My Thoughts Keyboarded

One of the earliest memories I had of my dad is sleeping next to him on the terrace during summer nights. We slept in the open air with just a mat and mom’s old sari was our bed sheet. My brother and I had our own spots in the nooks of his shoulder which we never traded, mine was always on his right. Mostly he wrapped his arms around us and tapped gently on the shoulder. If the story gets interesting he made hand gestures in the air, drawing pictures with vast dark sky as background.  We would watch his dancing hands that moved in rhythm bringing each words to life. Sometimes it appeared as if he was strong enough to gather a handful of twinkling stars and release them back into the sky. This golden period with my dad ended sooner than I wanted it to be. As I grew up, we grew apart. He hardly took part in family responsibilities. It was always my mom who deliberated from the little things to major decisions in our lives.  She soon became my model, the...

“ Then the king became sad about the princess ” my mom said, while she fed me a ball of rice and greens. “ aand whaaat happen ” I enquired chewing my food. I don’t remember whether I was 4 or 5. We were sitting below the sapote tree on a concrete bench. Mid-morning sunlight peered through the tree leaves all around us. Wind spoke in hushed tone with leaves.  I was wearing a white and green stripped half sleeve shirt and short pants. I smelled like a cocktail made from Johnson & Johnson powder and coconut oiled hair. “ Since princessss had a poor eye sight, the king consulted the wise lady who lived in the jungle, faaar away from the kingdom ”, she made another ball of rice and stuffed it in my mouth.  I followed her eyes and hands as she narrated. “ The wise lady asked the princess to stay with her for few days ”. “ hmmm ” I nodded, swinging my legs back and forth. “ When the princess returned after few days, her eye sight was so sharp that she could shoot a bird s...

Leaf succulent are plants that grow in extreme conditions of the dessert. To be precise, they stay dormant for most of their life, waiting for a random cloud to get lost and pour down some love. Within few hours of rain, they grow, bloom and store as much as water they can in their fleshy inside. A bed of colorful flowers in the middle of the dessert! Then again the dormant cycle begins, it could be weeks, months or even years until it can rain, yet they wait patiently. I came across this, in kid's encyclopedia that I was reading out to 6 year old Sam, my landlord's kid. "Is the plant sick?" he asked me , tad worried. It took me couple of seconds to realise why he is asking me that. Sam's mom is a nurse and patient can only mean one thing. It's been just couple of weeks since I moved in here, but all it took for Sam and Angeline to befriend me was just a smile. Angeline is turning 3 tomorrow, and had little idea about the discussion, yet she enjoyed sitti...

I just found out that I can use my blog to copy an “error code and URL “from my test computers to my main computer within seconds. Something to cheer on a Monday ;) We have in total three prizes for our story contest , one for the winner and two consolations due to high recommendation from would-be and suggestions from some of you. My honey (doesn’t know any of you) liked everyones story and took much time to come up with decision. First consolation prize goes to Rachana Shakyawar from humming today . The reason I was told for choosing this is “creatively woven using all ten pictures” Second consolation prize goes to Savitha from A traveller one among the few . The reason I was told was “The story sees death not as an ending but part of the journey” Rachana and Savi, I am still in the process of finishing your prizes. Because the paintings are personalized I started my work only last night, after the winners were picked. So bear with me a day or two and I would publish it. ...

My parents are celebrating 32 wedding day today and I dedicate this post to them. My mom recently got her own phone, which she happily keeps at home when she goes out. But she has learned to read SMS (yet to learn replying) and was quite excited to read Diwali wishes from her dentist. So I just sent her a SMS this morning. Dad loves to watch old movies and listen to religious discourses. Which I am planning to get once I go back to India. Their big celebrations usually involve going to temple, meeting my grandma and a modest meals at a nearby restaurant. Altenberg Hotel near the cathedral I usually like the mid part of the these days, in which I freak out for not having enough details ready to write the travelogue. Preparing for it meant going through the photos choosing the ones to post and checking the pamphlets or tickets I saved during the trip for details about the place. If I remember something the guide had said, then I would double check (thanks to Google) before po...

My blog needs some everyday posts very badly. For one, its becoming like Discovery Travel & Living with travelogues and food, and secondly it’s challenging to synchronize sights information, history and my personal take on them. Also the thought of finding nothing interesting to write after finishing the travelogue, is scary. Last night was as memorable as the first time I read Hindi words, or the first time I rode bicycle without anyone’s help. Last night I finished one complete lap in swimming pool without break (I am learning). Although it's a breath-wise lap, the satisfaction and happiness I felt after completing it was worthless. I am yet to learn prefect swimming, but this would remain as first time ever ;) One of the side effects of being in love is it takes most of your time. Even 2 hours of talking (which involves from the food we had to global warming) over phone wont suffice the daily quota of sufficient talking. More so when such “important” conversation had to ...

Le Pont des Bridge, behind is the institute of France. I wasn't hoping to write one more post on Paris, owing to the fact that I spent only one and half days there, and I slept 10 hours during my stay. But it’s hard to say no, to a friend who wish to hear some more. It’s difficult to forgo history when writing about Paris, one of the old cities in the world. The permanent habituation of which dates back to 4200 BC! Much later Romans conquered it, and settled down by 52 BC. Below is the oldest place and centre of Paris – “Ile de la Cité” – a naturally formed Island in the river Siene. Across the island you can see the “Pont Neuf” (“new bridge” then) that is now the oldest bridge in Paris built in 16th century. During the darkest times (Of French revolution referred as Reign of Terror)of France, famine came upon, diseases spread and vast blood has been shed due to political upheaval. 40,000 people gave their head to Guillotine , and right here near Pont Neuf, The knights of Te...

TGIF! Today is one of the “nothing interests me” days. I feel like doing nothing, although on second thoughts that sound funny, how can I be doing nothing when I am doing nothing: P. Everything seems very boring, even calling my friends/loved ones! May be this is a best day to sit on a bean bag and watch soap operas and don’t even bother to change channel during commercials. That’s Lethargic! Yesterday I donated blood. Although I have donated a bunch of times before, it’s my first time in Singapore. So they put a sticker on me which said “Treat me nice, this is my first time". Unlike in India, the registration and screening itself is a 20 plus minutes process. After filling a 3 page form, medical history consultation, and the finger-pricking-Haemoglobin test (they have a better pain less instrument though), I was given a local anaesthesia! That's comfort! They asked me if I am feeling okay (which they did umpteen times) after the donation, and I replied “I am little tired but ...

"She has gone to the temple. Today is Aadi Velli you know. There is special puja happening in temple and she has gone to pray.I can ask her to call you once she is back" My dad said. "Its ok daddy I would call again in the evening "and I kept the phone down. I stared at my computer screen uninterestingly. I couldn’t wait. It’s an unexplainable urgency, a need to convey myself. I started typing this letter. Which I would post not just to her but to the whole world. Dear Mom, I don’t even remember how old I was then, when I started going out with you to the market and temples.My hands were so tiny and you always ask me to hold your small finger. I never left you and I used to play with your saree edge all the time. I spoiled even the silk ones, but you never scolded me. I love the way you hold my chin and comb my hair neatly. One day I got lost in the big shivan temple. It was dark inside the temple and I kept crying, running in circles around the huge pillars. I got ...

Today I missed my train In a split second The head rush Made me bent down and I gasped Instead of a "kick in the air" and "oh my shit” I smiled and tapped on my head Am I crazy? I answer " Yes honey" To my manager's call I look up and admire street lamps Like they are xmas's fall Am I lost? I mess up things and blush! A hand on my mouth And a smile so silly I keep counting them To narrate, for they seem so funny! Am I mad? I am... Lost in your thoughts, Crazy in love, and Mad about you. I keep writing about all of them So while waiting, I can hum These songs, that lingers On your eyes and lips Until the time, mine meet yours’

My heels drummed as I ran All the way through the platform To the train doors which were closing on I squeezed myself in, holding a grin Hugging the door, that got glued to my face I was is sweat, waiting for aircon's grace Couple of stops later, I found a corner to be Still sweating, but it didn’t bothered me Ipod offered a love song And left a smile on my lips, It should be dedicated to the man I belong I didn’t know a thing about you then But I knew you were the one How could I explain about the feeling that fled When you too wanted me, as much as I did "Do I have to get down here to go to the hospital?" The old man's question brought me to present "Yes sir, this is the one" I replied Realising I too have to get down in that instant I helped him with his bag "Althea" said the hospital tag I introduced myself as we walked He seemed so happy to have talked "Are you going to hospital as well?" He asked "Yes sir I am visiting a friend...

The first time at the coffee shop I met you through a common friend You said you were here on a short trip And I felt no interesting grip I did not like you, you were different Compared to man of my dreams But here I am writing about you Am I in crazy or so it seems I had no intention of seeing you again But found myself sitting next to you In the movie along with friends While I wondered at the screen so bright You held my hand a little tight With mixed feeling I managed a smile Everything felt normal only for a while Then we went to restaurant nearby Where the lights were low They had their tables outside Under the moonlight glow Could be because of the lousy movie I found you interesting Could be because of the drink mailbu I found myself relaxing Could be because of the full moon I found the night charming Then you kissed me I closed my eye and I felt like crying No questions & no explanations I rested my head on your shoulders And my face on your chest As you stroked my hair I...

As I moved in through the party All I can hear was laughter Nothing funny was said or done They are just drunk and having fun I brushed people and made my way Searching for a friendly face Smiling at stranger's gaze Had a drink to ease my stressful day Standing in a group were my friends Probably talking about market trends Or about which celebrity did with which one May be that’s what interests everyone Does sex and money is their only priority I wonder Then my silence is broken by a tap on the shoulder "Hey, Happy birthday dear" I wished and hugged her She grabbed the flowers from my hand with a funny smile "As usual you are late" she pinched me gleefully "ahh.." I moaned surprising myself, little loudly I was pleading my friend to let me free Then I saw you looking at me It felt right inside me, your look Like a first ray of the sun through the dense forest You smiled and turned around I felt like lost and found I can’t even write what it felt li...

Today I woke up with a big smile It’s Sunday so I slept a while Another day to live before the 5 day routine I squint my eye at the clock, its eleven fifteen I saw dots flying everywhere, It felt different, it was good different I squint again, Aah! Cells at the back of retina,my mind concluded And they disappeared, like dancers of show that ended I look to the window by my bed Late morning sunlight through white curtain Have filled the room with lovely flow I turned off the air-condition, to feel the warmth of the glow No mood to get off the bed I look at the ceiling decor It’s Peaceful, except for the feeble sound of TV next door. A nice music, may be MTV I know this song, Jason Mraz - I am yours I could hear it better now, Little tuning of mind is all it takes, I stare at the sunlight again I could see teeny tiny dust particles Flying up and down, Moving here and there Coming alive in the beam of light I yawn as I sit up My friend was sitting in the table nearby, Waiting for me in ...

You read books, admire them and move on to the next one. But sometimes as you dust your shelves you happen to see that favourite book. Like an old friend, suddenly recognisable amongst the crowd. You would probably go like "oh that was a lovely book" and without a hesitation you'd flip through the pages. You might even forget you are covered in dust and sweat. The messy room no more bothers you for you have already started talking to the friend. You may even sit down and ponder for a while. Then you realise you lost track of time and you have to attend to other appointments. Letting out a long breath, you say bye to the old friend. Half heartedly close the book and get back to the chores. Thats exactly what happened to me last week. This is beautiful fable from my old friend “Like the flowing river” by Paulo Coelho. Like wine, old books do tastes good ;) here it’s for you. A young cloud was born in the middle of a great storm in the Mediterranean Sea. But it hardly had ti...

When sunset left you darkness Stumbling you to emptiness When nothing can bring you light I will be holding candle for you When the thunder is deafening And your calling is unheard When you can’t even talk to yourself I will be listening to you When the clouds above pouring down Blinding your sight around When you find everything drenched I will be lending tissues to you When your grounds are shaky And your shoes keep slipping When nothing stops you from falling I will be catching you in my arms When the closure is proposed All the doors you knock are closed When you feel tired and lost I will be carrying you home I will be standing on the cliff with open arms Where the clouds come to rest I have saved a seat in the wooden bench Where the streams flows on white sands I will be waiting for very long If you decide to come along If you decide to come along This is my promise, on and on Our life will be brand new, When I am here for you

Dear X, Now that you aren't there anymore for me , And I don't want to reveal your name I think its very appropriate to call you X I am wondering why people call their "once loved ones" as X Considering the fact "X" is in same pincode as "kiss" May be they have crossed them out from their life Or may be their eyes look like "X" mark which represents sick/died character's eye from cartoons Or may be they still wanted to kiss the X I don't plan to die or kiss you again You just don't X-ists I think its very appropriate to call you X Then why would I use "Dear"? If you 'happen' to read this (chance of which is same as Osama converting to Christianity) You would know, not much has changed since you decided to move on If you think I would worry I am sorry you may be disappointed If you think I am happy without you I am sorry again, you are wrong I don't want to name this feeling Its neither happy nor sad I am ...

You said good bye. You said not to expect anything from you. But all I heard was “Good bye". And it all blurred. You were talking, Yet I didn’t hear anything. You were next to me, Yet I didn’t see you. You were near, Yet I felt so far away. Like standing in a lift with stranger. "Hey, are you ok?" you said that loud. I woke up and Shook my head, Suddenly I realised, Realised how noisy it is, Realised we were standing on the road, Realised the world did not stop, Realised 12 years of 'us' just died. I may never know the reason, It ended like a season. I never thought it would happen, Yet alone so peacefully, Just like passing away in sleep. No kiss No hug No "All the best for your future" Just the silence. No words to say. No pain. Nothing. I took a cab home, The dashboard had a sign, "God is love" I doubted whether they both existed. It’s been a week, I am still alive, Since there is no more you and me, I get to be free. I went to work. I clea...

We all need to be the beach dog! No no I am not scolding you. I learnt a wonderful message from the dog in the beach. And the fact that I have not wrote a blog in months reminded me to jot down it here :) It was last day of last year Ganesh (my friend) and I decided to watch sunrise on the marina beach. I do this once in a while as a ritual to connect myself to the nature. It was very cold dark (at six am) , we parked the vehicle and jogged for few mins in the sands. Jogging at six in the morning , mmm too much for a guy like me, come on I am 27 and I need to sit at comfortable chair and watch tv and not jogging :) As we slogged and sat at the edge of the sand, chill breeze waved gently on our face. Wow I am totally into breeze now a days. Sun seemed to take some time, kind of last minute sleep before it rose. Well coming to the point, there came a dog which seemed to be healthy , so I am assuming its getting good food. Weird enough it came and sat next to us feeling very comfortable a...