Better late than never....!!

A belated happy b'day to my dearest lounge!! Sowwie for being so late, was stuck up without internet access... So our lounge is a year old... Wow, never realised how fast time went by... !! I feel sad that I couldn't always be around to see it grow and flourish... but all the same it's a lovely feeling to be here... with all you beautiful people... and to know that our baby's still there and it's growing each day and bubbling with life and energy!! And may be I can't always make it here... but this place is really special to me... and so is each one of you for making it what it is... !!! So that's that I guess... hope to be back soon...when life becomes less busy... till then.... keep reading, writing and lounging... and keep smiling ..!!!! And yes, Neha is keeping really busy ... and she told me to wish you all on her behalf... and give everyone her love... So belated happy b'day lounge, once again... from Neha... !!!!

My lil' gurl!

I cannot forget the pride in my heart and the tears of joy in my eyes as I bade her goodbye at the airport that day. My daughter, now a 25-year-old young lady, was going away to another city on an internship for two months. There was my independent, confident, assertive daughter waving at me from the escalator as she got ready to board the plane. She was embarking upon a journey to prove her mettle and make a mark. I patted myself for having done a fine job of bringing her up. She was just like I’d wanted her to be; probably, everything that I was never, and much more. She had learnt to fly... I’d given her wings. She was now ready to fly away... fend for herself, build her own nest, have her own family. My little girl had grown up.

The next moment, she was gone. It was time for me to go back to the car for the drive back home. I wanted to make sure if she was okay in the lounge. I contemplated calling her, but decided otherwise. She’d manage. I should let her go now, I said to myself. My legs ached... I was growing old. I smiled to myself. And suddenly, a sense of emptiness engulfed me. I walked with a heavy heart, holding back my tears, back to where the car had been parked. Just when my cell-phone buzzed... a message! I frowned. The last thing I’d wanted was someone from work messaging me at that moment. Reluctantly, I took out my cell-phone from my bag and looked at it. It was from my daughter.

“Hi ma! M waiting 4 my flight n havin our favourite Latte at the airport lounge. Missin u already ma! Thanx for always being there! I’ll b back soon! Tc n keep smiling! Luv ya! Ur lil’ gurl!

I smiled. She’d always be my little girl, won’t she? I burst out into tears, but there was a smile on my face! Yes, she indeed was my little girl...

PS: Back to the Lounge after a long hiatus! :)

Campus Placements XI

Pre-script: In continuation of this post.
The next week at Dr. Ready's Lavoratories.

Neha: A real degree and a GPA of 4.. lands me nose deep in work. Handling 2 jobs. And look at Sandeep! Na degree, na tension, na kuch. Serve coffee, make money, enjoy life! Aah.. think of the devil and he arrives. Look at him, smiling! Kya hua? Itna khush kyun hai tu? Promotion to mera hua hai.

Sandeep: Neha... oh Neha... kya bataoon mujhe kya hua hai! Main thehra raha zameen chalne lagi... kya yeh mera pehla pehla pyar hai...

Neha: Haan... yeh tera pehla pyaar hai... is hafte ka... aaj monday hai na!

Sandeep: Pehla pehla pyaar hai... pehli pehli baar hai...

Neha: Okay, okay... but who's it? Kiski shaamat aayi hai is baar?

Sandeep: Shaamat? Shaamat nahi bey, kismat bol kismat! Kismat chamki hai jo mera dil aa gaya hai... teri assistant Sakhu pe!

Neha: Haan? Sakhubai? Really? Yeh kaise hua? Kab hua?

Sandeep: Saturday ki baat hai. Main yahan table saaf kar raha thha. Kisi ki matakti kamar ne meri nazaron ko apni taraf kheencha. Maine kaha "Ae Masakali Masakali, uff Matakali Matakali..." Aur usne meri taraf mudkar dekha. Uff woh aankhen, woh adaayen! Phir jhaadu dikhaakar bola "Melya..." Main to wahin fida ho gaya! Neha, bas mere liye ek aur favor kar de Neha.. tu meri sachchi dost hai na? Neha... main tujhse request kar raha hoon... meri love story bana de yaara, Sakhu ke saath meri love story bana de!"

Neha: (is too dazed to react) ...

#9 lines

(PS: Melya: One of the words used for swearing in Marathi)

Campus Placements IX

Pre-script: In continuation of this post.

Neha has been handling customers day in and day out. Today has been unusually heavy though. Seems like there's a gastro or diarrhoea epidemic in the city. At the end of the day, however, Neha is happy because more business means good news. And good news during the recession is rare. To handle the extra business, Dr. Ready's Lavatories have appointed another receptionist to handle the night shift. She's just arrived and is taking over from Neha.

Neha: And here, Kajal, these are the books where you make the entries. You know the cash registers and all, right? Phew, what a busy day! I am outta here.

Meanwhile, Sandeep walks in.

Neha: Arey Sandeep, what are you doing here? I didn't even call for coffee. Neither did Mr. Bhatia. Oh, you came here on seeing Kajal? (turns to Kajal) This is Sandeep. It's a ritual that every girl who walks into this office MUST be first introduced to Sandeep. He enjoys a slightly less-paying albeit better job than us. This recession, I tell you! Oh, how come you are here? And what is this broom in your hand for?

Mr. Bhatia enters right then.

Mr. Bhatia: Arey Sandeep, chalo chalo, kaam par lag jao. Go inside. Neha, you must learn from him. This young man has surprised us with his hardwork and dedication. So, we have decided to promote him from a peon to the Hygiene in-charge. He will personally inspect each of our company's offerings (lavatories) before the customer can avail of our services.

Neha: (suppressing a laugh) promoted? Absolutely sir! I am sure he will handle the pressure even better than all of us here!

#6 lines

Campus Placements VII

Pre-script: In continuation of this post and this post.

Interviewer: (looks at Neha from head to toe) really? That's your ID? 

Neha: (uncomfortably) Uh... yes sir. I had created this in school.

Interviewer: Oh that's okay! Everyone does crazy things in school. Even I have an ID that I'd made in school: handsome_hunk74@yahoo.com. But I am sure you will mail us your new ID.

Neha: (delighted) Sure sir! Sir, can you do me a favor?

Interviewer: Sure, tell me!

Neha: Sir, I request you to take my friend Sandeep also in this company. His degree is fake and no one is ready to give him a job. 

Interviewer: Well, okay... done!

One month later, at Dr. Ready's Laboratories.

Mr. Bhatia (Neha's boss): Arey Sandeep, yahan conference room mein 4 chai lana. (turns to Neha) Neha, coffee for you? 

Neha: Sure sir!

Mr. Bhatia: Sandeep, madam ke liye coffee. Jaldi!

Sandeep: (to himself) sigh! paapi pet ke liye yeh bhi sahi!  

#12 lines

 

Campus Placements IV

Pre-script: In continuation of this post. The results of campus placements are announced.

Sandeep: Ste, Neha.. boooo... to you two!!! Yaays! Whatta beginning I got! To start off with marketing, that too digital marketing... with such a nice company... Ideaaa cellullar... Wow... I tell you I am the best!
Ste: My April fool joke cost me too much. Now what will happen to me?
Neha: They gave Sandy the job, despite me having a CGPA of 4 on 4! That's so unfair!
Meanwhile, Placecomm member comes to make announcements.
Placecomm member: (Announces) Sandeep....
Sandeep: (excitedly) Yes!
Placecomm member: The company has indicated that they want you to join right away. You will be working on a project called "Marks se No Marks. Ab sach mein possible!"
Sandeep: (confused) eh... what's that? You must be mistaken. I have got a job with Ideaa Cellullar!
Placecomm member: Heheheh... Ideaa Cellullar, aur tu? YOU must be mistaken! Jaa.. ab cream bech! "Marks se no marks..."

#9 lines

Monday Delight: With Apna Ste !!

Pre-script: Sandeep taking Ste's interview for WL: Monday Delight series!

Sandeep: Okay Ste, now for the rapid fire round.. you have to answer within 2 seconds.. and your answers have to be short and to-the-point... okay ready?
Ste: (beaming) ready saar!
Sandeep: Blogging or breathing?
Ste: Blothing.. er... i mean both!
Sandeep: Golu or Bhondu?
Ste: Golu... Golu's the girl, right?
Sandeep: No, you are the bhonduuuu... next question: What is the one thing that you are really afraid of?
Ste: Darkness... Because I won't be able to see Sandeep in the dark and he might take advantage of that!
Sandeep: Hmm... wait till I switch off the lights now... Next question...If there was one thing about WL that you could change, what would be it?
Ste: My photo... with the cowboy hat... in the excellence awards post!
Sandeep: You think I'll let you change that? Next question now: Has your girlfriend stopped beating you?
Ste: Yes... er... no... er... no... er... yes.. er...

#12 lines

The Golu-Bhondu saga continues!!!

Bhondu: Golu... it's been so long since you complimented me or said something nice about me. I think you are in love with some other girl.
Golu: No darling! I love you and only you! Your eyes make me want to drown myself into them, your smile lights up my life, your beauty takes my breath away, you mean the world to me!
Bhondu: Haaannn... sachchi Golu?
Golu: No, it's April first!!! April fool!!!

#4 lines

Campus Placements II !!!

Pre-script: In continuation of this post.

Interviewer: Next please.
Sandeep: May I come in Sir?
Interviewer: Yes please. Come, take a seat. Tell us something about yourself.
Sandeep: My aggregate comes down to 92%, Sir, I am the university topper. The second topper has only 75%, I have got 100/100 in data structures. Its a university record, Sir!
Interviewer: Get out!! (Screaming) get ooouuuutttttt!!!!
Sandeep: Why sir... but sir... er...
Interviewer: I said get out! You think you can fool me on April Fools' ?
Sandeep: But sir, I HAVE got these grades!!!

#8 lines

Birthday treat ???!!!

Dear Loungers...
I have recounted the things that actually happened on Sandy's birthday! Sandy may try to refute what has been said here; unfortunately, you all just gotta decide whom to trust! I apologize for not posting these separately... it all just had to be together for the impact!

PART 1
Pre-script: Sandeep promised Neha a treat on his birthday. So, they plan to meet at Cafe Coffee Day. Neha had reached, and Sandeep had called up from the way to inquire about the ATMs nearby. Finally, Sandeep arrives.
Sandeep: Hi Neha.
Neha: Hi daa... why were you asking me about the ATMs nearby on the phone?
Sandeep: That's because I have only Rs. 20 in my wallet.
Neha: (Shocked) And you are going to give me a treat for your birthday?!
Sandeep: (Grins shamelessly)...
(5 lines)

PART 2
Pre-script: In continuation of the previous post...
Neha: Rs. 20? That's it? The coffee that I've ordered itself costs Rs. 52. What about the stuff that you are going to order?
Sandeep: Oh, didn't I tell you that I always fast on my birthday? Saatwik jeevan...
(Looks around)
Sandeep: Hey, they must be accepting credit cards here. I may be a pauper when it comes to cash, but credit ka toh apun abhi bhi baadshah hai... panditji ke dhaabe pe toh credit ka record bana diya thha maine!
Neha: (shrugs her shoulders)
Sandeep: (signals to the waiter) Do you accept credit cards here?
Waiter: Sorry sir...
Sandeep: (with a crest-fallen face) Neha, you heard him... can I borrow Rs. 32 from you?
Neha: Why Rs. 32... that's such an odd figure?
Sandeep: I may not have enough cash to pay for your coffee... but I still have my dignity... and Rs. 20 cash. So, Rs. 32... balance!
(9 lines)

PART 3
Pre-script: In continuation of the previous post...
Neha: Listen daa, I'll pay today. You can throw us all a party some other time. Come on now, call for something for yourself.
Sandeep: (face lightens up; grabs menu, searches, and calls the waiter) one Kaapi Nirvana for me....
Neha: Hey, that's the most expensive cuppa coffee here!
Sandeep: YOU are paying, right? (winks shamelessly)
Neha: (helplessly looks around)
(5 lines)

PART 4
Pre-script: In continuation of the previous post...
Waiter gets the coffees. Both have it.
Sandeep: Waiter, get us the check... Arey Neha, dekh kya rahi hai... cash nikal! (winks naughtily)
Neha: (sad)
Waiter: Sir, here's your check. Our swiping machine is working fine now. You can pay by credit card. May I take your card?
Neha: (face lightens up) oh sure, sure... Sandeep...
Sandeep: (frowns) ...
(6 lines)

PART 5
Pre-script: In continuation of the previous post...
Waiter: Sir, your card cannot be swiped. It's over-drawn. May I have another card or cash?
Sandeep: (shamelessly) Neha, please do the honors. (turns to waiter) you know, I give my money and cards to her for keeping them safely. She's my "headstrong boss."
Neha: Yeah, right! (turns to waiter) Here, take the cash. (turns to Sandeep) Who will keep the money for the tip?
Sandeep: Tu mujhe tip de de... rickshaw-waale ko dene ke kaam aayenge. Nahi to woh m,ujhe pakadkar maarega. Kahega "bada sahab bana firta hai... jeb mein to phooti kaudi tak nahi hai!"
Neha: Okay. I'll pay for the tip. But you don't even have enough money for a ride back! What are you going to do?
Sandeep: Bas... bahut ho gaya! Ab main aur insult bardaasht nahi kar sakta... I will withdraw some money from the ATM nearby.
Neha: Which ATM? You have an account in a different bank. You can't just look at the heavens and ask for money expecting it to fall as rain from the skies! Nonsense! Here... take Rs. 100. Return it to me later.
Sandeep: See, I knew it. With you around, I am safe. You are so protective. I have even said that about you in my interview!
Neha: (disgusted) can we leave now?
(9 lines)

PART 6
Pre-script: In conitnuation of the previous post...
Both get up to leave.
Sandeep: Aah, lady, like a chivalrous generous man, let me escort you to a rickshaw now. Come, after you!
Neha: Ayyo kaduvalle... Your birthday treat, but I pay the bill. I even tip the waiter! Then, turns out, you don't even have the money for a ride back. I lend you money for that! And now, your chivalry is bubbling... Nonsense!
Sandeep: Hehehe... en vazhi, thani vazhi...
Neha: (is too dazed to say anything) ...
(5 lines)

WOH MERI HAI???

Prescript: In continuation of the previous post... Ste is waiting for a girl in a restaurant... Sandeep walks in.


Sandeep: Hi Ste... tu yahan kya kar raha hai bey?

Ste: (uncomfortable) aise hi... friend ka wait...

Sandeep: Main sab jaanta hoon tu kiska wait kar raha hai... tu zyada shaana mat ban... bhul jaa usko... woh MERI hai...

Ste: Tu phir shuru ho gaya bhai... har ladki teri hi hai? Nahi.. ye waali to MERI hi hai...

Sandeep: Nahi Ste... main tujhe masoom ladkiyon ko yun barbaad karne nahi de sakta... woh MERI hai

Ste: Aha... look who's talking... woh MERI hai...

Girl walks in.

Ste: Achcha hua tum aa gayi... tum MERI ho na jaan..

Sandeep: Abey jaan ke bhaijaan... chal hat... tum MERI ho na jaan...

Girl: Haan... main to MARY hi hoon! Mera naam bhi yaad nahi tumhe? (Slaps Ste and Sandeep and walks away in a huff)

Ste: (with his hand over his swollen right cheek) Arey bhai, yeh MARY toh na MERI na TERI ho saki...

Sandeep: (looks at him holding his swollen left cheek) ...


# 12 lines

WOH MERI HAI...

Prescript: Sandeep and Ste are fighting over a girl (as usual)!


Ste: Woh MERI hai...

Sandeep: Haan... woh TERI hai...

Ste: (surprised) haan??? tu maan gaya?

Sandeep: Haan... woh TERI hai...

Ste: (grinning) I knew it... mere bhai... (wants to hug Sandeep)

Sandeep: Haan... woh TERI hai... bhabhi!!!


(7 lines)

Sandeep v/s Sandeep

Pre-script:
Twin brothers Sandeep Balan and Sandeep Malan are standing at a bus stop. Just then, a beautiful girl clad in a skimpy outfit comes by. Sandeep's (Malan and Balan) eyes and tongue pop out. Sandeep Balan is impatient and wants to outwit his own brother. Sandeep Malan is, however, calm and confident of his charm, and lets Sandeep Balan take the initiative.

Sandeep Balan: ennavale adi ennavale,endhan idhayaththai tholaiththu vittaen
endha idam adhu tholaindha idam, andha idaththaiyum marandhu vittaen
(Translation: Oh my dear! oh my dear!I've lost my heart... The place where I lost it, that place also I forgot...)


Girl: *Slap*

Sandeep Malan: (confidently) ennavale adi ennavale, endhan idhayaththai tholaiththu vitten
endha idam adhu tholaindha idam, andha idaththaiyum marandhu vitten


Girl: *Blushes, runs towards Malan, hugs him, and plants a kiss on his cheek*

Sandeep Balan: (puzzled) How come you get the girl when we both sang the same song?

Sandeep Malan: (in typical Rajini ishtyle) Daa.. Aalu rounda iruntha podhathu...Aatathula all roundera irukkanum...
(Translation: Hey... it's not enough if a person is round... one has to be an all-rounder...)


(10 lines)

Death

She glanced at her watch. It was half-past-six. “Late, again…” she sighed to herself. She had gotten used to this. She waited at the railway station, as trains passed by every few minutes, the boy at the stall cleaned the counter with a rag, half-a-dozen people answered their cell-phones, scores of people passed her by, a couple of guys who looked like rogues checked her out from top to bottom… all this, while she waited for him. “Half an hour is just too much,” she complained to herself, “he’s had it today!”

“Hi jaanu…” he panted.
“Humpphhh,” she looked away.
“Kya hua, late hoon isliye? Kaha na tumse, main der nahi karta, der ho jaati hai!” he teased, “aur waise bhi, intezaar ke baad hi to pyar ka asli maza aata hai!”

“Yeah, right,” she mocked. He always sweet-talked her into forgetting all the anger and sneaked his way out of the mess.
“Kaisi lag rahi hoon main,” she asked. She’d worn a saree and looked every inch the prototypical young blushing Indian girl.
“Yeh saree kyon aaj, koi tyohar hai kya?” he inquired.
“Haan, tyohar hi samjho. Hamari anniversary ka…” she blushed.

He had conveniently forgotten it… even this time! By now, she’d learnt to take such things in her stride. He was never the one who’d make an effort to remember such occasions. “So what if he doesn’t remember… doesn’t mean he loves me any less!” she’d say in an attempt to console herself.

“Bahut pyaari lag rahi ho…” he said lovingly, looking at her as she blushed.
“Last week hi khareedi. Your favorite color… suits me na? Tum mujhe mummy se milwaane le jaaoge na, tab yahi saree pehnoongi,” she said excitedly, “Ab chalen? All the waiting for you has left me famished!” she laughed.

After grabbing a quick bite, they arrived at their favorite hangout—Joggers’ Park. It was a beautiful little garden by the sea, and this was where they’d first met. Every time they had a reason to celebrate, they’d come here. It was an unspoken, unwritten, but mutually agreed upon fact about their relationship. They walked hand-in-hand up to their favorite bench in the corner from where they could hear the waves, feel the breeze, and enjoy each other’s company.

They sat next to each other on the bench. She sighed and rested her head on his shoulder, while he placed his arm on her shoulder, encircled around her.
“Jaan,” she said.
“Haan, bolo..” he replied.
“I love you…” she whispered into his ear, as her lips lightly touched his cheek, his slight stubble brushing against her lips.
“Hmmm…” he said, and looked away into nowhere. She was surprised. He’d never reacted this way.
“Jaan, kya baat ho gayi?” she asked, nervous, tensed up.

He winced. “Kuch nahi,” he said without meaning it.
“Batao mujhe… mera jee ghabra raha hai…” she urged. Their relationship had not exactly been smooth sailing. Parental pressure and opposition to their marriage was bound to be there. But not so soon… she wasn’t ready for this. She cringed.
“Kaho naa…” she urged him again.

“Jaanu…kal meri engagement hai,” he said ominously.

She could not believe what had just been said!

Suddenly, she remembered something. She smiled.
“Haan…” she said, “Mujhse!!! Hai na?” she burst out laughing. “Last time aise hi dara diya thha mujhe tumne! Phir se thhode hi tumhaari baton mein aa jaaoongi?” she mocked.

His expression had not changed. Her heart skipped a beat, still unsure whether he was really joking. “Of course, he’s joking,” she calmed herself, “he is a good actor… always fools me! Lekin aaj main bhi dekhti hoon…” she geared herself up.

“Jaanu, kal seriously meri engagement hai…” he repeated.

“Really…” she teased, “mujhe invite karne aaye ho? Main kal busy hoon. Thhoda postpone kar lo na. I am sure ladki mind nahi karegi…” she went on.

His face was grim. Her instinct told her that this was not good news. Was it he… or her fate… that was playing games with her? Now she was genuinely worried.
“Jaan, sachchi hai?” she asked uncomfortably, hoping he would answer in the negative.

“Haan. Kal meri engagement hai…” he said morosely, “ladki hamare hi mazhab se hai. Mummy aur daddy ne pasand ki hai. Baat picchle hafte hi tay ho gayi thhi. Par tumhe batane ki himmat hi nahi juta paa raha thha…” he added apologetically, “I am sorry jaanu, par yahi sach hai.”

She was numbed. The world around her—the waves, the breeze, the birds—had suddenly come to a standstill. A part of her reconfirmed what she had just heard, while another part disagreed. Something within her churned. Suddenly, she could not see his face. Instead, her mind conjured up some random images that played on, in front of her eyes…

Walking on the pavement by the sea, hand-in hand, gazing into each other’s eyes, under one umbrella, in heavy rain…

Holding his hand tightly while watching a horror film in the cinema hall…

Enjoying a carefree ride on his new bike, hugging him tight, feeling the wind blowing through her hair…

Holding on to him inside the crowded compartment of a local train, his arms around her, protecting her from the crowd…

Calling him up in the middle of the night while he was on a night shift, and whispering sweet nothings to each other…

Him escorting her to the examination hall for her entrance exam and handing her his lucky pen…

Posing with him for a photograph on their wedding, when they’d get married…

Making his favorite fried fish to cheer him up when he’d come back home from work, all tired, despite being a vegetarian herself…

Lovingly scolding him for pampering their baby daughter too much…

Tears flowed from her eyes without her even realizing this was happening. Her memories, her dreams had been shattered that very instant. His message, although loud and clear, had not even started to sink in. How could fate have been so cruel to her? She desperately hoped this was a bad dream and her mum would walk in and wake her up the next moment. Alas! That was not to be…she was living all this…

“Par… …hu… h… hum??” she asked. Words failed her.
“I’m sorry,” he managed a meek reply. His voice was choked. Clearly, this wasn’t easy for him too.
“Hum?” she repeated, in a futile effort to make him change his mind.
“Jaanu… ho sake toh mujhe maaf kar do. Mujhe apni family ko choose karna pada. Main jaanta hoon main tumhare saath na-insaafi kar raha hoon… par main tumhaare liye apni family ko nahi chhod sakta. Chahe mujhe kamzor ya kuch aur keh lo… par ab kuch nahi ho sakta…” he uttered, his words interspersed with muffled sobs.

He proceeded to hold her hand. She withdrew. Bravely, she wiped her tears and then looked up at the face of the man she’d wanted to trust her life with… unfortunately, in place of him, she saw a complete stranger.
“Chalo yahan se,” she said in a stern voice, surprising herself with her courage, “der ho rahi hai. Ghar jaana hai.”
They hired a cab and sat next to each other. But neither looked at the other nor spoke a word. Deathly silence prevailed. She gave him half the fare, and he understood. He quietly took the money.

For some reason, the crowd at the station was rather thin, comprising hardly a dozen people instead of the usual scores.
“Chalta hoon,” he said without daring to look into her eyes. He turned, and walked away… and disappeared into oblivion.

The gush of tears started, blinding her vision, but that hardly mattered… there was no one to see, no one to look forward to… the few people around her wondered what had happened… but only she knew why she was crying…

At last, she let out a much-suppressed wail…

Someone had just died...

The woman… within her…

PS: Probably sounds like it's all made up, but believe me when I say it's true. It's more of a minute-by-minute account of what happened. Apologies again for having written such a sad story. Guess I have this thing with sad endings, eh? I had originally thought of naming the characters Golu and Bhondu. But Golu and Bhondu seem to be a very happy couple... so decided against it (I can see the relieved look on Sandeep's face!)...
This post also marks the beginning of a hibernation of sorts for me. I'll be back in full swing on the 28th of March (that's after my exams!). Wish me luck people... :)

All in the Family!!!

Date and Time: 16th March 2009, 10.29 pm to 10.37 pm (8 minutes)

Event: Birthday Party of John

Place: GTalk

Starring: Pretty Prats, Neha, Kajal, Rashi, Vinay and our very own birthday boy, John.

10:29 PM

Prats: hiii
Neha: heylo everyone
Rashi: John you there?
John: yup, hangin on ;)
Prats: 'day boy ??
b'day*
Neha: wait wait
people
John: oh my god ;)

10:30 PM

John: no bakras :P
Rashi: Lets start Neha?
Neha: no no
wait
Kajal has joined
Kajal: :)
Neha: WOKAYS PEOPLE
Prats: so many of us ..
Kajal: yesh

10:31 PM

Neha: HAPPY BUDDAY TO YOOOOOO
people
start singing
happy budday to yoooo
Kajal: HAPPY BUDDAY TO YOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Prats: happy bday to u,....
Neha: happy budday to yooooo
Prats: happy bday to u...
Neha: happy budday dear johnieeeeee
Prats: happy happy bday to u....
Neha: happy budday to yooooo
John: thanku <3 color="#ffff33">John: :) all smiles...
John: cant stop grinnin...

10:32 PM

Rashi: * you cant hear my voice coz I m supposed to be on the drums*
John: ;)
Neha: yaaays!!!!!!!!
John: full display of teeth :P
Neha: hahahahahah@ rashi
Vinay: johnny wherez my chocolate cake? :P
Rashi: But i'm making noise
Neha: cake
John: guess so rash,
Neha: cake
we want cake
Kajal: :)
Neha: we want cake
John: can hear de drums blastin my ears :P
come here
Rashi: Cake
:D
Neha: now budday bums
yaays!!!

10:33 PM

Rashi: I suck at it... But only for you john
John: i got dark chocolate cakes with brownies nd fudge :P
Neha: ooohhhh... wooooowwwwwwww
Kajal: dhamaal dhishkum dhamaal dhishum
Vinay: :D yumm
Rashi: For us??
Prats: m bored of choclate :(
John: yeah for u all
Kajal: na for John
Prats: can u order a pineapple pastry fr me ??
;)
John: wht wud u like prats
anythin for ya
Kajal: i heard b'day bums
John: anythin for all
Rashi: Ok I will have prats’ share
Neha: yes yesh

10:34 PM

Rashi: :P
John: enough bday bums
Neha: BDAY BUMS
John: yeah sure prats
Kajal: heheehehee
hugs to Biday Boy
*b'day
Neha: yes yes... everyone HUG
Vinay: bums to birthday boy
Neha: everyone falls over budday boy
poor johnie is trapped

10:35 PM

Vinay: haha...!
John: <3>Neha: hahahahahaha
Prats: :d
:D
:D
John: wht can i do :P
Rashi: I wont fall on you, promise... I will never want yr bday to be the day you break yr ribs
Neha: THIS IS THE BEST ONLINE BUDDAY PARTY EVERRRRRRRR
John: u ppl ve been so kind
Neha: YAAYS
Kajal: yeaaaaaaaaaaah
:)
John: thank u rash
had fun doc
Rashi: :D :D
It aint my bday but me grinning like a moron
Neha: hope u liked our little surprise
Neha: me toooo grinning

10:37 PM

John: i'm enjoyin every moment of it Neha, Rashi, Prats, Vinay
and Kaju
i love kaju katris by the way :P
Kajal: kaju
:)
me loves this name..
John: thanks for de gala time

PS: Dear WL Family, we all got together last night for this impromptu birthday party of our very own John. It really felt as though it was a family celebration. Hence, I thought we should share this with the rest of you all as well. We all enjoyed it immensely! I request admin to compile a list of gmail IDs of all family members so that we all can add each other on GTalk and get together online for more of such celebrations! WL will ensure that each of it's members has a gala party, signature WL ishtyle! What say everyone? :)

Etched in memory

Pre-script: Cross-posted from my blog

Under the blanket of the dark sky

Lit up by stars

They lay next to each other

Their hearts thumping wildly

Wanting to be one but holding back…

The world was fast asleep, and the wind

Hummed a mellow tune

Their chests heaved together

They breathed as though they were one

So close, yet so far apart…

They pulled closer… and closer still, until

They could hear each other sigh

He looked at her

She looked away

Their lips trembling to meet…

And then…

Their lips, parched for love, finally met

In a kiss so divine

Their hearts, united, beating as one

Their breaths, in harmony with each other

Their bodies, entwined…

Crazily passionate, hungry for love

Their lips, locked

Their souls, one

They lay in each other’s arms

And let themselves drift away to sleep…

And the world around was in a deep slumber

Oblivious, unaware

Of the union, the communion

The moment, the night,

That magical night…

(PS: This is NOT a work of fiction or imagination. I was afraid that the memories of that special night would fade away with time. This is an attempt to capture those moments in words so that the memories of that night remain with me forever. Dedicated to him...)

Over a cuppa coffee

Pre-script: All names mentioned are fictitious. Any resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely co-incidental.

“Here’s a steaming cuppa Neha’s special espresso sir…” I announced as I entered Sandy’s cabin. It was 4’o clock, time for our coffee break at work. We used to sit in adjacent cabins. Dark, unsweetened espresso coffee, the stock markets, and writing were a few of the threads that bound us.

“And who’s that chick?” I exclaimed, on seeing a sweet girl’s photograph rather than the usual Raghu (of Roadies fame) on his desktop.

“That’s Bhondu…” he said without taking his eyes off the computer, “my Bhondu…”

“What… Bhondu?!?!?!” the weirdness of the name struck me.

“Yeah, Bhondu… Kajal… my girl…” Sandeep blushed.

“Oooooooohhhhhh…. Bhondu… and what does she call you? Dhondu ?!?!?!?” I retorted.

“Naah… I’m Golu…” he replied, amused.

“Sandy’s so much better…” I said.

“Yeah, but try telling that to my mother… she’s the one who nicknamed me Golu…” he defended.

“Come to think of it, Golu is better than Bhonduuuuuu…” I burst out laughing.

“Yeah right, that was my reaction too when I first heard it, but try telling that to her mother…” he replied.

“Thank God my mother never gave me a weird nickname! But dude, how come you never mentioned her in 8 months?” I asked. “Tell me about her… now,” I demanded.

“I can vividly recall our first meeting… we met in the train. Mum and I were on our way back from a wedding in Trichur… and she was also with her mum. Her mum called her Bhondu… and I couldn’t hold my laughter… but then, soon, it was my turn to be laughed at… my mum entered and addressed me as Goluuuuu… you should have seen her giggle at that… that smile… oh… that very moment, I was floored! Then we talked throughout the journey; I came to know that she stayed pretty close by… and before we knew it, we’d fallen in love…” Sandy got nostalgic.

“Aww… that’s so sweet… and then?” now, I was getting interested.

“We were both in college, albeit different ones. Phone calls, dates, movies… it was beautiful… She was very easy to win over... very specifically, pink roses, Cadbury’s dairy milk chocolates, teddies, and small trinkets… Our regular hangout was this shack on the beach, mainly because that was the only thing I could afford! She loved the chaat there… she used to tell the vendor to make it extra tangy and then, while eating, she’d lick the chutney off her fingers…” he reminisced, as I let out an Eeeewwwwww!

“And then,” I asked.

“Time flew by, and we graduated. I decided to do a post-grad degree from the US. She was happy but clearly upset. I remember her call as I was about to board my flight. She was afraid that in one year, I’d forget her and fall for some blonde chick in the US,” he chuckled, “Crazy girl! Then I pacified her… one year? I wouldn’t trade her for anyone in one lifetime!!!” he said.

“Wow… you are one crazy romantic at heart dude!” I exclaimed, “And then you came back... and???” I asked.

“A few months after I was back, she called me to say she was going to the US for a year. Now, it was my turn to feel insecure. I realized how she must’ve felt when I was going away. It would be killing… but then, she pacified me.”

“Hehehehe… tasted your own medicine huh?” I teased, “You guys never fought and made up? Seems like you were always agreeing to what she said, you romantic fool…”

“No, not at all. We fought like crazy. In fact, just this weekend, we had a huge fight over how she’d not called me or spoken to me online in weeks. She said, she’d been busy… as if I don’t know how it is like, in the US. I didn’t budge… and I banged the phone as well…”

“So, how many years with her?” I was getting excited about it.

“Seven years…” he sighed.

“Wow… seven years… that’s huge!” I remarked. “So, when are you inviting me for you wedding?” I teased him.

“Wedding, eh? There’s a slight problem…” he said, his voice ominously low.

“Arey yaar, no religion problem there… caste-waste aajkal kaun dekhta hai… and jab miya biwi raazi, toh kya karenge paaji? Chat mangni te pat byaah ho jaaye… I think it’s high time you guys got married… you are totally made for each other… and mad for each other!!!” I was on fire.

“I can’t marry her,” he said, “because she’s no more,” he said, looking at me, smiling, tears welling up in his eyes.

I could not believe my ears! “BBuutttt, how… where…” I stammered.

“I hung up on her this weekend… little did I know that it would be our last conversation… the next day, I got a call from her parents informing me that she’d succumbed to cancer of the pancreas, a disease that she’d been diagnosed with when I was in the US. She’d never told me about it, lest it worry me and distract me from my studies. In fact, she was in the US for treatment. And I shouted at her for not calling me and speaking to me… Worse still, I didn’t even apologize… and before I knew it, she’d left me… forever…” Sandy was wailing now.

On impulse, I hugged Sandy. Oh, the pain… a lump formed in my throat. I didn’t realize when tears started to flow from my eyes… I didn’t know what to say, what to do.

“How could you be so unfair God?” I silently asked, my eyes staring at the ceiling.

“Life is like that Nehu… unjust, unfair, but we’ve gotta live it… and move on,” Sandy replied, as though he’d heard my question.

“You know Nehu…” Sandy sobbed, “she may be gone, but her presence lingers. My Bhondu will always be here… in her Golu’s heart… and if you ever love someone, don’t wait for the next day or next moment to say it or apologize… coz you’ll never know when life takes him or her away…”

“A lesson learnt, but at what cost… a lifetime of pain?” I thought, as we hugged each other, crying, sharing the sorrow. Life, at times, was indeed unfair… and we, mere mortals, helpless.

My journey back home that evening was slightly different. I would usually switch off my mobile phone and go off to sleep on my way in the train. That day, the first thing I did on my journey back home was to call up my family members and my boyfriend and say three simple words: I love you.

PS: Apologies for the sad ending. Had to retain the names of the characters because it's a series. Apolgies for that as well. It's pretty much a true story... happened to one of my friends. This is dedicated to him. So all of you out there, say the three magical words to your loved ones as many times as possible. Doesn't cost anything! :)

Waiting...

A beautiful February evening
Hand-picked flowers in his hand, eagerness in his eyes,
A man waits...
For the cars to pass by, so he can run
Into the arms of his lady, waiting on the other side...

A smoldering May afternoon
From behind the veil covering her face, her bangles tinkling
A woman looks...
Satisfied, as her husband wipes the sweat off his brow
Both stealing silent glances under a tree, over lunch...

A rainy July morning
Hand-in-hand, an umbrella shielding them from the showers
A couple sits...
By the sea, savoring each others' company
The years spent in togetherness, the lessons learnt, the love shared...

A chilly December night
Cuddled inside a blanket, in a corner of her bed
A girl blushes...
Hearing her lover whisper sweet nothings on the phone
Wishing he was next to her, right by her side...

February, May, July, December... morning, afternoon, evening, night
Lonely, longing, sighing, wanting to be loved
I wait...
For moments like these to happen to me
Alas!
Love is all round me, yet strangely elusive
Hope starts to slip away...

And with a new day, it all comes back
The loneliness, the longing, the hope
Of finding true love... in that special someone...
Made for me... just for me!

(PS: To all those who want to be in love... don't lose hope... coz' someone, somewhere is made for you!)

Love...

“What the f***… “ I cursed the lift.

This was it. It couldn’t get any worse. It had been a terrible, terrible day! Tears welled up in my eyes. God hated me. He did. Helpless, I dragged myself up the stairs, my breath interspersed with muffled sobs. I had hit nadir. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, I reached my destination—the seventh floor.

The door was open. He stood at the door, impatient, waiting for me. Alas, I was so absorbed in my sorrow that I walked right past him into the living room. He could sense that I was upset. Without uttering a word, he followed me into the kitchen. He stood there, looking at me as I opened the refrigerator, poured myself a glass of water, and gulped it. He still stood there, probably giving me time to come to terms with myself.

I sighed and started to walk towards the bathroom to wash my face. After gaining a little composure, I opened the door of the bathroom, only to find him waiting right outside. He simply looked at me with his deep brown eyes. He wanted to say something, probably ask me what was wrong; however, I was in no mood for such games—deciphering what’s going on in his mind. In a huff, I walked past him to my bed and lay there sobbing.

Suddenly, I felt him close, next to me, the warmth of his breath on my neck. The next moment, I felt his hand on mine… a sort of reassurance that he was there for me. I needn’t worry. His hair rubbed against my shoulder, still moist and fragrant from a shower about an hour ago.

I turned. Our eyes met. Oh those deep brown eyes! By then, my sobs had subsided a bit. And then, I closed my eyes as his lips landed a tender caress on my cheek. His grip on my hand tightened, as though he held it to calm me down. I opened my eyes to look at him. I can never forget the look on his face—innocent, reassuring, smiling, calming—it touched me deep inside my heart. Traces of a smile appeared on my face. Not a word was spoken. But still, I somehow knew that with him by my side, everything was going to be okay. He loved me… unconditionally.

Tears welled up in my eyes yet again, but this time around, they were tears of joy, of love, of belonging. I lovingly ran my fingers through his hair, smiling and crying at the same time… to which, he responded…





…with a jubilant “Bow wow!”

All was fine. Life was beautiful again. With Trixcy around, it would always be…


PS: This post is espcially for Trixcy, my pet doggie. Every evening, he waits for me at the door, and follows me all over the house wagging his tail. He can't read this, but he is right here, sitting next to me and staring at the screen and now, at me... with the same deep brown eyes, as I post this. :)

Love...

Leaves a smile on your face
Or a tear in your eye
Very difficult to know, to confess, and to abide by, still
Enticing to fall into!

My attempt at acrostic poetry! Wrote it on an impulse... waiting for comments! :)