Chapter 23: Goodbyes and Goodlucks!

I accept that I was so excited about my big move to Toronto. But as the days passed, I begin to realize one thing, one most important thing! I'm going to travel to an other part of the world, a part which lies in the extreme end of this world, which means that I could not meet or be with my family and my most beloved friends for at least an year. One year is a very long time. I must travel across a winter, summer, spring and an autumn to meet my family and friends again. This thought haunted me for days. I spent some sleepless nights. The travel excitement slowly faded away and I felt a restlessness throughout the week. My final week in India taught me few lessons which I wouldn't have learned, if not for this travel.

On a rainy afternoon, I got a call from my friend. The phone call made it obvious that she was in some kind of a dilemma and she wanted to talk to me about that. After an hour or so we were sitting in a coffee shop which was inside a nice big mall. We talked and talked a lot, we shared our problems, we had a nice lunch, we shopped, we walked a lot and we finished the day with a nice and long bike ride in the rain. That day was certainly, one of the best days of my life. Later that night, I got an update of a new post in her blog. When I checked out, I was so happy to find out some happy words about the day and the bike ride. I realized that how much she means to me and certainly she means a lot more to me than I think!

Somewhere in the middle of the week, I was sitting and watching some comedy show when I heard the calling bell sound. I opened the door to find a courier delivery for my name. A courier? For me? I swear that was the weirdest thing ever happened. I never, ever got a courier or a parcel. The address read one of my college mate's name, who also happened to be my close friend. I was so curious and I opened it with my sister to find a huge surprise! Lots and lots of gifts! Parting gifts! I can't explain the feeling in words. A book of my most beloved author, a cute coffee cup, a beautiful time piece, a pure white sand clock and my most favourite chocolate bars. I was even more surprised when I learnt that she had already discussed about the plan with my sister and got my home address from her. No one had ever did that to me. It takes at least some amount of affection to make this effort, an effort to make me understand that how much I mean to her and I know that I mean a lot more to her than I think!

It was a cold night, the night before my travel. Everything was set, bags were packed and it was the last night in India, in my home, with my sister, with my mom and dad. It was midnight when I finished all of the packing work.
My sister came near me and said "Today is the last day, right?"
"Yeah"
"Hereafter, I must have to watch 'The Mentalist' and 'The Big Bang Theory' all by myself, right?" by saying this she hugged me and started crying. Those words were strong! Simply strong! I was on the verge of crying, but I had to control. I should be strong, or else it would create an impact. I have to show that I'm happy and excited about the travel. At least that would convince my family. I convinced my sister and that moment made me realize how much my sister means to me and how much she loves me. Certainly, we fight a lot, we do use swear words when we fight, but that's what makes the bond strong. I'll never give up on my sister and I'm sure she would never give me up.

I still had two hours left. My uncle and aunt, my close college buddies Ram and Srivatsan helped me a lot in my final stages of packing and we at last we called a cab and I was all set to for my big travel. Half-an hour later we were standing near the 'Departure Gates' of Chennai International Airport. We accompanied my other two friends who were coming with me to Toronto and their family. Lots of my friends and relatives were present that day to bid me goodbye. I never expected that number. I was so surprised to see my mom handling it pretty well. I thought she would be so upset. My dad was so normal as usual, even he's upset he would never showcase that. That's what dads do right? My sister was so happy for my next big step. The tears and hugs made her strong. Inspite of all the tips, advice, ideas, phone calls, kisses, hugs, I managed to share some time with my friends. After few hours, there came the final boarding announcement. There were 'Goodbyes and Goodlucks' everywhere around the place. Goodbyes, waving hands, my friends, relatives, mom, dad and my sister began to disappear as I stepped into the immigration center. After finishing all the formalities I was waiting for the announcement for my flight. That's when I got a message from my sister which said "Mom is crying!"
That's what mom's do right? Act strong before us! I then called again and convinced her while I got another message from my friend with whom I had that unforgettable bike ride. It said "I'm gonna miss you a lot!"

Finally, after a very long wait, there came an announcement for the passengers, asking us to board into the flight. Out of all the confusions and worries I totally forgot that that was my first flight experience. It was much more similar to a first class train and I was lucky to have a window seat. I was told to switch off the mobile phone and exactly ten minutes after that announcement the flight took off with a great speed. The big buildings, small houses and streets were moving away from my sight. Slowly I was moving away from my city. I looked down as far as I could. Things started to fade away. After a minute or two everything just went blank and as the flight drifted through the night sky, small drops of tear started to run through my cheeks. That tear meant everything, everything I ever said and somethings which I never said!

My Window Seat in the flight!

Chapter 22: December Journeys ...

December Journeys:

I'm so sorry as it's been ages since I published a post in this blog. I've been so busy with my big travel. In the mean while I wrote three posts which I'd be posting one by one mentioning their respective dates.

- December 31 -
- Saturday, 23:43 -

A Dream Come True:

"Where are you?"
"I don't know!!!"
Weird right?! The month December of the year 2011 gave me an unusual yet unique opportunity of having this conversation quite often. As an important part of my study abroad plan I booked my flight ticket and I'm eagerly waiting to move to a new and happening city called Toronto. I quit my job by the end of November 2011. After a reluctant goodbye to all my colleagues, I started to drive my two wheeler from the parking lot towards home. I had a bundle of chaotic thoughts moving back and forth, clashing, parting away, lots of questions unanswered! ... 'What am I gonna do?', 'Is it a right decision?', 'Am I doing the right thing?'. These are the just the sample questions I had while driving back home. Out of all that questions, only one caught my attention. "I have one month in hand before leaving to Toronto. How am I gonna use it?" I tried to figure out a productive answer to that question. While stepping into my house, while taking a shower, changing my clothes and finally I had the answer when the day came to an end, while lying in my bed and watching the stars out of my window. 'I'm gonna travel, travel like I never did, to all the places I never visited!' I thought to myself. That thought then took me to Andhra Pradesh, Coimbatore and introduced me to some strange and unique people whom I'll never forget. The very same night I packed my bags and called the 24 hours service centre of Andhra Pradesh Tourism board and booked a ticket to Tirupathi and Papanaasam, two beautiful mountain towns in Andhra Pradesh. My December journeys started at the 1st of december, early in the morning, even before the sunrise!

The day faced a heavy downpour at four in the morning. I was standing outside a gas station, waiting for an Andhra Pradesh Tourism Volvo. After a seven minutes wait, a white bus came into my sight. I started my adventorous and exciting journey to Andhra Pradesh!

When I first entered into the bus, I saw many confused and strange looks. There were people from all walks of life. A North Indian couple, a 70 year old youngster, a middle aged single man from Andhra, an engineering student and many more from different backgrounds. I finally settled in my seat. I was so excited as it was near the window. Leaving the chill breeze and cold drops outside the bus started to move in a steady speed. I slept off as soon as the bus started and I had no clue about that. A two or three hours, I guess, I'm not so sure. But when I woke up, I saw something beautiful and magnificient outside the window. Mr. Sun just woke up like me and he was giving that lazy glimpse, a beautiful pale orange glimpse. The bus was travelling in the midst of a magnificient green farm. The pale orange light spread throughout the farm and there was lots of birds chirping and talking to each other! The previous day, I swear, I never know that I'm about to have this experience. Life continues to suprise me in its own way and I absolutely love that!

As expected, that day proved to be a great one, an unforgettable day! I went to Papanaasam, a dam and mountain town and Upper Tirupathi, a temple and mountain town. The dam's water splash, the mountain's greenery and magesty, its wildlife, unique and colorful birds, the turn-o-turn mountain drive and many more! I returned to my home, late that night after a very long and different day. That day was like a dream, a dream come true!

Coimbatore - A scenic experience:

Not more than two after the Andhra Pradesh experience, I got a phone call from my aunt. She insisted that I had to come and stay at their place for atleast two days. My aunt and my uncle lived in Atlanta, USA for more than forty years and now they have settled in a quite and beautiful community near the city of Coimbatore. I've never been to their place, but I heard from my sister, that the community was situated in the midst of a most peaceful and scenic village. I then called my cousin Balaji and asked him to accompany me to Coimbatore. He agreed to come with me and took an off from his work for a week and one fine night we were all set for another 12 hours long journey!

Next morning when I woke up, I was sitting in a cozy window seat of a volvo, and again I met Mr. Sun with his same old lazy yet beautiful pale orange glimpse. I prefer only night travels when it comes to a long journey. So whenever I get a phone call while travelling in the bus asking "Where are you?" I'd say "I don't know!" I may be in the midst of a farm, or a road in the middle of nowhere!

The next two days were nothing but a joy ride. I was so impressed with Coimbatore. The roads were so neat and everything is so organized. We got to a village called Madampatti near Coimbatore. I have to mention that the place was so beautiful, I mean it was fantastic, surrounded by mountains and unimaginably tall waterfalls! It is the border of Tamilnadu state. It is right to use the word 'scenic' to describe the place. We walked a lot, hiked, had a mountain ride in the car, went to temples, enjoyed the cold climate! After two days, we bid a big goodbye to my uncle and aunt, a reluctant goodbye it was!

Pondichery and Auroville:

I haven't had the opportunity to visit a beautiful and different French settlement called Pondichery. Eventhough it's just a 3 hours bus ride from my place, I haven't seen it, not even once. Since I thought that I shouldn't have a regret when I board the flight, me and my sister planned a family trip with our cousins' family. We decided to visit their place first and then from there we planned to go to a French village called Auroville and the town of Pondichery. Once again, an early morning I woke up and outside the window, I saw that I was riding in the road which passes through a beautiful river on both sides, and ofcourse, the lazy pale orange glimpse! That was a four day trip, and it turned into an utmost fun, I would've regretted for sure if I had not gone with them. My mom, dad, my sister, my cousins Raghul, Praveen, Kiran and their parents and me, a great group trip! Vandavasi is a quite and peaceful old town. That night, after a very long time, I slept in the open terrace of my cousins' beautiful house. The next day we were headed towards Auroville village. After a hour long ride from Vandavasi, we caught a neat highway and it lead straight to Auroville. Auroville's beautiful beach filled with cute French girls and its magnificient French architecture buldings and European Cafe's made me speechless. I never imagined it to be like this. 'Little Europe' would be the right name for that place. Pondichery is an extended version of Auroville. The highlight of Pondichery is its black rock beach and Annai Ashram. The beach side view of the town made me sit there for a long time, I sat there for nearly two hours, enjoying the picture perfect buildings and cute children riding in European cycles! I returned back home and I realized one thing, I now got rid of all those unwanted questions from my mind and instead I filled it with those picture perfect scenes from my December Journeys!

Chapter 21: Surprises & Confessions

I got my visa and I’m flying to Toronto, Canada by the first week of January 2012, I quit my job, I started to write a new script for a documentary film, I nearly loved a girl. What a way to start a new post?!

I waited almost a year for this to happen. I started my ‘study abroad’ plan somewhere before May 2010. It was a wonderful experience, to say the least. It offered me a lot of things, things ranging from frustration to friendship. I chose to divert from Mechanical engineering to Filmmaking. I now know that it is not an easy task at all. To quench my travel thirst I planned for my higher studies abroad and to fulfill my passion, I chose filmmaking. The application process took me to New York, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada and mainly New Zealand. I made a lot of friends in New Zealand, including the staffs of my film school. I’m so unfortunate as I couldn’t make it to the beautiful village of Taradale. My NZ visa application got rejected as I had applied for a film making course in spite of having a degree in Mechanical Engineering. But Canada is so generous to accept me! I’m getting ready for a fierce winter and lot of wilderness. So I started my purchase today. I bought some winter clothes like jerkins, woolen jackets, some branded casual shirts and jeans, winter gloves etc. I’m slowly getting ready to move out of my homeland, out of my beautiful country. Hardly one month to go! I’m going to miss almost everything, everything from family, friends, Pani Poori, Idly sambar, first day first show of a commercial movie to lone mountains of Guduvanchery.
But I know one thing. I can’t stay away from this place for a long time.

I worked as a Research Analyst in a corporate company called Connectivity Data Systems. I only worked there for three months but I’ve grown closer to that place because of my friends and the stress-free work environment. It is a startup company and has a lot of opportunities, offers a good pay and paves way for your career growth. I had to quit because of the ‘study abroad’ plan. Otherwise I would have stayed there for a longer period of time and enjoyed the fifteen minutes break, midnight cab ride, time with my friends and lots of beautiful girls.

As I quit my job, I had literally no work to do, not even a house hold work. I was so bored. I decided to roam around my city in a rainy afternoon. I went to the beach, some shopping malls, a war cemetery, an old museum, central station and at last Coyembedu Bus Terminus. That day showed me the beauty of my city from the point of an outsider. I really enjoyed each and every moment of my short travel. That’s the day in which I decided to make a documentary film about the magnificent city of Chennai. Chennai is my home for four years and this is the least I could do. I’m in the process of writing the script. I decided to feature a Chinese restaurant called China Palace in my movie. After a very kind and long request, the owner finally allowed to record few seconds inside the place and as a bonus, he also agreed to speak in that video about the restaurant and its origin.

I'm not going to say much about it, but finally, about the girl I said, Love is not the right word here, an emotional attachment or perhaps a sense of admiration. I really (I mean really really) like her. But one fine morning she made me realize that I’m just a stranger. I never expressed my feelings to her and I’m never going to express it forever. It stays with me as a secret. It is best for both of us, especially for her.

Chapter 20: Birthday Adventures !!!

It's been a long time since I wrote a post in this blog. That's because nothing happened in my life. Absolutely nothing!!! Not even a single exciting thing, until the midnight of November 07 (My Birthday!!!). That day started with an unexpected birthday call from a beloved friend of mine at 11:55 PM.

She asked "What's your birthday plan?"
"Well, I don't have any plans, as of now. But I have to pick up my friend from the bus terminus. He's coming from Bangalore."
"Now?? ... It's so late"
"Yeah, I told him to start at night so that he could reach here by day. (sigh) It's okay, I better start now."
I swear I haven't had the faintest idea about the turn that night was about to take. I should have stayed at home.

PART ONE: THE MIDNIGHT POLICE

- Coyambedu Bus Terminus -
- 12:45 AM -

After a search of good fifteen minutes, I got a glimpse of his weirdest yellow and red bag. I called out his nickname and he suddenly recognized my voice and within ten minutes time I was driving my bike in an average of 70 kmph while he was swearing at the top of his voice about his girlfriend with whom he broke up before two days. That night was so peaceful with gentle breeze accompanied by a light drizzle. I stopped the bike for a red signal. Just a moment before it turned to green, we heard a voice, a voice so commanding "Stop there guys!!!"
We turned to see a sincere traffic police standing in the middle of an empty road waiting for us.

"Okay, take out your license, insurance and RC Book" the same commanding voice.
I suddenly realized that I didn't have any of the above mentioned papers.
"Sir, I left my license at home …” I stammered.
“Okay, take out your RC book”
“Sir, I left my RC book at home”
His face was not the same again.
“Show the insurance papers”
“Sir, I left my … “
“What the??? !!! You should’ve stayed at home then!” He continued
“Without holding license, insurance and RC book, sums up to Rs.2500”
“What the!!!??? … I’m afraid I haven’t got that much”
“I’m afraid you both have to come to the station with me … It’s just opposite to that water tank.”
“Sir please … we’re in a hurry”
“No can do sir!”

My friend was so silent while the above conversation took place. I seriously don’t know what struck him, but suddenly he opened his mouth to say “Chennai Sucks!!!”

That statement led us to the following situation.

- Ashok Nagar Police Station -
- 1:30 AM -

I didn’t know that a police station at the midnight would look so lively. There was a constant ‘buzz’ sound from the tube light and the place was super busy, almost everyone was occupied with something, even the people inside bars. We slowly approached the officer who brought us there.

“Excuse me sir, we have no balance credit in our cell, can we use your phone?” I’m sure he was irritated.
“Nnnnope” he stressed too much on that ‘n’.
“What shall we do now?” my friend asked.
“I’m thinking … “

I had no balance credit on my cell phone to make a call and my friend had negative credit. I thought if we stand there for some time, may be that officer would let us go.

- Ashok Nagar Police Station -
- 2:30 AM -

We were still standing at the same place where I thought about leaving. He acted as if we were not there. But suddenly, a miracle happened (I thought it was a miracle!!!) I heard my cell ring. I seriously hoped that it should be one of my friends so that I could ask for a favor. But my hopes shattered when I saw the number, an international number!!! I picked up the call …

“Hello”
“Happy birthday dude!!! This is Rags dude”

Rags (aka) Raghunathan is my school mate. He lives in New Jersey, United States. I was happy that he called to wish for my birthday, but I was in no mood to appreciate that. (Sorry Rags!!! Thanks a lot for your wishes).

“Hello Rags, thanks for the wishes”
“What’s your plans for tomorrow? How are mom and dad? How’s India?” he built his questions.
The police officer was approaching us.
“India is fine Raghu, listen! am sorry, I’ll call you back, am not in the situation to talk with you right now. Thanks for your wishes man”
“No problem, cool man … bye, enjoy the day”

By the time I disconnected, the officer reached us and asked me “Who’s on the line?”
My friend replied “His friend from United States sir, wishing him a happy birthday”
“Oh, it’s your birthday??”
“Yes sir”
“So, what have you decided? gonna pay the amount?”
“I don’t have that amount sir”
“What about your friend?”
“No sir, if he had any amount, he would have given it.”
My friend interrupted again “Hey, as a matter of fact, I do have the amount!”
“What!!!???” it’s me.
“What!!!???” it’s that police officer.
“I thought you would let us go in a few minutes. But you are one strict officer!” I didn’t expect that answer. I was watching the police officer’s face change. He was totally annoyed.
“I apologize for him, am so sorry sir, I swear he didn’t mean that.”
“Just give the damn money and go.” he had a straight face.

My friend took the money out of his wallet and gave it to him. In turn he gave my key back. We were stepping out of the station and I heard the officer’s voice again. He was pointing at my friend.
“Hey you, I shouldn’t see your face anywhere, again!”
“Okay sir” he replied in a polite manner and the moment when I started my bike he shouted
“I’m from Bangalore, you won’t see me anymore!!!” I hope he didn’t hear that as the rain started to pour heavily. I didn’t say a word to him while driving. He thought I was annoyed about the incident happened. But something bothered me more. My bike started to make squeaky noises which usually mean that it’s going to stop. The road was empty and the rain was merciless. The sound of the thunder and frequent lighting made that night, a weird one.

PART TWO: THE PERFECT STRANGER

We were walking and in addition to that I was pushing my bike along. It seemed that the rain won’t stop till morning. My friend was constantly yapping about the police station incident. Fortunately I couldn’t hear him properly in that sound of the heavy rain. I tried the self-start button and it didn’t work. I tried kick starting, but I got the same result. In a distance, we saw a closed road side juice shop and decided to take a shelter. I was surprised to see a man standing there.

He seemed to be in his late thirties with a receding hairline. He was dressed in his formals. He was wearing specs. To sum it all up, he was a typical Indian middle aged working class man. The three of us stood there without saying a single word, hearing the rain. Finally that stranger broke the silence.

“Hey guys, I know this is weird, but … can I get a ride?”
“We’re already two and the bike got its own problem. So … I guess no.” I replied.
“Who cares if we do a ‘triples’ ride in this night?”
“Actually, I do. We just got out of the police station. I don’t even have the necessary papers.”
“My house is just near Ashok Nagar bus stop. I can’t walk now. Even the share auto won’t be available now. So please … “
“But my bike???”
“If I successfully start your bike, then you’ll have to drop me. Deal?”
“Yeah deal!” my friend replied again.

- Ambedkar Road -
- 3:00 AM -

I seriously didn’t think that I would actually sit behind and let a stranger drive my bike on a rainy midnight. (Actually, it was early morning!!!) It’s important to note that it’s a triples ride and no need to say that he started my bike in a single kick. The stranger started a conversation again. My friend was silently sitting in between us. He shouted every time when he asked a question as the sound of the rain was so huge.
“So, are you a student?” he shouted.
“No … I finished my Bachelors” I shouted again.
“Good for you. I’m working in ‘Indian Bank.’ I have two cute kids. My wife would be waiting for me” He shouted again.
“Listen! I can’t shout again, my throat’s bugging me. So … “ I shouted for the last time.
“Okay, I understand. I’m sorry … So what did you do in your Bachelors.”
I didn’t reply.
A few minutes later, he dropped himself at his home and bid a reluctant goodbye with lot of thanks’.

- My House -
-3:45 AM -

I dropped my friend at his cousins’ and at last I reached home. I took a hot bath and it was almost 4:00 AM. I was lying in the bed looking out of my bedroom window. I thought about all the incidents happened. I have to admit, it was exciting. Not every day, I could come across such incidents, such exciting and thrilling incidents. I then thought about writing this post and before I know, I was fast asleep. The next day, I woke up with a birthday wish from my college mate. I looked out of my window again. The sun was shining brightly, the sky was so clear. The day swallowed up the heavy rain and the sun looked at me as if nothing happened in the previous night. I have one word which sums up everything that happened the previous night.
W.E.I.R.D.

Chapter 19: Big City's Sleep ...

Time: 2:00 AM
Place: Guindy, Kathipara Bridge

Pale and pleasant moonlight, kind touch of a gentle breeze, quite and peaceful night made me to write a song, the thing which I haven't done in a very long time.


This is one of the advantages of working in an evening shift. Others include a free meal and a free ride back home. I always wanted to work in an evening shift which is not a common thing among the corporate companies. There are only two kinds of shift. Morning shift and night shift. Former is your regular company timing and the later is about working all night and reaching home by six in the morning. But the timing of an evening shift is weird. It's starts at 4:30 PM and ends at 1:30 AM, midnight (for most of us). I feel that this is an interesting timing as I get to watch the peaceful sound sleep of a magnificent city.


At the very first day, I was so excited for the experience I was about to have. Busy office hours started at 5PM and time raced in its course. In no time a short break, a small meeting and a delicious dinner passed away. We got out for our 11:30PM break which I totally enjoyed. I came out of the glass doors and air conditioned space to drink some coffee and I watched the day, slowly coming to an end. A hot coffee in a cold night tasted too good. The ten minutes break ended and again I got back to my work. The moment when the clock struck 1:30, I shut down my computer, got my cab's number and went down to the car park along with all the other staffs. The parking lot was super-busy. People ran back and forth to find their respective cabs. The word people was so generous to include me to its list. Finally I found the cab and I was so happy to find my old friend, 'The window seat.'


The cab started to depart from the parking lot after six of my cab mates got into it. Everyone had their headsets plugged into their ears. By the time when the cab hit the road I gazed out of the window to find some beautiful sight. A 'two minute rain' had already soaked the road. The wet and empty road, chill and howling wind, closed stores and restaurants added their beauty to that silent night. I found it surprising to spot the moon in a rainy night. The cab dropped three of my cab mates and raced into the night. That's when the most exciting thing happened!

Time: 2:00 AM
Place: Guindy, Kathipara Bridge

We were travelling on the top of the Kathipara, a fascinating high bridge in Chennai. The car stopped moving suddenly. Driver turned back and said "Flat tire!!!"
That was the most happening night of my life. I came out of the car which was parked in the left corner of the bridge. I never imagined that I would stand on the top of an empty bridge in the middle of a night. I watched the entire city, sleeping like a tired baby after some long hours of playing. I can't stand at the same place in daylight, where I stood that night. The place would be filled with smoking bikes, noisy auto rickshaws, racing city buses carrying people who would do anything to reach their respective offices in time.

KATHIPARA BRIDGE - DAYLIGHT VIEW


But now, it's just an empty bridge with a lonely man standing on it's top. Of course, the driver! But he's replacing the tire. The night had everything. I enjoyed each and everything I saw, but somehow it made me feel lonely. A melancholic mood, I guess!
I thought about someone who left me for no reason, I thought about my only best friend who passed away years back. I don't know why? It may be because of the pale and pleasant moonlight, kind touch of a gentle breeze, quite and peaceful night. But something made me to write a song, the thing which I haven't done in a very long time.
Driver replaced the tire, the car moved from that place, but my song stayed there.
I wrote the song and threw it out of the window. The gentle breeze, I told, took it away ...

Chapter 18: Death, and some Inevitable Things !

"Death is more universal than life; everyone dies but not everyone lives."
- A. Sachs -



My Grand mother passed away!
It's been two days since she started an other journey to an unknown destination. She was ninety nine (1912-2011). Whenever I think about it, I couldn't help but awe. What a magnificent journey ??!!



She lived through three different generations. She would've witnessed the slow but steady invasion of British rule in India. She would've witnessed the long and tiresome freedom movement which involved non-violence, riots, violence and bloodshed. She would've witnessed the unforgettable night of our independence. She, then lived through the change which the world witnessed after independence. Right from the invention of the electronic televisions in 1920's to the latest 'i-pod touch'.
Not an ordinary journey at all ...
Few years back, she was telling me a story about Subramanya Bharathi (One of the ideal and inspiring freedom fighters).
I asked her "Have you seen him?"
She replied "Yeah, But I vaguely remember him. I was too young"
"What about Mahatma Gandhi?" I asked again.
"Yeah, Lot of times! He was always on some trip, protesting something!"
Having written this conversation, I've to include our recent conversation.
Last month I was chatting with someone on Facebook. She slowly came towards me.
"What's this?" she was pointing towards the Facebook screen.
I explained everything about Facebook, about how it works and it's uses. She was so interested to hear about FB. At the end she said "Atlast, the world shrunk to a minimum possible extent!"

ME, MY SISTER, MY GRANDMA ...



She loved me and my sister very much. I always thought that we are her favorite grandchildren. She was so active until the very last day. She told me that she would start her final journey only after my marriage. But I didn't expect that she would leave us the very next day. My dad was so normal when he did all the final duties. He was alright during the funeral. When that day came to an end, everyone who came to the funeral were leaving. After sending off the last family, I went in. My sister was crying out loud, my mom was sobbing and my dad remained silent. After a minute of silence, mom and sister talked about her. Slowly, my dad broke his limits off. He started crying like a small child. We consoled him and started talking about the good things about her. Later, the same silence prevailed again. I felt something unusual. Something strange ... I then, realized something, a part of my family was lost. I couldn't hear her voice yelling out my name. I couldn't hear her slow approaching footsteps, I couldn't see her smile. It's true! A part of my family was gone, forever!


I don't know about her whereabouts. She might be present in this room now, She might be guiding me through this post or she might be sitting behind me with the same gracious smile. I don't know anything about those super natural things. But I do know something. She loved us and if possible she would love us forever :)

Two Cool Blogs ...

This not an other chapter. Consider this as a tiny break in between a boring story.
I found that many readers, who read my blog have somewhat similar interests like I do. I read and follow many blogs. There are many cool and talented writers out there. Here, I've posted two blogs which I thought, might interest you guys.

1. A YEAR ABROAD

Matt, who is the author of this blog is my inspiration for both travel and writing. In this blog, we follow him as he travels throughout Europe. To be precise he's living the life which I aspire to live. Those who are interested in traveling and living your life to the fullest, this blog is for you !!!

CLICK HERE

FOLLOW MATT'S TRAVEL TO IRELAND ...



2. STARSHINE

This is another cool blog by my close friend. She's an aspiring writer and definitely talented. STARSHINE is an example for that. This blog covers some sensitive and interesting topics such as 'Dreams', 'Weight Loss' etc. One of my favorites!

CLICK HERE



Enjoy these blogs while you can! I'll soon be troubling you with another chapter of my story.
READERS BEWARE !!!

Chapter 17: Honda Activa !!!

Whoever reading this post: Don't be too alarmed! This is not a huge post describing my new bike (If I'm allowed to call that a bike). This is a really small and quick post. So, bear with me!



As you've already figured out, I bought a new bike (or scooter). It's not a brand new Honda Activa, but its a Honda Activa. Recently I've been asked the same question again and again. 'Why Activa? Why not a bike?'
There are lots of answers or reasons for this question.
First and Foremost ...
1. No other vehicle was available at that time and I wanted it within two days.
I know that the above reason serves the purpose, but still there are some other valid ones ...
2. I'll be using this scooter, only for four months. Then it will be used by my dad or by my sister. Both of them, could not use geared vehicles.
3. My mom is not very comfortable with the thought of me driving a geared vehicle in the 'IT EXPRESSWAY' which is a dangerous road stretch. (That's where my office is located!).

MY NEW-OLD BIKE ...



I found that all the above reasons are totally valid and at last I bought my own 'green-colored' vehicle !!!
I read lots of negative reviews about Activa. But I have no complaints whatsoever. It's so smooth to drive and it feels like flying while driving. (Okay, am exaggerating!). But it does feel good. It's a new addition to my friends list. Lots of long and adventurous road trips await both of us!

Chapter 16: How I Got My Job ??? :PART 2:

Okay ... So, Why exactly did I write those words ???
I sincerely apologize for those who got pissed off by seeing the sentence "TO BE CONTINUED." It's because, I dozed off while writing the last paragraph. But I had a target of finishing at least one post for the day. I've been told that the best possible way of ending something abruptly is to add that magical sentence, "TO BE CONTINUED."



Coming to the point, where I left, I was shocked to hear that! 'Twenty minutes walk from Taramani Railway Station.' I replied to that staff with the same phrase "I'll get back to you soon." I spent rest of that afternoon thinking about that station (Why??!!). Later that evening my friend Pavan Kumar called me. That conversation took an entirely different direction.

Pavan "What are you doing? It's so ****ing boring"
Me "I got an offer for an interview. I'm in a dilemma!"
I shared my past experience about that place with him.
He said "I have a bike and I need a job"
After an hour or so, myself, Pavan and his bike reached the gates of a eleven-storey building. I didn't believe my eyes. The building was magnificent! I totally didn't expect that. We went in and met with Human Resource Manager. I asked about the job, instead she said something about a written test. I was a bit nervous. We were seated in an air conditioned hall and the test began!



That computer based test consisted of hundred multiple choice questions covering all the aspects of English language. We finished the test within an hour and finally found that the internet was connected. We could have googled those answers !!!



Within a day's time both of us were called for an HR interview. The same bike travel again, same building and same time as the previous day. It was a personal and professional interview. HR manager asked about my future plans, my past experience etc. She checked my memory. She made me read a huge passage from the newspaper 'Los Angeles Times.' She asked some questions based on that and finally she offered a gentle handshake and said 'Welcome Aboard.'



She then explained about the job (Confidential !!!)
It was better than I expected. The company had that so called 'Corporate Atmosphere.' The company has two branches. One, in Chennai and other one in US. There were lots of foreign faces including our Managing Director. The job is a 'nine hours-regular job.' It required lots of writing. I was okay with every terms and conditions. But, I had a question. I usually have this question when am new to some strange place or atmosphere. "Would I fit in here??"



As I already stated, I was nervous. But then, I was happy to know that Pavan got the job too. We treated ourselves in the nearest restaurant. Within the next day Pavan managed to piss of the HR Manager. He had an argument with her about quitting the job. He decided to reject the job offer. I was left alone !!!



On the date of joining, I had lots of questions and confusions. I reached the office on time (Bus travel). I was seated in the same room where I took the test. That floor had a centralized AC. The room was severely cold and I started shaking. Soon, few others joined me in that room. At first I was so hesitant, to even ask the time. Things started happening then. A corporate trainer joined us in that room. He seemed like a jolly guy. He started taking marketing class. It covered self marketing, personality development blah blah blah .... We underwent two continuous weeks of training and finally hit the production floor yesterday. So, what could have possibly happened in that two weeks ??? Well, according to me, lot of things happened!

To name a few, I earned few good friends, I slowly learnt the job, My English grammar was refreshed, I earned a friendly smile from a cute girl, I finally got over my fear of 'TARAMANI RAILWAY STATION.' (because I travel by train and I have to set foot on that haunted station on a regular basis!)
What more one could ask for ??!!

NOW, SOME OFFICE PICTURES ... EXCUSE ME, FOR THE POOR QUALITY. IT'S A 'VGA CAMERA.'









Finally everything is shaping up in a good and unexpected way! I assume that it is fair to say that my job hunt started and ended in Taramani Railway Station.
Now you know the story of 'How I got my job ???'

Chapter 15: How I Got My Job ??? : PART 1 :

I'm proud to say that finally I got a job. Finally everything is shaping up in a good and unexpected way. By everything, I meant my study-abroad plans, financial conditions, getting all my degree certificates and stuffs from my college etc etc. Out of all this, I want to mention few things about the study-abroad plans. Studying abroad can be an easy and exciting thing to plan, but to execute ???!!! It is the most toughest thing to do. I'm going to dedicate a separate post for all that confusions, dilemmas and decisions. It totally deserves that. Now, coming back to the job part, again, am proud to say that I finally got a job with a good pay but without a single bond and time restrictions.



To be precise, my job hunt started and ended in Taramani Railway Station. For those who don't know about Taramani, it is an industrial suburb of Chennai city. Unlike other city railway stations, Taramani has a unique one. Unique in everything! It is a place which scares me. Yeah! You heard me right! It SCARES me. The station is deserted all the time. If you're lucky enough, you'll find some two or three passengers on a sunny afternoon. The place has some never ending dark tunnels, leaking pipes, squeaking mouse, bats and what else ??? To be exact, picture a haunted mansion in your mind. That's Taramani Railway Station for you. Some may think that this description is a bit over-exaggerated. But it's not!



Coming back to the story, me and my friend Ravi reached the legendary Taramani Station on a fine sunny afternoon following an interview call from a person unknown. I think this incident, happened before a month's time. I couldn't recall the date. He called from a consultancy and left us with an address. He told something about an interview for graduates. It was the time when we were desperately searching for a job. We found our way out of the station (took us more than ten minutes!!!) We started walking and after twenty minutes of walk, we managed to find a small two storey building which matched the address. We then waited for about fifteen minutes to be received by a man who called us. Another ten minutes in that building and we finally figured out the nature of that job. To sell 'caller tunes.' The script goes like this ...
"Hello, I'm calling from XXX cellphone company. Are you interested in activating a caller tune which is new in stores?" Later that hour a woman, who is an employee of that company inquired about us and she said few things in return. The context of what she said was 'There are two types of customers for this company. First type of customers would disconnect the call at 'XXX cellphone company' part. Rest would disconnect after hearing all of it. The fact is that no body would buy! But the target is fifty buyers per day. If not, the management wouldn't let us go home. The salary is below Rs.5000/month. (Doesn't even cover my conveyance charges !!!) We gently smiled at the person who interviewed us and said "We'll get back to you tomorrow. We have to give it a thought!"



As I said, I gave it a thought and from then on, I never attended any interview until last week. I got a call from a consultancy (again!!!).
"I'm calling from XXX consultancy. I saw your resume in naukri.com (job site) I assume that you are a writer" (I do a lot of writing, but writer??? Nooo !!!).
She went on saying "I have a job which matches your profile. An article and profile writing job. Rs. 15,000 basic pay with no time restrictions or bond." I was so excited. That's the exact job profile I was looking for. I thought 'I couldn't ask more'. I asked in an overwhelming tone "Where's the company located?"
She replied
"Twenty minutes walk from TARAMANI RAILWAY STATION ... "

- TO BE CONTINUED -

Chapter 14: New house, New place & New people ...

Unbelievable !!!
It's been 4 years since I came to this mighty metropolitan CHENNAI. Small town of Guduvanchery showered motherly love towards me. It showed me the happiest and soft side of life. Lakes, Mountains, Friends and lots of Cricket. But Chennai taught me the meaning of merciless life. It robbed my innocence and forced the maturity which I badly needed that time. But there were lots of happy, fun filled and life changing moments too. Most of them, happened only in ABINAYA APATMENTS. My place and my house for almost four years. My dad rented a house in that apartment before four years. I joined my college, my sister joined a new school for her 12th grade. That house witnessed each and everything I narrated in this blog. I remember starting the first post of this blog sitting and holding the laptop on the wide terrace of that house. Lots of experiences and happiness. ABINAYA APARTMENT provided my two good friends of all time. Kishore and Shamini. Kishore finished celebrated his 8th birthday last month and Shamini is his classmate. My two good friends. I can't forget the days of cricket and throw ball, I used to play with them. Two months before, our house owner requested us to vacate the house as he decided to give this house to his daughter. That's when the search for an other house started. The search lead to a newly built apartment near a suburb called RAMAVARAM.



Out of all the other houses this house seemed more comfortable and the area seemed to be so quiet and decent. One fine Sunday morning we moved to a tiny beautiful house in the RAMYAM APARTMENT. It's always interesting to move to a new place because of its people and feel. New people means new characters. There's a great chance of finding some great untold stories in new places. I took a long night stroll on my first day in that place. The area was so quiet and peaceful. It was filled with lot of bungalows, new trend houses. It's a sophisticated area. I couldn't find anybody walking or riding in that road except a stray dog which kept following me right from the start of my stroll. I heard some distant television voices inside a bungalow. I guessed that almost everyone in the area goes for great payable jobs and after a long hard day they lock themselves in their bungalows and wait for that day to come to an end. Almost every rich or upper middle class families prefer these areas and they're so proud about moving there.



My new area doesn't have a gang of playing children yelling and running through the street, It has no mobile ice cream cycles where children scream for their share, It doesn't have a gang of kids playing cricket in the street, it doesn't have life. Everyone's minding their own business. It's sophisticated and am not proud of it ...