Thank god for cosmo men

I was at a night club a week back, celebrating a friend's birthday. It was a retro music night of sorts, leading to the presence of a melange of people. Running into firangs these days is quite inevitable. This particular bunch was crowded around a table, doing as we do, talking, laughing and generally hanging out.

Firangs tend to draw attention, being different from us as they are. watch the faces of people who look at them, there are so many thoughts flitting across the room. Some wish they were them, other wonder why they're here. You can see the yearning of some, to have a chance at living abroad.

I caught myself looking at one of them, a guy putting down a beer. Shorts, drab tee and flip-flops. did look like he put much effort in to looking sharp. I could totally envision this fellow, lazing on a couch, watching a sports channel while his partner, looking extremely unkempt, tended to screaming children.

It made me thank my stars, atleast our cosmo men take that little bit of extra effort to look sharp and presentable.

resolved this new year

1. Stay as happy/optimistic as possible
2. Be practical
3. While at work, pretend to myself that its the only thing I know to do
4. Make every day count
5. Never stop asking Questions

Creating happiness

When I set my sights on the idea of working, I estimated that I would do something I love doing with my heart and soul. I'd be doing the kinda work that gives me a satisfactory glow. creating something that makes other people smile or perhaps, get thoughtful and find perspective.

I have known people who drudge through life as though they have no aim. It's quite possible that they do not, yet I wonder why the sight of a merry bunch of children makes them wince instead of smile. Sudden spates of rain from clear blue skies draw their curses, not sighs. Romance is but, a waste of time. Like zombies they flit, pausing only to critise.

How did they come to be this way? What's their story, what made them sway? Is it possible that they were naturally meant to be this way? Cold hearted, icy cool, nothing affects them as they trample through life as though it were hay.

At times I wish to shake them out of it; others I fear it'd rub off on me. Some days, while at work, I wonder why it affects me, why does it matter so much? My life is mine, and isn't that enough?! The thought's much too shallow, I'm not all about me. Being light hearted and happy has a lot to do with the bouyancy of those with me. I may or may not choose my company, but my behaviour will reflect in their interaction with me.

Noise and the city

Wake up in the morning to the milkman's doorbell, start your day with children squealing in their school buses. Lunch heralds busy street corners, bustling with 'fast food' vendors. Ice cream vendors are out n' about at 3, just as school's over; a sure reminder to get some tea.

Late evening and twilight bring on peak hour traffic: autos that drill like mosquitoes, an array of octaves represent the car horns. The public buses make weird noises, almost like grunting and heaving under the weight of it's people.

Towards late night, cars that pump music and glitzy, fancy lights take over the street. Young people tumble outta these, flitting through clubs to jump and scream. It's the wild side of the night's dream.

Two streets away rag pickers lay out their sheets. It's been a long, hard day on the beat. Food is scarce; items to salvage, even more so. Money's been split, after much heave-ho with the signal chief; leaving just enough for some 'charitable' person's palayadu.

It's now midnight, the dust settles. Trucks thunder by, striking dead startled birds and star-crossed mice. Sand is parted with, many times even sleep, as these monsters wind their way through, kicking up dust like children with water in a puddle.

The spell has broken: the sun lights the city. Prayers resound in the pure morning air. You hear the sigh as the city wakes up, getting back on it's feet, slowly whirring up to full blast.

Of luck and dreams

At first I wanted a big desk, to emphasize that growth. now, it would seem smaller is better.

There was a time when I believed that everyone in Bombay knew my family; that their houses, scattered in and around the south, were landmarks. Today I understand hired taxis and drivers.

I did not realise how much I loved reading, until I spent nearly 6 months without a book due to work.

Often I dream, big dreams and much later do I find it's value. Today I dream of buying a house. Tomorrow, I hope it will be three.

Luck doesn't have a chance with out hard work, they say. Dream with open eyes.

man on the brink

Everyday I see him sitting, perched on his bit of the world.

Gazing out at the open sky, holding conversations with God.

A dazed look he carries, for all the world, as though he were in lunacy.

Someone knows his secret, why he must carry on this way.

On a rainy Madras day, he was waiting in vain.

Standing and sleeping is not a trait oft found.

The most Important Question, which one is it?

The answer to this query teased him, alluding no gain.

Falling into the crannies of his brain, wracking the system set,

searched and searched did he, through self and memories.

Never an answer good enough, nor a search satisfactory.

"Which is the most Important Question?", ask he of He.

And yet he waits for an answer, gazing at the manifold sky,

whenced perch on his rock, holding conversations with Me.

What if life were a constant holiday!

Sometimes I really feel like I'm 'going' under. As though every minute, every situation, the very next second drags me deeper. It can get to a boringly low point. Like when I haven't danced in two months, or gone sailing or simply curled up in a corner for hours together, just reading a book or two.

That's when a holiday comes in handy, refreshes and awakens what got buried under layers of boredom and frustration. let go, unwind, these are familiar terms; but I restrict them to weekends, where 1 and a half days is all you get to your self.

Holidays are where I really LIVE! a new place, a new perspective, a deep joy in knowing that this is MY time.