He is an adamant, egotistic, self-centered Jackass.

I saw him walking past my room, in his usual three piece suit, heading towards his office. His assistant followed him with eyes showing fear. He is feared by all who have known him,all who have heard about him and all who have talked with him. All except one, and that's me. I am not an intrepid hero living among the cowards. I am his partner and also used to be his friend, when you all didn't know him. 

"He is an adamant, egotistic, self-centered Jackass." 

I heard one of the people nearby whispering to his friend. 

"That guy in that 3-million dollar suit has no life. He is always about getting things done."

I smiled.

"He should have never known the word 'enjoy'. I've never seen him smile. I've never seen anything else except his stern look." 

I laughed. I looked at that Jackass who was throwing orders around.

"How can a guy be so asocial? In fact anti-social? The word is that he had never had a casual talk in his life."

That's enough. I walked towards the door and shut it close. 

I know much more than what you all know. I sat down on a sofa asking my assistant not to send anyone in. It has been 2 years since he stopped talking to me. On this day two years back, his birthday, I arranged a surprise party for him and I had thrown myself out of his life. Not two years back, he has been this way since his college days. 

Back then, he was that innocent kid who loves to pull others' leg. He loved those evenings with friends, TV shows marathon, those chat shops for a snack, parties for friends' birthdays, games at places and he did what all normal kids would do. He enjoyed his life. I have always wondered whether it was, whatever had happened, worthy for this change. It doesn't matter what I thought. He thought it mattered and here is he, changed. 

As all the other similar stories, it was a girl. But these were not lovers. Definitely not the type who would hang out together always, sit and talk for hours, give loads of presents, roam to different places, talked 24X7 or told their every single move . They had not even traveled in the same bus many times, they did not even hold their hands, they never sat together alone for more than minutes. But he liked her and thought that she was going to be his best friend and he was somehow special to her. 

His life at home was not so caring as the care was always towards the other guy in his home. He was supposed to be the child who should always understand the situation. He did and her care showed him a new walk of life. He didn't know that she was caring by nature and thought that he was unique to her. They became close to share things but always with a limit. He knew that he should never cross that limit. 

We all have close friends. Different close friends. Different times. Different people close to us during different times. Like these parties which form alliance with various parties through out their existence, one party during one election and next during the other. We are not to be blamed. We are programmed to function that way by the nature. And there are a few parties which never understand this trick. A devilish trick. They try to stand just and lose elections. Lose their party altogether. Everyone forgets the party totally. 

He was one such party. She had three or four close ones at that time. It was not her fault. She was being normal and he was, indeed, abnormal. Who, on this earth, remain close to one and only that one through out? Even the marriages, which are supposed to be decided in heavens, fall apart. How would this friendship last? His other friends, who are not emotionally attached, remained emotionally unattached. I tried to speak sense to him. He would just not listen.

The season changed, so did the election, so did her closeness. Time to move. She moved on. Leaving him stranded in a swamp! A marsh! A deadly marsh. He was left alone. Her leaving him was not the fault. He, being left alone, was the fault. The world, the bloody world, thought he was in love. He wasn't. All he had was a friendship. A caring friendship. One would question me, Why didn't I be his caring friend. I had my own alliance. Sorry, but I tried to talk to him. But he spoke to none. Not a word. 

Apart from her, me and a few others, he closed his world. He also exists in her world. As a contact in her cellphone, with a name appended with some form of remembering key. As a Facebook friend whom she would never notice in a crowd of 1000 friends. Whom she would wish, posting a "Happy Birthday" note on his wall. He would remain a guy to whom  she would send her Marriage invitation. 

What am I doing here? Well, maybe next time!

International best economy rate bowler

"The nation wants to know!" shouted Mr.X, the reporter of the Fraud first of Injambakkam.

"I saw it in a poster under the bridge near the Trisulam flyover. The fault is not mine." Ms. Y, the reporter of Mind-U feinted an accent.

"Tell us everything Ms. Y. The nation wants to know."

"It was a 20*40 poster with Mr. Z holding a ball. A caption saying "Won the International best economy rate bowler!" It attracted me. I hadn't seen the news before and I wanted to publish it under my name and get some attraction. I ran a cover story visiting and getting details from every house in Trisulam. He is a guy from Trisulam, right? I visited Z's memes page and saw some amazing stats. I was given a column in the second page. "

"Trisulam? Meme? Okay, Mr. Z it's your turn now. Please, the nation wants to know."

"I was an enthusiastic ball boy. I loved the full toss, under-arm ball right since my childhood days. But my father wanted only to pursue as DRINKS boy as that would alone ensure me a good career. I always requested to bowl the ball. Initially I was outside the rope and I was throwing from the boundary lines. Later the captain was impressed and he selected me in the squad. I delivered my best getting a 5-wicket haul and just giving 20 runs in 10 overs. That was the best ever figures. They wanted me to bowl my underarm special and for 15 overs every match and I never failed to deliver. I always worked hard for the ball and they gave me the best bowling figures award. This is the award they gave."

 

Image: Harikrishna Raghuraman

After the two left, Mr. X made a few calls one of which was to the ICC President. He totally rejected it stating it as a false claim. "I vaguely remember the guy named Z. He came to the match as drinks boy and took the role of a ball boy but he was rejected after a few matches. Anyone who brings drinks can also throw balls which doesn't mean that he has the best bowling figures."

The BCCI said, "Since the player went abroad saying he had won an award we sponsored him but we thought that it was for throwing balls from beyond the boundary lines. We are embarrassed."

Meanwhile the reporter Ms. Y blamed it on that Trisulam poster saying that it was their mistake and she did not do anything embarrassing. But it is clear that even if she had watched one Indian match she would have known about Z. She doesn't even know about the veracity of the memes. She doesn't know those curses people threw at him in social network. And she doesn't know that there is no award in that name. She is a reporter yet she failed to notice the forgery or verify its authenticity. Mr. Z is unavailable for the comment.

Detective Kokonut and Inspector Jaan (Part two)

Read the part one here.

Detective Kokonut was presiding over a council meeting of the colony when he heard a commotion outside the briefing hall.

"Excuse me! I shall be back in a moment!" said Kokonut and he swiftly moved towards the aisle. The two guards standing near the door saluted him with a tensed face and opened the door. Kokonut motioned the guards to accompany him. He was shaken by the scene he witnessed.

There were around 50 ants gathered in the stairway with some agent ants flashing lights and shouting out questions. Kokonut hurried towards the stairway with a look on his face certain that he knew what was going! The guards nearly gave out a scream when they saw the person.

It was Inspector Jaan standing midst the crowd with a couple of bandages in his hand and a bruise on his forehead. Kokonut chuckled at this sight of the famous Inspector and greeted him with a grin. Jaan couldn't face Kokonut and he hung his head in shame but there was vengeance in his heart.

“So Jaan, how do you do?” asked the detective.

“Sarcasm? Please don’t hurt my pride detective.”

“I warned you against your action. What you attempted to do was suicide!” told Kokonut checking his bruises.

“I at-least have attempted to teach Alex a lesson but you! You cautioned everyone to hide when he is out. That is preposterous and cowardice. Dare you mock my attempt again detective, I will blow your heads off!” growled Jaan.

“Relax boy! What you attempted to do was not bravery but foolishness! Completely imprudent! See what it has done to you! See what that Alex has done to you! Alex has taken out his experiment on you! I knew what was going to come and so I recommended our fellow-ants not to wander carelessly!”

“You knew that this was Alex’s thing! How come? I didn't tell that anyone. I wanted to brush it off thinking it would hurt my reverence. How come you knew that this was going to happen? I escaped from that place with the help of a cockroach. I am still puzzled about that cockroach! How did it know about me?” Jaan looked entangled.

“It was me who requested the cockroach to help. When I was informed of the continuous murders before the last one, I got a bit suspicious. I wasn't satisfied that his torture porn films were the only reason but something else was there for these murders. I wanted to investigate the case myself thinking setting off others for this may not produce any results. I came to understand several horrible things that he is going to undertake!”

“What are those?” claimed the Chief. None noticed the arrival of chief. Everybody nodded their heads to give their respect for the chief.

“We are all aware that the family recently toured China, Japan and other countries. We all have the notion that Chinese are fond of food recipes of us, the insects. And I was not too much surprised when I found a Chinese recipe book of insects in this home. I became eager to know his next move and so I sought the help of the detectives of spider and lizard colony as they can wander anywhere. I came to know his next move from the lizards.” 

At the same time, the representatives from the cockroach, lizard and other insect families arrived at the place. The chief and Kokonut personally welcomed everyone.

The lizard chief broke the silence. “My guard eaves dropped the conversation of Alex with his mother. I will tell you the exact conversation; please don’t act haste. Listen with patience.”

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“Mom, I need those dishes we ate in China.” told Alex.

“You want me to run after the insects in home to give you a snack, Alex? I have several other works to do!”

“Mom, please! I need them so badly. Please prepare that for me. I have even bought a recipe book.”

“But I don’t have patience Alex. Do a thing! Get them and I shall give you!”

“Are you sure? I shall get them and you must keep up your word?”

“I have seen some insects in home; a very few here and there. Where are you going to get a whole damn of them?”

“I shall take care of that!”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everyone stood glued to their place. Kokonut came forward in a placid manner and faced the gathering. 

“Yes, He is trying to locate our colony; the ant colony. It may be us now but in the near future all the colonies are in danger. The cockroaches-they hummed-the lizards-they screeched-the bees-they buzzed-the worms-they shuddered. Which colony is going to escape from Alex? Not any one of us. Jaan, how long you have been away from Alex’s place?” 

“An hour Koko!”

“Don’t call me Koko! Alex has purposely made the situation so easy for Jaan to escape. He has cut his stomach to bleed and he would follow the drops; like the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale except that this time it is too late to erase the marking. If I am not wrong, within minutes he will attempt to capture us; all of us. What are we going to do?” 

Everyone hissed. They all seemed so frightened even the guards! The chiefs of all the colonies looked puzzled as they had no idea regarding the things to be done! But they were all certain that something should be done to prevent a disaster. Kokonut stood so serenely thinking about the situation.

“Call the guards of all the colonies!” ordered Kokonut.

“But why Koko?” the worm chief asked.

“I have an idea. Assemble all the guards and even ordinary citizens, who are dare enough, in this place within 15 minutes. I shall announce my plans then.”

Within 15 minutes, the guards and a very large number of common insects assembled in the place. Kokonut gave some quick orders to a few spiders, called the chiefs to the front and he started speaking.

“Friends, We all know that we are in a great peril now! We must do something brave enough to stop this kid now and forever! I shall require courage, honesty and wisdom from all of you present here. Will I get them?” Everyone said a loud ‘yes’.

“That’s good. Now listen to me. I have asked two spider guards to watch the entrance of our colony. They will let us know if Alex approaches us. Our plan is this. We all know that this part of the house is never used and nobody pays us a visit except for that monster. This room is located beside the portico and one must cross it in order to enter this room. The other side of the portico is covered by a few waste boxes which they haven’t touched in years. 70% of you hide in those boxes. When the spiders give us the sign of his arrival, the rest of us must be ready inside the colony for saving the inhabitants. And at the time, when he peeks into our colony, one of you from the boxes must bite or sting him. Then he will turn to catch that one and when he turns each one of you should be near him. If you have wings, fly around him and if you don’t, spread out in the floor beneath him.”

“What’s the use detective? He isn’t a common boy to feel frightened at our sight. He is a dodgy one. He might harm the entire community!” asked Jaan.

“Foolish Jaan! That is the thing he will expect us to do. Fear! I also understood from his actions that he had never harmed or attempted to harm us when we were in groups. His attacks are always on when we are alone. 70% of us will be very much greater in number. Very much larger enough to threaten him.”

“What if it doesn’t work? What if he is not afraid of us even in groups? We can’t afford to risk all our guards.”

“That is not possible. He is and he will. Do it now or don’t feel sorry afterwards. Who is on my side?” 

Initially none responded but gradually everybody accepted it as they had no other option and the 70% of the insects hid in the boxes. The remaining waited for the signal from the spider guards.

“Who is going to do that life-threatening job of turning his attention? I think flying insects could do it after all they can easily escape. Will you please volunteer?”

Only one raised hand and it was Jaan.

“Jaan? You? Don’t risk your life again! You are not capable!” the detective told.

“You have never allowed me to do my job! I am doing it and I will finish it successfully!” Jaan left leaving all of them in admonishment especially the detective.

Everything was in place when the Bee chief in the boxes saw the spiders running to the colony. Kokonut also noticed the signal. The sight of Alex threatened everyone except Jaan. He made slow movement behind him and when he peeked in the colony inside the room, it bit him in his foot real hard taking its revenge on him. Alex lost his balance for a moment but gained his control back so easily. He took Jaan in his hand and identified it as the same ant he caught a few days back.

“How dare you? This time I am not going to leave you!” barked Alex!

It wasn't a moment when all the insects surrounded Alex. He didn't notice them till the buzzing of bees made him a little peevish. He turned around and was stunned to see so many bees, grass-hoppers, mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches suspended in the mid-air. He let out a long cry and tried to run away. And that is when he noticed many worms, ants, spiders, lizards and others were surrounding him. He nearly jumped and ran to his room and fainted. Thankfully no one was hurt. It was then they realized that Jaan wasn't there and everybody praised his sacrifice.

“I am not dead still fools!” shouted Jaan in the hands of Koko! Koko saved him when he fell out of Alex’s hands. Everybody rejoiced their victory. Needless to say that Alex never entered their territory again and they found that recipe book in the boxes. Hail Koknut! Hail Jaan!

Lord Rama shines in Ramayana so do I in Hariyana!!!

I can proudly put in my Karma book, which might lead me to heaven or hell, that I too have lived the efficacious life of Lord Ramachandra! Are you curious? Do you badly want to hit me for comparing my life to that of the greatest hero in the Hindu mythology? Do you want to pray Yama personally to give me hell for the analogy of Lord Rama’s life? I will give you one more statement to do the above more hardly! I live the life of Lord Rama everyday!

Well, I can prove it! So let’s start with the life of the lord Himself. According to the Kambar, the poet who composed the prestigious Kambaramayana, there are six chapters in the life of the lord. In Tamil language, the chapters are referred to as Kandas. There are six such Kandas. Bala Kandam, Ayodhya Kandam, Aranya Kandam, Kishkintha Kandam, Sundara Kandam, Yutha Kandam.

I hereby assume that all of you who read this know the great epic. If not please refer here. And let me start the comparison under the blessings of lord Rama.

First of all, I study at College of Engineering, Guindy which is at a distance of 15 Kms from my home. I reside at Chromepet. I use four modes of transport to reach college every day. Bike, Bus, Train and Walk/Run.

BalaKandam: (Home Chapter)

Lord Rama lived a luxurious, sorrow-free life in this chapter of Ramayana. He had the love of his mother, the protection of his father, the respect of the citizens, the trust of his brothers and the blessings of the Lord. He was indeed born with a silver spoon, in a bed of roses.

So, I am daily woken up my dad and my mother immediately offers me a cup of coffee or tea after brushing. I start getting ready for my college in a lethargic manner. My sister helps me in my preparation of the notes and books to be taken. These three do everything for me. Preparing my breakfast and lunch, Ironing my shirt, taking my bike to the gate from the parking lot. The parking lot is 5 feet from the gate! I ride my bike from home to MIT which is nearly 2Kms from my home. This isn’t a luxurious life?!

Ayodhya Kandam: (MIT Chapter)

He was trained by the family Guru Sage Vashishtar and occasionally by other sages. Once Sage Vishvamitra took him to a deep ghostly forest to watch out for demons and he started performing some kind of Tapa. He with his brother Lakshmana guarded the sage and killed the demon Tadagai using the divine astras. Then he went on to defeat other demons like Marichan and Subaghu and he married Sita after breaking the famous, powerful Shiva bow! This period of his life showed his strength as a Kshatriya and a man’s valor.

So, I was trained to ride my bike by a great sage (Myself!) during my ninth standard. I usually ride through the bumpy roads causing my spine to twist and break like a kaimurkku which my grandma usually prepares for me. And not to forget, there are always aunties and uncles who trigger me to apply brakes and pull words from my mouth. These bumpy roads and the citizens give me rigorous training for me to face the demon who awaited me at MIT. It’s the college near railway station where I usually park my vehicle. This supposed to be a great college has two gates, one near the station (Hostel Gate) and the other (Main Gate) a few hundreds of meters away from it. One needs to cross the main gate and reach the parking lot near the hostel one and hence forth reach the station easily. I am a lazy guy yet a daft person. As I near the college’s main gate, I usually peek in looking for demons (The watchmen). Actually you must have a BLUE colour sticker pasted in your vehicle to be allowed inside. If you have no sticker or a red one, you must park it near the main gate and not near the hostel gate. You got it. I have a red one. And I fight these demons using the verbal astra and trespass the road to hostel gate. Sadly sometimes I get caught. I have to answer the senior most demons yet park near the main gate and walk till the station. I usually read novels or newspapers if I get caught and have to walk. Isn't this a training period?

Aranya Kandam: (Station Chapter)

Now Lord Rama after the training goes to forest because of Kaikeyi. He walked through the forests most of the time. He lives peacefully there for some time and loses Sita to the treachery of Maricha. He searched for her impatiently asking every tree, pond, animal there. He wanted to find her somehow. He found Jatayu and learned about the kidnapping of Sita and buried him. He kept on wandering through the dense forests reaching south from north.

So I, after the successful trespassing of MIT, park my vehicle and walk slowly to the station. The road to the station from MIT also looks like a path in a forest. But I lose my train to the treachery of time. When in India do the buses and trains come in time? I run to the station and ask everyone there about the time of arrival of the next train. I usually end up seeing some acquaintance or a bestie of mine and learn about the next train. No, I don’t bury him (:P)!! I keep wandering on the platform from the bench to the edge of the platform and watch for the next train.

Image: Harikrishna Raghuraman

Kishkintha Kandam: (Train Chapter)

Lord Rama on the advice of a sage reached Rishyamuga parvam and meets Sugriva and Hanuman. Initially he and Lakshmana were mistaken as the enemies by the vanaras. Later they understood that they were otherwise. He killed Vali as Sugriva requested, thereby earning the trust of Sugriva. Hanuman and Sugriva became close to the lord and they promised to help him in finding Sita. Rama and Lakshmana took rest after several days of travel. Hanuman and others set on a voyage to the south of the Indian Ocean to find Sita.

So I, after hearing the train horn, stand up and walk near the edge of the platform. Initially I mistake it to be too crowded seeing young chaps hanging out. Later I find that these are hyper youths who want to show off their special (!!) talents to the public and there is enough space inside for me to sit. I sit in a place killing my breath and cough to earn the trust of the person beside me. The train gets crowded in the next few stations and I start reading a book to relax after such tiring encounters. I bend every time low to check if my destination has come. The person sitting near the window promises to tell me when the station comes. And I get down at Guindy and walk towards the bus stop.

Image: Google Images

Sundara Kandam: (Bus stop Chapter)

Here Our Lord has no other work except to wait for the arrival of Hanuman. He waited patiently. In the mean time, Hanuman went to Lanka and found Sita. He got Kanaiyazhi from her and fought with the Ravanan’s mob and returned to Rama. He happily announced that he had found Sita. Lord Rama embraced him. But Hanuman said that they had a great deal of people to fight to get Sita back. Rama announced, “WAR!”

So I, after coming out of the railway station go to the bus stop and wait patiently for the bus to come. The M21G or the M119B which starts from Guindy usually stands near the corner. The bus drivers and the conductors have their cups of tea and little chats before starting the bus. I have no other option but to wait. I wait patiently looking at my watch. When I see the sight of the bus, I rejoice like a small child seeing its dad. But usually the buses to Anna University from Guindy are so free that we will be crushed inside the bus!!! But I will make a strong determination to board it in-spite of the huge crowd. I announce, “BOARD!”

Image: Harikrishna Raghuraman

Yutha Kandam: (Bus Chapter)

Lord Rama and the vanaras crossed the mighty ocean by constructing a controversial bridge and reached Ceylon. They fought with the Lankans bravely with honor  One of the Lankans, Vibhishna came to the Lord and announced that he would be with the Lord there after. He surrendered to the Lord. They also fought back. Indrajit knocked down the Lord and his brother by using Nagasthra. Hanuman flew to the mountains on the advice of Jambhavan and brought back the Sanjeevi Mountains and helped them regain consciousness. After a great deal, they won the war and rescued Sita.

So I, after boarding the bus, somehow manage to stand on one leg. I fight a number of people to get a place to keep my other leg down. They too fight back bravely. The Lankans here (the co-passengers) surrender to me for I am strong than most of them. The huge people with orca fat knock me down with their powerful boulders. The conductor gets down from his seat to give tickets to the people in front and thereby giving me a place to sit. He helps me regain my composure. After a great deal, I get down from the bus. And I am lucky enough to be here alive to tell you my great life after travelling in those numerous buses!

Image: Google Images

Pattabishekam: (Next? Rest)

After the victory, everyone reached Ayodhya and they celebrated Rama’s Pattabishekam. And there is a myth that Lakshmana went to sleep straightly since he had to guard Rama without sleeping in his last 14 years.

So I, after getting down from the bus victoriously, I retire to the famous Sundial of my college and take rest there since I had to guard my purse and cell without relaxing in my last 1.4 hrs.

Image: Harikrishna Raghuraman

Now tell me, Should not I put in my Karma book that I too have lived the life of our greatest hero? Thank you! I know your reaction! Jai Shri Ram!

No! No Jais for me :D

Image: Harikrishna Raghuraman

Image: Harikrishna Raghuraman

SLAP

A group of three were shouting at him and throwing curses. His face remained calm with a smile on his lips. After some time, they left the place. 

Ram noticed Peter staring at him. Peter was so angry that his eyes were red with fury. He walked towards Ram.

"Why were you silent again?" questioned Peter. 
"Why shouldn't I?" 
"You didn't do anything. Those guys treat you as a sordid one. And you remain silent with a smile.” 
Ram smiled again. 
“When will you get rid of this goddamn nature? Can’t you fight back? Are you a coward?” 

Ram smiled again. This time, it insulted peter. He made a vow never to talk about this to Ram and turned back to leave the place. A sense of touch made him stop. It was Ram who placed his hand on Peter’s shoulder. 

“I am not a coward, Peter. I am neither weak-minded. But the question is why should I fight back when I know the mistake isn't mine?” 
“To make all know that it isn't yours!” 
“Oh Peter, I know it and the God knows it! What’s the point in letting others know this?” 
“Ok! Leave others! They are accusing you and you must retaliate. Am I correct?” 
“Retaliate for what?” 
“To prove that you aren't wrong. Stop this Ram. I am tired of all your non-violence nonsense!” 

“This is not non-violence. This is called living my life.” 
“At the cost of you, you are living your life you fool!” 
“No Peter, Life is too short for grudges. He has been my good friend since my school days and you want me to fight him back? No, I am not going to. I live by a code of conduct and I will abide to it at any cost.” 
“A code of conduct?” 
“Yeah, I will tell you! It’s short and so life is! I call it the SLAP method! 

Smile!

Smile always. Smile every time. Smile at everyplace. Smile for every action. Your smile will relax everybody’s mood around you. You not only create a good atmosphere for you but also for others. Smile is the best answer to all the questions. If someone comes to you with a problem, smile and help them. If someone complains to you about others, smile and hear them. If someone is happy for their success, smile and congratulate them. Doing everything with a smile changes your attitude of looking it!

Laugh!

To laugh is always superior. Laugh at your own mistakes. Never forget the laughter for it is the best medicine. Crack stupid jokes and make others laugh. Do funny things and let you become the reason for others laughter. Be happy if someone laughs at the expense of you but never do you laugh at others’ expense friend!

Admire!

Many complain that the loneliness is the most deadly thing in this world. But see that as the chance to admire things around you. See the small things around you. Appreciate the things nature has given you! Taste the dew drop from a leaf to feel its purity. Touch a small baby’s hand to feel its warmth. Hear the sound of the sparrows singing to feel its beauty. See the clouds above you and try to find a pattern in them to feel its calmness. Admire the things around you!

Patience!

Be patient! Always be patient! Do your work and wait with patience for its result. Perform your duties and wait with patience for its rewards. This is the most important thing for the above three. Try to put up with people even if they are so much mean and irritating. Never let out words for they can’t be picked up later. Never lose your temper.

“Oh I am flattered!” told Peter. Ram smiled. 
“But this won’t be practical Ram!” 
“This is!” 
“Try to follow this and you will feel a great deal of positive energy radiating from you!” 
“SLAP!” told Peter.

I kept my word!

Suddenly she saw him everywhere...

"I will haunt you forever," he used to tell her always sarcastically to look at her reaction and would laugh.

25 April, 2012. The next day was her wedding. Her parents had arranged the three day wedding function in a grandiose manner with the whole town astonishing at its sumptuous way. However the center of attraction was the bride. She looked radiant and ravishing in her engagement dress which was offered by the bridegroom's side. Everyone out there was expecting the next day. Two people, who were distant in their hearts, were going to blend into a single lovable life. Was it going to be adorable?

She again spotted him laughing, “Why are you sad? After all, you are the bride!" He seemed a little sarcastic. She was on the verge of bursting out. Tiny bubbles peeked out from her eyes and she urged to control it. He again mumbled, "I kept my word." She asked him, “What did you tell?" He ran away. She couldn't spot him for a while.

She went to her room flooding with his memories. She was exhausted and was hyperventilating. This left her rattled and even a little peevish. She watched the happy face of her kith and kin from the portico of the first floor. She also watched his face and his eccentric reaction. It was raining cats and dogs outside. The lightening and the thunder petrified the little kids. Suddenly there was a huge crowd calling her name. She could hear them but couldn't respond. She had fainted hitting the ground floor before people came to catch her. Everyone went dazzled for a moment. It all happened so quickly. Ambulance arrived and she was taken to the hospital. Doctors couldn't do anything. It was a massive heart attack which caused her death. Every one of them was devastated. Everyone returned to the places and in a short time, the wedding function turned out into a death one.

Two days after the remorseful happening, her mother went to her room and she switched on her daughter's laptop. She browsed her drives to check what could have caused her to be pressurized? Indeed there was a document named "Rahish." Her mother knew that he was her daughter's bestest friend.

February 2, 2004:

Saw this guy named Rahish.

What a talkative one?!
Chatterbox. 

June 15, 2004

Talked to Rahish for the first time.
He is a chatterbox. I find him fascinating.Time ran fast today with him. Became his friend in FB.

October 28,2005

He sent me a "Hi" today to my mobile.
I got his number from his friend a long time ago but I didn't text him. Ego.
Waited for his text! And he did today.
He is so much energetic and exuberant.
Msgd him for a long time.

January 18, 2006

Today is my birthday. He came to my home early morning to wish me.
I loved his gift. An earring. A simple yet an amative present for me!
Spent only a small time with him. It was my fault.
I was waiting for him to become close with me. Now he is.
But I am keeping distance from him.

March 25, 2006

Today is his birthday. He sent a text to me requesting me to accompany him for morning train. 
I purposely caught the next train to his. I loved it whenever he got angry.
I loved it.
But I couldn't avoid him today as it is his birthday. He became so close to me.
In other words, I became so close to him.

May 17, 2007

We were chatting for the entire day. The whole day.
He said today "I won't marry anyone else other than you!"
I replied, “I won't marry you! A prince is waiting for me!"
He told me, “Okay! I too will marry a princess and not you!"
We mocked at each other enjoying the envious look on our faces.

September 25, 2009

Two years ran so fast after our college. 
He always tells me that he likes me a lot.
I am not sure if he is so much in love with me to accept me. 
I am not so brave.
We will be so good friends always.

April 5, 2010

He isn't opening his mouth. Neither me! Oh Goddamn it!
I couldn't resist. I am not brave. I like him a lot.
It would be so ideal if we live together. But I am so much frightened.

December 22, 2010

Now-a-days, He started telling this often."I won't marry anyone else other than you!" But then he used to tell this.
"I told that just for fun! You must like me na!"
"I will come for your wedding!"
I am so much frightened.

July 12, 2010

"Do you have anything to tell me?" I asked."I like you a lot! Nothing else. I will haunt you forever."
Silence.

August 19, 2010

He died today. Yeah it was an appalling accident. 
Death has taken Rahish from me!
I don't know what I will do without him?
I am heart-broken! Save me!

November 8, 2010

I didn't talk to anyone for the past two months.I am broken beyond repair. I loved him a lot.
Did he too? He did!!! I have his mobile now! 
Saw a msg in his drafts which was intended to be sent to me.

""I love you a lot! I want to be with you! Can I? 
Will you include me in your life? I am afraid. 
I don't know what you have in your mind?""

I loved you idiot. You didn't tell me!

April 17, 2011

My parents are asking me about my marriage. 
Everyone around me asked the same.
I am not ready to be the better half of some one else!
I don't want marriage!

September 30, 2011

My parents have fixed my marriage against my refusal. Please, I don't want.
Rahish!
I cried. I cried a lot.

December 24, 2011

My engagement today. I hate it.
Shit!

March 8, 2012

He kept his word. He didn't marry anyone else.
But did I?

April 24, 2012

Day after tomorrow is my marriage!
Rahish why didn't you take me away with you?


Her mother cried. She cried a lot. When she intended to close the document, there popped a small box with a message "wait". Something was updating. She fainted after seeing the document. There was an additional note.

April 27, 2012

I kept my word. Rahish is with me here!

Image: Harikrishna Raghuraman

You wanted me, here I am

"I will never forget this day in my life!" shouted an old man sitting beside me in the Airport lounge. It was the next day of Christmas.

"Sir!" I called him.
"How can I possibly forget that incident?" he continued. (Ignoring me)
This time I didn't respond him.
"Have you ever seen Saw-I?"
"Yes sir, twice!"
"Have you listened to the statement of the girl who escaped the Jigsaw killer?"
"Yes sir! 'He helped me' is her statement!"
"I will never forget that day in my life!"


"45 years back, It was the next day of the holy Christmas. 26th December."

(Now on, I shall continue the story from his view.)

26th December.

The holy chant of Om Namo Narayana filled the home with a divine feeling. My parents went to a marriage of my father's friend. I was alone in home and was getting ready for my college. Being brought up in a traditional and an orthodox way, I used to perform all my rituals everyday. I had finished my morning sandhyavandhanam before the bell rang. I hurried to the door and was irritated to find a man standing there with a CD in his hand. He must have been in his late thirties. Neatly cut and shaven. A frame less spectacles. A round neck T-shirt and a blue jean. He was so modern yet I could sense a power from his face.

(Yet another sales rep! At this time?)

"Is your father here?"
"Nope he has gone out!"
"May I come in?" Give me a glass of water. I have travelled a long distance to see you... sorry your father!"
"Please sit down!"

(Its late already!)
I handed him a glass of water. I was in a hurry to finish my assignment!

"Why so serious?" asked the guy.
"I gotta finish this assignment!"
"Kill the Batman."
"Excuse me?"
"It is a great film! What a film with a common story yet an extra-ordinary narration and direction."
"You are talking about 'The Dark Knight'?"
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
"Yeah an exemplary film with an amazing direction!"

(He started quoting dialogues from the film. Yeah I love the film. But it wouldn't be nice to hear them when you are in a hurry! At last he seemed to leave.)

"Okay! Its time! I shall take my leave now! Tell your father that I visited him! Give him this CD and this paper! This has my address and contact number. Tell him to call me as soon as possible!"

"Okay sir. Thank you! I will surely inform him!"
"You wanted me, here I am." He left.

(I didn't understand the context of his last Dark Knight reference then!)

I used to go to my friend's home, pick him and leave for college. I got ready, locked my door and handed over the key to my neighbour. I started my bike and left for my friend's place. His place is a few streets away from mine. When I took the right to his home, I noticed a crowd in front of his home and there were police barricades blocking the street. I was bemused and eager to know the happening. My friend signalled me to leave to college from his terrace. I came to college and met him during lunch.


A shock.
A big shock.
I must have been paralyzed for a minute.

There was a RDX bomb blast near his home by a rowdy group to kill their opposite group's leader. The thing which made me paralyzed is the place and timing. It blasted at 8.15 in the open space next to his home. That is the place I usually wait for him everyday. That is the time I usually wait standing in that open space.

What would have happened if I had come early by 10 minutes? I would have gone!
What would have happened? 

I was in a big trauma and so I could not open my mouth!

That evening I reached home and cried to my parents regarding the one! I went numb again! It was then that I noticed the CD and the paper the man gave me in the morning! I let out a cry of shock and surprise!

WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF THAT GUY HADN'T COME IN THE MORNING AND SPENT TIME WITH ME SO THAT I ENDED UP LATE IN MY FRIEND'S PLACE?

I opened the paper and was flabbergasted to find that the address was my next door number which was the temple's address! The CD? It had nothing! An empty one!

My neighbours told my mom that there was a mental patient roaming around the street and entered some of the houses! The description given by them exactly suited the man who was talking to me in my home in the morning!

Who was he? How did he meet me? Why did he talk to me for a long time? Everything remains an unsolved puzzle to me till now! Did he tell this sentence purposely? "You wanted me, here I am."

Image: Harikrishna Raghuraman

Its the divine power.

(From now, its my tone!)

"How can I forget this day in my life?" said the man.

I too was flabbergasted!!!! I am not sure if it was divinity or a random happening! But I am sure that this has changed his life and perhaps will change mine!

You wanted me, here I am

Bloody name please!

This post is going to be a drama! Watch out for dialogues!

Amma to Vasudev: Dei Vasudeva, Go for that marriage da. Its next weekend only and you 'll be free here. Attend please!
Vasudev: No amma, I am not going. Do not compel me.

(Phone rings)

Vasudev: Hello
Dad: Hello Vasudev, One person wants to speak to you! Find out who it is!

(Oh not again! His dad has this habit of giving the phone to a person whom he is supposed to identify!)

Vasudev: Appa! No, not again please. Tell his name and give him the phone. Appa!

(Silence. He finds out that the phone is being handed to some one else!)
The person: Hi Thambi, How are you?
Vasudev: I am fine... (What should be his age?) Uncle! How are you? 

(From now on the author has decided to call "The person" as "Uncle".)

Uncle: Yeah pa. I am fine too. Can you recognize me? You must have seen me in your childhood.
(Here comes the catastrophe! Oh you seem to know that I have seen you in my childhood and yet you are asking this! I would have hit you in your face if you had been in front of me!)
Vasudev: Aaaahhh... Hmmmm... Errrr..

Uncle to Dad: It seems he doesn't remember me! I will tell him my name!
Dad: Don't tell him! He definitely would not have forgotten your name. May be he could not recognize your voice! I will give him a hint!

(Shit! They are playing with me!)

Dad: Dei, You remember the uncle who amma often used to talk about?
Vasudev: Which one? Mamma speaks about a lot!
Dad: Dei that uncle who used to mock you in your childhood days. You used to tell "Thakali" as "Kathali" and "kappal" as "Pakkal".
Vasudev: Oh! Him! 

(Shit!)

Uncle: Happa! You remember me! You still misspell "kathali" for Thakali"? Hahaha!
(Aiyooo!)
Vasudev: No uncle! For God's sake I am twenty years old! You still expect me to misspell words? No uncle!
Uncle: Just Kidding! ........... (Talking)

After 10 mins,

Uncle: (Talking)

After 30 mins,

Uncle: (Talking)

After one hour,

Uncle: Ok bye! I have talked for an hour but it seems like ten minutes. I will come to Chennai next weekend! I will meet you then!
Vasudev: Bye uncle!

(Hangs down the receiver)

Vasudev to amma: Next weekend I am leaving for that marriage to Madurai!

(I must never attend my dad calls here after. Even if I attend, I should cut the phone immediately if he passes it to a person without telling me his bloody name!)

The Art of the Humiliated

The holy place of Varanasi is famous not only for its historic divinity but also for its shelter to a large number of human beings, animals and plants. This story of a seed dates back to the Before Christ period where several inspirational people filled the land of the Hindustan. Yet it was the famous Kali Yuga where the bad personalities such as anger, lust, racism etc., existed. It was the very much beginning of this Yuga so that even the small hurts caused to the people were considered as sin. Humiliation, insult, ignorance, inferiority accounted a lot.

There was a big banyan tree near the banks of the sacred Ganges in Varanasi. The story is not about this tree but about a seed. This tree was considered sacred and was worshipped by the people of that place. This tree bore a large number of fruits and leaves. It was magnificent and blissful. The fruits of the tree when they fall down were taken by the people to their home and worship it. This tradition continued. Every day there will be at least a new fruit hanging from the tree. Once there was a heavy downpour in that place causing a lot of catastrophic damage. The huge tree also suffered a great loss losing some of its branches and aerial prop roots. Every part of the tree was crying out loud and was angry at the nature for having done this. One of the old parts of the tree suddenly shouted out " Its the bad luck of that new fruit which is born today. Its bad fate has led us all to sufferings. Lets abandon it." It was the senior part of that tree and almost everybody accepted that. It prayed and begged a lot telling that its nature's effect and not it's bad luck. But no one listened. The branch shook and the fruit fell down. #First Humiliation.


This fruit started weeping. No one listened to its crying. It had no idea as of what to do next. It prayed to God requesting Him to kill it or at least that it should be eaten by some animal. It was a one-day old fruit. It had time to die. Several beings passed by but none noticed it. After a day a rat came by the place, saw this fruit and wished to eat it. When it was about to, a large python grabbed the rat and helped its stomach. Is the fruit really bad lucked one? #Second fear.

The python didn't leave the fruit. It tried to pick that with its fangs but it dropped it. It became a poisoned fruit. Now the same fruit prayed God that none should take it. The fate! A small boy picked up the fruit and bit it. Thus came the effects with the boy getting instantly poisoned and he fainted. People witnessing this took the boy to the doctor. This fruit became a poisonous fruit. They ran behind the fruit and smashed and burnt it for it should take no one's life further. #Third Misery.

The fruit was dying out of the burns and it let its only seed to come out. Till now even it had suffered all the bad things. The fruit died advising the seed to go to Ganges to get rid of its poison. The seed went to the Ganges and washed itself with the water. Its bad luck that it drowned in the river. #Fourth Bad luck!

The seed fortunately lands in a place far away. It was unconscious for a long time. There was periodical rainfall and sunshine. This helped the seed to grow as a plant and then a tree. A century after this seed became a huge fig tree with poisonous creatures around. People feared to come near it and the other tress started making fun of it. No one came forward to clean it. #Fifth Insult!

A bright morning! It woke up and saw a stranger sitting under it. It was wondering who it could be for no one wished to come near it. It didn't know. He continued to sit for a long time with his arms folded over his laps. The poisonous creatures were gone. The tree became bright. They started worshipping the stranger after a long time including the tree. One day the stranger left. People from far places came to see the tree where the stranger was sitting. The situation was exactly the reverse. It tried to overhear who the stranger was and why they were worshipping it. 

"Whats the speciality about the tree?"
"Its the Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha meditated!"

The tree started crying happily! # Last Happiness, Success, Joy, Pride!

P.S: This is pure imagination. Nothing factual! Sorry that its a bit lengthy :D

Detective Kokonut and Inspector Jaan

"Yet another murder!" cried an orderly.
"How did you find out?" asked the chief.
"I saw him lying dead with blood spurting out from his petiole and pronotum in the portico of that home. Shit, I am scared."
It sent shivers down everyone's spine standing there.
"Detective Kokonut!" shouted the chief.

An ant dawdled to the center of the place. "Yes sir! I will take care of this preposterous thing. No more murders shall take place."

It was an ant colony built by them a few days ago in a hole in kitchen. They were all living happily before these murders took place. This is the fourth one. Inspector Jaan was already standing there looking at the corpse and musing. It was a small portico at the back of the house which was 10 feet away from their living place. It was built with mosaic floor with a garden at the other side. There was a room directly above that portico and another room adjacent to it. It was surrounded by concrete closings except for the two sides.

“Never tamper any evidence at my crime scene!” shouted Jaan.
Kokonut smiled.
“I am convinced that this is an accident!” said the inspector.
“I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts,” Said Kokonut. 

He started to make notes by observing every piece of the place using a convex lens he had.
"Where are the forensic people?" questioned the detective. 

"Sir! One hour before sir!"
"Any evidences?"
"No sir. Crushed and killed. Perhaps an accident again."
Kokonut went near the victim and touched his body. "Hmm, wet! Weakened legs due to torture! Last minute struggle! Grief face! Opened mouth indicating that he tried to call for help at last! two cuts with different times of happening. A gap of 20 mins at most. Call the guard who was on portico duty an hour back! Murder!"

"How sir?"
"You will know in a short while! Wetness! There has been no rain for the past four days. The house servant has been absent for the past three days and so none could have washed the floor. No sight of any water drops around the place. A small cup with water is here at one corner with not even a single droplet around. Hmm! Blood smell in this! I need a group of 10 army ants to volunteer for this case.”

The guard ant made his arrival before the detective. “Sir!”

“Yes, did you see Alex here before an hour?”
“Do you mean the youngest son of the owner of this home? Yes sir, he was putting something down from his hand.”
“Did you see what he was dropping?”
“No sir, I was at the far end of this place. I only got a glimpse and not a full view.”
“Okay you may leave now!”

“Sir, Alex was reading a book an hour before in the hall. There is a Florentine paper bookmark in that book,” said one of the ants.
“Ok show me that book.”
“It’s on the table. We will lead you!”
(Mumbles) “Bookmark is in the page 76. So two pages before it. 74. No. 73, 72,
(Shouts) “here it is. Notice a small blood drop in the corner of the book. Ok. Few water droplets here.”
“When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”

(Meeting!)
“I am hereby presenting the murderer of the week. Alex! When I arrived here, I learnt that Alex is a die-hard fan of torture porn genre of films and books. The book we found on his table was one of those books. The blood spot in page 72 of the book is same as that of the victim’s. The blood from the one of the cuts of the victim's body is by the nail which should have been made when he was picking up the ant. He then put it in a cup of water. He must have enjoyed watching the ant’s last minutes as it struggled to escape. It eventually died. And he dropped it in the portico and hence the other cut and kept the cup there. We must henceforth be safe and should not go out alone in the broad day light.”

The chief imposed a curfew indefinitely. Inspector Jaan always felt a bit envious of him. He wanted fame. He decided to punish Alex and earn a high name. He secretly followed Alex. But Kokonut found this and warned Jaan but he never respected him. Once he heard the conversation of Alex and his friends.

“Hey Alex, do you know what happened to Dazzy, when she was riding her cycle?”
“No. What happened?”
“She was riding her cycle. An ant stuck her in her arm. She lost her balance and fractured her arm.”

Jaan got a notion. He climbed onto the shirt of Alex and waited for the right time. Alex started his bike. He slowly crawled on the hand of Alex and prepared itself for the brave but stupid job.

“Sir, Inspector Jaan is missing!”
(Mumbles) "His ignorance is as remarkable as his knowledge."
“Never mind, he attempted suicide!” Kokonut chuckled.