tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74972891754758776682024-02-20T23:21:01.312+05:30Winds Of ChangeSarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-41940569465735138862014-02-16T11:53:00.001+05:302014-02-16T11:54:38.528+05:30PEACE IN CHAOS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was meeting him after a long time. Metro
was the only option to commute. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I chose to enter in one
of the general compartments with him, just to be polite to him</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">. Today was
different. I had dressed up for him. I was clad in a colorful <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dupatta</i> over white <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kurta</i> and was wearing my favorite silver <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">jhumkas</i> and white <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bindi</i>.
I did not know how it would have affected him. But I made a conscious effort to
look pretty, for him. And I was nervous. Earlier I had walked in the metro
station where he was already waiting for me. I had looked at him and had
expected him to say something perhaps nice. But he simply asked, “Which station
are we getting off at?” That was typical him.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was standing next to him. We kept looking
at each other. The initial hesitation faded away and we started talking
normally. It felt like old times when he was making fun of my hair style, of my
random thoughts and contrastingly colorful attire. I never took offence. I, as
a matter of fact, quite enjoyed his banter and our laughing trips. I did not
quite recollect how and when I had fallen in love with him. It was always about
sunny mornings, meaningful inconsequential conversations and smiles. I had
gotten used to him. I did not give two hoots about all the talks that were
going around about us because nothing mattered. Only he did. We had gotten
close and before we realized, we were sharing our good, bad and ugly stories
with each other. Stories for me are important. They mark a very important
foundation in any relationship. Like two best friends, we swore never to
disclose our secrets to anyone. We started spending every waking hour together,
really and virtually. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The metro came to a screeching halt and broke
my train of thoughts. It kept stopping at stations every two to four minutes. I
was not keeping a track of time because our stop was far off. People kept
walking in and out of our compartment. I wasn’t particularly looking at
anybody. I was enjoying his company. There were moments when I had wanted
people around us to freeze so that I could steal a kiss or two from him. There
were unsaid reasons and one fine </span>or
not so fine day<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">, we stopped talking. He was lost in his own time and space which
I could not be a part of. It was after a long time he had thought of taking out
time for me and that meant something to me. My sole purpose that day was to be
happy and let him be happy. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We got off at our stop and went out in search
of this old and dilapidated building where we had to take photos for some
journal he was maintaining. There was a nip in the air. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood for a moment to observe how scores of
people were just carrying on with their chores with no care of the world. We
took a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rickshaw</i> to the majestic
build, albeit in ruins. It was beautiful. I was a little distracted by the
architectural splendor of whatever structure that remained; and faces and
activities of the people there. But I kept listening to his stories too. Faint
sun rays filled the courtyard, so people gathered there to soak in some warmth
and forget about the harshness of the wintry day for some time. Children were
running around, a few were flying kites too. There were people taking
photographs while some were simply sitting quietly lost in their own thoughts. Amidst
the chaos, there was so much peace in that place. We sat there for a while.
Flock of birds in a pattern which only they comprehended flew away homewards
while we waited for the sun to set. It was time for us to go home too.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We again took the metro. It was crowded. We
had to struggle for space. We were talking less now. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not know when I was going to meet him
next, if we would have stories to tell each other if we did meet. How things
had changed between us - from being strangers to two peas in a pod to two
strangers seeking familiarity in each other’s presence. There were only
unanswered questions in my mind. Did I want those answers? May be not. It was
good this way. I looked out of the window to see myriads of people passing by
without casting any impression on my mind. I just kept wishing the metro got
more crowded so that he stood really close to me and I could smell him, look
into the depth of his eyes and feel the warmth of his breath. Strange desires.</span></span></div>
</div>
Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-67658303752825670572014-02-16T10:28:00.003+05:302014-02-16T10:31:26.074+05:30MBA Hiatus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ideally, in a B-School, people have time to explore various options - reading, writing, theatre, travelling and so on and so forth. One has so much time to do so much. I did not do anything, I feel at times. Most importantly, I did not write. I feel bad about it. So MBA is done and I have started working and I have become more observant in life, generally speaking. I am going to restart writing and be in tune with the winds of change :) Keep reading!</span></div>
Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-71715422606937559372012-02-02T22:34:00.001+05:302012-02-02T22:46:34.823+05:30BEAUTIFUL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So as a part of my college assignment, I made a video for an ad on a certain social issue. This is my first attempt at shooting, directing and editing a video, so very happy about that! :D</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Do watch it and let me know your views! :)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AadEhCiOX1o" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AadEhCiOX1o</a></span></div>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-64765949463385145242011-12-04T21:59:00.001+05:302011-12-04T22:00:58.232+05:30Yem Bee Yay<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Life at B-School is like smoking a cigarette for the
first time. You are excited about taking your first drag, the first post
graduate course of your life. There are apprehensions galore. Will you like it,
the cigarette and the course? Will you able to prove yourself through this?
What if you get addicted to it and never come out of this evil habit? What if
MBA doesn’t let you sleep and kills you slowly? But as they say, every cloud
has a silver lining. Negative questions become hopeful questions. What if the
first drag makes you feel like you have attained nirvana? What if you get all
the answers to your questions in your life through this course?</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That is your train of thoughts before taking the
first drag. Now that you have a lit up cigarette in hand, you end up taking the
first drag anyway. How about the second and the subsequent drags which are on
their way? Will you take them? Maybe you will. Like everything else in life,
you are giving <i>it</i> a shot after all.
With the second drag, you realize what kind of journey you have embarked upon.
You cough and choke, but you recover just fine. You meet people who are already
into smoking, who are already in a B-school. You learn how to take a drag
smoothly. You learn the various subjects and opportunities the course has to
offer. You are buzzed slightly, but you still continue to smoke. You are
bored/frustrated/lost/contented/curious during the course, and you continue to
be so or perhaps change for good or bad. In any case, you trudge through the
course with lost hopes or regained hopes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You are either sad or happy that the cigarette is
getting over. You got exactly what you wanted out of it. Will you go for
another smoke after the first one gets over? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Life at B-school is
trying things out and making sense through the cloud of smoke.</span></span></div>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-12929045918421598002011-06-21T22:13:00.004+05:302011-07-03T11:55:14.594+05:30IF<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:Georgia">If you let me fly today,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">I may lose my way.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">If you set me now free,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">I may never come back to thee.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">If you hold my hand tight,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">I may never learn to fight.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">If you tie me down with a chain,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">I may fight my way out of the pain.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">If you throw me into the sea,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">I may find it difficult to breathe.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">If you let me explore the depth of the seas,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">I may get to see beautiful animals and coral reefs.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">If you smear dirt on my face,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">I may find it full of shame and disgrace.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">If you paint my face with filth,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">I may learn eternal beauty is a myth.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">If you kiss me on a night that is moonlit,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">I may mistake it to be love, so sweet.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">If you let us come close and closer,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">I may start believing in a life of love and no fear.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">If you promise to be with me forever,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">I may want to depend on you forever.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">If you assure me of leaving me never,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">I may build our dreams together.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span">(<b><u>Footnote:</u></b> Well there is a pattern in the poem (not the rhyme,no) but something subtle. The hint is that something peculiar is repeated in every stanza. The tone may be? Or the contrasting options? Read again :) )</span></p>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-58911895582796379852011-06-10T14:16:00.007+05:302011-06-10T18:07:21.952+05:30JIG-SAW PUZZLE<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Put the pieces together,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Put your mind on the task.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Look what you've got!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Visages behind the jig-saw mask.<o:p></o:p></span></p></span>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-301689545199515892011-06-10T10:43:00.008+05:302011-06-10T18:06:10.211+05:30POINTLESS<p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">It has been a long time that I have sat down and written something. Oh wait, the last one was my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">farewell</i> mail. Two mails in fact - one for the master, one for the dame and one for the little boy who lives down the lane. But doesn’t that make it three mails then? Ha! Gotcha! I was just checking your mathematical proficiency. Quite deplorable I must say. So yes, where were we? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Fare thee well</i> and the jazz. Yes. But jazz? Really? I do not quite understand jazz music. I prefer slow rock or blues. It suits my nature. That reminds me of last year’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Earth hour day</i>. I convinced a bunch of friends to go to this palatial mall and watch the city go dark for one hour in the night. Well, that was my idea of doing something for the nature or some such. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Ideas are galore but too less time to implement all. Unlike the famous (or infamous) ads by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Idea </i>which were implemented fine, but were didactic and annoying. You know what annoys me the most? People! People, who don’t speak the truth, but speak absolutely unnecessary things behind your back which have never happened in real. And as quoted in some t-shirt I had seen long ago, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">the problem with real life is that there is no background music</i>. Fancy that!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Haha! Fancy. Fancy dress competitions back in school; the safest way to make a complete fool of oneself. But the funny thing was that others were fools too. So you, taking part in the competition, would not be branded as a more or a lesser fool. Oh what a fool! I forgot to tell you about this latest touch phone I bought a while ago. Turns out, smart phone, as they say, is the next “hot” thing in the market. I liked it very. I used to play games on it, check mails, make calls and so on and so forth. But I somehow found it excruciatingly slow and sold it off to my office colleague at a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">much</i> lesser price.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Office used to be fun. The morning would start with a long tea-drinking session followed by inconsequential talks with my cubicle mate. Nothing eventful generally used to happen. Therefore, I used to make an ordinary event sound special, such as, seeing a caterpillar near the fountain or finding a cockroach in the curry from the cafeteria. Absolutely ordinary events, I tell you. The day would end with a bus ride back home, where I would see familiar faces on the bus or I would not see any faces at all because I would be fast asleep! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">How much can one sleep anyway? After four years of engineering course followed by two years of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">IT</i> job, I cannot but think of only sleep and some respite. Not long sleeps but. <st1:place st="on">Lot</st1:place> of small naps. But what’s the point now? I am sitting in front of the computer, typing out something and not worried about sleep. Did you say ghost? Nah! Too harsh a word for me. I am a normal person who loves to check mails, and at times, read the same mail again and again. Sigh. So now that I am done writing all the farewell mails because I quit my job, I am jobless and should write something <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">nice</i>. Any pointers, anyone? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-49381010332256339072011-01-29T10:40:00.007+05:302011-06-10T18:04:16.360+05:30MAMA'S BOY!<p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Born and brought up in a humble village,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">People adored me despite all my drama.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">They pampered me, they played with me,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">But my best friend was my mother, my Mama.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Mama taught me how to crawl and walk,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">She taught me how to read and write.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">She helped me learn the rights and wrongs,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Moral and immoral, and darkness and light.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">‘You are such a Mama’s boy’,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">People in my village complained.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">I never reacted much anyway,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">For I loved Mama a lot, the fact remained.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Mama showed me the colors of life,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Blue, Green, Yellow and Red.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Ignorantly innocent foolish me,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">A lot of dreams in my eyes placed.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Mama always knew I was a timid boy,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">She would thusly never let go of me.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Any quarrel, any fight that ever happened,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">She would always be there to protect me.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">As I turned into a young and handsome thirteen year old,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Mama taught me how to be fearless and brave.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">With the nasty ugly world out there,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Mama said “Hard work and sincerity will keep you safe.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">People came and went in my life,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">And so did the numerous springs and falls.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Mama was always there to help me,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Swim in deep waters and climb the high walls.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">With the past residing in the deepest corner of my mind,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">I was then twenty and standing alone there.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Too bad, Mama was not there with me,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">I had lost everyone in the dark somewhere.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">I held firmly the dark metallic reality,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">My hands didn’t shake, my eyes never swayed.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">I aimed the rifle at a person my chief loathed,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">The sound of the bullet rang through my head.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">I left the site with a conquering pride,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">They chased me and I fired at them.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">They never caught me and I kept taking lives,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Purely for wealth, not for name or fame.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">I never talked about this to Mama,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Solely because I didn’t want to.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">‘I had to survive in the nasty ugly world, Mama’,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">‘And what only matters in this world is what you do’.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">It was not what I had dreamt of becoming as a kid,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">But destiny had planned it differently for me.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">‘I had to survive in the nasty ugly world, Mama’,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">‘If only I could have looked into your eyes and said thee’.</span></p><p></p>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-16291875454139909792011-01-29T10:38:00.003+05:302011-06-10T17:59:32.922+05:30SLEEP<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Get snugly and cozy,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Sleep like a koala bear.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Dreams are varied and many,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Live them with no fear.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-1044877597453592512010-12-08T20:21:00.002+05:302011-06-10T17:58:40.532+05:30THE TRAFFIC!<div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Traffic that ends never,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Smoke that rises up in the air.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Watches that commuters keep a watch on,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Songs that keep playing on and on.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Oh must this wait end soon,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Very soon.. Really soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-6692918653682692152010-09-23T23:14:00.015+05:302011-06-10T17:57:32.852+05:30THE BUBBLE<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; font-size: small;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Let’s prick the bubble,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">That once made you smile.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">The smile was beautiful,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Oh it was incredible!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; "> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Let’s prick the bubble,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">That once made you cry.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Ocean of tears,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Tears of fury.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; "> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Let’s prick the bubble,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Because you must.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Don’t be scared,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Don’t hesitate.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; "> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Let’s prick the bubble,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">For it was temporary.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Bitter and sweet memories,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">It did carry.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; "> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Let’s prick the bubble,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">It’s meant to go away.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Only your true self must remain,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">And you, all the way!</span></p><p></p><p></p>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-50889553448208610962010-09-01T18:16:00.007+05:302011-10-17T22:17:53.818+05:30TO BE OR NOT TO BE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Intellectual property rights - an extremely comprehensive term and a conflict in itself. Looking at the history of this concept, WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) became an agency in 1974, but its roots go back to 1883 when the need for international protection of intellectual property prompted the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property and to 1886 with the Bern Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works. Some critics of intellectual property, such as those in the “free culture movement”, characterize it as intellectual protectionism, intellectual monopoly or government-granted monopoly, and argue the public interest is harmed by protectionist legislation such as copyright extension, software patents and business method patents. So when a person A says “It’s my idea and therefore I should protect it.” On the contrary, a person B says “It’s your idea and let the world use it. We live in a sociable world after all!”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Both the ideas are contradictory in nature and leave a layman only baffled. Under intellectual property law, owners are granted certain exclusive rights to a variety of intangible assets, such as musical, literary, and artistic works; discoveries and inventions; and words, phrases, symbols, and designs. Common types of intellectual property include copyrights, trademarks, patents, industrial design rights and trade secrets in some jurisdictions. It is natural that a person who has written a novel by putting years of hard work into it would not want it to be illegally distributed among masses. This is precisely the reason why that person will get his work “copyrighted”. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here is another scenario which talks about “patents” on anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs to fight AIDS. Out of humanity, anyone would say that every AIDS patient deserves humanitarian care and medicinal treatment, irrespective of where s/he is from or the laws of his/her Country. The patents on ARVs limit the freedom to manufacture these life-saving drugs and also hike the cost of treatment, thereby barring most patients from obtaining such treatment. It is natural to say that patents should be removed on such drugs.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This never-ending debate continues. Sounds like a vicious circle, doesn’t it? Just like the two sides of a coin, “intellectual property rights” presents to us both the humane and inhumane nature of mankind. There is no “right” or “wrong”. It depends on how we look at it. Here’s a thought that I am going to leave you with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Where there is an invention, there is a possibility of better living. How- is the question!<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">References:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://wapedia.mobi/en/Criticism_of_intellectual_property">http://wapedia.mobi/en/Criticism_of_intellectual_property</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://debatewise.org/debates/999-all-patents-should-be-removed-on-anti-retroviral-drugs-to-fight-aids#point_5081_headline">http://debatewise.org/debates/999-all-patents-should-be-removed-on-anti-retroviral-drugs-to-fight-aids#point_5081_headline</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(<b><u>Footnote:</u></b> I am working in the field of Intellectual Property Rights for the past (almost) one year and interestingly, it both appeals and not appeals to me! I had written this article for my company's newsletter and have tried to bring about both the positive and negative aspects of IPR!)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-62585261432588802192010-09-01T17:54:00.002+05:302011-06-10T15:11:47.316+05:30THE FEAR<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">You thought you are a free bird.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">You thought you can perch on any tree you want.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">But little did you know not every tree welcomes visitors.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The tree owners were perilous,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Blood thirsty eyes and pointed claws.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">You shivered, you shuddered, you let out a shriek.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">You reconsider your idea of perching on any tree.</span></span></p>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-58356569656109205752010-07-25T00:08:00.017+05:302011-06-10T17:26:15.891+05:30UP AND DOWN<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Yes I think I know what I may do.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">So paint the town red and the sky blue?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; "> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" > <br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Surely not so, the artist in me spoke.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">Splattering colors is not a joke.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; "> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">The world looks like a canvas to me.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">With dreams and spirit set free.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; "> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Red Cherry, Yellow Pumpkin,Green Grass, <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Blue</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Sea</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Oh Look! How pretty they be.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; "> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; "><br />Ordinary men and women, or extraordinary bat and ball.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; ">Painting puts life in all.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; "> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>Footnote :</u></b> Now read it in a reverse order - start with the bottom-most line and end with the top-most line. Its a poem nevertheless. An ambigram poem is what I call it.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p></p><p></p>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-21622657079201718002010-07-17T21:48:00.002+05:302011-06-10T15:11:19.690+05:30AND IT CONTINUES...<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Julia :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Zen philosophy is brilliant. I am in love with it. Just so you know, the whole point of Zen practice is to become fully aware, here and now. Meditation is one of the ways to attain that state.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roger :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Yes yes. Truly interesting </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(clears throat)</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Hey tell me something, is mediation also the reason for the healthy glow on your skin? </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(chuckles)</span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Julia :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Xerif has spoken! Oh I am so blessed. Thanks so much for the kind words </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(rolls eyes).<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roger :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Whatever that means. So what’s for dinner?</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Julia :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Vegetables!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roger :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Usually, we eat fish on Tuesdays. Don’t we?</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Julia :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> There is no fish in the freezer. So, can’t help it.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roger :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Sure. And why do you have to get all grouchy suddenly?</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Julia :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Reason would be..umm..yes here - For the umpteenth time, you were sarcastic!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roger :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Queer. I just asked a plain question. Is meditation doing well to your skin!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Julia :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Predominantly that meant “Why exactly are you wasting time on meditation?”</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roger :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Oh! I so did not realize that. Anyway, let’s eat something. I am famished!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Julia :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> No! Not unless you apologize to me!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roger :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Me? Apologize? For what?</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Julia :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Like I said before, I dint like your behaviour. How about saying sorry for that?</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roger :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Karma can be a real bit*h </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(murmurs)</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Sorry Ma’am!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Julia :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Jesus! You just don’t stop making fun. Do you? Go away!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roger :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> I shall go away. Most certainly. But can we not eat something before that?</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Julia :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Heights! Forget it! Why am I even spoiling my temperament and health for a trivial issue like this! Let me just calm down. I guess I am being irritable for no reason. There is after all fish in the freezer. Let me cook it for you.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b></b></span></span></p><b><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roger :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Gracias! Finally, you accept your mistake! You are such a doll. Love you girl!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b></b></span></span></span></p><b><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; "><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></p></b><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Julia :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> “Finally, you accept your mistake?” What?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b></b></span></span></span></p><b><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; display: inline !important; "><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></p></b><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roger :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Exactly! It’s alright. It’s fine.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b></b></span></span></p><b><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b></b></span></span></span></p><b><p></p></b><b><p></p></b><b><p></p></b><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Julia :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Do you not hear the disbelief in my tone? Mistake? Me? Are you kidding me? I was just being good to you. I don’t like to pick fights. But okay. Looks like someone wants to extend the argument. Go on Roger! Pour your heart out. The “doll” is listening!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b></b></span></span></span></p><b><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b></b></span></span></p><b><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; "><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></p></b><p></p></b><b><p></p></b><b><p></p></b><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roger :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Crap! There you start again. I will watch TV! Yes! Woo hooo!!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b></b></span></span></span></p><b><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b></b></span></span></p><b><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; "><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></p></b><p></p></b><b><p></p></b><b><p></p></b><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Julia :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Bah! Why do I even talk! I am not talking! There, I said it. I am not talking to you anymore.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b></b></span></span></span></p><b><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b></b></span></span></p><b><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; "><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></p></b><p></p></b><b><p></p></b><b><p></p></b><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roger :</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Amen!</span></span></span></p></b><p></p><p></p><p></p></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(</span></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Footnote : </span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Do you notice some pattern? ;) Its not the tone of the conversation, but has got something to do with the way the dialogs have been written :))</span></span></p>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-75981642312661686722010-07-15T09:36:00.002+05:302011-06-10T16:10:59.998+05:30THE WAIT<div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; " >The day slips away,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; " >As the night waits patiently at the bay.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; " >You know there is no other way,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; " >How you wish you had one more day.</span></span></div></div>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-32098506295299061082010-05-29T15:02:00.002+05:302011-06-10T17:19:13.650+05:30A MAGICAL WORLD<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i></i></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" ><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18px; "></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Georgia; "><i>Once upon a time, there lived a beautiful Princess named Isabella in a far away land called <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Tinker</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Land</st1:placetype></st1:place>. She was loved by everyone in the kingdom because of her free spirit and cheerfulness. She used to visit even the remotest corner of the village in her carriage, talk to the commoners and play with their kids. She would wake up early in the morning, go out in the garden, sing songs and dance with the birds and the animals.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""><i>But one day, out of curiosity, she went to see the forbidden piece of land near the village which her parents had warned her not to go to. A witch used to guard that place and seeing Isabella, she got infuriated and cursed her, “For your insolent behavior, you will remain grounded in this land for ever unless your true love rescues you”. With those words, the witch vanished in thin air.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">‘Sara. Sweetie. You should sleep now. It’s way past your bedtime. We’ll continue the story tomorrow’, the mother said.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">‘But Mom, I wanna know if Isabella found her true love’, Sara insisted. Her eyes were wide open, still in a trance as if.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">‘I’m sure she did, honey. Sleep now. Good night’, said the mother and kissed Sara on her forehead.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Sara smiled to herself. She liked good endings. In this case, she believed what her mother told was true. She went off to sleep. That night, she dreamt of being a princess wearing a pink gown and flaunting it to the maids and the servants. She saw herself lying all day long on lush meadows, dancing in the woods without any care in the world, dipping her feet in the sun-soaked river water and so on. She saw someone galloping in a black horse. Her heart pounded. She knew it was <i>him</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Sara was 3 years old then. Her mother, as promised, did complete the story the next day and Princess Isabella did find her true love after going through a lot of hardships. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Sara is 23 years old now. She is young and pretty and admired by all. She has a friendly demeanor, makes her presence felt when she is in a group and is an absolute happy-go-lucky person. She had done a course in advertising and was currently working in some ad firm. She found her job extremely stereotypical. Despite the pay being good, she despised it because she was never given a chance to express her ideas as it should be. She was sharing her apartment with two other girls whom she was not very fond of.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">She recently broke up with her boy friend. They dated for almost a year. “It’s just not gonna happen”, told the guy before calling <i>it</i> off. She did feel bad for some time but she always knew that he was not <i>the one</i> and that the relationship was never meant to last. So she just let it be. She went for retail therapy for the next three days and then she was back to normalcy.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">One fine day, she decided not to go for work at all. She stayed back home and waited for her flat-mates to leave for work. After they left, she opened this box which she used to call “my magical world”. It contained all the books, gifts and letters which she had received from her friends and family in the past 23 years! She first came across this book her school friend had gifted her when they were 10 years old. Then she found an anklet which her friend Vicky had given her when she was leaving for college. Flowers, bracelets, hair clips, cards and letters followed. Then she found this really old and tattered book called “my magical world”. She held it in her hands for some time. It was the same fairytale which her mother used to read to her before going to sleep. The book had lot of colorful pictures seeing which she kind of recollected the story - it was about a princess… Princess Isabella. She then remembered how she always wanted to be like her and have a life like hers. So she figured out the inspiration for her box’s name. She smiled to herself.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">She was extremely excited on discovering the book. She started reading it. <i>“Once upon a time, there lived a beautiful Princess named Isabella in a far away land called <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Tinker</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Land</st1:placetype></st1:place>. She was loved by everyone in the kingdom because of her free spirit and cheerfulness . . . With those words, the witch vanished in thin air”</i>. She turned to the next page only to find that that’s the last page in that book. She found it uncanny. She now vividly remembered her mother telling her the complete story – how the Princess waited in that forbidden land for 5 long years and how several men tried to set her free but all in vain. Finally, a Prince who was passing by that place saw Isabella in despair. He looked into her eyes and felt some sort of a connection. Isabella felt so too. He held her hands and kissed her. The spell was broken. The Prince was her true love.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Sara was amused by her mother’s white lie. She closed her eyes. She loved fairytales. They were unreal, she knew it but they always made her feel good. She had always wanted to lead a cheerful and colorful life like the ones described in the fairytales. She had also always wanted to meet her true love. She never had an image of the person in mind. But she had wanted someone like… ‘Aladdin’ for his sense of his determination and caring nature, ‘Shrek’ for his peaceful and loving character and ‘Peter Pan’ for his mischievous and courageous outlook.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Georgia; ">She woke up from a long sleep. It was late in the evening already. Her flat-mates were not yet back. Stuff from her box was strewn all over the place. She got up and looked outside the window. The breeze was pleasant and the starry sky looked pretty. She suddenly saw a shooting star. She quickly closed her eyes and made a wish. <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p></p></span><p></p>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-66952634505936971532010-04-20T22:55:00.002+05:302011-10-17T22:21:10.110+05:30THE CLOSURE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ruth longed for
a closure. She was an ordinary person after all and human relationships had
ever baffled her. This too shall pass, she thought to herself. The fact that
this was going to end was eating her up from inside. She was feeling suffocated.
She looked up at the seamless sky. It knew her just so well. It had witnessed
all the priceless moments of her life. And today, she looked up at it with both
despair and hope.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She had not slept the previous night and had cried
her heart out. No one had heard her. She had not wanted
anyone to hear her. A decision had to be made but she did not have the courage
to do so. She was scared that it would all end and she would be left alone
amidst strangers; strangers whom she had always hesitated to trust. She hated
this feeling. She walked on the road with millions of thoughts running inside
her mind. Just when she needed an answer, the clouds roared, as if responding
to her grievance.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It started
raining heavily. Ruth kept walking in the rain, crying profusely. After a
little while, she stopped for a second to feel the raindrops fall on her face
and smell the petrichor. She felt good. It was at that moment that she found
herself connected to the present world. She had gotten so entangled in her
thoughts that she did not notice the instances of nature - her constant support
and pillars of strength. Rains gave her the answer; to let the emotions flow for only after that, stability could be restored. It rained for a bit. She
saw the rain drops harshly falling on the ground and mildly seeping through the
cracks in the earth. She smiled. She saw the moon peeping from behind the dark
clouds. It was smiling at her with the same warmth and belongingness as it
always had.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ruth took her
decision. Sometimes, letting things be, is the best one could do. She closed
her eyes and went to sleep. Finally. She knew she had gotten her closure.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-76118884470990294012010-04-11T11:27:00.002+05:302011-06-10T16:04:47.695+05:30HE AND SHE<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He and She are walking together,<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; ">Soothing breeze feeling their faces.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; ">He and She are lost in their thoughts,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; ">Cool moonlight illuminating their pathways.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He and She look at each other,<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; ">They don’t have anything to lose.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; ">He and She twitch their noses,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; ">It still feels they have everything to lose.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He and She have lot of beautiful memories,<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; ">Sweet tea and sweet nothings.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; ">He and She love to love,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; ">For the immense happiness it brings.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He and She are walking hand in hand,<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; ">They dislike the word ‘last’.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; ">He and She smile at each other,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; ">How they wish the moment could forever last!</span></p>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-48635531452587424462010-03-14T22:39:00.002+05:302011-06-10T17:12:40.789+05:30SUNDAY MORNING, A FRIEND AND HUMBLE BANGALORE<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">My sleep was broken at an ungodly hour this Sunday morning, 0600 hours to be precise. The city was still sleeping at that time, waiting for the rooster to crow the alarm bell. I lolled on the bed for few more minutes and like a determined soldier going for a war, I resigned the pillow and blanket and headed to the bathroom. To me, the pot has always been the ideal place to introspect and do serious thinking. So I took a good ten minutes to figure out which course of direction my life is taking. Realizing it’s going to take some more time than a paltry ten minutes, I rose from my thinking pot, cleaned myself and went to brush my teeth and perform other morning jazz.<span class="Apple-style-span" ><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" > <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">I got ready for my morning jog. Now unlike other days, this morning I had planned to go with my friend to Lalbagh garden, one of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bangalore</st1:place></st1:city>’s famous botanical gardens cum jogging parks. I took the BMTC bus because finding an auto at 0700 hours was not easy. I was traveling by a city bus after a long time. I realized how becoming a salaried person has spoilt me to the extent that the bus journeys I used to enjoy earlier have become a thing of the past and autos have taken the place of the unassuming city buses. I got off at the stop, which was the “East gate”. Just so you know, owing to its large span and structure, Lalbagh garden has got four gates, namely North, South, East and West.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">My friend was waiting for me outside the East gate. He was wearing a green t shirt and a rugged pair of jeans. His foggy eyes and disheveled hair only spoke about the difficulty with which he must have managed to get up this morning. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">I should not have made this plan,</i> I thought to myself. My friend is not a jogging person. Well neither am I but I made it appear to him that I am one. Without further ado, we both started to walk and continued to do so for an hour. We kept talking and laughing and admiring the beauty of the morning. The faint light of the sun, the freshness of the leaves, the chirping of the birds, the shrill sound made by the squirrels… they all were just lovely. We sat for sometime on one of the stone benches. His green t shirt was blending well with the tone of the surrounding. We had never spoken so much before. I was getting to know him and him me. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">We then, in accord with our plan, went to Koshy’s for breakfast. We took an auto and oh boy! What a ride it was! <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bangalore</st1:place></st1:city> was looking so much different with the masquerade of traffic jam removed. The long desolated roads were deprived of the usual hustle-bustle and people were commuting at their own sweet pace. <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Cubbon Road</st1:address></st1:street> and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">MG Road</st1:address></st1:street> which were otherwise ever crowded looked pretty in the Sunday morning sun. The few remaining trees, large stretch of roads and other objects which were unnoticed earlier, clearly stood out in the placid morning.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">We reached Koshy’s in about fifteen minutes. Koshy’s is one of the oldest and finest restaurants in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bangalore</st1:place></st1:city> and has a traditional, old-fashioned touch to it. High ceiling fans, wooden tables and sturdy chairs… nothing swanky about the place at all. It’s the ambience and the food that to this date attracts people of all age groups. We ordered our “english breakfast”, me eating the most of it. I couldn’t blame my friend for he ate like a bird. I however have put on weight but there was no chance that I could have missed eating the scrumptious bacon omlette, fried sausage and bread butter toast. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">After a much delightful breakfast, we went to India Coffee House to have our morning dose of caffeine. We walked from St. Mark’s Road to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Church Street</st1:address></st1:street>. The streets were all deserted. Shops were still not opened. It was amusing to see how the old buildings built decades ago have wonderfully stood the march of time. We reached India Coffee House which is again a portrait of old <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bangalore</st1:place></st1:city>. The place, the stewards dressed in their customary uniforms and the coffee can’t help but make you smile each time you go there. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">My friend and I were having a gala time, no doubt. We walked down the <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Brigade Road</st1:address></st1:street> and talked about movies, marriage and family. It was an amazing feeling to just stroll and share views on various topics under the sun. We came across St.Patrick’s Church off <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Brigade Road</st1:address></st1:street> where we both instinctively decided to go to. Sunday mass had just gotten over and people were coming out of the church. We made a late entry, not that we planned to and sat quietly inside the church for sometime. The serenity of the church was having an effect on us, a strangely good one. We left the place and then again started walking. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >After close to four hours of walking and talking and sharing thoughts, we decided to go home. We took an auto and gave </span><i>auto wala</i><span class="Apple-style-span" > the direction where to go. While seated in the auto, I recapped all the events that had taken place since morning. I discovered a new </span><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bangalore</st1:place></st1:city>, a beautiful place whose charm still continues to impress me. I also discovered a wonderful friend who talks like a matured adult but behaves like a kid. All in all, it was a brilliant Sunday morning, a morning whose memories will be cherished for times to come and for reasons manifold. <span class="Apple-style-span" ><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></span><p></p>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-76546595086728158482010-03-06T09:21:00.002+05:302011-06-10T17:11:13.566+05:30SUMMER NIGHTS<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span"><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left; "></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Ha ha… you must be kidding me! Really? Did you not even remotely like anyone in the past four years?” Tania did not feel very happy about the tone of the question. Boy friends can be inquisitive but why do they have to ridicule their girl friends! She maintained her composure and said “I’m afraid no, Raj. Some things just don’t happen the way you want them to. What’s the big deal anyway?” Tania looked away. Raj held her hand and said in an assuring tone “You don’t have to feel bad. I like pulling your leg. I have known you for more than a year now and I know what annoys you the most. Stupid girl. Nonsense.” Raj smiled and gave her a tight bear hug.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Stupid girl. Nonsense</span></i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">. Someone else used to call her that. A bus friend that she had made long ago. Arvind. Tania went back to her hostel and tried to sleep but could not. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Where is he now?</i> She remembered that phone call one night. The last thing he said was “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">I’m quitting my job. I have other dreams to pursue</i>.” She did not hear from him after that. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Tania kept tossing and turning. She just could not sleep. Oh the wretched summer nights!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Summer nights used to be brilliant few years ago. Drinking coffee, long walks on the endless streets and the inconsequential talks. Tania remembered how talking to Arvind on various topics like books, movies, sex and destiny, seemed such a normal affair. And then one day, they both talked about how their life partners would be like. ‘Dangling conversation’ that it was. They knew they liked each other. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The train of thoughts was broken by the phone ring. Tania took the call. “Hey Raj! Why up so late?” “Just a reminder. Get my class notes tomorrow. My friends are calling me. Will talk to you later. Love you. Good night.” Raj hung up the phone.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Tania got up from her bed and looked outside the window. The moon was yet again shining in its full glory. The trees were dancing to the tune of the mellow breeze. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That night was beautiful too. The night when Tania and Arvind were being stupid. Or may be not. She dint know. He dint know either. Some inhibitions, some convictions and some beliefs were holding them back. They eventually let those overpower their feelings. Stupid. They walked hand in hand, looked at the moon and sighed. She called it destiny and he laughed it off. They went their separate ways.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Tania forced herself to sleep. She had a lecture to attend at 8 in the morning. MBA was indeed hectic. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Arvind was never fond of MBA. </i>Before sleeping, she put Raj’s class notes in her bag. She closed her eyes as the summer night outside kept teasing her with the memories.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><p></p></span><p></p>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-17338720608133454562010-02-19T23:08:00.002+05:302011-06-10T17:08:40.665+05:30ONE FINE DAY<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I look around. It’s still dark outside. I can happily catch up on some sleep. Oh last night was good. Nice music, juicy meat and lot of eye-candies! Bliss! And boy! Some attention I got yesterday. People just couldn’t get enough of me. I know I m sounding all pompous now, but come on! Who does not like to be the center of attention?! It’s but natural. Say, all the celebrities who put on so much of make up for some 2 hour show! Such limelight stealers I tell you. Little do they understand that it’s nice if kept subtle and natural.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" > <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I think I should just get up. Stretching arms and then just lolling in the bed feels so nice. Have a long day ahead! Sigh. Ok I should just shake off the slumber and get my ass moving! Time for morning walk! Yippie! I simply love it. The way the cool breeze touches the face is so reinvigorating. There will be leaves and flowers lying on the streets and the moment I walk over them, they will make this crunching sound. Oh so nice! I am completely a nature person. No two ways about it. I also like observing people. There will be people walking with their dogs or just walking by themselves. I wonder what they all would be thinking about while they walk.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s getting late. Where’s Suzanne? She is supposed to be at the gate by now. I hate it when I have to wait for people. When I can wake up on time, why can’t she! Ah there she is, walking down the stairs, lazily. I decide that I won’t talk to her. She looks at me dreamily, gives me a hug, pats my back, and cuddles me. Ya right! And I should forget about the long wait eh? No way. I am not reciprocating. We anyway go for a walk. I notice that she is quieter than usual. Probably she did not sleep well or is worried about something. To think of, she was weirdly silent even in the party last night. She generally tells me everything. Whether she listens to my opinion or not is a different story. But today is different. I don’t like her this way. So, ahem… I swallow my ego and touch her hand gently. I think she liked it because she is smiling at me now. Yay! She likes me, I am sure. But being a strong believer of subtlety, I kept it subtle. Just a touch is good enough.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I come back home and eat breakfast. Suzanne had told me that her mother wanted to see me. I wonder why. I personally don’t like her. She is one snooty old hag. Oops! Pardon my French. So after a while she comes, sees me and then just leaves. I m like ‘whatever’! I don’t go out and decide to sleep again. I hear some startling sound and that wakes me up from my peaceful sleep. I look around. It seemed like its noon. Just then I notice someone wearing a black coat and a black hat trying to pry the house door open. He has a knife in his hand. He seems like a burglar. What the hell? Why noon but? I put a stop to my thoughts, run towards him and then deftly jump on him. He loses his balance, falls on the floor and hastily runs towards the gate. He manages to escape. Damn!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Suzanne comes running from her neighbour’s place and I am, for some reason excited on seeing her. She looks disturbed though. She sees the knife on the floor and a black hat lying on the floor. She nods her head in understanding. I think she understands what has just happened. Smart girl that she is. She lets me enter the house, makes a few phone calls and disappears into the kitchen. In the meantime, I am just looking at the wonderful wall paintings. Has she painted those, I wonder. Things are placed in an organized manner. I am impressed. Also it’s so much warmer and cozier inside. Just then, Suzanne comes with a bowl of milk, keeps it on the floor and smiles at me. I know that’s my prize. I gleefully start licking it. After that, she lets me sleep on her lap and strokes me gently. And I think to myself ‘every dog has its day’.<o:p></o:p></span></p></span><p></p>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-76561239611460414352010-02-05T20:38:00.005+05:302011-06-10T17:07:00.382+05:30WEEKENDAAAA!!<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Oh sweet weekend,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">How I was vexed of the long wait..<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">And now as you stand at the door step with your arms wide open,<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">I cant help but smile on seeing you, Oh sweet weekend!</span></span></p>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-10642998847110292872010-02-03T20:25:00.002+05:302011-06-10T16:58:42.012+05:30BEING "HAPPY HIGH"<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: Georgia">After much procrastination, the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Electronic</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place> elevated expressway got to see the light of the day on Jan 22, 2010. For those of you don’t know, it’s a 9-km long flyover, the longest in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bangalore</st1:place></st1:city> and the second largest in the entire country. It’s mainly constructed to reduce the traffic congestion on the ever busy <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Hosur Road</st1:address></st1:street>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" > <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: Georgia">Now like the other commuters, I was hoping to travel by the flyover soon. And after one hopelessly long day at work, our bus driver had a little surprise in store for all of us. We were to take the flyover! My joy knew no bound. As the bus started moving over the flyover, I looked around. People were as amused as I was. The smile on my face kept increasing by an inch with every passing kilometer.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When we were somewhere in the middle of the expressway, I could see the top of the buildings whose only entrance gates I had seen previously. People and vehicles manoeuvering below now looked like toys straight out of the toy world. This may seem like an exaggeration and you may even feel that this is my first time on a flyover, but let me tell you that it is not so. I’m gonna get a little carried away here, so bear with me. You see, I have always believed that there is a child in our heart. That whole ten minute ride over the flyover that day was brilliant because it was not just me smiling but everyone on the bus (as much as I could see that is) was smiling along with me. This innocent glee was dripping from everyone’s face. There were excitement, thrill and twinkling eyes around; just like a kid who has been taken to a flyover or a roller coaster ride for the first time.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: Georgia">I have been in a state of “happy high” before but this was different. I was happy. And I was high, literally and figuratively. I loved it, nevertheless.<o:p></o:p></span></p></span><p></p>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497289175475877668.post-73172211108559146532009-12-04T22:06:00.001+05:302011-06-10T16:56:12.529+05:30A LIFE LIKE THAT<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">There are rare occasions when one is pleased with his work and achievement. There are even rarer occasions when one is actually <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">both</i> pleased and contented. There is a very thin line of difference between the aforementioned statements. In the former, the person puts all his efforts in the task and achieves success. However in the latter, the person is completely satisfied by the quality of his efforts irrespective of the cumulative result. If we take a look around, we will discover that most of us belong to the first category for the simple reason that we never realise the importance of our actions, their purpose and the rationale behind it all. We accomplished them (somehow) because we were instructed to do so. Yet, at the end of the day, did we actually receive what we call the ‘fruits of success’?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" > <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">What if we did not have to do any work… ever? What if we held opposing views to the notion ‘All work and no play make jack a dull boy’? <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If we did harbour such views, will they in any form, change us or the people around us? This is the question I seek an answer to.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">There was a time when my teacher asked the class “What do u like doing the most?” A variety of answers was heard; painting, singing, dancing, photography etc. When it was my turn, I boldly stood up and said “I like doing nothing!”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The teacher did not seem to be all that delighted with my response, so she asked me again “Define ‘nothing’” I plainly said “It means to be in an idle mode, performing no activity <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">yet</i> being aware of the surroundings.” The teacher asked me to sit down without another word. Perhaps I had spoken a little too much or should I say, she failed to comprehend the profundity of my statement.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">I have seen people around me running a rat race. Here is a peek into their typical working day.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">0600 hrs: Alarm rings… WAKE UP TIME!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">0605 hrs: Brush teeth.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">0616 hrs-0635 hrs: Take a quick shower; get decked up<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">0636 hrs-0700 hrs: Manage to swallow down 4 slices of bread and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">somehow</i> manage to flip through the pages of a newspaper.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">0701 hrs-0715 hrs: Unnecessary activities!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">0716 hrs: Catch the office bus.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">0720 hrs: After spending four odd minutes on choosing the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">right</i> seat; blankly gaze outside the window, pity at the city’s growing population and consequently pollution…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">0800 hrs: Reach office (unfortunately in time; implying more work!)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">0805 hrs- 1600 hrs: Slog and slog and yawn and sleep and slog again!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">1605 hrs: Catch the office bus back home.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">1730 hrs: At last you are home with immense hatred for the traffic! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">PS: you’ve already exhausted 3/4<sup>th</sup> of your fuel! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">1735 hrs:(Could be any insane hour!): You only crave for a delectable meal and a tight sleep. But then phone calls, this important soccer match coming on TV, ‘orkutting’, pending chores and blah blah…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">0100 hrs: You finally sleep!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">A ‘perfect’ day, isn’t it??<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Well, no harm in having such a programmed life but did you not just fail to notice <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">yourself </b>in this dynamic play of things? Did you pause to check how good/bad you are looking? Did you stop for a second to appreciate your grit, your strength and your fortitude for having made a successful yesterday? Did you even stop to acknowledge the beauty around you; birds chanting morning hymns, the cool breeze waving at you; lofty trees bowing down to you and the seamless sky greeting you with its open arms? You missed everything in this hustle and bustle of life! Right from the moment you woke up and till the time you went off to sleep; all your actions were calculated and you were thinking in an unswerving line. You did not allow your mind to deviate because you were afraid… afraid that any element of distraction would imbalance your <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">designed </i>life! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">I am neither a ten pointer nor a computer wizard nor am I a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">big shot</i> in any of the college clubs. I am like any other ordinary student, an average second year MITian whose sense of achievement lies in transforming an otherwise usual day into a delightful one; living every moment to the fullest, breathing each drift of air, feeling the coolness of dew drops sitting lazily on the leaves, smelling the sweet scent of the hyacinth, basking in the smoky rays of the sun and admiring even the slightest shred of beauty around me. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">I am not against leading a life of calculated moves but why not squeeze out time from that life to appreciate yourself and the nature around you. It feels amazing when you are able to associate yourself with the objects of nature. Look at a flower lovingly and with appreciation you will feel that even the flower is looking back at you with that same sense of warmth. Believe me, that feeling is splendid…inexplicable!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">One should perform his duties, do all his work and celebrate his victories. But then do not be oblivious to the fact that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">everything</b> has life, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">YOU</b> have a separate entity of life within. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Discover</b> it, release it, and enliven it and you will not wish for anything else.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia">Live like you have never lived before.<o:p></o:p></span></p></span><p></p>Sarah Banerjeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16106315318362261416noreply@blogger.com0