12 Most Favorite Things

Our life can be crazy and chaotic, isn't it? A roller-coaster ride filled with fun stuffs and doing our perso-cum- favorite stuffs like a strict disciplinarian in life. As we grow more mature in life coupled with unexpected surprises, twists and turns flung at us, we never stop doing our favorite things.

Here's linking this post to Write Tribe, Wednesday Prompt: 'Write a post listing 12 Most.....Favorite Things'.

WT's 12 most only on http://writetribe.com/12-most/

1. Reading

I loove reading a lot, be it romance, biography, poems and fictions. Books has been my loyal companion since childhood and it's the most trust worthy friend that accompanies me in tedious bus or train journey. I often sit in the cafe, relaxing with a book. Recently, been reading quite a few e-books which is quite a task but I lap them on my I-pad. Trust me, I can do with 100 pages e-books but not the lengthy ones. Give me a printed copy any day. There was a time I used to buy paper back every single week on the road stalls in South Mumbai or on my way at Bandra. Does it get better than that?

2. Coffee

Nothing beats a good cup of coffee to kick start the lazy morning and enjoying the coffee grains that stimulate the brain. I am a coffee person and there is no excuse to skip the grains to help me face the day.

3. Blogging

Blogging has become the love of my life where I pour out my emotions, script stories and poems. It's a space where I connect with like-minded souls, reading their thoughts and bonding. I made so many good friends in the blogo-sphere and they never shy away from making me laugh, point at flows and motivate me in life.

4. Movies

I cannot live without movies. It's my first love and a passionate affair that makes it two hours of non-stop entertainment. It won't be wrong to say that it gives me the kick to laugh and think passionately about issues. I love all of them, brainless entertainment, artsy and meaningful cinema since I believe either you make a good or bad movie. So, what if I have not been able to make it in films? At least, I get to enjoy them full swing.

5. People

I loove meeting, speaking to people and, man, I can be quite a good listener. It's always good to meet people physically or the online space, get a hook of their thoughts and may be, translate into stories. I love the entertainment quotient and the bond cemented over time. Nothing beats a good conversation. Ok! There are people whom I wished I'd never met coz they can bore me to death. But, then, I guess, every child is special.

6. Music

I crave for good music that makes the day go rock steady. I was never able to study for exams without my precious music and have quite a collection of songs on the lap top, 70s. 80s. Awesome 90s, Indi-Pop and recent ones accumulated during the years. As a student, I spent a fortune investing in cassettes and audio. Guess, now, everything is available at one click.

7. Television

Yeah! Me love watching TV but not the typical idiotic Saas Bahu soap operas but shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati. Comedy Nights with Kapil, Jhalak Dikla Jaa, MTV Splitsvilla. It's fun. And, of course, news and debates on NDTV and Headlines TV coz this is what I get in my part of the globe.

8. Magazines and newspaper

Social media and e-stuffs or not, I loove collection magazines and stuffs. I have quite a few treasure trove made of Filmfare, Stardust, Cineblitz. Femina, Society, Cosmopolitan and, of course, TOI Sunday that I get to quite late. I would buy filmi mags every week during the college days and I am very proud of my collector's edition. Nothing can beat the joy of holding glossies in the hands.

9. Trains

I loove traveling by trains and the act of hopping on a crowded local still excite me like I am traveling for the first time. It's like falling in love. The rattling sound, mad dash and the crazy people. It's something I truly miss since I am not in India right now.

10. Chattting

First there was yahoo chat, then Orkut, Facebook but loove pinging friends on G-chat. I prefer the G over the FB thing. which I have de-activated to get a life. My favorite people are on G-chat and indulging in some fun is a routine activity that can never bore. It gives the feeling that we've never left and we are so close to each other. Thank to the almighty for that.

11. Long walks

Enjoy taking long walks which is so refreshing and can recharge my energy cells after to beat tiredness and depression. I love winter walks but also sweating it in the summer.

12. Talking to self

I love talking to myself and do it all the time, on the street, at the desk or while lazing on the bed. Self-talk brings out the best in me and blog-cum-short story ideas often sprout from the crazy conversation with yours truly.

Hope you enjoyed my list.

WoW: Mother India visits

This post is written as part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

Write Over the Weekend inspiration for this time

It is the night of August 14th. You are sleeping peacefully until a lady, who identifies herself by the name of Mother India, wakes you up and starts talking. What does she talk to you?

On 15 August, India celebrated its 68th Independence Day throughout the globe. Wishing all of you folks a very Happy Independence day and hope you like my take.

Mother India visits

I am carrying the Indian tri-color in my hands at Red Fort in Delhi, running with pride as the mammoth crowd clap for me as I dash around the venue, running through the vast swathe of humans. Suddenly, I over hear AR Rahman voice, singing in my ears, 'Maa Tujhe Saalam.' It feels like a lullaby.

I turn around and saw myself on the bed. Somebody caresses my forehead. I look up to see a beautiful and attractive lady in her late 60s, smiling to me. 'How can anyone be so perfect and divine?" I ask myself.

I am astounded and look around the room. "Who are you? What are you doing in the house?" She sports an angelic smile and caresses my forehead, "Beta! I am Mother India."

Mother? What? India! How can it be?

Everything is possible, son. Haven't you been calling and imploring for my presence? I know what my child wants. Listening to my songs on your computer, standing in deference to me, watching Jnana Gana Mana, Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon, Saare Jahan se Acha Hindustan Hamara, Aye Mere Watan Ke logon and Dil Diya hai Jaan bhi Denge Aye Watan Tere liye on You Tube. What do you think? I can see the tears rolling down your cheek when you think about me?

"You? Mother India. Do you know.....?"

"I know everything, Beta. Your dedication and love for me. Some call me, Dharti Maa, some Mother India?"

I can't control my tears. Mother India, you don't know what these people are doing? Fighting and killing each other in the name of religion and caste, raping innocent girls, exploiting women, dirtying India. How can we be united? Why don't you do something?"

Mother India makes me sit and hold my hand. "My son! What's the point of standing in deference in front of my image and singing my anthem, Jnana Gana Mana with pride twice a year when they abuse me and break my heart? They don't understand and think they can fool me. I know everything."

"What don't you do anything?", I ask.

"I am angry at every point when I see how they abuse me. They throw their filth in river Ganga and at holy places where I am present. For how long, I can sustain abuse? Sadly, so many people lost their lives in Uttarakhand last year and every monsoon, lives are lost. They don't realize that they are the ones who took innocent lives. I feel so hapless. My heart cries when I see so many atrocities when people don't respect their wives and daughters, destroying their souls."

Mother India bears her heart out. "May be, they don't realize it. When they jump on the ground like crazy, I feel the power of their legs on my soul. I am happy when I see them stomping their feet in joy but it hurts me when they use violence in their acts. When they kick someone, I feel the pain inside my body and soul."

"Mother India, why don't you do something?"

"Sometimes, people need to realize on their own, what they are doing. All of you must do something to make India a better place to live. It's very easy to criticize me. I can be ruthless at times. I may be ugly but that doesn't mean you should stop loving me. You speak of finding another attractive Mother, going to a new land but, if you don't anything to make your mother loving, who will? Be the change. You will win my heart when all my children will teach each other love when stoking up communalism, casteism and sexism will be a thing of the past, respecting each other in a world filled with love and peace."

"Son, I know what you are thinking? If you wish for something with your heart, you will get it. I know you really want to come to me. I know you will. I will always call you for a mother never stops loving her children."

I smile. Mother India disappears.

*********************************************************************

On the occasion of Independence Day, I dedicate my favorite patriotic songs to Mother India.
1. Jnana Gana Mana

Every time, I listen to Jnana Gana Mana, my eyes grow moist and it's simply divine. It touches the heart to see the devotion for Mother India.

2. Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon

Another gem by Lata-Didi. One is left speechless hearing her singing, showing her devotion to India and the sacrifice of our army Jawan.

3. Vaande Mataram

This songs sparks passion and love for the Motherland. It evokes patriotism fervor in us, reminding us that there is no place like India.

4. Saare Jahan se Acha

I remember listening to this song during the innocent childhood day which shows the beauty of our country and a dream where nothing evil can happen. I hope that one day we can call India, 'Saare Jahan se Acha' where there shall be no evil men and women.

5. Maa Tujhe Salam

Another song full of passion, love and devotion for Mother India. It makes us so proud to be Indian.

6. Haqeeqat-Kar Chale Hum Fida

Another song that expresses patriotism and love for the country, reminding us of the sacrifice of our freedom fighters and army Jawaan to make India a better place to live.

7. Karma

This is another favorite song of my mine, a kinda national anthem, that bring the people together, irrespective of their political or race differences. A song that touches the soul and brings heart together, reminding us that united we stand as a nation.

8. The Legend of Bhagat Singh-Mera Rang de Basanti

This is one song that stays with us forever and carries an element of pride, speaking of sacrifices made by the freedom fighters of this great nation.

9. Diljale-Mera Mulk Mera Desh

A song that speaks of the innocence of a child, dreaming of an India where men and women, will never be discriminated and that we are ONE. It's a call for peace and unity. It has a certain sweetness and idealism. Hope the dream become true some day.

10. DUS-Hindustani

A beautiful song celebrating the India that we live in. Let's make India a beautiful and perfect country that the world will look at us in awe. It's very easy to criticize but we can ask, what have we done to make the country better?

11. Pardes-I Love My India

Another favorite in my list on the love one feels for India. It is simply breath-taking and touches the heart.

Hope you guys like my take on the prompt and the small gift made of patriotic songs on my list.
Jai Hind. Vande Mataram
Proud to be an Indian
Vishal

Raksha Bandhan, patriarchy and economics of inequality

Raksha Bandhan, the Hindu festival, celebrating the bond between brother and sister, was celebrated last Sunday. On the occasion, the sister ties a sacred thread on the wrist of her brother to protect her from all evils.

Over the years, I always looked forward to Raksha Bandhan where my Rakhi sisters tied a thread on my wrist as an expression of love, affection and respect. It strengthen the bond between brother and sister. Being the only child, I always miss a sister in life. But, over the years, I started thinking about Raksha Bandhan, wondering whether a sister needs protection from the brother, a male in the family. Unfortunately, I feel celebrations like Raksha Bandhan and Karwa Chauth are products of the patriarchal society hell bent to reduce the status of a woman to a non-entity and confined to submissive role in our society. I don't have anything against Raksha Bandhan and I respect people who follow the tradition.

The intention is not to provoke people or declare war on the religious sanctity of the celebration. What I am only trying to discuss is why a woman need a 'male' protector to shield her from evils in society. I wonder why we treat our girls as inferior beings who can only be better in the presence of a male member of society. If we really want to pave the way for more equality in society, why do we judge a woman and type cast her in the role of a wife, sister and mother. C'mon! A woman has her own identity as a human being and her role is not to sit at home, prepare food for her husband or brother, watch Saas-Bahu drama. Let her be who she is to carve her identity and fulfill her aspirations as a complete human being. She has her own needs and urge. She is not a doll where the remote control is in the hands of the male patriarch and she would laugh, cry or sleep when she is told to. A woman is no commodity on the market who is expected to follow certain courses at the university or enter career at the work place that women should do. She has the right to fall in love and follow her heart.

Unfortunately, celebrations such as Karwa Chauth and Raksha Bandhan reflect a certain conservative mindset where there is a hidden meaning, 'A woman's place is in the kitchen or to fulfill the obligations as deemed by society. Why let this old patriarch decide what is good or bad, morally right or wrong for her to do? The whole purpose of being a complete human being is destroyed by a society hell bent on promoting old age concepts of superiority and inferiority. Why can't a woman work in a corporate world and her partner or husband, for that matter, stay at home, look after the kids, cook and do the vessels? 

Today, we stand at a very critical juncture in society where women have been exploited, sometimes as the house wife, sister or mother.My take is simple: Do we need a Rakshak? I am speaking for both men and woman, where sons and daughters rely on their father to take all decisions for them, be it toys, career and who to marry. For me, a brother is someone who let his sister grow by being herself, carving her place under the sun and she needs no moral certificate or male patronage. For me, Raksha Bandhan is all about love and uniting souls, being each other's strength. My issue with conservative patriarchy ingrained in such festivals is that there is something terribly wrong with our society, a grave injustice perpetrated against human beings who are terrorized at every end to fit in certain roles. Remember the old age stupid crap, 'Don't cry like a girl'.

I rest my case. Let me assure again: My perspective on Raksha Bandhan is not meant to hurt anyone who believes in the celebration, forging love, among siblings. I am opening a healthy discussion on ugly patriarchy, conservative mindsets and whether these festivals have contributed to create inequality which is rampant and works against the interest of woman in society. I don't need to be a 'Rakshak' to my sister. If she can carry a child in her womb for nine months, she can very well dictate her life and live on her own terms.

V

Remembering the one & only, Kishore Kumar

There is never a dull moment with Kishore-da. The teasing like Kanhaiya, stealing his Makhan the singing way, tragedy in love, romance, passion and lust. That's Kishore Kumar for you. Timeless voice that makes you sing along with him. Playful at times, his voice touches your heart and takes you along with him to a destination filled with love and magic. There is a mystery behind his voice.

I have immense respect for most Indian singers who won our hearts, right from Rafi Sahab to Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan and Shaan. Honestly speaking, no one comes close to the range, repertoire and intensity of a Kishore Kumar. A voice that transcends ages and generation to find echo in our hearts. Whether it's singing for Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Anil Kapoor or Sanjay Dutt, Kishore-Da's voice enthralls listeners and made music an ongoing romance. There is nothing like Kishore-da.

Kishore-da celebrated his 85th birthday on Monday, August 4. It's a small tribute on my part to reminiscence on the days of yore where the man, larger than life persona, exuded streak of sadness, naughtiness and playfulness.

Leaving you with some of my favorite Kishore-Da songs.

A versatile artist-singer, actor, music composer and director, Kishore-Da was the complete package. He has no formal training as a singer but left a mark in our hearts and I am sure, generation to come will always remember the one & only Kishore-Da. Yes, he is my all-time favorite,despite the fact that I don't belong to Kishore-Da's generation.

With Love

Vishal

Happy Friendship Day!!!

True Friendship withstand the test of times

A prayer for togetherness,
the season may change but vows and bond of friendship stand strong.
The waves will turn strong and wild,
but our friendship and unflinching belief in each other will sustain the rough weather.
Happy Friendship.

Hey folks,

Today is Friendship Day. A day when we remember our friends with whom we made memories, laughed like crazy, shed bucket of tears and played pranks. True friends are the ones with whom we shared our dreams, no matter how silly and with whom we can be ourselves.

 Our belief in friendship is beyond the colorful bands tied on the wrist and with every passing year, our ties grew stronger. Some have moved places and made new friends, the rest have forgotten us in this materialistic world. But, the emotions remain the same. Friendship is a sacred prayer where we were taught to move the world for each other and with whom, we spent priceless moments.
Happy Friendship Day.
With Love
V

My UBC Journey

How I survived the Ultimate Blog Challenge for July 2014? To be honest, I was clueless bout the UBC Writing Challenge spanning over 31 days during the month of July.

It was the first day on July. The routine task of hanging on whining my time on Facebook was going to pay big time. It was a chance encounter when I stumbled upon Corinne Rodrigues (http://everydaygyaan.com/) status bout' registering for UBC. I wondered, 'What's that?" and out of sheer curiosity, I clicked on the link.

The very thought of posting every single day. was scary and sent shiver down my spine. No! Not possible! At the same time, my pal Meghna pinged on Gchat, 'Orkut is closing down.' After all, Orkut was and remains my first love when I discovered something called social networking. It was the tube light moment. 

We discussed on the possibility off saving our scraps, testimonials and pictures on Google drive. My fingers magically typed a message to Meghna, 'I am doing a love story, a kinda novella with Orkut as the backdrop..my way of paying tribute to Orkut.' I was wondering, 'Doing a novella for 30 days and let's see how I fare.'

It was pure bliss. Opened Microsoft Word and in a jiffy, wrote the first chapter. It was quite an easy affair and one thing led to another. It struck me that I need to pre-plan my posts, saving them in a word document and hit publish the next day. Finally, on July 30 for Day 31, I couldn't believe that I've sealed it. A cute novella, set in Mumbai where a boy and a girl meet on Orkut, separated by the sea. There was break up and like in many fairy tales, they fell in love all over again..the classic happy ending. I kept it light. Short chapters, at times, not exceeding my standard yard stick, varying between 500 to 700 words. I had no reason to make the chapters lengthy and boring, to scare away readers.

Writers' block? Quite surprisingly, I didn't struggle a lot to write. For sure, at times, I fought to become more creative with the romance, fighting over laziness for the novella to take shape. I didn't want it to drag endlessly and, initially, was toying with the idea of 24 chapters plus 7 short stories. But, glad I wrote 31 chapters on 31 days. I lagged behind only twice or thrice, if my memory not failing me but with proper planning for the first time, I was able to keep up with the challenge. UBC taught me one thing: Discipline and consistency matters. Everyday, I would pen small chapters and saved them to be published on the next day.

What UBC taught me?

-Writing is one big party. One can never know when the next big idea will strike like thunder. There are so many amazing writers around the globe from which you can learn a lot in terms of narrative, scripting and sketching character. It doesn't go without saying that reading blogs goes a long way in not only earning you comments, followers and friends but also teach you how to hone cum polish your craft.

-Be open to criticisms. Taking criticism in a positive vein goes into teaching you a lot how to buck up your writing and tighten your narrative, grammar and spelling. I was fortunate that some bloggers, including established writers dropped honest words how I should firm up my writing, make someone read the final draft and avoid grammar confusion. Honestly speaking, it was the first time I was writing fiction in the present tense and was quite confused at times. Thank loads, People.

-Motivation. UBC is a huge, huge motivation at a time when you are writing crazily every single day, keeping up with your hectic work schedule. I would warm up to the motivating words of fellas, telling how much they enjoy the stories weaved. It's such a huge high. Trust me, you may be toying with the idea of abandoning the whole challenge but such encouraging words keeps you going from strength to strength. The more, the merrier.

-Comment on blogs. The UBC page elaborated a strategic but effective rule. Paste your link and make sure you comment on the above links. This way, each blogger is ensured to get at least two comments so that their work is not only read but shared among folks. I always make it a point to comment on blogs which runs like a circle, spread some happiness and it will come back to you. You learn so much by commenting on each other's blog. The challenge may be over but I will keep commenting on blogs I may have missed. I intend to do it for the next five days.

Yay!!! Yippie! I can't believe the challenge is over. It still seems like a dream to me. But, yeah, I've done a rom-com novella. The best thing is that I made so many good friends during the challenge and many of them are on my facebook. Time for a short break from blogging to be back with a bang. Hope to see all of you for another month of blogging. This time on my other blog, www.vishalbheeroo.wordpress.com

Yeah! We've all done it with a bang. Congrats everybody:)

Finally, Big Hugs to everyone taking part in the challenge and, of course, the new friends made. I am not taking the names of specific people. They know who they are. Nevertheless, drop in to see the amazing work of writers on the FB Page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/UltimateBlogChallenge/

Drop on write tribe to read amazing posts you may have missed:

http://writetribe.com/48-commonly-misspelled-words/

Loads of love N See you, soon

Vishal

Disclaimer: So many asked me and assumed that 'An Orkut Love Story' is about my life. No, it's not. The novella is pure fiction and I drew analogies from the life of fellow blogger, in terms of mushy and cute love stories that happened in their lives. The rest is fiction.

An Orkut Love Story: Chapter 31

Yah! Yah! I finally made it. I am a UBC Champion. I registered in the nick of time for the challenge and the thought of making a novella, with Orkut as the backdrop flashed at the back of the mind. It was my way way to pay tribute to Orkut, my first love, who will soon be history. I was apprehensive since doing 31 chapters on 31 Days for a novella was quite a task. I know, the novella is not best seller stuffs but at least a start. It's fraught with mistakes and grammar confusion. Still, I am happy to live up to the challenge. My first ever novella, spanning over 31 days, on the blog.

Today is the final Day, Day 31: The novella 'An Orkut Love Story' is linked to Ultimate Blog Challenge for July 2014

An Orkut Love Story:

CHAPTER 31:

We’ve been drinking inside Uncle Vijay’s room and he faked fever to Swagata, oblivious of the happening inside the room. The clock struck midnight. Vijay uncle dumps me out of his room filled with cigarette smell and out pouring of alcohol.

I traipse towards Swagata’s room, holding a candle in my hand and slowly open the door. It’s dark inside. I can sense she is fast asleep, curled on the bed. I can’t help feeling the frantic heart-beat..dil dhadakne do! (Let the heart beat). After all, we will see each other after ages. Not in my wildest fantasy, I would imagine we would meet like that. 

‘You are what fairy tales princesses are made of’

‘You sleep like a cute baby’

 ‘Your angelic smile makes me want to fall in love over and over again with you’

‘Independent, incurable romantic who can feel the beauty and pain of love’

‘Your belief in our love makes you the most beautiful person on earth’

‘I promise to love you forever, take you to the gates of heaven’

‘I shall hold your hands till old age, narrate our love stories to our grand-children’

‘My love for you is like the vast ocean, Swagata De’

I hear someone making a slight movement on the bed, trying to slowly push out of the bed. I hold the candle right in front of her face.

“You?!” She is bewildered. “Shit! I got so scared, thinking a thief erupted inside the room or some ghost is lurking around.

I smile. “If you reject my proposal, I will turn into a lovable ghost and haunt you forever.”

“But! How you got inside the room? Did you climb? Has anybody seen you?,” She asks with a frightened face.

I put my finger on her lip. “Don’t say anything. Vijay told me everything and he took me here. Swagata, I love you. Will you marry me?,” I propose.

“Aisa koi propose karta hai kya (This is how someone proposes),” she asks with a sheepish smile.

“I don’t know any other way. Don’t worry about Tarun. Vijay told me everything.”

“Yeah, such a big asshole. It’s Vijay uncle, by the way.”

“Arre yaar! I recited a poem for you. A gift for you.” I give her the CD.”

“Wow! I can’t believe it. You are proposing to me with a CD of Amitabh Bachchan holding a gun in Ek Ajnabee. You are mad. It seems that I must teach you romance.”

Swagata opens the CD box and a red rose falls on her feet. She reads the note inside, ‘Listen to song no.3.’

She puts the CD in the lap top. The romantic song starts playing, ‘Tere liye Mere Sanson mujhe tum se pyar hai.’ She hugs me, her hands pressed on her face and tears rolling down on her cheek. “I love you too, Mr Karan. Will you marry me?”

I bend on my knee to kiss her hand, “I do, Swagata. I promise to love you, forever.”

Swagata face beams. “Hey! Let’s go on Orkut and flirt shamelessly like in the old days.”

It was my turn to protest, “Swagata, not now.”

She makes a face. “Please, please, please,” She pleads. “One last time, baby.”

We log in to see a message flashing, ‘We regret to inform you that Orkut is now closed.’

We made faces. Uncle Vijay joins us, singing, ‘Le Jayenge Le Jayenge, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge.’ The three of us tightly embrace each other.

GOA

The calm water and gentle breeze flutter our hair as we walk, hand in hand at Palolem Beach, Goa. It’s midnight. Not a soul could be spotted on the beach. There is a sense of serenity as timid waves swoosh during the night and we steal innocent kiss, leisurely plodding our steps on the sand. It’s a beautiful and silent night.

We walk back to our shack. “Coffee, I ask?”

Swagata teases me, “Dunno, whether I should try your coffee.”

“Try me out, baby. I mean my coffee.”

“You are very metro-sexual,” she gets naughty, running her fingers on my chest.

“I am only sexual.”

We kiss each other and make intimate love. We are a newly engaged couple, dying to get married in three months here at Palolem Beach and planning for a huge red-designed Orkut logo.

The End.

An Orkut Love Story: Chapter 30

Day 30: This post is written as a novella, 'An Orkut Love Story' for the prompt, Ultimate Blog Challenge for July 2014.

CHAPTER 30:

September 30, 2014

I walk inside the boisterous café Leopold, swarmed by the typical South Mumbai crowd, hip n hop local and foreign alike. I scout for Vijay Uncle but there is no sign of him. I settle at the right corner, close to the entrance door, facing the horde of hawkers selling fake branded stuffs. I order a King Fisher Strong beer and lit a cigarette.

A tall, bespectacled man in his 40s, wearing Dolce and Gabbana tee and Blue Denims, approaches me, ‘Karan?” I nod. He offers me a tight handshake, introducing himself as ‘Vijay.’ I was expecting to meet an old man, nearing 60 plus but Vijay uncle tells me that he is the younger brother of Swagata’s Mum. We order a huge beer pitcher and it didn’t take long for our conversation to veer towards Swagata.

He opens his laptop and asks, “Log on your Orkut account. Remember, today is September 30. It’s the last day to hang on Orkut and tomorrow, it will be buried in history.” He eyes me, “Okay, transfer your precious document to Google drive. I already saved Swagata’s stuffs on Orkut. Both of you have made history by falling in love on Orkut and high time to take things to the next level.  Make it a symbolic Orkut love story.”

“But, Vijay, Swagata is engaged to Tarun,” I protest. 

                                      

“We called off the engagement. This idiot was two-timing her with other women. But, listen, it’s quite a story,” Vijay Uncle pats me on the back.

“Tarun is obsessed with him own image and nurture the false impression that he can buy Swagata’s love by the power of money. You know what asshole was doing? If Swagata stops at the mall to gush about a sexy dress, Tarun would force her to accept it as gift. If she needs to go somewhere, he would order a brand new car that would land at her door step. The ass was forcing gifts down her throat. Once, they were on a date and Swagata was telling that she is planning to get herself a new I-phone, well, you can take a guess. Designer shoes, expensive watches and air tickets would land at her door steps.

Few girls walk inside Leopold. Vijay winks at me, “Hot chicks, na. Dude! That’s the perk of being a bachelor at 40.” He gulps his beer. “I am very close to my niece. I know her too well to say that she cannot live without you. Tarun was suffocating her with his obsession. I knew, right in the beginning, that something was not normal and got some men to follow this fool. He was playing the same game with not one but several girls. We caught him red handed.”

 “This bastard is so shameless that she asked Swagata to give back all his gifts. I slapped him..bloody chutiya,” Vijay uncle suddenly became all charged.

Tomorrow is Sunday and Swagata will be home all night. We will sneak inside the house and, at midnight, you just pop inside the room to surprise her on Orkut’s last day. It’s time to fall in love all over again. We clink glasses and drink merrily.

An Orkut Love Story: Chapter 29

Today is Day 29: This post, part of the novella 'An Orkut Love Story' is written as part of the prompt Ultimate Blog Challenge for July 2014

CHAPTER 29:

I just discovered how blessed I am to have a criminal streak. Perhaps, I should join the underworld in Mumbai since I’ve been spending sleepless nights conspiring to kill Tarun. Khallas! Alcohol is doing the trick in my obsession to plot my love rival’s death. What if I give Supari (contract) to someone to gun him down or mow him, disguised in a road rage? Right now, I am seriously considering to start a network of small time goons, gangster and the underworld. Ahem! Ahem! Chota Shakeel and Dawood (Under world King Pins) are rotting in jail. Woe betide me! I could have kidnapped Tarun so that I elope with Swagata. Shit man! Whatta weird thoughts crossing my mind! Blame it on alcohol.

THREE YEARS LATER

I logged on Orkut out of sheer boredom, only to realize I de-activated my account ages ago. I re-activate, going through my old profile pics and checking my scraps which is now vintage stuffs. The last scrap showing was sent by Swagata, ages ago. It tempted me to check her profile only to see her in solo. It seems she deleted her engagement pictures with Tarun for more privacy. Or, perhaps, I am the reason. May be, she finds me repulsive. Okay! Let bygones be bygones. After all, I have a life on Facebook.

2014:

I receive an e-mail from Google: After ten years of sparking conversations and forging connections, we have decided it's time for us to start saying goodbye to Orkut. We will shut down Orkut on September 30, 2014. You can export your profile data, community posts and photos usingGoogle Takeout (available until September 2016). We are preserving an archive of all public communities, which will be available online starting September 30, 2014.

I can’t help but feel a moment of sadness. After all, Orkut was the place I found love and met Swagata where we flirted shamelessly, baby-ing each other, exchanging, silly lovey-dovey notes and making dirty jokes. We were all over the place that once Kushal scrapped us with, ‘Get a room, guys.’ I log off. No point in delving over things that was never meant to be.

I dunno why I am hitting a high emotional chord today and constantly logging on long forgotten sites to relive painful memories. The fingers are behaving topsy-turvy today, hits the button of Yahoo! Mail! I stumble upon a couple of e-mails bearing the id of a certain Vijay Singhania. “Hi Karan, I’ve been trying to get in touch with you since a long time. I am Vijay, Swagata’s uncle.  I want to meet you and perhaps you may not be aware that Swagata has shifted back to Mumbai. Hope you will reply to my mail. You can call me on 989016xxxx.”

I thought of deleting the e-mail but, on second thought, I replied. “Thanks Vijay Uncle. I have moved on ...” We exchanged few e-mails and it seems like Vijay uncle is as stubborn as her niece, hell-bent to coax me into giving my phone number.

In the flick of second, another e-mail flashes, “Dude! We must meet this week in Mumbai over beer. I know for sure that you still love Swagata and before you chuck me out, let me tell you that my niece is my life. I can’t bear to see her unhappy. How can both of you live such a sad existence? C’mon! Guys, face it. 

Swagata told me everything about you. I’ve held her in my arms when my sister and brother brought her from the hospital for the first time. One thing I know for sure: It’s in her genes to keep things for herself, taking a long time to pay heed to her inner feelings. But, she has a heart capable of loving selflessly. You know a bit, like me. After all, it runs in the family. You know, we are so bad at expressing love coz it hurts our ego.”

Finally, I relented. Vijay uncle calls, “Dude! Ready to bond over beer at Leopold on Saturday at 2 p.m. We can sit together to admire the chicks in Mini-skirts.” I chortle, “Cool, Uncle.”

“No ‘uncle me’, buddy. I hate formalities. See you at 2 and chill. I am not planning to murder you.”

I smile. Vijay uncle is quite energetic on phone and his voice is full of enthusiasm. I am apprehensive, though. After all, I am meeting the uncle of Swagata and hope he is not some boring old man who wants to settle scores with me. Get ready boy for some drama, may be, pound of fist landing on my face. I just hope he is not related to Muhammad Ali.

An Orkut Love Story: Chapter 28

Day 28: This chapter for 'An Orkut Love Story' is written as part of the prompt Ultimate Blog Challenge for July 2014

CHAPTER 28:

“I don’t know what you think about me? Trust me, it is as tough for me as it is for you to let go,” Swagata’s voice chokes with emotion.

She is on the verge of crying for the past one hour, finally broke down to tears and we avoided eye contact with each other during our conversation. “You must be thinking that I am a weak person. Perhaps, you are right. I don’t have the strength to say no to my parents and go through the whole shit.”

I nod in approval. I don’t think that I nurture any strength to make her see reason to carry on with this long distance relationship. I observe, “There is no point discussing things that are not meant to be.”

She bobs her head, “You were drunk yesterday. I know you are nursing your wounds. Love is a complex emotion where we miraculously grow attached to someone. I know, we don’t need any reason to love. It just happens. As they say, there is a reason for every pain caused by the heart and it’s better to lose in love than never having loved at all.”

“Let’s grow in love rather than feel rejected by this devil called heart break,” Swagata tries to console me. “It will take us a while to get out of it but we will, if we go with the flow. I believe that someone, may be a greater power or guardian angel, is watching over us and will lift us, only if we allow it. Love comes in different forms.”

“Guess, you are right, Swagata. One should always go with the flow in this journey called life. After all, we are all seekers. This is what Paulo Coelho tells,” I try to ease the tension.

We hug and kiss. Perhaps, it’s destiny’s last kiss.

Six months later:

I started dating a couple of girls after Swagata moved to Hong Kong but I feel something was missing in my life. I feel so incomplete without ‘her.’ Occasionally, I gleaned through Swagata’s profile and almost got a heart attack when I saw her engagement pictures with Tarun. I de-activated my Orkut’s profile. 

An Orkut Love Story: Chapter 27

Day 27: The post Chapter 27 for the novella, 'An Orkut Love Story' is written as part of the prompt ' Ultimate Blog Challenge for July 2014.

CHAPTER 27

Life has stopped making sense for me. How I wished it was just a mindless joke made by Swagata to gauge my love! Life without Swagata is painful. I feel alone, walking for hours in the scorching sun from Marine Drive till Chowpatty Beach, jumping on the train to Dadar, waiting for long hours to get a darshan of Lord Ganesha at Siddhi Vinayak Temple.

It’s the first time in my life that I am offering prayers to Lord Ganesha, pleading for love. ‘I want Swagata back in my life. Dear Ganesha! I will host Puja in our house if you perform miracle by getting us married.’ I close my eyes and whisper my secret in the ear of Ganesha’s muse, the rat, “Please send Swagata back.

Please tell Ganesha, my dear friend.” I am amazed at my own twists and turns. Love does strange things to people, converting an orthodox atheist into a believer of God. An inner voice was telling me to pick myself up and start living life. Kushal was telling, ‘Dude! Chill! Start dating again. It’s the only way to forget Swagata. Stop sending her frantic sms-es or blank calls.’ This time Tania didn’t preach but only said, “Do what you feel is right for you and start living your life. But, one thing, you cannot blame her. Remember, she told you not to build expectations about the relationship.”

Perhaps, they were right. I should stop going on Orkut. Instead, I’ve been drinking almost every single day, listening to mushy songs and shedding bucket loads of tears. “I need to bury the whole thing and, I need to carry on with my life,” the inner voice reasoned. I face withdrawal symptom and cut myself completely from the whole world. I’ve stopped hanging out in college or café since I don’t want to answer questions about Swagata.

I am drunk and can barely move away from the bed, curling my head on the pillow. “Should I call her for the last time to wish her well on her way to Hong Kong,” I ask myself. The ego turns me down. “If she cannot think about you, why should you call? Let her be.” The phone is buzzing. My fingers fidget on the phone buttons to pick up the phone. Finally, I pick up the call.

I feel goose bumps running in my stomach. “Hi, how are you,”? Swagata hesitantly asks. I am having mixed feeling and try to speak in a normal tone, worried that my blurred tongue may arise suspicion that I am drunk.

“Hi, Swagata, I am fine,” I stammer. “Ok. You are drunk. Listen, I am leaving for Hong Kong in two days and wish that we part on a good note. I don’t want things to be awry between us and, if we ever meet again, we shouldn’t be awkward into each other’s company. Tomorrow, 5 pm, Barista, at Sivaji Dadar. You okay with that?” “Cool.” “Chalo, see you kal. Please take care of yourself.” “Hmm! Thanks for your concern,” I sarcastically remark. She hangs up.

An Orkut Love Story: Chapter 26

Today is Day 26. This chapter as part of the novella, 'An Orkut Love Story is written as part of the prompt, .Ultimate Blog Challenge for July 2014.

I've been running late for the challenge and trying to catch up with the latest posts to keep up with the challenge. Apologies for those hopping to read the latest. Guess, feeling the fatigue.

CHAPTER 26:

I landed in front of Swagata’s flat at 9 in the morning to surprise her with flowers, ‘I Love You’ card and huge packet of chocolate.  It is early morning. I waited for the past two hours for her to walk past the gate on her way to work and woo her with flowers.

A mixed feeling of worry and frantic heart-beat is enveloping my body right now.  I hate my sixth sense which always rings true and right now, it’s killing me.

I feel a lump in my heart when Swagata, dressed in red shirt and blue denim, popped out of nowhere like Cinderalla and her face showing a mild irritation. Her eyes caught my face and I smiled to her. She hastily approached me, clenched my fist and whispered, ““What are you doing here? Walk behind me till Infinity Mall.” I followed her order and after walking for five minutes in the scorching heat, we reached Infinity Mall.

She looks around before asking, “What were you doing in front of the gate?”

I am confused. “What do you mean and what’s wrong with you, yaa? I wanted to surprise you..”

She stole a quick glance at the flowers and chocolates. She exudes a hesitant smile, “Is it for me? Okay. I am taking it for the last time.”

“I need to tell you something important. It is about us. We are meeting for the last time since uncle and aunty saw us together last time, holding hands and kissing at Barista. As it is, my internship is getting over and you know very well that I am leaving for Hong-Kong in two weeks. I see no point for us to keep meeting in hiding and Dad knows about you.”

“What the fuck?” I am infuriated. “Why don’t you tell them about us? I can meet your uncle..”

She cuts me short. “Are you mad or what? I will get into trouble. O-k-a-y! Sorry for shouting. May be it’s my fault that I didn’t tell you that my parents are very conservative and they have found a guy for me in Delhi. I am getting married in a year.”

“I hope you understand. I mean to say, I will always cherish the time spent together and you have given me so much happiness,” her voice choking with emotion.

I was at a loss of words and in a spate of anger just shot, “If this is your decision, I cannot help it.”

Swagata gave me a tight hug and said, “Bye.” Tears rolled on her cheeks as she hopped in the rickshaw, “Bhaiya, Andheri Station jaldi.”

An Orkut Love Story: Chapter 25

Day 25: This chapter for the novella,  'An Orkut Love Story' is written as part of the prompt Ultimate Blog Challenge for July 2014.

CHAPTER 25:

The heavy rain and wind splattered on the verandah at CCD and I moved inside the AC room to save my steaming coffee from the prey of the water. The café wore a deserted look and I climbed upstairs to sit peacefully and hear the sound of rain water rattling on the roof.

I saw a girl almost on the verge of passing out and overheard her friend scolding her. “Koyal, you are sloshed and stop making a scene. How will you go home? Have some water na.” Koyal shouted, “Fuck you bitch. Leave me alone. I don’t want water and wanna puke. The friend was in a state of panic and looked around the café furtively and called out to me. “Hey, I am Sonali. Can you help to take her inside the washroom? ” We struggled to hold Koyal straight for a while and she finally throw out. Quite a scene it was! Finally, we were done after forcefully putting the bottle of Bisleri inside her mouth.

Sonali phone buzzed. “Haan, Mama, I am coming.” “Shit,” Sonali tells me. “It’s already 10 p.m and I gotta go home. Can you do me a favor? Please take her home at Churchgate.” I nodded. I almost dragged Koyal inside the taxi, pulling her with all my might and was physically depleted. I was getting irritated when she was twisting my hair lock. “Hey! You are cute. Kiss me and let’s date. I promise to love you,” She raucously declared.

We remained in touch after the incident and started dating after some time. Till today, I still can’t come to terms how I accepted her proposal. The first date was a mental torture and we hanged out at Fire N Ice in Lower Parel. She was already high on Vodka and shouted under my nose, “Hahaa!! I already downed six pegs of Vodka. Can you beat that? I didn’t know where to look.” She pushed me on the dance floor and I feel powerless, forcing my steps to match hers’ and her voice, worse than the blaringly loud music, roaring like a wounded tigress.

I was shocked to see the real Koyal, loud and crass, passing comments at every possible person and unfazed that they would hear her. She was over-dressed in a weird mini-skirt, adorned with a brown belt that made her a fashion disaster.

We reached early at the venue and something must have hit her in the head when she went on shouting in the ears of everyone as if some breaking news came on TV. “Hey! Look at this chick, she is wearing a blue skirt gifted by her boy- friend. Now, look there….haha..see this dude. Now, who wears Black shoes on Blue Jeans?” My face grew red with anger and didn’t know where to hide.

On the spur of the moment, I wanted to plaster something on her mouth or mix her drink with something so that she loses her voice. Koyal almost stomped on my feet in a tizzy of excitement, hell bent to damage my hearing power. “Getting bored, now. Let’s hook up somewhere in this corner,” as she pointed her finger towards the corridor, right outside the washroom. She forcefully takes me away from the dance floor and despite my protest, held to me tight and started kissing me. I felt molested for the first time in my life.

Once, we were driving at Bandra Bandstand and , somehow, I forget my driving license at home when a cop stopped us. The cop, asked in a fearful voice, ‘License.’ I was at a loss of words and almost begged him to let us off by forking out 200 bucks when Koyal shouted, “Only 200 bucks. You have 1000 bucks in your pocket. Give it to Sir.” What choice did I have? In the flick of seconds, my money was gone, owing to the genius mind of my girl-friend.

Swagata burst out laughing and rolled on the floor. “Oh my…holy fuck! What were you thinking when you started dating her?  Poor you! I pity you.” I felt like an idiot.