You Me and God

Ashutosh loved the tea breaks, he took tea breaks between 4.30 to 5.00 PM every day. He along with his colleagues, Mani and Shankar, would go to the road side tea shop and have nice long chats. A break from the fast and hasty IT Company he worked in, they would discussed about everything under the sun and at times above it ;) It looked like it was about to rain but the steady wind delayed the rain, they signaled three "chai" to familiar shop owner and grabbed a packet of wafers.

Mani: "You know I saw a video on face book about the Fibonacci series, made me really wonder about god!"

Shankar: "Yup! Freaky to use Fibonacci series to make unique things, I thought Fibonacci series were used only on viva questions or practicals! :P "

Mani: "Haa haa…! You know it shows how god works from above us"

Ashutosh with smirk on his face: "so that’s how he works? On numbers? :P "

Shankar: "You don't believe in god?"

Ashutosh: "Yup! I do"

Mani: "Then what's with the sarcasm?"

Ashutosh: "I feel that God actually doesn't work! He is just a… just a… you can say viewer or watcher, 99% of things that happens in your life he doesn't control"

Mani: "Dude! He creates human beings!!"

Ashutosh: "Really?! I thought our parents created us :P "

Shankar: "He controls your life; he can change life the way he wants! God is the supreme!"

Ashutosh: "God might be the Supreme but definitely he doesn't control changes in life, it is us who writes our fate"

Mani: "So you don't think God does anything?"

Ashutosh: "Let’s put it other way… Do you all agree that if there is God he exists everywhere?"

Both Shankar and Mani nodded their head in agreement.

Ashutosh: "What I am trying to state is, there is a part of God in every one of us"

Now Mani has a smirk on his face: "Even Osama bin laden?"

Ashutosh: "Yup!"

Shankar: "You have lost your mind!!"

Ashutosh: "As I said 99% of your life is control by you only 1% by God, in that case what I said is perfectly right, Osama choose his path and Gandhi choose his"

Shankar: "You are confusing me!"

Ashutosh: "I am just saying people should stop believing that everything is done by God and start realizing that everything which happens in your life is because of you. People are using God as 'reason' for their actions, if same God created Osama and Gandhi then why the difference?”

Both of them had no answer.

Ashutosh: “I believe there is a part of God in everything, even in the advertisement model you see on the hoarding, call it God, call it x-factor, call it anything you want, but that is what makes everything unique, people should realize that factor is within them, and that factor is just a watcher, whatever you do in life is controlled by you alone! And people who realized it has realized what life is! :) ” 

His friends were giving a weird look, Mani: “Are you saying that hoarding there is God?!!”

Ashutosh smiled, he couldn’t stop it, and looks on his friends face were too animated: “Shall we leave?”

Mani: “You know who real God is?”

Ashutosh:“My manager! He controls my life! :( ”

All of them laughed and started walking towards office. Ashutosh took a last glance at the hoarding and entered the office.

The shape on hoarding relaxed: “For few minutes I thought I was caught! Thank the humans!”

“Ennai thoandi nyaanam kanden idhudhaan en katchi” -  Kaviarasu Kannadasan

“To the question of your life you are the answer, and to the problems of your life you are the solution.”  - Joe Cordare

“Resolve to be thyself; and know that he who finds himself, loses his misery.”  -Matthew Arnold, "Self-Dependence," Empedocles on Etna, and Other Poems, 1852

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You Never Knew!

Is it me or does that girl really look good?!

I am sure if you are a guy this question would have crossed your mind, in some cases if you are a girl ;) . The point I want to share is, I have seen girls who at one point of time doesn't make an impact on you. By impact I mean impression. There are girls who has an "oomph" factor in them, and there are girls who gains respect on the first look, and there are girls who never comes to your notice(no offense). 

Being in a college which has more than 1000 students in a particular academic year, I have come across girls who belong to all the 3 categories. In college the "oomph" factor girls are like celebrities! If they talk to you or if they walk on the other side of the road in the same direction, you mind automatically start playing a heroic background music!! From what I have noticed in my life after college , mostly through the social networks(read face book :P ) available, how else do you think one could be in touch with so many people :P …  yeah from what I have noticed is that these "oomph" factor girls totally disappear, is it cause they are dumb? Not knowing how to use a computer? Married early? I can't put my finger on it!! 

Now comes into picture the girls of the respect and unnoticed category! What happened to them?! Well, they get into a good job, uses the social networks to stays in touch. And guess what they start look good!! I'm not sure how many of you will agree but I can voice for 70% of the guys I think. Now you start wondering what happened to them in college?! Seriously?! In college she would have been just another girl and now If you see her profile picture you start cursing your eyes for betraying you! This is the story of how a "unnoticed becomes a oomph(at least at an extent oomph)", She joins the social network with a profile picture of an actress or a baby or a flower, and sends request to friends who she knows, next step she uploads a picture which shows her face from side angle, the best of picture she ever had so far! Well you know guys, she starts receiving friend request from guys who she knows only by name. She then realizes that she has more that 300 friends in the account and has not changed her profile picture in months, she walks into a beauty parlor and straightens her hair! Next go to a branded shop get a nice pair of jeans and a designer t-shirt/tops. Goes to a nice coffee shop/restaurant/picnic with friends  gets her photo clicked!! She also learns to do "touch ups" before leaving home! :P . You must have noticed I have mentioned "hair straightening" as first point, I strongly believe it is the first step towards getting "oomph" factor! It is becoming a common weapon used to get guys attention! Straighten your hair and leave a strand of hair fall on your face, guys will  look at them for sure! And heights is when you have a girl as good friend from college who doesn't fall into "oomph" category and when she tells you about proposals she is getting!! :o  You start believing that 2012 is the world's end! You look her photo twice and realize that she has become pretty, but she will always remain as the one who gained your respect on first look! 

All being said, another important point is that, when guys are out of college they know what their potential/reach/capability is. May be, when a guy is out of college he reduces his standards/bars out of frustration? Realization? Or both? for the good?  I guess these are questions even "Google" cannot answer!

Cheers!

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Blacklist$

(For better experience recommend using IE or Chrome and not Firefox)

The mobile beeped, it showed “1 message received”. I opened the message:

“In 15 minutes”

I stood up, time had come, and I was waiting for this. Everyone said it was not possible but they all gave me the same answer. The answer was so strikingly odd yet gave me hope. I closed the door and started walking fast, yellowish half-moon kept peeking out of clouds, my shadow playing hide and seek in the platform. I thought back to yesterday evening, when I lost all my hope and decided to seek their help. The road had many pot-holes scattered down the entire way was filled with brown puddles. I entered the building; two diamond shapes joined by its edges, like bird’s nest the building had so many rooms. I remembered their room number; AV 154, the sound from the room had shocked me.

“Two da… Two… Two…”

I knew that voice, two guys who were glued to the computer screen, and he knew both of them: Butty and Vikram. But what were they doing, he came with so much hope and this!

Vikram: “Hi da… come in…”

Butty still glued to screen: “Va mappi… exam ellam epidi ezhudi iruka?” (how were the exams so far?)

I sat down on the cot, they were playing Cricket 07, but they only had one keyboard and two of them playing?! Still confused, I replied “so far good da… but next exam internals kami mappi… athan padikalamnu vanthen… unnaku evalo internals?” (so far good, but next exam i have low internals. i came to study, how much is your internals?)

Butty: “ennakum summar ana internals thaan da… unnaku?” (i have a decent internals.. you?)

Me: “ennaku kammi da… epo start pannalam?” (i have low internals da... when shall we start?)

Butty: “mappi… tomorrow leave thaane… so tomorrow evening sure a we will start da…”

Did I hear it correctly?! Is he saying that we will start tomorrow evening?! This paper is vast, so much to study and he wants to start by tomorrow evening. Rest of the hostel has started studying! Big mistake to have come here!

Me: “Vikram… nee??”

Vikram (now he was glued to computer): “ama da… tomorrow evening we will start”

What is he saying?! And how the hell are they playing two player game with one keyboard and no joystick!

Me: “dei… internals kammi da… pass aganum… shall we start tonight…?” ( i have low internals, i have to pass, shall we start tonight?)

Another guy walked in, Ramn holding a tea cup: “when did you guys wake up? Semma thukkam mappi… nenga rendu perum thungave illaya?? Hey hi da…” (when did you guys wake up? i was dead sleepy. you both didn't sleep at all? hey di)

Me: “hi ramana…”

Butty: “thukam varala… athunala thaan oru game a pottom… semma partnership…” (nope not sleepy... so we started the game... great partnership)

Ramn: “Dei please da… Cricket 07 creator kooda evalo ada mattan da (not even creator of cricket 07 plays it so much)… you guys play the same shot over and over again…”

Vikram: “dei Test match adarom da Australia voda… paaru da 335 runs partnership between kram and butty” (we are playing test match against australia... we got partnership of 335 between kram and butty)

I interrupted their insane talk, why are they not worried about the exam?! The guy is more worried about this partnership in Test than exam?!

Me: “Ramana… when are you planning to start?”

Ramn, still sipping the tea: “start what mappi?”

Ok, this was getting highly insane!! Like a ray of hope walked in a guy with Xerox in his hands, Yogu. I was happy seeing at least one sensible guy.

Yogu to vikram: “mappi… intha Xeroxa konjam paaren… ethu next examku sampantha patta xeroxa illaya nu mattum sollu” (take a look at this xerox and let me know if it is related to this exam)

Dummillll…Lightening struck in my heart!

Vikram turns many pages and finally says: “I think so… but not sure syllabus pakkanum” (i think so.. have to check syllabus)

Yogu: “seri… I’ll keep it in your room; give me some Xerox I’ll try to study. But epo thaan marudhamalai padam roommate eduthukittu vanthan… so nightu adu thaan… tomorrow evening thaane?”(ok... I’ll keep it in your room; give me some Xerox I’ll try to study. but now only my roommate got the film "marudhamalai" will be seeing it tonight, tomorrow evening right?)

Vikram: “yes yes!!”

Yogu left, out of nowhere I heard a song, a high pitch song. He comes into room still singing and waving his hand as though he is practicing in a studio. Everyone in college knows him or at least the song which he always sings in fests. Harish Chakravarthy @ chakku, SP.Balasubramaniam of our college, lies down on the cot and starts messaging. Suddenly a guy rushes into the room and searches table, shelf, cot but he doesn’t find it anywhere. The he sees ramana, glares at him and snatches the empty tea cup and walks out of room. I know him, Venkatesh but calls himself Wine and requests people to call him that, but people call him “Dino”. He came back with two other guys who were also holding tea cup, Aravind @ Ver and Raghul @ Gul. Both looking relaxed settled down on cot deeply involved in their tea cup. Room was getting crowded and I alone was looking desperate with Xerox in hand! Two more guys walked in, one wearing shortest of shorts and another with lungi, both squeezed into the already full cots.

Guy wearing shortest of shorts, Nair: “mappi… any good movie?”

The light through the door was blocked by well built guy with tight t-shirt again with a tea cup, Jai @ peeth. Why is everyone here obsessed with hostel tea!!

Peeth: “Dei… Saw VI vanthuduchu da…”(Saw VI has been released)

Chakku: “dei peeth naaye… neeyum un SAW vum... nalla tamil padam podungada…” (you and your Saw! put a good tamil film.)

The guy in lungi, Durai @ Naid, speaks up: “a new movie has come, athule hero and heroine first scene le murdered, avangaloda nai kutti revenge edukara matiri kada… director semmaya eduthurukan… Chinese padam nethu thaan subtitles oda pathen” (a new movie has come, in that hero and heroine gets murdered in first scene, so their dog takes revenge.. superb direction... it is a chiense movie, saw it with subtitles yesterday)

Ramn: “Naid dei… antha padatha patha unna kola pannanum mothale” (you should have been murdered for seeing that movie)

Their talks continued not even a hint about the exam; none of them seemed to be bothered. Room was filled with people and yet people never seemed to stop showing up, this time a guy with thick moustache, tall and fluffy hair, Sudharsan @ Oons: “mapppiiiii…. I have got thala ARR’s new album da… semmaya iruku…”

(I have got the new album of ARR)

He passes the pen drive to vikram and sits on edge of cot facing the computer.

Oons: “dei podu da… seekaram” (put it... fast)

Vikram: “ok ok”

Oons: “dei… innum nee podalaya… seekaram seekaram… seri illa nee”( you haven't played it yet... fast fast... you ain't good)

Vikram plugs in the pen drive.

Oons: “seekaram podu media player a… enna nee… seri illa…”(fast start the media player... what man... not good)

Vikram: “dei oonam… vendam…”(oonam... noooo)

Both of them laugh at each other for reason I did not understand! The room was now blaring with ARR’s new album. I was in middle of a perfect mayhem, worst decision I have ever made in life. They continued talking about the song, it was Greek and Latin “strings” “slap” “fruity loops” and I was little assured seeing few others in the room also didn’t know what it meant! By now chakku had by hearted the high pitched lines and started singing along. The chaos came to a sudden stop as room of never ending people had another visitor, short, fair, curly hair and strangely he carried with him a Xerox and syllabus copy. Everyone in the room fell silent when Ravi @ Rover walked in. He was searching for someone in the group, his eyes fixed on a guy in cot, Ramn.

Rover: “dei ramn vada padikalam…” (ramn come we will study)

Now this was the second time lightening had struck me, to walk into a room full of lunatics and asking them to study was indeed bold. Someone in the cot snorted “Ravi Robo Ramn”

Ramn: “dei… ravi… athu… padikalam… athuku thaane vanthu irukom…” (ravi... that... we shall study...that is why we have come...)

Rover to butty: “syllabus enga da…?” (where is the syllabus?)

Butty: “syllabus… syllabus… vichuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu”

This time I was not surprised to see another guy entering the room, I was half expecting another entry. An innocent looking guy walks into room, Vishwanath @ vichu : “sollu khaaan…” (tell khaaan)

Butty (in sivaji style): “syllabus engada khanna…?” (where is the syllabus khanna?)

Vichu: “aado un kai kitta, CPU pakathula iruku khaaan…!” (it is close to your hand,near the CPU khaaan)

Butty with a sheepish smile on his face, controlling his laughter passed syllabus to rover. Vikram sitting near him burst out in laughter. Rover smiled, vikram started laughing hysterically…! I have never seen a guy laugh so hard, he couldn’t literally breathe but no one seemed to stop him… why? And here is another guy who adds “khaaan” to every sentence… why? I had so many questions in my mind but “lunatics” seemed to be perfect answers to all.

Peace seems to have crawled into the room, talks of exam slowly emerged. Rover, Vichu, Vikram and Ramn were looking at the syllabus and at last Ramn spoke: “epo eelaka perika poram” (now we are going to split portions)

Vikram: “I’ll do the second part of the syllabus”

Vichu: “I’ll take first part”

Ramn: “I’ll take the third part”

Rover: “I’ll do the last part”

Naid: “I’ll also do the last part da… we will share it”

A wave of relief passed through my head…

Peeth: “dei... its 7 o clock, vangada mess ku sapada polam” (it is 7, come guys we will goto mess for dinner)

It was as though someone magically turned the wave of relief into a solid stone and I felt a lurch in my stomach.

Oons: “epo story time?” (when is story time?)

What the hell is he speaking?! Story time??!!

Vichu: “tomorrow evening 7.30 pm” and he left the room

I was lost. That’s it?! I hurried behind the sanest looking guy in the group.

Me: “Vichu… I haven’t started studying anything so far. I thought I’ll study with you guys… but”

Vichu: “that’s ok... Start studying any part of the portions you are comfortable with and I’ll message you,
come here tomorrow night. We will study everything, don’t worry!” he said with a smile.

I have become a lunatic or else I wouldn’t have decided to come back to the asylum again tomorrow night.  On the way past the room I heard Butty: “So… naan oru question padikaren… one sure shot essay question sollu” (so... i am going to study one question... one sure shot easy question say it to me)

Vikram: “one sure shot essay question”

And they both started a quake of laughter. GOD SAVE THEM! PLEASE!!!

Yet again I am going to meet them, but the situation changed dramatically, they were sitting in a perfect circle, cots were full of Xeroxes. For a minute he felt he entered the wrong room. They were waiting for him to join. Once he entered, yogu said: “Ok story start…!”

Chakku: “dei yaaru vennalum story start pannunga but naid story last” (let's keep Naid story at last)

They all smiled at each other, I was totally missing the point.

Vichu started the proceedings; he took up a Xerox and said he will need one and half hours to explain this part of syllabus. When they meant story telling I was under impression that it was just a name given but I was shocked to realize that it was in fact a story told. I was amazed, how easily I could grasp. Vichu completed first part of syllabus well before time. My mobile showed 08:55 pm, I heard a bang, people running everywhere, and I ran for cover worried. Jai, Vikram and Ramn were diving to the near table, on which stood a tea cup. I realized what happening, its MILK time in hostel. They ran and were almost first but Ver and Gul got to the MILK can quicker.

The “the MILK” time included a game of cricket as well which was played in the hostel corridor, chaos settled in comfortably. Rules were different from the normal cricket, one pitch one hand, out if you miss the ball thrice, one run if bat makes contact with ball. It went on for an hour before they stopped it. Vikram started the second part; he left one topic to Butty. It is not that others were not good, but Butty’s story telling capabilities are the best! He explained one essay in purely filmy way that everyone in the room remembered it. Ramn took the third part of the syllabus and it was well past one AM when he finished it. Last part of the syllabus is be done by Rover and Naid. When they started it, almost everyone positioned themselves into a comfortable sleeping position. Even rover left it to Naid to finish the syllabus.

Naid: “Mappi’s intha syllabus liye important question ithu thaan…” (this is the most important topic)

His voice brought in a state of tranquility. Next day exam hall, always eerie, nervous looking people; examiner made announcement about no mobiles or copying in exam, he looked at the question paper and felt as if someone was playing a nasty trick. How is it possible? What is this? It must have been overnight study and eye strain. How can the questions be like this?

I looked around, rest of the students have started writing!! How is it possible!! My mobile started beeping; everyone in the hall was looking at me, the examiner walking towards me. I stood up, but instead of examiner I saw Naid in his lungi and Xerox in his hand. I looked around no one seems to have noticed that I slept off. I settled back into position, sitting next to me oons had a smile in his face. My mobile showed “1 new message”, I opened it realizing what woke me up, it was from oons and it was blank message.

Oons: “feel panathe… ithukaga thaan naid story last a vechu irukom…!” (don't feel bad... that's why we keep Naid story at the last)

On the background I heard naid’s voice: “the battery…. Satellite… communication…”

I looked around, chakku eyes half closed, I am damn sure that I saw butty head fall out of his hand in sleep. And yet unaware of his surroundings, Naid continued his story about… about… what is he speaking about?! I tried to listen to the rest of the syllabus but something about his voice tripped me into sleeping. I decided to sleep at 3 AM; I had my exam at morning 9! I met the guys in exam hall, unlike rest they were clam and composed. I entered the exam hall with a small fear about the dream last night. The examiner made the same announcement and passed the question paper. I checked the question paper, thankfully it was English and I actually understood the questions. I checked the essay question; I almost knew every question except last one…! It had words which shot nails into my heart.  “Battery” “satellite” “communication” naid’s face appeared on the paper, with an evil laugh, “you shouldn’t have slept!” except that I wrote the exam well. I finished my exam and decided to go back to the room in evening.

The room never seems to be empty; it might be magically enhanced to hold so many people! A thriving mass of different figures, pulsating with the energy; it is said that life controls people but here within these walls I am seeing people who control their life. They are fit for the saying "One ounce of gut is worth a pound of flesh". They are called:

Blacklist$

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Walking with the TITANS

The late evening sun was casting long shadows; the cool wind ruffled his hair. Bus was not crowded, Nitin switched on his playlist knowing that it was going to be a long ride. He couldn’t control the random feeling of excitement; he wanted to squeal, jump and laugh at the same time. He was going back to home, the long wait has ended. He took time to handle the abundant amount of freedom he had outside home, he thoroughly enjoyed his stay outside home, but now time has come to go back. He learned how to cook and the respect for his mom went soaring high!

He missed his mom badly, not for the food alone. Every boy’s first love is their mother. He remembered those precious moments which he spent with her. He still remembered his mother with great devotion would light the lamp in front of idols. He loved watching her keep bindi in her forehead, she used to dip the stick in the bottle and make perfect circle. How could she make perfect circle is always a wonder to him! She makes the awesome coffee in the whole world, how much he longed to taste it again. She always insisted him to have curd rice at the end of the meal, how much he hated it and made a fuss about it. There were days when he had craved for that bowl of curd rice. He has always admired his mom; she seems to be the source of love. She gives priority to her family first, every single day, doing her job with at most love and affection. How could she do that…? He knew he was never going to find an answer to that. From his mother he learned an important lesson in life, how to go on with your life doing things with utmost love and least expectation. He loved and respected his mother for what she had taught him in his life. And coincidently his ipod started playing “amma endru azhaikaadha….” Song, when these lines came:

பொருளோடு  புகழ்  வேண்டும்  மகனல்ல  தாயே 

 உன்  அருள்  வேண்டும்  எனக்கென்றும்  அது  போதுமே 

அடுத்திங்கு  பிறப்பொன்று  அமைந்தாலும்  நானுந்தன்
மகனாகப்  பிறக்கின்ற  வரம்  வேண்டுமே  

poruloadu pugazh vaendum maganalla thaayae   
un arul vaendum enakkenrum adhu poadhumae
aduththingu pirapponru amaindhaalum naan undhan
maganaagap pirakkinra varam vaendumae

He felt a small lump moving up his throat; from his heart’s deepest depths a warmth feeling was spreading across his body. Glistening tears formed in his eyes and hovered for a moment before he blinked rapidly to make them disappear. He loved those lines… every time it was the same feeling… he knew he will never find an answer to describe this feeling… beautifully written lyrics… lyrics… his mind drifted on to how much he concentrates on lyrics of songs…

His mind flashed him the picture of home; he was in his school days, watching television with his dad. He kept switching channels as he always does and finally decided to watch one of the top chartbusters, the next song which played was an old MGR song. He immediately picked up the remote to switch the channel when his dad stopped him.

Dad: “Listen to the wordings of this song…”

It was something new to him, listening to lines in song… something he never did; it was mostly music and the actors. He started paying attention to the lines:

என் என்ற கேள்வி இங்கு கேட்காமல்  வாழ்க்கை  இல்லை 

நான்  என்ற  எண்ணம்  கொண்ட  மனிதன்  வாழ்வதில்லை

en endra kelvi ingu kaetkaamal vaazhkai illai
naan endra ennam konda manithan vaazhvadhillai

Even though he was young the lines made sense to him, it opened up a new dimension to songs. It was because of his father he could enjoy so many great lines in the song. He remembered the times when his father would take him out on his bike; he would be sitting clutching the handle bar. Air rushing on his face, he felt as if he is driving the bike and was going to save the world! He loves to go shopping with his dad in super market, he would watch his dad purchase different things and he would push the trolley around. His chest would swell with pride when his dad enjoys the movie he suggested. His father carried a sense of calmness around him, he loved that. He learnt a lot from his dad, how to handle money, the freedom you are given, the importance of keeping up a promise. Mom is like heart but dad is the brain of the family. There were days when he would watch every 9 pm movie in star movies with his dad at times accompanied by his sister.

He loved the company of his sister, his crime partner at home. She was a good friend rather than an elder sister. How many times they have utilized the “study time” for gossiping. He smiled to himself, how many times he had fought with his sister and yet he loved her a lot. He used to bring CD/DVD of the actor she loves.

Nitin: “Here… I thought you might want to see this movie”

Sister: “wow… thank you so much da… I really wanted to see this movie… thank you so much…”

Even though he is pleased and happy that she liked it, he wouldn’t show it. He would give a look as if to mean “it was nothing”. Both would watch the movie and she would ask him if he liked the movie. He must have loved it but still he would say “it was ookkkk”.

Sister: “hey… can you please write this movie in a CD/DVD for me?”

Nitin: “What… his movie… you want me to waste a CD/DVD for him? No way… never…”

Sister: “hey please da… please… I’ll ask mom to give the money…”

Now that was the line he was waiting for

Nitin: “hmmm… okay okay…!”

He couldn’t stop smiling on the fight they had, he plucked the eyes off her Barbie doll and she didn’t speak to him for two days. :) How many times he had taken her help to do diagrams in record. Both of them would use their pocket money to enjoy ice-cream without parents knowledge and secretly smile about it at home.

Life has provided him with a chance to live, learn and share experience with the TITAN’S, people who are mightier than god. He again felt the feeling spread through him, he is lucky. The learning process from them was not quick but it was gradual.  They don’t teach these in school or can be learnt by reading books. What he is today is totally because of them. He made up his mind to hug them, a simple hug, every day, the least he could do to show his love. He has seen videos of “free hug” campaigns, may be it should start from home, something like “family hug”, hug your family first then the strangers :P a man cannot love others if he fails to love his family. Nitin smiled, his thoughts at times surprised him after all they are imparted from the living TITAN’S whom GOD’s couldn’t defy.

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L.O.V.E

The clock showed 4:00 PM. Evening sun was shining through the window; the room had a single bed, faded pink walls were decorated with beautiful paintings and posters. The photo on the table showed a girl with bright eyes, silky black hairs flirting over her cheeks, smile that clung to her lips like cake crumbs. Looking at the array of trophies anyone could tell the girl had a bright future. But the girl on bed was a totally different person! Eyes looked dead, her beautiful smiled had vanished. She isolated herself from everyone. Every few minutes her eyes kept glancing at her mobile hoping that “one” person would call her or text her. She hoped this was all a bad bad dream from which she would wake up soon. But deep down she knew things were not going to be same from here on. Circumstances have lead to their break up. Months have passed yet she couldn't get over him.

At 4:15 pm her phone rang, her eyes lit up she grabbed the phone but it was from her friend. Her friends have been inviting her to go out but she has been cooking up stories and not going out, this time again she dodged the invitation. Her mom came up to the room looking worried and knocked, her daughter was always chirpy and bubbly type but off late she is not the same.

Mom: “Are you alright dear?”

Daughter: “Yes mom! I am fine!”

Mom: “You have cut off yourself from the outside world. I am your mom you can tell me anything…”

Daughter: “No mom… I am fine… I am going out with my friends now…”

Mom: “Really…? Well, that is nice to hear honey!”

In another fifteen minutes she got ready and made a fake call to her friend to make her mom believe. She walked out of the house holding her purse not knowing where to go.  She kept walking until she reached a park and decided to sit for a while on the bench. A lot of small children were playing in the park; she tried to divert her thoughts on the kids. The game made no sense to her but the kids loved it; they were screaming on tops of their voices, falling over each other laughing. Suddenly she heard a voice near her. She was startled to see an old lady sitting next to her.

Old lady: “Wonderful aren’t they?!”

Girl: “Yes”

Old lady said with a smile: “You used to play like that…!”

The girl was shocked to hear that, she was not sure if she had played like that but to hear about you from a stranger is strange!

Girl: “I’m sorry… I don’t remember you… how do you know me?”

Old lady still smiling: “Oh dear… I know a lot about you than you know about yourself”

The girl was stunned she didn’t know how to react! Was she bluffing?! How could she know about me?  Her mind was racing.

Old lady: “Tell me dear… what happened to you?”

The old lady had a very soft calm voice, she had wrinkles around her eyes but still they glowed. When she smiled the wrinkles made her eyes so small yet it showed deep wisdom. She felt her emotions rushing out.

Girl: “I… I… I don’t know… I fell in love with him. We were perfect for each other. Circumstances were against us and we decided to end things not wanting to hurt others. But still we love each other. I miss him badly. I am not sure if you do understand me or the complex nature of things”

Shining crystals of pure sadness rolled out of her eyes. The old lady was looked deep into her eyes as if she was able to see through her soul.

Old lady: “Tell me dear… Do you remember your primary school friend, nitya? How you both were together always? How much you cried the day she moved to another city? Do you still love her?”

The girl was really really taken back…! How much did the old lady know?! She knew talking to stranger was not right but this old lady was different. She couldn’t stop herself from replying.

Girl: “Yes… I remember nitya. We were very close friends. And yes I still love her.”

Old lady: “Do you still love your higher secondary friends?”

Girl: “You mean harita and mohan? Yes we meet every now and then and catch up on things. I love them too!!”

Old lady: “Do you love your parents?”

Girl: “Yes I do! What kind of question is this?”

Old lady: “Hmmm… I fail to understand one thing dear… you love harita,mohan & nitya… you love this boy… what is the difference between these loves? You seem to be doing well without being in constant touch with friends… why so?”

The girl was astonished by the question… she didn’t have an answer for the question. She loved her friends and she loved him as well… nobody has ever told her this is “friends love” that is “boy friend love”… it is all same love right?

Girl: “I… I... don’t know”

The old lady smiled at her and said: “Tell me the reason why you are not yourself these days? Why the gloomy look?”

Girl: “I miss him very badly. I love him so much that I cannot live without him!”

Old lady: “so this love for the boy, is it different from the love you have for parents? Ignoring the physical appearances”

Again the girl was staggered by the thought.

Girl: “Love is the same…”

Old lady: “My dear girl… the job of mind is to discriminate things; it tries to evaluate everything in life. The prospect of marrying the guy was very much valued by your mind hence it cannot handle the disappointment. But again it is you who should control the mind not the mind over you.”

Girl: “But my love is true… it is not figment of my mind”

Old lady: “Yes dear I know… you love nitya your old primary school friend. After she moved out of city, it didn’t stop you from loving your friend’s harita and mohan! You love them too right?”

Girl: “Yes…! But I cannot stop loving him…! What if I end up married to someone else?”

Old lady: “People are living with a misconception that you can fall in love only once but that is not true. You can take example of your life how you love nitya, harita and mohan! You didn’t stop loving nitya just because she moved out and you will love all your old and new friends throughout your life. True love doesn’t have expectations and comes from heart dear… and our mind fails to understand love, it tries to equate love with physical attraction or wealth. Your mind is trying to equate love with the time you spend with him but it fails miserably because it cannot find logic in love! Just because he is not part of your life doesn’t mean you will never fall in love! If your search for true love is honest it will find you. Understand true love you will be happy always!”

The girl felt as if someone magically has lifted weights of her shoulders. She smiled the smile that clung to her lips like cake crumbs!

Girl: “what is your name madam?”

Old lady smiles: “… kamna”

How could it be possible?! No wonder she knew everything about her! The girl woke up with shock. The clock showed 4:15 pm, her mobile was ringing; it was her friend calling her she picked up the phone.

Her friend: “Kamna! Have you decided never to step out of house?! Come on girl! can we go for a movie?!”

Kamna taking a deep breath: “Yes! I am coming!”

Disclaimer: All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Please share it if you like the post.

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The Wolf Pack

Every guy in his school or college days would have been in a pack of wolves. Now by wolves I mean his friends. Now the question why wolves? Heard of the term “Hungry pack of wolves”?

A pack, let’s say 6 to 7 guys go to a canteen or hotel they order a single dish cause you know finance issues! ;) Now all their brains will have instructions to give

Mr. Brain to nerves: “Assemble the team we are going in for a mission”

Mr. Brain to the Jaws: “Okay Mr. Jaws! Here is the thing, whatever Mr. Hand passes you chew it, grind it quickly and pass it on. Remember don’t chew more than twice. Do you get me?”

Mr. Jaws: “Yes Sir!”

Mr. Brain to Mr. Tongue: “You job is needs to be quick and efficienct Mister! I need you to get the taste of the food as quickly as you can and pass the info to nerves to react!”

Mr. Tongue: “You can count on me Sir!”

Mr. Brain to Mr. Stomach: “Assemble the best of acids you have got, we might be attacked more quickly than we expect, be prepared commander!”

Mr. Brain to Mr. Right-Hand: “Soldier! You make me proud… the courage you show in the battle field is outstanding! I need you out there now, no matter what happens, who ever crosses your way; make sure you pass the food to Mr. Mouth. Soldier, make sure you give them the hell!”

Mr. Right-Hand: “Yes Sir! I’ll die trying sir!”

Mr. Brain to Mr. Left-Hand: “Soldier! If anything goes wrong with Mr. Right-Hand, you rush out there and take his job! Don’t wait for my command!”

Mr. Left-Hand with evil smirk: “Aye Aye Sir!!”

Now the food arrives, if you have eaten in groups you know how the situation will be, the dish will be emptied in seconds. I imagine this is how the brain handles the situation.

Mr. Stomach to Mr. Brain: “Captain! We have code red! The attack is quicker this time, the news from tongue is that the taste is good but he couldn’t tell what is present inside it. We came across the same situation two days back sir! Our hormone guys haven’t found the way to digest them quickly yet! Sir, we are running out of Gastrin and Secretin ammo’s, we need them quickly sir!”

Mr. Brain: “I know what it is… the bloody moron… he is targeting us with JUNK!!”

Mr. Brain to the neurons: “This is direct order from me to Commander Pancreas & Liver; ask them to assemble the best of Gastrin and Secretin and attack immediately!”

Mr. Brain: “Mr. Nerves I need you to help Commander Pancreas and liver by providing your best Acetylcholine on the job!”

Mr. Brain to Mr. Stomach: “I don’t want any of the material to hang around make sure to get a sample of the attack material and push the rest out… we will show them we who we are!”

The battle of digestion is won; losses were severe yet the victory was classy.

Mr. Brain: “Call in the Adrenaline girls, my militia needs to relax!!”

It is not the speed alone but sometimes people are amazed how much we eat. I decided to write this because the following happened few weeks back in Gandhinagar. I was with my friend Mr. Bekar and Mr. Durai (I know I have used a real name but very less people know his real name so I choose this ;) ) We were in a sweet/fast food shop for our dinner. We ordered 3 Chole puri, 3 channa samosa, 2 pav bhajji, 1 mixed chat, 1 dahi chat and some sweets. Our orders came one by one, it was busy and we were having our dinner standing. On the other side of the table were two girls they were sharing a SINGLE chole puri! First we started with 2 chole puri’s, then the next plate came in. After that 3 plate channa samosa came in, they moved their plates a little so that we could occupy the dishes. Next 2 pav bhajji plates came in; we squeezed the plates in the space available. Next the mixed chat came, they both started smiling at our array of dishes they moved their plates again to the edge of the table. Last the Dahi chat came in; now they couldn’t stop sneering and whispering looking at our plates. As usual we didn't give them a damn and started eating.

Few minutes later girl one said to girl two: “Hey I am full…!”

Girl two to girl one: “Yeah! Me too”

The three of us were stunned! They still had a portion of chole puri left! Now we felt weird…!! Are we eating too much? Two of them shared a single chole puri but we were on rampage!! Just then we realized the important thing “Who cares?! We didn't give them a damn!” Read more!

The Endeavors

Mr. Kill-Bill: "That’s all…!! Enough is enough!! No more!"

Rest of the friends looked at him, they knew he was correct. It was right on their face. It was time… things had to be finalized…

Few weeks back school summer vacation had started. Five friends decided that it was time to take their cricket to the next level… Bet matches! But they didn't have the team for it. Five of them were decent players. A bet matched required eleven players in a team. It was not hard to find players during vacation time in Chennai, every kid would be playing "Gully" cricket on roads! They started conference call with few schoolmates and they agreed to join their team! Now they needed an opponent, they should play well but not too good!! ;) Few more conference calls a team had agreed to play against them. They were thrilled! Every night they had conference for two hours! Deciding the team formation and strategies! At least that was the main intention, but it would end up having discussion about meaningless topics and still they laughed and enjoyed the conversation! Every now and then someone would bring up the topic of match then again after five minutes topic would have drifted away. The five enjoyed these long conferences even though it had no meaningful talks and it would go late into night adding to the parents’ fury! ;) They started practicing well before match; this is where they will decide the team formation. The opening bowler was the first slotted that needed to be filled. It is always difficult to find a good consistent bowler for a team ours was no different.

Mr. Kill-Bill was a good all-rounder. Calm, patient, opening batsmen and bowler of the team

Mr. Thiloth supposed to be another all-rounder. Short tempered and thinks he is an exceptional cricketer. His bowling action has raised questions with opponent.

Mr. Simkesh, the opening bowler. More than SIX feet tall, lean and athletic body runs in hard, jumps high and bowls a ball which a seven year old could smack out of the park. Dedicated, good hearted and ready for anything we do.

Mr. Wine, our wicket keeper (they kept him behind the wickets so that he doesn't have to take any catches!! And he would stand well behind so that he can stop the ball somehow! ;) But the guy improved far beyond their expectations) he was also above-average batsmen, on his day there is no stopping him. So he was given the one-down slot.

Mr. Wordsy, he was dedicated player. He could do a bit of bowling when other bowlers were taken for runs, a decent middle order batsmen and a good fielder (whose position in field is always deep mid-wicket!)

Rest of the team members were not fixed, they used to come and go as match goes by. A guy is recruited in team by the selection committee (the five friends) mostly because he must have either thrashed their bowling or ripped their batting line-up apart! So the selection committee would conduct another conference call and woo him into team!!

A day before match, they were practicing, Simkesh charges in jumps high with tremendous force and bowls a ball which is so slow that it pitches twice before reaching the keeper, who makes a big fumble to collect the ball! This was the situation. But this didn’t make them stop, they decided to go ahead. The bet was for Rs.100/- for a 12 over match. Match was scheduled on morning 6 A.M at IDPL ground near St. Thomas Mount, which meant getting up by 5 and cycling half way across the city! And they made it on time too! ;) You know… all these conference calls they didn’t come up with a proper team name so let’s call them “Endeavor”. Endeavor arrived at the ground. Time for toss; Mr. Wine lost the toss (Nobody knows why he goes for toss! He is not the captain!! :P :P ) opponent decided to field first. The captain of other team informed that they have only 10 players and so they should get last man batting i.e. last batsmen will play without a runner on other side. The generous good heart “Endeavor” team agreed to it!

Endeavors started batting; things went horribly wrong, entire team was all out by 65!!(Thank god there were runs for extras! Else they wouldn’t have crossed 40!) Everyone knew that they have to do exceptionally well to win it! First few over’s they had no luck. Mr. Thiloth was a medium pace bowler but suddenly he said he will bowl spin. Mr. Kill-Bill kept saying to him to continue his normal bowling style and not to change it, the guy wouldn’t agree! So again the five main members met on middle of the game.

Mr. Thiloth: “I will bowl spin today, this is a spin track”

Mr. Wordsy: “Dei!! We are playing in local ground not chepauk stadium and that is sand you see on pitch not green grass!!”

Mr. Simkesh: “Ok! Are you sure you can spin the ball?”

Mr. Thiloth: “dude! I can spin the ball either way!”

Mr. Wine: “Do you want me to stand up the wicket?”

Mr. Kill-Bill: “Onnum theva illa… nee nalla pinnadi poi nillu…” (Not necessary! Go and stand well behind the sticks)

Per bowler only 3 over’s was allowed. This was Mr. Thiloth’s first over! The first ball he bowled was called a no ball by the umpire for chucking the ball (means that you don’t have proper arm action when you are bowling). Umpires are not professionals they are just batting team members. Mr. Thiloth got angry and started arguing.

Mr. Thiloth: “Hey my arm action is like muralidharan”

Umpire: “Dei mokka! Poda poi olunga ball podu!”

Endeavor surrounded the umpire and somehow made him agree that it was a perfect arm action! The next ball he bowled didn’t spin at all but the batsmen had no time to react, the ball crashed into the stumps!! Mr. Thiloth continued the over and got two wickets! That was the break through over Endeavor was waiting for! They kept on taking wickets; Mr. Thiloth took another two wickets in his next over! The match came to the last over they needed four runs of it. Endeavors brought in Mr. Thiloth, this was crucial over, opponent were down to the last batsmen there was no one at the non-striker end. The last batsmen was a junior school boy, opponent team brought the kid just to fill in the place. Mr. Thiloth bowls two balls giving away no runs. He fires in the next ball; it passes the edge and Mr. Wine makes a brilliant diving catch! Mr. Thiloth is ecstatic and jumps all around, but the umpire gives not out! Mr. Thiloth is furious and kicks the stumps of the ground. Rest of the team comes to console him and convince him that it was not an edge. He is charged up and bowls the next ball; the kid clears his right leg and smashes the ball over the boundary! They win! It was agony! To lose coming so close to victory! The opponent walked over to collect the victory money.

Mr. Wine: “Let’s play a three match series and winner of series will get the prize!”

The opponent agreed to the three match series. Endeavor had to win the next two games at any cost! The next match Endeavor practiced even harder, they recruited in better players this time. The second game and this time the opponent chose to bat first and placed a target of 84 to win. It was not easy for Endeavor, they reached the target huffing and puffing on last over. The last match of the series, this time again the opponent chose to bat first. Endeavors were pretty confident now. They had won the last match; they kept played with unchanged team. Mr. Simkesh runs in for the second over. The batsman is a new guy (looks like opponent team has started following policy of recruiting people like endeavor). Mr. Simkesh bowls a normal delivery, looking at the height of the bowler and the speed at which he runs in the batsman miscalculated the shot and played it too early. The ball just misses the stumps.

Batsman to his teammate: “dei ennada evan mala-madu matiri odi vanthu.. ball a oruti vidran!” (He runs in like a bull and rolls the ball along the ground!)

Teammate: “nee nenaikara mathiri avan periya bowler illa…” (He is not big bowler as you think)

Mr. Simkesh heard this conversation charges in the next ball… again the batsmen misses, the ball was close to the edge…

Mr. Simkesh (sledging): “Aadra atha… aadra…” (Play that!play!)

The batsman just glares back at the bowler… Mr. Simkesh walks back talking to himself positioning his hand as if practicing some new type of delivery! Runs in even harder for the next delivery; the batsman stays in the crease waits for the ball and THWACK! No one even bothered to move!! Mr. Wordsy at the boundary couldn’t stop laughing; if Mr. Simkesh had not sledged it would have been a single! Mr. Wordsy walks up to Mr. Simkesh.

Mr. Wordsy: “ethu unnaku thevaya? Periya brett lee nenapa? Olunga offside le ball a podu pothum!” (Do you need this? Do you think you are brett lee? Just maintain a off side line)

Mr. Simkesh: “dei avan six adipannu enaku epidida theriyum?” (How do I know he would smash it for a six)

The opponent went on to make 125 in 12 over’s and the opening batsmen crossed half century! Endeavor batting started, Mr. Kill-Bill went in with Mr. Thiloth, and they got a good partnership going. Mr. Thiloth got run out and it was given out my Mr. Simkesh! Mr. Thiloth got angry again, he started shouting at Mr. Simkesh for giving him out! Mr. Thiloth said he will do the umpiring for the rest of the match. Mr. Wine walked in, five over’s 50 runs were needed then, Mr. Wine played an innings of his life but eventually he got out. Mr. Simkesh was listening to famous "Arujnar villu" song from Ghilli walked in, 8 balls 15 runs were required. Mr. Simkesh being tall guy can swing the bat a long distance!! He walks in and hits a four and a six! No one has ever seen him play like that might be the effect of the song or his fight with Mr. Thiloth. Final over 5 runs are needed now, Mr. Kill-Bill was exhausted he needed a runner, last over runner is a crucial decision, he calls in Mr. Wordsy. Mr. Kill-Bill hits a four of the first ball… Relief!! And the next ball the scramble for a single! Endeavors made it! They won the series! The opponent gives them the Rs.100/- but they made a request. Let us extend the series to a five match series and Rs.150 bet! Endeavors think over and agree as they need to win one of the two matches! That didn’t stop them from celebrating their victory at Saravana Bhavan with plates of Idlly!

Match four: The opponent sets a target of 90! Endeavors play a decent innings until last few over’s wickets start falling badly. Mr. Wordsy who has been sent up the order plays well to bring the target within reach, four runs of last over last wicket in hand…! The first ball of the last over, Mr. Wordsy jumps down the pitch and tries to smack the ball but misses it completely and stumps are shattered! Endeavors have lost it!! Next match became crucial!

Match five: The match was scheduled in the afternoon at 3.30 PM; the wind was strong across the ground. Endeavor was put to bat first! They intelligently used the wind to advantage; the wind was blowing from leg-side to off-side for right hand batsmen, so a well timed shot on off-side meant ball would run away at great speed. Endeavors posted a target of 120. Now they needed to defend it.

Mr. Wordsy: “The wind is too strong on off-side, let’s keep minimum fielder on leg side and maximum on off side” the team agreed to the idea setting only 3 fielders in leg side.

First three over’s were favorable to endeavors, the batsmen had a little chat. The next ball the batsman walks across the stumps and muscles the ball to the leg side boundary. Endeavors were dumb stuck by the batsman’s power! Three sixes of that over! The opponent continued to exploit the leg side… The entire team gave a threatening look to Mr. Wordsy!

The following conversation really happened on match, this was well before it came on movie:

Mr. Wordsy: “Dei avan thaan leg side le adikaranu theriyuthu le off side le ball poduda” (Try to bowl in offside as the batsman playing only in leg side)

Mr. Kill-Bill bowls on off side; the batsman hits the ball through the line for a boundary.

Mr. Kill-Bill turns to Mr. Wordsy: “Dei avan epidi pottalum adikaran da!!”

The opponent won the match hands down! Endeavors had to give them the bet money.
Mr. Simkesh to opponent captain: “I’ll give you the money later we don’t have it now” The captain agrees.

Mr. Wine: “Should we extend this to seven match series?”

Mr. Kill-Bill: "That’s all…!! Enough is enough!! No more!"

Rest of the friends looked at him, they knew he was correct. It was right on their face. It was time… things had to be finalized about the bet money. They decided to talk this over conference at night because most of players of didn’t play the entire series nor did they enjoy the Saravana Bhavan idly and hence who pays how much has to be decided. The conference started at night… bet money topic was lost in the sea… six years have passed and the bet money is yet to be calculated…! Read more!

One Night under Anna flyover

It was a fine evening; Mr. Wordsy was with his school friends buying gift for his friends sister’s wedding. They decided upon few wedding gifts and Mr. Wordsy emptied his pocket money on the gift. Mr. Wordsy didn’t have to worry about dinner because he had a great reception food to rampage on. For the rest of the evening the group decided to roam in Spencer plaza and do the routine. :) The reception was brilliant; they had sumptuous dinner which started simulating their brains. It was already 9 PM by then. The group of friends decided that they had to go somewhere and afterwards they will go home. It happens a lot of times with friends that they can’t decide where to go in few minutes. The group kept talking and talking in bike stand but didn’t decide where to go!! One of the crazies in the group suggested “let’s go to marina beach da… At night it will be awesome”. Idea was perfect; they will go to beach sit in sand and continue talking. The clock showed 10 PM; remember they were in school so no one had proper license for the vehicle they drove. Someone in the group did mention that it is not really good idea to drive from Ashok Nagar to Marina at this time of night. But as they say young bloods never thinks twice. :)

From here on narration will be from Mr. Wordsy’s view.

We started in four vehicles, a pulsar, a bajaj chetak, a Kinetic Honda, a Scooty (mine). I was driving alone while other three had pillion rider. The pulsar shot off, as you might have guessed already, the other three were together for two reasons:

1. The drivers of the other two vehicles were people with negligible directional sense. They have to ride a million times on same route to know the route. It was past ten so going alone meant getting lost for them!

2. Their vehicles were too old to match up to the speed of pulsar.

So happily chatting and laughing we took the G.N.Chetty road, we were almost near Anna flyover I told them clearly that we have to go below the flyover and turn right. And what happened was the kinetic Honda shot past me saying “okay fine da” and rode straight up the flyover! I was like “what the hell!!” I raced after him shouting “stop da! Stop!” watching me going over flyover the Bajaj Chetak also followed me over flyover!! I caught up with kinetic Honda on top of flyover.

Me: “Dei!! Ennada panre? (What are you doing?) I told you we had to go below the fly over and then right”

Kinetic Honda guy: “oh like that ah… I though take the flyover and then right machi…”

It was one of those moments were stupidity had to be ignored and next step was to be taken. It was past 10:30 PM, the roads were deserted except few vehicles. The bajaj chetak also caught up with us. We decided that we will get down the flyover and take a turn to left and ride on wrong side of one-way to reach under the flyover and then catch up with the proper road. I asked the other two vehicles to go ahead of me while drive behind them. This was the turning point of the night. They rode ahead of me and I followed them, they look the left turn from the bridge, enter the one-way and rode in wrong side, it was empty, we raced through the wrong side of one-way road, they turned and went under the flyover. I took the turn to go under the flyover. Shock of my life was waiting; a white figure with its hands out was moving closer towards my vehicle. I hit the brakes hard, stopping my vehicle just before the white figure. I heard the sound of my tires screeching. I looked up; the white figure had a blue cap, with a symbol on front. It was wearing a khaki pant and brown belt with steel buckle. I heard the croaky voice “Take out your license!”

I was caught by a traffic police under Anna flyover at 10.30 PM! I cursed my luck! What are the chances for that to happen! It was night 10.30, even the traffic lights at few junctions stopped working at 10 PM! But I was caught red handed driving in the wrong side of one-way and taking a turn under Anna flyover. In a distance I could see two small red lights fading quickly, how the hell did they miss this police? Was he hiding and jumped out as soon as I took the turn. My thoughts were interrupted by a raspy voice.

Traffic police: “Thambi enga poring evalo vegama?” (Where are you going so fast?)

Me: “Sir… sir… (It was night ten thirty I couldn’t lie about late to school or tuition) Friend veetuku group studies panna poren sir…” (Going to friends place for group studies)

Traffic police (TP): “unna patha group study panna pora matiri therlaye… seri license edu… (You don’t look as if you are going for group studies… okay! Take out your license)

Me: “Sir… license veetule iruku” (license is at home)

TP: “License illama epidipa vandi ottaringa… one-way le opposite side vandi otti irukinga athuvum mount road le” (How can you ride without license? You have gone in opposite side of one-way… that too mount road)

Me: “Sir Sir please sir… next time I’ll be careful”

TP: “Hmmm… naan veetuku kelambitu irunthen appo than rendu vandi wrong side of one-way lenthu turn panni ponnanga athu naala wait panni pathen… opposite side of one-way ottrathu thaapu thambi unga nallathuku thane solren” (I was about to leave home when I saw two vehicles turn from one-way… it is not good to ride in opposite side of one-way, it is for your safety)

I was caught because of one stupid friend and they were lucky enough to miss the traffic police. I tried saying so many sorry and please but in vain.

TP: “one-way le vandi ottinathu, license illa… purse le evalo iruku?” (You have driven in wrong side of one-way, no license… how much do you have in purse)

I have heard stories of bribing but never so explicit! I took out my purse, searched every nook and corner of it, I had only two rupee coin with me. Rest of the money I had spent in gift and eatables at Spencer plaza. Should I try running from the place? Or should I tell him the truth?

Me: “Sir… rendu ruba thaan iruku” (I only have two rupees)

I seriously couldn’t read his reaction; his eyes bulged out, his lips shortened… I really feel he didn’t know whether to scold me or feel pity for me! I didn’t have mobiles those days. And where am I going to find a STD booth to call someone at this time, plus only two rupees in hand!!! Traffic police gave me intense look. His voice and attitude totally changed after that.

TP: “Give me your vehicle key!”

I looked blankly at him. He repeated the same line again only this time angrier. I gave him the key.

TP: “We will go to station… let inspector decide what to do with you…”

I was shell shocked… I heard the filmy dialogue in my head “No one in our family has ever stepped into a police station… You are a disgrace to the family…”

Me: “Sir please… sir pleeeaaaaseeeeee… Naan romba naala payyan sir” (I am a good boy)

Me: “Sir innime naan vandi wrong side le ottave matten… Promise” (From here on I won’t drive in wrong side of one-way… Promise)

TP: “Inspector vandi seize panni Nungambakkam station le vechu iru paaru… kalaile vanthu Rs.1500/- fine kaati vandi eduthukittu po…!” (Inspector will seize the vehicle and keep it at Nungambakkam station. Pay Rs.1500/- fine and take it home)

Me: “Vadapalani varaikum ponnum sir… please” (I have to go till Vadapalani)

Me: “Sir… Naan student sir… padikanum sir…” (I am student. I have to study)

I got another ugly stare!! Then at that moment I heard voice… Was god was speaking to me? Was god calling my name from behind?

Voice: “Vikram…!”

I turned around to see a figure from dark walking towards me… I knew this guy…

Guy: “What are you doing here?”

He came closer I realized who it was… Mr. Wine… One of the pillion riders of the other vehicle… and he is asking me “What am I doing here?!” should I slap him?! Or just kick him?! Or both?!

Me: “I rode on wrong side of one-way and didn’t have license with me so…”

Mr. Wine: “oh…!”

TP: “ethu yaaru? Innoru bike le ponnalage athule oruthana? ” (Who is this? Is it one of the guys from other bike)

Mr. Wine: “No no… I live in Nungambakkam only. Came for a walk and this guy is my friend”

TP didn’t say anything but gave both of us a terrifying look.

Me to Wine: “kaile kaasu iruka?”

Mr. Wine opens his purse to starts counting notes… Lots of notes but denominations are very small…

TP to Wine: “Thambi purse kattunga… (Show me your purse)

Mr. Wine: “Sir… veetle kaasu enga nu ketpanaga sir…” (When I go home they will enquire about the money)

TP: “Adu ellam pathukalam… pursa kaatu” (That is okay… show me your purse!)

Mr. Wine reluctantly showed him the purse.

TP: “Evalo iruku totala??” (How much you have in total?)

Mr. Wine after counting: “120 rubaa iruku sir” (120 rupees)

TP: “seri… thaa… illana neeyum evan kooda bike le vanthenu fine poduven” (Okay… give it or else I’ll put fine saying you were travelling with him)

Mr. Wine looked at me, I signaled him to give. Mr. Wine passed the money, TP started counting it. After counting it he handed back to us two ten rupee notes.

TP: “Intha pa vechuko…” (Here have it)

I was surprised by his action. Why would he give back just Rs.20? Why not Rs.50? May be Mr. Wine’s words moved him to return back Rs.20/- : ) : )

TP: “Drive home carefully, from now on don’t ride in wrong side of the one-way.”

Me: “Yes sir…”

TP left the place; I turned to Mr. Wine and said “Thanks man!” He smiled back.

Me: “Where did you get so much money?”

Mr. Wine: “Oh..! That… we realized you were not behind us so we returned to see what happened. We saw you talking to TP so hid in a dark corner and watched. We saw you searching your purse. I knew you didn’t have money so all us shared. Kinetic Honda had Rs.30, Bajaj chetak had Rs.10, and rest was mine.”

Me: “Where are the others?”

Mr. Wine: “They are waiting for us in the other street”

Me: “Shall we go back to home? It is already late”

Mr. Wine: “Yup.And are you planning to tell this at home?”

Me: “Nope! You? ”

Mr. Wine: “Nopes”

Me: “We went to Marina beach right?”

Mr. Wine: “The breeze in the beach was awesome!”

(This part was contributed by Mr. Wine)

Once we sent the Police aabiser , then came a ultimate situation .. On moving 25 Mts forward your tyre got punctured ....

No puncture shop was there near by, in the first place (come on how can u expect a puncture shop just under Anna Flyover that too at 10 45 Pm!!)... Then we were searching for a puncture shop as if, if we find one we had the money to fix the puncture .... All the four's purse was emptied to satisfy that TP (I meant Traffic police , nothing else :P )... No one had no idea and at a point of time we decided to walk 10 Km from Mount Road to Vadapalani with the vehicle (as if we are protesting against the fuel price hike) .

Then came the saviours .. Those Pulsar guys , not thet they had lot of money , after they came the combined money we had was around Rs40 (including Rs 20 given back by the TP )..

On looking at gang of guys standing just outside the American Consolate at night 11 30 , a security gaurd equiped with AK 47 approached us .. Finally the light at end of the tunnel, a old man was passing past us and i stopped him to ask about any puncture shop near by ... Damn Comes a reply from him "Naan cycle kada dhan vachirukien Thambi , naan puncture otrien ..".. It was "Kanna Laddooo thingaaa aasaayaaaa" for us..

Once he fixed he asked for Rs 60 just for a punture !!!!.. and No one had any thing to talk when he asked that amount .. But again God smiled at us , that security gaurd came to us again and asked "enna dhan prachana ungalukku".. for us it was like "Kannaaa rendu ladoo thingaa assaiyaaaaa"... We both complaind to that gaurd "this guy is demanding lots of money for a puncture".. (as if two kids talking to a pricipal).. He started shouting at that cycle wala and finally we started our journey back home .. and it was 1 AM when I reached home and next day morning at 5AM we had tuition for extrance exam coaching ..

Note: Thank you Mr. Wordsy and Mr. Wine for letting me share this story Read more!