Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Nightlife

A view from the rooftop of Ajmera, Banerghatta road, Bangalore.


Fallen stars !


The creepy moon - Taken from my terrace


Traffic movement from Meenakshi Mall, Banerghatta road.

Monday, May 16, 2011

To Women with Love !

Yes, it was you (Eve), who was responsible for the fall of man. Yes, also agree that it was your (Draupadi) giggle that started the Mahabharata. You (Sita) were responsible for, Ramayana, also agree with that part. You (Helen) burnt Troy, agree. You are responsible for some of the greatest (remember Taj Mahal) and worst events of mankind, accepted. But why did that happen? It is because; we (men) need you. We’ll burn the world, wipe away humanity, and fight against God, for we need you. Bats are blind by nature, whereas though we have eyes, we are blind by character. It is you, who fills in the light in our lives and shape our character, so that we live like true honest men.

You (Mom) are always considered to be the weaker sex, but I understand your strength, for you bore me in your womb for 9-months and did almost all the daily routines and your man (father) only watched and helped a bit, which was his best. You bled, so that I may live. Your strength is what makes me breathe today, and makes me part of the stronger sex. Today, I proudly announce to the world that, I have a heart of a man and strength because of you. If anyone comes up to me, and says: ‘Don’t be a girl dude, be a man’, I’ll with an elan say, ‘I don’t mind being a woman, for my mother is one’. Next time someone says you are weaker, tell them about the son you have.

You (Mom) are considered to be nagging, but I understand that it is your constant nagging, that today makes me keep my room clean, walk straight upright, close my mouth while I sleep, pick up the rice bits after dinner- so that cockroaches do not roam around, write in good hand-writing, keep my computers motherboard intact by dusting it regularly, keep the required change in my pocket so that I can easily buy pop-corn at a movie. Don’t stop nagging, I may ask you to shut up like I always did, but you please don’t stop it, just like you never did.

You (Granny) are considered to be an old story teller and repetitive, but it is what gives me that extra answer to win in the tie-breaker of a quiz, a story to tell the little kids to keep them entertained, to tell my friends the history of a place to score that extra brownie-points, the ethics-the values-the culture for which people around me admire. I know you shall be soon, gone, but before you leave the earth, tell me the tales once again, even if I fall asleep.

You (sister) are considered to be the one throwing tantrums, but this is what makes me get my shirt ironed by just dropping you at the bus-stop. Your tantrums, keeps my room clean, your tantrums give storyline to my blogs. Your tantrums, makes me know, how much you love me, when I am sick. If it weren’t for your tantrums, I would not have known the art of combing my hair well, cleaning my shoes and get things from dad, which only your tantrums could do. If I had never fought with you for the TV remote, I would have never hated ‘Bobby Darling’, ‘Ektha-Kapur’, ‘saas-bahu sobs’. Keep throwing your tantrums, keep acting pricey, it helps me, with Dad and with other girls and for keeping me away from the TV-ghost. For without your tantrums and pampering, I would have never missed you, when you’d leave me.

You (friend), people say bitch about others, you are branded as gossipmonger, but if it weren’t for you, I would have never known the news about the most happening things, I wouldn’t have been on guard against the cunning foxes and vixen, I wouldn’t have laughed out till I cried at someone with a bad hair day, I would not have understood the difference between pale yellow and lemon yellow colors. It is because, you are in my life, I can cry in a corner and still not be laughed at. It is because of you I’d still have a friend no matter how many times you get hooked up or break-up unlike guys, whose friendship and time lasts only till he finds a girl. Spread gossips, bitch about others and keep me close to your heart, for you are the one who keeps me sane and hopeful.

You (Love); most of them say is a headache, a burdened commitment. But am glad, I’ll someday have you. For then I shall know, how to look at life in a different way. If I wouldn’t have this headache, I would never shaved properly, never eat in the best restaurants, would not work that extra hard to earn that little extra, would never stop smoking and boozing, I would not enjoy the rains. Someday hope you will give me these headaches, for I want to understand people’s emotion, write the best poems, and plan for the future.

You (wife), they say is a trouble. And I am happy I‘ll have joyful troubles. Trouble of being a man, trouble of keeping my woman happy, trouble of being a rock-star’s father, trouble of taking you to the most exotic places on earth, trouble of spending and saving money, trouble of being addressed as someone’s hubby, trouble of crying with you, laughing with you, sharing a life with you. Without you, I’d be happily left alone, with no one to wish on my birthday and no one to cry when I’d die. So keep making troubles in my life and give me kids, who’d make my life happily-miserable. For I want life, and for that I need you as a trouble.

I do not how else to thank you, you exist in different forms, from being the one who makes sure I’m never late to the office, to the one who nurses me when lying hopelessly on a hospital bed. We need alcohol in our systems to have guts and speak the truth, but you do it just like any other thing. It helps. You teach me the first alphabet, and you make me write Romeo & Juliet kind of stories. You are the life of a song and the death behind the death-meal. You are the soul of Titanic movie and the brains behind simple but most essential things. Unless you point out to me, I do not even know, who my father would be, who my brother would be. Einstein swears by you, a baby hopes by you, Edison learnt from you, a Kolkattan destitute smiles by you(Mother Theresa) and irony is even a pimp lives by you. You are degraded by some of us, yet we hold you the most dearest in our lives. You may well be just a rib of Adam, but you are the breath and reason behind every man.

To all the lovely women in my life, who are present now, and would come in as I move-on in life. Love to you. May your lives shine, so that I’ll be fine, I may sound like a selfish-dog, but in your case, I am happy to even be a dog, for I wish to be faithful.

Dedicated to all the wonderful women in my life(the ones who are present, the ones to come).

Aasta La Vista!!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Dad n Son

A story worth sharing 4 years ago, an accident took my beloved away and very often I wonder,how does my wife, who is now in the heavenly realm, feel right now? She must be feeling extremely sad for leaving a husband who is incapable to taking care of the house and the kid. 'cos that is the exact feeling that I have, as I feel that I have failed to provide for the physical and emotional needs of my child, and failed to be the dad and mum for my child. There was one particular day, when I had an emergency at work. Hence, I had to leave home whilst my child was still sleeping. So thinking that there was still rice leftovers, I hastily cooked an egg and left after informing my sleepy child. With the double roles, I am often exhausted at work as well as when I am home. So after a long day, I came home, totally drained of all energy. So with just a brief hug and kiss for my child, I went straight into the room, skipping dinner. However, when I jumped into my bed with intention of just having a well-deserved sleep, all i heard and felt was broken porcelain and warm liquid! I flipped open my blanket, and there lies the source of the 'problem'... a broken bowl with instant noodles and a mess on the bedsheet and blanket! Boy, was I mad! I was so furious that I took a clothes hanger, charged straight at my child who was happily playing with his toy, and give him a good spanking! He merely cried but not asking for mercy, except a short explanation: "Dad, I was hungry and there wasn't anymore leftover rice. But you were not back yet, hence I wanted to cook some instant noodles. But I remembered you reminding me not to touch or use the gas stove without any adults around, hence I turned on the shower and used the hot water from the bathroom to cook the noodles.. One is for you and the other is for me. However, I was afraid that the noodles will turn cold, so I hid it under the blanket to keep it warm till you return. But I forgot to remind you 'cos I was playing with my toys...I am sorry Dad..." At that moment, tears were starting to run down my cheeks...but I didn't want my son to see his dad crying so I dashed into the bathroom and cried with the shower head on to mask my cries. After that episode, I went towards my son to give him a tight hug and applied medication on him, while coaxing him to sleep. Then, it was time to clear up the mess on the bed. When everything was done and well past midnight, I passed my son's room, and saw that he was still crying, not from the pain on his little buttock, but from looking at the photograph of his beloved mummy. A year has passed since the episode, I have tried, in this period, to focus on giving him both the love of his dad and mum, and to attend to most of his needs. And soon, he is turning seven, and will be graduating from kindergarten.. Fortunately, the incident did not leave a lasting impression on his childhood memories and he is still happily growing up. However, not so long ago, I hit my boy again, with much regret. This time, his kindergarten teacher called, informing me of my son's absence from school. I took off early from work and went home, expecting him to explain. But he wasn't to be found, so I went around our house, calling out his name and eventually found him outside a stationery shop, happily playing computer games. I was fuming, brought him home and whack the hell out of him. He did not retaliate, except to say, 'I am sorry, Dad'. But after much probing, I realized that it was a 'Talent Show' organized by his school and the invite is for every student's mummy. And that was the reason for his absence as he has no mummy..... Few days after the caning, my son came home to tell me, the kindergarten has recently taught him how to read and write. Since then, he has kept to himself and stayed in his room to practise his writing, which I am sure, would make my wife proud, if she was still around. 'cos he makes me proud too! Time passes by very quickly, and soon another year has passed. It's winter, and its Christmas time. Everywhere the christmas spirit is in every passer-by...Christmas carols and frantic shoppers....but alas, my son got into another trouble. When I was about to knock off from the day's work, the post office called. Due to the peak season, the post master was also on an edgy mood. He called to tell me that my son has attempted to post several letters with no addressee. Although I did make a promise never to hit my son again, I couldn't help but to hit him as I feel that this child of mine is really beyond control. Once again, as before, he apologized, ' I'm sorry, Dad' and no additional reason to explain. I pushed him towards a corner, went to the post office to collect the letters with no addressee and came home, and angrily questioned my son on his prank, during this time of the year. His answer, amidst his sobbing, was : The letters were for Mummy. My eyes grew teary, but I tried to control my emotions and continued to ask him: " But why did u post so many letters, at one time?" My son's reply was: " I have been writing to mummy for a long time, but each time I reach out for the post box, it was too high for me, hence I was not able to post the letters. But recently, when I went back to the postbox, I could reach it and I sent it all at once..." After hearing this, I was lost. Lost at not knowing what to do, what to say..... I told my son, " Son, mummy is in the heavenly kingdom, so in future, if you have anything to tell her, just burn the letter and it will reach mummy. My son, on hearing this, was much pacified and calm, and soon after, he was sleeping soundly. On promising that I will burn the letters on his behalf, I brought the letters outside, but couldnt help opening the letter before they turn to ash. And one of the letters broke my heart.... Dear Mummy, I miss you so much! Today, there was a 'Talent Show' in school, and the school invited all mothers for the show. But you are not around, so I did not want to participate as well. I did not tell Dad about it as I was afraid that Dad would start to cry and miss you all over again. Dad went around looking for me, but in order to hide my sadness, I sat in front of the computer and started playing games at one of the shops. Dad was furious, and he couldnt help it but scolded and hit me, but I did not tell him the real reason. Mummy, everyday I see Dad missing you and whenever he think of you, he is so sad and often hide and cry in his room.. I think we both miss you very very much. Too much for our own good I think..But Mummy, I am starting to forget your face. Can you please appear in my dreams so that I can see your face and remember you? I heard that if you fall asleep with the photograph of the person whom you miss, you will see the person in your dreams. But mummy, why havent you appear? After reading the letter, I cant stop sobbing. 'cos I can never replace the irreplaceable gap left behind by my wife.... For the females with children: Don't do so much overtime . If you cannot finish the work, it must be some kind of problems within the company , and it is not your sole problem. Feedback to your boss. Endless overtime may not necessary be the answer to the problem. Take care of your health so that you can treasure and take care of your little precious. For the married men: Drink less, smoke less, cause nothing can replace your good health, not even business nor clients. Try thinking this way, are you able to work till your clients are totally dependent on you? or your boss is totally dependent on you? In this society, no one is indispensable. Take care of your health, so that you can take care of your little precious and your loved ones. For those singles out there: Beauty lies in loving yourself first. With confidence and loving yourself, you will see the beauty in other things around you. You will be able to work better and happier. Don't let your health be affected by your work or your boss , so nothing matters more than your well being.

The Reality - a short story

Date: Today
Place: kalyana mandapam, chennai
Finally, the marriage is taking place today. I was waiting so long for this. And now it’s happening. First big occasion in my life. All the pre-marriage ceremonies were going on. It’s a Brahmin marriage. So needless to say about the ceremonies. Yes, she is a Brahmin. My angel. I was restlessly waiting to get a glimpse of her in her wedding saree. I was pretending to be chatting with my friends but my eyes were searching for her. Still 30 minutes to go for the auspicious time. Damn. That’s a long way. I thought I could do a little flashback of my life.

With her. 7 years ago.
Place: 12th grade chemistry lab, school, some developing town in TN.
Generally I’m quite a reserved person. I don’t speak to girls much.(like most of the TN guys). I used to be the topper in school. So all girls speak to me only to clarify their doubts regarding studies. She studied with me from class 3. Now we were in class 12. That’s 10 years. But we would’ve spoken hardly 10 times. It was yet another regular day in chemistry lab. All of us were fighting with pipettes and burettes and some solutions. Being a topper, obviously I fought harder than others. After class I went near the basin to drain the resultant solution. Good timing. She was already there. She saw me with her cute eyes.

She: hi padips (studious), got the output???
Me: ya… you??
She: me too. I wanna ask you something??
Me(surprised): why. whats that? Ask.
She: why is that you don’t speak to girls much?
Me(stammering): I…i…I don’t know. Not like that.
She: you know what? I really like you very much. I wanted to be friends with you. But don’t know how you’ll take it. I was hesitant for long time. Now I told. Please accept me as your friend. Please please.

Completely taken aback. I never expected this from her. I was expecting something like ‘what is the color change to record the pH of the solution?’.

Me: ya sure.. I fell for the girlish cuteness on her smile.
Me: ok bye.. I’ve to complete the record notebook. See you later.

Yes I was such a dumb head. I was so happy for the next few weeks. I never spoke to her after that lab incident. I always wanted to speak. But didn’t know how, when and what. I wanted her phone number desperately. We didn’t have any mobile phones that time. Somehow I got her landline number through my friend’s friend who is her friend. I gave her a ring and literally my hands were trembling when I did so. I was praying that her mom or dad shouldn’t pick the phone. Someone said hello. Thank god it was her. I spoke to her the first time on phone. I was happy that I did my part on becoming her friend. So, that’s how our friendship journey begun.

Today: Finally my wait was over. The priest at the center of the marriage hall asked the bride to come forward. There she came. With a maroon silk saree draped around her beautifully in madisar style. I could see the fear of getting married, on her cute round face. The fear of being the center of attraction. She looked beautiful more than ever. Marvelous, stupendous, cute, classy, elegant…. I scolded myself for my lack of words and my poor vocabulary. She sat at the center of the stage. She was smiling. I looked at my watch. Another 20 minutes left for calling the groom to stage. I thought that’s enough time to rewind how we both ended up here in this situation.

4 years ago:
Place: college, Chennai.
Both of us got into the top university of the state as we scored well in our board exam. That’s the default college where all toppers of the state study. So no one could blame me that I chose the same college as her’s. Our friendship journey, thus continued and we became more and more close. I liked her for the way she was. Innocence at its peak. She loved the way I cared about her. I advice her a lot. I was so happy that I got such a friend. I didn’t know why but I never had any love feelings on her. She was my best friend and I was so happy with it. In fact content with it. Until………. One day

She: I wanted to say you something personally.
Me: what is that?
She: first assure me you won’t mistake me or get angry.
Me: sure tell.
She: I fear I may fall in love with you da.

OH MY GOD. What the hell did she say now?

Me: what? She: no da. You are so close to me. and you take care of me so much. I fear all these will make me fall in love with you.
Me: so you are going to love me? or leave me?
She: no da how can I love you. You are my best friend. Before I could respond
She: ok leave it da. I am embarrassed to speak about it. Needn’t speak about this anymore. Don’t worry I’ll be alright. I’ll be your old friend. It’s just that I’m new to this kind of affection.

So I was not allowed to speak about it anymore. Could a guy be the same after such a thing told by a girl???? Everything around me changed. You have to be guy to experience how it felt. Guys fall just for a girl’s smile. But now this girl had told me that she may fall in love with me. Oh my god.. I was in heaven. As a Java programmer, I should say I was instantiated. I was expecting her to propose me any day. At least I was expecting her to speak about this topic. But she never did. She also refused to speak when I myself ask anything related to it. I thought I should give her a break. May be she was afraid of taking such a huge decision now. I know about her. She is innocent and afraid about making decisions. So let me wait. Where is she going to go? Waiting is pleasure in love. I was not the same old friend from that day. My ringtone changed from “Swat kats” theme to “SMS movie theme” (oru paarvaiyil). Suddenly she appeared beautiful to my eyes. She was always beautiful. But why didn’t I notice it till now? “Surya” will be a perfect match for her. I look like “Dhanush”. But even Dhanush got his chance to act with “Shriya” and “Genelia”. So why won’t I get a girl like her? I became possessive on her from that day. I cannot accept her being close to any other guy. I used to admire her in every dress she wore. I waited to see her every day.

Today: They’ll be calling the groom any time now. I was getting ready. My brother’s daughter came running towards me and told that the priest asked the groom to come to the stage. I lifted her and walked towards the stage. My angel saw me coming. With a lovely smile she greeted me with her eyes… I went near the stage….

6 months ago.
Place: Chennai .
College days were over. I was working in a software company. A more responsible person now. So was she. I never regretted my decision of waiting. We were excellent friends through these years. Caring and supporting each other more than ever. I was still confused about the right time to express my feelings. Obviously afraid of the consequences. But damn sure she would accept me anyway. How the hell would she refuse me? I was her most beloved person for almost 6 years now. It was my birthday. I had a few surprises from my close friends(including her). We all met after a long time. It was a pleasant evening and we were enjoying it at Marina. She was playfully teasing the sea waves from touching her feet. I had her mobile in my hand. Casually browsing the pictures and videos in her phone gallery, I came across this particular video suddenly. It was her in the video and she recorded it on her own. She started speaking on the video. It was addressed to me.

“She: Hi da…., a very beloved birthday wishes to my beloved friend ever. I want to…………” Suddenly she snatched the phone from my hand.
She: hello sir,,, what are you doing?? These things are supposed to be surprises….
Me: hey gimme that.. don’t worry I’ll react as if I’m surprised. Shall I say ‘Oh My God?’ after seeing that? Or else temme what you would like to hear. I’ll react accordingly.
She: No just wait till night. Can’t give it now.
Me: please???
She: no!!!!

So once again I was excited in life. I got the wildest imaginations about what could that be. I was restless. I wanna know it soon. Adding fuel, some of my friends even commented that my surprises were not finished and my biggest surprise is yet to come. Damn How can a guy wait? Somehow I got the feeling that its her proposal. The video was for four minutes. Wasn’t four minutes enough for proposing? How should I react? I shouldn’t accept immediately. Let me have some fun. All sort of craziest thoughts circled my head. Finally I saw the video. Absolute disappointment. It was the usual stuff of how much she values me and my friendship, blah , blah… complete four minutes of praising our friendship. The surprises which my friends meant came from my parents. I had to appreciate her for the effort she put in for making my birthday memorable. I was lucky. But not lucky enough. Again I was instantiated. May be referenced this time. More than ever. I can’t wait more. I felt the time has come. But I thought I should wait a month more. It’ll be her birthday next month. I thought of giving myself as her gift. I started dreaming on how to propose her. I couldn’t sleep properly anymore. As wise men said, for the first time reality became more beautiful than dreams. A few days were left for her birthday and so I haven’t proposed yet. My cell phone beeped and it was a message from her.

She: hey you know what?? They started seeing alliance for me.

That was the most shocking news of my life. What the hell… My heart felt very heavy. Damn… I couldn’t bare the pain. I didn’t know how to react. But eventually my reaction was

Me: Wow that’s great. So when’ll be ur marriage then?
She: mostly by next April or May.

Immediately I started counting the number of days left. That’s hardly six months. I was not able to digest it. Just 6 months. I didn’t know whether I should propose now. All these years I had a strong belief that she’ll obviously accept when I propose. All those beliefs shattered. Then she added

She: my dad spoke to me yesterday. He almost broke down. He told how much he values me and said I should earn respect for the family. He asked me not to love anyone. By the way, which dad asks his daughter to love someone? I was sitting in my room lonely thinking of my fate. I wanted to cry badly. I couldn’t sleep. I was sure she won’t accept now if I propose. I decided against it. My days became the slowest ever. I wanted to share my sorrow with someone. Unluckily all my friends were her friends too. I couldn’t take risk on that. My cell beeped again.

She: you won’t feel ah? That I’ll be leaving you in another 6 months. I’ll miss you very much.
Me: no I won’t. I know this’ll happen and I was prepared for it. You’ll have to leave your dad, mom and bro. It’s just like that. But Six months is too little time. Anyway I’ll manage. (Blatant lie)
She: so you won’t feel?
Me: I’m saying no na. Then what?
She: Imagine right now I fall in love with someone. That time will you feel?
Me: why? What difference does that make from the previous question? I’ll feel the same only. I told la someday its gonna happen anyway. Then what?
She: no… me selecting someone is different from my parents selecting someone. If I select someone myself, won’t you feel why is that someone not you……. I mean I was so close to you more than anyone else. I wanted to change the topic. I don’t want to speak about it anymore. I’ll surely break down. I seriously got no idea what girls mean or want. The most mysterious creatures…..
Me: so how would you like ur husband to be? How should he look?
She: well obviously like all girls expect he should be fair and handsome . I never felt myself handsome in my entire life. First time ever I started feeling inferior about my appearance. Maybe that’s why she didn’t want me, I thought to myself.
Me: and what should be his status? Like salary etc.
She: he should earn at least 75k and he should own a house and a car. Now that’s four times my salary and I don’t even a own a bike. Inferior and more inferior.
She: and preferably I want a groom from foreign countries. Like Singapore. But not U.S. Well I’ve been out of TN 5 times at the maximum and never crossed Karnataka or Kerala. Inferiority kills me. I wanted to hide my face somewhere. In one way I was happy that at least I could make up a reason for the unanswered question of ‘why not me?’. I couldn’t message her anymore. I gave some excuse and told will continue later. I wished that later never came. But it did come. She asked the same question which I didn’t want to answer. The same what if she selected someone by herself and that’s not me. Me: why should I feel for that. Its your choice and as a friend I’ll help you in making that decision. That’s it.

She: so you never thought why you shouldn’t be the one I select?

I don’t wanna answer. I was losing my control. What the hell she wanted….. but she continued

She: ok what if I fall in love with any of my friends other than you? Like sachin, dharan or parthi? They are my friends too. When I decide to love a friend, wont you feel why that friend is not you….

My situation was like that of simbu’s when he says “yenna try panra jessi????” (what are you trying ‘jessi’?) Me: so that means you have some feelings for one among them. She: no I didn’t mean like that. I just gave an example.

Me: so if you choose among them, who has the highest probability?

I didn’t wanna ask this question. But somehow it came. But I never expected an answer. In fact I don’t want an answer for it. But she answered.

She: obviously sachin. I’m more close to him than parthi and dharan. That was it. The first thing that came to my mind was that sachin is a Brahmin. So I had another reason to make up. Frustration, fear of losing her, inferiority and now newly added possessiveness made me lose my control.

Me: FYI, I’m more close than sachin.
She: ya, but I can’t love you la….
Me: why is that?
She: you are my best friend da.
Me: so?
She: how can someone love their best friend da?
Me: on which planet or culture, did they frame that rule? I haven’t heard about it.
She: no da… how can a girl be intimate with her best friend?
Me: so a girl can be intimate with her other friends but not best friend?
She: no I said sachin as an example only.
Me: ok leave about him. So you are ready to be intimate with some stranger your dad shows but not with your friend who does everything and anything to make you happy?
She: I’ll feel embarrassed to think my friend in that way.
Me: just now you accepted you’ve chance of falling in love with sachin. Won’t you feel embarrassed with him? She: what happened to you suddenly? Just now you too said, you won’t feel, when I get married and you are prepared for it nu…
Me: It’s really sad you can’t find that it was a lie..
She: so you’ll feel then?
Me: what the hell you thought of me? some robot without a heart? Even robots love nowadays.
She: then why did you tell a lie?
Me: what difference will that make now? You have your own “only Friend-no Lover” theory.
She: seriously I can’t love you da. I never thought you like that.
Me: silly girls. You expect your husband to be a good friend. But you won’t accept a good friend to be your husband .
She: you won’t understand it. Please leave this topic. I’m sorry for asking you that question.
Me: yes I don’t understand. I really don’t understand. But you??? Either you don’t wanna understand or act as if you don’t understand. I accept I don’t have the money. I’m not good looking. I don’t live in Singapore, but I just bet you one thing… no one will ever care for you like I do. No one can keep you happy more than I do.
She: just leave me alone please.

Yes I left her alone. I didn’t disturb her after that. I was hurt. I had no courage or hope that I’ll convince her. I started maintaining distance from her. I should practice to live a life sans her. I knew it’ll be difficult. Sometimes she used to ask why am I not the old friend anymore. She asked as if she don’t know the reason.

Today: She sat on her dad’s lap as in Brahmin’s tradition. She didn’t lift her face. She was constantly seeing down, like any other girl during marriage. The priest passed the sacred thread (thaali). I had a lump on my throat. Then………….. HE collected the ‘thaali’ and put three knots. Yes…. “HE”…. A fair and handsome looking guy working in ‘Google’ and earning 1.25L. The couple is likely to go to Europe in a few days. I wished them good luck and left the marriage hall soon. I couldn’t stay there more. I never drank in my life. I had no reason why I didn’t. May be because she doesn’t like it. But that day I did. She is no more mine. I can’t disturb her anymore the way I used to. I can’t share my deepest secrets with her. I can’t be the first one to wish her ‘happy birthday’ every year. I don’t have a shoulder to cry anymore. I can’t tease her for her new hairstyle. She is gonna be close with someone else. She is not gonna ask ‘are you ok now?’, for every hour, whenever I fall ill. She is not gonna share the gossips with me anymore. She is not gonna ask me how her new dress looks, even though she knows my answer will be ‘it sucks’. And above all, to be modest, being an ordinary guy with all human feelings, I really can’t accept the fact that someone is gonna enjoy her today.

Few months later: My cell phone rang. And yes it’s a sad love theme song now (“Pogadhey” in yuvan’s husky voice). It was her. I spoke to her after a very long time and it was some ordinary greetings between two distant strangers. She was happy with her new life. And I’m happy to know that. Towards the end of the conversation, unexpectedly she asked

She: when are you gonna marry? You shall love someone la. To get over the feelings. If you miss me so much….
Me: why? You framed your own rule and asked “how can a best friend become a husband?”. I’ll love a girl and what if she frames her own rule and asks “how can a lover become a husband?”. I hung up the phone immediately……

Monday, May 9, 2011

Wynaad

Wynaad – this was a trip of a lifetime!! We were nearing the end of our training in mysore…. About a week and a half from our final extended training compre…. Our wynaad gang included Renga, Deepak, Subu, Anu, Vasu, Shree, Sivaranjani, and Susi. 5th December morning 7:00am after our usual baggage check at gate2 and stepping out of the gates of our mysore campus, our brownish golden tavera thundered down the mysore highways at the break of dawn towards Gods own country (or Kerela) as it is better known as… Stopped at a fuel station, then had breakfast on the way, and then our way towards kerela. As we neared the kerela border, we had to cross mutthanga wildlife sanctuary. It was then we started to get a taste of kerela…..



Deers and bisons near the road !!! the surroundings were just breathtaking !!! We stopped our tavera to get a better look at the deer.... took a little snaps and then continued our way. After a while, we reached the kerela border. When our driver went to complete the formalities, we took a small break into the dense woods just beside the road. The toll gate was a very small place with two or three shops nearby on the left and on the right was a small path that went into the woods. After taking a few snaps in the woods, we came back to our tavera..... Then suddenly a small monkey grabbed a bun hanging in one of the shops and ran away... we had a gud laugh seeing the shopkeeper chasing and cursing the monkey... :D Then we continued our way to Sulthan Bathery, the main town centre of wynaad. From sulthan, we went to edakkal caves which was about an hour's drive... We parked our tavera about a kilometer from the base and we had to walk uphill towards the base of the caves. The path was well laid and there is also a jeep service to the base. We really enjoyed our uphill walk, taking rest , and again continuing our walk, and finally we reached the base of the caves. There was a huge crowd over there as a school had come on tour and also there were lots of fellow infoscions accompanying us. After taking the ticket, we waited for some time and then began our climb into the caves.



The climb took a long time since it was a one way path in most of the places and through rocks and boulders and iron steps laid at some places. After about half an hour, we reached the cave. There was only one opening which was the entry and the exit, and the cave was surrounded by massive rocks with an opening on top allowing the light to enter inside. It was amazing !!



Sanskrit scriptures engraved in the walls of the cave and covered by a layer of algae of various shades of green. At the end of the cave was a 3-4 feet slit illuminated by light from the outside which seperated the massive rocks. Then we began our descent toward the base and then to our tavera.



Our next destination - Meenmutty waterfalls. It was a one-kilometer trek down toward the falls. We hired a guide and began our trek. This was a place completely surrounded by tea and coffee plantations. There was a small shop with bamboo benches and roof with dried palm leaves, provided refreshments like tea, coffee, buttermilk to the trekkers. As we passed this shop, there were a few people sitting inside. There were a few men aged around 40 and two women. They smiled at us and said "All the best !!" We suddenly started to wonder why are these people saying this to us.... Then after asking them, they said "The trek is a bit challenging .... the guyz will make it... the ladies - a bit difficult... " Anyway, we started our trek towards the falls. The trek was simply amazing !!!



There were ropes tied to trees to guide us in our way through.... we reached a small stream of water falls where renga, subbu, and me climbed up and went to have a shower...... the water was so cold !!! but it was a refreshing break :) after about 30 - 45 mins, we reached the falls. It was a huge falls water was flowing with tremendous force.... The locals said that it was the second largest falls in india. Then after viewing the falls, we went even further down to take a closer look. Since it had rained the previous week, we couldnt have bath as the water was flowing with too much force and the water was not clear... It was mixed with sand and moss... Then we began our ascent.... after a tiring hike, we reached a place which was truly beautiful... green tea estates covered the entire area on one side and coffee and spices on the other side..

behind the coffee plantations was the entire view of the valley shrouded in mist and fog..... It was a really amazing place.... then after taking a few pics in the tea estates, we returned to the trekker's refreshment shop and had a few glasses full of buttermilk. That was an amazing trek !!! Then we returned to our cab and to our next destination.



Our next destination - Karapuzha dam. We reached karapuzha dam pretty late in the evening. It was around 6:15.... so it was getting dark... parked our tavera on the road, we just took a long walk along the road leading to the dam. On our right was a huge lake and on the left of the road was the empty space where water flowed when the dam was open. After reaching the dam, we couldnt see anything... all we saw was a milky white sheet of water flowing along the slope of the dam. Then we returned back to our cab and to our dwelling - Issac resort. All of us were pretty tired that day... Renga, subbu and me went out and bought 4 packs of cards, and a music dvd, had a good dinner at Issac resorts, watched some tv, and had a good night's sleep. Next morning, we woke up early, had good kerela breakfast, and left for our 1st location of day 2.



Our first destination of day 2 - jain temple. This was in sulthan bathery, jst about 10 mins from Issac resorts. This was a pretty small stone temple. As we entered the gate, beautiful flowers welcomed us on both sides of the pathway leading to the temple. There was a small stone platform on the left of the temple about 3 feet high on which 4 stone pillars around 7 feet high stood up. Just opposite this was the entrance to the temple..... inside was a statue of Mahavira... The temple was surrounded by a grass pathway. Then we left the temple after spending a short while and to our next destination.



Pookot lake was our next destination. We reached the lake at around 10:30..... The lake was very beautiful and had a small children's park, a mirror house, and an aquarium beside it. As we entered the gates of the lake, all of us started playing in the childrens park. Then saw some beautiful flowers, took some pics, and then went to the mirror house. The mirror house was a small iron hut inside were mirrors of different shapes and sizes. Our reflections gave us a pretty gud laugh :D Then after playing in the merry-go-round, we went for boating. 9 of us took 3 boats - susi, vasu, and me went in the first boat followed by renga, subbu, and anu ..... then finally muthu, shree, and siva. The lake was huge, with lotuses in the water.... the scenery was beautiful with hills surrounding the lake, we were enjoying our ride circling the lake, with 2 peddalers and 1 person to steer the boat.



After boating, we had some banana bajji in a shop nearby, and then went to the aquarium. The aquarium had a no. of glass fishtanks well maintained with beautiful fishes of all varities.... after the aquarium, we visited the small shop which sold wooden articles, bought some stuff there, (anu bought a big spoon to beat me) and finally left pookot lake to our next destination.



Our next destination was a bit of a confusion but anyway we decided to go to lakkidi viewpoint. Lakkidi viewpoint is about 3 km from pookot lake and is a must - see place. It is a bend on the road on top of the mountain from where the entire city is visible. We parked our tavera on the side of the road and went to the edge of the road on the cement barriers and saw an amazing view of the valley and the city below. Since we went in the afternoon, we didnt have any fog or mist covering the valley. The entire valley was visible below.... After around half and hour in lakkidi, we had to move to our next destination.



We had a little confusion about the next place to go..... we were not sure whether to go to soochipura waterfalls coz the water may be like the meenmutty falls dat we went the previous day. Also, some people said that the way to the falls is pretty far and difficult to approach..... but we met the same group who had told us "All the best". They told us that soochipura is a gr8 place to enjoy and the falls is pretty safe for bathing..... so we stuck on with soochipura.... it was about an hour from lakkidi view point.... The route was superb, the roads winding between hills covered with tea plantations and beetle nut trees..... We reached soochipura in the mid - afternoon, parked our tavera and continued the walk towards the falls.... The stone path was well laid and pretty comfortable for a 1 km downhill walk...... The falls was beautiful with water falling and creating a 4 feet deep pool of water surrounding it..... steps were made by cutting the rocks that lead to the waterfall.... This pool of water was surrounded by huge boulders on which many people were resting after bath.... As we decided to get in the water, renga and me went first to inspect the depth and water force.... We met a guy in the water who started giving us tips and advice as to how to approach the falls.... One final sentence he said made us laugh... "Down current strong . You playing - no . serious. serious. " :D ...... The water was sooo chill !!!........ one of the coldest I’ve ever experienced..... Then after we went inside, the rest of the gang followed..... we couldn’t go till the point where the water was falling.... the force was too much there... so we stood near and enjoyed the white spray of water..... it was an amazing experience.... We didn’t have the heart to leave the water.... but anyway....we had to go… as we began our way back uphill we stopped at a guy selling buttermilk, and some raw mangoes…. After having some glassfuls of buttermilk and some ‘manga’ and chilli powder, we continued our way to our cab…. After reaching our cab, changed, bought some steaming hot bread omlette, and jam and continued our journey back munching away the bread sandwich.



We had to cross the kerela border before 6:30 since they close the tollgate. Anyway, we made it and had our dinner on the way back….. We came back to mysore DC at 10:30, all tired , went to our hostels…… Another unforgettable day in our lives !!!

Coorg

7th November 09 – the day we set out to conquer coorg……. A place famous for its coffee…. Our gang included Deepak (a.k.a Muthu Raja)(CMED) , Sivaranjani (EUSX) , Anushya (CMED) , Subashree (CMED), Subramani (BCMD), Sidda Ranjani (a.k.a terror) (RETL), Renga Prasad(RETL), Mangleswari (a.k.a madhu) (CMED) and Vasumathy (EUSX). 06:15 am…. renga and me left building no. 86 and reached the reception where our tempo traveler was waiting for us…. 7:00 am all of us inside and our tempo started moving towards gate no.2 …. It was while our bag checking that I realized that I had brought the “Infosys” towel (which I was not supposed to)…. J the security at the gate said dat it was “company offence” and sent me back with ma towel L…….. Then we left MysoreDC and stopped at around 8:30 for breakfast…. It was when we met some of our friends from crescent college…. They were going to coorg the second time….. The road was just amazing… Our first stop – Buddhist monastery….. It was a Tibetan settlement…. We had the experience of entering a whole new place….. everything was in their culture… Tibetans everywhere…. The Buddhist monastery was just amazing….



Our tempo stood just outside the entrance of the monastery. As we went through the entrance, we saw small monks playing around in the open space just before the monastery.... as we passed them, we came to a huge building with a picture of buddhist on it, next to the building was a another temple where we entered and found three massive golden statues of Buddha, a huge gong, and the atmosphere was so serene and silent. Then we took a walk around the gardens near the temple, saw a bit of the hostels where the monks stay, took a few gud pics, took a peep into the shops outside the temple campus near the tempo. I bought a small laughing buddha souvenir. Then we boarded our tempo and to our next destination - Nisargadhama.

Nisargadhama was a beautiful place.... we reached at around 10:15 or so.... there is a suspended bridge at the entrance which terror loved a lot :) ..... after crossing the bridge the location was simply superb.... It was like an entrance to a forest.... a few shops and a rabbit park welcomed the tourists.... we then started to walk into the woods... the woods was sprawling with bamboo and teak.... clicking some shots as we went, saw a river nearby n decieded to get into it as it was not very deep and had rocks all over.... The water was so coool and as we went near the middle of the river, fishes started tickling our legs!!! :D



Then after having some fun in the water, we came out and again started our walk through the woods.... then after about half and hour we found a tree house.... a house made of bamboo about 20-25 feet high up within the trees.... climbed through the ladder and went inside.... had a nice time over there...... then we reached our starting point... went to the rabbit park, saw some beautiful cute white baby rabbits with red eyes, took some pics on a suspended platform, then on our way back through the suspended bridge and to our tempo.

Our next destination - dubbare. We reached dubbare at around 12:40. Dubbare is a place famous for rafting - white water n still water. There is a river which we have to cross and on the other side are the elephants. We just missed the elephant ride as the elephant ride closes at 12:30... :( but anyway, we got to see some elephants real close while they were grazing and the mahouts with them. After coming back by boat, we went for rafting – this was the best part….. all of us padded up in life jackets with an oar in hand looking like warriors ready for battle!!! :D



rafting was simply superb…. Our raft guide took our raft under the tree branches which leaned from the banks of the river….. after we rowed for about half an hour, it was time for swimming !!! we had a gr8 time in the water….. Then Anushya and terror got into the boat after a while in the water….. after that wat happened was simply hilarious…. Terror pushed anu into the water from the boat and said “aiii jaali !!! “ the next second, we all had a gud laugh seeing terror falling head-first into the water (our guide of course….) and all of us started laughing and said “aiii jaali !!!!” :D



Then all of us came out of the water after a gud swim. had a gud lunch in the nearby restaurant… It started raining heavily by that time…. At around 5:00, we left dubbare

Our next destination – Iruppu falls… This is one falls that nobody will forget… It was dark already… we had only half n hour to return to the tempo…. It was a long walk to the waterfall….. we reachd the waterfall but cudnt have a bath since it was very dark n couldn’t see anything. The rocks were also a bit slippery. So we deceided to turn back…. It was while coming that Vasumathy felt something bite on her leg…. As it was absolutely dark, nobody cud see anything and she jst threw the insect away n continued walking. We used the light from the mobiles as our source and only guide to reach the tempo. After coming to our tempo, we checked vasu’s leg and found it bleeding…. Then all others checked their feet and found leeches stuck all over them….. then we stopped at a medical shop, bought some dettol, cotton, n cleaned it a bit….. we cudnt keep our legs on the floor of the van since the leeches may climb up our legs….. so we were sitting on the seats…. And then suddenly we saw a leech crawling on the tv !!!! then we stopped at a small hotel on the way back, had a gud dinner , n bak to our mysore DC at 10:30…… it was a 1 day trip still unforgettable….

Wonderla

October 17th 2009… just three weeks into our extended training. The tata sumo from BIT travels was waiting near the reception. We were about to experience the most amazing theme parks in our lives !!! This time our gang included Renga, Deepak, Shree, Vasu, Madhu, Arun, Sivaranjani and myself. After the usual routine checks at the gates, we continued our way on the bangalore- mysore highway. Stopped for breakfast, did some small shopping at the shop near the hotel, and then continued our way towards wonderla. The 2 ½ hr drive was a total entertainment as we played dumb sharads all along… As we neared wonderla, the first glimpse caught our eye. The giant wheel on top of the tower !! we reached wonderla at around 10:15. After clicking a few snaps outside the gate, we finally entered the park.




We were immediately welcomed by the mascots at the entrance J Then after keeping our bags in the locker rooms, we rushed to the rides !! The first two rides were good (I don’t remember the names of the rides J ) after that we continued to the haunted castle ride.. (we really missed u Siddha ).



Then we continued to the little more violent rides (the upside down kinda stuff). Then the inevitable happened to me. ***censored*** . After finishing with the dry rides, we had a small change and then went into the wave pool !! It was then I had a small accident. As I was going for an underwater swim, I didn’t notice the wall ahead of me and banged straight head-on (ouch) !! Nothing much happened ( I thought the wall might be cracked but thank God :D ) My head started bleeding slightly J then after cleaning it and then enjoying the waves, we continued to the rain dance !! (I just cant forget ur dance Vasu ). Went on to the lazy river, tossing everybody off their floats, the boomerang water slide, screaming our guts out, and the other water slides, the mat – ride where I overtook vasu (hope u remember that), and the guy didn’t allow madhu to come on the mat slide coz she was a but underweight L, the water games were just amazing !!! Then again we went to the wave pool, had some fun and then continued to the smaller childrens pool. The childrens pool had a small platform on which water was showering from everywhere and there was a bucket which gets filled every 5 mins… Everytime the bucket gets filled, all of us rush to stand under the bucket J After playing in the small slides, we finally made our way out of the water.



After a small change, we went to the giant wheel on the tower. The tower is about 15 storey’s high and the view from the top is just breathtaking !! It was very dark to see anything outside, but the city lights in the dark were beautiful !! then after playing with the “kissing fish” , we made our way outside. Tired and hungry, our sumo stopped at lemon grass restaurant on the way where we had some spicy food, we were back to mysore DC . Another unforgettable day in our lives !!

Sivanasamudra waterfalls

It all began when a gang of six infoscions set out to conquer the unknown. Our destination – Sivanasamudra waterfalls (a.k.a Barachukki). Our gang included Deepak (CMED) , Sivaranjani (EUSX) , Anushya (CMED) , Subashree (CMED), and Vasumathy (EUSX). It was 31st October 7:00 am when we left Mysore DC and started our journey towards Sivanasamudra falls. We took a bus to Malavalli and then from Malavalli to barachukki. It was a very small village and there was no proper conveyance to the falls. So we hopped in an auto winding through the villages and after 12 km we reached the first waterfall. It was a beautiful waterfall with an amazing height but the locals said that it was too dangerous to have a dip. So we decided to have a closer look and began our trek down toward the base of the falls.



The path was very rocky with sharp rocks studded all over. The water was flowing with tremendous force and in an hour we reached the edge of a large rock after which we could not proceed. The rock was about 50 feet high and water was flowing down from the place we were standing. When I peeped from the large rock and saw below, there was something that surprised me!!! We saw hundreds of butterflies flying around and coming from below.



I don’t know from where the butterflies came or why they were flying around the water that was flowing with so much force, but it was really a beautiful sight.



Then after making our way upwards, we went to the second falls which was a kilometer or two from the first.



The second falls was again a small trek downwards and we reached the base pretty fast. This one was a really nice place. We went for boating in a “parisal” as it is known. The parisal is a small circular vessel made of bamboo and palm leaves which can accommodate around 4-5 people. The boatman took our parisal under the waterfalls which was so cool!!!



After the boating we had to cross a small stream with the help of tree branches and rocks that were under the water. It was quite a difficult task since we did not have anything to catch hold of. After crossing the stream, we had a small dip in the waterfalls. This place was truly refreshing and there was about 4-5 feet water and water falling from above. It was a really nice place. We did not have the heart to leave the water but we had to after enjoying about an hour in the water. Actress Charmi had come for a shooting. Took a couple of snaps with her ;)



At dusk we left the place and returned in the auto. The day ended as all of us tired and hungry, made our way back to Infosys Mysore with those happy moments still lingering in our hearts.

Balmurri lake

10th October ‘09 – It was during our stream training. We left on a Saturday evening to balmurri…. Which was on the way from mysore city bustand to kr dam. It was about half an hour from city bus stand. A guy in the bus told us that after getting down, take a right and go for a kilometer or two… and there is the lake over there… so after getting down, and finally finding the road leading to the lake, we were not sure how to go there. The locals said that there was no conveyance to the lake… Luckily, we found an auto which was open at the back usually used to carry loads n stuff… somewhat like a “kutty yaanai” .



The auto driver also obliged to take us there to the lake and back… All of us hopped in the back and began our jolly auto ride towards the lake. After a kilometer and a half, we reached the lake.. The driver also said that there is a falls nearby another kilometer from the lake… so we decided to see the falls first and then while returning see the lake… It was nice sight on both sides of the road… coconut trees, green fields illuminated by the evening sun, and water flowing on one side… the road was pretty narrow and was enough only for one vehicle to pass… so when a santro came opposite, our auto had to wait at the side of the road until the car passed by… and we reached edumurri falls in about 10 mins… we were surprised to see a pretty large crowd hanging around there… it was not actually like a “waterfalls” that we had expected… It was an area of water amidst the green fields surrounding it… and there was somewat a dam like sort of wall made of rocks and cement about 15 feet high and length of 2 trailers standing end to end… and the sheet of water was flowing from the upper level to the lower level over this wall and the rocks. The lower level was a lot of huge rocks all over submerged underwater and some part of it visible over the surface…. All of us then crossed the water and then sat on a rock partially visible over the surface. Then after that we went to the side, climbed over the wall and walked on the wall over which the water was flowing down… It was an amazing experience to feel the water moving silkily over our feet :)



Then after having a good time there, we climbed down and back to our auto to balmurri lake. After reaching balmurri lake, we bought some fried fish from one of the carts just outside the lake, and then started on our parisals… A parisal is a small circular vessel made of bamboo which can accommodate about 4 people… Muthu, siva, shree, madhu, and vasu took the first one… and in the second one, renga, terror, anu, susi, and me. The boatman took our parisals near a temple, and a small circle around the lake, and then suddenly, he turned the parisal extremely fast… both parisals rotating like tops in the middle of the lake… all of us yelling and screaming !!!



it was a nice experience… then after having the fried fish in the parisal, we returned back to land… then after a short while were back on our auto and back to the main road… yelling and shouting on the way back….. This was one of our first trips from mysore…. A very memorable first trip which is unforgettable till today :’-)

Mysore Infosys - The Summer of 2009

June 7th, 2009 – The day we started our journey in Infosys. It was a Sunday morning… all students straight out of their college. It was about 2 weeks after the last day in college. The 2 weeks was just enough time for finishing the formalities required before joining. After finishing the bag check and getting our pink ids(that’s the temporary ID card) with colored tags, we were put in a sumo followed by a small auto – tempo kind of vehicle which had our bags towards our respective hostels. That was when we first got a glimpse of the Mysore DC.



It was truly breathtaking !!! Believe me.. ive not seen any place like that in India !!! The hostel rooms were just amazing.. each room equipped with a LCD tv, AC, tea bags, coffee powder, sugar cubes, electric water heater, housekeeper to clean the room daily, …. It was like a 5 star hotel. We had an induction program which usually takes place at the multiplex where all the company policies, do’s and don’ts, and formal introduction takes place for about a week or two. After that we moved on to our training. The first two months is intermediate training where the modules consists of all the basic stuff like programming, rdbms, java, etc. Intermediate is in the GEC 1. The class rooms are simply amazing… each classroom is 100 seater with individual systems, and a projector. The first two modules are crucial since only after that we get to know the hang of studying. The modules were not very easy… After every module there is a test and it takes place every week or sometimes even two tests in a week. The tests are the most important part since if u fail in 3, you are out. Pass in all and fail in compre (the final test), you are out. Pass in all with cgpa less than 4(failing in 1 unfortunately), exit. With all these in mind, talent doesn’t matter. Only hard work and luck matters in infy training. The intermediate went on well, after which we had some ILI sessions(which is the fun part) and then into stream.



Stream takes place for another 2 months in GEC 2. We were lucky to get into Java (as they said that it was the easiest ). GEC 2 was opened by Sonia Gandhi while we were in our stream. Our batch was 13 fm CS & IT . 11 of us made it though the training. After the stream, we had another 2 months of extended training. This was where the fun started. There was no exit in extended training. So we didn’t have to worry about passing. And we were in Open Systems (the most difficult streams as they say ). But somehow we passed. This was the time when we went for tours to all the surrounding places. Whenever we think of Mysore, the first thing that comes to our mind is Mysore DC. In our batch, though we came from the same class, we hadn’t spoken to everybody till we joined here. But after life in mysore, everything has changed. We became more like a family, eating, studying, playing together.



Things that we cant forget in Mysore- RRR hotel, the Punjabi dhaba outside the campus, the food courts, the hostel rooms, Proctor login, it goes on…. There were nights when we used to study till 12 and till the wachman chased us out of the classrooms, nights we went walking on the roads with ur best pals, celebrated birthdays in food courts, hitting cream on the b’day baby, getting shouting from the security, consoling friendz when they cried for flunking a test,…. etc.



Made lots of new friendz from lots of places, saw the tears of many who were told to leave, and the smiles of others when they saw more than 65 on their test screens. Though we may be in different places rite now, bzy with our projects and deadlines, mysore was a place that no trainee will ever forget in life… Those were the best days of my life !!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Vedanthangal Bird sanctuary

Vedanthangal bird sanctuary is located in the chengalpattu district around 25 km from chengalpattu, south of Chennai, in tamilnadu.

A painted stork like a speeding hovercraft


The 3 musketeers. This is not copy-paste :) Just got these 3 grey pelicans flying overhead.


White Ibis.


Painted stork flying gracefully.

Kanyakumari

Since my bro's friends had come home for easter, we decided a trip to Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari is the southern tip of India. The Arabian sea, Bay of bengal, and the Indian ocean meet here. The thiruvalluvar statue is 1330 feet high and is situated a few hundred meters from the coast. Boating to the statue and Vivekananda rock closes at 4:00pm. Tourists come here to watch sunrise and sunset.

Twilight at Kanyakumari
Took this 30s exposure shot just after sunset. I just loved the soft pinkish purple glow of the sky.


Long exposure shot of thiruvalluvar statue taken after dark. Bit shaken up :(


Panaroma of Kanyakumari

Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary

Kunthakulam village is located about 20 km south of Tirunelveli, Nanguneri district in Tamilnadu. The bird sanctuary is situated just beside the village. The villagers protect and feed the birds.




Cattle egret taken in the fields near Kuthankulam village.



This guy was searching for something. Not sure what it was, though :P

Thursday, May 5, 2011

A trip to Hare Island

Hare Island is a small coastline in Tuticorin, Tamilnadu. There is only a light house here and the pristine nature of the beaches are well preserved.









A fishing boat waiting on the shores of Tuticorin beach.

Chocolate drink

My mom's chocolate drink topped with some cocoa sprinkled on fresh cream.



Chocolate drink and cookies !