Salute...

A Day in the Office of the Universe

Kanchipuram:

On whose name you want to do the God offering…?

On my son name swamiji, Suresh…

What’s his star sign?

I am not sure Swamiji… Actually he is attending one important interview today… with God’s grace he should get this job.. All our Family only Hope lies on this... otherwise…

Oh Mother, Don’t cry infront of me after coming to god’s shrine... cry infront of Him, HE will look after your son’s job and your family.. Everything will come good for you… God is there…
____

Hyderabad:

The child is all on his father’s face, isn’t it ma?

Yes… he would be thinking of you both now…

I am not going to talk to your son when he is back? How can he leave me like this?

You know his job? He got married to his job already before you came into his life...

You always support your son… I know…

It’s not like that... though he is in the meeting with the foreign delegates; his heart would always want to see his son out here… Tomorrow he would anyway be catching the early morning flight… just a matter of one night dear…

I know ma.. I know… I just can’t wait for him to see our son…
____

Calcutta

I am not going… that’s it…

Are you mad? Till yesterday I was asking you to cancel this trip and you were hesitant, and today you have a flight and now you say you are not interested…

How can I leave my one week old wife? Tell me... there are still many things to explore...

What?

Ah...nothing... I mean, there are still many things to talk among ourselves and understand each other...Right...

Don’t bluff? I know what you meant? If you are so devoted to your newly wedded wife, then why did you agree?

What to do? Boss is just begging over phone... Says the other auditors are sick and this client being prestigious one, can’t postpone the audit… so I am the only one left...

So what are you upto? Are you going or not?

I have to dear…

Then leave na... why this drama early morning then…

Eh... a good idea... I will book a ticket for you too, we will both go, you stay in the hotel, I will finish of the Audit in a day… and let’s celebrate our Honeymoon there for a week, and the place isn’t bad for a newly wedded couple like us, what you say?

Not a bad idea from the most romantic person I have ever met in my life... I agree to it, only if you restrict your audit for a day and be with me for the remaining week for…

For…?

You only said na… to explore new things.. hahahah….
____

Delhi

What? 5,00,000 for a night? This is too costly…

But you can’t get her for rate lesser than this? There are high bureaucrats ready to pay more than this. This is a subsidy discounted rate only for our leader…

Don’t forget, we have the power, can make you out of place, if you don’t agree with our pay…

Sir, this is not professional, you know the market rate and she is one of the top selling actresses... fans die to see her on the big screen…

Ok, last 3,00,000, finish the deal…

Oh god! It won’t work; I will be at loss…

Ok man, Will treat you separately… don’t worry… tomorrow he is attending a party meeting and would be staying there in the five star hotel… can you make arrangements for her to come there…

Moring or evening...

Early Morning better… she can leave from Hotel midnight…

Done sir, she will there at 05.45 AM… same hotel right...

Yes, yes... the same, where you brought last time…
____

Mumbai

So what’s your plan for 12th December, it’s just few days left…?

Why? What’s so special?

Arae… it’s the day when one of the most Honest IPS officer was born to serve the country…

Hahah.. Oh my birthday…

How can you be so casual? I want it to be celebrated in a grand way…

Oh come on... You thought I am still younger…

So what? I can still challenge there isn’t many guys, who can compete with my hubby… you are as strong as any of the young IPS officers in our country...

Nobody can argue with you… but still if at all you want to spend my birthday, then let’s think in some constructive way… which would help the needy people…

I agree and I know you would say that... don’t worry, I will plan in such a way that it becomes the most memorable day in your life…

Thank you dear and yes today’s dinner food is excellent.. I don’t know why, but I enjoyed it very much... Both Stomach & Heart are full today…

Oh, that’s very surprising… thanks for your compliments…. Can we go for a walk dear… before we rest for the day... it’s just 9.45 PM...

(Phone rings…)

Hemant*... the phone is for you…

(after few mins)

Switch on the TV, there is an emergency... my country needs me…
__

(A Year later)

Another Day in the Office of the Universe

Daddy, where is Mom? Couldn’t see her anywhere in the house…

She has gone to temple …

Oh Not again? Always temple... these mothers are all old fashioned… I am feeling hungry and she hasn’t prepared the breakfast yet…

Son, you know what’s the day today?

What?

26/11

… Oh... No… I completely forgot… The day I could have died…

Yeah… thanks to your mother who stopped you from going to work that day, since she had a bad dream…

Yeah… I remember, I was forced to sit at home that day only to see my colleagues being killed by the terrorists…

And she believes, it’s all because of the God she prays daily….

Sorry dad, I forgot...I read in the newspaper, there are people who lost their son who had to attend an Interview on that Deadly Day at the Hotel, couples who were in Hotel for their Honeymoon, bureaucrats who were staying in the Hotel to talk about country’s betterment, Foreign delegates and…

And who can forget Hemant Karkare & other service staff who left their life for saving fellow countrymen…

Yes Dad… they did…they certainly left their lives to be on our heart for ever… And we owe them a Royal Salute…

On your Front...SALUTE....

*Reference: HERE

5in1

1in1
Ashwin, look after the house, we are going to the temple and will return back in couple of hours time…

She is also coming along with you?

Who? My wife? Of course da…

Cant you go to temple only in the weekend, instead of going daily?

What’s the problem Ashwin? You know our family situation? We only have two rooms to live; she is just new to our family... I have to take her somewhere daily, so that she enjoys being with us…

I know... but...

You are my little brother, you can understand... but she is new... if I keep her inside these four walls, she will be mad... so you keep preparing for your exams... we will be back soon…

But I am not able to study here... we have this two rooms and it’s so suffocating... Henceforth I am going to my friends house every day evening to study there... I will return only in night for dinner... so...

So...

If you have to go to temple, you please go only in the weekend….

All these days you didn’t know we only have two rooms here and you could able to study... Suddenly now what happened?

Please… don’t ask me anything, I’m going… you two be here …

(Friend calls)

Eh Ashwin… coming ?

Where?

The same place where we went yesterday.. forgot? 5in1 Park.. Lot of birds were there.. We can keep on watching… hehe

No Venkat, I’m not coming, I’ve to study...

Arae.. Yesterday you came with us and we enjoyed watching all birds hiding under the bushes and doing naughty things... hehe..What happened today?

I’m not coming there, I’m not interested... I don’t want to intrude into other people personal things…

If they are personal, who asked them to come to the park and kiss each other, let them do it at their home na…

Please, don’t talk rubbish; I’m going to library nearby my house to study… I’m keeping the phone down.. Bye…

(Sorry Venkat, how can I tell you the truth… when we went to the park yesterday, I watched my own brother with his wife yesterday… I can’t even think that horrible scene again… I had to be blamed… I should have known the nuisance I’m creating for them… they are just married.. and in our two rooms, where is the privacy for them, If I keep on burning the lamp throughout the day in the name of studying…

I didn’t know that they are coming to this park daily when they tell me that they are going for Temple... Now I think I have given them the Temple within our house... so that they can worship wholeheartedly...

2in1

Vasantha, Geetha is in the house or not?

First, put the slippers outside and come inside and relax... Why are you shouting for your daughter from the gate?

You tell me, Geetha is in the house or not?

No, she is not here, has gone to some friends place...

Which friend?

How am I supposed to know all that? May be some college friend...

Are you talking like her mother, can’t you know all these things?

What happened now? Why are you shouting at me?

If you know what I have seen, you won’t be asking such questions to me…

First tell me what happened?

You know this 5in1 park on the way to our house?

Yes…

While I was coming... the bus halted there for few minutes…and... and…

What then?

I saw our daughter with someone in a bench there... in a very... I feel ashamed even to tell that…

What? Don’t talk rubbish; our daughter will not go into all these rubbish things? Did you see her?

No, I didn’t... they were turning that side… and that rascal... was actually touching... oh god... Eshwara… I thought of getting down right there, but the bus was too crowded, I couldn’t’…

You first keep quiet, I’m sure you have seen someone else.. You can’t even read newspaper properly without glass, and you have seen someone from the bus, that too without your glass…

I also wish it should not be our daughter, but still I won’t get satisfied till I get this fact cleared…

Ok, ok, be quiet, our daughter is coming…

(Night)

Vasantha Do you have venkat’s phone number?

Now what are you going to do? Call him and ask if my daughter was there with you in the evening for studying as she told us today?

What else you expect me to do? If she was in Venkat’s house for studying, I’ll thank all gods right now… but if she wasn’t... then... oh…

Oh god. Stop crying like a small child, our child, will not indulge in all these things... that too in Public Park…

Whatever you say? I will not get satisfied, until I check with Venkat… I’ll go to his house tomorrow and check, it will not be appropriate to check over phone…

(Next Day)

Papa… where are you leaving so early?

Ah... I... I... I am going for a walk da …

Walking? Wow... you never used to go all these days, why now suddenly?

Hmm... because.. because.. doctor told me…

Whatever, walking is anyway good... can I come with you for the walk?

Ah... no, no… you be here.. I’ll go all alone…

Ok, if you want to enjoy your privacy even at this age, I won’t disturb you then… but before that I want you to forgive me…

Forgive you? For what?!!!

I actually, i… didn’t go to Venkat’s house for study as I told you pa…

What? You didn’t go to venkat’s house? Then...then... where were you? Vasantha...come here…

Why are you calling mother now? Sorry pa, I told you a lie… I didn’t go to venkat’s house…

You are the belief & trust we have even at this age…. You can’t…

Ayo pa... don’t talk filmy dialogues, I didn’t go anywhere… but I went for this only…

What?

New dress for you & for mother… Happy marriage anniversary papa…

You... you... went…

Yes pa, I went for shopping… it was damn crowd… that’s why got delayed yesterday evening reaching home…

Oh latha... you are my daughter… how can I…

Why what happened?

Nothing.... you forgive this old father da…

3in1

Venkat, I have good news for you…

What is that Sweet Heart?

You are going to be a father Idiot!

Whewwww…. I’m so happy darling... don’t go anywhere else I am coming home right now there… I... eh wait, wait.. My boss calling, let me pick that phone first… Yes boss…

Venkat, we have a Breaking News, I want you to go to 5in1 park immediately…

Sir, I am through for the day, Infact I am already in my home sir…

Listen Venkat, we have a suicide case... It is interesting... a boy found an Internet Clip from a Adult website, which involves his sister & his boyfriend in an alarming position taken in 5in1 park… someone captured it through mobile camera…

Sir…

Listen, after seeing this video, the boy allegedly got angry and hit her sister … it’s still not sure, if the girl committed suicide for the video being leaked on the Internet or by the hit of his brother... I want you to go to 5in1 Park immediately and report from there… I have asked Shilpi to report from their house…

Sir, Actually, I have become a father..So…

Congratulations Venkat, now please rush to 5in1 hotel, we don’t have much time to cover this up… Bye…

Hello...Hello! Subha are you there?

Yes... you are coming na…

No, some urgent assignment, have to rush... will talk to you tonight...

What? What’s the matter?

It is… well leave it… it’s the time to rejoice … let’s not discuss about it now… I don’t really know if I have to feel happy or sad...

Any problem?

No darling... Occupational hazards... will take care of it... you take care of yourself… Bye…

4in1

Sunil, this is a public park, keep your hands away…

Come on yaar… don’t be spoilsport, these days it’s very common…

May be, but I feel very shy…

Nothing to feel shy about it, many couples come here and they just express their love without any inhibitions… come closer…

Ahh… arae… enough sunil… stop it... look there someone is coming…

Who is this villain at this juncture?

Sir… I work as a watchman in this park…

Ah.. so.. what you want?

I don’t want anything, just wanted to know if you people need anything.

What? No, we don’t want anything, you can go…

Hehe… I’m at your service sir…

I told you na, we don’t need anything...

No sir, if you people want, I can arrange for a room for you…

What?

You just have to pay Rs.100 for one hour... full privacy guaranteed… it is just nearby…

Sunil, this guy is mad, let’s go from this place…

Sir, think about it, I’m here only, anytime you want I can arrange for a room for you both…

Sunil, I told you not to behave like this publicly, see, now some idiot is asking if we need room! You know in which sense he is asking us… I really feel ashamed...

It’s ok da... why do you bother his comments… ?

No sunil, now I realize my mistake, it’s no harm coming out with you, but I should have known my limits... I gave too much freedom to you... I really feel ashamed now, how in the world I become senseless to allow you to … god... m leaving…

Sweet Heart, we are anyway going to marry, what’s the problem…

Take your hand Sunil, if you really love me, marry me with your parent consent... I’m all yours... but yes... even after marriage; I will not allow you to do such things publicly… I need to follow the culture I’ve been brought in... Thanks to that watchman… good bye...

5in1

What? You are going to stop blogging? Venkat, but why?

I ran out of ideas man…

Are you joking? We would miss your Gibberish stories then?

Now don’t think I’m a kid ok! I can understand, in which sense you say…

No man I am serious…

Don’t lie Idiot... you hardly visit my blog to read my stories…

No, no... I do... I may not give my comments, but I do visit your blog… I enjoy reading your stories...

Enough, but I am not going to write any more stories… I don’t know what to write... I am not getting any more inspirations to write...

You can’t say like that... writers like you never go out of ideas... you can write stories... seeing anything or hearing anything...

No ya, I can’t…

I bet you can… hmm… see... do you see that park... 5in1 park... it’s more famous for couples coming out there rather than the greeneries around… hehehe..

So what?

So what? … Look can you see a couple there… enjoying sitting in the bench there... not really worried about the people passing by… cant you write one story looking at them…

No I can’t…

You can da Venkat... Come on... fill your blog with this concept… it would be interesting to read…

Nope… As usual people going to thrash me for my stories... that’s what going to happen...

Janu....

Venky… I am feeling hungry da…

How many times I told you not to call me Venky…

Why? Venky is so sweet…

Venkat is so sweet..not venky…

Venkat might be your name… But I love calling you venky dear…

Ok, I’ll call you monkey then…

Any name you call me with love, is perfectly acceptable for me sir…

Ok sweet heart… let’s go to Shanthi Sagar and have something...

Shanthi sagar –ah? Why that!

You only told na... that you are hungry!

Ya...but why not some other place...?

Why, what’s wrong in that?

There is nothing wrong, but I remember you taking me to minimum 3 star restaurants during early days of our love…

Ya... that’s why today I came to this stage of searching for middle class restaurants…

Idiot! If you say like this now, where would you take me after our marriage…?

Have to search for street shop vendors…

What?

Nothing da… you can relish those only if you eat there once in a while, not always… come let’s have Bonda…

Poda..

(At the Hotel)

Venky... You know... what’s special today…?

I’m gone... don’t tell me this is our 100 days of our love… or 50th time we have dated together outside...Please… Men are very weak in remembering these calculations…

No da.. Today is world Miss day..

Oh, we have to wish our teachers is it?

Idiot! I’m not talking about your school Miss; I am talking about missing someone you love…. You like… you treasure... Today is world’s Miss day...

Oh I see…

Ya, that’s why I am very particular to see you today as early as possible....don’t want to miss you on this miss day…

Ah...Hot... Hot.. bonda has come..

Do you have any feelings...? I am talking about something emotional... and you are more interested in your Bonda... When all your romance died?

The moment I saw you…

Duffer…

Yaar… let me complete it... I was about to say... the moment I saw you... it is always over flowing... I’m never in shortage…

Ya.. I could see its overflowing in the way the bonda’s are going inside your mouth…

Now what’s the matter? Why you look so irritated today?

Venky.. Be Serious… As I told you over phone..I am thinking of discussing about our love with my father today...

Oh is it? I’ll book a flight tonight then... your father will not leave me if I’m in the town...

I am going…

Eh sorry ma... I am serious now... sit...

No, you eat your bonda’s.. I’m going... you don’t have any seriousness...

Eh don’t go... the time I spend with the you is when I can see heaven on earth... don’t want to see hell right here after you go...

You are never short of filmy dialogue, I’m telling you…

Only I know how sweet you look when you have angry face on me... I really love you…

You are one Flattery king...

Leave that... Don’t get tensed while talking to your father ok! After all I don’t see any reason for your father to say No to such a good looking person on earth...

Venky... not all are blind like me …

Now you have started… Ah...

I am going to tell him clearly... if you are willing to marry me to this stupid, then fine... I am ready... otherwise… I… I… (Sobs)

You fool... now why are you getting emotional…

I don’t know about you… But I can’t see myself romancing with any other stupid than you... I’m telling you... if he says no, you either convince him or you take me somewhere...

Calm down ya... I know about my father-in-law, he can’t be so cruel to such a lovely daughter... if you don’t stop crying, then I’m going to eat this entire bonda...

Idiot... fool... Stupid... you and your bonda… (smiles)

See you look less ugly when u smile than you cry…

You are the most loving person I hate in this entire world… (Hugs)

Madam... this is Shanthi Sagar… not Prem Sagar... please control your emotions...

I am hugging my husband... who can stop me from it…

(Night)

Janu… what’s the matter... just saw your 9 missed calls..

Where were you idiot?

I was in the loo…

As expected... after eating all those bonda’s yourself…

Did you talk to your father...?

No, I’m going to talk in a short while... just thought to hear your voice once before I do that…

Don’t worry Janu… things will be allright.. No one can stop me from the disaster of marrying you...

I’m telling you... I am not going to spare you even a single day post marriage...

Hahah…

Eh, what if he says No…

Janu ma… why this negative thinking...?

No da... whatever he says, I want to see you immediately, only then I think I can live... because if he says YES, I would die out of happiness, and if he says No, I would die anyway …

Don’t be stupid …

Are you coming or not?

Ok, I’ll wait near the park opposite to your house in an hour... is that fine with you?

Thanks da venky.. I love you... wish me luck please..

I love you too janu... all the best…

(After 45 mins…)

Venky.. Have you reached my place?

Janu... did you talk to your father?

Where are you?

Idiot... I asked if you have talked to your father or not?

You first tell me... where are you?

I’m still in my house…

What? I told you to come here stupid!

Yes, but my father was on checking terms today... Couldn’t avoid him... so... But you tell me what happened?

If you are so afraid of your father even to come out of your house... how are you going to talk about our love to him?

Janu! What happened to you? Did you talk to your father or not?

I’m disconnecting the phone... I thought you would be here by now…

Understand da… things are not alright here... that’s why... but I was waiting for your phone all along... tell me da please.. I am not able to wait any longer...

Give me a kiss na…

What?

I said give me a kiss…

On phone?

Yes…

But my phone is dirty…

Idiot! I’m disconnecting…

Ok.. Ok.. Here you go… (Kisses)… got it...

Not bad… VENKY…. VENKY… my father agreed to our love…

Wow…. Hurray… JANU… (Kisses)… (kisses).. (kisses)…

Enough... enough... Want to clean your phone right now, is it?

Haha… I’m so happy janu...

Me too... he wants to meet you tomorrow... thought of meeting you right now and share this good news with a non virtual kiss… but you are very unlucky da venky…

No, I’m not... I am lucky...

How do you say that? You missed my kiss…

No Janu… I’m just 5 secs away to get it...

What? Idiot... you are here only…!!

Ya.. I’m just near the park in front of your house for more than 30 mins Madam…

Oh so sweet… wait for me... don’t go anywhere…

(Near the park)

Venky… I am so happy da.. I didn’t knew it would be so easy as this one... my heart almost came to an halt when he stared at me for a while before nodding his head smiling…

Hahah… I told you... your father cannot be as cruel as you are…

Do I look like a devil to you... stupid! When are you going to talk to your father?

May be tomorrow...

What if he says No…?

Simple... will look for Banu…

Stupid... Idiot... Fool… I’ll kill you… (beats)

Stop….stop... Please.. Stop…

(beating continues)

Arae.. baba.. .listen… my father said yes before your father did…

(beating continues)

Didn’t you listen to me... I said my father said YES before your father did…

What?

Yes Janu.. I discussed it the moment I reached home this evening.. he said Yes too…

Really? Oh venky.. I can’t believe it… (hugs tightly) does all love stories ends in happy ending as ours Venky?

I don’t know about others? But ours did… (kisses on cheeks) (hugs)

I love you da venky….

I love you too Banu… che… Janu…

What ?

(the beating continues for ever…)

Oh Papa!

Sir, when is the train to Bangalore reaching here?

It would come in next 10 minutes…

Thank you sir...

Oh Papa, how many times you would ask the same question to each and every one here. You just listened to the announcement..then.. why..

Nisha, the train is supposed to come at 8.45 PM, now the time is 10.00, they have already postponed the arrival 5 times…so…

All because of this stupid rain… didn’t know it would rain this far this time…

Ya, every time you come to see your parents, it rains…

Oh papa, I am more worried about what my friends would say… couldn’t go out and buy any sweets / namkeen for them… because of continuous rain... don’t know how I’m going to face them…

They are your friends, they would understand…

Yes, they would, but not with the same excuse every time I return from my home town...

Sir, I hope train would not be further delayed…

Yes, yes... it should come in next 5 minutes…

Oh papa, why are you making me feel ashamed in public… have some decency...

Enquiring about train arrival is indecent?

Yes, if you keep on asking for it every 2 minutes... I feel bad, from next time; don’t come to send me off okay…

How can I send you alone to station?

How can you send me alone to Bangalore? In the same way send me alone to the station when I visit you people next time...

Okay, okay, don’t get irritated at the last time, I would feel bad; I won’t ask you anything, happy…?

………

Looks like train is coming, stand little behind… come... come…

Oh papa... leave my hand... I’m not a small kid; I know to handle myself…

No Nisha, train would come in great speed, that’s why... so…

Oh papa, stop it…

Ok, okay… B1 Coach, III AC, 51 lower berth…

Ayo... papa… I know…

Why are you getting agitated so easily these days… you no longer wish to hear your old father’s words…?

Oh papa... definitely not if you keep repeating the same thing again and again like a customer care…

Train would stop here only for 5 minutes… so get to your coach quickly…. Come, come... rush…

We are standing just in the place where this B1 Coach would come, so no issues papa…

(After few mins..)

Ah… It’s fully dark inside the coach... already people have gone to sleep switching off the lights, how can we trace our seat, if these people switch off all lights...

Oh papa, please be silent... I know how to look…

See, this is 44, so 51 should be in the opposite…

Oh papa... don’t you see people sleeping, atleast be silent for sometime... don’t irritate me...

Eh someone is sleeping on our berth... hello Mr...! Mr…? this is 51, and is reserved for us, get up... hello…

PAPA…. Let me handle... tension mat lo… hello! Excuse me Sir... Excuse me! What’s your seat no..?

Train would leave in few minutes, hello, get up... Mr!

Papa… I’m telling you... you….

(After few mins..)

Abba... finally we got our berth... tie the suitcase with the chain, give the lock…

Papa... it’s a overnight journey, nothing will happen, I’ll take care...

No...No... Give the chain, let me tie it...

Papa... I have decided, next time I will come alone... no need for anyone to send me off...

My sweet girl... don’t get angry... see that’s it... just a second to lock...

Thanks for your advice…

Ok, take care ma… Have some breakfast and then go to office... Don’t hurry to office as soon as you reach home … as you might be late…

OK PAPA… now get down…

Your mother has given all paste & ready to cook powders, are all packed inside, keep it in fridge as soon as you reach home.. Otherwise it will get spoiled...

Oh! Ok pa…

Take care of yourself; drink only hot water, till this flu danger gets over…

Hot water-ah... ayo papa... you get down... I’ll take care...

You have got water na.. Or shall I buy you one…

Oh papa… I have got enough... Now don’t shout... get down… train is about to leave...

Okay... ma... Take care... Oh... as soon as you reach call us, okay... don’t get down anywhere..

Oh Papa... get down pa… please…

Ok ma... god bless you… take care… have this Rs.500 as my blessings… bye…tata…

(After few mins)

Oofff… Papa… you really irritate me so much these days... don’t you know I’m grown up and I can take care of myself... let me have some water and refresh myself and go to sleep…

Hi! Sorry madam... to occupy your seat... actually…I was waiting for you to come…

Waiting for me...?? Why?

Mine is the middle berth... People generally can’t sit if we put the middle berth…thought to put it once you get settled…

Oh thanks... but how do you know when will it get occupied?

…through the reservation chart … I knew you would come… so actually I was sitting and listening to songs... since the train was going in a snail’s speed, didn’t know when I went into sleep.. Didn’t really notice that the station has actually arrived…

Its ok... thanks… you seem to be very generous…

Yah... humanity service... Especially for good girls like you nisha..

Oh you know my name... how? Oh...yes... The reservation chart... it reveals more information that we want sometimes… so you are Mr…?

Venkat…

Yes... venkat.. Thanks for your help; you can now put your middle berth…

It’s okay... so was it your father... ?

Oh yah... Why you ask...?

No just like that…

Little old type... so sorry if he has created any commotion...

Eh...no issues... you are very lucky to get such a doted father… who will at this age, would do this much... ! only fathers can do for their daughters…

Oh yah!

So you have bus facility after 10 in your place? It’s raining as well... how will you father go back home? Did he drop you by his car?

………

Nisha... hello!

Ah... sorry...k.. I’m tired, good night…

Oh sorry, gud night... !!

(After few mins)

Oh papa, did I miss something… I didn’t even care, how you will reach home… it’s already raining... we had tough time getting an auto to reach station from home... now how you will go back...? no bus ply after 10 to our place... papa…

Can’t call you as you don’t carry mobile... Our house number is dead… how will I reach you..? Oh papa... I’m very sorry... didn’t realize your plight till some unknown idiot guy had to make me realize that…

Why we fail to understand old people genuine feelings just because they are outdated as we MNC crap generation thinks… after all you only cared for me throughout, but I kept on firing you with my words… it is still raining heavily outside, buses not operating, auto not available, it’s more than 10 km to reach home from the station, where are you now papa?

Oh papa……

Decent Proposal

Call me after some time, I’m in a meeting pa

Oh ok, but...

(donk)

What happened, did you tell her?

No Paru, your daughter is so busy that she doesn’t even have time to hear his old father’s one word…

Yah, she was telling me that there is some client visits & related meetings today, may be because…

So what Paru, I am hearing her nonsense since her birth, now I’m old and she doesn’t want to hear me for a second...

Oh ho… why are you exaggerating this small issue, she will call you back when she is free…

This is the fourth time I’m calling her since morning, do you know that…

Now why are you in such a hurry…?

Paru, they have sent the photo and already called me twice to check if we have seen the photo or not, what will I tell her?

Tell them that our daughter is busy and ask for some time to reply them back; we can’t hurry in these matters…

Paru, remember we have a daughter, not a son… we can’t be so stubborn…

Things have changed, now girls are in demand, now girls father side demand things, it’s no longer your generation, where you & your mother made my father to suffer like anything till his last breath..

What? What? What did you say…?

Nothing, I told you to come and have lunch…

(papa ringing)

Appa, you have called me 10 times since morning, I told you I am little busy, can’t we discuss this today evening at home?

My dear, please just 5 mins, see his profile and let me know if you like him or not…

You want me to open & browse matrimonial sites in front of my clients…

I have to update Venkat’s mother, she would be calling me in some time now... so?

Who is venkat?

You forgot? I told you yesterday night about this new boy that we have seen for you for marriage.

Oh yeah.. so..

I also told you that they would be updating his son’s photo on the profile and requested you to check and tell me if you like him or not..

Ssh..ok… give the profile no. once again, I would check and tell you.

I gave you in a slip today morning…

Missed it, are you giving again or not?

Oh ok, your father is very old now, don’t rush,.. the no. is M 5544321

OK, hang on a sec, I would tell you right now…

……

It says, profile doesn’t exist…

What no. you put..?

M5544312

Oh no, it’s M544321…

Oh papa, leave it, I’m not going to check…

Eh please charu… can’t you do this much for your old father…

Emotional blackmail pa… wait… it’s opening...

Ok ma…

I like him, you can proceed…

Oh.. so..

(donk)

Your daughter, I’m telling you..

If she comes first in school, she is your daughter, if she gets a promotion in office, she is your daughter, if she sings well, she is your daughter, if she irritates you, she suddenly becomes my daughter…

Even after 40 years of marriage, I can’t argue with you…

Leave that, what your daughter is saying..

She asked us to proceed?

What? Just now you gave her the profile no, and immediately she agreed?

That’s what? I am perplexed… I don’t know if she even opened it or not… I don’t know if she said it in haste…

(Night at home)

Charu, how was the client meeting today?

Hmm… it went well…

Oh, why they have come to your branch? For audit?

Papa, what do you want? Tell me…

Regarding that profile, did you see it…?

I gave you my answer in the morning... right…

But you hardly took seconds to see it and you immediately said yes… so…

So what? Are you worried about my decision or the time I took for my decision?

Ok, you sleep…

Papa…

….

Papa… sit papa… what you want to know tell me?

No, nothing, you sleep…

Papa, sorry papa… my Chella papa… tell me… angry with me?

Can you spend atleast 10 minutes with me as my daughter Sarada and not as an MNC manager?

Ahhh..haa..ahhhh

Eh, why are you crying?

You only asked me to behave like your daughter na.. so that’s why ..

No, no.. my daughter is not a “cry baby cry” child… she is bold…

Hehe.. nice papa… tell me, what you want to know from me ?

Did you really like him? Is he looking good?

Who, Venkat?

Yes Venkat?

Did you see his profile?

Yes I saw today evening with the help of your uncle…

So what do you think?

Horoscope is matching..decent job… looks OK…

So, what’s the problem in my 'Yes' to you then...

But charu… don’t you think he is little over aged for you... he is 31…

So 31 can’t marry…

Yes, I mean No… what I mean is, Are we going fast? Can we wait for some other good
profile...

We only have 5 years of difference, it’s isn’t a big deal….

I am afraid charu, we should not make decision in haste... that’s why…

So you think I said yes in a matter of second, without really thinking seriously…

Hmm… in a way, yes…

Papa, I am telling you again, you can go ahead with this proposal…

And what’s the reason for your YES, his looks?

No

His job?

No

His handsome salary?

Of course not papa?

Then?

His age?

Age-ah? I am worried only because of his age, and you say you accept him because of his age? I didn’t get you...

Papa, it’s a logical thinking... I may be wrong, but I would prove it to be right anyway in future…hahah

Amma, I requested you to talk like my daughter…

Papa… papa… my dear papa… tell me, at his age of 31, do you agree with me that he would have seen number of profiles like me before..

Yes obviously, they should have seen many…

So when they are sending their profile to us, it only means that all their earlier searches have gone into dustbin…

…so…

So they are still looking…

Yes, obviously...

Papa, you think from his angle, what’s his name... ah venkat… he is in an age, where definitely his friends and surroundings would keep on pestering him to marry soon either in the form of advise, or by leg pulling or joke, or whatever…

Ok… so

So by this time he would also be in a dire state to get married soon…

So it means what for u?

Don’t take me wrong; tell me what if you find an Apple juice in a room full of all other possible rich variety fruit juices…

I might try if I have other options…

What would you do if you find a glass of water, in a desert where you don’t have any possibility of water anywhere else...

I grab it immediately… and feel grateful for the same…

So papa, I am that glass of water for him at this age… if you look for a 28 year old boy, I might be just like that apple juice for him.. though he might taste me, he would still might regret what if I could have taken the other juicy fruit milk shake…

So you mean to say, he would be more grateful for you and be ever good husband to you than anybody else…

Exactly… obviously I feel, he would in the top of the world to know that I like him… he should also feel grateful…

Can’t you be wrong?

As I said, I can be wrong, but I am sure I would make my thinking right papa… for some reason, he couldn’t get married so far, but that waiting itself would make him more loyal and faithful to the girl he is going to get married at last…

I too agree, by this time, all default expectation of men that they want top of the world beauty women as their wife would have died and he would already be in a sort of compromise because of the same old age factor..

Hehe, yes papa… anyway we are also not compromising, he might not look like Tom Cruise, but still he is my Madhavan… hehe… so go ahead and get me married to him ASAP, got it sir..

Yes boss, got it…

haha...my sweet papa... i love you so much...

Guru's Grace

In recent times, the society is struck with people who are suffering from losing jobs, Insecurity, trauma, health break-down, differences in the family relationships etc.

If you are one among them or the one who wanted to help the mankind, request you all to go through this following link and follow the method specified sincerely.

http://himalayantradition.blogspot.com/2009_05_01_archive.html

Thank you

Abi & Myself... (Abiyum..Nanum)

So Venkat, time for the next story to be updated on your blog? Are you ready with one?

Oh yeah, I’m… Hope it comes out well…

Haha,.. you hope for that every time you write a story, but invariably you fail….

Hello! My English Kids are not that bad as you think, ok!!...

Ok, ok…. Let’s start the story… so where does this story revolve around?

It revolves around two friends… and they are in midst of celebrating something...

Something –ah, what is that?

Read the story, you would know…

Hi… Good morning!

Good Morning Abi, what’s up… looking so refreshed today?

Hmm… Yeah… you know there is something special today?

Oh is it? hmm.. let me take a guess.. Today is your birthday…

What nonsense! It’s in the month of June… try again…

Hmm… today is the day you really thought you are going to work in the office…

Oye donkey! How dare you to comment me like this! I am known for hard working…

Ok, ok… you are indeed one… sorry, I lose; you tell me what’s special today…

Let me tell you, you are No.1 waste… today we are completing 6 months of our friendship da…

Oh… I see…

What a fantastic reaction! I atleast expected some formality happiness ya!

Eh, I am happy for that, but I am sorry about my reaction though, it was something spontaneous….

That’s what I am surprised, I can’t agree with your happiness then... You don’t really think this is something of remarkable day… or the day to celebrate… you don’t really want to cherish our friendship…

It’s not like that, I am really happy for our friendship Abi!...

You say so, but not your reactions!

Reactions ko Goli Maro! Ok, tell me, how you want to celebrate this day…

Forget it! I lost all the mood…

What is this Venkat? Once again this story is going nowhere! Your hero is very complicated…

Why you say so?

Then what? Abi is so happy to celebrate their 6 months of friendship, this guy looks dumb, no reactions at all...

Sir, we really don’t know why he is reacting like that? His low reactions, doesn’t mean he is not interested in the friendship… it might be something else also…

What is that…?

We don’t know, we have to read the story to know that…

I know what next would happen... as usual, this guy would now make up for his earlier mistake… will talk goody goody words and take her to some restaurant or so and give a good treat for her to celebrate this day… that’s how all men hide their mistakes…

Haha.. I agree few men do that, but let’s see if our Hero is one among them… so as you say, the next scene is in a restaurant…

So how is the chocolate icecream Abi?

Oh delicious da… I love chocolates to death… hehe

Don’t eat much ok! Not good for your teeths!

Enough of your advises, you keep on advising me for everything… ok, I want to ask you one thing…

What?

you remember, at the start of our friendship, I asked you to list down my mistakes & you told you would give your real response in future…

hmm, I do… How can you expect me to tell some one’s good or bad things within 1 week of introduction…?

ok, ok… now since it’s been 6 months, I think you can list down few right…

Few-ah, there are many yaar..

oye!.. Ok, if so, I want to know that…

Not now, sometime later…

No, no… I want to know now only…

Ok, we will play a small game, I will ask you set of few questions, your answers should only be either ‘yes’ or ‘no’… okay!

So what’s the trick in this!

The trick is I bet all your answer would only be ‘No’. If your answer is ‘No’ for all the questions that I ask, then I win... so I won’t tell your mistakes at all… and if you can say ‘Yes’ even for one single question, then you win, I will answer all your questions.. Got it Abi?

Eh, this is not fair…. What if you ask “are you a male”, my answer will be obviously ‘No’, so you win... Ah! This is not fair baba…

You wise lady! My questions won’t be like that, for e.g. I will ask you, “did you bath today”... obviously your answer would be ‘No’... so I win... right…

Stupid, Get Lost!

Eh, it’s just an example... ok, so what I meant was my questions would be something genuine, which you could have done, but not did so far… got it?

Hmm, ok... let’s try this out… I wish I could say ‘Yes’ for atleast one of your question... so shoot!

OK, this is a rapid wire round… so I need your answers quickly…

Venkat what is this? Is this a quiz show… you said your characters are going to celebrate their 6 months friendship, and they are talking something nonsense here…

Whether it is something nonsense or wise, we will only know after the story ends… infact do you know what happened in Abi’s house in the morning, she had a very interesting conversation with her sister…

Oh what’s that?

Eh Abi! You look so energetic & happy today! What’s the matter?

Nothing, I am going to meet my best friend, by today we complete our 6 months friendship…

Oh is it! Who is that by the way, the same one in your office…?

Of course yes, who else then…

Oh great, nice to know that… but what’s in him that you like so much…

He is my best friend…

In what sense?

He cares for me more than he cares for himself…, he knows my moods, he reads my emotions perfectly and he doesn’t complain on anything that I don’t do for him…

What are those…?

Like, I never really cared about his problem, I mean I wasn’t interested… or I should say I was more concerned about my own world that I didn’t really look beyond that… so I don’t really know much about his World of people…

So you say, you people talk more about yourself and your set of world rather than anything about him…

Yeah perfectly, it’s OK at the start of any relationship, after a while, the other person might really get bored or frustrated whoever it may be, but this fellow.. Didn’t really complain even once for not really showing that ‘care’ for him… He was there all the time when I needed him, but I am not sure whether I was there for him whenever he needed me…

Interesting! Didn’t he complain about that even once?

No he didn’t... that’s very amazing… and that alone made me to think… if I ever will get a friend, who isn’t worried whether I care for him or not… or I should say whether I show that I care for him or not… he is still there for me all the time… he doesn’t complain even once that I don’t ask any question about him…

Hmm…. Good… all the best…

So what relevance has this part in the story Venkat?

Hello! Why you ask me all the questions, read the story yaa… you will get to know...

Ok, continue with the rest of the story…

So can I ask my questions... Abi?

Yup… don’t make me wait…

Do you know my birth date?

Hello! What is this question ya… I…

Madam Abi! You are only requested to answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ for my questions, that’s the deal… so say yes or no…

Ok, No!

Did you made efforts to know my date of birth?

No..

Do you really think you know what irritates me in my daily life…?

No!

Do you know the biggest problem I’m facing in my personal or professional life?

Well, No…

You know I own a website, so do you regularly check what I write in there..

Eh, I said, I will, I didn’t find time… so…

Yes or no Abi!

Ok, No…

I said, I had a severe pain in my eye few days ago, did you check with me the next day as how I was feeling…

So what is your conclusion now? You mean to say I don’t take care of you…

Y or N!

NOOOOOOOOO

Do you really think, you know me…?

……

I didn’t hear anything…

NO

Do you know what makes me happy & what makes me upset…?

Ok stop it ya! I lose…I know for all your questions, my answer is going to be NO, so now what is that you wanted to prove here…

That you have to understand…

Now I understood… why you had no reactions when I wished you for our 6 months friendship, you don’t really like me or my friendship; you were frustrated with me for not showing enough care or interest in your world….

It’s not that Abi!

No, I am not a child! I can understand, if you think I am not worth, then OK fine, let’s give a full stop to our friendship… you believe I’m not worth your friendship, ok fine… I’m not…

Can you give me a minute to talk Abi!

You already talked sir! You talked enough…

Now what’s there to get emotional Abi!

Your hero is very sadist fellow sir! He asks all stupid questions, he makes this poor girl Abi to cry… and finally as if he has done nothing wrong, he says, what’s there to get emotional… this is stupid stuff…

So why do you think he is sadist?

Then what Venkat, didn’t you see what this poor Abi was telling her sister… she is very well aware of her short comings, and since she feels that this fellow has not highlighted them, she has high regard for him… now see by asking all such stupid questions, he has downgraded himself.. He is not any special person; he is also one among the other ones, who has all typical expectations from others…

Haha…

What’s there to laugh… first I thought your Hero is something different from others, no he is not... he also has expectation, and when his expectations doesn’t come true… he waits for the right time to pour it out as poison without caring how others will feel..

Tell me one thing… Abi only asked to highlight her mistakes, right!

Yes she did…. But by doing so, he is now losing her friendship nah… the same reason for which she thought he is her best friend, has now gone into pieces…

Is that so? Ok, let see what Abi is gonna do now… can we see the conclusion…

Quick… Venkat… I want justice to be given Abi… and also finish it off quickly, already your story has gone into 5th page...

What ya! All want justice to girls… think about men too boss! They are also poor….

Whether or not they are poor, it depends upon how you conclude the story, now go ahead…

Abi, look at me and listen to me for a minute… you asked me to highlight your mistakes right…

Yes I did, but I never thought you will disappoint me with such crap… I thought you are something special, no… you are also one among the others, you are also selfish… you also want to receive 50, if you think you have given your 50…

Haha, My abi is best when she gets emotional…. Arae yaar… today we are celebrating our 6th month of friendship... so what else is the best occasion to see the stock of our relationship so far... I thought we have reached a stage where any daily course of arguments wouldn’t anyway affect our friendship otherwise…

If so, what’s the logic behind your questions…?

Logic… you want logic... ok, tell me what are you going to wear tomorrow?

Now what is this another stupid question? You have already asked enough questions…

Please answer… do you know or not…

No, I don’t…

Ok, my point is as we don’t know what’s gonna happen tomorrow, I am also not sure what’s gonna happen to our friendship either… we might still celebrate 16th year of friendship… or we might get busy with our own world that we might hardly remember our 1st friendship anniversary…

So…

So I thought this is the right time to tell you few things…

Like…

I want you to take little interest of what’s going on with the people around you… show that you care for them too... tomorrow I might be here or not… you might be with a new relationship, a better one may be… but I don’t want this thing to create a problem for you.. Like you, others too like to share things that are going on in their world, some do it openly as you do, and some wait for the right moment...

So...

There is nothing wrong to be too involved in your own world, but occasionally come out of that, and start taking interest in others too, they might be looking for you, that’s what I wanted to tell you… again I’m happy with the way you are with me so far… but I wanted you to think about it if you are getting into any kind of new relationship in future… got it Abi!

Hmm… So what is your Date of birth?

Heheh… stop it Abi! I’m not going to tell you, and I don’t want you to ask any questions about me now… don’t keep this in your head for ever… just think about it... if you think I was right in something, try to implement it with others and see the results… all the best…

You know what?

Kya Abi?

You are still my best friend! ....

The Real Critic

Yesterday

Yeh Tumhari Meri Baathein, Hamesha Yuhin Chalti Rahe
Yeh Hamari Mulakate, Hamesha Yuhin Chalti Rahe

Boss stop singing this song, you should sing ‘maine pyar kiya”... that’s what needed for you now...

Hmm... I agree, but for me to sing that song, I should get one, right!

Don’t worry, keep your eyes & heart open, you would get one soon

Wish your words come true soon…

By the way, why you have stopped writing stories… haven’t seen any stories in your blog since this New Year has started…

Yaar, not finding any…

Any story knot…

Let me complete yaar… every day I find atleast 4-5 knots... but there is no inclination to write…

Why, since there are no readers…

Haha...that is anyway there even while I was writing... but this time I don’t know... maybe I am little happier than last year?

Happier? What stops you from writing if you are happy?

Most of my stories are written only when I’m in pensive & poignant mood…

Oh I see… can’t really understand all of your thought patterns..it’s all weird like your stories…

Why you say that? What’s wrong with my stories?

I’m sorry to say this... most of your stories are really stupid stories…

Oh!

Yeah... they are indeed...crap… they go nowhere... and many are like ‘beat around the bush’ types...

But I thought people liked it…

How can you be sure of? First there would only be handful of people who are reading it, and in them only one or two comment for your stories... rest of them think that reading your story itself is the biggest favour they have done for you… so

So you think my stories are real crap….

Not only crap but also stupid… no sense at all whatsoever…

You should have heart to feel my stories…

Bull shit!

Thanks for your encouraging comments…

I don’t mind if you feel bad with what I say here, but you really deserve a tight slap for torturing the readers with the ideas you come up for your stories…

Eh you know what? I actually thought of writing one story today, as I haven’t done for long time, but your kind words make me think now…

Oh please do…

You mean I should write a story

Oh god, I mean to say please think…

Think about what?

Think about whether you should actually write stories or not? I have already decided to stop visiting your blog since there is nothing but crap.

What can I do? That’s what comes from me… but all are genuine feelings yaar... maybe I might not have beautiful, rhythmic, high quality English words to put it in writing…

Ooff... Enough... Let’s stop here…

I know the moment, I start explaining something about myself... you say it’s enough… atleast sometime you should allow others to talk… more importantly you should atleast have the habit of listening…

Ok the topic is going somewhere, let me make myself clear, stop writing stories...that’s the best thing you can do... because you can’t come out with any good one’s…

Ok yaar, I can’t say no to you... I won’t write stories from now on... Happy?

I am happy for your readers… bye

Today

Yeh Tumhari Meri Baathein, Hamesha Yuhin Chalti Rahe
Yeh Hamari Mulakate, Hamesha Yuhin Chalti Rahe

Oh... you have again started to sing this song? Seem to be very happy today!

……

Boss, I am talking to you….

Oh yah... sorry… what?

I think like selective memory, you have selective hearing... you would only like to hear what you want to hear…

No... Actually I am busy with my next story…

What? Did I hear it properly?

Yes Mam, you did… I am coming up with the next one…

I remember someone saying to me yesterday that he can never say no to me…

I still keep up with that word… but this is something I couldn’t resist and after all there is no damage done to you even if I break it, as you anyway not going to read my stories…

Yes that is something I will fulfill with utmost sincerity..

I have never seen such a person like you who always dampen my spirits...

Spirits-ah? I thought you are a living being…

It is very difficult to talk to you these days…

Ok, back to the topic… how come you started writing a story today, when you agreed to my pleading yesterday…?

The world is not really cruel like you TL; some good souls do live…

First you talked about spirit, now you talk about soul… I’m afraid, are you alright?

Yeah, yeah… I’m... still the side effects of being your friend is not evident in me…

Ok, I’m going…

Ok, ok… thanda thanda cool cool… you don’t want to know the reason why I have started writing the story...

No, I don’t want…

I always wonder, why you don’t have any kind of interest to know anything about me… even the slightest curiosity that people generally have too is missing…

The answer is very simple… you are boring…

I’m telling you… I have never seen a person as discouraging as you…

Ok, I’ve work to do… if you have to say something, be quick…

You are very cruel yaar… ok, actually I got a comment in my blog yesterday night which made me to change my decision…

Comment in your blog-ah? What was it?

See, see... You also have curiosity…

Boss, if you want to tell, you tell, otherwise, I’m going to work, bye…

Wait, wait! I won’t get sleep if I don’t tell this to ...you… listen & then go... you said nah... my stories are stupid & crap, but not all think so…

Is it?

Yeah… wait... let me just copy paste her comment…

“Hi DT… I’m a regular reader of your blog, particularly all your stories. I have to admit that your stories are highly fascinating & I can relate myself to most of the instances that come across in them. They make me feel so connected and you have a knack of connecting human emotions woven nicely in a form of story. I wonder if some of them are of your own experience. Whatever it may be they are enchanting. I notice you have stopped writing stories for some time. While I don’t know the reason thereof (may be I would know that one day as one your story... lol), I really wish you could soon come back with a bang…

- Anonymous

Hmm…not bad… by the way, there is no name mentioned, so how are you so sure that the comment has come from a girl?

Simple… With the emotions expressed in the comment… not only that… usually my stories go well only with girl’s audience… I mean the typical girl’s audience; not scientifically uploaded & technically equipped brains like yours…

I think I should not have asked this question… but I do have one more question…

What?

You said you would be writing stories only when you are in pensive mood or whatever, but now you are in good mood but how come you are actually writing one…

Good question.. I also do write stories, when I actually want to bring out some emotions… this is the only medium where I can share or let out… sometimes even to say one single line ..Say for e.g.. “I don’t like to see your seat empty even for a second when I’m in the office”... to say this to you, I can actually create a fantasy story just to write this single point… did you get that?

I’m not wrong earlier when I said your stories were real crap & stupid… you be happy with your anonymous comment & your stupid stories…

(Phone rings)

OK, you carry on with your stupid story… I’m going out, got a call…

Yes soma, how are you?

I am fine yaar, by the way as you requested over night, I have put that comments on DT Blog as an Anonymous user...

Yah, thank you… I am aware of that...

Oh good, did you check that…

No, I didn’t but I came to know from Venkat just now…

Did you tell him that you were the one who want to put that…?

No, why should I... I don’t want to…

Why?

It’s like that only……

Ok, atleast tell me why you want him to write stories... I have also read few... all stupid stuff…

Eh no... Don’t tell like that... those are nice... different thought... good flow... not everywhere you can find such kind of stories put into paper…

Oh I see, did you tell this to him…

Never…

Hmm…why?

It's like that only…… Moreover this is the only time; he uses his brain… so I don’t want to stop him from that…

Haha… so you think your comment would help him to write stories once again…

Definitely… there is no doubt about that....he would start once again…

OK, why you asked me to write that comment, instead of doing that yourself…

To maintain the record…

Which record…?

Not to put any comments in his blog even once… hahaha

Hahaha…

(A friend is the one who criticize you upfront and praises you from back…)

Concern!

Q:I am concerned about my friend’s drinking habits.

Osho: “Don’t think about anything that concerns others.

“And that’s what you go on thinking. Ninety-nine percent of the things that you think about concern others. Drop them — drop them immediately!

“Your life is short, and your life is slipping out of your fingers. Each moment you are less, each day you are less, and each day you are less alive and more dead! Each birthday is a death day; one more year is gone from your hands. Be a little more intelligent.

“Do not think about anything that concerns others. Train first against the defilement that is greatest.

“Gurdjieff used to say to his disciples — the first thing, the very very first thing, “Find out what your greatest characteristic is, your greatest undoing, your central characteristic of unconsciousness.” Each one’s is different. Somebody is sex-obsessed. In a country like India, where for centuries sex has been repressed, that has become almost a universal characteristic; everybody is obsessed with sex. Somebody is obsessed with anger, and somebody else is obsessed with greed. You have to watch which is your basic obsession.

“So first find the main characteristic upon which your whole ego edifice rests. And then be constantly aware of it, because it can exist only if you are unaware. It is burnt in the fire of awareness automatically.

“And remember, remember always, that you are not to cultivate the opposite of it. Otherwise, what happens is a person becomes aware that, ‘My obsession is anger, so what should I do? I should cultivate compassion.’ ‘My obsession is sex, so what should I do? I should practice brahmacharya, celibacy.’

“People move from one thing to the opposite. That is not the way of transformation. It is the same pendulum, moving from left to right, from right to left. And that’s how your life has been moving for centuries; it is the same pendulum.

“The pendulum has to be stopped in the middle. And that’s the miracle of awareness. Just be aware that, ‘This is my chief pitfall, this is the place where I stumble again and again, this is the root of my unconsciousness.’

“Don’t try to cultivate the opposite of it, but pour your whole awareness into it. Create a great bonfire of awareness, and it will be burned. And then the pendulum stops in the middle.

“And with the stopping of the pendulum, time stops. You suddenly enter into the world of timelessness, deathlessness, eternity.”

Professional Harassment!

After writing a Best Seller post 'How to get works done' (!!!), I'm here with another professional remix titled 'Professional Harassment'.

There are many kind of harassment that can be categorized under this head. But what I’m talking here is something different.

Often you come across a person in your team, where he/she just receives salary for coming to the office. Leave alone whether they work or not, they also don’t allow others to work peacefully. I have personally been in that position (of course in receiving end!!) and I still see such person in professional environment.

I get disgusted & frustrated sometimes to see fellow team members suffering and slogging just because of one person inefficiency and irresponsibility. They just behave like an Erumai Maadu, with no sense or feelings for others at all. They don’t care for other people slogging or suffering, let alone enjoy in how to evade works.

I wonder how they could be such thing in this world. One your conscience should hit you if you are avoiding work continuously. Or atleast, seeing your team suffering / slogging so much, you become little kind and share the work. But nope, these people don’t care for both.

I don’t know if they are doing it purposefully or they get into such shelves unconsciously. But whatever it is, the pain the rest of the team members endure is unexplainable.

What aggravates this injustice is when the very same person is regarded as a goody goody fellow by rest of the people in the company / environment. They think he/she is a such a kind good person and regard high of him / her. Often their escapisms such as coming late to office, leaving early, just avoiding works, take no interest in sharing the team load etc, gets unnoticed just because of their good communication / tackling people. Nonsense!!!

Luckily, I’m not in that circle but I’m seeing that plight daily. But one thing is for sure, hard work really pays. OP (escaping from work) really kills you at some point of time. But current situation may not look so, but it would one day for sure. If not in professional life, atleast somewhere in their personal life they would surely get a HIT.

This post is not out of my personal vengeance, but result of seeing people working really hard for their pay / conscience / responsibility inspite of having such numb member in their team.

Slow Down

Have you ever
watched kids
on a merry-go-round?

Or listened
to the rain
slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a
butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun
in the fading night?

You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
on the fly?
When you ask How are you?
do you hear the reply?

When the day is done
do you lie in your bed
with the next hundred chores
running through your head?

You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Ever told your child,
"We'll do it tomorrow"?
and in your haste,
not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch?
Let a good friendship die?
‘Cause you never had time
to call and say,"Hi"?

You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

When you run so fast
to get somewhere
you miss half the fun
of getting there.

When you worry and hurry
throughout your day,
it is like an unopened gift
thrown away.

Life is not a race.
Do take it slower.
Hear the music
before the song is over.

(Above poem is said to be written by a small girl who is suffering from Cancer. I especially like the lines marked in bold above)

Have a Heart

I have been experiencing pain of varying degrees in my chest for some years. It disappears when I love, when I melt....

Osho Speaks: It is not physical; it is certainly concerned with relaxation, total melting, forgetting oneself completely. In those moments it disappears, so certainly it is not physical. You have to learn to give more love. This is not only your problem; in varying degrees it is the problem of everybody.

Everybody wants to be loved; that is a wrong beginning.

It starts because the child, the small child, cannot love, cannot say anything, cannot do anything, cannot give anything; he can only get. A small child’s experience of love is of getting: getting from the mother, getting from the father, getting from brothers, sisters, getting from guests, strangers — but always getting. So the first experience that settles deep in his unconscious is that he has to get love.But the trouble arises because everybody has been a child, and everybody has the same urge to get love; nobody is born in any other way. So all are asking, “Give us love,” and there is nobody to give because the other person was also brought up in the same way.One has to be alert and aware that just an incident of birth should not remain a constant prevailing state of your mind.

Rather than asking, “Give me love,” start giving love. Forget about getting, simply give — and I guarantee you, you will get much.

But you are not to think about getting. You are not even indirectly, by the side, to watch whether you are getting it or not. That much will be enough disturbance. You simply give, because to give love is so beautiful that getting love is not so great. This is one of the secrets.Giving love is the really beautiful experience, because then you are an emperor. Getting love is very small experience, and it is the experience of a beggar. Don’t be a beggar. At least as far as love is concerned, be an emperor, because it is an inexhaustible quality in you. You can go on giving as much as you like. Don’t be worried that it will be exhausted, that one day you will suddenly find, “My God! I don’t have any love to give anymore.”

Love is not a quantity; it is a quality, and a quality of a certain category that grows by giving and dies if you hold it. If you are miserly about it, it dies. So be really spendthrift. Don’t bother to whom — that is really the idea of a miserly mind: I will give love to certain persons with certain qualities. You don’t understand that you have so much...you are a raincloud.

The raincloud does not bother where it rains — on the rocks, in the gardens, in the ocean — it doesn’t matter. It wants to unburden itself. And that unburdening is a tremendous relief.So the first secret is: Don’t ask for it, and don’t wait, thinking that you will give if somebody asks you. Give it!Just give your love to anybody — a stranger. It is not a question that you have to give something very valuable, just a helping hand and that will be enough. In twenty-four hours, whatever you do should be done with love, and the pain in your heart will disappear. And because you will be so loving, people will love you. It is a natural law. You get what you give. In fact you get more than you give.Learn giving, and you will find so many people being loving towards you who had never looked at you, who had never bothered about you. Your problem is that you have a heart full of love but you have been a miser; that love has become a burden on the heart. Rather than making the heart blossom you have been hoarding it, so once in a while when you are in a moment of love you feel it disappearing. But why one moment? Why not every moment?

It is not even a question of a living being. You can touch this chair with a loving hand. The thing depends on you, not on the object.

Then you will find a great relaxation and a great disappearance of your self — which is a burden — and a melting into the whole.This is certainly a disease, in the literal meaning of the word: it is a dis-ease. It is not sickness, so no physician can help you. It is simply a tense state of your heart that just wants to give more and more. Perhaps you have more love than other people, perhaps you are more fortunate, and you are making out of your fortune a great misery for yourself. Share it, without bothering to whom you are giving.

Just give it, and you will find tremendous peace and silence. This will become your meditation.

One can come to meditation through many directions; perhaps this is going to be your direction.

How to get works done?

One important aspect in a professional life is how to get works done efficiently and effectively. While everyone is bound to do their work for which they are accountable / responsible, there is still a fine line between doing the work and enjoying the work.

From my professional life so far (I’m not an age old person to account my 25 years of experience but still hold a decent level of experience because of which I become eligible to write this post), I have noticed different reasons why a person really does a work.

Primarily the reason one does the work is because obviously he has to do it, otherwise he would be sent back home. However it is very important, how is that work is being carried out and how it’s being served. For e.g. If one orders a Dosa, he is bound to get a Dosa in a Hotel. But it depends, whether he is given a tasty sambar / chutney, Butter is added to Dosa for no extra cost, how the Dosa is being served, how the cleanliness is maintained etc.

In same way, as an individual if one wants to do a work, though he/she does it, the question remains whether they are doing it with their full potential and interest. Many a times, the answer is negative. But why?

Some people get the motivation & Interest to work if they know their work is going to be recognized and he/she is bound to get rewarded. If those are not there, the quality of work would be depreciated day by day, though he might be receiving all other benefits.

Some people get the motivation & Interest to work, if they have excellent team members. For them, Hike in pay or promotion is not their major motivational factors. They like to see how they are treated. Since primarily we all spend major hours in an official environment, most of our emotions /energy are also being spent there. In that case, if we get excellent team members, who is just not a mere team member, but also assumes an extra role as a friend, then the working culture would be completely different. All know their responsibility and they work towards it, but at the same time, it’s been done enthusiastically. They love to do works in a shared manner with more of discussions among themselves. They like to be heard. They don’t care much about other things, as long as their personal emotions are satisfied.

Some people regardless of any benefits either personal / official, they work according to their mind patterns, which is often very difficult to read. It fluctuates often and one has to really know their habit patterns, to get works done through them.

Some people think work as worship. They are bound by Do’s & don’ts in life. Even though they have personal emotions, they still like their work, because they take it very seriously. They are those sincere, goody-goody individuals, who spend their life & heart towards official’s works. They might feel bad, if their efforts are not recognized, but they would feel much bad, if something goes wrong in the office.

Personally I’ve faced all of them in above categories. May be as a boss, as a person in equal designation, as a team member, as a person reporting to me or just a member in same office. Personally I love to work along with my team members. Many a times, if I am accountable to do some work, I often share my working experience, pain & pleasures I got in that work with my team members. I feel they would be equally happy to know about my work, because some day or the other, they have to reach that stage as well. Also, my work today would become his/her work tomorrow. So it is always better, we gave them a necessary exposure at the start. Also, I feel bad to say to my team, “boss, these are your work area & scope and you be among that only”.

I also strongly feel we should necessarily understand our team members emotions if we want our professional works to be done effectively & efficiently. Often works are done through emotions, and if we don’t understand the personal level of emotions, we would never know why someone work quality is depreciated or poor. As an employee we might not have powers to give a hike / promotion to our fellow team members, but certainly we can always have one or two kind words, just showing them what they mean to us, just showing that little extra care etc.

Also many a times, in professional life, one faces situations, where he/she feels extremely lost or a sense of loneliness creeps in. These emotions are often not discussed at all. However it depends on our ability to identify those and try & help them to overcome it. Otherwise they would never get the trust & confidence on us.

For e.g. I remember a scene in a film, where group of friends go to a quality restaurant. The foods are being served and everybody starts eating with the help of the spoon & spokes that are provided along with the items supplied. Among the group, there is one new person who is from a Village and who had never used spoon in his life. Though he his accompanied with his elder brother, who is one among the group, the elder brother didn’t understand the plight & pain of this village based brother because, he is more lost in his own personal interest of enjoying the atmosphere and his friends.

However, one of the city based member in that group (who else than the film heroine) who just sits near that village based boy, suddenly drops her spoon and starts eating the food by hand. Seeing her, this fellow slowly starts feeling comfortable and also starts enjoying the food, which he didn’t touch for quite some time.

Here no words are spoken, but still the ability to understand the other fellow personal weakness and also trying to help him without making him feel embarrassed is the highlight points to note.

How many of us can do such things in professional life as well? Here the food can be replaced with the works and the moment we share with our team members in the name of meetings, discussions, official lunch, casual chats, casual outings etc.

Well if you want your professional work to be done in a better way, you can ponder on these points & come up with your own strategy; otherwise just let it be the way it is now currently.

My Experiment

hmm.. somehow i failed.. or the reader failed with the Experiment I did on my last story well... i take the blame.. i tried to cover too many things there..

Impatience of the individual, thinking too many things at one time. Creating a miserable situation himself, unable to prevent panic, getting tension unnecessarily

Not able to enjoy the current events (a jolly ride in auto) because of co-relating with other events (like bus comes after he gets on to the Auto)... still thinking about past things, for which he dont have control... then.. well.. let me stop here..

as i said, it's a Ven Story.. only the writer can understand... not because the readers are poor in understanding but the writer himself is poor in communicating any kinds of emotions verbally or through writing..

22A

A Ven Story (what is Ven Story?)

Oh man, time is already 12.30 pm still no sign of 22A bus..

This scorching sun makes my life hell

It’s been 45 minute since I’m standing on this bus stop; I could see all bus except mine..

I think I would be late today; Shit Man, shit! I would definitely get a two wheeler after this year’s appraisal, but hope they give me a decent hike

Oh god, my legs are paining, they don’t even keep a decent shelter or place to sit in these bus stops, these government guys are utterly useless

No other go, I’ve to take an auto, Sigh.. he will charge me almost Rs.80 to this nearby office, saying peak traffic as a justification..

Eh! Auto…

What.. it’s too much, I will give you Rs.75…

Ok ok, Rs.80

You guys are sick.. you know when to hike the prices, Rs.90 is too much…

Ok, 85 done, now hurry.. I’m already late…

Even though he charges more, Auto travel is far better compared to bus, but still Rs.85 compared to Rs.10 ticket in a bus is no way justified.. my fate 22A is no where to be seen.

Oh god!.. there is that 22A, should it come only after I get into the Auto!! All my Fate.. All my fate.. this world is so cruel to me.. Rs.85 gone waste today!!

The End

(readers can send their interpretation of this story and meaning (if any) out of it)

No Zen But Ven Stories

Many teachings from Zen-Buddhism are told in short and delightful stories. They are usually designed to develop the mind and to free it from distortions and so to connect with our spirit.

Some of them are really inspiring and enlightening. It is helpful to the mind to think about them and feel the deeper meaning. Even if it is not possible to grasp them fully, the beauty and simplicity of the message usually gets through to us one way or the other.

I am no expert to write Zen Stories. Nevertheless instead of ZEN I plan to present VEN stories. Only similarity between these two would be it's length. Yes it would be short. However the meaning behind the stories are left to the readers to grasp on their own. Somemay look more simple, some absurd but surely it does give inner meanings, atleast to me.

So Happy Reading!