Work can occasionally get mundane and the only saviors, of such a lull, are a few corporate activities that aim to make the workplace, a fun place to be. Though few and far between, everyone looks forward for some fantastic events to be organised. And so when the memo for pool championship in my department was circulated, me and a friend sent out our nominations and started with some serious practice.
The tournament schedule was soon out and surprisingly not many teams were participating. A little turn down for the organizers as lesser participation did not serve the purpose of organising the event at all. But this came as a good news to us, it meant lesser competition favoring a better chance of winning. Then came a shock, if I should say so, there was but one team of girls participating and we were pitched against them for the eliminations. If I were to praise myself at the game, I am neither a novice nor a pro, which means luck has a lot bigger role to play if I were to win a game! The word soon went around that we are being challenged by a bunch of girls for the eliminations. It almost became a prestige issue for us to win this game because loosing to girls was just not acceptable! We had never seen them at the pool table before and so were apprehensive about their skills at the game.
The game started and pretty soon it was obvious, who was the champion at the table. No. It wasn't them. It wasn't us either. Both teams were equally pathetic at the game and it was becoming difficult to point out who sucked more at the game. Curious onlookers cheered on initially but were soon loosing interest in our game. Occasional cheers made us feel good, but another poor shot would dampen the enthusiasm. I could see fewer people watching our game, as most made their way to a more exciting game being played at the next table.
Gradually pocketing the stripes we made ourselves comfortable and started playing with some confidence. After a few hits and a lot misses, it was just the black ball on the table and for some reason it just refused to go into the called pocket. Now our best chance was to wait for them to make some mistake and use it to our advantage. We had had enough of this and wanted an end to the ordeal. The drooling game drew to an end when we had a golden chance to pot the black ball and register a victory, though not a well deserved one. My partner took the cue, called the pocket and hit it well. What followed was most unprecedented for, we did pot the black ball, unfortunately in the wrong pocket, forfeiting the game. Owing much to the poor show of talent, we were awarded with this unfortunate loss. I cannot say that the better team won, nor did they win on their merit.
After all that pooling around, pun intended, I can't help but put things in this perspective - Poor show of talent : Some sympathies from onlookers ; Losing to the only girls team : Some more embarrassment for days to come ; The look on the girls' faces when they won : Priceless!!
Sep 20, 2007
Aug 30, 2007
What are friends for!
A loud ring disturbed his afternoon nap and Karan cursed himself for not keeping his cell on a lower volume. He answered the call and wasn't surprised at who was on the other side.Vijay was calling in from almost 500 kms across the country and though the distance was far away, these two knew that no great distance was gonna spoil their friendship. They were comrades, best pals and swore to live by and watch each others back.
Though best of buddies, this duo had natures that were poles apart. While Vijay was more of a flamboyant, happy-go-lucky, avid party goer and believer in living life king-size, Karan would rather spend his afternoons reading books or watching TV or napping. He did not strive for attention and would never be keen on that show of attitude. His laid back life was what he cherised. So it goes without saying that for any great, exciting, adventurous opportunity to come by, Vijay would be the one to lunge forward and grab it with both hands. It was difficult to believe that they were born under the same sun sign.
Vijay had called in to ask for a favor. "Its a matter of the heart this time!", he cleared the suspense and went on to tell his story of a budding long distance relationship with some girl that lived in Karan's city. "So, what do you want me to do?", Karan asked, clearly confused with what was going on. "It's her birthday tommorow. Can you arrange to send some flowers. I want to make this special. I will owe you one for this"."Say what!! Where, when.. er... how?".Clearly Karan wasnt that polished when it came to girls, but Vijay knew that if he were to make a lasting impression, Karan was his only chance. He texted her address to Karan and asked him to get to work. "I really need this favor", he pleaded.
"Should I be doing this. This is crazy". But after some time, like a pheonix rising from fire, Karan said to himself, "Well, what the hell!" and set out to find a girl he did not know, to send her flowers that weren't from him and to make a lasting impression for he did not know what!
After a good one hour of hopelessly searching in circles, he reached the place and was trying to have a look around, when the neighbour called out "Who are you looking for?" Karan startled and stammered some fictitious family name that he was trying to find. "There are three families by that name. Do you have the right address?". He mentioned a false first name as well and learnt that the house was closed for almost a month now. "Are you kidding me lady!!", Karan was thinking but not fast enough. He soon made some lame excuse, apologised for the trouble and made a swift exit before raising any suspicsion.
Karan found a florist round the corner and selected a nice beautiful bouquet of red roses to be delivered next morning. Just as he paid for the flowers, his cell rang. Vijay called in and asked if Karan could also buy a card along with the flowers. "What, I have to shop for some card now!" Karan protested, unable to believe what he was being put through. "Please dude, for friendships sake! I will owe you a ton." And the next thing, Karan was going through all the birthday cards that the shop had on display. He picked one up. Not too lovey-dovey, not too simple. Just perfect.
"A nice card and a bouquet full of red roses on their way, mate!" Karan send out the sms and started back home. It was a long evening with too many things to handle. He could not believe he did all this for Vijay. Not because of the friendship, but maybe Karan rose to the opportunity to experience some excitement and adventure. What had he got to lose anyway? He would probably be stilling napping if Vijay hadn't called. His cell rang again. Karan wasn't expecting Vijay to call so soon."RED!", Vijay exclaimed as though more in a state of shock. "We are just hitting it off man. Why do you want to put a red signal on my little story. Red might send out a message too strong for now. Make it pink and yellow and white and yes some red also. Please!" Karan cursed him all the way to the florist's shop, who by then had it all decorated and packed for the next day. After redecorating the bouquet as per Vijay's wish, Karan called it a day. He was least cared for what would happen the next day.
As he would soon find out early next day, the flowers and the card had definitely made some impression and Vijay could not thank him enough for being there and making his day."Glad to be of some help", Karan murmured and went back to sleep. Vijay promised to help him any place, any time. After all what are friends for!
Couple months went by and Vijay's lasting impression seemed to have worked well. He could not thank Karan less for all he had done to break the ice. He also found out that Karan was also into some long distance relationship but did not know anything more. He thought of asking Karan, but put it off for later. As he stayed back in office that day, to complete some much pending work, his cell rang. And as if history would repeat itself, Karan called in."Dude. I need a favor..."
Though best of buddies, this duo had natures that were poles apart. While Vijay was more of a flamboyant, happy-go-lucky, avid party goer and believer in living life king-size, Karan would rather spend his afternoons reading books or watching TV or napping. He did not strive for attention and would never be keen on that show of attitude. His laid back life was what he cherised. So it goes without saying that for any great, exciting, adventurous opportunity to come by, Vijay would be the one to lunge forward and grab it with both hands. It was difficult to believe that they were born under the same sun sign.
Vijay had called in to ask for a favor. "Its a matter of the heart this time!", he cleared the suspense and went on to tell his story of a budding long distance relationship with some girl that lived in Karan's city. "So, what do you want me to do?", Karan asked, clearly confused with what was going on. "It's her birthday tommorow. Can you arrange to send some flowers. I want to make this special. I will owe you one for this"."Say what!! Where, when.. er... how?".Clearly Karan wasnt that polished when it came to girls, but Vijay knew that if he were to make a lasting impression, Karan was his only chance. He texted her address to Karan and asked him to get to work. "I really need this favor", he pleaded.
"Should I be doing this. This is crazy". But after some time, like a pheonix rising from fire, Karan said to himself, "Well, what the hell!" and set out to find a girl he did not know, to send her flowers that weren't from him and to make a lasting impression for he did not know what!
After a good one hour of hopelessly searching in circles, he reached the place and was trying to have a look around, when the neighbour called out "Who are you looking for?" Karan startled and stammered some fictitious family name that he was trying to find. "There are three families by that name. Do you have the right address?". He mentioned a false first name as well and learnt that the house was closed for almost a month now. "Are you kidding me lady!!", Karan was thinking but not fast enough. He soon made some lame excuse, apologised for the trouble and made a swift exit before raising any suspicsion.
Karan found a florist round the corner and selected a nice beautiful bouquet of red roses to be delivered next morning. Just as he paid for the flowers, his cell rang. Vijay called in and asked if Karan could also buy a card along with the flowers. "What, I have to shop for some card now!" Karan protested, unable to believe what he was being put through. "Please dude, for friendships sake! I will owe you a ton." And the next thing, Karan was going through all the birthday cards that the shop had on display. He picked one up. Not too lovey-dovey, not too simple. Just perfect.
"A nice card and a bouquet full of red roses on their way, mate!" Karan send out the sms and started back home. It was a long evening with too many things to handle. He could not believe he did all this for Vijay. Not because of the friendship, but maybe Karan rose to the opportunity to experience some excitement and adventure. What had he got to lose anyway? He would probably be stilling napping if Vijay hadn't called. His cell rang again. Karan wasn't expecting Vijay to call so soon."RED!", Vijay exclaimed as though more in a state of shock. "We are just hitting it off man. Why do you want to put a red signal on my little story. Red might send out a message too strong for now. Make it pink and yellow and white and yes some red also. Please!" Karan cursed him all the way to the florist's shop, who by then had it all decorated and packed for the next day. After redecorating the bouquet as per Vijay's wish, Karan called it a day. He was least cared for what would happen the next day.
As he would soon find out early next day, the flowers and the card had definitely made some impression and Vijay could not thank him enough for being there and making his day."Glad to be of some help", Karan murmured and went back to sleep. Vijay promised to help him any place, any time. After all what are friends for!
Couple months went by and Vijay's lasting impression seemed to have worked well. He could not thank Karan less for all he had done to break the ice. He also found out that Karan was also into some long distance relationship but did not know anything more. He thought of asking Karan, but put it off for later. As he stayed back in office that day, to complete some much pending work, his cell rang. And as if history would repeat itself, Karan called in."Dude. I need a favor..."
Jul 9, 2007
Making that difference
I was just spending a lazy Sunday afternoon watching television, when I heard the door bell ring. I answered the door, only to see a young boy holding some household items to sell. These door to door salesmen were a nuisance to us. Instinctively I waved my hand gesturing that I was least interested in whatever he was trying to sell, and started closing the door. It was then I noticed a sense of desperation on his face. I opened the door and decided to hear him out.
He was a student of class XII and depended on scholarships from a local school to continue his education. I asked him, how would he manage his school expenses by selling these household items from door to door. He told me that for his scholarship, he needed to pay a sum of rupees 250 and the school would approve education worth rupees five thousand. He was selling these items so that he could complete his target and earn his commission. He was being helped by a local grocery merchant, who agreed to pay him 250 rupees if he sold 20 bottles of a toilet cleaner from a local company. And that was what he had been selling from door to door all day long.
He pleaded that last two bottles remained to be sold, and if I would buy them for hundred rupees, he would have sold all of them and collect his commission to avail the school scholarship. If he could not make it by the next day, he could forfeit the scholarship money. That made me think for a while. I am used to such door to door sales people and each one has his own story. So I could not believe this one to be true either. Still I asked him one question,"For last how many houses have you told that you have last two bottled to be sold yet?" He did not have an answer for that. The silence was enough for me to believe that the boy was probably not telling the truth. I offered to give him fifty rupees and not take the bottles instead. I was not interested in buying them as I saw no worth at all. The boy refused. He said if he accepts the money, he would still have to go to other households to sell these bottles. He would get the commission from the grocery merchant only when he sells all of them. So it was all or nothing for him.By now, I was convinced that he was telling the truth. I told him I will pay him the money but not buy the stuff. Rather he can take it with him and donate it to the school that he studies at. He was supposed to go back to the merchant with money made from selling all the bottles. So he agreed to come again to collect the bottles from me the next day, and left with the money, assured that he will make it through another year in school.
Not just this boy, but few months back another incident made me think matters over. It was more of a realization, than the urge to help. I was in a market place parking my bike, when a small boy selling chanas came to me. I was in a hurry, but still felt my pocket for any change that I could spare. I told him I can't buy because I don't have change. His reply was more of a question."You don't even have two rupees change?". There was something deeper in meaning in what he said. It was not that I did not have money, but it challenged my willingness to buy anything from him. I paused for a while, reached for my wallet, took out a ten rupees note and asked him to pack chanas worth ten rupees. I relaxed on my bike and started enjoying the hot chanas he gave me. Curiously, I started asking how much he had studied, where was he from, how much money did he make. He replied honestly and in turn asked me that how much did I make. I did not boast, but mentioned some five digit figures with utmost modesty. And also said that its the education that made the difference. I studied through my school and did my engineering, which has helped me earn better and live a good life. Having all this conversation with this chanawala and sharing the chanas with him was a different experience all together.
I could go on with narrating countless such incidences that happen everyday to me, you or anyone else. But what happens next? Either we choose to turn a blind eye to them or step up and do our part.I am glad I did. I also recently sponsored education of a girl child for one year by voluntarily donating to an NGO. Months back, I had written this blog 'Little Angel', which narrates an imaginary story, but it took me some time to practise what I preached. I am yet to receive further details as to how my donation is helping some girl through her studies, but I am assured that I am doing my part by giving back to the society in some way that is possible and I can go to sleep tonight with a sense of satisfaction and pride for being there and making that difference.
Jun 2, 2007
In Search Of Something
I have been spending sleepless nights, restless days pondering on a few things. Nothing I see or hear or do or think makes this unrest go away. I think I am looking for something. What is it ? I don't know. Where to find it? I don't know. But I have to find it, because nothing else in life seems to satiate this thirst.
And as I stay awake until wee hours of the next day, I am weighing my options ,trying to make sense of the insanity. There is something that troubles me, just don't know what.
Is it money? Well, who isn't after it! But then money doesn't make me that desperate. The job is doing fine and the pay doesn't bother me much. I am where I would have wanted to be a year before. So no complaints as yet.
Is it my friends? I admit that I only have a few of them. But they are genuine and worth more than anything else in this world. Besides I have been a kind of private person myself. So being alone for long time doesn't bug me much.
Is it my family? I can't remember the last time I had a fight, expressed my anger or blasted on anybody at home. I have enjoyed their care and attention. The love and joy family brings to me is second to nothing in this world. I have their faith and respect ever since I have been able to lead an independent life. In return, I have been able to support my family and friends to the best of my ability.
Is it love then? I have been down that road and come back half-way, empty handed. But rather than grieving on the outcome, I have cherished the journey. I know how it feels to be in love and also realised that there are no regrets. Now I wait. Wait for some stranger's path to cross mine. Hold my hand and lead me down that road again, and this time, all the way till the end. Those paths may cross now or may never cross ever, but I am not eager to find out.
Then what is it that I am trying to find. A little introspection does little to help me out here. Maybe I need to find myself in a whole new perspective. Maybe everything is in place, but I am just not able to make good sense out of it, and constantly ponder that something is wrong and something ought to be done about it. Once I find out, all the pieces of this jig-saw puzzle will fall in place and show me what a beautiful picture I have been missing for all the years, though it has always been there.
Till then, I go on ... in search of something.
And as I stay awake until wee hours of the next day, I am weighing my options ,trying to make sense of the insanity. There is something that troubles me, just don't know what.
Is it money? Well, who isn't after it! But then money doesn't make me that desperate. The job is doing fine and the pay doesn't bother me much. I am where I would have wanted to be a year before. So no complaints as yet.
Is it my friends? I admit that I only have a few of them. But they are genuine and worth more than anything else in this world. Besides I have been a kind of private person myself. So being alone for long time doesn't bug me much.
Is it my family? I can't remember the last time I had a fight, expressed my anger or blasted on anybody at home. I have enjoyed their care and attention. The love and joy family brings to me is second to nothing in this world. I have their faith and respect ever since I have been able to lead an independent life. In return, I have been able to support my family and friends to the best of my ability.
Is it love then? I have been down that road and come back half-way, empty handed. But rather than grieving on the outcome, I have cherished the journey. I know how it feels to be in love and also realised that there are no regrets. Now I wait. Wait for some stranger's path to cross mine. Hold my hand and lead me down that road again, and this time, all the way till the end. Those paths may cross now or may never cross ever, but I am not eager to find out.
Then what is it that I am trying to find. A little introspection does little to help me out here. Maybe I need to find myself in a whole new perspective. Maybe everything is in place, but I am just not able to make good sense out of it, and constantly ponder that something is wrong and something ought to be done about it. Once I find out, all the pieces of this jig-saw puzzle will fall in place and show me what a beautiful picture I have been missing for all the years, though it has always been there.
Till then, I go on ... in search of something.
May 7, 2007
Mission: Introduction
It was a breezy evening and I was walking back home. I glanced at my watch and gasped, "I should have been home by now. Can't be late for dinner!" and started with a faster pace almost breaking into a run. In that hurry, I just looked up at a new building in our neighborhood. It was a recent construction and not many people had moved in. Few lights illuminated the halls and terraces of some flats. I had never seen this building in daylight and wondered that it must look really beautiful.
Someone caught my attention and as I looked from the corner of my eye, there she was standing. A perfect knockout with all the right curves at the right places. My heart jumped with joy with this new discovery at a stones throw from my apartment. The terrace where she stood was not well illuminated, so I could not have a look at the face. But with a body like that, I was sure god must have given a gorgeous face too.
I could not sleep that night. The eagerness and excitement was keeping me awake. I chalked out a plan and if all went well, I would have my chance at an intro with that beauty.
The next day, it was time to put the plan in action. But as luck would have it, I was too busy at the college that day and then went over to a friends place for dinner. All the time I was thinking that no matter what happens I will make things happen the next day. And so I thought for the next day and the next and the next.
I could not believe how things were keeping me away from the numero uno task on my list. And the longer things were taking, the more anxious and excited and determined was I becoming. That evening I was passing by her building and instinctively looked at the apartment on forth floor. There she stood again and my steps stopped in their track. I waved at her and shouted hello. What was I doing? I did not know and certainly did not care. But she did not reply. Might have not seen or heard me either, I thought.
That night I dreamt of my first date with her. She was certainly the most gorgeous looking girl, way ahead of even the best looking girls in my college. Was I in heaven or what? Was I dreaming in my dream!? And when she spoke, it felt as if flutes and harps were mesmerizing me with the sweetest music. We talked and laughed and shared a wonderful time. I could see that she was also interested in me and something told me that we could surely hit it off.
I woke up the next day and made a resolution. Come what may I am having my introduction with her today. I rehearsed my plan, the opening lines, the escape route (in case her dad answered the door), got into my killer casuals and set out on my mission. Mission: Introduction.
As I approached the building and was about to enter the gates, something familiar caught my eye. Was she standing there waiting for me!? My heart missed a beat and I stepped back to have a look at her in daylight. This was it. The first time I would have a look at that gorgeous face. And as I looked up and understood the reality of the situation, my heart broke into a million pieces. All the dreams and fantasies came crashing down. The flowers that I had brought fell to the ground. The knockout girl that I was dying to meet was a cardboard cutout for a camera company, who had recently setup office from the rented apartment. Ironically, their punch line, below the cutout, read : We bring pictures to life.
Someone caught my attention and as I looked from the corner of my eye, there she was standing. A perfect knockout with all the right curves at the right places. My heart jumped with joy with this new discovery at a stones throw from my apartment. The terrace where she stood was not well illuminated, so I could not have a look at the face. But with a body like that, I was sure god must have given a gorgeous face too.
I could not sleep that night. The eagerness and excitement was keeping me awake. I chalked out a plan and if all went well, I would have my chance at an intro with that beauty.
The next day, it was time to put the plan in action. But as luck would have it, I was too busy at the college that day and then went over to a friends place for dinner. All the time I was thinking that no matter what happens I will make things happen the next day. And so I thought for the next day and the next and the next.
I could not believe how things were keeping me away from the numero uno task on my list. And the longer things were taking, the more anxious and excited and determined was I becoming. That evening I was passing by her building and instinctively looked at the apartment on forth floor. There she stood again and my steps stopped in their track. I waved at her and shouted hello. What was I doing? I did not know and certainly did not care. But she did not reply. Might have not seen or heard me either, I thought.
That night I dreamt of my first date with her. She was certainly the most gorgeous looking girl, way ahead of even the best looking girls in my college. Was I in heaven or what? Was I dreaming in my dream!? And when she spoke, it felt as if flutes and harps were mesmerizing me with the sweetest music. We talked and laughed and shared a wonderful time. I could see that she was also interested in me and something told me that we could surely hit it off.
I woke up the next day and made a resolution. Come what may I am having my introduction with her today. I rehearsed my plan, the opening lines, the escape route (in case her dad answered the door), got into my killer casuals and set out on my mission. Mission: Introduction.
As I approached the building and was about to enter the gates, something familiar caught my eye. Was she standing there waiting for me!? My heart missed a beat and I stepped back to have a look at her in daylight. This was it. The first time I would have a look at that gorgeous face. And as I looked up and understood the reality of the situation, my heart broke into a million pieces. All the dreams and fantasies came crashing down. The flowers that I had brought fell to the ground. The knockout girl that I was dying to meet was a cardboard cutout for a camera company, who had recently setup office from the rented apartment. Ironically, their punch line, below the cutout, read : We bring pictures to life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)