A place for everything that is close to my heart....from ramblings of an idle mind to something inspirational to fun and humor.....self-written and sourced....

Friday, June 29, 2007

How the French Bean got its fiber

An attempt at writing a story for children. Read at your own risk. Any kind of damage to the reader on reading this story will not be considered the blogger's responsibility. :-)

Once upon a time, in a land called Sabjiland, all the vegetables lived together. One day, all of them got very bored. They got together and decided to have a party the coming weekend. They all agreed to participate in organizing the party. They agreed that they would have a lot of fun together. There would be music, dance, food, games, everything.

The idea excited the vegetables greatly. Arrangements were made, food was cooked, beautiful decorations were made and the Town Hall was made ready for the party. Invitations were printed and distributed to all in Sabjiland. Each and every vegetable was invited – the onion, the tomato, the chilly, the potato, the French bean, the capsicum, the cabbage, the brinjal, the lady finger, all and sundry. No one was left out.

Excitement grew as the occasion drew nearer and nearer. Every one had been asked to perform something to exhibit their talent. Everybody was eagerly awaiting the D-day.

Finally, the day of the great event arrived. All the vegetables arrived at the Town Hall, dressed in their best clothes. There was noise and laughter all around. The vegetables danced together. Loud music blared out of Town Hall. Then food was served. The vegetables enjoyed the various delicacies.

Then the time came for the best part of the party – the talent search. Each vegetable presented an item. The tomato sang a nice, hip song which had all the vegetables rocking on their feet. The lady finger mimicked a famous actor of the yesteryears, which had everyone oohing and aahing. The chilly and the potato presented a witty drama. The capsicum recited a beautiful poem. The cabbage said a story that it had written on its own.

Then it was the turn of the rotund brinjal to present something. It had decided to present a dance before the other vegetables. The musicians started playing and the brinjal started dancing with great gusto. It was a fast number and the brinjal was performing wonderfully. All the vegetables were fully immersed in watching the dance.

Suddenly, the satin robe that the brinjal was wearing got under its feet. It slipped and fell. It tried to right itself, but could not. It fell on the stage with a loud thud.

At this, the French bean burst out laughing. The other vegetables told it to hush, that it sounded very rude to laugh at someone who had fallen, but the French bean could not control itself. It laughed and laughed and laughed till it fell off its seat.

It laughed so much that it split its sides. The town tailor was called urgently and its sides were stitched.

The brinjal was furious that the French bean had laughed at it. It said to the French bean, “You laughed at me when I had fallen down. It serves you right that your sides burst open. Now you will always have these stitches throughout your life. They will remind you never to laugh at someone in difficulty.”

The French bean apologized profusely to the brinjal, but the brinjal refused to take back its words.

Since then, the French bean has always had the fiber at its sides.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Am I a human being?

Earlier today in office, I was reading some articles on the net. I was trying to open an article when I received the following message:

"In order to allow you to view this page, we need to verify that you are a real human being. Please enter the code given below in the box alongside to confirm."


?????????????????????????

Couldn't help but LOL at this....

For your information, it was proved that I indeed am a human being.:-)

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

The decision

Lakshmi took out the wooden box almost fearfully from beneath the mounds of clothes in the cupboard, where she had hidden it out of sight. Her hands lingered over the latch for a moment before she opened it and emptied it on the table. ‘I hope I have enough,’ she thought ‘I want it so badly.’

Carefully, she counted the bunched up currency notes and the coins that she had saved. Drop by drop. The money she had saved from the amount that her husband gave her for the household expenses. She had tried to cut down unnecessary expenditure and save as much as possible. She had many a times fought the urge to buy groceries from the nearby mall, and had gone to the neighborhood fair-priced shop instead. She had resisted the temptation to buy that new set of plastic jars for the kitchen. She could always buy that later. Now, she wanted to buy that beautiful imitation jewellery set for herself – the one she had seen in the gift shop a few months ago. She hoped it would still be there and would not have been sold out. There had only been one piece available. 'Designer piece, madam,' the clerk at the shop had told her.

Lakshmi had gone to the gift shop to buy a card for her husband for his birthday. And then she had seen it. A beautiful choker necklace and matching earrings. It was beautifully crafted, exquisite. Made of white pearls and white stones, it had looked royal. She had picked it up and looked at it affectionately. She had fallen in love with it at first sight. She had run her fingers over it admiringly and looked at the price tag. Rs. 585, it had said. Her jaw had dropped open. That was too high a price. At least for her. Suddenly her heart felt heavy. She wished she could be like those ladies they show in TV serials. The ones who are always prettily dressed up and who seem to have no other job except going to kitty parties. She wished she belonged to the aristocratic class and not to the middle class. She wished she would never have to think twice before buying anything. Suddenly her name, Lakshmi, seemed ironical to her.

She knew she had been standing there and holding the jewelry box in her hands for too long when the sales clerk approached her. 'Yes madam, shall I pack it for you?,' He had asked. And she had come out of her reverie. Face to face with reality. 'No thanks. I will come later,' she had said. She had placed the box back on the shelf, throwing one last loving, lingering gaze at it. In that moment, she decided she would buy that set for herself. She would work hard at saving for it. She had paid for the card and exited the shop.

And now, she hoped she had saved enough to buy it. And she hoped with all her heart that it had not been sold. The last time she had passed by the gift shop a week ago, she had seen it in the display case. She crossed her fingers and began counting. Her savings amounted to Rs. 605. Just enough. Her face lit up and she got ready to go to the shop.

She walked down to the shop anxiously. She had barely reached the shop when she saw the set she so adored in the display case. So it had not been sold after all, she thought. Luck was on her side. Maybe it was meant for her. Waiting for her to come and buy it. Maybe it was meant to adorn her throat. She smiled at the irrational thoughts and entered the shop.

'Good afternoon madam,' the clerk at the counter wished her. She wished him back and picked up the box lovingly. Finally, she was going to buy it. It was going to be hers. A sense of joy filled her.

She was just about to ask the clerk to pack it up for her when her gaze fell on it – the leather business planner. She put the jewelry down and picked up the planner. It contained a diary, a pen holder and a visiting card holder. Just the right thing for her husband. He often complained of lost visiting cards and pens. His absent minded nature caused him to miss appointments. Sometimes his work had suffered due to this. This would be just the right gift for him. He could keep all his contacts in it and also plan out his daily schedule. She knew he had been planning to buy one for long, but had never got around to it.

She smiled. Poor thing, he would never buy anything for himself. Would always put his family first.

She looked at the price. Rs. 600, the label said.

She thought of all the love her husband had showered on her. She thought of the smile that would light up his eyes when he saw her gift. In a split second, a decision was taken. Love won over temptation.

'Please pack this planner for me,' she said to the clerk. In a few moments, she was out of the shop, clutching her precious parcel close to her heart, which was full of love and satisfaction, of a decision well taken.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Love is in the air....

Some of my favourite love songs:

Note: Don't blame me for this post. It's the weather!! :-)

Mile kisi se nazar toh

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Aahat si koi aaye

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Hothon se choo lo tum

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Tumko dekha toh ye khayal aaya

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Kiska chehra

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Hosh walon ko khabar kya

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Huzoor is kadar bhi na

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Ghar se nikalte hi

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Sambhala hai maine

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Baahon ke darmiyaan

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Janeman janeman

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Kab tak chup baithe

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Listen to 12, get the 13th one free:

Tum mile dil khile

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Friday, June 22, 2007

Beautiful thoughts

Some beautiful quotes collected from different places:

#1 If you love somebody, let them go. If they return, they were always yours. If they don't, they never were.

#2 You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly.

#3 Love is when you don't want to go to sleep, because reality is better than a dream.

#4 Sometimes we put walls around our heart, not just to be safe from getting hurt, but to find out who cares enough to break them down. It is called love.

#5 Wanna know what i want most in life? i want someone who can

-leave me,
-live without me,
-be strong enough without me

but chooses not to..

#6 Don't go for looks; they can deceive.
Don't go for wealth; even that fades away.
Go for someone who makes you smile,
because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright.
Find the one that makes your heart smile.

#7 People come into your life for a reason, a
season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will
know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a
REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have
come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with
guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a GOD send and they are. They are there for the
reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your
part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do
something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die.
Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our
desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a
SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you
something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable
amount of joy. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime
lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid
emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and
put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and
areas of your life.

#8 When one door of happiness closes, another opens;
but often times we look so long at the
closed door that we don't see the one,
which has been opened for us.

#9 May you have...Enough happiness to make you sweet
Enough trials to make you strong
Enough sorrow to keep you human
Enough hope to make you happy
And enough money to keep you comfortable.

#10 The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch, swing with,
never saying a word and then walk away feeling like that was the best
conversation you've had.

#11 Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right
one so that when we finally meet the right person, we should know how to be
grateful for that gift.

#12 The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything, they
just make the most of everything that comes along the way.

#13 A sad thing about life is that when you meet someone who means a lot to
you only to find out in the end that it was never bound to be and you just
have to let go.

#14 It hurts to love someone, and not to be loved in return but what is most
painful is to love someone and never finds the courage to let the person
know how you feel.

#15 Never say goodbye when you still want to try;
Never give up when you still feel you can take it;
Never say you don't love that person anymore when you can't let go.

#16 There are things you love to hear, but you would never hear it from the
person whom you would like to hear it from, but don't be deaf to hear it
from the person who says it with his heart.

#17 Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they'll love you
back. Don't expect love in return, just wait for it to grow in their hearts
but if it doesn't, be content it grew in yours.

#18 Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

#19 Dream what you want to dream;
go where you want to go;
be what you want to be,
because you have only one life
and one chance to do all the things
you want to do.

#20 The brightest future will always
be based on a forgotten past;
you can't go forward in life until
you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

#21 It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's
also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.

#22 Always put yourself in other's shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it
probably does hurt the person too.

#23 Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have
searched and those who have tried. For only they can appreciate the
importance of people who have touched their lives.

#24 When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life to the fullest so that when you die, you're smiling and
everyone around you is crying . . .

#25 Love comes to those who still hope even though they've been
disappointed, to those who still believe even though they've been betrayed,
need to love those who still love, even though they've been hurt before.

#26 Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.

#27 Love is when the other person's happiness is more important than your own.

#28 Life doesn't require that we be the best, only that we try our best.

#29 The only true gift is a portion of yourself.

#30 Life Is Not The Breaths You Take. It is The Moments Which Take Your Breathe Away.

#31 The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves
and not to twist them with our own image, otherwise we love only the
reflection of ourselves we find in them.

#32 In life, there are only lessons, no failures……

#33 It is your attitude more than your aptitude that determines your altitude.

#34 Lord, don't move that mountain,
But give me the strength to climb
Lord don't take away the stumbling blocks
But lead me all around...

#35 Loving is not just looking at each other, it's looking together in the same direction.

#36 When you want to see how rich you are, don't count your assets, just drop a tear and look around at the number of hands that are outstretched to catch it..

And, lastly, something I got as an SMS and touched me a lot:

"We live in a funny world because pizza reaches home faster than the ambulance..."

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Rain! Rain!




Yay! Looks like monsoon has finally set in in Ahmedabad city. We had the season's first shower yesterday evening, just about an hour before I was about to start from office for home. It was beeeeeyyyyyooooootttttiiiiiiifullllll......Finally a respite from the heat...

Everybody rushed to the windows and corridors to see the rain! :-) Funny, how a spell of rain can change a busy and serious work day into chaos, fun and laughter. Soon, it started raining cats and dogs. Complete with lightning and thunder.

For once, the office didn't seem so drab. The light above my desk did not look like the one above a criminal being interrogated by a policeman in the police station. I didn't feel like dunking the punch machine in the sweet syrup that is brought in by the office boy that they call tea. I didn't feel like hitting a few selected characters in office smack on their grinning faces. For once, the egoistic attitude of certain other characters seemed bearable. Deadlines seemed achievable.

I couldn't find an auto and had to walk down home all the way! Not that I minded!!:-)The only problem was that my new leather chappals that I like a lot got soaked to the core. :-( As I walked down, I saw people thronging the 'dalwada' and 'corn on the cob' stalls on the roadside. There were literally traffic jams near these stalls! Both the customers and the stall owners were having a field day! People here sure know how to enjoy themselves to the fullest.

On the way, I noticed a poor family cooking food huddled inside a large drainage pipe, sheltering themselves from the rain. They were laughing and enjoying. Talk about contentment and making the most of what you have! Somehow, it brought a smile to my face. Yesterday was one of those days when I was grateful that I had a warm home and a family to go back to. The bowl of steaming Maggi noodles I had last night seemed heavenly after that!

It is cloudy today. Might rain. Might not. According to the newspaper, monsoons have not officially set in. :-( Full fledged rains are expected only towards the very last part of the month. A few hoardings and trees fell down and 2 people have been reported dead in yesterday's rain! Idhu trailer na real movie yepdi irrukumo!!:-) God save us!

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Another busy day

6.30 A.M. Morning alarm goes off. I scramble out of bed after a sleepless night.

7.00 A.M. As per the family custom, I light the earthern lamp in the pooja room and offer my daily prayers.

7.15 A.M. The morning cup of coffee and 2 pieces of toast.

7.30 A.M. A quick glance at the morning headlines in the newspaper.

7.45 A.M. I begin preparations for cooking lunch.

9.00 A.M. I am ready to go to office.

9.15 A.M. I drive down to office listening to Himesh Reshammiya's cacophonous crooning on the local radio station.

9.30 A.M. I enter my office with a bright smile and a cheery wave and 'Good morning' to every one.

9.40 A.M. I switch on my laptop, check my inbox and my schedule for the day.

9.45 A.M. Meeting with Mr. Sharma in Software about the new software to be installed.

10.15 A.M. Interview with two candidates for the post of receptionist and Accounts assistant, who are going to leave the job soon.

11.00 A.M. Call the three prospective clients and schedule a meeting with them.

11.30 A.M. I meet with the executives in the Software division and brief them about the targets for the month.

12.00 noon: I send emails to the clients I am meeting with in the USA on Saturday.

12.30 P.M. Design the report about the department's performance in the last month.

2.00 P.M. I hear voices from outside my cabin. It must be time for lunch. I head towards the pantry to have lunch.

2.30 P.M. Meeting with the head of the Accounts and Marketing departments.

3.45 P.M. A cup of black coffee with colleagues.

4.00 P.M. I reply to the pending emails in my inbox.

5.15 P.M. Call up the people who had left messages, which Maria, my secretary, has so efficiently taken down.

6.00 P.M. Confirm the travel arrangements as well as the lodging for my trip to USA with Maria.

6.15 P.M. I plan out my schedule for the next day.

7.00 P.M. Time to leave for home, a place that suddenly seems empty and haunted.

7.10 P.M. Drive back home with Jagjit Singh's ghazals breaking the eerie silence in the car.

8.00 P.M. I let myself into the house and check whether the maid has done the cleaning.

8.15 P.M. I switch on the T.V. and update myself about the happenings over the world throughout the day.

8.45 P.M. I begin preparations for dinner.

9.30 P.M. Have dinner, just because it is time to do so.

9.45 P.M. Call Mom and Dad and tell them not to worry about me, that I am O.K.

10.15 P.M. Have a warm shower and slip into bed, in the hope that today, finally, sleep would fill my tired eyes so that I can be ready to face yet another busy day tomorrow.

I only wish my mind would also be as busy. So busy that I would forget everything about you. Your enchanting smile, your ringing voice, your friendly banter, your confident attitude....The memories of you, that seem to be everywhere I go. Memories that creep up in my mind at any time, without warning. I wish I could banish the love for you from my mind. The love that I felt for you once. The love that I still feel. Maybe. The love that was not reciprocated. I wish I could banish that illogical voice in my heart which tells me that you might one day realise the extent to which I loved you....

Monday, June 18, 2007

Me and appa



Dear Appa,

They say daughters are special to their fathers and sons are special to their mothers. I think this is true. You and I have shared a special bond, something which cannot be explained in words. You know what I want before I say anything and I know exactly what you are thinking, even if you don't say so.

People say my features are like you. I have got my gift of a strong intuition from you. Both of us are very similar in several aspects.

You have always been there to say a kind word, to lend a helping hand or to give me a shoulder to cry on. I know I always have your support in whatever rightful thing I do. Your steady hand was always there for me to hold when I was off-balance.

You ensured that I got good education. You ensured that I inculcated the habit of reading.

The things that you have done for our family are priceless. I cannot even begin to count the number of sacrifices you have made for the family's betterment.

You have never told us outright that you care, but I know you do. A great deal. Your actions say so. You are a family man, appa. You live for your family. You are the most loving and kind person I ever saw.

I know the storms you have weathered, the problems you have faced. You have always been cool and composed on the surface. I admire your composure in the face of problems. These storms brought us closer and strenghened our bond....

I am still the same little girl for you, aren't I? The little girl whom you used to take to the neighbourhood park. The little girl whom you used to lift and place on the baby seat to take her to school. I know you don't want me to get hurt. Rest assured, appa. I will never conciuosly allow your faith and trust in me to be shattered.

I never did express my feelings for you. How much you meant to me, how much I cared...Now I do, on this Father's Day.

Thank you, appa for all that you have done for me. Thank you for always being there when I needed you. I know 'thank you' would not be enough, but still...And, happy Father's Day. Love you.

Remember that, I'll be there for you too...always.

Your daughter.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

It's Priya time!!!

Some of my favourite Priya songs:

Nasha ye pyaar ka nasha - Mann

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O Priya Priya - Dil

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Deewana deewana - Daraar

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Kaun hai jo sapnon mein - Jhuk gaya aasman

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O Priya - Kahin pyaar na ho jaaye

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Tuesday, June 12, 2007

The ultimate dining experience

This past weekend saw me enjoying myself thoroughly - with a childhood friend. We went out for dinner on Sunday. It was a very pleasant and happy experience because I went out for dinner after a reeaaallly, reeaaalllly long time. Moreover, I had a chance to share some fond memories with this friend after a very long time. We went to a restaurant near my place. Nothing fancy - a neat and cozy restaurant, which serves a great variety of dishes with a great taste. Both of us share the same taste in food and the same enthusiasm for life and food, so the entire thing was great fun. Time just flew!!!

The menu gave us a lot of scope for entertainment and timepass. I came to know that Panipuri is called 'Water balls' in English!!!! Moreover, I came to know that there are dishes like 'Chimp's choice' (a mocktail made up of pineapple, orange and lemon juice), 'Devil's choice' (again, a mocktail, which is made of chocolate, mint and icecream), 'Maramari' (a mixture of mosambi and pineapple juice), 'Sharp shock' (a mixture of black grape and apple juice), 'Red Alert' (a mixture of carrot and orange juice) and 'Junglee Paneer' (a sandwich consisting of paneer, cheese, mayonnaise, carrot and capsicum) and that people order and eat them too!!!! Ain't the names creative??? It sure was funny hearing, "Ek Red Alert de do."!!!!

There was a couple on the table next to ours - apparently a husband and wife. The husband held out the chair for the wife and ensured that she was comfortably seated before he had his seat. Both of them placed their order, but the husband's order was served first. He waited till his wife's order was also served and then both of them began eating together. So what is so exciting in that? Well, nothing except that both were well over their 60s. Me and my friend found it so sweet that they respected each other even after so many years of being together!!!

That is what I can an ultimate dining experience - fun, sweet memories, beautiful moments, great food and great company!!!

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Friday, June 8, 2007

A difficult project

Sanjay looked down at the mammoth project lying before him for the umpteenth time. How was he going to do it? It all seemed too difficult – so technical. He didn’t even have any idea of what the function of each little thing was. How did Anita manage to do it? Effortlessly, flawlessly, day after day?

He was just thinking of giving up when his gaze fell on his kid daughter Anu, who was watching her father’s frustrated attempts with wide open eyes. He pulled a long face at her.

Anu smiled, the expression lighting up her childish face. “Come on, Papa. Just do it. I know you can! If you need help, I’ll always be there for you!”, she said in an innocent but firm voice, echoing what he always told her when she had trouble with her school projects.

His heart melted as he looked at his little angel – her little body clothed in a powder blue frock, her hair all mussed up from sleep. He bent down, hugged her and gave her a kiss on her rosy cheek. “Yes, sweetheart, I’ll do it,” he said.

And then he turned to the task before him. He would do it, no matter what. He would learn. He would make mistakes, but then who didn’t? He would do it for Anu. He would do it for his beloved wife, who had brought this little miracle, this bundle of joy into their lives.

Yes, he would do it. He would prepare breakfast for his darling wife Anita on their 6th wedding anniversary before she woke up and surprise her with it.

PS: Cheers to my mom n dad who are celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary today! Wishing them many many more occasions like this!!

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Timepass!!!!

Here are some interesting facts collected from here and there:

Fact #1: A 'jiffy' is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second. (Didn't know that! Think well the next time you tell someone "I'll do it in a jiffy!")

Fact #2 : You share your birthday with atleast 9 million other people in the world.(Wow! Good to know that I am not alone after all!!)

Fact #3: The most common name in the world is Mohammed. (Oh, really? I thought it was Priya!!)

Fact #4: The Chinese ideogram for 'trouble' symbolizes 'two women living under one roof'. (LOL stuff this!!)

Fact #5: On average, a 4-year-old child asks 437 questions a day. (Only 437??? I don't believe that!!! My cousins' kids seem to ask 100 thousand questions in a day!!!)

Fact #6: The word "listen" contains the same letters as the word "silent". (Good way of saying that you need to shut up if you want to really listen!! Jokes apart, a nice piece of philosophy.)

Fact #7: American Airlines saved $ 40,000 in 1987 by taking out an olive from First Class salads. (Wow! Talk about taking small measures!!)

Fact #8: 'Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia' is the fear of long words.(Why such a li'l word for that????)

Fact #9: The average chocolate bar has 8 insect legs in it. (I am gonna pretend I didn't read this!!!!)

Fact #10: On average, 12 newborns will be given to wrong parents every day.(Ain't it scary????)

Monday, June 4, 2007

Bittersweet moments....

Sam was the last person Niketan had expected to meet in a crowded shopping mall on a Saturday afternoon. Well, not meet, exactly. Come across. For, Sam - Samiksha that is- had not seen him. He had had a half day at office and his wife and kids had gone to his in-laws' place to visit. They would be back by tomorrow. He had been bored and had decided to walk down to the nearby mall. Where he had spotted her.

It had been more than 3 years since they had parted. The rainy afternoon when she had told him that she loved Parthiv and not him, that she was going to marry Parthiv, flashed through his mind. Heck, he had thought he had forgotten her.

Niketan glanced at her. She was busy looking through some crockery. She had always been fond of China plates and bowls. She didn't seem to have noticed him and was oblivious to his perusal. Oh, she had brought her son with her..... A cute kid, around 2 years of age. He had Samiksha's nose and forehead, he observed.

She had worn a red saree. Red had always looked good on her - it seemed to make her rosy complexion even rosier. She had dressed up to the hilt, the way she used to when they were in college. She had worn matching red bangles. A large red bindi adorned her forehead and a long string of black beads, the sacred Mangalsutra, graced her neck. The thick red streak of vermilion in her forehead parting gave testimony to her matrimonial state. She had become even more beautiful after marriage.

She seemed happy, satisfied with life. May she always remain happy in life, Niketan prayed. People like her deserved the best. He tore his gaze away from her.

Niketan picked up a book at random from the rack before which he had been standing, without so much as glancing at the title or the price. He headed off towards the cash counter. No, he would not talk to her, as much as he wanted to. No point in disturbing her smooth life.

He ignored the dull ache in his heart. Did he still have a soft corner for her? No, of course not. No, sir. He had a doting wife and two wonderful kids. They were his world now. He had a home to go back to. He would just get out of the mall, go home and read the book he had just bought, and Sam would soon be out of his mind.....

PS: On account of deadlines and heavy pressure at work, stressful situations at home and threats from the home manager (read amma) that I would be evicted from the home if I do not overcome this net addiction, posts will now onwards be sporadic.

Sunday, June 3, 2007

The fox and the grapes

We have all heard of the story of the fox and the grapes. I have tried to modify the original story a bit, in the light of the changing scenario in the modern times...Here it is:

Once upon a time, in a certain land, there lived a fox. The fox was known to be very cunning and intelligent. Whatever question was put before him, he would always have an answer.

Now, this cunning fox was passing through a vineyard one day. He saw fresh grapes hanging from a vine. The smell of ripe grapes filled his senses and his mouth started watering. The fox was hungry too. He looked around, but the owner of the vineyard was nowhere to be seen. He decided to have his fill of the ripe, juicy grapes.

The grapes were hanging at a great distance above the fox. He got up on his hind feet and tried to reach for the grapes, but could not. The distance was too great. He tried jumping up and reaching for the fruit, but all in vain.

After several such attempts, the fox finally got tired. He sat down on the ground to rest for a while. He was suddenly reminded of his great grandfather, who had been put in a similar situation years ago. Grandpa Fox had also tried to reach for a bunch of grapes in a vineyard, but had been unsuccessful in doing so. Ultimately, after many futile attempts, he had gone on his way, consoling himself that the grapes would have been sour anyway.

Our Mr. Fox thought, “The grapes might be sour, but maybe they are very sweet. They do smell ripe and juicy. How can I know unless I taste them? I will not give up the way Grandpa did. I have to think of a way to reach them.”

He started racking his brains for a way to eat the grapes. Finally he hit upon an idea. He called to his wife, and Mrs. Fox soon came there trotting.

He asked his wife, “Dear, would you like to have some fresh, juicy grapes?”

Mrs. Fox replied, “Hmmmm….. How nice that would be! I would love that.”

Mr. Fox said, “See those grapes hanging from that vine?” He pointed to them and his wife nodded. “I need your help in getting them. I will lift you on my shoulders and you get them. Then we can have them together.”

Mrs. Fox was only too happy to help her husband. He lifted her up and she grabbed the bunch of grapes. Then he gently put her down on the ground.

Both of them had their fill of the grapes. And, just as he had thought, the fruit was very sweet and juicy.

The husband and wife went back home satisfied and happy. Mr. Fox was very happy that he had not admitted defeat like his great grandfather had and had found a way to deal with the problem.

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Super boss

Mr. Sudhanshu Pandey – the head of the sales department- was having a meeting with his sales executives. He was quite a tough taskmaster and the execs under him were scared.

SP- So, how far have you achieved the target for the month, Ravi?
Ravi- Boss, closed a deal for 250000 yesterday. Still 500000 to go..
SP- 500000? And it is already the 25th. What did you do the whole month?
Ravi- Boss..
SP- I don’t want to listen to any excuses. I want the target achieved by the 28th.
Ravi- But boss..
SP- NO EXCUSES, I said. Work overtime if you have to, but it should be done by the 28th.
Ravi- Yes boss..
SP- That’s good.. What about you, Tejas?
Tejas- 150000 to go boss..
SP- Hmm, I want it done by tomorrow evening.
Tejas-Boss, tomorrow? I wanted to take a leave tomorrow, boss. Remember, I talked to you about it? It is my wife’s birthday.
SP- First things first, Tejas. Work should be your top priority.
Tejas- Boss..
SP- I cant help it, Tejas. I want it done by tomorrow.
Tejas- Ok boss..
SP- That’s better. Shripal, is your sales report for the month ready?
Shripal- No boss, it will be ready by tomorrow evening.
SP- I want it on my table in an hour.
Shripal- In an hour, boss? Gimme some time...
SP- I don’t like repeating myself….I want it ready in one hour.
Shripal- Yes boss...

At this moment, SP’s cellphone rings. He looks at the number. Its Super Boss calling. He immediately gets up and rushes out of his cabin, shouting ‘Guys, meeting dispersed’ after him.

Outside the cabin:

SP- Hi darling!
Super Boss-**&&$$##
SP- What?
Super Boss- ^^&&##*
SP- Sorry darling, I forgot. There is so much pressure at office.
Super Boss- !!$$**&&*
SP- Sorry dear, really sorry.
Super Boss- *&&^^%%
SP- Now? You want it now?
Super Boss- $$%^^**
SP- Darling, I'm in office, in the middle of a meeting.
Super Boss - **##**&&$
SP- Ok, I'm coming
Super Boss- %%$$$((##
SP- Coming, coming, just gimme 5 minutes…

SP goes back into the cabin, where the execs are still sitting and discussing what to do.

SP-‘Guys, received an urgent call. Have to leave now. Remember what we discussed in the meeting, ok?”

Friday, June 1, 2007

Kurai Ondrum Illai

My all-time favourite Tamil song: Kurai Ondrum Illai Kanna

The great lyrics:

KURAI ONRUM ILLAI MARAI MOORTTHI KANNAA KURAI ONRUM ILLAI KANNAA KURAI ONRUM ILLAI GOVINDAA

KANNUKKU THERIYAAMAL NIRKINRAAY KANNAA KANNUKKU THERIYAAMAL NINRAALUM ENAKKU KURAI ONRUM ILLAI MARAI MOORTTHI KANNAA

VENDIYATHAI THANNTHIDA VENKATESAN ENRIRUKKA VENDIYATHU VERILLAI MARAI MOORTTHI KANNAA MANIVANNAA MALAYAPPA GOVINDAA GOVINDAA

THIRAIYIN PIN NIRKINRAAY KANNAA, KANNA THIRAIYIN PIN NIRKINRAAY KANNAA, UNNAI MARAI ODUM NYAANIYAR MATTUME KAANPAAR THIRAIYIN PIN NIRKINRAAY KANNAA, UNNAI MARAI ODUM NYAANIYAR MATTUME KAANPAAR ENRAALUM KURAI ONRUM ENAKKILLAI KANNAA ENRAALUM KURAI ONRUM ENAKKILLAI KANNAA

KUNRIN MEL KALLAAKI NIRKINRA VARADAA KUNRIN MEL KALLAAKI NIRKINRA VARADAA KURAI ONRUM ILLAI MARAI MOORTTHI KANNAA KURAI ONRUM ILLAI MARAI MOORTTHI KANNAA MANIVANNAA MALAIAPPAA GOVINDAA GOVINDAA

KALI NAALUKKIRANGI KALLILE IRANGI NILAIYAAGA KOVILIL NIRKINRAAY KESAVAA KALI NAALUKKIRANGI KALLILE IRANGI NILAIYAAGA KOVILIL NIRKINRAAY KESAVAA KURAI ONRUM ILLAI MARAI MOORTTHI KANNAA

YAATHUM MARUKKAATHA MALAIYAPPAA - UN MAARBIL EDUM THARA NIRKUM KARUNAI KADAL ANNAI ENRUM IRUNTHIDA EDU KURAI ENAKKU ENRUM IRUNTHIDA EDU KURAI ENAKKU ONRUM KURAI ILLAI MARAI MOORTTHI KANNAA MANIVANNAA MALAIAPPAA GOVINDAA GOVINDAA GOVINDAA GOVINDAA

The meaning behind the divine lyrics:

I have no problem Oh, Lord, Kanna! I do not have anything to say, Kanna! I have no complaint, Oh, Govindaa! You are invisible, Oh, kanna! Yet, I have no problem, Oh, Kanna! When Lord Venkateswara is ready to give us what we want, why do we desire anything, Oh, Kanna! Manivanna, malaiappa, Govindaa! You are standing behind a screen, Oh Lord! Only those scholars who are well-versed in the Vedas can “see” you. Yet, I have no problem; No problem even if I do not see You.Oh Lord, You are standing on a hill. I do not have any problem still.You have incarnated yourself into a stone-form recognising the necessity during Kali Yuga. You are permanently here in this Temple. You do not refuse the request from any of your devotees. You also have the merciful Goddess Lakshmi residing in Your chest. So, what deficiency can I have? I have no complaint, Kanna, manivanna, malaiappa, Govindaa, Govindaa!Govindaa, Govindaa! Govindaa, Govindaa! Govindaa, Govindaa!