Bike ride to Portsmouth

So yeah, been dreaming about going on a bike ride. So many mental blocks, so many other obstacles. Par, saari kaaynaat ek ho gayi thi.. this Saturday, when I rode out on my bike.

Weather conditions were favorable.. a decent 16-18 degrees, with winds not blowing above 12-14 mph, and a full sunny day. Domestic conditions, all of them fell in place one by one, by around 1 am. You don't want me to elaborate more on domestic conditions, do you? :)
First mental block was to start going on rides, ride on my own. Another one was my huge dependence on navigation gadget. So chose a route, which didn't have many turns and confusing directions. Luckily, it also turned out to be a very nice route for me - sights wise.

Yes, I would recommend going from west London to Portsmouth using A3 (n that's what google maps recommend too ). The route has national speed limits, 2 lanes (3 for some miles), lots of greenery on either side once you are around South Downs national park. Not much of traffic (or at least not on my day). And a very good choice for anyone's first ride day out.

The ride began at around 1 pm, M3, a bit of M25, A3, scenic A3 and finally M275. 70 miles one way. Back home by 730 pm, so not too bad for a saturday ride. The first stop was at Eashing, which happened to be a very old village. Nice views, and a promise to myself, the next time I am on this route, I will have my lunch/dinner at 'The stag on the river' public house.

Arrived on the pebble beach by quarter to 4, spent about an hour n then it was time to ride back.


















Sandwich n chai latte at Costa on way back at Liphook services on A3.






A nice ride, with a promise of more to come.

Letter of Consent from Parents for UK family visitor visa

Am posting a letter of consent from parents needed for a child's visa, if he is travelling to UK on family visitor visa with his grandparents(other relative), but not with his parents.

I had obtained UK visa with this format, but I know its not available on google and so was skeptical of the format.

Posting it here for Jan-Seva :) :P

The British High Commission then issues the visa, and this visa is valid only if the child is travelling with his relatives named in the letter of consent.

This format was used in April 2011. The letter is as below -

                                                                        Parent’s full address with date, mob number

           

To,

The British High Commission, Mumbai

Subject : Letter of consent for our son’s UK family visitor visa for travelling with grandparents to visit his uncle in UK

Dear Sir/Madam,

My brother, () has invited and willing to sponsor our son (Passport Number – X NNNNNNN) over to UK for holidays.

My brother has invited and sponsored my parents () as well, so that they all can have a good family holiday in UK. We confirm that we are happy and pleased to give our consent to the arrangements for ’s travel, reception and care in the UK.

It is anyways school summer holidays for during that period, so he will be rejuvenated when he comes back from UK to re-start his next level in school. A letter from ’s school is enclosed for additional details.

In case required, please feel free to contact us at the following phone numbers if there are any doubts –

’s Father – – Mobile number –

’s Mother – – Mobile number –

Many Thanks!

Both parent’s signature with date and location.

Chak de...

This life always has had perfect timings of things till date. Its been 31 years this way. And I think, I have had my high of the life. All this while I had the 'paras' with me, so whichever stone I was picking and touching, it was getting converted to Gold. I was counting on whatever Gold bars I had converted from stones.

And now, time has changed. Its not mine anymore. I am no more the dog, who is having his day. I think, its the 'anti-paras' phase of my life. Whatever gold bars I am picking to encash, is getting converted back to worthless stone. Guess, its testing time for me!

Chak de, Aj!!!

Aaa gayee re....

Those were the days when I didn't exactly knew what stress meant. Neither did I cared if there is something called insomnia. Thanks to all the laughter I used to have then. Thanks to people around me. Most laughter were sourced from the people who never suspected their action would result in this much of laughter, and for this long. When I am at my logical best, I fail to understand, why was all the laughter about? If Bawa was living in a shared room on a cot basis, and his landlords are a bit weird, what's there to laugh?

Having heard Bawa's cassette for long about how they all laugh for no reason when the buddhi enters their room, and having confirmed this with Amol (Bawa's close accomplice in a crime called 'Laughter'), I had this urge to see her atleast once. Bawa in his classic way used to describe all the incidences and trigger all of us for stomach aching laughters.

One fine day, I went to meet Bawa at his room. Bawa used to live with 3 other friends in the same shared hall. And all of them had this disease of laughing. Upon entering, he introduced me to his mates. Amol being one of them. (I dont remember the names of other two). But, it was kinda 11 am'ish in the morning on a bright summer sunday. Amol was reading newspaper (The Sunday Times), Bawa was talking to me, the guy with black T shirt was checking his new helmet, and another one was still in his bed - awake but lazing off. The hall had 4 beds(cots), and in between 2 beds there was a iron bar at a height, which everyone used to hang their clothes. This iron rod was close to Bawa's bed (AFAIR correctly).

While I was just 5-7 mins in the place, there she was. An old lady in white saree at the door, to which Amol announced - "Aaa gayee re". (She was suffering from some weak ear, and couldn't hear if the sound is low). The bed owned by the guy with black T shirt (playing with helmet) was the one directly infront of the hall door. God is so smart, he gave amazing reflex mechanism to all of us. This guy wore his helmet to hide his laughter behind the dark shades of the flap. But he was laughing so much, his body rhythm had changed indicating he was either laughing hysterically, or sobbing :P

Amol put his newspaper so much close to his eyes, that no normal human eye can read from such a short distance, and trying to hide his laughter. Buddhi came to him asking - "Why are you holding the newspaper so close?" Thereby trying to move the newspaper a bit away from his face, but only to find out that he's laughing. Amol, being a smarty, replied that he's laughing at a joke published in the newspaper, when Buddhi asked. How I wish, newspaper really had such amazing jokes published.

Bawa instantly picked a magazine and pretended to read it (yeah, you know the reason was just to hide behind the book). Thankfully Buddhi didnt' come to his side, otherwise would have definitely found him laughing. And I was so shocked, that Bawa completely deserted me because of 'THE FEAR'. He was not paying me any attention (I was his guest). I had already seen the other 2 guys laughing hysterically, and not able to stop. And this triggered my own laughter. I had to take shelter near the clothes hanger. AFAIR correctly, I was just looking at those clothes for over 12-15 minutes for all the time that the Buddhi was in the hall; with my back facing the buddhi.

While talking to Amol, Buddhi found that the other guy is still sleeping in his bed with his head covered in the blanket, and his body moving (because of laughter). She asked - "How come someone sleep so long? And with his face,head covered in this peak summer at this time? And why is he shivering?" Someone answered her - that "he's sleeping because he's got fever, and he is shivering because he's cold"; just to take care of the situation. And this triggered another laughter for everyone. Thankfully, Buddhi left. All of us were still holding our stomaches. Still laughing.

This remains one of the best laughter memories to me till date. So many times, we still laugh remembering this one incident. Thanks to you Bawa, and convey my Thanks to the Buddhi as well :P

Aisa bhi hota hai...

Aisa bhi hota hai...

Yesterday, when I went to meet the advisor at the property agent office, he was busy texting on his mobile phone. Once he was done, he apologised about the busyness with mobile. I was having no shortage of time, and was in no hurry to jump onto discussion about property so, I began enquiring about how is he doing and blah blah. We discussed about his personal life for a few minutes and the outcome was -

His mom's in the hospital in some town in Wales, and is dying of cancer. He actually used these words "dying of cancer" in his first statement. Well! And that he tries to visit his mom twice a month over the weekend, but its too difficult for him. His mom is all by herself in the hospital fighting cancer, but cancer is having an upper hand, as its in the final stage. He has a sister who also lives in London, with her family. And this sister can't visit more than once a month.

Me being desi, and with my 'some' family values, still not able to get over the discussion even now. The thought of the old lady alone in hospital trying to fight cancer (or may be just trying to die) with her two grown up children just a couple of hundred kilometers away, but not able to spend time with her. I can't stop wondering, what she would be thinking all day, lying on her hospital bed. The weak body, the bald hair, and lonely eyes.

May be, that I am over-reacting (over-analysing) some situation, which I do not have complete understanding of, and its absolutely none of my business, but still can't help it.

Long weekend to North East England

So, finally I made the bookings for North East UK. Me being Aj, booked at the last moment with the travel cost itself making up for the travel + stay, had it been the more thoughtful and advance booking. Anyways.. I was super excited to meet Thakur (Sagar M) and Gatur (Rahul S). Ever since I moved to UK, Sagar and I have been talking in terms of Sholay. Ab aayega maja! :)

The journey started at 920 from my flat to the Victoria Coach Station, and befriending an African infant by making faces - the holiday started with a bang. The National Express Coach bus was scheduled to depart at 2330 and reach New castle at 6 am. The bus journey was good except for the fact that I could sleep only for an hour or so. Thanks to the comforts of non-pushback nature of the seats. How I miss the sleeper coaches of luxury buses or railways of India!

Day1 Begins. Called Sagar to say - "Tanga sahi samay par Ramgadh pahuch gaya. Tum humein lene aa jao." Thakur received us and we went to his flat after a good 30 mins walk thru the town centre. Angrez were good at creating nice town centres. The massiveness of the structures and the neatness of the streets make you feel organised and small. A nice English breakfast at Sagar's place, and we were off to Sunderland on the Metro. Reached Sunderland University by around noon. Rahul came to receive us at the station and his house is just a 4 mins walk from the station. Such a bliss. Day 1 was spent in relaxing at home, eating daal-baati for lunch, followed by a birth day party in the evening.

Day 2, we had decided to go to Durham and see the Durham Cathedral. This cathedral was being built for 40 years sometimes in 1000-1100 AD. Such an architectural beauty, with the Organ music playing in the background. Spent close to 2 hours at the cathedral. While seating alone at the bench, I couldn't get off the feeling that "somehow I am connected to history". This is the same feeling which I get while trekking the forts of Maharashtra or books/movies of the pre-independence era about north India. Ok. Ok. Okay. Arnav too had his high - enjoying the bunjee jumping, while Ojal was sad, not being allowed cause she is still under-3. The same old distraction technic was used to make her forget n smile again. All the ladies had a gala time visiting the shopping malls and later munching on the ice cream.

Day 3, we started our journey back to New Castle. Thakur came to receive us at the Monument- ate some pret-a-manger stuff and we off loaded our lugguage at his haveli. A walk around the city centre, a few mins talk at the museum lawns, followed by visits to the bridges. Those who lived in Pune (with so many bridges) would sure love this city for the bridges. Some dialoguebaazi again at the Millenium bridge (remember, Jay died at a bridge with a blast triggered with his revolver). It was so difficult to control the beer-urge. I distracted my mind with the thought that the standard English dictionary should now have this new word 'beerurge'. :P Back to his flat. It was time to let our feets relax. The food was nicely cooked - and I had the chance to eat 'the indian egg curry' after a long 12-14 months. Thanks to the amazing cooks. Lots of talks and discussions about problems in India (yeah yeah, the typical NRI thing).

Day 4, early breakfast and the journey backwards. I intentionally kept this journey to be in the day time, so that I get to see the roadside while on the bus. And me being the luckiest ass on earth, it was a bright n sunny day with good visibility. All I did during the entire journey was keep Oj occupied or sleeping, so that I get to see outside the window. The view outside of the window was good. How I wish it had the Sholay theme music in background (Jay's organ play) Nice British house roofs, green trees, green lawns, green fields with yellow flowers, horse farms, cow farms and what not. One advantage of a developed country is that, every inch of the land is owned and managed. But, my heart still beats for my very own Sahyadris...

Another challenge that lies ahead...

You know some things, as in 'Theories' or known facts, but you don't have the "knowledge" unless you experience that 'some thing' on your own. Well, I am talking about a very sensitive aspect of my life at this moment (finally, I think, I have something going on in my life, which is 'sensible' :P). It's got to do with me as a parent. I am realising, that I can't be a kid, and be a parent at the same time. However, the most beautiful option could be - be a kid, and grow up with my daughter, but then, there's another problem here, that she would grow faster and smarter, and I would be left behind, again causing a generation gap :D

It gives all the parents immense pleasures, when the kids start using new words. One such incidence being - at a shopping mall Goldie asking me to buy something, but the word and the sentence she used as - "Papa, aap ke liye kuch T-shirt WAGERE lena kya". Well, WAGERE is such a routine word in Hindi, but it has an importance and a mention here, because it was used for the first time by 2.5 yr old Goldie when we were least expecting it.

Me being a bolly movie n song freak, I have introduced Goldie to all the actors as - Shammi Kapoor Uncle or Aamir Khan uncle or Sharmila Aunty or Kareena Aunty. Just for the fun out of it. But its been over 6 months this way, and its kinda protocol for her. She was in a bad mood yesterday after being broken off her afternoon nap. In a bid to pacify her, I asked her which song/rhyme/bhajan she wants to listen to, she was constantly crying. I named a few of them, which she all declined, finally asking me - 'Sheila aunty ka song sun na hai'. It was me who introduced the 'Sheila ki Jawaani' song to her as 'Sheila aunty ka song'.

One such incidence goes like this. Me being me, have started mentioning Anushka Sharma as 'Sharmaji ki beti' (She being my latest bolly crush ;) ). I don't remember, when did Goldie heard me mentioning this. Last eve, when I was discussing which song to play, Goldie made her suggestion while playing with her color crayons - "Sharmaji ki beti ka song lagao".

It might feel cute at this moment, but I think, its yet another challenge for me to watch my language and phrases very closely and to use proper words with correct judgement.

I don't like it here....

Yeah. Really. I am not liking it here. Here in UK. In London. At work. Around my home. Agreed, lots of people like it here, and are really happy. Happy to the extent that they do not even think of going back to India. I fail to understand the reason behind their happiness. Am simply being an idiot. Trust me.

Years back, I used to be so excited talking about moving to UK. I was so excited when I took this bold step. I was super happy, when things were falling in place for flying to UK. I was on cloud nine, when I was rejecting job offers here. Finally, agreed for the current job. Wellwishers were more than happy to congratulate me, and were falling short of words to praise this bold step.(Khud ki tareef). Those jealous of me, had to keep mum (fir se). But, why doesn't my excitement/happiness/cheer last longer? I know, the architecture of the system on which I am working is kinda similar to what I have worked on, so after a few months, I will not have drastically new things to learn. But, there's less chaos and less politics(it seems) and less management involved in the daily work. So, what I have to really concentrate is only the technical aspect of work. Was't this the thing I was looking for?

Apart from finding work and starting to work, there are lots of other challenges life is offering as a good/bad side effect of moving to a new city. And yeah, it keeps me occupied most of the eves/weekends. I am doing my risk calculations, thanks to the uncertainty here. I know, I am missing the adventure/fun I used to have in Chennai/Pune. Loads of good friends, lots of good times with kids in the society, frequent visits to native town, lots of phone calls with friends (and incoming calls for credit cards, personal loan and what not), biking on the new Avenger, visits to temples, beaches, malls. Life will definitely take a new shape over here. People here are quite busy(or atleast they are expert in pretending to be busy). Even if the city is said as cosmopolitan and welcoming, I have contradictory experiences. People here smile at strangers, but they like to maintain a blank-expression-face for those they already know. I was so tempted to ask one of my colleagues at work - 'Hey A$$&^&^, do you know me' when he crossed by me in the staircase with the most expressionless face I have ever seen.

Well, enough is enough. I think, this is too early for me to judge. It's just a cross-over phase and it would too pass. I would also be comfortable with this new city and environment. So I better be prepared to make most of it, rather than lamenting.

Friendly guest house :)

It was 3-4 long years that I was planning to move to UK for career. Sometimes, it was me who was not strong enough to take the step, when certain things in life were not on track. And sometimes, it was external forces which were playing spoilsport. But yes, finally, external forces were in my favour, and it all happened quite fast. I was all set for a new and exciting challenge. Add to the silver lining, I was moving back to the city, where I had amazing times. Add more to the silver lining, Anand-Ashwini were happy to host me in their 1 bed house. Yeah, it was their own 'kulhaadi'(axe) and it was their own 'payr' (leg).

6th Aug 2010 : 7pm : I landed at Heathrow. Anand was at the airport to receive me. Straight to the picadilly line tube, then bus 144 from Turnpike Lane, and finally to NRV. Ashwini came down to the building gate with a smile. Stella was waiting upstairs (Stella Artois). We had so much to catch up. Little did we realise that it was 2 am and our talks still not ending. But, it was time to be flat.

The weekend gone just like that : taking rest - eating out - finishing some formalities. We were having a gala time - recalling so many things of the good old days. Anand was happy because he got some company for drinks, and to experiment the adventure of new and better wines and beers. Ashwini was happy because, she got a new animal to try her cooked dishes - hehehe. Well, she passed in all of her trials with flying colors. But, 'ras malai' is still pending. And I was super happy - coz I get to be the kabab me haddi of this lovely couple. But, it was too early for them to realise the meaning of 'Apne payro par khud kulhaadi maarna'.

I must say, I got some very good memories from staying with Anand-Ashwini. Some of them really happy, when we laughed our stomaches out. Few of them being - the 'Newyorker sizzlers' prank calls with Rahul-Dhiraj-Dhaval, listening to marathi and hindi and angrezi prank calls on youtube, 3 idiots watching 3 idiots together :P, and yeah, how can I forget to mention the alignement game 'Jenga' we played after having a couple of drinks. For those who dont know - Jenga (as u guessed it right) is a indoor south african originated game. We had some tough times too, when there used to be 'smashaan ki shaantata' in the house - sometimes, coz I got some unexpected rejections at interviews, sometimes work issues of Anand. But yeah, let me mention here - some of the silences were when this so-much-in-love couple used to fight. Hehehohohaha. Your fights are no more a secret, buddies.

But all in all, whether its the kissa of my 'Room Temperature' issues, or whether its Ashwini's domination in kitchen, not allowing me to help her with anything, or whether its Anand's fascination to his again-new-found-love-in-midlife - his iPhone, the time spent at this house is something I will cherish lifelong. And I know, Anand-Ashwini will think number of times before inviting any guest to their house.

Life so far...

Well, here I am. Once again, a long long gap. This time, because life is way too happening. Lots n lots of them. On the career front - right from passport hassles for renewing my expired passport at Chennai Regional passport office, to applying for UK visa, getting stamped, applying for Goldie's passport, and then requesting for urgent treatment, Anjali's health issues, completely packing our rented house in Chennai, selling the bikes (yeah - I have sold my babe - my brand new Bajaj Avenger), finally landing in London, relaxing, dakhalandajofying Anand-Ashwini's life, tasting new and better wines, beers, visiting London pubs and so many things. O M G - life have been happening. The best happening so far being - no cockroach terror. Those ugly - red-brown - huge - flying cockroaches - they had literally made me not-so-carefree. Yuck! Why the hell am I writing about cockroaches here. Puke!!!

And yeah - I did study a lot, a lot really. Secured few offers. Declined few of them - but finally agreed to commit for this Amadeus one. After 2 months of relaxation, its gonna be too tough for me to confine my bum to one chair for entire day (read work hours). I am really not sure, if I am excited about this position, but I look forward to another long duration of unsettled life. I look forward to the uncertainty that this new career path brings, this is gonna keep me on my toes, and I really get to live my life on the edge for the next few years for the least. I look forward to the financial risk it brings. I look forward to the constant stress, and I look forward to the distraction from negativities of life.

On the personal front, I look forward to the playtime with Goldie in parks. Letting her sit on my shoulder, and roam around on streets (while she snatches my hairs :) ). I look forward to see her learn angrezi, and this accent. I look forward to us talking to her in angrezi, which at this moment looks like a huge task for me. I am so much desi at heart, how do I get to connect with her, if angrezi is the language. I look forward to this. Another class of life. Another few teachers and another few subjects. Another few lessons!

Nothing has changed.. nothing's gonna change!

Yeah. Really. Nothing has changed. Contrary to what I initially thought, core properties of people do not change with age, geography, current affiars or anything else. Yeah - experienced it. But, no one apart from those who are closely connected to myself, Anand, Rahulya, Dhirya and Dhavalya would understand.

I am till today, the same casual guy. Not serious about career or life. Bhanda still walks with gheesofying his footwear. Rahulya still gets angry the same way he used to in those good old days. Dhiru is same old dhandrat. Dhaval is still slow by default. Though, each one of us (me inclusive) have got abilties to behave on top of these core properties, but 'Hey world, you leave us alone, and we still are
unchanged".

After spending all these days with Anand-Ashvini, as an 'athithi' in their house, a few long duration phone calls together with others (Dhiraj - Dhaval - Rahul), I still bet, we want to retain our core properties forever. Whether its Bhanda saying 'chalo' without even meaning it, or I pakaofying; whether its Dhiraj's professional attitude or its Dhaval's slow paced delivery of words, rahul will never ever clean his moustache. Hehehe!!!

Bhangda Bhangday!

It was a not-so-sunny afternoon of a lazy Sattiday, sometimes in Mar 2006, when my commandar(read - my wife) was not in town. Co-incidently, all my partners in crime were ready for the act, and available. So! It was decided. Amol DM was the one to arrange raw material. My flat in Pune was declared as the venue. And the ones involved in the act are - Arun, Amol, Ketan, Yogya, Aj, Sahu Saheb(it's a crime to call him just 'Sahu'), Raina. Rakesh used to be a sober soul, so he dropped at the last moment. Gals were anyways not invited. :P

So, Amol was the cook for the actual drink. Arun was for the main course. And all others were helpers. Main course consisted of Dal Fry n Jeera Rice, which Arun cooked to the best of quality, quantity and taste. Amol was too good at the 'drink' cooked with lots of sounf (badishep - fennel seeds). Time around 2 pm. All the cooking was done, and all the guests arrived.
The eating-drinking session started by around 2:30, with lots of excitement. Hell lot of non-veg jokes and statements, scenarios, information (I still remember the info shared by Amol about Bachchan and entire bollywood lifestyle - Hehehe).

Though, all were excited, no one felt anything even 30 mins after gulping a glass full of the drink. Amol DM took the stand, and asked everyone to be patient. And yess, the drink had the effect by around 4-4:30. And as the world knew, everyone found himself (and everyone around) doing the repetitive task in hand. Some kind of very very interesting 'for' loop had taken control of us all.

Arun was all confused - sleeping for few mins, getting up, asking everyone - what's going on, and again going back to sleep.Amol DM all concerned - checking on everyone, if everyone is fine. And yess, everyone was fine, and high.I got company of Sahu Saheb to constantly laugh. Bursting into laughter for any thing under the sun. I do remember, 'Style' movie was being aired on TV, and I was laughing looking at the actor - Sharman Joshi. I don't think there was any reason behind the laughter. And Sahu Saheb joining me.Yogya - found himself busy munching on dal fry - jeera rice and the drink. Sleeping for few mins, waking up again to get busy with food. I can imagine the time he would have spent in the rest room the following day. Now you know, why I said above - Arun cooked to QUANTITY, quality and taste.Avlya - was the only sober guy - he just had few sips of drink. He was sober at a wrong time. Ask him now, and he is miles ahead of us all, when it comes to any 'high' drink.

By 8 pm or so, everyone was at the peak. Everyone had amazing extended orgasms, as compared to the quick one which people experience after drinking alcohol. It was extended and it lasted for long. By 11 or so, people started leaving. Amol DM was checking and re-assuring everyone if they're in a condition to ride the bike or not. But everyone knew, if Amol DM was in a condition to do this checking - hehehehe.

One of the best 'boys day' I have ever had in my life so far. And we make sure to discuss this, whenever all/some of us are together. We made promises to each other umpteen number of times to repeat this, but God only knows if this will ever happen.

But I do have a hope. History can repeat for happiness too!

A revolution called AZAADI

"Maine apni zindagee desh ki azaadi ke naam kar di hai! Mai jaanta hoon ki aap chahate ho, meri shaadi ho, mera ghar basey, par meri dulhan to azaadi hai!"

Oh God!!! These are the best dialogues, which has given us so many laughters. Now, the group correctly knows the context of what Azaadi means, and who is Desh and who is Bhagat Singh.
Whether its the beer session for some unreasonable reason, or a sutta break, or any other damn purpose of we guys meeting up, the 'Desh ki Azaadi' topic must be triggered - followed by ear-to-ear smile. Even if the Desh is currently in Videsh, and Azaadi is about to follow the Desh, we are missing Desh in so many of discussions and sessions.

It might look like from the above dialogues, that I am talking about something very patriotic, and some sacrifice for the nation. But no. I am not that great. This is just an analogy, and all I am talking about is some eternal-pure-true-moral love. In today's world, where an individual would be all set to hit the dance floor the very day, his/her relation goes sour, or separation is in-evitable. But, as we all know, this particular lover is an exception in this ghor-kalyug. The soul mates have had some amazing relation in the past lives and they will continue to do so in this life and in all next lives. Azaadi may have different names in different lives.

Let me add some info here - 'we' means the current suttebaaj(active or passive) group involving - Vikas (the hero), Manish (kuch dino ka mehmaan), Anurag (bhai sahab k barein mein kya kahen), Nischal(one creative mind), Viru(VP - aka Virendra Pratap Singh or Virus, in 3 idiots terminology), Ankur(the silent killer), Dinesh(Guest of honour :P), Ram (the distant hero), Trinadh(Trinadh) and myself(ab khud ki taarif mai khud hi kya karoon).

Its amazing to see the vibrant chemistry between the two of them - similar to what we have seen in Laila-Majnu or Heer-Ranjha or the one between Patriot and Nation. So much of devotion, any level of sacrifice, all done with this huge smile on the face. Smile as wide as the distance between two ears. Hehehehe!

Feel the difference, Feel like God!

You can suddenly feel the difference when you move on from one 5-6 year long relationship with a non-performing and cold being, to someone real Hot. At traffic signals, you get the stares. For real. You are always looking for opportunities to be with the new one. Spend more time together. And the best thing with my new Bajaj Avenger is that it doesn't have a kick lever, so I can never kick her, even if I want to. Dirty mind, what were you thinking ?

Yeah yeah! After waiting-trying for a long time to get my bum out of Chennai, and failing miserably for multiple reasons, I decided to finally not wait for a new bike anymore. Analysed for a couple of weeks, booked and got the delivery in a week. And here I am, riding everyday to office, feeling like God. No No, I am not promoting the Bajaj Avenger - I am just doing some dialoguebaazi.

Well, it does have a bigger turning radius, and quite heavy. Plus there's no kick lever, so if my battery or electrical system goes off, this space will have a blog entry of that experience. Hehehe. But overall, it does give me happiness. Who says, material happiness does not long last? It has lasted me for over 2 weeks and counting. Oju is super happy with the bike. She gets to see her face on the stainless steel cover mounted on the fuel tank :) Grown ups need to learn from kids about finding happiness with whatever resources we have. Ek aur dialogue ;)

Bike Ride to Mahabalipuram

Well, this one is a delayed write up of something that was done in Oct 2009.


Decided during the weekday, in the last week of Sept, about a bike ride to Mahabalipuram. Oct 4th, Sunday was planned to be the day. Participants - None other than Aj n Vikas. Asked a few others too, but I guess, no one dared the bad company of Aj n Vikas. We are notorious, the game of 'leni-deni' achieves new heights with the both of us.

So, as per plan, I was to reach Vikas's place by around 3 pm. I called him up from my mobile to his mobile around 3:15 pm - saying - "Hey Vikas, I am sorry yaar. Nai aa paunga. Tabiyat theek nai hai". Pissed off, Vikas was - I knew how much he wanted to have this outing. Actually, I had called him from just outside his door, and rang the bell. His expressions awesome. Leni-Deni had just started.

As it happens always, we started off with few clicks in his parking area, as if this is some major event. The bike ride started, with we discussing on how/what to do if the policemen caught us at the check post. One stop near the famed Crocodile park, with due justice to Chai n Sutta. And there it was - a nice low tree, where Vikas climbed, and I followed. Kabira baitha ped pe... Hehehehehe!


Reached Mahabalipuram - directly to the main beach - but instead of reaching the beach, we found ourselves busy with a 'Hat' vendor. And clicking many photo shots with each different hats without buying them, infuriated the vendor. His facial expressions changed from a gentle salesman to dont-ask-me. This was another version of leni-deni, and an innocent salesman was trapped.


Well, it was time for us to get out of this beach to move to some more silent and serene beach. So we picked up two bottles of Sea Gull beer, and reached the isolated beach, which had many fishing boats. The town lanes thru which we passed, had sea food hotels on both sides. Vegetarian people are not treated well on this planet I felt. Anyways, this isolated beach had very few people, and a couple of foreigners. We took control of one of the boats. Gulped beer, shared emotions, puffed butts, had tea, shot more pics and talked a lot.

Decided to start back when it was complete dark. Vikas took the steering handle of the bike - with this ultimate statement - Beer pine ke baad mai sahi se bike ride kar sakta hoon. Within few minutes, it was proven. He was not wrong. My bike was in safe hands.

Had a brief halt at Mayajaal, where Vikas met one of his friends, and was keen that I leave the bike with him, so that he has the liberty to take 'this' friend back home. I was sorry to be cruel and not let him do this. We both reached his place, had Pizzas from Dominos, and I got back home.

Next two days, I was running fever and sore throat, but mind still happy with the bike ride.

Life Under Control

Well Well Well!

Life's been so much fast paced these days. My bum and my thought process, both are not getting time to settle and rot. This is good in a way - "Khaali dimaag shaitan ka ghar". So very well said.

Nov/Dec were ultra busy with Amu's wedding, and let me remind myself here that I had treated myself with a full 2 weeks off work. No official phone calls, no internet. Just the family time. Love it. Jan-Feb were busy and 'stress' was icing on the cake. Far too many threads running in life's main() than I can handle. Finally, gave up a few of them witnessing the magic of layer by layer de-stressing. Have to get back to my normal self, have to get back to the good-but-not-so-old days of blogging, sketching, laughing, living. Don't want the time to run ahead of me.

Looks like the things are falling in place now. Paid the money for the gym, during mid-Feb; but finally the day 1 happened on 1st March. Finalized the bike - Bajaj Avenger 200 way back in Nov-Dec, but finally booked on 10th Mar. Finalized the vacation, and to get Hriday over to Chennai, but the month is not finalized yet. But yes, it gotta happen pretty soon. Finalized that I gotta get my a$$ out of chennai, but, there are so many buts and ifs. Let me stop here.

Sarkar - Anyay ke saath me kaise jiye jaaye...

Well, I dont know the date; but it was surely one of the weekdays, when I dared taking my wifey for an underworld movie - Sarkar. I was prepared to be at the receiving end of the anger and yelling if she doesn't likes it; as if hubbies can ever get to be the one throwing the tantrums in today's world!!!

But it turned out to be a pleasant experience, and this movie helping us turning some tensed husband-wife moments into funny laughter sessions. Most of the times, I have this excuse ready to my rescue - "Ab tum hi batao mai kya kar sakta, family problems hai, union problem hai, ". But she is smart enuf to use this when I am stubborn sometimes - "Tu to chiku se bhi zyada ziddi ho gaya hai". Its this fascination towards Sarkar - the movie, that we keep repeatedly watching this movie every now and then. And each time, I can jealofy wifey with the 2 minute role of Nisha aka Priyanka Kothari.

I still remember the beer drinking session with Mahen and Vindy opp Manas lake, when I declared in full high that I want to see Sarkar upon reaching Vindy's home - as if I am 'the' Subhash Nagre. And we three cracking jokes until dawn; with me n Mahen taking quickest naps in between words. We also laughed remembering the 'quote of the decade' from Mahen - "Yaar muzhe mera weight dekhne de, I have been laughing all the night; aur haste rehne se weight badhta hai". And how can I forget mentioning here another mindblowing one from Mahen to Vindy - "Oye, go to the gal's dad and say Fiss"!

Though it's lil bit childish to derive this kind of fun from a movie all these years, but this really is worth it. And another one being 'Ek aur Ek gyarah' where the trio - Tara te Sitara te Pitara aka Aj te Vindy te Mahen have their set of laughters since ages together. More about 'Ek aur Ek gyarah' when I am in a mood to write some crap like this. I do have sympathy of the visitors of this blog page, and I mean it. But the sole purpose of jotting such incidents down is to visit this after some good 2-3 decades and cherish these moments!

The Sattiday that was...

I found my bike missing the friday eve when I returned from office. It was parked on the roadside besides our apartment gate. Just one moment of unpleasant feeling, but the next moment, even before I rang the bell of my flat, I was sporting a smile on my face. Told wifey that the bike is probably stolen. It was hard for my wife to believe, because of the smile. Went down for a round in the nearby societies, just for the heck of it. And then found out which is the Police station that covers this area. Was all set with my documents to report to Police and get an FIR, so that I can start the insurance claim procedure (The reason behind the smile). Post dinner, I had funny talk sessions with Mom and with Seemaji (sis-in-law), with Mom a bit concerned about how would I handle all this, and Seemaji asking for sweets, coz I will be buying a new bike now. She knows of my fascination towards Bajaj Avenger these days. I was busy making my plans, about what actions need to be taken, and how do I manage my life without a bike for few days/weeks.

Let me give some more background here - I have a 2003 TVS Victor and have been using it for all these years. I want to replace it with a power bike, but don't want to do it before I relocate to Pune/Mumbai/Hyderabad. The handle lock of the bike was not in order since Feb 2009 and so it is having only the ignition lock for safety. And moreover, this lazy bum (also called as 'I, Myself n Aj') was too lazy this time to park it within the apartment compound every evening. The bike was lying outside the compound since Tuesday - a full 4 days and 3 nights together.

Thread 1 : Next day, Sattiday, I asked one of the watchman on the street if he knows anything about the bike; and he was trying to tell me something in Tamil, which I understood little. I called Suresh Uncle for translating help, which he did happily - and we were told that the bike was probably taken up by the watchman of the opposite mansion. I went to the mansion asking for the bike, but was not being treated well. They thought of me of some loser college going/just passed out kind of foreigner (non south-Indian), and asked me to again contact them on Monday. That's when I had to use my skills to convince them that they will have a tough time if they mess with me. All this conversation was in Tamil(watchman) and broken English(myself). Finally, the bike was traced to be with a guy named Das, who went out of Chennai for the weekend and parked the bike near his workplace. I got Das's mobile number from the Mansion, and my body language convinced them that they better return my bike without any delay. I did not talk to Das, but those watchmen talked and hinted of the scenario. Meanwhile the mansion owner Mr. Sridhar arrived and took my side to report to the police. This made the watchmen and few residents of the mansion feel the heat.

Thread 2 : As I came out of the mansion, I met Adv. Jesu Raj - the chairman of the society next to our compound, and I greeted him. I just mentioned to him about the bike incident, when his facial expression turned into a bit angry one and almost scolding me - "how can you keep the bike unlocked on the street, that too opposite our society for 4 days together?" He infact informed Chennai police that an unidentified and unlocked vehicle from Maharashtra is lying there for 4 days, and police would be coming anytime to pick the vehicle up and carry out of this street. After some drama, he understood what action is needed now, forgetting what has happened.

Now the iron was hot and I decided to hammer it at this time. So I called up Das, and handed the phone over to Adv. Jesu Raj, who in Tamil, explained him of the seriousness of what he has done, and how Das has taken up a 'probably' stolen bike, and what kind of action can be taken against Das. So, Das finally gave up and agreed that he will make arrangements so that bike will be handed over to the owner by Sattiday eve. By this time, the mansion owner Mr. Sridhar also arrived and talked to Das in a pacifying tone, so that Das is calmed down and he makes arrangements.

Meanwhile, everyone in our society came to know of the story, and everyone tried to explain me how wrong it is to keep the bike unlocked. And how more wrong it is to park it on the street. WTF! As if I dont know what a lock is meant for!!! The bike was returned to me by around 5pm, and once more ppl asking me to fix the handle lock, and park it inside the compound.

I informed this to Mom and Seemaji. Seemaji couldn't control her laughter and announced that "Aj's bike is in such a condition that even thieves return it back". Dad was suffering from a very very sore throat, and I kept myself from talking to him on phone for Sat-Sun-Mon. This will serve two purpose - unselfish purpose : the lesser dad talks, the sooner he recovers; and the selfish one : I am saved from his scolding about being like a careless teen.

Daddy Cool

It was during the bus travel from Yavatmal to Darwha with lil Hriday, that it came to my mind. I reached my town by 1:45, and hired a hand rikshaw. Hriday is a freak - he likes Hand rikshaw ride more than bike or car. And he is moody when it comes to choosing an option between his car or a state transport bus for a distant travel.

So, both of us went on a noisy riot once in home. Everyone except for Bai (granny) n Anjali were taking the lazy afternoon nap, but we spared none. Goldie was confused to the core. She is too young to understand why she was woken up, and why her Papa n Hriday are laughing and making noises. She was crying and Mom trying to pacify her. That's when Bai declared - Aj to Hriday se bhi chhota ho gaya hai. I am not wrong in saying that, I am growing younger with each birthday.

Post lunch, after checking on few routine things like the backyard tin shades and counting custard apples, along with checking if there are any signs of life in the soil where I planted green chilly seeds. There was no sign :-(

I had convinced Amu for hiking the mountain behind the railway track, near Chintamani temple. Mummy n Bai were opposing to take Papa for this hike. Mummy finally gave up saying that - you take him out, but dont let him hike. But I was not sure, if dad would agree and join us. So, I convinced Amu to convince Papa. But Papa said yes, upon asking for the first time itself. I was all excited.

The weather was too good. Cloudy but not dull, with spells of sun rays in between. The country side was lush green, and it rained the previous few days. We were a gang of four for the hike - Papa, Hriday, Amu n myself. So we finally reached the spot on the road, from where we would start the hike. Hriday was excited to see the 'train ki patri'. Upon crossing that, we reached the point where there were a lot of white stones (the ones which we played with as young kids, striking them against each other in dark, to see the sparks). Dad was the first kid to start collecting those, and giving ideas as to what can be done with them. When the hike became a bit more vertical, we kept all those stones at a point. Hriday was as if looking for this opportunity and asked me to lift in arms, as it was his first time. I was all prepared for this, as Hriday is just 5 year old. But his fear and probable tiredness was short lived, coz he asked me to ground him; and he happily hiked to the top without any fuss.

After spending some 15-20 min on the top, taking snaps in dad's mobile camera, it was time to get back. Collecting those white stones, we got into the car, then to the Chintamani temple. And as usual, I asked for the steering wheel while returning. Don't know how long it will take for me to master the four wheeler drive; but myself and Hriday have a story to tell our buddies about what we did last weekend.

Peace Peace Peace!!!

After loosing peace, the internal one, I have understood the value of it. I was getting premonitions that - "hey, where the hell am I leading this way?" But being carried away in one of the emotions, and taking uncalculated risk, this is where I have landed. I am not lost at all. May be, I am just wandering here and there and looking for some kind of satisfaction and eventually some peace.

May be this is what is called as life-crisis, or something else. I don't have mindset to study what it is called, but this is certainly a kind of dangerous disturbance. Various thoughts and principles are rioting internally, and disturbing law n order.

Having tried to re-start many of my loved tasks and hobbies, I am still not able to achieve what I wanted to. I have become highly dependent on individuals for peace and happiness. The human desires are raising their heads every now and then, and I don't know how to crush them, or atleast control them. I am not really sure, whether dependence on Humans is better than dependence on objects. And this thought keeps my mind busy and anxious.

Another fear is - is my survival possible, if the individuals go away one fine day, leaving me all by myself? The actual fact is - I would survive, but I don't want to survive just because I am not dead. There's hell lot of insecured feeling, even if I try to my best to convince that feeling of insecurity itself is more insecure than insecurity itself.

So much is already been said-researched-analysed-preached about how to attain internal peace, but me being a people person, find it difficult to isolate from individuals. Would becoming stoic help me attain peace? But then what about my desires? Is there no way other than crush the desires?

Who knows, this might just be a phase of life, and will pass on the way peaceful phases pass. Let's see...