead specialist." were the words of Mr.Vikram Kumar, senior-HR recruiting manager.

Actually all inductions are a way to put employee at comfort, that he will have the complete infrastructure available 24/7, later only to realize how inefficient sometime the system is, where the a.c. wont work or they will close the lights on you even though you are working for 10hrs and counting. As for work, it is something one builds with his own capabilities (this doesn't come with any induction and sometimes doesn't come with experience - hoping we are born with it).

"Mr. Anil...Anil...Ah! Here you are, D5, go meet Mr.Yagnesh. This will be the big building at the back of the campus. He is VP for your area. Also known as YY. He will take you forward introducing you to your manager", informed the desk-clerk.

"May I come in", I asked as I stepped in YY's room. The discussion was short, defining our aims and talking about work culture and ethics (okay, I am being nice, generally these things in any company is boring. If I had no ethic, they wouldn't have picked me).

"Anil, you will be working with Ms.Sheetal. She is Manager of your area, recently promoted and a prodigy. You will learn and enjoy working with her." the words sounded so similar and only one person with that name can be so impressive and to add still a Miss.

"Hi, Sheetal. I prayed for cool team but I guess my sins have catch up with me. Now I should expect far more sleepless nights than what I lived during colleges. My prodigy-returns to haunt me yet again." I shocked her when I jumped right in front of Sheetal.

"Anil? What a pleasant surprise! Where have you been? How long it has been? 1yr? more!" my smiling assassin said her eyes glowing and as we got transformed to our school auditorium.

***

Next day (2007 11th May)

"Want to join me for lunch. We can catch up all past year and refresh our old memories. You can tease me about the x&y's and I still have some of your bad-hair-day pictures from school." I invited her, praying she says yes to me and not for the last time in the day.

"Sure why not. But please excuse me if I am not excited on your tennis games." still the teasing kinds.

"Food is good. I guess you come here regularly. They sound like they know you well." I enquired based on the hospitality given by the host to Sheetal.

"We come for team lunch at least once every forth night. So yes, they kind of know us well. They coffee is good here. Lets order latte, what you say?" she asked as we finished with our luncheons.

"Will you marry me.", the words were nothing like I practised in front of the mirror, yet they sounded so wonderful.

"....Oh!Ah...!Yes...yes...yes!!... I will, I will.", she jumped out of her chair and hugged me tightly.

Everyone around us were looking and laughing. Embarrassed yet happy I hugged my darling back. It was unexpected especially for me, who comes from a conservative family. I never thought the girl I met first in 10th standard, then forgotten and again met in college, again to forget & bump-in as my manager, will accept my proposal of marriage, said so abruptly.

"Sheetal, please forgive me. I never thanked you enough for all the helped you gave me throughout my career. Please forgive me for never understanding how difficult it was for you to be part of your family. Please forgive me for being so abrupt asking you all this when you expect it the least. Please forgive me to delay it for so long...Please forgive me." there weren't enough words to explain, how much she meant to me. Chocolate-teacher said it right, she can only be the one save me.

To all my plea for forgiveness Sheetal said, "Anil, had you not asked and forced me to ask you the same question, may be it would have taken me years to forgive you. But you helped me too by just being there. Finding me when I am lost, making me smile when I want a searching for a shoulder to cry. I couldn't have said no to you. It was fate who reminded us how important we are for one another. I don't want to lose you anymore now."

***

I hugged her back and as we sat back sipping our coffee our winks, our smiles, our joys had no boundaries.

Happy Mother's Day!

We never celebrated this day; we never ever bought a gift for her on this day; the one person who endured immense pain from the time she came to know of my existance, we never thank her. I know this is how I have lived my life, never to say THANK YOU MOMMY.

I know there is no excuse for not doing it. Being a boy we never realized it that going to office, making money is not the only job necessary in bring up a child. When we are little, feeding us, changing diapers, bathing us - they are the real task. I bet none of the fathers have to handle the same mess at office that an infant can create for moms.

I called up my mom as soon as I got up this morning. Even though dad had something important to tell me, I forced him to give the phone to mom. I have always been the kid closer to my mom's feeling. No one but I have asked her the question of how her maid is working, how is the kitty parties going on or what dish she has cooked today. It's been years since I lived for more than a week back home and relishing all the great dish she cook for me; but she still knows what I love the most. We had our times together, especially when I used to ride the scooter to purchase vegetables, so she doesn't have to go in rickshaw. Or when I won my first medal and ran into her arms. We had our fights, when I will get mad and not talking to her. She is my first girl friend; she will laugh at all my jokes and she saved me from the bashing I could've received from my dad (though this voilates the definition of a girl friend).

We talked today about where was I born, which house actually. Those days, dad mom were in rented home and they changed so many before my birth. She remember each and every detail till now. Which house I was first brought in; even celebrated my first birthday. Even though now things have changed, she has got used to us living far away, not calling every day (but I am sure she expects a call), her love has never changed. How can it be, she is MOTHER.

One of the most irritating yet funny thing I do with my mom (even now @ 26) is giving her a really really wet kiss on her cheek. When ever I go back, I will find a way to sneak up to her and give a very disgusting but a wet kiss. She will get really annoyed for licking her cheek. She will even try to hit me, thinking I am 4 inturn getting her hand injured. The way she express how we have become towering humans who once slept peacefully in her lap. I miss it and every year die to be there to give her the kiss.

The teachings of my mother are precious to me. I never understood the concept of money being born with silver spoon. But she made sure I always realize right way an expenditure should be done. Yes, it is in the nature to use father as ATMs especially if you have a dad like mine, but she made sure even when we start living on our own, usage of funds are in the right manner. She helped me in number of way to become independent. Kind of a slow starter she always made sure I learn things. I might have given up in lot of things had it not been my mom. She encouraged me so much in sports and giving me right eating habits (though I don't follow it much now) that I have a good big built.

I have been naughty, I have been bad, I have loved her all my life, I miss her and her cooking. I still doesn't want to say thank you because it is too small of a word. A small dedication to my mother on mother's day.

BHAI & I LOVE YOU A LOT MOM.

Yours,

Appu.

A passing thought!

It is a season of Cricket in India. Even though elections and certain evil forms drove cricket out of India to South Africa, the passion has been still remain sky-high.
But this is post has nothing to do the religion we believe in but in the commercialization of this religion. Each time a six is hit, we call it a DLF Maximum, even the fours are brought to us by Hyundia. Comeon, I drive a Hyundia Santro but at no point I can associate it with a cricket four. Or I should try to think it is a car with four tyres (now I am being just as stupid as the ad agency).
We watch all the funny ads of Aamir or SRK or others, associated with Black Beverage but when it comes to drinking it, we all have our own flavours set?
Here is a funny thought... What happens if we start living a life full of ads? Let me explain my goofy thought with some examples -
a) Our mother cooks dinner for us and we all come to the table to have it. She opens the rice bowl and says, "This meal is brought to you by Kohinoor basmati rice".
b) Husband takes wife for shopping and he opens the door for her saying, "Trip to Mall brought to you by Bharat Petroleum - Energizing lives".
I guess we got the picture here pretty clearly.
Ads - which have formed integral part of our daily life sometimes are so stupid. Even the commentrators have starting advertizing every other ball. At the most stupid place they will bring the CITI moment of success? What the hell? Is the CITI group got the team the last wicket...
As Mumbai India slides down against a very weak Kings Punjab XI, I blog this entry wishing MI comes good... And again an irritating commentrator shells out Ads.

PS: No ads or people associated with ads agency were harmed in writing of this blog - message brought to you by Deccan Herald

Walk on the beach...

Two close friends and one lovely sis have recently starting asking questions about blogging. I am no master of this Gen-Y age of Blogging, but as I have articles dated 2 years back, certainly I have formed a style of my own. I sometimes try to be funny, sometimes romantic, sometimes plain-simple and stupid.

Now this time it was discussion on how authors write novel with such frequency and consistency explaining all the idiosyncrasies of every details they mention. Eg: John Grisham depicting a court room or say J.Archer painting the alps (in paths of glory). Certainly not everyone who blogs can be an author. But in a way we are authors to our own mind. When I get down on this business of blogging it is natural, straightforward, full of common written and spoken English-errors. But am I good enough and have my natural instincts severed me well so far. I don't know yet. I might never know or may be I will... So just for test, let me try naturally explaining "Walk on the beach"...By A.Goyal

***

"Rajesh, as I will see the beach for the first time, I might react funny. Please hold me if I get carried away."

"Pari, we just going to a beach. And don't worry. For a change you will act more weired that me. It will be fun for me. And hey if you want to feel comfortable, we can go to marine beach. You might feel comfortable with more crowd around that this empty beach?"

"No it is okay. I think I will be better of with only you than thousands of unknown people."

.....

"Pari, stop throwing water at me. Stop it, you were supposed to react funny. Lets not get too wet or else it will be hard to drive back. Car will be all mess."

"Rajesh, don't be a wuss. Come here. I am gonna fill your shoes with sand and drench your clothes with salty water. Ha ha ha."

"You girl; you are dead now."....

***

Isn't beach considered a place to be romantic. Wouldn't everyone with his/her partner wished to have a trip like this. I wish I get a chance.

My early childhood had us visiting Goa/Bombay beach. But I was too young to remember the finner details. It is like a vague memory. And then trip with friends from office seems so fresh like yesterday. Our office was just 500m from the ECR (east coast road) in Chennai (earlier known as Madras). We were bunch guys-gals fresh passed out of college with some senior old manager folks.

Beach reminds me of the cool breeze even on a hot humid Chennai day, initially the irritating sand; but soon you get in love with the same. The calm ocean sea stretching miles as far as my eyes can see. The waves which rise and fall again, reforming and breaking at the shore endlessly. And arms on the shoulder of a friend (or probably holding hands of the one you want to hold on for ever).

With friends, walk on the beach are seldom. When a rowdy group as our gets the freedom of nature, digging holes to bury people; building castles; running race in ocean splashing water; drinking coconut water and challenges of who throws the remains the farthest.

But walk on the beach, holding hands with a special one, talking about our family and daily life. May be how this break to the beach has relaxed both. Or just sitting in silence watching each other. Leaning on each other shoulder or resting head in each other lap. Sitting on the sand, playing with each other feet. Some little complains about each other. Then we should sing too irrespective of how bad or good we sing (I sing average, so I shall take the risk)

In the end, the walk should also indulge ourself in Indian delicacy of "CHAAT". Even though not being a great fan of it, I still think, company matters and not the food. And somehow girls and CHAAT are inseparable.

Walking back to the car as the night falls and the breeze becomes chiller, we look back once more and a moonlight sea makes us fall in love with it all over again. We know this affair with the sand, ocean, breeze and a walk will continue forever...

The Bumpy Ride...

College life gives a number of unforgettable moments to all. The food in canteen, boring lectures, crushes, heartbreaks and finding love again... College made us realize how colorful life can be and before we all head into the cycle of life aka jobs, it gives us lot of our FIRSTS. This Ride is one of those collection of "firsts". And so it begins...

9:01 am

Swathi: Hello Raj, you sound like still sleeping? Please get up and get ready. We are all supposed to meet in front foyer in 1 hr. I am not your mom and certainly will not give you another wake up call.

Raj: Oh! You sound mad at me. This is only the 4th time you called. And you require at least 3 hrs to get ready which includes trying at least 10 dresses. We are just going on a 1 day hiking trip. All are college buddies; does it even matter what are you wear? And thanks Mom for waking me up. You are gem. Promise I will be on time. See you @ 10.

9:50am

Anindho: Deepti, I am totally against today's plan. Why do we need to go with so many people and waste quality time? Why can't we just hang out in college or some mall? Let us just bunk the trip. Anyway it looks like everyone is late. It is almost ten. We can go to compu lab and work for sometime till they leave. How is it?

Deepti: No! I told you that we are part of this gang. And Raj has worked so hard to arrange a car, made sure all parents agree and everyone is coming. The food is on him and so is the spot. All he ask is you to come and this is what you give him in return. Shame on you. I am not moving from the foyer. And the outing to waterfall is not important; it is the journey and chit-chat which will be so much fun.

Anindho: Ah Crap! I know why Raj is putting all the damn efforts in this. After all Swathi is coming. Look here comes Mahitha; atleast now my plan is officially trashed.

Mahitha: Hi Deepti, Hi Anindho. you guys are already here? Look, I got the food basket. I know Raj said no food required, but you know my mom, she needs to be sure that all of us are well fed. Typical mom.

Deepti: Yeah. We had to pick something from labs, so we came early. Good. At least now I don't have to worry if Raj forgets food.

10:10am

Raj: Hello everyone! Sorry I am late; oh but it is only 10mins late. The car is out in the parking lot along with food which before any of you girls say is purely veg, neatly packed in foil and in plastic boxes with labels. Oops, I mean Tupperware with labels!

And yeah, we pick Shivendu on our way. He carries stuff like cricket bat, football, his swimming trunk and hence can't walk till foyer.

Deepti, Mahitha, Swathi: We are waiting for so long and you have no shame to be on time. After all it is your plan. You are the host.

Raj: Chill ladies! I am at your service now! So if your wrath has ended, shall we move. And hey Anindho, you are first up on the wheels. I couldn't manage driver so all three of us have to switch & drive.

Deepti: What? No driver? Isn't it wrong? We should have at least a driver? You guys will get tired. It is almost 3 hrs drive.

Anindho: It is because I asked him to get a couple of beers. No driver means no alcohol. That is the only way he can restrict me drinking.

Raj: Okay no more conversation, let us head now to water, dirt and lot of food.

10:30am

Mahitha: SHIVENDU, COME OUT. WE ARE GETTING LATE. IF YOU DON'T COME OUT SOON, ALL GIRLS WILL COME IN.

Shivendu: Yeah coming, coming. No need to shout. And yeah no need to threat me with you stepping in my room. Just watch your head as my undies are drying right out of the entrance.

***

All friends were finally together. Took them sometime but finally the journey began. Raj, the funny guy planned and executed the plan. Anindho & Deepti or the love birds, were planning their own timeout, but they finally joined. The so called sisters - Mahitha & Swathi made the gang complete.

Oh! I forgot Shivendu. Umm! It doesn't matter. He hardly ever had his head out of Rock music. Wouldn't care much.

***

11:00am

Mahitha, Deepti, Swathi: "..Those were the best of my life... Standing of mama's proch, you told me to wait for ever...Those were the best of my life..."

Raj: Ladies, ladies...Hault. Stop... Thank you all for entertaining us with Mr. Adams' song. But as we see this activity is killing the purpose of our drive. Anindho is busy driving and watching Deepti in the mirror; all you girls have decided to test vocal chords without our involvement; shivendu has got lost in his air-guitar and rock music on his iPod, leaving me to sit and admire you all. On any other day in college it could have been charming so please let us do some in-motion activity involving all.

Anindho: What you have in mind buddy?

Mahitha: And yeah it should not be related to college studies. I know Raj, somehow you and Shivendu will get into either details of Microprocessor program or Java program.

Raj: Dont worry, it won't be studies. I have something like Truth & Dare, but as we are restricted to car, lets keep it Truth Only. The last time I played, it turned out to be real fun. But only if all say the right thing.

Shivendu: Oh! I am not sure this is a better option than my music. Can we stick to what ever we were doing and just reach the waterfall? Raj, please continue observing us. You might find a pattern in our behaviour.

Swathi: Hey Shivendu! Be a sport. I think Truth only is a great idea. And it looks like everyone is interested. So better take that plug out your ear. So we can play.

Deepti: To end the doubt of whom to start, any of you can ask me the first question and then I get to pick whom to ask the second. Deal?

ALL: Yes.

***

11:12am

Raj: Clearly asking something Deepti is not so wonderful as even if she says something not fully truthful, Mr.Anindho will support her. I feel in this case, we can make Anindho as something to her, which he has in his mind and want to know from Deepti? How about this.

Shivendu: Great idea man! Yes, Anindho ask her something, you always wanted to know from the time you guys been together. Every guy wants to know trade secret of women's heart. Though they seldom get to know it & when they do, they do feel sad.

Anindho: Okay. Now that you guys have put me in the hot seat. Deepti, how did you feel when I kissed you for the first time?

Raj, Swathi, Mahitha, Shivendu: WoooooW!

Shivendu: Man, someone has serious issues, knowing how good he is for his women. Dude you know you will get crucify later.

Anindho: Yeah, I know. But she chose to be here by offering this option. I am just adding salt to an already spiced up curry.

Deepti: I know I shouldn't have allowed this. But I am a sport and I will give an honest answer. As per shivendu, he will be sad in knowing the results. It wasn't the best place to kiss - the movie theater - watching a thriller. It was cold and dark inside but all I felt there was wet lips. Yup, just wetness & nothing else. It was the strangest of feeling for me. I guess I was too cold in the theater.

Anindho: Oh My God! Hmm... I can't say whether our choice was right or wrong, but surely can make upto you.

Raj: Oye! You are really asking for trouble man! I think you should stop here and now we all should ask you some question.

Deepti: Yup! Mr.Ray, you will really get some from me. Wait & watch.

Mahitha: Before anyone jump to ask Anindho, I have a question for him. Hope everyone is fine with me asking.

Raj, Swathi, Deepti: Yeah yeah. Go ahead.

Mahitha: So we all know you and Deepti being going around for quite sometime. Whom do you think is the architect of your love story? Upto you now to tell us all truthfully.

Anindho: Oh! This even Deepti knows. I will give some credit to Raj here. He helped a lot & I used to update him on it.

Deepti: Yeah, I know it too Raj. Thanks for being so kind.

Raj: Wow! So senti-mental dialogues from you two. I am touched. But the most funny part here is, Mr. Ray actually asked me how I find Deepti? And how I like her. I was totally confused when he asked me. I said she is nice and a really good friend. I share great chemistry with her. Turns out, he wanted to know whether I like her and is looking forward to approach her. My initial thought was to tease him. But he looked like a kid and I clarified it. Best of luck you too.

Mahitha: Ah! Such a nice thing to do Raj. I always thought, you liked Deepti and backout for Anindho.

Shivendu: Now wait a min, Raj you never told me about this. I thought you always liked Deepti. I am supposed to be your closed friend and I don't even get to know your crushes. I am hurt dude. On this note, I want to feel better. The only way I think it is possible right now, if I get to ask Mahitha the next question.

Mahitha: NO! YOU ARE NOT ASKING ME ANYTHING.

Swathi: Huh! What happened to you Mahitha? Why is there a problem in Shivendu asking you any question? I smell a rat here? Comeon Shivendu spill the beans now!

Shivendu: I will be plain simple straight. Okay Mahitha.

Mahitha: Shivendu stop. Please no. This is not right!

Shivendu: Hee Hee. So here is it guys. I asked Mahitha for her notes and just after giving the note book, she got shocked and started asking me back. I was like, why, did u forget anything in the notebook. And then she pounced on me and started snatching the note book. Finally she got hold of it and took a loose paper out of the book. Now, I have my doubts but I guess it was a very important letter.

Deepti: Wooooow! So who is the guy? You never took our update or advice. Is this guy not in our dept. Tell tell to all of us.

Mahitha: Shivendu, I should kill you for that. Okay. Yes, Rahul wrote me that letter but it was just solution of a problem I gave to him.

Raj: Rahul? Rahul? You like that nerd. OMG!

Shivendu: Nooooooo... That was not a solution, it was luuuvvvv... Love letter. Mahitha is in love. And tell us Mahitha, if you say that it was not love then why you didn't ask any in the group about the problem? Deepti, Anindho, Raj, all have brains.

Mahitha: I am supposed to answer ONLY one question. And I have done that. Period.

Shivendu: Fine! If you dont want to answer, we will take that as yes.

Anindho: Hey Raj, take over the driving buddy. I want to stretch my legs. Is it okay?

Raj: Okay. We can take a break from game and stop over to have lunch. We can finally show mercy to the food and relieve then from the bonds of Tupperware and foil.

***

From the game of relieving dark secrets, we all shifted our attention to food. And when it comes to food, the discussion has to be how worst is the hostel food? Which girl can cook? Do Deepti plans to do all the cooking eventually for Anindho? The disgusting jokes guys can crack while girls eat are too good. Food for thought - Any yellow dal resembles...? Yup, guys are as disgusting as their jokes! :)

***

12:30pm

Deepti: Hurry up guys. Half the day is over and we haven't even reach our destination. Raj, please drag everyone in and let us drive a little faster speed.

Raj: When Raj is here, have no fear. Lets rumble.

Mahitha: Should we also resume the game? Who all are left to answer? Shivendu & Swathi.

Deepti: No no, Raj is also left to answer.

Raj: Before any one asks me, let me ask shivendu if no one has any for him?

Shivendu: Please. I mind you asking me question. We spend so much time in college, hostel, my room that you even know the color of my chaddi. You will not ask a question but unravel some of my trade secrets.

Anindho: Comeon, shivendu. We all promise that if Raj asks any question remotely related to what color of briefs you are wearing or not wearing, we will disqualify it.

Raj: I heard some rumors from my flatmates that there has been increased activity on you mobile bill? There has been lot of long distance calls to your school friends! Is it true? If yes, spill the beans. You can also take Mahitha's way out answering one question, but I am sure no one here will be satisfied.

Shivendu: FYI, My flatmate Abhinav is a dead-man. I will organize his cremation ceremony and you all are invited. Yes, it is true that I am pursuing my school time crush & now sweetheart Neha. To add oohs & aahs, the latest update is, I have opened this at home. They like her already.

Deepti: One ooh and one aah for you :) This is even bigger than Mahitha's crush on Rahul.

Anindho: Man! You are on a faster track buddy. We both are finding it hard to tell our parents. Especially when Deepti parents want a nice American return South Indian lad for her and my parents want a homely-bengali bahu.

Deepti: Everyone has been asked to say something they wouldn't have otherwise but Swathi & the architect of this wonderful trip. Now I want to ask Raj, the same question his buddy asked me, with a little questions hanging here & there. Raj, tell about your first kiss, crush and location.

Shivendu: What? You almost choked me on water girl. Raj & these details. Never! He is such a casanova, I doubt he will remember that moment.

Anindho: Na, na. He is bounded by the rules of the land; in this case rules of the car. Speak up Raj. You should not hide this from your friends.

Raj: I doubt anyone of you will believe the truth and it is very easy for me to make up to tell you what you all want to hear. So should be truth or a well-dressed up lie.

Swathi: No Raj. We all will believe what you will say. Please let it be the truth.

Raj: To start, I will have to deny the alligation of being a casanova. Now most of you know that I am from a small town and studied in boy's school. Till date, I have no girlfriend. Believe me, first time I talked to a girl who was not related or a family friend was in 9th standard. Before that, I used to like girls somewhat similar to how Calvin likes Susie - sarcasm associated if someone doesn't understand. Coming to college, first year was crutial for studies so I hardly every interacted with any of the feminine gender and we been friends ever since. So having kiss, crush or location is still in my future.

Mahitha: Whoaaa! Hmmm... Raj, the way you have been with anyone for the past year, we never knew. So basically you are covering lost ground. For first part of your life aka school, you were denied the company or made to believe we are not the kinds to interact and now second phase of life aka college, all you do is flirt.

Raj: Mahitha, I am hurt. You girls would have booted me with sandles if I would have ever flirt with either of you. And trust me on this, flirting is not even in my dictionary. Anyways, this is the sad story of your lovely, charming & handsome friend. You can either show pity on me or next time any of your school visit our college, do introduce me.

Shivendu: Please don't forget me.

Anindho: Me too.

Deepti: What? #$*@&#

Swathi, Raj, Mahitha, Shivendu: ha ha ha!

***

We ask our friends lot of questions whose answer we already know. This was another of those astonishing FIRST which left friends shocked. After all, Raj is much more than just a charming chocolate boy.

***

1:18pm

Raj: Hey we have finally reached the place. Lets get out and rock the place.

Mahitha: But no one asked the one question to Swathi? We all got so engaged in Deepti-Anindho's fight, we didn't ask her.

Anindho: Please get it quick. I need to run for Almighty's call.

Raj: Lets me make it short - Swathi, excluding Shivendu, do you have crush on anyone in this travel group. Please say it in Yes or No, rather if's and but.

Swathi: Hee hee! YES.

*****

Lot of first and the real fun began with the first proposal. Guys really don't know how to make it special. But they do make the girl smile. And of the many qualities girls have, they will never forget when & how you made them smile. Just keep adding away these when & how timestamps.

Thinking of the song, girls were singing; it holds so true... Indeed college days are the best days of our life.

Love for food...

A day in Bangalore, a day to remember and all I can think of this day, which should have never come in my life, an ever lasting memory. From early childhood, the only reason I have gone into a kitchen is to eat or in search of something sweet (imagine an ant in hunt of sugar). With 32 sweet-teeth (yeah even my wisdom 's looking for sugar), I have believed in food and its various form. From Bundi ke laddu to Jalebi, from kala-jaam to nani-made basan-laddu.
And as I continue to talk about food with my mouth watered, it was a different person who took center-stage (ME), entering kitchen with a mission - Mission Indian-Bread (or in simple terms - plain parathas). With the grounded floor I started in the company of esteem friend (a college buddy - has asked me not to reveal his name - no explanation) who didn't want to make the doug of wheat for making the Indian-breads. As I pour water, drop by drop, I realize how easy was it for our Mother who used to whipped her magic and turn powder into a clay-like mass and how difficult it is for a muggle like me (non-magical folk). Ofcourse the clay like mass was close, yet really sticky and just refused to come of my hand. And as a little kid, who searches for his mother's hand while learning how to walk, I searched for my mobile and called my sexy-babe (my mom).
In shock, yet she was able to tell me to pour dry floor, till I get it hard and firm like a clay-like mass. And it worked, IT REALLY WORKED (thanks Mom)....
Everyone will think, I would have stopped there. Tired, huffing and puffing, I continue, tired, exhausted (okay I am exaggerating it a lot), to roll them into shapes. Ah! Another art of its own!! I have laughed in the past on my brother or cousins, who have attempted there luck at the art of rolling doug-balls into circular or triangular breads. And now the circle-of-life laughs at me, challenging me to bring the right shape.
4 attempts and this was the shapes:
- Attempt 1 : Can't define the shape or yeah kind of in shape of ameoba
- Attempt 2 : Sort of a rombus; can't be sure though
- Attempt 3 : Most funny of all, tried to make circular, instead of triangular bread; turned out to be a fish
- AND FOR THE GRAND FINALE : YES, I finally managed a triangular shape. I know, some of my friends will never believe and hence the pic

And so the affair with food has another story to tell. For days to come I will always cherish this very moment.

Love with the snakey

After all these years on computer the love for this game will never die. The new way to play games has been introduced by Google, the old Snakey.

History: The game was first time seen as nibble part of the MS-DOS OS. Under the DOS root directory there were two very interesting games, one ofcourse was NIBBLE and the other one was the GORILLA. The latter was more of a logical game where two players throw boomrang on each other - inputs were, speed and angle. For obstacles there were buildings which will boggey your throw if you hit them. Amazing game!!!

Today: Nokia and other mobile companies actually selected SNAKES (or nibble as I like to call it) to be part of our day today life. Especially sunday afternoons during colleage life where we will spend hours and hours beating our previous best. Google once again has gladden lot of people's heart bringing SNAKES back to our life. I am still stuggling, but I hope many others will be able to score much better than what i have achieved so far (140...).

Future: I start to score more in this snakey.. Labs bring in more games like pacman, etc... And we see SNAKEY changing into something unexpected...

Keep playing...