Some time back I had been to an uncles' place. The person in question retired as Additional DGP for Excise department a few years back. He is one of those people whom I consider to be COMPLETE in true sense. Always ready to stand up for what is correct. He is respected by one and all for his deeds. Be it the marriage of a relative/acquaintance (btw, he was involved in my marriage too) or treatment of an invalid or any damn thing - he helped in any which way/capacity possible. He was and is still a fit person. I hear from my mother that at a school function his name was once announced more than 15 times for different awards/prizes that he had won. The list is endless.

He is a member of any and every respectable club in Hyderabad. A busy and occupied person to the core. There are people who say that he did not devote much time for his family, but I only agree on the part that he was lenient with his children (basis the facts that my grand father used to punish him for every mischief and I strictly believe in the fact that Spare the rod - spoil the child). He could have been more strict at least with his sons.

Well all things said and done, the point is, he is now full time @ home and is tending to his wife as she is facing health issues. The love (and not just a bond) that they share is great. And no, theirs was not a love marriage. From what I gather, I can say that they had very different backgrounds at the time of marriage. But yet the love exists. My uncle rejects any invitation which would make him stay for more than an hour or so and in case he comes, he takes leave in time to get back home. I would consider each moment that he devotes NOW to be far more worthy than when my aunt was in better shape.

I am sure that there many more such people(at least in India) where people realized love is not bounded by the way you look or you earn or x or y or z.

That "to me" is human nature in its most mature form. You try to be there for your loved ones. Its human nature. But when one starts on the wrong foot assuming that he cannot love someone s/he does not know - then ....well. God help the world. (May be many of us today who walk the earth would not have existed).

Watching "Tum ko dekha" and drawing similarities between me and Farooq Sheikh. Wonder why no one has ever told me.

Cursing the new jerseys for Indian players. I hate them. Results apart, they do not look "wearable" too. Especially the "FLAME ORANGE" BUN right above their buns. Please remove that at least for the "Khaate peete ghar ke" players like Sehwag, Yuvraj, Raina and Rohit. That looks really awkward. I wonder what prompted for a change of dress.

Getting on a call with our client. There is nothing more demanding that a person with half baked knowledge trying to guide your design and has support of Experts who search wikipedia and google every time before the call and come up with new Terms.

Officials at the Passport office. Tried getting NC's passport through normal procedure. Failed. Will go through an Agent.

Flood situation. Few weeks back I had been to some village with a friend where I saw many fields "LEFT" by the farmers. I did not get it initially. It meant that they would leave major parts of their fields unattended as there was water scarcity. And now I think many fields will be washed away in floods. Prices which are already high may increase again.

And now the brightest part of this post and the blog. We would be having a Newer Constant soon. May be I'll have refer to NC as NSNC (Not So New Constant).

Of late I have been working on a PoC with AI. He is respected by one and all for his knowledge, experience and sincerity. He is an introvert to the core. Hardly speaks, personal or otherwise. As the PoC had been continuing for last 3 months, he was aligned into one more project. As the solution architect he already had his hands full. Now its beyond my understanding as to how he manages. He was living at a guest house(@24K per month, imagine the take home) for the last few months as he was supposed to travel on site and he did not want to rent a house for 2-3 months. But as it is always the case he was made to drag for about 8 months. Now finally AI has to fly to US soon and the guest house in which he was staying was shut down(recession effects). He asked me if he can come to my place as I had told him that I am all alone at the house these days. I readily agreed because him asking me about coming to my place was itself a sign that he appreciated me.

And for the last few days we have built a rapport which would not have been possible if we would have shared the professional relationship we had earlier. He talks for hours at length and has told me about many of his experiments and experiences. He is one of those guys who tries to have a 360 degree view of everything. Reminded me of the Projections in Engineering Graphics that we had in first year. Top view, side view and what not view.

I have realized over time that he is not an introvert by choice but an introvert by nature. Well, I think I too am trying to get an areal view of things. :). Anyway, he has his own "fundas", but does not share them. Apart from this he is DAMN hardworking(imagine 10 in the morning to 3:30 again in the morning), very sincere, dedicated and pious. One thing that I have realized while he is here that I am very bad when it comes to discipline. Hope I am able to get some discipline in my life. He says I am good the way I am and has asked me to move to US or some other country where I can make some money, while IT is shining. Let us see if I can manage that.

On the other hand is RS. Gawwd. An out and out extrovert. Drags me out at times to speak about something that he is gonna talk to the leadership about. Clarifies his thoughts and then goes to the leadership. AI Calls RS a BHUNCHAL. Both of them will be traveling out of India next week.

YSR the CM for AP has died in a helicopter crash. I have read news that about 100 people died/committed suicide on learning about his death. If some one was to analyze YSR's works then may be this should be a very strong pointer that YSR was a man of the masses. A good human being.

Yesterday I had been to HDFC Bank @ Jubilee Hills. I have to traverse a locality called Hakeempet (which is one of the godforsaken places where GHMC turns a blind eye) to reach Jubilee hills. While coming back I had to take shelter as it was raining heavily. While I was waiting for the rain to stop a tempo with madrassa(school) kids stopped by. The door was opened by a girl of about 5-6 years. With some difficulty she managed to keep the door open and sat on the floor of the tempo and then in a flash got down and also managed to keep the door open. She then helped her younger sister(3-4 years) to get down. The younger one was a rolly-polly kid and was humming something which was not clear at all.

I was wowed by the way this was all done. And then the next thing that she did was cover the younger sister with a scarf and bring her under shelter. She then tied up the scarf in a proper way and also adjusted her scarf and both walked up the narrow bylane to their home. Impressive. I am sure that there was love and affection. And I also believe that both the girls do not understand what exactly those words mean or that these are the words that are used to express the feeling that they have.

That "to me" is human nature in its most primitive form. You protect your loved ones. Its human nature. As one grows s/he understands what is good for them and what is not. And then they do not like someone else protecting them. And yes, even this is human nature.

It is late now. Will have to jot down the other two memoirs sometime later and then relate them to the wooden horse that is the title of this post.

19th July Sunday

Some time during the afternoon

NC calls up to check on my health (had suffered from food poisoning I suppose). I say that it is pretty much bad in shape. We agree to talk later in the day.

About 4:30 pm

NC calls up and is angry about me not calling up. I had actually been engrossed in 2nd Ashes test and forgot to call up. So I apologize.

About 8:30 pm
I realize something much more important than a Ashes match needs to be attended. If I can strain myself for watching a match then why not attend to it as well. I get a shave and get dressed.

About 10:15 pm (I reach very near to my in-laws place)
I call up NC and tell her that I had food at my sister's place and am walking back home. I drag her into a conversation about my health and other things that could have gone well, had she been at home and tell her that how sad that she did not come even when my health was not good. There is a little fight put up by her.

About 5 Mins later
I call her again and ask her to Open the door.

WOW - Will never forget the look on her face.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIA.

A wish for Marvelous Mondays,
A wish for Tailor made Tuesdays,
A wish for Wonderful Wednesdays,
A wish for Terrific Thursdays,
A wish for Fabulous Fridays,
A wish for Splendid Saturdays,
A wish for Special Sundays,

A wish for togetherness on all days,
A wish for timeless joy always,

A wish for every moment,
All the wishes very potent.

As fragrant as a flower
As innocent as a toddler's smile
As intense as an artists masterpiece
As strong as a believer's faith
Have been the last six months of my life.

Its nearly 5 am (am as in morning) and am writing this (Disconnected)post which I have been trying to avoid since last 3 days(Nights).

I did not help my colleague with a query which I could have easily helped with. Not sure how to show devils horns with numerals and characters.

Did research on unnecessary things (Raaz - The Mystery continues was one of them and Bernard Madoff was another).

Heard the MAHI song sung by Toshi 'N' number of times after i came to know that Toshi and Sharib had sung it. Though I liked the song I was avoiding it because it had Imran Hashmi involved in it. When I read the story, the song even made some sense. Tujh mein hai kuch aisi subah sa - jiss ki qhwatir main tha jagaa sa.

Oh! I read the story because I have this pirated "5 in one DVD" which has this movie and I had not seen it wantonly. 1920 was a good one. Total paisa vasool movie.

Searched my mail box and replied to very old mails(one from September and one from December 08).

Contemplated writing about all the topics that I had missed writing after the marriage. (Bush being "booted", Mumbai being attacked, Team Indias' NEW BLUE(& ORANGE) Dress, and loss in T20s, Film fare being presented by RK and IM and few other things).

By heart-ed Jai Ho. That reminds me about the accolades that the movie has been conferred with. When Arindam Choudry(of IIPM fame) had given a critical review(on front page of TOI) of the movie, I booked tickets to watch the movie and came out laughing about the review. Useless review of a good movie. When you condemn someone for wrongly depicting India, you got to know what India is. The movie was not shot on "Sets". It had real slums of mumbai. Its a fact and no one can escape it. Street urchins are omnipresent across cites, towns and villages. And the corruption.....well the least said - the better. So all in all the review was a waste of money paid by Mr. Arindam to book the space. Could have saved the money after his loss in The Last Lear which did not manage even a ripple when compared to the tsunami generated by Slumdog Millionaire.

All said, I am not sure if the movie was worth 8 Oscars. Given the value that is associated to the awards, I would have felt one or two would have been OK, but 8 was over doing the whole thing.


p.s: NC is at her "actuals" place since 3 days.

It has been one year since the engagement and about a month and a half since the marriage. Already the NC has a bag full of complaints. Some valid and some not at all logical. She is right now standing on my head and asking me to get up. She had promised to write an entry but keeps postponing it. And when I drag something all hell breaks loose.

Will post later.

Had been out with the NC the other day and heard her humming the tune of a song. My initial thoughts were that I have heard this one it at the gym. And as it did not interest me then, it was not supposed to interest me even now. But the mere fact that it was being hummed by the NC was reason enough for me to pay attention.

Gawwwwwwwd. How could I miss such a beautiful song. Awesome. When I heard it earlier the conditions were different. I was more intent on the number of calories that I had to burn. May be that is the only reason that comes to mind when I try to reason out why had I not liked it. I still remember me hearing it wrongly ( as always) as "Teri Yaad, Teri Yaad" and I think that the Boss had even corrected that. Anyway, had the time over weekend and have been listening to it like mad.

Shreya Ghoshal is mesmerizing as ever. I think that she can be a true replacement for Lata Mangeshkar. May be a better one when we see the competition that is on these days. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is classical as usual. There is no beating him on his ground. He is different league when it comes to these types. Katrina Kaif looks ravishing and Akshay Kumar does his part by putting in as much effort as was possible. All in all a great song to hear and cherish.

p.s: Dil pe nahin koi zor. :)

It has been a month since my marriage and as I was pointing it out to the Boss, I have hardly had time to check my mails. For someone who spent about 2-3 hours on average on the net, that is a drastic change. If I accumulate the time spent on net during the last month, it would be dwarfed compared to what I spent on some days.

A good sign. But on the flip side, I have managed to finish about 6 books. And each of them was worth the time. People who know me are aware that I am an avid "bathroom" reader. The NC has also realized it over the last month. Though I make it a point that when she calls me I am available, still she feels that I spend a lot of time with the books.

The last month with the NC has been a sort of roller coaster. She seems to be a bit tired of me. As in, with my slackness when it comes to going to office. She says that she always ensured that it was at least 15 mins earlier than the actual time that she reached any place and I start moving 15 mins after the deadline. There are many other things on which we differ, but then she says "Opposites attract". The worst thing that she has said is "Poore junglee hain aap", which led to an argument of 15 - 20 mins.

Had thought of listing the things that went well and did not go well. But am short of time again. May be this has to wait.

p.s: She has promised to write a post soon.

I did it on 17th Dec 2008.

Times of India carried an article(I AM) by Mallika Sarabai. The column goes thus:

My providential escape from the terror attacks at the Taj in Mumbai makes me believe in destiny even more and the fact that there is protection for people who have conscience and try to do the best for everybody.

I am not sure what you wanted to convey with such a stupid statement. You are an elderly lady and are respected for your talent in your stream. I basically refrain from commenting on both types. But there is a total loss of sense in the statement you have made.

What do you mean, when you say that there is protection for people who have conscience?

Are you trying to tell to the world that of the 200 people killed no one had conscience?

Are you telling that the girl from Nizambad who got killed while trying to save her niece did not have conscience?

In fact she had first helped her father and then went to save the niece. If there was protection ONLY for people with conscience she surely should have been alive now. I am sure there were many innocent people who died who had 'conscience'. And conscience or not no one deserved dying the way that they died. Rather than condemning the attack and passing condolences you go about twittering and bragging about your conscience.

You have conscience. Agreed.

But please do not assume that all people who were killed did not have any conscience.

"Kya kar rayin saab?" asks the tailor.
'"Kyon kya hua?" I check.
"Nau-dus dinon mein paun inch ka farak aara." (Me a bit happy and a bit sad too as it was only 3 quarters of an inch. Also, it is about 2 weeks of hard work and not 9-10 days)
"Acha? Sirf paun inch? Main aur zyada sonch ra tha. Khair....Next time tak aur kam ho sakta."
"Nahin saab. Aur zyada nakko kam karo. Nai toh acha nai dikhta. Aap aisich ache dikhte. Aur kam kare toh bhot dheeli dikhti sherwani."
"Theek hai. Aap ek kaam karo paun ki jagah dedh inch kam kar do. Main koshish kartaon ko dedh inch tak kam karoon."
"Theek hai saab. Magar uss se zyada nakko." (Me hoping to reduce at least upto 2 inches in the next 20 days)

For the past 2 months or so the complete focus was on the NC's clothes and accessories. Thankfully, now I too am getting some attention. And frankly speaking all my things were done in a day or two. I wonder why it took so long to buy clothes for the NC. Must be the ratio of 8:1, or may be more if you consider that the girls parents might be buying too. Yes, for every eight to nine dresses that were bought for her even I was considered for at least one. Not that I need more. But, why does she need so many? Must be some sort of bribing. God knows.

Work has been very tedious. Not because of the amount of work, but because of the number of calls and also the chaos that is there. Every one knows that there are deliverables due. But no one knows what to deliver. 

Its Boss's birthday tomorrow. Wishing that she attends my marriage. And no I am not being selfish. The Boss owes it. Also, other wishes for health and happiness are always there. Birthday or not. So for the time being I am adding this wish. Welcome to the Quarter century club boss :).

The NC is not as tall as i presumed her to be. I am told that she was wearing heels. GAWD.

p.s: Celebrated the loss of few kgs with 1 grilled chicken, 4 rotis, 2 cups of garlic sauce and some butter. 

Also, there is some serious problem with LJ and Mozilla. At least 3 of my posts were deleted as they were in the draft stage and LJ refuses to open it on Mozilla from the saved draft. Guys, if you happen to read this, please check.

• You should speak to your would be wife regularly. Else, how would you know her and vice-versa.
• Don't work on weekends after your marriage.
• Lose weight else your wife will be scared.
• You should learn to take time out for your family too.
• You should ask her not wear burqua (veil).
• Don't let her feel that your work is more important to you.
• How can you marry someone without knowing him/ her. Meet her and check whether you people are compatible or not.
• Oh you haven't seen her till date? Amazing. Angoothi kiss ko pehnaayee thi? Bhains ko?
• There are few more things. But I am not putting them here.

I got engaged in Jan. But the 'advice' has been coming from all corners and since a long time. One of the first things that was told to me was "Itna heavy hai ke teri biwi toh ek hafte mein hi mar jayegee, zyada exercise mat kar". Well I hope that she will survive more than that because I have not exercised since 5 or more years. And now the advice is 'You are bloating by the day, do something. What will happen to your wife?'. Hmpfff. Either way there is a problem. And I don't think that I will ever be able to find an appropriate solution.
Oh yes. The crime has been committed and I have been convicted by many 'Judges of reason'. The CRIME - I haven't seen or spoken to my would be wife. In this age people like me do exist and no, I am not from the stone age or Gothic. I am what I am. Also, it has got nothing to do with our parents being orthodox/conservative/anything. I don't want it and thats it. FYI, my mother says that, before their marriage, my father walked into their house unannounced on several occasions just to have a glimpse of her. And I am sure if I ask for a meeting the girl, no one would object. And I don't need that. Clear?

How can you marry her without knowing her? Great. Define 'Knowing' a person. Can you know a person in 1 day or 1 week or 1 year? Would you 'know' the person by meeting them a few times at malls or hotels? In fact that actually scares the hell out of me. Imagine a situation where in a person acts great at these 'Know All' meetings and then turns out to be a hideous bastard. No, I am happy the way I am. Pretty happy at that.

As far as the 'Burqua' is concerned, I would request her to wear it and I hear that she wears it since a long time and hence this should not be a problem. All the 'Human rights activists' better check out the streets for people(old and young) suffering from heat/cold rather than bothering about my wife. There are thousands who die due to heat and cold as well. Also, there are many more severe violations of human rights than "covering oneself". PLEASE RECTIFY THEM. Once they are all in place, my wifey and me will think about the burqua thing. And then, I know that I need to give time to my family and I also know that my family knows that I need to work for them.

Add this to all the agony.
Colleague: Is this an arranged marriage or are you having a love marriage?
Me: Its an arranged marriage. Some distant relative of mine. (Added that so that 'arranged' is understood without further questioning)
Colleague: You are going for an arranged marriage? I thought that you have many girl friends. It is amazing.
Me: Hmmmm. I don't have any girl friend. I was sure that mine would be an arranged marriage since long.
Colleague: What if you find some beautiful girl and fall in love with her? Would you still have an arranged marriage?
Me: I see many good looking girls daily. (Hyderabad is not so void. is it???) If I have not fallen in love with anyone of them since so many years, then I am sure that I would not with about just 1 month to my marriage. Even if I do, I am sure that I would not talk to her and then I will forget it.
Colleague: What if the girl comes and talks to you? If she says that she wants to marry you?
Me: Chances are dim. Any girl will not do that after seeing my engagement ring. Even if she does not notice, I will convince her that I am engaged and about to get married.
Colleague: Let us say if she still persists. She gets the parents involved and convinces them too.
Me: I am engaged and I am sure no girl would do such a thing and if she does that, then may be she isn't worth. Let us be more realistic and not talk about such absurd things.

It took me more than half an hour to bring back the colleague to senses.

I am sure the NC is going through the same sessions of 'ADVICE'. And to add to her agony people would relentlessly remind her that "This is your last Eid/birthday/ x/ y/ z" in your home. I know some of them would do it just for fun, but still sometimes it can actually cause grief.

If I happen to speak to her before the marriage the one thing that i would like to tell her is that none of her Eid/Birthday/x/y/z is the last at her home. She can go to her "paternal" home (or any-home) whenever she likes. The only thing that is going to change is her marital status. She would no longer be a bachelor. And I will try every possible thing to make the change as joyful as possible.

When Laxman plays like he did today, fielders don't matter. Their placement and angles become superfluous. If there are men blocking his whip through midwicket, he can always hit the ball straight past mid-on - and sometimes mid-off - and time it just as well. Early this morning, Laxman had Michael Clarke, at short extra cover, staring him in the face. One typically crunchy push-drive went straight to him, and Australia's plan seemed to be working. The next ball was of similar length but Laxman waited for that extra half a second and played the same shot. This time Clarke had no chance. The other fielders would have experienced the same helplessness at various times throughout the day.

Read this for some real good feedback. I don't think anyone can manage to put it in a better way. Awesome  depiction of a deserving candidate. What was that Aussies? Very Very Special Laxman. Right? Now you have a 'Gambhir' problem too. SERIOUSLY.

Added/Edited on 6-Nov-08
Check this out for some more awesome praise. :)

There are people who can swear that I don't get angry easily. Or at least it does not show up on my face or in my actions. I am always so involved and approachable to everyone that there have been times when even I myself have regretted being like that. One can realize how friendly I am from the fact that even freshers play pranks on me and are sure that I 'will' laugh it off. And I do.

And then there are times when someone just brushes me on the wrong side and receives in kind. Few days back I was involved in an argument with someone over the phone. Argument would be the wrong word. It was more like I was talking to a 'Stubborn moron' who did not know about the operating procedures of her own company. I was angry with the obstinate behavior put up by the lady who refused to accept the facts even after being confronted by a higher up of her own company. May be it was the reason for me being rude later on.......

After sometime there was a animated discussion in the bay about people being fired from companies. Every one was engrossed in the discussion and this colleague of mine had to say this:

Colleague X: 'Takes my name', waits for a few seconds and then adds 'You have white hairs'.
Me: Oh yes man.......have had them since 2 years now......they just keep increasing and not just me many people now have white hair.
Discussion drifts back to the firing issue. And after some time:
Colleague X: You have lot many of white hairs.
Me: Hmmm. *Running shot of patience*
Discussion drifts back to the firing issue. And again after some time:
Colleague X: Your white hairs is GLITTERING in the light man.
Me: hmmm. Must be a problem with the light. Not just my white hair, your oiled hair, your equally oiled forehead & cheeks and your yellow teeth are also glittering.

Today the guy comes to me and confronts "Why you are angry with me always?". I could manage a laugh , explained him that it was his pestering that I was angry with and then apologized.

p.s: project rise of the phoenix has been in tatters.
p.p.s: just came to know that the NC likes purple.

A moment of revelry for one person can cause 'life long' grief and distress to the entire family. Oh yes! "When you drink at home it is safe" argue the fun-fanatics. But there is no fun when you kill yourself in front of your children and wife. It is not fun to point a gun at your wife and children.

They betray you when you are
under immense agony

They betray you when you are
facing tremendous pain

They betray you when you are
facing emotional distress

They betray you when you
receive an unexpected news

They betray you when you are
cherishing a moment of extreme joy

They betray you when you are
relishing a re-union with a loved one

They betray you every single time
that you don't want them to

But are they betraying you or are they
helping you?

They convey your emotions with out
you having to shout

They show your love without
you having to speak

No matter how hard you try
you cannot hold them back.

After reading this I realized that its not just me, but other people too realize that there is something special about this guy. Some call it Luck, some call it the Midas touch, some call it chance and some may even call it a collection of 'flukes going right'. To me it is a combination of all and am I complaining? Or for that matter is anyone else. He has definitely bought 'winds' of Fresh air and change. Me being a firm believer of destiny still hold that the destiny has been smiling on him big time. Apart from that he has great talent, a very balanced head and a very clear thought process.

Also, not to forget the fact that for once India has a captain who can 'speak' at press meetings without raising controversies. This I attribute to the very clear thought process he has. Imagine what would Azhar, Sachin, Ganguly, Dravid, Kumble or even Kapil respond to a question when asked about 'his' players' behavior during the Test - Zaheer Khan was fined 80% of his match fee - and whether overtly aggressive sledging was the only way to beat Australia. They would have in all probability said "Yes, sledging has been Australia's forte and no harm in an Indian giving them their prescriptions" and thereby agreeing to the sledging that goes on the field and is pretty much a part of the gentleman's game.

But not Dhoni. "The only way to beat Australia is to play good consistent cricket," was Dhoni's response. "If it was verbal we would have had hired a few guys who are very good in that aspect." The reporters, if looking for a controversial quote, could only smile in resignation.

Add 1 to his ever increasing list of fans. Keep pushing harder while maintaining the calm. May be we can have a team of "Invincibles" too.

For some time now an Emergency Service is being run in Hyderabad. I am not aware of the details of the service, but I know that it is a join venture of Satyam Computers and the state government. People who met with an accident or even any passerby can call up this number and report about any emergency. A Swaraj Mazda van is immediately sent to the place of the accident. Though it should not be, still it is a refreshing sight to see the vans zooming away. Refreshing because earlier there was nothing to help the victims. Now at least they get some form of First Aid. There is someone who is ready to help.

Being a firm believer in destiny I accept that death comes only when it has to. But the suffering of the people is unbearable. I had always wanted a system where in a person who is hurt be given first aid at the earliest than be asked a hundred questions. I wish this thing spreads across India so that more and more people benefit from it. I wish someday I should be able to donate one of those fully equipped vans that the service runs.

p.s: People like myself can never be on a 'fixed' diet.