Beyond “Boundaries”

It has been just two days since resignation but already its been tough.It is always a struggle when we miss something which is a routine for quite sometime.I have spent time watching Cricket Matches and songs on Television. I am really running out of ideas as to how to spend the next few days.I think I am well past those days when I used to have a voracious appetite for books.I simple don’t have the patience to sit through an entire novel these days.But today morning , I chanced upon Paddy Upton’s blogs.I read only a couple of them but I just can’t have enough of it.The thought process of this man is simply mind blowing.For those who have not heard of him, Paddy Upton is the ‘Biokineticist’ & Sports Psychologist of the Indian Cricket Team.

One topic that instantly caught my fancy was “Self Organized Learners”.To put it in simple terms,he calls those willing to practice this theory as “people who think for themselves”.The best thing is that he stops with just a couple of lines,instead of dwelling on it,allowing the reader to come up with his/her own interpretations and relate to his/her own thought process.This set me thinking,and I tried to come up with my own interpretations of what he meant.The following are my personal views where in I have tried to come up with a summary as to how we can assimilate his thoughts.The individual,sits down,thinking on what could be the possible solutions to a particular scenario.The same applies to all players in a group.At the end,each individual shares his/her views to bring out the best possible outcome.It sounds so simple,but it is very tough to practice.The process behind it is amazing, a closer look would reveal that each individual has set his mind thinking to find a solution without any external help,and also learn the best practices of others.Thus,after each group analysis,the individual emerges a better person than what he was before it,and also the quality of the team improves after every outing.This is not a scenario where people are thrown the long end of the rope without a clue.At the same time,there is no focal point or “senior mentor”.Each peer latently helps the other!

Imagine each and every one of us thinking to ourselves ” I am no Edison.I am no Einstein either.I may not have the capacity to invent anything( who cares for it??!!),but still,I definitely can do certain things,the best way as only I possibly can!”.Sounds great!

Paddy Upton’s theories are tailor made for guys like me,who don’t have the patience to sit through personality improvement lectures for long hours.Only the tip is revealed,and the rest is left to our imagination.I am this sort of person who loves sitting alone,and imagining,living out, dreaming- (I just can’t find the right phrase)- about the things that I want to do in the very near future,I see it visually, as to how we see a cinema..and I try penning it down in words.. yes a perennial “dreamer”.. but who does not love to dream??

It also set me thinking on a few other things that I have been trying hard to practice.Just two weeks before my resignation,I had decided that I wanted to be good( or at least diplomatic,at best) to each and every one I was gonna get in touch with.It was difficult,believe me,at times people really tested my nerves but I quickly realized it was not impossible.I knew that it was possibly the last time I was gonna meet a few people in person for the near future,so I had made up my mind that,at least by the time I leave,parties from both sides should have only pleasant memories.I was reasonably successful I should say.I even went to the extent of taking people who bitched about me ,behind my back to my manager for a treat,with me bearing the expenses.I personally believe that it works out best when you try to be good to people who were not so good to you, as it stings them hard!One of the foremost things that made it possible was cutting down on expectations.Frustration arises mostly when expectations are not met,leading to bitterness and anger,so I had lowered my expectations.Nope it was not a Saint life,where one has to cut down on the root causes( which, in my humble opinion is never possible for mortals like us).It was just plain simple life in the sense that one needs to hold back on the urge to chase things that we covet/desire , but when it comes along,there is no harm in enjoying it to the fullest.I have tried to put this into practice,and it has been quite an emotional bliss so far.

Yeah I think we can wind up on that cos else,it would be me blowing my own trumpet a bit too much.This prompts me to ruminate on another happening that has set me thinking.A clip of Mr.T R (Vijaya T.Rajhendhar) losing his cool when a reporter asks him why he is not able to draw crowds like others.What followed was utter chaos,with T.R making desperate efforts to promote himself.This happens sometimes to us too.We try to comfort ourselves with the fact that we are the best,or better than other/other(s) who we think are our rivals,without pausing to think if we really have solid credentials to back ourselves.It becomes really dangerous,as after a point,our growth as an individual might stop,if we refuse to come out of the cocoon,as we first fix it up in our mind that we are correct, and then try to reason out facts for it,though ideally it should be the other way around.So that could probably be my next challenging activity.To go back in time and check out if I had acted with that sort of mindset in any such situation,and if possible set it right at least now.Look at the classic digression in topic.I had started out with Paddy Upton’s “thinking for ourselves”,only to end up talking about myself, and our TR,moving over to “thinking about ourselves” instead.Paddy Upton and T.R,though in contrasting styles, have set me thinking!
More to come..

June 01 2007: A defining moment in my career,the first day of the orientation programme at COGNIZANT.We had just finished college three weeks back and so we did not have even time to let the feeling sink in.The day seemed just like another ordinary day,with good buddy Viki dropping me at Liberty Bus stop in the evening and me getting into a 12B after a mini struggle ,until I got a call from Srikanth..”Machi ..I got placed da”.. those words really made the day.. I have been with him through a torrid month in his academic life and this was really warm news for all his good friends..

After the first few days, we were clubbed into a batch titled “AJ34″.Only after meeting people there,did I realise how invisible outside my department because almost all girls from IT department did not even know that I was from their college!I built bonds really thick
and fast and got to know more about a few people than those 4 years in college.It was unlimited fun,if one could ignore those minor irritants in the form of exit tests.It just seemed like an extension of college.. life was getting better..and I got aquainted to some really wonderful people..( especially KAVYA-she is one of the most interesting personalities I have ever met.. )

The fun continued through the month of July and August…and what Lalith Modi was to IPL,Siddharth was to AJ34.. he introduced a game titled “Mafia” which soon became our staple diet..It also brought our batch a lot closer..Bench life though was getting monotonous beyond a point and I starting putting serious effort towards my Graduate Record Exam preparations. On September 17,we were deployed into different projects..

I was ushered into the account “HartFord Life” in Thoraipakkam Campus.Initially,I was supporting the Business Analysts and had to make shuttle trips to Palikaranai for my Oracle Training.It was quite a challenge to keep pace with my GRE preparations during this time.I used to sit in the lobby at PKN office in the mornings for revising my word lists and in the evenings, I continued my preparations while returning by bus from TCO.I used to take up the last seat where the lights were really dim.The journey via the velachery by pass roads added to the eeriness,making me wonder if ever bright times were around the corner…

Another twist in the tale, one that would change my life for ever… In the first week of October,I was pulled into the Oracle Back End team in my project as they were short of resources to start development work.I was working under a brilliant Project Lead Hema,to whom I am indebted for having confidence to entrust responsibilities on some one who was a novice.I gave my GRE a shot on October 18,and God’s grace , I got 1450..but this time too,no time to celebrate because I had a deliverable the same day.I finished my GRE at around 12 noon,and was back to PKN at 1 30 to report to work!

Things started getting hectic in November, and again I had to balance out between my work and application procedures to the Univs(most of my work in this regard was offloaded by my sweet sister.. lucky to have her around!).

December:An eventful month..began with some drama with me almost missing my dearest friend Lakshmi’s engagement thanks to a deliverable at office.I somehow managed to pull it off and make it to the function at the last minute…It was a month of hope and near misses..Had an emotionally draining time,especially as the year drew to a close..but there was some solace towards the business end of it all,with the dawn of the new year bringing me super cool news that I was selected as the “Star of the month” at the account level for my contribution towards my project…

It definitely was a very defining year for me,career wise and also on the personal front.. one that made me carry joy,hope, and the subsequent gatecrashes, pain,disappointment,elation all along…but looking back, one that would be hard to forget..!

Last movie seen in a theatre:
Vellithirai(Enjoyed it)

What book are you reading?
Was a voracious reader once upon a time but not much these days.. last read a book some time back on the experiences of a british diplomat who was in India during the late 80’s and mid 90’s

Favourite board game:
I am an outdoor sports freak but would not mind a game of snake and ladder!

Favourite magazine:
Sportstar

Favourite smells:
The leather on a cricket ball,amma’s vathakozhambu,petrol,fresh paint,bakery bread,”gatsby” deo,”Channel” perfume.

Favourite sound:
Of course..ball crashing into the timber and also hitting the sweet spot on the willow(music to my ears),my niece’s shreiks when i pull her leg..

Worst feeling in the world:
Going to bed on a day that has not been yours…

What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?
Give a longing look at the mobile( to check out time) to see if its really time for day break..

Favourite fast food place:
Matta’s(ashok pillar),You can create your own spots with those stool like chairs right along the busiest road in the vicinity,eating along as if you have all the time in the world when those people in the lofty cars caught in traffic jam look at you and your food with utmost envy..
aaga enna oru feeling… ultimate and the food tastes better than most posh hotels…

Future child’s name:
Ada ponga boss neenga veara.. innum figure eh madangala…
.. but if it were a girl child,it would be “Sahana”..

Finish this statement, “If I had a lot of money I’d…”
Probably would like to spend it with/for dear ones..

Do you drive fast?
I dont have a 2 wheeler now but no would never set the wheels on fire..

Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?
Nope.. not even during childhood..but i have this habit of hugging a pillow…

Storms - Cool or Scary?
Cool

Do you eat the stems on broccoli?
No.. but does it make a difference anyway..??

If you could dye your hair any colour, what would be your choice?
Hmmm.. blue perhaps..

Name all the different cities/towns you have lived in:
Chennai

Favourite sports to watch:
Cricket.. and almost all sports to pass time..

One nice thing about the person who sent this to you:
Machi Logic.. nee deva… naan surya.. idhukku maela enna sollanum??

What’s under your bed?
Never bothered to check but yes in case some one’s planning to surprise me like in “elves and the shoe maker”.. most welcome

Would you like to be born as yourself again?
Definitely yes.. I love being myself..

Morning person or night owl?
Morning of course.. (adhukkaaga maalai kannu nu nenachidaadheenga)

Over easy or sunny side up?
yabba dei.. puriyara kevli ya kaelungada..
if still an anser is required…over easy..(artham kaetingana kola vizhum..)

Favourite place to relax:
Home sweet home.. !(Special mention about those sunday evenings I love spending in motta maadi..)

Favourite pie:
Choco pie

Favourite ice cream flavour:
Chocolate.. (but usually anything other than strawberry is fine..)

You pass this tag to –
Vinod Krishnan ,Swetha ,K Srikanth,Lakshmi Narayanee .. have i missed out any one?? guess the rest have already been tagged(If you can tag yourself that will be great too)

Sometime last week ,me and my school friend were reliving our fun filled days at school-P.S.B.B K.K. NAGAR and I thought it would be nice to write down some of the most light hearted/embarassing moments here.

1.We will start from the kg days..I was a die hard Rajnikant fan right since childhood, and those were the days of video casette times and mom had just bought an imported akai set from singapore..I was bunking classes under the pretext of fever and used to watch thalaivar movies like raja chinna roja,rajathi raja,maapillai etc and once while I was with dad on the way to the casette shop, I was caught red handed by my class teacher.I had bunked the day citing fever and when she saw me,all hell broke loose.The next day,my parents were pulled up by our headmistress, and there was this female, complaining to the head mistress that I was all the time doing thalaivar styles in class.. semma dose anikki.. but years later , I had my sweet revenge.This female came to my street looking out for another ma’am’s house which was near my place and when she asked me for the route, I guided her in exactly the opposite direction( I have not seen her since!).

2.The next one was in second grade.By this time,the focus had shifted to cricket.It was one of the benson and hedges tri-series finals and I did not want to miss it.But we had a cycle test on that day, and it was difficult to get permission from the staff on test days.Luckily I had high fever that day and used it as a reason.In my school,people who had health ailments were quarantined to write in the library so that the other children would not be affected.But, we all know nature is unpredictable and right in the middle of the test, nature came calling( singles).I asked the librarian permission but being the strict female that she was,she refused sternly ,saying I was not to budge until I completed my exam.The next few moments have caused me embarassments till this day..most of my close school buddies still recall it.I do not know why I did it but after the next few seconds, warm urea matter(good enough to warm a kettle) was tricking all over the library.The librarian realised this after a few seconds and could only laugh.The next two days were a laugh riot for all at school but I was left hiding for cover…

3.Fourth grade..this time in the music class..Me and my bench mate were pretty bored with all the sa re ga ma..And I am sure all of you would have tried this cute little game.. allow air to enter your ear holes..spread your palms ,place them facing each other and gently move them towards your ears,striking them gently,and move them apart.. the faster you do, the more you feel the gush of air.Unfortunately,it did not strike my mind that this was not the cutest game that could be played when some one was singing!the teacher thought we were mocking her by trying to close our ears..and the next instant,she boxed my ears hard..the swelling did not go down for more than a week..

4.Cricket again,this time in sixth grade.It was the friendship cup between India-Pakistan at Toronto,and being the cricket buff I was, I had stayed through the night to watch India’s victory.Trouble started when one of my mates asked how Saeed Anwar was caught by Nayan Mongia and I demonstrated the dive for him.He was not visibly pleased and wanted me to give a clearer picture.I looked around and as fate would have it,my eyes fell at the teacher’s desk(which is usually higher than all other desks).Namma pasanga thaan yethi vudradhulla killadinga aache,plus naan cricketer veara,so goaded on I climbed up the desk and attempted a full length dive,and the next moment, I could feel my jaw snapping, I landed straight on my jaw on the hard floor and it required four stitches.

5.The annual sports day is always fun and the selections were on for various events like high jump,long jump etc..the P.T master was a tough man and he ensured that every body participated in the prelims of each event,whether they liked it or not.There was a guy called “eli” who was not particularly fond of high jump( he was just about 3 1/2 feet).He somehow got through the first level,and now the P.T master raised the bar.”eli” stared long and hard.. it was his turn.. we all waited with bated breath.. “eli” ran in hard, his face was looking straight at the bar.. he was determination personified.. we were alternating between watchin “eli” and our P.T master.. “eli” was now only two feet from the bar.. and as we all got ready to see his grand kick off..”eli” ran straight under the bar!He did not stop there.. he ran all the way out of the ground,up the stairs,into the class room..you should have seen the look on the P.T master’s face.. well.. no words to describe it..

6.Ninth grade time,and my friend was interested in a girl from another section.. after some R&D,we started collecting the details about her..unfortunately,when she confronted him straight,my friend panicked and gave my name out for the R&D part..In the evening,when I went to look for my cycle in the stands,I could not spot it.. and lo! after a thorough search,we found a highly shabby mass in the puddle.. Yes,it was my dearest”highway patrol”.. lying in a pathetic state..besides it was that girl’s cycle,standing upright, containing a note saying it was the girl’s work..dejected, I picked up my “highway patrol” from the mess( well girlie,if you are gonna read this by any chance ..take this from me.. when you and your boyfriend are on a jolly ride on a highway,the tyre would be punctured,the bike will run out of fuel,the brakes would fail,and not a soul or a shop would be anywhere in the vicinity..)

7.This happened during the biology class.. the teacher was busy explaining about different systems in the body and my pal was busy dozing off..she was taking classes on the excretory system and she pulled him up for a question.. poor guy was hardly in his senses.. the question was “is control of our senses of urination voluntary or involuntary?” Pat came the reply.. no second thoughts..”Involuntary ma’am”..the entire class burst out laughing.. the poor guy had still not woken up properly and he could not understand what was going on.. the teacher for her part joined the fun,came straight to his desk, made a thorough search and remarked,”well I was just wondering if I could get a sample of your involuntary actions”!..

These are a few of the incidents I can never forget..and for those who want to comment,please do include some of your memorable moments in your comments..For it is our school life that has many “firsts”.. those are always memorable days.. those hurried two minute “kuliyals”.. one or two mouthfuls of breakfast..the breathtaking cycle races to school,with each one taking pride in his/her own “highway patrols”,”cannon barrels”,”hercules mtb”,the early morning prayers, of course with one inquisitive eye always half open..the breakfast break for ten minutes in which we eagerly scan what the others have got for lunch,and gulp them down,so that the half hour for lunch could be used to play “four corners’ and tennis ball cricket..the silent afternoon naps after lunch,with a few other already planning which lane ruotes should be followed for the evening cycle race back home..telling loads of stories about the day’s happenings to mom.. and of course goin to bed with wonderful memories and hopes for the next day… as I keep saying.. sometimes I wish we never grew up..

A few weeks back I withdrew my first salary and decided to turn my long cherished dream of getting a saree for my mom into a reality.Just to spice up the events , my sister was not in town and since I wanted it to be of my own choice, I decided that my mom should stay out of the selection process.So me and my ever enthusiastic dad started in right earnest to accomplish the task.
We decided to shop at Kumaran’s(T Nagar) and for all those males who have absolutely no idea about this ardous task of shopping for sarees, I suggest this place as the staff here are ever so patient and very helpful.Shunting up and down all the sections and ultimately rejecting most of those varieties like plain kanchipuram,cotton silk,raw silk(yes I had done my homework on this meticulously!),we finally landed up in the section that displayed machine woven kanchipuram silk.The colors there were so vibrant that it would arouse any artist’s senses( not M.F HUSSAIN though because that pervert never prefers his women wearing sarees, or anything for that matter..).I finally settled for a maroonish one, of course after those ever flowing tips over the mobile phone from mom.
But it was really a peculiar sight observing a few women who went about their task of choosing the right saree(s).The women next to me, for example( and most of them) was always inquisitive about the ones that I had set aside to have a second look.Each time I set one aside,she would pick it up and ask ” Idhu enna vilai ” only for me to gently remind her that I had my aspirations on that.She kept on doing this untill the guy was fed up..The next time she picked one up, the guy himself without any hesitation blurted ” adhu 2500..” and pat came the reply from the female..”velai ya edutha odane solladha paa.. pudichirundha evalo venalum vaaguvom”.. and needless to say could there be another ending to this..?? Of course , she left without purchasing anything..!After umpteen assurances from the guy at the counter that the fabric etc was of good quality( no other go , cos it seemed very easy when I started out but once we started having a look ,I was all at sea…)we now proceeded to another section to get a salwar for my sister..and this was how it all began..
man at the counter:”Sir CREPE( which i comprehended as GRAPE) la parkaringala ..???”
me:” GRAPE thavara micha colors um kaatungalen..”
man at the counter:” sir, CREPE color illa sir, adhu material..
me sheepishly) “oh apdiya , seri adha kaatunga”
But after this initial hiccup,there was no stopping.. for I picked the first one that caught my eye.. but still ( for both vetti bandha and to learn a few things..) , I hung around for some more time..
Call Sir Edison who had those inventions to his name, call Tenzing and Edmund who scaled Mt.Everest.. and ask Kapil who led his Devils to that miraculous triumph in 1983 to pay attention.. yes I had achieved something that could be placed on par with all these…
I HAD SHOPPED SUCCESSFULLY FOR A SAREE AND A SALWAR FOR TWO SEPERATE WOMEN WITH DISTINCT TASTES WITHIN 30 MINUTES..!
and I found out the simplest technique to achieve that.. DON’T TAKE WOMEN ALONG..DO IT YOURSELF..!

(2011: a look back at college life..)

disclaimer: The following episodes are fictitious and imaginary…Any relevance is highly accidental.Some incidents have been exagerrated to add some pep.

Hi dude hows life?? asked a familiar voice in my office..”cool” .. was my reply ,trying not to reveal how stressed out I was ..Four years of being a software professional had drained me out.It was 2 a.m when I reached home that day, poor folks in my home were fast asleep.I decided to scale the main gate and then ring the door bell..( did the astrologer have this in mind when he said I would scale great heights in future??)..It was three by the time I decided to hit the sack but I was too excited to think of dozing off.. I was thinking of THOSE GOOD OLD DAYS…

Alas, at five o clock in the morning.. It started puring down heavily( huh, Chennai mazhai.. eppo varum eppadi varum nu yaarukkum theriyaadhu,aana vara koodatha nerathula correcta varum) My god, I had pushed my self all along just for this D-Day..yes ,It was reunion time for our college batch which parted ways in 2007 ..Four years had sped by.Just then, my
pleasant ring tone ..”sahana saaral thoovudho.” filled my ears( it has been four years since the release of the movie but the song’s charm refuses to die down).It was my best friend on the line.. I asked in a pensive tone “maapu mazha varudhey ellarum kandippa varuvaangala??”..He laughed it off saying “mazhaiyavadhu ma**avadhu..kelambuda paarthukalam..”.

The college authorities were gracious enough to permit us to meet at the college campus itself..We had planned to meet at nine but I just could not wait any longer.. I took of in my bike by 7.. and reached my college situated in Old Mahabalipuram Road by eight..I was the first to reach there and luckily the rain had reduced in intensity by now..I decided to take a nostalgic walk around the campus..

I first stopped near my class room block.. Elevators had replaced staircases.. But the back of our jeans bore the brunt of the dirt of those stairs in those good old days.The class room was barely recognisable after having got a hi tech face lift..The three dirty steps outside the block that could house a dozen people,the bush by the backside which threw out
bats,snakes and other species which could keep the discovery channel crew on their toes,The switchboard which was our main weapon whenever the lecturer was putting us to sleep with the use of a projector.. all held fond memories.. turning my eyes moist.Just then , a familiar shrill whistle rung aloud ..”MARSHOII! thirumbi paaru”..

The others had started arriving..My spirits soared on seeing them..!After all those customary enquiries.. we settled down.. All were in our worn out jeans and t shirts.. and what a pretty sight it made.. , a complete contrast to those monotonous ties, formal shirts and shoes.Bright sunshine had replaced dull gloom( the weather as well as my mood..!)..We had quite a sizeable gathering.. Some of the girls were married now,with their cute kids and husbands accompanying them( please read in singular..!)..”Maapu anga paaru da ..amma madhiriye ponnu..”.. yes that cute little girl was very pretty.. ( much like her mother .. amam naanga college days la roundu katti sight adichom avala.. )..Only a few love birds of our college days had held on steadfast.. all others had broken up.. one girl was cheeky enough to introduce her ex boy friend to her would-be( of course as her good “friend”).. and just then he( the ex lover) was interrupted by a call from his present girl friend( if only K.Balachander sir witnessed all this..!).

The next two hours were spent in pulling each others’ legs.. After those artificial and sulky ” good morning,have a nice day, have u finished the work??, tomorrow is the deadline”.. the phrases ” machi, maapu, maapi, vennai, andhar , thaaru maaru, scene a podu, vaipe illa,sure,mokkai naaye, OA,aan aaan ” were music to the ears.But my eyes could not avoid throwing the occasional glance at HER…She seemed a bit aloof..( I later came to know that she was still single.. )

I was meeting her after a long time ,( Yes, it was those typical college life crush stories, but I was quite serious about that..).”How are you??” I asked ..” fine” was her one word reply,she dint even bother to look into my eyes and quitely moved away..We then proceeded to have some more fun , but I still could not help reminiscing about her and the time we spent together during those lovely days.. The sun was now beating down hard and we decided to have a game of cricket..

Fours years of staying away from the game had made us rusty but still we enjoyed it to the core ..”Ivan maarave illa da.. Shoib akhthar maadhiri odi vandhu romesh pawar maadhiri podran da” , ” dei adhu enna pandha illa pondattiya??konjikitrukka?? nalla vegama
adi da, pandhu ku valikaadhu” , “dei panni thallu da.. nee umpire a sight screen a? nee nindha unakku pinnadi enna nadakudhu ne therilla” , ” maapu adhu ball a illa kovil a?? enda sutthi suthhi odra??” were some of the evergreen quotes.

It was lunch time.. and still SHE remained the same.. I asked her close friend what the matter was ..” Not sure da but somehow she seems so dis interested in life these days.. You know la?? She had her engagement cancelled due to stupid reasons form the grooms’ side.. so she is deeply disturbed” was the reply.. (Now i was feeling sorry for her .. and happy for myself..!).. I gently went to her side and made an attempt to start a conversation….

End of part 1.. please scroll down for part-2

I gently went to her side and made an attempt to start a conversation ……. but got a big mokkai.. She replied only in one liners, without showing any interest..After a few minutes, I gave up the attempt..and moved over to the place where my gang was located.. as we ate we could not help thinking about the lunch we used to have at our canteen.. The food was not good.. half baked biryani, salt less kuruma, we even spotted a frog in one of the containers.. but still we would swap all the five star dinners to those moments .. simply because , we shared our lunch TOGETHER.After all.college life is the period when….

We fly without wings: and defy Newton’s law of gravity
And give a damn to what others’ think: forever sharing confetti

After lunch.. it was time for some indoor activities.. all the fun games followed.. of course,we guys carefuly manipulated the rules so that we got the “pairs” we wanted..still SHE showed no considerable interest. It was evening time and we seated ourselves in the lawn .. Each one was asked to come up with the most memorable incidents form college life…and there were a lot of pleasant responses..

“The first day in college ..aug 4 2003″ , “The first day we bunked together..” , “The first movie we saw together” , “Paradigm 2k6″ (The college symposium.. and the entire two months spent building up to the event itself was truly memorable) , ” Kerala tour 05″ , “Instincts 2k7(The cultural event)” , “Group snap during farewell time” , “Final year tour” , “New year’s eve spent together when the temperature was below 0 degrees” , “The unit tests of final sem” ,”The get together we had in besant nagar beach after the entire class bunked colllege “,”Dais tennis,room football,cricket”,”Innumerable treats around t nagar”,”The matches we watched in hostel during class hours”, “The rose milk shop in ecr n kelambakkam “.Some of the ladies were lamenting about the pressures of married life and how they wished they were forever in college, and a few guys went on to describe their romantic encounters..

I, for my part sheepishly displayed the photos that I had taken with Nayanthara and Shreya at a function(still no reaction from HER).It was almost late night now..it was time to leave.. After a few hugs, pats, handshakes, we parted with a heavy heart, of course promising to be back the next year.What a day it was…! far from the pressures of day to day life, it was as if I was administered with a truck load of electrol and glucose,my body cells were completely revitalised.

“how are you gonna go back??” I asked HER.”Planning to call up a cab operator” .. she said.”I would not mind dropping you at your place..” . said I.. looking straight into her eyes..Of course.. She gave a blank glance,but as people around her persuaded.. she relented..

end of part 2…. Please scroll down for the final episode…

The bike seemed to just follow the wind , a perfect setting for this drive on ECR(Kizhakku Kadar Karai Saalai).HER perfume wafted through the gentle breeze to trickle my nostrils.I stopped just short of a restaurant.. pretending that the gear cable had just snapped.She again gave an empty stare.I moved across the road,towards a mechanic shop that had a chirpy youngster, thrust a 20 rupee note to his greasy palms and asked him to take care of the bike for an hour.”Seems he needs some more time,why don’t we drop in to that restaurant??”,” I looked at her with expectant eyes..”Huh, how I wish I took a cab” was her snobbish reply.

We entered the restaurant,and I could not but admire her guts to put things straight on the face(seri seri,ippadi solli manasa thethikka vendiyathu thaan..)We(ok.. I) chose a table situated at one of the corners.The dim lighting added up to the effect..

ME:Wav, these lights with their dim appearance do really convey something nice,dont you think so??
SHE: Yes, its a gentle reminder that I leave this place and catch up with some sleep asap..
ME: Look to your left, they have recreated a cute little model of a hut, entirely made of live grass!(expecting her to be impressed with my appreciation of the art work)
SHE: I always felt grass was meant for the cows..
ME: You left out the goat too.. he he he
SHE: You expect me to laugh for that??

Just then.. the dim lights flickered out for the last time..The waiter placed a long candle on our table..I started admiring her.She looked gorgeous in that blue salwar(Yes, I have seen her umpteen times in college in that same dress.. of course her cream n orange ,the green one with stary spots,the all black.. I had admired them all)

ME: brilliant embroidery work.. did you work on this design?? the tailor must have had a tough time..
SHE: This is a ready made one
ME:Oh! cool which shop ?? chennai silks, ***********( giving out an array of shops just to show off..expecting her to be awe struck)
SHE: This was gifted from my friend residing in the U.K
ME:(Trying to put up a modest face),They say blue is the color of romance , of the sky , sea.. and whatever you wish wearing blue would come true it seems.. what do you wish for at this moment??
SHE:I wish i had not worn this today
(the waitor places our orders on the table..)

ME: The manchurian is wonderful, just like sachin’s off drives.. dont you think so??
SHE:Better equate it to mega soaps.. both suck
( After such futile attempts.. I gave up.. We were through with our dinner.. she reached out to her handbag)
ME: Now come on, dont you take your purse out,It is my treat.. I will pay, no no I wont let you do it
SHE:Did I stop you from paying?? I Was just pulling out my handkerchief..
ME:(gruntling)So typical of women..!
SHE getting perked up)What did you say just now??
ME: (trying tp pull things back) I was referring to your handkerchief,the design is typically feminine..!
SHE: hmmm…

We were on our way back..I felt disappointed..Four years in college were still not enough for me to get her by my side and now this ultra flop show..”Ok, let this be the last time I am seeing her, I dont wanna embarass myself further.. this is never going to happen.. Perhaps, I had held it back a bit too long, I should have revealed it to her in college itself, now its too late..” were the thoughts running through my mind..Just then I braked so violently that I almost twanged the cables..Both of us were jostled ,forcing her to clasp me tight..I could see her fuming with anger(How could I convince her that i did not do it with wrong intentions??..)I got down from my bike.. and glared at “IT” which made me brake so hard…

The little white rabbit was helpless on this highway..It could have easily been run over by my bike or any heavy vehicle .. I lifted it up,gave it a gentle reassuring stroke, moved up a few paces down the road where i found a furrow safe from the killer vehicles and left it there..I Went back to her.. She stared,she stared,kept on staring and then..

The lower lip of her visage slightly broadened..She SMILED..!(This made my day..!!!! It had been slow and steady like a tortoise .. could this rabbit(Hare) help me win my race??). She smiled again, looked up straight into my eyes..gave an angel like pat on my cheek,grabbed my hands and held on to it firm and tight…Now what could this mean..?? Perhaps a million things..But could it be “IT”?? The DEFINING MOMENT??

Friday Morning…

Time: early morning 6 30.. scenes on Vadapalani Road..People lining up in queues ..barricades have been put up .. What could be the occasion ??Perhaps was the government givin out free tv sets??( yeah of course that was the most useful object on earth that politicians could think of .. and shameless that we voted for such a silly thing..when most dont even have proper homes..) NO..
9 30.. Flowers,Garlands,Pumpkins,Arathis,Camphor ,Tonnes of Milk all kept in place.. perhaps A temple Festival?? or a day of extreme religious significance..?? NO..
Friday , June 15 th… Offical release of our SUPER STAR’s magnum opus SIVAJI!
The demi god who defies barriers.The man who cuts across all social sections of the society.. kids, ladies, teenagers, man,woman, senior citizens,black, white,bench sitter to BENZ owner,cobbler to computer expert,auto driver to auto mobile engineer.. he woos them all..Perhaps the only thing that entire Tamil Nadu have in common is this liking for our superstar.
He began as a humble bus conductor giving out tickets to people..manning the route 10A.. now people are struggling to get TICKETS to his movie.He has been placed on a pedestral that no other movie star can even dream about .. yet he is the epitome of simplicity.It is sad that his acting skills have been pushed to the background, thanks to his inimitable style and a larger than life image. Some of his evergreen movies are..
RAJNI-THE HERO
BAASHA - I doubt if there are people in Tamil Nadu who have not scene this movie.An amazing script to which only Super Star could have done justice..One of Super Star’s two favourite movies( along with Mullum Malarum).
ANNAMALAI- THE movie which set the cat among political pigeons.From an innocent do gooder in the first half, Rajni transforms into a shrewd business man in the second phase of the movie.
MURATTU KALAI- Tho movie which enabled Rajni to reach out to the rural masses.One of the biggest grossers of the 1980’s.
BILLA- An out and out Rajni movie ,in which Rajni portrays two diverse characters with amazing style.
RAJNI-THE FUN
THILLU MULLU-Rajni’s first full length comedy caper..A movie which can be seen over and over again.
RAJA CHINNA ROJA-A movie exclusively for kids..Rajni charms the tiny tots with his charisma( I have watched it 44 times since childhood..!)
GURU SHISYAN-Another comedy treat form super star.CHO’s one line political sattires add to the fun.
JOHNY- Another dual role for Super Star.. He plays a barber who guns down his own lover.. all with a sublime streak of humour.
NINAITHAALE INIKKUM-Rajni shares screen space with kamal , and breathes the necessary humour into this otherwise serious movie.
VELAIKARAN-It is fun all the way, of course in typical Rajni ” ishtyle”!
RAJNI-THE ACTOR
AARILIRUNDHU ARUVADHU VARAI-If any one has any doubt about the acting credentials of Rajni, they must see this movie before passing a comment.Rajni portrays the struggles of a young man who shoulders the burden of his entire family right from a tender age.The scenes when Rajni struggles to get even milk for his infant kid,his emotional portrayal when his wife immolates herself so that her husband would get the insurance money, would leave the audience in tears.Rajni then attains fame as a writer.The film ends on a tearful note with the death of Rajni.
THALAPATHI- Another big grosser, this time RAJNI appears sance make up,his style and a cigarette.
MULLUM MALARUM-Super star’s personal favorite(He even ranks this one above Baasha).Rajni plays a young man who loses his arm in an accident and who forever dotes on his beloved sister.
NALLLAVANUKKU NALLAVAN-Rajni playa a baddie in the first half, who is reformed by his wife..The story takes a turn after his wife’s death and his own daughter turns against him.
DHARMA DHURAI- Rajni plays an innocent villager whose life revolves around his two brothers.When all is lost,Rajni realises that his brothers have cheated on him and eventually he is sent to jail..Another portrayal from Rajni which leaves you with a heavy heart.
NAAN SIGAPPU MANITHAN-Rajni plays an undercover reformer who wards of the society of all evil,after he loses all and sundry in his personal life..Bhagyaraj comes up with a neat role in this movie.
ILAMAI OONJAL AADUGIRADHU-A classic form director Sridhar.. Rajni plays a stylish manager who goes all out to help his friend Kamal.The story takes an interesting twist when both fall in love with the same girl.
ANBULLA RAJNIKANTH-Rajni plays himself in this movie..
MUNDRU MUDICHU-Rajni plays an all out baddie who charms the audience with his style..
NETRIKKAN-Style at its best.. the film is about the face off between a son, and his baddie father, both played by Rajni himself.
POLLADHAVAN-Rajni sports a beard almost throughout this movie..HE plays a widower, who loves his kid and is thirsty to avenge the death of his wife.
We, forever have pretenders to his throne.. who might not achieve throughout their careers whatever super star achieved in a single movie..
One forever keeps repeating the same story again and again, changing the heroines and directors alone, another one stakes a claim to his throne when he can’t even deliver hits continuously..
And the funniest part is about this “little” version of Super Star(mind you ,no Super Star fan would agree with this, all this is self proclamation by the actor concerned).This is an actor who shamelessly tries to imitate Rajni on screen( and fails miserably at that, only ending up leaving you irritated and frustrated),who keeps on mouthing punch dialogues , advising people in his songs, when he is not even a dozen films old, still calls himself “little” when he is 23( will he ever grow up??),who portrays obscenity in all his movies, with scenes which would leave you squirming in your seats.
Perhaps this Sivaji mania should make his pretenders realise where they really stand in comparision to the incomparable Super Star..
By the way, I am all excited about “Sivaji”.. I have been discussing nothing but this for the past week(I have left my friends exasperated).. and I am watching it tonight..! So the next post will be on “Sivaji” of course..

When I was desperate and despondent: my shoulders wet with tears
I found not kerchiefs but “their” hands wiping them, allaying all fears
“They” could comprehensively outweigh big broad beams of lustrous gold
Even a monitor lizard would give in but not “they”: so strong is “their” hold

Hand in hand,as a gang,”we” took those lovely long walks by the beach
Using “our” trust as a staircase,even Mars is not impossible to reach
Those aimless chats and friendly banter that zeroed in on nothing went on
Had “your” perspirations watered the garden, roses would never sport a thorn

Even Lord,with his many avatars would’nt have had so many birthdays in a calendar year
Yes, “we” celebrated each other’s birthdays as “our” very own: so near and dear
“We” have seen it all: from Royal Meridien to road side shacks with a single lantern
The sense of togetherness was more filling than the food:the ambience was of least concern

With battered bats and scruffed up balls, on cricket grounds did we gather
Win or loss never did really matter: “We” always played for each other
As good as gloss:lips, polish:shoe,jeera:jamun and cream:cakes
“Our” bikes and togetherness had one in common: both had no brakes

A freak accident almost proved fatal;crutches replaced bruised knees and made me hop
In “you” came,for crutches, “you” extended “your” arms instead,putting me back on top
Immobile, tossing and twirling would I lie in bed: gripped with fever: but no panic
Paracetamol tablets were thrown to the bin:a call from “you” was just the tonic

Adage and wisdom have it that only the deepest of seas house a coral
In “you” I see breathing corals far more precious: a tribute so floral
“Your” compassion encompasses the ocean:”You” shine brighter than the sun
“You” have removed inpossible from my vocab:I look upon “you” to get any job done

“They”,”their”,”your”,”you”,”our”,”we” and “it” can point to only two things
The former words to friends and latter to friendship:my greatest blessings
A person who devalues friendship is a miser: without friends he is an ignorant loser
Friendship is a treasure: without “it”,even the most sacred of works wont make you wiser

“We” add our benefits,divide our labour,multiply our joy and subtract our sorrow
With pure souls like you around me,I can always stay assured of a better tomorrow
Forever together will “we” flock,for “we” all are birds of the same feather
“You” are as divine as the all bearing almighty:as tender and warm as a Mother