The First Dove.

It's morning, and the doves are waiting.

On the roof tops, on the tree, waiting for the food which would be arriving.

I enter the temple, there is a flutter of noise,

I look up and find these birds sitting in a poise.

I scatter the peanuts on the ground,

they get restless and hungry but are scared to come down.

Hoot and cry but afraid to take the plunge.

Finally a dove decides, I will be the one.

Gracefully it floats and lands near my feet,

Others watch anxiously, but still don't come to eat.

The dove takes a bite and relishes the food,

and then others scamper down to share the loot.

Eat and eat, now they are a cheerful bunch,

bellies are full with a delightful brunch.

Opening their beaks thirstily they fly back to the tree top,

waiting to quench the thirst with the first rain drop.

Happy birthday to me

I am 42 years young today and it feels great. I remember two years back Kamala had organized a surprise party for my 40^th birthday. She put in a great effort to keep it a secret. She hired a room at a pub called ‘On Toes’ and told all my childhood friends, train friends and office guys to be there by 9 p.m.. In the morning of my birthday, she said that there was a friend’s wedding anniversary party to be attended in the evening and we must go there for few hours. I got pissed off and told her didn’t she know it was my birthday and I wanted to spend time with her. She just smiled. In the evening she led me to this place. I was fuming all the while thinking how to escape from this anniversary party early. She opened the door of this pub called ‘On Toes’ and I saw familiar faces smiling at me. I was taken aback. Everyone shouted “SURPRISE”! I was too stunned to realize it was my birthday party and those were my dear friends. I looked at Kamala and she burst out laughing. It was one of the best and biggest surprises I have ever had. And believe me; she did this right under my nose without me getting a whiff of it. Womanly thoroughness.( Although she still suspects that I was aware of it). Niyoshi had an amused look on her face. She had known this all the while but hadn't utter a word.

It was by far the best parties I have ever had. Booze was overflowing and so was I along with some good old music of our times. Rod Stewart, Sting, Clapton, Brian Adams, Dire Straits, Michael Jackson and many of my other favourites. I am pretty sure Kamala would have chosen the music too. It was nice to see guys who are normally pretty reserved in a dance party, open up and occupy the dance floor. It was a party to remember. It is a sweet distant memory and I cherish those memories.

The fisherwoman

  

One fine morning I was walking on the beach. Since it was low tide I decided to walk towards the sea. Somewhere close I saw a strange sight. There were some fishermen gathered around the fishes they had caught in their nets. In the middle there was one fisherwoman standing with her biggest catch of the day placed near her feet. She was sipping a hot cup of tea and with the other hand she was eating a soft (khaari) biscuit. She was talking animatedly with someone on a cell phone which a small boy was holding to her ears. Others around her were clapping and chatting excitedly amongst one another appreciating the big fish the fisherwoman had caught. This went on for about 20 minutes and I just stood there, let my eyes skate over the scene, gazing at everybody all the while. It was a big day in the fisherwoman’s life and she was obviously enjoying it and so probably sharing it with everyone. Few joggers also stopped by to admire the big fish and this further encouraged the fisherwoman. I requested her to pose for a photo for me with tea in one hand and biscuit in the other, the small boy still holding the cell phone for her and her latest acquisition displaying around her feet for approval. I said “Smile”! And she gave me one of the most beautiful and sweetest smiles that I would ever see. 

Life Ain't Bitch.

 Hello and welcome to 2009. The year 2008 was quite adventurous and educative in every sense. People around have become quite literate. Now even a paanwallah knows what is an ‘economic crisis’. No need to spend money on a business school. All thanks to glorified but sophisticated casino called ‘Stock Exchange’. I do love the colour of money but 2008 has forced me to look beyond it. Now, I might have one nickel less this year but what the heck; it saves me the time which otherwise I would have wasted on watching movies (Oh boy! How are they promoting now!) , or going to the bars or buying unwanted things.

 I am thankful to all the gamblers around the world for enlightening me on the value of money. Guys, life without you would be so dull.    

When we were kids..

One day in the year 1979, Asit (15), Rajiv (12), and I (12) decided to have lunch at home. My mom being a teacher left for school. However, before leaving home she gave us strict instructions: “Please see to it that you sit on a chair, keep your food on the table and eat like well behaved boys”. Yes mom! Now, we were wild and reckless but at the same time obedient. So we took a small table, three chairs went to the bedroom placed it all on top of the bed and started eating. The food was chappatis, bhaji and water. Mom came back early. I can’t forget the look in her eyes. She was stunned. She started screaming at us. We (Asit) told her “Well, you told us to place the food on a table, sit on a chair and eat and that’s what we are doing. You never mentioned where to eat”. She was fuming but we were eating.

Whenever Niyoshi, Ayu or Aakarsh ask me to tell them a funny story, this is the one that springs up. So many years have passed but it is still fresh in my mind as if it happened yesterday.

Happy Birthday mom!!

Marathon Party

On May 17th Kiran, Pradeep, Vinod and I had a sleepover party at my place. We started the session in the afternoon with Vinod cooking food for us and making wine-fruit-punch. We had a couple of beers and went to ‘The Club’ for swim, steam and sauna. After returning, we continued with whiskey, wine and more beers. At around midnight, we decided to visit one of the watering holes and chose ‘J.W.Marriott’. All of us were in our nightdresses and since we were too lazy (drunk) to change, we headed to the bar of this five star hotel in the same attire. I wished that things were always so pure and uncomplicated. After having couple of drinks and listening to Daniel (singer), we purred with happiness. We were made aware that we had worn out our welcome. We drove back cautiously because suddenly we realized that journey was more important than the destination. We felt rejuvenated. More beers flowed along with wine- punch, until about four in the morning. Finally, we slept. Sleep of the just. Woke up at about eleven, showered, had breakfast and decided to have buffet at this same hotel. Beer continued. Came home at around four in the evening and finally decided to call it a day. Wow!! What a party…

Young bloggers

I am happy that my daughter Niyoshi (11) and nephew Aakarsh (8) have decided to blog. It is good that they have started at an early age. It will improve their writing skills. In addition, it will help them in their thinking, as they would want to write something new every time. Both of them have an interesting style of writing. Quite unique. I guess it is their innocence, which gives them a free hand. Best of luck to both of them.