2 cents

What is it worth?

2009-12-28T04:59:00.000-08:00

He was sitting across the table, when I mentioned something about Aloo Paratha. He immediately got a piece of paper from his wallet, and wrote something on it, and passed it over to me. The paper read:

Dal Bati
Kachori sandwich
Ghewar
...
...
...
Mahesh Lunch Home/Ghazali
Some-godforsaken Dhaba
Aloo Paratha

I read it, and got tempted.
I started making my own list. And both of us started rattling names of food we have been longing to eat, small places that we have been meaning to go.... Akshay, who was just listening to this discussion, got frust and said, Guys!! Stop it.

We kept our wishlists back, and continued doing whatever we were doing. I looked at him one more time, and saw this puzzled look on his face too.

What are we doing here? Why are we here?

The small things that give me joy, are back home.
The people who mean the world to me, are back home.
Then what is it that keeps me away from home?
When I find my answers, I'll head back home!

India calling....

Dil Maange More!!

2009-09-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

I want to have a Pet.

I want to own a Mercedes.

I want to experience Free-Fall.

I want to run a marathon (atleast a half Marathon).

I want to gamble in Vegas.

I want to learn to play a musical instrument.

I want to climb up the mountains to Tirupati.

I want to drive on the streets of New Delhi, in a white car with the flashing Red Light.

I want to be on TV.

I want to send my parents to Europe.

I want to weigh under 110 lbs.

I want to spend a starry night at the beach.

I want to make a difference in someone's life.

I want to be loved truly, madly, deeply.

I want to holiday in Hawaii.

I want to spend a day with Swapna, doing nothing.

I want atleast two people to be proud of me.

I want to cook like my mom.

I want to live like the TV sitcom F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

I want to drive Cross-Country (US).

I want to never be able to say, BEEN THERE DONE THAT.

I want this list to never end.

2009-07-03T06:42:00.000-07:00

It was just another of those lazy Saturday mornings in New York. After a long Friday night, we got up early to catch the 2 pm Broadway show. It was a rather unusual silent morning. We hadn't spoken much since morning and were just in our own worlds.
We got in the subway station and like always I gave him my phone and wallet to hold on. The train came, we got in. The Speaker went 'Stand clear of the closing doors please.' I turned around to ask where do we get off. He wasn't there. I turned the other way, No trace. I couldn't believe this. He was out of sight. I freaked out. I can't express what I went through. It was the thought of losing someone. I didn't care that I didn't have a phone or a purse. I didn't care if I didn't know where the train was going, or where was I supposed to get off. I didn't know what to do, and before I knew I blanked out. Next thing I remember was a guy looking from the next car in the train, and giving me a reassuring smile. And with that smile I gained consciousness. Next station, he got into my car, and I was breathing again!

Side Note:The way to love anything is to realize that it may be lost.

Wishing Well

2009-04-12T16:30:00.000-07:00

This one is for you Chints, for telling me I should write.

If you look at any water fountain/pond/stagnant water body of any kind in US, I'll bet there will atleast $20 at the floor of the pond. I was passing by the Temple Lobby in Ceasar's place. His herculean statue stood there, and a few minions stood there posing for pictures. Right below was some water flowing by. We did some estimates and calculated, and figured, there were coins approximately worth $200 at the floor, enough for us to gamble all night. There were approx, 2000 coins out there. 2000 people who crossed that skywalk wished for something that day. I wondered at their folly, at their lil superstitions. I walked away.

Just some 20 steps ahead, I saw another fountain and lots more coins. I couldn't help it. I succumbed to temptation. I put my hand in the bag, and got a quarter. I wished for something, kissed the coin and swung it over. He saw me do that, gave a smile, and threw another coin. We started walking away. I slowed down, put my hand in the bag again, grabbed all the coins, my fist could get. (I had just won lots in the slot machine an hour ago.) I made sure he wasn't looking, and threw them in the water. He heard the crackle of the coins, and turned back, asked what I wished for. "Hot Chocolate with whipped cream", I exclaimed. We went to Dunkin' and had the best Hot chocolate ever! What if I actually told him what I really wished for?

PS: This is purely Fictional.

Touch and See!

2009-03-31T09:01:00.000-07:00

I don't believe you. I don't believe what I see. I'm not going to believe what I hear. I need to touch and see!

I did it!

2009-02-21T05:49:00.001-08:00

The best way to overcome your fears is to face them. What better way to learn?
I'm more happy to get through the dreaded HR interviews, than the offer.

The curve just got better :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-13T13:45:00.000-08:00

Its better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all!!

Cliched-- I know!

Someone is a lil high

2009-01-26T20:04:00.000-08:00

Out from the nascent tinges came a rose...

So red and so sweet...

I stood there noticing nothing but it

I no longer cared there were piercing thorns around it..
The blood was worth the pluck.

I'm Happy, you're not?

2009-01-18T02:50:00.000-08:00

Words left unspoken,
Things left undone.
No kisses stolen,
No promises made.

Just the warmth of your breath,
The touch of your hand.
Just the sparkle in your eye,
The smile on your face.

I'd Live I'd Die,
Just for another magical moment like this!

2008-10-31T11:09:00.001-07:00

He is an American. He is young. He is very ambitious. He is hardworking. He is very deserving. He is very Smart, smarter than most others of his age. He might be better than most of us. But, he is in trouble. He doesn't have a job.

I meet him in every Career fair, every Info Session, before most of my interviews. We wish each other good luck. And I would not say this, If I did not mean it, but I really hoped he got the job.
I bumped into him again yesterday. He said, You're here again. Please don't take my job. Damn I'm scared of you guys. All you guys are grads. I'm underqualified.
He said, I interviewed with DB. He said it was some Indian interviewer. I knew it was Sesh. He said, it went well. Wonder why I got reject. I felt sorry.
He said, "I want to work in NY. I don't want to go anywhere else. I am graduating in May. I need a job. My mom says don't worry. But, I really need this. And with this economy, Sigh! Well, if the economy does not improve in the next few years, people won't have money to go to college. So nobody will have a degree, and then maybe I will be better qualified, and hope to find a job. I can't wait so long though. "

I said something. Tried to give him some reassurance. He just then heard from BlackStone. He got rejected. Nothing that I said, could help him. I left.

He was leaving, he came to my desk. Said Bye, said good luck for Bloomberg! Told how he always wanted to work for them. How he applied for internship, got rejected. Full time, no luck! He told me to make most of it. Wished me for DB. Told me not worry and gave me confidence.

He left. Later, sends me a message, wishing good luck again, and tells me to not hurt myself again!

I felt helpless. Can I do something?

Still the one

2008-09-07T16:04:00.000-07:00

As strange as it may sound, Sapna even now, Whenever I hear this song, I am reminded of you and not a guy. I remember the first time we heard this song, how we googled the lyrics, and used to hum all day long. Times changed and probably the what it meant to us also changed. But in more than one way, I think I should dedicate the song to you.

For Good times!!

Looks like we made it
Look how far we've come my baby
We mighta took the long way
We knew we'd get there someday

They said, "I bet they'll never make it"
But just look at us holding on
We're still together still going strong

You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're the one I want for life
You're still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night

Ain't nothin' better
We beat the odds together
I'm glad we didn't listen
Look at what we would be missin'

I'm so glad we made it
Look how far we've come my baby

If only

2008-08-22T03:49:00.000-07:00

Everything I ever wanted, It felt so real.
Dreams they say, are a perception of the mind.
I just hope it comes true.
I've never got up with so much energy before.
I have never written a blog at 6:53 am.
I am making no sense.
I don't care.
Can you read my mind?

Reality check

2008-06-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

Beep Beep
1 message received.
Open
"c u @ suraj in 10mins"
Options
Reply
"K.. :)"
Send

'Mom, I'm going to Sapna's house. Will be back by 9'

Create Message.
'Am telling mom, I'm at your place. Please cover up. One last time.'
Send Swapna.

Byeee!!

Tie Scraf, the puneri style. Run up again, One last look in the mirror.
Start my Dio. And on Mumbai Pune highway. The 2 min ride spoils my hair.
I stop 500 ft. from Suraj, check my hair again. Ok clear. Get rid of the scarf.
I see a car in front. I see someone sitting in the driver's seat, adjusting the AC, fidgeting with the music.
I park right next to it. Lock my dio, check my self one last time in the mirror.
Go to the car, open the door.

Daya says," Hurry up, I'm already late.The test is scheduled at 2"
I said, "Hmm.."

Reality checks, you need them.

The vicious circle

2008-06-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

I met Mohnish at 7: 50 7+5+ 0 = 12
We take Exit 12 to get on to I 287 again.
We took Exit 21 to get off it.
21 + 1 = 22 is Ronak's and Vaidehi's favourite number.
22 * 22 = 484. 484 is the number of minutes I had left on Reliance, when I spoke to dad this morning.
We spoke for 48 minutes the longest I have spoken since I am here.
4+8 = 12 again

Which is equal to 7 + 5.

And, guess what it is 7:50 right now.

And they say its coincidence.

:)

Space

2008-06-26T20:02:00.001-07:00

Sometimes,

I need a little more than this.

Summer of 2008

2008-06-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

5:30
Alarm rings.. I wake up. See everybody sleeping peacefully. DAMN this internship.
I remember Ray’s words: “If there is anything at all you will learn from this internship, It will teach you how to get up at 7am.” And I start yet another day, with his name.

5:45
Alarm Snoozes, I am reminded of Ronnie’s angry face. Oh, I have to call him. Gotta, call before 6 else I will get charged.
Tring Tring.
‘Ya Sneha, Tell me.
(As If I call him to say, I love you.) Get up ass. Don’t go back to sleep.
‘Ya, what only baap, See you in sometime.’
Get up. Rush the bathroom. The best path of getting up early is finding the bathroom empty. Brush Brush, Flush Flush.

6:00
(I was supposed to reach the parking lot.)
Puneet calls: Are u ready??
Me: Yes, I am. Tell me whenever you are done, I will be there.
Reality: Just out of the bathroom, Still in the towel.
Hurry up.
Damn, I should have ironed the shirt at night.
Damn, I don’t fit in these pants any more. I should go to the gym. I will go to the Gym.
Have to pack lunch, eat breakfast.
Damn, there is nothing to eat. Crib Crib.

6:20
Deepti’s up. Morning, Can I use the bathroom, are you done? Yaa, whatever, have a nice day, whatever. BYE!
Run Run.
Damn, I hate these shoes.
Reach the Parking lot. DESERTED. Nobody there. Weren’t we supposed to leave at 6?? Call Call. ‘Coming Coming, 2 mins.’

6:30
We leave.
Somebody: ‘Sneha, change the station. Put 92.3’
Ronak: ‘What crap is this, Move, I’ll change.’ Car Swirls.
Me: ‘RONAK, You Drive, I will change bhaaa’…Murmur…’Like anybody is listening anyway?’
Ronak: ‘Somebody tell, which way?’
Everybody:‘Right'
‘No no.. Take left’
‘Go Straight damn. Don’t you have direction sense?’
Car goes Haywire, HONK HONK. The driver behind starts swearing, showing fingers.
Ronnie Screams: “Bitches”, “ All four think you are driving, useless. We should buy a GPS soon. I am ordering one tonight. ”

6:45
Everybody : Bye Ateet, Have a nice day.
Ateet(aloud): Ya, Whatever.
Ateet(In his head): Beep Beep.. 8 baje ka office hota hai, itni jaldi aake kya achaar daalu? Beep Beep

7:15
Bye, Sneha
Me, wondering, looking for a perfect place to catch a nap.

8:00
We meet online.
BR: I’m so sleepy
Warren: Me too.
Gossip, Gopi, Penny, Breakfast, Pay/Pee discussions, 20/20 talks. A little bit of mail checking, a little work, some reading done here and there.

11:00
BR: I’m so sleepy
Warren: Me too.
Pre Lunch discussions. Plans to meet. TT. Etc Etc.
Everybody Disperse.
I curse Warren, eating alone. DAMN DAMN

2:00
BR: I’m so sleepy
Warren: Me too.
Try to keep each other awake. Blah Blah

4:00
BR: I’m to sleepy
Warren: Me too.
So, When are you guys leaving?? I am getting bored. Aaj to kum se kum jaldi jaate hai yaar.
BR: Ya, We will leave early and pick you up by 5:30
Cool, Cool

6:15
Me: WTF are you???
Lilac Corolla: Coming Coming, WE GOT LOST!!

6:45
Puneet: Tu Dorito nahi laaya??
Ateet: Beep Beep
Puneet: Aaj tu coffee banega naa??
Ateet: Beep Beep

7:15
Bye guys, See you tomorrow.

8:00
Hit the Sack.

10:00
Dinner

11:00
ZZZZzzzzzzzz again.

So what did I do today??

;)

Happy Summer !!

Tears

2008-06-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

The wind blowing through my hair, the odometer showing, 60 kmph. My scarf doesn't solve the purpose anymore, and the empty streets of Akurdi give way. By time I reached college, the "Water" from eyes had left marks on my cheeks. And, the first thing people would ask, Y are u crying?

Why are tears linked with crying??

And, on the other side, I see her everyday. I have never seen someone laugh their hearts out so much. Laugh so truly, that she has TEARS in her eyes. Everytime she laughs, I realize she hasn't been this happy ever, I wish her tears never stopped.

And then you realize, tears are just water. Nothing else, Nothing more.

The Scientist - Coldplay

2008-06-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

Come up to meet you, tell you I'm sorry
You don't know how lovely you are

I had to find you
Tell you I need you
Tell you I've set you apart

Tell me your secrets
And ask me your questions
oh, let's go back to the start

Running in circles
Comet tails
Heads on the science apart

Nobody said it was easy
It's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be this hard

Oh take me back to the start

I was just guessing
At numbers and figures
Pulling your puzzles apart

Questions of science
Science and progress
Do not speak as loud as my heart

Come tell me you love me
Come back and haunt me
All in a rush to the start

Running in circles
Chasing our tails
Comin' back as we are

Nobody said it was easy
Oh, it's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be so hard

I’m going back to the start...

Shayari

2008-06-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

Aaj fir tum nazar nahi aaye,
Aaj fir tammanna ke phool murjha gaye,
Jaane kin galiyon mein kho gaye tum,
Hum tumhe sitaron tak dhoond aaye.

Kiddo

2008-06-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

"Ae kaku... Tell your Mom I will drop you home by 9." As always, I will reach home late, much after 9 of course. But I always remember you trying to convince and patao my mom a lil more. It has been 10 years since I've known you and there has not been one day, that I have not thought about you. From being my childhood crush, to this awesome friends that we are, we have come a really long way. I have told you everything, whether it was my dental history or my crushes. Right from the lil phone talks we have had, to the trips to COEP, Regatta to the last day, when I was India when we went shopping for my suit, I've enjoyed your company. I miss hanging out with you. I miss the stupid jokes you crack. I miss riding behind your bike (19 mins from COEP to home!!). I miss how you could always cheer me up. How you would always try to show, you were taller than me, and me fatter than you. :P From the Garfield to Shruti Gupta, we have had all the fun. And now, You have become my mom too. Sometimes, I wonder are you genuinely this sweet??

Being so far away, I don't want things to change. No matter whether I am with a "mallu" or not, you will always hold that special place. People come and go, but our friendship is forever. I hope you understand.

2008-05-28T08:52:00.001-07:00

Streams mix with Rivers,
And Rivers with the Oceans,
So do Winds of Heaven,
Mix forever with sweet emotion.
Nothing in this world is single,
And all things by law divine,
If Spirit and Water can Mix n Mingle,
Why not..............???

Mad Cow..

2008-05-26T07:20:00.000-07:00

I am sorry for being a B****. I am sorry for making you go through something you do not deserve. I am sorry for breaking your heart. It is my fault, I wasn't clear of what I wanted, and you know that Candy, that every kid wants, when it was so close, how I could not resist? No matter what I say or do, I will still be your culprit. I wish you could forgive sometime.

But I have to say, I need you. I need as a friend, to be around, to comfort me.
To give me that hug, when I need it the most.
To boost my confidence, to say that I am the best.
To listen to me grumble grumble, to catch me when I go tripty tripty.
To yell at someone, when I am mad, to go for a walk, when I'm lazy to get outta home.
To listen to me, when I have to crib about everything in the world .
To tell me that I'm looking good, and NOT FAT.
To me ping first thing in the morning and say, MAD COW!
To share the top secrets and latest gossips that I am forbidden from telling anybody else.
To just know, I have someone to fall back on!

I need you dearest, I hope you understand.
Please forgive me for whatever happened! But I really hope things don't change.

Perfect to the Tee

2008-05-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad to have found you. You are the best friend anyone could ask for.I think I have known you the longest. 15 years is not a joke, but the last 4 years, it was great to get to know you from close. You are such an example of Perfect son, Perfect friend, Perfect brother, I can't stop going gaga over you.

You are someone who is too good to be true. I do not believe that such a person exist. I always think that there should be something bad, something wrong to you. Nothing is perfect you see. But you, you have proved me wrong. There has never been a single time in the past few years, that you have let me or anyone for that matter down, leave aside hurting someone.

I must say, I am amazed at your sheer brilliance and presence of mind. I simply adore you for the person you are. It is not just your piety or reverence that I'm in awe of, but also the perfection you achieve as a friend. I can't thank you enough for all the times you have helped me. You still listen to me crib, still tolerate my non sense and still help me, hatch silly plots to get what I want. Damn, I miss you. You will always hold this special place in my life and I will always be so proud to call you my Friend. My Friend, Rohaaaaaaannnnn

हर फिक्र को धुए में उडाता चला गया, मैं ज़िंदगी का साथ निभाता चला गया

2008-05-25T19:10:00.001-07:00

तेरी बात होती है, तो हिन्दी ही निकलती है.

Aaj bhi yaad hai, woh classes ke bahar Wada-pav kha rahi thi। Tu saamne se aaya, Akansha ko bola, akansha aath aane(25 paise) dede, nahi to dosti toot jaaegi. Woh khola akansha ne khaali purse aur bola, "Ye le, khatm ho gayi Dosti". Fir jo tu cheekne chillane lag gaya, Woh awaaz ab tak kaano mein goonj rahi hai. Woh mere Dio ke peeche baithke kaanon mein jor jor se chillana, aur mera bolna, "Hemant, CHILLA MAT. Mein yahin baithi hun".

Najaane kyun, jab bhi tera naam leti hun, ek garv sa mehsoos hota hai. Tujhe pata hai, lekin mujhe ye kehna hai, mujhe humari dosti pe naaz hai. Mujhe tujhpe naaz hai. Zindagi tujhse badi berookhi se pesh aayi hai, par tu isse bhi ubharega, mujhe yakeen hai. Tu galat jagah par hai, tujhe yahan nahi hona chahiye. Insaan ko jis cheez mein dilchaspi hai, usse wahi karna chahiye. Tujhse bada Example, iska aur koi nahi ho sakta. Tujhse maine bahut kuch seekha hai. Doosron ke liye jo tu karta hai, jitna tu sochta hai, jo bilkul hichkichaata nahi, utna koi nahi karta. Kabhi kabhi man karta kahun, bas kar, itna achcha mat ban.

Hemant, Wakt badlega. Bas kuch time ki baat hai. Apna bhi time aaega. Aur jab aaega, duniya dekhti reh jaaegi. Mujhe abhi bhi us din ka intezaar hai jab main, Dilli aaungi, and laal gaadi mein tu aaega receive karne. Hum Red wine peeyenge, Chantlier!!! Cheers to that day!!! Intezaar rahega...

What are you thinking of?

2008-05-25T19:04:00.000-07:00

I'm lying alone with my head on the phone
Thinking of you till it hurts
I know you hurt too but what else can we do
Tormented and torn apart

I wish I could carry your smile in my heart
For the times when my life seems so low
It would make me believe what tomorrow could bring
When today doesn't really know, doesn't really know

I'm all out of love, I'm so lost without you
I know you were right, believing for so long
I'm all out of love, what am I without you
I can't be too late to say that I was so wrong

I want you to come back and carry me home
Away from these long, lonely nights
I'm reaching for you, are you feeling it too?
Does the feeling seem oh, so right?

And what would you say if I called on you now
And said that I can't hold on?
There's no easy way, it gets harder each day
Please love me or I'll be gone, I'll be gone...

Oh, what are you thinking of?
What are you thinking of?
Oh what are you thinking of?
What are you thinking of?

Beshest phriend..

2008-05-25T18:58:00.000-07:00

..the late night katta talks..
..the elaborate phone discussions..
..the tension-relieving..

..the me-never-liking-your-taste..

..the me-teasing-you..
..the falling in love at the same time..
..the bitching..
..the uncontrollable laughter..
..the trips to Bhel chowk..

..the discussing boyfriends..

..the discussing colony politics..
..the raping-each-other's-wardrobe ..

..the me-not-liking-your-guy..

..the watching secret movies together..

..the getting grossed out together..

..the you not telling me stuff I'm not supposed to know..

..the me hiding from others that I already know stuff that I'm not supposed to know..
..the listening to songs..
..the us-looking-for-the-perfect-earrings for you..

..the you having late evening baths that I hate..
..the getting late everywhere..
..the photo sessions..

..the me-loosing weight-and-you-gaining-weight-attempts..

..the cribbing..

..the you waking me up early in the morning..
..the deciding what to wear for parties..
..the birthday gifts..

..the you not using vowels and me failing to understand what you message..
..the night outs..

..the shopping sprees..
..the me-scolding-you about using the comp uter..

..the chocolate cake on your birthdays..

..the watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. together..

..the your Dio never having fuel more than E..

..the me using you as excuse for getting out..
..the joke sharing..
..the love for each other..
..the care..
..the being proud of each other..
..the complaints..
..the fights..
..the conclusions..
..the being there for each other..
..the missing each other..
..the everlasting bond..

Acknowledgments: Vaidehi Kulkarni