A New Year with 'A New Life'

How many of us can begin a New year with A New Life? Literally...
I did. I was reading the book 'A New Life' by Orhan Pamuck. :-)

This new year was a bit special. Firstly, no party. no friends, no family. Sounds bad? Not really... I was on my way back home from my home town chugging through the beautiful landscapes when the clock struck 12 surrounded by total strangers. After a long time, I was traveling by train from my home town and I think I will do that for the rest of my life, instead of the usual aerial route. It costs less, it takes me very close to my house and the best of all, the beautiful topography that greets you has an astounding effect on your stressed out mind.

I could say, I saw the last sunset of 2007 and the first sunrise of 2008. The sunset was spectacular. As the train passed through Murudeshwar, the sun was setting with the statue of Shiva, 100 feet tall, on the side bidding farewell to the Sun of 2007.

The sunrise was equally beautiful with the Sun emerging from the horizon breaking the chillness of the fog with its warm sun beams kissing the swamps on the East...

Here is wishing everybody a very Happy New Year!

Arranged marriage – Meeting no. 3

Its kind of getting boring. Probably, every time I meet someone, I feel, it is better to be alone than be with someone. No comments on this meeting. Probably, people are unique in their own way, and there is a reason why they are getting married. I don’t have a reason and that’s why I find no one. I kept my eyes focused on the ice-cream I was eating. It was a discussion about philosophy. And here is what I learnt from myself about philosophy.

‘Philosophy is bullshit unless put into practice’

She was a producer of shows for a leading channel. So when my dad asked me to speak to her, I expected someone with a commanding voice. Someone who gets things done. But on the contrary, I heard a voice that was sweet as a cuckoo. So we started talking for a bit. The talk went well and we decided to meet at Infinity mall. I was to take an off for the day as mom was not well, but a call from the office and I was back with Tiger on my way back. That is when an sms came from Farrukh. Its Leah’s birthday, so do make some fuss. Leah is a co-worker who had come down from Canada to our studio for a project. So, I met Leah and wished her. She said ‘I usually don’t work on my birthday, but you guys are special, so I am working.’ I asked her what her plans were. She said she will cook and probably go out for a drink somewhere. Another fone call and I came to know Akshat and Nancy were in town and they wanted to go clubbing. Everything kind of fitted into each other perfectly. So the plan was done. After my meeting with the girl, I would pick Leah and meet Akshat and Nancy and go clubbing. So after the meeting, I drove back to Leah’s place, picked her up and left for Bandra, where they were put up. A small little walk later, we headed for Zenzi. Zenzi was packed and we had a waiting for 30 minutes, so we pushed off to Poison.

Well, what happened later was a revelation for myself. I was partying after two years!! I had forgotten what joy was, that life was much more than work, that partying with friends and having a good time is just about taking time out and spending it with close ones. I hope I remember this and keep enjoying myself without forgetting it in the midst of work.

Philosophy of the day -
Its so great having a child, the feeling of having a life growing inside you. It is the best feeling that anyone can ever have!

Have you heard of tapeworms????

YYYUUCKKK!!!

The philosophy of a Pune Biker

I had gone to Pune for a meeting. Drove down the expressway and then entered into the city. One of the peculiarities of Pune is the fact that people are completely laid back while driving. Already late because of the Mumbai Traffic, i was completely out of ideas when the bike in front of me refused to accelerate, give a side even though the rest of the traffic was moving at 50 kmph. I checked my speedometer. It was 30 kmph. I kept honking, but he was least bothered to move. So when i got a little gap on the right, i overtook and decided to talk to the guy about some driving ethics.

Me: Boss, itna slow chala rahe ho, bike hai, side toh de sakte hai na, doosron ko kyu thakleef de rahe ho?
Biker: Agar four wheeler hotha toh?

Arranged marriage – Meeting no. 2

After the first debacle, I was a little hesitant to meet again. The blind date was kind of a nervous thing, but parents were insistent as ever. I had to call her in the morning and fix on a time. Again didnt manage to see her snap before i met her, but i think it is nice not to see someone before you meet them. The kind of prejudice you might have about looks can totally overpower a beautiful personality that lay within. So, after three consistent call from my mother in the space of 30 minutes, i called her...

SP (Banker):

Me: Hello... is this SP?
SP: Yes, who is this?
Me: P. My dad asked me to call you and see when we can meet!
SP: Well P, the thing is, isnt it better if we could talk and see if we could bear each other for 15 min on the phone, we could meet up personally?
Me: (thinking) Hmm... sounds intelligent (talking) sure... tell me what do you do..

Well, the first conversation lasted around 30 min. We kind a hit it off. So we decided to speak in the evening when both were relatively free. The conversation in the evening wento off for another hour and we decided to meet at CCD. I told her about the incident so we thought it might be better to avoid it and go to Barista instead, but we went to CCD at Carter Road.

Finally on Sunday we met, and spoke. Spoke for more than 5 hours. I knew i had a new friend. When we parted, we knew folks at home will be waiting for an answer. We had hit it off well, but were still uncertain. So we decided to be friends, and give our friendship time.

At home -
Mom: (Wide eyed) What happened?
Me: I made a friend!
Dad: What?
Me: I made a friend!
Dad: You think we are trying to increase your friend circle for you?
Mom: So do you guys like each other?
Me: I mean i like her as a friend and i am not sure if she is the one i want to marry!
Mom: What should we do? What should we tell her parents?
Me: I dont know!
Dad: I dont know why we are even looking for a girl for you. Did you know, we have checked 107 horoscopes by now and she is one of the few that has matched so well...
Me: OK, wait for their call...

I called her up after the conversation. Came to know it is the same reaction on her side too.

Now, I am sure, i am figuring out a way about marriages. Dont know how it works. There have been many divorces happening around and that adds a little apprehension. I believe, one can live without love, but one will die without friendship!