Risk it

Someone said:

To try is to risk a fall..
To live is to risk dying..
To hope is to risk despair..
To laugh is to risk appearing the fool..
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental..
To love is to risk not being loved in return..
To reach out for another is to risk involvement..
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self..
To place your ideas, your dreams, before a crowd is to risk their loss..
But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing..

The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, and is nothing. They may avoid suffering and sorrow, but they have stopped learning, growing and living. - Anonymous

Take risks: if you win, you will be happy; if you lose, you will be wise. - Anonymous

Let us risk.. there by learn from it..

Books and Me

I wasn’t a reader at all till my ILP at Trivandrum.

It all began when one of my very good friends, Mr. Roy, offered me to read the latest sensation then – “Two States” by Chetan Bhagat. As it was a story about a Tamil Brahmin Iyer girl from Chennai, I found it very close to heart. I was able to complete the book in a span of 4 nights.

I never thought I could read books that too in such a pace…!

Since then I have been reading books of various authors including Sydney Shelton, Dan Brown and Jeffrey Archer. I didn’t miss out the other books of Chetan too though I read them in the reverse order. I also tried the regional authors including Ramani Chandran, Jai Sakthi, Andal Priyadharshini and Akila Govind.

During my college days, I was exposed to non-curriculum books only through a single channel – my close friend GP. I had caught her many times awake in bed, engrossed with a ‘Mills & Boons’. I found it very funny during those days to spend in such a manner, the most expected duration of the day, the night. But, as a part of my ‘Romance’ search, I started picking up M&B too. I have completed around 35 books by the M&B publishers. Thanks to GP…!

Though I tried many authors, my flavour stuck to soft romance.

But books just stayed as a companion during my travel and so I wasn’t very choosy about new ones. I renewed my book collection every fortnightly from a lending library close by. I hadn’t been conscious about possessing new books till…

I got two books from Roy again as gifts for Diwali. It was ‘Just Friends’ by Sumrit Shahi and ‘Revolution 2020’ by Chetan. The prologue of the former was so interesting that I began reading the book that night itself off my usual schedule. After finishing it, I read Revolution 2020 and completed it within a very short span of time. And today, when I started reading my library books, after a long break, I couldn’t concentrate. I identified that I had built a strong desire for new books.

And… Now…

I am counting the clock ticks for the arrival of ‘Durjoy Dutta – combo of five books’, ‘Love was never mine’ and ‘Let’s get committed’ from FlipCart online Shoppe…!

GP is married

Geetha Priya V.C. – She held the roll number (04MW06) just before mine in MSc – Software Engineering attendance list. “GP” had become her actual alias in college since day one. We had shared the same room for duration of 6 months during college and had accompanied her everywhere through the post graduation. Being a very popular figure (have used it sarcastically but she surely was a famous entity) in college for many reasons like:

1) Intelligence (Worked with Intel)
2) Hard work (Ranked among the few class toppers)
3) Orator- ship (Had a great command on Tamil and English)
4) Singing skill (Achacho Punnagai)
5) Dancing skill (Skirt Dance)
6) Novel choice (Mills and Boons, Ramani Chandran)

GP got married to Vijay on Nov 2, 2011in Neyveli. I had decided to take part in it for many reasons including an opportunity to meet my old friends and to take a break from the usual back breaking daily schedule.

It rained through the night heavily and so it made the process of waking up very troublesome. I managed to get up from the bed by 3:20 AM after three alarm snoozes. When I got ready to leave, the clock ticked 4:00 AM. My dad decided to drop me at CMBT in two-wheeler. Alas..! mid way it started raining heavily. When we reached the bus stand we were shivering as we were completely drenched.

The first bus to Neyveli was at 5 AM and so we decided to wait till then. Close to 5, a Neyveli TownShip bus arrived at the platform and the driver informed that the bus would leave in few minutes. I boarded it and sat in a personally chosen window seat. No travel description guys because within a few minutes I dozed off. When I opened my eyes the next time, the bus was moving (I wish I could use the term racing) in the GST road. The climate was really awesome and the soft drizzle kept the windows designed.

I managed to keep myself awake with the “Just Friends” novel of Samrit Shahi but failed now and then. When the bus reached ‘Pandruti’ we were already late by an hour. When this detail had irritated me to the core, something unexpected happened consecutively which made me clinch with the seat in fear. The travel from there to the TownShip Central bus stand was a funky, scary, weird, unexpected, tiresome, painful lullaby. The bus moved through the roads swaying side to side, making the passengers scream in fear.

When I got down at the TownShip terminus, it was 10:40 AM – which meant it was ten minutes since the auspicious time had passed. I walked towards the marriage hall after a quick enquiry. Luckily, I met TD’s parents and JP (Sorry guys. Full of short forms. TD – Dhivya Thayanithi and JP – J. Pavithra) close to the hall main entrance. TD’s mom added to my disappointment saying that Latch (Lakshmi) would have left to the Guest House by then. I walked into the marriage hall in hesitation and embarrassment as I was looking really like a clown amidst the well-dressed big shots who were there as GP’s dad belonged to the Senior Admin Section of NLC.

The Hall was decorated really well with flowers and balloons and was already half empty. When I looked around, there she was – GP was with Vijay on the dais, dressed in bright maroon saree and jewellery talking and taking wishes from few elders. She was married…! I looked around for some known figure in the hall. I was indeed relieved to find Latch who was engrossed in viewing the ceremony. I stealthily moved and covered her eyes from behind. She felt my hands and uttered… “Hema” :-)

I sat and chatted with her for few minutes enquiring about others from our batch and her travel. She suggested to refresh soon and meet Mrs. GP Vijay and I abided. In the next three minutes, another disappointment was awaiting. When I got out after refreshing, there was none on the dais. :-(

Latch walked with me to the bridegroom’s room where the couples were seated. On the way I met GP’s mom who identified me in the first go. She directed me inside and there they were seated… GP and Vijay. GP’s face brightened seeing me. “Hema…!” She addressed me in her usual tone and expression and extended her arms towards me. I walked close to her and my heart felt heavy for some reason. She made usual queries about health and travel and then introduced me to her husband (It is still unbelievable. Sorry Vijay). She showed her mehandi designed hands and reminded me that I had broken my promise. We had a formal conversation (actually an informal one through our eyes) and then I hugged her tight wishing her a very happy married life. When I was about to leave, she held my hands and said, “I missed you”. A contented smile cropped upon my face. The effort that I had taken for the visit didn’t go waste.

Latch and me assisted GP to eat but what she could push down her mouth was only a few pieces of one Dosa. She was guided to a well-decorated car for the “House Warming” ceremony at Vijay’s place. When she had left I clicked a few photos in Ram Anna’s camera and he did acknowledge my skill of photography. I had got an appreciation from a great photographer. Thanks Ram Anna…! Please share the pictures.

I spoke to Maddy on phone and assured that I would make GP talk to her before I left the place. Latch, Ram anna and me sat and spoke about everything till GP got back. Then we all made it to the dining hall while GP rested in the room. The food was really awesome. I didn’t say it just because I was really hungry then. After lunch, I spoke to GP for a few minutes and offered her to talk to Maddy. Then I clicked a few pictures as a memory of the wedding. I hugged GP again and kissed her to say bye. My heart sank again and my eyes became wet.

I sent off Latch and Ram anna. I had made preparations to leave and when I was done spoke a few words with GP’s mom, dad and Dhari. I left the marriage hall but all my thoughts pointed towards my college days. I took bus back to Chennai by 2 PM.

And...

Through the way back, the sky cried happily…!

Wishing you a very happy married life Mrs. GP Vijay…!

What is LOVE

It is one of the most difficult questions to the mankind. Centuries have passed by, relationships have bloomed but no one has been able to give a proper definition for love.

Love is patient and kind.
Love has no envy.
Love is the truth seeker.
Love protects and preserves.
Love is our dream of affection coming true.

<#> An elderly woman carrying 2 school bags and 2 lunch bags with just her head covered with a plastic cover. Following her go two kids under an enormous umbrella…

<#> A cutely dressed young girl standing in midst of a road drowned in muddy water. A brand new car passes by her very slowly…

<#> A two-wheeler moving in rain driven by a young chap. And sitting behind him is an elderly woman completely drenched too. Her duppatta held above the guy’s head…

<#> A couple walking in rain under one umbrella, held by the male partner and the umbrella slightly tilted towards the girl side…

<#> A woman and a small boy standing in a roadside Teashop, both shivering in rain. The woman feeling the heat of the teacup before handing it over to the boy…

<#> A girl and guy standing under a tree trying to protect themselves from the rain. The girl drying off the guy and adding warmth to him with her rubbed hands…

<#> A guy walking on the road completely drenched in rain. Inside his pocket is a mobile fully wrapped in plastic cover…


It has no reason or season
It has no vision or mission

It is everywhere..
And is in every form
It is around us..
And it is within us
It has made us..
And will mould us


No matter how it is defined, Love is the eternal truth..!

ஒட்டுமொத்தமாய் ஒரு வஞ்சனை..

இரயிலில் அவன்..
இரயில் நிலையத்தில் அவள்..

போக வேண்டாம் எனச்சொல்ல வாயெடுத்தாள்..
கண்ணீர் மட்டுமே வெளிவந்தது..
கண்ணில் தூசியும் விழுந்தது..
மழையும் பெய்யத்தொடங்கியது..
நேரமும் ஓடியது..
இரயிலும் கிளம்பிவிட்டது..

ஒட்டுமொத்தமாய் ஒரு வஞ்சனை..

And yes... She could marry him...

She opened her eyes and what she saw was the brightening sky every now and then. Though it was just around 5 AM, the sky had started gaining vividness due to the crackers. She looked out of the window and stood astonished with the colour and light. This time they had decided not to celebrate Diwali due to her mom’s elder sister’s demise.

‘Yesterday night, it was so cold due to the rain but now the sky is very clear.’ Her eyes brightened.

“Why are you awake so early?” She heard her mom’s voice from the kitchen over all the noise.

“Disturbed mom. This noise and light.” Though she said that she actually wasn’t. She had another reason to be awake so early. She quickly checked the clock. It read 5:20 AM.

‘I must get ready’ She murmured.

In the next ten minutes, she was in the kitchen with her mom making coffee for the entire family. Quite often her eyes checked the clock. Her parents left for the morning walk and she stayed back. She switched on the TV and at the instant (tried to) looked casually outside the front window.

She checked the opposite gate again restlessly.

‘There is no sign of life in the opposite door. Where are they? It is already close to 6 and the sun has started to brighten up!’

Every tick of the clock seemed as an hour to her.

The clock read 6 AM. The opposite gate still stood there motionless with no sign of activity.

Her parents got back and disappointment crept upon her face. She slid the door to close and heard her mom’s voice... “Let it be open”

She happily opened it and there she saw a group of people standing outside the opposite gate. Two elderly couples, a man, a young girl, a small boy and… HIM…

He was dressed in blue and black horizontally stripped T-shirt and dark blue jeans.

‘Smart’ She spoke within her lips. She blushed and her heartbeat was loud and fast.

Last evening, it happened while she was locking her front door. She looked past the gate casually and there he stood…

Smartly dressed… Handsome looking… with a lovable smile and catchy voice…

He was on phone with someone. She continued to observe him but her world froze when he looked directly into her eyes and smiled. Though they were around 30 feet away, she could sense the feeling of penetration. She slammed the door behind in a hurry and rushed in. That smile and look had kept her awake through the night…!

She got herself involved in the usual household activities. Her mind did waver around him but she cut off the imagination. Later that afternoon, she dozed off… and dreamt… obviously about him…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
She could see colourful traces… glitters and sparkles. There they were, in midst of all the vividness – she and him. He extended his arms and took her close to him. He tilted her face upward and their eyes met. He said… “I love you”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She woke up in surprise. She had fallen in love with him...!

And yes... She could marry him... Her fiancé... Actually...

Facts about Life

--# When someone loves u, u don’t realize it, when u realize it, it’s too late. U always love the one who leaves u and leave the one who loves u.

--# To love someone is madness and to be loved by someone is gift. Loving someone who loves u is duty, but being loved by someone whom u love is life.

--# Loving someone deeply gives u courage. Being deeply loved by someone gives u strength. Friendship often ends in love, but love in friendship never ends.

--# Speak less to people u love the most, because if they cannot understand ur silence they can never understand ur words.

--# ‘I trust u’ is a better compliment than ‘I love u’ because u may not always trust the person u love but u can always love the person whom u trust.

--# The greatest gift u can give to someone is ur time because when u give someone ur time, u have given them a portion of ur life that u will never get back.

--# Friendship is like an onion, which has many layers in it. It will add taste to ur life, but if u try to cut it, it will cause tears.

--# Life is a different type of teacher. A teacher teaches lesson then keeps the exam. But LIFE keeps the exam first then teaches the lesson.

--# Never take some one for granted. Hold every person close to ur heart because u might wake up one day and realise that u have lost a diamond while u were too busy collecting stones.

Excellence

A German once visited a temple under construction where he saw a sculptor making an idol of God. Suddenly he noticed a similar idol lying nearby.

Surprised, he asked the sculptor,
"Do you need two statues of the same idol?"

"No" said the sculptor without looking up.
"We need only one, but the first one got damaged at the last stage."

The gentleman examined the idol and found no apparent damage.
"Where is the damage?" he asked.

"There is a scratch on the nose of the idol." said the sculptor, still busy with his work.

"Where are you going to install the idol?"

The sculptor replied that it would be installed on a pillar twenty feet high.
"If the idol is that far, who is going to know that there is a scratch on the nose?" the gentleman asked.

The sculptor stopped work, looked up at the gentleman, smiled and said,
"I will know it."


The desire to excel is exclusive of the fact whether someone else appreciates it or not. "Excellence" is a drive from inside, not outside. Excellence is not for someone else to notice but for your own satisfaction and efficiency..

Chetan's Article: For Indian Women

Alright, this is not cool at all..

A recent survey by Nielsen has revealed that Indian women are the most stressed out in the world: 87% of our women feel stressed out most of the time. This statistic alone has caused me to stress out. Even in workaholic America, only 53% women feel stressed.

What are we doing to our women? I'm biased, but Indian women are the most beautiful in the world. As mothers, sisters, daughters, colleagues, wive and girlfriends - we love them. Can you imagine life without the ladies?

For now, i want to give Indian women five suggestions to reduce their stress levels.

One, don't ever think you are without power. Give it back to that mother-in-law. Be who you are, not someone she wished you would be. She doesn't like you? That's her problem.

Two, if you are doing a good job at work and your boss doesn't value you - tell him that, or quit. Talented, hard-working people are much in demand.

Three, educate yourself, learn skills, network - figure out ways to be economically independent. So next time your husband tells you that you are not a good enough wife, mother or daughter-in-law, you can tell him to take a hike.

Four, do not ever feel stressed about having a dual responsibility of family and work. It is difficult, but not impossible. The trick is not to expect an A+ in every aspect of your life. You are not taking an exam, and you frankly can't score cent per cent (unless you are in SRCC, of course). It is okay if you don't make four dishes for lunch, one can fill their stomach with one. It is okay if you don't work until midnight and don't get a promotion. Nobody remembers his or her job designation on his or her dying day.

Five, most important, don't get competitive with other women. Someone will make a better scrapbook for her school project than you. Another will lose more weight with a better diet. Your neighbour may make a six-dabba tiffin for her husband, you don't - big deal. Do your best, but don't keep looking out for the report card, and definitely don't expect to top the class. There is no ideal woman in this world, and if you strive to become one, there will be only one thing you will achieve for certain - stress.

So breathe, chill, relax. Tell yourself you are beautiful, do your best and deserve a peaceful life. Anybody trying to take that away from you is making a mistake, not you. Your purpose of coming to this earth is not to please everyone. Your purpose is to offer what you have to the world, and have a good life in return. The next time this survey comes, I don't want to see Indian women on top of the list. I want them to be the happiest women in the world. Now smile, before your mother-in-law shouts at you for wasting your time reading the newspaper.

Awesome Proposal

So I decided that I'd ask her to marry me.
Or ask her if she would marry me.
Or say that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her.
Or tell her I loved her, and that I wanted her to be with me forever.
Or give her a ring -- a big, huge diamond ring.
Or just get down on my knees and let my eyes say it all.

Well, I had reached a decision. What exactly I was going to do about it, I didn't know -- at least not yet.

It's now exactly three year since the first time I had started talking with her-- an anniversary of sorts. I remembered, because that first time was Christmas.

And tomorrow it's Christmas again, the third time. And we had become intimate close friends.
And I had fallen in love.. with her..

And since I am a simple-minded sort of guy, I have decided I want to marry her.
But How to tell her, though, was a bit of a problem.
There were so many ways to do it and choosing the right one wasn't easy. And I had no idea how she'd react.
Would she think I was moving fast?
Was it too early to suggest marriage?
Was she even interested in me in that way?
Surely, the best way to find out was to tell her how I felt, and ask her if she felt the same.
And if she did, then we could get married. Right?
These thoughts had been in my head from the moment I had woken up that morning. And I'd only been awake a few minutes. As I finished brushing my teeth, the phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hi!" It was her.

The sound of her cheery voice took my breath away. "Hi!" I replied, almost whispering.

"Listen," she said, sounding very excited. "I'm having a party at home tonight. Be there at eight."

"Sure," I replied.

"Ok, bye!" And she put the phone down.

I stood there for almost a minute, staring at the phone in my hand. And then I stupidly said "Bye" to it.

I would have to reach the party early, to tell her in private. Or should I say it right there in front of all the guests? Or after the party, when we were cleaning up after everyone was gone?

And what was I going to get her? Should I get her anything at all? How about flowers? Roses? Or was that too clichéd?
Orchids sounded better.
Or bluebells.
Or tulips.
Or cauliflower.

I checked my thoughts. No. Not cauliflower.

It's Christmas. A gift was definitely in order.
I could get her that moonstone pendant she liked so much.
But then it was a little flimsy as a gift.
It was really a toy more than a piece of jewellery.
But did it matter if she really liked it?

Should I get her a book instead?
Or a CD?
Or an earring?
Or should I make her something?
I thought about my artistic skills and decided that that was probably not a good idea.

I spent so much time looking for a suitable gift all day that by the time I decided that flowers would be a better option, all the florists had closed. And it was also too late to try to get to her house early and catch her alone.

So I decided I'd tell her after the party when everyone was gone. And that I wouldn't get her anything -- more because I couldn't, than anything else.

Feeling like a fool, and extremely nervous, I reached her doorstep. I was on time, but there didn't seem to be any noise coming from inside. Maybe no one had turned up yet. After all, who came to a party on time?

I stood there and composed myself for a minute.
Then, reasonably confident that the turmoil I was going through wouldn't show, I knocked.

She opened the door, but only a fraction.
She slid out without opening the door completely, handed me a piece of cloth, and told me to tie it around my eyes. "We're playing Blind Man's Buff," she said.

Meekly, I put the blindfold on, and she led me into the house. There was silence, and no one was making a sound. Quite sneaky of everyone, I thought to myself.

She spun me around a little, and then made me stop.
She backed away, and then said from somewhere behind me, "Ok, you can take it off now."

Though a little confused as to what version of Blind Man's Buff was played after taking the blindfold off, I complied.

And as soon as I opened my eyes, I froze.

I was standing in the middle of her empty living room, and the lights had all been turned off.
But the room was brightly lit with dozens of candles.

And on the wall in front of me, was a big poster with the following words on it:

Three years ago, this day we met.

There was an arrow pointing to the right, beside the poster.
So I turned. On the next wall were the words:

One year of friendship..
One year of friendship and joy..
One year of friendship and joy and intimacy..

Three full years.. between a girl and a boy..

One year of care..
One year of care and comfort..
One year of care and comfort and closeness..

Three full years.. between a girl and a boy..

On the third wall, was:

One year of love and more fear..
One year of more love and more fear..
One year of.. just more love..

Three years or Six,
a lifetime it seems,
And yet, it feels just like yesterday..

But I have waited long enough to tell you..

I turned to look at the fourth wall, and there, standing in front of
it, was she, holding up a poster in her hands that said:

I want to be this happy forever.. Will You Marry Me?

Confession

A Sunday afternoon… The clock read 2:40 pm and was still ticking…

‘My mom will have to start in another five minutes’.

I calculated the time I had to open up. I had to choose from either of the options: ‘Tell or Postpone’.

“What happened??” My mom’s voice got me back to the present.

“…” I swallowed a lump.

“You wanted to say something. Come on… go ahead.”

‘My mom looked too curious. May be she wouldn’t even speak to me after she hears me talk it out. Her eyes, which look so peaceful, would be filled with tears. Or she might never talk to me… Or she might even slap me… She might not even want me to stay at home… I might lose her once for all…’

“I have to get ready. It’s getting late.” She sounded a bit irritated.

‘She might become completely frustrated with me after I tell her. She might lose all the considerations that she has for me. She might hate me forever…’

“Come on speak up.” Her voice projected the pressure that was building in her.

‘Should I open up and spoil her mood?
Will I get a chance again like this time?
Can I afford to wait for another chance like this?
Should I speak up?’

I looked into my mom’s eyes. My eyes filled with tears.

I felt sorry for her. I felt guilty for going to hurt her so much. But I would never get a chance like this again in the near future… or may be even in my lifetime…

“Mom…” I swallowed a lump again.

Words stuck to my throat. My lips dried off and my body chilled.

“Yeah…” She sounded more irritated.

“Mom… I couldn’t help. I am sorry”. My voice broke. Tears rolled down.

“What are you talking about? You are scaring me.” She sounded worried.

I held her hands between mine; looked at her...

took a deep breath &spoke out…

“I am in love…”

Rating Season

உயிரினும் மேலாய் மதித்து..
ஒவ்வொன்றாய் புரிந்து.. பயின்று..
பயன் பார்க்காமல் பயிற்றுவித்து..
நேரம் காலம் இல்லாமல் உழைத்து..
பெயரும் எடுத்து..
என்ன பயன்..

போட்டார்கள் நல்ல ரேடிங்..
மற்றவர்களுக்கு..!

Out of the blue..

It was not a cheap wish…
It was not a wrong wish…
But it was not a very common wish…

It was not a lifetime dream…
It was not a previous minute dream…
It was a ‘behind the scenes’ dream for more than a few years…

I had always wanted one…
I was sure that it was not a bad investment…
And I desperately wanted one…
It was surely an expense…
But wanting it was not a mistake…

Not that I didn’t have anything of its kind…
But… It was something…
Very special…

It wouldn’t be attractive…
It wouldn’t strike the sight…
But it would always be special…
To me…

These thoughts had been dodging my concentration since I saw the display outside a Titan Showroom – “Flat 20% Off on Fastrack watches and sun glasses”.

I put a word to my parents about my expensive dream. As expected, their response was negative. But my conscience kept prompting that it would turn up fruitful.

Yesterday night, things were just going on in the usual pace. My parents were deeply involved in a discussion about time management. My mom put forth a statement saying that my dad wasn’t very time conscious. I interfered their conversation and said “Mom, I will be more time conscious from now on. Get me that Fastrack watch”.

In the next 20 minutes my dream came true… out of the blue…

Beautiful Love @ the Beach

In front of my eyes was the marina beach – one of the longest beaches in the world.

I removed my floaters and socks so that, the walk on the sand would be easy. I took my sandals in my hand and started walking towards the water. It had been a long time since I had visited the beach. Though a resident of Chennai, I had not been here for more than a few years time.

I looked around and saw many umbrellas adding colour to the shore. As I walked towards the water, the chillness of the air increased with the sound of the waves. As I was scared of water, I seated myself close to the water from where the look of the ocean was clear and... Amazing.

I saw ships close to the line of horizon, flights on the air, clear blue sky, horses on the drive, kids in water, kites on the fly, roaring waves, cool breeze, wet sand and... my mind relaxed. It was indeed a great pastime for a person like me who was completely stressed up.

Just then, two people walked next to me - A guy and a girl. They looked very young, must be only in their early twenties. The girl looked more interested in getting into the water than the guy. The guy rolled up his pant sleeves, left their bag and sandals on the shore and they ran towards the water.

The guy stood at a point and asked the girl to stand with him. The girl’s face darkened in disappointment. Immediately then, the guy said something her face brightened. They walked a few steps forward with hands held. They stood there for a few minutes. The girl looked dull as the waves weren’t even till her anklets. She kept pulling the guy to go farther in but the guy stood at the point. He held her hand tight and compelled her to stay there.

Just then, there was a wave and they were drenched till their knees. The girl pleaded with her eyes to let her deeper into the water. The guy, not convinced about her safety, walked with her a few more steps into the water. Then one other wave and they were drenched till their hip. The guy looked completely irritated about the fact that he was drenched so much and looked at the girl. Just after seeing her, his anger was washed away by the girl’s bright smile. They stood in water for about twenty minutes – talking, holding hands, smiling at each other, playing in water, commenting, enjoying the evening scenic view of the beach. Just then there was another massive wave. The girl lost grip and was about to fall. The guy tightened his grip she escaped a seawater bath. She ended up drenching her tops completely. The guy told the girl something with a bit of temper and the girl complied by acknowledging.

They walked back to the shore, took their belongings and sat on a boat that was close by. They guy tried to roll down his pant sleeves which was wet and heavy. The girl helped him and suggested him options to wipe the sand off his pants. The guy gave his hand-kerchief to the girl, directed her to wipe off the sand stuck to her dress. Once they had dried themselves partially, they sat and spoke for some more time. The girl pointed to something up in the sky and the guy’s face brightened. I looked up wondering what it was – The moon was shining in golden colour.

They held their hands and walked away. I stood there looking at them till they were lost in the dark.

Memories w.r.t OMR

‘The OMR has become a part of my work life’. I thought when I rested that night.
When I leave from home every morning or from office every evening, my only hope would be to catch the 19B AC bus. I commute from T-Nagar to SIPCOT and back on the OMR, every working day. Though this has been happening for the past 9 months, I never felt the journey monotonous (journey of minimum 1 hour 1 way). Specifically, travelling in my favourite seat – the last seat close to the window end, behind the driver, which would be elevated when compared to the other seats, always added more fun to the trip. Not many people prefer this seat, especially girls.
Once the bus is out of the terminus, the doors would be closed; the AC and FM would be switched on. It would be so much pleasure to travel with the RJs and MJs as they play all-time-hit songs and it would add more flavour to the journey.
When the bus takes the right to the Saidapet Main road, there comes a wish in the form of an institute on the left, named ‘Aloha India’. I had always thought that ‘Aloha’ meant a Hello or a Hi. It is actually a very generalized term, which refers to any kind of greeting.
Moving ahead, there comes the new ‘Audi Chennai’ and the ‘Hyundai’ showrooms. These cars indeed look very majestic and posh reminding us of their cost. Then the bus moves into the Saidapet Bus stop, wherein the remaining empty seats will be occupied. Mostly the bus would run full from here.
The bus crosses two Ganesh temples, one on the right and one on the left, goes under the Saidapet Walk-Head-Over Bridge and then takes the left towards Madhya Kailash. On the opposite walls, we can see beautiful paintings of falls, temple and power plant and a few incomplete. Almost all the students would have travelled this road because; the Anna University and IIT Madras campuses are present here. Few people do get down here; I envy their capability to study in these universities. Opposite to the Anna University we can see the Gandhi Mandapam. If the bus goes on the flyover we will be missing the ‘Adyar Cancer Institute’ and the IIT Campus on the right. Else we also see The Children’s Park - which would have been visited by all the kids and recently, may be, by all the lovers. If it were a Tuesday, we can for sure find a few people standing out, as the Park stays closed on that day.
Down the flyover on the right, we see a differently named shopping place, which has just 3 symbols – “$&£” – meaning Dollars and Pounds. Close by there is another shop, which has remained shut till date but the Graffiti art on the shutter is amazing. Then comes the Hot Chips restaurant followed by few others. We see a board reading “Residency Regency Regalia”. These words will look like they were sorted in descending order of their length and centre aligned.
On the left, close to the CLRI bus stop, we see a board with an arrow pointing to the right, which reads, ‘SIPCOT IT PARK, 20 KMs’.
This area is Madhya Kailash and from here, begins the straight road, which is named the OMR – Old Mahabalipuram Road or ‘Rajiv Gandhi Salai’ – the recent real estate sensation. Just after the bus takes a right turn, we see the ‘Anandha Vinayakar Temple’. Many people board here and so the bus will be jam-packed, majority being IT Professionals, dressed up in formals with Identity Cards around their neck.
On the OMR, First we see the Tidal Park on the left. Close to it is a new upcoming centre – Ramanujan IT City. The National Institute of Fashion Technology building looks trendy with its walls are painted in saffron, blue and maroon. The trains at the Thiruvanmiyur MRTC remind me of the ‘Metros’, don’t know why. The ‘YMCA hostel’ comes on the right; close to the hostel is a big plain land and recently here was a trade fair named Taj Mahal.
In front of the ‘Lifeline hospital’, we see a big Ganesh Idol. This idol is a really big one and looks very matured, compared to others, which we saw on the way. There would be a lot of movement in and out of the bus close to the Jain College Stop as the Chennai-1 TCS office is walk able distance from here. Following the ASV Sun Tech Park, AKDR Golf village is a completely different view because all the coconut trees would be bent at the top...!
What comes next is my favourite place on the OMR – Dominos. I have had Pizza here only once, but it was really a very memorable experience. When we cross the Okkiyam Maduvu (water body), on the bridge, it is really a great view. We can either see ducks or at least buffaloes in the water. This place has a scenic view completely different from the rest of the OMR. Just then, on the opposite side we find the Riverside Mall – South India’s First River Side Mall, coming up. The RTSC TCS office comes on the other side of the road, the office in which I feared I would be posted when I was transferred to Chennai.
Then, ‘Nalas Aapakadai’. This place has a special mention because; I got to eat Aapam for the first time in my lifetime, two weeks back. Close by is ‘Brown Tree’ shop, in which I have been waiting to feast since day one I saw it. Opposite to these two feasting points in the ‘Arvind theatre’, which actually doesn’t look like one.
We cross the Infy and Accenture campus, Vestas technologies and Orchid pharmaceuticals before we reach the Sholinganallur Junction. This signal is always heavily loaded with traffic. If you were caught here, it would take a minimum of 15 minutes to move ahead. But, from this point, it is indeed a great lane for a fast bike ride, on a cool drizzling day (provided there is no traffic). The Sholinganallur TCS office is built very environment friendly manner and is supposed to be supporting the most difficult Mainframe projects. Just ahead, there is a hotel named ‘Kensington’. I have never been there but this building reminds me of my Mumbai TCS office, which was located in Kensington building, B Wing at Powai.
Just opposite to the hotel is the Sathyabama College of Engineering and Technology, which is painted white completely. This college campus was supposed to be the farthest location a few years back but it is one of the closest on the OMR right now. If I had not studied at PSG Tech, I would have joined Software Engineering here, after paying a lump sum of Rs. One Lakh as donation. When we cross this location, it smells of detergent, don’t know why.
On the left, we will find a board directing to ‘The Farm’. I have been to this place twice; the locality and the food are amazing. The ‘Coromandel Plaza’, is still under construction. The theatres alone have been recently opened for public usage. The AGS cinema screens are at the fifth level and the OMR view from there is really mind blowing. Close to it is the ETA HCL office campus, which has a beautiful entrance, which looks, like a pillared semi circle.
When we enter Navalur, the first thing that strikes our eye is the ‘Olympia Panache’, a new residential apartment that is coming up. We can see the Sabari Classic Hotel, the hotel that sponsored a reward of Rs. 50,000 for the best performer in ‘Airtel Super Singer’.
‘Hiranandani Upscale’ is the closest to the SIPCOT IT Park and these builders were the minds behind the construction of my Mumbai Office Campus, which was actually built as a replica of London. When we look ahead, we can see the Toll Plaza, indicating the end of the IT Highway.

Oh, yeah… This is the stop at which I have to get down. ‘Siruseri SIPCOT IT Park’. I opened my eyes; ready to get down - wondered why it was all dark.


“Sleep. It is late.” I heard my mom’s voice.
‘Memories w.r.t OMR…’ I smiled. ‘Looking forward for another day…’

Who am I to him?

‘Who am I to him?’ I sat up, confused.

‘I become more caring, when it comes to him.’
‘Every time I see him, I feel contented.’
’I don’t get to analyse the views of the society when I get to spend time with him.’

Thoughts crowded my brain… As usual…

Still unable to identify an answer for the question, I moved away from the bed, very much irritated.

Hi… Good morning… Coming for a walk? I texted him.

‘What am I doing? Why am I not able to control myself? Why am I not sticking on to my decisions? Why is this happening to me? This is not fair. I am confused about this relationship. How can I go ahead and pursue it with a whole heart?’

Again… Lost in thoughts…

Good morning. Just woke up. Yeah, I will make it. See you close to the temple.

I stood there staring at the message. ‘Another day, which is going to add on to my confusion.’ I sighed.

As we walked, we spoke about the day’s plan. Being cousins, visualizing characters and homes was indeed very easy for us.

In a crossing, I held his arm close to his shoulders and made him cross the road, with me.
We entered a vegetable mart, to buy some veggies.
I helped him find the good ones.
I didn’t let him pay for it.
I didn’t let him carry the bags.
Back home, I advised him about his career.
I helped him with some drink.
I made sure it wasn’t hot and tasted proper, before I served it to him.
I made sure he hadn’t spilt it on himself.
I got the cup from him to wash it.

‘He isn’t a small boy. He is big enough to manage himself. He has even got a job, in his campus and is yet to join. He is taller than me and looks hefty too. But why am I behaving like this?’ Not able to control my thoughts and deeds, moved from the kitchen to the living room.

I looked up at his face. He smiled back at me and said,
“You seem more parental”.

'Parental'. The word echoed in my mind.

“You hold my hand and help me cross. You don’t let me pay or carry the bags. You check the taste and the temperature before you serve the drink. You advise me on my career.” He paused.

“You just look younger. I feel like being with my mom, when I am with you.”

His statement clarified my confusion.