Thoughts run through my mind at all times. Working in the office or at home, laughing with friends, walking the roads, even while making love, there are a million things that are going on in my head. We would be discussing the country's economy. You would probably think that I am fully concentrating on what you are saying, and I would probably be making all the right responses too, but I might, in all likelihood be thinking that the girl seated at the next table has great earrings.
That's what an average woman is like. For years I have been swearing on all things holy that I'm not your average girl. And yet, time and again, I prove myself wrong.
I started out by being the biggest bawling baby one ever had the [(mis)fortune?] to meet. Took me time to grow out of it, also out of the flashes of temper I would display at sudden moments. As days, months and then years flew past, I developed into something nobody could be sure of at any given moment. I would be cruising along perfectly on a path and then suddenly veer off on a tangent. And that goes for decisions regarding stuff ranging from the dinner main dish to the college I graduated from.
A friend of mine said something about me once and I quote " smart, individualistic, strong opinions - mildly opinionated, but not to a harmful degree yet - intelligent, absorbs, doesn't share, but comes across like she does, which makes her easier to get along with. Watchful has no problems giving 90% of herself to others, who may mistake it for 100%, but fiercely guards the other 10%, which really is her core. She has to trust you very deeply to let you in there and it's a rare person who gets in there; she won't help you by guiding you, you'll have to figure out by yourself...the fact that you did figure out is one of the most important criteria to reaching the core. Hurts easily, but has developed a strong wall and so it doesn't pain that much - that wall is the same thing that keeps people out of the core. In fact, the fact that she does that is the wall. "
And it is completely true…
Monday, September 3, 2007
Chariots of the Gods
I have been a ‘land-locked’ person for most of my life. My first visit to the beach was in the year 1993 when I went with my family to Puri, in Orissa, for my winter vacations.
Puri is a place that sees a constant inflow of tourists throughout the year, both for its beaches and for Jagannath Temple, one of the Char Dhams, but the crowd is especially large during festival times and vacations.
We had arrived two days before Christmas, in the evening, and without any prior bookings made.
End result – we had to hunt around for lodging for over 3 hours before we could finally get a place to stay. We were seeking rooms at one of our last few options when I got to see the sea for the very first time in my life.
I was awed by what I saw. The sea was almost inky black, and with the waves breaking on the shore and the sounds that are typical of the sea rushing in, it was a sight not forgotten easily, a magnificence that is hard to capture in words.
After a few fun filled days spent frolicking on the beach, we decided to push off to Konark, which is situated 35 km from Puri, and is home to the Sun Temple, also called the Black Pagoda.
We hired a car from Puri and drove along the Puri-Konark Marine Drive. I don’t recall much about the drive except that the beaches that lined the road were as good as any you would find in Mauritius, with white, unpolluted sands and a clear green sea. And not to forget are the absolutely lip smacking samosas and huge rasgullas we had at a tiny chai-paani stall on the way.
Konark Temple is a world apart altogether. An architectural grandeur, the temple is covered with marvelously designed sculptures in all sizes. Legend has it that the temple was constructed by Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, in honor of Sun God. Although I was too small at that time to appreciate it very much, I still remember being amazed at the size of the huge wheels all around it and the intricate carvings all over the temple.
We came back after a week, 5 shades darker, with luggage full of native Odissi handicrafts, loads of shopping, and beautiful memories of our time in the sun ‘n sand.
Puri is a place that sees a constant inflow of tourists throughout the year, both for its beaches and for Jagannath Temple, one of the Char Dhams, but the crowd is especially large during festival times and vacations.
We had arrived two days before Christmas, in the evening, and without any prior bookings made.
End result – we had to hunt around for lodging for over 3 hours before we could finally get a place to stay. We were seeking rooms at one of our last few options when I got to see the sea for the very first time in my life.
I was awed by what I saw. The sea was almost inky black, and with the waves breaking on the shore and the sounds that are typical of the sea rushing in, it was a sight not forgotten easily, a magnificence that is hard to capture in words.
After a few fun filled days spent frolicking on the beach, we decided to push off to Konark, which is situated 35 km from Puri, and is home to the Sun Temple, also called the Black Pagoda.
We hired a car from Puri and drove along the Puri-Konark Marine Drive. I don’t recall much about the drive except that the beaches that lined the road were as good as any you would find in Mauritius, with white, unpolluted sands and a clear green sea. And not to forget are the absolutely lip smacking samosas and huge rasgullas we had at a tiny chai-paani stall on the way.
Konark Temple is a world apart altogether. An architectural grandeur, the temple is covered with marvelously designed sculptures in all sizes. Legend has it that the temple was constructed by Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, in honor of Sun God. Although I was too small at that time to appreciate it very much, I still remember being amazed at the size of the huge wheels all around it and the intricate carvings all over the temple.
We came back after a week, 5 shades darker, with luggage full of native Odissi handicrafts, loads of shopping, and beautiful memories of our time in the sun ‘n sand.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
The Proposal
‘ Where are we going?’ she asked.
‘Just hold on. You will come to know in another hour.’
He had been like this for some days now. No matter how she prodded him, she just couldn’t get him to tell her their destination. It was her 24th birthday and he had planned a surprise that she had no clue about. But no matter what it was, she was sure she was going to love it.
‘I love you!’
’I love you too.’
Barely four months had passed since they had met for the first time. Yet tonight she couldn't imagine how she could have spent so many years of her life without him. They had met each other and within hours she had known that they shared the same opinions, likes, dislikes, tastes. And within a few meetings she knew she had found the man she would like to share the rest of her life with. Sitting there beside him, she couldn’t recollect another time when she was as happy and so at peace with the world. But there was something that cast a small shadow on her happiness.
‘What are you thinking?’ he spoke up suddenly, almost as if he could read her mind.
‘Nothing! Just that how upset you were when you heard that my friend is also coming today.’
‘Yeah I was. Actually, I wanted this night to be very special with just you and me. An alien with us would have been a major upset. But I'm glad you came up with such a good excuse to get rid of him.’
‘I had to. I wanted just you to be the first one to wish me Happy Birthday and no one else.’
‘I know.’
It had been a close call. Her friend had insisted on coming to visit her for her birthday. Although she was happy because of it, it was rapidly turning into a nightmare with him insisting to be at her side as the clock struck midnight. She didn’t know what she wanted as her birthday gift but she sure knew she didn’t want her private moments with Him to be intruded upon.
The excuse had come just at the nick of time and here they were, just the two of them, heading out of the city.
They crossed the toll plaza and out of the city limits.
He turned towards her, ’Haven't you guessed yet?’
‘No. May be if we go a little farther… ‘
’This damn traffic is slowing us down’ he groused, ‘I wanted to reach there before the clock struck twelve but it seems like we will have to celebrate your birthday on the way.’
‘Doesn't matter. All that matters is that we will be together.’
And that was all that really mattered. As they sped down the road, she kept looking back to past four months and realized anew what he had come to mean to her in such a short time.
As she came back to the present and looked out ahead, a sneaking suspicion as to their destination goal came to her mind.
‘Are we going to Lonavala?’
They had just left the highway and got on the expressway. This was a straight hint to her.
’Yes we are. I thought it would be perfect place for your birthday celebrations. I know a spot over there, which will be totally surrounded by clouds in this season. And with the town lights shining below.
It is a beautiful sight.’
She couldn’t believe it!!!
’WOW! Now I'm excited to reach there.’
’Just sit back, relax and listen to this good music while I drive you there.’
***
They were still quite a long way from Lonavala when she turned 24. Calls started coming in to wish her. She switched off her phone because she wanted him to wish her first. They stopped on the way side and he turned towards her
‘Happy Birthday Darling!’
’Thank you so much my love.’
They hugged and kissed each other.
‘So what is the plan once we reach there?’
‘My plan was to wish you and kiss you up at that romantic spot. But doing it on expressway with vehicles speeding past was no less thrilling. We will go there anyway. We have got the full night to kill. Haven't we?’
‘Of course and after that the full day too.’
‘Yes!’
By the time they reached Lonavala, she was wondering what did he have planned for her. He had told her earlier that he had plans for a cake and drinks too, but the arrival of her friend and the subsequent traffic on the roads had made it fly out of his mind. Not that she minded of course. They could always have that later.
‘That spot is another half-an-hour uphill drive from here. You will love it.’
‘Hmmm…’
But halfway up the hill, dense fog defeated their aim. They were both leaning out of the windows to see the road, it was that bad. They finally had to turn back. She was quite upset now. It had promised to be a nice view from the top and knowing the time of the day she knew they would have had all the chance to have a private celebration, just the two of them. But what bothered her more was that He was even more disturbed.
‘Now what?’ she asked.
‘Did you notice that small bridge while coming?’
‘Yeah. The bridge that had glowing reflectors in the middle of the road giving it the appearance of an airport runway.’
‘We will go there. What do you say?’
‘Perfect!’
‘Then you can change in the car and show me the new dress that you have bought?’
‘Absolutely perfect!’
When they did reach the bridge she could see that it was actually a beautiful spot for them to celebrate her birthday. She still didn’t know what was the plan, but with vehicles passing them rarely, it was quite secluded .
‘Now, you go outside and wait for me while I change into my new dress.’
‘Okie Dokie. Make it fast.’
‘No peeking allowed. And don’t you dare turn around until I tell you so.’
‘Okay okay... ‘
While she changed in the back of the car, she wondered what his reaction would be. She had chosen the outfit carefully and it was the first time she was wearing something like this. He had come into her world and made her feel beautiful. She just hoped that he would find her beautiful in this.
She got out and started walking towards him. She halted a few feet away from him and struck a pose.
‘Okay, you can turn around now.’
‘WoW! Someone is looking hot!’
She could see the admiration in his eyes. And it made her feel desirable.
‘Thank you. Now come here and give me a kiss.’
‘I will. But first …’
And then he was getting down to his knees in front of her...
***
She instantly felt that she knew what he was up to but somehow it seemed too good to be true. She started panicking.
‘Oh my God! Oh my God! Darling, no, no please...’
‘Will you marry this idiot?’
Oh my God, she thought, he is actually doing this. They had been talking about this for some time now but never in her wildest dreams had she thought that he would actually go through with it. Sometimes, she even thought that it might not happen at all.
An overwhelming joy filled her heart and tears came into her eyes.
‘Yes Yes Yes’
And she kissed him, kissed him, kissed him ............
‘Just hold on. You will come to know in another hour.’
He had been like this for some days now. No matter how she prodded him, she just couldn’t get him to tell her their destination. It was her 24th birthday and he had planned a surprise that she had no clue about. But no matter what it was, she was sure she was going to love it.
‘I love you!’
’I love you too.’
Barely four months had passed since they had met for the first time. Yet tonight she couldn't imagine how she could have spent so many years of her life without him. They had met each other and within hours she had known that they shared the same opinions, likes, dislikes, tastes. And within a few meetings she knew she had found the man she would like to share the rest of her life with. Sitting there beside him, she couldn’t recollect another time when she was as happy and so at peace with the world. But there was something that cast a small shadow on her happiness.
‘What are you thinking?’ he spoke up suddenly, almost as if he could read her mind.
‘Nothing! Just that how upset you were when you heard that my friend is also coming today.’
‘Yeah I was. Actually, I wanted this night to be very special with just you and me. An alien with us would have been a major upset. But I'm glad you came up with such a good excuse to get rid of him.’
‘I had to. I wanted just you to be the first one to wish me Happy Birthday and no one else.’
‘I know.’
It had been a close call. Her friend had insisted on coming to visit her for her birthday. Although she was happy because of it, it was rapidly turning into a nightmare with him insisting to be at her side as the clock struck midnight. She didn’t know what she wanted as her birthday gift but she sure knew she didn’t want her private moments with Him to be intruded upon.
The excuse had come just at the nick of time and here they were, just the two of them, heading out of the city.
They crossed the toll plaza and out of the city limits.
He turned towards her, ’Haven't you guessed yet?’
‘No. May be if we go a little farther… ‘
’This damn traffic is slowing us down’ he groused, ‘I wanted to reach there before the clock struck twelve but it seems like we will have to celebrate your birthday on the way.’
‘Doesn't matter. All that matters is that we will be together.’
And that was all that really mattered. As they sped down the road, she kept looking back to past four months and realized anew what he had come to mean to her in such a short time.
As she came back to the present and looked out ahead, a sneaking suspicion as to their destination goal came to her mind.
‘Are we going to Lonavala?’
They had just left the highway and got on the expressway. This was a straight hint to her.
’Yes we are. I thought it would be perfect place for your birthday celebrations. I know a spot over there, which will be totally surrounded by clouds in this season. And with the town lights shining below.
It is a beautiful sight.’
She couldn’t believe it!!!
’WOW! Now I'm excited to reach there.’
’Just sit back, relax and listen to this good music while I drive you there.’
***
They were still quite a long way from Lonavala when she turned 24. Calls started coming in to wish her. She switched off her phone because she wanted him to wish her first. They stopped on the way side and he turned towards her
‘Happy Birthday Darling!’
’Thank you so much my love.’
They hugged and kissed each other.
‘So what is the plan once we reach there?’
‘My plan was to wish you and kiss you up at that romantic spot. But doing it on expressway with vehicles speeding past was no less thrilling. We will go there anyway. We have got the full night to kill. Haven't we?’
‘Of course and after that the full day too.’
‘Yes!’
By the time they reached Lonavala, she was wondering what did he have planned for her. He had told her earlier that he had plans for a cake and drinks too, but the arrival of her friend and the subsequent traffic on the roads had made it fly out of his mind. Not that she minded of course. They could always have that later.
‘That spot is another half-an-hour uphill drive from here. You will love it.’
‘Hmmm…’
But halfway up the hill, dense fog defeated their aim. They were both leaning out of the windows to see the road, it was that bad. They finally had to turn back. She was quite upset now. It had promised to be a nice view from the top and knowing the time of the day she knew they would have had all the chance to have a private celebration, just the two of them. But what bothered her more was that He was even more disturbed.
‘Now what?’ she asked.
‘Did you notice that small bridge while coming?’
‘Yeah. The bridge that had glowing reflectors in the middle of the road giving it the appearance of an airport runway.’
‘We will go there. What do you say?’
‘Perfect!’
‘Then you can change in the car and show me the new dress that you have bought?’
‘Absolutely perfect!’
When they did reach the bridge she could see that it was actually a beautiful spot for them to celebrate her birthday. She still didn’t know what was the plan, but with vehicles passing them rarely, it was quite secluded .
‘Now, you go outside and wait for me while I change into my new dress.’
‘Okie Dokie. Make it fast.’
‘No peeking allowed. And don’t you dare turn around until I tell you so.’
‘Okay okay... ‘
While she changed in the back of the car, she wondered what his reaction would be. She had chosen the outfit carefully and it was the first time she was wearing something like this. He had come into her world and made her feel beautiful. She just hoped that he would find her beautiful in this.
She got out and started walking towards him. She halted a few feet away from him and struck a pose.
‘Okay, you can turn around now.’
‘WoW! Someone is looking hot!’
She could see the admiration in his eyes. And it made her feel desirable.
‘Thank you. Now come here and give me a kiss.’
‘I will. But first …’
And then he was getting down to his knees in front of her...
***
She instantly felt that she knew what he was up to but somehow it seemed too good to be true. She started panicking.
‘Oh my God! Oh my God! Darling, no, no please...’
‘Will you marry this idiot?’
Oh my God, she thought, he is actually doing this. They had been talking about this for some time now but never in her wildest dreams had she thought that he would actually go through with it. Sometimes, she even thought that it might not happen at all.
An overwhelming joy filled her heart and tears came into her eyes.
‘Yes Yes Yes’
And she kissed him, kissed him, kissed him ............
For the love of...
I am a part of the silent darkness. All I can see are muffled shapes around, all I can hear are slight rustlings. People are waiting with baited breath. I am thinking – "please God no, no…"
And then suddenly the whole theater erupts into thunderous applause; whistles, catcalls and wild clappings drown out anything that anybody might be saying.
You see, Aamir Khan has just scored the six that determines the defeat of the usurping British and a sure shot mention for Bhuvan in the pages of India's Struggle for Freedom.
Lagaan was my introduction to the chavanni audience. For the enlightenment of those readers of mine who have no clue of what I am talking about, the chavanni audience are those devoted movie goers who live with the movies. The men (and in some rare cases, women) who will most often be found in the front rows, cheering when Aamir khan aka Bhuvan wins against the British, crying when Joanna in Kramer Vs Kramer says " I came here to take my son home. And I realised he already is home"… and who cant resist popping back into a room they have just vacated to say "I will be back".
I don't really remember the movies I saw in the theaters as a child. What I do remember is bunking college and waving my arms up and down with 16 of my gal friends in tune to 'wo ladki hai kahan' from DCH, jigging to 'it's the time to disco' from Kal Ho Na Ho as multicoloured lights filled up the movie hall and more recently, clapping as the last scene of Black Friday faded from the screen. My experience of movie watching in cinema halls is so much more memorable because of that crowd.
I really do plan to have the best home theater system that I could get at my place. But I would be returning back to the theaters over and over again to be a part of that spellbound audience, for the love of living the movies.
And then suddenly the whole theater erupts into thunderous applause; whistles, catcalls and wild clappings drown out anything that anybody might be saying.
You see, Aamir Khan has just scored the six that determines the defeat of the usurping British and a sure shot mention for Bhuvan in the pages of India's Struggle for Freedom.
Lagaan was my introduction to the chavanni audience. For the enlightenment of those readers of mine who have no clue of what I am talking about, the chavanni audience are those devoted movie goers who live with the movies. The men (and in some rare cases, women) who will most often be found in the front rows, cheering when Aamir khan aka Bhuvan wins against the British, crying when Joanna in Kramer Vs Kramer says " I came here to take my son home. And I realised he already is home"… and who cant resist popping back into a room they have just vacated to say "I will be back".
I don't really remember the movies I saw in the theaters as a child. What I do remember is bunking college and waving my arms up and down with 16 of my gal friends in tune to 'wo ladki hai kahan' from DCH, jigging to 'it's the time to disco' from Kal Ho Na Ho as multicoloured lights filled up the movie hall and more recently, clapping as the last scene of Black Friday faded from the screen. My experience of movie watching in cinema halls is so much more memorable because of that crowd.
I really do plan to have the best home theater system that I could get at my place. But I would be returning back to the theaters over and over again to be a part of that spellbound audience, for the love of living the movies.
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